The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Pat Pfeiffer - Correspondent

(Hiles News) - It was another week of beautiful weather here. A bit dry for gardens, but hey, the lawns don’t need much mowing and with the price of lawn mower fuel, a brown lawn is probably a good thing. And most of the neighbors’ lawns look the same, so why worry? Just grab a tall cool lemonade, kick back and enjoy the weather.

It is hard to believe summer is nearly over, but there are touches of color in the maple leaves, and nights are cooler, better for sleeping. Stores that sell such things are sending out ads for hunting related items. Kids are showing slightly sad looks on their faces, contemplating the start of school. Was that a sly smile I saw on the faces of their moms?

Long-time Summer Resident Passes Away

Word was received that Angie Zver of Carpentersville, IL, passed away on August 22. She and her husband Ed were summer residents of Hiles on Pine Lake for many years. She was in her 80’s.

Calendar/Almanac

August 24-30 — National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

August 25-28 – Democratic Convention

August 29 — More Herbs-Less Salt Day

September 1 — Labor Day

September 2 – School Starts

September 4 — 1 p.m., Hiles Service Cub, town hall, Museum

September 4 — 6:30 p.m., Red Hatters at Pine Lake Pub

Cutting Back on Salt

I had never heard of “More Herbs-Less Salt Day”, but it sounds like a good idea for all of us, not only for those who have been advised by their doctors to cut back on salt. So many complain that leaving off the salt makes their food tasteless. Maybe these spice and herb blends can help flavor it up a bit.

A quick look at prices on the spice shelves at any super market will assure you that you can cut back on spending for spice blends, too, if you make your own.

Bulk spices can save you money, too. Most supermarkets carry them, now, usually in bags on a rack in the produce department. You can find them at health food stores, or order them from suppliers online. Pennzey’s, a national chain that is headquartered in the Milwaukee area, and has stores in several other Wisconsin cities, and across the nation has a catalog available. If you call or e-mail me at 649-3568, or pj04@newnorth.net, I can tell you the contact information for them. Also, let me know if you have a favorite spice blend recipe, with or without salt.

All Purpose Salt Substitute

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon dill weed

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon powdered lemon rind

Blend well. Store in glass salt shaker. Add a few grains of rice to prevent caking.

Makes: 2 tablespoons. Double, triple or more for a larger amount, and store tightly covered.

No Salt Seasoned Mix

(This one is spicier, but will be very useful in a lot of recipes; for meats, sauces, salads, on vegetables, sandwiches, eggs.)

1/2 cup dried onion flakes, crushed

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons dried orange peel, crushed

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

1 teaspoon ground lemon peel, crushed

1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin seeds

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1 teaspoon ground mustard seeds

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon ground celery seed

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

(If you like the color of a Lawry’s type of seasoning salt, add some paprika.)

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Store in a covered container or a sealed shaker bottle.

Makes: 1.3 cups

Just in time for apple pie season, here are some blends you can use in America’s favorite dessert. Or sprinkle it on your morning toast.

Apple Pie Spice Recipe, Number 1

Makes: 2 tablespoons

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Store, tightly covered, in a cool dry place.

Apple Pie Spice Recipe, Number 2

4 parts cinnamon

2 parts nutmeg

1 part cardamom

Mix together.

Apple Pie Spice Recipe, Number 3

Makes 1/4 cup

1 tablespoon nutmeg

3 tablespoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon instant tea

Sift all ingredients 3 times. Keep in covered container at room temperature.

Keeps up to 3 months. If refrigerated, will keep up to a year.

Found in a Fortune Cookie

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”

“Our lives are not in the lap of the gods, but in the lap of our cooks.”

“Eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.”

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