LATE SPRING CLEANING

Morning boys and girls! How are you doing today? I am well surprisingly, after a day of intense cleaning! A wee bit sore, but otherwise feeling good both inside and out! Decluttering makes me feel so liberated!

I started off the day actually thinking of my plants. I am diligently working to nurse them back to good health and I don’t want anyone ruining that! I can’t stop things like raccoons or cats or opossums, but I CAN stop HUMANS! So the first thing I did, which also got something off my desk (that counts as cleaning right? LOL), was posted my “NO TRESPASSING” sign in the back yard. I also took a picture that way I have some sort of proof that I had it posted “in the event” ya know? (Remind me that I need to pick one up for the FRONT yard too)! After that I watered all my plants real good.

From there, it was back inside… I checked the forecast, which said thunderstorms again, so I made up my mind to work inside all day. (So much for having just watered huh? Maybe I should have checked the forecast FIRST LOL!) I started piddling in the living room first… picking up trash, dirty socks (apparently I have a centipede living in my house who doesn’t know where the hamper is!), and then some mild cleaning. I threw out an old tower (for DVD’s) that was empty and falling apart that was just taking up space. I sat and thought for a long time how and if I could repurpose it, but I couldn’t (particle board things are hard to repurpose when they are crumbing LOL) so I threw it away.

I started getting frustrated in the living room, as it looks so overwhelming, so I moved into the kitchen. I washed the dishes (the few there were), took out the trash, swept and mopped, wiped down all the counters and cabinets and such, and just did general maintenance. I got the bottom cabinet doors scrubbed but didn’t get them taped and painted! That would have been one step closer to finishing that project! All I really have to do besides painting the bottom cabinet doors is to rip the old wallpaper border down (it was here when we moved it) and paint the rest of the wall tops. Then I can sponge paint some lemons across the top and that will be pretty much it. Of course, I might just adhere the cutout lemons instead, like I did the cabinets… so that it all matches. Not sure yet… but once that’s all done, the project will be complete except for just adding trinkets here and there like canisters, etc.

Now Tuesday night I was working on my desk area (until HK came on at least LOL). I eliminated a tall kitchen bag full of old grocery ads, junk mail, etc. now it was time to find a home for all that was left. This all started (the whole cleaning spark) because I am looking for an envelope full of spare pictures that I cannot find! I need it badly because it has extras of some pictures of Madison that I need for making the centerpieces, which have taken root on my dining room table. I figured to get LESS frustrated, I would use a plastic box and each time I fill it with things I know have a home, I would stop and put everything in the box away. Then I would continue sorting. This method works well for me, especially having ADHD, as I get either overwhelmed or bored and sometimes never seem to finish it. Once I get it under control, it’s not so hard to maintain! I even flipped the couch over and nailed some boards back in place so the one side wouldn’t eat you when you sat down… it helped, but didn’t solve the problem. Its ok, when I have better supplies, I will just flip it back over and pick up where I left off (I know… you’re thinking Yea right, aren’t ya? LOL).

I bounced like this from room to room all day. In the end, the kitchen is spotless, the living room is about 85% clutter free, the couch eats your butt just a little now instead of devouring it LMAO. I found my glasses, the bathrooms sparkle, shine and smell lemony fresh, and the clothes are 60% hung up and put away. I have a bedroom floor again! I have about 5 or 6 storage boxes that I can take to my mom’s house and put in the attic too! The house is fabric refreshed and vacuumed, and it’s much less likely to make me scream when I look at it now than at the start of yesterday! I sweat like a hog and my feet are killing me, but I feel so much better about my home! I won’t be NEARLY as embarrassed now if someone was to drop in unannounced! And on top of that, I was constantly thinking about that project my neighbor wants me to do while I am doing similar in my own home! I got a few ideas started LOL. I just know the trash man is gonna be rolling his eyes again when he comes tomorrow as there is TONS of garbage LOL! But I don’t care. I am trying to become as clutter free as I can! I feel really good and the hard work I did shows! And I like that!!

So, now that I have probably made you very dizzy LOL with all my running around, let me ask you a question…are you ready for some interesting tips of frugality? Well on the hunt for Frugal tips to earn my name, I found this article about things Americans are learning to do “without” and it makes me think… what can I really do without? How about you? Check out this list and find out. I would love to hear what you have “given up” in order to obtain a bit more frugality in your life!

21 Things we are learning to live without
by Rick Newman

1. Monthly Payments- Before the recession, consumers worried less about taking on debt, as long as their income could cover the monthly payments. No more.



2. Window Shopping- Browsing used to be an acceptable pastime. But consumers have discovered that window shopping encourages them to buy lots of things they don't need.

3. Bells & Whistles- The technology arms race is slowing, with consumers gravitating to simpler gizmos like Netbooks, prepaid cell phones, and older used electronics.



4. Clutter- As Americans downsize, do more of their own cleaning, and look for stuff they can sell online, they’re discovering tons of things around the house they can get rid of without even noticing.



5. Cable TV- Many people are cutting back on pay-TV services or canceling them altogether, which saves $50 to $100 a month. Alternatives: Watching free programs on Hulu or YouTube, or simply turning off the TV.



6. A Home Phone line- How many phones do you need, anyway? With cell phones ubiquitous and online voice service cheap, the home phone is becoming redundant.

7. Privacy- Got room on the couch? To save on rent or mortgage payments, roommates are doubling up and grown kids are moving back in with their parents.



8. Prepared Foods- More people are cooking at home, and they're doing it with fewer pre-made sauces, marinades, dressings and other ingredients. Fresh foods turn out to be healthier, and sometimes cheaper.



9. Tupperware parties- Sales of Tupperware and other storage products are up, but some consumers are skeptical of “home parties” where the host sells goods in exchange for free merchandise.



10. Packaged Cigarettes- The average price of cigarettes is about $5 a pack or $45 a carton, which mounts quickly for regular puffers. Some smokers save money by buying small machines that let them roll their own.



11. Lattes- The $5 daily coffee is always one of the first small luxuries to go. But more people are brewing at home. Sales of single-serving home brewing machines, for example, have soared.

12. Guilt- Keeping up with all the latest trends and technology takes an emotional toll. One woman who has stopped trying says, “I feel like I'm in charge of my life instead of multinational corporations telling me what to consume.”

13. Extra Calories- Some people are drinking more water or doing other things to to suppress their appetite. Restaurant diners are splitting entrees and finding other ways to trim the check.



14. Newspapers and Magazines- Millions have canceled subscriptions to print periodicals and started getting free news and information online.

15. Healthcare- A forced reduction in healthcare coverage is probably one of the most crushing effects of a weak economy, as the unemployed and others without insurance make drastic tradeoffs to cut costs and get by.

16. New Gifts- Consumers are devising new strategies for regifting—to make sure they don’t get caught—or “shopping” for presents in their closet or basement.

17. It’s no secret that new-car sales have plunged, but many buyers who have traded down to a used model are surprised at the quality of the merchandise.

18. Comfort- Thermostats all across America are going lower in winter, higher in summer. Shorter showers can save big bucks. And you don’t need to run the water the whole time you’re brushing your teeth.

19. A daily commute- If you’re unemployed, obviously there’s no job to drive to, one reason the amount of vehicle miles driven has dipped to 2004 levels (and traffic on some of the most congested highways has eased).

20. Fancy Dates- Courtship is a bit of a comedown these days, with discount-dating advisers suggesting home-made meals, free performances, and even yard sales as alternative to costly dates.



21. Debt- Total credit-card debt is about 7 percent lower than it was a year ago, with Americans paying down more than $100 billion in credit-card loans since October 2008. And household "deleveraging" seems to be intensifying, not slowing down.

Let’s see… for me, numbers… well MOST all of them really. I have gotten myself down to 6 monthly bills that I cannot really get rid of and that’s it. I don’t really “window” shop unless we have GC’s and coupons and even then it’s a few and far between day. I have no credit cards. Privacy, comfort, etc… well you give some of that up instantly when you have kids LOL! Never been one for fancy dates (the DH and I don’t get to go out at all actually so this is not even a factor). My car is 12 years old LOL. I don’t really care for the “latest technology” or coffee and I don’t have a home phone line LOL. I quit smoking a little over a year ago and I don’t drink very often. AND I cook (mostly) from scratch AND I got rid of my storage unit in order to and am in the process of decluttering my house. I’m pretty dull don’tcha think? But I am definitely ahead of the game I think LOL! Now, how many things can YOU go without and still say you have a good life? Sadly, many people put too much stock in mere possessions (at least I think so) nowadays.

Ok folks, I am in the mood for some funky crafting. I, as normal, love the crafts that recycle and make unique things! I am proud to display them in my home! Now last night after checking my emails but before going to bed, I was searching for some new recycled crafts and I came across an awesome website called Craft Gossip. I was browsing through all the wonderful recycled crafts and this one just seemed to fit today’s theme… as we all tend to get paper bills and junk mail containing those totally usable envies in them! Why waste!? Recycle into this neat project!



Craft Idea of the Day: Envelope Accordion Book

Materials:

Chartreuse A2 Envelopes
Glue Stick
Bone folder
Labels
Gel Pens

Directions:

This easy to make accordion book is a personalized way to organize all of your small odds and ends. Each envelope page can hold something different such as- "to do" lists, stamps, tickets, coupons, and business cards. Also a fun craft idea for a gift - fill with photos, tickets, and other keepsakes and share with a special friend.

Step one: Choose your envelopes. You will need an odd number, anywhere from five to nine. We have used A2 envelopes here but, almost any size side-opening envelope will work.

Step two: Using a glue stick, adhere the envelopes together by placing adhesive on the inside of the flap of one envelope and using a bone folder, burnish it to the front of the next envelope.

Step three: Fold the pages accordion style, making the pointed flap of the first envelope the cover of your book.

Step four: Add a ribbon closure. Cut a small opening the width of the ribbon on both sides of the last envelope and run the ribbon through.

Step five: Using labels and colored gel pens indicate the contents of each envelope "page". Fill with all your odds and ends, fold up, and tie the ribbon closure to keep everything safely tucked inside.

Oh now its time for my favorite part… FOOD! Today’s inspiration? The color green LOL… the main veggies of today’s choices are green… like a fresh cut lawn (but they taste much better LMAO). They taste great and are rich in vitamins A, C, Niacin, Calcium, and Iron! My gang loves these tasty tidbits and I hope you will too!



Spinach Quiche

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 (6 ounce) package herb and garlic feta, crumbled
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Saute garlic and onion in butter until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in spinach, mushrooms, feta and 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into pie crust.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into the pastry shell, allowing egg mixture to thoroughly combine with spinach mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle top with remaining Cheddar cheese, and bake an additional 35 to 40 minutes, until set in center. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.



Zucchini 'Crab' Cakes

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups grated zucchini
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced onion
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning TM
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

Directions

In a large bowl, combine zucchini, egg, and butter or margarine. Stir in seasoned crumbs, minced onion, and seasoning. Mix well.

Shape mixture into patties. Dredge in flour.

In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium high heat until hot. Fry patties in oil until golden brown on both sides.

Alright everyone, that concludes another days posting from the Frugal Mom! I hope you enjoyed today’s entry and will join me again tomorrow for more fun and excitement! I’m off to spend the day with my mom (taking her to therapy, dr. appts, etc.). DH has daddy duty and household chore duty LOL! So until tomorrow… HUGS!

GROWING OR GOING GREEN?

Good morning everyone. How is this bright and sunny June day treating you? Well, I hope. Today I am a little off… my stomach is not exactly happy today, but other than that I am good! I have big plans today for you and for me LOL. My plans you ask? CLEANING! LOL… yep I am gonna go through this house like a wild woman and clean things up, throwing stuff out, organizing, etc! Hopefully by the end of today I will find a floor in every room and everything will have a home. I figure if I do it now while I have the drive, it will free up my summer to actually have fun! So what are you going to do today?

Now you know me, and I am always browsing for articles about going green, recycling, saving money, etc. Well I found one today and I wanted to bring it to you… its about “Going Green” which seems to be becoming a new fad for some… some from necessity and some just because. So check this out and maybe it will hold some new ideas for you to try!

10 Ways to Save Money by Going Green

By Maura Judkis

The era of new American frugality ushered in by the recession has an added benefit. Many measures that families take to cut costs in tough times—turning down the heat or shopping secondhand, for example—are also good for the planet. "Our carbon footprint is directly tied to our consumption, whether that's consumption of energy or a consumer product," says Josh Dorfman, host of the Sundance Channel show The Lazy Environmentalist and author of the book and blog of the same name. Whether people realize it or not, cutting back has made them accidental environmentalists.

"Certainly, saving money is more important to most people than going green," says Dorfman. "For people to green their lifestyle, the solutions have to fit how they live. I think there are a lot of ways to make that possible." Below, you'll find 10—all of which will minimize not only your footprint but also your spending.

1. Get there, greener. You don't have to own a Prius to drive green. Any driver can increase fuel efficiency and thus save on gas by getting regular tuneups, keeping tires properly inflated, and avoiding idling. But considering that transportation accounted for nearly 30 percent of carbon emissions in America in 2006, the cheapest and best thing you can do for the environment is to drive less. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transit ridership is increasing and in 2009 reached its highest level in 52 years. Or you can join the growing renaissance of fuel-free and fit bicycle commuting.



2. Enjoy home-cooked meals. Prepared foods may be convenient, but they cost more than the ingredients for a home-cooked meal—and come loaded with salt and preservatives. Chef Laura Stec, author of the environmental cookbook Cool Cuisine, says that preparing meals at home is cheaper, more healthful, and not as hard as we think. "We can't save money and benefit from the results of eating higher-quality whole foods if people don't know how to use them," says Stec. "It's not about recipes; it's about technique." Stec says fresh, nutritious food paired with simple seasonings can help novice cooks learn to prepare delicious meals. Packing a lunch of leftovers can save you more than $100 each month.



3. Eat your veggies. According to the Department of Agriculture, the average American eats nearly 200 pounds of meat each year—an amount that has not been good for our nation's waistlines. But the production of meat uses vastly more resources than produce, which is why climate scientists and green chefs like Stec recommend a diet that is mostly plant based. "Not only is the overconsumption of meat and processed foods and corn syrup contributing to problems with our own diets, but [it's harmful] to the health of the planet as well," says Stec. She recommends using meat as an accent for cheap and hearty grain-based dishes.

4. Flip the switch. The sight of a monthly utility bill can make you shiver—or sweat. But there are simple ways to keep cool in the summer, stay toasty in the winter, and still cut your bill drastically. Catherine Potter, manager for consumer content at smart grid software company. OPOWER, recommends this fundamental step: When you're not going to be at home, turn your thermostat up a few degrees in warm months and down a few degrees in cold months. "That will really give you the biggest bang for your buck because it's free to do, and heating and cooling comprise over half of the typical home's energy use," says Potter.

5. Work from home. "There was a time when people might have looked askance at home-based businesses," says Christine Esposito, president of Terracom PR. "But now it's one way to walk your green talk." Esposito moved her green business into her home to save money and stay true to its brand. Employees at traditional workplaces can talk to their managers about working from home just a day or two a week to save on transportation.

6. Buy none, get one free. The best way to save money, of course, is to pay nothing at all—and for free goods, one should look no further than the computer screen. "The trend is towards this community online where people can share or trade what they have and save money," says Dorfman. Freecycle, the pioneer of the bunch, is an online community where people can post items they want to give away or items they want, finding a new home for old stuff. Based on that model, there's Zwaggle, a community for new parents, and Goozex, where video gamers can swap their old games. Those on SwapStyle trade fashionable clothing, while NeighborGoods facilitates the sharing of tools and household items. There's even the self-explanatory PaperBackSwap. "In a time where we're so concerned about our budgets, these solutions that aren't necessarily designed to be green still enable us to live well," says Dorfman. "A byproduct of that is we consume less and reduce our impact."



7. Get paid to recycle. Sometimes, going green doesn't just save you money—it earns you money. Old phones, printers, monitors, iPods, and personal digital assistants—stashed in drawers and closets when they kick the bucket—are valuable to companies that refurbish, resell, and recycle them, and they'll reimburse you in cash. "From the lazy environmentalist's point of view, [recycling}is a pain in the neck," says Dorfman, who recommends E-cycler Gazelle. Second Rotation, EcoNew, and BuyMyTronics will also buy your broken gadgets. "You're getting paid to sit on your couch," says Dorfman.



8. Don't be trashy. Reducing your share of trash provides instant green gratification and can help you save on your grocery bill. Whether it's tissues, plastic sandwich bags, or cotton balls, most of our disposable goods have a durable alternative—like handkerchiefs or sponges—that will get the job done just as well and will pay for itself in savings. A surprisingly stylish influence has been the AMC television show Mad Men, which has brought 1960s-era accouterments like long-lasting straight razors and handkerchiefs back in vogue. But even if you find it hard to do without your paper napkins, the easiest change is to replace bottled water with a reusable water bottle.



9. Conserve Water- Your water bill is inextricably tied to your energy bill through your water heater, so reducing your use of hot water can mean extra savings. Dorfman endorses a low-flow showerhead, enabling him to take long showers guilt free.

10. Don't buy it—rent it. Savvy entrepreneurs have launched sites to rent out anything from cars to handbags for short-term use and big-time savings, both carbon and financial. Car-sharing company Zipcar is the best-known example, but sites like couture-lending Rent the Runway are growing fast. "Sites like these enable you to get what you want without actually owning it and allow other people to use it as well, collectively reducing the environmental impact," says Dorfman. "It allows you to save money and still enjoy your lifestyle."

Now for today’s craft… its inspired by my son, Alex. He is a pen thief LMAO! I always put tons of pens by my desk and they all seem to grow legs and walk off. I have seen these at places like our doctors offices, etc. and I think it is just the cutest thing! So now you can make one too! These also make cute office-mate gifts, Mother’s Day gifts, etc.



Craft Idea of the Day: Flower Pot Pens

Materials:

Felt
Terracotta Pot Or Flower Pot
Flower Head
Green florist tape
Pen/Biro
Glue
Clay or Plaster of Paris.

Directions:

For this free craft project you can use a plain terracotta pot or you can paint your pot using craft paints.

For this project we are using clay but you can also use plaster or Paris.

Start by filling your pot with the clay and pressing it down firmly. Press your pen lid into the pot firmly till it is all the way in. This will form the holder for the pen when it is not in use. Set aside and allow it to dry.

Using your green felt cover the clay or plaster of Paris by gluing down the felt, trim away any excess.

Take your pen and remove the top off the pen. Using the florist tape we are going to bind the pen. Florist tape sticks to itself when stretched so as you roll the pen you need to pull the tape tight as you wind, make sure you do not leave any gaps or the pen will show through. You can unwind this and try it again until you get it nice and flat. It's a little tricky but easy when you know how so have a few goes until you are happy with the result.

Place some glue onto the top of your pen and push your flower into the hole we left earlier by removing the top. Hold it firmly until it glues. If you have leafs you can thread these onto your pen and secure with a little glue. Now your pen is finished.

OK now its time for the FARMERS FAVORITES for today! And I want a little spice! I think a Mexican dinner is in order tonight! Yes my children, Spanish cuisine is a favorite of mine (of course so is Chinese, Italian, etc… just food in general LOL) and for today’s veggie faves I thought I would share with you a couple of great things sure to satisfy your taste for some South of the Border sensation! ¡Coma y Disfrute de! (Eat and Enjoy!)



Vegan Bean Taco Filling

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed
2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup salsa

Directions

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender. Stir in mashed beans. Add the cornmeal. Mix in cumin, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, and salsa. Cover, and cook 5 minutes.



Seven Layer Tortilla Pie

Ingredients

2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
7 (8 inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

In a large bowl, mash pinto beans. Stir in 3/4 cup salsa and garlic.

In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup salsa, cilantro, black beans and tomatoes.

Place 1 tortilla in a pie plate or tart dish. Spread 3/4 cup pinto bean mixture over tortilla to within 1/2 inch of edge. Top with 1/4 cup cheese, and cover with another tortilla. Spread with 2/3 cup black bean mixture, and top with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat layering twice. Cover with remaining tortilla, and spread with remaining pinto bean mixture and cheese.

Cover with foil, and bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Cut into wedges, and serve with salsa and sour cream.

OK my lads & lasses… its time for me to get off this computer and go get started on the clean-a-thon before I lose my spunk! I had fun today and hope you come back tomorrow to see what’s in store! Until then… HUGS!

CHICKEN WING MANIA!

Morning everybody… its early and let me tell you the last 24 hours has been absolutely awful! I have a faulty breaker that is keeping my main fridge off… so it’s on a heavy-duty extension cord to another outlet. I went to e-file my taxes and they won’t let me without pre-paying the filing fees (which I normal just have deducted from my refund). I sent the hubs to the store for milk and stuff and one of the tires on the car popped and the spare was flat! Then last night a water pipe under my sink broke and there was water everywhere and my landlord won’t be out until this morning to fix it! I JUST WANT TO SCREAM!!!!!!! OK, now that I have let all that built up pressure out… I did manage to get a bunch of things freecycled that I removed from storage. I also got a bunch of things thrown away that were not salvageable. I did manage to get the dishes done before we had to shut the water off. Not much else went right yesterday! I’m hoping for a better today! Have to try to inflate the spare enough to limp to the tire shop… so I can get a new one and take my mom to the grocery store. Plus the hubs has another interview with an offshore oil rig company which pays a lot better than the money he’s making now. So hopefully today will be fix it day! I’m also going to probably pull a bunch more stuff out of storage!

OK as promised … hot wings bonanza day! Here are a bunch of recipes for some various flavors of wings. Cooking methods are a mix of slow cooker and oven, grill or fryer… just take your pick! Or try them in another method… that’s the fun of recipes! Trying new ones, changes and experiments if you don’t like something! Enjoy!



Good Ol’ Crock Pot Hot Wings

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed, separated
1/2 cup Frank's red hot sauce
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup water
2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions

1 Place the first 4 ingredients in a crock pot on low heat for 8 hours.
2 Remove wings from crock pot and place on a cookie sheet or broiling pan.
3 Pour sauce into a saucepan and reduce by half.
4 Add minced garlic.
5 Spoon sauce over wings and broil for 3 minutes. Flip, baste, and broil the other side for an additional 3 minutes.

Barbecue Chicken Wings

Ingredients

3 lbs whole chicken wings
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon paprika
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Directions

Cut chicken wings into three sections and discard wing tips. Place wings in a greased 15" x 10"x 1" baking tray. Bake at 350ºF. for 35-40 minutes or until juices run clear. In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour 1/2 cup into a 3-qt. slow cooker. Drain chicken wings; add to slow cooker. Drizzle with remaining sauce. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour, basting occasionally.

*If you deep fry the chicken before you throw it in the crock pot, and leave it be for awhile, it definitely hits the "falls off the bone" state.

*3 pounds of uncooked chicken wing sections (wingettes) may be substituted for the whole chicken wings. and omit the first step.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
24 chicken wings, nude, baked (or fried per your desire)

Directions

1 In a small glass bowl, melt butter in microwave.
2 Whisk into butter the garlic powder, onion salt and pepper.
3 Arrange hot, fresh-baked nude wings on a serving platter and drizzle with butter mixture.
4 Top with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

KFC Honey BBQ’d Wings (Couldn’t find Wing Stop anywhere, sorry… I’ll keep looking though!)

Ingredients

Sauce:
1 1/4 cups ketchup
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Wings:
6-8 cups vegetable oil
20 pieces chicken wings
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon msg

Directions

1 Combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until ingredients are well-combined and bring to a boil.
2 Then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
3 As sauce is simmering, heat up 6 to 8 cups of oil in a deep fryer set to 350 degrees.
4 Combine the beaten egg with the milk in a small bowl.
5 In another small bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper and MSG.
6 When oil is hot, dip each wing first in the flour mixture, then into the milk and egg mixture, and back into the flour.
7 Arrange wings on a plate until each one is breaded.
8 Fry the wings in the oil for 9-12 minutes or until light, golden brown.
9 If you have a small fryer, you may wish to fry 10 of the wings at a time. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
10 When the sauce is done, brush the entire surface of each wing with a light coating of sauce. Serve immediately.

Asian Spiced Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

3 poundschicken wings
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons fresh ginger - minced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced

Directions:

Broil the chicken winds 10 minutes on each side or until browned. Traansfer the chicken wings to the crockpot slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, except the hoisin sauce, lime juice, sesame seeds and green onions and sitr thoroughly. cover; cook on LOW 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Stir once in the middle of cooking to baste the wings with sauce. Remove the wings from the stoneware and reserve 1/4 cup of the juice in the slow cooker. Combine this juice with the hoisin sauce and lime juice.

Drizzle over the chicen wings. Before serving, sprinkle the wings with toasted sesame seeds and green onions and mix to coat evenly.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

18 Chicken wings -- trimmed

***MARINADE***
1 Onion -- chopped
2/3 cup Scallions -- chopped
2 cloves Garlic
1/2 teaspoon Thyme -- crumbled
1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 1/2 teaspoon Ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg -- grated
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 cup Jalapeno pepper -- minced
1 teaspoon Black pepper
6 drops Tabasco sauce
2 tablespoons Soy sauce
1/4 cup Vegetable oil

Directions:

For Marinade: In a food processor or blender, puree all ingredients except for the wings.

In a large shallow dish arrange the wings in one layer and spoon the marinade over them, rubbing it in (use rubber gloves). Let them marinate, covered & chilled, turning them once, at least 1 hour, or preferably, overnight.

Arrange the wings in one layer on an oiled rack set over a foil-lined roasting pan, spoon the marinade over them & bake in the upper third of a preheated 450degrees F oven, 30-35 minutes, or until they are cooked through

(Copycat) Hogan's Nuclear Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

24 chicken wings -- separated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons habanero sauce
3 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
ground red pepper to taste
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup bleu cheese salad dressing
leaf lettuce for platter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F.

In a medium sized mixing bowl combine vegetable oil, garlic powder, Tabasco sauce, habanero sauce, vinegar and brown sugar.

Separate tips from wings. Place tips and wings on cookie sheet(s). Using a pastry brush, coat the wings with the sauce mixture. Sprinkle ground red pepper over wings and tips.

Bake wings for 15 to 20 minutes or until browning has occurred.

Arrange wings on leaf lettuce and serve with your favorite beverage. Dip wings in bleu cheese salad dressing for some cooling affect.

NOTE: These wings can also be cooked on the barbecue. Wings should be grilled for the same amount of time over medium high heat coals.

Malaysian Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
4 teaspoons coriander seed
4 1/2 dried thai bird chilies
1 cup kecap manis -- sweet indonesian soy sauce, preferably abc brand
1/2 cup fish sauce
1/2 cup light soy sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon red food coloring -- optional
1 piece (1 1/2 inch size) ginger -- peeled and thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic -- thinly sliced
12 wholechicken wings

Directions:

In a small saute pan over low heat, toast the cumin, fennel seed, coriander seed and chilies, then grind them in a spice (or coffee) grinder.

In a large bowl, combine the kecap manis, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar and food coloring, if using. Add the ground spices, ginger and garlic. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Put the chicken wings in a container large enough to hold the wings and sauce. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss to coat. Place a piece of parchment paper over the wings, then top with a plate to keep them submerged. Refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours, stirring occasionally.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place a wire rack on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lay the wings, skin side down, on the rack. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes.

Bring the marinade to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Lower the heat and simmer until it reduces by about half into a thick glaze. Strain through a fine sieve into a large bowl. Add half of the aromatics in the sieve back into the glaze and stir. Toss the cooked wings in the glaze.

Margarita Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

2 1/2 poundschicken wings, separated at joint
1/2 cup gold tequila or mescal
1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
1 lemon, grated zest of
1 lemon, juice of
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cilantro, minced

Directions:

Wash wings and place in large plastic food bag.

In a bowl combine remaining ingredients. Seal bag and refrigerate overnight.

Prepare a med-hot charcoal or gas fire. Drain wings, discarding marinade. Grill wings about 25 minutes, turning often until they are slightly charred but not burnt (25 minutes).

Peanut Butter Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

50 chicken wings
24 ounces bottled beer
1 cup molasses
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 lemons, sliced thin, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450degrees F. Remove and discard tips from wings and cut each wing in half at joint. Combine remaining ingredients except parsley and lemon slices in a large saucepan. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, until reduced and thickened to the consistency of thick gravy. Place wings in a large roasting pan and cover with sauce. Turn until each wing is well coated. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Serve on large platter. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.

Hawaiian Chicken Wings

Ingredients

4 cups canola oil for deep frying
3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings cut in half at joint
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup ketchup
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Toss chicken wings with garlic salt, and set aside for 10 minutes. Place cornstarch in a large plastic bag; toss the wings, a few at a time until coated. Shake off excess cornstarch, then dip into beaten egg. Shake wings in cornstarch again, then fry until golden brown in deep fryer. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Stir together vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, honey, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

Once the sauce comes to a simmer, place the chicken wings in a bowl, pour all but 1/2 cup of the sauce overtop, and toss to coat. Reserve remaining sauce to for basting.

Place chicken wings on prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, then baste with remaining sauce, turn, and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

To serve, place wings on serving platter, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

So there ya go… 11 different types of wings to try. Shoot, with all those recipes, you could make a platter of each and invite a bunch of friends over for a party! Would make a great Super Bowl (coming on February 7th ya know!) snack table! Of course you would need the traditional dips for the wings and of course chips and dips… but hey WING DAY! WooHOO!! LOL…

Well, now that I know you are set for the day, I think I’m gonna get off here and try to get some of these things done… either cleaned or fixed! My house looks like a tornado came through it! So until next time… HUGS!!!