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Prairie Fare: Say cheese and smile

“What’s that smell?” I thought to myself. I was just a child at the time. I decided to investigate. I followed my nose into the kitchen and found my dad and uncle huddled at the kitchen counter. They were enjoying saltine crackers spread with Limburger cheese. They were relishing their snack, and the scent was wafting through the house. They grinned and offered me a sample. I exited the kitchen. Actually, I think I ran. Limburger is definitely in the “stinky cheese” category. Limburger was kept in a tightly closed glass jar in the refrigerator. My dad always had access ...

Toxic and not-so-toxic holiday plants

Tis the season to be decorating for the holidays. Colorful poinsettias, holly plants with spine-tipped leaves and fast-growing amaryllis bulbs brighten our homes. Anytime that I mention poinsettias, the question arises as to their toxicity to people and pets. People widely assume that this ...

Let’s Cook: Cookies from Home Ec 204

Once again, we are starting to stir things up for Christmas. What comes to your mind when you reflect on preparing for Christmas? As a child, a big part of getting ready for Christmas for me was dreaming. Yes, dreaming, of what the tree would look like, what part would I have in the church ...

Prairie Fare: Celebrate with gifts that promote health

“What would you like for Christmas?” I asked my husband a few years ago. “I just need new undershirts,” he replied. He grabbed a package from the rack in a store and tossed them in the cart. I wrapped them up and tied those cotton undershirts with a bow. “Oh, look - ...

DAKOTA GARDENER: Holiday Cacti

When I started in Extension many years ago, I took a cutting from a co-worker’s Christmas cactus. The plant grew extremely well. In fact, it has taken over the top of my file cabinet and frequently gets pinched when I shut drawers. The plant loves to be left alone and it has rewarded me ...

Grow frilly, bold, unique Amaryllis indoors this winter

When squirrels are busy storing nuts for winter, it’s time for gardeners to start gathering amaryllis bulbs to sustain them through the dreary months ahead. Ordering now will ensure you have lots of choices, so you can select an assortment of different flowers styles, colors, and bloom ...