Home Sweet Home - Fall 2013 Issue

      -Home Sweet Home –  

                                                                Fall 2013 Issue

Getting to know you home inside and out... prepare for colder weather.

 The exterior condition of your home is in some ways more important than the interior.

 Getting to know the exterior and how to protect it from our harsh Canadian winters is an important aspect to overall maintenance of any home. Your home is one of the largest investments you may make so taking an interest in the condition and performing routine simple maintenance can help protect your cherished home.  The following tips are simple enough for any “do it yourself” person in the home, and some tasks are easy enough to get the kids involved.  The KISS approach is something I live by!

 Seal holes or openings in soffits and walls where rodents may try to run and look for winter shelter

 Caulk around doors and windows.  It is worth the money to hire s professional contractor to do this.  They use quality materials and know the proper areas to seal

 To help prevent leaks and dampness that may occur in the spring thaw, ensure the ground is sloped away from the exterior walls and is not too high around basement windows

Trim tree branches and bushes away from the roof, eaves, and exterior walls

Make sure exhaust vents are properly secured and sealed with caulking and remove any lint build up inside the clothes dryer vent and duct, outside and at the dryer.  A shop vac is a great tool for this and can be a very helpful tool around the house (both inside and outside)

Protect all wood surfaces with paint or stain.  Seal the joints on the top surfaces leaving the undersides open, that way if water does get in behind the wood it can drain out the bottom.

When the work is complete, you can sit back, relax and take it in all your hard work and feel a genuine sense of accomplishment.  Knowing your home is ready for Old Man Winter, you deserve a nice fall treat.

·         6 (or up to 8) Granny Smith apples

·         2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter

·         1 bag(s) (28-ounce) large marshmallows

·         10 ounce(s) milk chocolate chips

·         2 cup(s) crushed graham crackers

Directions

1.    Remove stems and skewer apples (see "Tricks for Sticks").

2.    In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows, and stir until melted.

3.    Dip apples, one at a time, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes.

4.    Then, in a double boiler over low heat, melt chocolate chips, stirring continuously. Dip an apple into the chocolate, stopping two-thirds of the way up. Immediately dip the lower third of the apple into a bowl of crushed graham crackers, rotating to coat evenly.

5.    Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all apples and refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes.

Tips & Techniques

Tricks for Sticks: First, simply twist off the stem. If your skewer is blunt, sharpen it using a utility knife to slice off one end at a diagonal angle. Then, working on a flat surface, firmly grip your apple and push the skewer two-thirds of the way in. If any juice leaks out, blot the fruit with a paper towel before dipping.