A Love of Cast-Iron

The modern kitchen, elegantly showcasing its granite countertops, wooden cupboards and stainless-steel appliances, contains one item that appears out of place. The cast-iron skillet may be a heavy, seemingly outdated tool; yet, it’s nearly indestructible, long-lasting, easy to clean and a versatile piece of cookware well worth the investment. As a definite staple in every home, whether newly purchased, a vintage find or secondhand, cast iron continues to have a fan club!

Good for Health

Who would think cookware could have a positive impact on health? Research indicates there are increased levels of iron found in foods cooked from cast iron cookware. Especially noted are vegetables high in acid, such as tomatoes, that can transfer slight amounts. The National Institute of Health claims, “Cast-iron pans transfer small amounts of iron into food while cooking, which may help infuse your dish with the hemoglobin-producing mineral. Iron produces the protein hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to red blood cells throughout the body.” While the added iron will not hurt you, there’s no way to know how much metal the body will absorb.

Cooking Techniques

With most pans, a heavy squirt of oil initiates the cooking process. Due to seasoning, cast iron cookware doesn’t require it! Heating beforehand allows food, such as eggs and bacon, to start cooking without any additional steps!

The Consistency of Even-Heat

Cast iron requires pre-heating to ensure its temperature-regulating power provides an even and consistent surface, whether you’re cooking one item or several. Make sure the burner well-suits the size of the pan. Heat rising from the center will slowly travel toward the edges. Another option is the oven! Due to the weight of the cookware, it stores more thermal energy, taking time to reach a hot temperature and cool down!

BENEFITS OF CAST IRON: • Use it on multiple heat sources, including a campfire. • Fantastic for searing meats and slow-cook recipes. • With proper seasoning, food is less prone to sticking. • Cleans in seconds! • Use your cast iron pans frequently; it prevents rust! • Maintains its shine and beauty indefinitely with regular care and only store when scrubbed and dried!

Seasoning and Washing

Before committing to any kitchen appliance or tool, the first question is, “Does it require a lot of time and special instructions?” Yes! Cast iron, while slightly hot, needs only chain mail and water to clean. After drying thoroughly, consider whether it needs seasoning. An easy process! Simply add a few drops of oil to the base and coat, including the edges, with a paper towel. With the oven set on high, allow the oil to absorb into the cast iron. Repeat until a shiny appearance is visible. Washing with soap and water is a mistake; yet, seasoning resolves all problems! • The most flavorful steaks, roasts and chops are as a result of searing on cast iron!

• Most types of cookware lack versatility. On the other hand, cast iron is ideal for roasting, sautéing, frying or baking. Stir-fry vegetables to cornbread and cobbler!

• Due to the nonstick coating, it’s advisable not to use metal utensils; instead, keep on hand plastic spatulas or Polycarbonate pan scrapers.

Which Cookery is for Me?

It’s a vital question!

• Dutch ovens are ideal for stovetop or oven baking to make stews, casseroles and soups.

The weighted lid prevents moisture from escaping, ensuring slow-cooked meats are tender while added vegetables retain their natural flavors.

• Dislike the black coloring of the pan or

Dutch oven, brand names have a line of colors, such as red and blue, orange and green, or striped. In addition, outlet stores often have “seconds,” implying the cookware has an imperfect marking and is discounted.

• With a large surface, the 10.5-inch cast iron griddle accommodates foods that consume a large area, such as pancakes, quesadillas or preparing food for numerous people.

• Flea markets, yard sales and people willing to surrender their cast iron at an exceptionally low price are possibilities.

Even a rusted pan can return to its original, pristine condition with time, an oven and vegetable oil.

Will you be the individual who tosses all of her Teflon pans in exchange for a collection of cast iron cookware? Go ahead! And, when you need the ultimate gift, consider cast-iron! The one kitchen tool that improves with age!

Inflation

Meeting Financial Challenges in 2022

Buying gifts, cars, appliances, toys – and just about anything – hasn’t been easy this holiday season. As you’ve probably discovered, the supply chain – the mechanism that delivers goods from one country to another – is severely strained because of a shortage of workers, shipping backlogs, COVID-19, inflation, and more. All of this creates strong headwinds for those trying to effectively manage their financial needs. Unfortunately, it’s impossible for one family to “fix” all these issues. The key is to take individual steps that ensure success in your personal Truliantfinancial world. As we look toward 2022, here are some ideas and strategies for handling some of the financial challenges on the horizon. Family Budget A family-financial strategy starts with a budget. It doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple spreadsheet – or even a piece of paper and a pencil – that lists all of your monthly income and expenses will do the trick. You’ll want to include utilities, mortgage, rent, food, entertainment, amounts for savings and anything else that is a recurring cost. On the other side, include all sources of income: salaries, Social Security, pension, investments. Then total each side. The goal is to have more income – spend less than you make – than expenses. But if you discover that your costs are exceeding your income, you have two choices: spend less or make more. Your list of expenses is a convenient place to think about ways you can trim costs. Do you need three streaming services? Can you eat fewer restaurant meals? Can you buy fewer clothes? If your expenses-income list isn’t too out of whack, you should be able to bring your budget in line pretty quickly – or celebrate a job well done. One definite issue in 2022 will be the continuing story of inflation. There are just too many factors moving in the wrong direction for inflation to stop. Various organizations are arguing about the actual percentages, but it looks like inflation is going to end 2021 between 4 percent and 5 percent higher. And as we move into 2022, labor shortages will still be an issue, which will increase wages in many industries. To pay those wages, companies are raising prices. One industry that is having significant problems is automakers. Many are predicting the computer-chip shortage will probably last into 2023. Prices for used cars in 2021 rose by almost 40 percent, according to Consumer Reports, and new cars are up 19 percent, according to USA Today. In 2022 it will probably be more of the same. While you can’t avoid inflation on every product that you need, you may consider postponing some significant purchases until supply-chain problems are more manageable. Social Security One clear piece of evidence that inflation has been increasing is that Social Security recipients will receive an increase of 5.9 percent in January 2022. This is the highest yearly increase since 1983, when the benefit was raised by 7.4 percent. While this sounds like great news, many seniors face inflation well above 5.9 percent. One important area – health care – saw increases of 7 percent in 2021 and there are projections of 6.5 percent for 2022. Unfortunately, this comes on top of average yearly increases of 7 percent or higher from 2016 to 2020, according to Benefits Pro. Looking Forward As you and your family celebrate this holiday season, consider establishing a realistic budget. It’s one of the most powerful tools that you have to understand your current financial situation and to provide solid guidance to the financial hurdles that will pop up in 2022-23.

Heartfully & Artfully

Hand-and-Home-Made DIY Presents and Stocking Stuffers for Christmas and Holiday Gift Giving

BY SUSAN B B SCHABACKER

’Tis the season for pricey gift giving—but for those on a budget or wanting to give something homemade, consider these creative crafts. If you’re strapped for money or want to give something you’ve made yourself, creativity to the rescue!

Recycle and upcycle empty beverage bottles, like wine and beer, for handpainted vases that can also be used as scent diffusers. Use acrylic paints in festive Christmas and holiday colors, like red, green, and white, and sprinkle with shimmering glitter while still wet. Add two coats of clear varnish after the paint dries, then glue on sequins and/or rhinestones if you want an extra-sparkly, glam effect. To create your own scent-sational diffuser oil, heat a plant-based oil such as sweet almond, then drop in your fav essential oil(s) and stir together to bring out the aroma. After cooling, pour oil mixture into your scent diffuser. Cut the pointy ends off bamboo skewers and place several skewers into the diffuser. Let them sit, saturating the scent(s) for about an hour and then turn them over. To keep the scent fresh, flip the skewers over every week or so and add more essential oil(s) as needed.

A trip to the dollar, thrift and/or craft store can be the start of something wonderful. Think creatively and envision converting items such as festive decorations, ornaments, silk poinsettias, and jingle bells into earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Package toppers and tree ornaments can become holiday jewelry with just a little wire and imagination.

When you shop for beauty products this holiday season, think of ways to avoid chemicals that can wreak havoc on our endocrine and immune systems. Go the DIY route instead and make your own bath and beauty products with inexpensive, healthy, non-toxic, organic, and natural materials. Fill a gift basket or stuff stockings with your own home-and-handmade beauty products.

Often you can whip up quick DIY beauty products from supplies you have on hand. For example, rosemary mint and/ or lavender chamomile tea bath bags are easy to make when you mix Epsom salts and baking soda into two separate bowls. Stir dried rosemary and peppermint in one bowl. In the other bowl, stir in dried lavender and chamomile. Add a few drops of essential oils (optional). Fill empty tea bag filters, sealing each, then place the bags into pretty boxes, decorate and wrap. Top the package off with a sprig of rosemary or lavender tied with hemp, raffia, or jute string. To make a simple DIY toner, refrigerate green or herbal tea, then combine with rose water and witch hazel in a plastic bottle. For a moisturizer, combine coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, and essential oil(s), then heat gently.

Scent-sational sachets are smell-worthy, beautiful, and easy to make. You’ll have the best-smelling stockings (above your fireplace and in your drawer) around. Combine dried rice, Epsom salts, dried herbs, dried flowers, and fragrance or essential oil(s) in a bowl. Cut scraps of pretty fabric into circles, then spoon the fragrant dried mixture onto fabric, and secure with a ribbon or bow. Fabric sachets are lovely on a Christmas tree, and when the scent fades, just open them up, add more fragrance or essential oil(s) and tie back up.

’Tis also the season to get cozy with knittables and crochetables that you can relax and make, staying warm by the fireplace. Knit or crochet blankets to wearables like hats, scarves, and leg warmers. If needles and yarn aren’t your thing, try putting together a kitcheninspired gift basket with gourmet goodies, including home-baked sweet treats, flavored butters, jams, condiments, or seasoning and spice mixtures.

Transform the humble Mason jar into your personalized holiday gift. Add glitter, paint, ribbon, stickers, or fabric. Tie a ribbon or raffia around the top and dangle jingle bells or ornaments, like little gingerbread men or dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Fill with candies, cookies, or delicious ingredients for homemade recipes—chocolate chip cookies in a jar, s’mores, or hot chocolate, anyone? Adding scented candles will convey ambiance to any setting.

Holidays are about spending time with family and friends and sharing hand-andhome-made gifts from the heart with those you love.