Dear Gin: I’ve followed your column for years and saved many good recipes from it. Could you or your readers tell me where to find the bread machine recipes? It used to come in boxes. I’ve looked at every grocery store and cannot find it. Trying to make it on my own is a joke; I cannot bake. Being 72 years old is too late to start. Thanks for your time. — Mary Moses, Sulphur

Dear Mary: First of all, 70 is the new 50, so if you are like me, you could do it — you just don’t want to. I’ll try and find some bread machine recipes for you so you can bake again. There is nothing like bread baking in the oven; I think I remember that smell!

But, to make this as easy as possible, does anyone out there have some bread machine recipes for Mary?

I don’t know if this will help or not but I’m trying.

Honey-Wheat 
Oatmeal Bread

11⁄4 cups water (70-80 degrees)

1⁄2 cup honey

2 tablespoons canola oil

11⁄2 teaspoons salt

11⁄2 cups bread flour

11⁄2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

Directions: In bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting.

Choose crust color and loaf size if available.

Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1-2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed). Yield 1 loaf (2 pounds, 20 slices).

This recipe was printed Nov. 28, 2012. It was sent in by Nony Mouse.

While searching for recipes for Mary, I ran across this recipe for a “special” water that everyone seems to be into these days. It first ran in the July 4, 2012, column. I would make it and drink it before I spent my money on those expensive waters that makes one grimace with the first swallow.

Dear Gin: I do not promote any medicinal proponents but though it might taste good, (a new summer refreshing drink for me, but is reported to “boost weight loss). Now I need to buy a mint plant. But be sure to keep it in a pot. It is very invasive. — Jacqueline LeDoux-Trouard

Sassy Water

2 quarts water

1 medium cucumber

1 lemon

10-12 mint leaves

Directions: Steep overnight in refrigerator and drink every day.

Jackie, that does sound refreshing! We know lemon, cucumber and most especially water is very good for us, and by adding a little bit of mint, it wouldn’t hurt a thing. And you are so right about mint taking over everything. I remember when I was a kid, we always had iced tea with mint, and mother would always have to be thinning it out. I can’t remember the last time I had iced tea with mint. Well, that’s too long! I remember I loved it.

If only it were this easy to lose weight by drinking Sassy Water! I thank you again Jackie for that refreshing recipe.

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If you have recipes or tips to share, or a request, please send to: Solutions by Gin, P.O. Box 334, Clute, TX 77531, or email to: ginscolumn@hotmail.com.