january/february 2015 country register

January – February 2015 | View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP

| January – February 2015 Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

Great Falls & Townsend, Montana

Challenge Rules

They face adversity and endure hardships; yet all too often their troubles go unnoticed. We also honor those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who must miss holidays, birthdays, and family moments in far-away distant lands. It is for the family members who keep the house running while their husband, wife, son or daughter is away. It is for the children who dearly miss their deployed parent, brother, sister, uncle, or aunt.We say thank you to the men and women who have volunteered to serve our country and preserve our freedom.

Featured Fabrics:

by

by

National Viewers Choice Winners announced May 8, 2015

ComfortC H A L L E N G E

and2015

This challenge is to recognize and honor the sacrifices that are made by our country's military families.

Who: All quilters who would like to create a beauti-ful quilt to honor a military family in their circle of friends, the community, or the nation.

Where: Pick up an entry form at your local participating quilt shop.

What:

• Quilt(s) remain property of maker unless they choose to donate quilt to a soldier's family.

• No limit to number of entries.

Ninety percent of quilt must be made with Moda fabrics. Fifty percent of the Moda fabrics must come from one or both of the featured collections.

• Quilt(s) must be 54"x65" or larger.

• Quilt must be quilted or tied and bound. No quilt tops will be accepted.

• Quilt must be labeled with Maker's and Quilter's name, city and contact information.

All rights reserved. • www.modafabrics.com

When: Challenge begins January 1, 2015 thru March 31, 2015• Challenge quilts will be displayed at

local quilt shop April 6 – 18. • Customers may vote for their favorites.

Each shop's Viewers' Choice winner will receive a prize.

• A digital image of the Viewers' Choice winner from each shop will be entered in Moda's Piece and Comfort online quilt show.

Designer's Choice – $500

First Viewers' Choice – $500Second Viewers' Choice – $250Third Viewers' Choice – $150

Prize Awards for Moda's Online Quilt Show —

Proceeds from this challenge will benefit USACares.org whose mission is to assist military families in time of need.

Cover Artist: Karen Cruden Creates Whimsical Art

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Karen Cruden, from Latham, New York, draws on her love of the “little things” in life as a major inspiration for her art. This combined with her style of folk art and you have Karen’s whimsical and sometimes humorous spirit of art.

She grew up with the love of art all around her. Her dad was an accomplished artist who instilled this love in Karen’s heart. Karen’s parents started Art Colonie, a school for the arts, when Karen was quite young. Through the years, Karen also taught classes there, taught art in public schools and offered private lessons. Karen now runs Art Colonie School of Art. “We seem to inspire each other”, says Karen of the

children. “I find myself looking at the world through their imaginations.” With much of her inspiration coming from the innocence and carefree spirits of the children she has taught, she also draws from “words people say, a look in an old book and certainly the events that surround all our lives”.

When one views Karen’s art, a feeling of warmth and cheer abound. The imaginative process of blending heart and artful hand allows Karen to bring to you a warm feeling of delight. It is Karen’s hope that through her paintings “you find laughter, hope and love in my collection of life’s little moments that I have created for you!”


Editor’s Notes Introducing the Northern Rockies & Great Plains Country Register Editor, Erika Young

With the new year, I thought it would be a great time to introduce myself to the Country Register readers. I have been brought onto Dee Sleep’s great team as the Editor of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains Country Register. Since I have started working with the Register, I have found myself gaining a greater appreciation for all that is included.

I am a mother of three, ages 10, 3 and 1, the two youngest boys and eldest is a wonderful young lady. Along with my wonderful children I have a very supportive and encouraging husband that I couldn’t appreciate more. Our home is always filled with excitement and energy and there is never a dull moment.

I spend much of my free time finding ways to keep young minds and hands busy. Idle time can often result in chaos and crankiness from the younger people in our home. Some of the best ways we have found to ensure peace and tranquility amongst the children is finding arts and crafts to enjoy together. Through the holiday season we had so much fun creating gift tags from air dry clay that can then be used as Christmas tree ornaments that we started to find other Christmas gifts that could be made. Some of our great projects include: duct tape wallets and flowers, painting snowflake ornaments and homemade greeting cards. I know we will be looking forward to Valentines Day crafts soon and exploring new ways to keep the children busy.

With my introduction I would also like to encourage our readers to introduce themselves to me. I would love feedback from our readers and advertisers. What would you like to read in the Country Register? Who would like to see advertised? What could we do to better enhance our newspaper? Please feel free to e-mail me at: [email protected]. I look forward to working with Dee on the Country Register and hearing from our readers and advertisers.

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota,

South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, & Northern IdahoDee Sleep, PublisherErika Young, Editor

Produced by Chicken Creek Communications132 W. Hudson St. • Spearfish, SD 57783605-722-7028 Office • 605-385-0035 Fax

www.countryregister.com/nrgpwww.chickencreek.net

Publisher’s contact numbers across theUSA & Canada for The Country Register

Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:* Indicates these editions are available on-line at www.countryregister.com.

Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd, 602-237-6008, [email protected], located: Phoenix, AX

USA* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Arkansas: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* California: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* Connecticut: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC, [email protected]* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, [email protected]* Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Idaho (S): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Illinois: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected] Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA, 52339, [email protected]* Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, [email protected]* Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, [email protected] Maine: Gail Hageman, 221 Winslow Rd, Albion, ME 04910, 207-437-2663* Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Massachusetts: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, [email protected] Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211* Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, [email protected]* Missouri: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Montana: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803 New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 330 North Road, Deerfield, NH, 03037, [email protected]* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected] New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* New York: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* North Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950* North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, [email protected]* Oklahoma: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* Pennsylvania: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, [email protected]* South Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950* South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]* Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, [email protected]* Texas: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, [email protected]* Utah: Daniel & Stacy Tueller, 153 S 2050 W, Provo UT 84601, [email protected]* Vermont: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774, [email protected]* Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Washington: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950* West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, [email protected]* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, [email protected]* Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, [email protected]

CANADA* Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0,780-889-3776, [email protected] British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, [email protected]

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains January - February 2015 • Volume 4 Issue 6

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2014.

Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited by law. The Country Register is a registered business trade name. Chicken Creek Communications produced The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains.

Subscription price: 1 year, 6 issues, $18.00. Single copies: $3.00. This paper is furnished free at each advertiser, highway welcome centers tourism centers, shows, events, and other selected locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Northern Idaho.

Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed from outside sources, express the opinions of their authors only and may not express the viewpoints of the management and staff of The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher.

Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves. Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of products advertised herein.

Erika YoungEditor of

The Country Register of ND, SD, WY,

MT & N. ID


Sidney, Montana

From thrills to tragedy, Blood Rubies is a must readBlood Rubies is the ninth book in Jane K. Cleland’s

critically acclaimed Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery series [St. Martin’s Minotaur]. Prescott, an antiques appraiser-turned-amateur sleuth, once blew the whistle on a price-fixing scandal that rocked the high end antiques auction houses in New York City. She then relocated to New Hampshire to start a new life, founding her own business in the coastal town of Rocky Point. Cleland’s fictional debut, the IMBA bestselling and multiple award-nominated Consigned to Death, introduced her resourceful protagonist and was selected by Library Journal as a “core title” for librarians looking to build a cozy collection.

In Blood Rubies, the story opens with Josie filming scenes for a reality TV show that is set to star her friend, the celebrity chef Ana Yartsin. The first episode will feature Josie’s appraisal of a precious family heirloom, a rare Fabergé egg snow globe embellished with five ruby tulips, along with Ana’s planning of desserts for her friend Heather’s wedding.

What starts as the thrill of a lifetime ends in tragedy when Heather’s fiancé, Jason, is found murdered, his body sprawled amidst the shattered pieces of Ana’s Fabergé egg snow globe. Josie is tasked with attempting to piece together the remains, and soon discovers that it’s a phony. Working with Police Chief Ellis Hunter and the ever-present reporter, Wes Smith, Josie uses her knowledge of antiques to solve the crime.

Often reviewed as an Antiques Roadshow for mystery fans, Cleland’s series marries antiques lore seamlessly with fair-play mystery puzzles. This book, like all of the books in the series, stands alone, but for series readers, it’s fun to see the evolution of the familiar stable of characters, especially how the romance with Josie’s boyfriend, Ty, is developing, and how she counts on her good friend, Hank, the cat, for wisdom and guidance.

Blood Rubies can be purchased from your local bookstore or online. For more information, including book club discussion questions and a free, fun antiques appraisal challenge, “What’s It Worth? You Be the Judge!” visit www.janecleland.com

Love and beauty in an apple pieAdam and Eve had their descent over one.

William Tell skillfully and courageously shot an arrow through one. Isaac Newton described the laws of physics after one dropped from a tree. My moment with an apple was far less dramatic but it led me to a deeper appreciation.

I was at the kitchen sink, peeling and slicing apples. The just-rolled-out crust waited in a pie plate and my blend of sugars and cinnamon sat on the counter along with, of course, the fixings for a streusel topping. Unless you are diabetic, I believe there is little in this world that brown sugar can’t cure.

My eyes studied the world outside; the bare trees cast broad and spindly shadows across the lawn as winter’s light lingered in pockets of precious sunshine. Mother Nature’s beauty culled the most positive thoughts. As I relaxed, I soon found myself contemplating the amazing construction of an apple, its beginnings and how it evolved into a piece of fruit to sustain us.

My mother sat at the table knitting a shawl. As soon as the pie would go in the oven, my own project of fingerless gloves was waiting for me. The news came on the television after a commercial for a grocery store, advertising ordering your food online to save time. After the lead-in stories of the day, there arrived a segment about the stress of preparing dinner. Then there was an announcement of some new technological gadget that was expected to make our lives exponentially easier. Pausing, I gently held the half-peeled apple in my palm and sighed.

“Mom,” I asked as I smiled reassuringly at the fruit, “When did people forget that food is beautiful?”

My mother and grandmother – whose mother taught her – taught me how to cook. I learned most of what I know not through structured lessons, but instead by simply being in their kitchens as they worked. I learned from watching them as I sat at the kitchen table and helping as I grew older. Of course, there were specific things that had to be taught from start to finish, such as baking a cake. They taught me how to read recipes, plan and ultimately put forth a well-balanced meal with the entrée and side dishes all ready at the same time.

The most important thing my mother and grandmother taught me was something that they never had to say. Their steady actions and joyful energy told me that they thoroughly enjoyed what they were doing. Even when I was young, I understood that within their intentions was their deep and abiding love. I may not have known the words to express that just then but I knew that they were truly grateful to prepare a delicious meal for their loved ones.

My mother and I cook together and often we cook for each other. I don’t have children, but if I did, I hope that they, too, would feel the love within me that I sense within the women who raised me.

My grandmother died in 2006, four months shy of 100 years of age. She lived the last few years of her life in an assisted living community. We visited her many times each week. She never spoke of it but we knew she missed cooking.

I knew because when

we’d arrive in her room, she’d often give me a napkin-wrapped roll from lunch.

“Here,” she’d say as she held a hand out to me. “I saved this for you.”

Kerri Habben is a writer, photographer and historian living in Raleigh, NC. An avid crocheter and knitter, she learned these skills from her grandmother and mother. She donates many of her yarn creations to those in need. A published writer for nearly twenty years, Kerri is currently gathering a decade of essays into a book. She can be reached at [email protected].


Starting a collectionAntique tea cups and saucers are lovely

items to collect. They are easily found, the prices are affordable and the variety of patterns and colors is endless.

If you are considering starting an antique collection, a tea cup and saucer collection is a good route to go. Tea cups and saucers have been around for hundreds of years and are found in many types of materials, so there are plenty of different items to collect. Whether you plan to casually collect or to aggressively hunt down specific pieces, you will need to do some research before you begin.

Determine what you want to collect. Perhaps you are attracted to tea cups and saucers from a specific era. Perhaps you just want a collection of cups you find beautiful. Begin with some research and figure out exactly what you’d like to purchase.

You can’t start your collection until you know what you are looking for, so search the web and read books on tea cups and saucers. Learn which items are the most common and which ones are harder to find. This way, if you are lucky enough to stumble across a rare find, you’ll know to snatch it up right away.

You will want to display your collection so that it can be admired on a daily basis. Since tea cups are often made of bone china or porcelain, you’ll want to keep them in a safe place where they won’t break. Be sure to keep the collection out of direct sunlight, as it might fade any paint on the cups and saucers over time.

Antiques require proper upkeep in order to prevent them from being damaged. Dust your collection regularly and give the cups and saucers a gentle wash twice a year. Never wash antique china in the dishwasher, as this may damage it.

While you can go online and simply purchase exactly what you’d like, searching for the items is much more exciting. By patronizing the advertisers in this publication, you are sure to find many antique tea cup and saucer sets.

Mary Dessoie covers a variety of antiques and collectibles. She founded the Butter Pat Patter Association for collectors of butter pats. A subscription to The Patter newsletter costs $22 and includes a mint-condition Royal Doulton butter pat and ten issues. Sample copies are available by sending $4.00 and a LSSAE (70 cents) to Mary Dessoie, 7950 E. Keats Avenue, No. 178, Mesa, AZ 85209-5025. For those who would like to start their subscriptions immediately and receive their pat by return mail, please send your check or money order, in the amount of $22, payable to Mary Dessoie. You will receive an additional butter pat with your paid membership when you mention this publication and the special double premium offer!

Time no longer my ownIf anyone would

have told me at the beginning of 2014 how I would finish the year, I would not have believed it.

After a traumatic and emotional family confrontation, I was forced to take a hard look at some of the

decisions made over the past few years. While these decisions allowed me to live with few time restrictions and in a much more creative way – which I very much enjoyed – the downside was that I was rapidly approaching financial destruction. Something needed to be done, and done quickly!

For many years, I had earned a decent living as a grant writer assisting nonprofit organizations raise the funds needed to make positive change in our shared world. So, when a good opportunity quite unexpectedly dropped into my lap that had the upside of allowing me to manage my financial issues, I said yes. This decision returns me to the nonprofit industry where I am writing grants for an organization whose mission I can fully support.

While I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the foresight to take

advantage of it, this decision also has a downside. My time is no longer my own. My sewing and quilting activities have almost ground to a halt. My life is no longer as creative as it was just a few months ago.

People ask me if I’m happy in my new work. My response has been, “I’m grateful for the opportunity and I made the responsible decision for my life.” That’s as honest an answer as I can give. Family and close friends understand that, sometimes, the need to touch fabric becomes overwhelming. I declare a “studio day” and dinner is from the Crockpot.

Many quilt designs are still alive in my head. A select few of them are demanding attention.

I am happy to still define myself as a quiltmaker. I hope that, as I settle more firmly into my new

responsibilities and new schedule, I will find more minutes to spend in Studio Narnia.

As Hubert Selby, Jr., wrote in Requiem for a Dream, “Eventually we all have to accept full and total responsibility for our actions, everything we have done, and have not done.”

There are a few minutes available today; I’m headed into the studio.

Barbara Polston is the author of Quilting with Doilies: Inspiration, Techniques, and Projects (Schiffer Books, 2015) and an award-winning quiltmaker. You can see Barbara’s quilts, join her on Facebook or book her class and lecture offerings at www.barbarapolston.com. She was inducted into Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame in 2013. Barbara, who has lived in Phoenix, Arizona, for over 28 years, is calmly quilting in Studio Narnia. ©Barbara Polston, Phoenix, AZ, December 2014

“Eventually we all have to accept full and total responsibility for our actions, everything we have done, and have not done.”

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Country Register


Trapped UFO’s in the closetSeveral nights ago, my husband was startled by a sudden banging noise

in our backyard. “What was that?” he asked. “I’m not sure,” I responded, “but it sounded as though it came from

the storage building.”With a flashlight in one hand and a big stick in another, we cautiously

approached the door of the building. Slowly we eased open the door and stood ready for combat.

Just as slowly our cat Smidgeon stretched, gave us an “it’s about time you showed up look” and walked out the door. I had been in and out of the building earlier in the day and apparently he had joined me without my knowledge. Needless to say, he was quite ready to escape when help arrived.

Later, as I thought about my poor kitty being stuck in storage all afternoon, I could not help but think about all the UFOs ‘trapped’ in my fabric closet. If they had the ability, would they, too, knock over something and make a loud crash in order to summon me to their rescue?

It was probably guilt, but the next day as Smidgeon enjoyed a special kitty treat, I could not help but peek in at my many UFOs. Several were almost complete. I thought what am I waiting for? One box contained thirty-two four-patch units made from Civil war repro. I vaguely remember that my plan had been to set them in a vertical setting like one I had seen in one of my books on quilt history. I had even pieced the blocks on one of my many antique machines. I am not really sure why except that it just seemed to be the right thing to do.

As I laid them out on the floor I suddenly remembered why this project had come to an end in the first place: the sashing. What was I going to use for the sashing? I auditioned several fabrics but nothing seemed to work. I was very close to throwing the whole thing back into the closet when I spotted the perfect blue. This was just made for this quilt I thought as I happily stitched for hours. Before long the quilt top emerged. (We won’t discuss the fact that at this point in my life, no one had ever taught me to calculate the size for setting triangles for block on point. We’ll just say that somehow I made them fit.)

Once it was complete, I draped the top over the back of a chair and stepped back to view my creation. I expected to pat myself on the back, but much to my horror, something was all wrong. Civil War repro should have that comfortable antique look (or so I thought) but this quilt looked new. Some of the fabric stood out like a sore thumb. I groaned, “Where is my antique look alike?”

Now mind you I was fully aware that I had purchased these charm squares the previous summer and that I had just finished stitching the top moments before. I knew this top was new, but I had somehow expected a quilt top with a vintage look. Disgusted, I threw the top back into the closet to give this some thought.

Days later, while glancing through the mail, I could not take my eyes off of the beautiful antique quilt in a picture a friend had sent to me. I was shocked when I read that this was not an antique at all but a great imposter. The information stated that the maker, who like myself preferred a vintage look, had over-dyed the entire quilt to achieve this effect.

“That’s it,” I almost screamed as I ran to retrieve my quilt top and then drove quickly to the store to purchase a bottle of tan dye.

The directions seemed easy. Fill the washer with hot water, dump in the dye and then add the object to be dyed. I quickly completed steps one and two, but then stopped dead in my tracks. The water looked like a mudslide I had seen on the nightly news. Throw my top in there? There must be some mistake. I read and re-read the instructions. Each time I came to the same conclusion. Was I really supposed to trust this muddy water to transform my quilt top into one I would adore? After saying a quick prayer, I threw it in and then paced the floor.

“I didn’t like it before,” I kept telling myself, “so anything is better than what I had.”

I must confess that I peeked in the washer more than once in the process but could not bear the sight. My quilt top now looked like a quilt caught in that mudslide on the TV news. I thought what have I done? Soon the wash cycle was complete and I retrieved the brown, stringy mess.

“Oh well,” I said to myself, “I’ll at least dry it before I throw it out, or maybe the cats can sleep on it.”

Thirty minutes later the dryer beeped to signal that drying time was finished. As I opened the dryer, I could only stand and stare. Had the ‘quilt fairy’ visited my dryer? Was this the same top? There before my eye was the cozy, worn, vintage top I had envisioned. The muddy water had done its magic.

Soon, the one time UFO was a completed quilt, which I proudly draped over the back of the couch – all because poor Smidgeon had wandered into the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Hmm…whom should I accidentally lock up next?” I wondered out loud as I gave Smidgeon a hug.

Deb Heatherly is the owner of Deb’s Cats N Quilts in Franklin, NC, and the creator of the Turbo 4 Patch, Cat’s Meow and Star Power Rulers. (Visit the Deb’s Cats N Quilts YouTube channel for a demo.) Visit Deb’s Cats N Quilts at www.Debscatsnquilts.com, on Facebook or on her blog at www.Purrfectquilting.com. This story was written by Deb many years ago when she still lived in South Carolina and it was in a box with other short stories that she recently discovered while cleaning out a closet.

Missoula, Montana


COLOR

Devils Lake, North Dakota

Valentines Word Scramblenlinveate ________________________ nadcy ________________________ ltcheaooc ________________________eruafbyr ________________________ahter ________________________evlo ________________________duldec ________________________rde ________________________sseksi ________________________fwrosle ________________________eetsw ________________________dciup ________________________

valentine, candy, chocolate, february, heart, love, cuddle, red, kisses, flowers, sweet, cupid


Natures pause button: freezingResearch from the Journal of Nutrition found that nearly 80 percent

of Americans do not consume the recommended amounts of fruit, and nearly 90 percent do not eat the recommended amount of vegetables. While a variety of factors may contribute to this low consumption, including cost and convenience, a recent study revealed one easy solution: frozen fruits and vegetables.

Fresh versus frozenThe University of California-Davis (UC Davis), in partnership with the

Frozen Food Foundation, conducted an in-depth study to evaluate the nutrient content of eight commonly-purchased frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables: blueberries, strawberries, carrots, corn, broccoli, green beans, green peas and spinach. The research was designed to eliminate discrepancies in the harvesting, handling and storage of fruits and vegetables used in the analysis. Like produce found in farmers’ markets, the fruits and vegetables used in the study were locally grown, harvested and stored by the UC Davis research team.

“The study was designed to mimic the quality of produce found at farmers’ markets or grown in consumers’ backyards,” said UC Davis Lead Researcher Dr. Diane Barrett. “The study revealed that frozen produce is nutritionally equivalent, and often superior, to its fresh-stored counterpart. In particular, the vitamin C content of frozen corn, green beans and blueberries was significantly higher than their fresh-stored counterparts.”

Tips to boost nutrient intakeFor those looking to reap the nutritional benefits found in frozen

foods, the Frozen Food Foundation offers these tips:Blend easy treats. Perfect for a quick, on-the-go breakfast or a sweet

anytime treat, just add frozen fruit and your other favorite ingredients in the blender for a yummy smoothie.

Prepare quick sides. Add color and flavor to lunch and dinner entrees by stocking your freezer with frozen vegetables. Frozen vegetables come peeled, pre-cut and ready to cook or eat. No washing or cutting is required, which saves time and reduces waste.

Make the sensible choice. The portion-controlled packaging of many frozen entrées and sides make them the all-around clear choice for consumers seeking well-balanced nutritious meals for themselves and their families.

Freezing is simply nature’s pause button. Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked and frozen at their peak ripeness, locking in the nutrient value at the point of freezing. Today’s families don’t need to sacrifice health to have a quick meal with quality ingredients. For more tips and tricks to enhance your family’s diet, visit www.frozenfoodfacts.org.

Sheridan, Wyoming

Happy Valentines Day from all of us here at the

Northern Rockies & Great Plains Country Register


Flowers wilt and chocolates melt... Flowers wilt and chocolate melts, but a romantic butter pat will be

with you forever. When searching for that perfect Valentine’s gift, take a look at these

diminutive china pieces. Haviland produced several that feature fairies and Cupid-like figures as well as numerous examples in shades of pink or red roses. Butter pats are miniature plates that were introduced during the mid-1800s for individual servings of butter.

Although the larger pieces of Haviland, such as tureens, compotes and chocolate sets, are rare and prohibitively expensive for most of us, butter pats are plentiful and reasonably priced.

It has been determined that Haviland companies alone designed as many as 60,000 dinnerware patterns – most with matching butter pats. The Haviland factories in Limoges, France, manufactured china that was decorated in the French style of pastel floral motifs for the American market.

The 1908 Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog advertised a 100-piece Theodore Haviland dinner set, including 12 individual butter dishes, for $23.50. The mail order company offered sample butter pats, postpaid, upon receipt of ten cents to allow the customer to see “the beauty of the ware and the delicacy of the decoration.” Today the same tiny piece would sell for approximately $25.

Throughout Haviland’s years of production, patterns and colors were carefully designed to enhance the numerous shapes of the blanks. These patterns and colorations ranged from the plain Wedding Band pattern to the aristocratic and elaborate golds, flowers of all genuses, classical motifs, Art Deco and all in a multitude of shapes.

These charming miniature plates take minimal space and they can be creatively integrated into your decorating scheme. Butter pats make beautiful wall display pieces, alone or combined with handsomely framed and mounted artwork.

Try grouping an assortment of pastel Haviland butter pats around an Impressionist piece of artwork for a stunning look. For a special dinner party, utilize pats as votive candleholders at each place setting. Diminutive Limoges pats have been seen on the tables of royalty and presidents as well as at the homes of discerning fine china lovers everywhere. Why not make Haviland butter pats part of your table and home décor?

The Butter Pat Association was formed for beginner and advanced collectors of china butter pats from the Victorian through Edwardian eras and 19th-century to current-day. A subscription to their newsletter The Patter, costs $22 and includes a mint-condition butter pat. Sample copies of The Patter are available by sending $4 and a large self-addressed envelope (70 cents). To subscribe and receive a butter pat by return mail, send your check or money order, payable to Mary Dessoie, 7950 E. Keats Avenue, No. 178, Mesa, AZ 85209-5025.

Valentines Day gifting: endless possibilities antiquingWith Valentine’s Day just around the corner,

now is the time to start thinking about your gift-giving needs. Instead of patronizing the crowded malls and box stores and paying top dollar for quite ordinary mass-produced trinkets and home accessories, why not be remembered this year for your spectacular, unique and antique Valentine’s Day gifts?

My area of interest is antique china. In that niche you will find everything you need to fit all taste levels on your gift list. You are holding the best resource for your antiquing jaunts in your hands. You can make your shopping easy and a delight by patronizing the advertisers who appear in this paper. Please make a point to attend auctions, shows, estate sales, visit your local antique malls and shops and say “hello” to your neighbors. Have fun getting out and about while crossing off the names on your gift list.

One of the best buys is a partial lot of china. These incomplete sets usually can be found for great prices. Don’t overlook pieces that are dusty or have small imperfections. They can be spruced up!

Everyone loves vintage teacups. Why not purchase several? Teacup sets are items of enduring beauty that will get you through your Valentine’s gift list and on to birthdays, get well or hostess gifts. Fill the cup with an assortment of individually packaged tea bags. Place the cup and saucer on a large square of tulle. Bring the tulle up around the cup and saucer and wrap with a long colorful piece of fabric ribbon. What a welcome gift!

Try the same with butter pats! Place one large wrapped chocolate on a pat and surround it with tulle and a beautiful ribbon. Don’t forget to set one of these delightful treasures at each guest’s place setting at your next luncheon or dinner party and enjoy your guests’ complimentary remarks. Butter pats are also great votive candle holders. Buy several votive candles to accompany your bounty of antique butter pats. Voila! You now have several inexpensive but delightful gifts for your special girlfriends, not only for February 14 but also throughout the year ahead.

Bouillon cups always remind me of my transatlantic crossings on the QE2 and the mandatory “elevenses.” It is so rare to see these vestiges of gracious 19th Century living. Bouillon cups are charming gifts. Place tiny color foil-wrapped bouillon cubes in the cup. Use gift wrap with a nautical theme and surround your pretty package with tulle. Use an extra long flowing fabric ribbon festooned with lighthouses.

For the mustachioed man in your life, a mustache cup is a must! These relics of Victoriana will be treasured for years ahead. Antique shaving mugs are another terrific present. Pack up a gift bag of shaving creams and lotions and you will be able to present a gift that you are proud of and one that won’t cost you a bundle! Add a brush to the mug and you will surely please the special man in your life.

A day of snooping around antique shops and bidding at auctions should provide you with the opportunity to pick up several inexpensive soap dishes. Make a side trip to your local discount store for a variety of decorative soaps. Pack a bar of soap with each dish and wrap the ensemble in vintage hankies tied up with big red ribbon.

The possibilities for great gifts are endless when you go antiquing. Add your own touches to create truly memorable gifts. Why not bake up a storm and artfully arrange the heart-shaped goodies on a 19th Century Haviland dessert plate? Surely someone on your gift list would love a matching sugar and creamer. Do you have a dog-lover on your gift list? Fido certainly would appreciate some doggy treats presented on a 19th Century Staffordshire bone dish!

Always remember, it’s the thought that counts. Gifts of antique china are packed with memories, and by adding your own special touches, you will relay the message that your gifts have been packaged with careful thought and love.

Mary Dessoie covers a variety of topics in the field of antiques and collectibles. She founded the Butter Pat Patter Association for beginner and advanced collectors of exquisite china butter pats from the Victorian through Edwardian eras and 19th Century to current-day transportation and restaurant ware pats.


Chamberlain and Faulkton, South Dakota

Aging and eye healthAs you age, your body goes through many changes, including

differences in eyesight which can negatively affect day-to-day activities. You may have noticed these differences while trying to read the

morning paper or getting dressed for the day. While this change - also known as presbyopia - is normal (even for individuals who have always had perfect vision), it can disrupt the lives of those affected. Luckily there are ways to make these vision changes less noticeable and less impactful on daily life.

“It’s important for people to understand that what happens between 40 and 50 years old to our eyes up close is completely normal,” said Howard Purcell, O.D. and senior vice president of customer development for Essilor of America, the creators of Varilux lenses, the leading progressive lens solution for presbyopia patients.

While presbyopia affects most people over the age of 45, more than half of those with it don’t receive adequate correction. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2020, 2.3 billion people will have this condition and will require some type of correction.

Understanding the eyes According to Dr. Purcell, understanding this typical anatomical change in aging eyes is simple. The lens inside the eye needs to change shape to allow focus on objects, whether they are near or far. This lens grows throughout human life; but around 40 years of age, it isn’t as flexible as it was in younger years. This is around the time when the common issues associated with presbyopia begin to appear.

Dr. Purcell emphasizes the importance of routine eye exams, not only to evaluate the condition of the eyes, but to ensure systemic health is on point as well. Your optometrist can determine early warning signs of hypertension, diabetes and more - just by looking at your eyes.

A progressive approach While many individuals with deteriorating eyesight turn to bifocals for their vision needs, progressive lenses may be a better solution. Progressive lenses transition from distance vision to near vision without the visible line associated with bifocal lenses. The use of high quality progressive lenses has been known to ease eye strain and provide natural vision correction.

Many patients believe there is only one progressive lens product available, which is not the case. In fact, those who have tried progressive lenses in the past without success should know that new, innovative options are available. Varilux progressive lenses, the first ever and still the leading progressive lens product and only provider of W.A.V.E. Technology: Wavefront Advanced Vision Enhancement, offers the wearer sharpness of vision and smooth viewing transitions at every distance.

It is important to speak to your doctor about your own individual visual needs, and it is equally vital to know you have a choice in the lenses you wear every day. For more information about presbyopia and Varilux lenses, visit www.varilux.com.


Countryberries LLC

Whimsies and necessaries for your country home and garden

330 North Road Deerfield, NH 03037603-463-7615 www.countryberries.com

email us at [email protected] to get on our email list

Designed by Kathy Graham

Countryberries Designs

Wool Applique Snowman

This pattern is free for you to use. Please give the artist credit. Not for commercial use. Enlarge this pattern to your de-sired size. This pattern was designed as a wool applique with embroi-dered details. It can also be painted, embroi-dered, needlepunched or hooked.Have fun!

Super Bowl® Recipes

Ingredients:6 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved length-wise and seeded1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese12 slices bacon

Directions:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.

2. Spread cream cheese to fill jalapeno halves. Wrap with bacon. Se-cure with a toothpick.

3. Place on the grill, and cook until bacon is crispy.

Grilled Bacon Jalopeno Wraps

Ingredients:1/2 cup soy sauce1/4 cup packed brown sugar1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1 1/2 pounds chicken wings

Directions:1. In a 9x13 inch casserole, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Mix until brown sugar completely dissolves into the mixture. Place the chicken wings in the dish and turn them over until they are all well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Turn the chicken again, after 2 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

3. Bake chicken at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), covered, for 45 minutes. Turn the chicken wings, and spoon sauce from the bottom of the pan over the tops of the wings. Cook an additional 50 minutes, uncovered.

Sweet Chicken Wings

Ingredients:2 avocados - peeled, pitted & diced2 tsp salt1 large tomato, diced1 onion, diced2 jalapeno peppers, chopped1/2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro2 tbs fresh lime juice

Directions: In a medium bowl, mash the avocados and stir in salt. Mix in the tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.

Game Day Guacamole


Scalloped Heart CookiesEach cookie serves 1

• Favorite roll-out cookie recipe• Ready-To-Use White Creamy

Decorator Icing • Icing Colors: Burgundy, Red and

Christmas Red

Prepare and roll out dough following recipe directions. Use largest cutter from the 4-piece heart nesting cookie cutter set to cut out shape. Bake and cool cookies.

Divide icing into four equal portions. Tint one of each portion light burgundy, dark burgundy and combination of red-red/Christmas red. Reserve last portion white.

Starting from top edge of heart, use tip 102 and icing in dark burgundy, light burgundy, red and white to pipe V-shaped groups of two petals, one piped from left and one from right, to create row of petals in alternating colors. Repeat with second row between petals in first row. Continue to

repeat pattern until cookies are covered.

Show off your sweet side this Valentine’s DayTreat family, friends and co-workers to something they will

all love this Valentine’s Day by making easy and impressive cookies. Start with your favorite roll-out cookie recipe or simply dress up store-bought ones by adding some simple details with icing.

From the cupids at Wilton, here are three ways to leave them smitten with sweets this Valentine’s Day:

•Dessertswithdimension.Tripleyourtreatsbystackingthree decorated cookies in different sizes together and attach them with icing.

•Complementwithcolor.Asimplepipingtechniquelooksstunning when piped in different colors on your cookies.

•Gettogifting.WrapyourfinishedtreatsinaValentine’sDay treat bag or box.

For more fun and delicious Valentine’s Day recipes, baking tips and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Stackable Ombre Heart CookiesEach stacked cookie serves 1

• Favorite roll-out cookie recipe• Royal icing (recipe on wilton.com)• Rose Icing Color• Heart Micro Mini Icing Decorations

Prepare and roll out cookie dough following recipe directions. Use 3 smallest cutters from 4-piece heart nesting cookie cutter set to cut out shapes. Bake and cool cookies.

Divide royal icing into three equal portions, and tint 3 shades of rose. Thin a portion of each shade following recipe directions. Use tip 3 and full-strength tinted icing to outline cookies. Use thinned tinted icing in cut decorating bag to fill in cookies; gently tap to smooth icing. Let dry overnight.

Use icing to attach cookies, stacking largest to smallest; place icing decoration on top.

Dell Rapids, South Dakota


Hyssop Essential Oil: skin and environment cleanseRecently I was asked, “What is hyssop

essential oil used for?” When the discussion was finished, I realized the many benefits of hyssop essential oil and thought others would be interested in knowing about its uses also.

Hyssop essential oil comes from a small aromatic, perennial shrub that has a woody base and slender herbaceous stems with purplish-blue flowers. It is native to southern Europe and has been cultivated as a culinary herb and for medicinal uses for hundreds of years. Hyssop essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of Hyssopus officinalis. The aroma from Hyssop is considered to be warm, sweet and penetrating.

Hyssop flowers and leaves have been highly valued since antiquity for their therapeutic properties. It was one of the bitter herbs mentioned in the Old Testament (Psalms 51:7):” Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean,” which may refer to the plant’s general cleansing effect in connection with plagues, leprosy and chest ailments. It was also on a twig of hyssop that a vinegar-filled sponge was handed to Jesus on the cross. Hippocrates prescribed hyssop for bronchitis and pleurisy. It was commonly used throughout the Middle Ages for warding off lice, wound healing, inflammation and disease of the chest and lungs.

Today, hyssop essential oil is used in low

doses as a topical application: massage, compress, bath, liniment or by inhalation: direct inhalation, diffuser, vaporizer or steam inhalation. It is considered a cleansing oil and is often used for healing purposes and to cleanse the environment for those who meditate.

Hyssop essential oil should not be used during pregnancy or on individuals who have epilepsy or high blood pressure. It should be used in low dosage, as it is very potent.

Properties of hyssop essential oil include: antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, stimulant and others.

Hyssop essential oil is considered to have a healing effect on the skin by helping to form

scar tissue and dispense bruises. Problem conditions like dermatitis and eczema may also respond to blends using hyssop essential oil. It also has the effect of promoting alertness and clarity. Emotionally it is considered to bring deep feelings into focus. Very effective on respiratory issues and viral infections, hyssop essential oil is good to clear the lungs and ease chest tightness experienced from colds, coughs, sore throats, influenza, bronchitis and asthma. It is also helpful to ease the effects of rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Always dilute hyssop essential oil in a fixed “carrier” oil. There are many different fixed oils that can be used, but most people have easy access to almond, grapeseed or olive. Some fixed “carrier” oils like emu oil also have specific anti-inflammatory properties and can enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of hyssop and other essential oils.

To use for clearing the air in your home or environment: Add 12-20 drops to a room humidifier, or 3-12 drops to a diffuser. You can also boil a pan of water on the stove, turn it off and then add 12-20 drops to the water. The steam will dissipate the essential oils through the room. The number of drops of the essential oil blend you use can be adjusted to fit your personal liking. To purchase Pure Essential Oils and other supplies go to www.flinthillsaromatherapy.com Or email: [email protected] We can be reached by phone @l 620-394-2250.

Clear the Air Sweet Orange 50 drops Peppermint Essential Oil 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil 20 drops Hyssop Essential Oil 10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil 20 drops Cedarwood Virginia Essential Oil 40 drops

Blend the above pure essential oils together in a dark glass or metal bottle with a tight fitting lid. It is best to use a glass bottle with a euro dropper insert. The euro dropper insert allows you to use the blend 1 drop at a time.

Train Your Four-Legged Friend to Reap Full Benefits of OwnershipMan’s best friend can be counted on for many things

– from greeting you after a long day at work to being a loyal walking buddy. But to reap all the benefits of dog ownership, it’s important to lay the foundation of training and obedience.

An obedient dog is a happy dog, free of restrictions. When a dog acts out, the owner must quickly react - either putting the pet away in a kennel or excluding it from outings and other experiences. On the other hand, an obedient pet enjoys more freedom. They are welcome to greet guests when friends visit, go on car rides and enjoy many other opportunities to be around their favorite person – you.

According to the ASPCA, working together to learn behavior and social skills is a good way to make you and your pet happier, thus reinforcing your bond. Formal training helps teach your dog important commands such as “come” and “sit,” but it also helps shape your furry friend’s manners and teaches you to understand your animal’s temperament - all important qualities for a housemate.

To ensure your training sessions are most effective, you can plan ahead with a few simple steps.

First you need to determine what style of training will be most effective for you and your dog. Training can include obedience or behavior, or both. What type of class you need depends on whether you’re looking to instill (or brush up on) the basics or correct problems.

You can find group classes through your veterinarian or local pet store, or you may prefer to have one-on-one sessions with a qualified trainer. Group classes allow your dog to grow comfortable around other people

and animals while teaching a standard set of skills. On the other hand, individual sessions can be tailored to specific issues and allow more dedicated attention to your animal.

It also is helpful to understand your pet’s ancestry. Armed with breed insights, you can gain valuable understanding on behavior, establish a better relationship with your dog and have information to take better care of your dog’s health. Any questions about your dog’s heredity can be answered with a simple test, such as the Wisdom Panel(r) 2.0 Canine DNA Identification Test.

“A DNA test provides valuable information for the well-being of a dog, from weight range predictions to help with nutrition and diet choices to understanding breed behavior

for an effective care and wellness plan,” said Dr. Neale Fretwell, General Manager of Mars Veterinary.

The Wisdom Panel 2.0 tests a dog’s DNA to identify the breeds that make up their mixed-breed dog; reveal the parental ancestry of a “designer” dog; or show whether a dog matches the profile of known purebred dogs in the Wisdom Panel database.

Beyond the time you’ll dedicate to attending training sessions, you also need to be sure your schedule will allow you to practice and refine the new skills you learn at home and in other environments. Successful training requires reinforcement outside the classroom on an ongoing basis.

Training lets you and your dog understand one another better, and it’s an important step toward ensuring your four-legged friend is a safe, happy member of the house. For more information about the Wisdom Panel 2.0 test or to purchase it, visit www.wisdompanel.com.


Win a $25 Gift Certificate!The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is giving

away a $25 Gift Certificate to be used at YOUR FAVORITE SHOP!

Just fill out this form and send it to:

November - December 2014 EntryOR visit www.chickencreek.net, click on The Country Register to sign up online

Name ________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State ____________ Zip _________

Favorite Shop Advertised ___________________________________________

This is My Favorite Shop Because _____________________________________

My Favorite Feature(s) of The Country Register ___________________________

Found This Issue At ______________________________________________

Are You a: n Regular Reader or n First Time Reader

What stores would like to see in The Country Register? (include town)

____________________________________________________________

Entries received by December 7, 2014, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.

The Country Register132 W. Hudson StreetSpearfish, SD 57783

Advertiser Directory by CommunitySidney, Montana ........................................................................... 4Ennis & Townsend, Montana ........................................................... 5Missoula, Montana ........................................................................ 6Devil’s Lake, North Dakota .............................................................. 7Sheridan, Wyoming ....................................................................... 8Chamberlain & Faulkton, South Dakota ...........................................10Dell Rapids, South Dakota ............................................................12Custer, South Dakota ....................................................................14Edgemont, Hot Springs , Spearfish & Rapid City, South Dakota ..................15Belle Fourche, Hill City, Rapid City, Spearfish, South Dakota .............. 16

Advertiser Directory by Name Always Your Design, Dell Rapids, SD ...............................................12Badlands Quilting Association ........................................................16Black Hills Visitor Center, Rapid City, SD .........................................14Creative Closet, Townsend, MT ........................................................ 5Dakota Quilt Company, Spearfish, SD ..............................................16Flip-Side Fabrics, Sidney, MT ........................................................... 4Hill City Mercantile, Hill City, SD ....................................................16Knothole, Spearfish, SD .................................................................16Little Norge Fest, Rapid City, SD .....................................................16Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop, Edgemont, SD ..........................................16Quilt Connection ..........................................................................16Quilters Corner, Faulkton, SD .........................................................10Quilt Essential, Devils Lake, ND ....................................................... 7South Dakota Quilter’s Guild, SD ....................................................10The Fiber House, Sheridan, WY ........................................................ 8The Quilter’s Nook, Custer, SD ........................................................14Tri-State Bakery, Belle Fourche, SD .................................................16Vicki’s Quilts Down Under, Missoula, MT ........................................... 6Wall Drug, Wall, SD .......................................................................11

$25 Gift Certificate WinnerJoan Mack, Devils Lake, ND won a $25

gift certificate to her favorite shop – Quilt Essentials, Devils Lake, ND To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or visit www.chickencreek.net.

PRIZEWINNER!

PRIZEWINNER!

Custer, South Dakota


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Edgemont, South Dakota

Heart Healthy DinnersWith risk factors for heart disease on the

rise, it has never been more important to incorporate heart-healthy meals into your family’s diet.

According to recent statistics, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. With this in mind, Campbell Soup Company is on a mission to help women care for their hearts. With a diverse portfolio of foods that balance great taste and nutritional value, Campbell offers nearly 100 options that meet the criteria for the American Heart Association’s(r) Heart-Check mark.

Caring for your heart starts in the kitchen

Creating balanced meals for the family doesn’t have to be difficult. In addition to offering heart-healthy foods, Campbell works with its culinary staff, nutrition team and trained chefs to create healthy recipes. This recipe for Sante Fe Chicken Saute is a simple, one-skillet dish that combines lean chicken breast, black beans and corn with a spicy picante kick. Or, try this recipe for Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Chowder, which features chicken paired with a flavorful combination of zucchini, corn, potatoes and cream of celery soup. And no one can resist comforting Easy Chicken Shepard’s Pie. For more easy-to-prepare and heart-healthy recipes and for nutrition information, visit www.campbellskitchen.com.

Seven steps towards a healthier heart

A strong heart starts with a healthy diet and lifestyle. According to the American Heart Association, following these seven health and behavior factors can make a huge difference in your heart’s health. For more heart-healthy tips, visit www.heart.org.

1. Don’t smoke.2. Maintain a healthy weight.3. Engage in regular physical activity.4. Eat a healthy diet.5. Manage blood pressure.6. Take charge of cholesterol.7. Keep blood sugar, or glucose, at healthy

levels.

Sante Fe Chicken Saute

Prep time: 15 minutesTotal time: 35 minutesServings: 62 teaspoons chili powder1 teaspoon ground cumin1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 3/4 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breast

halves1 teaspoon minced garlic4 green onions, minced (about 1/2 cup) 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s(r) Healthy

Request(r) Condensed Healthy Request(r) Tomato Soup

1/2 cup Pace(r) Picante Sauce1/2 cup water1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed

and drained 1 cup whole kernel corn2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Stir chili powder and cumin in small bowl. Season chicken with chili powder mixture. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6 minutes or until browned on both sides. Add garlic and onions and cook; stir for 1 minute. Stir in soup, picante sauce and water and heat to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add beans and corn. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Chowder

Prep time: 15 minutesTotal time: 1 hourServings: 61 tablespoon canola oil1 large onion, minced (about 1 cup) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s(r) Healthy

Request(r) Condensed Healthy Request(r) Cream of Celery Soup

1 cup nonfat milk1 cup water2 medium red potatoes, diced (about 2 cups) 1 large zucchini, diced (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 cup whole kernel corn2 cups diced cooked chicken2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in soup, milk and water and heat to a boil. Stir in potatoes, zucchini and corn. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 35 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken and parsley and cook until mixture is hot and bubbling.


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Rapid City, Hill City, Spearfish & Belle Fourche, South Dakota

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january/february 2015 country register

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