Who knew that bran, which is really just the hard, outer layer of grain, is such a good source of carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus and fiber? Adding raisins or chopped apples to the batter will give the bran muffins lots of flavor. In fact, if you like raisins, just use raisin bran cereal. I add the peeled, cored and diced apples right before I bake them. A healthy breakfast choice is as close as your refrigerator when making bran muffins. Bran is very good for our digestive systems, but...

Every oven is different; keep eye on loaves after 30 minutes because of the moistness of bananas, cooking time can vary. Salt may be omitted entirely, found no taste difference when omitted. Stir in mashed bananas and raisins. Instructions Cream shortening and sugar together in large mixing bowl. Add eggs to mixture, mix well. Add flour, soda and salt and mix well. Spray two 8x4-inch pans with cooking spray. Pour prepared batter evenly between the loaf pans. Test with toothpick or wooden...

million) in annual retail sales of organic food if Britain's leading certifier of organic produce decides not to accept fruit and vegetables that arrive by plane. The Soil Association, which certifies 70% of the United Kingdom's market for organic produce, will tell British consumers, retailers and importers next week whether they recommend a ban on airfreighted organic fruits and vegetables from the developing world. The Soil Association, which certifies 70% of the United Kingdom's market...

B&B, orchardist in dispute over noise By DAVID LESTER YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC prev 1 of 2 next SARA GETTYS/Yakima Herald-Republic Karen and Henner Krueger stand on an outdoor patio they say they no longer use to serve breakfast to their guests because of the noise generated by a refrigerator truck at nearby Barrett Orchards. B&B, orchardist in dispute over noise By DAVID LESTER YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC prev 1 of 2 next SARA GETTYS/Yakima Herald-Republic Karen and Henner Krueger stand on an...

Jensen began making raisin wine and shared it with family and friends, who loved it so much he began shipping the wine to thirsty miners in Northern California. Although the brick ranch house hasn't been completely renovated, the Jensen-Alvarado family furniture has been moved from the museum into the house, and tours of the home will be given. Other activities include tortilla- and butter-making, ice-cream churning, adobe brick-making, steer roping and old-fashioned laundry work. Sherman...

To find out more, why not get involved in our new survey called Homes for Wildlife? We're looking for volunteers to create suitable places for birds and other wildlife to live in our gardens, and to report the findings. Feeders and bird tables should be placed close enough to cover for birds to feel safe, but not so close that cats and other predators can hide in the bushes. However, if your seed mix contains a lot of wheat, it is not suitable for feeders and should be scattered on the...

Red, golden and green apples take center stage during the Peddler's Village celebration of the fruit. Enjoy music, entertainment, and apple delicacies of all types. Instant access to the philly.com website directly from your mobile phone! Celebrate apple season at Peddler's Village in Lahaska Saturday and next Sunday. Recently widowed Christine Millman receives a surprise visit from her late husband's best friend in the comedy Mixed Emotions, opening at Dutch Country Players. Friday and...

Fallen apples are a loss to growers who must either sell them to large producers, who make pasteurized cider, juice or canned apples or, worse, shred them into ready compost. Manchester An apple harvest that looked to be a bumper crop just six weeks ago has been reduced substantially as trees, stressed by weeks of warm, dry weather, shed fruit to protect themselves, New Hampshire growers say. Other growers told similar tales, noting that the McIntosh variety was particularly hard hit. John...

Democratic elections in 1993 ushered in a period of relative normalcy, and many refugees and internally displaced persons started returning home, and reclaiming their former land. The government has set out a goal of making Cambodia free from the impact of mines and UXO by 2012, but it is a painstaking process, compounded by the fact that many mined areas are still not marked or fenced. Current estimates indicate there are around 4 to 6 million landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO)...