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Horticultural Year Of The Cucumber 1900 is the Chinese Year of the Monkey and the Hor­ ticultural Year of the Cucumber, so it's the perfect time for gardeners to go ape over pickling, suggests Nancy Moore, McHenry county Extension adviser. And, with more than 30 varieties of cucumber available to gardeners, many Illinois plots are boasting at least one variety this summer. According to J.C, Schmidt, University of Illinois Ex­ tension horticulture specialist, cucumbers should be picked continuously once they begin to ripen to insure high quality and top yields. "When we're talking about cucumbers, bigger is not better," Schmidt says. "Tlie fruits should not be allowed to get fat and yellow or they will have tough skins and be very seedy." Schmidt suggests gar­ deners pick cukes of good green color every two or three days. "To keep from damaging the vines, pick the cukes carefully. Some gardeners prefer to cut the stems with a knife or kitchen shears, which is fine," he says. "Or, the thumbnail and index finger can be used to pinch and twist the mature fruits from the vine." Select firm, fresh, un- bruised cucumbers for pickling, advises Ms. Moore. Cucumbers to be used for pickles should be picked so that one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch of stem remains attached. Two to three-inch-long cucumbers can be used for pickles that are to be packed whole. For dill pickles, cucumbers should be selected four to six inches long. Slicing pickles should be six to eight inches long because they will be quar­ tered or sliced when pickled. Either a fermentation process or fresh-pack (quick-process) method can be used to make pickles. If the frestvpack method is chosen, cucumbers should be pickled within 24 hours after they are picked. If the fermentation process is used, the cucumbers can be stored in a brine (salt water) solution for up to three weeks while they ferment. The fermentation process results in crisper pickles that have a more attractive appearance than pickles made using the fresh-pack method, Ms. Moore says. During the fermentation process, bacteria converts sugar in the cucumber into lactic acid that prevents the growth of spoilage or disease-producing bacteria. Lactic acid also gives fer­ mented pickle products their characteristic flavor. Acid in the form of vinegar is added to fresh cucumbers during the quick-process method. The addition of a specified amount of vinegar prevents botulism-producing bacteria from growing. Quick-process pickling recipes are formulated using commercial vinegar, which is a 4 to 6 percent acetic acid solution. Homemade vinegar should not have enough acid to prevent the growth of a deadly botulism-producing bacteria. Both fermented and quick- process pickles must be processed in a boiling water bath. If within 24 hours after processing the pickles the jars failed to form perfect seals, Ms. Moore says you can reprocess them for the same amount of time you used the first time to insure that a good seal does form. "If it's been more than a day after you processed the pickles when you notice a bad seal, you should throw the pickles out because bacteria may have had a chance to grow and eating those pickles could be dangerous," she says. "And, even if you notice a bad seal in time to reprocess the pickles, they won't be of as good a quality because they'll have been cooked twice as long," Ms. Moore says. "If the bad seal is only on one or a couple of jars, it's probably better just to place them in the refrigerator and use them as soon as you can and save the jars with good seals for later." Although older pickle recipes often call for the addition of alum or lime for crispness, Ms. More says, "You really don't need either of these, we've found in tests done over the years. Your best insurance for crisp pickles is to use fresh cucumbers and other ingredients of high quality and to find an up-to-date recipe." The Extension advisers at the McHenry county office have the latest in scientific informaiton from the University of Illinois. They know how to convert it into practical down-to-earth answers to problems. For answers to questions on shopping, 4-H, home economics, agriculture, and horticulture, go to the office at 789 McHenry avenue •(Route 120) in Woodstock, or call 815-338-3737. There's An Answer (by Norman Vincent Peale and Ruth Stafford Peale) Want to leave him Q. I married my second husband just to give my son a father. I know it was wrong, but I guess it's too late to change it. During our 6 years of marriage we've been to all kinds of counselors. Things only seem to get worse. My husband lacks self-respect. He waits for me to make all of the decisions or they don't get made. My nerves are shot. Everything makes me nervous now, little things- squeaky noises, the sloppy way my husband eats. I suppose I would be out-of God's will to do anything but stay with him, but I'd much rather not. What's your advice? A. The reason your married life seems so unbearable now is that you allow yourself to respond only to the negative in your husband. You see just what you don't like, never seeming to count the good in him. Think for a moment. Has he been a good father to your son? Does he provide for you both?' Perhaps he would have more self-respect if you were to change your attitude. Give your marriage a chance by building your husband up. It could work wonders. We are sending you our booklet, A First-Aid Kit for Marriage, which may be of help to you. Anyone wishing a free copy may write to us at Box 500, Pawling, N.Y. 12564. Disowned by son Q. My son and his wife have stopped all relationship with me. You see, our son was born during the short time my husband and I lived together before we were married. After 40 years of marriage my husband passed away. My son found out about this and questioned me, and I explained how circumstances at that time wouldn't allow us to marry. Now they disown me. They say I am not worthy of anything. * I'Ve been a good mother, and I miss them so. How can I regain their friendship? A. While you have carried all these years the burden of knowing the circumstances of your son's birth, the news obviously came as a great shock to him. Perhaps he felt you should have confided in him earlier, enabling him to accept the situation gradually. Give him time now to adjust. Then begin to open up Despite your belief that you are absolutely essential in your job, the world would get along nicely without you. rAUb 3 • rLAIINUlMLbit • MbUn&aUA t, obr • binubn *«, communication and try to reestablish once more what was a f> TJ7 D good relationship. And ask God for the patience needed to * • ™ • ^jrOUp renew your family. Is the minister right? Q. When a minister divorces his wife, leaves her with their two children, breaks up another family to win this woman who has three chilren, how can he speak of God's word and feel people in the area should accept this behavior as being alright? A. If a minister does as you have indicated, I would consider his actions as reprehensible and totally unworthy of his sacred calling. If there is something you would like to ask Dr. and Mrs. Peale, write to them at Box 500, Pawling, N.Y., 12564. Has Speaker On Investing Cooking Without Salt Shaker Tells Secrets The American Heart association has produced a new cookbook for persons who need a mild restriction in salt intake. Cooking Without Your Salt Shaker features over 150 recipes from entrees and accompaniments to sand­ wiches and snacks. Most recipes can also be modified for more severe salt restrictions. In addition, each recipe has been thoroughly tested fqr im­ proved nutrition and good taste. This handsome publication has shopping tips, innovative uses of spices and key ingredient substitutions whidh can be applied to any recipes. There is also a nutrient analysis chart which gives a complete nutritional breakdown and calorie count of every recipe contained in the book. Copies of this spiral bound book are available through the local Heart association office at 119 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin. For more information, call 888-4154. The velveteen blazer is a must for the college miss in that it can be worn with skirts and pants. Oxford monogrammed shirts in pastel colors with button down collars are popular with today's young miss. The Widows and Widowers group of Crystal Lake chapter No. 189, Parents Without Partners, is having their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 24, in Wauconda. The topic for discussion presented by guest speaker, Patrick Letizia, will be "Personal Financial Planning For The Small Investor". Widows and Widowers is a support group made up of members of P.W.P., and meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday for coffee and discussions. Although this is a group primarily for those who have become single parents due to death of a mate, all mem­ bers of P.W.P. are invited to attend any meeting that they feel may be beneficial. For more information, call 815-653-3931. • • • • The first and only test of one's religion is the kind of life he leads. • • * * Despite what some people say, most of us want to do the right thing, even though we don't do it. Carol Leighty In Recital CAROL LEIGHTY Sunday, Sept. 21, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist church, 3717 West Main street, McHenry, Miss Carol Leighty, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Leighty, will present a voice recital for the benefit of the building fund of the church. Miss Leighty is a very accomplished vocalist, and will be returning to Ger­ many this fall to continue her studies. She has done much concertizing and professional singing in the Munich area. Her program will include some selected opera arias, German lieder and American songs. Tickets for this presen­ tation can be secured by calling the church office, 385- 0931, from church members, - or at the door the day of the concert. This will be a v very in­ teresting and enjoyable program. CHECKLIST KtellBltKY Rome To compare costs for credit, look for the "APR," or annual percentage rate. Federal law requires that all credit contracts include the term "Annual Percentage Rate" in large print, and that this number be filled in on the contract before you sign it. The annual percentage rate might be as low as 12 or as high as 36 percent. trUfrnisliiitfis Home *( Amtiic«n 0>ra HOSPITAL NOTES McHENRY HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS: William Pankonen, Mary Beth Gallagher, Patricia Rae Chambers, Greg Garde, Ronald Olszowki, McHenry; Kathleen A. Stephan,Crystal Lake; John Traker and Donna Hummel, Wonder Lake. WOODSTOCK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS: Mildred Reese, Alice Burkman, Paul Wills, Carrie Geren, Master Jonathan Wills, McHenry; Karen Grabow, Christine Prondzinski, Dorothy West and Horace Wagner, Wonder Lake. HARVARD HOSPITAL Ray Johnson of McHenry was a patient in Harvard hospital. Reheat in Toaster Make your own extra pan­ cakes and waffles and freeze on a cookie sheet covered with paper towels. When frozen, stack and store in plastic bags. To reheat, just pop in the toaster. More Light It's more economical to use one large bulb than several small ones. A 100-watt bulb gives as much light as six 25- watt bulbs, but only uses about two-thirds as much current. First Wash Loads When scheduling two or three wash loads for one day, do the items to be ironed in the first load. You can fin­ ish the ironing as the other loads are washing and drying. ARE YOU MOVING? Subscribers are requested to provide immediate notice of change of address to The McHenry Plaindealer. 3812 W. Elm St., McHenry. IL. 60050. A deduction of one month from the expiration of a subscription will be made where a change of address is provided through the Post Office Deportment. Treat yourself to a great new Fall perm! Now that summer's over, start your fall with a great new Salon perm --a Feels So Lively Perm by Zotos. With its exclusive con­ ditioning discovery called Zotosol, Feels So Lively leaves your hair full-bi>died and natural ltx>king--with the fabulous manageability only a Salon perm given by expert professional hairstylists like ours can achieve. Call today and bring your hair back to beaut v. Silhouettes 4719 W. RTE. 120 385-2990 You!are cordially invited... to a preview of (Coats and Jackets) Fall Leather Wear! Thursday, Sept. 18 From 1 PM to 7 PM (jRfl' tiOROoii Presented by: Gary Gordon, Leathers of Boston, Mass. Choose your new coat from the manufacturer's stock for immediate delivery or layaway now for Christmas! f brifltnpljpr'fi MFN'S WFAR 3902 W MAIN STREET MCHENRY, ILLIN0)S60050 (815) 385 4060 NOW CARRYING!! ( f//e ( J/ '/m/ ( J// C.)r////r//rr/ ( /u/f/fo'(•// ' />ro A V A I L A B L E I N r * l T W I N T O F U L L S I Z E O / < J O M M / (•Mm/ m I GET YOUR ORDERS IN NOW FOR YOUR DINING ROOM SET FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS!!! USE OUR LAYAWAY PLAN LOADED WITH NEW FURNITURE!! OVERSTOCKED MUST SELL AT SACRIFICE PRICES I LARGE SELECTION OF PICTURES AVAILABLE! I ALL OUR FURNITURE IS WOOD. NO PLASTICS OR SIMULATIONS. SEE OUR Decorator Pieces 4618 W. Hi 120 McHENRY, ILL. tan: Mai Tats. 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