CLICK HERE to respond to newsletter replies, requests and tips. Please include date of newsletter, name of recipe and number of servings.  Remember to include your name within the message as well.

Place any Watkins order in January for a chance to win a 1972 Betty Crocker Cookbook.

Do you have a copy of the soup sheet for recipes and ideas for using Watkins Soup Bases. Please send me an email for a free copy. Watkins soup bases are on sale for the month of January.

www.watkinsonline.com/hutto
email: sunnywatkinsgirl@aol.com
Order: 765-453-1687

I got no response in regards to Chicken French so I make up my own recipe. I put flour in a bowl, added some salt and pepper and lemon pepper, no measurements. If I had to guess maybe a quarter teaspoon each. I was doing a small amount of chicken to test this. I broke an egg in another bowl and squeezed some lemon juice in it, mixed together. Dipped the chicken in egg and then flour and fried in skillet. It was yummy. I get the lemon juice in the containers that look like lemons. Try it, you'll like it.
Carolyn, Rochester, New York

Hello Nancy and all our friends. Would like to know if Billy and the others from Florida have tried to freeze orange or tangerine segments. I live here at Betmar and we have lots of fruit and I will have lots of company as soon as the snow melts so would like to have fruit on hand for salads. Thanks to all and Thanks to you Nancy. Also I lost your address thought it was in my book but it is the old one.
Jean Cecil VA/FL

For Sara in FL:
Beef Burgonoinne Extraordinare is in the November 30, 2007 newsletter.
gramaj

Turkey or Chicken Salad
I cooked a bone-in turkey breast after Christmas and it made so much I wasn't sure what to do with it.

So, I ended up taking one half of the breast, cutting it into pieces and added the following:
2 cups sliced green grapes
1 bag original flavored Craisins
1/2 package of celery hearts chopped finely
2 cups chopped pecans
2 cans of mandarin oranges, drained
Enough Hellmann's mayonnaise to make moist (Just be sure to fold this in so you don't totally mash the oranges or add the oranges last.)
Serve on bakery croissants.

(I took all of this as well as a bag of chips and a homemade chocolate pudding cake to a friend whose mother had passed away and it made enough to feed four of them as well as all four of us here at home.) It's so good and moist and chock full of fruit - you almost don't know you're eating turkey!!)
Elaine in Ohio

Hello
I need help, I received a gift jar for Christmas but it was missing the ingredients card, I was hoping that you could help me. Starting from the top It has walnuts, chocolate chips, coconut, cocoa, sugar, brown sugar, and flour.

If you are unable to help me could you possibly tell me where I can go to get this information.
Thank you in advance.
Bettinna

This is for Patricia in KY. I too would love to see your low carb recipes. I think this is the time of year we are all looking for a way to slim down. Thanks
Lorene in MI

I love this newsletter but haven't written it to tell our family how much.  Most of all I like the idea of TNT (tested) recipes and easy recipes.  Lately, some recipes and messages are so long and complicated I tend to skip over them.  If a recipe has ingredients not in my kitchen or have never heard of them the recipe isn't for me.  Thank you "family" for the short easy recipes and keep them coming.
Jennifer in Tulsa

Comment
I like the short easy ones with everyday ingredients as well. The newsletter heading says it all
Easy TNT recipes using everyday ingredients for quick and simple cooking.
Long messages and recipes are often moved to a future newsletter when space is a problem.  Several of our family are not seeing the bottom of the newsletter because the newsletter so long. Sometimes long messages and/or recipes are moved many days in a row so that shorter ones can be posted. If a recipe has more than 5 or six ingredients and/or has more than 6-10 lines of instructions most people never view it. Recipes with 4 or 5 ingredients and have 4-10 lines of instructions are almost always viewed by our "family."

Wanted to Thank Detz in MI for the delicious sounding recipe. I had made chili rellenos before but not with the pablano chili before so looking forward to making that dish on Monday. I guess I should not have scolded him after all. Thanks
Jeanie

Some of these I can't remember whether I have posted or not. If I have just skip to the next one.
Nancy Rogers

Turkey Broccoli Casserole
Yield: 6 servings
Weight Watcher Points - 4 Points*

2 (10 oz) pkg. frozen broccoli
1/2 c Skim milk
2 c Coarsely diced cooked turkey
1/2 c Grated cheddar cheese (2 oz)
1 can (10-1/2 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup

Preheat oven to 375 F. Cook broccoli according to package directions. Layer in 12 x 8 inch baking dish. Spread turkey evenly on top. Combine soup with milk, mix until smooth and pour over turkey. Sprinkle grated cheese on top. Bake for 30 min. Let stand 5 min.

199 calories, 20g protein, 6g fat, 9g carbohydrate, 534mg sodium, 372 mg potassium, 2g fiber, 47mg cholesterol.

Source: American Diabetes Association
*Calculated using a Weight Watcher Calculator

Recipes added to the January 2008 Alphabetical List

(Am behind and need to catch up hopefully by tomorrow. )
The recipes with a WW beside it means it has the Weight Watcher Points calculated for it.  It is not a copyrighted Weight Watcher recipe but rather the points have been calculated for it.

Dilled Salmon
Makes 2 servings
Weight Watcher Points - 4 Points*

3 salmon fillets or 1 can (6 3/4 ounces) boneless pink salmon, flaked and drained)
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon dill weed
1-1/2 teaspoons fat-free mayonnaise

Place salmon fillets skin down in a sprayed nonstick baking dish. Coat top of fillets with mustard, then dill, then mayonnaise. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Calories 198 Fat 6g Fiber 0g Carbohydrate 3g Cholesterol 111mg Sodium 394mg
*Calculated with a Weight Watcher calculator

Sautéed Spinach
Makes 4 Servings
Weight Watcher Points – 3 Points*

1 pound raw spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 fresh tomato
2 cloves garlic

Wash spinach thoroughly and drain. Saute tomato and garlic in olive oil in a large saute pan. Add spinach, cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook, uncovered, 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.

Calories: 108 Protein: 3.9 g Sodium: 94 mg Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 4 g Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 1-1/2 Fat
Source:Better Homes and Gardens

Green Beans with Mushrooms
Serves 6
Weight Watcher Points - 1 Points*

2 pound fresh green beans
4-5 teaspoons water
1 cup fresh mushrooms, quartered
1 teaspoon garlic
2 teaspoons olive oil

In a frying pan or sauté pan, add 4-5 teaspoon water. Bring to boil. Add Green Beans and lower heat to medium-high and cover. When Green Beans are fork-tender, take off heat and drain water. In another fry pan or sauté pan, on medium high heat, sauté olive oil, garlic and
mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes. Add Green Beans and toss. Serve Hot.

Calories: 50 Protein: 2 g Fat: 5 g Carbohydrates: 5 g Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 1 Fat
*Calculated with a Weight Watcher calculator
Source:Better Homes and Gardens

Chicken Stir Fry
Makes 4 servings
Weight Watcher Points – 5 Points

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 bag (16 oz.) BIRDS EYE frozen Farm Fresh Mixtures Broccoli, Carrots
& Water Chestnuts
Hot cooked rice (optional)

Cut chicken into 1/2-inch-thick long strips. In wok or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce and orange juice; blend well and set aside. Add vegetables to chicken; cook 5 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink in center, stirring occasionally. Stir in soy sauce mixture; cook 1 minute or until heated through. Serve over rice if desired.

Calories 299 Protein 38 gm Carbohydrate 11 gm Total Fat 8 gm Saturated Fat 2 gm cholesterol 96 mg Dietary Fiber 4 gm
*Calculated with a Weight Watcher calculator
Points do not not include rice.

Southwestern Tator Tot Casserole
Makes 4 servings
Weight Watcher Points - 6 Points*

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup white onion, chopped
1 pound frozen tator tots
1 can low fat cream of mushroom soup
1 small can mild chiles

Brown onion and ground beef in nonstick skillet. Drain off excess fat. Place hamburger and onion mixture in casserole dish. Place tator tots on top of mixture. Add mushroom soup and chiles on top of tator tots. Cover and bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Calories 270 fat 8g Fiber 2g Carbohydrate 21g Cholesterol 87mg Sodium 683mg
*Calculated with a Weight Watcher calculator

Mexican Chicken
Makes 4 servings
Weight Watcher Points - 6 points*

4 (3 ounce) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1 cup fat free cheddar cheese cracker crumbs
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Coat chicken breasts with yogurt. Combine cracker crumbs and taco seasoning. Dredge chicken in mixture. Place in baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Calories 300 fat 14g fiber 0g Carbohydrate 39g Cholesterol 74mg Sodium 695mg
*Calculated with a Weight Watcher calculator

Hey Nancy & Y'all,
Me again! Lisa E TX-I love the sauce recipes and plan to give them a try with baked chicken and pork tenderloin, but could you please post that blackberry cobbler recipe that you mentioned? I have been looking for a good cobbler recipe for a while with no luck. I have seen a ton of them, and have grandma and mama's, but they have all the mush in the middle. I want one like the Mrs. Smith pies or the great cobblers you get in lunchrooms where it is crust, crust, filling and fruit (like the pie filling in the can) but with homemade ingredients. I hate all the flour and milk mush in the middle-anyone have something like that?
Thanks, Mimi ^..^

Hi Nancy, First I want to thank you for all you do. I know we all appreciate you more than you can ever know.

My request is to Patricia Griffith in KY in the January 18th newsletter who has low-carb, etc. recipes. I would also appreciate getting them as my husband has been diagnosed as a diabetic. He also had a heart attack and triple by-pass surgery. Therefore we have to now eat everything low -- fat, sodium and carbs. The good news is he is doing great. Just have a checkup and came thru with flying colors. Thanks again Nancy, for all you do.
bonyfingers

Hello Nancy & Gang,
To Debbie in AZ-I have some pretty good Valentine recipes, but could you tell me what type you are looking for-kids, sweetheart, romantic or fun? I have some of both and would be happy to post them.

The chips are a tv treat I came up with last night and would be great with dip, salads or soups in place of crackers (and are lower in fat and calories!). The cobbler was a throw together experiment that turned out good. Both are more a method than recipe and you can use any variation I would think and are quick and easy. You can keep the ingredients on hand last minute company or pot luck. Let me know how they work for you if anyone tries them, please.

Patio Chips
Make 32 chips
4 burrito size flour tortilla
1 T ranch dressing mix-dry
1 t cumin
Olive oil

Preheat oven 375 degrees F. Cut tortillas into 8 wedges (like a pie) and spray or brush with olive oil on both sides. Lay on a large baking sheet in a single layer as you oil them. Mix dressing and cumin and sprinkle on chips. I put a very light sprinkle of salt and pepper on mine, but you can omit this if you like. Bake for about 5 min or until just turning golden-they will brown on both sides if oil is on the bottom. Remove and let cool. Some of mine didn't brown, but were crisp when cooled and tasted good. Store in Ziploc.

Double or triple recipe, and use any combination and amount of seasonings. Next time I am trying dill, garlic and Parmesan to go with potato chowder!

Humble Pie
This will be a good ending to that soup and day old bread meal-lol!

1 c buttermilk baking mix
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c cold butter
1/4 c half & half
1/4 t vanilla flavoring
2-21 oz cans any flavor fruit pie filling

Mix baking mix and sugar in a bowl and cut in butter with a pastry blender. Add cream and vanilla. Shape dough into a ball, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. The last 15 minutes of time the dough is chilling, preheat oven to 375*. Pour pie filling into a buttered 8x8 pyrex dish and heat in oven for at least 10 minutes. Remove dough and roll out on a floured board, and place on top of hot fruit. Bake 25 minutes or golden. Brush top immediately with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with sugar.

**I used apple pie filling and mixed a dash of cinnamon into apples before baking-it was awesome plain, but DH says he wants vanilla ice cream with it next time! The tiny bit of leftovers we had were just as good microwaved today!
Mimi ^..^ in chilly AL

Lisa (East Texas) requested a recipe for breakfast which could be made ahead of time. This recipe could be made, cut into serving size pieces, wrapped and kept in fridge. It reheats beautifully in the microwave. And I might add, we think this is delicious.

Make Ahead Breakfast Bake
1 lb. bulk sausage
Green peppers and onions chopped to taste or could be omitted
4 slices bread, cut into 1/2" cubes
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
8 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
(Skim milk and lo-fat cheese okay)

Crumble sausage in medium skillet and if using, add chopped onions and green peppers; cook over medium heat until browned, stirring often-drain well. Spread bread cubes in buttered 13x9" casserole dish; top with sausage mixture and cheese.
Combine eggs, milk and seasonings; beat well and pour over cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 375 degrees about 45 minutes or until set.
Susie in Arkansas

Also, I've gotten behind in some of my newsletters and would be grateful if someone could tell me which one Tona's Pineapple Pecan Cake appeared in. My husband's birthday is Feb. 9th and his favorite cake in Pineapple Upside Down cake so I thought maybe I could make it a little fancier with her recipe. Thanks to anyone who can help me.
Elaine in Ohio

Help.....could someone please tell me what newsletter "Egg McMom" was it....sure would appreciate it.

Have a wonderful day (or night) wherever you may be.
Fran in FL

Nancy, you are a peach, and I don't think we all fully appreciate all the time and effort you go thru to bring us this letter-Thank You. I know I have spent untold hours-however, joyfully-typing and adding recipes to my software-it is work, but I love it.
Becky

In the newsletter of Jan 15th someone wrote in for a recipe for a hot quick breakfast for her hubby. I could not find a name, but here is a great recipe you might like to try.

Quick Breakfast
20 large flour tortillas
12 eggs beaten
2 cups shredded cheese-your choice
salt and pepper to taste

Options (Use one or more of these)
1 pound of sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups diced ham
1 onion chopped and cooked
1 1/2 cups of chopped mushrooms sautéed
2 cups hash brown potatoes - browned
1 cup salsa

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add cheese, salt and pepper and stir in any combination of optional ingredients you want. Pour egg mixture into a large skillet and scramble over medium heat until eggs are done. Remove from heat.

Warm tortillas according to package directions so they are soft enough to roll. I usually microwave them 4 at a time on a plate covered with a wet paper towel. Place several spoonsful of egg mixture along center of tortilla and roll up burritos style. Wrap each burrito individually in wax paper and place in a large freezer bag. Store in freezer. To serve: place burrito in its wax paper wrapping in the microwave and cook on defrost setting for about 2 1/2 minutes until hot. Before wrapping your burrito you can add more cheese if you like.
Enjoy Darlene West Lafayette, IN.

Hi Nancy;
I hope all is well with you and the furry assistants. We are under a snow storm watch here, it has been snowing for 2 days and the forecast is for more to come. I'm glad my pantry is well stocked as I don't plan on going anywhere until it stops and the plows have been out and working.

This recipe is for Alice in Illinois who wanted a white bread recipe for the bread machine. I have made this one many times. Good as a slice of bread, toasted or for sandwiches.
Betty in Canada.

White Bread for 1-1/2lb or 2 lb. machine
1-1/4 cups warm water (about 85*F)
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1-1/2 tsps salt
2 tbsp white sugar
3 cups best for bread white flour
1-1/2 tsp bread machine or quick rising yeast

Place ingredients in machine bread pan, in order stated by the manufacturer.
(I have listed them in the order I use them).
Use white bread cycle.

Hi all, I just thought I'd tell you that today was a Nancy day at our house. Started with the Sausage-egg Muffins from GrannyM (I added some baking mix to them) and finished with the Baked Macaroni and Cheese (which has become a household favorite) and finished with Hot Dog Bun Pudding! Everything was very good and will be "keepers" for years to come!
Sue in Fl

Hello
Does anyone have a great Bran Muffin recipe?
Fran, Upstate New York

HI All :)
I wanted to send in one of my favorite healthy meals :) Also Nancy, thank you so much for the Prepared Pantry article!! A lot of good tips there!!
GINA -In Indiana

Diet Coke Chicken
4-5 skinless boneless chicken breasts (20oz)
1 Cup Ketchup
1-12 oz. Can of Diet Cola

Put chicken in a non-stick skillet. Pour ketchup and diet cola over the chicken. Turn heat to Medium high and cook chicken for 45 mins stirring occasionally. Cover reduce heat to simmer and cook another 15-20 mins. Remove lid and cook until sauce thickens and sticks to
chicken. Sauce will taste like BBQ and the chicken is very tender.

Note You can also make shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches with this. Simply use 2 forks and pull the chicken apart about 15 mins before it's finished cooking. You could also to add some black pepper and diced onions to my cola chicken right when I start to cook it.

VARIATIONS
add a packet of dry onion soup mix to it.
Add mushrooms, onion, peppers, etc.

Orange soda and some ginger and garlic.
Turned into an oriental flavored dish.

Diet Dr Pepper instead of diet cola

Barbeque sauce rather than ketchup.

Pork Chops instead of chicken
Sausage instead of chicken

Diet coke with lime (instead of plain diet coke) and salsa (instead of ketchup) same measurements
Serves: 5

My family loves anything with lime in it. These are TNT recipes we love.

Lime Pie
1-1/4 c. applesauce
1 (3 oz.) pkg. lime gelatin
1 tsp. lime juice
1 baked pie shell
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. evaporated milk, whipped
1 tsp. lemon juice

Heat the applesauce, add gelatin and sugar. Dissolve and cool. Add evaporated milk, whipped. Pour into baked pie shell and chill.

Variation: Cool Whip may be substituted for the evaporated milk.

Key Lime Pie
1 can sweetened condensed milk
4 eggs, separated
1/2 c. fresh key lime juice

Mix together condensed milk, 4 egg yolks and lime juice. Beat 1 egg white stiff and fold into above mixture. Pour into baked pie shell. Beat 3 egg whites stiff and gradually add 6 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar. Pour onto top of pie filling and spread to edges. Bake at 350 degrees until egg whites are golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve chilled; refrigerated.
Serves 8.
Karen in TX

Spinach Salad with Lime Dressing
1 bunch clean spinach leaves
5 or 6 green onions, thinly sliced
1 c. bean sprouts
1 (8 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 c. slivered almonds
Lime poppy seed dressing

Combine salad ingredients set aside. Whisk together the following

Lime Dressing
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon finely shredded lime peel
1 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground mace.

Pour over salad. Toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Karen in TX

Chicken with Lime Marinade
1/2 c. lime juice
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 tsp. tarragon
1 tsp. onion salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Combine ingredients and brush over two chickens, cut into pieces. Marinate 2 to 3 hours.
Karen in TX

I was going to a party and taking the potato chips. We had bad weather so we had lots and lots of potato chips leftover. Here are a few recipes I used them with and still have lots left. Does anyone have any other recipes where I can use all the potato chips.
Sue

Chicken with Potato Chips
4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup butter, melted
Dash black pepper
1 (4 oz.) pkg. potato chips, crushed (I like the BBQ chips or other flavored chips as well)

Dip chicken in butter. Mix pepper and potato chips. Roll chicken in potato chips and place on baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour at 375 without turning. Moist inside and crunchy on the outside.
Sue

Shrimp and Scallop Casserole
1 lb. cooked shrimp
1 pt. scallops
1 c. saltine cracker crumbs
1 c. Pringle potato chip crumbs
1 stick melted butter

Place shrimp in 9x12 glass buttered dish. In a bowl combine ground scallops seasoned with garlic salt, onion salt, celery salt. Mix in crumbs and stick of melted butter. Add approximately 2 tablespoons milk, enough to make mixture fluffy. Spread mixture over shrimp. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cut in squares to serve.
Serves 4-6.
Sue

Tuna Casserole
1 (6 oz.) can tuna
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. potato chip crumbs
1 box macaroni & cheese
1 can garden peas

Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed. Place in greased baking dish. Layer garden peas, chicken soup and potato chip crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Sue

Hashbrown Casserole with Potato Chips
1 (32 oz.) pkg. frozen hash browns
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 c. grated cheese, med. cheddar
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pt. sour cream
1/4 tsp. salt and pepper
1/2 c. melted margarine, divided
1/2 c. potato chip crumbs

Mix 1/4 cup of the melted margarine with the cornflakes or chip crumbs; set aside. Mix remaining ingredients and the remaining 1/4 cup of oleo. Put into 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle crumb mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Sue

I made these cookies yesterday for the first time. Not sure where I got the recipe as I've had it for a while but have meaning to try it. Made a sample batch for our Super Bowl party and will definitely be making them for the party. They are really good. I love peanut butter cookies, and Milk Duds are my favorite movie candy, so the combo really works for me. Hope some of you will try them and let know what you think of them.
Have a great day.
Lisa (East Texas)

Milk Dud Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup Milk Duds (3.4 oz)
turbinado sugar (can use regular sugar, but I always use turbinado with peanut butter cookies)

Beat first 4 ingredients until fluffy. Add egg. Mix. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Chill dough. Roll into 1" balls. Press Milk Dud into center. Roll back into ball. Roll each ball in turbinado
sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet 2" apart. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Cool 1-2 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.

Linda NM posted her salmon patties. I was amazed at how similar it is to my TNT recipe that I have made for years. The only difference is that I use all the juice saved from the salmon.
I cannot tell you how light and tasty they are. You just need to try them once and if you like salmon croquettes, you will be sold! My recipe is below.

Salmon Croquettes
Serves 6

1 can salmon (15-16 oz), drain reserving the juice
1 egg
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
Reserved juice from Salmon

Empty salmon in mixing bowl. Add 1 egg. Mix well with fork. Add 1/2 cup flour and mix in well. In measuring cup: to the 1/2 cup reserved juice, add 1 tsp. baking powder and allow to fizz. Makes about 3/4 cups. Add to salmon and mix well. Drop in spoonfuls in deep fat. I use a teaspoon for this. Fry until a golden brown. This only takes minutes to fry. Enjoy!
Sara in FL

Hi Nancy/Members
I am sorry I did not note names before I went to answer the letter. So for the person with the two cats, male and female where the male uses the litter box and female does not. Sometimes cats will not share especially if they are male and female. You need a separate box for the female and hope the male does not use it. She just does not like going in the same place the male goes and I think this is quite common.

And for the person who got the kitten and is staying in just one room. Be patient, he or she will come out on its own. Cats are curious and in time will need to explore. It is scared right now.
Carolyn, Rochester, New York

To Laurie~ Muskegon, MI who has a problem with one cat not using the litter box. Some cats will not use a box that another cat is using. Give her a different one and try that. I know from experience that they will not use the box if they have a bladder infection. I don't remember why. That was years ago and my cat is gone but not forgotten.

Hello Nancy and furry associates.
Just a comment to Laurie that has the kitty that wont use the litter box.. She might just want her own box. Cats often don't want to share a litter box. Put a box for her in another area and coax her to use it. Make sure the male cat doesnt use it. Its just a thought.
Love the newsletter and all the great recipes.
Barb in WNY

Jan. 19,2008
This is for Laurie in Muskegon, Mi. regarding her female cat refusing to use the litter box. I have a very good Cat book. I looked up House soiling:
A cat that soils floors or furniture may be suffering from a urinary problem that requires veterinary treatment. If the cat is otherwise healthy, it may be a sign of stress.Do not scold or strike the cat. Provide it with a clean litter box until the problem is resolved. Deter the cat from soiling in the same place again be covering the spot with tin foil or plastic sheeting.
Hope this helps.
Thank You Nancy for all you do. I love your site.
Gail in Minnesota

To Laurie in Muskegon, MI - I would take your kitten to the vet. Cats are really good about using their litter box unless there is something wrong with them. We have had several cats over the years and the only time they have had accidents was when something was wrong.
Karen in CA

To Laurie in Muskegon, MI - female kitten won't use litter box.

There are several reasons that miss kitty may refuse to use box. May have urinary tract infection or other medical cause - may associate pain from that as being from box. Make the vet a priority to rule this out.

Doesn't like the smell or feel of the litter being used. Try something different.

Box not clean enough - may smell from waste or even residue from cleaning products. Some kitties are very sensitive. Wash well, rinse, dry and I always used a good dose of baking soda in the very bottom to absorb odors. My female wouldn't "go" outside, but wait for the box to be cleaned and rush in to use the box. Made my DH crazy.
4. Doesn't like to share a box - get her one of her on.

Hope you soon find the answer. Good Luck.
Cheryl, Charlotte

Hi Nancy and all Nancylanders! I have a question for you. We found a stray kitten on New Years eve. He is a great kitten, sweet as can be. Our problem is, He will use the litterbox to go #1, but Not #2. He would rather go in my bathtub!!! (granted its better than on my carpet) We tried putting the litterbox in the bathtub, but He looked at me like I was stupid, and proceded to wait until I was out of the bathroom, and went #2 BESIDE the litterbox. I don't know what to do?! Does anyone have any advice for me?
Chrissy from GA

Ok white stains happen when moisture gets trapped under a finish by heat, NOT a problem-----Baby oil and cigar ashes. Cigarette ashes are good also ---just rub the stain with that mixture slowly not much pressure and you will see the stain slowly disappear.