It's hot outside. This is the time of the year for cold soups and my favorite is Cucumber Gazpacho. Here are two easy recipes. QUICK EASY GAZPACHO 3 peeled cucumbers 3 pickled jalapeño slices. 3 Tablespoons sour cream or yogurt Big handful of cilantro Fresh mint (optional) Blend first 4 ingredients in a blender or Vitamix. Don't blend too much: keep the … [Read more...] about Cucumber Gazpacho
Food/DIY
Frugal Family Food
When it comes to groceries, there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Food is one of the top items in our budgets and it’s easy to spend too much. One of the ways to save money is to shop less frequently, like once a week. This involves some planning, but will definitely help stretch your food budget. Here are some other ideas. MAKE A LIST Prepare for shopping … [Read more...] about Frugal Family Food
DIY Natural Kitchen Cleanser
How about making your own natural cleanser from the ingredients you have in your kitchen? I've used this for years for my kitchen and bathroom sinks and the bathtub. It works well, smells great and is completely natural and non-toxic. Here are the three simple ingredients: 2 Cups Baking Soda 2/3 Cup Dried, Crushed Lemon Peel 15 drops Lemon Essential Oil Here's … [Read more...] about DIY Natural Kitchen Cleanser
Watermelon Feta Salad
You'll be unable to stop eating this sweet, salty, crunchy salad that cools you off on a hot summer day. It's delicious and easy to make. The amounts for each of the salad ingredients are estimates. Add more or less arugula, watermelon or feta depending on your taste. I personally like less arugula, lots of watermelon and a touch of feta. Make the dressing ahead if you want it … [Read more...] about Watermelon Feta Salad
Salmon with Red Chili Jelly
Here's a recipe for something different for your Memorial Day barbecue. It's grilled salmon basted with red chili jelly and lime. I live in Santa Fe where red and green chili are plentiful so I've learned to use red chili jelly as a flavorful marinate for and accompaniment to salmon, chicken or pork. THE INGREDIENTS 3 to 4 Tablespoons Red Chili Jelly 3 cloves garlic, … [Read more...] about Salmon with Red Chili Jelly
Celery is a Medicine
Did you know that celery is not only a food, but also an important medicinal herb? In Eastern medicine, celery’s bittersweet nature is used to balance hot and spicy dishes. It is a gentle stimulant that nourishes and restores weak conditions. Celery detoxifies the system and is a cleansing tonic. According to master herbalist, Nicholas Culpepper (1653), “The plant is one of the … [Read more...] about Celery is a Medicine
Dance Around Your DIY Maypole
Called Beltane in the Celtic tradition, May 1st is celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere as the beginning of Summer. One of the most endearing May Day traditions is dancing around the Maypole. A Maypole can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. It can be anything from cutting down a dead tree to dance around to just climbing an existing tree and decorating it with … [Read more...] about Dance Around Your DIY Maypole
Have an Earth-Friendly Easter
Wait! Before buying harsh, chemical egg dyes, and plastic eggs and grass, remember that Easter and Earth Day are just a few days apart. There are easy ways your family can celebrate this glorious season and still be good to Mother Earth. It can be as simple as raiding your crafting nook and spice drawer, and reading the ingredient labels on your Easter treats. For example, if … [Read more...] about Have an Earth-Friendly Easter
Full Moon Cabbage Wraps
Here's a tasty recipe for Cabbage Wraps from a new cookbook, Trading Dishes, by Chef Steven Ferneding. Trading Dishes is a collection of healthy recipes that take your family on an exotic adventure with food. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 WHAT YOU WILL NEED 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil 1 block of Tofu or 1 po … [Read more...] about Full Moon Cabbage Wraps
How to Eat What’s In Season
We know that it's best to eat locally and what's in season. But, with so much bounty at our grocery stores, it's hard to know what really is in season. Food in season will be sweeter and better tasting, as well as being more affordable. Of course, go to your local Farmer's Market to buy seasonal produce first hand or grow some yourself. Here's a simple guide to when popular … [Read more...] about How to Eat What’s In Season