I’ve been making my own cleaners lately and they’re simple recipes made from vegetarian ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. I scent my Drain Cleaner with high quality, pure essential oils which make everything smell better. (Pure lemon oil is also a great astringent, which makes it a nice addition to cleaning products.) 3 INGREDIENT DRAIN CLEANER Baking s … [Read more...] about Easy Homemade Drain Cleaner
Recipes
Caffeine-Free DIY Chai
Right now I want a strong flavored hot drink, but I'm all full up on caffeine and looking for something hearty without caffeine. Homemade chai is the perfect solution. Plus this drink is festive and goes well with the New Year. I've had this caffeine-free recipe since the 1970s, long before chai became popular here in the US. We called it Yogi Tea then. I served this to my … [Read more...] about Caffeine-Free DIY Chai
DIY Laundry Detergent
I have been making my own kitchen cleaners for years but it never occurred to me until recently to make other kinds of every day home products as well. I’ve always used essential oils around the house but only recently began buying the really high quality, truly pure kind that actually retain their medicinal and/or cleansing properties. The more I began experimenting with oi … [Read more...] about DIY Laundry Detergent
Making the End of Summer Salad
I'm always looking for ways to eat more greens. When I couldn't find a salad mix at my local co-op, I realized I could make my own. I used beet greens, arugula and leaf lettuce because they were what I had on hand. I didn't think I liked raw beet greens until I created this salad. Try them when they are young and fresh. I tore the beet greens and arugula off their stems, and … [Read more...] about Making the End of Summer Salad
Cucumber Gazpacho
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
Crispy Quinoa Cakes
Quinoa is good in any season, but I often make it with lentil soup and greens when it's cold outside. I may add some grilled salmon, but the quinoa cakes are a great main dish. Cooking with quinoa is still new to me. I've eaten quinoa as a side dish like rice, added it to salads, and had quinoa cakes at a local restaurant, but it wasn't until I made these Crispy Quinoa Cakes … [Read more...] about Crispy Quinoa Cakes
Playing with Wet Squishy Things
Making mud pies is about the simplest and most satisfying thing you and your child can do. So is squishing mud between your toes. Here are some recipes for other squishy substances you and your child can sink your hands into--but don't forget about good old backyard mud. Plus some bubble recipes for "clean-up" afterwards. COOKED PLAYDOUGH 2 cups flour 1 cup salt, … [Read more...] about Playing with Wet Squishy Things
Make Your Own Mead
I shared the last of my vanilla mead last month with friends who have educated palates, and they were all favorably impressed. Even though it was young, it wasn’t immature: tangible notes of vanilla, caramel, light floral and a taste of apricot. Meads are notoriously slow to ferment, which is why I get the ball rolling by adding extra sugar. The last time I used this me … [Read more...] about Make Your Own Mead
Creamy Carrot Soup
This is such a good fall soup and very easy to make, plus it's gluten and dairy free. I like it spicy so I always add crushed red pepper, black pepper and salt to mine. It’s already a little spicy because of the ginger so I would add the additional spices slowly at the end and taste it as you do so. Here are the ingredients: carrots potatoes coconut milk veggie br … [Read more...] about Creamy Carrot Soup