Do you know how expensive real vanilla extract is? It is usually $9+ for a 4 ounce bottle! Yes, that is expensive when almost every recipe in the day calls for it!
Do you realize how easy it is to make?
Pretty darn easy!! Two ingredients is all you need!!
1/4 pound (about 20-24) of Vanilla Beans
A bottle of organic vodka (yes a bottle, about 36 ounces worth).
Also get a quart sized Mason jar
Here is the hard part of this wonderful recipe:
1st cut the vanilla beans into about half inch sections
Fill the Mason jar up with Vodka
Let it sit for about a month!
Shake it often to stir the ingredients and it helps pull the paste out of the beans.
The best thing about this is how cheap it is!! I can get amount 36 ounces of homemade organic extract for about $30 vs store bought extract 36 ounces for over $80.
Wait, how did I get 36 ounces of extract if I only fill 24 ounce Mason jar??
This is such a great way to expand your extract, once you start to use about 1/4 of the extract, add in the additional vodka!! Yes, seriously people! I have been adding vodka for over a year now!
For a richer, deeper flavor use half vodka and half bourbon. This is what I am using now, its not bad, its richer in flavor for sure!
In addition, the longer it sits the better it gets, well to a point! I wouldn't let is sit longer than a year. It can stay for couple of years in a dark, cool place.
I have started two mason jars now. One that is its "sitting" phase while the other is readily available. We use a lot of vanilla.
These also make great holiday gifts.
Be sure to read more information about the variety of Vanilla Beans!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Homemade Organic Ricotta Cheese
I absolutely love ricotta cheese! It is wonderful in many Italian recipes and a substitute for cottage cheese. Here is a a few recipes from Bon Appetit, in addition to the mundane add-in for lasagna or calzones.
The best thing about ricotta cheese, besides the wonderful flavor, is how fast and easy it is to make! There is only 4 ingredients for a basic ricotta.
4 cups of organic or raw whole milk
2 cups of organic heavy whipping cream or cream from raw milk
1 TEAspoon of organic salt or Celtic Sea Salt
3 TABLEspoons of Organic White Wine Vinegar or Organic Lemon Juice (or fresh squeezed)
First, I would get your cheese clothe prepared. Dampen the cheese clothe and place in sieve or fine mesh strainer. You can also you coffee filters in a fine mesh strainer.
Next, add the milk, heavy cream and salt into a stainless steal pot. Bring the mixture to a FULL boil on MEDIUM heat, stir occasionally. Once you reach the full boil, turn the heat off and add the vinegar.
Let the mixture set for a few minutes to allow for curdling. The curds and whey (just like Little Bo Peep) should begin to separate. Finally, pour the mixture into the cheese clothe mechanism from the first step. Allow it to drain the remaining whey for about 20-30 minutes. The longer it sits, the thicker it will become. If the liquid whey begins to touch your sieve or strainer, pour it in another bowl (keep your whey)!
After it is done sitting, pour the finished ricotta in a bowl. I like to add dried Italian herbs to mine for a savory flavor or honey and cinnamon for a sweet flavor! If you do not want to use immediately, place in a covered bowl inside the refrigerator. It should last for about 5 days.
Yes, it is that simple, that fast and oh so delish!
Enjoy!!
The best thing about ricotta cheese, besides the wonderful flavor, is how fast and easy it is to make! There is only 4 ingredients for a basic ricotta.
4 cups of organic or raw whole milk
2 cups of organic heavy whipping cream or cream from raw milk
1 TEAspoon of organic salt or Celtic Sea Salt
3 TABLEspoons of Organic White Wine Vinegar or Organic Lemon Juice (or fresh squeezed)
First, I would get your cheese clothe prepared. Dampen the cheese clothe and place in sieve or fine mesh strainer. You can also you coffee filters in a fine mesh strainer.
Next, add the milk, heavy cream and salt into a stainless steal pot. Bring the mixture to a FULL boil on MEDIUM heat, stir occasionally. Once you reach the full boil, turn the heat off and add the vinegar.
Let the mixture set for a few minutes to allow for curdling. The curds and whey (just like Little Bo Peep) should begin to separate. Finally, pour the mixture into the cheese clothe mechanism from the first step. Allow it to drain the remaining whey for about 20-30 minutes. The longer it sits, the thicker it will become. If the liquid whey begins to touch your sieve or strainer, pour it in another bowl (keep your whey)!
After it is done sitting, pour the finished ricotta in a bowl. I like to add dried Italian herbs to mine for a savory flavor or honey and cinnamon for a sweet flavor! If you do not want to use immediately, place in a covered bowl inside the refrigerator. It should last for about 5 days.
Yes, it is that simple, that fast and oh so delish!
Enjoy!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Am I too intesense?
I often wonder if I am too intense on some important matters to me. I come on strong, I am like a storm passing a small ship in the middle of the ocean, I want people to hear me. No, I don't want them to hear me, I want them to understand the importance of what I am saying to them.
My husband tells me, "You talk too much, you are too much for people to handle." Perhaps, just perhaps, he is correct. Yet, when you have so much passion, so much rage for this matter; and so much concern for the neighbor down the street, or the young mother, or even a complete stranger; how do you hold it in? What is this, in which I talk about? Our food, our way of living, our health, and our freedoms.
I use to think that eating locally is the best thing to do. Then I learned about this powerful product called GMO's. Wow, was I wrong. The more I learn, the more I question, the more I begin to understand. I feel like I am single handily fighting a battle to save everyone from this horrible monster. In some ways, I am.
The thing is, Americans are lazy. Yes, I said it! We can not be "inconvenienced" to cook our own meals, to read labels, to fight for what is important. After all, American Idol is on. We don't care about what is in our food, as long has it taste good. After all, it is not affecting me, I am fine. Yes, that is the attitude of so many people I know!
But it does affect you, it affects everyone! Do you have a friend or loved one that cannot have a baby due to infertility issues? What about cancer, has that touched someone you know? Liver disease? Leaking gut? Mental issues? Weight gain? Allergies? Do you still think it doesn't affect you? Now think of the health cost associated with all of these issues. What about the environment?
Monstato, a chemical company responsible for PCBs, Agent Orange, bovine growth hormones, Aspertame, petrochemical plastics, herbicides and now your food with GMO's. If you think your food is not contaminated, think again.
Go into your cabinet, pull out a box of anything. If it has any form of corn, canola, soy, cotton, sugar, dairy, meat, or yeast, it is most likely a GMO. Yes, meat and dairy. If the animal was fed GMO crops it does not break down, it will be in your diet. Studies find newborn babies with GMO's in their blood.
So, yes, I get extremely passionate about this discussion. Everyone should! EVERYONE!!!
I become irate when my children are fed GMO's. Do you see why I get crazy when my child is poisoned! I no longer trust anyone with my children, (well a few selected people, who are like me). I will go out of my way to feed them GOD's food, not mans!
Also, when did it start being ok to offer children crappy poisoned food; yet when a parent does the right thing, by offering healthy foods, its wrong? Seriously!! I do not "abuse" my children, or not let them be children, due to the fact I feed them non-GMO foods. No, it should be the other way around. If you stuff a child with fast food, boxed foods and candy all day, without anything healthy, that parent is "abusing" them. It is causing harm to their bodies, to their minds and is setting them up for failure to recognize the importance of nutrition.
Most people would not dare to give sugar water to their car instead of gas. The car needs the right "nutrition" to run. It is the same thing with humans, we need our right "nutrition".
Now go to youtube and search GMOS, watch the various videos. Learn, understand and become passionate.
You can still enjoy life without GMO's, you will become healthier without GMO's, you will make a difference! Become passionate like me, get a belly full of fire for the important issue at hand.
Here is a shopping guide. Just because they are local, does not mean they are GMO-free. Ask if they use GMO seeds, if they use pesticides, ask what they feed their animals, ask away. The more you inquire the more they will consider. Once you find a GMO-free farmer, buy from them all the time and tell your friends. Support your local organic farmer, they need it the most.
I love this cookbook. It has pictures, easy to read with wonderful foods.
My husband tells me, "You talk too much, you are too much for people to handle." Perhaps, just perhaps, he is correct. Yet, when you have so much passion, so much rage for this matter; and so much concern for the neighbor down the street, or the young mother, or even a complete stranger; how do you hold it in? What is this, in which I talk about? Our food, our way of living, our health, and our freedoms.
I use to think that eating locally is the best thing to do. Then I learned about this powerful product called GMO's. Wow, was I wrong. The more I learn, the more I question, the more I begin to understand. I feel like I am single handily fighting a battle to save everyone from this horrible monster. In some ways, I am.
The thing is, Americans are lazy. Yes, I said it! We can not be "inconvenienced" to cook our own meals, to read labels, to fight for what is important. After all, American Idol is on. We don't care about what is in our food, as long has it taste good. After all, it is not affecting me, I am fine. Yes, that is the attitude of so many people I know!
But it does affect you, it affects everyone! Do you have a friend or loved one that cannot have a baby due to infertility issues? What about cancer, has that touched someone you know? Liver disease? Leaking gut? Mental issues? Weight gain? Allergies? Do you still think it doesn't affect you? Now think of the health cost associated with all of these issues. What about the environment?
Monstato, a chemical company responsible for PCBs, Agent Orange, bovine growth hormones, Aspertame, petrochemical plastics, herbicides and now your food with GMO's. If you think your food is not contaminated, think again.
Go into your cabinet, pull out a box of anything. If it has any form of corn, canola, soy, cotton, sugar, dairy, meat, or yeast, it is most likely a GMO. Yes, meat and dairy. If the animal was fed GMO crops it does not break down, it will be in your diet. Studies find newborn babies with GMO's in their blood.
So, yes, I get extremely passionate about this discussion. Everyone should! EVERYONE!!!
I become irate when my children are fed GMO's. Do you see why I get crazy when my child is poisoned! I no longer trust anyone with my children, (well a few selected people, who are like me). I will go out of my way to feed them GOD's food, not mans!
Also, when did it start being ok to offer children crappy poisoned food; yet when a parent does the right thing, by offering healthy foods, its wrong? Seriously!! I do not "abuse" my children, or not let them be children, due to the fact I feed them non-GMO foods. No, it should be the other way around. If you stuff a child with fast food, boxed foods and candy all day, without anything healthy, that parent is "abusing" them. It is causing harm to their bodies, to their minds and is setting them up for failure to recognize the importance of nutrition.
Most people would not dare to give sugar water to their car instead of gas. The car needs the right "nutrition" to run. It is the same thing with humans, we need our right "nutrition".
Now go to youtube and search GMOS, watch the various videos. Learn, understand and become passionate.
You can still enjoy life without GMO's, you will become healthier without GMO's, you will make a difference! Become passionate like me, get a belly full of fire for the important issue at hand.
Here is a shopping guide. Just because they are local, does not mean they are GMO-free. Ask if they use GMO seeds, if they use pesticides, ask what they feed their animals, ask away. The more you inquire the more they will consider. Once you find a GMO-free farmer, buy from them all the time and tell your friends. Support your local organic farmer, they need it the most.
I love this cookbook. It has pictures, easy to read with wonderful foods.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Encouraging Reading is Easy!!
Do you have a child that does not want to read, or has trouble reading?
I am not an expert, by any means on teaching reading. I have taught only two children. Tyger was easy, at the age of 4, he started to read. He wanted to learn and nearly taught himself.
On the other spectrum is Sissy. She is the one that needs encouragement, there are days where she refuses to read and will even state she does not know the letter sounds. She is almost six, and yes she can sound out letters; however, she has no use for reading, she can get Tyger to read her anything!
So, how did I encourage her? I spoke to other mothers and they said to do a reading log with a prize. I did! I am sharing it with you. This is how we are doing ours. As the child reads a book, start at the top left box and work your way down the column. At the end is a trophy with a 10 on, that symbolizes that the child has read 10 books and gets to choose a prize out of the prize box. Then you would start on the next column, at the end it has a 20 trophy, and so forth. Once the child reaches 100 they get a big prize!
For Sissy, we are asking her to read the book aloud to us, these books are very simple. We are using the Hooked On Phonic books (we don't use the program), to help her gain confidence. Tyger, has to write a one paragraph report on the book to get his. This is mostly because he is reading the Magic Tree House Books and reads about two to three a day.
What about the prizes? We put a variety of items of fun things in the prize box. We have some organic candy, cheap bracelets, "coupons" for 20 minutes of TV, etc. For the big prize we are going to let them choose a fun activity for the family, such as going for a hike, picnic, etc. Do what fits best with your family. Each child has a different motivation factor.
You can use it how you would like, make it fun, encourage your children and read with them! Get involved in your local library and for goodness sake turn OFF the TV and video games!!!
Just go to this link to download your reading log! 100 Book Reading Log.
I am not an expert, by any means on teaching reading. I have taught only two children. Tyger was easy, at the age of 4, he started to read. He wanted to learn and nearly taught himself.
On the other spectrum is Sissy. She is the one that needs encouragement, there are days where she refuses to read and will even state she does not know the letter sounds. She is almost six, and yes she can sound out letters; however, she has no use for reading, she can get Tyger to read her anything!
So, how did I encourage her? I spoke to other mothers and they said to do a reading log with a prize. I did! I am sharing it with you. This is how we are doing ours. As the child reads a book, start at the top left box and work your way down the column. At the end is a trophy with a 10 on, that symbolizes that the child has read 10 books and gets to choose a prize out of the prize box. Then you would start on the next column, at the end it has a 20 trophy, and so forth. Once the child reaches 100 they get a big prize!
For Sissy, we are asking her to read the book aloud to us, these books are very simple. We are using the Hooked On Phonic books (we don't use the program), to help her gain confidence. Tyger, has to write a one paragraph report on the book to get his. This is mostly because he is reading the Magic Tree House Books and reads about two to three a day.
What about the prizes? We put a variety of items of fun things in the prize box. We have some organic candy, cheap bracelets, "coupons" for 20 minutes of TV, etc. For the big prize we are going to let them choose a fun activity for the family, such as going for a hike, picnic, etc. Do what fits best with your family. Each child has a different motivation factor.
You can use it how you would like, make it fun, encourage your children and read with them! Get involved in your local library and for goodness sake turn OFF the TV and video games!!!
Just go to this link to download your reading log! 100 Book Reading Log.
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