“This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”
~Howard W. Hunter
Simple living for the modern world. whole food recipes, natural living, gardening, preserving, home remedies, and life skills taught.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Quinoa, have you tried it?
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wa) is an ancient grain that has made a real splash in the United States in the past few years. I think that the fact that it is easily and quickly cooked is part of the reason that it has become so popular. For years, people have associated whole grains with brown rice and other grains that take nearly an hour to cook stove top, therefore; whole grains seemed like too much work. Whatever the reason, quinoa is more readily available then ever. It is usually available in the bulk bins at grocery stores, but now is being found prepackaged in the isle with the rice. If you have not tried it yet, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Quinoa is quick easy to prepare.
Always rinse the quinoa before cooking. The seeds are naturally coated with saponin a slightly sticky substance that is bitter tasting. It is removed during processing, but sometimes there is some residue left. It is advisable to soak the seeds in cold water for 5 minutes then rinse well before cooking.
Cooking time is quick; about 15 minutes.
1 cup will yield 3 cups cooked.
1 part grain to 2 parts liquid is standard (some people will go a bit less on the liquid for a firmer texture)
basic cooked quinoa
1 cup quinoa
2 cups stock, water, or broth
In a medium saucepan, begin warming the liquid that you are going to use. While the liquid heats,
rinse the quinoa under cold running water for 2-3 minutes. Drain of any excess water.
Combine the quinoa and hot liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a medium low and cook until the liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Fluff with a fork before serving.
Quinoa seems to be a great substitute for rice in many households. It is finding it's way into casseroles, soups, salads, and desserts. Many people starting to get whole grains into their diet find quinoa appealing. Its light and creamy texture doe not scream "whole grain, or high fiber". It is a small grain that is easily added to dishes with little or no resistance from the clan. Parents and children alike seem to enjoy quinoa as it is added into the diet. If you have been thinking of adding more whole grains this is a good place to begin.
Additional resources:
savvy vegetarian (a great how to cook guide plus a question and answer section about the grain)
cooking quinoa
quinoa basics
Quinoa is quick easy to prepare. Cooking time is quick; about 15 minutes.
1 cup will yield 3 cups cooked.
1 part grain to 2 parts liquid is standard (some people will go a bit less on the liquid for a firmer texture)
basic cooked quinoa
1 cup quinoa
2 cups stock, water, or broth
In a medium saucepan, begin warming the liquid that you are going to use. While the liquid heats,
rinse the quinoa under cold running water for 2-3 minutes. Drain of any excess water.
Combine the quinoa and hot liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a medium low and cook until the liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Fluff with a fork before serving.
Quinoa seems to be a great substitute for rice in many households. It is finding it's way into casseroles, soups, salads, and desserts. Many people starting to get whole grains into their diet find quinoa appealing. Its light and creamy texture doe not scream "whole grain, or high fiber". It is a small grain that is easily added to dishes with little or no resistance from the clan. Parents and children alike seem to enjoy quinoa as it is added into the diet. If you have been thinking of adding more whole grains this is a good place to begin.
Additional resources:
savvy vegetarian (a great how to cook guide plus a question and answer section about the grain)
cooking quinoa
quinoa basics
Friday, December 14, 2012
Master cookie dough
Make several variations from one master cookie dough recipe.
I used to be quite adept at making cookies. It was one of the first things I learned to cook. I worked at an establishment where cookies were to be available every afternoon. Instead of creating two or three seperate batches of cookies, I made a basic cookie recipe. With the basic cookie batter/dough in hand, I could create several different kinds of cookies in and instant.
© Didden | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
BASIC COOKIE DOUGH
I really like this recipe because it is easy to handle. You roll the dough into balls. This is great to help in getting nice round beautiful cookies.
To make the basic cookie dough you will need
1/2 pound margarine (or you can use butter and 1 Tablespoon water)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups granulated sugar
Cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes) then add
3 eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla
5 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
mix all this together into quite a stiff batter
roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter
place about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets
bake in a 350 oven for 8-10 minutes on a middle rack
remove just as bottom and edges start to turn brown (You want them to still be chewey in the center).
Let the cookied cool on the pan for about 5 minutes to finish cooking and firm up, then remove from pan to finish cooling.
Once you have the basic dough creating many flavors is easy; divide the dough, then mix in extra ingredients, roll, and bake as in the basic recipe.
COOKIE DOUGH VARIATIONS (mix ins)
Chocolate chip
to half the master dough add
1/2-3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
buttersotch chip
to half the master dough add
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
maccadamia white chocolate
to half the master dough add
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
2-3 Tablespoons chopped maccadamia nuts
M&M
to half the master dough add
1/4 cup quick cooking oats
1/2-3/4 cup M&M candy coated chocolate peices
candycane /white chocolate chip
to half the master dough add
2 Tablespoon crushed candycane peices
1/2 cup white chocolate peices
Coconut
to half of the master cookie dough recipe add
1/2 cup coconut
Granola crunch
to half the master cookie dough recipe add
add 1/2 cup crushed granola clusters
cornflake
to half the master cookie dough add
1/2 Tablespoon milk
3/4 cup crushed cornflakes cereal
Oatmeal raisin graham
to half the master cookie dough recipe add
1 Tablespoon milk
1/4 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup raisins
peanut butter
to half of the master cookie dough recipe add
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoons chopped peanuts (optional)
roll into 1 inch balls, toss balls in sugar to coat. place on baking sheet and flatten with a fork, turn the pan halfway, and press with a fork again to create a crosshatch pattern.
cranberry orange (my favorite and most requested cookie recipe)
to half the master cookie dough recipe add
1/2 Tablespoon orange juice concentrate (can use straight from the freezer)
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/2-3/4 cup dried cranberries
cinnamon sugar (Similar to snickerdoodles) Not quite as good as the classic recipe I still use a classic recipe when I want real good snickerdoodles.
roll the dough into one inch balls then roll in a mix of
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon
caramel filled cookies
wrap the dough around a rolo (chocolate caramel candy)
you can also use other small miniature size chocoate candy bars
(snickers, milkyway etc.)
I love being able to divide the dough into parts quickly making several flavors. It makes it real easy to set up a holiday cookie tray this time of year. These recipes are for half the dough, It would be really easy to divide the dough in thirds and make three kinds of cookies. All you have to do is adjust the mix-ins a little, or leave it. (who cares if you have extra chocolate chips in the mix, some will add extra anyways).
HAPPY BAKING
I used to be quite adept at making cookies. It was one of the first things I learned to cook. I worked at an establishment where cookies were to be available every afternoon. Instead of creating two or three seperate batches of cookies, I made a basic cookie recipe. With the basic cookie batter/dough in hand, I could create several different kinds of cookies in and instant.
© Didden | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
BASIC COOKIE DOUGH
I really like this recipe because it is easy to handle. You roll the dough into balls. This is great to help in getting nice round beautiful cookies.
To make the basic cookie dough you will need
1/2 pound margarine (or you can use butter and 1 Tablespoon water)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups granulated sugar
Cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes) then add
3 eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla
5 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
mix all this together into quite a stiff batter
roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter
place about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets
bake in a 350 oven for 8-10 minutes on a middle rack
remove just as bottom and edges start to turn brown (You want them to still be chewey in the center).
Let the cookied cool on the pan for about 5 minutes to finish cooking and firm up, then remove from pan to finish cooling.
Once you have the basic dough creating many flavors is easy; divide the dough, then mix in extra ingredients, roll, and bake as in the basic recipe.
COOKIE DOUGH VARIATIONS (mix ins)
Chocolate chip
to half the master dough add
1/2-3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
buttersotch chip
to half the master dough add
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
maccadamia white chocolate
to half the master dough add
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
2-3 Tablespoons chopped maccadamia nuts
M&M
to half the master dough add
1/4 cup quick cooking oats
1/2-3/4 cup M&M candy coated chocolate peices
candycane /white chocolate chip
to half the master dough add
2 Tablespoon crushed candycane peices
1/2 cup white chocolate peices
Coconut
to half of the master cookie dough recipe add
1/2 cup coconut
Granola crunch
to half the master cookie dough recipe add
add 1/2 cup crushed granola clusters
cornflake
to half the master cookie dough add
1/2 Tablespoon milk
3/4 cup crushed cornflakes cereal
Oatmeal raisin graham
to half the master cookie dough recipe add
1 Tablespoon milk
1/4 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup raisins
peanut butter
to half of the master cookie dough recipe add
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoons chopped peanuts (optional)
roll into 1 inch balls, toss balls in sugar to coat. place on baking sheet and flatten with a fork, turn the pan halfway, and press with a fork again to create a crosshatch pattern.
cranberry orange (my favorite and most requested cookie recipe)
to half the master cookie dough recipe add
1/2 Tablespoon orange juice concentrate (can use straight from the freezer)
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/2-3/4 cup dried cranberries
cinnamon sugar (Similar to snickerdoodles) Not quite as good as the classic recipe I still use a classic recipe when I want real good snickerdoodles.
roll the dough into one inch balls then roll in a mix of
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon
caramel filled cookies
wrap the dough around a rolo (chocolate caramel candy)
you can also use other small miniature size chocoate candy bars
(snickers, milkyway etc.)
I love being able to divide the dough into parts quickly making several flavors. It makes it real easy to set up a holiday cookie tray this time of year. These recipes are for half the dough, It would be really easy to divide the dough in thirds and make three kinds of cookies. All you have to do is adjust the mix-ins a little, or leave it. (who cares if you have extra chocolate chips in the mix, some will add extra anyways).
HAPPY BAKING
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
handmade salami
Ground beef and a few spices turn into a wonderful treat for the holidays. It is so easy.....
To make your own salami
5 pounds ground beef (the fattier the better)
4 teaspoons Morton's tender quick curing salt (I easily found this at my local grocery store)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons mustard seed
2 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke
Mix spices and beef together let stand in the refrigerator for several hours
Roll the beef mix into 2 inch wide logs.
bake in a very slow oven 175 degrees for 8 hours.
Store tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to a month.
5 pounds ground beef (the fattier the better)
4 teaspoons Morton's tender quick curing salt (I easily found this at my local grocery store)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons mustard seed
2 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke
Mix spices and beef together let stand in the refrigerator for several hours
Roll the beef mix into 2 inch wide logs.
bake in a very slow oven 175 degrees for 8 hours.
Store tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to a month.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Easy flavored nuts
I love smoked almonds. Making your own is super easy with surprisingly few ingredients.
© Mickeyd600 | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
smoked garlic almonds
1 egg white
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons celery salt
2 cups whole raw almonds
Mix egg white and spices together
toss in the nuts. Strain off any excess egg mix
Spread nuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper
bake in a low 275 degree oven for 40 minutes stirring halfway through
Lemon spiced pecans
2 egg whites
2 Tablespoons lemon zest
mix together, then add
1 pound (4 cups pecan halves)
strain out the pecans to get rid of excess egg. Coat with spiced sugar mix
sugar mix
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice
bake on a parchement paper lined baking sheet in a low 250 degree oven for 35 minutes
© Dbvirago | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
Orange glazed pecans
1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
3 Tablespoons orange juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of cloves
a pinch of nutmeg
2 cups pecan halves
mix all but nuts in a medium saucepan. bring the mix to a boil stiring only once if needed to help disolve the sugar.
add the nuts, bringing it back to a boil without stirring.
Remove from the heat and stir to evenly coat the nuts.
Spread the nuts out on a greased baking sheet. Seperate the nuts with a fork. Let cool completely.
I enjoy making my own spiced nuts. They are so easy and you get a nice clean flavor. No artifical flavors or colors, no msg, just a nice flavorful healthy nut.
© Mickeyd600 | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
smoked garlic almonds
1 egg white
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons celery salt
2 cups whole raw almonds
Mix egg white and spices together
toss in the nuts. Strain off any excess egg mix
Spread nuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper
bake in a low 275 degree oven for 40 minutes stirring halfway through
Lemon spiced pecans
2 egg whites
2 Tablespoons lemon zest
mix together, then add
1 pound (4 cups pecan halves)
strain out the pecans to get rid of excess egg. Coat with spiced sugar mix
sugar mix
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice
bake on a parchement paper lined baking sheet in a low 250 degree oven for 35 minutes
© Dbvirago | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
Orange glazed pecans
1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
3 Tablespoons orange juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of cloves
a pinch of nutmeg
2 cups pecan halves
mix all but nuts in a medium saucepan. bring the mix to a boil stiring only once if needed to help disolve the sugar.
add the nuts, bringing it back to a boil without stirring.
Remove from the heat and stir to evenly coat the nuts.
Spread the nuts out on a greased baking sheet. Seperate the nuts with a fork. Let cool completely.
I enjoy making my own spiced nuts. They are so easy and you get a nice clean flavor. No artifical flavors or colors, no msg, just a nice flavorful healthy nut.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Super easy broccoli salad
This is a great salad. It may help children and others to try broccoli. Whats not to love, bacon and broccoli together YUM!
to make a basic broccoli salad you will need
1 large bunch broccoli washed, then cut or broken into bite sized pieces (about 2 cups)
6 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
3-4 green onions sliced thin (or 1/4 cup chopped red onion)
1/2 cup grated cheese
toss together in a bowl, add dressing and stir to coat.
dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
This is the basic salad.
Additional ingredients can be added depending on what you have on hand. some suggestions are
1 cup frozen green peas thawed
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 cup red grapes (halved)
This salad comes together very quickly and can be served right away or be held over until the next day.
to make a basic broccoli salad you will need
1 large bunch broccoli washed, then cut or broken into bite sized pieces (about 2 cups)
6 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
3-4 green onions sliced thin (or 1/4 cup chopped red onion)
1/2 cup grated cheese
toss together in a bowl, add dressing and stir to coat.
dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
This is the basic salad.
Additional ingredients can be added depending on what you have on hand. some suggestions are
1 cup frozen green peas thawed
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 cup red grapes (halved)
This salad comes together very quickly and can be served right away or be held over until the next day.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Getting Christ back into Christmas
This time of year is my favorite. One of my favorite things about the holidays is the Nativity. It makes me sad that Santa has overrun the real reason for Christmas. It used to be that people would put out nativity sets in their front yards, now it is rare to see a nativity except for the churches.
The Nativity is an integral part of our Christmas decor. We keep our decorations simple, with less Santa and more of a winter theme. We have several nativity sets including one handmade set that belongs to my husband. Having a nativity that the kids can play with, allows them to touch, feel, and experience the Christmas story in a real way.
© Welburnstuart | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
There are many other ways to get Christ back into the holiday season. I have listed a few ideas below.
Many people have an advent calender. One of my neighbors has a large advent calender and instead of little treats, they have a scripture to enjoy each day. It sounds like a wonderful idea to me.
The Music of Christmas! There are many beautiful Christ centered songs. Make sure you teach the children the songs of Christ's birth, they will learn plenty of Santa, snowmen and reindeer songs in school and other places. Fill your home with good Christmas songs, the messages will sink deep into their hearts.
Tell the stories of Christmas. There are so many great Christmas stories to share. Last year we were given twelve days of Christmas stories along with little treats. It was fun to share a treat and a story each night counting down to Christmas.
Serve. This is a great time to serve others. There are many opportunities to get out in your community and serve others this time of year. Some of my most memorable holiday moments are those of years when we served others.
Share the symbolism of our Christmas traditions. For example, the evergreen tree we decorate represents everlasting life. The candy cane represents the Shepard's crook and so on.
Slow down, worry less and worship more. Let the true spirit of Christmas overcome you this year.
additional resources
the holiday spot a history of christmas
happy home school activities to teach Christmas symbols
The Nativity is an integral part of our Christmas decor. We keep our decorations simple, with less Santa and more of a winter theme. We have several nativity sets including one handmade set that belongs to my husband. Having a nativity that the kids can play with, allows them to touch, feel, and experience the Christmas story in a real way. © Welburnstuart | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos
There are many other ways to get Christ back into the holiday season. I have listed a few ideas below.
Many people have an advent calender. One of my neighbors has a large advent calender and instead of little treats, they have a scripture to enjoy each day. It sounds like a wonderful idea to me.
The Music of Christmas! There are many beautiful Christ centered songs. Make sure you teach the children the songs of Christ's birth, they will learn plenty of Santa, snowmen and reindeer songs in school and other places. Fill your home with good Christmas songs, the messages will sink deep into their hearts.
Tell the stories of Christmas. There are so many great Christmas stories to share. Last year we were given twelve days of Christmas stories along with little treats. It was fun to share a treat and a story each night counting down to Christmas.
Serve. This is a great time to serve others. There are many opportunities to get out in your community and serve others this time of year. Some of my most memorable holiday moments are those of years when we served others.
Share the symbolism of our Christmas traditions. For example, the evergreen tree we decorate represents everlasting life. The candy cane represents the Shepard's crook and so on.
Slow down, worry less and worship more. Let the true spirit of Christmas overcome you this year.
additional resources
the holiday spot a history of christmas
happy home school activities to teach Christmas symbols
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