Preserving
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Sauerkraut (lacto fermented)
Homemade sauerkraut has a tangy spice and salt flavor. It is cabbage that has been fermented in a salt brine made from the juices the cabbage naturally makes. Sauerkraut is packed full of nutrients and probiotics that help heal the gut and strengthen immunity. It may even help improve heart heath, reduce heartburn (GERD), and support brain function. Start with a clean head of cabbage. Any color works fine but regular green cabbage is the go-to. I will usually do half of a head of cabbage at a time, using the other half for a meal. Shred up the cabbage into bite size pieces. Place into a large bowl or…
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Homemade Mayonnaise
Thick and creamy mayonnaise made with avocado oil. Homemade mayonnaise is healthier than store bought with the right ingredients. I use avocado oil, fresh pastured eggs, lemon juice and seasonings to taste. Learn how I mix it all together to make homemade mayonnaise. In a wide mouth jar or open container, add one cracked fresh egg. Add 1/2 cup of avocado oil. Using a hand blender/ immersion blender, place the blender blades at the bottom of the bowl. I use the Kitchenaid hand blender. Cover the egg with the blender blades and turn on the blender. Keep the blender at the bottom of the container and allow it to blend…
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Homemade Butter
Ever wonder how to make butter? It is actually easier than one may think. All that is required is a blender or stand mixer plus cream, The nicer the cream, the tastier the butter. I like to add Himalayan or sea salt to my homemade butter. However, it is also good with garlic and herbs! A quick little story my dad told my grandpa when they first met. Sitting down at the dinning room table, my dad was asked to say a prayer. Jokingly he said, "God bless the mice who fell into a bucket of cream. They swam and swam, almost ready to drown. Turning the cream into butter,…
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Homemade Craisins
Craisins are dehydrated cranberries that are soft and chewy like a raisin. I have bought them from the store to use in chicken salad and granola bars. But if I want to save money during the winter and want to know what exactly is in the craisin, I will make them myself with my dehydrator. It is actually simple and doesn't take much prep work. I love the sweet and tart combination of these homemade crainsins. I bought a bag of cranberries that was 12oz which is about 3 cups of cranberries. They shrink down to a little over a cup of craisins. Start by washing the fresh cranberries. Next…
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Preserving Fresh Salsa
Want to enjoy that summertime fresh salsa in the winter? Follow these steps to keep your cupboard full of delicious salsa made from your own kitchen. This is a water bath canning recipe using a mild salsa recipe made with fresh tomatoes, onion, peppers, garlic and a handful of spices. Start with my fresh salsa recipe. Try not to alter the tomato to pepper to onion ratio, as this is the right combination of acid for water bath canning. Only adjust the heat by switching the peppers to a spicier type, if needed, keeping the cupful's the same. I use 2 jalapenos in this recipe. For a spicier salsa, habanero…
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Fresh Salsa
Fresh salsa in the summer time with a handful of tortilla chips is a nice afternoon snack. I like to grow many types of tomatoes, peppers and onions. Mixing them together with garlic and other spices as a fresh salsa is just about perfect. All that is missing is a refreshing drink. This salsa is mild and a family favorite. Start by collecting many tomatoes, any kind will work. I mix them up and use all types, from slicing to Roma to cherry tomatoes. This recipe needs 10 cups of tomatoes diced. Wash tomatoes and cut off ends. Cut tomatoes into half or quarter pieces to check the inside for…
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Concord Grape Jelly
I have a grape vine that is very old and produces the tastiest concord grapes. Every year, in September, they are ready to harvest. With a bucket full of grapes to use, I make grape juice and, of course, delicious concord grape jelly. This concord grape jelly is sweet and full of grape flavor. I really like that this one is not too sweet like the store jelly that has way too much sugar. I like tasting the grape flavor and spreading it one toast and sandwiches. Start with picking and washing at least 4 quarts of grapes. Having too many is better than shorting yourself and not getting enough…
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Apricot Pepper Jelly
Sweet and spicy jelly perfect for covering cream cheese. During pepper season, I try to use up a lot of peppers in jellies. Some jellies will be spicier than others, substituting banana peppers for jalapenos or habaneros. While also mixing up some colors with onions and bell peppers. Use what you like or have on hand but stay consistent to the amount of pepper, onion and fruit quantities to have the right balance or acid in the jellies. This recipe is for apricot pepper jelly using banana peppers, red onion and green bell peppers. Cut dried apricots into small 1/4th inch size pieces. Place apricot pieces into a large heavy…
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Elderberry Syrup
Simple elderberry syrup made with honey. Elderberries are a great way to help boost the immune system and help your body fight illness. In the winter, a teaspoon a day will help prevent sickness. I like to take it before traveling or going new places to boost my immune system. It can even help reduce the recovery time if you are already sick. Elderberry syrup is also great in tea mixed with ginger, clove and citrus. Elderberries are naturally tart and require some cooking to eat. Uncooked elderberries can cause stomach upset and possible headaches. It is recommended to cook them for at 15 minutes before eating. While children can…
