Preserving
-
Root Beer using Sarsaparillas Root
Classic root beer is an earthy, medicinal and a refreshing tea like drink. Before 1960, root beer was made using either the sassafras tree root or the sarsaparilla root boiled into a tea. This tea was then mixed with a ginger bug to create a bubbly cool drink. Today, there are no companies in United Stated that make root beer with sassafras. I make the traditional root beer using sarsaparilla root and ginger bug. However, if you can find sassafras root bark, use that instead because it is very tasty. This root beer is healthy and full of probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that help improve gut, brain and immune…
-
Ginger Bug Starter
A ginger bug starter is a fermented liquid made out of sugar, ginger and water. It is packed full of probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that grow and support brain, gut and immune system health. Ginger bug is a naturally carbonated drink that is added to fruit or tea drinks to create that bubbly flavor. It is easy and may only take a few days to make. Ginger bug starter is made with fresh organic ginger, sugar or honey and filtered un-chlorinated water. It takes anywhere from 2-5 days to make depending on how fresh and organic the ginger is. Aim to find a ginger root with dirt still on…
-
Raw Milk Yogurt in the Oven
This yogurt is packed full of probiotics and made with real raw milk. It is thick and creamy with a Greek yogurt taste. I add honey and fresh fruit to sweeten it or use it as a sour cream substitute. All I use is raw milk and previously made yogurt as a culture. Plus no special tools, just a stovetop, oven, pot and towels. My family enjoys the benefits and taste of this raw milk yogurt. Whether you have a dairy cow or pick up raw milk at a local drop, this recipe works perfectly to use up and repurpose raw milk. I have not tested it with pasteurized milk…
-
Lacto Fermented Carrots
Carrots alone are very healthy and naturally sweet. Lacto fermented carrots are just as delicious but full of good bacteria called probiotics. All that is needed to make lacto fermented carrots is natural salt, filtered water, carrots and a container with lid. I like to ferment foods to increase brain, gut and immune health. This recipe can be used with almost all vegetables but the kids seem to like carrots the best. Lacto fermented foods include things like sauerkraut, kimchi and yogurt. Start by washing and possibly peeling carrots if super dirty. If you want to make a lot or a little, it is up to you on how many…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
