Recently in Cooking Category
reusable filter. I put one tablespoon of Teeccino in the filter and place it in the Keurig brewer. You can adjust the amount, of course, to make it stronger or weaker depending on your personal preference.
For pod brewers like the Senseo, I use the Perfect Pod Maker
. Again, I put one tablespoon of Teeccino in each pod. For the Senseo brewer, it may work better in the double pod holder.I recently found out about Blog Action Day, so I thought I'd join in the fun. :)
What can you do to help the environment? Even if you don't have the resources for large projects, there are small things that anyone can do to help.
If you have a garden, or even just a lawn, switch to organic fertilizers and pesticides. Start a compost bin. Leave the grass clippings on the yard. If you have a small yard (1/4 acre or smaller), consider switching to an electric (corded or cordless) mower or a manual reel mower.
Even if you don't have a yard, you can support farmers that use organic methods (no synthetic chemicals) when you buy organic food at the supermarket. Buy locally produced food when possible to reduce the environmental impact of transporting food.
Even small changes can make a difference.
Last night's supper:
Ground beef patties (naturally-raised beef from Lakewinds), grilled over butternut wood, on buns brushed with extra-virgin olive oil and toasted on the grill. Topped with 2 slices of a fresh heirloom tomato (Brandywine). Nothing else.
Absolutely wonderful.
Yes, I'm growing a lot of tomatoes and peppers. I plan on doing a lot of canning this year! In addition to the basic canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, I'd like to try making homemade ketchup.
Some of my favorite canning resources:
The USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, which can be viewed online at several sites (I like the one here) or ordered from Amazon.com here: Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving (Second Revised Edition)
The Ball Blue Book of Preserving is another excellent reference. You can order it from Amazon.com here: Ball Blue Book of Preserving
For jams and jellies, Sure Jell has a lot of recipes online (using their pectin, of course). I made the Pepper Relish last year, and I plan on making it again this year. This recipe is like a pepper jelly, except it has pieces of pepper in it. Adjust the types of peppers you use to vary the heat.
If you want great popcorn, get the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper
See my "So You'd Like To ..." guide on Amazon.com: Make Delicious Popcorn
Do you have any questions about natural and organic cooking? Do you have special dietary needs, such as food allergies or intolerances or foods that you avoid for any other reason? Leave me a comment and I'll try to answer it as best as I can.
Remember, you can subscribe to this blog (so you don't miss future posts that may answer your question!) by using a feed reader (links to several online readers are in the sidebar on the left, or use the FeedBurner button if you are using a different feed reader) or by email using FeedBlitz (use the subscription form to the left).
I'm trying a new blog layout, so if you can't find them right now, check back later!
I've been experimenting with gluten-free baking. I'm trying to develop my own recipes after being disappointed with many of the recipes I have found so far. I'm focusing on yeast breads right now, although I've done some work with muffins and cookies, too.
Are you doing gluten-free baking, or would you like to? What are your biggest issues and challenges? I'd like to hear from you, so please leave comments!
I'm looking for gluten-free recipes that are also dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free. Any suggestions? Please leave a comment! Thanks!
I just ordered the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry 15 1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker
This canner will handle 7 quart jars or 10 pint jars. I also have the Presto 01282 8-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker and Canner
