Natural Homemade Living

Here is a quick easy recipe that can be eaten the same day or frozen and reheated for another day. What you need: 1 can black beans 1 c cooked rice (I have used brown or white rice) 1 lb. ground beef or turkey (cooked) 1-2 c salsa 1 c frozen or 1 can drained corn shredded cheese and olives (if you like them) for the topping Cook the beef or turkey and rice then combine with the other ingredients (except cheese and olives) in a 2qt covered casserole dish. Bake 350 about 30-45 min.  Uncover the last 10 min. and add the cheese and olives, bake until topping is melted.   If we  have left overs, I freeze them in single serve containers and they reheat well, or you could skip the baking step if you freeze the whole thing and then bake later. This can also be served in a tortilla (like a burrito- I have to give my husband credit for that suggestion- the kids loved it!)  ~Simply Angie

I heard we could be getting ready for some more snow. Snow reminds of me cold and cold reminds me of soup and soup reminds me of my Dad. He loved to make homemade soup and it was always delicious! I have been working on some exact measurements for his chicken soup recipe; not sure they are perfect but they are close. Just keep tasting and you will end up with some great soup! Feel free to add, delete the stuff you don't like! I use either a Dutch oven or 7 quart pot when I make this, it freezes well.  Ingredients : 2 smoked ham hocks or smoked ham shanks 3 large chicken breasts with bone and skin on (flavor) 4 medium to large carrots, cut into bite size 4 stalks celery, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 shallot, chopped 2-3 medium potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces 1-2  cups green beans 4-5 garlic cloves 1-2 tsp basil (I don't have measurements for fresh herbs because I just grab some and chop - just keep tasting!) 1 T parsley 1 tsp...

Cinnamon Chip Scones I have been on a scone kick lately.  These are from the latest recipe, and like my sister I am always shocked when it turns out the first time! What you need: 1-2/3 c all-purpose flour 1/4 c packed brown sugar 2 t baking powder 1 t ground cinnamon 1/8 t salt 1 c heavy whipping cream 1/2 c chocolate chips (the original recipe called for miniature semisweet, but I used regular size milk chocolate because that's what I had) 1/4 c chopped toasted  pecans (I omitted them) 1/4 c milk choc. English toffee bits (I had left over toffee in my freezer) In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt. Stir in cream just until moistened. Stir in chips, pecans and toffee bits.  Turn onto floured surface; knead 10 times. Pat into one 8-in circle;cut into 6-8 wedges. Put on lightly misted or greased baking sheet, brush tops with melted butter.  They do get a little bigger as they bake so make sure they have room between...

I stopped buying English muffins at the store about a year ago, the prices were rising to $4.00 for 6 muffins, are you kidding me? I can also taste the preservatives used in them and that taste is just not appealing to me, so I decided to make homemade English muffins! These are simple to make and very budget friendly, I made 24 of them for $1.49!  Ingredients : 1 cup milk 2 T sugar * optional - 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast or 1 package (.25 size) 1 cup warm water (110F-115F) 1/4 cup butter, melted 5 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp salt Directions: Heat milk (I use a small saucepan over the stove) but don't let it boil. Remove from heat and mix in sugar (and cinnamon if you want). Let cool until lukewarm.  Pour warm water and yeast in a small bowl for 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.  In a large bowl, combine milk mixture, yeast mixture, melted butter and half of the flour.  Beat until smooth then add the rest of the...

Today is bread making day! I had a request from my family for sweet, white bread. I always know I'm going to like a recipe when it turns out the first time I make it! I read the reviews on this recipe (from allrecipes.com) and thought about changing some things but I decided to try it the way it was written. I did not experience the things that the crabby people reviewers were not happy about. This is our favorite bread recipe and perfect results every time! Ingredients : 2 cups warm water (110F degrees) 2/3 cup white sugar 1 1/2 T active dry yeast 1 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/4 cup oil (I have used canola oil but even melted butter works great) 5 1/2 - 6 cups bread flour (I think you could use all purpose white flour) In a large bowl (I used my stand mixer bowl but I let some warm water sit in it first so that my water wouldn't cool off when I put the yeast and the water in it) dissolve sugar in warm water and stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a cr...

Staples Cupboard After I decided to start using more natural ingredients, my first project was to give my kitchen cupboards an overhaul and organize them to see exactly what I had. I got rid of all the packages and boxes and outdated food. Just a hint - if you still have McCormick metal spice tins, except for pepper...they haven't made them for 15 years - you should replace them now! (you know who you are - ha!)                               I now have my dry staples in half gallon and quart size canning jars. I try to reuse other containers if I can. I picked up a few new ones and found some at the thrift store. I bought the plastic storage lids instead of the metal lids and bands. I think they are more convenient for things that I use almost everyday. I had to label my jars - I love my label maker! Now I can look in my cupboard and see what I actually need to buy. I used to just go to the ...

Here is a recipe you can use for vanilla bean pudding or coconut pudding. It seems like coconut is one of those texture things - you either love it or you don't eat it at all. I have a slight texture issue with coconut so I always use coconut flakes and chop them in very small pieces. It helps! Ingredients : 1/2 cup white or organic sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch pinch of salt 3 cups white milk (skim, 1%, 2%, whole) You can also substitute some of the milk with cream or half and half 1/2 cup coconut flakes or shredded coconut (optional) 1 vanilla bean 2 tsp vanilla extract In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in the milk and bring to boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and keep stirring for about 4 minutes until thick. If you are adding vanilla bean make sure you cut your bean in half and slice down the middle. Then scrape the insides onto a plate or cutting board and put in your pan. Remove from the stove and stir in the vanilla extra...

One of the first items that I stopped buying once I decided that I was "getting back to the basics" was paper napkins! The cost can really add up over a year and where do all those napkins go? I decided that since I have to wash clothes anyway I told my husband that we would be using cloth napkins, effective immediately! I wash my napkins with my towels. We use a new napkin for each meal. I have my favorite every day napkins and I save my "fancy" set of 12 for entertaining the family! For some reason, everyone (even the kids) love using cloth napkins! Here are some simple ways you can make this happen: I found some vintage napkins (they belonged to my Great-Aunt) packed away so my first step was to wash them then I started using them. I really have no idea why I was "saving them!"   If you do not have any napkins packed away, shop for them at the thrift store or garage sales. Many of the napkins you find are brand new and some even still have t...

Here is another quick and easy project if you have things you want to update or give a new look to.  I have these stools in my kitchen. You can find them pretty cheap just about anywhere (garage sales, thrift stores, etc.). I updated them with a little scrapbook paper, paint, and one of my favorite things-mod podge! (it can be found at craft stores, and Wal-mart).  I painted the top, then cut the paper and mod podged them on the top and bottom of the paper. You can also use diluted white glue if you don't have mod podge. ~ Angie

 Last week the shade I had in my spare room fell down- again. This has happened so many times I lost count.  So I got fed up, we do use the room quite a bit, I needed something fast and cheap to put up.  I remembered I had a shower curtain that I wasn't using anymore.  I found some jute and tied it to the rod that had been using for a valance, and presto- I now have a cheap, simple window treatment!  When my daughter's room got a "makeover" I did the same thing.  I found 2 shower curtains on clearance, used the shower curtain rings and hung them from a rod. This is a simple, cheap,no-sew window treatment project. Look around your house and see what you have lying around that you can use for a project-  Let us know what you come up with!  ~Simply Angie

I made some peanut butter today and since we eat pudding for dessert a few times a week, I wanted to try to make peanut butter pudding. I found a recipe on food.com and changed a few things.  Ingredients : 1/2 cup organic sugar (can use white sugar) 2 T cornstarch 1 1/2 cups milk (I used 1% organic milk) 1/2 cup half-n-half (you could use 2 cups of milk instead of the half-n-half) * 2/3 cup homemade creamy peanut butter (or your favorite store brand). * Note: You can use up to 3/4 cup of peanut butter but I have used as little as 1/2 cup and it still tastes great 1/2 tsp vanilla In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix sugar and cornstarch then begin to add milk and half-n-half and whisk. Keep whisking until mixture starts boiling. Boil (and keep whisking) for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until mixed together. Pour in your pudding cups (mine made 6 servings) and remember to cover your pudding with cling wrap. I push mine d...

Peach Bread I didn't really know what to call this recipe - it sort of reminds me of banana bread but peachy. I've been working on the recipe all morning but I finally have a success!  Ingredients : 1/2 cup softened butter 1 1/4 cup organic cane sugar 1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used my homemade yogurt so the consistency is thinner than Greek yogurt but probably comparable to regular store yogurt) 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla (almond extract might be interesting if you prefer almond) 2 1/4 cups unbleached all purpose white flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp sea salt 2 cups sliced peaches (I used Colorado peaches that I had frozen last summer - thawed) Topping optional: Mix 2 tsp sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon to sprinkle over the top before baking Beat butter and sugar until smooth then add yogurt, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Mix until smooth. I drained the peaches to remove most of the juice. ...

I'm starting to try some new recipes for an upcoming graduation party. I started with truffles. The first round of taste testing went well so decided to share my recipe.  1 cup white chocolate chips (I used Nestles) 4 T butter 3 T heavy cream 5 T dry cake mix, I used Duncan Hines Butter Golden flavor Melt the white chocolate chips, butter and cream. (I did this in the microwave for 50 seconds at 60% power). When melted, whisk this mixture until smooth then add the cake mix. Whisk again until smooth. Press cling wrap over the mixture and put in refrigerator for about 2 hours. Once they are cooled, remove from the refrigerator and use a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon to form 1 inch balls. Place in refrigerator again until your chocolate dip is ready. The next step is to melt your chocolate dip to cover the outside of your truffles. I used white chocolate but you could use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you want. Place 1 1/2 cups of white chocolate chips in a bo...

A blast from the past! If you celebrate Valentine's Day and need a quick idea, these Cherry Lollipops take about 20 minutes from start to finish, taste great-and look good too! Here's what you need: 3/4 c sugar 1/2 c light corn syrup 1/4 c butter 3oz box of cherry jello 15-20 lollipop sticks (you can find these at craft stores or Wal-Mart in the baking aisle) Butter a cookie sheet or line with parchment  and lay out your sticks, make sure you leave room between them for the syrup to spread a little. Stir butter, sugar, and corn syrup over low heat in a saucepan until sugar is dissolved and candy thermometer reaches 275 degrees.Remove from heat and stir in cherry jello until smooth.  Use a metal tablespoon or  a small metal cookie scoop and spoon syrup over the end of each lollipop stick, cool and store... or share with your favorite Valentine! This recipe adapted from foodnetwork.com  Angie Cherry Lollipops  

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Since I have been making my own coffee creamer for a while now, I keep trying to improve my recipe and try different combinations. Meanwhile I found a recipe on my instant dry milk box for sweetened condensed milk! It is easy to make and tastes even better (and is prettier) than the milk in the can! Here's the recipe: 1 c instant dry milk 2/3 c sugar 1/3 c boiling water 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 c softened butter Put it all in a blender or food processor and blend for 1 minute.  This makes approx. 14 oz., the same as the can. I used some of mine to make another version of coffee creamer and put the rest in the fridge. For the creamer: I used equal parts warm milk, sweetened condensed milk, a tablespoon of vanilla, then gave it a whirl in my food processor. Store it in the refrigerator. Angie

As you probably can tell by the title this is not one of those healthy recipes. But I had to share it because I made some this morning for gifts and of course I had to try some for myself (after my taste-tester said I must!) The original recipe is from coffeeworks.blogs.com . Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened 8 oz cream cheese 1 1/4 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup milk 6 oz chocolate chips * Optional: 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon (for the top) Cream together sugar, butter, cream cheese, and eggs. Add vanilla, salt, and baking powder. Add flour bit by bit mixing as you go, keeping the mixture smooth. Add milk until you have a creamy dough (you might need to adjust the milk to use a little more). Then stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into greased and floured bread pans - I used parchment paper in medium sized loaf pans. Fill 2 loaf pans 1/2 to 3/4 full. You could also use a ...

Healthy Orange Muffins I really do love to make muffins, especially on the weekends. Muffins seem to link memories from my childhood with visits to my grandparents. Both of my grandmas would make muffins on Saturday and Sunday mornings. And for as many times as we tease mom about her culinary skills, she can make some great muffins! Even when we visit my sister and her family, my niece and nephew make muffins for us! Muffins make me smile :) This morning I made orange muffins and here's how I did it: 2 cups flour 1 T baking powder 1/2 t sea salt 1 egg, slightly beaten 1/3 cup honey Zest from 2 naval oranges 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice  1 t orange extract 1/2 cup milk 1/8 cup oil (I used canola) In a large bowl mix all of the dry ingredients. In another bowl combine the egg, honey, orange zest, orange juice, milk, and oil. Add this to the dry ingredients and stir until moistened. It's ok if the batter looks lumpy. Use a cookie dough scoop ...

I am having a chocolate day! I decided to make some pudding. I've always been a pudding person but no boxed stuff!  My pudding must be homemade!  I tried a new recipe today (although I modified it a little), it is adapted from rachelraymag.com. Ingredients : 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 pinch salt 3 cups milk (I used 1%) 1/4 cup chocolate pieces (I used milk chocolate but you can use any chocolate) 1 tsp vanilla In a medium saucepan whisk together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil, stirring over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in chocolate and vanilla until smooth. Serve warm or chilled.  Did I mention it is so so so yummy??     * I covered mine with plastic wrap so it doesn't get the yucky stuff on the top - haha! Love and peace, Tammi

If you are like us and have collected some old hardcover books that have torn pages or ripped bindings laying around, here is an easy project you can do in just a few minutes.  I have made these before but just recently saw it on the Nate Berkus decorating show. I stuck some old photos in mine but on the show they used one on a desk for memos and notes. You just open it up and start folding the pages in half.  Toward the end I was getting tired, so I was folding some of the pages together, which worked just fine. You might not want to pick a book with 400 pages!  If you don't happen to have old worn out books you can find them cheap or even free at garage sales, thrift stores, attics and basements of relatives. I have several from my Grandma, she has notes in all the margins! ~Simply Angie

It seems like I'm always looking for a granola bar or protein bar that I can just pack in my lunch box for a quick snack. I finally decided that I didn't really love any of the bars I was buying so I started looking for some recipes to make my own. There are so many ingredients that you can add by using this recipe as your base. They are definitely cheaper and more healthy. My favorite things to add are nuts, dried fruit, flax seeds, coconut, add whatever you love! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! The original recipe is adapted from food.com and I've seen it on some fitness sites too. Peanut Butter Energy Bars Ingredients : 1 cup natural peanut butter (I use my homemade peanut butter but you can use your favorite peanut butter) 3/4 cup honey 3 cups dry uncooked old-fashioned oatmeal * Optional - 1 cup protein powder (I use vanilla whey protein) Combine peanut butter and honey in a large pot and warm over low heat until mixed and fairly runny.  Add the oatmeal (and p...

As I sat here today thinking of what to write, I was getting more upset about some of the blogs I was reading that I thought were reliable sources. They obviously haven't tried making the recipes they put on their blog.  My sister and I continue to research several blogs and have gotten some "helpful" ideas and recipes, and some "not so helpful" ones. Don't be misled like we have been on occasion, just because it's on several sites, doesn't mean it's accurate. Unfortunately, we have tried some bad ideas, as in my exploding bath salts that I almost gave as gifts! Take this for example, we found several recipes that mix vinegar with Dr. Bronner's Castile soap, which actually causes it to curdle and it smells really bad! As we stated in our disclaimer, we are not doctors or scientists. But rest assured our blog recipes or ideas have been made by us personally before we write about them on our blog. There are great site...

Here is an easy and fun recipe to make, especially if you have kids around.  I found this recipe on adelightfulhome.com . You will need a 1/2 gallon jar (I recommend anything with a wide mouth and tight fitting lid). It's called Shaker Cake because you shake all your ingredients together! You will need: 4 eggs 1 c sugar 1 c oil 1 c orange juice 2 c flour 3 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt Now here's the fun part: crack the eggs into a small bowl,  (this is just in case you have a shell-or an egg cracking incident, you can get it out easily!) Pour the 4 eggs into the jar and shake until they are mixed up ADD the sugar, oil, orange juice, SHAKE Shaker Cake ADD flour, baking powder, and salt, SHAKE until it's mixed well. POUR batter into a greased 9x13 pan. BAKE 375 for about 30 minutes or until the top springs back or a toothpick comes out clean. You can frost this or just sprinkle the top with powdered sugar. I'm a frosting girl so I cover everyth...

I have tried several dish soap recipes and I can't say that I have been thrilled. Last week, my mission intensified because my dishwasher stopped working! So even though I only use it about 3 times a week, it suddenly seemed like we had piles of dishes everywhere!  My last dish soap recipe was not my favorite so yesterday I spent 2 hours researching dish soaps. I stumbled across an interesting site written by Dr. Bronner's granddaughter. Many of my recipes included vinegar or lemon juice mixed with the Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap. What I learned was that vinegar or lemon juice should NOT be mixed with Dr. Bronner's castile soap.  You should know that I am not a science person but there are scientific reasons why the  combination of vinegar or lemon juice does not work with Dr. Bronner's castile soap.  Well I did not give up, I tried one more time to mix up some dish soap. This time it actually worked! Yay!! A couple of tips, use the soap in hot wat...

Lotion I have spent so much money over my lifetime on lotion that I don't even want to know the amount! And at the end of the day, my skin is still dry dry dry! And it seems that the less scent lotions have, the larger the price tag. So I have scoured the internet looking for a lotion that would moisturize, smell good, and also have some cost savings benefit. I finally found a super easy recipe on asonomagarden.wordpress.com and have tried a couple of versions of the lotion. I love, love, love this lotion! It's a great website too! Ingredients : 1 cup olive oil or 1 cup sweet almond oil 1/2 cup coconut oil 1/2 cup beeswax (pastilles) or 2 oz if you're using solid beeswax 1/2 tsp Vitamin E oil (or 5 capsules cut open and squeezed out) optional 20 drops essential oil (your favorite scent) this is optional also Combine olive oil (or sweet almond oil ) with coconut oil and beeswax into a pint size canning jar (I also have used a 4 cup glass measuring c...

Do you know there are about a gazillion recipes for homemade yogurt? It may seem scary at first or complicated but once you make your first batch - you will not buy yogurt again! I can't take responsibility for the yogurt you make but I really like this recipe. I found the basic recipe at ourlifesimplified.com and adapted it. I don't know the scientific aspects of yogurt making (nor do I care to know), I just know it worked for me! It's super yummy and simple to make!  I'm pretty sure I have purchased almost all brands of yogurt in the store; fruit on the bottom, cream on the top, Greek yogurt, organic, coconut, soy, thick-n-creamy, lowfat, fat-free, you name it, I've probably tried it. But yogurt is expensive and there is too much sugar and extra ingredients for me! So I hope you are brave and try making your own yogurt at least once. My cost ranges from $1.88 to $3.18 to make 2 quarts! Who doesn't love to save money and eat more healthy? Ingredients: ...

My basic recipe is from my Grandma's old cookbook but I recently revised the recipe due to feedback from my sister, she thought they were too heavy so I lightened them up a little! That is the fun with cooking, you can always make adjustments. I am always on a mission for recipes that I can make ahead for those nights that I don't feel like cooking. We like breakfast for dinner sometimes and pancakes hit the spot! These also freeze well so you can make them ahead and thaw them out for a weekend brunch. If you want to fluff them up even more you can exchange some of the milk with club soda. 1 egg 3 T butter, melted 2 T sugar Mix together and add dry ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour (white or wheat) 2 tsp baking powder Then add: 1 - 1 1/4 cups milk (buttermilk is my favorite but you can use your favorite milk. I use a wooden spoon to mix everything and leave the batter a little lumpy. Add more milk if you want them a little lighter. Cook on a hot gridd...

Gummys If you haven't figured it out yet by my posts, I have a sweet tooth...marshmallows, hot chocolate, cookies..yep those are mine.  I also like gummy bears, worms, whatever, so after looking at tons of recipes for gummy candy, to my kitchen I went to give it a whirl.  There were several variations.  These don't taste exactly like the real gummy candies but they are pretty close and they are easy and much cheaper.  I got my molds at the dollar store, but you can find them in the candy making aisle at your craft store too, they will just cost more than a dollar.  You could also use ice cube trays or whatever you have. Mine were the silicone trays and were a little too deep but I didn't fill them up all the way. 1 small pkg jello, whatever flavor you like 3 pkgs (they come 4 to a box of the Knox), or whatever brand you use, unflavored gelatin 1/3 c of water Put all the ingredients in a pan on the stove and heat on medium until they are mixed and the ...