75 uses for Baking Soda

75 uses for Baking Soda
Health Uses
1. Use it as an antacid.
2. Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.

3. Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide paste and use it as toothpaste.
4. Use it as a face and body scrub.
5. Add a cup to bathwater to soften your skin.
6. Relieve skin itch from insect bites and pain from sunburn.
7. Remove strong odors from your hands by rubbing them with baking soda and water.
8. Put two tablespoons in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve diaper rash.
9. Apply it on rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy irritations.
10. Take a baking soda bath to relieve skin irritations.
11. Heartburn? Take a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one-half glass of water.
12. Freshen your mouth by gargling half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed water.

13. Relieve canker sore pain by using it as mouthwash.
14. Use it to relieve bee stings.
15. Use it to relieve windburns.
16. Apply it on jellyfish sting to draw out the venom.
17. Unblock stuffy nose by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your vaporizer.
In the Home
18. Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon to the water in the vase.
19. Put out small fires on rugs, upholstery, clothing, and wood.
20. Put an open container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors.
21. Sprinkle it on your ashtrays to reduce bad odor and prevent smoldering.
22. Sprinkle it on your slippers, boots, shoes, and socks to eliminate foul odor.
23. Turn baking soda into modeling clay by combining it with one and 1/4 cups of water and one cup of cornstarch.
24. After feeding your baby, wipe his shirt with a moist cloth sprinkled with baking soda to remove the odor.
25. Wipe your windshield with it to repel rain.
26. Improve the smell of dishrags by soaking them in baking soda and water.
27. Suck it in with your vacuum cleaner to remove the odor.
28. Freshen the air by mixing baking soda with your favorite perfumed bath salts. Put the mixture in small sachet bags.
29. Restore stiff brushes by boiling them in a solution of 1/2 gallon of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a cup of baking soda.
30. Put it under sinks and along basement windows to repel cockroaches and ants.
31. Scatter baking soda around flowerbeds to prevent rabbits from eating your veggies.
32. Sweeten your tomatoes by sprinkling baking soda on the soil around your tomato plants.
33. Sprinkle it onto your cat’s litter box to absorb the bad odor.
34. Sprinkle it on your pet’s comb or brush to deodorize their fur and skin.
In Cooking
35. Use it as a substitute for baking powder by mixing with it with cream of tartar or vinegar.
36. Wash fruits and vegetables with it.

37. When boiling a chicken, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. Feathers will come off easier, and the flesh will be clean and white.
38. Soak dried beans to a baking soda solution to make them more digestible.
39. Remove the distinctive taste of wild game by soaking it in a baking soda solution.
40. Make a sports drink by mixing it with boiled water, salt, and Kool-Aid.
41. Remove the fishy smell from your fillets by soaking the raw fish in a baking soda solution for an hour inside the fridge.
42. Make fluffier omelets by adding half a teaspoon of baking soda for every three eggs used.

43. Reduce the acid content of your tomato-based recipes by sprinkling them with a pinch of baking soda.
Cleaning Purposes
44. Add a cup to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.

45. Use it to scrub sinks, showers, plastic and porcelain tubs
46. Spray it on walls, mirrors, and countertops.
47. Add a spoonful to your dishwasher to make scrubbing dishes easier.
48. Remove grease from pots and pans.
49. Dry clean carpets and upholstered furniture by sprinkling baking soda over the fabric and gently brushing it. Leave it for an hour or overnight, then vacuum.
50. Boost your laundry detergent’s cleaning power by sprinkling a handful on dirty clothes.
51. Combine it with water to make a paste for polishing stainless steel and chrome.
52. Remove scratches and crayon marks from vinyl floors and walls.
53. Clean your shoes with it.
54. Clean garbage cans with it.
55. Use it to wash diapers.
56. Clean the fridge with it.
57. Soak brushes and combs in a baking soda solution.
58. Mix it with water to wash food and drink containers.
59. Put three tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water, then use the mixture to wash marble-topped furniture.
60. Absorb it with a damp sponge
, then clean Formica countertops with the sponge.
61. Use it to get rid of stale odors from cooling containers and thermos bottles.
62. Run your coffee maker with a baking soda solution, then rinse.
63. Combine with hot water to clean baby bottles.
64. Sprinkle it on barbecue grills, then rinse it off.
65. Scatter it on your greasy garage floor, scrub the floor, and rinse.
66. Remove burned-on food from a pan by soaking it in a baking soda solution for 10 minutes before washing.
67. Clean your ashtrays with a baking soda solution.
68. Keep your drains clean by putting four tablespoons of baking soda in them each week. Flush it down with hot water.
69. Clean your shower curtains by soaking them in baking soda and water.
70. Put it on a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.
71. Use it to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from a toaster. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp rug, then use the rug to clean the toaster.
72. Use it to clean your retainers and dentures.

73. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, and used it to scrub enameled cast iron and stainless steel.
74. Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water, and use it to clean the inside part of an oven.
75. Use it to unclog gas stoves.
The most amazing thing about baking soda is that it’s very cheap. You can do all these things for a very small cost. Baking soda is truly a miracle product, whether it’s used for baking or not.

LEFTOVER TURKEY POT PIE

Found this one off of p.w.'s blog. Shay loved it.



1 pie crust (1/2 of Perfect Pie Crust recipe)
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup diced celery
2 cups leftover turkey
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken or turkey broth
splash of 7-up
1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
Frozen peas (optional)
1/2 - 1 tsp. thyme
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Melt butter in a skillet or dutch oven. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until translucent (a couple of minutes.)
Add turkey and stir. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir. Cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour in chicken or turkey broth, stirring constantly. Splash in 7-up. Pour in cream. (May add frozen peas at this point if you’d like.)
Bring to a slow boil and allow mixture to cook and thicken for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste (do not underseason), and fresh or dried thyme to taste. Do one final taste at the end and add what it needs.
Pour mixture into a casserole dish or deep pie pan.
Roll out crust so that it’s about 1 inch larger than the pan you’re using.
Place the crust on top of the pot pie mixture, and press crust into the sides of the dish. Cut vents in the top of the crust.
Bake for 30 minutes or until very golden and bubbly.
Allow to cool for a little bit before serving.

PERFECT PIE CRUST (1/2 the recipe for this pot pie)
Ingredients

* 1-½ cup Crisco
* 3 cups Flour
* 1 whole Egg
* 5 Tablespoons Cold Water
* 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Salt

Preparation Instructions

In a large bowl, with a pastry cutter, gradually work the Crisco into the flour for about 3 or 4 minutes until it resembles a coarse meal. In a small bowl, beat an egg with a fork and then pour it into the flour/shortening mixture. Add 5 tablespoons of cold water, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir together gently until all of the ingredients are incorporated.

Separate the dough into thirds. Form 3 evenly sized balls of dough and place each dough into a large Ziploc bag. Using a rolling pin, slightly flatten each ball of dough (about ½ inch thick) to make rolling easier later. Seal the bags and place them in the freezer until you need them. (If you will be using it immediately it’s still a good idea to put in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes to chill.)

When you are ready to use the dough to make a crust, remove from the freezer and allow to thaw for 15 minutes. On a floured surface roll the dough, starting at the center and working your way out. (Sprinkle some flour over top of the dough if it’s a bit too moist.) If the dough is sticking to the countertop use a metal spatula and carefully scrape it up and flip it over and continue rolling until it’s about ½ inch larger in diameter than your pie pan.

With a spatula, lift the dough carefully from the surface of the counter into the pie pan. Gently press the dough against the corner of the pan. Go around the pie pan pinching and tucking the dough to make a clean edge.

Chewy Oatmeal cookies

You can change this recipe however you'd like by adding butterscotch, white, or chocolate chips, or even reeses pieces. Yummy!

Ingredients

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 3 cups quick cooking oats

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in oats. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Flatten each cookie with a large fork dipped in sugar.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fudge puddles

Got this one off of allrecipes. Very easy but fancy.
Ingredients

* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
*
* 1 cup milk chocolate chips
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* reeses pieces or sprinkles

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
2. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt.
3. Cream butter, peanut butter and white and brown sugars. Mix in egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir the flour mixture into creamed mixture. Shape the dough into 48 balls, 1 inch each. Place each ball in one compartment of a mini muffin tin.
4. For filling, put chocolate chips in microwave until melted. Stir in milk and vanilla, mix well.
5. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and immediately make wells in the center of each using a melon baller. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Then carefully remove to wire racks. Using a measuring cup fill each shell with the chocolate mixture. Top with candy or sprinkles

Homemade Caramel Sauce

If you want to turn plain ol' vanilla ice cream into something unbearably delicious...try this. It is to die for!


* 1/4 cup butter
* 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
* 16 large marshmallows
* 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
* 1 dash salt
* 1 cup evaporated milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract



DIRECTIONS

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in brown sugar, marshmallows, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Stir in evaporated milk stirring constantly while you add it, add vanilla; mix well.

Makes about 2 cups. Store in the fridge

Fresh Corn Salsa

This recipe is from my sister in law. The salsa isn't for canning....just for eating fresh. But HOLY SMOKES you've gotta try it!

Corn Salsa
2 cans corn
4 roma tomatoes, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
3 green onions, diced
1 can chopped olives
1 bottle kraft zesty italian dressing
garlic salt, salt and pepper to taste
Combine above ingredients and chill. YUMMY!

Carolynn's Salsa for Canning

4-5 Quarts Tomatoes (peeled and diced)
3 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
2 Large Green Peppers (diced)
4 Large Onions (diced)
12 small 8 oz cans of Tomato Sauce (That equals 96 oz. if you want to buy large cans)
3 tsp. ground cumin
3-4 tsp. oregano
4 tsp. salt
1 small can diced green chiles

Combine ingredients in LARGE saucepan. Simmer for about 2 hours Stir often with lid off. Makes 12 - 15 pints

Water bath for 25 minutes.

Tasty Burritos

I found this off another recipe blog recently (can't remember which one...and I really liked it....super simple and my husband LOVES crispy burritos!)


1 lb. ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
6 flour tortillas warmed
1 c. shredded cheese
4 tsp. canola oil
sour cream and salsa

In a large skillet, brown beef and drain. Stir in taco seasoning. In a saucepan, cook refried beans over med-low heat for 2-3 min. Spoon about 1/3 c. on each tortilla; top with 2 rounded tablespoons of beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Roll up tortilla, tucking ends in. In a large skillet, over med-hi heat, brown burritos in oil on all sides. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Makes 6 burritos

Best brown sugar cake

1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 small package instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
2/3 c. sour cream (you can 2/3 c. buttermilk + 3 T. butter if you need to)
2/3 c. water
1/2 c. oil
1 c. brown sugar
Beat first 6 ingredients with mixer until well blended. Add brown sugar and mix well.
Pour into bundt pan sprayed well with cooking spray and sprinkled with flour or sugar.
Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Cool for at least 15 minutes before trying to remove from pan.

White chicken enchiladas

2 lbs. chicken breast
1/2 c. chicken broth
3/4 c. finely chopped onions
simmer in crock pot until chicken can be shredded
Fill tortillas with mixture and place seam side down in baking pan.

1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. flour
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. sour cream
optional green chilies or jalapenos

In sauce pan melt 1/4 c. butter. Blend in 1/4 c. flour and stir constantly to make it creamy. Add 1 c. chicken broth and cook until mixture thickens and bubbles. Stir in 1 c. sour cream. You may add 1 can green chilies or jalapenos if desired. Cook until heated through but do not boil! Pour sauce over tortillas. Cover with 2 c. shredded cheese and bake 425 for 20 min.

"So good they're gone" Drop Sugar Cookies

The best part about these is that there is no rolling out and cutting into shapes involved.....but the kids still get a kick out of rolling the cookie dough in the sugar for me! And by the way, if there's any dough left to bake after the kids get a taste of it...I'm impressed. These are just darn yummy!

* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 cup butter
* 1 cup vegetable oil (I use margarine or butter flavored shortening)
* 2 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 4 1/4 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

* sugar for decoration (My kids love it if I use colored sugar, it makes the cookies look much snazzier...no frosting necessary)


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C ).
2. In a large bowl, cream together sugar, butter, and oil. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cream of tartar; stir into the creamed mixture. Roll the dough into balls the size of walnuts. Roll in sugar. Place balls onto ungreased sheet. Press each ball down with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. (Find a glass with a decorative bottom to give cookies a pattern.)
3. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Soup

1/2 lb ground beef
¼ c. Onion chopped
¼ c. chopped green pepper
¼ tsp. garlic powder
4 c. beef broth
1 can Italian stewed tomatoes
½ pkg frozen green beans
½ c. tomato sauce
1 c. small pasta like ditalini
½ T. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. oregano
½ tsp. basil
In a dutch oven or large saucepan, cook the beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat , cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables and pasta are tender. 5-6 servings.

Chocolate Pudding Zucchini Muffins

I found this recipe on a frugal living blog. I haven't tried them yet...but I'm going to today I think. They sound delightful! Plus then I can pretend I fed my children vegetables!
* 3 eggs, beaten
* 1 c. cooking oil
* 1 1/4 c. sugar
* 1 large package chocolate instant pudding
* 2 c. grated zucchini
* 2 tsp. vanilla
*3 C. flour - you can substitute in wheat flour without it being very noticeable
* 1 tsp. soda
* 1/2 tsp. baking powder
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

1. Beat eggs, oil, sugar, pudding mix, vanilla and zucchini together.
2. Blend dry ingredients and add to zucchini mixture; mix well.
3. Scoop into greased muffin tins.
4. Bake 17-20 minutes at 350°.

** Makes 2 1/2 dozen muffins.
** You could also grease two loaf pans and bake 1 hour at 350° for Chocolate Pudding Zucchini Brea

Carrot Cookies

These are one of my husband's favorite cookies. I got the recipe from his mother.

2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup grated carrots (I have used freshly grated or cooked and mashed and can't tell a difference)
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and carrots. Then add dry ingredients. Dough will be stiff (add a little milk if too stiff). Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Then frost with the following glaze:
Mix 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 1/4 tsp grated orange ring. Add enough orange juice to desired consistency.

Print Recipe

Zucchini Cookies

For all of us who have massive amounts of zucchini this time of year, this is a good way to get your kids to eat it.

2 eggs beaten
2 2/3 cup sugar
1 cup oil
4 cups grated zucchini
6 cups flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 small package instant vanilla pudding
chocolate chips

Cream sugar, oil, and eggs. Add pudding. Then add dry ingredients. Bake at 350degrees for 14 minutes.

Aunt Karen's Spaghetti Sauce

SPAGHETTI SAUCE
l/2 bushel ripe tomatoes (run
through Victoria strainer)
2 c. chopped celery
2 c. chopped onion
2 c. green peppers
1 bottle parsley flakes
1/2 c. cooking oil
Garlic to taste
4 Tbsp. chili powder
3 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. rosemary

2 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. basil
2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. thyme
2 tsp. sage
1 tsp. cumin
1 (32 oz.) bottle catsup
3 pkg. Schilling spaghetti sauce
mix
4 large cans tomato paste
Mix tomatoes, celery, onion, peppers, parsley flakes, cooking oil, and garlic; cook 1 hour. Add chili powder, salt, sugar, oregano, rosemary, ground allspice, basil, black pepper, thyme, sage, and cumin. Add catsup, spaghetti sauce mix, and tomato paste. Bubble for 3 hours. Stir often. Put in bottle while hot. Cold pack 5 minutes to seal. Yield: 7 to 8 quarts.

Frosty Orange Creme Layered Dessert

Frosty Orange Creme Layered Dessert
2 - 3 cups orange sherbet
1 package cream cheese
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tub (8 oz) cool whip

First, line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with foil. Spread the sherbet onto bottom of prepared pan to form even layer.Freeze 10 min.

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually add condensed milk and juice, beating until blended. Gently stir in cool whip. Pour over sherbet in pan.

Freeze 3 hours. To unmold, invert pan onto plate; remove foil.

Angel Chicken

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Cream Cheese, softened
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup Zesty Italian Dressing
1/4 cup sprite
1-1/2 lb. chicken tenders
1/2 lb. angel hair pasta, uncooked


BEAT cream cheese, soup, dressing and sprite with whisk until blended; pour over chicken in slow cooker. Cook on LOW 4 to 5 hours (or on HIGH 2 to 3 hours).

COOK pasta as directed on package about 15 min. drain. Serve topped with chicken mixture

It is also good served on french bread!

Try these....

I have stumbled across a few new cooking blogs.... LOVE THEM :)

Give'm a try, you might find something you like.

Favorite Family Recipes

Taste and Tell

My favorite: Real Mom Kitchen

Here are some from my google reader, not about food, but still pretty darn good reading:

The Sewing Friend

The Meanest Mom

Segullah Blog

If you have a favorite blog, feel free to share with us all. I love finding good things.

Homemade clorox wipes

Marci taught me this when she was out to visit....and they are AWESOME!!! Finally my kids can help clean without me feeling like they are wasting lots of $$$$$! I hope I got her recipe right!

Cleaning Wipes



• l plastic food storage container, 10-cup capacity
• extra-large roll of paper towels
• cleaning agents of your choice (recipes follow)
• electric drill with 1/2-inch drill bit
• electric knife
• liquid measuring cups


Instructions:
Place a small block of wood beneath the plastic food storage container lid. Use electric drill to drill a 1/2-inch diameter hole in the center of the container lid.

For best results, select an extra-large roll of good quality paper towels for this project. Less-expensive towels fray or shred when pulled through the holder; thicker quilted towels have greater cleaning strength and withstand more scrubbing.

Use an electric knife to cut the paper towel roll in half making two short rolls. Save the second roll for a refill later.

Remove the wrapper, and place one short paper towel roll inside plastic food storage container. Using a liquid measuring cup, gently pour one of the following cleaning solution recipes over the top of the paper towel roll.

You will need between 2 and 4 cups of cleaning solution, depending on the size and absorbency of the paper towel product selected. These recipes make about three cups of solution; increase or decrease amounts if needed.


General Surface Cleaning:
• 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups water

Disinfectant Cleaning:
• 2 - 4 TBSP. disinfectant cleaning solution such as Lysol brand
• 2 - 2 1/2 cup water

Window and Glass Cleaning:
• 1/2 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Place the lid on the container, and allow paper towels to absorb cleaning solution for 4 hours to overnight.

Open the food storage container. Gently pull the wet cardboard tube from the center of the paper towel roll and discard. Carefully pull the end of the paper towels from the inside, where the cardboard roll had been. Thread the end of the towels through the hole in the lid, and replace the lid.

Pull gently on the exposed end to separate the cleaning wipe. If your 'wipes' tear easily, use better quality paper towels.

Tips: As you use the wipes, they will begin to dry out, so add more water and/or cleaning solution as necessary. Allow wipes to stand overnight before continuing to use them after adding more solution. You may vary the strength of the cleaning solutions as necessary for your household, using more cleaning agents for a stronger wipe, less solution and more water for a milder product.

Baby Wipes Follow the above directions using the following solution:
2 cups water, 2 Tablespoons baby shampoo or baby wash 1 Tablespoon baby oil

Dinner Rolls

1 T. yeast
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. milk, scalded then cooled to lukewarm
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 tsp. shortening or butter
1 tsp. salt
1 T. vital wheat gluten
1 T. potato flakes (if using wheat flour)
1 T. vinegar ( if using wheat flour)
1 egg
3 1/2 c. flour
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in remaining ingredients. Knead in mixer for about 10 min. The dough should be very soft and elastic. If it isn't... add a Tablespoon at a time more water and knead until dough follows mixer blade around the bowl. Grease bowl and raise until doubled. Punch dough down and repeat. Shape rolls (Makes about 2 dozen rolls) Raise until doubled and Bake at 375 for about 20 min.

Emergency Kitchen substitutions

EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTIONS:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For: 1 Tbsp fresh herb
Use: 1/3 to 1/2 tsp dried herb (of the same kind)

For: 1 clove garlic
Use: 1/8 tsp garlic powder

For: 1 egg in baking
Use: 1 tsp cornstarch plus 1/4 cup water

For: 1 cup whole fresh milk
Use: 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water, or 1/3 cup dry milk plus 1 cup water

For: 1 cup buttermilk
Use: 1 cup plain yogurt, or 1 cup sour milk (4 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice plus milk to make 1 cup -- let sit for five minutes before using)

For: 1 cup sour cream (in baking)
Use: 7/8 cup buttermilk or sour milk plus 3 Tbsp butter

For: 1 cup sour cream (in salad dressings, casseroles)
Use: 1 cup plain yogurt or 3/4 cup sour milk plus 1/3 cup butter

For: 1 cup cream
Use: 1/3 cup butter plus 3/4 cup milk

For: 1 cup corn syrup
Use: 2/3 cup granulated sugar plus 1/3 cup water

For: 1 cup brown sugar
Use: 1 cup granulated sugar plus 2 Tbsp molasses

For: 1 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
Use: 1 cup granulated sugar, packed

For: 1 cup margarine or butter (in baking or cooking)
Use: 1 cup hard shortening or 7/8 cup vegetable oil

For: 1 square unsweetened chocolate
Use: 3 Tbsp cocoa plus 1 Tbsp oil

For: 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
Use: 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate plus 4 tsp sugar

For: 3/4 cup cracker crumbs
Use: 1 cup bread crumbs

For: 1 cup cake flour, sifted
Use: 7/8 cup all purpose flour, sifted (1 cup minus 2 Tbsp)

For: 1 tsp baking powder
Use: 1/3 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp cream of tarter, or 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/3 cup sour milk

For: 1 Tbsp cornstarch for thickening
Use: 2 Tbsp flour

Egg Substitute

What is a good substitute for eggs?


* 2 tbsp cornstarch = 1 egg
* 2 tbsp arrowroot flour = 1 egg
* 2 tbsp potato starch = 1 egg
* 1 heaping tbsp soy powder + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg
* 1 tbsp soy milk powder + 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg.
* 1 banana = 1 egg in cakes.
* 1 tbsp milled flax seed and 3 tbsp water = 1 egg. Light, fluffy cakes!

Granola

Got this off of the Everyday Food storage website....Michelle tried it and said it's really good!

Crunchy Granola
1 ½ cups brown sugar
½ cup water
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
8 cups rolled oats
¾ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
¾ cup almonds, coarsely chopped
½ cup sunflower seeds, unsalted
½ cup shredded coconut
dried fruits, if desired (tropical fruit is good, raisins, blueberries, cranberries, cherries are all great.)
Heat oven to 275 degrees.
Combine brown sugar and water in a 4 cup microwave proof cup.
Microwave on high 5 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, mix oats and nuts.
Add the brown sugar mixture.
Mix thoroughly.
Spread onto 2 cookie sheets and bake for a total of 45 minutes or until golden brown.
After 25 minutes, stir and put back in the oven for the rest of the time.
When granola has cooked completely, add dried fruits.


Peanut butter Granola

Mix &; heat in 4-cup glass jug for 4 minutes on HIGH:
1-1/2 c white sugar
1-1/3 c margarine
1/2 t vanilla extract
2/3 c peanut butter
1/2 t salt
1 c water
Mix in large bowl:
12 c rolled oats
1 t cinnamon
Pour wet ingredients over dry and mix quickly and well.
Put onto two small greased cookie sheets.
Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.
Exchange cookie sheets in oven, cook 10 minutes.
Turn oven off and let granola dry for several hours.
Store in closed jar on kitchen counter and watch it disappear.

Homemade ( and green) disinfectant

All-Purpose Cleaner/Disinfectant

Tea tree oil and thyme essential oils are antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral and are great for use in the home.
(I just got 4 oz. of tea tree oil off ebay for $8) I actually read that it is 5 times stronger than typical household disinfectants.
I also found when researching this oil on the internet that this would be a very valuable thing to have in your first aid kits. Seriously, read up on this stuff, it sounds quite amazing.

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons borax
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 2 cups hot water
* 20 drops tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) or thyme essential oils (Thymus vulgaris)

Directions



Combine the borax and lemon juice with the water in a spray bottle.

Cap and shake well to dissolve the mineral.

Add the tea tree (or thyme) oil and shake again to disperse the oil.

Use as you would any commercial all-purpose cleaner.

Also, what about making homemade wipes by using a baby wipe container and those select a size paper towels?

Inexpensive Homemade Cleaning Products

I am trying to lower my grocery bill.....and I think that making my own cleaning supplies might help. Here are some recipes that I have found. Most are the old standby's , baking soda and vinegar. But hey, they've worked for a million years and they still work! ANDY BY THE WAY IF ANY OF YOU HAVE SOME GOOD CLEANING RECIPES...PLEASE SHARE THEM WITH US!!!

SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Washing soda
White distilled vinegar
A good liquid soap or detergent
Tea tree oil
olive oil or jojoba oil
clean spray bottles ( I am just using my old windex bottles that I've rinsed out.

Note: I get all my essential oils off ebay for pretty darn cheap. Just make sure they are 100% pure essential oils. They go a LONG way and can be used for tons of different things. For instance I use the jojoba oil for an inexpensive conditioner for our hair! (You can also add the tea tree oil to your shampoo ...it's good for your scalp.)


CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER
Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.

WINDOW CLEANER
1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

OVEN CLEANER
1 cup or more baking soda
Water
A squirt or two of liquid detergent

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn’t work for you it is probably because you didn’t use enough baking soda and/or water.

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

Mold Killer
Tea Tree Treasure
Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Although the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, it will dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes two cups.

Vinegar Spray
Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.

Creamy Chicken -n- Broccoli Pasta Bake

This is seriously one of the BEST pasta dishes EVER!!!


1-1/2 cups of your favorite pasta - cooked
1 small bunch broccoli, chopped (about 3 cups)
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth
1 cube (8 0z) cream cheese
2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese
Cracker Crumbs


Put Chicken breast, and broth in your crockpot. Cook several hours until chicken is cooked through. Cut the chicken into pieces. Add cream cheese for last hour of cooking time. Stir occasionally.
HEAT oven to 375ºF. Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, adding broccoli for the last 3 min.



DRAIN pasta and broccoli. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with bread or cracker crumbs. Spoon into 8-inch sq. casserole dish; cover.

BAKE 15 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheeses. Bake, uncovered, 3 min. or until melted.

Creamy Grape Salad
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/3 cup Cane Sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 pounds seedless red grapes
2 pounds seedless green grapes
3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons chopped pecans
Directions:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla until blended. Add grapes and toss to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans just before serving. Yield: 21-24 servings.

San Fransisco Style Pizza Crust

I've been looking long and hard...and I finally found it...the PERFECT pizza crust. All it takes is a little planning ahead. It is as good or better than the pizza we've had at some gourmet pizzerias, and a whole lot cheaper.


2 1/4 C. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. yeast
2 T. olive oil
1 C. ICE COLD water
2 tsp. sugar
Cornmeal for dusting
Combine these ingredients in mixer and knead until dough follows mixer blade around the bowl. (Usually about 10 min.) Watch the dough, and if it seems too dry add 1 T. more water at a time until a soft, elastic dough forms. Cover, and put in refrigerator OVERNIGHT!!! The next day, take the dough out of fridge 2-4 hours before dinnertime. Punch it down and let it raise again. Roll out onto pizza stone that has been dusted with cornmeal. Let rest for 30 min. Bake at 425 for 10 min. Remove from oven and top with toppings. Return to oven for 10-15 min.
Doubling the recipe would give you enough for a pan of yummy breadsticks too!
Also - try using alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a nice change.

Butterscotch Cookies with Burnt Butter Icing

1/2 c butter
1 1/2 c brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 c sour cream
1 c walnuts if desired

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream. Chill dough for a couple of hours and bake for 8-10min at 375 degrees. Cool and frost.

Frosting
Melt 6 Tbsp butter over medium heat and cook until golden brown. Cool. Mix in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Add 2-3 Tbsp water a little at a time until spreading consistency.

Yogurt Fruit Salad

1 (32 oz) vanilla yogurt
1 (8 oz) Cool Whip
1 large pkg instant vanilla pudding
1 pkg frozen mixed berries
1 box vanilla wafers

Add yogurt, whip cream, vanilla pudding, mix well. Add berries. Serve with vanilla wafers.

Chocolate Zuchini Bread

Yes I realize this recipe is a little out of season...but I am cleaning out my freezer currently, and it was DARN good! I made it as mini muffins, and as bread. The bread was WAY moister!

* 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
(can substitute 6 T. cocoa + 2 T shortening)
* 3 eggs
* 2 cups white sugar
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 2 cups grated zucchini
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips



DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate until melted. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, grated zucchini, vanilla and chocolate; beat well. Stir in the flour baking soda, salt. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are really simple cookies that always turn out well.

1 cup butter (I use 1/2 butter and 1/2 shortening)
1/2 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 to 3 cups flour
chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Then add dry ingredients and chocolate chips. Bake at 350 until lightly browned. I think it's about 8 to 10 minutes but I am very bad about using a timer.

Oatmeal Pancakes

Marci has repeatedly asked me to post this recipe, and finally I have gotten around to it. Sorry Marci. Here it is:

1 cup flour (white or wheat)
1 1/2 cup oatmeal (I use oatmeal flour)
2 TBSP brown sugar
2 TBSP baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups buttermilk or sour milk
3 eggs beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

Mix dry ingredients together and then add to wet ingredients. Cook on griddle until lightly browned.

Cream Cheese Muffins

3 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
A pinch of salt
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. melted butter
1 c. milk

Sift first four ingredients together into a large mixing bowl. In blender mix cream cheese, eggs, vanilla and milk. Slowly add melted butter and continue blending until mixture is smooth.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients; add wet mixture and stir with a fork just until moistened. Don't overmix. Batter will be thick. Pour into greased muffin tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

These are great with blueberries, or chocolate chips, or just plain with jam! Also works great as mini-muffins (I cook the minis for about 12 minutes ....my kids prefer them.)

Lucky Charms Bars recipe

I know this one is probably so easy that most people wouldn't even need a recipe...but I have a disorder with anything related to marshmallows, and my kids LOVE these, so here it is!

Lucky Charms Bars recipe

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
25 large marshmallows or 3 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
5 cups Lucky Charms cereal

Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan 9 x 2 inch pan.

Place butter and marshmallows in large microwave bowl. Microwave uncovered on
HIGH for 1
minute and 30 seconds to 3 minutes, stirring after 1 minute until mixture is
melted and
smooth when stirred. Stir in cereal until well coated. Press mixture into
prepared pan;
cool.

Cut into about 2-inch square bars.

Makes 16 bars.

Rice Pattie Pancakes

These are Shay's favorite! I got the recipe from his momma!

2 c. COLD cooked rice
2 eggs
1 T. sugar
Mix all together in a bowl and fry on hot, greased griddle just like you would a normal pancake.
Serve hot with butter and sugar or jam.
Makes about 8 pancakes...but they're very filling.

This is what I always make with my leftover rice after I've made hawaiian haystacks!
Enjoy.

Au Gratin Potatoes

These are DELICIOUS!!! Much better than the boxed kind you can buy!

2 lbs. potatoes sliced thinly (about 6 medium potatoes)
1/3 c. diced onions. (onion powder can be substituted if you need to)
1/4 cup butter
1 T. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 c. milk
2 1/2 c. shredded cheese

Combine onions and butter in saucepan over med. heat. Add flour, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture starts to bubble. Remove from heat. Stir in milk and 1 1/2 c. cheese. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes in ungreased casserole dish. Bake uncovered at 375 for 45 min - 1 hr. Pull out, sprinkle remaining cheese onto potatoes, and continue baking until cheese is brown and bubbly.

French Bread or Chewy Pizza Crust

(From a friend of Marci...slightly tweaked to work for me)

2 cups water
2 cups flour
2 T. instant yeast
2 T. sugar
2 T. oil
1 T. salt
6 cups flour
1 1/2 cup warm water

Sponge: Mix 2 cups flour and 2 cups water together in your mixer , to make a sponge in the evening. Cover and let sit covered at room temperature over night. (or make the sponge in the morning for dinner bread. You can let the sponge sit out for up to a day and a half. 6 Hour minimum is best.) If I set out the sponge and then find I don't use it the next day I just put it in the fridge until I want to use it.

French Bread: In the morning add yeast, sugar, 3 cups flour, salt, oil and 1 1/2 cup warm water. Mix together (don't knead yet) and let rise until double in size. Add remaining 3 c. flour, and knead in your mixer for 10 minutes until dough is very soft and elastic. Shape into two large loaves or four smaller loaves. Spray with water and cut a slit down the dough lengthwise. Let all the loaves rise until double on a single jelly roll pan (cookie sheet) lightly coated with shortening and then corn meal. Bake in oven on the lowest rack at 400 degrees until brown and hard when tapped. About 20 minutes. Spray bread and oven with water several time throughout baking (about every five minutes) to get a hard crust.

Pizza Crust: Follow directions above, letting the dough rise once. (If you don’t have time to let it rise at all just roll it out “as is” and it will still make a good crust.) Roll a portion of it into a pizza crust and top with your favorite toppings. Bake on a pizza stone dusted with corn meal (or a greased and dusted cookie sheet) at 425 on the bottom rack of your oven. Makes about 2-3 Large crusts.

*If you don't use all the dough you can leave it covered in the fridge and roll it out for pizza again the next night. You can also store it in the freezer in a bag sprayed with cooking spray.

*This recipe makes great dinner rolls, hamburger buns, bread sticks or anything else you can think of.

Ready Spaghetti Marinara Sauce

1 T. olive oil
2 cans (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. chopped onion
3 T. brown sugar

Combine and simmer in crockpot or sauce pan. The longer the better...but 10 minutes in a saucepan will do if you're rushed.

I like to simmer meatballs in this and serve hot meatball subs with mozzarella!
(and I just make some spaghetti noodles for the kids so everybody's happy!)

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup golden raisins

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in walnuts and raisins. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: 5 dozen.

Pizza Casserole

3 cups uncooked spiral pasta
2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (8 ounces each) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 jar (14 ounces) pizza sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the mushrooms, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, tomato paste, sugar and seasonings. Drain pasta; stir into meat sauce. Divide half of the mixture between two greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dishes; sprinkle each with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Top each with pepperoni and Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until heated through. Yield: 2 casseroles (8 servings each).