My own recipe that I took all of the parts of different chili recipes my DH likes and combined it into one!
David’s Favorite Chili
1lb ground beef
½ cup onion
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can pork and beans, undrained
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp pepper
½ tsp salt
½ cup spaghetti sauce
Squirt of ketchup
½ tsp hot sauce
Saute onion and brown ground beef in large pan. Add other ingredients and cook slowly for 1 hr.
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, July 20, 2009
Homemade Laundry Detergent- an update
I have been using the liquid recipe for a couple of months now- and my clothes are as clean as ever! I am, however, very excited to try this easier dry version- very similar to what I am using except no melting on the stove or sloshing around wet ingredients. Woohoo!
I found these on a cloth diapering message board-
The first recipe is a gentle, greener version of laundry detergent, and the second recipe especially for cloth diapers!
Use amounts will vary depending on your water and machine! The amounts provided are general estimates.
These are non-sudsing recipes, so they're safe for HE and FL machines!
Super Gentle Homemade Laundry Soap
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 bar Kirks Castile Soap (or other laundry soap)
Slice soap into strips and run through grater on kitchen aid, food processor, or by hand to make soap flakes.
Combine soap beads, borax, and washing soda. Done!
Use 1-2 tablespoon for small loads, 3-4 tablespoons for large loads.
(more or less depending on your water quality)
Homemade Diaper Detergent
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 cup Oxyclean Free
Combine all ingredients. Done!
use 2 tablespoons for a small load, 1/4 cup for a large load.
(again, more or less depending on your water quality).
Tips and Notes:
My personal notes on the detergent....
-I find that I can just throw the powder in a hot wash, but I have to dissolve it in hot water before adding to a warm or cold wash
-be careful not to overload your washer!
-DO NOT use a blender! Slice soap and then use a food processor, or grate the whole bar by hand...a blender is not designed for this kind of chopping!
-washing soda can be hard to find...try calling your local grocery store to see if they carry it, or look for "PH up" where you buy pool supplies (or 100% sodium carbonate which is washing soda!)
-almost any soap can be used, I chose Kirks because it was as close to homemade as I could find locally. The original recipe called for "Fels Naptha" but that is some harsh stuff!
-both recipes are safe for sensitive skin and ezcema!
-there are little or no suds, but your stuff is still getting clean!
-the first time I used the laundry soap the water turned brown from the stuff that was left on my clothes from my previous detergent!
-both recipes are perfume-free, dye-free, enzyme-free, phosphate-free, and biodegradable!
-if you find that the *diaper* detergent isn't working as effectively after a few months, try switching to another brand and then switching back. ....*many* mamas who are switching between homemade & Tide or homemade & Allens every 3-6 months and finding that to be the best washing routine! I haven't heard from anyone who needs to switch with the laundry soap!
- non-sudsing, so it's safe for FL and HE machines!
- washing soda is available at Kroger, Hannafords, Acme, Biggs, and Publix
- washing soda is "sodium carbonate" and might be with pool supplies
- you can order washing soda at www.drugstore.com
- Kirks is available at Kroger, Frys, and Cracker Barrel
- you can use Dr Bronners soap instead of Kirks
- Fels Naptha is yucky stuff, and Ivory doesn't work well for laundry
- NO soap on diapers (the soap is in the *laundry* recipe)
- use oxyclean FREE and it's safer for your diapers
- mix this after the kids are in bed, in case you spill!
- don't subsitute baking soda!
- washing soda & borax ARE safe for your diapers used in this small amount!
- you can also use a cheese grater for the soap
- you can add essential oils to the powder and stir with a fork
- vinegar in the rinse can cause stinkies in microfiber
- this has been used with hemp without problems
- lots of bubbles is from your old detergent build up!
- always use a cold rinse first for diapers, so you don't set in stains
- with liquid Dr Bronners instead of soap there is a chance of staining from the oils
- you can use the diaper detergent for your clothes too
- sun oxygen cleaner is a cheaper alternative to oxyclean
- call 1-800-781-7529 to get Oxyclean Free for $6.99 (ask about free ship!)
- *approximate* costs: 3-bar pack Kirks $4, Borax $4, Oxyclean Free: $7, Washing soda $3.50 (all costs will vary by region)
-Canada moms: Borax at Zellers, A&P, Superstore and Walmart...Washing Soda and Oxyclean free at Walmart.
-Originally from the post Green & Thrifty...Making Your Own Detergent!
I found these on a cloth diapering message board-
The first recipe is a gentle, greener version of laundry detergent, and the second recipe especially for cloth diapers!
Use amounts will vary depending on your water and machine! The amounts provided are general estimates.
These are non-sudsing recipes, so they're safe for HE and FL machines!
Super Gentle Homemade Laundry Soap
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 bar Kirks Castile Soap (or other laundry soap)
Slice soap into strips and run through grater on kitchen aid, food processor, or by hand to make soap flakes.
Combine soap beads, borax, and washing soda. Done!
Use 1-2 tablespoon for small loads, 3-4 tablespoons for large loads.
(more or less depending on your water quality)
Homemade Diaper Detergent
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 cup Oxyclean Free
Combine all ingredients. Done!
use 2 tablespoons for a small load, 1/4 cup for a large load.
(again, more or less depending on your water quality).
Tips and Notes:
My personal notes on the detergent....
-I find that I can just throw the powder in a hot wash, but I have to dissolve it in hot water before adding to a warm or cold wash
-be careful not to overload your washer!
-DO NOT use a blender! Slice soap and then use a food processor, or grate the whole bar by hand...a blender is not designed for this kind of chopping!
-washing soda can be hard to find...try calling your local grocery store to see if they carry it, or look for "PH up" where you buy pool supplies (or 100% sodium carbonate which is washing soda!)
-almost any soap can be used, I chose Kirks because it was as close to homemade as I could find locally. The original recipe called for "Fels Naptha" but that is some harsh stuff!
-both recipes are safe for sensitive skin and ezcema!
-there are little or no suds, but your stuff is still getting clean!
-the first time I used the laundry soap the water turned brown from the stuff that was left on my clothes from my previous detergent!
-both recipes are perfume-free, dye-free, enzyme-free, phosphate-free, and biodegradable!
-if you find that the *diaper* detergent isn't working as effectively after a few months, try switching to another brand and then switching back. ....*many* mamas who are switching between homemade & Tide or homemade & Allens every 3-6 months and finding that to be the best washing routine! I haven't heard from anyone who needs to switch with the laundry soap!
- non-sudsing, so it's safe for FL and HE machines!
- washing soda is available at Kroger, Hannafords, Acme, Biggs, and Publix
- washing soda is "sodium carbonate" and might be with pool supplies
- you can order washing soda at www.drugstore.com
- Kirks is available at Kroger, Frys, and Cracker Barrel
- you can use Dr Bronners soap instead of Kirks
- Fels Naptha is yucky stuff, and Ivory doesn't work well for laundry
- NO soap on diapers (the soap is in the *laundry* recipe)
- use oxyclean FREE and it's safer for your diapers
- mix this after the kids are in bed, in case you spill!
- don't subsitute baking soda!
- washing soda & borax ARE safe for your diapers used in this small amount!
- you can also use a cheese grater for the soap
- you can add essential oils to the powder and stir with a fork
- vinegar in the rinse can cause stinkies in microfiber
- this has been used with hemp without problems
- lots of bubbles is from your old detergent build up!
- always use a cold rinse first for diapers, so you don't set in stains
- with liquid Dr Bronners instead of soap there is a chance of staining from the oils
- you can use the diaper detergent for your clothes too
- sun oxygen cleaner is a cheaper alternative to oxyclean
- call 1-800-781-7529 to get Oxyclean Free for $6.99 (ask about free ship!)
- *approximate* costs: 3-bar pack Kirks $4, Borax $4, Oxyclean Free: $7, Washing soda $3.50 (all costs will vary by region)
-Canada moms: Borax at Zellers, A&P, Superstore and Walmart...Washing Soda and Oxyclean free at Walmart.
-Originally from the post Green & Thrifty...Making Your Own Detergent!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Nurture Baby
Just had to share- I ran across this super helpful homemade babyfood website that was made by a mama who used to work for Martha Stewart. The site has free and useful recipes, tips, instruction and techniques, plus amazing and high-quality photos that are pleasing to look at. If you are wanting some new babyfood recipes, or might know someone who does, please check it out!
http://www.nurture-baby.com/
http://www.nurture-baby.com/
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Healthy Child, Healthy World
I picked up this book by Christopher Gavigan from our local Library(the website is healthychild.org). Although I am not into the fear aspect of it all, I do support being good stewards of the Earth that God has entrusted to us, His children. Anyway, the timing couldn’t have been better as last week I suffered from a toxic reaction to the household cleaners that I was attempting to declutter. I accidentally mixed chemicals which could have been fatal (thankfully my kids were not around). I spent 3 hours with the worst headache of my life (evidentally toxic reactions kill brain cells), and vomiting induced by the excruciating head pain.
Not only that, but we are trying to pay off some debt and I am always looking for a way to save some money. Homemade cleaners can save me hundreds of dollars a year.
So, I was a prime canidate for switching to green and homemade cleaners that Healthy Child, Healthy World promotes. Plus, Did you know that cancer causing chemicals, among other unwanted side affects, can be found in the average cleaning supplies?
So, I am gradually making the switch. Here are the basics, in case anyone is interested in being gentler and cheaper while they clean J
Fruit and Veggie Cleaner- one part vinegar to 3 parts water
Glass cleaner- 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water
Basic Vinegar Rinse- To finish the job. Fill a squirt bottle with equal amounts white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15- 20 drops of pure peppermint or tea tree oil (note that some botanicals can be toxic if ingested). Shake to mix. Great for Floors, walls, windows, and for removing soap scum.
I love the Basic Vinegar Rinse! I used tea tree oil that I found at Target. Which I had purchased to use in a baby wipes recipe for my cloth diapers (which, by the way is saving us some major dough as well). It worked wonders on my windows and shutters. It also did well to clean the bathtub (which I first scrubbed with a borax and water paste). It also did great on my kitchen cabinets (even the grimey shelves). Plus, the tea tree oil makes it smell so woodsy and pleasant that I don’t think I will ever use windex again. (can you guess what made me sick last week??? Yep, the evil windex LOL. I feel like such a dope.)
All Purpose Cleaner (from Healthy Child, Healthy World)
½ tsp washing soda
½ tsp liquid Castile Soap
2 cups hot water
16 oz spray bottle
Mix ingredients in spray bottle and shake gently. Use on counters, cupboards,, or any surface. For tough dirt, leave on for a few minutes before wiping off. Washing soda can be substituted with 2and ½ tsp of Borax. I found the Arm and Hammer Washing soda at a local grocer (Ingles).
Homemade Soft Scrubber (Healthy Child, Healthy World)
½ Cup Baking Soda
Liquid Soap or Detergent
5-10 drops essential oil (like lavender or tea tree with natural antibacterial properties)
Place baking soda in a bowl. Slowly pour in liquid soap, stirring constantly, until consistency resembles frosting. Add essential oil, if desired. Scoop creamy mixture onto a sponge, scrub the surface, then rinse.
Mold and Mildew Cleaner use
Hydrogen Peroxide
Or
Borax
Or
Tea Tree Oil
Or
1 part vinegar and 2 parts water
Floor Cleaner
¼ cup vegetable oil- based soap
½ cup distilled vinegar
2 gallons hot water
For wood floors, substitute a teaspoon of glycerin instead of vinegar.
Polish Floors with Linseed Oil, available at home improvement stores.
Sprinkle Baking Soda on Floors and Vacuum to Freshen carpets.
Laundry Detergent (from the family homestead.com)
1/3 bar fels naptha or laundry soap
½ cup washing soda
½ cup Borax
Small, at least 2 gallon, bucket
Grate Soap and put it in saucepan. Add six cups of water and heat until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and the Borax and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Poor 4 cups of hot water into the bucket. Now add your soap mixture and stir. Add 1 gallon plus six cups of water and stir. Let the mixture gel for 24 hours. Use ½ cup of the detergent per each load of laundry.
I am out of laundry detergent and plan on making this recipe for the first time today. I am very excited as it only costs one cent per load! I hope it works well for us. I will post a review soon.
Green Cabinet
All-Purpose nontoxic cleaner
Baking Soda
Borax
Castile Soap(like Dr. Bronners)
Dishwashing Detergent (non-toxic)
Distilled White Vinegar
Essential Oils (I like tea tree and lavender)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Natural Dishwashing soap
Vegetable Oil Based Mopping Liquid
= $25 or less
My Old Cabinet
20+ items like bleach, ammonia, harsh cleaners, oven cleaners, toilet cleaners, etc…
= over $100
Compare the contents of a cabinet full of conventional commercial and toxic cleaners with the greener, healthier cabinet. One-quarter the price, half the volume. Twice the peace of mind. You do the math.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Carmel Apples
This is what we did tonight. It was very easy, but I didn't plan ahead well to make room for 25 carmel apples in my fridge!
1 pound caramel squares
10 wooden sticks
Wash and completely dry the apples. Insert a wooden stick into thetop end of each. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside.In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramels with 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water. Cook until smooth, stirring occassionally, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.While the caramel is hot, dip the apples in, swirling to coat evenly. Let the excess caramel drip off and place the apples on the lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator to harden, about 1 hour. Yield: Makes 10 apples
NUTRITION PER SERVINGCALORIES 216.67(16% from fat); FAT 3.82g (sat 3.01g); CHOLESTEROL 3.18mg; CALCIUM 67.6mg; CARBOHYDRATE 46.45g; SODIUM 111.96mg; PROTEIN 2.3mg; FIBER 2.55g; IRON 0.16mg
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