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relpostimgcuplik({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$blogger":"http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-06-27T07:04:14.324-07:00"},"category":[{"term":"Health"},{"term":"Recipes"},{"term":"DIY"},{"term":"Gluten Free"},{"term":"Dairy Free"},{"term":"Raw"},{"term":"Urban Farming"},{"term":"Parenting"},{"term":"Paleo"},{"term":"Remedies"},{"term":"Treats"},{"term":"Holiday"},{"term":"Preservation"},{"term":"Cleaning Products"},{"term":"Fermented"},{"term":"Unschooling"},{"term":"Foraging"},{"term":"Crafts"},{"term":"Pressure Cooking"},{"term":"Keto"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"A Life Unprocessed"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"Living very well on very little."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/-\/DIY?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=50"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/DIY"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/-\/DIY\/-\/DIY?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=51\u0026max-results=50"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"65"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"50"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8435927116526471651"},"published":{"$t":"2020-03-17T08:37:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-03-17T08:39:48.274-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Easy Grain Free Sandwich Bread"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis striking loaf is incredibly easy to whip up in the blender, and if you use a base of sunflower seeds, your bread ends up a marvelous dark green color. Impress your family \u0026amp; friends!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe green is a natural chemical reaction between the sunflower seeds \u0026amp; baking soda, and absolutely safe. The batter looks like normal bread dough, but as it bakes it changes color. You can use other nuts; cashews \u0026amp; almonds will provide a normal colored loaf, if that's what you're after. I like sunflower seeds because the green is fun, plus they're much cheaper. And isn't there enough brown bread in the world? On to the recipe!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYB7GsQvGcE\/XnDZ-VC15HI\/AAAAAAAAlOk\/hHQELQkKPRg4BjvFy_JaDcz9wFWGAkhegCKgBGAsYHg\/s1600\/IMG_20181220_183456.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYB7GsQvGcE\/XnDZ-VC15HI\/AAAAAAAAlOk\/hHQELQkKPRg4BjvFy_JaDcz9wFWGAkhegCKgBGAsYHg\/s640\/IMG_20181220_183456.jpg\" title=\"Grain Free Sandwich Bread Loaf\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere is no prep. Simply place the following in the blender:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E8 eggs\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1\/2 c milk of any kind, unsweetened\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1.5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E450 g sunflower seeds or other nuts (2.5-3 cups)\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2 tsp baking soda\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1 tsp sea salt\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBlend into a smooth, thick batter. Then add \u003Cb\u003E7 Tbsp coconut flour\u003C\/b\u003E. This may become a little too thick for the blender to handle, as bread dough should. You can transfer it to a mixer for this last step, or just stir it by hand. No kneading required, just mix the flour in thoroughly.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hKG2tjsZ4zM\/XnDsGLPj6tI\/AAAAAAAAlPI\/FG9prfOv5gs9wibO6D1jFpru6Fvn95nBACKgBGAsYHg\/s1600\/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200316192145932.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hKG2tjsZ4zM\/XnDsGLPj6tI\/AAAAAAAAlPI\/FG9prfOv5gs9wibO6D1jFpru6Fvn95nBACKgBGAsYHg\/s640\/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200316192145932.jpg\" title=\"Easy Grain Free Sandwich Bread\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBake at 325, in an oiled standard bread loaf pan, for at least an hour. I have also divided the batter between two loaf pans. This will bake more quickly, but give shorter loafs\/smaller slices. Either way works; you do you. Just pay attention towards the end of baking. You can do a toothpick test to see if the center is baked.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELet cool in the pan for 30 minutes, and store any leftovers in the fridge.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uucGSYjzgmo\/XnDvH_pkUCI\/AAAAAAAAlP4\/hOpt7C1jWGUiFOnqZPMA7jWjkf64WHRPACKgBGAsYHg\/s1600\/IMG_20181220_183414.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uucGSYjzgmo\/XnDvH_pkUCI\/AAAAAAAAlP4\/hOpt7C1jWGUiFOnqZPMA7jWjkf64WHRPACKgBGAsYHg\/s640\/IMG_20181220_183414.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8435927116526471651\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/easy-grain-free-sandwich-bread.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8435927116526471651"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8435927116526471651"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/easy-grain-free-sandwich-bread.html","title":"Easy Grain Free Sandwich Bread"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYB7GsQvGcE\/XnDZ-VC15HI\/AAAAAAAAlOk\/hHQELQkKPRg4BjvFy_JaDcz9wFWGAkhegCKgBGAsYHg\/s72-c\/IMG_20181220_183456.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-664649224701720096"},"published":{"$t":"2020-01-26T07:42:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-03-29T08:41:10.557-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"At the very end of December 2019, I made the last minute decision to enact this resolution: to make no purchases for the entire year. Of course, we'll still buy food \u0026amp; toilet paper; we'll still go to the occasional restaurant, and if necessary we'll buy replacement items if something essential breaks. This decision followed on the heels of a string of random purchases I made during November \u0026amp; December, more than my usual. We spent not only money on these items, but time in installing and learning how to use them, moving things around so they had a proper place in the house, and storing associated paperwork and processing the packaging. While I don't regret these purchases, I have seen how dangerously easy it is to get into shopping online sales; one click and something new and exciting is on its way to your door. I feel our family is pretty well taken care of materially and should be fine for some time. I'm excited to see how long we can go without buying anything more.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s640\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg\" title=\"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe are a family of four (plus this lovely cat) with one full-time earner and myself, a mostly stay at home parent who is just transitioning to working more regular hours. I've been able to be home with my kids their whole lives, an honor I don't take for granted. In addition to raising \u0026amp; educating the kids, being the stay at home parent has also meant that I have more time to make our meals from scratch, as well as finding other ways of being frugal through the years (which you can read about in my previous articles). Many years ago, I started a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBuy Nothing Facebook group\u003C\/a\u003E in our community, and it took off like wildfire. This group, and the others like it that have since sprung up, is an amazing resource for neighbors to gift all kinds of things to each other. I love being able to offer up anything we find we no longer want or need to the group. Anytime I want to buy something, I ask first in my gifting group to see if I can find a similar item that a neighbor no longer has need of.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis resource in no small part enables me to go most of the time without buying anything. Last year, the only clothing items I bought for my kids were two pairs of jeans for my older son who had shot up like a weed, new shoes for my kids \u0026amp; partner, and new slippers for myself. Oh, and for Christmas I bought my partner a sweet new flannel shirt. For all our other clothes, our needs were more than met by the offerings in our neighborhood groups. In addition, because I personally love clothes and getting together with friends, twice a year for the past 5 years I have \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-score-new-wardrobe-without.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehosted trading parties\u003C\/a\u003E, where everyone can bring their nicer castoff clothes to give away and come home with bags of new things to try for free.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, here we are nearing the end of the first month, and while my hasty resolution has presented no real hardship, there have been a few challenges. For example, I have a Christmas cactus that has been in a horribly ugly plastic pot ever since two naughty kittens knocked it off a windowsill and it's original beautiful ceramic pot broke. I've looked for a replacement pot for years on my Buy Nothing group, and even at yard sales, but they never seem to be big enough. Suddenly, a few days into the new year, I felt I *must* get a real pot for my otherwise lovely plant. I think the constraint of not allowing myself to buy something made this desire for a replacement pot feel suddenly urgent. However, I just reminded myself that, as it's been doing fine in its plastic pot for so long, it can surely go another year without any horrible repercussions.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother challenge was not buying my cat a scratching post. He transitioned to an indoor-only cat a year or so ago, and since then has found lots of places around the house to scratch up, some approved by us (doormats) and some we would much rather him not (the nice wool carpet and the door frames). He doesn't have a real scratching post, and it occurred to me recently, after seeing an ad for a cute cactus shaped cat tree\/scratching post, that this would be just the thing. I went so far as to click on the ad, and ever since then my Facebook feed has been inundated with ads for cat-related items. Of course, as all pet parents must, I want the best for my kitty so if something would be good for him or useful, I can often justify the expense. Fortunately my partner is very practical and reasonable, and by running purchases by him I have often saved myself the regret of being stuck with an unhappy selection. Also, we visited his family earlier this month and they told me how easy it is to make your own scratching post, with some twine and wood. I have not pursued this, but knowing I can make something myself is often enough for me to not want to buy it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI look forward to future challenges. I'm sure I'll be faced with more difficult decisions than those that have presented themselves to date. Perhaps my son will grow another two inches and we won't be able to find any decent pants for him from our gifting groups. Perhaps something that seems quite essential will break and we'll have to decide how necessary its replacement is. I'll try to keep track of these challenges as they come up, and document here how I deal with them. In future posts I'll also speak to how this resolution affects us as a family, whether it becomes a hardship at all or if we notice positive effects beyond the obvious of saving money, reducing clutter, and reducing waste.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUpdate: Click here for my article on \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-quarantine.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebuying nothing through the Coronavirus quarantine\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe buy many of our bulk foods from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/664649224701720096\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-first-month.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/664649224701720096"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/664649224701720096"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-first-month.html","title":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s72-c\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2576136579877139793"},"published":{"$t":"2019-03-30T09:24:00.003-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-03-30T22:24:39.082-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Keto"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Pressure Cooking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Easiest Instant Pot Yogurt You'll Ever Make"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4edv6OznLu8\/XJ-MEz0aNsI\/AAAAAAAAevQ\/ufNrd-B2OxIlMf9OFOxNfKoZFMBwVe6jACLcBGAs\/s1600\/yogurt%2B-%2BEdited.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"984\" data-original-width=\"956\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4edv6OznLu8\/XJ-MEz0aNsI\/AAAAAAAAevQ\/ufNrd-B2OxIlMf9OFOxNfKoZFMBwVe6jACLcBGAs\/s640\/yogurt%2B-%2BEdited.jpg\" title=\"The Easiest Instant Pot Yogurt You'll Ever Make\" width=\"621\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EStraining yogurt is a hassle. It's a messy, extra step that people use to get a nice, thick yogurt. But you don't need to do it! With this simple technique, you don't have to. My yogurt is always thick, delicious, and really hassle free. By the way, I have made yogurt without a kitchen thermometer, but it's much easier to be sure you are doing it correctly with this tool, so you might want to pick one up or borrow one from a neighbor before you get started. Also, you'll need a pressure cooker with a yogurt function, and the metal steamer insert that comes with it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIngredients:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003E1\/2 gallon of whole milk\u003C\/i\u003E (or three cans of coconut milk, blended smooth)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003E1 tsp unflavored gelatin or collagen\u003C\/i\u003E powder (this helps to ensure thickness without straining!)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003E1 tsp yogurt\u003C\/i\u003E, saved from a previous batch (if storebought, make sure it has active cultures) You can save your yogurt starter in small jars in the freezer and then thaw before using, or just scrape the jar from your previous batch in the fridge.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhisk milk with gelatin or collagen powder together in your instant pot liner. Set instant pot on \"Yogurt\" and hit adjust, if needed, until screen says \"boil\". Cover with lid and when it has reached 180 degrees it should notify you. Here is where I use my thermometer to double check that it has reached 180 degrees. If it hasn't, simply set your IP to saute for a minute or two, and whisk to keep the milk from sticking to the pan, until it measures 180. This step will improve the texture of the finished yogurt.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENext step is to remove the liner from the IP, and place it in a sinkfull of cold water to cool the mixture. You can add some ice to the sink to speed this process. (Make sure water \u0026amp; ice don't get into your milk pot.) Whisk the milk and check the temperature; it is safe to add the starter once it reaches 110 degrees. The best way to add the starter is to first whisk about a half cup of the cooled milk mixture with your starter in a small bowl or jar, and then incorporate that into the pot.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFinally, you are ready to jar up your yogurt mixture. Culturing yogurt in directly in jars, rather than in the pot and then transferring it later, helps it to firm up properly. Make sure your jars will fit into the instant pot with a steamer tray in the bottom. You can use four pint jars, or one half gallon jar if you IP is large enough. Place lids on the jars; it will not get hot, so plastic lids are OK. Wash out your pot, add 1 cup of water to the bottom, and place jars on the steamer insert. With the IP on Yogurt function, hit adjust as needed until it displays \"8:00\". Your yogurt will be ready in 8 hours!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA note on timing: Because it takes 8 hours, it's best to either start your yogurt in the evening, so it can be finished in the morning, or start the process in the morning and let it culture all day. Your yogurt will last a couple weeks in the fridge. I think you'll find it's so good, and really so easy, that you never need to buy it again.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPlease check out the following links if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;asins=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;linkId=UL2YOELARG5IUHAY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;asins=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;linkId=NGSBDXHFYOGAO4U2\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E{   \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\/\",    \"@type\": \"Recipe\",    \"name\": \"Instant Pot Yogurt\",   \"image\": \"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4edv6OznLu8\/XJ-MEz0aNsI\/AAAAAAAAevQ\/ufNrd-B2OxIlMf9OFOxNfKoZFMBwVe6jACLcBGAs\/s1600\/yogurt%2B-%2BEdited.jpg\",   \"description\": \"The Easiest Instant Pot Yogurt You'll Ever Make\",   \"keywords\": \"DIY, Fermented, Gluten Free, Health, Pressure Cooking, Recipes, Keto, Instant Pot, Yogurt\",   \"author\": {     \"@type\": \"Person\",     \"name\": \"A Life Unprocessed\"   },   \"datePublished\": \"2019-03-30\",   \"prepTime\": \"PT15M\",   \"cookTime\": \"PT480M\",    \"totalTime\": \"PT495M\",    \"recipeCategory\": \"appetizer\",    \"recipeCuisine\": \"Yogurt\",    \"recipeYield\": \"8\",      \"servingSize\": \"1 c\",        \"recipeIngredient\": [     \"Whole Milk or Coconut Milk\",     \"Gelatin or Collagen\",     \"Yogurt Starter\"   ]   } \u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2576136579877139793\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2019\/03\/the-easiest-instant-pot-yogurt-youll.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2576136579877139793"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2576136579877139793"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2019\/03\/the-easiest-instant-pot-yogurt-youll.html","title":"The Easiest Instant Pot Yogurt You'll Ever Make"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4edv6OznLu8\/XJ-MEz0aNsI\/AAAAAAAAevQ\/ufNrd-B2OxIlMf9OFOxNfKoZFMBwVe6jACLcBGAs\/s72-c\/yogurt%2B-%2BEdited.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1846192446086842576"},"published":{"$t":"2018-01-31T07:22:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-03-30T22:31:25.626-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Peanut Butter \u0026 Yogurt Dip"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"This easy to make dip is a crowd pleaser. Feel free to use any nut butter you like, but peanut butter is definitely my kids' favorite. It's amazing as a dip for apples, as you can see, but it's also a delicious topping for pancakes \u0026amp; waffles. Use your imagination and let me know what other creative uses you come up with for this versatile dip.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dMCqn0wXBRc\/WnHd5z_j1wI\/AAAAAAAAYAc\/6ObS-i2oiGwUABfSGmORDfkRBJEfiNL_ACKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180130_195610.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1253\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dMCqn0wXBRc\/WnHd5z_j1wI\/AAAAAAAAYAc\/6ObS-i2oiGwUABfSGmORDfkRBJEfiNL_ACKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180130_195610.jpg\" title=\"Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip for Apples \u0026amp; Pancakes\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's pretty good for you too; although this time I made it with some corn syrup that had been sitting around in my cabinet for a hundred years, I would normally make it with raw honey. You can use whatever sweetener you feel good about. I used chunky peanut butter; creamy nut butter will yield a slightly more uniformly smooth product.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QE2lUUd4OGQ\/WnHYc7_PqiI\/AAAAAAAAYAI\/cjC8uXgtLjkqHhv2fbPMqQQYAxLtd43-QCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180126_154028.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QE2lUUd4OGQ\/WnHYc7_PqiI\/AAAAAAAAYAI\/cjC8uXgtLjkqHhv2fbPMqQQYAxLtd43-QCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180126_154028.jpg\" title=\"Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip for Apples \u0026amp; Pancakes\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003ERecipe:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 c cream cheese\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 c plain yogurt\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 c peanut butter\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1\/2 c honey or syrup\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EBlend all ingredients together until smooth. Taste, and add more sweetener if desired. This time, I made it with \"light corn syrup\" which doesn't seem to be as sweet as honey, so I ended up adding more. Powdered sweeteners will work as well; feel free to use whatever you have.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EI used goat milk yogurt but any kind of yogurt will be fine. If you are using sweetened yogurt, you won't need as much honey.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BkpAUqQtqUU\/WnHYVLYaxSI\/AAAAAAAAYAA\/scT9GtzY2IwOZO2d4SqrENaPnhrDoLU9gCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180126_155710.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BkpAUqQtqUU\/WnHYVLYaxSI\/AAAAAAAAYAA\/scT9GtzY2IwOZO2d4SqrENaPnhrDoLU9gCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180126_155710.jpg\" title=\"Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip for Apples \u0026amp; Pancakes\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EIt keeps for at least a week in the fridge. This makes a fairly large batch, so you can always halve the recipe if you don't want so much. Or, make the full recipe and then freeze some for later.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnjoy! \u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family, without any additional expense to you. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E{   \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\/\",    \"@type\": \"Recipe\",    \"name\": \"Peanut Butter \u0026 Yogurt Dip\",   \"image\": \"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dMCqn0wXBRc\/WnHd5z_j1wI\/AAAAAAAAYAc\/6ObS-i2oiGwUABfSGmORDfkRBJEfiNL_ACKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180130_195610.jpg\",   \"description\": \"This easy to make dip is a crowd pleaser.\",   \"keywords\": \"DIY, Gluten Free, Recipes, Treats, healthy snacks\",   \"author\": {     \"@type\": \"Person\",     \"name\": \"A Life Unprocessed\"   },   \"datePublished\": \"2018-01-31\",   \"prepTime\": \"PT5M\",    \"recipeIngredient\": [     \"1 c cream cheese\",     \"1 c plain yogurt\",     \"1 c peanut butter\",     \"1\/2 c honey or syrup\"   ]   } \u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1846192446086842576\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/peanut-butter-yogurt-dip.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1846192446086842576"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1846192446086842576"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/peanut-butter-yogurt-dip.html","title":"Peanut Butter \u0026 Yogurt Dip"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dMCqn0wXBRc\/WnHd5z_j1wI\/AAAAAAAAYAc\/6ObS-i2oiGwUABfSGmORDfkRBJEfiNL_ACKgBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_20180130_195610.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4218839283553993311"},"published":{"$t":"2018-01-26T16:17:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-26T16:58:43.075-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"What Happened When I Used Homemade Dish Powder... \u0026 How I Fixed It."},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I love natural solutions for everyday purposes, and had been making my own natural dish tablets for years, before finding a less labor-intensive recipe for a simple dish powder consisting only of baking soda, salt, and a few drops of soap. I recently wrote an article about that experience and how to get naturally clean dishes, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/how-to-make-dishwasher-powder-with.html\"\u003Ewhich you can read here\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EThe Problem\u003C\/h4\u003EWhen someone mysteriously warned me that the simple dish powder would clog my dishwasher, I didn't have any idea what they meant. How could 3 very soluble ingredients create a clog? But about two weeks after switching to this recipe, I found out\u0026nbsp;(and remember, this is after using homemade tablets for years, so this might have been coming anyway). There was an inch of standing water across the bottom of my dishwasher after running a load, and a bunch of greasy buildup in the filter. This is it, I thought. I've gone too far, and broken an expensive appliance. However, fortunately that's not the end of the story.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EThe Fix\u003C\/h4\u003EAfter using a rag to sop up all the standing water, I cleaned everything I could. When I examined the parts of the filter at the bottom of the dishwashwer, I found that they were very greasy, so I cleaned them with soap \u0026amp; hot water. I guess my homemade solution is just not hardcore enough to keep that grease from accumulating.\u0026nbsp;I googled how to fix a clogged dishwasher, and found \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercabrillo.com\/is-your-dishwasher-not-draining-try-these-three-tips\/\"\u003Ethis helpful website\u003C\/a\u003E, with tips from a plumbing company. They offer three things to try before calling a plumber, and it gave me hope that this was something I could handle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile I tried their tips (which didn't seem to help in my case) I also read my dishwasher manual. It said that it was designed for storebought dish soap, particularly dish pods. Using dish pods, it said, would keep the pipes clean from scummy buildup. That very morning I went to \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.costco.com\/\"\u003ECostco\u003C\/a\u003E to pick up dish tablets. Their store brand is the cheapest I could find from a trusted source.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-keT_xdgHZSE\/WmvBQblMImI\/AAAAAAAAX78\/RdAKKIw2gQQMjQyVXSP0M8iz72TR6pO7ACKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180126_150853.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-keT_xdgHZSE\/WmvBQblMImI\/AAAAAAAAX78\/RdAKKIw2gQQMjQyVXSP0M8iz72TR6pO7ACKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180126_150853.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBravely, I loaded my dishwasher with the now piled-up dishes, and ran a load with the chemical smelling dish tablet. It appeared to be working as normal, so I relaxed a little. When it came time to open the door, I was prepared for a flood of soapy water, but it didn't come. The dishes were clean and perfect, the floor of the appliance clear and empty. And all it took was running it with one dish pod. Just to be on the safe side, and to clear out any remaining greasy buildup as much as possible, I ran the next load with a conventional tablet as well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003ELooking Forward\u003C\/h4\u003ENow, it may seem like I haven't learned my lesson, but my plan is to alternate using my natural dish powder with storebought tablets. This is not just to reduce the cost, since these dish tablets are only 11 cents a piece, but to reduce the chemical impact. Salt \u0026amp; baking soda are both edible, and I feel much better about flushing them out into the environment. They don't have the grease-busting abilities of harsh chemical detergents, but if I run a conventional dish tablet once a week I think I can keep the pipes squeaky clean, and maintain the life of my appliance. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family, without any additional expense to you. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4218839283553993311\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/what-happened-when-i-used-homemade-dish.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4218839283553993311"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4218839283553993311"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/what-happened-when-i-used-homemade-dish.html","title":"What Happened When I Used Homemade Dish Powder... \u0026 How I Fixed It."}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-keT_xdgHZSE\/WmvBQblMImI\/AAAAAAAAX78\/RdAKKIw2gQQMjQyVXSP0M8iz72TR6pO7ACKgBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_20180126_150853.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2392128450009123623"},"published":{"$t":"2018-01-17T05:08:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-17T05:14:46.779-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Using Conditioner for Shaving Cream"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Have you ever had conditioner that didn't work on your hair, or that you just didn't like for whatever reason? What did you end up doing with it?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGenerally, the options would be to either throw it away, give it away, or (especially if you paid good money for it) use it anyway. Well, here is another option: Use your conditioner for shaving cream. No, you don't need shaving cream or gel from a can to get a good shave. Try this; it works!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wIhuEgqoOTs\/Wl9MFFm_2vI\/AAAAAAAAXvo\/_KxFRZ62s9ANZRnTnwSMwIoTYigePWviQCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180117_045516.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1268\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wIhuEgqoOTs\/Wl9MFFm_2vI\/AAAAAAAAXvo\/_KxFRZ62s9ANZRnTnwSMwIoTYigePWviQCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180117_045516.jpg\" title=\"Using Conditioner for Shaving Cream\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI've been shaving with conditioner that I was given, and it works perfectly. It provides a creaminess, rinses easily away, and moisturizes. I keep the conditioner in a small tub that I can easily scoop what I need from while shaving, and refill as needed. It's as simple as that.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI also discovered I can easily shave at the sink, rather than in the shower, which saves water. I just use a washcloth to wet the area before shaving and wipe away the conditioner after.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0mX0YSSAyX4\/Wl9JTaVQapI\/AAAAAAAAXvQ\/g4aaDG-wK288LnUBZG2BL70qinO78InMgCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180115_095153.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1357\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"542\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0mX0YSSAyX4\/Wl9JTaVQapI\/AAAAAAAAXvQ\/g4aaDG-wK288LnUBZG2BL70qinO78InMgCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180115_095153.jpg\" title=\"Using Conditioner for Shaving Cream\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShaving with your conditioner provides an elegant solution for conditioners that don't work great for your hair, and might be a better option for your skin than whatever you've been using to shave with. Conventional cans of chemical shaving creams and gels create endless waste, but the bottles conditioners come in can generally be recycled. It takes just a small scoop to provide coverage, so one bottle lasts a long time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you're interested in going shampoo and conditioner free, check out my articles on using simple household staples to get super clean hair: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-my-family-went-shampoo-free.html\"\u003EHow My Family Went Shampoo Free\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/still-shampoo-free-magic-of-baking-soda.html\"\u003EStill Shampoo Free\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family, without any additional expense to you. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2392128450009123623\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/using-conditioner-for-shaving-cream.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2392128450009123623"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2392128450009123623"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/using-conditioner-for-shaving-cream.html","title":"Using Conditioner for Shaving Cream"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wIhuEgqoOTs\/Wl9MFFm_2vI\/AAAAAAAAXvo\/_KxFRZ62s9ANZRnTnwSMwIoTYigePWviQCKgBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_20180117_045516.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5215168946969621889"},"published":{"$t":"2018-01-15T05:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-03-30T22:36:07.561-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Dishwasher Powder With Three Natural Ingredients"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SpQm_fg6zeo\/WluDnnTG3mI\/AAAAAAAAXlk\/qvzvHKxeEDwwgo6bVTkGK2Yx2arT_8oSgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/before_after_1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1061\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SpQm_fg6zeo\/WluDnnTG3mI\/AAAAAAAAXlk\/qvzvHKxeEDwwgo6bVTkGK2Yx2arT_8oSgCLcBGAs\/s640\/before_after_1.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Dishwasher Powder With Three Natural Ingredients\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou don't have to buy dishwasher detergent. Your dishwasher won't be ruined by homemade dish soap. You won't have suds erupting all over your kitchen floor. Just follow the simple instructions below, and you'll have clean dishes with no mess, no hassle, hardly any expense, and all natural ingredients. (For a recent update on this experience, please check out my article \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/what-happened-when-i-used-homemade-dish.html\"\u003EWhat Happened When I Used Homemade Dish Powder... \u0026amp; How I Fixed It\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor the last couple of years, I've been making my own dish tablets. It's a complicated process that I never really perfected, which is why I never wrote an article about it. I would make huge batches of tablets, each batch lasting for many months, so I only had to do it a few times. However, my dishes recently had been coming out a little streaky and spotty. Clean, but not shiny. So I wanted something else. I considered buying conventional dishwasher detergent, so I spent some time on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/\"\u003EAmazon\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;comparing all the prices, reviews, and ingredients. The reviews were very mixed, especially for the more \"natural\" products, so I really wasn't sure what to try. But then when the new year started, we began \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/tracking-your-personal-expenses-and.html\"\u003Ekeeping a budget\u003C\/a\u003E, and I no longer wanted to buy something if I could make do without it. So I hit up \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?ei=DvlcWtzyKdG2jwPqvaSACA\u0026amp;q=homemade+dishwasher+soap\u0026amp;oq=homemade+dishwa+soap\u0026amp;gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i7i30k1j0i13k1j0i7i30k1l4j0i13k1j0i7i30k1l3.4065.4447.0.5799.2.2.0.0.0.0.80.160.2.2.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.2.158....0.JbYFOdL4PTI\"\u003EGoogle\u003C\/a\u003E in search of a better solution for our dishes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TIkthN6Sq20\/WlY7QFdI5dI\/AAAAAAAAXf4\/PdSwAvlq7g4ZDp2ctge3yTx6ruCIeuQzQCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180109_162344.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TIkthN6Sq20\/WlY7QFdI5dI\/AAAAAAAAXf4\/PdSwAvlq7g4ZDp2ctge3yTx6ruCIeuQzQCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180109_162344.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI found right away this apparently common solution. Before I decided to give it a try I started a conversation about it in the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/255733331534890\/?ref=br_rs\"\u003EBuy Nothing Challenge\u003C\/a\u003E group I'm in on Facebook, which is full of helpful and knowledgeable people who come up with interesting ways to not buy things. 75 comments later, I was left feeling quite confident that none of my ingredients would damage my appliance. One warning someone did mention is that using white vinegar as a rinse agent will damage the dishwasher's seals over time. While I have tried using vinegar in the past, it's not something I recommend simply because it didn't seem to make a difference in my dishes. Through this research I also figured out that the squeeze of liquid soap I'd started adding to my homemade tablets was probably the reason my dishes had been looking streaky lately, since liquid soap has a harder time rinsing away. This recipe uses a little liquid soap, but only a few drops.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere were one or two people who told me right off that this would void my warranty and\/or wreck my dishwasher. This at first gave me pause, but then I asked why.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHow would salt, baking soda, and a tiny amount of soap cause any damage? They all go easily into solution in water. They're not particularly harsh and they're not going to clog anything. People are afraid of making their own; companies don't want you to make your own; but as far as I can tell, there is literally no harm in making your own. I've been \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/05\/how-to-make-liquid-laundry-soap-with.html\"\u003Emaking my own liquid laundry soap\u003C\/a\u003E for three years without any problems, as well as my dish tablets. I have a long history of doing things my own way, pretty successfully, so after my research I was confident in running my first trial load.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI was so pleased. Not only were they clean, but they were shiny again. This much easier method worked better than my elaborate dish pod recipe.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cZd41r35XhM\/WluT7H-00gI\/AAAAAAAAXmM\/NfAJGmGw-EUvmkgfasBcI8pUC8DvxyMBACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180109_162505_before_after.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1061\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cZd41r35XhM\/WluT7H-00gI\/AAAAAAAAXmM\/NfAJGmGw-EUvmkgfasBcI8pUC8DvxyMBACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180109_162505_before_after.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Dishwasher Powder With Three Natural Ingredients\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow, without further ado except the reminder that this might void the warranty on your dishwasher, here is the recipe.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E2 teaspoons salt\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E2 teaspoons baking soda\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E3 drops liquid soap\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI use lavender Dr. Bronners liquid soap, which smells amazing. Place all ingredients in the soap tray, and close it up. Run as normal, and behold how clean this easy method gets your dishes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EFor the first few batches, I anxiously checked each dish to make sure my new method was working. It does. It continues to work great. Now I just keep a jar of baking soda and a jar of salt under my sink, next to a squeeze bottle of lavender liquid soap. I buy all three in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, so they are very cheap. Washing dishes is amazingly easy, and I can have naturally clean dishes without having to slave away making dishwasher tablets. (Update: Please check out my more recent article \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/what-happened-when-i-used-homemade-dish.html\"\u003EWhat Happened When I Used Homemade Dish Powder... \u0026amp; How I Fixed It\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4HzMXFhYpLs\/WluEHjDEbpI\/AAAAAAAAXls\/YoOjTUFxmEAO7XK4MCIklu7g-GFSfaAdACLcBGAs\/s1600\/before_after_2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1060\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4HzMXFhYpLs\/WluEHjDEbpI\/AAAAAAAAXls\/YoOjTUFxmEAO7XK4MCIklu7g-GFSfaAdACLcBGAs\/s640\/before_after_2.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Dishwasher Powder With Three Natural Ingredients\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EPlease let me know how this works for you!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E{   \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\/\",    \"@type\": \"Recipe\",    \"name\": \"Homemade Dishwasher Powder\",   \"image\": \"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SpQm_fg6zeo\/WluDnnTG3mI\/AAAAAAAAXlk\/qvzvHKxeEDwwgo6bVTkGK2Yx2arT_8oSgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/before_after_1.jpg\",   \"description\": \"How To Make Dishwasher Powder With Three Natural Ingredients\",   \"keywords\": \"Cleaning Products, DIY, Health, Urban Farming, dishwasher soap, detergent\",   \"author\": {     \"@type\": \"Person\",     \"name\": \"A Life Unprocessed\"   },   \"datePublished\": \"2018-01-15\",   \"prepTime\": \"PT1M\",     \"recipeIngredient\": [     \"2 teaspoons salt\",     \"2 teaspoons baking soda\",     \"3 drops liquid soap\"   ]   } \u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5215168946969621889\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/how-to-make-dishwasher-powder-with.html#comment-form","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5215168946969621889"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5215168946969621889"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/how-to-make-dishwasher-powder-with.html","title":"How To Make Dishwasher Powder With Three Natural Ingredients"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SpQm_fg6zeo\/WluDnnTG3mI\/AAAAAAAAXlk\/qvzvHKxeEDwwgo6bVTkGK2Yx2arT_8oSgCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/before_after_1.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7670059797663481278"},"published":{"$t":"2018-01-04T10:01:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-17T11:15:59.491-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Tracking Your Personal Expenses and Creating a Budget"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CMRF8B3T69Q\/Wk5qgGUwbYI\/AAAAAAAAXYQ\/fsCaYsyMhSYM7e2f73e6fYJ8ZseOU4sWgCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180104_095203.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tracking Your Personal Expenses \u0026amp; Creating A Budget\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CMRF8B3T69Q\/Wk5qgGUwbYI\/AAAAAAAAXYQ\/fsCaYsyMhSYM7e2f73e6fYJ8ZseOU4sWgCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180104_095203.jpg\" title=\"A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETracking Our Expenses\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EFor the new year, my partner and I created a spreadsheet for tracking everything we spend. Our aim is to create more awareness about where our money is going, and spend less than we have been.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EI\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;used to meticulously track my spending years ago, but we've never implemented it together. Instead, we've been using Mint for the past few years, which automatically tracks spending in different categories, but it doesn't do the job very well. Mint can be nice for having a record of expenses, and it does a fair job of categorizing each line item. However, it often loses communication with our various accounts and we have to go through and reconfirm passwords so frequently that it's a bit of a nuisance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMoney Mindfulness\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EBut the biggest issue with Mint, I'm realizing, is the fact that the tracking is automated. While automation sounds handy, taking the work out of tracking your own expenses means you have that much less awareness, and that much less mindfulness, of where your money is going.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EEntering every purchase into the spreadsheet manually really changes how I think about each expenditure. I'm excited about how this awareness will change our habits. I'm already looking for more ways to not buy things! While we are barely into the new year and this new system, we are both looking at spending in a totally different way. It reminds me of how the simple act of keeping a food journal helps people improve their diet. Consciously tracking helps us subconsciously analyse (is that a thing?)\u0026nbsp;our actions, and see if they're a good fit for how we want to be living.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe Spreadsheet\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003ETo set this up, all you need is a spreadsheet program, which we use through\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/docs\/about\/\" style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EGoogle Docs\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E for free. If you do a search for \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=budget+spreadsheet+images\u0026amp;rlz=1CATAAB_enUS642US642\u0026amp;tbm=isch\u0026amp;tbo=u\u0026amp;source=univ\u0026amp;sa=X\u0026amp;ved=0ahUKEwiB5Yjb477YAhXoqlQKHUOGAlkQsAQIKA\u0026amp;biw=1920\u0026amp;bih=941\" style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003Ebudget spreadsheets\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E, you can get all sorts of ideas for the layout. Of course, you can track your expenses the old fashioned way, with pencil \u0026amp; paper, if that's what you're more comfortable with. However, spreadsheet programs like Excel and Google Sheets have some very handy functions that make calculating totals, averages, and differences a breeze, once you get comfortable with how to enter formulas.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0m85csFBNg\/Wk5i2pcorjI\/AAAAAAAAXW8\/xUaSTpGU0Mov551C703cOKSaN7IybKNSgCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180104_092114.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tracking Your Personal Expenses and Creating a Budget\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1114\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"277\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0m85csFBNg\/Wk5i2pcorjI\/AAAAAAAAXW8\/xUaSTpGU0Mov551C703cOKSaN7IybKNSgCKgBGAs\/s400\/IMG_20180104_092114.jpg\" title=\"A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003EOur budget is set up simply with the date in the first column, then the second column has a drop-down menu with different categories such as Mortgage, Food, Entertainment, Purchase, Car, and various utilities. The third column is the actual dollar amount spent, and this column is automatically added together under \"Total\", in the top right corner. The fourth column is a place where we can note a description of the line item, such as what the purchase was or where the income came from. Income will be entered as a negative number, which is counter-intuitive\u0026nbsp;but we decided it would be easier to set it up this way since the majority of the entries will be expenses. So, we're hoping for a negative total at the end of each month, which will show how much we were able to save.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003EThe Goal of Savings\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003EWith tracking, we can get more satisfaction out of \u003Ci\u003Enot \u003C\/i\u003Espending money, as well as really see where our money is going, rather than just having a vague idea. Once we know exactly how much of our income is going to certain areas, we can decide if that feels right for us, or if we need to rethink how we're spending.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E   "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7670059797663481278\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/tracking-your-personal-expenses-and.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7670059797663481278"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7670059797663481278"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/tracking-your-personal-expenses-and.html","title":"Tracking Your Personal Expenses and Creating a Budget"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CMRF8B3T69Q\/Wk5qgGUwbYI\/AAAAAAAAXYQ\/fsCaYsyMhSYM7e2f73e6fYJ8ZseOU4sWgCKgBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_20180104_095203.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3900640915795144031"},"published":{"$t":"2017-04-03T13:17:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-03-31T08:39:16.972-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cLWaWmRBaYM\/WOKqTYAlATI\/AAAAAAAARJc\/iCbJ-q7ppac_Jf_r8pl2S5gsIx4CNWgiACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170401_174307.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cLWaWmRBaYM\/WOKqTYAlATI\/AAAAAAAARJc\/iCbJ-q7ppac_Jf_r8pl2S5gsIx4CNWgiACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170401_174307.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBuying raw lacto-fermented condiments gets crazy expensive. Ginger carrots are not only delicious and easy to make yourself, they will cost you the low price of some carrots and a nub of ginger.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EIngredients\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E1 lb carrots\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E3\" section of ginger\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E2 tsp sea salt\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6UnlEfGa3jQ\/WOKjszvPtBI\/AAAAAAAARJA\/J6ngsz7LT9c25EL9t4l51jbVQjKehpRQQCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170403_104823.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6UnlEfGa3jQ\/WOKjszvPtBI\/AAAAAAAARJA\/J6ngsz7LT9c25EL9t4l51jbVQjKehpRQQCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170403_104823.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst, wash your carrots and cut the ends off. Likewise, make sure your ginger is clean and free of bad spots. As you may know from my previous article, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/eat-peel.html\"\u003EI never peel my veggies\u003C\/a\u003E. It's a waste of time and you lose precious nutrients.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZG2ZckfsVnk\/WOBvB8pPupI\/AAAAAAAAQ48\/WRqO1LiQ4zwl7E2d7DdKdChNt5MA2j9qwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170330_123157.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZG2ZckfsVnk\/WOBvB8pPupI\/AAAAAAAAQ48\/WRqO1LiQ4zwl7E2d7DdKdChNt5MA2j9qwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170330_123157.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERun the carrots and ginger through a food processor with a shredder attachment. The carrots help push the ginger through, so run the ginger through first, and then the carrots. If you don't have a food processor, a low-tech cheese grater works fine too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-u9Deh-Ws-lE\/WOBwMkz4GZI\/AAAAAAAAQ5M\/xlefWhWRnUo-ZFARDIIqlMWY72QHGUn6ACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170330_123803.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-u9Deh-Ws-lE\/WOBwMkz4GZI\/AAAAAAAAQ5M\/xlefWhWRnUo-ZFARDIIqlMWY72QHGUn6ACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170330_123803.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETransfer the shredded veggies to a mixing bowl, and add the salt. I usually mix my sauerkraut by hand and really squeeze the salt into the cabbage, but for the carrots it works fine to use a stand mixer and just thoroughly mix everything. Let sit, so the salt can start to dissolve and break up the cell walls of the veggies, and then mix again. The carrots should release a bit of juice. This is our brine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uY_DHfttoro\/WOKkok9iXlI\/AAAAAAAARJI\/hM-ObA-z2BwbIZUQ86qPNA4O4XnwAmQ3gCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170403_105551.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uY_DHfttoro\/WOKkok9iXlI\/AAAAAAAARJI\/hM-ObA-z2BwbIZUQ86qPNA4O4XnwAmQ3gCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170403_105551.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EStuff the mix into a wide-mouth quart jar, or two pint jars if you prefer. I have a wide funnel that helps fill the jars with less mess, but it's not necessary. Pack it down so there's no air mixed in with the carrots, and the liquid rises to the top. I discovered that the small ladle, shown below, helps me to pack the veggies in. But if you don't have something like that, your clean fingers will work fine. Just try to remove the air pockets, and get all the shredded veggies pushed below the level of the brine. It's OK if the brine sinks back down and some of the carrots aren't fully covered by the juice. They will be fine during the short fermentation time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WsaHQvlMACM\/WOKlnCaJmeI\/AAAAAAAARJM\/e6ITVZYva2oltocWLGqpfIHkj-fxyXVeACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170403_111720.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WsaHQvlMACM\/WOKlnCaJmeI\/AAAAAAAARJM\/e6ITVZYva2oltocWLGqpfIHkj-fxyXVeACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170403_111720.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI like to cap mine loosely with a plastic lid, since metal will corrode over time, with exposure to the acids in fermented veggies. Store them at room temp, in a dark spot, with the caps loose. I put mine on the counter near my stove, covered by a tea towel.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7d-6CKQC66A\/WOKn01SB6iI\/AAAAAAAARJY\/2BBMHesKORgnbB39hvzFHDsk-hC-PaMNACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170403_111828.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7d-6CKQC66A\/WOKn01SB6iI\/AAAAAAAARJY\/2BBMHesKORgnbB39hvzFHDsk-hC-PaMNACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170403_111828.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFerment for 2-4 days, testing it out each day to see how you like it best. Ginger carrots take much less fermentation time than traditional sauerkraut. The high sugar content of the carrots makes it kind of a different animal, with a much shorter shelf life. It's best to make small batches, only what you will use in the next two weeks. You will know when it goes bad if you see white spots on the carrots at the top, or if the consistency turns slimy. Just don't forget about it in the back of your fridge, and it will be fine, since it is so delicious you will want to use it up long before it has a chance to go bad! My partner and I just ate half a batch in one meal, with our curry and rice. Fortunately, it's easy and quick to make a new batch!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4idIZDBthWY\/WOBvpQk7G4I\/AAAAAAAAQ5E\/x6RZ-3NenQY2AIcCWcCr9ft5T-xuVUyhgCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170401_174307.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4idIZDBthWY\/WOBvpQk7G4I\/AAAAAAAAQ5E\/x6RZ-3NenQY2AIcCWcCr9ft5T-xuVUyhgCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170401_174307.jpg\" title=\"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EFor more on making your own fermented vegetables, check out my other articles: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/03\/easily-make-sauerkraut-right-in-jar.html\"\u003EEasily Make Sauerkraut Right in the Jar\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/making-lacto-fermented-sauerkraut.html\"\u003EMaking Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPlease check out the following links if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;asins=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;linkId=UL2YOELARG5IUHAY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;asins=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;linkId=NGSBDXHFYOGAO4U2\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E{   \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\/\",    \"@type\": \"Recipe\",    \"name\": \"Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots\",   \"image\": \"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cLWaWmRBaYM\/WOKqTYAlATI\/AAAAAAAARJc\/iCbJ-q7ppac_Jf_r8pl2S5gsIx4CNWgiACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170401_174307.jpg\",   \"description\": \"Ginger carrots are not only delicious and easy to make yourself, they will cost you the low price of some carrots and a nub of ginger.\",   \"keywords\": \"Dairy Free, DIY, Fermented, Gluten Free, Health, Paleo, Preservation, Raw, Recipes, Urban Farming, carrots, probiotics\",   \"author\": {     \"@type\": \"Person\",     \"name\": \"A Life Unprocessed\"   },   \"datePublished\": \"2017-04-17\",   \"prepTime\": \"PT15M\",     \"recipeCategory\": \"appetizer\",    \"recipeCuisine\": \"Condiment\",    \"recipeYield\": \"12\",      \"recipeIngredient\": [     \"1 lb carrots\",     \"3\" section of ginger\",     \"2 tsp sea salt\"   ]   } \u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3900640915795144031\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2017\/04\/how-to-make-lacto-fermented-ginger.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3900640915795144031"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3900640915795144031"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2017\/04\/how-to-make-lacto-fermented-ginger.html","title":"How To Make Lacto Fermented Ginger Carrots"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cLWaWmRBaYM\/WOKqTYAlATI\/AAAAAAAARJc\/iCbJ-q7ppac_Jf_r8pl2S5gsIx4CNWgiACKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20170401_174307.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3858451091852251656"},"published":{"$t":"2017-04-01T13:36:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-17T11:18:36.599-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Foraging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Miner's Lettuce: Growing and Harvesting the Most Delectable Wild Greens"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RVmQHJkqXPQ\/WN8A3NV3-5I\/AAAAAAAAQ3A\/YBL_am6vPJASLHp7hHf9cGqRl6SSoTPgACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170331_091941.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RVmQHJkqXPQ\/WN8A3NV3-5I\/AAAAAAAAQ3A\/YBL_am6vPJASLHp7hHf9cGqRl6SSoTPgACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170331_091941.jpg\" title=\"Miner's Lettuce Edible Weeds Wild Foraging\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EEach morning for the past few weeks I've been harvesting a giant bowl of this tender wild green vegetable, right from my backyard. We use it in our green smoothies instead of spinach or kale (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/drink-your-veggies.html\"\u003Eclick here for my green smoothie recipe\u003C\/a\u003E) and in salads instead of buying the mix of salad greens that I would normally get. It has a really mild flavor, which makes it suitable in anything you'd use raw spinach or lettuce for. I've never tried cooking it, but it would probably cook up like spinach as well.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-uobeLiHGYDE\/WN8GSajyH3I\/AAAAAAAAQ3w\/_o802_4OmAkRnv12qCg-OAfCRF41HbdgACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170331_103425.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-uobeLiHGYDE\/WN8GSajyH3I\/AAAAAAAAQ3w\/_o802_4OmAkRnv12qCg-OAfCRF41HbdgACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170331_103425.jpg\" title=\"Miner's Lettuce Edible Weeds Wild Foraging\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ENearly two years ago, when we bought our house, the only thing I was sad about was losing my rich abundant garden full of wild edible weeds and plants, which I had cultivated over the years that we'd been at our first house. I had to trade all that flora and fauna for a yard that consisted of evergreen trees, shade, landscape fabric, and woodchips. I knew not much would grow in the new, dark yard, but I brought a tub with some miner's lettuce that I dug from my old place, and just laid it down over the wood chips and pine needles that covered my new yard. I watered it pretty regularly that first summer. Here we are two years later and it's taken off like wildfire.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ua3xvHVEwLI\/WN8Ce8EJnZI\/AAAAAAAAQ3U\/e8bbX8LFsOYkTfIYD66RmKGm2PB0UAYPQCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170331_181710.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ua3xvHVEwLI\/WN8Ce8EJnZI\/AAAAAAAAQ3U\/e8bbX8LFsOYkTfIYD66RmKGm2PB0UAYPQCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170331_181710.jpg\" title=\"Miner's Lettuce Edible Weeds Wild Foraging\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis perfect edible weed now thrives deliciously on my poor, unamended soil, with no watering beyond what the clouds provide, and only an hour or two of sunlight at the end of each day. I haven't really managed to grow much else in the deep shade of my yard, but fortunately the miner's lettuce loves it!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-MLEWTToPQV4\/WN8ExDYXcPI\/AAAAAAAAQ3o\/sVlVTyWzDRwuEuyv1cb8VnPSWeLl94FmwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20170331_181753.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-MLEWTToPQV4\/WN8ExDYXcPI\/AAAAAAAAQ3o\/sVlVTyWzDRwuEuyv1cb8VnPSWeLl94FmwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20170331_181753.jpg\" title=\"Miner's Lettuce Edible Weeds Wild Foraging\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBesides that first summer of watering it in, it took absolutely no work (or expense!) to grow this healthy and abundant food crop. I love it! Whenever I want some greens, I simply go outside with a big bowl and a large pair of scissors. Holding the tops of a handful of greens with one hand, I clip them off near the base with the scissors. They will quickly grow back. The entire plant is edible, though the leaves get a bit tougher once they start flowering in summer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAfter cutting all I need, I bring the bowl inside and fill it with cool water and a dollop of white vinegar. We have pets, and washing our miner's lettuce with a bit of dilute vinegar makes me feel better about food safety, since who can say where the pets are doing their business. The taste or smell of vinegar does not linger on the greens. I drain the greens and refrigerate any portion that I'm not using right away. They last a few days in the fridge, but I tend to use what I pick each day. Fresh greens are such a delicious and healthy luxury!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor more of my articles on edible foraging, check out \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/wild-foraging-in-april.html\"\u003EWild Foraging in April\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/06\/identifying-and-harvesting-edible-weeds.html\"\u003EIdentifying and Harvesting Edible Weeds in the Garden\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-find-edible-weeds.html\"\u003EHow to Find Edible Weeds\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPlease check out the following links if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr\u003E  \u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3858451091852251656\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2017\/04\/miners-lettuce-growing-and-harvesting.html#comment-form","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3858451091852251656"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3858451091852251656"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2017\/04\/miners-lettuce-growing-and-harvesting.html","title":"Miner's Lettuce: Growing and Harvesting the Most Delectable Wild Greens"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RVmQHJkqXPQ\/WN8A3NV3-5I\/AAAAAAAAQ3A\/YBL_am6vPJASLHp7hHf9cGqRl6SSoTPgACKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20170331_091941.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"3"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8765920663612699869"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-18T12:49:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T13:19:08.483-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Pressure Cooking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Four Ways To Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Staying cool without AC: I know, it's unthinkable for a lot of people. I grew up in Seattle, where thanks to our mild summers, no one really needed air conditioning for most of my life. However, in recent years air conditioners are selling like hotcakes every summer, as each year gets hotter than the one before. We've considered getting an expensive home AC unit installed, as our house has full western exposure and can really cook during hot afternoons.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere's what we've done instead:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Mu6x1fGN4Kk\/V7YHm1eTZCI\/AAAAAAAAMYo\/Tx1KGGDe61U-X0ctaPN0oWLCWpII2RkBwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160818_112240.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Mu6x1fGN4Kk\/V7YHm1eTZCI\/AAAAAAAAMYo\/Tx1KGGDe61U-X0ctaPN0oWLCWpII2RkBwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160818_112240.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had blackout blinds installed. It was an investment, but much cheaper than an AC unit. Not only do they keep out heat when the sun is blazing, they do an amazing job of blocking light while we sleep, and they also keep our home cozy on cold winter nights. At our first house, we just had lined curtains with homemade curtain rods, which absolutely worked as well. It just depends on the aesthetic you want, and your budget.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's counter-intuitive to close up the house on hot days, when you just want some lovely wind to cool you off. But, if it's hotter outside than inside, and you don't want your house to heat up, it's extremely effective to shut every window and close all your curtains and blinds. We keep our windows open all night for the glorious cool, fresh air. On very hot days, I close all the windows and blinds in the morning while the house is still cool. The heat stays outside, our home stays comfortable, and the only energy used is what it takes to walk around and close up all the windows.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, notice the standing fan. We have fans in a few rooms of our house. They do an amazing job of keeping the air feeling cool while using very little electricity. They are only really effective if someone is in the room to enjoy the cooling effect of moving air, so there's no point having them running when no one's around.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Q5BTON-XpBE\/V7YKkA_GzPI\/AAAAAAAAMZA\/jaefTz-h6CoGdX75nawu0rpVqRLhUndxQCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160818_112706.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Q5BTON-XpBE\/V7YKkA_GzPI\/AAAAAAAAMZA\/jaefTz-h6CoGdX75nawu0rpVqRLhUndxQCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160818_112706.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESpeaking of fans, if you have central heating, then you probably have one of these, which can be set so the fan is just on, without heat or AC. This whole house fan moves air all around your home, and I really notice the effect in our two-story house since it brings cool air from the basement up into the top floor. Along with the closed windows and blinds, this really effectively keeps our house comfortable- as long as we don't use the stove...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kQylN6kQCvs\/V7YLkQmmzII\/AAAAAAAAMZE\/zwibnh04SpE9H8sGe6jOGhMSiiPgYbuZgCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160805_122129.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kQylN6kQCvs\/V7YLkQmmzII\/AAAAAAAAMZE\/zwibnh04SpE9H8sGe6jOGhMSiiPgYbuZgCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160805_122129.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI never cook inside on hot days, except first thing in the morning while all the windows are still open. For lunch, we'll often reheat leftovers in the microwave, which does a good job of heating the food without heating up the kitchen. But when it comes to really making a meal, I just take it outside! Many people use an outdoor grill for this, but honestly on the hottest days I would hardly want to be stuck cooking over a hot grill. I have a small table set up on the deck outside our dining room, and it's here that I run our electric pressure cooker. Before I had a pressure cooker, I would do the same thing with a crock pot, letting the food cook for hours outside where it would not heat the house. It sure beats going to a restaurant every time it's too hot to cook! For more info about what an electric pressure cooker does and is, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/07\/how-cooking-in-instant-pot-changed.html\"\u003Echeck out the article I wrote about my Instant Pot\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf these ideas were helpful, please share my article. Thank you :D Stay cool!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EPlease check out the following links if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;asins=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;linkId=UL2YOELARG5IUHAY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;asins=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;linkId=NGSBDXHFYOGAO4U2\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8765920663612699869\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/how-to-stay-cool-without-air.html#comment-form","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8765920663612699869"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8765920663612699869"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/how-to-stay-cool-without-air.html","title":"Four Ways To Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Mu6x1fGN4Kk\/V7YHm1eTZCI\/AAAAAAAAMYo\/Tx1KGGDe61U-X0ctaPN0oWLCWpII2RkBwCKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160818_112240.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"3"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1304645675879845244"},"published":{"$t":"2016-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T11:52:39.237-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Use A Deep Corner Cabinet"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dNrmKdZhQp8\/V2soPs9-RCI\/AAAAAAAALNk\/3AsyXw1N4JAaal_G3zHLGnyChGSipwcCQCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160622_162334.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed: Storing Food in Jars\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dNrmKdZhQp8\/V2soPs9-RCI\/AAAAAAAALNk\/3AsyXw1N4JAaal_G3zHLGnyChGSipwcCQCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160622_162334.jpg\" title=\"How To Use A Deep Corner Cabinet\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy first house had the original 1942 cabinets, with solid wood and well-built shelves, though there were very, very few of them since it was an incredibly tiny house. In my new home, the kitchen is a bit bigger, and it's lovely to have more storage space and countertops. All the cabinetry is new, and pretty cheaply done. When I was first loading things into the deep corner cabinet, which extends behind the dishwasher, the shelf inside it completely failed under the weight. The four little pegs just couldn't support the mass of everything on that long, deep shelf.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter trying to reset the shelf a couple of times, I just decided to remove the whole dysfunctional shelf. Theoretically, there is less storage space in there now, but having it be entirely open is actually really convenient in such a deep cabinet. It's like a big cave that I just have to lean into to get things from the back. Obviously, I put the least used items in the way back, and the stuff I use every day goes right up front. It really is all much more accessible than if the original shelf were in place, since I simply need to reach in and lift out the jar I want, with nothing to move aside. Labeling the lids makes it super easy to find what I want.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-liwzil9C3JA\/V2snb1QpwCI\/AAAAAAAALNY\/fFDViCjTEWoQIOimUCGJhZdsO_TE-9oagCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160622_162119.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed: Storing Food in Jars\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-liwzil9C3JA\/V2snb1QpwCI\/AAAAAAAALNY\/fFDViCjTEWoQIOimUCGJhZdsO_TE-9oagCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160622_162119.jpg\" title=\"How To Use A Deep Corner Cabinet\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOf course, it's all about the jars. Since I buy food in bulk, I pour it into 1 gallon glass jars to keep in my kitchen, and store the rest in buckets or bins in the area of the garage designated as my pantry. Jars keep things fresh, keep moisture and pests out, and look pretty nice compared to a mess of open packages. After mice got into the cabinets of our old kitchen one night, and chewed into every little bag and box, I transferred all our food to jars where it would be safe! Heavier stuff, like sea salt and baking soda, I put in tall half-gallon jars so they're still easy to pull out, since gallon jars can get pretty weighty.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EThere are fancier ways of making use of this often inaccessible space in your kitchen, but this works for me because it's simple and free, and I have access to everything inside without having to remove a bunch of items to get to the storage in back.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPlease check out the following links if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance! Also, nearly all of our bulk foods pictured above are purchased through \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;asins=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;linkId=UL2YOELARG5IUHAY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;asins=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;linkId=NGSBDXHFYOGAO4U2\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1304645675879845244\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/06\/how-to-use-deep-corner-cabinet.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1304645675879845244"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1304645675879845244"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/06\/how-to-use-deep-corner-cabinet.html","title":"How To Use A Deep Corner Cabinet"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dNrmKdZhQp8\/V2soPs9-RCI\/AAAAAAAALNk\/3AsyXw1N4JAaal_G3zHLGnyChGSipwcCQCKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160622_162334.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1848306523053072000"},"published":{"$t":"2016-06-03T06:49:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-21T17:11:13.319-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"A Wonderful Low-Cost Water Filter"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"We live in a region known for abundant, fresh, and clear water, the Pacific Northwest. However, more and more tests are showing that tap water in some cities in the Pacific Northwest, as well as many other regions, have dangerously high lead levels. Many of us feel, have felt for years, that we cannot rely on the cleaning methods of the municipal water system. Having a home water purification system just makes sense in this world where more junk is being dumped into our shared water supply all the time. Factory farms, modern industry, petroleum based global transportation, and the pharmaceutical industry all contribute to the problem of dirty, unsafe drinking water- even in places where we expect the water to be so clean.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESeveral months ago, I was searching online for a water purification system that would work in our new house. We had installed an under-sink water filter at our old place. At our new house, there is no place at the sink for the spout of that style of water filter to come up through. I considered buying the type of water filter that attaches to the main faucet, but they seem bulky and cumbersome. I did not want a bunch of plastic. I did not want something with expensive filters that would need to be replaced frequently. I really thought I might not find anything that worked for us, and I was tired of drinking water that tasted of chlorine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zez3Vqi3T80\/V1CurSa7GOI\/AAAAAAAAK80\/_1-M4oQd-b0V_LaXZFIi0Q6dUac9ICURQCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160602_145201.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Wonderful Low-Cost Water Filter - LifeUnprocessed.com\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zez3Vqi3T80\/V1CurSa7GOI\/AAAAAAAAK80\/_1-M4oQd-b0V_LaXZFIi0Q6dUac9ICURQCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160602_145201.jpg\" title=\"Gravity Fed Water Purifier - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt was actually thrilling when I found this water filter. I never knew this design existed. The gravity fed, stainless steel countertop water filter was exactly what I was looking for:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt's very low tech- it requires no plumbing or batteries.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt's low maintenance- the ceramic filters do not need to be replaced. When the water filtration rate starts to get too slow, you simply remove the filters and give them a good scrub, and they will filter again like new.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe unit is made of high grade stainless steel and ceramic, with very little plastic (the base of the filters and the spigot that comes with it, which is replaceable, are plastic).\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFrom what I can tell, this type of filter removes virtually everything you want removed, while leaving the important trace minerals. It renders unsafe water safe, whether that water came from a well, a stream, or your urban tap.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAnd finally, it's an amazing price, considering many water filters cost thousands of dollars.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0RFYT5Rs4zM\/V1C0hXwjmPI\/AAAAAAAAK9I\/E7XkCL1TCE00aOnVNAJJ7wru1uZ31U0zgCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160602_145221.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Wonderful Low-Cost Water Filter - LifeUnprocessed.com\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0RFYT5Rs4zM\/V1C0hXwjmPI\/AAAAAAAAK9I\/E7XkCL1TCE00aOnVNAJJ7wru1uZ31U0zgCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160602_145221.jpg\" title=\"Gravity Fed Water Purifier - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMaybe most importantly, the water that comes from this water purifier tastes GREAT. I have started actually enjoying drinking plain water, something I had not really been in the habit of lately. It's satisfying, smooth, and pure. I didn't even know what I was missing before!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are different brands to choose from, that all do basically the same thing. The two main brands are British Berkefeld, and Berkey. They both make more expensive black carbon filters, which you can pay extra for, and which need to be replaced at some point. I just went with the standard ceramic filters that come with the unit. Both these brands had great reviews; I\u0026nbsp;opted for\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;the British Berkefeld based on price, and because they\u0026nbsp;had the mid-range size that I wanted. I've recommended the same type to friends and family, people who were still buying water in plastic bottles, and who were contemplating spending several thousand dollars on a high tech water purifier. Seriously, everyone loves it as much as I do. I'm posting an ad for it below, as well as to the other leading brand for comparison. Please check it out if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;asins=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;linkId=UL2YOELARG5IUHAY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;asins=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;linkId=NGSBDXHFYOGAO4U2\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; 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text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-u_iTmn252Gc\/V0TK1ZTSI6I\/AAAAAAAAKyI\/WeaB4pn1wrwPTGNiMo3RtmmLSGd9TkXsACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160524_090240.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Your Healthy Morning Cup of Chocolate\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-u_iTmn252Gc\/V0TK1ZTSI6I\/AAAAAAAAKyI\/WeaB4pn1wrwPTGNiMo3RtmmLSGd9TkXsACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160524_090240.jpg\" title=\"Your Healthy Morning Cup of Hot Chocolate Recipe\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI remember when I first read that people used to drink a cup of hot chocolate every morning. How deliciously opulent! I thought. How unhealthy! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut of course we now know that dark chocolate is nutritious and rich in antioxidants, good for your heart and shown to be protective against cancer. It's the sugar, which chocolate is generally paired with, that is not so healthy. And when it comes to hot chocolate, specifically, most people are still drinking instant hot chocolate mix. It's easy because you can just open a packet and add water, but it's basically lacking in any health benefits, packed with sugar or artificial sweeteners, powdered milk, and often even artificial flavors. The original cup of chocolate in the morning was free of this health sapping crud. Here is how to make your own rich, healthful beverage for seemingly decadent mornings.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst of all, if you like black coffee this is going to be exceptionally easy. Simply take a mug of hot water and stir in a generous spoonful of unsweetened chocolate powder; bakers' chocolate or raw cacao powder both work. Drink up and be amazed. It's better than coffee, in my humble opinion, and still has a bit of the caffeine kick that makes it a good morning drink.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you prefer things a bit more sweet, you of course can sweeten this simple chocolate drink however you want to, and add any kind of milk you like. For my own hot chocolate, I mixed 4 parts cacao powder with one part unsweetened carob powder. Carob is naturally sweet, and cancels out the bitterness of dark chocolate nicely. If I have some kind of milk or cream, I add a dollop. This mix is lovely. I don't drink coffee these days, and with this dark, rich beverage I really don't miss it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-u4n09C7vW_I\/V0TLGfCULMI\/AAAAAAAAKyM\/7FN8pxUIDcgXbyzjU0jTOJYbvYZzcHh6QCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160524_090343.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Your Healthy Morning Cup of Chocolate\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-u4n09C7vW_I\/V0TLGfCULMI\/AAAAAAAAKyM\/7FN8pxUIDcgXbyzjU0jTOJYbvYZzcHh6QCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160524_090343.jpg\" title=\"Your Healthy Morning Cup of Hot Chocolate Recipe\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4240279028933127943\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/05\/your-healthy-morning-cup-of-chocolate.html#comment-form","title":"8 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4240279028933127943"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4240279028933127943"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/05\/your-healthy-morning-cup-of-chocolate.html","title":"Your Healthy Morning Cup of Chocolate"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-u_iTmn252Gc\/V0TK1ZTSI6I\/AAAAAAAAKyI\/WeaB4pn1wrwPTGNiMo3RtmmLSGd9TkXsACKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160524_090240.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"8"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-833273009504579067"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-10T11:40:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-06T06:15:26.452-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Foraging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QeKfgazKqRk\/VwqVWaon5OI\/AAAAAAAAKDA\/JoqPLFfy0ZsgzjGQdxhJXprKGVQXsv4UA\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_170247.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QeKfgazKqRk\/VwqVWaon5OI\/AAAAAAAAKDA\/JoqPLFfy0ZsgzjGQdxhJXprKGVQXsv4UA\/s640\/IMG_20160328_170247.jpg\" title=\"A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPesto is a mainstay in my kitchen. Not only does it pack a ton of flavor, it is a nutritional powerhouse. The simple ingredients, including basil, garlic, olive oil, nuts \u0026amp; seeds, and sea salt, are pretty much all superfoods.\u0026nbsp;Read about\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.whfoods.com\/genpage.php?tname=foodspice\u0026amp;dbid=60\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Egarlic's anti-cancer, prebiotic, and other health benefits\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;here. The nuts and seeds in the recipe include walnuts and hemp seeds; both are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids. They help to mellow out the bite of the raw garlic, making this an extremely palatable way to eat a lot of this healthy plant. Check out this link to read more about\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.whfoods.com\/genpage.php?tname=foodspice\u0026amp;dbid=85\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebasil's nutritional benefits\u003C\/a\u003E, including its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. And of course\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.whfoods.com\/genpage.php?tname=foodspice\u0026amp;dbid=132\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eolive oil is well known for its health benefits\u003C\/a\u003E; follow this link for the specifics. This recipe is completely raw, so it's great for anyone on a raw foods diet or cleanse.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPesto is so delicious and good for you, and with my recipe it's very easy and affordable to make large amounts yourself and have it on hand anytime. While pesto does freeze well, I find I can make several jars of it at a time and they'll keep in my fridge for at least a few weeks. You can top off the pesto with a bit of olive oil in order to prevent the discoloration from oxidation. Personally, if I stick things in my freezer I'm likely to forget they exist; things stored in my fridge are way easier to keep track of. If you grow basil and harvest a ton of it at once, excess can definitely be frozen or canned for long term storage.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EDon't limit your pesto use to just the typical pasta and pizza! I find I can put it on just about any savory dish that needs a little salt and flavor boost. It's great on savory sandwiches, on crackers with cheese or other toppings, with rice and fish, or as a salad dressing.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWithout further ado, the recipe, which makes about a half quart of pesto:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIngredients:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E4 oz fresh basil\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E4 to 8 cloves garlic\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/2 c raw walnuts\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/4 c hemp seed hearts\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 tsp sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 c olive oil, more as needed for blending\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFirst, de-stem your basil. Simply pinch off the leaves, discarding the tough stems and any brown leaves. Place in a blender.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-92cJeW3CZa8\/VwqSVxoOEHI\/AAAAAAAAKCs\/S37MXuJA-fQdnAQdlfEINmqNFUZekzbSg\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_165008.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-92cJeW3CZa8\/VwqSVxoOEHI\/AAAAAAAAKCs\/S37MXuJA-fQdnAQdlfEINmqNFUZekzbSg\/s320\/IMG_20160328_165008.jpg\" title=\"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-size: medium; text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xu1jtKKTmVA\/VwqRx-t9OoI\/AAAAAAAAKCo\/GiLsPxuzHuM6og0bFIQyN1T-j5Bwp_47Q\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_165313.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xu1jtKKTmVA\/VwqRx-t9OoI\/AAAAAAAAKCo\/GiLsPxuzHuM6og0bFIQyN1T-j5Bwp_47Q\/s320\/IMG_20160328_165313.jpg\" title=\"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis recipe uses 4 oz of basil, because it comes in these handy and well-priced tubs at our local grocery. You can easily double the batch, depending on how much basil you have on hand, and how much you love pesto.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPeel your garlic cloves. They can be added to the blender without chopping if using a high speed blender.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_T8QuciRmqE\/VwqXTNCQhpI\/AAAAAAAAKDU\/5rTmz3i0nocloa104O6iYJVSZOjSuIFNQ\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_164847.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_T8QuciRmqE\/VwqXTNCQhpI\/AAAAAAAAKDU\/5rTmz3i0nocloa104O6iYJVSZOjSuIFNQ\/s320\/IMG_20160328_164847.jpg\" title=\"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XITOQBXGYRA\/VwqV_dzqy0I\/AAAAAAAAKDE\/6mm9kN6GcKcwg_Lk0MMqwZu6lw164XRIA\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_164937.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XITOQBXGYRA\/VwqV_dzqy0I\/AAAAAAAAKDE\/6mm9kN6GcKcwg_Lk0MMqwZu6lw164XRIA\/s320\/IMG_20160328_164937.jpg\" title=\"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAdd sea salt. I find one teaspoon is safe. I overdid it on the salt when I made one batch, and my family was a little scared of my pesto after that. Since that experience, I feel like it's better to undersalt it than use it too liberally.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_T8QuciRmqE\/VwqXTNCQhpI\/AAAAAAAAKDU\/5rTmz3i0nocloa104O6iYJVSZOjSuIFNQ\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_164847.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAdd nuts and seeds. You can mix and match as much as you want. Traditional pesto uses pine nuts, but I prefer raw walnuts and hemp seeds, both for their flavor and nutritional profile. You should add a total of 1\/2 c to 1 c nut\/seeds.\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I_jZciPHY-E\/VwqXCQC1nnI\/AAAAAAAAKDQ\/YrJAaUmb9g4jT355SO0bEzYcDrQ7ry9yQ\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_165045.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A LIfe Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I_jZciPHY-E\/VwqXCQC1nnI\/AAAAAAAAKDQ\/YrJAaUmb9g4jT355SO0bEzYcDrQ7ry9yQ\/s320\/IMG_20160328_165045.jpg\" title=\"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xubZrVzjxoA\/VwqXCYOBi8I\/AAAAAAAAKDQ\/crCjwTfud3wMR-l4WpoMfmdOf9Y4phFWQ\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_165148.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xubZrVzjxoA\/VwqXCYOBi8I\/AAAAAAAAKDQ\/crCjwTfud3wMR-l4WpoMfmdOf9Y4phFWQ\/s320\/IMG_20160328_165148.jpg\" title=\"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAdd oil. Extra virgin olive oil is traditional. Walnut oil and pistachio oil also make delicious pesto.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBlend all ingredients. You might need to pause and stir, to get everything incorporated. More oil can be added to assist blending, but once you get the proportions right, it will blend up into a smooth green pesto.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_4KF0o4q_vI\/VwqYyEPspMI\/AAAAAAAAKDg\/9fbDuwepjUMhxSYLl0RfUg-mMybNZlL-A\/s1600\/IMG_20160328_170159.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_4KF0o4q_vI\/VwqYyEPspMI\/AAAAAAAAKDg\/9fbDuwepjUMhxSYLl0RfUg-mMybNZlL-A\/s640\/IMG_20160328_170159.jpg\" title=\"A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhat's your favorite way to use pesto? Please share your ideas in the comments below!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhile you can make this pesto in a standard blender, this and many of my other recipes really benefit from the power of a high speed blender. I don't go a day without using my Blendtec, often twice. Once you try a truly powerful blender, you will never go back! I'm posting the ad link below to my beloved Blendtec, as well as the other leading brand, Vitamix, for comparison. Please check it out if you're interested. Every purchase through my link helps provide us with a little bit of income.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B000GIGZXM\u0026amp;asins=B000GIGZXM\u0026amp;linkId=VDFCU37GVLF6PKRV\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B008H4SLV6\u0026amp;asins=B008H4SLV6\u0026amp;linkId=BK33F3QDCKXVCLZ5\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/833273009504579067\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/how-to-make-perfect-fresh-delicious.html#comment-form","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/833273009504579067"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/833273009504579067"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/how-to-make-perfect-fresh-delicious.html","title":"How to Make the Perfect Fresh, Delicious, Healthy Pesto"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QeKfgazKqRk\/VwqVWaon5OI\/AAAAAAAAKDA\/JoqPLFfy0ZsgzjGQdxhJXprKGVQXsv4UA\/s72-c\/IMG_20160328_170247.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8292665270876527373"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-13T16:57:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:14:38.714-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Oil Pulling: How to Save Your Teeth and Gums with this Simple Trick"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-J3njRnZAQLA\/Vh2UAOELeSI\/AAAAAAAAG_o\/8u1AYrMCsng\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_165120295_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"oil pulling coconut oil tea tree oil\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-J3njRnZAQLA\/Vh2UAOELeSI\/AAAAAAAAG_o\/8u1AYrMCsng\/s640\/IMG_20151011_165120295_HDR.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHave you ever heard of oil pulling? A few years ago, after reading all kinds of articles about how this traditional oral hygiene technique would prevent cavities and improve health, I tried doing it every morning. I would wake up and swish coconut oil in my mouth for several minutes as my tea brewed. Not the hardest thing to do, but I never really noticed any effect, so I eventually let it go. I asked my dentist about it, and he knew really nothing about it either way. So I was pretty uninspired to continue, until recent developments.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA few months ago, I suddenly found myself plagued with sensitive gums. They felt a little puffy, and would bleed a tiny bit every time I brushed. This continued for a few weeks. It was minor, but it was persistant. I was worried the dentist would tell me I had gingivitis, or some type of mouth plague. So I resolved I'd do what I could on my own for a few weeks, and then get to a professional if I couldn't clear it up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI came up with this recipe because I know a lot of natural oral care products contain tea tree oil, which has very effective antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil is extremely strong, and best used at a very low concentration, so I just needed something to mix it with. I knew from all my reading about oil pulling that coconut oil, which is antiviral, antibacterial, and even antifungal, would be the best base for a mouthwash.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-P0uQaa__P4U\/Vh2Xfugiq5I\/AAAAAAAAG_0\/eBrow3-i2JY\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_165232798_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"coconut and tea tree oil\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-P0uQaa__P4U\/Vh2Xfugiq5I\/AAAAAAAAG_0\/eBrow3-i2JY\/s640\/IMG_20151011_165232798_HDR.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, simply, I made a mouthwash by mixing coconut oil with several drops of tea tree oil. I swished this combination around in my mouth every day for a few minutes, and my gums were completely better within a day or two. I did finally go to the dentist for my annual cleaning and checkup, and the dental assistant who cleaned my teeth and checked my gums said she couldn't believe I was recently having problems, since my gums looked extremely healthy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EInspired to try it yourself?\u003Cbr \/\u003EMix together in a little jar about 1 cup of virgin coconut oil and ten drops of tea tree oil. Stir it very well, and swish a small spoonful around in your mouth once a day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBonus! It freshens your breath while it kills all the junk in your mouth.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETea tree oil is safe for oral use, however it should not be swallowed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8292665270876527373\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/oil-pulling-how-to-save-your-teeth-and.html#comment-form","title":"11 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8292665270876527373"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8292665270876527373"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/oil-pulling-how-to-save-your-teeth-and.html","title":"Oil Pulling: How to Save Your Teeth and Gums with this Simple Trick"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-J3njRnZAQLA\/Vh2UAOELeSI\/AAAAAAAAG_o\/8u1AYrMCsng\/s72-c\/IMG_20151011_165120295_HDR.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"11"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1766448676955569592"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-08T15:22:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T17:49:05.175-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Gomashio Sesame Salt Tutorial"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wo9-eV45kr0\/Vhbn0iBsq6I\/AAAAAAAAG7g\/LK-Y6aONJY8\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_84.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"gomashio gomasio sesame salt\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wo9-eV45kr0\/Vhbn0iBsq6I\/AAAAAAAAG7g\/LK-Y6aONJY8\/s640\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_84.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EGomashio, or gomasio, is a salty\/savory Japanese condiment that tastes great on all kinds of dishes. You can buy it, but with just two inexpensive ingredients, why not make it fresh?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EMy kids want to sprinkle this on everything. It's good on salads, pasta, anything savory, really, that might benefit from a bit of added saltiness. But it also imparts a rich flavor from the toasted sesame seeds, which just makes things taste more interesting!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-R7eqa6RH_ns\/VhbqfkFFptI\/AAAAAAAAG8U\/vRh2f5UOxPg\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_101.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"gomashio gomasio sesame salt\" border=\"0\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-R7eqa6RH_ns\/VhbqfkFFptI\/AAAAAAAAG8U\/vRh2f5UOxPg\/s400\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_101.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAt a ratio of about 8:1, the sesame seeds considerably dilute the actual salt content, making this a great choice for people trying to reduce their sodium. Of course the balance can be messed with however you like. Want it saltier? Add more salt, I won't be offended.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ps9O_AkAfVA\/VhboLHBNS1I\/AAAAAAAAG7o\/5Mc8-bGPtL8\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_106.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"gomashio gomasio sesame salt\" border=\"0\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ps9O_AkAfVA\/VhboLHBNS1I\/AAAAAAAAG7o\/5Mc8-bGPtL8\/s400\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_106.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIngredients:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 c raw sesame seeds\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E3 tb sea salt (I use coarse Celtic sea salt, but anything goes) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ykp3vzE3SB4\/VhboNxMwRrI\/AAAAAAAAG7w\/vkvoFbEfHSo\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_108.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"gomashio gomasio sesame salt\" border=\"0\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ykp3vzE3SB4\/VhboNxMwRrI\/AAAAAAAAG7w\/vkvoFbEfHSo\/s400\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_108.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EInstructions:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETo begin, simply roast the sesame seeds and salt.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI use a cast iron skillet. Toast over medium heat, stirring frequently until seeds are pretty universally golden and smell good. Let cool.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SuoIahlKOfc\/VhbpfhWl9JI\/AAAAAAAAG8I\/FLcOmxL-M0w\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_104.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"gomashio gomasio sesame salt\" border=\"0\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SuoIahlKOfc\/VhbpfhWl9JI\/AAAAAAAAG8I\/FLcOmxL-M0w\/s400\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_104.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhen the toasted seeds and salt are cool, grind to a coarse powder. I do this in small batches in a coffee grinder. Overgrinding will turn your gomashio into tahini, or sesame butter, and that is not as useful for sprinkling on food. I prefer to err on the side of undergrinding. You don't want to have too many whole sesame seeds left, but a few will be fine.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EStore in a sealed jar in the fridge. Use liberally instead of table salt.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDoubling the recipe works great; it keeps forever in the fridge and if you end up liking it on everything like we do, it can save time to make a bunch at once.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TZ0Cn91-w0s\/Vhbo2cBj5TI\/AAAAAAAAG74\/E6KGvGg4TqU\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_90.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"gomashio gomasio sesame salt with spaghetti\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TZ0Cn91-w0s\/Vhbo2cBj5TI\/AAAAAAAAG74\/E6KGvGg4TqU\/s640\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_90.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1766448676955569592\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/gomashio-sesame-salt-tutorial.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1766448676955569592"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1766448676955569592"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/gomashio-sesame-salt-tutorial.html","title":"Gomashio Sesame Salt Tutorial"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wo9-eV45kr0\/Vhbn0iBsq6I\/AAAAAAAAG7g\/LK-Y6aONJY8\/s72-c\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_84.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2158768008672405527"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-07T11:09:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:15:29.287-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Wash Your Car In The Rain!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-NFYQhW-XdWQ\/VhVaqL4rRRI\/AAAAAAAAG6w\/NZHdH4QLim8\/s1600\/IMG_20151007_094023534_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"rainy car wash\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-NFYQhW-XdWQ\/VhVaqL4rRRI\/AAAAAAAAG6w\/NZHdH4QLim8\/s640\/IMG_20151007_094023534_HDR.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had a drought most of the summer, but finally got a heavy rainstorm. Eric and I took this opportunity and ran outside with spray bottles of homemade cleanser and rags, and got absolutely soaked while our cars got clean.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EI used to just grab the hose and some rags on sunny days, once my car had reached unbearable levels of grime, and go to town. Six months ago though, we moved to a house that has a spigot in the back, too far for the hose to reach the driveway. After living here for a while, parking under trees that constantly sprinkle our cars with sticky leavings, we finally realized our cars weren't actually going to wash themselves.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gArClAqezJQ\/VhVdML2r2TI\/AAAAAAAAG7Q\/wD9BIj8RjtM\/s1600\/IMG_20151007_093721056_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"rainy car wash\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gArClAqezJQ\/VhVdML2r2TI\/AAAAAAAAG7Q\/wD9BIj8RjtM\/s640\/IMG_20151007_093721056_HDR.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday, well into October, I woke up to pouring rain and decided to wash my car again. I had thought washing my car in the pouring rain might be doable only during the warmer rains of summer, but knowing I could change into dry clothes right after made it totally fine getting soaked.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis time I used a big bowl of warm soapy water, which I preferred to the spray bottle method.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rg83rADHdHg\/VhVcYkt0aUI\/AAAAAAAAG7A\/WluxTe6UVBM\/s1600\/IMG_20151007_093741959_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"rainy car wash\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rg83rADHdHg\/VhVcYkt0aUI\/AAAAAAAAG7A\/WluxTe6UVBM\/s640\/IMG_20151007_093741959_HDR.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's actually a bit fun. I know getting soaked while scrubbing away isn't for everyone, but I enjoy getting dirty once in a while. We spend so much time avoiding the rain here in Seattle, sometimes it's really amazing just to fully experience it. Plus, the only water I used was what it took to fill the bowl, and no rinsing required!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EJust make sure you use a natural cleanser so that the drippings that wash into the gutters or your yard are not too toxic.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2158768008672405527\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/wash-your-car-in-rain.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2158768008672405527"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2158768008672405527"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/wash-your-car-in-rain.html","title":"Wash Your Car In The Rain!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-NFYQhW-XdWQ\/VhVaqL4rRRI\/AAAAAAAAG6w\/NZHdH4QLim8\/s72-c\/IMG_20151007_094023534_HDR.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1977523104053026391"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-23T10:53:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:16:18.350-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"It's Time To Get Brutal With Your Tomatoes"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-e0qxK0uOw_w\/VgLlGzwSUdI\/AAAAAAAAG3s\/HMVi2-O9HwY\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_4.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"green tomato vine\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-e0qxK0uOw_w\/VgLlGzwSUdI\/AAAAAAAAG3s\/HMVi2-O9HwY\/s640\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_4.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGiving gardening advice at the moment seems ironic, considering the only things I have growing outside at present are two sprawling tomato plants, a teensy rose bush, and a few herbs in pots- but I just moved a few months ago so I've not got a lot going on the urban farm front just yet.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith so little in the garden, I do want to maximize my few food producing plants, and with the cooler weather it's about time to clip down the tomato plants. My tomatoes are indeterminate cherries, which never quite recovered from the Great Windstorm of 2015, but nevertheless have kept us in tomatoes all summer. With sunshiny days coming to their seasonal end, now is the time to take measures to help ensure all your current green tomatoes ripen up before\u0026nbsp;the rain has its way with them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor you in the sunshine states, just never you mind. You get tomatoes all year, right? This is only for those of us who spend the autumn and winter mired in drizzle, rain, and frost. Where we have to harvest our crops before the chill and wetness get the best of them. With tomatoes, there is a pruning technique to getting those green fruits ripe in a hurry.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6ZYd6NQsGO4\/VgLmQoFPU_I\/AAAAAAAAG34\/ASZjplBlBT8\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"tomato plant trimmings\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6ZYd6NQsGO4\/VgLmQoFPU_I\/AAAAAAAAG34\/ASZjplBlBT8\/s640\/2003-12-31_23-00-00.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo what do you cut? Clip away any new growth. For some of us who haven't pruned our tomatoes since transplanting them, that may mean cutting away whole branches. Inspect the entire plant carefully, and cut off any sections of flowers, or tiny leaves that are trying to grow up into proper fruiting branches. They won't have time to mature, and are just stealing resources from the current fruits. You only want mature leaves, which will give all their energy to the remaining clusters of green tomatoes. Try to disturb your fruits as little as possible, but know that everything you cut away is helping them. Be brutal, so you can be kind.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GvbT1akjQ0A\/VgLl9mCXtTI\/AAAAAAAAG3w\/SjB390imxYo\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"trimming tomato plants\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GvbT1akjQ0A\/VgLl9mCXtTI\/AAAAAAAAG3w\/SjB390imxYo\/s640\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_1.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne bonus of clipping away all the suckers and buds today: I found more ripe tomatoes hiding in the jungle foliage, which otherwise would have slipped my notice and gotten rotten. Definitely having tomatoes for dinner tonight!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-sZUnUVNNs1k\/VgLlEGLUxGI\/AAAAAAAAG3k\/SODqFAI1yl0\/s1600\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_6.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"ripening tomatoes\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-sZUnUVNNs1k\/VgLlEGLUxGI\/AAAAAAAAG3k\/SODqFAI1yl0\/s640\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_6.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1977523104053026391\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/its-time-to-get-brutal-with-your.html#comment-form","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1977523104053026391"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1977523104053026391"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/its-time-to-get-brutal-with-your.html","title":"It's Time To Get Brutal With Your Tomatoes"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-e0qxK0uOw_w\/VgLlGzwSUdI\/AAAAAAAAG3s\/HMVi2-O9HwY\/s72-c\/2003-12-31_23-00-00_4.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7569360250237909355"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-22T19:11:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:16:53.367-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Now There's An Easier Way To Follow A Life Unprocessed"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003EMany of us are not interested in adding to the load of emails we have to sort through in our inbox. While you can still receive email updates when I publish new articles, I've created another option for those of you who use Facebook. I think my mom might be the last Facebook holdout in the first world, so it's pretty safe to say that most of my readers are on Facebook. Right?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELet me know by following my page. I promise to give you the same quality content you're used to, just in a format that's a bit easier to share. Here's the link:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/alifeunprocessed\"\u003Ehttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/alifeunprocessed\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-R8Bx_nezqmI\/VgIJQaxAWKI\/AAAAAAAAG3M\/jmVu4_q3j04\/s1600\/IMG_20150410_110032571.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"tulips\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-R8Bx_nezqmI\/VgIJQaxAWKI\/AAAAAAAAG3M\/jmVu4_q3j04\/s640\/IMG_20150410_110032571.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"360\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7569360250237909355\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/now-theres-easier-way-to-follow-life.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7569360250237909355"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7569360250237909355"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/now-theres-easier-way-to-follow-life.html","title":"Now There's An Easier Way To Follow A Life Unprocessed"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-R8Bx_nezqmI\/VgIJQaxAWKI\/AAAAAAAAG3M\/jmVu4_q3j04\/s72-c\/IMG_20150410_110032571.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8898019799389375253"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-17T15:38:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T17:42:21.585-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Halloween Activity Advent Calendar"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe like to celebrate Halloween for an entire month. Throughout October, in the days leading up to the actual holiday, we do activities that help spread out the joy of Halloween, instead of cramming all the festivities into one glorious and exhausting day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen my oldest was a baby we bought this cardboard haunted house advent calendar at an after-Halloween sale. It had gummy candies in each of the 13 drawers, which I dislike but my kids' dad finds them delicious. After the candies were gone, I saved the haunted house to be a future Halloween decoration, and every year since then we've reused it, filling the drawers with surprises for our kids. I added small numbered tags that protrude from each drawer, letting my kids know which drawer to open next.\u003Cbr \/\u003E You can make your own advent calendar any number of ways, or reuse one like I've done. Over the years, we've put different things in the drawers, from tiny, Halloween themed toys to small candies. In recent years, with candy burnout and toy overload, we instead plan a festive activity for each of the 13 days leading up to Halloween, and the drawer contains a description of that activity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s1600\/P1010151.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s640\/P1010151.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BX6WHY-z9JI\/Vfs7O_mKrXI\/AAAAAAAAG2Y\/XlLbU2qrXMY\/s1600\/P1010154.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BX6WHY-z9JI\/Vfs7O_mKrXI\/AAAAAAAAG2Y\/XlLbU2qrXMY\/s640\/P1010154.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis would involve some kind of Halloween themed craft, changing each year depending on materials on hand and inspiration.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UdcGeaaqc-E\/Vfs7Is0q0SI\/AAAAAAAAG2U\/QLC1RwvO56Y\/s1600\/P1010156.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UdcGeaaqc-E\/Vfs7Is0q0SI\/AAAAAAAAG2U\/QLC1RwvO56Y\/s640\/P1010156.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis is what we call our annual Halloween scavenger hunt. At the end of the scavenger hunt is generally some kind of creepy toy or gift for my kids to share.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8uROL0E8vms\/Vfs7H5-qabI\/AAAAAAAAG2M\/QlZNt5l1tEo\/s1600\/P1010155.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8uROL0E8vms\/Vfs7H5-qabI\/AAAAAAAAG2M\/QlZNt5l1tEo\/s640\/P1010155.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWe have a few movies that we usually watch each October, Nightmare Before Christmas is one favorite.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHere is a list of family traditions that might be included in our Halloween activity advent calendar:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDecorate the house\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDo a Halloween craft of some kind\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EStroll through a beautiful old cemetary \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EGo to a Halloween Party\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWatch Nightmare Before Christmas\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETrick or Treat on Halloween night\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETrick or Treat at the local businesses\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESee Dracula, the ballet, in full costume\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBathtime in the dark, with glow-in-the dark toys and LED candles\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ERhyming scavenger hunt (see this link for \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/halloween-scavenger-hunt.html\"\u003Escavenger hunt ideas\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHarvest festival at a local farm\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPack up unwanted candies in gift bags for the homeless \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe also play spooky music throughout the month, and change our screensaver to our collection of Halloween photos from previous years, which my kids love.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EEach year we modify the activities so they're appropriate to the ages and interests of our kids, but the basic structure remains the same. We all enjoy prolonging the festivities, and I think we reduce a lot of stress by not trying to fit everything into just one day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhat activities does your family enjoy each October? Are there Halloween movies you love watching with your kids? I'd love to hear your ideas.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8898019799389375253\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/halloween-activity-advent-calendar.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8898019799389375253"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8898019799389375253"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/halloween-activity-advent-calendar.html","title":"Halloween Activity Advent Calendar"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s72-c\/P1010151.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-6205640444318738663"},"published":{"$t":"2015-07-11T13:15:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T11:56:15.742-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Make All-Purpose Homemade Scrubbing Solution"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis simple combination of just two natural, common household ingredients can be used to safely and effectively clean just about any surface. It really works. I wouldn't bother writing about it if it was just kind of OK- which is how my natural cleaning methods were for years, before I started making this.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OzJkdOXYQ3I\/VaB49nH3XZI\/AAAAAAAAGyU\/npilyso1I_g\/s1600\/IMG_20150708_165135380.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uLh4w7xmw9E\/VaB5O2TvZDI\/AAAAAAAAGzw\/gBhVsww1wjs\/s1600\/IMG_20150708_165410669.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"natural scrubbing solution\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uLh4w7xmw9E\/VaB5O2TvZDI\/AAAAAAAAGzw\/gBhVsww1wjs\/s640\/IMG_20150708_165410669.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn fact, I can't believe it took me this long to try it. Previously, I was simply cleaning my tub with pure baking soda, and a whole lot of scrubbing. It worked, sorta. I cleaned my sinks just with a scrub brush and some soap. When my worlds collided in this recipe, I was amazed at how much easier it was to clean everything, just as naturally, and how much cleaner everything got.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo the recipe, then!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make natural scrubbing solution\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-2aTirK90B0w\/VaB45XEQnFI\/AAAAAAAAGxY\/SGdPqBRXUjA\/s640\/IMG_20150708_164325316_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAll you'll need are these items, plus a bottle for the finished product.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EIngredients:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9vw3u8cX1Bk\/VaB46RUEdbI\/AAAAAAAAGxs\/YWylMQeKeVk\/s1600\/IMG_20150708_164421633.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"ingredients for scrubbing solution\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9vw3u8cX1Bk\/VaB46RUEdbI\/AAAAAAAAGxs\/YWylMQeKeVk\/s640\/IMG_20150708_164421633.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 c baking soda\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/4 c liquid castile soap\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/4 c water\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E(If your soap isn't scented, and you like things that smell nice, you can add a couple drops of essential oil. Lavender or tea tree oils will also help with disinfecting.)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EBGz1AhDHtk\/VaB5L_Y9spI\/AAAAAAAAGzM\/3Duido-UJso\/s1600\/IMG_20150620_140344224_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"natural scrubbing solution\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EBGz1AhDHtk\/VaB5L_Y9spI\/AAAAAAAAGzM\/3Duido-UJso\/s640\/IMG_20150620_140344224_HDR.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI like to write what goes into my homemade cleaners right on the bottle, which makes it super straightforward when it's time for a refill!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003EInstructions:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMeasure ingredients and pour into the bottle. I use an old Siracha bottle, but any repurposed squeeze bottle will work great.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_97H3g8Gwpw\/VaB48liOqUI\/AAAAAAAAGyE\/pHNWn3bV1Lc\/s1600\/IMG_20150708_164809001.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make scrubbing solution\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_97H3g8Gwpw\/VaB48liOqUI\/AAAAAAAAGyE\/pHNWn3bV1Lc\/s640\/IMG_20150708_164809001.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShake well and use like any scrubbing cleanser. When I was a kid we used Soft Scrub, and this works every bit as well.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fr0gyx7NvP8\/VaB5Kt9esaI\/AAAAAAAAGzI\/bnzgwIEoC4g\/s1600\/IMG_20150620_140148740.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"scrubbing sink\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fr0gyx7NvP8\/VaB5Kt9esaI\/AAAAAAAAGzI\/bnzgwIEoC4g\/s640\/IMG_20150620_140148740.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBesides the fact that this is a million times cheaper than products you can buy (if I did my calculations right) you don't have to worry about rinsing every bit of cleanser away before, for example, bathing your children in the tub. It's just baking soda and natural soap, both of which you might actually want a little of in a bath.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7a_ai6Q6zF8\/VaB5LK9cHqI\/AAAAAAAAGzE\/U3DWOGbjGvk\/s1600\/IMG_20150620_140259460.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"stainless sink\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7a_ai6Q6zF8\/VaB5LK9cHqI\/AAAAAAAAGzE\/U3DWOGbjGvk\/s640\/IMG_20150620_140259460.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's easy to make, and kinda even makes cleaning fun.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn a closed container, this solution should last indefinitely. Shake before use, as the ingredients can settle into layers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance! Ingredients for this recipe can be purchased in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor that we love.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6205640444318738663\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/07\/how-to-make-all-purpose-homemade.html#comment-form","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6205640444318738663"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6205640444318738663"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/07\/how-to-make-all-purpose-homemade.html","title":"How to Make All-Purpose Homemade Scrubbing Solution"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uLh4w7xmw9E\/VaB5O2TvZDI\/AAAAAAAAGzw\/gBhVsww1wjs\/s72-c\/IMG_20150708_165410669.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-6712332547262497866"},"published":{"$t":"2014-03-31T07:58:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T18:03:09.600-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Easily Make Sauerkraut Right In The Jar"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI've been \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/making-lacto-fermented-sauerkraut.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emaking my own sauerkraut\u003C\/a\u003E for years, but for a long time I used a more complex method involving a large crock, the perfect size plate to fit inside it, a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E h\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeavy jar\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E to weigh it down, and a tea towel over it all. It's really not too hard to set up once you have the right size crock and plate, but i\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003En my small kitchen it was ann\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eoyi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eng to have this large contraption taking up space while it fermented for 3 weeks. Plus, checking the sauerkraut \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ealong the way to see if it was done was \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ean involved process each time.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHere is the me\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ethod I've been using for the past year or two, with great success. It's way easier and quicker, and when the sauerkraut is do\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ene\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E it's already in jars, so there's no messy \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ere\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Epacking.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vtjoFXzQ8Xg\/UV7eL4ltBYI\/AAAAAAAACS8\/c7r_7q_kCi8\/s1600\/09-12-2012-172409.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lacto-fermented sauerkraut\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vtjoFXzQ8Xg\/UV7eL4ltBYI\/AAAAAAAACS8\/c7r_7q_kCi8\/s640\/09-12-2012-172409.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis batch of spicy co\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003Ertido kraut \u003C\/span\u003Ehas celery, carrots, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003Ecabbage, beets, fresh oregano\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E, and \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003Ejalapeno\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI start with about \u003Cb\u003E5 lbs of veggies\u003C\/b\u003E and \u003Cb\u003E3 Tb of sea salt\u003C\/b\u003E. I usually use one big head of cabbage, plus a handfull of whatever other veggies I want to try. Things that I've found work great are carrots, celery, beets, daikon radish, kale, and onion. In smaller amounts I add stronger flavored ingredients, like hot peppers, garlic, ginger, oregano, and\u0026nbsp;seaweeds. When adding dried seaweeds, soak them first to rehydrate, and reduce the salt a bit. Variety makes sauerkrauts more interesting, nutritious, and tasty!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Wh-LbEtZWtI\/UzjycF_K-tI\/AAAAAAAACes\/ZrHIs7W_bY8\/s1600\/P8114627.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"shredded vegetables for sauerkraut\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Wh-LbEtZWtI\/UzjycF_K-tI\/AAAAAAAACes\/ZrHIs7W_bY8\/s1600\/P8114627.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe lovely mixture of shredded veggies\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESimply chop or shred all veggies and combine with the salt. I mix with my hands to massage in the salt and bruise the veggies a bit, to help them start to break down and release their water.\u0026nbsp; I wear gloves to protect myself from the sting of hot peppers. You can save spicier additions like peppers and onions to stir in after the salt has been massaged into the other veggies, if you're not protecting yourself with gloves.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ujVBSkroh7c\/UzjyxQRFXqI\/AAAAAAAACe0\/kysCCLCziU4\/s1600\/P8114629.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"slicing blade\" border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ujVBSkroh7c\/UzjyxQRFXqI\/AAAAAAAACe0\/kysCCLCziU4\/s1600\/P8114629.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI use the slicing blade on cabbage and greens...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VcAxDoVHeAo\/Uzjy4CWPwPI\/AAAAAAAACe8\/sOI_Ywum234\/s1600\/P8114630.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"shredder blade\" border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VcAxDoVHeAo\/Uzjy4CWPwPI\/AAAAAAAACe8\/sOI_Ywum234\/s1600\/P8114630.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E... and this blade on root veggies.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAfter massaging in the salt, let the mixture sit for a few minutes, massage again, and you should notice a lot of liquid has been released. This water (brine) will be added to each jar along with the veggies. It's ready to jar up and start fermenting!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-01pcaDZBinc\/UzjzcW08rRI\/AAAAAAAACfE\/0ZFuM2znnDo\/s1600\/P8114633.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"shredded veggies for sauerkraut\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-01pcaDZBinc\/UzjzcW08rRI\/AAAAAAAACfE\/0ZFuM2znnDo\/s1600\/P8114633.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAfter mixing with the salt, veggies will release their water. This batch has arame seaweed.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EStuff veggies by the handful into clean, wide mouth mason jars. You will probably need 3 quart jars, or 2 quarts and one pint size jar for 5 lbs of veggies. Press the veggies deeply into the jars, both to bruise the veggies further and to remove any air pockets from the kraut. It's best if the jars are filled just to the \"shoulder\", about 1\" below the top, so that there is room for them to bubble and expand a bit. I frequently overfill them, and liquid seeps out. Which is fine, but I'd rather it stay put.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAfter pressing the veggies deeply into the jar, top off with the brine. Try to distribute the liquid equally between the jars, with the goal of covering the veggies with brine. Using a spoon or clean hand, press all the kraut as much as possible below the level of the brine. If necessary, extra brine can be mixed up to top off the jars. Simply mix salt and water (about a teaspoon of salt per cup of water) and pour over kraut. I have never needed to do this, because\u0026nbsp;I find the veggies\u0026nbsp;always provided enough liquid on their own.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-r3coHHT7Cso\/Uzj0u62jA_I\/AAAAAAAACfQ\/W7i7CRR1O8E\/s1600\/09-12-2012-154937.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lacto-fermented sauerkraut\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-r3coHHT7Cso\/Uzj0u62jA_I\/AAAAAAAACfQ\/W7i7CRR1O8E\/s1600\/09-12-2012-154937.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOK, your work is done here. Screw some lids on those jars and let them ferment for anywhere between\u0026nbsp;1 and 3 weeks! Yes, that is a huge window. It's up to you to decide when they're done. I find it's perfectly good at any point along that continuum; some people like their krauts a little more fresh and crispy, and others like a more mature, softer kraut. For the first few days, fermentation will be very active, and it's best to open the jars enough to release pressure once a day. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOpen the jars at least once a week to check for signs of mold (remove any you see with a clean spoon) and press any veggies back under the brine that have strayed. Taste a pinch of veggies each week. Once they're done to your satisfaction, transfer them to the fridge. They'll continue to mature in the fridge, but at a much slower rate. Kraut will last for many, many months under refrigeration. I've even kept it in my cool, dark, garage pantry for about a year and it was still perfectly good. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESometimes the top layer of the jar will discolor from oxidation; you can discard this layer if you find it unappealing. My chickens gobble up discolored kraut with impunity. An off color does not mean it's gone bad, it's simply oxidized.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: center;\"\u003EFor more on the benefits and history of sauerkraut, as well as a whole world of other fermentation ideas, check out the original source of my inspiration, two books by Sandor Katz. Both probably available from your local library, but also definitely worth owning. If you buy either through my ad links below, Amazon gives me a tiny bit of cash. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=1931498237\u0026amp;asins=1931498237\u0026amp;linkId=GUQNXQ2DQBF3XDWI\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; 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amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6712332547262497866\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/03\/easily-make-sauerkraut-right-in-jar.html#comment-form","title":"12 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6712332547262497866"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6712332547262497866"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/03\/easily-make-sauerkraut-right-in-jar.html","title":"Easily Make Sauerkraut Right In The Jar"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vtjoFXzQ8Xg\/UV7eL4ltBYI\/AAAAAAAACS8\/c7r_7q_kCi8\/s72-c\/09-12-2012-172409.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"12"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1366806458784682615"},"published":{"$t":"2014-01-09T07:10:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T18:01:35.456-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Foraging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Make Herbal Salt Blends"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5DnXnwy2nfI\/Us61vKqepYI\/AAAAAAAACeI\/0sM1JZuOF0I\/s1600\/P1010104.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade herbal salt blend\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5DnXnwy2nfI\/Us61vKqepYI\/AAAAAAAACeI\/0sM1JZuOF0I\/s1600\/P1010104.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis is my favorite new recipe, simply blending together dried herbs and sea salt. It's amazingly good and infinitely variable. It's also a delicious way to add more dried nettles to your diet, which are mild tasting and incredibly nutrient rich. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI got the idea from a recipe in the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mountainroseherbs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMountain Rose Herbs\u003C\/a\u003E catalog, but have made it my own. I always have different herbs on hand- and never follow a recipe to the letter if I can help it. Not having any dried rosemary the first time I made this, I was worried mine wouldn't turn out that great because I used such different flavors, but it was amazing. I'll include both the original recipe, which sounds fantastic, and my first variation, which was very ad hoc and turned out great.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ofJ8yfn9hDQ\/Us60JPLX7BI\/AAAAAAAACds\/e37qYGjfyvc\/s1600\/P1010089.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"dried herbs for salt blend\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ofJ8yfn9hDQ\/Us60JPLX7BI\/AAAAAAAACds\/e37qYGjfyvc\/s1600\/P1010089.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis is a perfect way to use your home-dried herbs! Shown here are golden oregano, parsley, and rosemary, all from my summer garden.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOriginal recipe:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 parts rosemary leaf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part nettle leaf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part dandelion leaf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part lemon thyme leaf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ecoarse sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIn a coffee grinder, finely powder each herb. Mix the blended herbs together in one container, and measure the total volume. Add half that volume of salt. Return to the grinder and pulse together to blend.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SD_gaZmuwdo\/Us6yoB0nFdI\/AAAAAAAACdc\/mUOYTRWln5k\/s1600\/P1014774.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade herbal salt blend\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SD_gaZmuwdo\/Us6yoB0nFdI\/AAAAAAAACdc\/mUOYTRWln5k\/s1600\/P1014774.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat I did:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 parts sage\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 parts nettle leaf \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part oregano\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part parsley\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part thyme\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ecoarse sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-v72tOz35cak\/Us67BITjKhI\/AAAAAAAACeY\/DTxZ1gSLhGs\/s1600\/P1010093.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to make herbal salt blends\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-v72tOz35cak\/Us67BITjKhI\/AAAAAAAACeY\/DTxZ1gSLhGs\/s1600\/P1010093.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EDon't worry if it looks a bit coarse after the first grind. When the herbs are ground a second time, with the salt, they'll become fine powder.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIt's so, so good. Use it as you would table salt, to sprinkle extra nutrients and flavor on everything you eat. As you can see from how different the above herb combinations are, you can really use whatever you have.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe've also found that we can get away with a lot less salt, so rather than half the total volume being salt, we might use 1\/3 or 1\/4. It's really more about the herbs!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ieXQbww7Ap0\/Us606QpEb0I\/AAAAAAAACd8\/xXZ6SqJ28qI\/s1600\/P1040059.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Herbal salts wrapped for gifts\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ieXQbww7Ap0\/Us606QpEb0I\/AAAAAAAACd8\/xXZ6SqJ28qI\/s1600\/P1040059.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI made specific flavors that I thought people would like  (parsley \u0026amp; thyme for my stepmom, rosemary sage for my brother) and  packed them in pretty jars, to go along with Christmas presents this  year.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1366806458784682615\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/01\/how-to-make-herbal-salt-blends.html#comment-form","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1366806458784682615"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1366806458784682615"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/01\/how-to-make-herbal-salt-blends.html","title":"How to Make Herbal Salt Blends"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5DnXnwy2nfI\/Us61vKqepYI\/AAAAAAAACeI\/0sM1JZuOF0I\/s72-c\/P1010104.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7212593814106370057"},"published":{"$t":"2013-12-06T20:52:00.003-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T18:09:35.827-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Delicious Water Kefir"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6-R2YSDuV-g\/UqKgg_0y3hI\/AAAAAAAACcQ\/t7Pa7YbGmOE\/s1600\/PC190056.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6-R2YSDuV-g\/UqKgg_0y3hI\/AAAAAAAACcQ\/t7Pa7YbGmOE\/s640\/PC190056.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Water kefir is my new favorite thing to drink. It's so light and naturally bubbly, and can be made into any flavor with the addition of fruit juices. Plus it has the health benefits of living cultured foods. In less than a week and with minimal effort, your kefir grains will transform a small amount of juice and sugar into an amazingly tasty, versatile, and healthful beverage.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E There are two stages of fermentation for your kefir, the first ferment and the second ferment. I will describe them both here. When you are given water kefir grains, they will look like this: \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0tw4cWBeI-4\/Up3rkmxCygI\/AAAAAAAACb0\/-9OM-N9wAnE\/s1600\/PC140035.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0tw4cWBeI-4\/Up3rkmxCygI\/AAAAAAAACb0\/-9OM-N9wAnE\/s640\/PC140035.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI scrawled a line on my jar to mark the optimal level of kefir grains. When they multiply and go over the line, it's time for me to share them with someone! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Here is how to feed and care for your kefir grains, and produce a delicious tonic in the process:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E First of all, they need sugar. Simply mix sugar into warm water until it dissolves. I heat about two cups of water in a pan on the stovetop, just until it's steamy, and then stir in the sugar. There's no need to boil it. More cool water will be added, to bring the total liquid up to about a quart. I loosely measure 1\/4 cup of rapidura or sucanat sugar, and stir it to dissolve. This is then poured into a large glass jar with about 1\/4 c of water kefir grains. That's it. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9V8KtCq6DCI\/Up3sRKlKWtI\/AAAAAAAACb8\/sGRV18_UIaM\/s1600\/PC140041.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9V8KtCq6DCI\/Up3sRKlKWtI\/AAAAAAAACb8\/sGRV18_UIaM\/s640\/PC140041.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1\/4 cup Rapidura sugar, loosely measured. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EChoose the least processed sugar you can find, since the kefir grains benefit from the minerals. If you only have processed sugar, add a dollop of molasses to give back some of the minerals that the kefir needs to thrive. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Nwt77IG7YFc\/UqKhum3jXgI\/AAAAAAAACcc\/QWQCMmcLMxc\/s1600\/PC140003.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Nwt77IG7YFc\/UqKhum3jXgI\/AAAAAAAACcc\/QWQCMmcLMxc\/s640\/PC140003.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis jar contains 1\/4 cup sugar dissolved in about a quart of liquid, along with the kefir grains. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the grains \u0026amp; sugar water are combined, cap tightly. To be sure fruit flies can't get into it (and they would really like to) I cover the lidded jar with a cloth, rubber banded in place: \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wcyxRCh5hfM\/UqKiVLy7IaI\/AAAAAAAACco\/zyglY2Z6dQI\/s1600\/PC140005.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wcyxRCh5hfM\/UqKiVLy7IaI\/AAAAAAAACco\/zyglY2Z6dQI\/s640\/PC140005.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Let this ferment, undisturbed and at room temperature, for 24-48 hours. Cooler temperatures will slow down fermentation. You don't want the kefir grains to run out of sugar or they will die, so don't let it go too long.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CdHk49OQRVo\/UqKiUFXjb-I\/AAAAAAAACck\/SXKZ3TkAzq0\/s1600\/P1010005.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CdHk49OQRVo\/UqKiUFXjb-I\/AAAAAAAACck\/SXKZ3TkAzq0\/s640\/P1010005.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E After two days, it's time to strain out the liquid into a bottle or jar, and add some fruit juice. Use whatever flavor you fancy; we've tried fresh apple, grape, elderberry, and orange, and they've all been really good. For the elderberry, I used a small amount of homemade elderberry syrup in place of juice, and it worked great. I tend to use about 1\/4 to 1\/3 for my ratio of juice to kefir liquid. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lovRRaZ46hM\/UqKj28528kI\/AAAAAAAACc4\/JH3JSD8ptH8\/s1600\/PC140033.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lovRRaZ46hM\/UqKj28528kI\/AAAAAAAACc4\/JH3JSD8ptH8\/s640\/PC140033.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile you can use a tightly capped mason jar for the second ferment, I prefer the spring loaded bottles shown above. They have a firm seal and are easy to use, as well as a pretty nice presentation. These two bottles of orange kefir are in their second ferment, alongside the \"mother\" jar of kefir doing its first ferment. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-t_LIH7V-W08\/UqKknPTKPuI\/AAAAAAAACdA\/EGACdDSsxyk\/s1600\/PC140036.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-t_LIH7V-W08\/UqKknPTKPuI\/AAAAAAAACdA\/EGACdDSsxyk\/s640\/PC140036.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThese upcycled bottles of storebought kombucha that a friend saves for me also work great for doing the second ferment. They have very tight fitting lids, which is important for building up carbonation in the water kefir. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gocy7F3bKuk\/UqKlRzaO1FI\/AAAAAAAACdM\/QJRdUCjm124\/s1600\/PC190025.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gocy7F3bKuk\/UqKlRzaO1FI\/AAAAAAAACdM\/QJRdUCjm124\/s640\/PC190025.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOrange water kefir, nicely bubbly! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce your juice and kefir blend has fermented for 2 or 3 days, place bottles in the refrigerator. They'll last a long time in the fridge, but they're ready to drink as soon as they're cold! Open with caution. Sometimes a lot of pressure can build up, particularly if they've fermented for too long or been kept in the fridge for too many weeks (where they slowly continue to build up pressure). If this happens, drink your water kefir sooner!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDo you have a favorite flavor of water kefir, or a different way to make it? I'd love to hear ideas and feedback from you!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E For more on traditional sourdough, as well as a whole world of fermentation ideas, check out the original source of my inspiration, two books by Sandor Katz. Both probably available from your local library, but also definitely worth owning. If you buy either through my ad links below, Amazon gives me a tiny bit of cash. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7212593814106370057\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/12\/how-to-make-delicious-water-kefir.html#comment-form","title":"8 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7212593814106370057"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7212593814106370057"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/12\/how-to-make-delicious-water-kefir.html","title":"How To Make Delicious Water Kefir"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6-R2YSDuV-g\/UqKgg_0y3hI\/AAAAAAAACcQ\/t7Pa7YbGmOE\/s72-c\/PC190056.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"8"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1174497731634120835"},"published":{"$t":"2013-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:21:19.501-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Handmade Copper Tree"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe final product, in all its gleaming upcycled glory:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s1600\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s640\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"468\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere were a couple of years that we went completely treeless at Christmas, when my kids were quite young and wouldn't miss it. But I do like having a big tree to decorate, with beautiful presents piled underneath.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rFCY9o8OPU\/UplZXYIwCWI\/AAAAAAAACa8\/o648_YlMIqw\/s1600\/12-04-2011-192610.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fabric wrapped christmas presents\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rFCY9o8OPU\/UplZXYIwCWI\/AAAAAAAACa8\/o648_YlMIqw\/s640\/12-04-2011-192610.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor a few years we would go out of town in early December and cut a tree from a little tree farm, and then one year we discovered buying the ones already trucked into town and sold in lots was way cheaper. Still, cutting or buying a new tree each year never sat well with me. It just seems like such a waste, in more ways than one. It's part of the uber-consumption of the holiday season that we generally do well to avoid.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe considered buying a fake tree, and talked to a lot of friends who are very happy with theirs. I liked the idea of having one tree to use every December forever, without creating more waste each year. I was not happy with the off-gassing factor of artificial trees though. Also, many fake trees are pre-lit, and the biggest problem with that appears to be that the light strands will die in big sections, as light strands do, and then you end up with a half-lit tree, and ultimately a bunch more trash in the landfill.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-P4M1X8jm10o\/UplZsp3kY2I\/AAAAAAAACbE\/8DSiIrGwX3M\/s1600\/12-04-2011-155523.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"metal christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-P4M1X8jm10o\/UplZsp3kY2I\/AAAAAAAACbE\/8DSiIrGwX3M\/s640\/12-04-2011-155523.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe borrowed a white metal yard tree from a friend one year, and used that in our living room. I kind of liked the stark simplicity of the metal, but with half the lights out it was rather haphazard looking. One day, after gazing for a moment at our semi-ugly borrowed metal tree, Nik declared that he could make a better one.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Drk_HhuMI5k\/UplYTq2PKyI\/AAAAAAAACak\/vih-79rVeAo\/s1600\/12-17-2011-171427.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Drk_HhuMI5k\/UplYTq2PKyI\/AAAAAAAACak\/vih-79rVeAo\/s640\/12-17-2011-171427.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"468\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ECreating the branching effect\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHe got to work right away. The only thing he needed to buy for it was a copper lightning rod, to use as the tree trunk. The rest of the copper came from stripped electrical wires, leftover from the rolls of wiring he had for a house project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iwRHZGlEqGo\/UplYfggPGKI\/AAAAAAAACas\/9uX7uWczqtk\/s1600\/12-17-2011-171524.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iwRHZGlEqGo\/UplYfggPGKI\/AAAAAAAACas\/9uX7uWczqtk\/s640\/12-17-2011-171524.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can see in the picture how he wound a thick layer of extra rubber tubing around the base of the tree so it would work in a conventional tree stand.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStripping the wiring of its protective coating was not an easy task, but once he had that done, building the tree was fun and easy. To continue with the upcycling trend, he used strips of old bicycle tubing to lash the branches to the trunk. Then he unwound the wires to make them branch in natural patterns... And then we had our tree! Simple, mostly free materials, and what's more beautiful than gleaming copper?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RFMiTkl4NwY\/Uplgkqrch2I\/AAAAAAAACbc\/-88X6fhXHQo\/s1600\/11-27-2012-123944.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RFMiTkl4NwY\/Uplgkqrch2I\/AAAAAAAACbc\/-88X6fhXHQo\/s640\/11-27-2012-123944.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe wire is plenty strong for all our ornaments. You can see in this photo how we simply wind the light strand around the trunk of the tree rather than around the perimeter as you might for a pine tree.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6HLOO3YC7i0\/UplgWhJOldI\/AAAAAAAACbU\/fwWZjEoq_BU\/s1600\/11-26-2012-104003.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6HLOO3YC7i0\/UplgWhJOldI\/AAAAAAAACbU\/fwWZjEoq_BU\/s640\/11-26-2012-104003.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think the gold tree star topper looks fabulous on the copper tree.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis will be our third year using it, and it's still as beautiful as ever!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1174497731634120835\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/11\/our-handmade-copper-tree.html#comment-form","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1174497731634120835"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1174497731634120835"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/11\/our-handmade-copper-tree.html","title":"Our Handmade Copper Tree"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s72-c\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3980059039952109621"},"published":{"$t":"2013-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T11:57:26.562-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Your Own Cacao Powder"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe grind our own fresh cacao powder, as we need it, from whole raw cacao beans. Much like coffee beans, cacao will be at peak flavor right after grinding. And like grains and other seeds, nutrition deterioration begins as soon as they are ground.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--L84PXn8waI\/UpiblJQ0wVI\/AAAAAAAACaM\/3uKi52VHCtc\/s1600\/P8014581.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"whole cacao\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--L84PXn8waI\/UpiblJQ0wVI\/AAAAAAAACaM\/3uKi52VHCtc\/s640\/P8014581.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe whole raw cacao beans keep much better than pre-ground powder, and store for a long time in a cool, dark place. When I want cacao for a recipe, I simply use my coffee grinder to blend up the amount I need. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LDj12Th8ofE\/UpibxrxDcII\/AAAAAAAACaU\/XvikNKcOi8w\/s1600\/P8014580.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh cacao powder\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LDj12Th8ofE\/UpibxrxDcII\/AAAAAAAACaU\/XvikNKcOi8w\/s640\/P8014580.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe grind I make may not be as fine as storebought, but I would say the quality, nutrition, and freshness make up for it!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI do grind coffee in the same mill, and am never bothered by any coffee flavor in my chocolate or chocolate flavor in my coffee. They go pretty well together, and any small residue from sharing the equipment hardly matters.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EWhole raw cacao beans can be purchased in bulk from\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3980059039952109621\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/11\/how-to-make-your-own-cacao-powder.html#comment-form","title":"33 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3980059039952109621"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3980059039952109621"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/11\/how-to-make-your-own-cacao-powder.html","title":"How To Make Your Own Cacao Powder"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--L84PXn8waI\/UpiblJQ0wVI\/AAAAAAAACaM\/3uKi52VHCtc\/s72-c\/P8014581.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"33"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7608213984736442470"},"published":{"$t":"2013-10-20T06:25:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:21:45.177-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Garlic Honey, An Effective Cold Remedy"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VsY3qRIK1wg\/UmPWQe0vAWI\/AAAAAAAACZc\/7LVEeSCAXlk\/s1600\/P1014789.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"garlic cloves\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VsY3qRIK1wg\/UmPWQe0vAWI\/AAAAAAAACZc\/7LVEeSCAXlk\/s640\/P1014789.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAn excellent remedy for the cold season, this simple blend of raw garlic and raw honey is quick to make and surprisingly tasty. While I love garlic, the idea of eating even one clove of raw garlic straight does not appeal to me, no matter how good for you it is. However, this simple combination makes huge amounts of raw garlic very palatable.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI first made this when I had been sick for a few days and none of my normal remedies (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2011\/12\/we-drink-nettle-tea.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Enettle tea\u003C\/a\u003E, rest, neti pot, gargling with salt water, avoiding sugar) were doing the trick. I was just not getting better, until the morning I made this. I ended up eating an entire head of raw garlic that morning, and immediately felt so much better that I made and ate a second head of garlic honey that afternoon.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pqV9CujclJE\/UmPW6X1OWXI\/AAAAAAAACZk\/IF4aY81jyTA\/s1600\/P1014781.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make garlic honey\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pqV9CujclJE\/UmPW6X1OWXI\/AAAAAAAACZk\/IF4aY81jyTA\/s640\/P1014781.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMy illness was gone, and I just felt good. I continue making garlic honey regularly now, even when healthy, just because I like it! Here is the recipe:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hufxon3HCgc\/UmPXYpjQPqI\/AAAAAAAACZs\/bEZ28onA4hs\/s1600\/P1014791.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make garlic honey\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hufxon3HCgc\/UmPXYpjQPqI\/AAAAAAAACZs\/bEZ28onA4hs\/s640\/P1014791.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPeel and mash one head of garlic. You can mince it finely if you don't have a garlic press. Stir together with about half the volume of raw honey, until it forms a thick paste. I use about one teaspoon of honey for maybe 7 cloves of garlic, but you can use as much as equal parts garlic and honey if you are worried about the taste. Let this mixture sit for several minutes, give another quick stir, and then eat in tiny spoonfuls whenever you want, as often as you like.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TRQLY2i29-M\/UmPYHtCPw8I\/AAAAAAAACZ8\/Eha74Oy7AZE\/s1600\/P1014786.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make garlic honey\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TRQLY2i29-M\/UmPYHtCPw8I\/AAAAAAAACZ8\/Eha74Oy7AZE\/s640\/P1014786.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis will keep safely on the counter for a couple of days, or in the fridge for longer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_itGGF352HM\/UmPX9qY2htI\/AAAAAAAACZ0\/wmr_4Ud1bMs\/s1600\/P1014784.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"garlic honey\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_itGGF352HM\/UmPX9qY2htI\/AAAAAAAACZ0\/wmr_4Ud1bMs\/s640\/P1014784.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7608213984736442470\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/garlic-honey-effective-cold-remedy.html#comment-form","title":"51 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7608213984736442470"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7608213984736442470"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/garlic-honey-effective-cold-remedy.html","title":"Garlic Honey, An Effective Cold Remedy"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VsY3qRIK1wg\/UmPWQe0vAWI\/AAAAAAAACZc\/7LVEeSCAXlk\/s72-c\/P1014789.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"51"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5374030620763316799"},"published":{"$t":"2013-10-11T06:35:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:21:57.159-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Start Or Join A Buy Nothing Facebook Group"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jsY2F_WRpKQ\/Ulf41XJ-k7I\/AAAAAAAACY8\/T3_Sh_djDqM\/s1600\/04-13-2013-183038.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"crowd at the beach\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jsY2F_WRpKQ\/Ulf41XJ-k7I\/AAAAAAAACY8\/T3_Sh_djDqM\/s640\/04-13-2013-183038.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis was exactly what I'd been looking for. The Buy Nothing Project (BNP) was created not only to reduce overall waste and consumption by redistributing goods that people are done with, but also- and perhaps more importantly- to help build community through sharing abundance within local groups.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAbout a year ago a  group of us from Sustainable Burien formed a temporary book club to read  and discuss Charles Eisenstein's book, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/sacred-economics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESacred Economics\u003C\/a\u003E.  We all came to the same conclusion: We wanted a more thriving  community, a culture centered around sharing and mutual happiness and support,  and an alternative economy based on gifting, rather than the scarcity  model that encourages hoarding and isolation.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KZ6VIOJSY3U\/Ulf5MVwUNHI\/AAAAAAAACZE\/YounN23hNeI\/s1600\/01-15-2012-154247.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"snowy street\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KZ6VIOJSY3U\/Ulf5MVwUNHI\/AAAAAAAACZE\/YounN23hNeI\/s640\/01-15-2012-154247.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESo,  when we heard about the Buy Nothing Project, my friend Rebecca\u0026nbsp;and I  knew it would be a wonderful move in the right direction for our  community. We contacted Liesl Clark, one of the creators of Buy Nothing, and she set up our  facebook group the next day. Rebecca\u0026nbsp;and I are now the  administrators of our local group, but the outlines and rules for the  group were formed by the BNP. Our group is part of a quickly growing network of regional facebook groups, all based on gifting and building community.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor years I've been a member of a freecycle group, which has been great in terms of reducing waste, since we can easily rehome anything we're ready to get rid of. It's also a useful forum for requesting things before we buy them new. But I would not say it is much of a medium for building real community. The email addresses the group is based around are too anonymous, and the area each group covers is too large to enable a personal connection between other members.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ctpbxVkRU30\/Ulf4dlAVg5I\/AAAAAAAACY0\/z5-crFaiAPE\/s1600\/08-20-2012-145608.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh rhubarb\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ctpbxVkRU30\/Ulf4dlAVg5I\/AAAAAAAACY0\/z5-crFaiAPE\/s640\/08-20-2012-145608.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPerhaps you'll have some garden bounty to share!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe way\u0026nbsp;Buy Nothing\u0026nbsp;differs is that each post is linked with a facebook user profile, and each group is limited to smaller geographic areas. The limited area helps reduce driving time and gas usage when making physical connections to pick things up. The fact that we use our actual facebook profiles encourages real connections to be made, since it's easier to recognize who you are messaging when there is a picture profile attached. It also discourages people like professional refuse seekers, who score freebies only to sell them, from taking advantage of the generosity of others. Anyone who breaks rules or is creepy can easily be blocked from the group.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe are thrilled to bring this project to Burien. If you are interested in starting a group of your own in an area not already covered by a Buy Nothing group, here is the info page on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/buynothingproject.org\/2013\/07\/31\/how-to-set-up-your-own-buy-nothing-group\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehow to set up a Buy Nothing group\u003C\/a\u003E. First, you might want to check here to see if there is already a group that serves your area: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/buynothingproject.org\/\"\u003Ebuynothingproject.org\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5374030620763316799\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html#comment-form","title":"8 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5374030620763316799"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5374030620763316799"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html","title":"Start Or Join A Buy Nothing Facebook Group"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jsY2F_WRpKQ\/Ulf41XJ-k7I\/AAAAAAAACY8\/T3_Sh_djDqM\/s72-c\/04-13-2013-183038.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"8"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-6577060086594815667"},"published":{"$t":"2013-09-16T06:53:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:05:46.762-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Dehydrated Flax Seed Crackers"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2hFjkVfd7lI\/UjcIHUP8a1I\/AAAAAAAACYE\/5AgscwdqgzE\/s1600\/P5314258.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw flax crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2hFjkVfd7lI\/UjcIHUP8a1I\/AAAAAAAACYE\/5AgscwdqgzE\/s640\/P5314258.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAt their most basic, these economical, gluten-free crackers are simply flax seeds soaked in an equal volume of liquid, and then dehydrated until crisp. They can be sweet or savory, spicy, salted, or (my favorite) soaked in raw sauerkraut brine.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQAFNt_eGh8\/UjcHXVDHHhI\/AAAAAAAACX0\/NxOjInX95a0\/s1600\/07-14-2012-163132.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"flax seeds\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQAFNt_eGh8\/UjcHXVDHHhI\/AAAAAAAACX0\/NxOjInX95a0\/s640\/07-14-2012-163132.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor sweet crackers, try using fruit juice as the soaking liquid. Add some cinnamon if you want. For savory crackers, try your favorite herb combination, plus a generous pinch of sea salt. If you happen to have some sauerkraut brine, throw it in!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9k7pbb_TzV8\/UjcLLwSwo5I\/AAAAAAAACYM\/9protGU1xz8\/s1600\/P5304246.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make flax seed crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9k7pbb_TzV8\/UjcLLwSwo5I\/AAAAAAAACYM\/9protGU1xz8\/s640\/P5304246.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESoaking only takes about an hour, but longer is OK, up to about 4 hours. Stir the flax seeds into the liquid and they quickly start to gel. Let it soak until the mixture turns into a thick dough.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C9yPCWXef6E\/UjcGK-CseII\/AAAAAAAACXk\/ZremifB4dSw\/s1600\/P5304242.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"dehydrate flax crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C9yPCWXef6E\/UjcGK-CseII\/AAAAAAAACXk\/ZremifB4dSw\/s640\/P5304242.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESpoon the dough onto parchment paper or dehydrator sheets, and spread each cracker with the back of the spoon until they reach a uniform thickness. Dehydrate at 110 degrees for four to six hours, then flip and dehydrate another two hours or so, until both sides are bone dry. Actual dehydration time varies based on temperature, humidity, and the thickness of your crackers, but overdrying won't hurt.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fKs0G4qmBK4\/UjcGdBybaQI\/AAAAAAAACXs\/4Ug9t1ZCeu8\/s1600\/P5314255.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"dehydrate flax crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fKs0G4qmBK4\/UjcGdBybaQI\/AAAAAAAACXs\/4Ug9t1ZCeu8\/s640\/P5314255.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMade during a dry summer, this batch dehydrated all the way through after just 6 hours, without needing to be flipped. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou want them nice and crisp- moisture left in the crackers will cause them to store poorly. Kept in a sealed container in the fridge, they can last for a month or more.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESavory flax crackers are great with hummus or guacamole. Sweet flax crackers go well with peanut butter or cream cheese.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hxVCPtR3wVM\/UjcHofSjOTI\/AAAAAAAACX8\/UdWJrTrSVJc\/s1600\/P5314259.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw flax crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hxVCPtR3wVM\/UjcHofSjOTI\/AAAAAAAACX8\/UdWJrTrSVJc\/s640\/P5314259.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFlax seeds can be purchased in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor that we love. I'm adding an ad link below to the absolute best dehydrator that I know of. I've used mine for years and love it, and the price has even gone down from when I bought it. If you use my link to make a purchase, Amazon kicks us back a little bit, which is helps to support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B004Z915M4\u0026amp;asins=B004Z915M4\u0026amp;linkId=MOOAQV5426IPTNYB\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6577060086594815667\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/09\/dehydrated-flax-seed-crackers_16.html#comment-form","title":"15 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6577060086594815667"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6577060086594815667"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/09\/dehydrated-flax-seed-crackers_16.html","title":"Dehydrated Flax Seed Crackers"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2hFjkVfd7lI\/UjcIHUP8a1I\/AAAAAAAACYE\/5AgscwdqgzE\/s72-c\/P5314258.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"15"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1104360763560648379"},"published":{"$t":"2013-09-16T06:53:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:04:37.688-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Dehydrated Flax Seed Crackers"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2hFjkVfd7lI\/UjcIHUP8a1I\/AAAAAAAACYE\/5AgscwdqgzE\/s1600\/P5314258.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw flax crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2hFjkVfd7lI\/UjcIHUP8a1I\/AAAAAAAACYE\/5AgscwdqgzE\/s640\/P5314258.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAt their most basic, these economical, gluten-free crackers are simply flax seeds soaked in an equal volume of liquid, and then dehydrated until crisp. They can be sweet or savory, spicy, salted, or (my favorite) soaked in raw sauerkraut brine.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQAFNt_eGh8\/UjcHXVDHHhI\/AAAAAAAACX0\/NxOjInX95a0\/s1600\/07-14-2012-163132.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"flax seeds\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQAFNt_eGh8\/UjcHXVDHHhI\/AAAAAAAACX0\/NxOjInX95a0\/s640\/07-14-2012-163132.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor sweet crackers, try using fruit juice as the soaking liquid. Add some cinnamon if you want. For savory crackers, try your favorite herb combination, plus a generous pinch of sea salt. If you happen to have some sauerkraut brine, throw it in!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9k7pbb_TzV8\/UjcLLwSwo5I\/AAAAAAAACYM\/9protGU1xz8\/s1600\/P5304246.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make flax seed crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9k7pbb_TzV8\/UjcLLwSwo5I\/AAAAAAAACYM\/9protGU1xz8\/s640\/P5304246.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESoaking only takes about an hour, but longer is OK, up to about 4 hours. Stir the flax seeds into the liquid and they quickly start to gel. Let it soak until the mixture turns into a thick dough.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C9yPCWXef6E\/UjcGK-CseII\/AAAAAAAACXk\/ZremifB4dSw\/s1600\/P5304242.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"dehydrate flax crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C9yPCWXef6E\/UjcGK-CseII\/AAAAAAAACXk\/ZremifB4dSw\/s640\/P5304242.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESpoon the dough onto parchment paper or dehydrator sheets, and spread each cracker with the back of the spoon until they reach a uniform thickness. Dehydrate at 110 degrees for four to six hours, then flip and dehydrate another two hours or so, until both sides are bone dry. Actual dehydration time varies based on temperature, humidity, and the thickness of your crackers, but overdrying won't hurt.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fKs0G4qmBK4\/UjcGdBybaQI\/AAAAAAAACXs\/4Ug9t1ZCeu8\/s1600\/P5314255.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"dehydrate flax crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fKs0G4qmBK4\/UjcGdBybaQI\/AAAAAAAACXs\/4Ug9t1ZCeu8\/s640\/P5314255.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMade during a dry summer, this batch dehydrated all the way through after just 6 hours, without needing to be flipped. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou want them nice and crisp- moisture left in the crackers will cause them to store poorly. Kept in a sealed container in the fridge, they can last for a month or more.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESavory flax crackers are great with hummus or guacamole. Sweet flax crackers go well with peanut butter or cream cheese.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hxVCPtR3wVM\/UjcHofSjOTI\/AAAAAAAACX8\/UdWJrTrSVJc\/s1600\/P5314259.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw flax crackers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hxVCPtR3wVM\/UjcHofSjOTI\/AAAAAAAACX8\/UdWJrTrSVJc\/s640\/P5314259.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOrganic flax seeds can be purchased in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor that we love. I'm adding an ad link below to the absolute best dehydrator that I know of. I've used mine for years and love it, and the price has even gone down from when I bought it. If you use my link to make a purchase, Amazon kicks us back a little bit, which is helps to support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B004Z915M4\u0026amp;asins=B004Z915M4\u0026amp;linkId=MOOAQV5426IPTNYB\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1104360763560648379\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/09\/dehydrated-flax-seed-crackers.html#comment-form","title":"16 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1104360763560648379"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1104360763560648379"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/09\/dehydrated-flax-seed-crackers.html","title":"Dehydrated Flax Seed Crackers"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2hFjkVfd7lI\/UjcIHUP8a1I\/AAAAAAAACYE\/5AgscwdqgzE\/s72-c\/P5314258.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"16"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8595856935139729014"},"published":{"$t":"2013-02-28T08:07:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:14:31.255-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Make Microwave Popcorn in a Bowl"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"This is the easiest thing ever: Make popcorn right in the bowl you're going to serve it in. You don't need to do it in a paper bag, you don't need any chemical-laden, pre-measured packets from the store, and you don't need a space-hogging kitchen appliance just for popping corn.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-C3CWK7z_DTE\/UPApg0zjuLI\/AAAAAAAACKo\/MDQPqcvyG8w\/s1600\/06-23-2012-153631.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-C3CWK7z_DTE\/UPApg0zjuLI\/AAAAAAAACKo\/MDQPqcvyG8w\/s640\/06-23-2012-153631.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI use blue popcorn. This will work with any variety of popcorn! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMeasure out 1\/3 c of popcorn kernels into a large microwave-safe bowl. I just use a glass mixing bowl, probably with a 1 gallon capacity. You may want to vary the amount of corn you use depending on the size of your bowl or the size of your microwave. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0olZmMrEac\/UPAqHzLN5vI\/AAAAAAAACKw\/Hw8mqQh1Pf0\/s1600\/06-23-2012-153721.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0olZmMrEac\/UPAqHzLN5vI\/AAAAAAAACKw\/Hw8mqQh1Pf0\/s640\/06-23-2012-153721.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you just want to make a single serving, use 2 Tb corn in a large soup bowl. This has been great for when my kids want to snack on some popcorn. I can make exactly as much as we want with really no hassle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe've always popped our popcorn on its own, and then added seasonings after popping, but based on reader suggestions (thanks, guys!) after publishing this article, I've started adding oil \u0026amp; salt before popping. I use about 2 Tb oil and several grinds of sea salt, stir it into the kernels, and then pop as normal. I think it gives the popcorn a great texture to pre-season it, but it works both ways. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhatever size bowl you use, just make sure you have a microwave safe plate that fits over the top. The plate will keep the popcorn in while letting steam out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-bJbdranK0tQ\/UPArbnzHLMI\/AAAAAAAACLY\/C-G6KnQykOE\/s1600\/06-23-2012-153742.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-bJbdranK0tQ\/UPArbnzHLMI\/AAAAAAAACLY\/C-G6KnQykOE\/s640\/06-23-2012-153742.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMicrowave, covered with the plate, for about 3 to 4 1\/2 minutes. Stay within earshot of the microwave during the last couple minutes, and pull it out as soon as the pops reduce in frequency to about 1 every 3 seconds. If you've ever made microwave popcorn before, it's the same thing here. If you let it go too long, it will burn, but you'll have a lot of unpopped kernels if you pull it out too soon. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-30fL-LvwGbw\/UPAsL0FgDMI\/AAAAAAAACLg\/nuPxnAoWDmg\/s1600\/06-23-2012-154819.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-30fL-LvwGbw\/UPAsL0FgDMI\/AAAAAAAACLg\/nuPxnAoWDmg\/s640\/06-23-2012-154819.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur favorite way to dress popcorn is with melted butter or olive oil, nutritional yeast, and soy sauce or Bragg liquid aminos. Add whatever you like to your popcorn and enjoy!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe buy our bulk organic popcorn from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8595856935139729014\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/how-to-make-microwave-popcorn-in-bowl.html#comment-form","title":"41 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8595856935139729014"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8595856935139729014"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/how-to-make-microwave-popcorn-in-bowl.html","title":"How to Make Microwave Popcorn in a Bowl"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-C3CWK7z_DTE\/UPApg0zjuLI\/AAAAAAAACKo\/MDQPqcvyG8w\/s72-c\/06-23-2012-153631.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"41"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-6401184278499893918"},"published":{"$t":"2013-02-16T08:08:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:41:44.673-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Hens And The Garden: A Tragedy"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhy \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe Decided To Let Them Go, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EP\u003C\/span\u003Eart \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETwo...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBeyond \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/the-economics-of-keeping-chickens.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Economics of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EK\u003C\/span\u003Eeeping \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EC\u003C\/span\u003Ehickens\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E (\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Epart \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eo\u003C\/span\u003Ene in th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eis\u003C\/span\u003E series)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E is the reality of chickens in the garden. Before starting this venture, I believed gardening and chicken farming went together perfectly\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E: The chickens would \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeat the slugs and other pests, while providing natural fertilizer for the garden\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E. It turned out our chickens would never eat a slug though, ever. It's the rare chic\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eken that will- they don't seem to like the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Esticky texture.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4rohrBwc9uk\/UR5jkOPpFmI\/AAAAAAAACQM\/w8mwQWi_pW0\/s1600\/06-07%7C13:36:48.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"backyard chickens\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4rohrBwc9uk\/UR5jkOPpFmI\/AAAAAAAACQM\/w8mwQWi_pW0\/s640\/06-07%7C13:36:48.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EChickens, not eating slugs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis was a hard blow to my sy\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Energistic fantasy, but I maintained that the chickens were still providing \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ev\u003C\/span\u003Ealuable, nitrogen-rich \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ef\u003C\/span\u003Eertilizer for the garden. Here's what would happen, though: \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EE\u003C\/span\u003Every time we let the chickens out, they would travel all over the yard, destroying every bit of garden and every tasty plant they could. They leveled my raised beds; they killed an entire bed of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Easparagus by repeatedly digging it out; they at\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee\u003C\/span\u003E the beneficial worms \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eand le\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eft\u003C\/span\u003E the slugs to destroy an\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ey remaining \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Etender plants; \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eand literally every day they would kick all the mulch off the beds and onto the paths that I tried to keep clear.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1cFzLDSyGn8\/UR5noBdl7pI\/AAAAAAAACQk\/fThE7_FoDmo\/s1600\/07-09%7C12:26:38.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"backyard chickens\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1cFzLDSyGn8\/UR5noBdl7pI\/AAAAAAAACQk\/fThE7_FoDmo\/s640\/07-09%7C12:26:38.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EHand feeding some fresh greens.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESome peo\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eple, with better vision and perhaps better sense than myself, plot their garden beds all together so they can effectively be fenced off from maurading chickens and other garden pests. I\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, on the other hand, have planted food crops \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ein every section of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Emy yard, making fencing off the garden an impossibility.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBecause of this gar\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eden destruction problem, for a couple of years we reluctantly kept our hens confined to their ample chicken run. They were still technically \"free range\" although their qu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eality of life could not have been as high\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E as whey they really got out into the yard\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E every day.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-mFEo1EfvG3c\/UR5oM51witI\/AAAAAAAACQs\/UG-Lc7xZRVM\/s1600\/07-19%7C19:05:58.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chicken coop\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-mFEo1EfvG3c\/UR5oM51witI\/AAAAAAAACQs\/UG-Lc7xZRVM\/s640\/07-19%7C19:05:58.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EOur chicken shanty\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ELife in the chicken run was like this: In the rainy season (in Seattle, this means from October\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E well into May)\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E the chickens were living in mud. Every year we \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eimp\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eroved the roof on their chicken run, until no\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ew it loo\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ek\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Es like something you'd see in a shanty town, and still somehow the mud collects.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis is\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E not healthy for \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Echickens- the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ey need frequent dust baths in dry soil to clean themselves and keep the mites away, and they are more likely to contract other illness or parasites if they're constantly in wet conditions. We did our best to keep them dry, including adding wheelbarrows full of fresh woodchips to the run anytime it needed it, but i\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et's been\u003C\/span\u003E a constant battle that the mud always seems to be winning.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-isPX33Cvb9U\/UR5kkPlLvqI\/AAAAAAAACQc\/8QK_uIOJLBk\/s1600\/06-05%7C15:43:59.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"backyard chickens\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-isPX33Cvb9U\/UR5kkPlLvqI\/AAAAAAAACQc\/8QK_uIOJLBk\/s640\/06-05%7C15:43:59.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWe used to spend ti\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eme in\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E the run with the hens, before it was a mud pit...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003En the dry season (July - S\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeptember) the run would be the op\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eposite extreme: dry and dusty, and we'd be adding woodchips to try to keep the dust down. Literally everything in the vicinity of th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee \u003C\/span\u003Echicken run would get coated in a thick layer of light bro\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewn dust\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E... until the rains returned. When I felt bad for the hens, I would let them roam free in the yard, where they would again destroy everything they could.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI do love having chickens, for so many reas\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eons, but this article is about why we've decided not to keep them anymore. Surely we'll be in a place sometime in the future where we can keep chickens again - some place where the yard is big enough to keep a rooster or two for fertilized eggs for a fresh supply of homegrown chicks, and a couple of runs that can be rotated out, al\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Elowing the plants and invertebra\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et\u003C\/span\u003Ee life to return to the soil. Or maybe at the next place we live I'll be wise and plan a garden that can be fully fenced off, so t\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehe\u003C\/span\u003E chickens can roam free with minimal damage...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VozW0Xd92Qg\/UR-tp-wD0ZI\/AAAAAAAACRY\/Jl5AmursiTM\/s1600\/07-09-2012-160818.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"keeping rabbits american chinchilla\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VozW0Xd92Qg\/UR-tp-wD0ZI\/AAAAAAAACRY\/Jl5AmursiTM\/s640\/07-09-2012-160818.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFor now, we'll stick with raising rabbits, and focus on growing vegetables in a way tha\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et \u003C\/span\u003Ewe really haven\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E't \u003C\/span\u003Ebeen able to do for the l\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003East \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eseveral years, now th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eat our attempts won't be foiled by a pack of ravaging, but well-intentioned, hens.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 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medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. 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It was hard for \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eme to grasp at first, but \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI've come around, and here's why:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-MICNNVBKLtM\/UR5fN4qiCPI\/AAAAAAAACP0\/EDcYbybUs_Q\/s1600\/06-17%7C09:56:16.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"backyard chickens\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-MICNNVBKLtM\/UR5fN4qiCPI\/AAAAAAAACP0\/EDcYbybUs_Q\/s640\/06-17%7C09:56:16.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA flock of pullets, relaxing in their new chicken run before beginning a life of egg laying.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe don't really make a habit of spending money on hobbies that don't pay for themselves one way or another. Ide\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eally, chickens will produce more value in eggs (and\/or meat) than they cost in feed and other inputs. It helps if you are getting enough to sel\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003El a few dozen each month, which we did here and there during our hens' younger\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E years. These days\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, though, our hens are all three and four year\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Es old, and we only g\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eet an egg or two every day from our \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Esix hens.\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E Yes, these eggs are of a great high quality and \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efreshness that you can't buy in stores, but they are few and far between. Most \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Epeople don't keep hens around \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ethis long, beca\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euse there is no way their output matches the cost in feed\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E at this \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\"advanced\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\" age\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBut f\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeeding them is\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003En't the only cost: \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhether you do it a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efter\u003C\/span\u003E two years or a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efter four years, you have to replace your hens if you want to keep collecting eggs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E There are different ways to do this\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, and they pretty much all require a large upfront expense- people \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erarely give away hens in the pr\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eime of life\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E (1 to 2 years\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E old). If you order day-old chicks you pay $3\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E to $8 \u003C\/span\u003Eper chick, plus additional if you wan\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et them vaccinated, plus another lump sum for shipping costs. Or you can buy from a local farmer, and probably pay a higher per chi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eck fee but save the shipping costs. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThe selection \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewill be\u003C\/span\u003E more limited from a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E local farmer, but you\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Er money will st\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eay in the commu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Enity an\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ed support a family farm.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-y57e9xU1GCg\/UR5eYxp-bUI\/AAAAAAAACPs\/WGJlds3d_hw\/s1600\/04-27%7C10:18:57.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"brooding fresh chicks\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-y57e9xU1GCg\/UR5eYxp-bUI\/AAAAAAAACPs\/WGJlds3d_hw\/s640\/04-27%7C10:18:57.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EDay old chicks need starter feed, sand\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, water, a h\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeat lamp, and a home big enough to \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ekeep them cozy for the 5 weeks\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E i\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et takes to grow their feathers.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe spent over $60 ordering our first batch of 8 chicks several years ago. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOf course that does not include the initial costs of building the coop and run, and the chick starter feed w\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehich is more expensive than layer feed. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe are very DIY and try not to buy a lot of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Egadgets that we can make ourselves, so we built the coop from salvaged wood and made our own feeders and waterers, but eventually found it very worth another $35\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E for\u003C\/span\u003E a real metal waterer, beca\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euse of all the tim\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee saved washing out and refilling spilled and stepped in containers.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Egot the day-o\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eld chicks in Apri\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003El, and finally one hen started to lay in \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Elate November, for just a short time before \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ew\u003C\/span\u003Einter set in. We did\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003En't get any regular egg production until the next February, after nearly 10 months \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eof coddling \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eour dear flock\u003C\/span\u003E. Those were exciting days, and we really loved collecting the multi-colored eggs once they\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E started coming\u003C\/span\u003E! \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rieoGENgtu4\/UR5dRWTvE-I\/AAAAAAAACPk\/5vIrE7H-yp0\/s1600\/01-28-2012-105612.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"easter egger fresh eggs\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rieoGENgtu4\/UR5dRWTvE-I\/AAAAAAAACPk\/5vIrE7H-yp0\/s640\/01-28-2012-105612.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAfter the first year, though\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ekeepi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eng chickens became more about production and less about their general cuteness- the novelty had worn off, and they \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebecame more practical \u003C\/span\u003Efa\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erm animals, and less novelty pets. We had a couple of years of moderately good egg laying \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E- \u003C\/span\u003Eminus the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ew\u003C\/span\u003Einters, when we get hardly enough natural light in the Pacific Northwest to bother getting out of bed, much less laying an egg\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E We fin\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eally \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eadded a \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ecoop light to encourage egg production, so that we w\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eouldn't b\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee spending wi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Enters feeding non-productive hens.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe were so sure\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, early on, that our chicke\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ens would pay for themselves in the end, with all the eggs we wouldn't have to buy, and with all the extras that we coul\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ed sell. While we always had plenty of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewilling buyers, it was rare tha\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et \u003C\/span\u003Ewe had enough extra to sell more than a dozen or two in a month, even during the summer when we had a total of 13 chickens. Yes, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ethree\u003C\/span\u003E of those were immature r\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eoosters\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E that\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E friend\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Es\u003C\/span\u003E had given us for t\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehe stew pot\u003C\/span\u003E, bu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et the rest \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewere laying \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehens\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K9HJO0WD8DA\/UR5gVVWeEdI\/AAAAAAAACQE\/qZNh2xbWPmI\/s1600\/05-19%7C11:51:34.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"backyard chickens\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K9HJO0WD8DA\/UR5gVVWeEdI\/AAAAAAAACQE\/qZNh2xbWPmI\/s640\/05-19%7C11:51:34.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBabies, during the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eir novelty days\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe shou\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eld have had a bustling egg business, but really all the hens were past their prime egg laying years. R\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeally, there is only a small window between pullet (a \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eyoung chicken before she starts to lay) and old maid\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E (\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewhen most people cull\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E their \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehens to make room for younger layers).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFor us, sustainable means not having to \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebuy replacements all the time. B\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ey this definition, city chickens are definitely not sustainable. If we could keep a rooster, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eand let the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehens raise their own fertilized eggs into a new batch of chicks every year, then we could keep up the egg production without buying more \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebirds all the time. But, ha\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eving to buy a new batch of chicks every two years, a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003End then coddle them for \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eten\u003C\/span\u003E mo\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Enths\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E before they really get into production makes no sense.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESome breeds lay \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eas early as five or six months\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E old\u003C\/span\u003E, bu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et of course we bought the heirloom breeds that mature more slowly and \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eare \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Emore sensitive to the loss of light \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ed\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euring the winter months\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-cIeT4aw3s6s\/UR5f4nWOvGI\/AAAAAAAACP8\/28Bo8DRloLs\/s1600\/04-27%7C09:43:53.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raising chicks\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-cIeT4aw3s6s\/UR5f4nWOvGI\/AAAAAAAACP8\/28Bo8DRloLs\/s640\/04-27%7C09:43:53.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EOur two year old, with \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eour\u003C\/span\u003E day\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E-old chick.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI will say that \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eraising chicks, and keeping hens,\u003C\/span\u003E was a really special experien\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ece.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EIt was fun for our kids to be able to handle the tiny wee chicks, a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003End they've loved helping to take care of the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E hens\u003C\/span\u003E and collect eggs over th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee years. It was a great experiment, and we found it just didn't \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ework out for us in the end.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFor more on this s\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eory, read part two\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E in this series-\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/hens-and-garden-tragedy.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHens and the Garden\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E;\u003C\/span\u003E A Tragedy\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4091376333143268267\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/the-economics-of-keeping-chickens.html#comment-form","title":"51 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4091376333143268267"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4091376333143268267"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/the-economics-of-keeping-chickens.html","title":"The Economics Of Keeping Chickens"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-MICNNVBKLtM\/UR5fN4qiCPI\/AAAAAAAACP0\/EDcYbybUs_Q\/s72-c\/06-17%7C09:56:16.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"51"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4601274497703398360"},"published":{"$t":"2013-01-30T17:21:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:12:54.145-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Whole Grain Sourdough Biscuits"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7ZfoZyZ38hk\/UQm7Xx4RIuI\/AAAAAAAACMI\/NmgPzrQgnqg\/s1600\/01-28-2013-192026.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Whole Grain Sourdough Biscuits\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7ZfoZyZ38hk\/UQm7Xx4RIuI\/AAAAAAAACMI\/NmgPzrQgnqg\/s640\/01-28-2013-192026.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThese biscuits are quick, versatile, and \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eway easier than homemade\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E bread\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E. We use \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/grind-your-own-flours-from-whole-grains.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Efresh ground flour\u003C\/a\u003E for the best flavor, but I made them with storebought flour for years with great success as well. I've always used whole wheat flour for this recipe. They turn out delicious, and are great with butter and jam, or served alongside soup, or drenched in gravy with mashed potatoes. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo start, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/making-sourdough-starter.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Em\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/making-sourdough-starter.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eake a sourdough starter\u003C\/a\u003E, or take your\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Es out of the fridge and wake it up \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eby bringin\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eg it to room temperature. I don't recommend buying a starter, since they are\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E even easier than biscuits to make. You can store \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eyour starter\u003C\/span\u003E in the fridge when you're not using it, or keep it on the counter and stir it daily if you do a lot of baking. \u003C\/span\u003EYou want a cup and a half of starter, so add enough e\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Equal parts\u003C\/span\u003E flour and water to bring it up to that level.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eadapted this recipe years ago from the book\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHow It All Vegan\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eand \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewhile I \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Edo use butter now, the dairy\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E-\u003C\/span\u003Efree version is just as good.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHere are the instructions:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPreheat oven to 350\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uz4Cxer_gyo\/UQm7y51aPEI\/AAAAAAAACMQ\/I2uVzOhWx4g\/s1600\/01-28-2013-184830.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sourdough for biscuits\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uz4Cxer_gyo\/UQm7y51aPEI\/AAAAAAAACMQ\/I2uVzOhWx4g\/s640\/01-28-2013-184830.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ex together:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 c \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewhole wheat flour, finely ground\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/2 t sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 t baking soda\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAdd sweete\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ener and fat:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 tb s\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eucanat\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E (\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eor honey, or sweetener of choice)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/2 c butter (or \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Euse coconut oil for vegan biscuits\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-n7cDOodRGCo\/UQm8LUBy0CI\/AAAAAAAACMY\/esDHDVWOAyc\/s1600\/01-28-2013-185159.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sourdough biscuit dough\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-n7cDOodRGCo\/UQm8LUBy0CI\/AAAAAAAACMY\/esDHDVWOAyc\/s640\/01-28-2013-185159.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe biscuit mixture before addi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eng sourdough starter\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStir in starter:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 1\/2 c sourdough starter\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/2 c \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ec\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003Ehopped walnuts or pum\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Epkin seeds are a great optional addition\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eadd my whole jar of sourdough starter \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eto this rec\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eipe, and then as soon as my biscuits are baking\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E I add fresh flour and water to the same jar (unwashed) for the next batch of sourdough. It will \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eonly take a day or two to mature\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, and then it's ready for the next \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ebatch\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eof biscuits!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x9IRdh3EjIg\/UQm82FVZSHI\/AAAAAAAACMg\/ZdEBQbwNVmY\/s1600\/01-28-2013-185536.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sourdough biscuit dough\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x9IRdh3EjIg\/UQm82FVZSHI\/AAAAAAAACMg\/ZdEBQbwNVmY\/s640\/01-28-2013-185536.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EDough, ready for dr\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eopping \u0026amp; baking\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBak\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ee in muf\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Efin tins\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E(I use s\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eilicon bak\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eing cup liners, but they're not necess\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eary) \u003Cb\u003Eor \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Edrop on cookie sheet\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, for \u003Cb\u003E15-20 minutes \u003C\/b\u003Euntil golden brown on top\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nMabpPj1oKA\/UQm9rs6X7SI\/AAAAAAAACMo\/H6KcEec69tk\/s1600\/01-28-2013-185753.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"whole grain sourdough biscuits \" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nMabpPj1oKA\/UQm9rs6X7SI\/AAAAAAAACMo\/H6KcEec69tk\/s640\/01-28-2013-185753.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ERecipe m\u003C\/span\u003Eakes\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E about a dozen biscuits.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RGk24NqgxF0\/UQm-EyLIF3I\/AAAAAAAACMw\/cq1vSPiJl5A\/s1600\/01-28-2013-195833.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"whole grain sourdough biscuits\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RGk24NqgxF0\/UQm-EyLIF3I\/AAAAAAAACMw\/cq1vSPiJl5A\/s640\/01-28-2013-195833.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThese biscuits are \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Elovely\u003C\/span\u003E fresh from the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eoven\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E They will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for several days.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOrganic flours and whole grains can be purchased in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4601274497703398360\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/01\/whole-grain-sourdough-biscuits.html#comment-form","title":"30 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4601274497703398360"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4601274497703398360"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/01\/whole-grain-sourdough-biscuits.html","title":"Whole Grain Sourdough Biscuits"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7ZfoZyZ38hk\/UQm7Xx4RIuI\/AAAAAAAACMI\/NmgPzrQgnqg\/s72-c\/01-28-2013-192026.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"30"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-891962252323963610"},"published":{"$t":"2013-01-09T21:18:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:35:09.260-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Roasting Whole Squash For Fresh DIY Purée"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI love \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EW\u003C\/span\u003Einter squash, but I've always been \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Epretty \u003C\/span\u003Ecertain that I'm going to lose a finger trying to cut them in half for cooking. That is why I LOVE this method for making\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Epurée\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E from pumpkins, or\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E from any other type of winter squash\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E:\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIt involves absolutely no hazardous cutting of hard squash\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E! Also, th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ee method is eas\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey enough that there's never going to be a need to buy the canned stuff\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IO8VO1xY0ZQ\/UO4rOJGudsI\/AAAAAAAACJw\/cG4eFZg6rsg\/s1600\/11-22-2012-052951.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"baking whole pumpkins\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IO8VO1xY0ZQ\/UO4rOJGudsI\/AAAAAAAACJw\/cG4eFZg6rsg\/s640\/11-22-2012-052951.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ELiterally, all you have to do is take \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eyour squa\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Esh and bake it in the oven until it's soft. I prehea\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Et th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ee oven \u003C\/span\u003Eto about 375. \u003C\/span\u003EI find it \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eessential to place a baking sheet on a lowe\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Er rack, below the squash, to catch the drips. Rather than timing them, I \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Edetermine their done-ness first by noticing them leaking liquid onto the baking sheet, and second by p\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eoking them with a knife. It should go in very easily. It might take \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E5\u003C\/span\u003E0 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the squash you are roas\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eting.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-YAhnZNa8MmQ\/UO4q16Zv2wI\/AAAAAAAACJo\/xexV9JokRig\/s1600\/11-22-2012-082022.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"baking whole pumpkins\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-YAhnZNa8MmQ\/UO4q16Zv2wI\/AAAAAAAACJo\/xexV9JokRig\/s640\/11-22-2012-082022.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPumpkins will start leaking fluids when they are nearly done.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou may find that they cook more evenly if you rotate the squash onto a different side halfway through baking. With a small squash, this will hardly be necessary, but with something larger I've found it helps the squash to soften evenly on all sides.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey're\u003C\/span\u003E soft, re\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Emove them from the oven. I pull out the baking sheet first\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, and place the squash on i\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Et\u003C\/span\u003E to cool. If you cut them in half they will cool faster.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E They will slice like butter.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-e5LHLkaXYWU\/UO4rXs0bMLI\/AAAAAAAACJ4\/SAOKlRUKN_A\/s1600\/11-22-2012-094215.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"roasted pumpkin\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-e5LHLkaXYWU\/UO4rXs0bMLI\/AAAAAAAACJ4\/SAOKlRUKN_A\/s640\/11-22-2012-094215.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce they cool enough that you can handle them \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ee\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Easil\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Escoop out the seeds and gunk from the center. If you have any kind of farm animals, they will love this stuff. Even my cat eats it. Of course, you can r\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eoast the seeds for people as well\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ENext, separate the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eflesh from the skin. This \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eis easier with the thicker skinned pumpkins, a bit more of a hassle with butternut. Place all the flesh in \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ea food processor, and blend until it looks like this:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-e02QxJ-b9Ic\/UO4rdsjWudI\/AAAAAAAACKA\/abk1zE49LlA\/s1600\/11-22-2012-103409.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade pumpkin puree\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-e02QxJ-b9Ic\/UO4rdsjWudI\/AAAAAAAACKA\/abk1zE49LlA\/s640\/11-22-2012-103409.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EUse this puree to make whatever you like, from soups to pies, breads to \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eravioli. \u003C\/span\u003EIt'\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Es super easy and you'll never need the canned stuff again! I like to roast more than I need and freeze the excess. You could also can it after pureeing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis roasting method works great for \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/02\/how-to-make-spaghetti-squash.html\"\u003Emaking delicious spaghetti squash\u003C\/a\u003E as well!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/891962252323963610\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/01\/roasting-whole-squash-for-fresh-diy.html#comment-form","title":"15 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/891962252323963610"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/891962252323963610"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/01\/roasting-whole-squash-for-fresh-diy.html","title":"Roasting Whole Squash For Fresh DIY Purée"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IO8VO1xY0ZQ\/UO4rOJGudsI\/AAAAAAAACJw\/cG4eFZg6rsg\/s72-c\/11-22-2012-052951.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"15"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4173680451647749681"},"published":{"$t":"2012-12-13T08:25:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:17:11.235-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Foraging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Sprouting For Winter Vegetables: A Tutorial"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis is the time of year when sprouts are a great organic, locally grown and affordable green veg\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eetable\u003C\/span\u003E. They'll grow year round, of course, but \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Efresh greens from other sources are harder to come by in \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewinter, making sprouts a better fresh, local option.\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4-if2DWtgKc\/UMnqsEmt5SI\/AAAAAAAACEU\/MYm-XsXrGF4\/s1600\/04-29-2012-120358.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"alfalfa sprouts\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4-if2DWtgKc\/UMnqsEmt5SI\/AAAAAAAACEU\/MYm-XsXrGF4\/s640\/04-29-2012-120358.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EM\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey favorite way\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Es to eat sprouts are on sandwiches or in wraps. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThey\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ego perfectly in nori rolls and in s\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eal\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ea\u003C\/span\u003Eds as well. Using them is easy, and growing them \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Erequires only a short soaking time \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eto\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E wake the seeds up, and then twice daily rinses until they \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ereach the desired maturity\u003C\/span\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-J_U4oFxj-9Y\/UMYApzd7QnI\/AAAAAAAACDs\/JFlpyZNi4-g\/s1600\/nori.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lentil sprouts in a nori roll\" border=\"0\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-J_U4oFxj-9Y\/UMYApzd7QnI\/AAAAAAAACDs\/JFlpyZNi4-g\/s640\/nori.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ELentil sprouts and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-sprouted-sunflower-seed-dip.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Esprouted sunflower spread\u003C\/a\u003E make a great nori roll.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIt's pretty economical to buy alfalfa \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eand clover seeds by the pound\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, especially \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewhen you consider how long a pound will last and how m\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Euch greens it will provide. A mere tables\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Epoon of seed produces a brimming quart full of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Efresh sprouts. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E Not only that, but homegrown sprouts cost pennies compared to the kind you can buy in plastic tubs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI buy lentils and grains in much larger bags\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThey keep \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Efine in a dark, cool cabinet. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/sproutpeople.org\/\"\u003ESproutpeople.org\u003C\/a\u003E gives specific storage life for each type of seed. I don'\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Et get my seeds from them, but they do have great information. Also, I always buy organic seeds for sprouting. Organic seed will \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eield the best sprouting rate, as well as the healthiest sprouts.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kw5HukJC1ik\/UMnrkw-evAI\/AAAAAAAACEk\/5fRfw4hyMME\/s1600\/04-29-2012-120608.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"alfalfa seeds, red clover seeds\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kw5HukJC1ik\/UMnrkw-evAI\/AAAAAAAACEk\/5fRfw4hyMME\/s640\/04-29-2012-120608.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAlfalfa and Red Clover seeds. They are very similar, and the sp\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Erouts, to me, are interchangable. I rotate which ones I make each week just \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eto vary the nutrients.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAlfalfa and Clover\u003C\/span\u003E are my favorite\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E all-purpose sprouts\u003C\/span\u003E, but m\u003C\/span\u003Eany other seeds can \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Emake wonderful sprouts as well, including lentils\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, broccoli seeds, sunflo\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewer seeds, \u003C\/span\u003Eand\u003C\/span\u003E mung beans. Rad\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eish sprouts are too spicy f\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eor me, but \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eyou might l\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eove them. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EThe\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eir spiciness can\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E be minimized by mixing with other seeds. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThings like wheat and chickpeas can be sprouted, but \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI don't think they real\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ely make a digestible raw vegetable like the other types of sprouts\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E.\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E I do have a wonderful \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/making-delicious-hummus-from-scratch.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehumm\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/making-delicious-hummus-from-scratch.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eus recipe using cooked sprouted chickpeas\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eas well as \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ea simple \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/roasted-chickpeas-for-snacks-salads.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eroas\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/roasted-chickpeas-for-snacks-salads.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eted sprouted chickpea\u003C\/a\u003E recipe. I also sprout wheat daily to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/sprouted-grains-for-chickens.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Efeed our rabbits \u0026amp; chickens\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t-EwLGQ3mjA\/UMnq83QGi5I\/AAAAAAAACEc\/gUIkt3u3biQ\/s1600\/05-14-2012-201343.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sprout salad\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t-EwLGQ3mjA\/UMnq83QGi5I\/AAAAAAAACEc\/gUIkt3u3biQ\/s640\/05-14-2012-201343.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESalad with sprouts, egg, avocado, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/07\/making-fresh-mayonnaise-that-keeps.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehomemade mayonnaise\u003C\/a\u003E, and dulse flakes.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBasically\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, all seeds \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Esprout the same way. They \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eneed a simple soaking in \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-remove-chlorine-from-tap-water.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Edechlorinated water\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E (which you can easily make yourself\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E for a few hours or \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eup to overnigh\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Et. Then, during their growth \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ephase, they need to be rinsed and drained twice a day. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBesides the water and seed, y\u003C\/span\u003Eou will only need a quart jar and a c\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eloth or screen for the top of the jar.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHere is a photo-tutoria\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003El:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HLsqps8cLdc\/UMnsrxJ2i2I\/AAAAAAAACEs\/M3HIvUqEWkU\/s1600\/04-29-2012-120746.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"alfalfa seeds\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HLsqps8cLdc\/UMnsrxJ2i2I\/AAAAAAAACEs\/M3HIvUqEWkU\/s640\/04-29-2012-120746.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMeasure about a tablespoon of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eseed for each quart jar. You can use 1\/3 cup when sprouting le\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Entils.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7p6QyQ6lS7U\/UMntQh6wTvI\/AAAAAAAACE0\/kDqfwPvoys0\/s1600\/10-15-2012-141333.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to grow sprouts\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7p6QyQ6lS7U\/UMntQh6wTvI\/AAAAAAAACE0\/kDqfwPvoys0\/s640\/10-15-2012-141333.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESoak in\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-remove-chlorine-from-tap-water.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Edechlorinated water\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E for best results. Soaking time can vary, but my rule of thumb is small seeds an\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ed nuts\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E only need about \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E4 o\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Er 5 hours, whi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ele grains and legumes need overnight soaking.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GSaCNhzbvf0\/UMnuTRbf0KI\/AAAAAAAACE8\/EXfj1p6xA5o\/s1600\/04-29-2012-121050.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"strainer\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GSaCNhzbvf0\/UMnuTRbf0KI\/AAAAAAAACE8\/EXfj1p6xA5o\/s640\/04-29-2012-121050.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAfter soaking, pour through a strainer\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E and rinse wi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eth tap water.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ASMvgBT_Og8\/UMnunyIVrLI\/AAAAAAAACFE\/NVk_rrEtT_g\/s1600\/04-29-2012-121222.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to grow sprouts\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ASMvgBT_Og8\/UMnunyIVrLI\/AAAAAAAACFE\/NVk_rrEtT_g\/s640\/04-29-2012-121222.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAfter \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eeach ri\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ensing, cover with a c\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eloth or screen, secure\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E with a rubber band, and let \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Edrain. The seeds will rot if le\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eft in standing w\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eater once they are in the growth phase.\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E The ideal environment is moi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Est but \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003En\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eot d\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Erowning.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--GZYj0kHh28\/UMnvL4u_xdI\/AAAAAAAACFM\/2T6iiq635oA\/s1600\/04-29-2012-120511.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to grow sprouts\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--GZYj0kHh28\/UMnvL4u_xdI\/AAAAAAAACFM\/2T6iiq635oA\/s640\/04-29-2012-120511.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAfter they've drained, the jars can be stored on their sides. They need light to green up, but should be out of direct sunlight so they don't cook. A windowsil on the north side of the house is perfect. S\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Etore them in the fridge on\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ece the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey're \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Emature.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAlfalfa and clover sprouts are ready when all the leaves are d\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eeep\u003C\/span\u003E green. L\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Earger seeds like legumes\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E and grains are usually eaten when the sprout \"tail\" \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eis a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Es long as the seed itself.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI really recommend this websi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ete, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/sproutpeople.org\/\"\u003Esproutpeople.org\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewhich has tutorials, stats, and instructions for sprouting every kind of\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E seed \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eyou \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ecan think of. I \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ereferred to it frequently when I was just getting started sprou\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eting.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EA Not\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ee on the Safety of Sprouting:\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen I first started sprouting I did a lot of research into the safety of alfalfa sprouts, having hea\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Erd once that they really are\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003En't all that good for you because of chemicals they produce. T\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ehe conclusion I ca\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eme to \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewas that they are perfectly safe as long as they are\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003En't your sole sour\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ece of calories, and also that allowing the leaves to fully green up minimize\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Es any harmful chemicals\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E We choose to eat them weekly or a couple times a week and not to worry a bit. All foods contain some kind \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eof danger\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eous element; that's why we eat a variety of whole foods and don't eat any one thing to e\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Excess.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E've also heard\u003C\/span\u003E about the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Edangers\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ebacteria growing on sprouts. An\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey moist env\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eironment can provide a home for bacteria\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003ETh\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eis\u003C\/span\u003E might be a concern for immune suppressed individuals, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eparticularly with the sprouts sold at the gro\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ecery store. One might \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewonder, \u003C\/span\u003Ehow long have they been in the package\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E? How have they been handled? \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWho has been touching them? Storebought sprouts m\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eay not be safe, but I will trust my homemade sprouts, carefully rinsed morning and night, and made under conditions that I control and am witness \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eto.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAlso, seeds\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, nuts and grains are rendered more digest\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ei\u003C\/span\u003Eble by s\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eoaking and sprouting. In fact,\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E we've stopped eating most seeds, nuts, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Egrains, and legumes unless the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey've been soaked or sprouted. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-to-make-soaked-grains-breakfast-cake.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Esoaked grains breakfast cake\u003C\/a\u003E is one delicous re\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ecipe I came up with to make our whole gr\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eains more digest\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eible.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EI think \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ethe ben\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eefits of sprouting far \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eoutweigh \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eany ris\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eks.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ECheck out my articles on wi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eld foraging (\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-find-edible-weeds.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eedible\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E w\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003Eeeds\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/wild-foraging-in-april.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewild \u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/wild-foraging-in-april.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eforaging in April\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E and \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/06\/identifying-and-harvesting-edible-weeds.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eharvesting weeds in the garden\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eto see how we find sustainable, healthy greens through\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eout most of th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ee year\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe purchase our organic seeds for sprouting from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4173680451647749681\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/sprouting-for-winter-vegetables-tutorial.html#comment-form","title":"19 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4173680451647749681"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4173680451647749681"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/sprouting-for-winter-vegetables-tutorial.html","title":"Sprouting For Winter Vegetables: A Tutorial"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4-if2DWtgKc\/UMnqsEmt5SI\/AAAAAAAACEU\/MYm-XsXrGF4\/s72-c\/04-29-2012-120358.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"19"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7821438557093261566"},"published":{"$t":"2012-10-02T08:09:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:07:24.599-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Fresh Roasted Homemade Peanut Butter"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QmL4m9obznU\/UDKVPgSjtaI\/AAAAAAAAB1M\/rL5Iu-rD3wY\/s1600\/07-05-2012-170353.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh roasted peanut butter\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QmL4m9obznU\/UDKVPgSjtaI\/AAAAAAAAB1M\/rL5Iu-rD3wY\/s640\/07-05-2012-170353.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe stopped buying peanut butter, and all nut \u0026amp; seed butters, about a year ago, and determined to make them ourselves. After experimenting with several methods, we finally got it down. Here's how you can make a spreadable, lovely, rich \u0026amp; flavorful organic peanut butter at home.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E You control the ingredients so this will be the freshest peanut butter you can get- and you can really taste the difference!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe secret, we discovered, is giving the peanuts a very long time in a food processor. If you blend for just a couple of minutes, you will have a crumbly, dry nut butter that will barely stick to itself and be difficult to spread. Give it a few minutes more of your time and attention, and it will transform into a spreadable, creamy, perfectly textured nut butter. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStarting with raw peanuts and roasting them yourself will make a huge difference in flavor. Fresh roasted nuts are so delicious, and the quality of flavor declines with age. Roasting nuts without burning them takes a lot of dedication. There seems to be a fine line of doneness, which I often cross. One batch of peanut butter we made looked chocolatey, the nuts were so over-roasted (some might say burnt). I was ready to toss them to the chickens but we decided to give them a chance and, even though it was super dark, that batch of peanut butter still tasted really good! It had the slight bitterness of dark chocolate or coffee, but even my kids liked it. Still, I would not intentionally make them that dark! If you don't try to multitask while roasting them, they will turn golden brown and delicious.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-NhQwIWtX-v8\/UDKVbF2bxkI\/AAAAAAAAB1U\/GlXhcZu-8KU\/s1600\/04-19-2012-095114.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh roasted peanuts\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-NhQwIWtX-v8\/UDKVbF2bxkI\/AAAAAAAAB1U\/GlXhcZu-8KU\/s640\/04-19-2012-095114.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo roast, place nuts in a pan in a 350 degree oven. Stir after about 8 minutes, and then stir more often after that, until they are done. Roasted nuts will get slightly darker, with split, dry skins. Even if they get a little brown, you will have a tasty peanut butter, but go for golden if you can.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe used to use a cookie sheet and roast the nuts in a single layer, as shown in the photo above. However, we found that it's just as effective, and a bit easier, to layer them more deeply in a cake pan. They might take more time in the oven this way, but you can roast tons more at a time, and stirring is easier in a deeper pan.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce roasted, let the nuts cool completely. You don't want the nuts to be hot in the food processor. Still slightly warm is OK. We have a 7 cup food processor, and I think it handles about 4 cups of nuts perfectly. Since we usually roast about a half gallon of nuts, we often blend in a couple of batches so we don't overfill the food processor.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBe prepared to give them time in the food processor, including stopping periodically to scrape the sides with a spatula to make sure it's all getting incorporated. This takes patience \u0026amp; perseverance, but you will have some lovely peanut butter in the end, and have one less thing to buy that comes from some factory.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kVx6E-Sdzxs\/UDKVniIdOXI\/AAAAAAAAB1c\/0-nepoh6Fi0\/s1600\/04-19-2012-095421.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"celtic sea salt\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kVx6E-Sdzxs\/UDKVniIdOXI\/AAAAAAAAB1c\/0-nepoh6Fi0\/s640\/04-19-2012-095421.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe usually add salt once the nuts are thoroughly macerated, but before they are truly creamy. We use Celtic sea salt. Choose whatever salt you like and add it gingerly. We add maybe a teaspoon of salt for every quart of nuts, but everyone has a different salt threshold. Start with this ratio, and add more if you like. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-XfOYMw54T9E\/UDKV1FGotWI\/AAAAAAAAB1k\/B2yoTfdrAAg\/s1600\/07-05-2012-170345.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh roasted peanut butter\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-XfOYMw54T9E\/UDKV1FGotWI\/AAAAAAAAB1k\/B2yoTfdrAAg\/s640\/07-05-2012-170345.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen you blend it with patience \u0026amp; perseverance, you will be rewarded with a creamy, spreadable peanut butter, and a wonderful feeling of having made something so perfect from scratch. Try it with this \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2011\/12\/how-to-make-raw-berry-jam.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Esimple, raw blended fresh berry jam\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOrganic raw peanuts can be purchased in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7821438557093261566\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/how-to-make-fresh-roasted-homemade.html#comment-form","title":"41 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7821438557093261566"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7821438557093261566"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/how-to-make-fresh-roasted-homemade.html","title":"How To Make Fresh Roasted Homemade Peanut Butter"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QmL4m9obznU\/UDKVPgSjtaI\/AAAAAAAAB1M\/rL5Iu-rD3wY\/s72-c\/07-05-2012-170353.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"41"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2575227663561110443"},"published":{"$t":"2012-09-17T18:34:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:29:02.123-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Easy Artsy Lightswitch Plate Covers"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-g9JwYWSUFcY\/UFfJToADYQI\/AAAAAAAAB6k\/hEjE-ggQOD4\/s1600\/09-17-2012-162743.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch plate cover\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-g9JwYWSUFcY\/UFfJToADYQI\/AAAAAAAAB6k\/hEjE-ggQOD4\/s640\/09-17-2012-162743.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI have no tolerance for dingy white walls- they MUST be painted!- and I feel the same way about ubiquitous off-white plastic lightswitch plate \u0026amp; outlet covers. Things that we have to look at all the time should be beautiful\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E. This simple process will transform plain covers into, well, anything you want them to be\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--EecKBYM40g\/UFfCrxaSDkI\/AAAAAAAAB50\/fD1ZqkLb4ow\/s1600\/05-14-2012-052931.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch and outlet covers\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--EecKBYM40g\/UFfCrxaSDkI\/AAAAAAAAB50\/fD1ZqkLb4ow\/s640\/05-14-2012-052931.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI've always enjoyed cutting and pasting magazine pictures. I doubt I've ever read a National Geographic without tearing out a few choice, gorgeous photos to use in some later art project. You don't have to use magazine pages for this, but they happen to be a nice thickness that is easy to work with. Thicker paper is a bit harder to fold around the openings, but it will still work. In the above picture, I used thicker scrapbooking paper for the outlet cover on the right. Origami paper would probably be perfect, and some of it is so beautiful. If you have some fabric scraps that you like, that would work as well as long as it's not too thick. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-iawYibnHHtU\/UFfI8WHaY9I\/AAAAAAAAB6c\/Z3_92MUqrY4\/s1600\/05-13-2012-163614.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"clear acrylic paint\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-iawYibnHHtU\/UFfI8WHaY9I\/AAAAAAAAB6c\/Z3_92MUqrY4\/s640\/05-13-2012-163614.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe only materials I use are an old 1\/2\" paintbrush and a tub of clear acrylic gloss, an exacto knife and a cutting pad. If you don't have a cutting pad, you can use a flattened cereal box or some cardboard under the knife. Or, just use scissors. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rrk5tlVsUjA\/UFfEm34KzwI\/AAAAAAAAB58\/RndGAgQ2E2M\/s1600\/05-13-2012-163601.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"outlet covers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rrk5tlVsUjA\/UFfEm34KzwI\/AAAAAAAAB58\/RndGAgQ2E2M\/s640\/05-13-2012-163601.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFirst, lay the plate you want to cover over your picture. Cut the paper around the edges of the plate, leaving enough extra paper to fold around the back of the plate. Paint the entire underside of the paper with the acrylic gloss, and center the plate over it. Fold the edges up, applying extra gloss if needed to get all the corners to lay flat.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-svfYQgUcb24\/UFfG_KJLo0I\/AAAAAAAAB6E\/PEJZl6XZHEs\/s1600\/05-13-2012-163701.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"outlet covers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-svfYQgUcb24\/UFfG_KJLo0I\/AAAAAAAAB6E\/PEJZl6XZHEs\/s640\/05-13-2012-163701.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThen, make an \"X\" cut in the openings of the plate. Gently fold these flaps back and secure them to the back of the plate. The paper will be a bit soft and stretchy from the acrylic on it, but work gently with it so it doesn't tear.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E Make sure to poke a hole in it wherever the screw will need to go in.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-S-B4aOZXNcw\/UFfHnEJgJOI\/AAAAAAAAB6M\/ClvqZEbFsnw\/s1600\/05-13-2012-163752.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"outlet covers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-S-B4aOZXNcw\/UFfHnEJgJOI\/AAAAAAAAB6M\/ClvqZEbFsnw\/s640\/05-13-2012-163752.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFlip it over; the hard part is done. Now, just hold it carefully and paint a nice solid layer of gloss over the whole front side. This will protect the picture and make it shiny. Below\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E is what they look like when they're wet- the gloss goes on white but will dry clear, eventually revealing your picture in all its glory:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0EewnrnH6VM\/UFfIVAzm2zI\/AAAAAAAAB6U\/nTm2ZjZ1bKQ\/s1600\/05-13-2012-163543.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch plate cover\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0EewnrnH6VM\/UFfIVAzm2zI\/AAAAAAAAB6U\/nTm2ZjZ1bKQ\/s640\/05-13-2012-163543.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhile they dry, I balance them on top of a vase or bottle, so they don't become glued to the work surface. They require a few hours to dry; overnight is probably a good idea so they're not tacky at all when you install them. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBelow are some examples:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-BcKMb8HBeEo\/UFfKYcmohrI\/AAAAAAAAB7E\/-p_0mU9FrHA\/s1600\/05-14-2012-053507.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch plate cover\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-BcKMb8HBeEo\/UFfKYcmohrI\/AAAAAAAAB7E\/-p_0mU9FrHA\/s640\/05-14-2012-053507.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1efwsTSAv0s\/UFfKi2IutUI\/AAAAAAAAB7M\/clkDovxOX0I\/s1600\/05-14-2012-053246.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch plate cover\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1efwsTSAv0s\/UFfKi2IutUI\/AAAAAAAAB7M\/clkDovxOX0I\/s640\/05-14-2012-053246.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iTQ-TS2wZsk\/UFfJ66EratI\/AAAAAAAAB60\/WToDCrX7v5A\/s1600\/09-17-2012-162946.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch plate cover\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iTQ-TS2wZsk\/UFfJ66EratI\/AAAAAAAAB60\/WToDCrX7v5A\/s640\/09-17-2012-162946.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BZQUEUrncJo\/UFfJevH5FII\/AAAAAAAAB6s\/4EhDxtp72cc\/s1600\/09-17-2012-162814.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch plate cover\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BZQUEUrncJo\/UFfJevH5FII\/AAAAAAAAB6s\/4EhDxtp72cc\/s640\/09-17-2012-162814.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-m3rOLf049u0\/UFfLAxZYzlI\/AAAAAAAAB7c\/oAj2s6L2PxE\/s1600\/09-17-2012-163112.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch plate cover\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-m3rOLf049u0\/UFfLAxZYzlI\/AAAAAAAAB7c\/oAj2s6L2PxE\/s640\/09-17-2012-163112.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0jsOIJMWIHw\/UFfLKCKwgeI\/AAAAAAAAB7k\/R9ms9KdeRIU\/s1600\/09-17-2012-163131.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lightswitch plate cover\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0jsOIJMWIHw\/UFfLKCKwgeI\/AAAAAAAAB7k\/R9ms9KdeRIU\/s640\/09-17-2012-163131.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHave fun, and good luck! I'd love to see what you come up with :)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2575227663561110443\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/09\/easy-artsy-lightswitch-plate-covers.html#comment-form","title":"32 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2575227663561110443"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2575227663561110443"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/09\/easy-artsy-lightswitch-plate-covers.html","title":"Easy Artsy Lightswitch Plate Covers"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-g9JwYWSUFcY\/UFfJToADYQI\/AAAAAAAAB6k\/hEjE-ggQOD4\/s72-c\/09-17-2012-162743.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"32"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8934340559010017576"},"published":{"$t":"2012-09-01T08:27:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:29:35.957-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Hang Dry Laundry Year Round- Even In Seattle"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-D5qHsUzk34k\/UEIleO74UPI\/AAAAAAAAB3w\/mQ4nGlzzn0Y\/s1600\/07-15-2012-184704.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to dry laundry\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-D5qHsUzk34k\/UEIleO74UPI\/AAAAAAAAB3w\/mQ4nGlzzn0Y\/s640\/07-15-2012-184704.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EDryers use a lot of energy to run, and reduce the life of your clothes. As a teenager I realized that all the lint that the dryer collected was evidence of my clothes gradually falling apart, and I started using a laundry rack to hang dry anything I really cared about. Generic socks,\u0026nbsp;t-shirts,\u0026nbsp;and towels still went in the dryer, but if I wanted something to last a long time I would hang it up instead.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis continued for years, until we bought our house and could set up a larger outdoor drying area, with space to dry a whole load of laundry on two fold-up racks:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9dyQkniafiE\/UEIlKGObNkI\/AAAAAAAAB3o\/TRkOqIFAezE\/s1600\/07-15-2012-185115.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to hang dry laundry\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9dyQkniafiE\/UEIlKGObNkI\/AAAAAAAAB3o\/TRkOqIFAezE\/s640\/07-15-2012-185115.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe bungee cord keeps a wobbly rack from tipping over.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhile dryers do suck the life out of your laundry, they also fluff it up nicely, leaving\u0026nbsp;items softer than they might be when they hang dry. I find this is really only a problem with towels, and occasionally with jeans and socks. Most everything else still ends up being pretty soft after haning dry. If the stiffness bothers you, you can always toss a few things in the dryer for about 3 minutes, on an \"air\" cycle, just to fluff them up. For me, I've come to accept of bit of stiffness and no longer expect my towels to be \"downy soft\". Usually after one use, or right after I put the stiff jeans on, they soften up on their own anyway.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhile we don't live in Seattle proper, we \"benefit\" from their notorious weather patterns. It's wet. The typical clothesline setup would only work for about 3 months a year here, so we have to hang laundry someplace where it's protected from the weather. For a while, our only covered outdoor area was the front porch, and in the wet months I dried our laundry there. Not the most inviting sight for a front porch, but I was committed to this energy-saving method.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESeeking a solution that was somewhat less visible,\u0026nbsp;Nik built\u0026nbsp;a fiberglass\u0026nbsp;extension to our roof on the back of the house. The light comes through, but not the rain. Now we have a dry area, on the sunny southwest corner of our house, where a whole load of laundry can hang in relative privacy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tf2Q0qoxNko\/UEImDKUq82I\/AAAAAAAAB34\/FLxGASVGVOU\/s1600\/07-15-2012-185139.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How to hang dry laundry outside\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tf2Q0qoxNko\/UEImDKUq82I\/AAAAAAAAB34\/FLxGASVGVOU\/s640\/07-15-2012-185139.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn winter, it can admittedly take a couple days for heavier things to dry, but in summer they will often dry faster than they would in a dryer. When the wind blows the rain sideways, they can still get wet or get blown off the racks, but all in all it's very effective and easy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pHpia4h1D0o\/UEImO1TJL7I\/AAAAAAAAB4A\/LkIhguXLcdM\/s1600\/07-15-2012-185144.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"covered outdoor area\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pHpia4h1D0o\/UEImO1TJL7I\/AAAAAAAAB4A\/LkIhguXLcdM\/s640\/07-15-2012-185144.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe roof extension also provides handy dry storage for bikes \u0026amp; trikes, and other outdoor kid toys as well as\u0026nbsp;Nik's motorcycle projects. It's been very handy!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EUpdate: I have upgraded from these flimsy wooden folding racks, to one that I absolutely love. It is so clean and sturdy, can hold an entire large load of laundry, and folds up easily when not in use. I've been using it for over a year now, and am so happy with it. It feels like it will last forever. I'm linking the ad for it below; if you decide to purchase it through my ad link, I will earn a little income. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00KQU1C60\u0026amp;asins=B00KQU1C60\u0026amp;linkId=YBGRNJBIPAP4Z53J\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8934340559010017576\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/09\/hang-dry-laundry-year-round-even-in.html#comment-form","title":"54 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8934340559010017576"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8934340559010017576"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/09\/hang-dry-laundry-year-round-even-in.html","title":"Hang Dry Laundry Year Round- Even In Seattle"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-D5qHsUzk34k\/UEIleO74UPI\/AAAAAAAAB3w\/mQ4nGlzzn0Y\/s72-c\/07-15-2012-184704.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"54"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8183298039686666316"},"published":{"$t":"2012-08-20T13:28:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-03-04T07:23:59.338-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Stainless Steel Drinking Straws"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EA few years ago I learned of the existence of reusable\u0026nbsp;glass drinking straws. For a minute I thought we just had to have them. We aren't even big straw users, but they were beautiful and I thought they'd be fun for our kids. After all, how can you make milk bubbles without straws? I can't abide anything disposable, so I thought these beautiful and simple glass ones would be perfect for our family.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFortunately, I have a crafty partner who always helps me find a way around buying things. When I showed him the straws online, which would have cost\u0026nbsp;almost $30\u0026nbsp;for a simple set of four, he scoffed and said he could easily make some. The one drawback is that they wouldn't be glass, but I could deal with that.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-mW1-htrx-VE\/UDbdJsBCrFI\/AAAAAAAAB2k\/tNwEctvomGo\/s1600\/08-23-2012-183859.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"stainless steel straws\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-mW1-htrx-VE\/UDbdJsBCrFI\/AAAAAAAAB2k\/tNwEctvomGo\/s640\/08-23-2012-183859.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHe simply bought a piece of stainless steel tubing, and then cut it to about 6\" lengths. The first cut was made with a pipe cutter, which makes a clean cut, but the blade was pretty much used up on that one straw. For the next three straws he used a hacksaw, and then sanded the edges smooth. He says if he were to make them again, he would use a circular saw, which would be a little easier.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EMy kids now use them every day for green smoothies, and occasionally for milk bubbles, and we don't create any plastic garbage. Nor do we ever have to buy straws again.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zNqVceEz0oc\/UDKYh0eicyI\/AAAAAAAAB1w\/KuGvL515GL0\/s1600\/08-09-2012-150509.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"stainless steel straw\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zNqVceEz0oc\/UDKYh0eicyI\/AAAAAAAAB1w\/KuGvL515GL0\/s640\/08-09-2012-150509.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIf you use a dishwasher, you can just toss them in, but we do pretty much everything manually around here ;) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI'd like to get a brush cleaner that could fit inside the straws, but for now Nik attached a small piece of rag to a length of sturdy wire, for a DIY straw cleaner. However, I find that if I just rinse them right away they clean up fine without the rag-on-a-wire setup. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOne major difference between these and disposable straws that you will notice is the weight. You won't want to use them in a delicate wine glass, for example. The six inch straws are perfect for our 3 or 4 inch tall glasses, but if you use pint glasses you would want to make them longer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8183298039686666316\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/diy-stainless-steel-drinking-straws.html#comment-form","title":"58 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8183298039686666316"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8183298039686666316"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/diy-stainless-steel-drinking-straws.html","title":"DIY Stainless Steel Drinking Straws"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-mW1-htrx-VE\/UDbdJsBCrFI\/AAAAAAAAB2k\/tNwEctvomGo\/s72-c\/08-23-2012-183859.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"58"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7289248821091642408"},"published":{"$t":"2012-07-30T13:30:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T18:39:46.205-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Making Fresh Mayonnaise That Keeps"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4-YR66mC6rs\/UBbp1k3r7_I\/AAAAAAAAByw\/Fr_ZQk_i0gQ\/s1600\/03-27-2012-133637.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4-YR66mC6rs\/UBbp1k3r7_I\/AAAAAAAAByw\/Fr_ZQk_i0gQ\/s640\/03-27-2012-133637.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I realized I could make our own mayonnaise so easily, I felt pretty committed to never buying the store-bought kind again. We like doing things ourselves: We know what's in it - we never have to read food labels and wonder what they really mean - and we can make it exactly how we want. That storebought stuff was iffy, but I'm confident this raw, fresh mayonnaise is actually good for my family.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOlive oil mayonnaise has a stronger flavor than canola, soy, or safflower mayonnaise, but you get used to it pretty quickly, and even come to appreciate its flavor contribution on sandwiches. I found that using more egg and less oil in my recipes helps to neutralize the flavor so it's mild enough to work for all our mayonnaise needs. Of course we throw in garlic as well because garlic is delicious, and it's antimicrobial properties probably help fresh mayo keep longer as well. Feel free to use whatever oil you like for your homemade mayonnaise.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'd tried making my own mayonnaise twice in the past: Once, successfully, from a Joy of Cooking recipe for aioli. It was great, but we didn't use it up soon enough and it went bad. The next time, in more recent years, my emulsification failed and, not knowing how to fix it, I dumped all those great ingredients because they were in an unusable slurry, and vowed to leave mayonnaise making to the professionals.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWell, I'm pretty much done leaving anything to the professionals. Every organic mayo we've found in stores has soy oil in it, or other iffy oils, and the only soy free mayonnaise choices are non-organic. We've been making do with store-bought for so long now because I thought it was beyond me to make a decent mayonnaise myself. Glad to be wrong!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-f5N88Gv3t3M\/UBbmrE_IIwI\/AAAAAAAAByI\/8BsabZPNNjU\/s1600\/07-13-2012-164841.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-f5N88Gv3t3M\/UBbmrE_IIwI\/AAAAAAAAByI\/8BsabZPNNjU\/s640\/07-13-2012-164841.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E Making It:\u003C\/h4\u003EYou can mix the ingredients with a food processor, a blender, or an immersion blender. Or, if you're way burlier than I am, use a whisk. Or a fork! Whatever you use, be prepared to stick with it for several minutes of intense mixing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E The secret to successful emulsification is to pour the oil in so painfully slowly; it should take minutes, and start with only the thinnest stream. I used to have Nik do this part because he's way more patient than I am. If it still fails to emulsify, or bind the egg and oil together, I've read that you can save it by blending in more eggs before adding the rest of the oil. I haven't had to try this, but I'm very glad to know there's a method to rescue a botched batch. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother trick that helps to get nice, spreadable mayonnaise is to blend it for several minutes, way longer than you might think necessary, until it's nice and thick. So, blending as you go, slowly pour up to 1\/4 of the oil in with the eggs. Then stop adding oil and just blend until emulsification is obviously happening and the mixture is thick. Then you can more quickly add the rest of the oil. Never rush it, especially if you are just learning how.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gx3sTvYQ99E\/UBbjyJ56arI\/AAAAAAAABxo\/X7JHkZBc1wc\/s1600\/07-13-2012-165434.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gx3sTvYQ99E\/UBbjyJ56arI\/AAAAAAAABxo\/X7JHkZBc1wc\/s640\/07-13-2012-165434.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EMaking It Last:\u003C\/h4\u003ESo, making fresh mayonnaise successfully is really not that hard, but most of us are used to a mayonnaise that keeps for longer than 4 days, and the fresh stuff should really be used up fairly quickly. However, longer term freshness can be achieved through lacto-fermentation! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Lacto-fermentation is a controlled process of growing certain beneficial micro-organisms, which inhibit the growth of others, thus ensuring a longer-lasting mayonnaise. When I make fermented mayonnaise it keeps for a few weeks, while the unfermented stuff keeps only a few days. The flavor of the mayonnaise doesn't change, to my palate anyway, during fermentation.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Fermenting mayonnaise involves simply adding some \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-make-ginger-bug-natural-soda.html\"\u003Eginger bug\u003C\/a\u003E, aka lacto-fermented soda starter, or \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/make-your-own-kombucha.html\"\u003Ekombucha\u003C\/a\u003E, or some raw whey from cheesemaking if you have it. If you don't have any of these ingredients and you just want to make some fresh mayonnaise to eat within 4 days, you can use vinegar in the recipe instead. This recipe makes about 3 cups of mayonnaise.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EHow to:\u003C\/h3\u003EBlend \u003Cb\u003E3 eggs\u003C\/b\u003E until creamy (use the best, freshest eggs you can get)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEver so slowly, trickle in \u003Cb\u003E2 c olive oil\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBlend until soft peaks form, several minutes if needed\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Add \u003Cb\u003E2 cloves garlic\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1 t sea salt\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf fermenting, add \u003Cb\u003E2 tb kombucha, ginger bug, whey, or raw apple cider vinegar\u003C\/b\u003E (follow the above links to make your own)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Blend well and place in jar. Use within 3-5 days, or proceed with fermentation:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn this case, fermentation does not take long. Cap tightly and leave at room temp, out of direct light, for about 7 hours. This will preserve it for about 3 weeks.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BjtNwfhZYYQ\/UBbpeQ2Rm1I\/AAAAAAAAByo\/Rrt6o3mMtvo\/s1600\/condis.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BjtNwfhZYYQ\/UBbpeQ2Rm1I\/AAAAAAAAByo\/Rrt6o3mMtvo\/s640\/condis.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EKetchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, all lacto-fermented!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7289248821091642408\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/07\/making-fresh-mayonnaise-that-keeps.html#comment-form","title":"87 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7289248821091642408"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7289248821091642408"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/07\/making-fresh-mayonnaise-that-keeps.html","title":"Making Fresh Mayonnaise That Keeps"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4-YR66mC6rs\/UBbp1k3r7_I\/AAAAAAAAByw\/Fr_ZQk_i0gQ\/s72-c\/03-27-2012-133637.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"87"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5378886538145813917"},"published":{"$t":"2012-06-17T18:17:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:31:34.015-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"If The World Gives You Green Bananas, Make French Fries!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQ_SFycaLHY\/T95ObTkT66I\/AAAAAAAABtA\/G8CHckwsc2E\/s1600\/05-15-2012-194015.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"green banana french fries\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQ_SFycaLHY\/T95ObTkT66I\/AAAAAAAABtA\/G8CHckwsc2E\/s640\/05-15-2012-194015.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe made a large purchase of green bananas one week, and were dismayed when our investment sat green, green... green still for several weeks. They never went bad, they just never got ripe. Finally, I decided they were going to mummify before they ever turned yellow, so as a last ditch before composting them, I decided to research if there were any uses for our ten pounds of green bananas.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qDkR4kjfSgI\/T95OxXz5SCI\/AAAAAAAABtI\/aSt7tfWim38\/s1600\/05-15-2012-175206.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"green bananas\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qDkR4kjfSgI\/T95OxXz5SCI\/AAAAAAAABtI\/aSt7tfWim38\/s640\/05-15-2012-175206.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIt turns out there is a ton of stuff you can use them for, and basically it all comes down to this: treat them like any other starchy vegetable, ie, potatoes. Now, I don't know if you can boil and mash them, but roasting them seemed to be pretty common, so we decided to make french fries!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jn7Qr7UQ38c\/T95PNId9epI\/AAAAAAAABtQ\/H7X6cg6W3NE\/s1600\/05-15-2012-175259.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chopped green bananas\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jn7Qr7UQ38c\/T95PNId9epI\/AAAAAAAABtQ\/H7X6cg6W3NE\/s640\/05-15-2012-175259.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EGreen bananas don't peel as easy as nice ripe ones, so the most time consuming part of salvaging these bananas was slicing them open and working the peels off. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KnnuMbIjOAk\/T95PgnFSRCI\/AAAAAAAABtY\/eNDucrcWvOc\/s1600\/05-15-2012-175403.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"peel green bananas\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KnnuMbIjOAk\/T95PgnFSRCI\/AAAAAAAABtY\/eNDucrcWvOc\/s640\/05-15-2012-175403.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EA friend of mine stopped by as I was preparing the bananas, and from the crunchy sound of cutting through them, he assumed I was chopping potatoes! They look deceptively soft in the photos. They were actually as crisp as a raw potato.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jMvkji7MHr4\/T95QDs8Fm8I\/AAAAAAAABtg\/jhSuZbJP86Y\/s1600\/05-15-2012-182735.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chopped green bananas\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jMvkji7MHr4\/T95QDs8Fm8I\/AAAAAAAABtg\/jhSuZbJP86Y\/s640\/05-15-2012-182735.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAfter peeling, I simply cut each quartered banana in half again, to make  a nice wedge shape for roasting. Then I melted coconut oil on a couple  of baking sheets, probably a tablespoon on each pan, and spread the  bananas out in a single layer. Bake in a 350 degree oven for maybe 20-30  minutes. Honestly, we cook them until they seem done. In our family, we  preferred the banana fries that were softer, less on the crunchy side. For more even cooking, we flip our french fries halfway through so both sides brown lightly.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8VoivJ79AfI\/T959gSHhOpI\/AAAAAAAABtw\/KHj1s-jH_to\/s1600\/05-15-2012-194037.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"green banana french fries\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8VoivJ79AfI\/T959gSHhOpI\/AAAAAAAABtw\/KHj1s-jH_to\/s640\/05-15-2012-194037.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe kids liked theirs with ketchup, and I had mine dipped in homemade guacamole. I know it seems strange, but it ended up being a delicious way to use our green bananas!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5378886538145813917\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/06\/if-world-gives-you-green-bananas-make.html#comment-form","title":"47 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5378886538145813917"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5378886538145813917"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/06\/if-world-gives-you-green-bananas-make.html","title":"If The World Gives You Green Bananas, Make French Fries!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQ_SFycaLHY\/T95ObTkT66I\/AAAAAAAABtA\/G8CHckwsc2E\/s72-c\/05-15-2012-194015.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"47"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3695704891843635328"},"published":{"$t":"2012-05-28T07:34:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:01:47.805-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Still Shampoo-Free: the Magic of Baking Soda \u0026 Vinegar"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GrpwtpcppoY\/T8OFiXSdjMI\/AAAAAAAABpY\/liy4o2kXWcw\/s1600\/05-19-2012-114801.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"baking soda and apple cider vinegar\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GrpwtpcppoY\/T8OFiXSdjMI\/AAAAAAAABpY\/liy4o2kXWcw\/s640\/05-19-2012-114801.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBaking Soda \u0026amp; Apple Cider Vinegar\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOur family has been completely shampoo free since mid-2011 (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-my-family-went-shampoo-free.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eread here about how we did it\u003C\/a\u003E). Instead, we use a baking soda \u0026amp; water solution for washing, and diluted apple cider vinegar for the conditioning rinse. We are totally happy with the texture and cleanliness of our hair, and I really love having less junk I have to get at the store (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/you-dont-have-to-go-to-store.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewe never go to the store anymore\u003C\/a\u003E!) Also, the chemicals in even the more natural shampoos and conditioners are something we are all better off without.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAs far-fetched as this idea sounds to a lifelong shampoo\/conditioner user, it really works! Our family is composed of several hair types... we all have long hair, mine is very straight and tends to be oily, and Nik's is highly textured and tends toward dandruff. Both of us, as well as our kids, have had a great experience with the switch, and have absolutely no desire to go back to store bought, chemically-loaded products. I was amused, after my original post on our switch, to discover how many people we know that already use one or both of these on their hair. The secret is out! It's great stuff, don't be scared to try it ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI do have an update since my original article about ditching shampoo. At the time, I had switched to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/make-your-own-kombucha.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emy homemade kombucha\u003C\/a\u003E for a conditioning rinse after washing with baking soda. It seemed like a reasonable substitute for apple cider vinegar, and I liked that since I make it myself, it was one less thing to buy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHowever, I discovered a problem after a while- the baking soda wasn't rinsing out completely, leaving traces of white powder in my hair. This was almost annoying enough to get me considering using regular shampoo again. Why was this happening? I realized it had never been a problem when I used apple cider vinegar rather than kombucha, so I went back to that, and the problem disappeared immediately.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think the kombucha just doesn't have the same properties as apple cider vinegar. Vinegar, as well as closing hair follicles, giving hair shine and releasing tangles, reacts with any remaining baking soda, rinsing it completely away. Anyway, I'm pleased to report that, now that I'm back to baking soda wash with the ACV rinse, my hair is totally clean, healthy, and free of baking soda debris.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xcnksQzx6bo\/T8OIKN4zE_I\/AAAAAAAABpk\/u_UH2pdw7dU\/s1600\/04-23-2012-125711.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"shampoo free\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xcnksQzx6bo\/T8OIKN4zE_I\/AAAAAAAABpk\/u_UH2pdw7dU\/s640\/04-23-2012-125711.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EShampoo free family\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBaking Soda \u0026amp; Vinegar On The Go:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen I started doing hot yoga at our local Bikram studio, I briefly thought I may have to switch to shampoo and conditioner just so I could have something that travels easily so I could shower at the studio, but then I came up with this easy, portable solution:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zop3_gw79-M\/T8OE8OWXszI\/AAAAAAAABpQ\/PfhquRspr84\/s1600\/05-19-2012-114906.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"baking soda and ACV\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zop3_gw79-M\/T8OE8OWXszI\/AAAAAAAABpQ\/PfhquRspr84\/s640\/05-19-2012-114906.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E8 oz travel jars: All I needed to make this system portable.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI simply put one scoop (I'm down to 1\/2 t) baking soda, and a splash (maybe 1 tb) of vinegar into each jar, respectively. Make sure the jars are sealed tightly, and I'm all set to shower at the gym. In the shower, I add about a 1\/3 cup of water to the baking soda, wash my scalp with it, and then dilute the vinegar in the same way for rinsing my hair and scalp.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAny bottles that you feel comfortable traveling with would also work... just make sure the vinegar container won't leak. I did have this happen, and was worried I'd be stuck with a vinegary backpack forever, but the smell disappeared after about a day. Not too traumatic ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBaking soda and apple cider vinegar can both be purchased in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/whole%20raw%20cacao%20beans%20can%20be%20purchased%20in%20bulk%20from%20azure%20standard%2C%20a%20natural%20foods%20distributor.\/\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3695704891843635328\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/still-shampoo-free-magic-of-baking-soda.html#comment-form","title":"113 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3695704891843635328"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3695704891843635328"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/still-shampoo-free-magic-of-baking-soda.html","title":"Still Shampoo-Free: the Magic of Baking Soda \u0026 Vinegar"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GrpwtpcppoY\/T8OFiXSdjMI\/AAAAAAAABpY\/liy4o2kXWcw\/s72-c\/05-19-2012-114801.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"113"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8657802060767308299"},"published":{"$t":"2012-05-12T05:48:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:42:01.235-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Making Delicious Hummus From Scratch"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IkOopxBf77E\/T6kquTdSSOI\/AAAAAAAABk4\/UOah26yJp_U\/s1600\/04-27-2012-124051.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade hummus\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IkOopxBf77E\/T6kquTdSSOI\/AAAAAAAABk4\/UOah26yJp_U\/s640\/04-27-2012-124051.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAt $4 for an 8 oz tub of organic hummus, keeping my 4 year old in hummus could get expensive. He loves the stuff. I've been wanting to make my own for a long time, but I had some trouble acquiring bulk organic chickpeas, and I wasn't willing to settle for canned beans. You can definitely use canned beans for this recipe though; it will save you some time but add a bit to the cost. I finally got a 25 lb bag of organic chickpeas for $32, so now I'll be making hummus from scratch for quite a while!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI like to give beans a good soaking before I cook them, and for this hummus I actually let them sprout for a day or two first. Sprouting increases digestability and decreases cooking time. It's also easy, though it's not essential if you don't have the time. Some people actually make a raw hummus from sprouted chickpeas, but they are still a bit crunchy after sprouting, which makes a grainy final product, and I wanted to mimic the creamy, smooth storebought hummus as much as possible.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIf you'd like to try sprouting them, soak for 10-12 hours, in dechlorinated water if possible (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-remove-chlorine-from-tap-water.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emake it easily!\u003C\/a\u003E) Drain the soaking water and rinse the chickpeas, then continue to rinse every 12 hours for a day or two, until the tails are about half as long as the chickpea. If you're not sprouting, just soak dry chickpeas overnight before cooking them in the morning.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-D91tDuxjja0\/T6kveRsyo8I\/AAAAAAAABlE\/kX-5fsP1uek\/s1600\/04-26-2012-170823.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sprouted chickpeas garbanzo beans\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-D91tDuxjja0\/T6kveRsyo8I\/AAAAAAAABlE\/kX-5fsP1uek\/s640\/04-26-2012-170823.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAfter soaking and sprouting the chickpeas, I cook them in a slow cooker on low for about 5 hours, until the beans are tender. It may take longer, depending on the cooker; my slow cooker seems to cook pretty hot. If you haven't sprouted them, they will likely take longer to soften.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOr, you can speed up cooking by doing it on the stovetop. I prefer to cook in the slow cooker because I can just toss in the ingredients, turn it on, and go on with my life without thinking about cooking for a while. Stovetop cooking requires constant attention and is easier to screw up, in my experience.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bKFr8h3gD5U\/T6kvqKgc1sI\/AAAAAAAABlM\/bot0VRjtB-Q\/s1600\/05-03-2012-131604.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"cooking chickpeas garbanzo beans\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bKFr8h3gD5U\/T6kvqKgc1sI\/AAAAAAAABlM\/bot0VRjtB-Q\/s640\/05-03-2012-131604.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAfter cooking, let the beans cool and drain the liquid. I simply put my crock pot outside in the night air to cool off, and continue the hummus recipe in the morning. If you have hot nights, it's probably not such a good idea to leave your pot out overnight or you might end up with fermented chickpeas. When I drain the beans I add the cooking liquid to my chickens' food instead of pouring it down the drain. You may want to use some of the liquid in blending up the hummus as well.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPlace about 4 cups of cooled, drained\u0026nbsp;chickpeas (if you are starting from canned, this is where you jump in) in a food processor along with:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/2 c olive oil\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 t salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 cloves garlic\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/2 c sunflower seed butter or sesame tahini\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EJuice of 1\/2 lemon (optional) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI use sunflower butter because that's what I generally have on hand, and it tastes delicious in the hummus, but if you want a more traditional flavor use sesame tahini insead.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-L0BDlWEJ4os\/T6kv0YPxEpI\/AAAAAAAABlU\/COeKfNCna3U\/s1600\/05-03-2012-125826.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to make hummus\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-L0BDlWEJ4os\/T6kv0YPxEpI\/AAAAAAAABlU\/COeKfNCna3U\/s640\/05-03-2012-125826.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EChickpeas, Olive Oil, Sunflower Butter, Garlic \u0026amp; Salt is all it takes!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBlend everything together until it's creamy smooth. At that point, it's ready, and it's delicious, and it costs pennies rather than dollars, and it didn't come in any wasteful packaging.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis hummus freezes well, so I always make a double batch and stick some in the freezer for later. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIf you have some extra chickpeas after making this recipe, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/roasted-chickpeas-for-snacks-salads.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Etry roasting them\u003C\/a\u003E for a delicious, simple and healthy snack; follow the link for instructions.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z5ruKH4_AC8\/T65ab17WAvI\/AAAAAAAABns\/j5WR-YCOFBc\/s1600\/04-27-2012-124036.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade hummus with veggies\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z5ruKH4_AC8\/T65ab17WAvI\/AAAAAAAABns\/j5WR-YCOFBc\/s640\/04-27-2012-124036.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EEnjoy with veggies, crackers, or whatever!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium; text-align: start;\"\u003EWe purchase organic garbanzo beans in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8657802060767308299\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/making-delicious-hummus-from-scratch.html#comment-form","title":"50 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8657802060767308299"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8657802060767308299"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/making-delicious-hummus-from-scratch.html","title":"Making Delicious Hummus From Scratch"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IkOopxBf77E\/T6kquTdSSOI\/AAAAAAAABk4\/UOah26yJp_U\/s72-c\/04-27-2012-124051.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"50"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4275277656665526328"},"published":{"$t":"2012-04-28T11:47:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T09:30:15.702-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Sustainable Shaving Options"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-f3vrHz1RFcI\/T5wzxGfIlnI\/AAAAAAAABjg\/jTz4osB-2TA\/s1600\/03-05-2012-163710.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"shaving soap and brush\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-f3vrHz1RFcI\/T5wzxGfIlnI\/AAAAAAAABjg\/jTz4osB-2TA\/s640\/03-05-2012-163710.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen I was first pregnant I had to nix my partner's use of canned shaving creams- the perfumes they contained made me ill, so we bought him a nice bar of unscented shaving soap and a lather brush. The shaving soap has been great. We love that it lasts forever and has no can to throw away. Another natural option would be to make our own shaving soap, which is definitely on the horizon. However, he continued to use disposable razors for several years until recently, when he researched non-disposable options. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7xqrE-vU2VU\/T5w0XOJ2YoI\/AAAAAAAABjo\/AIqjGvVO9bo\/s1600\/03-05-2012-163901.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"straight razor shaving\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7xqrE-vU2VU\/T5w0XOJ2YoI\/AAAAAAAABjo\/AIqjGvVO9bo\/s640\/03-05-2012-163901.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EA few months ago he switched to using straight razors. I think they take a bit of time to maintain, including being honed on a leather strop before each use, but he only shaves every two or three days, so it's not too big of a deal. They also require occasional sharpening with a whetstone.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI love that\u0026nbsp; the sustainable solutions for the future are often to be found in how we used to do things. This is definitely the low-tech shaving option!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xGE9Oonkp4E\/T5w4mou8KVI\/AAAAAAAABj8\/aOB7WmHojxk\/s1600\/07-02%7C16:04:59.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"at the lake\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xGE9Oonkp4E\/T5w4mou8KVI\/AAAAAAAABj8\/aOB7WmHojxk\/s640\/07-02%7C16:04:59.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"468\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI don't think this was too much of a learning curve to get started. There is definitely a skill to any blade sharpening, and a razor has to be much more finely honed than a kitchen knife. Razors can be taken in to a knife sharpening service, where they will be professionally sharpened for a small fee. When we first bought Nik's razors, we did have them professionally sharpened.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe shaving itself is pretty straightforward. If I shaved my legs, I would certainly give the straight razor a try. I don't think it would work very well for armpits though, so I'm sticking with disposables for now.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-NNGXFa_FGHw\/T5w0oap2nFI\/AAAAAAAABjw\/h5gjakugwzM\/s1600\/9153.0.8003-02-27-2012-090453.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"straight razor shaving\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-NNGXFa_FGHw\/T5w0oap2nFI\/AAAAAAAABjw\/h5gjakugwzM\/s640\/9153.0.8003-02-27-2012-090453.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ENik's shaving kit includes two razors, a leather strop, and a sharpening stone, as well as the cup with soap \u0026amp; shaving brush, pictured above. The small green dish contains coconut oil, which he used to soften the leather strop when he first bought it. He was able to find both \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003Ethe strop and razors used on ebay.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4275277656665526328\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/sustainable-shaving-options.html#comment-form","title":"27 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4275277656665526328"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4275277656665526328"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/sustainable-shaving-options.html","title":"Sustainable Shaving Options"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-f3vrHz1RFcI\/T5wzxGfIlnI\/AAAAAAAABjg\/jTz4osB-2TA\/s72-c\/03-05-2012-163710.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"27"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3364664787347313086"},"published":{"$t":"2012-04-15T21:39:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T08:28:06.618-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Rethinking Gift Wrapping"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s640\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis gift is wrapped in a small batik tablecloth and tied with a silk ribbon, probably from a bathrobe tie.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EIn order to reduce waste (since \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-we-ditched-our-garbage-service.html\"\u003Ewe no longer have garbage service\u003C\/a\u003E!) and never have to buy gift wrapping supplies, I used to save the wrapping paper from all our gifts, carefully folding it and removing the tape, mourning the bits that got torn, and then trying to hide the flaws when I reused the paper... I am pleased to say that I never have to worry about reusing paper wrapping these days. Fabric wraps are so much easier to reuse, and they don't show wear like paper does. They are harder to tape effectively, but proper folding and use of ribbons eliminates the need for tape anyway.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-10umfDBmEO8\/T4ubrlAk6ZI\/AAAAAAAABfE\/DWaHp0iqcdM\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103434.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-10umfDBmEO8\/T4ubrlAk6ZI\/AAAAAAAABfE\/DWaHp0iqcdM\/s640\/04-15-2012-103434.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis one is wrapped in a fancy table runner \u0026amp; tied with a disco belt\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have always loved wrapping gifts, and these days the wrapping is often as much a present as what's inside. I have acquired a collection of used, scavenged, and repurposed scarves, saris, and tapestries, or even pretty cloth napkins or pillowcases, that work great for gift wrapping. Wrapped up in beautiful fabric, tied with a silk ribbon (or, often an old, beautiful belt from a robe, coat, or dress) these gifts can look very elegant. I love that there's no waste; I never cut anything and I never use tape. I just wrap, fold and tie.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8VlMkONeC_c\/T4ubGYofwZI\/AAAAAAAABe8\/b06QDZGxCgo\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103704.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8VlMkONeC_c\/T4ubGYofwZI\/AAAAAAAABe8\/b06QDZGxCgo\/s640\/04-15-2012-103704.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA sarong works great for wrapping this large boardgame.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'll often choose some lovely wrapping that I think the recipient will particularly appreciate, but frequently I just have to use whatever fabric will cover the gift well, especially if it's something large. I don't ask for the wrapping back, but sometimes people offer it if they don't want to use it themselves. However, I like the idea of this method catching on as the recipients of these gifts then wrap their presents for others in the same fabric. I've had some people excitedly ask me \"Can I keep the wrapping?!\" I always say yes!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-tX0o5dwLJSU\/T4ud-qzYDGI\/AAAAAAAABfg\/RG7-zgLUKmQ\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103842.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-tX0o5dwLJSU\/T4ud-qzYDGI\/AAAAAAAABfg\/RG7-zgLUKmQ\/s640\/04-15-2012-103842.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWrapped in a silk scarf and another robe tie\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOf course, if you have kids you probably have an abundance of fingerpaintings, drawings, and random art projects that can make great wrapping paper. I save any large, colorful or sparkly paintings for wrapping gifts. For these, I do break out the roll of tape. A gift for grandparents can be made extra special when it's decorated with kid's art. It also gives these paintings a new life, and your kids will probably enjoy seeing their art gracing some beautiful gifts.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I9IP0Lcf3IY\/T4ueXfCgBbI\/AAAAAAAABfo\/-0EtnbudNu4\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103749.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I9IP0Lcf3IY\/T4ueXfCgBbI\/AAAAAAAABfo\/-0EtnbudNu4\/s640\/04-15-2012-103749.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA repurposed painting with a bit of Gris Grimly's art glued on.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3364664787347313086\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/rethinking-gift-wrapping.html#comment-form","title":"39 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3364664787347313086"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3364664787347313086"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/rethinking-gift-wrapping.html","title":"Rethinking Gift Wrapping"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s72-c\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"39"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2049496796573106927"},"published":{"$t":"2012-03-08T22:02:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T09:16:16.445-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How We Ditched Our Garbage Service"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe finally took the plunge and canceled our garbage service several  months ago, and haven't looked back. I was thinking that at best,  ditching this service would be a minor inconvenience, but in  reality it's had a very positive effect on our lives that I didn't  expect.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe've always produced a small amount of garbage that  hardly warranted the 20 gallon can in our yard and a weekly pickup, but I  kind of thought not having garbage service would be a nuisance, or that  it would be gross. Burning garbage is nasty, and I certainly didn't want to save up enough garbage  until we had a dump-run-worthy load. What would we do with our garbage if  we didn't have a green can to toss it into? And seriously,  what about the recycling? We always produce way more recycling bulk than  trash, but if we canceled garbage service our free recycling service  would be gone...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI always thought there were really only a few,  undesirable options for people without garbage service: Pile up a bunch  of garbage until you have a truck load to take to the dump; burn it; or  illegally dump your junk in one of our beautiful ravines. I was not fond  of any of these ideas, but we had been discussing the idea of ditching  garbage service since buying our house a few years ago. While we don't  make much actual garbage except during house projects, we've always  created a lot of recyclable waste. If we canceled garbage service, no  one would come to pick up our recycling either.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI will say right away that we haven't  eliminated the garbage and recycling we produce, though we have drastically reduced  it. As long as we are buying produce there will be those twist-ties and  plastic mesh bags, and as long as our kids are young there will be the  kind of junk that kids collect, which is ultimately destined for the  garbage (glue and glitter art projects, cracked and leaking rubber  froggy boots, tiny socks worn through, stickers, and of course all the  random broken plastic things.)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIt has really helped that we pretty much eliminated trips to the grocery store, instead ordering all our produce from a CSA, and the rest of our bulk foods monthly from a natural foods distributor. Neither of these are a big source of packaging waste, unlike all those boxes and packets from the store. Click here to read about \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/you-dont-have-to-go-to-store.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehow we stopped grocery shopping\u003C\/a\u003E. We also buy anything we need used, from thrift stores, which come free of any packaging waste besides their price tags. Even better, local giveaway groups can be a place to look for anything you need before going to a thrift store. Check out here \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehow to start or join a Buy Nothing group\u003C\/a\u003E. Occasional electronics upgrades are the only thing we nearly always buy new.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIt took us a while of thinking about it, paying our garbage bill all the while, before we thought of a way of getting \"off the grid\" of garbage service; it had to be convenient and mess-free. My mom, who lives nearby, produces very little waste herself, and doesn't mind disposing of ours along with hers. So now when we see her, we occasionally have an extra little present to send her home with ;)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ENow, not everyone has my mom for a mother, or would want to ask a  family member to take their trash and recycling for them. I can completely understand  this! But what about this idea: Share your garbage service with your  next door neighbor. You will both save money by going in on the service  together, you will have less unsightly collection cans on your street,  and the garbage trucks will be done on your road all the more quickly if  you've consolidated your trash with your neighbor's.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhat if we only had community bins, or collection bins on every corner instead of every driveway? I know a lot of people really fill their bins right now and that would be a lot of work to haul to a group bin, but I just think it would be good for people to have to deal with their garbage a bit more than we are used to. It's too easy to ignore the problems of over-consumption, the garbage islands, and poisoned landfills, when someone so conveniently slips it away each week.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EEliminating the garbage pickup service saves us $300\/year. Sometimes that doesn't seem like much, but it makes a difference to us. I also like that now those trucks don't have to stop quite as often. But the other real benefit of eliminating garbage service has been a greater consciousness about the waste we're creating. Not being able to toss all your junk in a curbside can and kiss it goodbye makes us much more conscious of the waste we produce. This applies to recycling just as much as it does for garbage. Recycling isn't going to save us; it's better not to produce that waste at all. Not having cans to hide our own waste from ourselves has helped me reduce through awareness.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFortunately we quit garbage service at the same time that we quit shopping at the grocery store. They definitely went hand in hand, because quite a bit of our produce from the store came packaged in these huge plastic clamshells, and everything else comes in some kind of bag or box. Not yet producing much food on our small urban farm, we rely on our CSA for the majority of our food. We purchase grains, nuts, and seeds from a wholesale natural foods distributor. And, really, we hop in to a grocery store once every 2 or 3 months to stock up on things we still like to buy off the shelf: specifically cheese, yogurt, and peanut butter for the kids; and chicken for our \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/p\/natural-raw-cat-food.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehomemade cat food\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMost of our utility services and accounts are set up to be paper-free, though we can't seem to stop getting the junkmail circulars, what my son calls \"broken magazines\", that fill our mailbox every week. Not having garbage or recycling service has us looking at the sources for all our waste. We not only want to stop this garbage from getting to our house, we'd prefer to eliminate it's creation at all.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ksO9rNEf1xs\/T1mg3yNsPII\/AAAAAAAABb8\/N3GhH6ezS_8\/s1600\/03-23%7C15:08:19.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"backyard chickens\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ksO9rNEf1xs\/T1mg3yNsPII\/AAAAAAAABb8\/N3GhH6ezS_8\/s640\/03-23%7C15:08:19.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ELoki feeding our hens\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe compost most of our kitchen waste, either directly in the worm bins or by feeding edible waste to the chickens or rabbits. We've got our own little composting factory set up. We often bury yard waste in a form of composting called hugelkultur, sometimes in holes and sometimes under new raised beds. Check out \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/kerryg.hubpages.com\/hub\/Hugelkultur-Using-Woody-Waste-in-Composting\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehugelkultur\u003C\/a\u003E to explore the benefits of composting your prunings and woody yard waste in your own garden.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-BUmQenTROxw\/T1mfUqDOX7I\/AAAAAAAABb0\/hzwkbgH3pY4\/s1600\/03-04-2012-144930.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"keeping rabbits american chinchilla\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-BUmQenTROxw\/T1mfUqDOX7I\/AAAAAAAABb0\/hzwkbgH3pY4\/s640\/03-04-2012-144930.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAzula \u0026amp; Katara in a hole dug for hugelkultur\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/zerowastehome.blogspot.com\/p\/tips.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EZero Waste Home\u003C\/a\u003E has a useful list of more detailed tips for reducing your garbage. They're an amazing family that created only a mason jar of trash in a whole year. We've got a long way to go because we're making about that much every week still! What I often do is think about how people lived before there were high-tech options for things, and try to do things the old fashioned way, which ends up being pretty natural and waste free. For example, we never accept bags from the grocery store; we bring our own. It's simple and it works.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EGarbage and recycling trucks have got to use a huge amount of fuel. Let's create less work for them, and work toward a more sustainable future, by sharing the service with a friend or neighbor!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUpdate: While we lived without garbage service for three years, we do have it now- and we share the service with my kids' grandma and her daughter. They bring their recycling and garbage to our house every couple of weeks. I am sure everyone has a family member or neighbor that they could share service with, both to save money and to reduce our impact on the waste stream and raise consciousness about trash production.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2049496796573106927\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-we-ditched-our-garbage-service.html#comment-form","title":"46 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2049496796573106927"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2049496796573106927"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-we-ditched-our-garbage-service.html","title":"How We Ditched Our Garbage Service"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ksO9rNEf1xs\/T1mg3yNsPII\/AAAAAAAABb8\/N3GhH6ezS_8\/s72-c\/03-23%7C15:08:19.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"46"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2595370388050256893"},"published":{"$t":"2012-02-22T09:44:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T09:02:58.025-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Lacto-Fermented Ginger Ale"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KNbrWwNfRQw\/T0M13BTa-WI\/AAAAAAAABZc\/gXPmq-hBfjE\/s1600\/sodaglasss.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lacto-fermented ginger ale\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KNbrWwNfRQw\/T0M13BTa-WI\/AAAAAAAABZc\/gXPmq-hBfjE\/s640\/sodaglasss.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMaking lacto-fermented sodas is addictive. It's fun to make things bubbly! Basically, you can turn any sweet tea or juice into a naturally carbonated, healthful soda. We ferment everything we drink these days. It's fun and tasty, as well as healthy! When a friend of mine started making sodas, I was initially like, why would you want to do that? Why replicate something so unhealthy? Little did I know, lacto-fermented sodas are good for you! For more info and inspiration, check out \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.google.com\/products\/catalog?hl=en\u0026amp;rlz=\u0026amp;q=wild+fermentation\u0026amp;gs_sm=3\u0026amp;gs_upl=2359064l2363333l0l2366162l10l10l1l0l0l0l199l1175l1.8l9l0\u0026amp;um=1\u0026amp;ie=UTF-8\u0026amp;tbm=shop\u0026amp;cid=8036272288549633152\u0026amp;sa=X\u0026amp;ei=rrJDT62HKOniiAKryfzOAQ\u0026amp;ved=0CGAQ8wIwBw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWild Fermentation!\u003C\/a\u003E by Sandor Katz.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI am not a fan of store bought sodas, but I do have fond memories of drinking grape soda and rootbeer as a kid. I love that I can make the healthy versions of these kid-friendly drinks! Lacto-fermentation converts sugars to carbon gas (bubbles) and lactic acid, which aids digestion and has other health properties. When old-timers suggest drinking a soda to settle an upset stomach, this is the soda they mean. Plus, yum!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VWXA_XEygPY\/T0M7HvTTA0I\/AAAAAAAABZk\/iA8GY5PRt_8\/s1600\/gignerr.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Lacto-fermented ginger ale\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VWXA_XEygPY\/T0M7HvTTA0I\/AAAAAAAABZk\/iA8GY5PRt_8\/s640\/gignerr.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow to:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFirst, make a Ginger Bug (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-make-ginger-bug-natural-soda.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eclick here for instructions on making your own Ginger Bug\u003C\/a\u003E, which will assist nearly any fermentation). This is easy, but requires 3 days advance planning. The soda itself will take another 4 days... but don't worry, you don't have to do more than stir it twice a day for 3 days, and then twiddle your thumbs for the final 24 hours while it produces some nice bubbles for you. If you already have a ginger bug in the fridge, wake it up by removing it from the fridge and feeding it some sugar, plus a bit more minced ginger.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhen your starter is bubbly, commence soda making:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBoil \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/3 c sliced ginger for \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E20 minutes in 2 quarts of water.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThen add 1 1\/2 c sucanat or rapidura (aka: sugar)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStir to dissolve, then let cool to just warm.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen cool, strain into a one-gallon glass jar. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAdd 1 c soda starter\/ginger bug and enough dechlorinated water (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-remove-chlorine-from-tap-water.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eclick here to see how I easily dechlorinate water\u003C\/a\u003E) to bring the level to about 1\" below the shoulder of the jar. If you don't have dechlorinated water, don't fret. The chlorine will naturally evaporate each time you stir your soda, but I still prefer to start with chlorine free water if possible.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C1HTGjMH2oA\/T0M71zDaPlI\/AAAAAAAABZs\/gdi54YOXgZA\/s1600\/fermentations.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lacto-fermented honey wine, kombucha, and rootbeer\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C1HTGjMH2oA\/T0M71zDaPlI\/AAAAAAAABZs\/gdi54YOXgZA\/s640\/fermentations.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/making-honey-wine.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHoney Wine\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/make-your-own-kombucha.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKombucha\u003C\/a\u003E, and Soda fermenting on my washing machine\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ECover jar with a cloth to keep dust out while it ferments. Stir twice a day for 3 days. On the third day you should be able to hear it bubble vigorously when stirring, and a bit even before you stir. When bubbly, bottle and cap tightly. You can use spring loaded glass bottles, beer bottles with a capper, or simply mason jars, as long as they make a good seal. This is when carbonation builds up. Leave the bottles at room temperature for 24 hours, and then refrigerate. Now it's ready to drink!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you leave them at room temperature for longer than 24 hours, pressure can build to excessive levels. One batch of soda I made fountained soda out every time we opened a bottle. It was a mess unless we opened them with excruciating care. This isn't something you have to worry about unless you forget and leave your bottles carbonating for too long. Remember- when it's hot out, fermentation speeds up, and your soda may need less overall time before it's ready to refrigerate.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHave fun with it. This is exciting stuff!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2595370388050256893\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/lacto-fermented-ginger-ale.html#comment-form","title":"146 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2595370388050256893"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2595370388050256893"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/lacto-fermented-ginger-ale.html","title":"Lacto-Fermented Ginger Ale"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KNbrWwNfRQw\/T0M13BTa-WI\/AAAAAAAABZc\/gXPmq-hBfjE\/s72-c\/sodaglasss.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"146"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3613650932407973956"},"published":{"$t":"2012-02-17T10:29:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T09:39:00.555-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Making A Sourdough Starter"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Sourdough starters are available for purchase all over the place, from mail order websites to souvenir shops in San Francisco, but it's super easy to make your own. Once you've made the starter, instructions below, try it out on these \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/01\/whole-grain-sourdough-biscuits.html\"\u003Ewhole grain sourdough biscuits\u003C\/a\u003E! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-t7SWK16Tp9E\/TxRGkwkTISI\/AAAAAAAABRs\/x-W9g4ENi1k\/s1600\/flourwater.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-t7SWK16Tp9E\/TxRGkwkTISI\/AAAAAAAABRs\/x-W9g4ENi1k\/s640\/flourwater.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou literally only need flour and water. Whole wheat and rye flours work great for this, but you could also use white flour if that's what you have. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/grind-your-own-flours-from-whole-grains.html\"\u003EI grind my own flour\u003C\/a\u003E whenever I need it. It's optimal to use dechlorinated or filtered water (read my post on how to easily \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-remove-chlorine-from-tap-water.html\"\u003Edechlorinate your own\u003C\/a\u003E) but this isn't essential. If you don't have a filter that removes chlorine, you can leave water in a jar overnight and most of the chlorine evaporates out of it. Chlorine in tap water can inhibit the fermentation that we're trying to achieve for the sourdough starter. To read more about my favorite low cost water filter, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/06\/a-wonderful-low-cost-water-filter.html\"\u003Echeck out this article\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gq20GiDRmx0\/TxSkW5WovbI\/AAAAAAAABR0\/NIoz43kFKN8\/s1600\/sourdoughh.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gq20GiDRmx0\/TxSkW5WovbI\/AAAAAAAABR0\/NIoz43kFKN8\/s640\/sourdoughh.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECovering your starter with a piece of cloth and rubber band allows it to breathe while keeping it clean. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EStart with a cup of flour and a cup of water. Stir them together in a jar; the mixture should be thick but runny. If you want it to be ready sooner, you can also jump start the natural fermentation by using some \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/make-your-own-kombucha.html\"\u003Ekombucha\u003C\/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-make-ginger-bug-natural-soda.html\"\u003Eginger bug\u003C\/a\u003E for part of the liquid, (click the links for instructions on how to easily make your own kombucha or ginger bug). \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you don't use a starter, wild yeasts from the air, from the surfaces of your jar, spoon, and the grains themselves, will find their way to your starter. This is what you want; those wild yeasts produce the gas that allows the dough to rise. Cover your starter with a cloth so it can breathe but stays clean, and stir twice a day for 3 or 4 days. After that it should be bubbly and smell nicely sour.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-o-JuMcwZ9Uk\/TxjItLd3aNI\/AAAAAAAABTE\/x6FDqF18mjk\/s1600\/sourdoughs.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-o-JuMcwZ9Uk\/TxjItLd3aNI\/AAAAAAAABTE\/x6FDqF18mjk\/s640\/sourdoughs.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELeave room in your jar for expansion! Sourdough starter can double in size during fermentation. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's ready to use in just a few days! I use about a cup and a half per recipe, and always replenish what I remove in order to maintain the starter. If you keep it on the counter, it needs to be fed daily. Feeding only involves adding a bit of fresh flour and water, maybe a half cup each day. Always stir twice a day unless you've got it in the fridge. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYour starter will grow faster in a warm room, but if it's too hot you might have to stir and feed it more frequently. However, if you don't plan on using it again for a while, cap it tightly in a fresh jar, and stick it in the fridge where it will go dormant. It will keep this way for several weeks, and it's always easy to make a new batch of starter if needed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you bake seriously large amounts, you may want to have a bigger jar of sourdough starter. The instructions remain the same, just use larger amounts. If it smells bad or is moldy, compost your starter and try again. This could happen if it was contaminated, or if it went too long without being stirred or fed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor more on traditional sourdough, as well as a whole world of fermentation ideas, check out the original source of my inspiration, two books by Sandor Katz. Both probably available from your local library, but also definitely worth owning. If you buy either through my ad links below, Amazon gives me a tiny bit of cash. 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