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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","$t":"Living very well on very little."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/-\/Health?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=50"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Health"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/-\/Health\/-\/Health?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=51\u0026max-results=50"}],"author":[{"name":{"$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":"91"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"50"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-728398092006928504"},"published":{"$t":"2020-03-27T15:02:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-03-29T14:07:27.503-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The Quarantine Edition"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Living just outside Seattle, Washington, our community buckled down early due to the novel Coronavirus. We've now been homebound for several weeks. While others around us were lining up early outside stores to buy all the hand sanitizer and toilet paper, we found our own rhythm at home, relearning ways of using less and still buying nothing. (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-first-month.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EClick here to read more about our decision to buy nothing for one year\u003C\/a\u003E.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EGroceries\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003EHow are we getting by without going to the store? I wrote an article years ago, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/you-dont-have-to-go-to-store.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou Don't Have to go to the Store\u003C\/a\u003E, during a time when we also didn't go grocery shopping at all. In it I describe how we got by without needing to shop. Some things have changed since I wrote the article; most notably we don't have a farm\/garden anymore, so buying fresh veggies is a must. We now have a weekly produce delivery service, Freggies, which delivers a good variety of high quality fresh fruits \u0026amp; veggies. We also have our weekly dairy \u0026amp; egg delivery, using Smith Brothers local dairy delivery service. If you live in their delivery area, here is a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.smithbrothersfarms.com\/Referred?dc=FRIEND\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ereferral code, which will save you $20 off your first order.\u003C\/a\u003E Wherever you live, it's worth looking into your local farmer or producer delivery options. Many businesses that didn't use to deliver are now providing that option, as a means of staying in business during the quarantine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe are also making use of our own food storage, taking stock of our freezer and pantry, and making the best use of the items we've been stocking away. As my son said this morning over canned peaches on our pancakes, you know it's the apocalypse when we start eating canned food. I maintain a food inventory spreadsheet, with different tabs for freezer, fridge, cabinets, and pantry, where I itemize our foods on hand. It's great for meal planning. I normally check it before going shopping, to make sure I don't overbuy something I already have in the pantry or freezer. I try to update it after getting groceries, or when I use something up. It's a good reminder of how much we already (or still) have. As the weeks go by, our diet is getting different from the usual (we are out of meat, for example) but because of my spreadsheet I know we won't go hungry anytime soon.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EMeals\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003ESeparate from groceries but along the same lines, I'm preparing all our meals from scratch, using items from our freezer, pantry, and produce delivery. Like you I'm sure, I've been reading a ton about how coronavirus is transmitted, and what activities are safe. Lots of people are ordering from local restaurants, which is a wonderful way of supporting struggling businesses right now. However, every time you bring something into your home that someone else touched or potentially sneezed or coughed on, you have to disinfect it or risk spreading the virus. I just don't think I'm ready to enjoy a meal that comes with that kind of potential. Maybe after a few more weeks, when I'm desperate to eat something other than lentils, we'll re-explore that idea... For now, I'm having fun being creative with what we already have. Make it a game: What can we make today that the kids won't hate?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EToilet Paper\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm not sure there has ever been such a storm on toilet paper. At least in our area, every store that carries TP has had lines outside before they open, and is sold out very soon after the mobs enter. Stores are now setting limits on how much toilet paper each customer can buy, and they are still selling out every day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI normally buy toilet paper at Costco, and one of their giant packs lasts us a good part of the year. However, since we are all home constantly now, I knew we'd be going through it about twice as fast as usual, so I've taken measures to reduce use: I have switched back to using cloth for pee. I keep a wash cloth on the back of each toilet, and refold as necessary before tossing it in the laundry. As the only lady in the house, and one who drinks a lot of tea, this measure is likely to vastly reduce our family's TP use. You can also use smaller cloths, and toss them into a small bucket or bin after each use, for later washing. We did this for years, back when my kids were in cloth diapers, and just washed the wipes along with the diapers. I made them out of small squares of old flannel baby blankets, hand stitched around the edges to prevent fraying. Pee cloths can be thrown right in with the normal laundry.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI may yet have to venture out to a store to get more toilet paper, depending on how long this quarantine lasts, but for now I'm happy to avoid the additional risk of an airborne virus. With online toilet paper costing as much as $2 per roll, I'd also like to avoid getting price-gauged if possible.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESanitizer\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUse soap instead. Soap kills viruses effectively. We wash hands every time we come home from anywhere that we have touched anything others might have touched. I keep lotion at every sink and in my purse, so it's easy to apply after every hand washing. It's important to keep your skin from drying out and cracking, a common affliction during the arid winter months but especially now with all the increased washing. Dry, cracked skin is open to infection and feels yucky besides.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you still need hand sanitizer, you can make your own using alcohol and aloe vera gel. \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prepare\/cleaning-disinfection.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe CDC recommends a 70% alcohol solution\u003C\/a\u003E. When we were still coming and going from our house daily, we would wipe down our phones and keys each time we came home with alcohol wipes. You can simply apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth to make your own wipes, but this would be harmful to bare skin if you do it frequently.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow that we are home nearly constantly, there is much less to worry about sanitizing. On our daily walks, we just don't touch anything except occasionally the mail. I process the mail right after bringing it inside, and then wash my hands. You can of course toss most of it in the outdoor recycle bin instead of bringing it inside at all. And then wash your hands.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EEntertainment\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is a very real need, with so many kids suddenly out of school, and adults out of work. Many people resort to buying stuff out of boredom. It's easy to desire the novelty of new items to fill our time and space, but our family is still committed to a year of buying nothing (as I've said, this doesn't include food \u0026amp; TP). So how are we keeping ourselves sane, fulfilled, and busy during the weeks and potentially months stuck at home?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EI make a list of things for us to do each day. This includes all activities we do as a family, chores each kid needs to do, and meals I plan to make. I also write the day of the week at the top of the list, or else I would have no idea.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDaily family activities include card and board games, walks around the neighborhood, exercise time, reading aloud with my younger son, and asking each other trivia questions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHomeschooling, for our kids, includes the above activities, as well as alternating between two hours of online learning (we use Khan Academy) and workbook time, or two hours of video games.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMy older son and his friends have managed to organize online D\u0026amp;D games, as well as other games that can be played via video chat. He does this for two hours at a time, three days a week. It's helped him to feel connected to his peers during this socially isolating time. While he meets with his friends online, my younger son and I often work on an art project together.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENetflix, Hulu, DVDs, etc. Every evening after dinner we've been watching episodes of The Office together, or other funny shows (last night was Netflix's Pandemic, but I personally recommend generally ending the day with something a little more uplifting). I can't bear the idea of \"binge-watching\" anything, so we always limit the amount of episodes to 2-3, depending on length of the episodes. After watching shows, we end screen time and read books until bedtime.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBetween episodes, we always do \"family exercise time\". Using a timer, we take turns choosing an exercise to do for one minute. We do this for two full rounds, then two minutes of stretching, for a total of around 10 minutes. It's quick but challenging, and there's always a nice variety this way.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWellness\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003EWe've found a nice balance of spending time together but also giving each other space. It can be easy to get on each other's nerves when cooped up together endlessly. Be patient, keep it light, see the good in people and be forgiving.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI wake up every morning and meditate for a comfortable 15 minutes. A regular practice keeps me from catastrophizing, or making mountains out of molehills. We also meditate as a family every evening before bed, for just 5 minutes. It's just a nice time to sit together, breath and relax. Here is my article on \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/01\/meditation-how-why.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emeditation basics, the how \u0026amp; why\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGet outside every single day. Don't let a day pass when you have been inside all day, unless you are bedridden. \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/02\/how-i-finally-got-to-sleep-ending.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EI struggled with insomnia for years\u003C\/a\u003E, and one of the keys to better sleep was a long morning walk; daylight, fresh air, and exercise all help to regulate our circadian rhythms. Also, being cooped up can make you feel crazy. Getting outside will remind you that your world is still all there, you have space, and best of all: it's springtime! Enjoy the animals, the birds singing and the squirrels acting crazy, the flowers starting to cover the trees, and animals generally getting bolder as they meet with less human interference.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EKeep your immune system strong by doing the following:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELimit sugar, which has a hazardous effect on immune function.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESupplement with vitamins C \u0026amp; D, and Zinc lozenges, which all help prevent respiratory illness.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGet plenty of sleep. Try to turn the lights out at 10, and allow enough time in a darkened room to wake up naturally in the morning.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMove your body daily. The immune system requires muscular movement for optimal circulation of lymphatic fluids. Sitting around all day is not good for anyone.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFind comfort in your people, pets, or your online community. My cat has been such a blessing through this. He is always there for us, always happy to love and be loved, so soft and warm. He doesn't care that the world as we know it may have ended, as long as we still have some kibble.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yqNuXuXJHNw\/Xn5vaRudyxI\/AAAAAAAAlZQ\/RWJAVCDPSGw9RHYEz7MaLRxrvrmJhp3kgCKgBGAsYHg\/s1600\/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200322175346768_COVER.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\/-yqNuXuXJHNw\/Xn5vaRudyxI\/AAAAAAAAlZQ\/RWJAVCDPSGw9RHYEz7MaLRxrvrmJhp3kgCKgBGAsYHg\/s640\/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200322175346768_COVER.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through these links 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\/728398092006928504\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-quarantine.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/728398092006928504"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/728398092006928504"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-quarantine.html","title":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The Quarantine Edition"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yqNuXuXJHNw\/Xn5vaRudyxI\/AAAAAAAAlZQ\/RWJAVCDPSGw9RHYEz7MaLRxrvrmJhp3kgCKgBGAsYHg\/s72-c\/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200322175346768_COVER.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-6433748660441511866"},"published":{"$t":"2018-02-16T17:09:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-02-16T19:13:32.372-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How I Finally Got to Sleep: Ending Insomnia Naturally"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TjjEmSZIl80\/Wod5ru42U8I\/AAAAAAAAYcA\/Jd9y9aELxVoDnD67B5_c8JzTCzK2J2irwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/pexels-photo-267684.jpeg\" 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:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TjjEmSZIl80\/Wod5ru42U8I\/AAAAAAAAYcA\/Jd9y9aELxVoDnD67B5_c8JzTCzK2J2irwCLcBGAs\/s640\/pexels-photo-267684.jpeg\" title=\"How I Finally Got to Sleep: Ending Insomnia Naturally\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFor years I struggled with insomnia:\u003C\/b\u003E waking each night around 2 a.m., tossing and turning, and finally just getting up. I learned to nap during the day if I could squeeze one in, but I was sleep deprived in a chronic, dangerous way. Sleep deprivation can lead to all kinds of health problems, and mental \u0026amp; emotional issues as well. I was very aware of these risks, having read nearly every article and book out there on how to sleep. Teaching myself to sleep right became kind of an obsession; I made spreadsheets of all the things I was supposed to do each day in order to sleep better. I kept track of every little thing, so I would know what worked and what made it worse. The only problem was that \u003Cb\u003Enothing ever seemed to work; it only got worse\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter three years of this, I happened upon an article about how\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theladders.com\/career-advice\/insomnia-sleep-issues\"\u003Epeople who define themselves as having insomnia made their sleep problems worse\u003C\/a\u003E. And not only that, but they felt worse the next day even when they got as much sleep as people who don't think of themselves as having sleep issues. I realized that the problem for a lot of us, for me in particular, could be in my mind. I had so much stress built up around bedtime, that I often felt a little panicked if I wasn't in bed by 10 p.m.- that golden hour for getting perfect sleep. I had tried every natural sleep product my friends recommended over the years, and even a couple of unnatural, over the counter ones recommended by my doctors. I had done a sleep study: hooked up to wires and tubes and stuck all over with goo. It felt like the worst night of sleep in my life, but afterwards I was told that I didn't have sleep apnea. I came very close to getting surgery on my deviated septum, believing at the time that this was what was keeping me up. I canceled that surgery at the last minute, panicked that it would only make things worse.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EInsomnia and sleep problems are incredibly common.\u003C\/b\u003E Once I started posting about my sleep issues on Facebook, I realized how widespread the problem is. I started an insomnia support group, so I could learn from what worked for others. I shared the article linked to above\u0026nbsp;with that group, and one member admitted that it was so important to her not to define herself as an insomniac anymore, that she almost hadn't joined my group. She hadn't had sleep issues in years, ever since she let the label of insomnia go. Another member took issue with the idea that her sleep problems, which she felt had a physical cause, were all in her head. Definitely, there are different causes of sleep issues; for many of us it begins with the birth of our first child. We can start out with one cause, and then the problem becomes chronic along the way, as the original cause is replaced by anxiety around sleep. We need to make sure we change the things we can in our lives to create better sleep hygiene, but we need to also do what we can to give our minds a break from stress around sleep.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESleep is essential. \u003C\/b\u003EAlong with eating right and exercise, sleep is one of the three pillars of health. It should come naturally, it should come easily, and I was so frustrated that it constantly seemed beyond my grasp, no matter how much I tried to do things \"right\". I did learn some little tricks along the way, from all my sleep books \u0026amp; articles. I found that it's important to take the right steps for sleep hygiene, but also to remove the stress around sleep.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EHere's what finally worked:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBrief Meditation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E Morning and night, for 5-10 minutes. I find that it's a nice beginning and end to each day, and 5 minutes is much easier to squeeze in than the standard 20 minutes that is usually recommended.\u0026nbsp;Occasionally I can't fit it in during a busy morning, so I'll do my morning meditation in the afternoon. I don't stress about it. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/01\/meditation-how-why.html\"\u003EMeditation has too many proven benefits to ignore\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EJournaling\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E In order to reduce nighttime stress levels, it's helpful to write about anything troubling us, before laying down to sleep. Anytime I have something bothering me at bedtime, I write about it, including all my fears and any possible solutions. Getting my worries down on paper lets my mind off the hook, so it can go on to do the important work of sleep. As a nightly habit, I also write down three unique things that I'm thankful for; one thing I'm proud of; and one thing I'm excited about. This is a good habit to help focus on the positive; whether it helps with sleep or not I can't say. Sleep problems are commonly caused by, or exacerbated by, depression, so anything we can do to lighten up should help.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EEarplugs\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;This was a hard one to get used to at first, as I disliked the feeling of pressure inside my ears. But after a few nights with earplugs, I barely noticed them. And, wonderfully, I no longer woke to every outside noise. Now, when I put my earplugs in, I feel l am in a cozy little cocoon where nothing can bother me. If you are caring for infants, it's probably best to leave out the earplugs for now.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003EBlackout Blinds\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;It's important to get your bedroom as dark as you can make it when you sleep. Cover or remove anything that has an LED light at night. Remove night lights from bedrooms, and keep them in common areas and bathrooms instead. Our neighbors keep a light shining all night, so we pull our blinds down all the way. The darkness should be so complete that you cannot see your hand in front of your face.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003ECaffeine Moratorium\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;Don't worry, it's not off limits. For me, anytime I drink coffee or black tea after noon, I'm risking being wide awake in the middle of the night. So I have the hard stuff in the morning, and stick to green tea or herbal blends later on. I have a nightly cup of herbal tea at bedtime, but I feel it's more a cozy ritual and less about the specific herbs I drink being helpful for sleep. These days I'm drinking catnip tea before bed.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003EScreen Ban\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;I cheat on this one, because I do read books on my phone before bed, using the Kindle app. But after tucking in the kids, I no longer scroll through social media. Our only TV is in the den, far away from bedrooms. Blue light from LCD screens has been shown to reduce sleep quality, so we use a free app (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/twilight.urbandroid.org\/\"\u003ETwilight\u003C\/a\u003E for Android, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/justgetflux.com\/\"\u003Ef.lux\u003C\/a\u003E for Apple) that automatically filters out the blue light after the sun goes down. I also turn my phone on airplane mode, to make sure my sleep isn't interrupted at night by little incoming messages. This also to reduces my temptation to check Facebook after hours. With airplane mode on, all I can do is read my book in peace; it's kind of perfect.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003EDrink in Moderation\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;Or, don't drink at all if you like. Definitely, the more you drink, the more degraded your quality of sleep will be. It's best to have just one or two drinks, and to have them earlier rather than right before bed, so the alcohol gets metabolized before sleep onset. Yes, wine can make you feel sleepy and even help in falling asleep; however quality of sleep can be hindered by alcohol. I find that I can fall asleep easily after a couple of drinks, but then I'll pop awake around 4 a.m., regretting that last glass of wine. Also watch things like sulfites, additives, and weird mixers. We try to enjoy our booze with the least chemicals and sugar possible. My favorite mixed drink is a vodka or tequila with soda water. It's so light and easy to drink, and doesn't leave you feeling sick. I've had good luck with sulfite free red wine as well.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003ENo Pets\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;At least, no pets in the bedroom at night. I am too sensitive to every little movement, every meow (even with earplugs) and cats are nocturnal. We set up our attached garage as our cat's nighttime apartment, so we can all get better sleep.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EHere's what might help with sleep; I don't know for sure but I do it anyway:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003EExercise Daily\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;Forget three times a week: exercise every day. Bodies were meant to be used, not to sit. We spend so much of both our work and our leisure sitting; we really need to consciously move when we can. The only people exempt from this are people with very physically demanding jobs, like construction workers or landscapers- but if this describes you, you might find yoga helpful for countering repetitive motions and minimizing work related stresses. For others, start where you can. Commit to a gentle walk and a few stretches every day. Do more if you are able. I like the idea of breaking a sweat every day, though I can't always make that happen. In order to keep our bodies working properly as we age, we must use them all we can.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003EEat Well\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;Avoid things you know bother your tummy; don't eat too much; don't eat too close to bedtime (leave at least a 3 hour window between dinner \u0026amp; sleep). Eat nutritious, whole foods, made from scratch with natural ingredients whenever possible. Don't beat yourself up for the occasional junk or treat; what matters is what you do most of the time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003EDaylight\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;At night we want deep darkness for proper melatonin production; in the morning, getting outside for some exposure to natural daylight will help balance waking hormones for a new day. A quick walk around the block is pretty easy to fit into our morning routine, and has the added value of moving the body. You could also have your coffee out on your porch. Getting outside soon after waking up is ideal, but it doesn't have to be a big undertaking. I recently bought our family umbrellas so the interminable Pacific Northwest rain won't keep us from our daily walks. Even on heavily overcast days, the natural light outdoors will trigger hormone production and help regulate sleep cycles.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003EBedtime\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;One central tenet of sleep hygiene is going to bed at the same time every night, and getting up 8 hours later every morning (or more, since it can take a bit to fall asleep). Most of us produce sleep initiating hormones at around 10 p.m., so that's the ideal time for lights out. I do pretty much follow this, but I no longer get bent out of shape if we are still tucking the kids in at 10:30. What matters is that we have an enjoyable, relaxing evening.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EFurther Reading \u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003E(Affiliate link):\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1623367395\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;camp=1789\u0026amp;creative=9325\u0026amp;creativeASIN=1623367395\u0026amp;linkCode=as2\u0026amp;tag=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;linkId=350c60948b6d99377c206c67646c4c1a\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to A Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" border=\"0\" height=\"1\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;l=am2\u0026amp;o=1\u0026amp;a=1623367395\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" width=\"1\" \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;This book, by Shawn Stevenson of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/theshawnstevensonmodel.com\/podcasts\/\"\u003EThe Model Health Show\u003C\/a\u003E, is laid out clearly with a different section for each strategy to encourage better sleep. Stevenson explains the science behind each idea, with a down to earth, modern voice. I tried nearly all of his suggestions (I skipped the silver sheets and grounded bedding!) and because of these tips I really did start to sleep better. I recommend you check it out to see if he has ideas for things that might work for you that I didn't include here. Not everything felt like it helped me, but it might be just what you need. He really sums up current sleep science in such a thorough way that I found every book I've read on sleep since this one to be redundant.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\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\/6433748660441511866\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/02\/how-i-finally-got-to-sleep-ending.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6433748660441511866"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6433748660441511866"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/02\/how-i-finally-got-to-sleep-ending.html","title":"How I Finally Got to Sleep: Ending Insomnia Naturally"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TjjEmSZIl80\/Wod5ru42U8I\/AAAAAAAAYcA\/Jd9y9aELxVoDnD67B5_c8JzTCzK2J2irwCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/pexels-photo-267684.jpeg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2337898423740456368"},"published":{"$t":"2018-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-29T13:15:08.731-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"What I Learned About Septum Piercings From Almost Failing At It Twice"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ch3\u003EBefore Piercing\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDo your research.\u003C\/b\u003E When I pierced my septum the fist time, I had wanted to have it pierced for a very long time, but I decided to do it on a whim, with a \"now or never\" attitude. Unfortunately, I happened to be passing a piercing shop at the mall when I decided this. So, instead of going with a recommended piercer with a good reputation, I went with whoever was on shift at the mall shop. I tried to ask questions of the girl working the front counter, but she was very unhelpful and assured me the piercer would tell me everything. I was nervous and excited.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe piercing itself was quick and painful, but then it was done. The piercer gave me a photocopy of instructions for care, and told me I could switch out the jewelry in 4 weeks. The paper said 4-8 weeks, so I conservatively waited 5 weeks to switch from the rather large ring he used to a smaller one that I felt fitted my face more.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EI couldn't get it in. Even though the new jewelry was smaller, and I had waited even longer than he had told me, my piercing was effectively gone. I cried. I went into the shop later that day; the same piercer was working. He couldn't get it in either, and assured me that it was my fault. I cried again. The crying didn't help, but I had loved finally having my septum pierced, even with the too-large jewelry. Just like that, and after all my weeks of careful care, I had no more lovely septum ring.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWhen I decided to get it repierced, a long year and a half later, \u003Cb\u003EI asked friends for recommendations\u003C\/b\u003E. I had gone into two local tattoo shops, but wasn't sure how to judge about the quality of care and the pride in their work, based on their art portfolios. When several friends recommended a piercer at a tattoo shop a few miles down the road, I sent the shop a facebook message. I explained that I had scar tissue from a previous septum piercing, and was nervous about the whole thing. We messaged back and forth a bit. She assured me that she could definitely help me out. She was very knowledgeable, and easily answered my questions, providing all kinds of information about jewelry types, problems and issues during healing, and told me to wait a full 8 weeks before switching out the ring.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThe second time piercing the same spot was a lot more painful. It seemed like the scar tissue got in the way. But after a brief struggle and a few screams from what almost felt like birth pains, it was done. I had my new baby nose ring. To be safe, I waited 4 months before changing it out for a smaller ring. No need to rush.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EAfter Piercing\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECotton swabs\u003C\/b\u003E are your friend. You will use them to clean around the piercing, to get crust off the ring, and even to wipe your nose since you cannot use anything else. My nose was very sensitive, and took a long time to heal, especially the second time. I cleaned it and applied virgin coconut oil three times a day, making sure the ring could spin freely each time. \u003Cb\u003ECoconut oil\u003C\/b\u003E was my idea, and I chose it because it has antibacterial properties. My second piercer had recommended against using petroleum products like Vaseline.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EMy first peircer had just tried to sell me a packaged After Care solution (salt water). Instead of buying a bottle of salt water, I made my own saline solution fresh each time, with a bit of warm water and salt in my \u003Cb\u003Eneti pot\u003C\/b\u003E. Using a neti pot with a septum ring is a bit more challenging than I was used to, especially during the first couple months of acute healing. The spout will basically not form a tight seal inside the nostril since there's jewelry through it, but it still works. During the first weeks after piercing, I did not even touch it to my nose, but just used to pot to pour warm salt water around both sides of my piercing. Then I'd clean it with my cotton swab dipped in salt water, and rinse my septum with the neti pot again. Three times a day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EMaintain a Relationship With Your Piercer\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EA good piercer, like a good tattoo artist, cares about the work they're doing and wants it to be something you're happy with and that looks good in the long run. I have gone back to my piercer (Mary, from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cspan id=\"goog_714486880\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EMosely's Tattoo\u003C\/a\u003E) with questions that came up during healing. I never once felt like my questions were dumb, or my problems a nuissance to her. That relationship ended up being extremely important when, nearly a year after my re-piercing, I tried to switch from a silver hinged ring to a gold hinged ring. They were both the exact same size, just different colors. I've been into gold lately, and was excited about trying something different than my standard silver jewelry. That's when I almost lost my piercing for the second time.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EMy nose had originally been pierced with a circular barbell, a massive thing that didn't fit my face. Mary had preferred to use a captive bead ring, which was a little more slender and easier to wear. \u003Cb\u003EBoth rings had some weight to them because of attached beads\u003C\/b\u003E, and would swing around as I did yoga or leaned over. This turns out to be important in maintaining a kind of open piercing hole. When I switched my second piercing to a little \"seamless septum clicker\" ring, it was so small and light that the only movement it ever got was when I spun it during cleanings. This made the hole become very small and tight, and to my dismay, very nearly lost me my nose ring.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SPz1d4bIQi4\/Wm4CBYX5sXI\/AAAAAAAAX8k\/maJ0fKjzxXodXLY581dmBNPKXH1fsz-dQCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180126_150543.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:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SPz1d4bIQi4\/Wm4CBYX5sXI\/AAAAAAAAX8k\/maJ0fKjzxXodXLY581dmBNPKXH1fsz-dQCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180126_150543.jpg\" title=\"What I Learned About Septum Piercings From Almost Failing At It Twice\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EI'd been wanting to change my ring out for a while, and had just been pragmatically giving my nose lots of time to fully heal before messing with it again. It had been almost a year since my second piercing. I had read that it can take a year and a half to fully heal a septum piercing, although obviously the jewelry can be switched out before that time. So one morning I was feeling like a go-getter, and I got ready. Getting ready involved me washing my hands and opening the new ring. I did not even \u003Cb\u003Eclean my septum before changing the ring\u003C\/b\u003E, which would probably have been a good idea. That ended up not being the problem, however. The hole seemed to just be gone. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EI bravely slid the silver ring out, and tried to follow it with the little gold ring. I could get it in a millimeter or two, but after that it stopped dead. I tried from the other direction; same thing. Hands shaking, I took the ring to my boyfriend and he gave it his best. After making it bleed a little, he apologetically gave up too. Before even bringing the ring to him, I had messaged Mary in a panic. She got back to me and assured me it would be fine. Enough time had gone by that the piercing would certainly still be there. I iced my nose, took slow calming breaths, and prepared to go into the shop once they opened. While I waited I practiced some meditation, trying to keep my mind and body from going into stress mode. I don't love pain, and could not bear the thought of going through getting my septum pierced a third time, and the months of tender care that involves.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EBecause my hole had become so small, it was hard even for a professional to get a ring through. Gamely, she tried to insert my preferred gold ring, multiple times, multiple ways. Eventually, she grabbed a new ring, this one a hinged ring with a straight bar that goes through the septum. She got it in easily. My relief was palpable.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ENow my job is to \u003Cb\u003Egently wiggle\u003C\/b\u003E my nose ring frequently, to work the hole a little larger so that it will accept rounded rings and be easier to change out. And I think when I do change it again, I'll go back to the heavier, captive bead ring for a while, to make sure the piercing stays a decent size. Mary says the more often I change it, the easier it will get. For now, I'll go back to her for ring changes, until I'm confident that my piercing is here to stay.\u003C\/div\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\/2337898423740456368\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/what-i-learned-about-septum-piercings.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2337898423740456368"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2337898423740456368"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/what-i-learned-about-septum-piercings.html","title":"What I Learned About Septum Piercings From Almost Failing At It Twice"}],"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\/-SPz1d4bIQi4\/Wm4CBYX5sXI\/AAAAAAAAX8k\/maJ0fKjzxXodXLY581dmBNPKXH1fsz-dQCKgBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_20180126_150543.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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3697962678973992607"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T13:24:52.292-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Peel A Mango"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-u-G8SGt79fs\/V6ztvymyA_I\/AAAAAAAAMPc\/3n1O3vuJM1sYVzuPaSfL73D6hmVASnQGwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_164104.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-u-G8SGt79fs\/V6ztvymyA_I\/AAAAAAAAMPc\/3n1O3vuJM1sYVzuPaSfL73D6hmVASnQGwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160801_164104.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - lifeunprocessed.com\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's the saddest thing to me, when someone doesn't like mangoes because they seem like too much of a hassle to eat, since there's no obvious way to peel them, and they have that big pit. I think mangoes are the most glorious fruit on earth. I have a couple of techniques for peeling them and removing the pit; one that I grew up with, and one that I learned as an adult and now prefer. I'm going to show you my favorite way, which takes me no more than a minute to execute, and hopefully eating mangoes won't seem like such a chore. As some readers have pointed out, this is the method that gets your hands messier. But it's fun! I'll show the other method soon!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-3qHWoMJW2Lw\/V6zuEEoixrI\/AAAAAAAAMPg\/lTnetdLgpkEYzuvMJFXeHYNLbSr_IZJfwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_164218.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-3qHWoMJW2Lw\/V6zuEEoixrI\/AAAAAAAAMPg\/lTnetdLgpkEYzuvMJFXeHYNLbSr_IZJfwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160801_164218.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - lifeunprocessed.com\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EFirst, be prepared for some juice. Depending on the ripeness and variety of mango, there can be a lot of liquid released while you work. I like to use a plate to catch the delicious juices that are released during the peeling process, rather than having liquid running all over my cutting board.\u003C\/div\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=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_WaYZArvOJk\/V6zuotr-GpI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/BcyTXhxiZnIaTIHvVVNb3xUJwOHJNqIlACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_164325.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_WaYZArvOJk\/V6zuotr-GpI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/BcyTXhxiZnIaTIHvVVNb3xUJwOHJNqIlACKgB\/s400\/IMG_20160801_164325.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"298\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-whT46eU6DuQ\/V6zuopMDgzI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/AFN6rt5z9ok8wCWbNvodoTKNK8vDyvjMgCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_164249.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-whT46eU6DuQ\/V6zuopMDgzI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/AFN6rt5z9ok8wCWbNvodoTKNK8vDyvjMgCKgB\/s400\/IMG_20160801_164249.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"298\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith a sharp knife, slice just a couple millimeters deep all the way around the mango, from the stem end back around until the slice comes full circle. Then turn the mango 90 degrees, and cut again in a full circle, just through the skin, until you have four separate sections of peel.\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:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-XeA-S-PwGC4\/V6zuoiNDrsI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/DyCUVqYfXxoVlJ0DvvqGoGd8i22iWKNqgCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_164501.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"239\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-XeA-S-PwGC4\/V6zuoiNDrsI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/DyCUVqYfXxoVlJ0DvvqGoGd8i22iWKNqgCKgB\/s320\/IMG_20160801_164501.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - LifeUnprocessed\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7YN0BTykg70\/V6zuogroHvI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/-sSEBet7fOMovb6ltYnTL8nq_ARIVabAwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_164408.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7YN0BTykg70\/V6zuogroHvI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/-sSEBet7fOMovb6ltYnTL8nq_ARIVabAwCKgB\/s320\/IMG_20160801_164408.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EStarting from the bottom of the mango, take a corner of the sliced peel and lift it up and away from the fruit. It can be as easy as peeling a banana. Sometimes the peel will cling more to the fruit, and sometimes it tears a bit as you work, but just do the best you can, repeating the process with all four segments of the peel. You can always flip the mango over and work from the other end if that seems easier.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce all the segments of skin are removed, you can use a knife to cut away the stem and any peel clinging to the mango anywhere. Peeling the entire thing takes under a minute, and then you are left with a gorgeous golden orb... Now, to get the pit out:\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\/-rin6pVJAkSs\/V6zuomHLT_I\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/wDzTcTLmcbsBeRJkgVMwqoTLbv8yfBcPwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_164910.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rin6pVJAkSs\/V6zuomHLT_I\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/wDzTcTLmcbsBeRJkgVMwqoTLbv8yfBcPwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160801_164910.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHolding the mango on it's end, slice down each side of the pit. The pit is long and flat, like a disc in the center of each fruit.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VNLuXbWAsV0\/V6zuovQk6nI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/-qvyHWDfptkDumsY9hXWLsdCac7gltVSACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_164937.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VNLuXbWAsV0\/V6zuovQk6nI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/-qvyHWDfptkDumsY9hXWLsdCac7gltVSACKgB\/s400\/IMG_20160801_164937.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;Once the pit is separated, you can cut more fruit off of it easily.\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:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-P040mma3nJA\/V6zuorUAH4I\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/LX5G373mD0g7x9ydsyMjyzKfYdTDbkL8ACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_165051.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-P040mma3nJA\/V6zuorUAH4I\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/LX5G373mD0g7x9ydsyMjyzKfYdTDbkL8ACKgB\/s400\/IMG_20160801_165051.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EEventually you will have two large mango sections, plus several smaller pieces from the ends of the pit. It gets super easy with practice.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DAc29gt4dIw\/V6zuoldAEcI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/ltF86a07GQwjoK9WbFRuzvOkAMEYzy0UwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160801_165158.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How To Peel A Mango - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DAc29gt4dIw\/V6zuoldAEcI\/AAAAAAAAMPk\/ltF86a07GQwjoK9WbFRuzvOkAMEYzy0UwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160801_165158.jpg\" title=\"How To Peel A Mango - LifeUnprocessed.com\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EFresh mango is great on its own, in fruit salads, with yogurt and granola, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Enjoy!\u003C\/div\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\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\/3697962678973992607\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/how-to-peel-mango.html#comment-form","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3697962678973992607"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3697962678973992607"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/how-to-peel-mango.html","title":"How To Peel A Mango"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-u-G8SGt79fs\/V6ztvymyA_I\/AAAAAAAAMPc\/3n1O3vuJM1sYVzuPaSfL73D6hmVASnQGwCKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160801_164104.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2039502095699387313"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-05T07:30:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T13:26:29.502-08:00"},"category":[{"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":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Harvest and Use Blue Elderberries"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hhval_UAnZA\/V6OfWAzRJdI\/AAAAAAAAMEo\/O-xdQSDQhIgouMkE-z37CxAyUF-b6njaACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160722_175106.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Elderberries - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hhval_UAnZA\/V6OfWAzRJdI\/AAAAAAAAMEo\/O-xdQSDQhIgouMkE-z37CxAyUF-b6njaACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160722_175106.jpg\" title=\"How To Harvest and Use Blue Elderberries\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EElderberries are my favorite wild plant. They require so little work to produce so many easy to eat, nutritious berries, and the bush itself is lovely to look at. It has large, beautiful leaves and pretty clusters of edible white flowers in Spring.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nGsaSLILHDU\/V6O_SJLZbSI\/AAAAAAAAMFo\/OfiTv7Fzc4wDByyDqdJqCnxZcKJOWXyDwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160729_114159.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Elderberries - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nGsaSLILHDU\/V6O_SJLZbSI\/AAAAAAAAMFo\/OfiTv7Fzc4wDByyDqdJqCnxZcKJOWXyDwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160729_114159.jpg\" title=\"How To Harvest and Use Blue Elderberries\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile I was teaching myself permaculture a few years ago, I learned about how beneficial elderberries are, both for people and for native animal populations. I ordered two blue elderberry bushes (Sambucus Cerulea)\u0026nbsp;from a local\u0026nbsp;nursery, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.burntridgenursery.com\/\"\u003EBurnt Ridge\u003C\/a\u003E. I quickly grew to love them. Not only are they native, supporting wild bird populations, but they effortlessly produce MASSES of gorgeous, rich berry clusters that are medicinal, nutritious, and super easy to harvest and use. And they don't take ages before producing food, like most fruit trees.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lrzm8lOitH8\/V6OeKdq0Z2I\/AAAAAAAAMEg\/a9FXXvsWuQk8aaKuMCYnXBXfZGpx80nTQCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160729_114209.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Elderberries - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lrzm8lOitH8\/V6OeKdq0Z2I\/AAAAAAAAMEg\/a9FXXvsWuQk8aaKuMCYnXBXfZGpx80nTQCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160729_114209.jpg\" title=\"How To Harvest and Use Blue Elderberries\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGrowing:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne of our elderberry plants is sandwiched between the shadows of two giant cedar trees and our house, and this bush is finally producing berries, after slowly growing for the past four years or so. We planted the other bush in a spot where it gets full eastern and southern exposure, and it's doing amazing and has been producing as many berries as we could want, for a few years now. I harvest huge bowls of berries every week for most of the summer, from this one plant. Its roots are also along the drainage ditch for our street, so it gets plenty of water without me lifting a finger.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen in bloom, the flowering umbels face the sun, but they become so heavy with ripening berries that the branches sag towards the ground. It feels like harvesting the fruit is really helping the plant out, since the enlightened branches will spring back to an upright position.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yq9q1szfouY\/V6Oi-iRSFmI\/AAAAAAAAME8\/xKB1-syhUS4uIZyijH1H3kPw1d4uf5gxQCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160729_114144.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Elderberries - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yq9q1szfouY\/V6Oi-iRSFmI\/AAAAAAAAME8\/xKB1-syhUS4uIZyijH1H3kPw1d4uf5gxQCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160729_114144.jpg\" title=\"How To Harvest and Use Blue Elderberries\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESafety:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003EThis is a wonderful food producing native garden plant that you should know about! It's something you can harvest in the wild if you find it, or grow in your own yard if you have the space. It's important to note the difference between red and blue elderberries. Red elderberries can still be used in certain applications, but they are mostly toxic and should generally be avoided. It's easy to tell the difference between red and blue elderberry plants when they're flowering or fruiting, since blue elderberries have flat umbels, or clusters of flowers and berries. Red elderberries have more rounded umbels. And of course the berries are a completely different color. While the unripe berries, stems, and leaves of the blue elderberry do contain a toxin, the flowers and ripe berries can be liberally enjoyed. There is a chemical in the seeds that can cause nausea if eaten in large amounts, but it is rendered harmless when the berries are cooked.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs with all wild foraging, it's important to be absolutely sure of what you are eating. Use multiple sources for identifying anything new to you.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KzYoZR04CWM\/V6NzvvNP2yI\/AAAAAAAAL0Y\/c8sXzk3j9EQpGzsQg-Kl_CDew5dG7LUVQCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160722_175525.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Elderberries - A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KzYoZR04CWM\/V6NzvvNP2yI\/AAAAAAAAL0Y\/c8sXzk3j9EQpGzsQg-Kl_CDew5dG7LUVQCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160722_175525.jpg\" title=\"How To Harvest and Use Blue Elderberries\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHarvesting:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe harvesting process is simple. When a berry cluster is very dark purple, use clippers to snip the whole thing off at the base of the stem. (If clusters still have green or pinkish berries towards the center, give them more time to ripen.) Gather these cut clusters together in a big bowl, and then bring them inside to remove the stems before cooking or freezing. Tiny pieces of stem are no big deal, just get all the woody bits out. While removing the stems, I like to wear nitrile medical gloves just to prevent the dark juice from getting under my nails and staining up my hands. It's temporary, and nothing worse than blackberries would do, but the juice is pretty red.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5ebflJ2p6G8\/V6Ofmu2pd1I\/AAAAAAAAMEs\/1OJnNqVI3bo8jdEnDt5pAkwxLuMZPYKtwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160729_142520.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Elderberries - A Life Unprocesed\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5ebflJ2p6G8\/V6Ofmu2pd1I\/AAAAAAAAMEs\/1OJnNqVI3bo8jdEnDt5pAkwxLuMZPYKtwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160729_142520.jpg\" title=\"How To Harvest and Use Blue Elderberries\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003EUses:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EElderberry syrup is made by boiling the berries with water, and then straining out the skins and seeds. Honey can be added to the strained liquid. This syrup is not only great on pancakes, but it can be used medicinally to help the body fight off the flu or colds. It supports the immune system, and is great to take for nausea or diarrhea. Elderberry jam can be made as you would make any other berry jam, but you will need less sugar since the berries are not tart. Elderberry wine is a classic, which I have enjoyed but never made. The flowers can be harvested and used to make fritters or elderberry champagne. My favorite easy way to use elderberries is just to throw them in a batch of pancakes instead of blueberries. I make large batches of pancake batter, and stir in a couple cups of frozen berries just before cooking. I make pancakes like this every week, pretty much all year long.\u0026nbsp;I harvest the ripe berries throughout the summer, and freeze a supply that lasts us all year.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EFor more on the use and history of elderberries, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/plants.usda.gov\/plantguide\/pdf\/cs_sanic5.pdf\"\u003Echeck out this page\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;from the USDA. Additional information is \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pnwplants.wsu.edu\/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=455\"\u003Eavailable here\u003C\/a\u003E, on the WSU website.\u003C\/div\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\/2039502095699387313\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/how-to-harvest-and-use-blue-elderberries.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2039502095699387313"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2039502095699387313"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/how-to-harvest-and-use-blue-elderberries.html","title":"How To Harvest and Use Blue Elderberries"}],"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\/-hhval_UAnZA\/V6OfWAzRJdI\/AAAAAAAAMEo\/O-xdQSDQhIgouMkE-z37CxAyUF-b6njaACKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160722_175106.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2862610193149273233"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-01T07:30:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T13:27:05.017-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Real Value of Pokemon Go"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Pokomon Go has many haters; I see it all the time online, and hear about it in remarks from random people I run into. Acquaintances on Facebook are now bonding with each other over their mutual disdain for people who play Pokemon. Some sources say the game is dangerous or will only lead you into traps set by thieves. One Facebook friend of mine said, \"What if if all these Pokemon Go players were doing\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Esomething valuable to society\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;with their time, rather than hunting for imaginary monsters?\" To them I say this. The streets are arguably safer when there are lots of people out. An empty park in the evening is often a crime hotspot. A park filled with Pokemon players is filled with witnesses, and people who will naturally deter a criminal just by their presence, or who could help if something did happen. I'm actually curious to see if this game, this phenomenon, has a positive effect on crime statistics as time goes by, now that so many more people are out and about. Our little city certainly feels safer now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EObviously, we must be smart and safe with our gaming. I teach my kids not to stare at the screen when they are walking, and to completely disengage when they are crossing a street or busy parking lot (the phone vibrates when a Pokemon is close, so there is no need to be glued to the screen). We don't go to dangerous places at night, and tend to travel as a group, with our large dog in tow. And, it hardly needs to be said, no playing while operating a vehicle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, to the Pokemon haters: Those people you see walking around with their phones, gathered at parks, out in the world; until a few weeks ago, many of them spent their time slouched in front of a computer, or sunk into a couch in some basement playing console games. Now, they are out in the world, getting exercise, breathing fresh air, interacting with new people; experiencing life, weather, nature. It's really lovely when you think about it that way.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1mDmLt7-YHc\/V5uGserr4bI\/AAAAAAAALos\/UZ7cftFl9_YCQWaf9VmIt45nYq-UIe3FgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1330.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1mDmLt7-YHc\/V5uGserr4bI\/AAAAAAAALos\/UZ7cftFl9_YCQWaf9VmIt45nYq-UIe3FgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_1330.JPG\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy kids have always been homeschooled, and in recent years they often prefer to stay home and do indoor things, like read, draw, play Legos, or listen to me read while they work on stuff. We recently adopted a dog, and go on lots of walks with her, but until about two weeks ago, the kids would often request to stay home, rather than go on any walk or outing. I love them, and believe they make good choices and do valuable things with their time, but I do feel like it's my responsibility, as a homeschooling parent, to get my kids out in the world as much as I can.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnter Pokemon Go. Now every day the kids beg me to go on another MILES long walk so that we can catch more Pokemon, and hatch our eggs, and level up. Our dog is getting so much exercise too; she is so happy to be part of the pack on our endless epic walks as a family. We used to watch a movie or read in the evenings, or sometimes play a boardgame. Now, we go explore the city, along with tons of our neighbors.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OxxQZr-SawA\/V5uExGA3UkI\/AAAAAAAALm0\/9o5E-Ws42LcIATfwnHjEpBmUcp4IJSo9QCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160728_183025.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OxxQZr-SawA\/V5uExGA3UkI\/AAAAAAAALm0\/9o5E-Ws42LcIATfwnHjEpBmUcp4IJSo9QCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160728_183025.jpg\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EParks are suddenly the place to be, for all kinds of people, since they are hot spots for catching Pokemon. It's wonderful! One of the best things about Pokemon Go is that you are not competing with other players for Pokemon. If you're at a park with 10 other players, everyone can catch the same Pokemon. Parks are often where lures are set, which turn the area into a virtual Pokemon party for 30 minutes, attracting one Pokemon after another. When one player sets a lure, everyone benefits, which is really cool.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother great feature of the game is that you MUST walk to hatch the eggs that you find. Some eggs require 2 kilometers, some 5 km, and some require you to walk 10 km before they'll hatch. So, we do a LOT of walking! Another thing I appreciate about Pokemon Go is that there is nothing you have to buy, ever. The app is free to download and it's compatible with most smartphones. There is a \"store\" in the game with optional extras that you can purchase, but it's possible to play every aspect of the game without spending a dime.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2Dcgd7eg3oQ\/V5uGgNRr41I\/AAAAAAAALoo\/zk2FtMJkMRsz4vKII3wDxljFyUi8ma7wgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1332.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\/-2Dcgd7eg3oQ\/V5uGgNRr41I\/AAAAAAAALoo\/zk2FtMJkMRsz4vKII3wDxljFyUi8ma7wgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_1332.JPG\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy kids want to go on every errand with me now, which means I automatically have help bringing the groceries in from the car! They sit together in the back seat on all our drives, passing my phone back and forth as they take turns catching cute little monsters for our collection. They have also helped their grandma download the app, got her set up with an avatar and taught her to use the balls to catch Pokemon. I'll never forget my technologically challenged mom crying out joyfully, \"I'm good at this! I'm actually good at something!\" Their time with her is now spent at the playground and lake across from her apartment, where she often used to try to get them to go. But now they all three love being there because of the thrill of the hunt and the beauty of the game.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPokemon Go starts easy and gets relatively more challenging as you level up. There are no real instructions so we have learned from people around us, and from online sources (which can be helpful but are often wrong since they're just learning too!) My eleven year old does a lot of online research to discover the best ways to play. My eight year old figured out a feature of the game that none of the rest of us could get, how to set a lure. It has been fantastic being on this journey with them. We all love learning together during this incredibly fun activity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TWtfv3tCY4s\/V5uOq2WADTI\/AAAAAAAALpE\/8aYPSNJunkQSc6tdbsdEDVe8oEoz1RZcQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1336.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TWtfv3tCY4s\/V5uOq2WADTI\/AAAAAAAALpE\/8aYPSNJunkQSc6tdbsdEDVe8oEoz1RZcQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_1336.JPG\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IziTM4SAkAA\/V5uEb5bB8mI\/AAAAAAAALmw\/HIL0WYvhHHENMXg8kefzE7_ZNgDMceiMACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160728_183531.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\/-IziTM4SAkAA\/V5uEb5bB8mI\/AAAAAAAALmw\/HIL0WYvhHHENMXg8kefzE7_ZNgDMceiMACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160728_183531.jpg\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\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\/2862610193149273233\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/the-real-value-of-pokemon-go.html#comment-form","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2862610193149273233"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2862610193149273233"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/the-real-value-of-pokemon-go.html","title":"The Real Value of Pokemon Go"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1mDmLt7-YHc\/V5uGserr4bI\/AAAAAAAALos\/UZ7cftFl9_YCQWaf9VmIt45nYq-UIe3FgCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_1330.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7643919035623402901"},"published":{"$t":"2016-07-28T14:43:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T13:27:46.795-08:00"},"category":[{"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":"Pressure Cooking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How Cooking in the Instant Pot Changed Everything"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Confession: I have only used my stovetop once in the last two weeks. My oven, likewise, only once. It's summer, and no one wants to heat up their kitchen on these hot days. But we have not been eating out, not even once. We haven't been living on cold snack food. I have been cooking each day-- what's more, I have been thrilled to cook each day-- in my Instant Pot.\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:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qwMGqnq1K08\/V5p56IUYi0I\/AAAAAAAALjQ\/ZM8dZlkBE2IncSs5TiGjM11iwvxkjFMIACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160728_142742.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How Cooking in the Instant Pot Changed Everything\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qwMGqnq1K08\/V5p56IUYi0I\/AAAAAAAALjQ\/ZM8dZlkBE2IncSs5TiGjM11iwvxkjFMIACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160728_142742.jpg\" title=\"The Instant Pot : A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Instant Pot is heavily insulated so it stays cool to the touch (except on the metal parts of the lid!) It can cook long and slow, like a crock pot, or intense and fast, using the pressure cooker function. It can also saute, steam, and bake (and even make yogurt if you get the 7-in-1 model). You can use it instead of the microwave to reheat leftovers in a dish on a trivet, while cooking something else in the pot below.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUntil very recently I considered myself to have a bit of a phobia of pressure cookers. The old style stove top pressure cooker is a little frightening, and we've all heard horror stories of them exploding for various reasons. The Instant Pot has many safety features, including a lock on the lid that will not release until the pressure has abated. You could certainly burn yourself on the steam valve when releasing pressure, but it's quite safe to just use a hand towel and push the lever to release, making sure there is a clearance above the pot for the fountain of steam that will issue forth. It can be a bit surprising the first time, but I quickly got the hang of it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBesides not heating up the kitchen, and the ability to cook foods rather more quickly than normal because of the use of high pressure, the Instant Pot saves energy! It plugs in, and since it's highly insulated, all the energy it uses goes right into cooking your food, rather than heating your kitchen. I have read that it uses only 30% of the energy of cooking in a conventional stove or oven. I can get behind that kind of energy savings.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, one incredible advantage for busy families is that the Instant Pot can handle frozen chunks of meat. So if you forgot to take something out of the freezer to thaw for dinner, no worries! Just plop it in with some liquid and look up how long it needs to cook under pressure (based on how large the frozen chunks are) and let it do its thing. I know veggies retain more nutritional value and better textural integrity if cooked from frozen rather than being allowed to thaw first. This might be true for meat as well, though I don't yet have enough experience with it to know.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI think of myself as a pretty good cook, but I think it sometimes kind of takes a love of healthy food to really appreciate my cooking. If you know what I mean. But everyone in my family has professed their LOVE of my Instant Pot, because my cooking is getting really amazing results. And I love it because all I have to do is throw stuff in the pot, push a couple of buttons, and forget about it! It's exciting to see how things turn out, and they are always good. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy son lives for mashed potatoes, and so the first thing I made with the iPot was a batch of very simple, two ingredient mashed potatoes. Just yellow potatoes, skin on, and sea salt (cooked in a bit of water that I mashed right in, no steaming liquid to dump!) They turned out SO good, so tasty and perfect, he declared them my best mashed potatoes ever. And it was easier than ever. What's more, pressure cooking turns the relatively unhealthy potato starches into GOOD for you starches that actually help to lower cholesterol, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.hippressurecooking.com\/pressure-cooker-potato-nutrition\/\"\u003Eaccording to this article\u003C\/a\u003E. So now, not only are they easier, but I feel good about feeding my family mashed potatoes regularly, rather than just as a holiday treat.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEverything I have tried cooking in the Instant Pot has been amazing, from masala chicken with kelp noodles to hard boiled eggs that are incredibly easy to peel; from cinnamon apple oatmeal to beef short ribs and stuffed mushrooms. I am loving this thing, and it has certainly paid for itself a couple of times over, since we normally eat at a restaurant about twice a week, and haven't even wanted to since I've been cooking in the Instant Pot. It's thrilling.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are places I haven't gone with my iPot. There is a world of baking you can do in them. People profess that it makes killer cheesecakes, banana breads, cinnamon rolls, etc. Things like this bake nicely without drying out as they would in a standard oven, because you bake them on a trivet over a small amount of water. I am looking forward to experimenting with baking in the Instant Pot for sure!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WxXywuGNGhY\/V5p5uiUiqpI\/AAAAAAAALjI\/kNsM3NrUbw8RPNyy3Q3SB5j6MToaNBQEwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160728_142848.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How Cooking in the Instant Pot Changed Everything\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WxXywuGNGhY\/V5p5uiUiqpI\/AAAAAAAALjI\/kNsM3NrUbw8RPNyy3Q3SB5j6MToaNBQEwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160728_142848.jpg\" title=\"The Instant Pot : A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe cleanup is generally a breeze, since everything is done in one easy to wash stainless steel liner. There was one thing I made that stuck to the bottom of the pan: spaghetti with meatballs, made from gluten free corn noodles. I have since learned that GF noodles tend to stick more, and the pot should be oiled next time. But how awesome is it that you can make a whole spaghetti dinner in one pot? Just toss in noodles, a small amount of water, sauce, and any meat or veggies. I was using frozen meatballs, but the meat can be sauteed right in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are LOADS of Instant Pot recipes available online, as well as dedicated Instant Pot cookbooks available at the library. You can be sure I will be posting my favorites! I find that once you get the basics, it's very easy to experiment and modify just about any recipe so that it works in the IP. \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\/7643919035623402901\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/07\/how-cooking-in-instant-pot-changed.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7643919035623402901"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7643919035623402901"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/07\/how-cooking-in-instant-pot-changed.html","title":"How Cooking in the Instant Pot Changed Everything"}],"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\/-qwMGqnq1K08\/V5p56IUYi0I\/AAAAAAAALjQ\/ZM8dZlkBE2IncSs5TiGjM11iwvxkjFMIACKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160728_142742.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"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; 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\/1848306523053072000\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/06\/a-wonderful-low-cost-water-filter.html#comment-form","title":"31 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1848306523053072000"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1848306523053072000"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/06\/a-wonderful-low-cost-water-filter.html","title":"A Wonderful Low-Cost Water Filter"}],"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\/-zez3Vqi3T80\/V1CurSa7GOI\/AAAAAAAAK80\/_1-M4oQd-b0V_LaXZFIi0Q6dUac9ICURQCKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160602_145201.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"31"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-6726635112264699945"},"published":{"$t":"2016-05-30T16:47:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-21T17:13:14.061-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Why I Quit Wearing A Bra "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nYkE8KoooJI\/V0zPyIQmPeI\/AAAAAAAAK3A\/gjSvVqQOa18vyeyskxU54f3sfWukO6mJwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_4752%2B-%2BEdited.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Why I Quit Wearing A Bra \" border=\"0\" height=\"436\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nYkE8KoooJI\/V0zPyIQmPeI\/AAAAAAAAK3A\/gjSvVqQOa18vyeyskxU54f3sfWukO6mJwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_4752%2B-%2BEdited.jpg\" title=\"Bra free\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had read about this before, and ignored it, partly because I have no history of breast cancer in my family, and partly because when we are young we tend to believe we are to some degree invincible. But there is nothing like a lecture from your doctor to drive a point home, to make the risk seem personal and real, and to make a superficial and potentially risky behavior seem really unnecessary.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy doctor saw my bra during a recent visit, and was like, \"Is that underwire? Have I given you my lecture on underwire bras yet?\" She proceeded to briefly describe the multiple studies, both in the US and abroad, that show a strong connection between breast cancer rates and women wearing bras with underwire.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI used to never wear underwire bras. They are, after all, quite uncomfortable. But years after having kids, and nursing them for a total of six years, I disliked my breasts, which now seemed to hang limp like empty sacks. When I wanted to feel sexy again, I took the plunge and bought my first shaping, lifting, world-changing underwire bra. Finally, I had some lift! Some shape to my sad flat breasts. This magical bra even gave me a hint of cleavage. I was hooked, and started wearing underwire bras daily, enjoying my new shape and silhouette. Without a bra, my breasts seemed lifeless and tiny. With the bra, my boobs seemed to join the world of the living again.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGetting in the car after that doctor's visit, I promptly removed my bra and felt immediate relief. I was so much more comfortable without it! I could definitely get used to this unrestrained free and easy comfort. But would I still be beautiful? Would my boyfriend find me sexy at all anymore?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI sadly informed him over dinner that I would no longer be wearing bras, on my doctor's recommendation. I described why this decision was necessary, while he nodded and listened delightedly the whole time. \"Yes! I fully support this decision!\" he said enthusiastically. And I realized that my boyfriend-- perhaps straight men in general-- prefer a woman's natural form and movement and shape, to some idealized, rigid structure. Bras hide our natural form and beauty, while giving us the shape that we think we're supposed to have. My going braless would actually bring my boyfriend joy. This made me feel better about it. But would I still feel sexy and beautiful? I doubted it. I had so loved the shape that special bra gave me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe next day I tried on several outfits, and was surprised to discover that they looked better, that I felt sexier, without the bra. I was like, Yes, this is actually me! Not some artificial version of the me that I think I'm supposed to look like. I decided to keep an assortment of comfortable, wire free bras to wear with more see-through clothes that need a bra for modesty. I'm not trying to show everyone my nipples. And I did save that one magic bra, in case I ever want to wear it for special occasions, but I stuck it way in the back of a drawer. It will get worn rarely, if ever, now that I have discovered that I LIKE my body. I feel more comfortable and more sexy without a bra.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOf course, this is the decision of a small breasted woman. If I had large breasts, I have a feeling I would want the support of a comfortable wire free bra on most days. I will continue to wear a sports bra during athletic pursuits like running, to minimize the stress of bouncing. But for most of my day-to-day life these girls don't need any actual support. My doctor also assured me that Victoria's Secret, the source of my magical underwire bra, also makes wire free bras that give the same lift and shape. But personally, I am feeling more sexy and beautiful, more myself, just going bare.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECheck out this article\u0026nbsp;for a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/goop.com\/could-there-possibly-be-a-link-between-underwire-bras-and-breast-cancer\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emore thorough discussion of the evidence concerning the link between bras and breast cancer\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUpdate: A couple of my readers suggested Coobie bras, as a comfortable alternative to standard bras, but with more support than going bare. I had never heard of them, but was surprised to learn, when I googled Coobie bra, that I am actually wearing one right now. I was gifted it from my Buy Nothing group. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-score-new-wardrobe-without.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EClick here to read my article about how that gifting group works.\u003C\/a\u003E Let me just say that this bra is very comfy. I *generally* never wear bras anymore, but this outfit needed one since my top is a bit translucent. My Coobie feels like a gentle hug. There are various styles, but all basically designed with comfort in mind. I'm posting an ad for the Coobie bra on Amazon below. If you decide to purchase through my link, Amazon kicks me back a wee little commission, and I appreciate it!\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=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00FFJWLI0\u0026amp;asins=B00FFJWLI0\u0026amp;linkId=YCECXKFOPRE6XMRI\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=\"\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\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\/6726635112264699945\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/05\/why-i-quit-wearing-bra.html#comment-form","title":"24 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6726635112264699945"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6726635112264699945"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/05\/why-i-quit-wearing-bra.html","title":"Why I Quit Wearing A Bra "}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nYkE8KoooJI\/V0zPyIQmPeI\/AAAAAAAAK3A\/gjSvVqQOa18vyeyskxU54f3sfWukO6mJwCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_4752%2B-%2BEdited.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"24"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4057489319301517203"},"published":{"$t":"2016-05-27T16:35:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T11:54:47.046-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"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","$t":"How to Make Liquid Laundry Soap With Three Simple Ingredients"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I know a lot of people are going to wonder why they would ever make laundry soap when they can just buy laundry detergent at the grocery store. First of all, it's super easy. Once you do it, you will probably be like, why have I not done this before? But since being easy is not reason enough, for most of us, there are a few more reasons. In addition to containing chemicals that are hazardous to the environment, the most common laundry detergents also contains known carcinogens and many other irritating ingredients. Many people give every load they wash an extra rinse, because their skin is sensitive to harmful detergents and they need to make sure it's all removed before wearing their clean clothes. You will not have to do that with this soap. Also, with anything you make yourself there is far less packaging waste, and whenever you need to make another batch you can simply reuse the same containers, instead of creating more garbage.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnd yes, this works in an HE washer.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kmTaXbfsz7g\/V0jLfVjnoqI\/AAAAAAAAK0U\/VjSr3dYxQ202xh74x3kt3Q4WcO4flDprwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160516_134849.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How to Make Liquid Laundry Soap, With These Three Simple Ingredients\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kmTaXbfsz7g\/V0jLfVjnoqI\/AAAAAAAAK0U\/VjSr3dYxQ202xh74x3kt3Q4WcO4flDprwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160516_134849.jpg\" title=\"Borax, concentrated liquid soap, and super washing soda\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis makes a lot of laundry soap, from a very small volume of ingredients, so it's incredibly economical. I purchase my ingredients in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. I make a two gallon batch and it lasts me over a year. This recipe is easily halved, if you have a smaller container or want to test the recipe before making a ton. Unlike a lot of homemade laundry soap recipes, there's no cooking or grating required. Simply mix together, dissolve in hot water, and then add a large amount of tap water and it's ready to go.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI keep mine in glass pitcher with a leakproof lid, and give it a gentle shake before each use, since the ingredients can settle over time. I mix my soap up in a 5 gallon bucket, and then use this to refill the pitcher as needed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-W12up1D9J5s\/V0jNM-6M8HI\/AAAAAAAAK0g\/_D0fYrMI-NkXFIN1nBpO5cORXgJ7GuUpgCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160516_135853.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How to Make Liquid Laundry Soap, With These Three Simple Ingredients\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-W12up1D9J5s\/V0jNM-6M8HI\/AAAAAAAAK0g\/_D0fYrMI-NkXFIN1nBpO5cORXgJ7GuUpgCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160516_135853.jpg\" title=\"Jug of homemade laundry soap\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn to the recipe!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIngredients:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E6 Tbsp Castile soap or other concentrated liquid soap\u003Cbr \/\u003E6 Tbsp Borax (available in the cleaning aisle of department and grocery stores)\u003Cbr \/\u003E6 Tbsp Super Washing Soda (don't be discouraged- I had no idea where to buy this when I first started making laundry soap, so I found out how to make my own from Baking Soda. See instructions at bottom.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E1 quart hot water plus 7 quarts cool water\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPlace your ingredients in a clean bucket and add about a quart of very hot water to dissolve everything. I use an old 5 gallon bucket, but you could also use an upcycled bottle from a storebought liquid laundry detergent - just adjust the amounts of ingredients accordingly if it's a smaller container, and use a funnel as needed to fill the container you choose.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-fGBbMaD8Srw\/V0jPUj6gQpI\/AAAAAAAAK0s\/6nxO-UPJeF09cHVq45BeNqcgXwSPrXGpgCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160516_135713.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How to Make Liquid Laundry Soap, With These Three Simple Ingredients\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-fGBbMaD8Srw\/V0jPUj6gQpI\/AAAAAAAAK0s\/6nxO-UPJeF09cHVq45BeNqcgXwSPrXGpgCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160516_135713.jpg\" title=\"Making liquid laundry soap at home\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EStir up the ingredients with the hot water until well-mixed, and then add in enough water to equal two gallons overall. (So, if you've already added a quart of water, add 7 more quarts, bringing it to two gallons total.) Stir well and ladle or pour into your pitcher, bottle, or jar for easy use.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow you have two gallons of wonderful, natural, easy laundry soap. How do you use it? Probably exactly how you have always used liquid laundry soap. Open the soap compartment, pour in what you need, and you're golden. I use maybe 1\/2 cup per load. I just pour it into the soap tray to the Max Fill line (assuming I'm washing a full load). Less for smaller loads.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESuper Washing Soda:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMaybe you already found it in the same aisle as the Borax. I had a harder time finding any, but fortunately it's even easier to make than laundry soap. Plus, making your own ensures you know exactly what's in it. Conveniently, it's made from a single ingredient that nearly everyone has: Baking Soda.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPour a couple cups of baking soda in a large baking dish, and bake for 1 hour at 425 degrees. Give it a bit of a stir once or twice, to ensure even baking. This long bake changes it chemically so it is no longer baking soda, and it will have a different consistency when it's done. Less sticky and clumpy, more dry and smooth. 1 1\/3 cups of baking soda will reduce down to 1 cup of washing soda, when it's done. Save any excess washing soda in an airtight jar for your next batch of laundry soap. For more info on super washing soda, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mommypotamus.com\/how-to-make-washing-soda\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Echeck out this article\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you prefer, Amazon sells a handy two pack of Borax and Super Washing Soda, perfect for this kind of endeavor.\u003Cbr \/\u003EPurchasing them through my ad below provides a small boon for our family; thank you 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=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00AZ6IH68\u0026amp;asins=B00AZ6IH68\u0026amp;linkId=YV5VBMH2ANZ4XCQX\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\/4057489319301517203\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/05\/how-to-make-liquid-laundry-soap-with.html#comment-form","title":"16 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4057489319301517203"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4057489319301517203"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/05\/how-to-make-liquid-laundry-soap-with.html","title":"How to Make Liquid Laundry Soap With Three Simple 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\/-kmTaXbfsz7g\/V0jLfVjnoqI\/AAAAAAAAK0U\/VjSr3dYxQ202xh74x3kt3Q4WcO4flDprwCKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160516_134849.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"16"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4240279028933127943"},"published":{"$t":"2016-05-24T14:48:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:11:51.115-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Your Healthy Morning Cup of Chocolate"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\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:\/\/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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1701786955096053249"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-09T14:51:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T18:18:50.130-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Compost - Whether You Garden or Not"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I recently came across an article in a popular magazine about whether to put foods down the garbage disposal, or to throw them in the garbage. Every item that it mentioned, from the wet stuff they advised to put down the drain, to the solids they recommend we throw in the garbage, are things that we compost. Nowhere in this article did it even mention composting. I was kind of floored.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ntYo1yz8aWU\/Vt4wkqLteiI\/AAAAAAAAJP4\/zS3PRaJbhuY\/s1600\/IMG_20160307_174451.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ntYo1yz8aWU\/Vt4wkqLteiI\/AAAAAAAAJP4\/zS3PRaJbhuY\/s640\/IMG_20160307_174451.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe've been reducing our impact on landfills and enriching our garden soil for years with this incredibly simple practice. While I appreciate having a garbage disposal just because it quickly and easily removes gunk that gets rinsed off our dishes, I never intentionally put food, leftovers, cores, rinds, or anything food-based down the drain. Composting is easy! Why waste water sending ground up food down to the water treatment plant, or create stinky, rotting garbage every week, when you can let kitchen scraps do what they do best: turn them into natural, rich compost!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JH53HHeS5lM\/Vt42T2p-veI\/AAAAAAAAJRg\/vGJsNLA2zjI\/s1600\/IMG_20160307_174605.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JH53HHeS5lM\/Vt42T2p-veI\/AAAAAAAAJRg\/vGJsNLA2zjI\/s640\/IMG_20160307_174605.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDuring fruit fly season, or if you have curious pets, it can really help to keep your compost container covered. Our compost bin came from a thrift store without it's original lid, so our makeshift and fully functional lid consists of a conveniently sized plate. Every time we empty the container, I give it a quick wash to ensure that it's not getting gross. I think when there are a lot of fruit flies around people's compost, it's often because the container hasn't been cleaned thoroughly. During fruit fly season, emptying and thoroughly washing the bin every 48 hours will prevent fruit flies from breeding in it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EComposting in Your Yard:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003EOur system is straightforward. Everything that we don't eat or feed to our pets gets scraped, tossed, or poured into our little kitchen collection bin. When the bin gets full, a couple times a week, we dump it into our large backyard compost bin. Whenever I have newspapers or non-shiny junk mail, or when the kids finish a workbook, I tear them into strips and toss them into the yard bin. Ideally, there should be about an equal volume of \"greens\" (fresh, wet, food waste) and \"browns\" (dry leaves, shredded paper) in your bin.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wYplz57P0iU\/Vt4zHSaQXgI\/AAAAAAAAJQ0\/akWTObrBl2Y\/s1600\/IMG_20160307_175430.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wYplz57P0iU\/Vt4zHSaQXgI\/AAAAAAAAJQ0\/akWTObrBl2Y\/s640\/IMG_20160307_175430.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe have a two-bin system, where we place waste in one bin until it's full, and then let the compost mature in that bin, while filling another bin with kitchen scraps and paper. It can take several months for compost to mature, depending on the season. It helps to give it a stir with a pitchfork every once in a while. If it's dry give it some water. Keep it covered so it doesn't dry out in the sun or get too wet from rain. Heat helps things break down, so we keep our bins in a warm, sunny nook in our yard, conveniently close to our garden bed where the finished compost will be used.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4ONfYknbmo0\/Vt40TqtXJDI\/AAAAAAAAJRE\/XzwX4BB6nqU\/s1600\/IMG_20160307_175448.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4ONfYknbmo0\/Vt40TqtXJDI\/AAAAAAAAJRE\/XzwX4BB6nqU\/s640\/IMG_20160307_175448.jpg\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe above compost has been maturing for a few months. It hasn't been stirred, so the stuff on top has not been broken down, but underneath will be a heap of mature soil. We also use red worms in our compost, which help digest food waste into clean soil. Ask friends who garden, or \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eyour local gifting group\u003C\/a\u003E, if they have a couple handfuls of red worms they could spare to help get your compost going. (Note: I usually tear up my egg cartons into smaller pieces, which makes for easier composting, but sometimes I get lazy\/busy and just toss it whole into the bin. Either way, it will become soil eventually!)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIf You Don't Compost at Home:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhat if you don't have a yard? Or don't want to mess around with making compost in your yard? Many urban areas now offer free compost collection, included with your weekly garbage service. This giant gray bin is for yard and food waste, and essentially anything made of natural materials that will break down into soil. Just like the big blue recycling bin, yard waste collection in our area is free for all garbage service customers. Your food and yard waste will be picked up and brought to a large composting facility, where it will be turned into great mature compost for local gardeners to purchase. This option is easy and straightforward, and does serve to keep a lot of unnecessary waste from our landfills. However, I prefer to skip the middle man and make my own compost for my plants, rather than needing to buy someone else's.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-maX9-sgbSgM\/Vt41CRuwxwI\/AAAAAAAAJRQ\/SmFjh0-1GJA\/s1600\/IMG_20160307_175620.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-maX9-sgbSgM\/Vt41CRuwxwI\/AAAAAAAAJRQ\/SmFjh0-1GJA\/s640\/IMG_20160307_175620.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat Not to Put in Your Compost Bin:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you are making your own compost, there are certain things you will find that don't break down as easy as others. Mango pits, orange peels, onion skins, avocado pits and peels... I still toss these things in. I know they'll break down eventually, and I don't mind having a chunkier \"mature\" compost. \u0026nbsp;However, you never want to put meat, cheese, or other animal products in your compost. This would just open the door for rats, who smell that stuff from down the street and will come running. Rats won't be an issue if you keep your compost plant-based. Throw on a good layer of shredded paper anytime fruit flies become a problem.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThings I avoid putting in my home compost bin, but which are fine in the bin that gets picked up, are branches (woody debris takes more time\u0026nbsp;+ heat to break down) and those compostable take-out cups, utensils, and containers (unless they're simply made of cardboard, they just won't get enough time and heat in a home compost setup). Likewise, meat scraps, bones, and other animal products can be placed in the bin that gets picked up. Bones will definitely break down in those giant compost heaps. Plus, animal scraps are no more likely to attract rats in the yard waste bin that gets picked up every week, than they would be in the garbage. Natural fabrics like silk, wool, hemp, and 100% cotton will break down in the compost, but may not break down quickly enough for the home composter.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThings made from plastic, glass, styrofoam, rubber, nylon, metal, etc need to be recycled or placed in the garbage, as appropriate for your area. Fortunately most packaging is recyclable these days, and hopefully someday more of it will be compostable. Do not compost any soaps or cleaning chemicals, as this would harm the microbes that are essential for breaking things down.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat to Compost:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI compost all fruit and vegetable scraps, bits of bread that my kids don't finish, any food that has gone bad, used tea leaves and tea bags, coffee grounds and coffee filters, egg shells and cardboard egg cartons, paper grocery bags, paper napkins and tissues, and non-shiny junk mail and newspapers, which should be shredded into approximately 2 x 6\" strips. This is a great way to get rid of sensitive documents that have account numbers and personal information on them. Turn them into soil, problem solved!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LjW5CAkXxXw\/VuCl-Ya3krI\/AAAAAAAAJUE\/IiFRz1lL6_c\/s1600\/IMG_20160309_141852.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LjW5CAkXxXw\/VuCl-Ya3krI\/AAAAAAAAJUE\/IiFRz1lL6_c\/s640\/IMG_20160309_141852.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe lived for several years \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-we-ditched-our-garbage-service.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewithout having garbage service at all\u003C\/a\u003E, which worked for us because we were able to compost so much of our waste. We eventually needed the service again though, mostly for the recycling collection that goes along with garbage pickup.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith a tiny bit of effort, you can reroute this vital waste stream from landfills to create an enriching soil, for your garden or some gardening neighbor. Mature compost holds vital nutrients, stores rainwater, and supports so much microbial life, which is essential for thriving plants. \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\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1701786955096053249\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-compost-whether-you-garden-or-not.html#comment-form","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1701786955096053249"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1701786955096053249"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-compost-whether-you-garden-or-not.html","title":"How to Compost - Whether You Garden or Not"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ntYo1yz8aWU\/Vt4wkqLteiI\/AAAAAAAAJP4\/zS3PRaJbhuY\/s72-c\/IMG_20160307_174451.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1297834745054218340"},"published":{"$t":"2016-02-17T12:25:00.005-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T18:16:11.697-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"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","$t":"How To Make Spaghetti Squash"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Yuadb8GoegM\/VsTQf95GVUI\/AAAAAAAAI8k\/c83VswExesU\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_172502464.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Baked Spaghetti Squash\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Yuadb8GoegM\/VsTQf95GVUI\/AAAAAAAAI8k\/c83VswExesU\/s640\/IMG_20151011_172502464.jpg\" title=\"This is an incredibly easy, grain free meal, totally healthy, and naturally gluten free.\" 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;\"\u003EI love spaghetti squash. When you make this meal, it's lovely knowing basically every part of your dinner is a vegetable (OK, maybe squash and tomatoes are botanically fruits, but still!) This is an incredibly easy, grain free meal, totally healthy, and naturally gluten free.\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:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZUL6TbNcs5M\/VsTN0PWz8BI\/AAAAAAAAI8Y\/IAhEX5K5i-c\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_175641201.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Spaghetti Squash in pan\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZUL6TbNcs5M\/VsTN0PWz8BI\/AAAAAAAAI8Y\/IAhEX5K5i-c\/s640\/IMG_20151011_175641201.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow To Make It:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo start, bake your squash. \u003Cb\u003EDo this well before dinner time\u003C\/b\u003E, so it has time to bake and cool. You could even bake it the day before your meal if that works better for your schedule. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESpaghetti squash come in different sizes, so sometimes I use two and sometimes I only need one for a big meal. I always bake my winter squash whole; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/01\/roasting-whole-squash-for-fresh-diy.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eclick here to read about how to bake whole pumpkins for puree\u003C\/a\u003E. Stick the uncut spaghetti squash in the center of your oven, and \u003Cb\u003Ebake at 350\u003C\/b\u003E until fully cooked. I like to put a pan on the rack below the squash, in case they sizzle any liquids out while baking. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your squash, but I always bake mine until the top browns, and then I roll them over and continue baking until the other side is brown. From experience, it's definitely better to have a soft, overcooked spaghetti squash, than a firm, undercooked one.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce it's fully cooked, you can speed cooling by slicing it down the middle. So much easier to slice a cooked squash than a nasty hard one.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThen, fish out the seeds from the center with a spoon. It will be a little bit goopy. Be careful to get just the section with seeds, and not too much of the actual \"noodles\".\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\u003C\/div\u003E\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=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OlVWUZQmMPY\/VsTRyGNkMMI\/AAAAAAAAI8w\/uJOAuLzl-7s\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_174859543_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"removing spaghetti squash seeds\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OlVWUZQmMPY\/VsTRyGNkMMI\/AAAAAAAAI8w\/uJOAuLzl-7s\/s640\/IMG_20151011_174859543_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=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe removed pulp is very nutritious for dogs or chickens, and can be mixed in with their foods. Your cat might even like it. Otherwise, it makes for excellent compost!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOn to the Meal!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhile the squash cools, prepare you sauce. You can use a jar of your favorite marinara sauce, your mom's secret recipe, or whatever sauce you typically enjoy on spaghetti.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\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\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QhzSQx35kmE\/VsTTDIhScrI\/AAAAAAAAI9A\/JDeMe81zkKM\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_172511827.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Spaghetti sauce\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QhzSQx35kmE\/VsTTDIhScrI\/AAAAAAAAI9A\/JDeMe81zkKM\/s640\/IMG_20151011_172511827.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=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI use organic hamburger and loads of veggies in my homemade sauce. I'll post the basic recipe in a future article.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ELet the sauce simmer, covered, while you get the noodles ready. Using a large spoon, scoop the soft squash away from the edges of the hard shell. With a well-cooked spaghetti squash, this is particularly easy. Some recipes might say \"use a fork to fluff the noodles\". Do this if you want your noodles nicely separated. I don't bother, just mixing them up a bit with the spoon is enough.\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\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vTAIwyaHbmQ\/VsTVU1JgA-I\/AAAAAAAAI9U\/qmMwbHauT_o\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_175340204_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"spaghetti squash noodles\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vTAIwyaHbmQ\/VsTVU1JgA-I\/AAAAAAAAI9U\/qmMwbHauT_o\/s640\/IMG_20151011_175340204_HDR.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;\"\u003EIt's up to you if you want to serve your noodles separate from the sauce, or mixed together. With spaghetti squash, I like to just add them right to the sauce. Simply use your spoon to empty the noodles from the shell, to mix with your sauce or on their own in a serving dish.\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\/-FEPlHgCYkuQ\/VsTVJfUC0DI\/AAAAAAAAI9Q\/y7IeLJnMxp0\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_175335697_HDR.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"spaghetti squash and sauce\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FEPlHgCYkuQ\/VsTVJfUC0DI\/AAAAAAAAI9Q\/y7IeLJnMxp0\/s640\/IMG_20151011_175335697_HDR.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;\"\u003EStir to achieve perfection, and it's ready to serve! If you'd like, you can use the empty squash shells as serving bowls.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\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\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ASFL69pcZLU\/VsTVqtMxjcI\/AAAAAAAAI9Y\/Hbo_0elqtfQ\/s1600\/IMG_20151011_175750893.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Spaghetti squash in the shell\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ASFL69pcZLU\/VsTVqtMxjcI\/AAAAAAAAI9Y\/Hbo_0elqtfQ\/s640\/IMG_20151011_175750893.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; text-align: start;\"\u003EOK, yes. It could be prettier. But trust me it's delicious!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EServe with parmesean, or try it with sesame salt; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/gomashio-sesame-salt-tutorial.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eclick here for the recipe\u003C\/a\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\/1297834745054218340\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/02\/how-to-make-spaghetti-squash.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1297834745054218340"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1297834745054218340"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/02\/how-to-make-spaghetti-squash.html","title":"How To Make Spaghetti Squash"}],"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\/-Yuadb8GoegM\/VsTQf95GVUI\/AAAAAAAAI8k\/c83VswExesU\/s72-c\/IMG_20151011_172502464.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3195591520912648126"},"published":{"$t":"2016-02-10T18:58:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:14:04.808-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Body Donation: The Frugal Death"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UlQzcALL_zM\/Vrv2BfXHQiI\/AAAAAAAAI2g\/2OFraVbinzk\/s1600\/IMG_4543.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"family at cemetary\" border=\"0\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UlQzcALL_zM\/Vrv2BfXHQiI\/AAAAAAAAI2g\/2OFraVbinzk\/s640\/IMG_4543.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMany of you probably have very specific ideas in mind for what should happen with your body after you die: Cremation, burial in a family plot, scatter your ashes from a mountain top, or perhaps something else. Maybe you haven't thought about it at all, or can't decide. For me, I've always hated the idea of being embalmed, of being pumped full of chemicals and placed in a fancy box for some weird open casket funeral. Ideally, I'd prefer to die in the woods and have my parts decompose just like the shed leaves of a tree, turning into rich mulch deep in the rainforest somewhere. This is not really possible, though, or practical at least.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhat I've decided to do, it turns out, does involve getting embalmed- but for science! I'm donating my body, on my death, to medical science. It will likely be used for teaching future doctors anatomy, so when it comes time to save someone's life, they know firsthand where things are.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis option, in addition to being helpful, is much cheaper than any traditional method of taking care of the body after death. There is no cost associated with body donation, which is great because death can be surprisingly expensive. While it may seem strange to worry about being frugal in times of death, I like the idea that my family won't be saddled with funeral home bills or big decisions about what to do with me after I die. My family will simply have to call the number on my donor ID card, and I will be whisked away by the program I've donated my body to, which happens to be the University of Washington School of Medicine.\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=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-D8Ro1hIZxRc\/Vrvw_Lrmd7I\/AAAAAAAAI1M\/EBjGKCAQvMQ\/s1600\/IMG_20160210_171711.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"body donation forms\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-D8Ro1hIZxRc\/Vrvw_Lrmd7I\/AAAAAAAAI1M\/EBjGKCAQvMQ\/s640\/IMG_20160210_171711.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;\"\u003EThe paperwork is brief, and only requires the signature of two adult witnesses.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/funeral-tips.com\/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-donating-your-body-to-science\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHere is a great introductory article\u003C\/a\u003E, that explains more about the pros and cons of body donation. In order to find a specific program that I could apply to, I had to do a web search for \"body donation\" plus my home state. This program had a simple form to fill out, which just needed to be mailed in. Soon after, they sent me a card to keep in my wallet, which has a number to call if I should ever die.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI honestly have rarely even considered what would happen to my body after death, being relatively young, but it feels good to be prepared, and to know that it's not something my kids are going to have to figure out during a difficult time. As unpleasant as it may be to plan for these things, a good time to make important decisions about what to do with your body, is before you die. \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\/3195591520912648126\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/02\/body-donation-frugal-death.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3195591520912648126"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3195591520912648126"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/02\/body-donation-frugal-death.html","title":"Body Donation: The Frugal Death"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UlQzcALL_zM\/Vrv2BfXHQiI\/AAAAAAAAI2g\/2OFraVbinzk\/s72-c\/IMG_4543.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-532238475439588331"},"published":{"$t":"2015-01-04T11:44:00.002-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T18:08:31.899-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Meditation: The How \u0026 Why"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rKUa2HDjNX0\/VKoV4bcvIFI\/AAAAAAAAFAQ\/QZdyBHk5NhE\/s1600\/05-19-2012-131130.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lavender flowers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rKUa2HDjNX0\/VKoV4bcvIFI\/AAAAAAAAFAQ\/QZdyBHk5NhE\/s1600\/05-19-2012-131130.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAs the new year begins, many of us find this a good time to let\u0026nbsp;go of old habits and\u0026nbsp;start healthier ones.\u0026nbsp;Will you make 2015 the year you start meditating regularly?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI'm a pretty typical Type A personality: driven, busy, and often multitasking, while still making an effort to slow down and enjoy life. For years I considered meditation a luxury of those with much simpler lives, something that\u0026nbsp;I couldn't possibly justify making the time for on a regular basis.\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\/-9XTrJRsp9LM\/VKoWHFBcv7I\/AAAAAAAAFAY\/59t_Z-t8w60\/s1600\/P1014880.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meditation\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-9XTrJRsp9LM\/VKoWHFBcv7I\/AAAAAAAAFAY\/59t_Z-t8w60\/s1600\/P1014880.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI eventually read this book though, that completely changed my view, and suddenly meditation became positively worthwhile for me- \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sharonsalzberg.com\/real-happiness-book\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EReal Happiness: The Power of Meditation, by Sharon Salzberg\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E. I recommend it to anyone curious about meditation, especially for those like me who had tried it at various times in their lives and felt like a failure at it for one reason or another. I'm not going to do the book justice here, but I'm going to try to sum up what changed for me, and what I learned from reading Real Happiness.\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:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rx9Y9KyIWF8\/VKoWXqDLP0I\/AAAAAAAAFAg\/8NBlMYyO51w\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162320.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"forest columns\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rx9Y9KyIWF8\/VKoWXqDLP0I\/AAAAAAAAFAg\/8NBlMYyO51w\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162320.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;\"\u003EHere are some of the reasons I've had difficulty maintaining a meditation practice over the years:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMy mind would wander. I felt incapable of clearing my mind for 20 minutes. I figured there were people who could do this, and people who could not, and I just couldn't.\u0026nbsp;I felt convinced there were more important things I needed my time for. Life was passing me by, while I sat! Meditation seemed like a waste of this limited resource. Sitting still? What was the point, really? Enlightenment? Did I even want to be enlightened? I was pretty sure meditation was something that might be a huge benefit for certain types of people, but for me, not so much. I'm more of a doer, not a sitter. Keeping myself busy seemed more rewarding.\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\/-hUC-XaimMt4\/VKoWk7pb-FI\/AAAAAAAAFAo\/rty332z7XvQ\/s1600\/P6304369.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"beautiful view\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hUC-XaimMt4\/VKoWk7pb-FI\/AAAAAAAAFAo\/rty332z7XvQ\/s1600\/P6304369.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;\"\u003EOK, so here is what I've learned about How to Meditate:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThere are so many ways to meditate successfully, but in order to clear your mind of\u0026nbsp;wandering thoughts, it helps to maintain some kind of focal point. Some practitioners use a mantra, a series of words or sounds mentally repeated. These can have meaning to you or not; the point is to have something to come back to when your mind wants to jump around. Another focal point could be your breath, just focusing on the rise and fall of your chest. Or the subtle\u0026nbsp;feel of the air as it softly passes in and out of your nose. Some use a mental image. Whatever you can gently focus on, and come back to as often as needed, will work.\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\/-05k2OSZZx1E\/VKoWu5EXsMI\/AAAAAAAAFAw\/MifrtmAFEVo\/s1600\/P5030096.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"purple flower\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-05k2OSZZx1E\/VKoWu5EXsMI\/AAAAAAAAFAw\/MifrtmAFEVo\/s1600\/P5030096.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;\"\u003EChoose your focus. Let the rest go.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI prefer to keep my eyes closed during meditation, but some find it easier to keep their thoughts from wandering if they have a visual focal point, such as a candle on a table in front of you, a flower in a vase, or even a spot on the wall. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor everyone, no matter how experienced, thoughts will come during meditation. It's not a sign of failure or an innate shortcoming. It's human.\u0026nbsp;It's what you do with those thoughts, how you respond, that makes a difference. Do you follow them wherever they lead? It's easy to do, but bringing yourself back to your focal point, gently and consistently, and being prepared to do this over and over again, will help your practice. Successful meditation involves consistently making the choice to gently guide your mind home, to your chosen focal point.\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\/-MgMKj3brM5o\/VKoXBxAtOWI\/AAAAAAAAFA4\/JAUIDqhikKQ\/s1600\/09-11%7C10%3A19%3A25.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"natural waterway\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MgMKj3brM5o\/VKoXBxAtOWI\/AAAAAAAAFA4\/JAUIDqhikKQ\/s1600\/09-11%7C10%3A19%3A25.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;\"\u003EI use a free meditation timer app on my phone so that I can simply set it and meditate for a decent amount of time without checking a clock.\u0026nbsp;The app I use is called Insight Timer, but I'm sure there are others out there that would be\u0026nbsp;just as useful. Even a small kitchen timer or something could work. I like the freedom of being able to sit without thinking about how much time has passed, and at the end of my chosen time, a lovely chime sound\u0026nbsp;signals that I'm ready to begin the rest of my day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAnother aspect of meditating is simply to sit, and be still as much as possible. Adjust your body during meditation only if you must. Moving doesn't mean you failed.\u0026nbsp;I might switch positions if my foot is falling asleep or something. But those small itches and tingles, sensations of \"needing\" to move, it's best to just breathe them away. It helps me to remind myself, \"This too shall pass.\" And it will. Sensations come and go. Chances are, that tickling you feel is not anything that needs your attention. Learning to notice these sensations without reacting to them is part of the practice. Notice, and let it go.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\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\/-Xetbe9fDIiI\/VKoXOVsI8bI\/AAAAAAAAFBA\/bv-YUey5lS4\/s1600\/01-19-2012-141937.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"icy plants\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xetbe9fDIiI\/VKoXOVsI8bI\/AAAAAAAAFBA\/bv-YUey5lS4\/s1600\/01-19-2012-141937.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 too shall pass.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ELast but not least, find a time that really works for you. Or, perhaps, create a time that really works for you. Yes, our lives are busy. We all have to choose how we spend each moment. For me, I try to rise before my kids each day. Instead of going straight\u0026nbsp;for a cup of tea, I sit, right in bed, and meditate. It really helps me to\u0026nbsp;fit in my practice if I do it before getting busy with life.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf first thing in the morning doesn't work for you, perhaps it's something you could do on your lunch break, or right before bed. I think it helps to have a daily practice if the time you meditate each day is pretty consistent. When I\u0026nbsp;couldn't manage to\u0026nbsp;wake up before my early-rising youngest child, I'd try to show up\u0026nbsp;a little early for yoga class and just sit in meditation on my mat before class.\u0026nbsp;In general though, I know if I skip my morning practice, I'm unlikely to make time for it later that day. \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\/-k6iwpU7gPME\/VKoXfMKJ64I\/AAAAAAAAFBI\/oSFxAymkyGg\/s1600\/09-04%7C10%3A37%3A04.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"footbridge\" border=\"0\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-k6iwpU7gPME\/VKoXfMKJ64I\/AAAAAAAAFBI\/oSFxAymkyGg\/s1600\/09-04%7C10%3A37%3A04.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;\"\u003EThere is discipline in maintaining a meditation practice, and part of the benefit of meditation comes from consistently making time for yourself this way. Once you decide the benefits are worth it (I'll get to that part soon!) create or find a time that works for you and stick to it.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESo, that's How, but the question remains, Why?? Why take the time each day to sit, when we have so much else to do? What is the point of meditation? The answer lies in the title of Salzberg's book: Real Happiness. For most of us, our goals in life, at their most basic, are just about being happy. We want to be happier, we want our kids to grow up to be happy, we want to make others happy. Maybe I'm just a Polyanna, but I think we simply all desire happiness, and pretty much all our other goals are just paths to happiness.\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:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lA87P7u-LVk\/VKoXvOXRrOI\/AAAAAAAAFBQ\/t1w_H4_jRPc\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162236.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"forest columns\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lA87P7u-LVk\/VKoXvOXRrOI\/AAAAAAAAFBQ\/t1w_H4_jRPc\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162236.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;\"\u003EWhat gets in the way of happiness? Annoyances, sadness, anger, hurt. Big things and little things that cause problems for us of one form or another. Meditation practice helps us maintain an even keel when the world is whipping around us. As it will. We can't protect ourselves from all the storms, but we can train our brains to respond to stress in more helpful, less reactive ways.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EConsider it exercise for your mind. My friend calls meditation \"mind yoga\". When we train our minds to stay focused during meditation, to return to the task at hand (just sitting), it helps us in real life to function in confusing and stressful situations. Life gets hectic and we can remain calm. Our minds don't get carried away with worry and stress in difficult situations. Remember, this too shall pass. \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:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Wu_FYumAuGQ\/VKoX_S50EYI\/AAAAAAAAFBY\/ojSx3XXm2ro\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162420.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"forest sculpture\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Wu_FYumAuGQ\/VKoX_S50EYI\/AAAAAAAAFBY\/ojSx3XXm2ro\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162420.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMeditation gives us\u0026nbsp;a calm base for the rest of our life. It doesn't mean we won't get irate when the situation calls for it, but perhaps we won't overreact as often as we used to. This is a change that was really clear in my own life. I used to get quite upset about small things, and I absolutely notice that a regular practice gives me a better perspective on life's little annoyances. For example, things like\u0026nbsp;breaking a favorite dish or being late for an appointment\u0026nbsp;no longer feel like the end of the world. This too shall pass.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EEven- especially- when\u0026nbsp;big, big problems arise, meditation is there for us. When my last relationship ended a year ago, I was pretty sure my life was over, worried that my kids would grow up emotionally disfigured from the break of their nuclear family, and convinced that I'd never love again. Fortunately, I was in the habit of meditating every morning, and I maintained it throughout my grief. Some days I was so distraught I could only sit for two minutes, but I still made an effort every morning, through a sense of habit, resolve, and self preservation. I do believe this continued practice, feeble though it might have been\u0026nbsp;on some days,\u0026nbsp;is one of the things that kept me grounded in a reality of calmness, and a sense of the bigger picture,\u0026nbsp;during what was definitely the hardest transition of my life. Read about \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/08\/frugally-uncoupling-how-to-break-up.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehow my family survived, and thrived, after this change, in my article here.\u003C\/a\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\/-9F_uHRCr--o\/VKoYPpxskCI\/AAAAAAAAFBg\/UE3bw64j9Io\/s1600\/05-26-2012-123912.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"red alder\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-9F_uHRCr--o\/VKoYPpxskCI\/AAAAAAAAFBg\/UE3bw64j9Io\/s1600\/05-26-2012-123912.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ERemember the instruction to gently guide your mind back to your focal point? This is something we learn to do repeatedly, patiently, and kindly.\u0026nbsp;We learn\u0026nbsp;through meditation\u0026nbsp;practice to be patient and kind with our own perceived shortcomings and flaws. We are none of us perfect, ever. We can focus on the ways we screw up, criticize ourselves, and hope to change through self shame. Or, we can embrace, and love, and gently guide ourselves back onto our path, wherever that might be, again and again. Life, like our meditation practice, is kind of a series of stumbles as we move towards our focus, and choosing to return to the practice with a sense of lightness and good humor makes the whole thing much more enjoyable and effective. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo paraphrase Salzberg, it's not about how frequently your thoughts wander during meditation - for they will wander -\u0026nbsp;but how you treat yourself when your thoughts wander. Learning to do this with kindness and patience positively carries over into real life. We get in the habit of being more forgiving with ourselves, and that carries over into being more patient and forgiving with others. As a parent, I see my meditation practice as a real benefit to my children. In times of turbulence, I manage to maintain a little more grace than I used to. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MonIrmAc6FE\/VKoYvTZgXHI\/AAAAAAAAFBw\/MoFIaTeIScw\/s1600\/08-13-2012-101315.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chive flower\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MonIrmAc6FE\/VKoYvTZgXHI\/AAAAAAAAFBw\/MoFIaTeIScw\/s1600\/08-13-2012-101315.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;\"\u003EWhen looked at in this light, I think it's easy to see why even the busiest among us can benefit from a regular meditation practice.\u0026nbsp;Meditation\u0026nbsp;prepares us to keep\u0026nbsp;a calm and balanced mind through life's small annoyances as well as life's huge curveballs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBelow, I've added an ad link to Sharon Salzberg's book, Real Happiness. I do so recommend it, for anyone who wants more info on the practical life benefits of daily meditation. Any purchases made through my link are highly appreciated, as Amazon gives us a tiny boon in exchange for hosting their ad. 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=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=0761159258\u0026amp;asins=0761159258\u0026amp;linkId=UQXDOHQW3ULOO5RJ\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\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\/532238475439588331\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/01\/meditation-how-why.html#comment-form","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/532238475439588331"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/532238475439588331"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/01\/meditation-how-why.html","title":"Meditation: The How \u0026 Why"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rKUa2HDjNX0\/VKoV4bcvIFI\/AAAAAAAAFAQ\/QZdyBHk5NhE\/s72-c\/05-19-2012-131130.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-6652906114450924542"},"published":{"$t":"2014-12-18T11:45:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T18:01:23.917-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"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":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Make Delicious Raw Cashew Cream"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WNSD6vYB1bc\/VJMkZYs0ZpI\/AAAAAAAAE-o\/6OJ11n7VMoE\/s1600\/P1120015.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"cashew cream\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WNSD6vYB1bc\/VJMkZYs0ZpI\/AAAAAAAAE-o\/6OJ11n7VMoE\/s1600\/P1120015.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;\"\u003ECashew cream is simply cashews blended with water, and it is creamy, rich and tasty, and incredibly versatile as it is. But, with the addition of a few basic, whole-food ingredients, it can be transformed into something quite divine. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUnlike other nuts, cashews don't really need to be soaked. They are soft enough that they will blend up pretty smooth in a high speed blender. However, if you're using a conventional blender, you will definitely want to \u003Cb\u003Esoak them for about an hour\u003C\/b\u003E prior to blending. Use the soak water right along with the nuts when you blend; it will be rich and flavorful. I still soak mine just to ensure maximum creaminess, even with the high speed blender.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EYou can sweeten cashew cream with \u003Cb\u003Esoaked dates\u003C\/b\u003E or \u003Cb\u003Eraw honey\u003C\/b\u003E, or \u003Cb\u003Estevia\u003C\/b\u003E if you prefer. Go ahead and soak your pitted dates, if you're using them, right along with the cashews, in enough water to just cover.\u003C\/span\u003E\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\/-dGnnBBJBYxo\/VJMmObA1KnI\/AAAAAAAAE-4\/C_NCF7UKrEM\/s1600\/P1190012.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"ingredients for cashew cream\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dGnnBBJBYxo\/VJMmObA1KnI\/AAAAAAAAE-4\/C_NCF7UKrEM\/s1600\/P1190012.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\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EVanilla, coconut oil, cashews, and honey.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThese  four ingredients are the main players in my cashew cream. Feel free to  mess around with the recipe though; you can't go wrong.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThe addition of a dollop of \u003Cb\u003Eraw coconut oil\u003C\/b\u003E, with all its richness, mild but delicious flavor, and wonderful melting properties is really what makes this particular recipe fantastic. You don't need to use too much- a little is quite noticeable in the final texture.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFinally, a dash of \u003Cb\u003Evanilla extract\u003C\/b\u003E will give the cashew cream more depth of flavor. Try making your own with \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-everlasting-vanilla-extract.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis recipe\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections for the Cashew Cream:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\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\/-ZZmfAIHORAk\/VJMowq9GCfI\/AAAAAAAAE_E\/Se72nykBbMA\/s1600\/P1190013.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"soaked cashews\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZZmfAIHORAk\/VJMowq9GCfI\/AAAAAAAAE_E\/Se72nykBbMA\/s1600\/P1190013.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;\"\u003EFor small amounts of cashew cream, our little Nutri Bullet works perfectly. This is about \u003Cb\u003E1 C cashews\u003C\/b\u003E. Whatever device you blend in, be sure the liquid level is above the cashew level, for easiest blending.\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\/-AMucUd3tl8c\/VJMpWvfUSvI\/AAAAAAAAE_M\/_v8N8arEPBE\/s1600\/P1190015.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make cashew cream\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-AMucUd3tl8c\/VJMpWvfUSvI\/AAAAAAAAE_M\/_v8N8arEPBE\/s1600\/P1190015.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;\"\u003EAdd a \u003Cb\u003Etablespoon or two each of sweetener and coconut oil\u003C\/b\u003E, depending on how sweet you want it, and a \u003Cb\u003Eteaspoon of vanilla\u003C\/b\u003E extract, or half a vanilla bean.\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:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-jz7TUAPrf7s\/VJMp6jZIrJI\/AAAAAAAAE_U\/2COwqoN4xfo\/s1600\/P1190019.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"make cashew cream\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-jz7TUAPrf7s\/VJMp6jZIrJI\/AAAAAAAAE_U\/2COwqoN4xfo\/s1600\/P1190019.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;\"\u003EBlend until it turns into this amazing goodness. I want some right now. Refrigerate after blending. The coconut oil will solidify the cream when it's cold, and then it will melt wonderfully when dolloped on something warm.\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:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VH2_NpEfSls\/VJMlf3u_H5I\/AAAAAAAAE-w\/WNpjKi4U4PU\/s1600\/P1120018.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"cashew cream on cake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VH2_NpEfSls\/VJMlf3u_H5I\/AAAAAAAAE-w\/WNpjKi4U4PU\/s1600\/P1120018.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;\"\u003EIt melts deliciously on warm pie, cake, or baked french toast.\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\/-bVTjyJEba_I\/VJMqXll6mSI\/AAAAAAAAE_c\/A3ygYz4IR4o\/s1600\/P1140048.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"cashew cream on toast\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bVTjyJEba_I\/VJMqXll6mSI\/AAAAAAAAE_c\/A3ygYz4IR4o\/s1600\/P1140048.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;\"\u003EAlso, try it on regular toast, instead of butter and all that. My son likes to just eat it with a spoon. Anything goes with this stuff.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EInterested in upgrading your blender? While cashew cream can be made with any old blender, it really turns out more smooth and creamy with 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: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\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=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\u003C\/span\u003E\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\/6652906114450924542\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/12\/how-to-make-delicious-raw-cashew-cream.html#comment-form","title":"6 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6652906114450924542"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6652906114450924542"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/12\/how-to-make-delicious-raw-cashew-cream.html","title":"How to Make Delicious Raw Cashew 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\/-WNSD6vYB1bc\/VJMkZYs0ZpI\/AAAAAAAAE-o\/6OJ11n7VMoE\/s72-c\/P1120015.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"6"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5956394949337734391"},"published":{"$t":"2014-08-17T14:48:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:19:59.716-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Frugally Uncoupling: How to Break Up without Breaking the Bank"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Of44JolKV_A\/U_Ed-PM65qI\/AAAAAAAAEvQ\/MujQxlQe8yU\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111157.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"family portrait\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Of44JolKV_A\/U_Ed-PM65qI\/AAAAAAAAEvQ\/MujQxlQe8yU\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111157.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDivorce is pretty much universally challenging, but it doesn't need to be the worst thing to happen to you, and it doesn't need to break the bank. Despite the common perception, it does not have to be a huge financial sinkhole, a source\u0026nbsp;of everlasting angst, or the subject\u0026nbsp;of your child's future therapy sessions. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhen my partner of ten years and I first split up, I knew none of this, and I was worried that our formerly happy lives were going to hell. There are so few examples of happy divorces, and so many fine examples of the damage a nasty divorce can do to people, to\u0026nbsp;their relationships, and their finances. I'm not saying our breakup was completely pain free or easy, but I felt it was important to write this article to share how it's possible to end a romantic relationship, after living together and raising kids for ten years, while still being frugal and friendly.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-q7wI8ylYpm4\/U_EeLXfIRUI\/AAAAAAAAEvY\/2mohxiJXlUo\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111205.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"funny family portrait\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-q7wI8ylYpm4\/U_EeLXfIRUI\/AAAAAAAAEvY\/2mohxiJXlUo\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111205.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI have friends who have been duking out the terms of their divorce, and particularly the custody of their children, for over three years. They never agree on anything, and are each a source of endless misery to the person that they used to love. They spend ridiculous amounts of money simply communicating with each other (or failing to), because it basically all has to be done through their lawyers. It is not easy for their kids to be in the middle of such animosity, and it's stressful for both of them to be spending all of their money on this ongoing fight.\u0026nbsp;This is a particularly bad case, but many other couples I have known are in similar, if less inflamed or drawn out, legal battles.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ENik and I are adamant about not letting our relationship and communication\u0026nbsp;devolve like this. In fact, since we were never legally married and don't have to get a legal divorce, we haven't had to involve a single lawyer in our process of separation. In our ten years together we've pretty much always been kind to each other, and aren't about to stop being kind just because we are no longer\u0026nbsp;going to spend the rest of our lives with each other. We are still co-parenting, and want to continue to do that the best way we can. Breaking up has not turned us against each other. We both see that hurting each other would pretty much directly hurt our kids as well.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KgP43OahAso\/U_EeT_Mhs5I\/AAAAAAAAEvg\/N0dl3c1GWYY\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111213.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sweet family portrait\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KgP43OahAso\/U_EeT_Mhs5I\/AAAAAAAAEvg\/N0dl3c1GWYY\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111213.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESpeaking of the welfare of children, I admit to experiencing a short-lived fear that this would be the end of their happy, carefree childhood. That us breaking up would signal the collapse of all things good for our wonderful family, and that our kids would forever resent us for not \"working things out\" with each other. But here's the thing: \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPre-breakup, we were a close-knit nuclear family. Post-breakup, our family has actually grown and expanded. Both Nik and I are in new relationships with wonderful people who our kids love. The world my children inhabit has grown larger and more interesting. Rather than breaking into shards, our family has\u0026nbsp;simply shifted and\u0026nbsp;grown new roots to support the new branches.\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\/-I3QznZ3J3uo\/U_EeetuouLI\/AAAAAAAAEvo\/zIFlyMt5HsU\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111236.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sweet couple portrait\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I3QznZ3J3uo\/U_EeetuouLI\/AAAAAAAAEvo\/zIFlyMt5HsU\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111236.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;\"\u003EPretty much the best ex-boyfriend ever.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAt its most basic, the frugal breakup is a kind breakup. When two people are really trying to put each other through the ringer, it gets expensive fast. It hurts everyone. But when they remember to be caring and kind--even when there are no kids to think of--and generous in spirit with each other, even a long relationship can end without really costing a thing. Obviously, when you are legally married there will be the straightforward fee involved in a legal divorce, but it doesn't have to escalate beyond that when people remain kind to each other.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETo read more on \"consciously uncoupling\", I recommend checking out the book \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=F2cr0G_ZWmEC\u0026amp;printsec=frontcover\u0026amp;dq=the+good+divorce\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;sa=X\u0026amp;ei=MyHxU5G6JsT5oAS6-AI\u0026amp;ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage\u0026amp;q=the%20good%20divorce\u0026amp;f=false\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Good Divorce: How to Walk Away Financially Sound and Emotionally Happy\u003C\/a\u003E, by Raoul Felder and Barbara Victor. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\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\/-js4auJh_xAY\/U_Eer5pOg0I\/AAAAAAAAEvw\/AXWo5PYuGKI\/s1600\/IMG_20140703_190229100.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sweet kids\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-js4auJh_xAY\/U_Eer5pOg0I\/AAAAAAAAEvw\/AXWo5PYuGKI\/s1600\/IMG_20140703_190229100.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;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHappy children in an evolving family\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\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\/5956394949337734391\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/08\/frugally-uncoupling-how-to-break-up.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5956394949337734391"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5956394949337734391"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/08\/frugally-uncoupling-how-to-break-up.html","title":"Frugally Uncoupling: How to Break Up without Breaking the Bank"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Of44JolKV_A\/U_Ed-PM65qI\/AAAAAAAAEvQ\/MujQxlQe8yU\/s72-c\/07-23-2012-111157.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7608213984736442470"},"published":{"$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-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-5999129027700610697"},"published":{"$t":"2013-09-09T06:26:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T18:13:29.286-08:00"},"category":[{"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"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Save An Unripe Avocado That's Been Cut"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vke_PnvVLEE\/Ui3KCaqmc2I\/AAAAAAAACXU\/G8V4jJ9nb5o\/s1600\/P7084397.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"ripening avocados\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vke_PnvVLEE\/Ui3KCaqmc2I\/AAAAAAAACXU\/G8V4jJ9nb5o\/s640\/P7084397.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EDespite the best of intentions, there have been several times when I've unintentionally sliced into an avocado before it was really soft enough to eat. You want to get it before it's mushy and brown inside, but if you miscalculate, and don't give it enough time to ripen, I have good news.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EUnripe avocado is starchy, flavorless, disappointing, and downright unpleasant to eat, and it used to be that I would throw them into the compost, feeling like a fool for not giving them more time to mature. Fortunately, a few years ago I came across this information: Avocados will still ripen once they've been cut into!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-lOPFsKLIaoY\/Ui3JuBOG3cI\/AAAAAAAACXM\/OQSWI_RV4VE\/s1600\/P7084396.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"cut avocado\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-lOPFsKLIaoY\/Ui3JuBOG3cI\/AAAAAAAACXM\/OQSWI_RV4VE\/s640\/P7084396.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;\"\u003ESimply put the halves back together as neatly as you can, and walk away like nothing happened. It's essential to leave the pit in place. In a couple of days, the avocado will have transformed into the rich deliciousness that you wanted all along.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI'd like to say that I'm careful enough to no longer unwittingly slice into an unripe avocado- but it happens. It's heartening to know that it no longer means the avocado is a complete waste.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-y9pbwTEb7j0\/Ui3JSEUsJlI\/AAAAAAAACXE\/cuvnv46qv-s\/s1600\/P7084420.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"half avocado\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-y9pbwTEb7j0\/Ui3JSEUsJlI\/AAAAAAAACXE\/cuvnv46qv-s\/s640\/P7084420.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\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\/5999129027700610697\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/09\/how-to-save-unripe-avocado-thats-been.html#comment-form","title":"52 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5999129027700610697"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5999129027700610697"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/09\/how-to-save-unripe-avocado-thats-been.html","title":"How To Save An Unripe Avocado That's Been Cut"}],"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\/-vke_PnvVLEE\/Ui3KCaqmc2I\/AAAAAAAACXU\/G8V4jJ9nb5o\/s72-c\/P7084397.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"52"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5710553947003871325"},"published":{"$t":"2013-07-18T23:07:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:47:09.949-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"For The Ladies: How To Never Buy Another Menstrual Product"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EReusable menstrual product?? Do tell!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-S9_ua6iWvAc\/UejU1d0_88I\/AAAAAAAACVs\/rUKhr5ImASU\/s1600\/P7084403.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-S9_ua6iWvAc\/UejU1d0_88I\/AAAAAAAACVs\/rUKhr5ImASU\/s640\/P7084403.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI bought this Keeper 13 years ago, and have been using it happily ever since.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBefore discovering that these existed, I had tried all manner of other menstrual products. I hated the disposable-diaper feeling of typical maxi-pads. Cloth pads were a pain to wash and deal with when I was out of the house, plus they felt bulky. Most tampons created so much garbage with their box, wrappers, and disposable applicators. For years, I used applicator-free tampons, but even these created some garbage, and required buying a new box each month. I've always hated anything disposable, really.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOn the beach in Yucatan, a fellow traveler gave me a sea sponge, which was inserted like a tampon (after being disinfected with boiling water). I loved the idea of a natural sea sponge tampon, but unfortunately, I always knew when it was saturated because blood would leak out when I laughed or sneezed. It didn't exactly meet my needs, and it didn't last forever. When it started to wear out, I went back to disposable tampons.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen I got fitted with a diaphragm, the nurse informed me that the diaphragm could also be used as a menstrual product! This worked for me to some degree. I loved that you just had to rinse and reinsert it, and there was nothing to throw away, but emptying it was kind of a mess. I had trouble getting it out and to the sink without drips dropping where I didn't want them. Tampons were mess free, so I went back, but I was dissatisfied.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hBGbSrcbD5c\/UejWA88xVtI\/AAAAAAAACV8\/TsqDPzrWTLk\/s1600\/P7084406.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hBGbSrcbD5c\/UejWA88xVtI\/AAAAAAAACV8\/TsqDPzrWTLk\/s640\/P7084406.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFinally, when I was in college I discovered \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.keeper.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Keeper\u003C\/a\u003E at my local health food co-op. It seemed a bit expensive, but I quickly calculated that it would be paid off after just a few months of not having to buy tampons, plus I got a volunteer discount at the co-op. I've saved an absolute fortune in the decade-plus that I've had The Keeper in use.\u0026nbsp; It works every bit as well as the day I bought it. (See the end of the article for a much less expensive version.)\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\/-vdFmgP0ZPVA\/UejWRcopCvI\/AAAAAAAACWE\/_niEXJFN-Ho\/s1600\/P7084405.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"menstrual cup keeper\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vdFmgP0ZPVA\/UejWRcopCvI\/AAAAAAAACWE\/_niEXJFN-Ho\/s640\/P7084405.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThere are other brands, by the way, of very similar products, and I don't necessarily think this is better than any of the others. It's just the one I've had experience with. Mine is rubber; there are silicone models for people with latex issues.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EDirections come in the package, and are on the product  website as well, but basically you simply fold the cup up and insert it  into the vaginal canal. This can be easier if you wet it first. Every 3  to 8 hours, depending on how heavy your period is, simply grasp it by  the handy tail while pushing in on one side of the cup to release the  air seal, and pull it out. Dump the contents down the drain, wash in hot  water, and it's ready to insert again.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-V1muphIszYM\/UejWfP5byHI\/AAAAAAAACWM\/Nvi87AHxzhc\/s1600\/P7084410.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"menstrual cup keeper diva cup\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-V1muphIszYM\/UejWfP5byHI\/AAAAAAAACWM\/Nvi87AHxzhc\/s640\/P7084410.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've used the Keeper during all kinds of exercise and activities, without incident. I regularly do Bikram yoga, and never miss a class because of my period. I go dancing, ride a bicycle, go swimming, and have literally never had the Keeper leak on me.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI find it very liberating to be independent this way, to be able to take care of my periods without having to rely on tampon manufacturers every month.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EUpdate: My original Keeper is still going strong, but if I ever have to replace it, it's heartening to know that there are now much less expensive, silicone models available. The ad link below is the one I would buy if I ever need a replacement. Click on the link to check it out. Every purchase through this affiliate link provides a little income for our family. Thank you in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\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=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00QULC2QI\u0026amp;asins=B00QULC2QI\u0026amp;linkId=W65LPHLCXEJF3XYQ\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\/5710553947003871325\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/07\/for-ladies-how-to-never-buy-another.html#comment-form","title":"41 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5710553947003871325"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5710553947003871325"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/07\/for-ladies-how-to-never-buy-another.html","title":"For The Ladies: How To Never Buy Another Menstrual Product"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-S9_ua6iWvAc\/UejU1d0_88I\/AAAAAAAACVs\/rUKhr5ImASU\/s72-c\/P7084403.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"41"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5327959641236876893"},"published":{"$t":"2013-05-20T08:13:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:23:30.739-07:00"},"category":[{"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"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Cold Brewed Coffee For Hot Summer Days"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ECold\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003Ebrewed coffee just tastes better. There is something about hot brew\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eed\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, drip coffee\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E that destroys flavor and adds a bitterness. Yo\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eu may find that, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Elike me, you can drink cold\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003Ebrewed coffee black, since it really doesn't need a sweetener or cream to mellow the bitterness. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI make it the day before I want it. If you drink it in the mo\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Erning, you can set it up the night before. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EW\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ehile it's a lovely, easy way to make iced coffee, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ey\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003Eou can, of course, heat it when you want to drink it a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Es well\u003C\/span\u003E. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI like cold-brewing coffee durin\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eg th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ee summer because making it doesn't heat the house up, and on colder days I'll use my sto\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Evetop espresso maker, which also manages to brew without the bitterness.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-PEUxoXSIB2k\/UO4nFtxiXrI\/AAAAAAAACIY\/0qgCz_ou7Os\/s1600\/08-28-2012-075526.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"ground coffee\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-PEUxoXSIB2k\/UO4nFtxiXrI\/AAAAAAAACIY\/0qgCz_ou7Os\/s640\/08-28-2012-075526.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EInstructions: \u003C\/b\u003ESimply measure \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 Tbsp\u003C\/span\u003E or so of ground coffee in a jar\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, add 2\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E cups of tap water,\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E cap the jar, and shake to combine. Toss it in the fridge, and s\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eev\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eeral hours later you \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewill have a nice, dark, non-bitter coffee.\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\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\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\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-e_QRjn5SZss\/UO4n6-uRuRI\/AAAAAAAACIk\/JtJBko9Kj9Q\/s1600\/08-28-2012-075736.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"cold brewed coffee\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-e_QRjn5SZss\/UO4n6-uRuRI\/AAAAAAAACIk\/JtJBko9Kj9Q\/s640\/08-28-2012-075736.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;\"\u003EWhen I'm ready to drink it, I pour the whole contents of the jar into my \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EF\u003C\/span\u003Erench press, and \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Epress the grounds down\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E. Then, it's ready to drink cold or warm. If you don't have a \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EF\u003C\/span\u003Erench press, you could pour it through a coffee filter instead.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\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:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--VOLgpB_jFk\/UZo5s9UfI1I\/AAAAAAAACVQ\/njUm39t68_c\/s1600\/01-11-2013-114326.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"french press cold brewed coffee\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--VOLgpB_jFk\/UZo5s9UfI1I\/AAAAAAAACVQ\/njUm39t68_c\/s640\/01-11-2013-114326.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;\"\u003EAs a couple of readers have commented, you can definitely make this directly in your French press rather than the jar. Just \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eadd grounds \u0026amp; water t\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eo the press and give a good stir to combine, refrigerate that, and then press it in the morning. \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\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\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:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kzR3Dni09Is\/UZo6FSDccjI\/AAAAAAAACVY\/n773cRowPWg\/s1600\/01-11-2013-114734.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"cold brewed coffee\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kzR3Dni09Is\/UZo6FSDccjI\/AAAAAAAACVY\/n773cRowPWg\/s640\/01-11-2013-114734.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\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\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\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\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\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;\"\u003EOne thing I like abou\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Et this method\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, besides the improved flavor, is that it will remain a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E simple and\u003C\/span\u003E effective way of making coffee e\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Even if we lose power\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E It's low\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E-tech, and doesn't heat the house \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eon hot summer days.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\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\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\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\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\/5327959641236876893\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/05\/cold-brewed-coffee-for-hot-summer-days.html#comment-form","title":"29 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5327959641236876893"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5327959641236876893"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/05\/cold-brewed-coffee-for-hot-summer-days.html","title":"Cold Brewed Coffee For Hot Summer Days"}],"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\/-PEUxoXSIB2k\/UO4nFtxiXrI\/AAAAAAAACIY\/0qgCz_ou7Os\/s72-c\/08-28-2012-075526.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"29"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4795323594468056747"},"published":{"$t":"2013-03-28T08:16:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:24:24.412-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Foraging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Meat Cake- A Gluten And Sugar Free Birthday Alternative"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-etE8FIdT1AM\/UVRT0q1uuYI\/AAAAAAAACSE\/MZ79s59CXzE\/s1600\/09-29-2012-152827.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meat cake with edible flowers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-etE8FIdT1AM\/UVRT0q1uuYI\/AAAAAAAACSE\/MZ79s59CXzE\/s640\/09-29-2012-152827.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis was Nik's birthday cake. He didn't want something sweet, so we went with a savory birthday cake. It was actually a big hit- we even put candles in it and sang to him, and nobody missed the cloying icing and stomach aches.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIt's a basic meatloaf, covered with a layer of mashed  potato \"frosting\", then shredded cheese on top, and decorated with  edible flowers. I used nasturtiums, calendula, dandelion, and borage  flowers, all readily available in the garden in late September.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-l2NaNpayZzM\/UVRcMa_zXPI\/AAAAAAAACSk\/7SjOFUVOpXQ\/s1600\/09-29-2012-151500.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meat cake with mashed potato topping\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-l2NaNpayZzM\/UVRcMa_zXPI\/AAAAAAAACSk\/7SjOFUVOpXQ\/s640\/09-29-2012-151500.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThe kids may still request sweet cakes for their birthdays, bu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et this \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eis definitely the start of a new tradition for at least our adult birthdays. You can just \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euse your favorite \u003C\/span\u003Emeat\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eloaf recipe, topped with however you like to make your mashed potatoes, but here's what I did:\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;\"\u003EThis is the ratio for the meatloaf I make, and \u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003EI tripled it for a 9 x 9\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\" baking dish\u003C\/b\u003E:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\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;\"\u003E1\u003C\/span\u003E lb organic ground beef\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;\"\u003E2 eggs\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;\"\u003E1\/2 c oat flour (I just \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erun some dry oatmeal in the blen\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eder\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\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\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;\"\u003E1 large clove\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E garlic\u003C\/span\u003E, minced \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;\"\u003E1\/3 onion, ch\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eopped\u003C\/span\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;\"\u003E1\/2 t salt\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;\"\u003E1 t dr\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ey sage\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\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;\"\u003EM\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eix well\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euntil everything is evenly distr\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eibuted, then \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Epress into the pan. Bake at 375 until the edges pull away from the side of th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee pan\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E. Maybe 20 minutes? \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ENot\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E only do ovens vary, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebut the dimens\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eions of you\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Er pan may \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Evary and whet\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eher you double or triple this recipe will change the baking time. Don't fear, though\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E. If you stay nearby, you will smell the meat cooking and know when it's don\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eas it visibly sh\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erinks away from the pan. I never time things, but just stay close to what I'm cooking.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\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;\"\u003EAs the meat bakes, you can make the mashed \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Epotatoes. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EYou know how to do this. Just\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E wash potatoes and chop them into roughly 1\" chunks. Add to boiling water. A few large potatoes ought to be enough to frost this cake\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, but you can make the\u0026nbsp; \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efrosting as deep as you want, and leftover mashed po\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Etatoe\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Es are always \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewelcome around here\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\u0026nbsp;\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\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;\"\u003EAs soon\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E as a fork slides into a potato easily, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ecarefully pour out nearly all the cooking water. You can leave a little in the bottom. Add copious amounts of butter\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003Eand some cream or milk \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\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(maybe 1\/4- 1\/2c\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E of each)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E, plus some salt to taste. Mash together until smooth. Some people prefer using peeled p\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eotatoes, but I don't think of that as a whole food\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eplus peeling potatoes always seems like a complete wast\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee of time.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\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:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-PR7jK8S0Vi8\/UVRYurxHccI\/AAAAAAAACSM\/wjbxKeYuMek\/s1600\/09-29-2012-151457.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"potato topping\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-PR7jK8S0Vi8\/UVRYurxHccI\/AAAAAAAACSM\/wjbxKeYuMek\/s640\/09-29-2012-151457.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\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\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\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;\"\u003ESpread the mashed potatoes over the cooked meat\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E cake. You can eat it now, or if you want to add cheese, do so, and then broil for a couple of minutes\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\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0h4DB4SchLo\/UVRZTSkN2JI\/AAAAAAAACSU\/xoETpqDW668\/s1600\/09-29-2012-152448.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meat cake with mashed potatoes\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0h4DB4SchLo\/UVRZTSkN2JI\/AAAAAAAACSU\/xoETpqDW668\/s640\/09-29-2012-152448.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;\"\u003ETo make it special, pic\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ek some \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efresh edible flowers from the garden\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E. Included here are nasturtium, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ed\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eandelion, and calendu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ela. There's a borage flower as well. You could also\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E use \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erose petals\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\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TCKlI6SaWbo\/UVRZrJ4_XjI\/AAAAAAAACSc\/QRt346wAKe8\/s1600\/09-29-2012-152024.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"edible flowers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TCKlI6SaWbo\/UVRZrJ4_XjI\/AAAAAAAACSc\/QRt346wAKe8\/s640\/09-29-2012-152024.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;\"\u003EI left \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ethese sitting in a bowl of water to keep\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E them fresh while preparing the rest of the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ecake, and let the cake cool a bit \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebefore decorating with th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee flowers, so they didn't wilt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E. I also removed the bitter green sepals of the dandelion flowers\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E before using them\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\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\/-p5FjKL4Qg5U\/UVRcl_mfCdI\/AAAAAAAACSs\/LKCiQudskZY\/s1600\/09-29-2012-152832.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meat cake with edible flowers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-p5FjKL4Qg5U\/UVRcl_mfCdI\/AAAAAAAACSs\/LKCiQudskZY\/s640\/09-29-2012-152832.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: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 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;\"\u003EEnjoy\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\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: small;\"\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\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\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: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 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: start;\"\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\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\/4795323594468056747\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/03\/meat-cake-gluten-and-sugar-free.html#comment-form","title":"18 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4795323594468056747"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4795323594468056747"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/03\/meat-cake-gluten-and-sugar-free.html","title":"Meat Cake- A Gluten And Sugar Free Birthday Alternative"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-etE8FIdT1AM\/UVRT0q1uuYI\/AAAAAAAACSE\/MZ79s59CXzE\/s72-c\/09-29-2012-152827.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"18"}},{"id":{"$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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4601274497703398360"},"published":{"$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-181517365893461633"},"published":{"$t":"2012-12-03T13:19:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T18:23:51.104-08:00"},"category":[{"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":"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":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Raw Orange Cranberry Sauce"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Skip the canned cranberry sauce this year- this is way more delicious! This version is a fresh and healthy accompaniment to your meal. The recipe is unbelievably simple to make, and pretty much everybody enjoys it. I make it for our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration dinners, and we always enjoy any leftovers with whatever we're having in the days following the holidays. It's great with turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes; you will never miss the canned cranberry sauce! It's easy to make ahead of time, so you have one less thing to prepare on the day of a big feast. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-59SW-Sr6zyk\/UL0Tim7TDQI\/AAAAAAAACDE\/fU955bj47Xk\/s1600\/11-21-2012-164701.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-59SW-Sr6zyk\/UL0Tim7TDQI\/AAAAAAAACDE\/fU955bj47Xk\/s640\/11-21-2012-164701.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe sauce keeps for a week, but you can make it last even longer if you feel like giving fermentation a try. To ferment, simply make the recipe, adding in 2 tb \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 to culture the fermentation (follow the links for instructions on how to make them). Ferment at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. You could certainly ferment longer, up to 3 days, if you want a more sour sauce. Since I prefer to make sure it stays sweet so it will be more of a crowd pleaser, I just fermented it all day on the counter.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-D-zZlj0cmS4\/UL0TWqIZOPI\/AAAAAAAACC8\/ibsaEQ2CKNo\/s1600\/11-21-2012-164511.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-D-zZlj0cmS4\/UL0TWqIZOPI\/AAAAAAAACC8\/ibsaEQ2CKNo\/s640\/11-21-2012-164511.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe cranberry sauce is perfectly delicious.\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere's how I make it:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E12 oz (2 c) fresh or thawed cranberries\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 whole organic orange, sliced, unpeeled, seeds removed\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E3\/4 c white sugar\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003EI use white sugar just because a darker sugar makes the sauce turn out brownish in hue, but it has a gorgeous red color when made with the light colored sugar.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-GQ3Yge9rtwI\/UL0TJ6joIHI\/AAAAAAAACC0\/M6Uee4h16-Y\/s1600\/11-21-2012-164846.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-GQ3Yge9rtwI\/UL0TJ6joIHI\/AAAAAAAACC0\/M6Uee4h16-Y\/s640\/11-21-2012-164846.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Add everything to the food processor and blend until no large chunks are left. Refrigerate right away, or add a spoonful of starter and ferment 12-24 hours at room temperature for a cultured cranberry sauce. Fermenting reduces the sugar content, makes food last a bit longer, and increases digestability. Either way, it's simply delicious.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6qRk6a8daT0\/UL0S2gapSzI\/AAAAAAAACCs\/GmJEONXRn6Q\/s1600\/11-21-2012-165021.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6qRk6a8daT0\/UL0S2gapSzI\/AAAAAAAACCs\/GmJEONXRn6Q\/s640\/11-21-2012-165021.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Simple, fresh ingredients make for great tasting food.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E 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\/181517365893461633\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/raw-orange-cranberry-sauce.html#comment-form","title":"19 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/181517365893461633"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/181517365893461633"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/raw-orange-cranberry-sauce.html","title":"Raw Orange Cranberry Sauce"}],"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\/-59SW-Sr6zyk\/UL0Tim7TDQI\/AAAAAAAACDE\/fU955bj47Xk\/s72-c\/11-21-2012-164701.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"19"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8827716277033541875"},"published":{"$t":"2012-11-08T15:30:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:28:05.970-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"An Easy, Mostly Raw Dinner"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen I was eating 100% raw foods, people would often ask me what on earth we ate for dinner, and how I fed my kids while eating raw myself, so I took some photos of typical meals that our family enjoys.\u0026nbsp;\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\/-w7_uS1DfGKo\/TvE8EQXiypI\/AAAAAAAABH0\/Rr-7WBCAnzc\/s1600\/08-03%257C19%253A04%253A21.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw fruits and veggies\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-w7_uS1DfGKo\/TvE8EQXiypI\/AAAAAAAABH0\/Rr-7WBCAnzc\/s640\/08-03%257C19%253A04%253A21.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 meal includes fresh peaches, grapes, cherries, tomatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, and celery with peanut butter and raisins; raw cashews, dried figs, apricots, and currants, and four kinds of nut-based \"snack balls\" as we refer to them. The balls are variations on recipes for Victoria Boutenko's raw candy.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\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\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThese days, I'm eating more flexibly, but we still like this type of meal. My kids love having all the variety and options, and I love that not only is everything healthy and fresh, it's a super easy meal to make. These foods are naturally delicious and loaded with vitamins; we don't have to do much to them besides slice and arrange them on plates! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\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\/-zq0Dlza757g\/T4w1gvILqVI\/AAAAAAAABfw\/KflA6K0O5Io\/s1600\/meal.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw food meal\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zq0Dlza757g\/T4w1gvILqVI\/AAAAAAAABfw\/KflA6K0O5Io\/s640\/meal.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;\"\u003EAnother example of an easy, mostly raw dinner. Lots of fresh choices, including basil, tomatoes, cheddar, mozzarella, tofu, avocado, cucumber, orange, and grapes. We love eating this way!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBasically, whenever I'm making this dish I use whatever vegetables and fruits we have that can be enjoyed fresh, and add some cheese, sliced avocado, or tofu. I like to include thinly sliced zucchini or cucumber to take the place of crackers or bread, and either spinach or basil for a leafy green. I often serve this with a simple dip of balsamic vinegar \u0026amp; olive oil, my \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/making-delicious-hummus-from-scratch.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehomemade hummus\u003C\/a\u003E, or this raw sprouted \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-sprouted-sunflower-seed-dip.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Esunflower seed dip\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\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:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vr5RK_-sfWw\/UJu694R1aAI\/AAAAAAAACAs\/qO1CEW0u4vc\/s1600\/07-13-2012-181649.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw caprese salad\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vr5RK_-sfWw\/UJu694R1aAI\/AAAAAAAACAs\/qO1CEW0u4vc\/s640\/07-13-2012-181649.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 kids, making \"sandwiches\" with veggies \u0026amp; cheese in this variation of the classic caprese salad.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\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\u003C\/span\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"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8827716277033541875\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/11\/an-easy-mostly-raw-dinner.html#comment-form","title":"19 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8827716277033541875"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8827716277033541875"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/11\/an-easy-mostly-raw-dinner.html","title":"An Easy, Mostly Raw Dinner"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-w7_uS1DfGKo\/TvE8EQXiypI\/AAAAAAAABH0\/Rr-7WBCAnzc\/s72-c\/08-03%257C19%253A04%253A21.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"19"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7624701788283396070"},"published":{"$t":"2012-10-29T16:55:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:26:15.398-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"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","$t":"Peanut Butter \u0026 Jelly Milkshake"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wFOhVaOQEzU\/UI8TYW3-pZI\/AAAAAAAACAA\/jxipWNowOqs\/s1600\/07-15-2012-143251.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"peanut butter and jelly milkshake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wFOhVaOQEzU\/UI8TYW3-pZI\/AAAAAAAACAA\/jxipWNowOqs\/s640\/07-15-2012-143251.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis is how we eat on hot days. No need to run the oven or stove. This is light and refreshing... Just take some cool fruit and blend! It's also a delicious, sweet treat instead of ice cream. The heavy cream gives it the richness of a milkshake, but substitute with any kind of milk if you prefer something other than dairy.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis milkshake is tasty without needing any concentrated sweeteners. Bee pollen provides a bit of sweetening, but is way more nourishing and nutritionally balanced than honey. If you don't have any, you could substitute with honey, if desired. It would still be delicious with just the grapes and banana for sweetening, really, but I like adding bee pollen for its nutritional benefits.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EYou will need some frozen grapes and a frozen banana to make the recipe, so make those in advance if you haven't got them in stock. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cu\u003EIngredients:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1 frozen banana (here's how \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/a-perfect-frozen-banana.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewe freeze them to perfection\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 c frozen grapes \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/4 c peanut butter (see how \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/how-to-make-fresh-roasted-homemade.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewe make it ourselves here\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/4 c heavy cream\u0026nbsp;(or 1 c alternative milk of choice)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1 tb bee pollen (or honey, if desired)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 c water (use less water if using milk instead of cream)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBlend until creamy \u0026amp; smooth. Enjoy!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hf_nm7l9yoY\/UI8UCgMe4yI\/AAAAAAAACAI\/2qjTH14a1iI\/s1600\/07-15-2012-143237.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"peanut butter and jelly milkshake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hf_nm7l9yoY\/UI8UCgMe4yI\/AAAAAAAACAI\/2qjTH14a1iI\/s640\/07-15-2012-143237.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm posting an ad link to my favorite high speed blender below, perfect for making all kinds of delicious smoothies and healthy milkshakes. We've been loving it for years, and it looks like the price has even gone down since we bought ours. I'm also posting an ad link to the other leading high speed blender, for comparison. If you buy through my links, it helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"\/\/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=B000GIGZXM\u0026amp;asins=B000GIGZXM\u0026amp;linkId=IECJUOEFE67HSJFR\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=\"\/\/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=PACXQBPHPQD5YVMY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\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=\"\/\/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\/7624701788283396070\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/peanut-butter-jelly-milkshake.html#comment-form","title":"22 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7624701788283396070"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7624701788283396070"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/peanut-butter-jelly-milkshake.html","title":"Peanut Butter \u0026 Jelly Milkshake"}],"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\/-wFOhVaOQEzU\/UI8TYW3-pZI\/AAAAAAAACAA\/jxipWNowOqs\/s72-c\/07-15-2012-143251.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"22"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-677883594312252803"},"published":{"$t":"2012-10-10T23:19:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:28:39.264-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Vacation From Toys"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOf course, we started out with the plan of having very few toys- just a select, manageable number of well-chosen, handmade toys, preferably from natural materials. That plan started to fall apart before our first baby was even born, when from all directions came the well-intentioned gifts.\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\/-bzph3FSfQSQ\/UHZX2jnkyGI\/AAAAAAAAB84\/CSCp5-mxfSk\/s1600\/06-30-2012-180730.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"birthday party\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bzph3FSfQSQ\/UHZX2jnkyGI\/AAAAAAAAB84\/CSCp5-mxfSk\/s640\/06-30-2012-180730.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;\"\u003EAh, presents. We try to encourage experience gifts, but rarely does anyone take us up on that ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBabies don't need a lot of stuff, but in our culture, having a baby is a massive consumer event. It doesn't stop as they grow, either. Kids are fun to buy presents for, and giving gifts is a nice way to connect with family \u0026amp; friends. Plus, kids like to collect stuff. My youngest has had collections ranging from broken bits of safety glass, to hazelnuts found under his grandma's tree, to brightly colored plastic pellets collected in just about every park we've ever been to. He is unstoppable. He loves anything small and shiny.\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\/-AXlRa8y_ENA\/UHZZ21gdtuI\/AAAAAAAAB9Q\/OrQ8xwOcZZQ\/s1600\/08-02-2012-143922.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"orange and black caterpillar\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AXlRa8y_ENA\/UHZZ21gdtuI\/AAAAAAAAB9Q\/OrQ8xwOcZZQ\/s640\/08-02-2012-143922.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;\"\u003EOdin finds all the tiny, beautiful things wherever we go.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWherever it all comes from, however it's collected or amassed, it's good to get away from it. Here is where vacations come in. On trips, no matter how long, we never pack a single toy. From short trips like an overnight visit to their great grandparents' house, to several days at the ocean, we only bring the essentials to keep ourselves comfortable, plus a camera for capturing memories. Bringing our own entertainment would seem redundant.\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\/-nsWwyJ1moPQ\/UHZa8ZeON-I\/AAAAAAAAB9Y\/MoBUbqpCCUs\/s1600\/08-11-2012-172023.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"dominoes on the lake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-nsWwyJ1moPQ\/UHZa8ZeON-I\/AAAAAAAAB9Y\/MoBUbqpCCUs\/s640\/08-11-2012-172023.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;\"\u003EPlaying dominoes with grandma: This is how Loki wants to spend every vacation. It's really about connecting with each other.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe point, when traveling, is to experience a new place, and connect with people. Toys are a distraction and get in the way, but more specifically, they make it feel like you haven't gone anywhere. It would be like Nik \u0026amp; me bringing our computer. We can waste our time on it at home; vacations are sacred. It's good to get away from all our toys, and really experience our surroundings. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\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\/-YrH4jWlfEq8\/UHZUEra1DbI\/AAAAAAAAB8Q\/dkKjRv-0MeY\/s1600\/08-01-2012-203126.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"campfire\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YrH4jWlfEq8\/UHZUEra1DbI\/AAAAAAAAB8Q\/dkKjRv-0MeY\/s640\/08-01-2012-203126.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 boys help chop up invasive scotch broom to burn. Without things like electronic handheld distractions, kids can be useful! Plus, they really experience their surroundings.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor the actual travel time, we don't need a portable dvd player. We have a car radio for a change of mood or lulls in the conversation. We have several sheets of song lyrics printed out, so Nik \u0026amp; I can annoy our kids with our favorite songs. We have all kinds of family car games in our arsenal, and we often make up new ones on the spot.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESome car games involve looking for letters of the alphabet on signs and license plates. We go through in alphabetical or reverse alphabetical order, finding every letter. A lot of miles pass before we get through every letter in order! On our last trip we made a game of finding all the colors of the rainbow in the scenery, adding several more that we thought should be included in our search, like metallics, and brown. My seven year old loves answering math questions, so we've spent a lot of car time coming up with different math problems for him. We also play a lot of \"20 questions\", though we never actually keep track of how many questions get asked. My kids love counting how many taxis of each color we see on every car ride- I can never believe how excited they are to see yet another taxi ;)\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\/-N3R7D3OFDaI\/UHZV1zjrAqI\/AAAAAAAAB8Y\/qN7O3O9Uhhs\/s1600\/08-19-2012-145806.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"road trip\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-N3R7D3OFDaI\/UHZV1zjrAqI\/AAAAAAAAB8Y\/qN7O3O9Uhhs\/s640\/08-19-2012-145806.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;\"\u003EYes, it's a long drive, but we can make it! Look out the window, talk, sing, fall asleep...\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\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe car is a great time to just talk. The kids have each other to chat with. We talk about memories and things we are excited about, and Nik \u0026amp; I answer their questions about anything and everything.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ENow, every family probably does these things sometimes, but I know a lot of kids come to expect a dvd every time they get in the car, and don't know how to handle a car trip without some Disney movie to watch. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhat starts out as a luxury soon becomes a need. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI see car rides together as valuable time to connect with the kids, and it's so often squandered. Some important conversations happen in the car, and they will never have a chance if everyone is absorbed in a movie.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAlso, don't undervalue the joy of simply staring out at the surroundings. A view of an old farm, an open landscape, a forested road, or watching a mountain getting closer: these help to build excitement about the trip, appreciation for nature, and geographical knowledge as well.\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\/-NXGYlFE43Ig\/UHZcRvLLShI\/AAAAAAAAB9g\/JCyFD-VjQ7E\/s1600\/09-03-2012-105848.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"watching clouds\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NXGYlFE43Ig\/UHZcRvLLShI\/AAAAAAAAB9g\/JCyFD-VjQ7E\/s640\/09-03-2012-105848.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;\"\u003EFinding shapes in the clouds.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce at our destination, more often than not, there are things for kids to play with. Most likely any toys there are different than what we have at home, which in itself makes them interesting to my kids. If there are no toys, even better. As ubiquitous as toys are in our culture today, I often think of how kids played in past generations, where they might have only one doll during their entire childhood, or in other cultures even today, where the idea of marketing to children would be absurd because of extreme poverty.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThese kids still play. They might play with songs or stories, or they might wrestle or play hopscotch, or they might make use of other materials around the house or village, such as fabric or rocks or leaves. In fact, it has been argued that supplying our kids with tons of toys reduces their own power of imagination. They let the toys direct their play, rather than utilizing their own creativity.\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\/-ySGKHkwdNjQ\/UHZW7MUWGJI\/AAAAAAAAB8o\/6XixiMV_0EY\/s1600\/05-26-2012-123637.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sharpening a spear\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ySGKHkwdNjQ\/UHZW7MUWGJI\/AAAAAAAAB8o\/6XixiMV_0EY\/s640\/05-26-2012-123637.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;\"\u003EOdin learns to use a knife while camping.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOn camping trips, the boys spend a lot of time whittling sticks or throwing rocks into rivers. It may sound dull, but it's amazing how many ways you can challenge yourself at rock throwing. There is the classic skipping stones, a pastime you could spend many hours at, finding the perfect stones and perfecting your throw. Also, a new game of ours is to send a leaf floating down the current, and then try to sink it with a well-aimed rock. It's challenging, and fun!\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\/-UwKOaWtOBck\/UHZXbwqgegI\/AAAAAAAAB8w\/v0Ke6cJj8yU\/s1600\/07-05-2012-111315.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"low tide\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UwKOaWtOBck\/UHZXbwqgegI\/AAAAAAAAB8w\/v0Ke6cJj8yU\/s640\/07-05-2012-111315.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;\"\u003EExploring what lives under the rocks at low tide.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe do bring a kite with us to the ocean. It's one of the few times we use it and unlike a lot of toys, a kite requires being out in the world and experiencing the weather and surroundings. We'd bring kayaks too if we had them! I do question whether the kite is even necessary though, since we can happily spend hours combing the beach, examining critters, shaping the sand, and following bird footprints in wild pointless loops.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VtaQ5bLbcFQ\/UHZnrRNBRLI\/AAAAAAAAB-g\/pdVDTQc7xYs\/s1600\/04-08%7C11:03:12.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"flying our monster kite\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VtaQ5bLbcFQ\/UHZnrRNBRLI\/AAAAAAAAB-g\/pdVDTQc7xYs\/s640\/04-08%7C11:03:12.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhat if the weather's bad, or you're stuck for some other reason inside a motel room? I always bring a book for myself to read when I need some downtime, as well as a notebook to write in. For the kids, it's easy to bring a small stack of books, either favorites or ones they haven't read for a while, or a mix of both. Beyond books, we always find something to do, and it does not involve turning on the tv.\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\/-VnccFHNprqE\/UHZWjTudu3I\/AAAAAAAAB8g\/zJSkq0o-fec\/s1600\/07-10-2012-182714.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"making words with scrabble tiles\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VnccFHNprqE\/UHZWjTudu3I\/AAAAAAAAB8g\/zJSkq0o-fec\/s640\/07-10-2012-182714.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;\"\u003ELoki came up with this solo game of word making with a bag of letter tiles he found during some downtime at the cabin.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think often when people pack for trips they worry too much about preventing boredom, so they pack so many things into their bags and into their itinerary, that there is barely room for the real adventure of experiencing the trip, being flexible, and taking things as they come. A fully planned out itinerary may be fun to create, but when it comes down to it I think all that running around leaves people feeling more drained than before their vacation.\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\/-bAentU-EsZY\/UHZZYJ49iaI\/AAAAAAAAB9I\/03w2PxJ8amM\/s1600\/08-18-2012-140751.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"floating in the pool\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-bAentU-EsZY\/UHZZYJ49iaI\/AAAAAAAAB9I\/03w2PxJ8amM\/s640\/08-18-2012-140751.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;\"\u003ERelax.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI did a lot of backpacking when I was younger, and one of my favorite things about it was how exhilarating it felt to be able to carry everything I needed on my back. Perhaps the mark of a minimalist, it was liberating to discover I didn't need all that stuff back home. I loved that feeling and wanted to travel all the time.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think there is a little minimalist in all of us, discontent with consumerism and our culture of too-much. When we vacation with less, we give our kids the space they need to become a little less attached to those things that normally fill their days, and realize life is still full. Maybe they can experience it a little more when they're not surrounded by stuff.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\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\/-BXb32KkdjTU\/UHZeWvJSpbI\/AAAAAAAAB9o\/FocZ4d-3VrI\/s1600\/04-08%7C10:32:27.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"flying seagul\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BXb32KkdjTU\/UHZeWvJSpbI\/AAAAAAAAB9o\/FocZ4d-3VrI\/s640\/04-08%7C10:32:27.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\u003Cbr \/\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\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"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/677883594312252803\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/vacation-from-toys.html#comment-form","title":"30 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/677883594312252803"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/677883594312252803"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/vacation-from-toys.html","title":"Vacation From Toys"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bzph3FSfQSQ\/UHZX2jnkyGI\/AAAAAAAAB84\/CSCp5-mxfSk\/s72-c\/06-30-2012-180730.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"30"}},{"id":{"$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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8183298039686666316"},"published":{"$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-2100922238516942252"},"published":{"$t":"2012-08-16T13:45:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T18:33:37.692-08:00"},"category":[{"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":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Using, Harvesting, And Storing Fresh Chives"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-V1d7R6Z_tzc\/UCkNyuX7kTI\/AAAAAAAABzQ\/TexWSBTrh2c\/s1600\/05-19-2012-131222.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-V1d7R6Z_tzc\/UCkNyuX7kTI\/AAAAAAAABzQ\/TexWSBTrh2c\/s640\/05-19-2012-131222.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI love having chives in our garden, and they go great with almost every meal we eat around here, but I don't always have time to head outside with scissors to grab a garnish before we eat. We're way more likely to actually use them if I keep some in the fridge. This storage method helps them stay fresh for much longer:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECut a big bunch of chives, enough for a week. To harvest, just grab a handful a few inches above the base of the plant and, using large scissors, mow it down. The plant will start filling back in with healthy new growth pretty much right away. You can harvest like this all summer long. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pXvmoIbs9HI\/UCkPskfkQYI\/AAAAAAAABz4\/xBHZStCJSnM\/s1600\/06-27-2012-183732.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pXvmoIbs9HI\/UCkPskfkQYI\/AAAAAAAABz4\/xBHZStCJSnM\/s640\/06-27-2012-183732.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have 3 chive plants, and alternately harvest each of them completely, like in the photo. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBefore using them, make sure everything in the bunch is fresh and there aren't any flower stems. The flower stems are edible, but not as tender as the leaves- we give them to the rabbits. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGreens will keep fresh if they stay humid and cool. To this end, I take a dishcloth or cloth napkin and wet it, then wring it out. The cloth should be wet but not dripping. To store chives for later use, roll them up in the dishcloth, like making a burrito.  Store your chive burrito in the vegetable crisper. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dj3ZD6bNvrs\/UCkOHunOn4I\/AAAAAAAABzY\/Ne_5HKer-7U\/s1600\/06-27-2012-181223.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dj3ZD6bNvrs\/UCkOHunOn4I\/AAAAAAAABzY\/Ne_5HKer-7U\/s640\/06-27-2012-181223.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EChive Burrito \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZoFNTELnDuM\/UCkOnDUG0HI\/AAAAAAAABzo\/TfVhHMeINrk\/s1600\/06-27-2012-181936.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZoFNTELnDuM\/UCkOnDUG0HI\/AAAAAAAABzo\/TfVhHMeINrk\/s640\/06-27-2012-181936.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhenever you want some chives, simply unwrap one end of the bundle and, using scissors or a knife, chop away whatever you need for your meal. I like to put some in a little dish every time we're having soup, so my family can add however much they want. I like tons; my kids go a little easy on it. Chives are mild enough that they're an easy, fresh, and nutritious vegetable to add to any savory dish.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-NLDFhrnBrQw\/UCkO2iox37I\/AAAAAAAABzw\/5uFRqdfNTyE\/s1600\/06-27-2012-182039.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-NLDFhrnBrQw\/UCkO2iox37I\/AAAAAAAABzw\/5uFRqdfNTyE\/s640\/06-27-2012-182039.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDon't forget about the flowers: Any fresh chive blossoms can be used as a beautiful purple garnish for soup, or tossed in salads. I used to use them whole, because it had never occurred to me to break them up, but they are kind of intense that way. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SwrxJYy-9kM\/UC1V9aQM4vI\/AAAAAAAAB0k\/jNqa8IaZTr8\/s1600\/08-13-2012-101300.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SwrxJYy-9kM\/UC1V9aQM4vI\/AAAAAAAAB0k\/jNqa8IaZTr8\/s640\/08-13-2012-101300.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThey are much nicer to eat if you separate the flowers into little pieces, which is easily done if you just pull them apart at the stem. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-B2V5xklQ8E8\/UC1WNXaJIKI\/AAAAAAAAB0s\/Yg4Bm3RFx8E\/s1600\/08-13-2012-101414.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-B2V5xklQ8E8\/UC1WNXaJIKI\/AAAAAAAAB0s\/Yg4Bm3RFx8E\/s640\/08-13-2012-101414.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThen, sprinkle on as you would the chopped leaves. They are colorful and tasty!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7uJq4wCgCpc\/UCkQRzCwkmI\/AAAAAAAAB0A\/-W-UucBm4ik\/s1600\/06-27-2012-183810.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7uJq4wCgCpc\/UCkQRzCwkmI\/AAAAAAAAB0A\/-W-UucBm4ik\/s640\/06-27-2012-183810.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis plant needs to be harvested. The mature flowers are past their prime for edibility and going to seed. It will put its energy into tender new leaves once it's cut back.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing my links to purchase things will help support our family. Thanks in advance! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\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\/2100922238516942252\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/using-harvesting-and-storing-fresh.html#comment-form","title":"34 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2100922238516942252"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2100922238516942252"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/using-harvesting-and-storing-fresh.html","title":"Using, Harvesting, And Storing Fresh Chives"}],"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\/-V1d7R6Z_tzc\/UCkNyuX7kTI\/AAAAAAAABzQ\/TexWSBTrh2c\/s72-c\/05-19-2012-131222.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"34"}}]}});