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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","$t":"Living very well on very little."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/-\/Holiday?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=50"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Holiday"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"}],"author":[{"name":{"$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":"23"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"50"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8435927116526471651"},"published":{"$t":"2020-03-17T08:37:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-03-17T08:39:48.274-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Easy Grain Free Sandwich Bread"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis striking loaf is incredibly easy to whip up in the blender, and if you use a base of sunflower seeds, your bread ends up a marvelous dark green color. Impress your family \u0026amp; friends!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe green is a natural chemical reaction between the sunflower seeds \u0026amp; baking soda, and absolutely safe. The batter looks like normal bread dough, but as it bakes it changes color. You can use other nuts; cashews \u0026amp; almonds will provide a normal colored loaf, if that's what you're after. I like sunflower seeds because the green is fun, plus they're much cheaper. And isn't there enough brown bread in the world? On to the recipe!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYB7GsQvGcE\/XnDZ-VC15HI\/AAAAAAAAlOk\/hHQELQkKPRg4BjvFy_JaDcz9wFWGAkhegCKgBGAsYHg\/s1600\/IMG_20181220_183456.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYB7GsQvGcE\/XnDZ-VC15HI\/AAAAAAAAlOk\/hHQELQkKPRg4BjvFy_JaDcz9wFWGAkhegCKgBGAsYHg\/s640\/IMG_20181220_183456.jpg\" title=\"Grain Free Sandwich Bread Loaf\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere is no prep. Simply place the following in the blender:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E8 eggs\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1\/2 c milk of any kind, unsweetened\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1.5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E450 g sunflower seeds or other nuts (2.5-3 cups)\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2 tsp baking soda\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1 tsp sea salt\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBlend into a smooth, thick batter. Then add \u003Cb\u003E7 Tbsp coconut flour\u003C\/b\u003E. This may become a little too thick for the blender to handle, as bread dough should. You can transfer it to a mixer for this last step, or just stir it by hand. No kneading required, just mix the flour in thoroughly.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hKG2tjsZ4zM\/XnDsGLPj6tI\/AAAAAAAAlPI\/FG9prfOv5gs9wibO6D1jFpru6Fvn95nBACKgBGAsYHg\/s1600\/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200316192145932.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hKG2tjsZ4zM\/XnDsGLPj6tI\/AAAAAAAAlPI\/FG9prfOv5gs9wibO6D1jFpru6Fvn95nBACKgBGAsYHg\/s640\/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200316192145932.jpg\" title=\"Easy Grain Free Sandwich Bread\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBake at 325, in an oiled standard bread loaf pan, for at least an hour. I have also divided the batter between two loaf pans. This will bake more quickly, but give shorter loafs\/smaller slices. Either way works; you do you. Just pay attention towards the end of baking. You can do a toothpick test to see if the center is baked.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELet cool in the pan for 30 minutes, and store any leftovers in the fridge.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uucGSYjzgmo\/XnDvH_pkUCI\/AAAAAAAAlP4\/hOpt7C1jWGUiFOnqZPMA7jWjkf64WHRPACKgBGAsYHg\/s1600\/IMG_20181220_183414.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uucGSYjzgmo\/XnDvH_pkUCI\/AAAAAAAAlP4\/hOpt7C1jWGUiFOnqZPMA7jWjkf64WHRPACKgBGAsYHg\/s640\/IMG_20181220_183414.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8435927116526471651\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/easy-grain-free-sandwich-bread.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8435927116526471651"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8435927116526471651"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/easy-grain-free-sandwich-bread.html","title":"Easy Grain Free Sandwich Bread"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYB7GsQvGcE\/XnDZ-VC15HI\/AAAAAAAAlOk\/hHQELQkKPRg4BjvFy_JaDcz9wFWGAkhegCKgBGAsYHg\/s72-c\/IMG_20181220_183456.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-664649224701720096"},"published":{"$t":"2020-01-26T07:42:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-03-29T08:41:10.557-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"At the very end of December 2019, I made the last minute decision to enact this resolution: to make no purchases for the entire year. Of course, we'll still buy food \u0026amp; toilet paper; we'll still go to the occasional restaurant, and if necessary we'll buy replacement items if something essential breaks. This decision followed on the heels of a string of random purchases I made during November \u0026amp; December, more than my usual. We spent not only money on these items, but time in installing and learning how to use them, moving things around so they had a proper place in the house, and storing associated paperwork and processing the packaging. While I don't regret these purchases, I have seen how dangerously easy it is to get into shopping online sales; one click and something new and exciting is on its way to your door. I feel our family is pretty well taken care of materially and should be fine for some time. I'm excited to see how long we can go without buying anything more.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s640\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg\" title=\"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe are a family of four (plus this lovely cat) with one full-time earner and myself, a mostly stay at home parent who is just transitioning to working more regular hours. I've been able to be home with my kids their whole lives, an honor I don't take for granted. In addition to raising \u0026amp; educating the kids, being the stay at home parent has also meant that I have more time to make our meals from scratch, as well as finding other ways of being frugal through the years (which you can read about in my previous articles). Many years ago, I started a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBuy Nothing Facebook group\u003C\/a\u003E in our community, and it took off like wildfire. This group, and the others like it that have since sprung up, is an amazing resource for neighbors to gift all kinds of things to each other. I love being able to offer up anything we find we no longer want or need to the group. Anytime I want to buy something, I ask first in my gifting group to see if I can find a similar item that a neighbor no longer has need of.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis resource in no small part enables me to go most of the time without buying anything. Last year, the only clothing items I bought for my kids were two pairs of jeans for my older son who had shot up like a weed, new shoes for my kids \u0026amp; partner, and new slippers for myself. Oh, and for Christmas I bought my partner a sweet new flannel shirt. For all our other clothes, our needs were more than met by the offerings in our neighborhood groups. In addition, because I personally love clothes and getting together with friends, twice a year for the past 5 years I have \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-score-new-wardrobe-without.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehosted trading parties\u003C\/a\u003E, where everyone can bring their nicer castoff clothes to give away and come home with bags of new things to try for free.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, here we are nearing the end of the first month, and while my hasty resolution has presented no real hardship, there have been a few challenges. For example, I have a Christmas cactus that has been in a horribly ugly plastic pot ever since two naughty kittens knocked it off a windowsill and it's original beautiful ceramic pot broke. I've looked for a replacement pot for years on my Buy Nothing group, and even at yard sales, but they never seem to be big enough. Suddenly, a few days into the new year, I felt I *must* get a real pot for my otherwise lovely plant. I think the constraint of not allowing myself to buy something made this desire for a replacement pot feel suddenly urgent. However, I just reminded myself that, as it's been doing fine in its plastic pot for so long, it can surely go another year without any horrible repercussions.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother challenge was not buying my cat a scratching post. He transitioned to an indoor-only cat a year or so ago, and since then has found lots of places around the house to scratch up, some approved by us (doormats) and some we would much rather him not (the nice wool carpet and the door frames). He doesn't have a real scratching post, and it occurred to me recently, after seeing an ad for a cute cactus shaped cat tree\/scratching post, that this would be just the thing. I went so far as to click on the ad, and ever since then my Facebook feed has been inundated with ads for cat-related items. Of course, as all pet parents must, I want the best for my kitty so if something would be good for him or useful, I can often justify the expense. Fortunately my partner is very practical and reasonable, and by running purchases by him I have often saved myself the regret of being stuck with an unhappy selection. Also, we visited his family earlier this month and they told me how easy it is to make your own scratching post, with some twine and wood. I have not pursued this, but knowing I can make something myself is often enough for me to not want to buy it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI look forward to future challenges. I'm sure I'll be faced with more difficult decisions than those that have presented themselves to date. Perhaps my son will grow another two inches and we won't be able to find any decent pants for him from our gifting groups. Perhaps something that seems quite essential will break and we'll have to decide how necessary its replacement is. I'll try to keep track of these challenges as they come up, and document here how I deal with them. In future posts I'll also speak to how this resolution affects us as a family, whether it becomes a hardship at all or if we notice positive effects beyond the obvious of saving money, reducing clutter, and reducing waste.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUpdate: Click here for my article on \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-quarantine.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebuying nothing through the Coronavirus quarantine\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe buy many of our bulk foods from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/664649224701720096\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-first-month.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/664649224701720096"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/664649224701720096"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-first-month.html","title":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s72-c\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5514317770400712743"},"published":{"$t":"2018-03-04T07:50:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-03-30T22:25:07.075-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Grain Free Sugar Cookies With Buttercream Frosting"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Lq1R3ZKCh9o\/WpwFfMsBuUI\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/9rRA3pm931AH_9-jMIt0gP0371vlZotkQCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180228_140745.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:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Lq1R3ZKCh9o\/WpwFfMsBuUI\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/9rRA3pm931AH_9-jMIt0gP0371vlZotkQCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180228_140745.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis fantastic, easy recipe will impress your family \u0026amp; friends. Anyone who thinks of gluten free cookies as being a dry and punishing experience will disabuse themselves of that notion after their first bite. These coconut flour based cookies are rich and buttery, and so delicious. The frosting is equally rich, and a perfect adornment. Both are quick to whip up, and not at all fussy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003ESugar Cookies:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 stick of butter (1\/2 c) softened to room temp\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 cup sugar (I used a xylitol\/natural sugar blend)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E2 eggs\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E2 t vanilla extract\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1\/2 t sea salt\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 c coconut flour (4.25 oz or 128 g, if you have a scale and want to be more exact)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 t baking powder\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E2 tb arrowroot starch, plus more for dusting\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn a large mixing bowl, cream butter \u0026amp; sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and salt and beat together well.\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn a measuring cup or small bowl, stir baking powder into the coconut flour to combine. Pour into batter and mix well. Let sit for 5 minutes so the coconut flour can absorb the liquid. Add starch and mix again to knead dough for 30 seconds. If it is sticky or too moist, add more starch, up to 4 tb total.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-72Qoca-z9H8\/WpwFfI0yQ2I\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/peWbKw8xTGsEZavRd61AbVoWOSkFvgfxACKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180228_122235.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-72Qoca-z9H8\/WpwFfI0yQ2I\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/peWbKw8xTGsEZavRd61AbVoWOSkFvgfxACKgBGAs\/s400\/IMG_20180228_122235.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDust counter with starch and press or roll dough to 1\/4\" thick. Cut into desired shapes and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes, until they reach your desired shade of golden. We found them to be delicious whether baked to a dark golden brown (shown at bottom of article) or a light gold (at top).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TAbpQSTrE3Y\/WpwFfEjhETI\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/G433nyMZZFgH2LDpJ-ZQvZD6yRHtDa__gCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180228_122408.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TAbpQSTrE3Y\/WpwFfEjhETI\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/G433nyMZZFgH2LDpJ-ZQvZD6yRHtDa__gCKgBGAs\/s400\/IMG_20180228_122408.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELet cookies harden for a few minutes before removing from the cookie sheet. Cool completely before frosting. I like to place them on a cutting board in the fridge, so they're chilled and ready for frosting in about 10 minutes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-p9FAJr_f4qY\/WpwFfELYoHI\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/eFPgbo17hccEwBRG6AZBc7_M5TppS9O9ACKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180228_125706.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-p9FAJr_f4qY\/WpwFfELYoHI\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/eFPgbo17hccEwBRG6AZBc7_M5TppS9O9ACKgBGAs\/s400\/IMG_20180228_125706.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EButtercream Frosting:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 stick of softened butter (1\/2 c)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1.5 c powdered sugar\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1.5 tb cream (from the top of can of coconut milk, or heavy cream)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 t vanilla extract\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Esmall pinch of salt\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1\/2 packet of Color Kitchen plant based food coloring, if desired\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBeat butter in mixer until smooth. Slowly stir in powdered sugar, then mix on medium until mixture holds together. Add cream, vanilla, salt, and color if using, and increase speed until everything is well mixed, scraping down the sides and bottom of bowl as needed. Frost cookies, then store them in the fridge. Any leftover frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to a week; just bring to room temperature before using.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tiu-q3UI6dM\/WpVz6U0j_DI\/AAAAAAAAYlg\/vC68dtBFt3s1K8IIyLL49_BodAwr5z96wCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180226_201642.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tiu-q3UI6dM\/WpVz6U0j_DI\/AAAAAAAAYlg\/vC68dtBFt3s1K8IIyLL49_BodAwr5z96wCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180226_201642.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnjoy!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WtpaeOLpuus\/WpVz9SUBa4I\/AAAAAAAAYlk\/Vyjx0a2NXdgCB0M7gaSvYB69rlO70LDoACKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180226_201653.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WtpaeOLpuus\/WpVz9SUBa4I\/AAAAAAAAYlk\/Vyjx0a2NXdgCB0M7gaSvYB69rlO70LDoACKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180226_201653.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E{   \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\/\",    \"@type\": \"Recipe\",    \"name\": \"Grain Free Sugar Cookies With Buttercream Frosting\",   \"image\": \"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Lq1R3ZKCh9o\/WpwFfMsBuUI\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/9rRA3pm931AH_9-jMIt0gP0371vlZotkQCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180228_140745.jpg\",   \"description\": \"These coconut flour based cookies are rich and buttery, and so delicious.\",   \"keywords\": \"Gluten Free, Holiday, Recipes, Treats, paleo, keto, cookies, healthy\",   \"author\": {     \"@type\": \"Person\",     \"name\": \"A Life Unprocessed\"   },   \"datePublished\": \"2018-03-04\",   \"prepTime\": \"PT15M\",   \"cookTime\": \"PT10M\",    \"totalTime\": \"PT25M\",    \"recipeCategory\": \"dessert\",    \"recipeCuisine\": \"Cookies\",     \"recipeIngredient\": [     \"Butter, 8 oz\",     \"Sweetener, 1 cup sugar or equivalent\",     \"Eggs, 2\",     \"Vanilla extract, 2 tsp\",     \"Salt, 1\/2 tsp\",     \"Coconut flour, 1 c\",     \"Baking powder, 1 tsp\",     \"Arrowroot starch, 2 Tbsp\"   ]   } \u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5514317770400712743\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/03\/grain-free-sugar-cookies-with.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5514317770400712743"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5514317770400712743"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/03\/grain-free-sugar-cookies-with.html","title":"Grain Free Sugar Cookies With Buttercream Frosting"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Lq1R3ZKCh9o\/WpwFfMsBuUI\/AAAAAAAAYuc\/9rRA3pm931AH_9-jMIt0gP0371vlZotkQCKgBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_20180228_140745.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8071286771375803609"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-29T19:39:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T17:46:11.381-08:00"},"category":[{"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","$t":"Halloween Scavenger Hunt!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWant to do something fun with your kids for Halloween that doesn't involve candy? Here is one of the annual activities that my kids look forward to every year.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nSHramQD_TA\/VjLOhIEu5SI\/AAAAAAAAHBw\/XUvO9G6zfPI\/s1600\/P1010159.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Halloween Scavenger Hunt\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nSHramQD_TA\/VjLOhIEu5SI\/AAAAAAAAHBw\/XUvO9G6zfPI\/s640\/P1010159.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;\"\u003EWe call this a Monster Hunt. It's a Halloween themed riddle scavenger hunt. We write little rhyming clues that we hide around the house and yard, and the last clue leads to some kind of themed gift. This year it was the coveted \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.welcometonightvale.com\/novel\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWelcome To Night Vale\u003C\/a\u003E book. When my kids were younger it might be a Halloween picture book, cool costumes, or some kind of dark and spooky decoration or toy.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4kYFtIgDLls\/VjLPTBuh8CI\/AAAAAAAAHB4\/yf7g5DHSefM\/s1600\/P1010162.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Halloween Scavenger Hunt\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4kYFtIgDLls\/VjLPTBuh8CI\/AAAAAAAAHB4\/yf7g5DHSefM\/s640\/P1010162.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;\"\u003EThese are our family's clues, things my kids' dad and I knew they would be able to figure out. They refer to things like our favorite Halloween books, decorations we have around the house or yard, the dollhouse which my kids decorate each year, the refrigerator, the costume bin, and one year to a volunteer pumpkin that we had growing in our garden. You might be able to use some of these clues as is, or change them around, or just read them and get your own ideas altogether.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IIN2cG-LvdA\/VjLQCplABBI\/AAAAAAAAHCE\/2e3nrJrnrjA\/s1600\/P1010157.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Halloween Scavenger Hunt\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IIN2cG-LvdA\/VjLQCplABBI\/AAAAAAAAHCE\/2e3nrJrnrjA\/s640\/P1010157.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EEach year, inside one drawer of their \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/halloween-activity-advent-calendar.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHalloween Advent Calendar\u003C\/a\u003E, is a little piece of paper that tells them today is the Monster Hunt. (Follow the above link to see what other ideas we use in our advent calendar.) I hide all the clues, being careful that the order they're in makes sense, one leading to the next, and that the last clue leads to a spot that's big enough to hide whatever their gift is. The kids are so excited, and always love this little Halloween tradition.\u003C\/span\u003E\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\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vG021uuSsuM\/VjLXi__l3RI\/AAAAAAAAHCg\/cBAXIi6E6d4\/s1600\/IMG_20151027_094432102.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Halloween Scavenger Hunt\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vG021uuSsuM\/VjLXi__l3RI\/AAAAAAAAHCg\/cBAXIi6E6d4\/s640\/IMG_20151027_094432102.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"360\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis was the first year that my youngest was able to read the questions himself. Each time they found a clue, he'd settle in and make himself comfortable, then read the clue aloud to us, before running off to the next location.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8071286771375803609\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/halloween-scavenger-hunt.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8071286771375803609"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8071286771375803609"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/halloween-scavenger-hunt.html","title":"Halloween Scavenger Hunt!"}],"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\/-nSHramQD_TA\/VjLOhIEu5SI\/AAAAAAAAHBw\/XUvO9G6zfPI\/s72-c\/P1010159.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8898019799389375253"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-17T15:38:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T17:42:21.585-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Halloween Activity Advent Calendar"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe like to celebrate Halloween for an entire month. Throughout October, in the days leading up to the actual holiday, we do activities that help spread out the joy of Halloween, instead of cramming all the festivities into one glorious and exhausting day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen my oldest was a baby we bought this cardboard haunted house advent calendar at an after-Halloween sale. It had gummy candies in each of the 13 drawers, which I dislike but my kids' dad finds them delicious. After the candies were gone, I saved the haunted house to be a future Halloween decoration, and every year since then we've reused it, filling the drawers with surprises for our kids. I added small numbered tags that protrude from each drawer, letting my kids know which drawer to open next.\u003Cbr \/\u003E You can make your own advent calendar any number of ways, or reuse one like I've done. Over the years, we've put different things in the drawers, from tiny, Halloween themed toys to small candies. In recent years, with candy burnout and toy overload, we instead plan a festive activity for each of the 13 days leading up to Halloween, and the drawer contains a description of that activity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s1600\/P1010151.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s640\/P1010151.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BX6WHY-z9JI\/Vfs7O_mKrXI\/AAAAAAAAG2Y\/XlLbU2qrXMY\/s1600\/P1010154.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BX6WHY-z9JI\/Vfs7O_mKrXI\/AAAAAAAAG2Y\/XlLbU2qrXMY\/s640\/P1010154.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis would involve some kind of Halloween themed craft, changing each year depending on materials on hand and inspiration.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UdcGeaaqc-E\/Vfs7Is0q0SI\/AAAAAAAAG2U\/QLC1RwvO56Y\/s1600\/P1010156.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UdcGeaaqc-E\/Vfs7Is0q0SI\/AAAAAAAAG2U\/QLC1RwvO56Y\/s640\/P1010156.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis is what we call our annual Halloween scavenger hunt. At the end of the scavenger hunt is generally some kind of creepy toy or gift for my kids to share.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8uROL0E8vms\/Vfs7H5-qabI\/AAAAAAAAG2M\/QlZNt5l1tEo\/s1600\/P1010155.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8uROL0E8vms\/Vfs7H5-qabI\/AAAAAAAAG2M\/QlZNt5l1tEo\/s640\/P1010155.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWe have a few movies that we usually watch each October, Nightmare Before Christmas is one favorite.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHere is a list of family traditions that might be included in our Halloween activity advent calendar:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDecorate the house\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDo a Halloween craft of some kind\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EStroll through a beautiful old cemetary \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EGo to a Halloween Party\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWatch Nightmare Before Christmas\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETrick or Treat on Halloween night\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETrick or Treat at the local businesses\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESee Dracula, the ballet, in full costume\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBathtime in the dark, with glow-in-the dark toys and LED candles\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ERhyming scavenger hunt (see this link for \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/halloween-scavenger-hunt.html\"\u003Escavenger hunt ideas\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHarvest festival at a local farm\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPack up unwanted candies in gift bags for the homeless \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe also play spooky music throughout the month, and change our screensaver to our collection of Halloween photos from previous years, which my kids love.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EEach year we modify the activities so they're appropriate to the ages and interests of our kids, but the basic structure remains the same. We all enjoy prolonging the festivities, and I think we reduce a lot of stress by not trying to fit everything into just one day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhat activities does your family enjoy each October? Are there Halloween movies you love watching with your kids? I'd love to hear your ideas.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8898019799389375253\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/halloween-activity-advent-calendar.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8898019799389375253"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8898019799389375253"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/halloween-activity-advent-calendar.html","title":"Halloween Activity Advent Calendar"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s72-c\/P1010151.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1366806458784682615"},"published":{"$t":"2014-01-09T07:10:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T18:01:35.456-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Foraging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Make Herbal Salt Blends"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5DnXnwy2nfI\/Us61vKqepYI\/AAAAAAAACeI\/0sM1JZuOF0I\/s1600\/P1010104.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade herbal salt blend\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5DnXnwy2nfI\/Us61vKqepYI\/AAAAAAAACeI\/0sM1JZuOF0I\/s1600\/P1010104.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis is my favorite new recipe, simply blending together dried herbs and sea salt. It's amazingly good and infinitely variable. It's also a delicious way to add more dried nettles to your diet, which are mild tasting and incredibly nutrient rich. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI got the idea from a recipe in the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mountainroseherbs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMountain Rose Herbs\u003C\/a\u003E catalog, but have made it my own. I always have different herbs on hand- and never follow a recipe to the letter if I can help it. Not having any dried rosemary the first time I made this, I was worried mine wouldn't turn out that great because I used such different flavors, but it was amazing. I'll include both the original recipe, which sounds fantastic, and my first variation, which was very ad hoc and turned out great.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ofJ8yfn9hDQ\/Us60JPLX7BI\/AAAAAAAACds\/e37qYGjfyvc\/s1600\/P1010089.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"dried herbs for salt blend\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ofJ8yfn9hDQ\/Us60JPLX7BI\/AAAAAAAACds\/e37qYGjfyvc\/s1600\/P1010089.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis is a perfect way to use your home-dried herbs! Shown here are golden oregano, parsley, and rosemary, all from my summer garden.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOriginal recipe:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 parts rosemary leaf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part nettle leaf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part dandelion leaf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part lemon thyme leaf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ecoarse sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIn a coffee grinder, finely powder each herb. Mix the blended herbs together in one container, and measure the total volume. Add half that volume of salt. Return to the grinder and pulse together to blend.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SD_gaZmuwdo\/Us6yoB0nFdI\/AAAAAAAACdc\/mUOYTRWln5k\/s1600\/P1014774.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade herbal salt blend\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SD_gaZmuwdo\/Us6yoB0nFdI\/AAAAAAAACdc\/mUOYTRWln5k\/s1600\/P1014774.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat I did:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 parts sage\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 parts nettle leaf \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part oregano\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part parsley\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 part thyme\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ecoarse sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-v72tOz35cak\/Us67BITjKhI\/AAAAAAAACeY\/DTxZ1gSLhGs\/s1600\/P1010093.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to make herbal salt blends\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-v72tOz35cak\/Us67BITjKhI\/AAAAAAAACeY\/DTxZ1gSLhGs\/s1600\/P1010093.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EDon't worry if it looks a bit coarse after the first grind. When the herbs are ground a second time, with the salt, they'll become fine powder.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIt's so, so good. Use it as you would table salt, to sprinkle extra nutrients and flavor on everything you eat. As you can see from how different the above herb combinations are, you can really use whatever you have.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe've also found that we can get away with a lot less salt, so rather than half the total volume being salt, we might use 1\/3 or 1\/4. It's really more about the herbs!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ieXQbww7Ap0\/Us606QpEb0I\/AAAAAAAACd8\/xXZ6SqJ28qI\/s1600\/P1040059.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Herbal salts wrapped for gifts\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ieXQbww7Ap0\/Us606QpEb0I\/AAAAAAAACd8\/xXZ6SqJ28qI\/s1600\/P1040059.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI made specific flavors that I thought people would like  (parsley \u0026amp; thyme for my stepmom, rosemary sage for my brother) and  packed them in pretty jars, to go along with Christmas presents this  year.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1366806458784682615\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/01\/how-to-make-herbal-salt-blends.html#comment-form","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1366806458784682615"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1366806458784682615"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/01\/how-to-make-herbal-salt-blends.html","title":"How to Make Herbal Salt Blends"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5DnXnwy2nfI\/Us61vKqepYI\/AAAAAAAACeI\/0sM1JZuOF0I\/s72-c\/P1010104.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7212593814106370057"},"published":{"$t":"2013-12-06T20:52:00.003-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T18:09:35.827-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Delicious Water Kefir"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6-R2YSDuV-g\/UqKgg_0y3hI\/AAAAAAAACcQ\/t7Pa7YbGmOE\/s1600\/PC190056.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6-R2YSDuV-g\/UqKgg_0y3hI\/AAAAAAAACcQ\/t7Pa7YbGmOE\/s640\/PC190056.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Water kefir is my new favorite thing to drink. It's so light and naturally bubbly, and can be made into any flavor with the addition of fruit juices. Plus it has the health benefits of living cultured foods. In less than a week and with minimal effort, your kefir grains will transform a small amount of juice and sugar into an amazingly tasty, versatile, and healthful beverage.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E There are two stages of fermentation for your kefir, the first ferment and the second ferment. I will describe them both here. When you are given water kefir grains, they will look like this: \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0tw4cWBeI-4\/Up3rkmxCygI\/AAAAAAAACb0\/-9OM-N9wAnE\/s1600\/PC140035.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0tw4cWBeI-4\/Up3rkmxCygI\/AAAAAAAACb0\/-9OM-N9wAnE\/s640\/PC140035.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI scrawled a line on my jar to mark the optimal level of kefir grains. When they multiply and go over the line, it's time for me to share them with someone! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Here is how to feed and care for your kefir grains, and produce a delicious tonic in the process:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E First of all, they need sugar. Simply mix sugar into warm water until it dissolves. I heat about two cups of water in a pan on the stovetop, just until it's steamy, and then stir in the sugar. There's no need to boil it. More cool water will be added, to bring the total liquid up to about a quart. I loosely measure 1\/4 cup of rapidura or sucanat sugar, and stir it to dissolve. This is then poured into a large glass jar with about 1\/4 c of water kefir grains. That's it. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9V8KtCq6DCI\/Up3sRKlKWtI\/AAAAAAAACb8\/sGRV18_UIaM\/s1600\/PC140041.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9V8KtCq6DCI\/Up3sRKlKWtI\/AAAAAAAACb8\/sGRV18_UIaM\/s640\/PC140041.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1\/4 cup Rapidura sugar, loosely measured. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EChoose the least processed sugar you can find, since the kefir grains benefit from the minerals. If you only have processed sugar, add a dollop of molasses to give back some of the minerals that the kefir needs to thrive. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Nwt77IG7YFc\/UqKhum3jXgI\/AAAAAAAACcc\/QWQCMmcLMxc\/s1600\/PC140003.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Nwt77IG7YFc\/UqKhum3jXgI\/AAAAAAAACcc\/QWQCMmcLMxc\/s640\/PC140003.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis jar contains 1\/4 cup sugar dissolved in about a quart of liquid, along with the kefir grains. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the grains \u0026amp; sugar water are combined, cap tightly. To be sure fruit flies can't get into it (and they would really like to) I cover the lidded jar with a cloth, rubber banded in place: \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wcyxRCh5hfM\/UqKiVLy7IaI\/AAAAAAAACco\/zyglY2Z6dQI\/s1600\/PC140005.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wcyxRCh5hfM\/UqKiVLy7IaI\/AAAAAAAACco\/zyglY2Z6dQI\/s640\/PC140005.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Let this ferment, undisturbed and at room temperature, for 24-48 hours. Cooler temperatures will slow down fermentation. You don't want the kefir grains to run out of sugar or they will die, so don't let it go too long.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CdHk49OQRVo\/UqKiUFXjb-I\/AAAAAAAACck\/SXKZ3TkAzq0\/s1600\/P1010005.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CdHk49OQRVo\/UqKiUFXjb-I\/AAAAAAAACck\/SXKZ3TkAzq0\/s640\/P1010005.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E After two days, it's time to strain out the liquid into a bottle or jar, and add some fruit juice. Use whatever flavor you fancy; we've tried fresh apple, grape, elderberry, and orange, and they've all been really good. For the elderberry, I used a small amount of homemade elderberry syrup in place of juice, and it worked great. I tend to use about 1\/4 to 1\/3 for my ratio of juice to kefir liquid. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lovRRaZ46hM\/UqKj28528kI\/AAAAAAAACc4\/JH3JSD8ptH8\/s1600\/PC140033.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lovRRaZ46hM\/UqKj28528kI\/AAAAAAAACc4\/JH3JSD8ptH8\/s640\/PC140033.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile you can use a tightly capped mason jar for the second ferment, I prefer the spring loaded bottles shown above. They have a firm seal and are easy to use, as well as a pretty nice presentation. These two bottles of orange kefir are in their second ferment, alongside the \"mother\" jar of kefir doing its first ferment. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-t_LIH7V-W08\/UqKknPTKPuI\/AAAAAAAACdA\/EGACdDSsxyk\/s1600\/PC140036.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-t_LIH7V-W08\/UqKknPTKPuI\/AAAAAAAACdA\/EGACdDSsxyk\/s640\/PC140036.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThese upcycled bottles of storebought kombucha that a friend saves for me also work great for doing the second ferment. They have very tight fitting lids, which is important for building up carbonation in the water kefir. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gocy7F3bKuk\/UqKlRzaO1FI\/AAAAAAAACdM\/QJRdUCjm124\/s1600\/PC190025.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gocy7F3bKuk\/UqKlRzaO1FI\/AAAAAAAACdM\/QJRdUCjm124\/s640\/PC190025.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOrange water kefir, nicely bubbly! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce your juice and kefir blend has fermented for 2 or 3 days, place bottles in the refrigerator. They'll last a long time in the fridge, but they're ready to drink as soon as they're cold! Open with caution. Sometimes a lot of pressure can build up, particularly if they've fermented for too long or been kept in the fridge for too many weeks (where they slowly continue to build up pressure). If this happens, drink your water kefir sooner!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDo you have a favorite flavor of water kefir, or a different way to make it? I'd love to hear ideas and feedback from you!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E For more on traditional sourdough, as well as a whole world of fermentation ideas, check out the original source of my inspiration, two books by Sandor Katz. Both probably available from your local library, but also definitely worth owning. If you buy either through my ad links below, Amazon gives me a tiny bit of cash. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7212593814106370057\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/12\/how-to-make-delicious-water-kefir.html#comment-form","title":"8 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7212593814106370057"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7212593814106370057"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/12\/how-to-make-delicious-water-kefir.html","title":"How To Make Delicious Water Kefir"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6-R2YSDuV-g\/UqKgg_0y3hI\/AAAAAAAACcQ\/t7Pa7YbGmOE\/s72-c\/PC190056.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"8"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1174497731634120835"},"published":{"$t":"2013-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:21:19.501-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Handmade Copper Tree"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe final product, in all its gleaming upcycled glory:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s1600\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s640\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"468\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere were a couple of years that we went completely treeless at Christmas, when my kids were quite young and wouldn't miss it. But I do like having a big tree to decorate, with beautiful presents piled underneath.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rFCY9o8OPU\/UplZXYIwCWI\/AAAAAAAACa8\/o648_YlMIqw\/s1600\/12-04-2011-192610.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fabric wrapped christmas presents\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rFCY9o8OPU\/UplZXYIwCWI\/AAAAAAAACa8\/o648_YlMIqw\/s640\/12-04-2011-192610.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor a few years we would go out of town in early December and cut a tree from a little tree farm, and then one year we discovered buying the ones already trucked into town and sold in lots was way cheaper. Still, cutting or buying a new tree each year never sat well with me. It just seems like such a waste, in more ways than one. It's part of the uber-consumption of the holiday season that we generally do well to avoid.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe considered buying a fake tree, and talked to a lot of friends who are very happy with theirs. I liked the idea of having one tree to use every December forever, without creating more waste each year. I was not happy with the off-gassing factor of artificial trees though. Also, many fake trees are pre-lit, and the biggest problem with that appears to be that the light strands will die in big sections, as light strands do, and then you end up with a half-lit tree, and ultimately a bunch more trash in the landfill.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-P4M1X8jm10o\/UplZsp3kY2I\/AAAAAAAACbE\/8DSiIrGwX3M\/s1600\/12-04-2011-155523.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"metal christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-P4M1X8jm10o\/UplZsp3kY2I\/AAAAAAAACbE\/8DSiIrGwX3M\/s640\/12-04-2011-155523.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe borrowed a white metal yard tree from a friend one year, and used that in our living room. I kind of liked the stark simplicity of the metal, but with half the lights out it was rather haphazard looking. One day, after gazing for a moment at our semi-ugly borrowed metal tree, Nik declared that he could make a better one.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Drk_HhuMI5k\/UplYTq2PKyI\/AAAAAAAACak\/vih-79rVeAo\/s1600\/12-17-2011-171427.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Drk_HhuMI5k\/UplYTq2PKyI\/AAAAAAAACak\/vih-79rVeAo\/s640\/12-17-2011-171427.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"468\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ECreating the branching effect\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHe got to work right away. The only thing he needed to buy for it was a copper lightning rod, to use as the tree trunk. The rest of the copper came from stripped electrical wires, leftover from the rolls of wiring he had for a house project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iwRHZGlEqGo\/UplYfggPGKI\/AAAAAAAACas\/9uX7uWczqtk\/s1600\/12-17-2011-171524.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iwRHZGlEqGo\/UplYfggPGKI\/AAAAAAAACas\/9uX7uWczqtk\/s640\/12-17-2011-171524.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can see in the picture how he wound a thick layer of extra rubber tubing around the base of the tree so it would work in a conventional tree stand.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStripping the wiring of its protective coating was not an easy task, but once he had that done, building the tree was fun and easy. To continue with the upcycling trend, he used strips of old bicycle tubing to lash the branches to the trunk. Then he unwound the wires to make them branch in natural patterns... And then we had our tree! Simple, mostly free materials, and what's more beautiful than gleaming copper?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RFMiTkl4NwY\/Uplgkqrch2I\/AAAAAAAACbc\/-88X6fhXHQo\/s1600\/11-27-2012-123944.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RFMiTkl4NwY\/Uplgkqrch2I\/AAAAAAAACbc\/-88X6fhXHQo\/s640\/11-27-2012-123944.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe wire is plenty strong for all our ornaments. You can see in this photo how we simply wind the light strand around the trunk of the tree rather than around the perimeter as you might for a pine tree.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6HLOO3YC7i0\/UplgWhJOldI\/AAAAAAAACbU\/fwWZjEoq_BU\/s1600\/11-26-2012-104003.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6HLOO3YC7i0\/UplgWhJOldI\/AAAAAAAACbU\/fwWZjEoq_BU\/s640\/11-26-2012-104003.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think the gold tree star topper looks fabulous on the copper tree.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis will be our third year using it, and it's still as beautiful as ever!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1174497731634120835\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/11\/our-handmade-copper-tree.html#comment-form","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1174497731634120835"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1174497731634120835"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/11\/our-handmade-copper-tree.html","title":"Our Handmade Copper Tree"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s72-c\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-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-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-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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4724004163676785307"},"published":{"$t":"2012-12-02T14:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:26:38.998-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Candy Cane Lemons"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PyUeyvRIsU\/ULvL4ZfoEsI\/AAAAAAAACBQ\/yzNsHXhBqEI\/s1600\/candylemon.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"candy cane lemon\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PyUeyvRIsU\/ULvL4ZfoEsI\/AAAAAAAACBQ\/yzNsHXhBqEI\/s640\/candylemon.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eis the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E time of year when candy canes come out of the woodwork. As a kid, we considered them an essential decorat\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eion for\u003C\/span\u003E our Christmas tree, but no one really like\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ed eating them. Pepp\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eermint candy canes are yummy, but maybe kind of boring. Here\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, however, is a fun and delicious way of using some of those can\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Edy canes that \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewe seem to collect every December\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\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe learned this trick at the preschool my kids used to go to. My kids absolutely love \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewhen we do candy cane lemons\u003C\/span\u003E, and it's bec\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eome a holiday tradition\u003C\/span\u003E. It's kind of magical too how you can take a solid candy cane and it suddenly becomes a straw. Not only that, but lemon juice becomes palatable. Here's the trick:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZlaA8s1E1Wk\/ULvQY_U2eYI\/AAAAAAAACB8\/d3ocCr8zyeI\/s1600\/candylemonodin.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"candy cane lemon\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZlaA8s1E1Wk\/ULvQY_U2eYI\/AAAAAAAACB8\/d3ocCr8zyeI\/s640\/candylemonodin.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStart with one large lemon and one candy cane for each person.\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFirst, take \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ethe\u003C\/span\u003E lemon and roll it around, pressing firmly,\u0026nbsp;until it's soft. This is something the kids can work on, but then a grown-up can check to make sure the lemon has become soft. The pressing helps to release all the little jewels of lemon juice inside. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen the lemon is soft, use the tip of a knife to cut an \"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EX\u003C\/span\u003E\" in the side. This is where the peppermint straw will be inserted- but first, prep the candy cane:\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\/-V0xh9eo7bD8\/ULvQgb_BLpI\/AAAAAAAACCE\/UnWQqy9hE1k\/s1600\/candylemonloki.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"candy cane lemon\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-V0xh9eo7bD8\/ULvQgb_BLpI\/AAAAAAAACCE\/UnWQqy9hE1k\/s640\/candylemonloki.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe candy cane simply needs both ends cut off so that there is just a straight section left, with porous ends. When ready, insert this into the lemon and suck away. The acids from the juice will hollow out the candy cane, and the candy will sweeten the juice. Together, a perfect and entertaining holiday treat!\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\/-6_V6-OWsY1w\/ULvMBa2DQkI\/AAAAAAAACBY\/PlY7QoeEmMo\/s1600\/candylemonboys.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"candy cane lemons\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-6_V6-OWsY1w\/ULvMBa2DQkI\/AAAAAAAACBY\/PlY7QoeEmMo\/s640\/candylemonboys.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, who does not like to let his hands get messy, holds his lemon in a cup\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E. They also could be w\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Erapped in a napkin to prevent dripping.\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;\"\u003EYou can also crush up the cut \"U\" e\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ends of the candy canes and use them to decorate holiday cookies or truffles. Enjoy these bright and festive treats!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\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\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\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\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\/4724004163676785307\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/candy-cane-lemons.html#comment-form","title":"51 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4724004163676785307"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4724004163676785307"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/candy-cane-lemons.html","title":"Candy Cane Lemons"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PyUeyvRIsU\/ULvL4ZfoEsI\/AAAAAAAACBQ\/yzNsHXhBqEI\/s72-c\/candylemon.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"51"}},{"id":{"$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":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8183298039686666316"},"published":{"$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-1504011800505959922"},"published":{"$t":"2012-07-14T19:13:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:15:06.358-07:00"},"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":"Holiday"},{"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","$t":"Grain-Free Black Bean Brownies"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xOniqc4fczk\/UAIdlSYuTeI\/AAAAAAAABw0\/RrYjCJzDpE4\/s1600\/06-18-2012-183727.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"black bean brownies\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xOniqc4fczk\/UAIdlSYuTeI\/AAAAAAAABw0\/RrYjCJzDpE4\/s640\/06-18-2012-183727.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWho would have thought these brownies, basically consisting of blended beans, cocoa, sugar, and eggs, would be so delicious? I know I never did. I'd read about them here and there, and finally decided to give them a try. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThey are absolutely fudgy and amazing\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E! They have a great texture. What's more, they are simple to make.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf I'm going to bother making something, it's got to be healthy, so I haven't actually made brownies in a long time. This was a nice change! I've brought these brownies to potlucks, where everyone was impressed that they were eating beans. You won't taste the beans! I've also found that this recipe works great to make black bean chocolate cake pops, for the 4 year old in all of us ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yxxhYl3BkEk\/UAIhnvcew2I\/AAAAAAAABxY\/BwOIm7m3Xmo\/s1600\/06-18-2012-183519.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"black bean brownies\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yxxhYl3BkEk\/UAIhnvcew2I\/AAAAAAAABxY\/BwOIm7m3Xmo\/s640\/06-18-2012-183519.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe candied walnuts on top are a simple addition that makes them divine. Leave them out if you don't like nuts. My kids prefer them that way, but then, they are nuts ;) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can start with canned beans, but I just cook extra beans when I make a batch of soup. After they're tender, and before adding anything to the soup, I remove the two cups of beans for this recipe. If you're using canned, I've read that it's best to rinse them so they don't have such a strong flavor. I haven't found that the beans need to be rinsed when cooked fresh.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oPgv5bUYNQE\/UAIg_DuuiPI\/AAAAAAAABxI\/YbPVDGdM33Q\/s1600\/06-18-2012-174543.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"black bean brownie batter\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oPgv5bUYNQE\/UAIg_DuuiPI\/AAAAAAAABxI\/YbPVDGdM33Q\/s640\/06-18-2012-174543.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 batter is so good you could make it into ice cream.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBlend together in food processor:\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 c cooked black beans, drained of all liquid.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2\/3 c sucanat, or sugar of choice\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/3 c cocoa, or carob powder\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 tb coconut oil, or butter\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E3 eggs, or flax seed egg substitute\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 1\/2 tb vanilla extract (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-everlasting-vanilla-extract.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Etry making your own\u003C\/a\u003E!)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/4 t sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPour into greased 8\"x8\" pan. Top with optional walnut topping, and bake at 350 until done- maybe 15 minutes. I stay near the oven so I can smell them, and when the top starts to crack, they're golden.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OGk_tgsE7Hs\/UAIgRQB6X4I\/AAAAAAAABxA\/q3zSyT40sbI\/s1600\/06-18-2012-174504.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"walnuts brownie topping\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OGk_tgsE7Hs\/UAIgRQB6X4I\/AAAAAAAABxA\/q3zSyT40sbI\/s640\/06-18-2012-174504.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOptional Walnut Topping:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/2 c walnuts, broken or chopped into small pieces\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 tb agave\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStir together in a bowl until nuts are coated in agave. Sprinkle over batter before baking.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JHOZNw3sWrA\/UAIhX5yAvRI\/AAAAAAAABxQ\/PufyoLCsUek\/s1600\/06-18-2012-183657.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"black bean brownies\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JHOZNw3sWrA\/UAIhX5yAvRI\/AAAAAAAABxQ\/PufyoLCsUek\/s640\/06-18-2012-183657.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;\"\u003EEnjoy!\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\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\/1504011800505959922\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/07\/grain-free-black-bean-brownies.html#comment-form","title":"43 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1504011800505959922"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1504011800505959922"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/07\/grain-free-black-bean-brownies.html","title":"Grain-Free Black Bean Brownies"}],"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\/-xOniqc4fczk\/UAIdlSYuTeI\/AAAAAAAABw0\/RrYjCJzDpE4\/s72-c\/06-18-2012-183727.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"43"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3364664787347313086"},"published":{"$t":"2012-04-15T21:39:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T08:28:06.618-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Rethinking Gift Wrapping"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s640\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis gift is wrapped in a small batik tablecloth and tied with a silk ribbon, probably from a bathrobe tie.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EIn order to reduce waste (since \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-we-ditched-our-garbage-service.html\"\u003Ewe no longer have garbage service\u003C\/a\u003E!) and never have to buy gift wrapping supplies, I used to save the wrapping paper from all our gifts, carefully folding it and removing the tape, mourning the bits that got torn, and then trying to hide the flaws when I reused the paper... I am pleased to say that I never have to worry about reusing paper wrapping these days. Fabric wraps are so much easier to reuse, and they don't show wear like paper does. They are harder to tape effectively, but proper folding and use of ribbons eliminates the need for tape anyway.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-10umfDBmEO8\/T4ubrlAk6ZI\/AAAAAAAABfE\/DWaHp0iqcdM\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103434.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-10umfDBmEO8\/T4ubrlAk6ZI\/AAAAAAAABfE\/DWaHp0iqcdM\/s640\/04-15-2012-103434.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis one is wrapped in a fancy table runner \u0026amp; tied with a disco belt\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have always loved wrapping gifts, and these days the wrapping is often as much a present as what's inside. I have acquired a collection of used, scavenged, and repurposed scarves, saris, and tapestries, or even pretty cloth napkins or pillowcases, that work great for gift wrapping. Wrapped up in beautiful fabric, tied with a silk ribbon (or, often an old, beautiful belt from a robe, coat, or dress) these gifts can look very elegant. I love that there's no waste; I never cut anything and I never use tape. I just wrap, fold and tie.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8VlMkONeC_c\/T4ubGYofwZI\/AAAAAAAABe8\/b06QDZGxCgo\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103704.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8VlMkONeC_c\/T4ubGYofwZI\/AAAAAAAABe8\/b06QDZGxCgo\/s640\/04-15-2012-103704.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA sarong works great for wrapping this large boardgame.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'll often choose some lovely wrapping that I think the recipient will particularly appreciate, but frequently I just have to use whatever fabric will cover the gift well, especially if it's something large. I don't ask for the wrapping back, but sometimes people offer it if they don't want to use it themselves. However, I like the idea of this method catching on as the recipients of these gifts then wrap their presents for others in the same fabric. I've had some people excitedly ask me \"Can I keep the wrapping?!\" I always say yes!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-tX0o5dwLJSU\/T4ud-qzYDGI\/AAAAAAAABfg\/RG7-zgLUKmQ\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103842.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-tX0o5dwLJSU\/T4ud-qzYDGI\/AAAAAAAABfg\/RG7-zgLUKmQ\/s640\/04-15-2012-103842.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWrapped in a silk scarf and another robe tie\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOf course, if you have kids you probably have an abundance of fingerpaintings, drawings, and random art projects that can make great wrapping paper. I save any large, colorful or sparkly paintings for wrapping gifts. For these, I do break out the roll of tape. A gift for grandparents can be made extra special when it's decorated with kid's art. It also gives these paintings a new life, and your kids will probably enjoy seeing their art gracing some beautiful gifts.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I9IP0Lcf3IY\/T4ueXfCgBbI\/AAAAAAAABfo\/-0EtnbudNu4\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103749.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I9IP0Lcf3IY\/T4ueXfCgBbI\/AAAAAAAABfo\/-0EtnbudNu4\/s640\/04-15-2012-103749.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA repurposed painting with a bit of Gris Grimly's art glued on.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3364664787347313086\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/rethinking-gift-wrapping.html#comment-form","title":"39 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3364664787347313086"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3364664787347313086"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/rethinking-gift-wrapping.html","title":"Rethinking Gift Wrapping"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s72-c\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"39"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7315376739309379063"},"published":{"$t":"2012-03-01T07:10:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T09:10:25.908-07:00"},"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":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Soaked Grains Breakfast Cake"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-BfJ1vNZaEDs\/T07OSn2AB1I\/AAAAAAAABaM\/9SX4MRxYN8g\/s1600\/cakee.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"soaked whole grain breakfast cake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-BfJ1vNZaEDs\/T07OSn2AB1I\/AAAAAAAABaM\/9SX4MRxYN8g\/s640\/cakee.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI soak all our grains now, after reading \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.radiantlifecatalog.com\/product\/NOURISHING-TRADITIONS\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENourishing Traditions\u003C\/a\u003E by Sally Fallon. The book was really inspiring, and a wealth of information about traditional food practices. Soaking is easy, improves flavor and digestibility, gives baked foods a natural rise, and only requires planning ahead for the next day's meal. Sometimes I have no specific idea what I'll be making the next day, but I just soak 2 or 3 cups of flour because I know I'll use them the next day for something; pancakes, waffles, cornbread, or cake can all benefit from soaking. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EUse any grain flour, soaked overnight or up to 24 hours, in kefir, yogurt, kombucha (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/make-your-own-kombucha.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Elearn to make your own here!\u003C\/a\u003E) or even some homemade lacto-fermented soda (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/lacto-fermented-ginger-ale.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Echeck out this post to find out how to make it!\u003C\/a\u003E) and combine with any fruits for this delicious, moist breakfast cake. The soaking medium needs to be acidic to break down the anti-nutrients naturally present in all seeds, grains, and nuts. Soaking also tenderizes even coarsely ground flour, making the whole grains more nutritious and digestible. Generally for cake I'll\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/grind-your-own-flours-from-whole-grains.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Egrind my own flour\u003C\/a\u003E from\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E red wheat, millet, and corn. Feel free to use whatever flour you prefer!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor the fruits, you can use fresh, frozen and defrosted, or a combination. Having bought 8 lbs of frozen cranberries last November for my favorite cranberry sauce, I now put cranberries in every cake I make, mixing them with frozen raspberries or rhubarb, fresh apples or pineapple chunks. It's fun to use a few varieties of fruits, but if you only have one or two to use, it will still be tasty. Try whatever combination you are inspired to use or have on hand. My son love pineapple chunks with cranberry.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-GqtfwAHXY6A\/T07RJ6A-PaI\/AAAAAAAABaU\/XbTJYWwI1mQ\/s1600\/kefireddough.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"batter for soaked whole grain breakfast cake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-GqtfwAHXY6A\/T07RJ6A-PaI\/AAAAAAAABaU\/XbTJYWwI1mQ\/s640\/kefireddough.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo begin, combine 2 c whole grain flour of your choice with 2 c kombucha, kefir, or yogurt, preferably in a glass bowl. Anything fermented is best stored in glass, because the acidity could leech junk out of a plastic or metal container. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI usually use a combination of wheat, corn, and millet flour, but if you are gluten free you could easily leave out the wheat. Stir well and leave out to soak at room temp for 12-24 hours, covered by a plate, a lid, or a dishcloth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen ready to bake, mix 4 c berries and two sliced apples, or equivalent other fruits, with 1\/2 c sugar in the bottom of an 8\"x13\" baking dish. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo make the batter, mix in to your dough:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/2 c softened butter or coconut oil\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E3 eggs (or blend 3 tb flax seeds in a coffee grinder and mix with 1\/2 c water to make the vegan equivalent. Let it soak for 30 minutes until it gels and it will work as a binder just like egg.)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStir together, then add to batter: \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E3\/4 c sucanat (or, really any sugar)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/4 t sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 t baking soda\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPour the batter over the fruit, and bake for 35-50 minutes (depending on oven \u0026amp; pan depth) at \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E350° until golden brown.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/--4i8nFDKmAM\/T07VEiJxpwI\/AAAAAAAABac\/qVEZkV7OQPM\/s1600\/cake.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"soaked whole grain breakfast cake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/--4i8nFDKmAM\/T07VEiJxpwI\/AAAAAAAABac\/qVEZkV7OQPM\/s640\/cake.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;\"\u003ECake for Breakfast!\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\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\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\/7315376739309379063\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-to-make-soaked-grains-breakfast-cake.html#comment-form","title":"45 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7315376739309379063"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7315376739309379063"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-to-make-soaked-grains-breakfast-cake.html","title":"How To Make Soaked Grains Breakfast Cake"}],"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\/-BfJ1vNZaEDs\/T07OSn2AB1I\/AAAAAAAABaM\/9SX4MRxYN8g\/s72-c\/cakee.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"45"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7744257920147203719"},"published":{"$t":"2012-02-16T16:22:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T09:45:40.116-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Making Honey Wine"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cowpTDTcmYg\/Tz2bzM4ragI\/AAAAAAAABX8\/SC5Fa8SLryw\/s1600\/honeywine.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cowpTDTcmYg\/Tz2bzM4ragI\/AAAAAAAABX8\/SC5Fa8SLryw\/s640\/honeywine.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEvery time I mention honey wine, someone thoughtfully corrects me. \"Isn't it called mead?\" Apparently, wines come from grapes, mead comes from honey, and beer comes from grains. But if that's true, what about Dandelion Wine? I think these definitions are too strict, and a little leeway is needed for the home brewer. Honey wine just sounds so luscious. And it is! This recipe is for Ethiopian Honey Wine, or Tej, which is the first recipe in Sander Katz's Wild Fermentation. His book is an absolute inspiration and I really recommend it. Now for the wine:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor almost all my fermentation projects, I add a little starter (click here to find out how to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-make-ginger-bug-natural-soda.html\"\u003Eeasily make your own fermentation starter, also called a \"ginger bug\"\u003C\/a\u003E) to help get things going in the right direction. It's absolutely not required in this recipe, but when I did it by the book, I personally didn't get any noticeable fermentation until I added some of my ginger bug. The traditional ingredients are only water and honey, but raw honey has natural anti-microbial properties that inhibit growth of even beneficial bacteria. To ensure you get a live ferment, add 1 cup of soda starter from your ginger bug. The starter takes just 3 days to make and you can use it forever with some light feeding and proper storage.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI use dechlorinated water (read about how to easily \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-remove-chlorine-from-tap-water.html\"\u003Edechlorinate your own water\u003C\/a\u003E here) for all my ferments, since the intention of chlorine in our tapwater is to inhibit the kind of growth we require for fermentation. Also, I avoid fermenting in metal or plastic, since the acidity of fermentation leeches junk out of those materials. Glass \u0026amp; ceramic are safer for fermentation. I bottle my wine in repurposed glass soda or beer bottles that have a spring-loaded, rubber sealed lid. We bought the soda just for the bottles, which cost more when you buy them empty than we paid for them with soda at the grocery outlet. You can buy bottles like these by the case at brewery supply stores, or use mason jars. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo add a little class to your repurposed containers before bottling your wine, remove the old labels. An easy way to remove labels from bottles \u0026amp; jars you want to use for something else is to lay them in the sink with a soaking wet washcloth over the label, for at least ten minutes. Most labels will slide right off after a brief soaking, though some types of glues hold up irritatingly well to this method.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-394Y7Mg0L2I\/TxgpR8yLxbI\/AAAAAAAABSc\/CVx29S9ee6E\/s1600\/honeywine.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-394Y7Mg0L2I\/TxgpR8yLxbI\/AAAAAAAABSc\/CVx29S9ee6E\/s640\/honeywine.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESupplies you need:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E3 cups honey\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E3 quarts water, preferably dechlorinated (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-remove-chlorine-from-tap-water.html\"\u003Eclick here to see how I easily dechlorinate my water\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 cup natural soda starter (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-make-ginger-bug-natural-soda.html\"\u003ELearn to make your own here!\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 gallon jar or ceramic crock\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1 gallon repurposed glass jug or carboy\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Eballoon or airlock (a stretchy, sterile medical glove works as well!)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ebottles or jars that can be sealed\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ea funnel for bottling\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003ETo begin, place honey and water in the gallon jar and stir to dissolve. I will save you the hassle we experienced our first time making this by suggesting you use WARM water to dissolve the honey. Honey just has the hardest time softening in cold water, and honestly getting it to dissolve in cold water was the most time consuming part of making our first batch of wine. Sometimes we just like to do things the hard way ;)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce dissolved, add your soda starter to kick start fermentation, or trust to the wild yeasts that exist everywhere if you prefer not to use a starter. Cover the jar with a dish cloth, secured with a rubber band, and give it a good stir twice a day. Each time you stir it, you help introduce wild yeasts from the air, and from the surface of the spoon, into your wine. This is why the starter isn't technically needed, but I still like to use it because I know it works and I don't have to cross my fingers that something will happen.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter 3-4 days, depending on the temperature in your house and the yeasts available to your wine, you should have a delicious, bubbling wine base (surely there's a technical name for the wine at this stage?) Using a funnel, pour your liquid into a clean carboy or gallon size apple cider jug. Cover with an airlock or a balloon. Let this sit for 3 weeks or so, until it stops bubbling. I've never used an actual airlock, but presumably you can tell when air is escaping. With the balloon, I simply wait until it starts to shrink slightly. Of course I mark on my calendar to start checking it after 3 weeks. The longer it goes, the less sweet your wine will be, and the higher its alcohol content.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sfLOpNSPX5M\/Txgpi6mIrXI\/AAAAAAAABSk\/f1mTchLXdlY\/s1600\/honeywine3.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sfLOpNSPX5M\/Txgpi6mIrXI\/AAAAAAAABSk\/f1mTchLXdlY\/s640\/honeywine3.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe wine is ready! At this point, we bottle it, stick it in the fridge or a cold, dark pantry, and enjoy. It's light and sweet and a little bubbly, though I'm sure as with all fermentations, each batch is unique. Nik, who is not a wine drinker, really enjoys the honey wine, and it's also gotten great reviews from our friends who are more serious wine drinkers. It doesn't have the tannins or bitterness of a red wine, but is also not heavy or cloying like some dessert wines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPlease refrigerated the finished wine. This method of winemaking does not make wine that lasts forever. It does keep for several months, at least, in the fridge, but since the yeasts are still active, pressure could build up and cause an explosion if not kept cool. Don't worry about it exploding if you keep it cold, though. Compared to the fermented sodas I make, this wine is hardly fizzy at all and doesn't create noticeable pressure in the  bottle. It might build up pressure if stored in a warmer area where fermentation could continue unchecked though. It tastes better cold anyway!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-gZixIpVFvR4\/TxgqhBfJbyI\/AAAAAAAABSs\/s7ZjCG_cbRk\/s1600\/12-22-2011-090139.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-gZixIpVFvR4\/TxgqhBfJbyI\/AAAAAAAABSs\/s7ZjCG_cbRk\/s640\/12-22-2011-090139.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter bottling the clear wine, we sampled the dregs. Even the dregs were delicious! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EFor more on making traditional honey wine, 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. 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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\/7744257920147203719\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/making-honey-wine.html#comment-form","title":"100 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7744257920147203719"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7744257920147203719"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/making-honey-wine.html","title":"Making Honey Wine"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cowpTDTcmYg\/Tz2bzM4ragI\/AAAAAAAABX8\/SC5Fa8SLryw\/s72-c\/honeywine.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"100"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1054179386715021167"},"published":{"$t":"2012-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:23:43.378-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"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":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Everlasting Vanilla Extract"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zQiwYRCfPMo\/TyDByc9CQxI\/AAAAAAAABUU\/vsdFxw7Jp2E\/s1600\/vanillas.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade vanilla extract\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zQiwYRCfPMo\/TyDByc9CQxI\/AAAAAAAABUU\/vsdFxw7Jp2E\/s640\/vanillas.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\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;\"\u003ETwo ingredients, plus time, in a bottle = lovely, aromatic, everlasting vanilla\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhole vanilla beans are something I've really never used on their own, but I LOVE vanilla extract for all kinds of recipes, and love being able to make my own extract so easily. Plus, this is one less reason to ever go to the store. OK, besides the liqueur store...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAll you need is some hard alcohol (I use 80 proof brandy, rum, or vodka), a vanilla bean, and a clean bottle. To be fair, you also need patience. This is no instant gratification recipe. While you can use the vanilla extract after as little as six weeks, at that point it will smell more like alcohol than vanilla. Give it a full three months for the best flavor.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIf you want to speed up the time it takes before you can use your vanilla extract, try using a greater proportion of vanilla beans in the bottle. This will have it tasting of vanilla sooner, though it will cost more.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i7ZdgcMGRk8\/TyDGn9qlb4I\/AAAAAAAABUk\/hbuAD_jR7cI\/s1600\/rum.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"alcohol for homemade vanilla extract\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i7ZdgcMGRk8\/TyDGn9qlb4I\/AAAAAAAABUk\/hbuAD_jR7cI\/s640\/rum.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\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;\"\u003EReally, anything works as long as it's hard\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhat makes it everlasting? When the bottle runs low, you just top the vanilla off with more alcohol and let it set for a couple months again. You can do this many times before the vanilla bean loses it's magic. While vanilla beans aren't cheap, one bean makes a lot of extract when used like this. I buy 1 oz of organic vanilla beans (about 9 beans) for $6 from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, but you can also find them at health food stores in bulk.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-GEaWfhXHlIs\/TyDF5ErlHxI\/AAAAAAAABUc\/0x9djWsWOj8\/s1600\/littlev.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"homemade vanilla extract\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-GEaWfhXHlIs\/TyDF5ErlHxI\/AAAAAAAABUc\/0x9djWsWOj8\/s640\/littlev.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\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;\"\u003EThis is the first bottle I made, which is a bit too small for how often I use vanilla. To keep me in vanilla extract, I have two 8 ounce bottles going in rotation.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003EInstructions\u003C\/b\u003E:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ECut the vanilla bean into short pieces so it fits into the bottom of the bottle. If you leave the pieces long, you will have to refill it too often to be very useful (it's best if the alcohol always covers the vanilla bean).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPlace one cut bean in each 4 to 8 oz bottle (you can use 1\/2 bean if using very small bottles). \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFill the bottle with hard alcohol of your choice. I've used vodka, brandy, and both dark and light rums. To me, it really doesn't make a difference which type of alcohol I use; use whatever you have! Not tequila though because that would be disgusting.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EKeep at room temperature, wait 3 months, then use as you would any store-bought vanilla extract.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFor best results, give the bottle a gentle shake every week or so, to fully distribute the vanilla flavor into the alcohol.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ERefill when alcohol gets lower than the top of the vanilla bean (the alcohol preserves the bean, so it should always be submerged).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBecause of the wait time after refilling the bottle, I keep two 8 oz  bottles in rotation these days, so I never run out, or have to use vanilla that  tastes like brandy. Every time I use some vanilla, I gently shake both bottles.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHow long will it keep? Alcohol will preserve the vanilla\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E indefinitely\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, as long as the beans are fully submerged and it's stored in a dark cabinet or in a dark glass bottle. When it gets low on flavor, cut up a new bean and toss it in.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow I'm linking to Amazon ads, to help 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\/1054179386715021167\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-everlasting-vanilla-extract.html#comment-form","title":"85 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1054179386715021167"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1054179386715021167"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-everlasting-vanilla-extract.html","title":"How To Make Everlasting Vanilla Extract"}],"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$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zQiwYRCfPMo\/TyDByc9CQxI\/AAAAAAAABUU\/vsdFxw7Jp2E\/s72-c\/vanillas.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"85"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1942322305362241967"},"published":{"$t":"2011-12-23T23:04:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T16:48:36.080-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Never Waste a Shrunken Sweater: How to Make Arm Warmers"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pcuWiqb0EAs\/TvV036o-pDI\/AAAAAAAABMY\/dWgC7eH-F1o\/s1600\/lokiarmies.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"arm warmers, repurposing a sweater\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pcuWiqb0EAs\/TvV036o-pDI\/AAAAAAAABMY\/dWgC7eH-F1o\/s640\/lokiarmies.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\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;\"\u003ELoki models his new \"armies\", along with what remains of the shrunken red sweater after making three pairs of armies from it.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOver the years, I have somehow shrunken more sweaters than I can count. It might have something to do with my refusal to take anything to a dry-cleaner. I normally try to wash them in a sweater bag, in cool water, and hang dry, but still some come out of the wash much smaller than they went in. This is not, however, the end of their usable life!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gtw83wxZCIc\/TvV4tPUT6yI\/AAAAAAAABNQ\/Fz5U8ePnxQk\/s1600\/brownarmy3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"arm warmers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gtw83wxZCIc\/TvV4tPUT6yI\/AAAAAAAABNQ\/Fz5U8ePnxQk\/s640\/brownarmy3.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;\"\u003EOne favorite easy sewing project of mine is to make \"armies\", arm warmers, or whatever you want to call them. I've been making them for years from busted shirts. It's always nice to have a pair around for when your wrists get cold ;) Actually they make a lot of difference if they're wool, and as you can see in the photo of my son, they make you feel a lot tougher.\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:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-smDEHtJQk58\/TvV21cu9RQI\/AAAAAAAABM4\/Sy9GLN5lIdc\/s1600\/redarmy.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"arm warmer\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-smDEHtJQk58\/TvV21cu9RQI\/AAAAAAAABM4\/Sy9GLN5lIdc\/s640\/redarmy.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;\"\u003EThey can make excellent presents as well, for those who like to do handmade holiday gifts.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI used to make them a lot shorter, so they were basically fingerless gloves, but these days I like them to be more like sleeves, up to my elbows. Then I can get away with tank tops in December.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThere isn't much of a trick to them. They can be as simple and rustic or finished and embellished as you want. I tend to go for the quick \u0026amp; rustic look. I like the things that I make to look handmade, but I also like them to last, so I do a whip stitch around the cut edges to reduce fraying. I have heard that if you wash (read: felt) them after stitching around the edges, the stitches will just shrink up and the edges will be nice and clean.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI'm kind of ethically opposed to taking a perfectly good sweater and turning it into a project, when there are enough shrunken or stained sweaters out there to make arm bands for the world. You probably have a sweater right now that's past its prime, not really wearable but perhaps was once a favorite? Give it a new life!\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\/-RRDDhRU8S6E\/TvV4NIAN47I\/AAAAAAAABNE\/Q8Nd5oua-u0\/s1600\/armiesgreen.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"arm warmers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RRDDhRU8S6E\/TvV4NIAN47I\/AAAAAAAABNE\/Q8Nd5oua-u0\/s640\/armiesgreen.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;\"\u003EThese were made from scraps of a wool scarf.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow I'm linking to some relevant Amazon ads. Any purchases 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\/1942322305362241967\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2011\/12\/never-waste-shrunken-sweater-how-to.html#comment-form","title":"40 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1942322305362241967"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1942322305362241967"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2011\/12\/never-waste-shrunken-sweater-how-to.html","title":"Never Waste a Shrunken Sweater: How to Make Arm Warmers"}],"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\/-pcuWiqb0EAs\/TvV036o-pDI\/AAAAAAAABMY\/dWgC7eH-F1o\/s72-c\/lokiarmies.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"40"}}]}});