Kidney Bean Salad with Mediterranean Dressing

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes

Salad Ingredients:
1 ear of raw corn kernels
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 15oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 TBS fresh parsley or cilantro, minced

Mediterranean Dressing Ingredients:
4-5 cloves garlic, chopped or pressed
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and toss with 1/2 cup Mediterranean Dressing.

Mediterranean Dressing Directions:
Press garlic and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, and pepper.
Slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil into the mixture while whisking constantly. The more slowly you pour and the faster you whisk, the thicker and creamier the dressing will be.
The dressing will store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. It will solidify so you will need to bring it back to room temperature before using.

Recipe By:  Tea Perron
Taken From "The Good Witch's Farm House Kitchen Facebook Page"

Recipe: Braised Red Cabbage

I can't boast about having done so much exotic cooking recently. We are definitely in a rut of making pasta, homemade pizza and a variety of meat-and-two-veg combinations. Since time is at a minimum, as usual, I am not looking for extra projects this winter. But I would like to try and find a couple of easy winter vegetable recipes. My potato and celeriac side dish has been a hit with DH and me (don't ask the Things what they think about it). And this week I was ready to tackle another item: red cabbage.

I often have red cabbage in the house. I wish I could say I was making home fermented red sauerkraut, but I haven't been so enterprising of late. Instead I keep it around to mix it with salad greens to bring in some additional nutrients. I also like to use it to make coleslaw sometimes, that can be especially delicious. This last weekend however I was feeling in the mood to make braised cabbage. Who cared what the kids thought. It isn't like Thing 1 eats anything other than raw carrots, cooked broccoli and the occasional salad. Thing 2 simply won't eat any unpureed unhidden vegetables at all. This cabbage was all for me. It was likely I would have to deal with screaming kids anyway, why not do it eating something I enjoyed?

I found this recipe for braised red cabbage through a quick google search. It was easy and came out a perfect mic of salty, sour and sweet.

Braised Red Cabbage

1 head of red (aka purple) cabbage
2 tablespoons butter
1 small to medium onion, sliced
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt

First chop the cabbage into bite size bits. I found this easier too cook than long strings. Place the cabbage into a bowl of cold water for a few minutes (I wish I could explain why you had to do this other than it was in the original recipe, but I truly don't know). In a large skillet melt the butter on medium heat and cook the onions for about 5 minutes. Drain the cabbage and add it to the pan. Now add the remaining ingredients, honey, apple cider vinegar and salt. Stir and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 1/2 hours. You won't need any additional liquid.

The result is a slowly braised wonderous side dish. I served my cabbage alongside a meatloaf and buttery butternut squash. It was a stand out in the meal. But perhap the best part was the next day when we made meatloaf sandwiches topped with the cold slaw. Man oh man. My mouth is watering reliving the moment.

I hope you will try this. It will definitely be a regular addition to our winter table. Two winter veggies down, two dozen to go.

Enjoy!

This post is shared with Real Food Wednesdays

How To Make Gripe Water

Gripe water is a natural remedy devised in the mid-1850s in England for easing the pains and discomfort of a baby troubled by colic, gas, cramping, indigestion, hiccups and teething. Variations of this recipe existed for centuries prior to its marketing as "gripe water." The original recipe contained alcohol, dill, fennel, sodium bicarbonate and sugar. However, because of ethical issues of giving babies alcohol and the harmful affects of sodium bicarbonate on young children, most people prefer to use a more "modern baby" friendly recipe. You CAN purchase Gripe Water at most baby or drug stores, however if you're worried about quality or ingredients, it's best to make your own, and when it's this easy, why not?

Below you'll find a collection of recipes, choose the one you like best and give it a try. Some of these contain things like sugar or corn syrup, if you don't wish for your child to have such ingredients, choose a different recipe or simply skip that step. However, for young children sugar or corn syrup can be used to help combat the bitter taste. Remember, when you make your own, you can adjust amounts to fit your needs!



Gripe Water Recipe #1

1. Add 1 tsp Caraway, Fennel or Dill seed to 1Pt Water
2. Bring to boil & Simmer about 10 mins uncovered
3. Cool to Room Temp
4. Serve

Gripe Water Recipe #2

1. Place 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds in a plastic bag and seal it.
2. Beat the seeds. Use your hammer to beat the fennel seeds in the bag thoroughly. Now you have crushed fennel seeds.
3. Pour 2 pints of water into a pan and place it on the stove on high heat.
4. Boil the crushed fennel and 1 teaspoon of dill seeds for 15 minutes.
5. Take the pan off the stove and strain out the mixture.
6. Pour the resulting fluid in a bottle.
7. Allow to cool to room temperature (use refrigerator for faster cool time - but serve room temp)
8. Feed it to the baby. Shake the solution and offer up to 1/2 teaspoon whenever it suffers from digestion-related problems.

Gripe Water Recipe #3

1. Measure one tsp. whole fennel seeds and place in a small mixing bowl. (fresh fennel can be used)
2. Add 1/4 tsp. chopped fresh ginger to the fennel in the mixing bowl. (ground ginger can be used)
3. Add 1/4 tsp. chopped fresh dill to the bowl along with two fresh leaves of mint that have each been torn in half. (Dried dill and mint can be used)
4. Mix the herbs together with a mixing spoon, crushing the fennel seeds. 
5. Pour the herbs into a small saucepan.
6. Cover the herbs with four cups of water 
7. Add one tbsp. of corn syrup. (optional)
8. Bring the combination to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
9. Pour over a strainer
10. Cool to room temperature

Gripe Water Recipe #4

1. Measure out 1 or 2 tbsp. ea Crushed Fennel seeds, dill seeds, chamomile & ginger. Peppermint, Lemon Balm and Cinnamon Bark can also be added if you choose.
2. Place all ingredients in pot along with 3 cups water.
3. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for two minutes.
4. Turn the heat down to a simmer and let the gripe water simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.
5. Strain herbs from water
6. Add honey or sugar to sweeten the water if you like.
7. Cool to room temperature.

Gripe Water Recipe #5
*You will need a tea ball or cheese cloth/muslin for this method, but you can simply boil & strain if you wish as well.

1. Grind, process or crush 1tsp fennel seed, 2tsp Chamomile, 1/2 tst Peppermint, 2 tsp Ginger
2. Place ground mixture in tea-ball (or use cheese cloth or muslin to make a bag)
3. Place ball in 3c water & boil on high for 2 minutes.
4. Simmer 15-20 mins
5. Remove from heat & remove ball.
6. Stir in 2-3 tsp sugar
7. Coot to room temp

Notes for ALL Gripe Water - 

• Always serve at room temperature! 
• Store in tightly sealed container.
• Discard unused Gripe Water after 24-48 hours.
• Give in doses of 5-10 ml up to 6 times a day.
• Cheese cloth is useful for straining small particles of ground herbs or seeds

Recipe for Homemade Whey

Makes about 5 cups.

Homemade whey is easy to make from good quality plain yoghurt, or from raw or cultured milk. You will need a large strainer that rests over a bowl.

If you are using yoghurt, place 2 quarts in a strainer lined with a tea towel set over a bowl. Cover with a plate and leave at room temperature overnight. The whey will drip out into the bowl. Place whey in clean glass jars and store in the refrigerator.

If you are using raw or cultured milk, place 2 quarts of the milk in a glass container and leave at room temperature for 2-4 days until the milk separates into curds and whey. Pour into the strainer lined with a tea towel set over a bowl and cover with a plate. Leave at room temperature overnight. The whey will drip out into the bowl. Store in clean glass jars in the refrigerator.

Source: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, PhD.

Laundry Soap Recipes

There are most likely just as many home made laundry soap recipes as there are store bought ones. But here are SOME of the ones I have encountered... Making your own laundry soap will not only save you money, but will allow you to control the ingredients and their quality.

Just as each family will have their own needs and preferences when it comes to store bought soaps, you'll encounter that for home made too. I suggest if you see a recipe you like, make a small batch and see what you think if you are nervous about trying something new. But since most ingredients are either already in your home or are very inexpensive to buy, even if you decide to make a large batch and don't like it, you really aren't loosing much!

OPTIONAL: If you prefer to have a "prettier" smell or if you would like more of an antibacterial or anti-grease property to your laundry soap, you can add Essential Oils. Tea Tree Oil has great antibacterial properties. Sweet Orange is wonderful for grease. And there are a myriad of options for fragrance. 10-15 drops per 2 gallons

Liquid Laundry Soap

Recipe #1

You will need:

• 1 quart Water (boiling)


• 2 cups Bar soap (grated)


• 2 cups Borax


• 2 cups Washing Soda

*Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
*Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
*Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
*Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).

Recipe #2

You will need:

• Hot water


• 1 cup Washing Soda


• 1/2 cup Borax


• 1 Soap bar

*Grate the bar soap and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
*Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted soap, Borax and Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water.
*Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Recipe #3

You will need:

• Hot water


• 1/2 cup Washing Soda


• 1/2 cup Borax


• 1/3 bar Soap (grated)

*In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
*In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated soap mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
*Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Recipe #4

You will need:

• Hot water


• 1 bar (4.5 oz) Ivory Soap - grated


• 1 cup Washing Soda

*In a large saucepan add grated soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is melted.
*Fill a large pail with 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot soap mixture. Stir until well mixed.
*Then add the washing soda, again stirring until well mixed.
*Set aside to cool.
*Use 1/2 cup per full load, stirring well before each use (will gel)

Recipe #5

You will need:

• 2.5 gallons Water (hot)


• 1 Bar soap (grated)


• 3/4 cup Washing Soda


• 3/4 cup Borax


• 2 TBS Glycerin

*Melt bar soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until soap is melted.
*In a large pail, pour 2.5 gallons of hot water, add melted soap mixture, washing soda, borax and glycerin. Mix well.
*Use 1/2 cup per full load.

Recipe #6

You will need:

• 2 cups Bar soap (grated)


• 2 cups Washing Soda


• 2 - 2.5 gallons hot water

*Melt grated soap in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is dissolved.
*Pour hot water in large pail, add hot soap and washing soda. Stir very well.
*Use 1 cup per full load.

Recipe #7


You will need:

• 2 gallons Water (hot)


• 1 bar Soap (grated)


• 2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this time–not washing soda)

*Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.
*In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
*Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
*Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

Recipe #8
DR. BRONNER'S HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP

You will need:

• 1 cup Dr. Bronner's pure castile liquid soap


• 1 cup baking soda


• 2 cups water


• 1/3 cup salt

*Warm the water and mix with salt and baking soda until dissolved.
*Pour into a one-gallon container.
*Add the Dr. Bronner's and fill the remainder of the gallon jar with water.
*Use 1/4 cup of laundry soap per load.
*This laundry soap doesn't create suds, but it doesn't need to in order to get your laundry clean.

Powdered Laundry Soap

Recipe #1

You will need:

• 12 cups Borax


• 8 cups Baking Soda


• 8 cups Washing Soda


• 8 cups Bar soap (grated)

*Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
*Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.

Recipe #2

You will need:

• 2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated)


• 1 cup Washing Soda


• 1 cup Borax

*Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
*Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

TIPS

• Use Milk Jugs or Old Laundry Soap Jugs for liquid/gel soaps


• Gallon sized "Food containers" are great for powdered soap storage


• Remember to check the ingredients of any soap used, some of them are less than healthy choices! I prefer Castile Soaps but there are many options out there.


• Use a food processor or blender to grate or powder bars of soap quickly and easily.

**More to come! Post yours as a comment & I'll add it!

Wipe Solution Recipes

    I have never believed in the "one size fits all" myth, and that goes for wipe solutions as well. Some parents will prefer to just use water, while others will prefer more bells and whistles. I suggest trying out a few and seeing what you like best. I'll be adding to this list as I find more recipes, and I would love to hear yours if you have them! These solutions are cloth safe and even better, face and finger safe!

Common Cloth Wipe Solution Recipe Ingredients:
    Most of the recipes below, as well as others you'll find, will contain many of the same or even similar ingredients. Before you decide to make your own solution, it's best to know why you're using these things, so here are some common ones:

Oil:  Helps the wipe glide across baby's skin and keeps skin soft
Soap:  Cleanses by removing all traces of urine and feces
Essential Oil:  Added for antibacterial and/or aromatherapy purposes.
Water:  The main ingredient in each recipe, cleanses the diaper area and dilutes the other ingredients

    Each ingredient is going to add it's own "personality" to the solution and each can come with pros and cons. I'm a fan of using a single solution for at least a few days without using any others, this way SHOULD your child have an allergy to an ingredient, it's much easier to understand which one. Even though most of these options are chemical free or close to it, there can still be allergens in them. For people like me, Essential Oils can be a BIG problem! And for others it could be an oil ingredient or something else. So try not to mix them until you know that there is no reaction...

**I wish I didn't have to say this, but please keep all wipe solution ingredients away from your child. You may not think that these everyday products can be dangerous, but some infants have suffered respiratory problems after aspirating baby oil. And remember, it takes less than a Table Spoon of water to drown an infant... So be safe, not sorry!

    When it comes to actually creating your solution, I prefer to start with water and add from there. Otherwise your bowl/bottle and tools can become coated in oil or soap and less will actually end up in your final solution.

I suggest using bottled water and not tap, although tap will work. The reason here is because tap water can contain all kinds of things from softeners to high levels of Chlorine, which will settle as it sits. Also, you'll want to make small batches - maybe once a week - to avoid mildew or mustiness.

Cloth Wipe Solution Recipes

Almond 'n' Chamomile
 *2 chamomile tea bags
 *2 teaspoons almond oil
 *2 cups hot water
Steep the tea bags in the hot water then add the oil.

Anti-Fungal
 *1/4 cup white vinegar *1 tablespoon calendula oil
 *A few drops lavender oil
 *A few drops tea tree oil
 *1/4 cup 100% aloe vera gel
 *1 cup water
Omit vinegar if baby has a raw rash.

Anti-Fungal Too
Similar to the other anti-fungal recipe, but less vinegar and water.
 *1 teaspoon white vinegar
 *1 tablespoon calendula oil
 *A few drops lavender oil
 *A few drops tea tree oil
 *1/4 cup 100% aloe vera gel
 *1/2 cup water
 
Basic Wipe Solution
This basic recipe can be adapted by changing the type of soap or oil.
 *1/2 cup baby oil
 *1/2 cup baby wash
 *2 cups water

Castile Solution
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap comes in several yummy scents!
 *1 tablespoon almond, apricot, or other oil
 *1 tablespoon Dr Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap
 *2 drops tea tree oil
 *1 drop lavender oil
 *1 cup water

Chamomile 'n' Honey
 *1 chamomile tea bag
 *1 teaspoon honey
 *1 cup boiling water
Brew the tea, add the honey, and drink any leftovers!

Easy Peasy
 *2 tablespoons oil
 *2 tablespoons baby wash
 *1 1/2 cups water

Eight is Great
Similar ingredients as other recipes, but in different amounts.
 *1/8 cup vegetable oil
 *1/8 cup baby wash
 *8 drops lavender oil
 *4 drops tea tree oil
 *2 cups water

Essential Oil Solution
With three different EOs contributing their unique properties...
 *4 cups water warmed in microwave
 *2-4 drops Tea Tree Oil
 *2-4 drops Lavender Essential Oi1
 *1 Tablespoon Grapeseed Oil
 *1 Tablespoon Calendula Oil
 *2 Tablespoon Baby Wash

Fruit 'n' Veggie
 *1 teaspoon fruit-based oil (apricot, olive, grapeseed, etc)
 *1 tablespoon vegetable-based soap (like Dr. Bronner's liquid castile)
 *1 teaspoon 100% aloe vera gel
 *1 cup water

Just One
 *1 chamomile tea bag
 *1 teaspoon oil
 *1 teaspoon baby bath or shampoo
 *1 drop lavender oil
 *1 cup hot water

Lavender 'n' Tea Tree
Very Popular
 *1/8 cup olive oil
 *1 tablespoon baby shampoo
 *4 drops tea tree oil
 *8 drops lavender oil
 *3 cups water

No Measuring
Don't measure for this one, just estimate amounts.
 *2 squirts baby oil
 *2 squirts baby wash
 *1 drop Essential Oil of your choice
 *1 cup water (about)

Olive 'n' Tea Tree
 *1/4 cup olive oil
 *1/8 cup gentle baby bath
 *A few drops tea tree oil
 *4 cups water

Soapless
 *1-2 drops tea tree oil
 *1-2 drops lavender oil
 *1 cup water
**Use caution with this recipe as we've been told some children may develop a rash since the essential oils aren't dissolved in a carrier oil.

Witch Hazel Solution
 *1 cup witch hazel
 *1/2 cup aloe vera juice
 *1 tablespoon olive oil
 *1 teaspoon white vinegar
 
Zany Apricot Solution
 *1 tablespoon apricot oil
 *1 tablespoon unscented baby wash
 *3 cups water

Zany Lavender Solution
 *1 tablespoon baby oil
 *1 tablespoon lavender scented baby wash
 *2-3 drops lavender oil
 *3 cups water

 More Notes!
    If you're trying to go natural or chemical free, you will want to make sure that you are NOT using the regular Baby Soaps, Shampoos, Body Oils or Washes. Many of these contain Mineral Oil, which is a Bi-Product of Petroleum. Look for Natural or Organic baby options on Amazon, Natural Parenting Shops or Whole Foods Companies. 

     Dr. Bronner's Soap can be found on and off line through natural product shops, Amazon or Whole Foods...

Pumpkin Possibilities

Pumpkins are really yummy and really healthy.  Just think of all the fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium,  and manganese. Its also a good source of folate, omega-3 fatty acids, thiamin, copper, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, niacin and copper. 

Good for keeping your lungs healthy thos cold and flu season but also as listed in World's Healthiest Foods website, pumpkin (and other winter squash) 

are phytonutrient rich

Although not as potent as root vegetables like burdock, garlic or onion, winter squash have been found to have anti-cancer type effects. Phytonutrient research on squash is still limited, but some lab studies have shown vegetable juices obtained from squash to be equal to juices made from leeks, pumpkin, and radish in their ability to prevent cell mutations (cancer-like changes). 

I have some plans for a pumpkin smoothie, pumpkin soup, and perhaps even a healthy mix to make up some Halloween cakes for hungry goblins.

These aren't my original recipes but one's I think I will enjoy, and hope you will too -

Smoothie - I use a vanilla whey protein base shake formula to which I plan to add about half a cup of pumpkin puree and some organic pumpkin pie spice.  I never add the ice when I make smoothies, just filtered water or another juice.  Sometimes I add organic milk so I vary the recipe from time to time.  I do not use soy milk or almond milk because of allergy.  If I use other than real milk - like rice milk - I make my own to avoid all the additives.

Soup -  I love Black Beans so when I saw this recipe I thought it was right up my flavor palette.  I make a black bean-pumpkin stew in the winter that has a hearty Southwest flavor and kick. You could sprinkle this with a little chili powder or cayenne to "turn it up a notch"!

• 3 cans Organic Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can Organic Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Organic Cumin
• 1 teaspoon or less Celtic Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Organic Peppercorns, ground
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15oz) pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 pound cooked diced ham (delete for non-meat eaters)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions: In a food processor or blender coarsely puree beans and tomatoes.
In a 6 quart heavy kettle cook onion, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper in butter over medium heat, stirring until onion is softened and beginning to brown. Stir in bean puree. Mix in broth, pumpkin and red wine until combined and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Just before serving, add ham and vinegar and simmer, stirring, until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds (and shredded cheese, optional).

Garnish:

Toast Organic Raw Shelled Pumpkin Seeds sprinkled with Celtic Salt in the oven at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes, turning once.

Servings: 9 servings total
Calories 300, Fat 10 grams, Protein 16 grams, Sodium 1058 mg, Carbohydrates 34 grams, Fiber 10 grams

Choco-Pumpkin Muffins -
This is an easy one and it makes the chocolate cake much healthier.
You'll need one 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree and one 18.25 ounce Devil's Food cake mix.  Mix the two together BUT DO NOT ADD ANY OTHER INGREDIENTS
Line a muffin pan with paper liners.  Pour in batter. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes.  Makes 12.
You might like to add pumpkin puree to your favorite pancake mix too.
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