Homemade Yogurt

Each week, I've been tackling multiple pins from my growing Pinterest boards- some are ok, some need "tweaking" and some are fabulous, like this homemade yogurt.

I looked at multiple methods and recipes and settled on this crockpot version- 

instructions  were easy to follow and spot on:)

I started at 4pm (start time is important!) with a 1/2 gallon of organic whole milk...

...poured the milk into my crockpot, set to low for 2 1/2 hours and then unplugged and allowed to rest for an additional 3 hours...

...then took a cup of milk from the crockpot, added 1 cup of plain, whole milk yogurt, gently combined and returned the mixture to the crockpot...

...then covered the crockpot with 2 large towels and left in the garage overnight (8-12 hrs) to incubate.

At approx 9:30 the next morning I unwrapped my homemade yogurt...

...and opted to strain the yogurt through cheesecloth to achieve a thicker consistency...

 ...and then poured yogurt into a small tub & added a mango puree 

(used frozen mango & a swirl of maple syrup)...

...to achieve a DIY YoBaby meal:)

Rosebud could tell this wasn't as sweet as the YoBaby so I've been tweaking- 

she liked my homemade version even better with some mashed banana added to the mix:)

The finished yogurt will keep for 7-10 days & don't forget to keep 1 cup as a starter for your next batch!

TOTAL COST: $3!

 

Next up, DIY Cloud Dough!

Thanks for stopping by,

Tiffany

DIY Liquid Soap Nut Laundry Detergent

I purchased some Ecos liquid detergent a year ago and I'm just now finishing it!  With our HE machine, I only need 1 tbsp liquid detergent per load and even less for diapers!  However I've been dying to switch to Soap Nuts and just biding my time...

I came across this fabulous post concerning soap nuts which gave me the ammo to try making a liquid version- as I do all my wash in cold water, the liquid is less fussy.

Why soap nuts?

These little gems are:

• organic & non toxic
• fragrance free & hypoallergenic
• sustainable & biodegradable
• HE & standard machine compatible
• renewable alternative to expensive "green" soaps

"Eco Nuts contain saponin, a natural cleaner that works as a surfactant.  When agitated in the washer, the saponin breaks the surface tension of the water to penetrate the fibers of your clothing, lifting stains from the fabric and leaving dirt suspended in the water that is rinsed away.

Eco Nuts are gentle on both clothes and skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin, eczema, allergies and psoriasis.  Because they are so mild and leave little residue, they are perfect for baby clothes and cloth diapers.  The quick biodegradability of Eco Nuts also make then great for septic and grey water systems.  But don't expect these shells to foam up like commercial soaps, which have artificial foaming agents.  Foam simply does not represent cleaning power.  Eco Nuts work in all washing machine with any temperature water.  Eco Nuts have been sterilized for consumer protection."

EcoNutsSoap.com

Ready to make your own liquid soap nut laundry detergent?

Here's what you need:

2 cups water

5-6 soap nuts

1st Batch
Place 2 cups water in saucepan and bring to a boil.  Drop in 5-6 soap nuts and simmer for 10 minutes.  Allow to cool and then strain through cheesecloth or muslin.  Top off the soap nut mixture with water to equal 2 cups and store in desired containers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Optional 2nd Batch
If endeavoring to be very frugal, a second batch can be made with the same soap nuts.  Repeat the process above, this time simmering for 20 minutes.  Soap nut liquid can be transferred to an ice cube tray and frozen- simply add a couple ice cubes to your load of wash!

I can't wait to use my freshly made soap nut liquid & I just discovered that soap nuts can be used to make an all purpose cleaner, appropriate for cars, tires, dishes, people, pets etc...!

And as a bonus, I didn't need to add any soap to my pot for washing up- check out those suds!

Thanks for stopping by,

Tiffany

Pumpkin Lasagna?

Yes, you read correctly:)  I've been searching for creative ways to get any veg (besides mashed potatoes!) into the kid's mouths these days & this was a huge success, so definitely worth a post!

 Sprouts has had Framer's Market Organic Pumpkin on sale for the past few weeks so naturally I stocked up for pumpkin bread, never dreaming it would pair with lasagna!  And bonus, they're BPA free & I really can tell a difference with the organic vs regular pumpkin!!!

So lasagna has been one of the few cooked entrees to pass muster with my little Ms for awhile but sadly they were refusing the eggplant, zucchini and any meat nestled within...today I randomly tried adding a generous cup of pureed pumpkin into the tomato sauce.  I tried it first and thought it was delicious but obviously the real test would be with my Tornado...

 

...she just finished a big bowl of 'seconds':)  I couldn't be happier!  A cooked, healthy meal in my girl's tummy= very happy Mama!  She wouldn't even stop to smile for the camera- too busy eating her "posseez" aka pasta!

If you want to try this out, simply add the pumpkin to your basic cheese lasagna recipe...don't have a basic cheese lasagna recipe?  Try mine- should entice even the most picky eaters:)

Basic Cheese Lasagna

Ingredients:
No Boil lasagna noodles
1 28 oz can tomato puree (I used Muir Glen chunky sauce)
Olive oil
Diced onion (amt per preference)
Minced garlic (amt per preference)
salt & pepper
Minced fresh parsley
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour (GF works fine!)
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Pour desired amt Olive oil in heavy bottomed saucepan (I used approx 2 tsp) & heat over medium heat till shimmering.  Add onion and cook until softened; add garlic and cook 30 secs until fragrant.  Add tomatoes & salt and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer 20-30 mins.  Off heat, add parsley, pumpkin and adjust seasonings.  TIP: I also add a tad of Stevia to sweeten:)
2. While tomato sauce is simmering, place butter in another saucepan and melt over medium heat.  Once melted, add flour and whisk continually for approx 30 secs to eliminate the 'raw' flour taste.  Add milk and whisk to combine.  Increase heat to high and bring to boil, stirring to prevent sticking/burning.  Simmer until thickened, approx 3-5 mins and remove from heat.
3.  Grease 9x9 baking dish (I used a Pyrex) and cover the bottom with tomato sauce.  Place 2 lasagna noodles in dish and then add more tomato sauce to cover- be sure to cover pasta completely!  Layer white sauce, red sauce, pasta & cheese as desired- I never do this the same way so it doesn't really matter:)
4.  Cover with foil & bake at 350 for an hour- you can brown the top by removing the foil for the last few minutes in the oven but my little Ms don't like it so I don't!

Enjoy & thanks for stopping by,
Tiffany