I decided to try making my own laundry soap after discovering how cheap and easy it is to make.  Since my daughter struggles with eczema flares and a sensitivity to fragrance, it sounded like a good deal to me. There are many recipes online but this one was by far the easiest and quickest. (And the best part of all…I get to add a scent to my soap!)

Rosemary Laundry Soap

2 cups washing soda
2 cups Borax
1 bar Ivory soap, grated
10 drops (or so) essential oil (I prefer Rosemary oil)

Mix and store. Use 2 Tablespoons per load. I add about 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften fabric and boost rinsing.

I use Rosemary oil in my recipe because of its many healing effects. It is known to relieve headaches and muscle aches, increase concentration, decrease fatigue and mild depression, and is a known wound and skin healer. WOW, can I get that in a bottle to go, please?

1 lb. ground chuck

1/4c. ketchup

1/4c. Crunchies

1/4c. onion, chopped

1/4c. bell pepper, chopped

2t. Worcestershire sauce

1t. kosher salt

2-3 carrots, sliced

1/2 large onion, sliced

4-6 small red potatoes, sliced

salt and pepper to taste

Mash ground chuck, ketchup, Crunchies, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, Worcestershire, and salt together and form a loaf.  Place in middle of baking dish.  Scatter sliced carrots, potatoes, and onions around meatloaf and bake covered in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour.

1 large bird

1 lemon, quartered

1 small orange, quartered

1 large onion, quartered

1 stick soy butter

1 cup dry white table wine

1 cheesecloth

Place the lemon, orange and 1/2 onion quarters inside the bird.  Place bird in roasting pan.   Melt butter in saucepan over med low heat and add the other 1/2 onion.  Remove from heat and add wine.  Dip the cheesecloth in melted butter, remove with tongs and lay over the bird.  Pour the remaining butter and onion over bird.  Bake for 20 minutes per pound, basting often.  Discard cheesecloth before serving.

This recipe makes 21 teaspoons of seasoning.  One commercial package of seasoning equals 7 teaspoons.

6t. chili powder

5t. paprika

4 1/2t. cumin

2 1/2t. onion powder

1/2t. garlic powder

1/8t. cayenne powder

Mix well.  Store in an air-tight container.

(Better known as milk-free Italian Bread Crumbs)

6 slices milk-free sliced bread

1/2t. salt

1/2t. dried parsley

1/2t. black pepper

1/2t. garlic powder

1/4t. onion powder

1/4t. dried oregano

1/4t. dried basil

Place bread slices on cookie sheet and bake in a 250 degree oven for 1 hour.  Place bread slices in a gallon-sized zip top bag and crush with a rolling pin.  Add spices, close bag, and shake.  Store in bag or air-tight container.  Makes approximately 1 cup.  Use as a topping on Italian dishes in place of  Parmesan cheese.

This recipe is my favorite to use at the kids’ birthday parties. It tastes really good and it is easy to change the flavor. There is a setback, though, and that is the cupcakes must be made the same day you plan to serve them. I have tried this numerous times, with the same result; let them sit too long and they will turn to crumb. So, for the best cupcakes made to order…

1 box Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe (or any boxed mix without milk, eggs, or nuts)
1 pkg Jello Instant Pudding Mix (most generic brands I’ve encountered contain milk)
1/3c. oil
1c. water
6t. Ener-g Egg Replacer
8T. warm water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with liners. Mix together cake mix and pudding mix. Add water and oil. Whisk together the egg replacer and warm water until frothy then add to cake mix. Blend on medium speed for at least 2 minutes. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 15-17 minutes.

1 1/2lb. pork, cut into 1 inch pieces
16oz smoked sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 med onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2c. pearl barley
2 carrots, sliced and cut into 1 inch pieces
2c. vegetable broth or water
1 can tomato soup
1 can southwestern style diced tomatoes
1t. ground black pepper
1t. dried thyme

In 6-7 quart slow cooker combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low setting for 8-10 hours or on high setting for 4-5 hours

1 lb. ground beef
7t. taco seasoning
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 can sweet corn, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
lettuce, chopped
tortilla chips

Brown beef and drain. add taco seasoning and 3/4c. water and cook until water has evaporated. Crush tortilla chips and top with all other ingredients. Must be served with a spoon.

Tags: dinner

After trying this recipe for the first time, I may never go back. Easy, breezy, and the girls love it!

2-3 ripe bananas
3/4c. soy milk
1 1/2t. cinnamon
1t. pumpkin pie spice (optional)
1t. vanilla extract
sliced bread
soy butter

Blend bananas, soy milk and spices in blender then pour into a wide dish. Gently dip bread on both sides (you may need to scrap a little off if it is too thick). Fry in vegan margarine on med heat until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup.

Tags: Breakfast

1 1/2c. soy butter or shortening
4c. powdered sugar
2T. soy milk or water
1t. vanilla extract

Beat butter (or shortening) with electric mixer on medium speed until soft and creamy. Add sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add soy milk (or water) and vanilla.

***Using butter will tint the icing pale yellow. For a clean white icing, use shortening.***