Kiwi – The Wonder Fruit (Don’t Forget Strawberries)

Posted on August 1, 2012 by simply0637
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I can’t believe how far we are into the summer months – yikes!  I am looking at my freezer and cupboards and I think this time last year they were much fuller – but we also had an early season with a late frost and some of the earlier crops of the season did not fair well.   During the winter months, my fruit-aholic, daughter gets by on apple and pear sauce and the many fruits that I dehydrate during the summer.  Thus far I have done pineapple and mango.  This week at the market organic strawberries and kiwi were on sale and since they are at the top of Stella’s list of favorites I stocked up.  Now to get to the dehydrating!

Kiwi is a wonder fruit!  Stella is a carrier of strep and 2 winter’s ago she came down with strep 7 times, this past winter just once.  In the past year I have really changed up our diets – more raw and live foods, less processed and refined, the addition of super foods, sprouting, fermenting, etc.  What are the benefits of kiwi? A study in Italy showed that children had less trouble with wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing at night and it is beneficial to asthma sufferers – you will need to eat 2 – 7 servings (1/2 cup) a week. It has also been shown to reduce the potential risk of blood clots and decrease triglycerides.

According to a study at Rutgers University, the kiwi is the most nutrient dense fruit, ounce for ounce.  They provide 16% of your RDA for fiber, has phytonutrients, which help repair DNA, provides 10% of the RDA for folic acid, 230% of the RDA for Vitamin C, provides 10% RDA for Vitamin E and decreases the risk of heart disease.  Kiwi is also packed with minerals: calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc!  Pretty good for such a small fruit.

Strawberries are another nutrient packed fruit in a small package! They are high in vitamin C, which boosts immunity, promotes eye health, have antioxidants which help fight cancer, help keep your skin looking younger, fight bad cholesterol, along with antioxidants they have phytochemicals – the combination helps reduce inflammation, regulates blood pressure and they have folate and fiber.

 

To dehydrate, I peel the kiwi and slice the same thickness and for the strawberries, I cut the tops off and cut in half.  I lay the fruit on the dehydrating tray, making sure that the fruit is not touching and there will be air flow around each piece.  I dehydrate at 135 degrees check after 6 hours – but both strawberries and kiwi can take anywhere from 7 – 15 hours to dehydrate.  I then store in a mason jar, I take the air out of with my food-saver (special attachment for jars) and store in a cool, dark cupboard.  These then come out during the winter months.

This is 4 pounds of strawberries dehydrated

12 kiwis dehydrated

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Paper Towel Roll = Napkin Rings

Posted on July 31, 2012 by simply0637
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In my ever dying obsession in finding a re-use for toilet and paper towel rolls that are both fun and practical, here is another project for you to try out.  This would make a great kids project, especially around the holidays as part of the holiday table and I am sure that we will do these again for that purpose – but Stella has been away for the past 2 weeks so for this project I was on my own.

Paper Towel Roll Napkin Rings

Items Needed

Paper towel roll (1 roll will make 4 napkin rings)
Scrap ribbon, paper, tulle, fabric or  the like
Buttons, beads, embellishment items
Glue
Scissors (preferably ones that cut with a design edge)
Ruler
Pencil

1. Flatten you paper towel roll, measure and mark your cutting lines.  I chose to make my lines every 2 1/2″.

2. Cut the rings with scissors.

3. I wrapped mine with paper so I measure the paper and cut 4 strips.  Glue the strips on the rings.

 

 

 

 

4. I had a piece of scrap ribbon from a package that I used.  The width of the ribbon determined the width of the paper strips that I cut.  Cut the ribbon for each ring and glue the ribbon on.  This ribbon had wire edges so I had to the glue edges until they were almost dry.

5. I had some bead embellishments that I used as the center piece of napkin rings.  Glue on.

Slide the rings over your napkins and set your table!

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Garden Abundance – Fried Zucchini

Posted on July 30, 2012 by simply0637
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As the garden is getting into full swing and the ripe produce is multiplying, trying to find ways to use it all up sometimes ins a challenge.  For me it seems that there is no squash and then there is more than I believe could grow!  So what to do with it all.  My aunt sent me a new way to prepare – so I tried it – delicious!

Fried Zucchini

Ingredients

Zucchini, sliced length wise
Eggs
Almond meal
Seasoning (optional – mixture, salt, pepper)
Butter

1. Wash and slice the zucchini.

2. Crack several eggs into a bowl and scramble.  Place the zucchini slices in and allow to soak.

3. Dredge the slices through some almond meal and seasonings.

4. Fry in butter – turning to brown on both sides – Enjoy!

We ate these with crab cakes and a salad.

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Harvesting Garlic

Posted on July 27, 2012 by simply0637
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I have never grown garlic before – have wanted to, but always seem to miss the fall planting window.  I made it this year, but just barely! And then there was the car accident in my back yard – but the garlic survived all but two that I planted!!  Here is the post I did back in November telling about planting the garlic http://simplyrurban.com/?p=1119

Growing Garlic

1. Get some good organic garlic to start – I bought mine at the health food store about 4 weeks or so prior to the time I planned to plant so that the clove would have already started sprouting.

2. Prep the garden bed.

3. Plant and cover with mulch or leaves – plant before the first frost.

4. Watch it grow!

5. Watching it you will see that it will flower (forgot to take a picture) and then the stalks will begin to brown.  When the stalks are starting to brown and wilt – it is getting close to harvest time.  You don’t want to water the plants for several weeks prior to harvesting – want the soil and bulb to be dry, this will start the curing process – but you can’t control Mother Nature!

 

6. Dig up, keep the stalk on – do not break off.  I dug around the stalk, not disturbing the bulb and then with my hand took out of the dirt.  I gently rubbed off the excess dirt and then went on to the next one.

7. You now need to cure the garlic – this takes several weeks.  You want to keep the bulbs in  either a well-ventilated room or a dry, shady spot outside. Sunlight can change the flavor of fresh garlic.  Since it had rained several days prior to me harvesting – I let my garlic sit in the sun the first afternoon to dry the dirt so I could rub more off – since then they have been in the house.

8. Once the tops and roots have dried you can cut them off, unless you plan to braid your garlic for storage.  You can also take the outer most layer off the bulb to get rid of the rest of the dirt, but you do not want to expose the clove.

9. Store in a cool, dark, well ventilated area.  You can braid and hang, but not in the kitchen or sunlight, place in a mesh bag or bowl.

I can’t wait to use some of mine!!!

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Enzyme Cleaner – Part 2

Posted on July 25, 2012 by simply0637
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It has been 3 long months, not really it has flown by, but the waiting for the enzyme cleaner to be ready seemed endless!  So back in April I started an enzyme cleaner that has to ferment for 3 months – the 3 months was up this month – woohoo!

 

I opened the top, not sure what smell might hit me – but the smell was not bad at all, rather pleasant if anything.  I then strained the liquid and I have to say it did not take long for the fruit flies to come hovering over the strainer!  I then poured the liquid into a spray bottle and was ready for some cleaning action.  I wanted to really test it out, so I kept it full strength.  The item was the whirly bird popcorn maker – the grease really builds up on it and so fast!  I had read that the enzyme cleaner was really good on grease.

Straining

Look at the color!

Whirley bird top, before

After, can you see the difference? I only cleaned 1 side

Beautiful

 

I am impressed!  Here are some other uses for the cleaner – can’t wait to try some of them.  Definitely going to try the laundry with it!!

1) for dishes and laundry (use 1/4 cup of enzyme)
2) for washing bathrooms and toilets. grime comes off easily (1 part enzyme to 10 parts water)
3) for removing stubborn stains and odors (colored fabrics and floors) (use undiluted)
4) to clean vegetables and fruits (1 part enzyme to 10 parts water)
5) clear blockages in kitchen sinks and drains (use concentrated or blended pulp/sludge of enzyme)
6) as a natural insect repellent (use undiluted) for ants, cockroaches.
7) for mopping floors (1 part enzyme to 20 parts water)
8) as fertilizer for plants (use 1 part enzyme to 20 parts water, or use the leftover mop water)
9) as a skincare product, e.g. facial cleanser or toner (1 part enzyme to 2 parts water)
10) wash cars – cars will look as if they have just been polished! (1 part enzyme to 20 parts water)

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Backgammon?

Posted on July 24, 2012 by simply0637
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I love playing backgammon!  My dad taught me one summer while camping, I think I was about 8 or 9.  I have recently started teaching Stella how to play and she is catching on very quickly!

Thursday here is garbage day, but it is also the day that people can put household items out to be picked up.  I don’t even know how many times I have been on a run or walk and had to stop and carry something home or run home the shortest distance to get the car and pick the item up.  One of those items was a coffee table.  I have had this table for about 2 years and all that I have done to it is paint it and stencil the corners.  At first, I thought that I would make it a fun, festive table – so I called my friends in New Orleans and asked if they could send me a box of mardi gras beads – I thought I would wrap the legs – but after trying that I decided that wasn’t what I wanted for the table.  I then thought that I would paint a favorite quote on the top of the table – so traded a book for a quote book and read through the book – found many quotes that I marked, but nothing that called to me to paint on the table – so the table has sat and I have waited for inspiration.  That inspiration came this past weekend – I was looking through a craft book and they showed a backgammon board – the light bulb went off!!

The rain stopped and Saturday afternoon I took the table out to the driveway.

Backgammon Board

Items needed

Table or wooden piece to paint the board on
2 different colored paint
Paint brushes
Stencil (I used a manila folder to cut mine)
Exacto knife
Candle
Steel wool
Ruler
Tape
Backgammon pieces (I had enough wooden starts to make pieces for the table, but I could have used pieces from another backgammon board)
Dice

1.  You will need to make a stencil.  You can use cardboard, a folder or the plastic used for quilting pieces. I used a folder.  The great thing about using the folder was that I was able to make half the game board in one stencil.  You can also just make one stencil of a triangle.

2. Mark a straight line across the folder.  Depending on how big your board is going to be will determine the spacing and size of your triangles.  In case you are not familiar there are four sections to a backgammon board, with each section having 6 triangles.  Draw your triangles and then cut out with either scissors or an exacto knife.  I cut out the first triangle and then used that cut out to draw the other triangles.  I also used a ruler when cutting with the exacto knife – helps to keep the line straight.

 

 

 

 

4. With a candle, rub the table with wax.  I wanted my board to have an old look to it – the wax will allow the paint to be rubbed off with steel wool.  You don’t have to do this step, if you do not want a worn look to your board.

5. Tape the stencil on to the table.  You don’t want the stencil moving when you are painting.

 

6. Paint every other triangle with one color of paint and then paint the others with the other color paint.  Carefully lift the stencil off.  Do the same thing for the other half of the board.

 

 

 

 

 

7. While the table is drying – paint your game pieces.  You will need 15 pieces for each color.

8.  When the paint is completely dry, take the steel wool and rub over the triangles.

 

 

 

 

Your table is now done – go play a game of backgammon – hope you win!!  I know you will have fun either way!

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A Little Different Pasta Salad

Posted on July 23, 2012 by simply0637
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During the hot days of summer I find that a lot of times I do not want to cook. The thought of heating up the house anymore is enough to send me running to a restaurant for dinner when the temperatures hit 90 and above, but I really don’t like going out to eat that much or that often!  We tend to eat a lot of salads, use the grill (but even on those hot days the thought of standing in front of the grill – no thank you!) and prepare items ahead of time.  Some mornings I will get up early and make something for dinner that needs the use of the stove or oven, usually making a large amount to last several day.  I like this pasta salad recipe from my cousin – she puts in a can of tuna, but since I am not a tuna fan I omit.

A Little Different Pasta Salad

Ingredients

1 pound of cooked pasta
3 hard boiled eggs
1 can of corn or corn off the cob
1/2 onion (optional)
Peas
Mayonnaise
Thyme
Salt & pepper

1. Hard boil at least 3 eggs.  I usually hard boil eggs on the weekend and keep a bowl in the fridge, make for a quick breakfast, lunch or snack.

2. Make the past according to the package directions.  I like to use vegetable pasta, usually cork screw of fusilli.

3. Drain a can of corn (try to use organic).  When corn is in season, I cook a couple of ears up, let cool and then cut off the cob to add to the pasta.

 

4. I like to get peas from the garden and then shell them.

 

 

5. Place the pasta in a large glass bowl and add the corn and peas.

 

6. Using an egg slicer, slice the eggs and add to the bowl of pasta.

 

7. Cut up the onion if using and add to the pasta.

8. Add thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

9. Add just enough mayonnaise to the mixture to coat lightly, mix.

10. Place in the fridge to chill and then serve.

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Patchouli & Lavender Sugar Scrub

Posted on July 20, 2012 by simply0637
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It has been so hot and humid here that I feel like I have a film all over my body!  With all the sweating I feel that my pores are in need of a good cleansing and what better way than with an invigorating scrub.  My favorite essential oil, besides that all versatile lavender, is patchouli.  I used to wear patchouli all the time and the other day in the airport I was sitting next to a woman who was wearing it – I wanted patchouli!  This time I decided to use sugar instead of salt and coconut oil instead of jojoba oil.

Patchouli and Lavender Sugar Scrub

Items needed

Glass bowl
Metal whisk
Glass or ceramic container to store the scrub
Sugar or salt
Coconut oil or jojoba
Essential oil (lavender and patchouli)

 

1. In a glass bowl pour your sugar (or salt).  How much depends on how much you want to make.  I used a cup of sugar.

2. Add coconut oil, the ratio is half the amount of sugar, so that would mean 1/2 cup.

3. Mix well with a metal whisk or spoon – you do not want something that will absorb the oil and essential oil.  When I have made other scrubs with salt the salt would fall to the bottom, but that did not happen with the mixture.

4. If using coconut oil, you will have to add more essential oil than you would with another oil – this is because of the strong coconut smell.  I used about 30 drops of patchouli and 15 drops of lavender.  The more oil the stronger the scent.

5. Store in a ceramic or glass jar.  I use a canning jar.  This mixture filled the jar with a little leftover.

When you are ready to use, step into the shower or tub, using a loofah, mitt or your hands – take a spoonful of the scrub and scrub in a circular motion all over your body.  Don’t use as much pressure on sensitive skin areas as you would elbows, knees, heels – you are not trying to take your skin off!  Be careful doing on your feet, remember this has oil and you do not want to slip and fall.  Once you have exfoliated your entire body, rinse off and pat dry.  Your skin will feel so soft and will be glowing!

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Life After Becoming A Blogger

Posted on July 19, 2012 by simply0637
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My First Project, Found table that was refinished

Today is my 1 year anniversary – this blog was started on July 19, 2011.  Wow – the year has flown by, but also seems like it has been longer with all the changes, growth and learning!

I look at life a little differently now that I have become a blogger.  There are several really good things that have come out of taking this roll on, I now document pretty much everything I do and take a lot more pictures than I had been doing in the recent past.  It has made me re-evaluate my life, yet again, and really look at what is important to me and what I want in my life.  By doing more of the things I love, it has changed my life in a profound way – I look at things differently – could I blog about this?  Could I make something out of this?  How could I do this better or different?  I am taking the time to really enjoy each day, take pleasure in all the parts of my life and to let things roll off my shoulders – I look at things wondering do I really need to worry about this, will it make a difference if I say something, why am I getting upset about it.  I look at what I put into my body and Stella’s body even closer. I spend more time researching things that are of interest to me and learning about things that I did not know anything about or very little.  I am spending more time at the library – yeah, in my community, re-connecting with people, spending more valuable time with friends. And one of the best parts is that I am sharing with others and doing something that I am very passionate about!

First recipe, Peach, lavender pop overs

All of this has led me to expand even further and go back to school! I enrolled in the Health Coach program at the Institute of Integrated Nutrition.  This is a fast track program, so as of May 2013 I will be a certified Health Coach!  Yeah!  I have not quite figured out exactly what I want my practice to look like, but I do know that it will incorporate learning about healthy foods and how to prepare them to nourish the soul and the body.

 

The next year will again be one of learning, excitement and much growth.  Cheers and here is to the next year of blogging and sharing!

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Need To Cool Off? Banana-Coconut Popsicles

Posted on July 18, 2012 by simply0637
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It is great watching Stella grow up and become more and more independent, but at the same time it is a little sad – my little girl is growing up!  She is become very self sufficient in the kitchen – preparing her own meals, packing her lunch for camp, getting herself things to drink, etc. – she still needs some help on the clean up part, but we are working on that!  I buy our bananas as green as I can, but with the summer they tend to get ripe really, really fast and I don’t really want to make banana bread and heat the house anymore.  We had some ripe bananas and one where Stella had used the peel for  her mosquito bites (yes – if you have a bite that itches – rub the inside of a banana peel on it and the itch will go away!) – so we needed something to make.  Why not popsicles?  So what else to add to the banana that would be a good combo and refreshing?  We looked through the cabinet and the coconut milk was screaming to us!

Banana – Coconut Popsicle

Items needed

3 ripe bananas
2/3 cup coconut milk
Blender
Popsicle mold

 

You want to have your dolls watch and learn, so they can do it next time!

 

1. Peel the bananas and break up into a blender.

 

2. Measure and pour the coconut milk into the blender.

 

 

3. Using the smoothie setting on your blend, blend until smooth.

 

4. Fill the popsicle mold all the way to the top.

 


5. If you spilled any while pouring, wipe clean. Place the tops on, carefully and place in the freezer.  We had some leftover and, so Stella had a great smoothie.

6. After about 4 hours – they are ready!  Enjoy!! This are not too sweet, but they are refreshing!

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Posted in Dessert, Kids Cooking, Recipes | Tagged , , | 1 Comment