Monday, April 22, 2013

Homemade Glue

This was a very easy recipe to follow!
 
I loved that we could make it quick for our afternoon project today too.


 
 
We put ours in a small mason jar - apply with cotton swabs, cotton balls, or Popsicle sticks.
 
Happy Crafting!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Meatless Monday :: Bean Taquitos & Rice

Bean Taquitos & Rice
 
 
10-12 Corn tortillas
 
Filling:
1 large can of Pinto beans (undrained)
1 small onion - chopped
dash of S&P
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 ts. chili powder
Bring beans & liquid to boil in a saucepan, add onion and seasonings - simmer for 10 min.
 
Preheat oven to 350°
 
Strain beans (keep liquid in saucepan)
Mash beans - spread on corn tortillas - roll - set in baking dish.
Bake 15-20 minutes
 
Cheese Sauce
1 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheese
 
To bean liquid in saucepan, add 1 Tbs of butter - bring to boil,
add 1-2 Tbs. of flour - whisk until lumps are gone,
then add 1 cup of milk - bring back to boil for a minute or two - stirring often.
Take off heat when mixture starts to thicken - add cheese, mix and let stand for 5 minutes.
 
When taquitos are done in the oven, pour cheese sauce over top.
Layer on sliced avocado.
Sprinkle with fresh or dried cilantro.
 
 
For Rice:
1 cup white rice - cooked
1 can of  Zesty Tomato Bisque (Campbell's)
any tomato or spicy soup could be used!
heat thoroughly - soup will thicken a little.
 
Serve hot!
 
 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Lavender - Bergamot Shower Jelly

Shower Jelly!
 
Where did I find out about this? Pinterest, of course!
 
Remember "Knox Blocks"?  Now think about taking one in the shower and washing up with it! Haha!
The idea of soap with a gelatin texture was so intriguing, I had to try this recipe! I was pleasantly surprised and totally love this soap - it lathers up so beautifully.
 
The ingredients are cheap enough and almost on-hand.
 
Lavender - Bergamot Shower Jelly
 
2 packets of gelatin
 
3/4 cup of boiling water
 
1/2 cup castile soap
( this can be ordered online, but I found a bottle for under $10 at my local food co-op)
 
5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
 
5-10 drops of bergamot essential oil
 
red & blue soap colorant
(this can be found at craft stores)
 
 
Empty gelatin packets in a bowl - add boiling water - stir until dissolved.
Add castile soap, essential oils and stir gently until mixed. Add drops of colorant until desired lavender color is achieved.
Pour mixture into gelatin mold, silicone mold or ice cube tray.
(I used a vintage, metal, ice cube tray - it worked well to loosen the sides and lift out the middle part)
Refrigerate until solid.
About 2 hours
 
One per shower or bath.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
There are so many different essential oil combinations to try and would also be great fun for kids to make and use. 
*Be careful with essential oil - adult use or supervision when adding to mixture!
 
I'm thinking my next batch will be a eucalyptus scent to help with these winter-spring transitional colds!
 
Enjoy!