Lard has a bad rap. And most people have no clue what tallow is. I’m included in that “most people” too – I was clueless until earlier this year! However both lard and tallow are excellent choices of cooking fat. And in case you didn't know either, lard is pork fat and tallow is beef fat. They have way more nutritional value than the yellow vegetables oils we’ve been groomed to use. Being able to make ... Continue Reading
What are Flour Bugs and How to Get Rid of Them
Have you ever noticed flour bugs in your rice, cereal or pasta? Let's talk about what they are exactly, how they got there, whether or not it's safe to eat the food and what you can do to keep them from coming back! Buying items in bulk is one of the best grocery saving tips that continues to work month after month, but I do wonder if the 50 pounds of flour sitting in my closet (in it's original thick paper ... Continue Reading
How to Make Kefir: A Step by Step Easy DIY
This post contains affiliate links. How to Make Kefir Making kefir is as easy as making citrus vinegar and removing labels from jars - add, stir, do nothing. It's perfect for when you're too busy making bread to make healthy probiotic yogurt. Or if you just like to go to sleep and wake up to the work being done for you! The process truly is simple. Those with NO kitchen experience can do this ... Continue Reading
What is Kefir and Why We Should Be Drinking It
This post contains affiliate links. I’m apparently one of the last few people to board the fermentation train… or I’m still wet behind the ears when it comes to complete and real nutrition. Can someone hand me a towel, please? I’ll admit that I’m still kinda new at this real food thing. Baby steps, right? I’ve learned leaps and bounds these past few months and it’s changing how we eat, and why we ... Continue Reading
How to Heal a Spider Bite with a Potato
I sincerely hope no one is deathly afraid of spiders out there... if so, scroll down quickly! Late in the day of our second day camping, Mr. Crumbs noticed a spider bite on his leg. Totally.Not.Surprised. He must have some sweet-smelling skin or something, because in all the years of his childhood - growing up outdoors in woods and dirt and bugs - he had never been bit by a spider. Yet during the ... Continue Reading
Why I Couldn’t Buy Ranch Dressing… and a {Yummy} Recipe
In last week's budget accountability post (counting crumbs) there was a very short trip to Savemart consisting of only three items - black beans, half and half, and a red pepper. Little did you know that there was originally a fourth item... But it never made it out the store. In fact, it didn't even make it off the shelf. ... Continue Reading
Homemade BBQ Sauce: Easy & Delicious Recipe
Wow, ya'll must think I'm crazy with all this homemade stuff this week. You may be wondering if I do nothing all day but experiment in my kitchen with marinades, homemade buns and sauces and butter... I don't, but I sure would like to! I make time for the things that are important to me. Making our own bread is important to me. Cooking good food (both in taste and nutrition) is important to ... Continue Reading
DIY: Citrus Infused Vinegar
Vinegar is the mecca of all-natural cleaning solutions. I think it's fairly well known that diluted vinegar makes a fantastic all-purpose cleaner (and if you didn't know before, you do now!). Some of the lesser-known purposes of vinegar include: ... Continue Reading
Don’t Waste the Celery! (DIY Dried Celery)
Celery is an amazing vegetable. It's an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C and folate, plus by the time you're done eating it, you've actually BURNED calories! Now if it were only the same with tortilla chips, I'd be set. There seems to be some confusion though with what to do with the celery leaves. Do you eat them? Do you throw them away? Do you cut off celery at the "seam" ... Continue Reading
Spicy Chicken Marinade and Rub: Simple Recipe
With Memorial Day only one week away, long(er) days, summer vacation, suntans, and grilling are just around the corner. YEAH! We love to grill. Actually, let me clarify. Mr. Crumbs likes to grill. I LOVE the clean-up that is a result of grilling - NONE! Since I do the majority of the meal planning, I'm usually the one who prepares and cooks dinner. However, when we grill, Mr. Crumbs ... Continue Reading