More Pantry Fun

 Happy Wednesday all.  Hope you are all well this morning.  My goodness, what a pretty sunrise we had this morning.  It didn't last long, but boy the colors were spectacular.  It is in the 50's this morning, but winds will be coming in and blowing in a cold front & storms late tonight.  We will be cooler for the next week or so.  It is March Madness time (basketball tourney), so that is to be expected.  We most always have nasty weather during tourney time. 

The grass is greening up, the daffodils started to bloom yesterday, the birds are back - so spring!

There have been tornadoes, dust storms, fires, blizzards, flooding and severe storms all over - all at the same time.  Crazy spring weather for sure.  The craziness of March!   Stay safe out there.

Let's talk a bit more about making things from the pantry.  It seems that is the thing we all like and look forward to figuring out.  It helps the budget, and it is just plain fun!

NATURE

Now that spring is popping up in many places, there are several ideas to utilize the gifts that we are given in the spring.  Dandelions and violets will soon be appearing, and both can be made into jelly.  I have done both before.  It is a bit time consuming to get ready, but it is very good and uses nature.  Some eat dandelion greens.  I had those as a child.  But there are many pretties that can be used in jellies out there.  Peonies, lilacs, honeysuckle, roses, lemon balm, mints.  Nasturtium can be used in salads - both flowers and leaves - for a tangy peppery taste.  With mints and lemon, you can make extracts as well.

Don't forget the wild garlic and onions - great when added to salads.

Nature provides us with a lot of tasty morsels.

Not the healthiest thing in the world, but this recipe comes in handy at times.  Using a can of sweetened condensed milk to make caramel.  I have done this on the stove top before.  Make sure you keep it covered with water while processing.  It really is tasty!  Generally, we all have a can or two in the pantry, so this something different to do with it.

HOMEMADE 'CORN' SYRUP

A lot of people don't like corn syrup - so here is a version to make your own

2 C white sugar

3/4 C water

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

Whisk is all together, bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer for about 3 minutes.  Uncover and cook to a 'soft ball' stage (a drop in cold water and then sinks in a ball).  Cool and store in an airtight container for a couple months.

To make DARK syrup - combine 3/4 C of the above with 1/4 C molasses

CREAM CHEESE

If you need cream cheese for baking and have none, you can blend cottage cheese in a blender until smooth and use that.  It will not taste like cottage cheese in the recipe.

I can't stand cottage cheese, but I do use it in lasagna as the cheese, if I have it on hand.  Used to do that a lot when G was here, as he liked cottage cheese, and I had it on hand always.

SPRINKLES

It is coming time for holiday cookies!  Lots of people like to bake, ice and decorate cookies for various holidays or parties or just for fun.  No sprinkles - no problem.  

Pour some sugar in a shallow bowl and add drops of food color and mix thoroughly.  You can customize your colors yourself.  I have done this so many times over the years.  Super easy and fun.

You can make these with any type of fruit you have.  Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries, etc.  I have done this and used regular milk - as I don't keep coconut milk on hand.  You can even blend in some flavored yogurt - there is nothing set in stone with this idea.  Use what you have a make a nice treat or snack that is pretty healthy as well!  Make into pops or freeze in ice cube trays for small treats.

BROWN SUGAR

Make your own.  Use 1 cup sugar and add 2 Tbsp. of molasses and stir.  This is like light brown sugar.

Want dark?  1 cup sugar and 4 Tbsp. molasses.

TRADES

1 garlic clove = 1/8 tsp garlic powder or 1/2 tsp granulated garlic

Lemon zest 1 tsp. = 1/2 tsp. lemon extract

Unsweetened chocolate 1 ounce = 3 Tbsp cocoa plus 1 Tbsp. shortening or veg. oil

Self-Rising Flour - use 1 C all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt

HOMEMADE GATORADE

1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-aid

1/2 C sugar or sweetener equivalent

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 C orange juice

2 quarts water

Mix it all together and chill.

You can use whatever flavor you desire and could even sub lemon or lime juice

I have made this many times - just using what you have!

Hope we all have a nice last day of official winter!  WOOP!

I know winter weather will be sticking around for a while for many, but it sure is something nice to think about - the last official day!

Have a super day all.