1 Crockpot, 2 Hours, and 3 less things to Wash

Hmmm...i'd say i was making strides toward this month's goal of simplifying my life ;) I have been using a crockpot given to me as a wedding gift 7 years ago and have discovered a surprising partner in my conservation efforts!

This Faberware Nutristeam has proven to be deliciously minimalist in many respects.

Recently i made a chicken and wild rice soup with carrots, garlic, celery, onions and herb de provence for myself and the kids.

When it was time to clean up the kitchen, i realized i did not have to wash the usual suspects; one pot for vegetables, another for rice/pasta, and a baking dish or pan for turkey meatloaf/chicken.

Just 1 Crockpot! ....and our bowls and spoons and our drinking cups, of course-but much much simpler :)

I have saved time, energy (made 1 dish that saved 3 mealtimes worth of cooking on the stove top and in oven for me and the kids) money, water (by not having to wash those extra pots), and sanity.

Expanding Knowledge

New member of my greenworkers library! Woo hoo! Click image for a peek :-)

Like Cow's Milk...But Better

Made almond milk yesterday. It was the best i've made yet :-) Had the creamy consistency of something between 2% and whole cow's milk.

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  1 "batch" = 1/3 cup blanched almonds per every 1 3/4 cups of water


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  Maple Syrup - 2 capfuls per batch or to taste


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  Salt - 1 small pinch of sea salt per batch or to taste


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  Vanilla - 1 tsp per batch

To Blanch: Soak almonds in water for at least 2 hours Can do this in fridge overnight if you wish. Don't go past 24 hours, though. I've done that and it gives the almonds too much of a bloated almost gummy consistency. Yesterday's recipe used almonds soaked for 2 hours.

Technique: I make these in small "batches" because of my equipment. I have a cuisinart blender that i use, small seive and a 1 quart glass pitcher that i store it in. Depending on your equipment, your process may be different.

Directions: Chop Almonds in blender. I use the puree mode. Add vanilla, salt, and sweetener. blend again. Add 2 cups of water. Puree for at least 2 minutes. The longer, the creamier. Since i blend it for a long time the almond "meat" slips through even my fine seive, so i put papertowels (you can use cheesecloth too) on the seive, set the seive on my pitcher and pour mixture in. I press the down on the almond meat to get the last bits of milk out. I wrap up the almond meat and set in a container in the fridge (this makes wonderful additions to desserts, oatmeal, pancakes, you name it. You can eat it alone drizzled with chocolate syrup and top it with rasbperries and whipped cream for a tasty dessert.

Repeat for next batch until i get 6 to 8 cups of almond milk. Will store in fridge for up to a week. The fat will rise to the top, just stir and serve.

Tidbits: Sometimes i warm it up and add cinnamon, clove and ginger for a cozy winter drink. Sometimes I add chocoloate to it for the kids. Great in recipes, especially smoothies. Wonderful way to subsitute for cow's milk.

Enjoy!

Sage on Stage

Sage plant I took from the garden earlier this fall is doing pretty well indoors! I guess what I mean, is that....it's not dead.

iIve pinched leaves from the the tops for cooking, and they were very flavorful. Yet, it doesn't seem to be growing at a rapid rate. i thought it would "bush" out a bit more by now. I bet I need to repot it.

The declutter project in other rooms of the house is still going on and i am moving things down to the basement; i'm hopeful i'll find some useful things to use as planters.

The Me I Am, Becoming

Back to the Best tomorrow. I believe my
shopping experience is more relaxing here. Starting over again! 65$ - $85 per week is the aim again.

This may seem silly to some, but in reality, i am learning by success and failure, success and failure - with no current rolemodel in my everyday life for doing this! As a child i was kept on the periphery of daily living (chores, household management, etc.) so i learned by being lectured and told what should be done, not necessarily being allowed to participate as a team member in the doing. I believe it is more beneficial if, as a child, you are made to feel like you are part of making and keeping the home and family running and have a very important part to play, just because you are you. This has been one reason for going green and organic and one day....sustainable....and blogging about it. Life skills and nurturance of myself, my young family, of my surroundings and of the great planet that holds teeny me. Tiny steps, giant leaps, steady, and at times faltering in the journey. I want to know and see reflected back to me in this electronic record that i can be self-sufficient and skilled at responsible living, so that i can diminish concerns about technicalities and have room for more creativity and joy in living. This blog is so important for me. A type of mirror. A lifeline. A friend of sorts. We only have one life, and for those of us who have children; one short window of time to bestow critical life skill knowledge.

I think I can I think I can.....Root for me and send me some good vibes!

The Bounty - The Numbers

Been a terrible week for cutting costs on groceries :-( Note to self, do not go grocery shopping with 2 fussy kids under 4. It ends up costing you more money because you can't hear yourself THINK!!! 86 dollars worth right here on the table. about 90% is organic. Didn't get turkey or chicken because i had to cut the trip short. That would have made my bill over 100, for sure. Hmm...time to sit down with a cup of tea and go over what's gone wrong here. Could the prices be going up? Working on posting the receipt for items shown here. Check back tomorrow.