DIY Life

Make an eco-friendly reusable sandwich wrap

Anna Sattler — 2008-05-09T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, staying green, sewing

My husband usually takes sandwiches to work for his lunch. I always cringe when I see how many plastic sandwich baggies we go through in a month, and have often wondered if there was a way to reduce or eliminate using them. The short answer is yes.

The Small Object has come up with an awesome way to make reusable sandwich wraps. The wraps are shaped like an octagon, so that it can be used to wrap odd shaped bread or wraps, and can also be used as a placemat. The wrap is made out of vinyl coated fabric for the interior and regular fabric for the exterior. Velcro closes the sandwich wrap.

This is a great way to use up some of that extra fabric you have laying around. The pattern and instructions are easy to follow, and in a short amount of time you can easily whip one up for each member of your sandwich eating family.

via: Craft

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Four romantic ways to spoil her this Mother's Day

Francesca Clarke — 2008-05-09T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, kids, miscellaneous, music, scrapbooking, gifts

Attention, husbands: If you're just planning Mother's Day now, I won't scold you, but I will save you from the wrath you're about to experience if you don't get things together quickly.

Before you move on to showing her your personal appreciation, you'll want to make sure you've arranged something special from your children. If you're in a hurry, here are some quick and easy Mother's Day projects. You can also help them make this precious card, telling Mom just how much they love her.

Some suggest giving Mom a day without the kids, but personally that isn't what I would want. Mother's Day should be celebrated as a family, but once they've served her breakfast in bed, and spent the day honoring her in clever ways, the two of you can tuck in those sweet little ones and get on with some romantic appreciation.

If you're looking for a way to spoil her, follow me through the break, and we'll discuss how you can shower her with appreciation for little or no cost, and with little preparation (yes, you can pull all of these off before Sunday!).

So here we are: it's Friday, and you're scrambling to find the perfect way to show your wife how much you appreciate her as a mother. Have a look through these ideas and find your own inspiration.

Make her a mix tape

Ok, the modern-day mix tape looks more like a CD, or a playlist, but the idea is the same, and it's timelessly romantic. Include her current favorites, something from the days before she had kids, any special songs the two of you share, and a few new tunes that make you think about her. Curl up with a glass of wine and enjoy the music together, or take her hand and dance in the living room.

According to Esquire magazine, there is an art to making a mix. Here are a couple of their pointers to get you going in the right direction:

Don't end with your best song: you don't want to start with it either, but choose those significant songs and mix them throughout the tape.
Recognize your audience: this tape is for your wife, not for you, so keep her in mind with each song you choose.
Withhold the track listing: You can still make one, but don't give it to her right away. Let her uncover each carefully-chosen song as she listens to it.

Make a coupon book

We've suggested making a coupon book from the kids, but this is a great gift coming from you, too. Keeping in the spirit of Mother's Day, make coupons that offer to take some of the "mommy duties" off her hands. Depending on how you typically split the household duties, these tasks will vary. Here are some suggestions: This coupon is good for one...

early morning with the children while you sleep in
gourmet dinner
day of packing the family lunches
week of laundry
hour of private time while I take the children to the park

Make a memory journal

Buy a nice-looking journal, or decorate your own book cover, and make her a Motherhood memory journal. She'll use the book to record all the sweet things her children do, and to journal her reflections on motherhood. Start off the first few pages by adding in your own stories. Write down a few memories about the children, or moments when you appreciated her as a mother.

Alternatively, you could make a memory album, and add a little interest to the book by including some photos with your stories. If you really want to embellish the album pages, gather some scrapbooking supplies and set up the journal pages for her. You can even design scrapbook and journal paper in Photoshop with Anna's tutorial.

Plan a fireside picnic

A picnic by the lake with fine wine and gourmet cheese may have been replaced by granola bars and juice boxes in a crowded park, but you can bring back a little romance with a fireside picnic. Once the children are in bed, spread out a blanket in front of the fire, and enjoy some of your favorite treats together. Here are some great suggestions for romantic picnic foods.

Spend your time just visiting one another, and enjoying your alone time. If you want to bring in some added romance, read her some poetry. Share some of these poems and stories inspired by mothers. If you really want to impress her, write your own poem.

So, while you should be feeling a healthy bit of panic due to having left planning Mother's Day until this late date, you are not entirely out of options. Enjoy a family day together, talk to your kids about ways to celebrate Mom, then spoil her yourself at the end of the day. You notice things daily that remind you of what a wonderful mother she is: now take this opportunity to celebrate and thank her.

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How to spike a watermelon

Francesca Clarke — 2008-05-08T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, entertaining

Earlier this week, Debra taught us how to remove seeds from a watermelon. Reading her post made me keen for summers on the patio, enjoying ripe, juicy watermelon.

Of course, as soon as my mind drifts to watermelon and summer evening on the patio, I'm immediately planning the rest of the moonlight treats, which simply must include spiked watermelon. I remember when we thought that spiking watermelon was a matter of setting chunks of it to soak in a bowl of vodka, but there is actually a right way to do this, and you'll really notice the difference.

This technique seems to the the most effective. Basically, you cut a small hole in the top of the watermelon, and pull out the plug. Next, take a skewer and poke it through the hold at various angles. This will help make passages for the alcohol to flow through (but really the watermelon has plenty of those naturally, so you should be ok). Funnel in about one cup of your favorite alcohol. I think vodka is great with watermelon, but over at Sweet Georgia Blue, they recommend bourbon, so you might like to experiment with it and decide for yourself. Once you've poured in the alcohol, replace the plug and put it in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Invite some friends over, slice the booze infused melon, and enjoy!

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Makeover your kitchen canisters

Anna Sattler — 2008-05-07T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, home decor, in the kitchen, crafts

Walking into a candy store takes me back to the good ol' days of the corner dime store. Row after row of candy designed to make your teeth rot out of your head, and shelves with glass canisters filled with mouthwatering treats to make you bounce off the walls were abundant.

Those canisters were pretty boring though, with only a metal lid and a metal or plain wood knob. If you have these canisters at home, you can liven them up with a little fabric and new knobs, following the instructions provided by Kate over on Design*Sponge.

For this project you will need glass canisters, fabric, glue or Mod Podge, decorative knobs, a screwdriver, a foam brush, and scissors. Basically all you need to do is remove the old knob, trace the lid onto your fabric, cut and paste the fabric onto the lid, and then add a decorative knob.

If you can't find vintage canisters at the thrift store or at your neighborhood garage sales, try eBay. If all else fails, Kate says her canisters come from Target. You can find decorative knobs at your local hardware store, and the thrift store is a great place to find vintage fabric.

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How to remove seeds from a watermelon

Debra McDuffee — 2008-05-07T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, seasonal

I know, I know they come seedless now. I even know the beauty of the watermelon seed spitting contests of my youth. So is there really a need to know how to un-seed a watermelon?

Well, it is a neat trick, a way to show off to your friends, something else to say you know how to do. So yes, you really do need to know how to un-seed a watermelon.

Instructables gives a step-by-step tutorial, complete with pictures, on how you can do this. Basically, you cut wedges up to where the seed line would be and you serve those parts. Then, cut the seeds away from the middle and serve the center of the watermelon.

You are officially ready to be seen with red juice dripping down your chin.

(via Lifehacker)

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Make your own herbal teas

Debra McDuffee — 2008-05-06T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, seasonal, gardening and plants, staying green

You may not know it, but there could be a tea garden growing in your very own yard. Many weeds make excellent herbal tea, and they are medicinal to boot.

In my yard, I have a variety of chocolate mint that is my favorite tea, but I also have rosemary and sage that come up every year. Oh, and the plethora of dandelions, but I suppose I shouldn't admit that.

Country Living has some fresh plant blending ideas that you can use to make your own herbal teas. They include weeds, herbs and even edible flowers. They also include an extensive list of edible -- and drinkable -- plants, some of which may surprise you. I've never thought of steeping young birch leaves or pine needles, but according to Country Living, they'd make some great tea.

So, whether for medicinal or culinary purposes, fresh plants can make delicious tea. Now, who is baking the cookies to go with this delicious fresh tea?

(via Lifehacker)

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How to cure cast iron pans

Francesca Clarke — 2008-05-05T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, cleaning

If your pans and other cast iron cookware are well cared for, they will last a lifetime. Curing or seasoning is the process by which you fill the pores of the pan creating a smooth, non-stick surface. this should be done to the entire pan, even the lids.

Basically, you clean the pan thoroughly and cover it in shortening. Place it on a cooking sheet and put it in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 min. Take the pan out and drain the excess oil, then put it back in upside down, this time for a couple of hours. Make sure you read these full instructions and important tips for curing cast iron.

Even if your pans come "pre-seasoned" make sure you read the instructions for any specific cleaning details, and keep in mind that they will need to be re-seasoned regularly to keep them from sticking. Repeat seasons won't take as long, but it is one of the many important things to do when caring for cast iron cookware. Here are a few other useful tips:

Don't wash cast iron in the dishwasher
Scrub any rust spots with steel wool and mild soap
Boiling water in your pan will wash away the seasoning

If you've invested in quality cookware, it will only work for you as well as you care for it. Take the time to season or cure it, then maintain it well.

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Make the perfect breakfast in bed

Francesca Clarke — 2008-05-05T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, seasonal, entertaining

Pamper her this Mother's Day with a luxurious breakfast in bed. Older children can probably manage it on their own, but for most families dad will need to coordinate things. The three most important things to consider are the planning, preparation and presentation.

Planning

Take the time to plan a breakfast that you know she'll enjoy. She won't mind you trying something new, but if you're more comfortable, stick with recipes that you already know how to make. Buy all your ingredients ahead of time, but stash them away carefully so that she doesn't suspect her early morning treat.

Prepare as much as you can ahead of time; set your coffee maker on a timer, cut fruit, and pre-mix any batter that can sit overnight.

After the break I'll cover some suggestions for a delicious breakfast in bed:
First and foremost, consider her favorites. Strawberry waffles does her no good if she's really more of a toast and eggs kind of gal. You'll want recipes that look labor intensive, but are either easily prepared, or where much of the prep work can be done ahead of time.

Make up a batch of this almond raisin granola the day before. Pair it with some silky yogurt and an exotic fruit salad.
This baked artichoke fritatta is sure to impress her. It probably isn't something the kids would like, so I'm guessing it isn't part of her regular weekday breakfast run.
Take a page from a famous bed and breakfast recipe, and serve her these cranberry, white chocolate, and lemon muffins.
Even the most basic crepe can be a decedent treat. Top them with her favorite fruit.
Good old fashioned pancakes are always a popular breakfast. My husband likes to pour the batter to make our children's initials and other fun shapes. You could spell out "Happy mother's day" on her plate, or make a giant pancake heart for fun.
Don't pour her a cup of the same sludge you've been drinking all morning; take the time to make her a perfect cup of coffee. If you really want to spoil her, add a glass of champagne and orange juice (now there's something I wouldn't mind waking up to!)

Preparation

Depending on your wife, getting up before her might not be an easy task. If you make an appearance after she's gone for a run, changed the children, fed them breakfast and done the dishes, your pampering plan might lose a little luster. If by chance this happens, the children can shoo her back to bed, but it's best to leave her sleeping as long as you can.

With effective planning, the preparation shouldn't be too difficult. Leave yourselves lots of time. Making breakfast together can be a great way to enjoy time with your children. Spend some time talking to them about why you're doing this for mom. You might even like to take pictures of the children preparing breakfast. She'll enjoy looking at the photos of her little ones covered in flour, having fun, and doing something special just for mom.

Presentation

Take the time to present breakfast beautifully. Don't just slap the food on a plate. Arrange it carefully, presenting it the way you might see in a fancy restaurant. If you're feeling really motivated, learn the right way to drizzle strawberry sauce, and add interesting garnishes.

Once you've got the plate arranged, don't accompany it with your Costco size bottle of syrup; use small serving containers for all your condiments.

Use your fine china (you know, the stuff you got for your wedding and haven't used since you had children). A small vase with fresh flowers and a special note or card will tie things together nicely.

Finally, present your breakfast on a serving tray. If you're feeling particularly ambitious and have an extra day to prepare things, why not surprise her with a personalized serving tray? Lisa explains each step in this simple project where she turns an ordinary serving tray into a fabulous gift and a treasured memory.

Cleanup

This one wasn't included in the introduction. Maybe I didn't want to break the alliteration of planning, preparation and presentation, or maybe I was afraid of scaring you off at the thought of a thorough cleanup. Either way, it is as important (if not more) than the other steps.

Imagine how she would feel coming down from a delicious breakfast in bed, and finding dirty pans on the stove and a sink full of dishes.

She'll probably want you and the children to keep her company during breakfast. Don't shy away from this; instead, savor the time together while she enjoys your culinary creation. Just before she finishes breakfast, slip away and draw her a nice warm bath. For the perfect bath, add in a little luxury with scentual bath and body products. Dim the lights, light candles and turn on some music. Hang her robe in the bathroom, set out a big fluffy towel, and make yourself scarce!

Once she's in the bath, it's clean up time for you and the children. Make sure you take care of all the breakfast mess. It would also be nice if she doesn't trip over toys as she comes down the stairs, or pass scattered shoes in the hall on the way to the kitchen. So, don't confine your cleaning efforts to the kitchen; take some time to tidy the rest of the house too.

Even with careful planning, precise preparation, striking presentation, and thorough cleanup there are bound to be mishaps. Remember that things don't have to be perfect. Ultimately, it actually is the thought that counts.

If you have children at home, they should be involved (to the extent that they can), but this isn't a gift reserved for families. If your children are older and away from home, or if your wife is expecting your first, make this sweet indulgence a romantic time of appreciation or anticipation.

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How to have a successful bake sale

Debra McDuffee — 2008-05-01T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, kids, miscellaneous, money, entertaining

My local moms' group is in the middle of a community service project right now -- raising money to buy backpacks and school supplies for students whose families need a little financial help. One of the ways we are doing this is through bake sales.

We have a good, active group of women who have really come together to share ideas, and now you can benefit from what we've learned about how to have a successful bake sale.

Look for events / locations where there are already lots of hungry people.
Some of our ideas are: at T-Ball and soccer games, at the local concerts in the park, and in front of a local grocery market. Always check with your town to see if permits are required for set-up.

Offer a good variety of treats.
Make sure you offer small cookies, large pies, and everything in-between. You'll need plenty of chocolate... and no bake sale is complete without Rice Krispie treats. We'll even have some vegan treats and cookies for the food-allergic at our bake sales.

Set prices just right for your community.
Do you need a pricing guide to help you get started? This one helped us out, but you'll find that you know your community and what they will pay for certain treats.

More tips on how to have a successful bake sale, dealing with presentation and organization, can be found online. Soon you'll be on your way to raising money for your group, and maybe you can even enjoy a few leftovers!

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The AntiCraft: Summer 2008 is bacon time

M.E. Williams — 2008-04-30T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, crafts, knitting and crochet, sewing

The Summer (Beltane) 2008 issue of The AntiCraft hit the Internet this week, and this time, it's all about bacon. Yes, you read right. Bacon.

The AntiCraft has made a name for itself as a nifty, slightly edgy craft site, geared towards people who like the darker things in life. So what, then, can you expect from the bacon issue? Something different, that's for sure.

For one thing, there's much more food than usual: Baconhenge (it's exactly what it sounds like), a gingerbread house with bacon shingles on the roof, and several types of bacon-infused sweets. Only two or three items really qualify as crafts... an embroidered, bookmark-like "Bacon of Hate," and a knitted scarf that looks like it's made of bacon (but isn't).

Finally, there's the issue's most dangerous project, a tiara made of bacon; it's dangerous because a protein-bonding enzyme is used to fuse it together. (Humans? Also made of protein.) Any project requiring that much safety gear probably shouldn't be done outside of a lab. Still, overall, this issue is an interesting experiment... in deliciousness!

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Throw a Cinco de Mayo party

Bethany Sanders — 2008-04-29T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, kids, seasonal, crafts, entertaining

When the Mexican militia finally ousted the French army from the city of Puebla (on their way to attack Mexico City), there was reason to celebrate. After all, the French had supposedly come to Mexico only to collect on debts owed to them. Instead, they brought along a ruling prince and set themselves up to be in charge.

The French believed that the Mexican militia could never defeat their modern army, but they did, changing Mexican and perhaps American history forever. The battle took place on May 5, 1862. Every year since, Cinco de Mayo (or 5th of May) has been considered a holiday.

It's a day to party and to celebrate, and also a good time to get a taste of Mexican culture. I'll give you plenty of tips on how to throw your own Cinco de Mayo party after the break.

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Interestingly, the holiday isn't a big deal in Mexico. It's celebrated in Puebla and a few surrounding towns. In America, however, Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated, especially in cities with large Mexican-American populations.

Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but it's not. That falls on September 16th and is celebrated across Mexico. M.E. Williams recently wrote a post on another popular Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated in November.

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, you'll need what every good party needs -- food, drink, music, the right clothing, and fun.

What to Eat

A Cinco de Mayo party is the perfect time to try your hand at some traditional Mexican dishes.

Experienced chefs might try sopes, a regional food that's also highly addictive, or even empanadas.
Sopapillas, on the other hand, are simple to make, as are old standbys like guacamole and quesadillas.
Though traditional recipes vary by region and from family to family, here are a few authentic dishes to make you feel like you've really and truly crossed the border.
Don't let your guests get thirsty! Mexican beers like Corona, Modelo, and Necate are a good choice, as are margaritas of course. Here's a list of several different Cinco de Mayo drink recipes, as well as agua de jamiaca, a traditional non-alcoholic drink made from Jamaica flowers (which can be purchased in most Mexican grocery stores).

What to Wear

The colors of the Mexican flag are red, white, and green, so you'll want to focus on these or other bright colors when choosing your outfit.

Women traditionally wear long, ruffled or flowing skirts or brightly colored dresses, as well as serapes (make your own) or shawls. Try wearing a white, blouse, and don't forget to tie your hair back in colorful ribbons. Men dress in typical western-wear such as embroidered shirts, ponchos, sombreros, and jeans or pants.

Kids might like to try their hand creating their own sombrero, paper poncho, or ribbon streamer.

For footwear, consider cowboy boots or try making your own huaraches.

Time to Decorate

In many cities, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with parades, parties, and music. If you're throwing your own party, you'll need to decorate. Colored paper flowers are fun to make -- as are paper lanterns -- and liven up any party area in a hurry. Pinatas are a traditional decoration and are a fun project to try at home.

Young children can make these easy paper cup maracas, while older kids and adults might appreciate these sturdier versions. Keep kids busy making this clothespin Mexican dancing doll or this craft, called a God's eye.

It's not a party without music, so look for CDs or download Mexican folk music, salsa, or mariachi to entertain your guests.

Safety First

Cinco de Mayo is a big party night, especially for young adults. If alcohol is being served at your Cinco de Mayo celebration, be sure that your guests have a designated driver or a safe ride home. If you're a party-goer, it's always a good idea to choose your sober driver before you take your first drink.

Now go...and enjoy this popular holiday!

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Organic produce wash made with lemon and vinegar

Anna Sattler — 2008-04-25T18:30:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, staying green, health

My daughter loves strawberries. She opens up the refrigerator when I am busy and proceeds to eat them straight out of the container. I shudder to think what pesticides are going into her precious tummy because she chomped away before I could wash the berries.

Produce wash can be very expensive, especially if your family eats a lot of fruit and veggies. You can take the pain out of buying commercial produce wash by making your own organic fruit and veggie wash. All you need is a spray bottle, one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 cup water. Put the ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well. Spritz on your produce, and rinse well.

The dollar store has inexpensive spray bottles, perfect for your new organic produce wash. If you happen to have an eager toddler like mine, who just happens to have an independent streak a mile wide, you can spray your produce as soon as you get it home, and no longer worry about what nasty pesticides might be ingested into their tender tummies.

[via:Curbly]

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Win a hot-dog-eating contest

Francesca Clarke — 2008-04-22T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, miscellaneous, recreation

Competitive eating has always baffled me. I must be missing something, because it sure is a popular sport.

The winners are never who I'd imagine them to be. A slight girl like Sonya Thomas can often out-eat some of the biggest guys, ones you'd imagine have stomachs 5 times her size.

So what's the trick? How does she manage to put these big burly men in their place, over and over again? Technique.

These four steps will help you win a hot-dog-eating contest. Step 1 involves preparing your stomach by stretching it out. In step 2 you will develop an eating method and refine the tricks that best work for you. I can barely read these training instructions without feeling my gag reflex kick into action, but step 3 explains why you would want to learn (with supervision) how to control this important survival reflex. Finally, like training for any other competition, you'll want to time all your practices. Continually set new records, and work towards breaking them with each attempt.

Intimidated by the competitive hot-dog-eating techniques? Why not train for a pie-eating contest instead? Now that's something I could get into!

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Cooking with the sun: DIY solar cooker

Anna Sattler — 2008-04-21T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, seasonal, outdoor, staying green, nature

I am so excited that spring finally came yesterday. I spent most of the day outside picking up aluminum cans that were blown all over the yard, and my daughter, husband and I played in the dirt, soaking up the sun of a glorious 70 degree Sunday. I should have cleaned the grill, and cooked outside.

Now is the time to save money on the electric bill and start cooking outdoors. Even cooking with a grill can cost a ton of money, especially if you do it on a weekly basis. Ecobites has a wonderful alternative for us, featuring an article with instructions showing us how to make a solar cooker.

The solar cooker was made out of recycled plywood and recycled aluminum; items that were readily accessible, could soak up solar rays, and give a high enough temperature to safely cook food. Almost anything would work though, like the cardboard oven shown in the picture. Happy cooking!

I would not recommend gluing aluminum foil to a cooking surface. The chances of the glue leaking through to the food and contaminating it are too great. Try to find some other shiny reflective surface to cook with, or just don't glue the aluminum foil to the surface. To avoid injury to your eyes, wear sunglasses, and do not look right at the cooking surface. As always, safety is the number one priority for a DIY project.

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Make your own 100 calorie snacks to go

Debra McDuffee — 2008-04-18T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, kids, staying green, health

It is important for all of us to watch what we eat -- for our health and our waistlines. Studies have shown that an intake of less calories helps us live longer and the less that goes in, the less that stays on.

The big snack companies are capitalizing on this and packaging their snacks in 100 calorie bags. Convenient? Yes. Healthy? Debatable. A pretty cool idea? Sure. But if you do it yourself, you'll do it better than the big companies, for a slew of reasons.

You can make perishable snacks, thereby using fresh foods that are healthier.
By packing your snacks in reusable containers, you'll be saving waste and helping the environment.
Choosing your favorite snacks and counting them out into 100 calorie portions is an eye-opener: it really helps us think about what a portion should look like and how much we as a society really do overeat.

What do you mean you don't want to take out the time to count out the calories of your favorite snacks? Join me after the break as I do that part for you!

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OK, maybe these will be my favorite snacks, but they might give you some new snack ideas and also help you monitor your own snacks easier. Be sure to check the gallery to see what some of these snacks look like. You may be surprised by the ample portions.

The 100-Calorie Healthy Snacks

7 baby carrots (five calories each)
2 tsp. all-natural almond butter or peanut butter (about 66 calories)

1/2 c. strawberries (25 calories)
1/2 c. plain whole milk yogurt (75 calories)

small fruit salad
1 TB slivered almonds (33 calories)

2 TB hummus (50 calories)
5 baby carrots
as many cucumber and celery sticks as you'd like

1 medium apple (75 calories)
1 TB cheese chunks or slices (25 calories)

1/2 medium banana (55 calories)
1-2 TB shredded coconut (for dipping!) (30 calories)

1 TB grain-sweetened chocolate chips (35 calories)
10 spelt pretzels (60 calories)

Hey, how'd that snack get in there? Well, I guess it is semi-healthy.

1 rice cake (35 calories)
2 tsp. almond butter

nearly unlimited veggies sticks if they are green (cucumbers, peppers, celery)
1 TB Goddess dressing for dipping (basically Italian dressing with lemon and tahini)

I used Calorie Count to get the approximate amount of calories for these foods when I didn't have a package label to check. Don't forget to package these snacks in reusable containers instead of disposable plastic bags. You've now saved some money, saved the environment, and saved yourself a larger waistline. Go, DIY-ers!

If you share your 100-calorie snacks with us, we'll have more snacks to create ourselves, so add your faves to the comments.

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Snake cake: Slithery birthday fun

Maggie Vink — 2008-04-15T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, kids

I adopted my son just after his 10th birthday so we decided to have a belated party. I asked him what shape of cake he wanted He thought about it and answered "rectangle... I'd like a rectangle cake."

When I was a kid my mom always baked up something fabulous every birthday. (My favorite was a Big Bird cake that used a frosted sugar cone for the beak.) So I explained to my son that he had more options besides round, square, and rectangular. He was really excited, but didn't quite know what to do.

After some searching on the internet, we settled on this snake cake. It was right up my son's alley, yet easy enough that I knew I could pull it off. It turned out terribly cute, if I say so myself! Want another creative cake idea? Check out this sushi cake.

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Homemade lollipops

Francesca Clarke — 2008-04-14T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, kids

Lollipops are the only reason that my boys tolerate haircuts. They are the first thing I poach out of their goodie bags and Halloween sacks. I even sneak downstairs at night for the occasional sugar-fix. I love lollipops, and now I can make my own!

Basically, you boil sugar, cream of tartar, and water. Add flavor and coloring, then pour them into molds or drop a serving size spoon-full onto wax-paper. Add the sticks, let them cool, and you've got homemade lollipops. The full instructions at that link explain important mixing techniques and boiling temperatures.

I'll admit that, reading through the recipe, I was slightly repulsed by the amount of sugar and lack of any other substantial ingredients. I'm sure you're wondering what on earth I expected from these solid sugar treats: they are, after-all, lollipops! Still, there is some reassurance in making the homemade version, because if you're looking for something a bit more natural, you can choose good flavorings and avoid the dyes.

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Taco seasoning from scratch

Debra McDuffee — 2008-04-10T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, health

If you are buying taco seasoning from the store in kits, you can save your self a lot of money -- and a lot of unneeded sodium! -- by making your own at home.

There are scads of recipes all over the internet, but over the last few years I have refined my DIY taco seasoning to be the perfect amount for one pound of meat and to suit my family's tastes. Here is what you'll need:

2 tsp. chili powder
1.5 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano
dash of ground cayenne pepper
freshly ground black pepper to taste

If you like it spicy, add more cayenne; we are catering to the needs of a three-year-old.

I mix the spices in a small custard cup, and once I have begun browning the meat (I used ground turkey for the pictures in the gallery) and have broken it up, I add the seasonings. This meat works great for tacos, taco salad and anywhere else you would like taco meat. I suppose you could stuff a burrito, too.

So save the money on the kit: add just a 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and you'll have your own healthy taco seasoning.

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Make your own mozzarella cheese

Bethany Sanders — 2008-04-10T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, staying green

After reading Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle last fall, I was determined to change my ways. She makes it sound so easy, you know? I'd expand my garden, plant an asparagus patch, and, hmm, would the city allow me to keep chickens in the backyard? Maybe I'd even make my own cheese.

Sometimes, I dream big.

But making your own cheese, especially a softer cheese like mozzarella, isn't as hard as it sounds. Though Kingsolver makes it seem like it can be done in your sleep, it isn't technically that easy. But according to this post at Instructables, it doesn't take more than an hour or so, especially once you've gone through the process once or twice.You'll need a few items that might not be available at your typical grocery store, such as rennet and citric acid. According to Instructables, specialty grocery or health food stores are a good place to start, and rennet can usually be found in the pudding aisle. Otherwise, you should be able to gather what you need from your kitchen or local store.

Homemade mozzarella should keep in your fridge for three or four days, if you can keep yourself from eating it for that long!

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Make carrot juice

Francesca Clarke — 2008-04-09T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, health

A new juice bar just opened in our neighborhood. They serve any blend of fruit and veggie juice that you could imagine. They use fresh, organic ingredients, and present the drink in a trendy, branded cup.

For this, you'll pay $5.50. Seriously, for blended carrots, I just can't.

Vegetable juices are popular on health detox and other cleanses, but they taste great too, and can be a healthy part of an everyday diet.

To make this carrot juice, you don't need a juicing machine; any food processor or blender will do just fine. You'll find more information after the break.

The directions are straightforward: blend the carrots, add hot water, strain the mixture, and let it stand. Optional steps include adding sugar or fresh orange juice. The orange juice adds great flavor, and, in my opinion, renders the sugar unnecessary.

Carrot is one of my favorites, but I don't see myself drinking it daily. If you're looking for a drink that's a bit more adventurous, here are some other great recipes:

As the weather gets nicer, I know I'll enjoy experimenting with homemade fruit and veggie juices on my back deck, instead of shelling out $5.50 per cup at the local juice bar.

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