Cleaning the Fridge

I don't love cleaning the fridge. But I've started to just zap it with my 1:4 mixture of vinegar and water. I just clear off one shelf at a time and scrub with a rag. The vinegar keeps the glass looking good yet eliminates odors and spills.

Another Reason to Clean with White Vinegar...

If you use vinegar to clean your counter tops, it naturally repels ants and insects. No harsh chemicals around your food this way!!

As if I needed another reason to clean with vinegar...

The Wonders of Baking Soda

I bought 13.5 pounds of baking soda last time I was at Sam's Club. A friend questioned this move...but one can do some impressive things with baking soda (I think it could be also called calcium carbonate...?)

Anyway, here are a few ways I plan to use my 13.5 pounds of baking soda:

~Baby Care: for diaper rashes, try puting 2 teaspoons of baking soda into lukewarm bathwater.

~Easiest way to clean the toilet: Add a cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Wait an hour. Flush. This is far safer than buying commercial toilet bowl cleaner and keeping it in the bathroom. That stuff often contains hydrochloric acid.

~I hate that ‘fishy’ smell from raw fish. Marinate the offending fish in baking soda and water for an hour.

~Dental care: soak your retainer in a glass of water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda dissolved into the water. You can also brush with baking soda. It is a natural whitener.

Enchilada Casserole

I used to be turned off at the idea of a vegetarian recipe. Now, I've come to realize how much money we can save by not eating meat or chicken every day. Plus, I've really branched out and made some great recipes. I've made this one up, adapted from one containing ground beef.

Ingredients:
1 package of frozen bell peppers and onions (Hannover brand is the only one I can find)
1 T olive oil
1 cup frozen corn
1 can black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups salsa
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 tsp cumin
4 10-inch flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups of reduced-fat sour cream
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the frozen peppers and corn, stirring frequently for approximately 7-8 minutes. Then add the salsa, beans, taco seasoning, and cumin and continue stirring until heated through. Remove from heat.

Spray a large 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray. Place 2 tortillas to cover the bottom of the pan. Spread half of the bean mixture over these tortillas. Place half the sour cream on top and then half of the cheese. Repeat layers.

Cover and bake 25 minutes. Remove cover and bake 5-10 more minutes until cheese is completely melted. Serve topped with tomatoes, lettuce and avocado if desired.

Notes: This casserole is a great make-ahead recipe. One could make it, cover and refrigerate, and then bake it when necessary.

Pesticides

Pesticides are water-resistant. That way rain doesn’t wash them off prior to harvest. However, that means we should wash them with something more than just water.

To counter these chemicals, you could buy some sort of spray. But DIY: soak the produce in equal parts water and vinegar.