6833 Whitneyville Ave SE, Alto MI 49302 * (616) 868-6676 * CountryHarvestGreenhouse.com

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

DIY: Laundry Soap 2.0

Way back, I shared another DIY Laundry Soap, one that I have actually used many times.  Here is another recipe I've seen floating around that has added ingredients, including a great smelling fabric softener.  I think I'll give this version a try!


Ingredients:

4 lb 12 oz Box of Borax
3 lb 7 oz Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
3 lb Container of OxyClean
2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap (or Fels Naptha if you cannot find Zote in your area)
4 lb Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
1 or 2 (55 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener (or use 3 to 4 bottles of Scentsy Washer Whiffs)

Tools:
- large container to store your soap
- Measuring cup
- Large mixing bowl or bucket
- Food processor

Use a food processor to grate the Zote (or Fels Naptha). Use a very large bucket and combine ingredients using a layering method. Take a small amount of each ingredient and layer it on top of each other, then use a large spoon to mix it all together. Do this about five times, or until all ingredients have been mixed in.

Using the Detergent:When washing, you need only 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on the size of your load.

Note: If you opted to put the Purex Crystals in your batch, you can scoop the detergent right into your bottle and use the cap as your measuring spoon. There are 3 lines on the side and the middle one is approximately 2 Tablespoons.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Salad in a Jar

Found this on Facebook the other day.  It's a fun and functional way to prepare several salads for yourself during the week.  You can find delicious homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers at Country Harvest Greenhouse June through September.


Needed: Mason Jars with 2-part lids and bands, which provide a vacuum seal when closed tightly, preserving the salad items better.  Choose either a pint or quart jar, depending on the size of salad you'd like to make.

Ingredients/Arranging Your Jars:
Place the following in the jar in order from BOTTOM to TOP:

Dressing
Shredded carrots
Cherry tomatoes
Chopped cucumbers
Sunflower seeds
Hard boiled eggs
Baby spinach

Store in fridge for a few days, but no more than a week.  When ready to eat: shake jar, place on a plate, and eat!

Ingredients are endless - red onion, radishes, peppers, romanie, argula, etc. Just remember to put the dressing at the bottom and the lettuce at the top -- keeps the salad from getting soggy.

Image and recipe source: shared on Facebook by Hillbilly Recipes

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

No Bake Energy Bites

 
A snap to make, totally delicious, and good for you. 
Don't forget to get your local, raw honey from us at Country Harvest Greenhouse!
 
Ingredients:
1 cup (dry) oatmeal
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla
 
Directions:
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Roll into bite size balls. Refrigerate to set. Enjoy!!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes



A healthy and tasty side dish.  If you don't have a garden full of veggies, we've got fantastic homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers at Country Harvest Greenhouse June through September!

Ingredients:
3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/4 cup oil
 
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving
 
Recipe and Image Source: Natural Weight Loss Friends