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Uses for Baking Soda Beyond Baking

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Baking soda, a versatile household staple often found in the kitchen, has a multitude of uses beyond baking. From cleaning and deodorizing to personal care applications and health benefits, this humble ingredient offers a wide range of practical and cost-effective solutions for everyday challenges. Discover the surprising ways in which baking soda can enhance your life in ways you may never have imagined. Cleaning and Deodorizing Photo: Flynnside Out Productions 1. All-Purpose Cleaner Baking soda can be your trusty sidekick when it comes to tackling tough messes around the house. Mix it with water to create a paste and scrub away at countertops, sinks, and even stubborn grime on stovetops. 2. Odor Neutralizer for Carpets and Upholstery Got funky smells hanging around? Sprinkle baking soda liberally on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for a bit, then vacuum it up to banish odors and freshen up your space. Personal Care Applications Photo credit Steptohealth 1. Gentle Exfoliant for Ski...

15 Items You Might Want to Toss or Donate

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Decluttering and simplifying your living space can bring a sense of peace and organization to your daily life. The process of letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy can be liberating and rejuvenating. In this post, we will explore 15 common items that you may want to consider tossing or donating to streamline your home and create a more harmonious environment. From clothing and kitchen gadgets to books and home decor, decluttering these items can help you create a space that truly reflects your values and priorities. Clothing and Accessories 1. Outgrown or Unused Clothing - We all have that pile of clothes that we're saving for when we miraculously shrink back to our high school size. Spoiler alert: it's not happening. Let go of those outgrown items and make space for clothes that actually fit and make you feel fabulous. 2. Damaged or Stained Items - That sauce stain from 3 years ago? It's not coming out, let's be real. Say goodbye to thos...

Easy Refrigerator Dilly Beans: A Crunchy Pickle Delight

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The first time I had dilly beans was around 15 years ago when my mother-in-law prepared them and offered them to me. Since I love pickles, I thought, why not give them a try? I can't say enough how much I enjoyed them. So, if you're looking for a simple, delicious way to preserve the summer bounty of fresh green beans, look no further than easy refrigerator dilly beans. These tangy, crunchy pickles add a zesty kick to sandwiches, snack platters, and salads, and they’re unbelievably straightforward to make.  Let’s dive into the world of refrigerator dilly beans—a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. What are Dilly Beans? Dilly beans are a type of pickled green bean that gets its name from the inclusion of dill, giving them a distinctive flavor profile. Unlike traditional canned pickles, refrigerator dilly beans are quick to prepare and do not require a hot water bath for preservation. Instead, they are stored in the fridge and are ready to eat after just 24 hours of ...

It’s All About the Potato: The Humble Hero of Our Plates

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When we think of cooking staples, certain foods come to mind: rice, bread, pasta. Yet, among these heavyweights, there lies a humble hero often overlooked — the potato. This versatile vegetable has become a favorite around the globe. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy chips, the potato has firmly established itself as an irreplaceable component of diets worldwide. A Brief History of the Potato Originating in the Andean mountains of South America, the potato was first cultivated thousands of years ago by the indigenous people of Peru and Bolivia. It wasn’t until the late 16th century that potatoes made their way to Europe, thanks to Spanish conquistadors. Initially met with suspicion, the potato gradually gained popularity, particularly as a reliable food source for the working class. Today, the potato is the world’s fourth-largest crop, following rice, wheat, and maize. Its ability to thrive in diverse climates and soils has made it a key player in global agriculture, feeding millio...

Berry Good Eats: Blackberry Recipes

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What do you do when your husband brings you lots of blackberries?   I bake, of course. One nice thing about the summer is all the fresh fruit available.  My husband has planted strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry plants.  He recently brought an abundance of blackberries into the house.  So, I started looking up recipes using blackberries.  I needed something simple, so I found a recipe for blackberry crisp.  I love apple crisp, so I decided to make this.  This recipe comes from Allrecipes website.  I picked this one because it received 5 stars and only used 5 ingredients. I am a less is more kind of person. And here are the results:                     This recipe was easy and delicious.  It didn't take much time to whip together. I highly recommend the dessert. Blackberry Crisp - Allrecipes I also  made a blackberry cobbler.  I found this one on The Pioneer Woman's websi...

Strawberry Lemonade Cookie Sandwiches

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These strawberry lemonade cookies are effortless to make, allowing anyone, regardless of their baking experience, to whip up a delicious treat in no time. You can create a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the process of baking these scrumptious cookies! Strawberry Lemonade Cookies by Sassy Silver Sisters NOTES :  I used a small ice cream scoop for uniformity.  When mixing the preserves, I combined the butter and preserves and whipped them together until there were no large chunks of strawberries to make it a smoother consistency then I added the confectioner's sugar.  I stored them in the refrigerator because the frosting was looser than I wanted. I suppose you can add more sugar but that would take away from the taste of the strawberry flavor. If you want the the frosting to be a bit more red in color, you could al...