Recipe: Texas Caviar

This is my favorite party recipe. It's also incredibly handy to make a big batch when the power may go out as its very forgiving and delicious at room temperature (hello, Irene). Plus, the dressing...I use it ALL THE TIME on my salads its so good (oh, and easy!). This salad is also AWESOME to make a big batch of and take for healthy and easy “work lunches” during the week. You can't go wrong!

TEXAS CAVIAR

Ingredients:

1 can of black beans

2 cans of black eyed peas

1 bag of frozen corn

2 chopped red peppers

1 chopped red onion

1 bunch of scallions, chopped

1 container of baby spinach, finely chopped

Dressing: ½ of a jar of hot pepper jelly, and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and a couple tablespoons of sugar (to taste).

Make dressing: whisk jam and apple cider vinegar together, salt, pepper and sugar to taste.

Defrost corn. Combine all and enjoy with tortilla chips

Optional ingredients: chopped cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, chopped avocado or whatever you have on hand!

Laundry Soap

Laundry...not exactly one of my favorite chores. The washing part is okay, its the folding that gets me every time! I've been know to leave a basket (or two) sitting arund for days before I can get to it. Then, it has to get put away. Then, the whole process starts again - I get tired just thinking about it. And really, I probably spend more time thinking: oh man, time to fold the laundry AGAIN than it actually takes to do it. Well, one thing that makes laundry a lot easier to take, is saving a bundle by making your own detergent. I saw this recipe and thought, no way...point the way to the laundry aisle. But after looking at the increasing cost, I bit the bullet and gave this a shot. It was WAY easier than I thought it would be and...it actually WORKS! Just like its supposed to. The first batch I made was over 3 months ago, and I just made another today. Give it a try...the supplies are literally enough to last you for a couple of years of laundry detergent or more!

Recipe for Making Your Own Laundry Detergent:

1 cup soap flakes *
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

Mix the soap flakes in a pan with 3 pints of water (6 cups) over medium heat, until it all dissolves, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the washing soda and Borax. Mix until everything thickens, another 3 minutes or so, then remove from heat. Put 1 quart (4 cups) of hot water in a 2 gallon bucket, then add the soap mixture you just made. Mix well.

Now fill the bucket with the mixture with cold water. Stir until well blended. It will thicken and separate as it cools. Now add some perfumes and/or essential oils (my favorite combo: peppermint and rosemary). Stir or shake well before using. Use 1/2 cup for each load, or more for very dirty items.

Finding Time

Why is finding time so difficult? I tell myself to blog, and I know I NEED to blog, but yet...finding the time to do this can be such a challenge. I have a lot to say, and just getting it out there is how I need to start. The challenge of being at home is that i never know exactly how my day is going to go. Just getting on the computer requires an intricate dance of sippy cups, bottles, diaper changes, puzzles, and my favorite, Elmo! The small freedoms Elmo has given me is a whole complete post unto itself. Back from vacation to New York, I feel renewed, I feel ready, and I WILL do this! Okay, here we go...