I’m adding this photo as a reminder to myself when I go out dining which fork is which.
Category: Food Experiments
Fajita Seasoning
In an effort to break the habit of buying pre-packaged mixes and using the spices I have at hand…. previously referred to as ‘makin do with what ya got’ as my Grandma would say. Here is a combination of a couple of spice mix recipes I found for Fajita Seasoning.
Ingredients
4 teaspoons Chili Powder
2 teaspoons Paprika
2 teaspoons White Sugar
1-½ teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Cumin
½ teaspoons Ground Cayenne
½ teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon Mexican Oregano (optional)
use 2 teaspoons per 1 lb of meat
Water Kefir
Water Kefir – Homemade Pop
I am experimenting with water kefir (not to be confused with Milk Kefir) grains to make my own pop. It is really easy to do. I just add water and brown sugar to the grains,set on counter two days to ferment, and pour the water off into a secondary container of which I add something else like grape juice (or not-it is good plain too). Then I let the juice/kefir water sit for another day and then put into the refrigerator. I add more sugar-water to the grain for a new batch in two days.
I started with a quart batch and kefir grains. Two tablespoons of dark brown sugar added to one quart of spring water. Loosely cap and sit on counter for two days. This is called the first fermentation. I don’t want any metals to come in contact with my grains, so I use glass jars, wooden spoons and measuring devices, and a plastic strainer. After two days I pour the sugar-water/kefir grains through a plastic strainer into a secondary fermentation jar. I make another sugar-water mix and add to the grains. With the secondary fermentation liquid, I add whatever flavor I like. I really like adding grape concentrate. This grape is added and then capped tightly. This is where it get all nice and fizzy like a soda. After another day on the counter, I stick it into the refrigerator to get cold. That’s it – tastes just like grape soda but no artificial carbonation, real fruit goodness, pro-biotics from the kefir… a great tasting healthy guilt free treat.
Other names for Water kefir: Japanese water crystals, tibicos, tibi, or sugar grains
What is it? Water Kefir Grains are a mix of various strains of healthy bacteria and yeast, in a symbiotic culture. The yeast/microbes feed on sugar and produce lactic acid, ethanol , and carbon dioxide, yielding a fermented carbonated beverage. The ethanol (alcohol) is less than 1 %.
Health Benefits? non-dairy living pro-biotic, no caffeine, excellent source of vitamins B12, B1, & B6, low sugar (the longer it sits, the more sugar the grains ‘eat’ )
Great substitute for soda and/or beer. Limitless flavors to try. Fun, and cheap.
I think I’m in love.
My Song, My Story 