A Delicious Twist On Cranberries

by Mirafruit, holidays, recipes, thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and as folks begin to plan their holiday menu out comes a wonderful fruit that only seems to make an appearance once or twice a year, cranberries. These deliciously tart fruits are grown on low shrubs in bogs. They’re grown commercially in the Northern US and Canada with most […]

No-knead Mesquite Bread

by Mirabaking, bread, gluten free, legumes, recipes

Those inventive folks over at Craftzine.com have come up with a new twist on the, by now, ubiquitous no-knead bread. Laura, one of the Editorial Assistants, found my post about mesquite flour and emailed me to let me know about this really fun article on how to harvest and process mesquite to make the flour. […]

Strawberry-Colada Scones

by Mirabaking, gluten free, grains, oats, recipes

Having leftover fresh ground flour from the ricotta pancakes, I decided to make some scones.Scones are great! Not as dense as muffins, the right size for a snack and, like muffins, very pliable to modification.Rummaging around the pantry and fridge revealed some strawberry yogurt and the last little bit of shredded coconut so strawberry-colada became […]

Ricotta Pancakes With Honey Glazed Plums

by Mirabreakfast, gluten free, grains, oats, pancake, recipes, vegetarian

Cooking and baking is always an adventure. Inspiration is all around you if you are open to it. There’s no real explanation for why or how ideas come together but I can honestly say that frequently it’s a matter of “oh gosh there’s X in the fridge and I better use it up.” Then I […]

Green Goddess Dressing

by Miraherbs and spices, recipesgreen dressing, parsley

When I was a kid we always had Green Goddess in the house, I think it was my father’s favorite dressing. Creamy and a little tangy it was great.Somehow when I got older I never had it in the house. Then I had kids and, like most kids I know, they had an instant love […]

Banana Bonanza

by Mirabaking, gluten free, recipes

Bananas are a comfort food for almost everyone. Creamy, tasty, and sweet, they are easy to eat. Everyone knows they are good for you (and unlike most other “good for you” foods this does not seem to bother anyone). Everyone also knows that bananas are a very good source of potassium. Most people, however, don’t […]

Changing A Recipe

by Mirabaking, fats and oil, grains, holidays, questions, recipes, substitutions, sweetenersingredients, recipe, swap

For many people learning to cook is a fun activity; often it’s something you learn when you’re growing up. In the beginning you learn by simply following the recipes. That’s why baking is sometimes equated to science, it has to do with the exactness of the recipes. That science-type focus can make it difficult to […]

No Artificial Colors In Kraft Foods Overseas: Why Not In The U.S.?

by Miraadditives, artificial colors, pantry, poisonartificial color, kraft

My latest column as the Houston Holistic Health Examiner addresses the growing concern over Kraft Foods Inc.’s use of artificial colors in their U.S. products, despite removing them in places like Europe and Australia.Consumers in these regions expressed outrage after studies revealed the harmful health effects of artificial colors. This isn’t a new issue. In […]

Carbonated Water

by Miradrinks, questions

In response to a recent post my Aunt wrote and asked, “What do you advise about carbonated water? I prepare a drink for treats–carbonated water over ice cubes topped off with a splash of home brewed mint extract (made by filling a bottle with sprigs of fresh mint, filling with boiling water, letting it stand […]

Natural Window Cleaner And Weed Killer You Can Make At Home

by Miraenvironment, holidays, questions, recipes, vinegarhome cleaner

My friend Tracy recently asked, “I’m looking for a natural window cleaner as well as a natural weed killer. Do you have any proven concoctions you would like to share? I’d love to give up the Windex, and pulling weeds around the pool patio — well, let’s just say there must be a better way!” […]