MYO Pumpkin Puree

Making your own pumpkin puree is so very easy! Well, here are a few pics While making my puree:

My 3 pumpkins on my well used pan!

                                                Stabbing the pumpkins several times each!

Going into my well used oven!

     After baking too long(I forgot the time) but they still came out ok!

Let the pumpkins cool off and then slice them in 1/2 and carefully scoop out the seeds and the stringy part. 

Baking time should only be 1 1/2 hours. Mine baked closer to 2 but the pumpkin seperated from the skin so easily this way.  I was able to just use a tablespoon for this. When you get it all out of the shell, puree it in a food processor or do what I did since I do not own one--mash with a fork.

And here you have it.......pure pumpkin puree.  Looks so pretty and easy peasy!  I'll never buy canned pumpkin again.

Blessings,
Lisa

MYO Faux Mrs. Dash

  Many people are suffering from high blood pressure and are trying to reduce their sodium intake--myself included.  I love salt.  I mean I really love salt to the point that if the food isn't salted it isn't worth eating.  Did I tell you I LOVE salt. Did I also tell you I have high blood pressure? Really high blood pressure so I am trying to cut back on my salt intake but it is so hard.  I am trying to season my food with herbs and spices to give it more flavor so I discovered this recipe for a homemade herbal salt substitute--no, lets call it a homemade flavor enhancer! Yes, I like that much better--won't have to say the "S" word. So, here is the recipe:

Herbal Flavor Enhancer

• 1 Tbsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp dried savory
• 1 tsp ground mace
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 1 tsp ground dried grated lemon peel
• 1 tsp paprika

Just mix the above and store in a mason jar or reused spice shaker.

I know this won't be the same as using the "s" word but maybe we'll learn to appreciate the real flavors of  food and lower our blood pressure at the same time!

Blessings,

Lisa 

MYO Spiced Drink Mix

   

    This all-purpose mix is wonderful to have on hand for all types of drinks—hot tea, hot apple cider, coffee, or warm juice drinks!  All taste amazing with this versatile mix added! 

2 lb. Sucanet or brown sugar

5 ½ Tablespoons Pumpkin Pie Spice

Mix in a food processor and store in a mason jar or baggie. Remember if you use the brown sugar, it may harden up but it is still useable.

Use 1 T mix to one cup of drink or 1/4 cup mix to 4 cups drink.

Enjoy,

Lisa

 

MYO Hot Cocoa Mix

 

  With cooler weather coming, families love hot cocoa!  This is a great, inexpensive mix to keep on hand for a warm fall or winter treat.  

3 cups milk powder
3 cups powdered coffee creamer
3 cups sugar or splenda
1 2/3 cups cocoa powder 

  Place the above ingredients in a blender and mix well.  Store in a mason jar or baggie.  Use 4-5 teaspoons per cup of hot water.   Use a peppermint stick to add minty flavor or add cinnamon to give it a little Mexican spice!  Don’t forget the marshmallows --Yummy!

Lisa

 

 

 

.

MYO Vanilla Extract

     If you have never tried to make homemade vanilla extract, you need to do it ASAP!  It is so aromatic and just as easy as it is good!  Only 2 ingredients are required—alcohol and vanilla beans.  That is it!  Vodka is the most neutral of the alcohol choices, but you can use rum or bourbon if you like.  I do prefer the vodka though.  Vanilla beans can be ordered from Olive Nation and they usually ship the vanilla beans free which is a great perk!  Go to   http://www.olivenation.com/Bourbon-Madagascar-Vanilla-Beans-P84C54.aspx  to order your beans!

   All you need to do is slit each bean almost in half and add to the jar of alcohol in a ratio of 5 beans to 8 oz. alcohol.  Make sure jar is sealed and store in a dark place for 5-6 weeks at least.  Shake it several times a week.  Remember, patience is a virtue—the longer it sits, the better the flavor!  

  If you want you can top off the extract with more alcohol several times before the beans loose their flavor.  Enjoy!

Lisa

MYO Pumpkin Pie Spice

   With the holidays coming, this may save you a little money! Instead of buying the expensive containers of Pumpkin Pie Spice, just make your own! 

1/4 cup ground cinnamon
1/8 cup ground ginger
1 Tablespoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground cloves

½ teaspoon Allspice—optional

Mix all of the above and store in a mason jar or baggie.

Easy peasy!

Lisa

MYO Taco Seasoning

 

This is installment 1 of the Make Your Own series to help save you money in the kitchen!  I hope you decide to make your own to know exactly what your family is getting in their food and to also save a bundle on those expensive mixes!

Taco Seasoning

6 Tsp. Chili Powder
5 Tsp. Paprika
5 Tsp. Cumin
31/2 Tsp. Onion Powder
2 1/2 Tsp. Garlic Powder
1/8 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper  

Mix all of the above and store in a mason jar or baggie.  7 Tsp. = one packet.  This has a 6month shelf life!

Lisa