I posted a photo of our kraut-making process on Instagram this week, and promised to share a simple method for making homemade kraut, suitable for beginners. While there are countless ways to do this age-old process (and an abundance of veggies you may add to the mix), I’ve kept it intentionally simple to get you … Continue reading Easy, homemade, probiotic sauerkraut
When we were in Ireland a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon Spoonful Botanicals, an intriguing fermented fruit-and-herb spread. Designed to be anti-inflammatory (and delicious) I was so tempted, but at €30.00 per jar it was way outside of my budget. After we returned home I kept thinking about it and wishing I had … Continue reading Fermented Fruit Chutney Recipe
Need a happy, healthy, nourishing diversion from day-to-day pandemic woes? Don’t we all. How about something beautiful, delicious, and probiotic? Something liver-loving, detoxifying, gut-flora feeding, and full of life? That sounds like what most of us could use at the moment. Well, at long last, my beet kvass tutorial is here. And just in time … Continue reading How to make Beet Kvass (the 5-minute ferment)
Since I quit drinking alcohol 2 years back, homemade herbal shrubs have become my main squeeze for an evening drink. A splash of homemade shrub syrup added to fizzy water fills the void left by Malbec nicely (without the headache!). Shrubs are easy to make, probiotic, and absolutely delicious. Also know as “drinking vinegars”, they … Continue reading Turmeric, Lemongrass, and Cardamom Shrub Recipe
Here in Wisconsin, the seasonal shift from summer into fall is taking hold. And I couldn’t be happier. Where last week there were cucumber-mint fizzy waters, and burgers and zucchini on the grill, today there are cups of hot tea and a simmering pot of chicken stock. My old canner is rattling away on the … Continue reading In my kitchen
Navigating Lyme once again has given me a wonderful opportunity to practice some good, old-fashioned self-care. (You can’t keep this Pollyanna down. Silver linings abound, I say.) And whether you’re on a month-long course of antibiotics or just feeling a bit under-the-weather, the suggestions below will surely boost your health, energy, and general wellbeing. But … Continue reading 10 tips for self-care during times of need
When I first heard of live fermented salsa all I could think was: gross. I mean really. Salsa crossed with sauerkraut just didn't sound like a good idea. Ew. But the idea got stuck in my head and I kept circling back. The more I mulled it over them more I wondered… maybe. Finally a … Continue reading Live fermented salsa recipe
We've been enjoying probiotic ginger bug sodas at our house for years. Indeed, at the autumn Herbal Retreat the ginger bug soda I brought was the first beverage gone during the weekend! I love ginger bug drinks because they are loaded with good bacteria, naturally carbonated, subtly sweet, and easy to make. I have been meaning to … Continue reading DIY ginger bug soda
I am traveling all week, but brining you some favorite recipes for summer. We've been making these live-fermented dilly beans for years. My kids honestly can't get enough! : : We have a love of live fermented foods around here. Kimchi. Sauerkraut. Kombucha. Kefir. Yogurt. Sourdough. The list varies by season, but these make regular … Continue reading Live-fermented Dilly Beans
Making thick, delicious yogurt is a simple, rewarding kitchen project. In five simple (anyone-can-do-it) steps you can transform fresh milk into the most thick, delicious probiotic yogurt you've ever tasted. But not all homemade yogurt is thick, right? I've made disappointing pourable yogurt before, and truly it's just not the same as a good, thick … Continue reading Foolproof thick homemade yogurt