MYO Holiday Gift - Cranberry Orange Butter

Cranberry Orange Butter

2 lbs of bagged cranberries, rinsed and picked through
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar, divided
1 to 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup orange juice
zest of 1 orange
1 tsp vanilla

1. Put the cranberries, 1 cup of brown sugar, the cinnamon, and the apple juice in a crockpot.  Stir to combine.

2. Turn crockpot to high and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until cranberries have popped.

3. Puree the mixture in blender (may take 2 batches).  Be careful, it's hot!

4. Return the cranberry puree to the crockpot and cook on high with lid ajar for 1 to 2 hours.

5. Whisk the cranberry butter well to incorporate any thick parts.

6. Turn off crockpot and add additional 1/4 cup of brown sugar, orange zest, and vanilla.  Mix well.

7. Transfer the cranberry butter to clean jars with tight fitting lids.  Refrigerate for up to one month

MYO Holiday Gift - Bath Bomb

Bath Bombs are HOT gifts but can cost $10 or more at the store.

You can MYO (make your own) for about $2 each so you can afford to give them to everyone on your gift giving list!

It's also a perfect "craft" slash science project to make with your child, for them to give to their teachers as holiday gifts!

The best part of this project is it's easily customized!  You can pick the color and scent of your choice.  We used Royal Spa Essential Oils.  They come already blended in formulas perfect for any need.  And you can get 20% off using promo code: 20OFFMA when you shop this LINK.

Here's the recipe we used...but you can find lots of them around on the internet.

 

Tip:  We bought our citric acid online from Alpha Chemicals

Delicious & Nutritious Mushrooms Soup!

Mushrooms have a rich flavor that makes this soup "hearty" without all the carbs or fat!  

Mushrooms are also a great source of selenium (good for your bladder), Vitamin D, antioxidants and they help your body metabolize fat!  

Hearty Mushroom soup 

1 tbsp butter 
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 cup chopped onion 
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 can black beans rinsed & drained
2 tbs soy sauce or tamari
1 lb quartered cremini mushrooms
1 lb portabella mushrooms
1 tsp.paprika
2 tsp minced garlic
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups almond milk
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp finely ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup of half & half optional -- Add butter or olive oil to pot & add onions, celery, & cook, stirring continuously, until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add clean chopped fresh mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms release their liquid and have begun to brown around edges, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour all into blender & add beans & 2 cups of beef broth & blend on high for 2 min.
Pour back in to pot & add remaining liquids,(except half & half if you desire to use) thyme, salt, pepper, paprika and soy sauce or tamari stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more beef broth if a thinner consistency is desired. Remove the soup from the heat and add the half & half if desired Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/nutrition/5-health-benefits-of-mushrooms/5/