How To Make A “Can” Of Condensed Cream Of Mushroom Soup – Photo Tutorial

First published in 2013, this remains a favorite recipe. Reposting today so everyone has it handy for Thanksgiving! It took me two and half years to make Ranch dressing and it has also been that long since I ate a casserole that was made with a can of cream of mushroom soup.  I guess I did not miss it that much, as my cooking has changed and evolved into a healthier diet since those days....

About Gluten Free Oats, How To Make Quick Cooking Gluten Free Oats, and How to Cook Oats Fast For Breakfast

While oats are technically gluten free, they are often not gluten free due to farming practices and processing. Therefore, for anyone wishing to avoid gluten, (especially those with Celiac disease), it is imperative to buy “certified gluten free oats.”  This means they were grown on fields dedicated to oats only and not on a rotation with wheat or barely and processed in a gluten free...

Make Your Own “Canned” Salmon

If you ever prepare salmon patties or a salmon loaf the recipe almost always calls for canned salmon.  I don't know about you, but I find canned salmon really gross.  There is black skin in there and bones and you have the added worry of the can being lined with BPA and it is likely not wild caught. So I set out to see if I could make it myself!  And I like to share easy cooking tips now and...

Make Your Own Cherry Pie Filling

Part of eating “free” is making your own food, a lot. And we’re better for it…less chemicals, preservatives, food dyes, fake sweeteners, and high fructose corn syrup, what have you. So today it’s another “make your own post.” Enter: cherry pie filling. I did not use this to make a pie, so I’m not sure how it works in that application. However, I used this pie filling in a...

How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds – A Photo Tutorial

We carved a pumpkin yesterday.  It was a project that drew neighbor kids.  Everyone enjoyed it. We saved the seeds. Time to roast them.  First, you need to get all that stringy goop off of the seeds. Place them in a bowl of coldish water and let set for awhile. After 5 minutes or so, use your hands to scoop up seeds and use your hand as a strainer.  Do this over and over.  Then let set for...

Make Your Own Can Of Condensed Tomato Soup

Fall is knocking on our door and I’m ready to start making soups and stews again. In fact I made this stew last night and it was good. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should. One of my favorite soup recipes from childhood is a chili recipe that requires a can of condensed tomato soup. I started making my own condensed version about 4 years ago. I took these pictures back in 2012 and am just...

“Can” of Cream of Celery Soup

The “can” of cream of mushroom soup post continues to one of my most popular.  And while it doesn’t get the same kind of attention, there is also a “can” of cream of chicken soup post.  One can also make a “can” of cream of celery soup.  This is for using in casseroles or slow cooker recipes.  It is not meant to be eaten as is.   All the steps are the same as the cream of...

All Natural Anti-Bacterial Kitchen and Bath Cleaner

I have been making my own kitchen and bath cleaner for years now.  It is so simple, very cost effective and all natural.  And it is anti-bacterial to boot!   Start with 2 cups water.   Add 3 Tablespoons of regular (not anti-bacterial) liquid hand soap.   Add 20-30 drops of 100% pure tea tree oil.    Pour into a squirt bottle.  (This is not my squirt bottle I use for my all natural kitchen...

Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

Do you ever start a meal only to find out you do not have an ingredient?  That’s what happened to me that had me scrambling to make my own taco seasoning.  It turns out it is pretty easy and honestly, it’s probably healthier without hidden wheat, additives or MSG lurking in there.   I adapted this recipe for taco seasoning from The Everything Food Allergy Cookbook.    I use one...

How To Make Cashew Butter – A How To Photo Tutorial

Have you ever made your own nut butter?  I have made this chocolate spread and this one, but not just straight nut butter.  Until now.  And have I been missing out!  And so are you if you haven’t tried it. Making cashew butter was so easy and it so delicious!  And what’s better?  It only has ONE, that’s right, ONE ingredient.  That’s healthy folks.  No added oils, sugars,...