D.I.Y.
Things worth making yourself: homemade pantry staples for the kitchen and a few simple household formulas.
-
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Homemade pumpkin pie spice from cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Small batch makes 5 tablespoons, with a guide to swapping it into recipes.
-
How to Season Cast Iron Cookware
How to season cast iron cookware: wash, dry fully, wipe on a very thin coat of oil, bake upside down at 450°F for 1 hour, cool in the oven. Plus care tips.
-
How to Prevent Moldy Berries with a Vinegar Wash
Slow mold on fresh berries with a vinegar wash: soak in 10 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar for a minute, rinse, dry well and refrigerate airtight.
-
No-Shampoo Solution: Baking Soda Hair Wash and Vinegar Rinse
A no-shampoo solution made from 1 tablespoon baking soda per cup of water, followed by a diluted lemon juice or cider vinegar rinse and a few drops of oil.
-
Blender Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Blender spaghetti sauce made from fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, red wine, tomato paste, molasses and dried herbs, simmered for 1 hour. Makes about 5 cups.
-
Classic Pesto Recipe (Blender or Food Processor)
Classic pesto with 2 cups fresh basil, parmesan or romano, pine nuts, olive oil and garlic, made in a blender or food processor. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.
-
DIY Homemade Air Freshener Recipe
A two-ingredient homemade air freshener: 1/4 cup baking soda scented with 10-16 drops of essential oil in a glass jar. Takes about a minute to mix.
-
Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe
Homemade ranch dressing mix of dried chives, parsley, dill, garlic and onion powder. Makes 1/3 cup; 2 1/2 teaspoons flavors 3/4 cup of yogurt dressing.
-
Homemade Chai Tea Latte Mix Recipe
Powdered chai tea latte mix of instant tea, oven-dried vanilla sugar and seven ground spices. Makes 25 servings; use 2 heaping tablespoons per 8 ounces.
-
How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar
Homemade brown sugar from 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons molasses for dark, or 1 tablespoon for light. Makes about 1 cup in 5 minutes.
-
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract from 6 vanilla beans (about 1 ounce) and 1 cup of 80-proof vodka, steeped in glass in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months.
-
Homemade Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Recipe
Homemade gluten-free all-purpose flour from rice flour, sweet rice flour, potato starch and tapioca flour, by cups or by weight. Makes about 9 cups.