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< Back The Many and Varied Uses of Baking Soda Baking soda, may be a weak pH base, but it is not weak in its uses! Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), the scientific term for baking soda, is a weak base. It is most commonly used for baking and helps to regulate pH. Its pH value is 8.31, while most tap water has a neutral pH value of 7. When baking soda mixes with either an acid (i.e., stomach fluid (hydrochloric acid), most fruit juices, cooked beans, etc.) or an alkaline substance (i.e., spinach, broccoli, onion, etc.), it has a neutralizing effect on it. Baking soda is perfect for neutralizing acidic odors and maintaining a neutral pH which is perfect for doing things like settling an upset stomach or enhancing your laundry detergent’s cleaning power. It also has a gentle abrasive ability to help scrub without causing harm. Baking soda deodorizes, neutralizes, and cleans all without the cost or toxicity of most commercial products. The Many Uses for Baking Soda Personal Care Freshen Your Breath - Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Swish, spit, and rinse. The baking soda will neutralize mouth odors and leave your mouth feeling fresh. Polish Your Teeth – Baking soda is used in many commercial brands to whiten and freshen your teeth. Brushing with baking soda can help 1) prevent gum disease, 2) fights bad breath, 3) whitens teeth, and 4) relieves mouth ulcer discomfort all while polishing your teeth. And, baking powder is antibacterial. Make Your Own Deodorant – In a pinch, you can sprinkle it on as a natural deodorant. It may be a little much for sensitive skin, so be careful, but it can work if there are no other options. Gently Exfoliate – I say GENTLY exfoliate your skin. Mix a paste (about 3 parts baking soda to I part water) and gently rub in a circular motion, or use a damp cloth to clean the area. Relieve Skin Irritation - Add a cup of baking soda to bathwater to soften your skin and relieve skin irritations. It will leave your skin feeling soft. Relieve Heartburn – If you are experiencing heartburn, mix ¼-1/2 teaspoon baking soda to 1 cup water and drink. The baking soda will neutralize the over-abundant hydrochloric acid in your stomach and give you relief. Relieve Insect Bites – Make a past of baking soda and water and apply to skin. This will relieve most bug bite discomfort. Stripping Dye from Your Hair – Using baking soda on your scalp can change its pH and cause damage. Using it too often on your hair can cause it to become brittle, but if you need to strip a little dye from your hair, you can create a paste with water, apply and leave on for a short time, and then rinse. Before doing this, however, I would do more research or ask your hairdresser for help. Keep Your Brushes and Combs Clean – Soak combs and brushes in a solution of water (1 cup) and baking soda (1 teaspoon). Rinse and dry thoroughly. The baking soda will help remove the oil and product buildup. Relieve Diaper Rash - Put two tablespoons of baking soda in baby’s bathwater to help relieve the discomfort of the rash. Rinse well and dry thoroughly before diapering. I used to use a blow dryer on cool and low to make sure their little behinds were completely dry. It worked. Pamper Your Feet - Mix three tablespoons of baking soda into a small tub of warm water and soak your feet. It will help them relax and soften the skin. Cleaning Up With Baking Soda Easy DIY Soft Scrub – You can either sprinkle baking soda on your tubs, sinks, or tile, or apply a paste, made with water, and gently scrub grime and water spots away with a damp washcloth. Thoroughly rinse and dry. Simple Tile Floor Cleaner - Mix 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water to help mop and clean floors. Cut Grease Naturally - Add a scoop of baking soda to your sink of dishes and your normal dish soap and let soak. Baking soda helps to cut the grease and make it easier to clean. Remove Burned Food – If you burn food and it is black and really stuck to the bottom of the pan, instead of scrubbing, fill the pan with water, add a scoop of baking soda, and let it simmer for a while. The burned food will release and come off easily. I know this from personal experience. Simple Air Freshener – If there is a foul odor, fill a bucket with water and a scoop of baking soda and it will help to absorb the odor. Also, leave an open container of baking soda in your fridge to help cut down on the “fridge” smell. Clean Fridge – Use warm water and a scoop of baking soda mixed to wipe down the fridge interior. Easy Microwave Cleanup – To clean your microwave, put a bowl of water and baking soda in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Then use the water/baking soda to wash the inside. Running the water in the microwave first will soften anything stuck to the walls and washing it down will help clean and deodorize. Polish Silver Flatware - Three parts baking soda to one part water can be rubbed onto silver flatware with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry. You can also use baking soda and vinegar. You decide which you prefer. Baking Soda Oven Cleaner - Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom surface of your oven. Spray with a water bottle to dampen the baking soda. Let this mixture sit overnight and then scrub in the morning. Rinse thoroughly. You can also use a baking soda/vinegar paste to polish the oven glass. Clean Crayon Marks from Walls – As a mild abrasive, baking soda with a damp cloth can remove crayon art from walls. Boost Your Laundry Detergent – by adding ½ cup baking soda to your laundry it will help to soften the water and make clothes cleaner, fresher, and softer! Soak Cloth Diapers - Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda into 2 quarts of warm water and pre-soak diapers thoroughly before going through the wash for a better clean. It will help neutralize the urine smell and make the diapers softer. Remove Oil and Grease – If you have oil or grease stains in your garage, sprinkle baking soda on top of it. Scrub with a wet brush. The baking soda effectively cuts through the oil and grease which makes it easier to remove any stubborn stains. This may need to be repeated, but it does work. Unclog Drains – Remove drain stopper and pour dry baking soda into pipe. Pour white vinegar and let the fizz do the work. If you need additional scrubbing action, add a tablespoon or so of salt. After it stops fizzing, rinse and repeat until the drain is cleared. Your pipes will also smell nicer. Deodorize Garbage Cans – Again, baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Sprinkle in the bottom of your trash can and it will help resolve excessive odor. Carpet Deodorizer - Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and let sit overnight. The next day, vacuum, and the carpet will be fresher. This is especially effective for pet owners. If your pet has an accident, after cleaning up, pour baking soda over the area that you cleaned, let the area completely dry, and then vacuum. You may need to loosen it up a bit, but this works really well to help with the odor. Freshen Coat Closets - Place an open box on the shelf in your closet to remove musty odors and freshen the air and fabrics. Absorb Toilet Odors - Add a cup of baking soda is a good toilet cleaner. Add some to the toilet and leave it for an hour before flushing. It will help clean the toilet and absorb the odor. Deodorize Cutting Boards – Baking soda does have antibacterial properties. Scrub your cutting board with a little baking soda, scrub, rinse. It will deodorize and help remove bacteria. Deodorize Garbage Disposals - To help eliminate odors, pour baking soda down your drain and pour distilled white vinegar to scrub it clean. Rinse with hot water. It cleans and freshens. Deodorize Litter Boxes - Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. Miscellaneous Household Uses Remove Odors from Your Hands - Rub your hands with baking soda and water to get rid of strong odors like garlic or onion. Keep Flowers Fresher Longer - Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the vase. Neutralize Gassy Beans - Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda in the water when you soak beans to prevent gassy issues and improve digestion. This will not completely alleviate the problem, but it does help. Produce Wash - Mix a quarter of a cup of baking soda in a sink full of water. Wash your fruits and vegetables in the solution, then rinse with clean water. Keep Ants Out - Mix up equal parts of baking soda and salt together. Then, sprinkle the mixture wherever you see the ants coming in. Cinnamon also works well, and it has a pleasant smell too. Clean Gym Clothes - Sprinkling some baking soda into your shoes, or into your entire gym bag, to absorb unwanted odors is helpful. Just knock the excess baking soda out when you use them. Also remember to add baking soda to the wash (mentioned above) to remove strong gym odors. Clean Windshields – Sometimes you get stuck on grime or water marks on your windshield. Making a paste, wash your windshield with the baking soda and make them shiny again. Clean Car Battery Terminals – If your battery terminals are showing signs of corrosion, mix a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in a little water and pour on to the terminal. Continue rinsing the terminal until it stops fizzing. Rinse with fresh water and dry the terminal off. Previous Next

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< Back Drain Cleaner Keep your drains clean and smelling fresh. ¼ cup baking soda 1 cup distilled white vinegar 1 tablespoon salt (optional) If your sink drain is draining slowly, remove the stopper and pour about a ¼ cup of baking soda into drainpipe and about 1 tablespoon of salt. Pour vinegar into the drainpipe. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar scrubs the pipes and cleans it. By adding salt, it works as a scrubbing agent. Use this recipe on a monthly basis to also keep your drainpipes draining quickly and smelling fresh. Previous Next

< Back Fines Herbs Seasoning Mix Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: Serves: Multiple Level: About the Recipe Ingredients 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon 1 tablespoon chopped chervil 1 tablespoon chopped chives 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Preparation Mix ingredients. Yields ¼ cup. Using Fresh Herbs: Add fresh fines herbes at the end of the cooking process to preserve flavor. Using Dried Herbs: Place in a glass jar and seal tightly. Store in a cool, dark place until used. Previous Next

< Back Apple Upside Down Cake Prep Time: Cook Time: 45 Minutes Serves: 12 Level: beginner Ingredients 1 ½ cups brown sugar, or more to taste 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided 5 medium apples - peeled, cored, and sliced 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups unsweetened apple juice 1 ½ cups white sugar 1 cup butter, softened 4 eggs ½ cup milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt Preparation Step 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Step 2 Cover the bottom of a 10x15-inch baking pan with brown sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Layer apple slices on top. Step 3 Place flour, apple juice, white sugar, butter, eggs, milk, remaining 1 tablespoon cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix until completely smooth, 5 to 10 minutes; the longer you mix, the fluffier the cake will be. Step 4 Pour batter over apples in the baking pan, making sure they are evenly covered. Step 5 Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Place a large serving dish over the cake and carefully flip over. Previous Next

< Back Easy Shepherd's Pie Prep Time: 30 Min(s) | 10 Min(s) Prep | 20 Min(s) Cook Cook Time: 20 Min(s) Serves: Level: Beginner About the Recipe Ingredients 1 pound ground beef 1 can tomato soup 1 can green beans 1/2 teaspoon fresh or garlic powder (to taste) 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage (to taste) Salt and pepper to taste Mashed Potatoes Topper 5 medium sized russet potatoes , or 6 large red potatoes 1/2 cup milk 4 tablespoons melted butter Salt and pepper to taste 1+ cup shredded cheese Preparation Heat oven to 375ºF. Brown meat in a large skillet; strain, then rinse with hot water. Return meat to the skillet. Add spices, green beans and tomato soup; mix well. Spoon into a 9x13 casserole dish. Boil potatoes in salted water until they are fork tender. Once cooked, strain potatoes, put into a bowl and mash. Mix in butter, milk, and salt and pepper until blended. Spoon over the meat mixture. Cover potato topping with cheddar cheese Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. .

< Back Spicy Salt Substitute Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: Serves: Multipe Level: Beginner About the Recipe Ingredients 1 ½ tablespoons savory, crumbled 1 tablespoon dry mustard 2 ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 ½ teaspoon curry powder 1 ¼ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon garlic powder Preparation Combine all ingredients and seal in an airtight container. Previous Next

< Back Homemade Chicken Nuggets (dinosaur Shapes) Prep Time: 45 Minutes Cook Time: 35 Minutes Serves: 10 (depending on shape/thickness) Level: Beginner About the Recipe I hope you and your little ones enjoy this homemade chicken nugget recipe!. Ingredients 1/2 pound ground chicken 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons butter (melted) 1 egg salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (season to taste) Preparation In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, parmesan cheese, seasonings, and 1/2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs. In a separate bowl, mix remaining breadcrumbs with melted butter, coating breadcrumbs evenly with butter. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take small portions of ground chicken mixture and flatten to approximately 1/4-inch thickness (if using cookie cutters for shapes). Place flattened ground chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a cookie cutter on the mixture but do not remove it. Repeat steps 4-6 until all mixture/cookie cutters have been used. Place a baking sheet lined with nuggets and cookie cutters in the freezer for 30 minutes or until slightly firm. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove excess mixture from around cookie cutters. Save for later or discard. Remove cookie cutters from nuggets. They should now be firm enough to handle and hold shape. Coat each nugget in buttered breadcrumbs and place on a nonstick, oven-safe wire rack and rimmed baking sheet. Bake nuggets for 30-35 minutes or—depending on thickness—until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Let cool and serve with dipping sauce. Previous Next

< Back Sweet Shredded Mexican Pork (Café Rio inspired) Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: Crockpot 5-7 hours Serves: 20 Level: Beginner About the Recipe Ingredients Pork roast, 4-5 lbs. 1 bottle of honey barbeque sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 liter of Coke Preparation 1. Mix all ingredients together in a large crock pot. 2. Cook on high for 5-7 hours. 3. Remove pork and shred with fork. 4. Reserve a small amount of juice and pour over shredded pork to keep moist. 5. Keep warm to serve. This is best served on a tortilla or in a bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, black or pinto beans, lime rice, cut up red and green leaf lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, fresh cilantro, parmesan cheese, fresh lime slice, and tomatillo dressing. Previous Next

< Back Million Dollar Fudge Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 6 minutes Serves: 10 Level: Beginner Ingredients Have ready an a bowl: 1-12-oz. package chocolate chips 2- 7 oz. Hershey bars (plus 2 more oz. from smaller bars) broken up 2-cups chopped nuts 1-7 oz. bottle marshmallow crème Put in a heavy pan: 4½ cups white sugar 1 large can canned milk (evaporated) ½ lb. butter Preparation Cook pan mixture to rolling boil—stirring constantly. Turn heat down to medium & boil for 6 Add to ingredients in bowl and stir, stir, stir. Pour in buttered pan. This The 2 hours to cool How to store fudge: Keep the fudge in an air tight sealed container. Keep at room temperature after the fudge has set, but can also be kept in the fridge if desired. Will keep well for up to a week. Previous Next

< Back Soft Gingersnaps Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 9 minutes Serves: 60 Level: Beginner Ingredients ● 1 cup butter, softened ● ½ cup shortening ● 2 cups white sugar ● 2/3 cup molasses ● 2 eggs ● 2 teaspoons lemon zest ● 5 cups flour ● 4 teaspoons ginger ● 2 teaspoons cinnamon ● 2 teaspoons baking powder ● 2 teaspoons baking soda ● 1 teaspoon ground cloves ● 1 teaspoon salt ● 1 teaspoon vanilla Preparation 1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Use a cookie scoop or roll dough into 1-inch balls. 3. Roll balls in sugar and place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. 4. Bake 9-10 minutes. Let cool on sheet a few minutes before removing to a cookie rack to cool completely. 5. Store in an air-tight container. Previous Next

< Back Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes Serves: 4 Level: Beginner About the Recipe This Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta is a one-pot recipe for tender orzo tossed in a light and cheesy cream sauce. It’s simple to make and comes together in a total of 20 minutes! Ingredients 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth 1½ cups dry orzo pasta (about 278 grams) 2 cloves garlic (finely minced) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ⅓ cup cream (any kind — heavy cream will give richer flavor, light cream will be a bit thinner) ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons fresh parsley Preparation Anything that has garlic and parmesan in it is bound to be good, right? Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew, Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes, Pesto Parmesan Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Potatoes…Yeah. It’s a pretty killer combo. Add pasta to the mix, especially orzo pasta, and you’ve pretty much reached the epitome of good food. This Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe is a recipe you don’t want to miss! It’s a decadent side dish or vegetarian entree that’s fancy enough to be served for a dinner party but also quick and easy enough that you can whip it up for a simple weeknight dinner. Just one pot, a few simple ingredients, 20 minutes, and it’s ready to go! What is orzo pasta? Orzo is a small, oval-shaped pasta that resembles grains of rice. It can be cooked either like pasta (boiled and then drained) or it can be cooked in the same way rice would be cooked (simmered in liquid until it’s fully absorbed.) This garlic parmesan orzo pasta recipe utilizes the second cooking method. The orzo is simmered in broth until the liquid is absorbed, then cream and cheese are incorporated to create a light cream sauce. This method results in a creamy consistency very similar to risotto as the starch from the pasta mixes with the liquid to create a thicker, creamier base for the sauce. Key Ingredients Chicken Broth: I usually use low sodium chicken broth. If you use regular chicken broth, you may want to adjust the amount of salt you add so it’s not too salty. Dry Orzo Pasta: you can find orzo pasta at most grocery stores! Garlic: use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Garlic powder just isn’t the same! Salt and Black Pepper: thanks to the broth, garlic, and cheese, you don’t need much when it comes to seasonings. A simple duo of salt and black pepper is all you need! Cream: any kind will work! Use heavy cream for a richer flavor. Light cream will be a bit thinner but will still be delicious. Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated parmesan is the way to go. Pre-shredded cheeses contain an anti-caking agent which can cause a grainy texture. Parsley: I love to use a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add freshness and add a pop of color. How to make Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta This orzo pasta recipe is a quick and easy recipe that’s made in just one pot for super easy cleanup! Cook the pasta: In a skillet, combine broth, pasta, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Make sure to stir often! Finish and serve: Mix in cream, parmesan, and parsley then serve and enjoy! FAQs Is orzo pasta or rice? While orzo is often mistaken for rice because of its small rice-like shape, it is in fact a pasta! Can you use another pasta? Yes! You can use any smaller pasta shape in this recipe and it should yield similar results. You can also substitute the orzo out for Arborio rice to get a similar consistency. Keep in mind the cook time will change, so make sure you cook until all of the liquid is absorbed, adding more liquid if necessary to cook the pasta. How long will cooked orzo keep? Cooked garlic parmesan orzo pasta will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to thin and moisten and warm on the stove or in the microwave until fully warmed. Can orzo be frozen? Yes! You can freeze this orzo pasta by packing it in an airtight container then storing it in the freezer for 2-3 months.To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen then warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of liquid to moisten. Variations on this recipe: Add veggies. You can mix in any cooked veggies you like to give this pasta dinner a boost of nutrition. Try it with peas, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, you name it. Make it meaty. Fill out the meal by mixing in cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon. Spice it up. If you like your pasta with a kick of heat, try adding in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Brighten it up. Add another layer of flavor with a splash of lemon juice. Serving suggestions This garlic parmesan orzo pasta makes a delicious vegetarian entree with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread. It also makes the perfect side dish next to your favorite protein. Serve it with Slow Cooker Chicken Breast, baked tuscan chicken, or Instant Pot Whole Chicken! Instructions Combine broth, pasta, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring often (you can cover or leave uncovered). Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is cooked to your preference. (If you want to cook the pasta further but the liquid is gone, just add a splash more broth). Stir in cream, Parmesan and parsley. Serve. Notes Storage: Cooked garlic parmesan orzo pasta will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to thin and moisten and warm on the stove or in the microwave until fully warmed. You can also freeze this orzo pasta by packing it in an airtight container then storing it in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen then warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of liquid to moisten. Previous Next