Apr 082013
 

Top Secret Banana Bread @ Common Sense Homesteading

Have you ever eaten banana bread that was dry, or maybe it starts out good when it’s warm but by the next day it’s gotten hard?  And don’t even get me started on banana bread mixes – that’s just wrong!  Everyone should be able to turn overripe bananas into moist and tasty banana bread with a just a few ingredients that should be found in any well stocked kitchen.  (If you need a gluten free banana bread recipe with no refined sugar, we’ve got you covered, too.)  And with this recipe, we’ve got a couple of “secret ingredients” that add a little extra flavor and help keep it moist and tender.  My youngest loves this one.

Top Secret Banana Bread Recipe Continue reading »

Mar 212013
 

How to Make Seasoned Croutons @ Common Sense Homesteading

Figuring out how to make seasoned croutons at home is something I should have tackled years ago, but I never gave it much thought.  Sure, I dried bread crumbs, but I never bothered with flavorings.  Lately my eldest and I have been eating a lot of salads, and he likes to include seasoned croutons in every bowl.  At $2-$3 per bag, making your own croutons from bread that may be past it’s prime can be a real money saver.  You can also avoid questionable ingredients.  Here’s the ingredient list for Fresh Gourmet Butter & Garlic Premium Croutons, via Foodfacts.com: Continue reading »

Feb 122013
 

Sourdough Brownies @ Common Sense Homesteading

Think sourdough is just for bread?  Think again.  These amazing sourdough brownies are based on the “Impossible Brownie Pie” recipe in GNOWFGLINS Sourdough A to Z e-book.  The lovely miss Wardeh Harmon, also author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fermenting Foods, has graciously allowed me to share this recipe with you. Continue reading »

Jan 282013
 

12 Homemade Bread Recipes - Never Buy Bread Again

When I asked on the Common Sense Homesteading Facebook page if people were interested in bread recipes, I got a resounding, “Yes!”  So I’ve rounded up some of my favorite bread recipes, plus some from my friends, to give you enough options that you should never have to buy bread again.  The first section has a number of yeast bread recipes using wheat flour, the second section has bread recipes for special diets including gluten free breads, a kombucha sourdough and a bread recipe that uses soaked or sprouted whole wheat flour.  Ditch all the nasty ingredients in store breads, save yourself some money and enjoy some really good bread! Continue reading »

Jan 012013
 

Homemade Mounds Bars and Almond Joy Bars @ Common Sense Homesteading

I used to enjoy mounds and almond joy bars years ago, but either they’re making them sweeter and more bland, or my taste buds have changed (or both).  Enter this easy recipe set for homemade mounds bars and almond joy bars.  You get the rich, full taste of coconut and chocolate, without the cloying sweetness of commercial candy.  Make them with coconut and vanilla extracts for homemade mounds bars, or almond and vanilla extracts (and almonds! :-) ) for homemade almond joy bars.  There’s plenty of healthy coconut oil, and they’re sweetened only with honey. Continue reading »