Orange & Honey Vitamin C Supplement Gummies

 Shiver me timbers, matey. Have I got a tale ta tell ye. You like Pirates? o’ course you do. You’re a little guy and Pirates be cool. Possibly th’ coolest. They sail th’ seven seas in their big old pirate ships with their motley crew and be nigh on invincible. Or be they?

(glad I got that out of my system!)

I know it’s the 21st century and in the developed world you won’t see anyone sporting a nasty case of scurvy, but for Pirates (sorry with 4 boys I’ve learned a lot about pirates over the years) scurvy was a real plague upon their plundering. It was a serious scourge for anyone in the Maritime world pretty much up until the early 20th century when proper treatments were developed and fresh food and fruit was able to be safely stored for long periods of time. Food? Why food? Because food, especially your greens and citrus fruit contain Vitamin C, a must have for our bodies in collagen production. Remember all those times your Mom was haranguing you about eating your greens and pushing an extra serving of fruit on you? You should thank her, since it could be argued that she’s a life saver. Well, duh, she’s a Mom, but you catch my drift.

Flash forward 20 years and now it’s my turn to try anything (be it sneaking in, I’m not above forcing upon, or even the occasional bribe, I know how very pirate of me) to hoist those ‘good for yous’ onto, and into, my own guys’ growing bodies. They may not grow up to be bad ass Pirates in search of treasure, and I do hope there’s no pillaging or plundering in the cards for them, but you can’t beat staying healthy. And there’s no arguing that copious amounts of C are a definite plus.

So what do I do? I buy orange juice. You know, because I think that’s the most logical way to get this stuff into their little bodies in addition to their solid diet. And what do you know. I’ve got plenty of orange juice, orange juice that has an expiration date on it, and Son 4 refuses to drink the stuff. What’s a frugal mama to do? Well, I suppose I could have drank it all myself, and been sick. Or I could have forced it on the older sons and the hubs, but none of them were out of vitamins and I already force a supplement on them, so I’d feel kind of bad.

So I MADE some Vitamin C supplements for Son 4, ahoy! And he was gonna like em! Thankfully, he did. Otherwise there might have been a situation with a plank involved.

They’re pretty fun, especially if you have several different silicone molds to choose from. They’re also tasty, so for him it was closer to getting a fruit snack than taking a vitamin. Perception is everything guys. Wondering how we got them out of the molds so easily? With the silicon molds you just invert the shape and the set gummies pop right out. We’ve even used our molds to make crayons and side walk chalk and (of course) candy. So they’re really a fun and affordable investment.

Orange & Honey Vitamin C Supplement Gummies

recipe adapted from Butter Believer

1 1/2 cups cold orange juice
7 tbsp gelatin powder
5 tbsp honey
4+ tsp of vitamin C powder
1/4 tsp orange extract (found in the baking aisle near the spices)
1/8 tsp vanilla
just a pinch of real sea salt

Directions

1. Add the orange juice to a small pot. Sprinkle the gelatin powder on top. Now, you’re going to let the gelatin “bloom”—this is key in getting good texture in your gummies and allowing the gelatin to fully dissolve. As the gelatin powder absorbs the liquid, it will cause the juice to swell up into a weird, wrinkled, brain-looking thing in your pot (kids always get a kick out of this). Let it do this for a couple minutes, and if the juice hasn’t totally absorbed the gelatin and you see white powder floating on top, stir it in. You can’t let any white powder on top stay there, or it will cause lumps of goo to remain (which are nearly impossible to dissolve) once you heat it up.
2. Now that all the powder has been absorbed, heat the mixture on low and let it liquify. As the juice gets warm and just a bit steamy, stir in the honey and the other remaining ingredients until everything is equally incorporated. Once the mixture is totally liquid (not thick and pudding-like), it’s ready to be poured into your molds.
3. You can use the different shaped silicon molds like we did, or you can simply pour the mixture into a small glass baking dish or baking pan, and then you can cut it into squares after it’s set or even let the kids use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes.
4.  Place the filled molds or the baking dish in the fridge for about a half-hour, or until the gummies have completely set. The gummies should easily pop out when pushed from the bottom side.

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Homemade Cheeze-Its

Sons # 4 is going through another phase. He has lots of phases, which I guess is normal as he grows and is constantly trying to figure himself out. It’s a big ide world out there and he’s got to find his place in it after all. I generally enjoy seeing where the next ‘phase’ will take us. Although, the temper tantrum ‘dance’ phase that arrives with his fourth birthday, I’m not real fond of. That is just a phase, right? Any way, his latest thing bringing me boxes and requesting I read off of the ingredients list. He finds it hysterical when I read the made-up words. The funnier they sound, or the more time I spend tripping over them trying to pronounce them, reduces him to side-stitching, doubled over fits of laughter. And, no, despite a pinky promise, complete with a cross my heart and hope to die, he still does not believe his ‘silly’ Mommy that the funny words are actual, real words.  Recently he brought me a cheez-it box and had a melt down in aisle 5 after listening to me stumble all around ‘Oleoresin’. Monosodium Glutemate is another particularly fun tongue twister to him. After surveying all these different prepackaged ingredients lists, I found I didn’t really want the cheez-its that bad, and removed them from our cart. Really, I just didn’t want anything I couldn’t pronounce, let alone recognize, going in the sons diet, if I could help it. But after I got home, I felt guilty and a little sad because I really did want a cheez-it, or something crunchy and cheesy. A family friend came to my rescue by sharing her simple recipe for homemade cheeze-it crackers.

After trying my friends recipe, I discovered that the perfect Cheez-It cracker has superior crunch, unmistakable cheese flavor that doesn’t devolve into pure saltiness, and just enough grease to leave a light sheen on your fingers. And, most importantly, it doesn’t even come from a box.

Homemade Cheeze-Its

(of course, if we were making them the sons had to go with their own signature shape. No squares in this bunch!)

1 8-oz. block extra sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded
1/2 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
2 tablespoons ice water

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the cheddar, butter, and salt until soft and homogenous. Add the flour and mix on low speed; the dough will be dry and pebbly. Slowly add the water and continue to mix as the dough coalesces into a mass.
2. Pat the dough into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 375˚. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats.
4. Divide the dough into two pieces and roll each into a very thin (1/8 inch or less) 10×12-inch rectangle.  Use small, possibly extra small, cookie cutters to cut out crackers in any desired shape. Or, if you want a more ‘authentic’ look, use a fluted pastry cutter, cut the rectangles into 1-inch squares, then transfer to the baking sheets. Use the tip of a chopstick to punch a hole into the center of each square.
5. Bake for 17 minutes or until puffed and browning at the edges. Watch carefully, as the high fat content of the crackers makes it a fine line between golden delicious and burnt. Immediately move the crackers to racks to cool.

Easy Eggnog Fudge

I love giving gifts at Christmas. There’s something so special about watching a persons face light up with joy when they first see the gift you’ve given them. Gifts from my kitchen are always nice, and typically a ‘sure-thing’. I absolutely love this recipe. The rich, creamy goodness of homemade fudge + the satisfying flavor of eggnog = a mouthful of magic. It’s the perfect gift to share with family and friends.

Easy Eggnog Fudge

recipe from Cindy at Skip to my Lou

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup eggnog
12 oz white baking chocolate
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Bring sugar, butter and eggnog to a full boil in a heavy medium-size saucepan. Continue to boiling over medium heat until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees, stir constantly to prevent scorching. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, use a glass of cold water. Drop a few drops of the ‘syrup’ into the glass, if the syrup forms a doughy ball, it is done. If the syrup gets hard and brittle in the water, it has been over-cooked.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate and nutmeg, stirring until the chocolate is melted. Add marshmallow creme and vanilla extract. Beat until well blended.
3. Pour into a buttered 8 or 9-inch square pan. Cool, then cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. May be frozen for up to three weeks.

*Copycat* Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken with Homemade Honey Mustard

In central Virginia we say, “Wait 15 minutes. The weather will change.” This storm has proven the saying to be true today. All day, every 15 minutes. So far we’ve had rain, sleet, snow, freezing rain, and hail. Now, it’s decided it would like to sleet, but threw in a pinch of thunder and a dash of lightening. Seriously?! Ice Lightning? Go home Weather, you’re drunk.

Really though, this wonky winter weather recipe has our family staying in doors for the rest of the afternoon and evening. That put the kibosh on my plans to pick up the carry-out I’d been craving for dinner. Bummer? Not anymore! I’m making my favorite restaurant chicken right at home. Delicious dinner, and staying safe and dry? Don’t mind if I do. Nobody’s going to ‘rain’ on this girl’s parade today.

Alice Springs Chicken has never tasted better than it does when made fresh in the comfort of your own home. This savory (and cheesy, we can’t forget cheesy) chicken is even better with our easy, homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping. If Alice Springs is your thing kind of chicken, don’t let a night indoors stop your from enjoying your favorite dish.

*Copycat* Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken with Homemade Honey Mustard

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch in thickness (if they’re really thick it can be easier to just fillet them)
seasoning salt
6 slices bacon, halved
honey mustard (recipe below)
1 cup sliced, fresh mushrooms
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (cheddar will work as a substitute)

Directions

1. Sprinkle and rub the chicken breasts with seasoning salt.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp.  Remove bacon.  ***Do not discard grease.*** Saute chicken in the bacon grease for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned.  Move chicken to a 9×13 pan.
3. Apply the honey mustard to each breast, then layer with mushrooms, bacon, and shredded cheese.
4. Bake in a 350° oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken is done.
5. Serve with extra honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce

1. In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mustard, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup honey, mixing well. Add more honey if necessary, depending on how spicy/strong your base mustard is.
2. Refrigerate and allow to ‘chill’ before using.

{Easy} Homemade Baby Wipes

I’m convinced little boys are magnets. Pint-sized, powerful dirt magnets. I’m constantly going through wet wipes. In the house. In the car. In the store. Everywhere. There’s not a dust bunny, dirt speck, or food particle within a good mile radius that does not find it’s way onto their person. And by person, I meant their face, hands, shirt, etc. You name it, if they’ve been awake for 5 minutes, something has found them. Knowing this, I’m always armed with some handy-dandy wipes to scrub them down on the go. That leftover kool-aid mustache? Check. The hands that are now black from tracing every wall we’ve walked past for 5 minutes? Check.

About a year ago, I started to notice how many wipes we were going through and how the cost was really adding up. Being the fastidious penny-pincher that I am, I began to look for a way to make my own that were not only cheaper, but just as durable. Only a strong wipe can compete with my grubby boys and keep them as presentable as humanly possible until bath time. A friend of mine with a gaggle of her own children told me about this recipe that she swore by. I tried it, and from the very first swipe I was hooked!

As I’ve mentioned before, Son #4 struggles with eczema. We’re dealing with a very itchy bout of it now. These wipes are gentle enough to even use on his super-sensitive skin. Not only do they not cause any reaction or irritate his condition, they even seem to help soothe his itching. That alone would have sold me on these.

But there’s more…

One of the best things about these all-natural, homemade baby wipes is that they do not contain alcohol and are super gentle on those delicate areas, especially if you’re dealing with diaper rash. The tea tree oil, as well as the coconut oil have anti-microbial properties and protect against molding. Also, both the tea tree oil and coconut oil provide a multitude of skin benefits.

Start making your own wipes today. They blow all the store-bought competition out of the water. And, they’re cheaper! These, my friend, will totally ‘wipe’-out and reservations you may have.

{Easy} Homemade Baby Wipes

• 1 roll of Bounty paper towels (I found mine at the the Dollar Tree)
• a very sharp knife, or an electric knife
• 1 tbsp baby wash
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup hot water
• tea tree oil
• container to house the wipes in (the one pictured came from the Dollar Tree as well)

Directions

1. Cut the roll of paper towels evenly in half. It will resemble two rolls of toilet paper at that point.
2. Carefully remove the cardboard paper tube from inside the paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix the baby wash, oil, hot water, and 2-3 drops tea tree oil until evenly combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the wipes container.
5. Add the cut paper towels and let sit, for about an hour, until all the mixture has been soaked up and saturated throughout the towels.
6. To use, pull wipes from the center.

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

I could not live without coffee. The morning that I awoke to discover the creamer was all gone, was a nightmare of epic proportions. I was in a daze, wondering who had sabotaged my morning routine. I mean, it must have been sabotage, because there was no way I would have forgotten to add creamer to the grocery list!

I had milk. I had sugar. I had vanilla.  I tried it, and it just wasn’t cutting it. I just had to have the smooth, creamy start to my day.

As Plato pointed out so long ago, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” In a moment of inspiration I ran to my computer and immediately began Google-ing a homemade creamer recipe. Every recipe I found called for condensed milk. Crap! I was out of that too! I was saved by the bell when another search pointed out it was relatively easy to make that at home too.

Two hours later, I had fresh, homemade condensed milk and was finally on my way to enjoying my first cup of coffee.

Since then, I keep this in the fridge for creamer, and also for smoothies and baking. It works just as well as it’s store-bought counterparts, and with less than half the sugar. Store your own homemade condensed milk in an air tight refrigerator and it can be used up until the expiration date on the milk used to make it.

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

recipe from Just As Delish

• 1 liter of whole, or 2 %, milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp butter, optional, to thicken the milk

Directions

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk and the sugar to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer very gently for about 2 hours until the volume is reduced by half. The milk should be barely simmering and never boiling at any point.
3. Use a timer, and stir every 15 minutes to keep the ‘skin’ from developing on top.
4. After 2 hours, stir in the butter.
5. Remove the pot from heat, and allow to cool. The milk will thicken as it cools.

When refrigerated, the homemade version has thicker consistency than the commercial one. You can add a few drops of water and whisk it lightly if desired to get a thinner mixture.

30 Minute Homemade Soft Pretzels

My husband and Auntie Annie have always had a special bond. One I’d long ago accepted that I couldn’t come between. There’s something sacred in her delicious doughy confections that he finds… irresistible. This cheap and easy homemade pretzel recipe did something I had long-thought impossible. It put the kibosh on their long-time love affair. One taste that’s all it took, and it was love at first bite. Move on over, Annie. There’s a new pretzel in town.

If you thought, like I did for so long, that delicious, homemade pretzels were only for the over-achievers, think again. This recipe couldn’t be any easier or more simple. These cater to all ages, genders, occupations, and availability. For those of you with pretzel lovers of your own, I challenge them to try these. I assure you that even the most loyal brand supporter won’t want to buy or pay for their pretzels anymore.

30 Minute Homemade Soft Pretzels

recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction

• 1 and 1/2 cups luke warm water
• 1 packet active yeast (2 and 1/4 tsp)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4-4.25 cups all purpose flour, and more for flouring the counter surface and hands (for whole wheat, use 2.5 cups wheat flour & 1.75 cups white)
• 1 large egg
• salt for sprinkling, optional
• cinnamon & sugar for sprinkling, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Dissolve yeast in water. Stir with a spoon to combine. Add salt and sugar, stirring to combine.
3. Slowly add flour, one cup at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough is thick. Continue to add flour, one cup at a time, until dough is no longer sticky.
4. Poke dough with a finger. If it ‘bounces back’ it is ready to knead.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and shape into a ball.
6. With a sharp knife, cut the dough ball into 1/3 cup sections. This measurement doesn’t have to be exact.
7. Roll the dough into a rope about 20 inches long.
8. Once you have your long rope, take the ends and bring them together until your form a circle. Twist the ends then bring the down towards yourself and press them down into a pretzel shape.
9. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Dip the shaped pretzel into the egg wash, evenly coating both sides.
10. Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with salt or sugar depending on your personal preference.
11. Bake for 10 minutes at 425. Turn the broiler on and bake for 5 more minutes to brown the tops. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
12. Allow pretzels to cool, and serve.

DIY Tiki Torch

During the summer months, I love being able to sit out on my porch in the evenings and enjoy a good book, watch the kids play, and just take in the beautiful weather. I’ve always loved the look and feel of lit tiki torches on summer evenings. Something about it just totally sets the scene for me. There prices, however, horrified me.

I was so excited last summer, when I came across little globular tabletop torches in the store. For a great price!! I could totally envision the queenly atmosphere they would create. The part of my brain that logically rationed as Queen of my Castle I deserved to stoke my fairy-tale inspired fire, demanded their immediate purchase. I automatically saw my little piece of far, far away where I could decompress, and just lose myself for a few minutes each evening.

Naturally, I came home with a matching pair, assuming we’d live out the rest of our days creating beautiful, enchanted Summer memories together.  Unfortunately, my happily ever after just wasn’t meant to be.  Both pots (let’s face it, at this point their ambiance setting fairy God mother had abandoned them and, in my eyes, their clock had already struck twelve) leaked horribly. Despite my valiant husband’s best efforts, they just weren’t salvageable. For me, the whole affair was quite tragic. So much for my illusions of grandeur.

Ever my knight in shining armor, my husband came to my rescue! If I couldn’t buy the perfect table top torch, then he would make me one! This was his brain child.

This easy to make tiki torch was a roaring success. Using citronella infused torch fuel I’m able to keep the mosquitoes at bay, all while adding a little ‘enchantment’ to my evenings. My still full wallet was feeling pretty enchanted too!

DIY Tiki Torch

• old, sturdy glass bottle
• 2 washers that fit the lip of your bottle
• 1 spacer
• rubber grommet (make sure it will fit tightly down into your bottle creating an airtight seal that prevents the wick from moving around)
• tiki torch fuel (I used one with citronella to keep the mosquitoes away)
• tiki torch wicks

Directions

1. Add fuel to your bottle. Be careful not to over fill.
2. Place a wick into the bottle. Leave about 2 inches exposed above the lip of the bottle.
3. Thread the end of the wick through the grommet, pushing the grommet towards the bottle opening. Force grommet down into the neck of the bottle, leaving it flush on top with the lip. Make sure to hold onto the end of the wick so it doesn’t also get pushed down into the bottle.
4. Take one washer and thread it onto the wick, pushing it down until it rests on the top of the bottle. Make sure there’s not gap between the bottle and washer # 1.
5. Thread a spacer onto the wick and push it down until it’s resting flush against washer # 1.
6. Thread washer # 2 onto the wick, pushing down until it is resting firmly against the spacer. The washers will keep the flame away from the glass preventing it from getting hot, at all.
7. Push the exposed wick down into the bottle, leaving only about 3/4 of an inch of wick exposed and ready to light.
8. Allow the wick time to completely saturate with tiki torch fuel before lighting.

Copy-Cat Wendy’s Frosty

I scream. You scream. We all scream for Ice Cream! Well, in this case, for Frostys!

My guys all go absolutely ga-ga for the cold, creamy concoction. Just mention it around them and their eyes glaze over. The excitement is just too much for them to handle. It overrides all higher functioning brain activity. They’re like little ice cream zombies at that point. Instead of watching them aimlessly shuffle around, waiting for their dessert but not knowing what to do, or how to function until they get it, I get them involved in the process.

All ice-cream induced zombie-ism aside, we don’t use an actual ice cream ‘machine’. Instead I prefer using our ice cream ‘ball’. You can find them here. Amazon carries them in a variety of colors and sizes. I use the quart sized one to make enough for our entire family at once.

This is what my boys do for fun on a Friday night. I enjoy it because it gets them working together: laughing, joking, and playing. At the end of their teamwork? A sweet treat to share and enjoy. You’ve gotta love the little things in life.

Speaking of it being a Friday night, did I mention that I’m really not trying to drag all four kids out into a fast food line? Or even a grocery store check out line? Friday is for peace & quiet. For Mommy. I think I’ve earned a little time to relax by Friday night. Making  our own Frostys at home helps buy some extra little moments for me, and the zombies still get dessert. It’s a win-win, right?!

Copy-Cat Wendy’s Frosty

• 1/2 gallon chocolate milk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tub of cool whip, 8 oz

Directions

1. In a blender combine all ingredients.
2. Pour into ice cream maker, and follow the machine’s instructions.
3. Enjoy!

Lemon Rosemary Bath Salts

In the rush of everyday life with a large family, and four children, there isn’t always time for a lot of relaxation. Usually just stolen moments. Even my showers have had to become ‘efficient’. However, on the weekends when the kids are in bed, I love to enjoy a nice, long soak in the tub. One of my creature comforts, despite budget constraints, has always been expensive bath products. I frequently use scented ones to create my own little atmosphere of peace and tranquility. It’s this wonderful little private bubble, where for a chunk of time, I don’t have any obligations or demands to meet. Something about the scented steam, just does it for me in the ‘reclaim a piece of my sanity’ department after a chaotic week. While I used to frequent kitschy stores and purchase the latest fragrant combinations to induce my ‘me time’. I’ve gradually shifted to making more and more of my own bath products. As I’ve found to be true with the majority of things, I like the results from this homemade version better than other’s I’ve purchased over the years toting the same ingredients. These bath salts are a breeze to mix up, and are heavenly to use. Just a few ingredients, and you can easily, and cheaply, produce your own affordable, quality bath salts. Make your reservations today for a little ‘spa’ treatment in the comfort of your own home.

Lemon Rosemary Bath Salts

• 2 cups epsom salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 2-3 tbsp fresh rosemary; finely chopped
• 6-8 drops lemon essential oil
• 2-3 tbsp lemon zest (optional)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine epsom salt and baking soda.
2. Add in half of the essential oil drops, mix, then add in the remaining drops.
3. Mix in the chopped rosemary and lemon zest if you decide to use it until fully combined.
4. Store in an airtight container. 
5. To use, add as much, or as little, as you’d like to hot bath water and stir around until dissolved.