Soda Recipe: Homemade Ginger Ale

If you're a fan of ginger ale, then this article is for you! Make your own tasty soda with whatever ingredients tickle your fancy. Check out the tips and recipes in "Soda Recipe: Homemade Ginger Ale" below!

I have been so very excited to share my new homebrewing book, True Brews, with you this week. Yesterday we gave you a little peek into the book, and today here's one more tidbit to spark your homebrewing daydreams! I have many favorites from the book — the Peach Iced Tea Kombucha, the Mocha Stout, the Chai-Spiced Mead — but this ginger ale is The One. It's like all your wildest ginger ale dreams come true: snappy and fresh, sweet and a little spicy, and perfect for these early summer days. Even better, you can start a batch tonight and be sipping your first glass of homebrewed soda by tomorrow.

This ginger ale is a great place to start if you've never brewed anything before. All you need is a recycled plastic soda bottle. Just fill it with the sweet gingery soda base, add a pinch of yeast, and screw on the cap. Check the bottle every so often — when it's rock-solid to the touch with almost no give, stick it in the fridge for a few hours. Once chilled, you're ready to rock and roll.

I love using champagne yeast to brew sodas because I feel that it has a cleaner taste and makes a fizzier soda. You can pick up little packets of this yeast at homebrewing supply stores and some Whole Foods stores, or you can order them online from places like Norther Brewer. You only need a pinch to make your soda, so wrap up the leftover yeast and store it in the fridge until the next soda-making urge strikes. 

→ Find It! Champagne Yeast from Northern Brewer

But if you're eager to make soda and can't get your hands on champagne yeast right away, you can also use regular active-dry yeast — the same used for bread baking. You might find that your soda has a bit of a yeasty aftertaste with this baker's yeast, but it does a fine job in a pinch!

Ready to get your soda on? Here you go!

→ True Brews is out now! Find Emma's book at your local library, independent bookstore, or Amazon: True Brews: How to Craft Fermented Cider, Beer, Wine, Sake, Soda, Mead, Kefir, and Kombucha at Home by Emma Christensen

→ Read more about True Brews at Emma's personal blog: emmaelizabethchristensen. blogspot.com

Ginger Ale

Makes about 8 cups 
(enough to fill a 2-liter plastic soda bottle)

2-inch piece fresh gingerroot

1 cup water, plus more to fill the bottles

9 tablespoons / 4 ounces white granulated sugar, plus more if needed 

1/8 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons), plus more if needed

1/8 teaspoon dry champagne yeast

Peel and finely grate the ginger (I use a Microplane). You should have about 2 tablespoons of grated gingerroot.

Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan on the stove top or in the microwave. Remove from the heat. Add the sugar and salt and stir to dissolve. Add the ginger and let stand until cool. Stir in the lemon juice.

Pour the ginger water into a clean 2-liter bottle using a funnel. Do not strain out the ginger. Top off the bottle with water, leaving at least 1 inch of headspace. Give it a taste and add more lemon juice or sugar if desired. The extra sugar will dissolve on its own.

Add the yeast. Screw on the cap and shake the bottle to dissolve and distribute the yeast. Let the bottle sit at room temperature out of direct sunlight until carbonated, typically 12 to 48 hours, depending on the temperature of the room. Check the bottle periodically; when it feels rock solid with very little give, it’s ready.

Refrigerate overnight or for up to 2 weeks. Open very slowly over a sink to release the pressure gradually and avoid bubble-ups. Pour the soda through a small fine-mesh strainer to catch the ginger as you pour.

Recipe Notes

• Bottling in Glass Bottles: Sodas can also be bottled in glass or swing-top bottles, but it's more difficult to tell when the sodas have fully carbonated. Therefore, with every batch you bottle, also fill one small plastic soda bottle to use as an indicator for when the sodas have finished carbonating. Refrigerate all of the bottles as soon as the plastic bottle is carbonated; never leave the glass bottles at room temperature once carbonated.
  
• Sugar-Free Soda: Use 1 tablespoon of white granulated sugar per 8 cups of soda to carbonate, but beyond that, you can sweeten to taste with another sweetener of your choosing. The sugar will be almost entirely consumed during fermentation.
  
• Alcohol in Homebrewed Sodas: As long as yeast is being used to carbonate beverages, alcohol will be made as a by-product. However, the short fermentation time limits the amount of alcohol produced in sodas, and it typically comes out to less than 1 percent.
  
• How to Avoid Gushing, Exploding, Overcarbonated Sodas: Sodas can overcarbonate very easily. This can cause geysers when you first open them or bursting bottles if left unrefrigerated for too long. Refrigeration suspends fermentation (and therefore carbonation), but it will start again when the bottles are removed from refrigeration.
  
  It's best to bottle sodas in used (cleaned!) plastic soda bottles since it's easy to gauge carbonation just by pressing the side. Always open sodas over a sink or outside, and unscrew the cap extremely slowly to allow pressure to release gradually.

(Images: Paige Green for Ten Speed Press/True Brews)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/16P2gjE

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What Drink Do You Order at a Bad Bar? 25 Food Writers Share Their Safety Drinks

If you've frequented bars in your day, then you've probably encountered something many people across the world have: a bad drink. If you suspect that the staff at the watering hole you're at aren't really going to come through with a solid beverage for you, then check out "What Drink Do You Order at a Bad Bar? 25 Food Writers Share Their Safety Drinks" below!

What do you drink at a bad bar? It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, I know, but we've all been there: stuck in a tired airport lounge, or at a restaurant hundreds of miles away from an artisanal cocktail menu, eyeing a bartender who doesn't look old enough to drink. What do you order when you just don't trust the bar (or the bartender)? What's your safety drink? I asked 25 food writer friends what they go to when they want a drink but don't trust the bar.

My own personal "safety drink" is a Godfather, a venerable old classic involving 2 parts (or 3 parts) Scotch to 1 part amaretto, stirred over ice. It's really satisfying and somehow exceeds the sum of its parts — and more the point, nearly everyone knows it, and there isn't even a garnish to screw up.

Read on for 25 professional food-lovers' own safety drinks. And while this may sound like a menu born from desperate times, these drinks are also really terrific inspiration for those of us who want a quick cocktail in the evenings but aren't up for, you know, brewing our own bitters. These picks are great reminders of how simple and yes, foolproof, a good drink can be.

What's Your Safety Drink?

• If I'm unsure, I just stick to beer. Someone else has already done the work there and as long as the bartender can pour a draft, I'm good with that. - Casey Barber,Good. Food. Stories.
• A good vodka shaken straight up with a twist and nothing else - no vermouth. 95% of the time I'm safe. Although last Friday I ordered it at the Irish Bank in SF and got my Belvedere swimming in vermouth, sent it back and received a Tanqueray with a vermouth float. I gave up and drank my husband's rye on the rocks and switched to beer. - Robin Carpenter of Hunt and Gather Girl
• Gin and tonic. With enough lime, I can tolerate a bad one. - Sheri Castle,cookbook author
• My safety drink is to ask the bartender to make me something he or she likes. Even an inexperienced bartender will have at least one drink that they know and love. I'll take that one! - Emma Christensen of The Kitchn and Emma Elizabeth Christensen
• Usually something simple — Wild Turkey bourbon on the rocks. Or a beer. -Melissa Clark, cookbook author and columnist at The New York Times
• Vodka on the rocks. I've had many a bad vodka + tonic. - Karen Covey ofGourmet Recipes for One
• Gin, grapefruit juice and bitters..though a recent trip through the South rattled my expectation that every bar has bitters. - Brenda Crow of FoodShed
• Jack & Coke. The more I drink, the less I care. - Tara Mataraza Desmond ofCrumbs on My Keyboard, Almost Meatless
• Vodka tonic but I think it can be messed up - in a bad bar the tonic's often flat or off. Maybe for now on... Scotch on the rocks? - Jenni Ferrari-Adler, Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant
• Vodka iced — straight up! - Judy Witts Francini of Divina Cucina
• If they have good beer I ask for that with a ton of limes. If there's decent gin I'll ask for a gin and tonic - again, lots of limes. They can't screw that up. Right? -Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan of The Kitchn
• Campari and soda. With lime. But not all bars have it! - Kathy Gunst of Kathy Gunst.com
• I say, "No, please, really, make me the drink that is the truest expression of your creative self." - Francis Lam of Gilt Taste
• I go for vodka tonic. - Andrea Lynn of Andrea Lynn Food Writer.com
• I order based on the look of the bartender. If he/she is older than dirt, I'll get an Old Fashioned or a Gimlet. If he/she is under 30, I get bourbon with ONE ICE CUBE. - Ivy Manning, cookbook author
• Sweet vermouth (red, like Lillet) on the rocks with a twist. Or Campari in the same way. - Domenica Marchetti of Domenica Cooks
• When in doubt: 1) Draft beer 2) Club soda. - Nancie McDermott, cookbook author
• Bourbon on the rocks - I mean how can you mess up one ingredient? Or a bottle of beer... always leery of dirty taps....yuck! - Maureen Petrosky of The Kitchn andMaureenPetrosky.com
• I used to think gin and tonic, until a very suspect bartender gave me one that tasted like flat 7-Up. So now I'll order an Americano (1:1 Campari and vermouth, club soda), or if things are really grim, bourbon on the rocks. Or a beer. - Anjali Prasertong of The Kitchn and Eat Your Greens
• Gin and tonic is an easy solution, I mean the worst they can do is forget the tonic and that wouldn't be all bad. Sometimes I do venture to a shaken dirty martini, but in that you sometimes get bartenders who either assume vodka (I'm a gin man myself) or add way too much olive juice (olive juice with a splash of gin anyone?). - Adam Salomone of Harvard Common Press
• If I really don't trust the bartender? Simple, just give me the best beer on the menu, of course I would pick. Or the wine of my choice. If I had to pick spirits, bourbon, with a splash of soda. I could live with any, although Maker's Mark is hard to beat. - Bruce Shaw of Harvard Common Press
• Gin and tonic with a splash of cranberry and a lime. I like it because I'll drink it weak or strong, because it still makes a conversation piece at a party, and because when I've had enough, I can switch to soda with cran and everyone thinks I'm still drinking. - Jess Thomson of Hogwash and Pike Place Market Recipes
• A Greyhound has never failed me (yet!). - Tara Austen Weaver of Tea and Cookies
• I have sent back so many G&Ts because they use the tonic from the gun and 9 times out of 10 it is flat and syrupy. I only order Gin and tonics from places that use bottled/canned tonic water and sadly very few places do. - Bethia Woolf ofColumbus Food Adventures
• I think you can't mess up a gin and tonic too badly. - Grace Young, Grace Young.com

What's your safety drink — out, or at home? And why?

(Image: Peter Kim/Shutterstock; Nancy Mitchell)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/LeuE0m

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Petite Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, Grain-Free Recipe)

If you're a vegan, are trying to avoid grain, or just love cookies but want a recipe that won't carry as many calories, then we've got a recipe for you. These "Petite Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, Grain-Free Recipe)" look delicious! Let us know if you try them, actually, bring us some!

Petite Chocolate Chip Cookies (basically a vegan, grain-free Chips Ahoy)

Serves 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups of almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup milk, kefir, or nut milk
• 1/4 cup Enjoy life chocolate chips or carob chips
• 2 tbsp softened butter or coconut oil

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350.

In a food processor, pulse together 1 1/2 cups of almond flour only, the coconut flour, baking powder, arrowroot, and salt until it’s all mixed. Add the butter or coconut oil, and pulse until it’s a crumb. 

Add the honey and milk, and pulse until a thick dough forms. You should be able to pick it up and ball it up in your hands—so not liquidy at all! 

This is where the extra half cup of almond flour comes in. If your mixture is still thin, add the extra flour and mix until it looks like your standard cookie dough.

Fold in the chips, and don’t be afraid to eat the dough. It’s tasty.

Break off tablespoon sized bits and roll them into balls with your palms. Place them on a lined baking sheet & give them a squish. They won’t spread at all, so you can put them fairly close together. 

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes, or until they begin to get golden.

Remove them from the oven, and lower the heat to 250. Put them back in for a good 15 minutes or so, or until they’re as crisp as you’d like. Once they cool more, they will be more like Chips Ahoy (dry and crunchy), so be patient!

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/17XsTjm

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5 Bob Vila ‘Must Do’ Projects for May

It's May, and the weather is starting to heat up. Summer is on the way, and it's time to prepare! Bob Vila has 5 'Must Do' projects for May that can help you keep your home ready for the season. Check them out below, and let us know if you think of any he missed!

May is the month to prepare your house and garden for the dog days of summer. Start at the top — in the attic — working your way out, with a stop in the kitchen, before addressing the yard and your outdoor living areas.

No. 1: Prepare to beat the heat

While it’s been a cold and rainy spring for most of the country, you can be sure that hot weather is just around the corner. That means the familiar hum of air conditioners and unwelcome accompanying rise in energy bills. In preparing for the months ahead, think about what you can do to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without breaking the bank.

Attic insulation. Just as they do in the heating season, insulation and ventilation in the attic help yourHVAC system perform efficiently during the summer when the air conditioner is in use, not the furnace. Also, if you don’t have one already, think about installing an attic fan to usher out superheated air, reducing its considerable burden on your cooling appliance.

Whole-house fans. If you mainly run your air conditioner overnight, a whole-house fan can probably save you a sizable chunk of change. How does it work? By drawing in cool night air through open windows on lower floors and cycling it through the house. A professional can assist you in determining whether it’s the right solution for you, but generally speaking, whole-house fans work best in regions with low humidity, where the temperature drops at least five degrees after sunset.

Ceiling fans. Since they cool by circulating air, ceiling fans should be installed in those rooms where you spend the most time (e.g., the kitchen, family room or bedroom). They cost pennies to operate; even using them occasionally instead of the AC will make a positive difference in your utility bill.

Window air conditioners. Before you pull your window air conditioner out of storage, ask yourself how old it is. Efficiency has improved so much that purchasing a new energy-smart unit may in fact be cheaper than relying on your old clunker for yet another summer. No matter its age, be sure to maintain your AC by cleaning or replacing its filter. And for safety’s sake, make certain the installation is secure and won’t budge!

Awnings and solar blinds. Awnings are great for mitigating heat gain, as they shield windows from direct sunlight. Many fixed or retractable options exist in materials ranging from canvas to aluminum. Also, consider solar blinds and solar screens, either of which can be found in interior or exterior styles. Both work to absorb heat and block solar rays without obstructing your view.

No. 2: Update your kitchen

Your kitchen makeover doesn’t have to be a total gut job. If you’re looking for a way to infuse color and pattern, why not re-tile the backsplash? It’s an easy project to tackle over a long weekend, even if you’re not a seasoned handyman. Want to go a step further? Reface your cabinets. A new wood veneer or a bright coat of paint on cabinet doors and drawer fronts can transform them, effectively making your old kitchen look brand new. Best of all, the price is right.

No. 3: Improve your yard & garden

This month is the perfect time to make improvements to your landscaping. Try distinctive edging that will define your garden walkway or planting beds. Another idea: Use containers to bring flowers and greenery to the front porch or the backyard deck or patio. Looking to have a little fun? Experiment with creating your own pots out of everyday household materials.

No. 4: Rid yourself of summer pests

While there are numerous ways to deal with bees, wasps, mice and the critters, the best approach to pest control is the natural one. Did you know that mice find the smell of peppermint unbearable, or that cockroaches won’t tolerate Tabasco sauce? For bed bugs, the answer is a treatment of diatomaceous earth! Find details and additional tips in our guide to apartment pest control and prevention.

No. 5: Ready the deck, patio & grill

Since this is the month many will start spending more time in the backyard, sweep your outdoor living space and make any necessary repairs to your deck or patio surfaces. If your gas grill has been idle for several months, check the burner jets for obstructions and secure all hose connections snugly. (And, don’t forget to refill the propane tank!) Meanwhile, charcoal grill owners are wise to clean off ashes and grease residue — a good habit to keep up over the course of the season as well. Read more about how to care for your grill — and bon appetit!
Related:

• How to Install a Ceiling Fan
• On the Edge: 11 Garden Borders You Can Make
• 10 ‘Illuminating’ Ideas for Lighting Your Backyard

Original Article here: http://bit.ly/12eDzI9

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How To Make Healthy Habits Stick

Knowing the right kind of food to eat, what exercise routine will keep you healthy, and other things that keep you in tip top shape aren't enough by themselves. "Knowing is half the battle" right? Health Coach Elizabeth Rider knows this, and has some advice on 'How to Make Healthy Habits Stick'. Check them out below.

1. Crowd out the bad stuff.

Crowd out unhealthy foods with delicious good food. Instead of imposing strict rules on yourself, always focus on what youcan have, not on what you can’t have. If you've really been struggling to stick to your healthy habits, learning how to crowd out is the first step on your path to success.

2. Forget the “all or nothing” mentality. 

Good health isn’t all or nothing; every salad, green juice and green smoothie count. Women are the worst with this and often feel like they have to give up every single thing they enjoy to be healthy, which couldn't be further from the truth. Take small steps toward greater health each day, and eventually things like green drinks, quinoa salads and fresh juices will become habits instead of chores.

3. Surround yourself with inspiration.  

Hang out with like-minded people and join community and online groups that support your lifestyle. Subscribe to email updatesfrom wellness websites that inspire you (just pick your top 3-5 favorites so you don’t overwhelm yourself; a full inbox = stress!), purchase healthy living books and magazines, and create a inspiration board so you can create what your ideal life looks like.  

4. Be a realistic optimist.

Positive thinking really is key to a healthy lifestyle, there's no doubt about it. But remember this: total wellness doesn’t happen overnight, nor is it something we just need to focus on once. Healthy habits are like muscles; the more you work them the stronger they get. 

5. Focus on how you want to feel in your own skin.

Having a clear vision of how you want to feel each day will motivate you through challenging times. When you want to eat something unhealthy, take a moment to ask yourself how it will make you feel in one hour, one day and one week. That drive-thru burrito might make you feel good for the three minutes that you're scarfing it down, but be honest, you're not going to feel great a few hours later or the next day when you remember it. Is the three minutes really worth it?

6. Know that you are exactly where you need to be.

Be totally ok with wherever you are at in this point in your life — it’s all part of your unique journey. Be gentle and kind with yourself. If you’ve been doing an amazing job of eating clean and have a moment of weakness, just forgive yourself and move on without making yourself feel guilty. One unhealthy snack, meal, or even weekend shouldn’t derail you; just get back to your clean eating plan and focus on what makes you feel good. Life’s too short to constantly worry about what you eat; be proud of the healthy choices that you make and focus on those instead. We become what we focus on; focus on your healthy choices and overtime you'll become a glowing goddess of good health.

Full article here: http://bit.ly/17vqdt6

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