Dye-Free Red Velvet for your Valentine

February 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Natural red velvet cupcakes © 2013 Tiffany Coggins

Natural red velvet cupcakes © 2013 Tiffany Coggins

I decided to repost this December blog for Valentine’s Day. If you’re planning on baking a special sweet for your sweetie, this is perfect. It is only a little more time and a couple more steps to show your Valentine how much you love them. I hope you try it. Please, post photos of your finished cupcake on my Facebook page.

I love red velvet. I think it’s a beautiful cake and cupcake, but I feel guilty eating it, or making it for my family. Why? Because it is loaded with red food coloring, which has a nasty reputation of causing behavioral problems in people, usually children, sensitive to the chemical. I have also tried to reduce the chemical exposure for myself and my family over the last 10 years.

I decided I needed to find a red velvet recipe made with beets as the natural food color. I spent some time online hunting down recipes to try. I came across this blog for All Natural Red Velvet Cupcakes by Sophistimom. She has a red velvet cake and a red velvet cupcake recipe. I decided on the cupcakes because I was taking them to share with some classmates.

Sophistimom is obviously a great baker and does not shy away from experimentation. I am grateful to her for her persistence. I am a so-so baker, but by no means am I an avid one, nor am I up for baking experiments.

I followed Sophistimom’s directions very carefully. I have to say I had a very successful first try at her dye-free red velvet cupcakes. Now, mine do not look as pretty as hers, but they are tasty. I did not pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes, I’m just too lazy. My cupcakes are also a bit small, because I needed to stretch the recipe.

I did use organic ingredients, except the buttermilk. I usually get organic buttermilk, but my store was out of it at the time.

I had looked at recipes that used raw beets to keep the red brighter and more vibrant, but I decided I really wanted my beets to be cooked. I had very small beets, so I needed about five of them.

I highly recommend Sophistimom’s recipe. I plan on following her blog to see what other yummy and natural recipes she comes up with. Please check her site out.

I’m posting pictures I took of the process. Sorry if they leave you needing a red velvet fix.

Roast Beets
Baked Cupcakes
Cream Cheese Frosting
Filed Under: Food, Holiday, Organic Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Thankful for a Local Thanksgiving

November 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I know many times I push organic, and I truly do believe that organically grown food is better for us and the environment, but I also know in this economy that organic is not always possible for people’s budget. If organic is beyond your means, then aim for local.

Most cities and towns now have a farmers market. The farmers market is a wonderful resource for local and often organic fresh produce. Many times the local farmers market veggies are less expensive than grocery store produce shipped across the country. The farmers market and a great local co-op are where I got almost all my ingredients, including a locally raised, free range fresh turkey.

I’m thankful I can shop local and repay that blessing by sharing what I can. I hope you’ll do the same.

Filed Under: Food, Holiday, Local, Organic, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Hurricane and Halloween

October 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of NOAA.gov

I’m keeping those affected by Sandy in my thoughts. I hope everyone is safe and sound. This was meant to be a blog about Halloween, but Sandy has changed that a bit. I know many kids will not get their Halloween, and even worse some of those children may be without a home.

For those that still get to celebrate the fun, kid-focused holiday, be grateful. Consider sending donations to The Red Cross, AmeriCares, or Feeding America. Maybe a local organization is collecting needed supplies to send to victims.

If you do get to celebrate, think of ways to be green. Give out Fair Trade  and organic chocolate and candy. Offer organic apples, they’re tasty and seasonal. Avoid plastic in decorations. If you don’t have a costume yet, hit those second-hand stores to create one that is unique and eco-friendly.

Take care and be safe, no matter where you live.

Filed Under: Green Decorating, Holiday, Organic, Reduce and Reuse Tagged With: , , , ,

Have a Drink To Celebrate Our Independence!

July 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Raise your glass on the 4th of July. Say a toast to our land and our freedom. While you are celebrating, remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate in this oppressive summer heat that most of the country is experiencing. Remember to take reusable water bottles for all the members of your family, including the four-legged ones.

One of my local television stations put a reminder up on Facebook about how dangerous this heat is. It reminded the public that water is best, along with some limited sports drink consumption. Everyone needs to watch the coffee, alcohol and soda because those drinks can dehydrate us, said WQOW.

If you are going to spend the whole day outdoors, bring at least two reusable water bottles for each person. Like I wrote already, make sure you have water for your pet, if you are taking them with you. Bring Fido’s own water and bowl along.

One more reminder, no matter what, do not leave an animal in the car. In this heat, it does not matter how many windows you have open, the temperature inside a car gets dangerous in seconds. As a matter of fact, do not leave a person in the car either.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day! Remember to reduce, reuse and recycle, for America!

Filed Under: Animals, Holiday, Reduce and Reuse Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Remembering, Conserving and Preserving on Memorial Day

May 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Picture taken by Tiffany Coggins

Memorial Day we typically spend with family and friends. We go camping or have cookouts. Let’s all make sure we remember why we have Memorial Day.

In between our hamburgers and smores, thank and honor all the people who served our country. Let’s not waste the bounty we have. The bounty we have because of soldiers who gave up so much for our country.

Patriotism is more than waving a flag. It means preserving our lands and natural resources. While we celebrate and honor today, also reduce the waste that burdens the countries landfills. Keep plastic out of our beautiful landscape and waterways. Work to reduce toxic chemicals that pollute our amazing land, water and sky.

We owe it to the men and women that defended this country, and gave their lives for this country. We owe it to our children and grandchildren. Be patriotic and reduce, reuse and recycle.

Filed Under: Holiday Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Happy Mother’s Day to one and all

May 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Photo by Tiffany Coggins

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, step-moms, grandmas, great-grandmas, moms-to-be and all those special women who fill a mom-like role in someone’s life! Enjoy your day! And don’t forget to do something nice for everyone’s mom, Mother Earth.

Filed Under: Holiday Tagged With: ,

Mother’s Day the Eco Way

May 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Farmers market bouquets

You care about the environment and your mom. How do you show both? For many moms it’s not about the gift so much as it is about what is behind the gift; your love. But, if you feel a kiss on the cheek and time spent with her is not enough, then let me offer some suggestions that can fulfill both your requirements.

1. Your gift of labor. This year I’m asking my kids to weed my garden for me. I have not had the time and this will mean so much to me. Think about some task like that for your mom.  She might not have a garden, but maybe she’d love to have her house cleaned.

2. A charitable donation made in her name. Does your mom have a favorite charity that she gives to? Does she wish she could give more? Giving in her name tells her you care about her passions and interests.

3. Plant an organic garden or potted garden for her or with her.

4. Give her the gift of fresh, organic food. Sign her up for and pay for a Community Supported Agriculture club, also known as a CSA. You pay a certain amount at the beginning of the season and then each week you get a bounty of local, and most often organic or close to organic, fruits and vegetables. We have belonged to one for years and we look forward to it each summer.

4. Reusable basics, especially if she does not have it or only has a few. I’m speaking of water bottles and shopping bags. Both are everywhere now and come in beautiful colors and patterns.

5. Organic flowers are a beautiful way to say I love you. If your local farmers market is up and running, you can probably get a wonderful bouquet there, but otherwise there are organic options online.

6. Cook her a special, organic meal. To really make it extra sustainable, try to find all or mostly local ingredients.

7. A gift certificate for a massage is a pretty low impact gift that will make your mom feel special. Not only will she feel relaxed, but there are therapeutic benefits to massage.

8. An organic facial or body treatment is another way for mom to feel loved and relaxed. You could do it together, or maybe you could pamper her yourself at home.

9. Is you mom interested in saving gas and getting healthier? What about a new road bike all tricked out with baskets and such? Saddle bags can be added to the back so she can do small errands on her new bike.

10. The traditional breakfast in bed. Make it yourself from local, organic food. Cut flowers from your own garden and give mom the ultimate indulgence of lounging in bed as long as she can stand it. Don’t forget her favorite newspaper, book or magazine.

I do think I let my hand slip there; I’m not a good sitting in bed in the morning person, but many people dream about being able to stay in bed all day. You know your mom. If you don’t see an idea that would appeal to her in my list, then do some online digging. An even better idea is to check out your local businesses that are unique to your town. Most importantly, tell her you love her and that you appreciate everything she has done for you. That’s what we want most.

Filed Under: Holiday Tagged With: , , , ,

Finding Ways to Say “Happy Earth Day!”

April 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of NASA

Happy Earth Day! How are you celebrating today? Showing your support of Earth Day could be as simple as replacing an inefficient incandescent bulb with a new LED bulb, buying a reusable bag made from recycled material, planting a tree, shrub or other native plant in your yard, eating like a vegetarian for the day, or eating like a locavore. You can get an app for your smartphone from Locavore to help you find locally grown ingredients.

You can also find bigger ways to celebrate Earth Day by getting involved with sustainable organizations. The Earth Day Network has a site where you can find more information about Earth Day. Maybe this Earth Day is when you commit to make big changes in your life. Maybe today you decide to start biking to work or taking public transportation. Maybe today is the day you put in a compost or garden.

If you have the basics of reduce, reuse and recycle down, make bigger changes. If you don’t have the basics down, start incorporating them into your life.

1. Stop buying bottled water, bring your own reusable bottle

2. Stop accepting plastic and paper bags, bring your own reusable bags

3. Stop buying individually wrapped convenience items

4. Buy in bulk

5. Use rags instead of paper towels

6. Switch to glass food storage containers from plastic containers or disposable bags

7. Switch to recycled paper products like recycled-content toilet paper or recycled-content printer paper

8. Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins

9. Stop eating processed foods. Eat real, whole food and then don’t waste it

10. Stop putting chemicals on your lawn, heck, get rid of your lawn

11. Unplug stuff around your house or use power strips to turn things off

12. Support fair trade

13. Shop at farmers markets

14. Install low-flow faucets, aerators, toilets and shower heads

15. Take five minute showers

16. Shop in secondhand stores

17. Switch to non-toxic cleaners

18. Lower the temperature on your thermostat in the winter and increase the temperature on it in the summer

19. Weatherproof your home

20. Talk about sustainability

This list could go on and on, but this should get you started. Do you have some more ideas? Post them in the comment section. We can all learn from each other. Make every day Earth Day.

Filed Under: Energy Efficiency, Environment, Food, Holiday, Recycling, Reduce and Reuse, Sustainability Tagged With: , , ,

A Green Love

February 10, 2012 by 1 Comment

Bag the Habbit Reusable Gift Bag image courtesy of Reuseit.com

I’ll start by saying that you don’t have to spend any money to celebrate your love. You can show how much you care by giving them your time and attention. You can also make handmade cards and gifts for those your Valentines.

For those looking for something to give that aren’t the arts and crafts type, here are some ideas with an environmental plus.

1. Vintage, estate and second-hand jewelry. This has become one of my favorite new things. Check antique stores, pawn shops or even a local jewelry store. One of my favorite jewelry stores locally has a wonderful selection of second-hand jewelry. If you live in the Chippewa Valley sneak a peak in Williams Diamond’s window or Eclectica on Grand.

2. A red, pink or purple reusable bag would be fun and in the spirit of the day of love.

3. Look for the same color theme in a reusable water bottle.

4. Buy organic flowers, or if you cannot find those, how about flowers from your favorite local shop.

5. Give the gift of chocolate, but not any chocolate, organic and Fair Trade chocolate. Another option is locally crafted chocolate. My favorite sweet spot in Eau Claire is Obsession Chocolates. The chocolates and sweet treats are often made with local and organic ingredients and love. Look around your town for a homegrown chocolatier.

6. Treat your guy to a cozy and eco-friendly fleece made with 41 percent recycled fiber from Patagonia in passionate red. Remember, Patagonia encourages you to buy its used clothing on ebay. Patagonia also recycles clothes.

7. How about a gift with a cause? Send a “Bee Mine Valentine,” as Heifer International writes on its page. Send a gift of honeybees to a family in need. The family uses the bees to start a business which then feeds, clothes and educates the family.

8. Cook those you love a beautiful, sustainable meal with local and seasonal ingredients. This is truly a way to say “I love you.”

9. The perennial favorite for Valentine’s Day is sleepwear and lingerie. Make those sweet nothings organic this year.

10. What romantic evening would be complete without some touches like massage oil and candles. You can find green versions of both of these. After all, why end your organic and eco-friendly evening with petroleum or chemical based anything? I’m certain you can find both the oil and candles locally.  In the Chippewa Valley Just Local Foods carries beeswax candles.

Filed Under: Holiday, Local, Organic, Reduce and Reuse, Uncategorized, Upcycled Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

TerraPass for the Holidays

December 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I got an email from TerraPass this morning. It reminded me that it was time to purchase my yearly carbon offsets. It’s not to late for you to do the same. Now, purchasing carbon offsets is no substitute for reducing your carbon footprint or living a more sustainable life, but it does help to balance out the emission that you can’t eliminate. TerraPass works on clean energy projects from wind, energy from farm methane digesters and energy from landfill methane capture.

TerraPass also has funny e-cards that you can still send as a Christmas, Hanukkah or Holiday card. It is the ultimate green gift. So, if you’re still looking for a gift and want it to be a green gift, consider purchasing carbon offsets for someone.

Filed Under: Environment, Holiday, Sustainable Energy Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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