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: , , , , , , ,

Resolve to Live More Sustainably

January 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Fall farmers market photo by Tiffany Coggins

Fall farmers market photo by Tiffany Coggins

Happy New Year! Did you make any resolutions? A lot of people resolve to save more, lose weight or be kinder. If you resolved to live a more sustainable life, you could do all that and more.

By living more sustainably you can save money because you won’t be buying so much stuff, especially new stuff. I love the reduce, reuse and recycle slogan. Do I buy new stuff, yes, but I do try to find a second-hand version first. The downside of buying second-hand is that it can take a considerable amount of time. Then you may have to go and get it new after spending your valuable time looking for something and not finding it. But, the hunt can certainly be fun and addictive.

The resolution to lose weight is a popular one. Did you make that resolution? How’s it going? We’re two weeks into the new year and I think people are already losing motivation. One way to be healthier and lose weight is to eat in a more sustainable manner. Think local, seasonal and clean. Try and reduce or delete processed foods. Look to bulk and organic. Make a big batch of something and freeze half. There is mounting evidence on the health detriments coming from all the chemicals and additives in out diet. There are studies linking obesity to processed food, food additive chemicals, fast food and portion size that we as a society are addicted to.

Buying in bulk helps to save money and also cuts out a lot of waste. If you really want to reduce waste, buy reusable mesh bags to replace the disposable plastic ones for your bulk items. Buying in bulk helps us eat better and cheaper. Invest in a good cook book, especially one that takes into account seasonality of foods. Make use of the online resources to help with seasonal cooking. Freeze and can your own food. Even if you don’t have a gigantic garden, take advantage of the farmers market.

If you do some of these things to save money and lose weight, then you’ll be well on your way to being kinder. Anytime you reduce your consumption and waste, you are being kinder to the planet and all those that inhabit it.

Good luck in the new year and in your resolution to be a better you.

 

Filed Under: Environment, Food, Health, Recycling, Reduce and Reuse, Sustainability, Upcycled Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Eco-friendly and inexpensive evaporated milk

December 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Homemade evaporated milk

I was just making one of my favorite Christmas treats and realized I didn’t have any evaporated milk. I didn’t want to run out at that moment and buy some. So, I did an online search for evaporated milk substitutes. I found this recipe.  It is such an easy and inexpensive way to make evaporated milk; you can skip the expensive little cans of it. I always have whole milk and half and half in my fridge. Not only is this easy and inexpensive, but you can make organic evaporated milk. There is also a recipe where you cook the milk down yourself, which is how evaporated milk is made.

Happy cooking!

Filed Under: Food, 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: , , , ,

Locavore Salsa of the Season

August 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Local Seasonal Salsa photo by Tiffany Coggins

This is the perfect time of year to make homemade salsa from fresh, local an organic ingredients. I made this salsa the other night. It was delicious, if I do say so myself. It tasted so much better than any store bought salsa.

I used all local ingredients, except the lime juice, olive oil and sea salt. I used tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro and sweet corn. All of these came from local farmers. I could have used hot peppers, but my daughter is not big on spice and loves mild salsa. Roasting the corn made it extra tasty.

Go and see what is at you local market, and make your own fresh salsa.

Filed Under: Food, Local 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: , , , ,

Vermicompost

March 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Bailey Kramer shows me the worms in a vermicompost

I just wrote this story for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s newspaper The Spectator. I’m excited that UWEC is working towards a more sustainable future. Vermicompost is composting with worms. Vermicompost is something almost anyone can do, even if you don’t have a backyard.  A worm bin can fit into a small closet.

I wrote a small blog about composting years ago. I touched on vermicompost, but my story for The Spectator has a lot more information.

Do you vermicompost? Share your experiences in the comment section.

Filed Under: Food, Organic, Recycling, Reduce and Reuse, Uncategorized 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: , , , , , , ,

Giving Thanks

November 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is able to celebrate in a more sustainable way with organic, local and BPA-free food. I am thankful for all the people and bounty in my life. We need to strive to live more sustainably so that others have more to be thankful for in their lives. That is a main goal of sustainability. Celebrate and give thanks!

Filed Under: Holiday, Local, Organic, Sustainability Tagged With: , , , ,

Halloween on the Green Side

October 25, 2011 by 1 Comment

HFCS-free brain lolipop and single origin, fair trade chocolate

Halloween can be as green as any other day. By making some simple changes in your holiday traditions you can reduce waste, plastic and damage to the environment.

One thing you can do is start a costume swap. Talk to your friends and your children’s friends. This weekend would be a great time to do a last minute costume exchange, especially for all those procrastinators like me. While you’re doing a costume swap, maybe do a decoration swap as well. You might be sick of some of your older decorations, but someone else may love them.

Instead of the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) candy, how about candy made from real, cane sugar. Along those same lines look for candy and chocolate with organic ingredients. If you’re investing in good chocolate you can also seek out single origin and fair trade. All those things make for a more eco-friendly and socially conscious way to treat.

Make decorations from things that might otherwise wind up in the landfull. This kind of decor is called upcycled or recycled. These decorations reduce waste and plastic use. Plus, reusing something takes less energy than recycling an item due to the energy use involved in recycling. Although recycling still takes less energy than making something from a virgin, mined source.

If you use candles, swap out the petroleum-based candles for soy or beeswax candles. Beeswax candles burn cleaner and slower  than the petroleum-based candles. The soy and beeswax candles also produce less indoor air pollution.

If you do even a few of these suggestions you’ll be on your way to having a more sustainable Halloween. I’m sure you can think of other ways to green your Halloween. Feel free to post those ideas here or on my Facebook page.

Have a Happy Halloween.

Filed Under: Environment, Holiday, Organic, Recycling, Reduce and Reuse, Sustainability, Upcycled Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
«Older Posts