Silky Smooth Homemade Deodorant

This smooth 100% Natural deodorant is effective, cheap, and easy to make. Some homemade deodorants use Baking Soda, which I found to be irritating to my skin. The arrowroot which has natural drying properties (I use it on it’s own for a Dry Shampoo), works very well on it’s own here.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with ingredients and scents. This is my personal blend and I love it!

Ingredients: use only pure, organic, 100% natural products. I buy mine in bulk.

• 3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
• 2 Tbsp Shea Butter
• 2 Tbsp Arrowroot
• 1 Tbsp Beeswax
• 1 Tbsp Jojoba Oil
• 1/2 Tsp Vitamin E
• 20 Drops Vanilla Essential Oil

Directions:

1. In a double boiler (smaller pan set in a larger one full of water) over low heat, melt Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Beeswax. Stir until just melted. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in Arrowroot, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, and Vanilla Essential Oil. Whisk until Arrowroot is completely incorporated.
3. pour mixture into containers and let cool until hard. 

This recipe will make enough to fill a 2oz glass jar. I like this size for home and make 1oz jars to travel with. You will find that a little goes a long way.

While it will cool to a soft solid, it is not intended to be used in a stick applicator. Use a dab on your finger straight from the jar.

Note: Quickly clean off pots and spoon with soap and hot water. Because I make oil/wax based products regularly, I have a devoted set of simple cookware: 2 small pots to make a double boiler, a metal tea spoon, a set of metal measuring spoons, and a scrubber to clean up with.

 

Spicy Chipotle Two Bean Vegetarian Chili

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 large carrots, chopped

2 stalk celery, chopped

1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped chipotles in adobo

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped

3 cups cooked red kidney beans, drained

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, drained

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, combine: oil, onion, carrots, celery, and peppers and ook until soft (about 10 minutes)

3. Stir in chipotles, oregano, cumin, chili powder and salt

4. Add tomatoes and 4 cups water

5. Simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 45 minutes.

6. Add beans and simmer another 45 minutes.

7. Top with shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese if desired

Old Fashioned Banana Bread

 

I like simple things and simple cooking. My tattered copy of The Joy Of Cooking is always with me, and I refer to it often for basic recipes that I adapt to make my own, and I highly recommend it for every kitchen, whether antiquated or not. This recipe is a slight variation on the Joy Of cooking  Quick Banana Bread recipe. Enjoy!

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°

COMBINE:

1  3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

COMBINE:

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2/3 cup sugar

The juice of 1/2 lemon + 1 tsp grated lemon rind

STIR IN

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups ripe banana pulp

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds

place batter in a 4×8″ greased bread pan. Top with 1/4 cup more nuts or seeds, and bake about 1 hour or until a toothpick stuck into the center comes out clean.

Let cool.