A medley of winter weather things to try – drink mix to have on hand, homemade cereal and snack bars, and a bacon recipe for butchering day. Don’t forget about the possibility of microgreens. Sprouts are a delicious way to get good nutrition at this time of year. Alfalfa seeds are delicious. I ordered my seeds and sprouting screen for a wide mouth canning jar from natureswarehouse.net.
Hot Chocolate Mix
Anonymous source
2 c. powdered sugar
1 c. cocoa powder (option – ½ c. regular; ½ special dark – good depth of flavor, or all dark cocoa)
½ c. dry milk
1 tsp. salt
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and then mix in blender for a few seconds for a finer powder and better blended drink mix. Store in airtight container. To make hot chocolate, add 2-3 tablespoons of mix with boiling water. Can add mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candy, or even a little vanilla extract.
Granola
Acquired this one from my sister-in-law.
8 c. oatmeal
1 c. flaxseed, ground
1 c. bran
1 c. walnuts
1 c. unsweetened coconut
Mix and add:
1 c. raisins
½ c. mini chocolate chips
½ c. sunflower seeds
½ c. olive oil
½ c. honey (can reduce to ¼ c.)
½ tsp. vanilla
½ c. water
Mix together and bake 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Do not stir!
Homemade Lara Bar Recipe
Source unknown
1 c. almonds
1 c. pecans
2 c. pitted Medjool dates
½ t. vanilla extract
¼ c. chocolate chips
Puree in a food processor, then form into bars or balls. Can chill to harden. These freeze well!
Natural Bacon Cure
From Josh and Bethany Gullman of North Valley Pastures
2 parts salt
1 part sugar (brown or maple syrup)
Pepper to taste
Rub all sides of bacon and be sure to get in cracks/crevices.
Day 1 – rub with mixture. Store in refrigerator on rack or a set up that allows good airflow around meat.
Day 2 – rub with mixture and continue to refrigerate.
Day 3 – wash bacon thoroughly
Let dry, then smoke for 4-6 hours at 140°F. (Josh prefers applewood.)
