Tools for Natural Living

Herb & Olive Oil Bread Serve this rustic bread with sweet cream butter and a bowl of homemade soup or stew. Leftovers make great croutons! Recipe makes one round loaf. Ingredients 1 cup warm water 1 tablespoon sugar 1 package active dry yeast 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon rosemary ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour ½ cup bread flour 2 tablespoons cornmeal 1 egg

Lavender Biscotti Biscotti are an Italian specialty also known as cantuccini (coffee bread). These twice-baked, crisp cookies are meant to dunk in hot coffee or tea and then fall apart in your mouth. Delizioso! 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons dried lavender flowers 2 large eggs 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine

Spiced Pumpkin Butter Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling - either from a can or from a cooked pumpkin. Note too that due to water activity and acidity factors, the USDA does not recommend canning pumpkin butter for long-term shelf storage. However, your homemade pumpkin butter will last for months if kept refrigerated. 3 1/2 cups pumpkin puree 3/4 cup apple juice 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground mace 1 1/2 cups t

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of root vegetables like carrots and beets. The addition of garlic, fresh thyme and rosemary lends earthy, woody flavor while a splash of balsamic brightens the dish. Ingredients 2 pounds carrots, greens trimmed and scrubbed 2 pounds small beets, trimmed and rinsed 4-5 russet potatoes, washed and cut into large chunks 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 5-6 sprigs fresh thyme 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary Salt & freshly cracked black peppe

Herbs That Fight Diabetes According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report released in June 2014, the number of people suffering from diabetes in the US in 2012 totaled 29.1 million, or 9.3% of the American population. This number is steadily increasing each year, with 25.8 million and 8.3% reported in 2010, respectively. In addition to health care costs increasing an average of 2.3 times per person, diabetes remains the 7th leading cause of death in the US. In contrast t

Herb-infused honey is a flavorful addition to tea and can be used in baked goods or in any recipe that calls for honey. It’s equally delicious drizzled over pancakes, poached fruit or even ice cream. Herbal honey is also medicinal. In fact, honey is one of the best humectants available for the skin and has antibacterial and other healing qualities that can benefit eczema, psoriasis, diabetic ulcers and other inflammatory conditions. Similarly, lavender contains antimicrobial

Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup This warming and nutritious soup characterizes the traditional cuisine of Tuscany, where the flavors of life are celebrated with simple meals, rustic breads and deep red wines. Ingredients 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Large bunch of kale (about 4-5 cups), chopped 2 cups organic vegetable broth 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 can organic cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Herbed Buttermilk Biscuits Warm from the oven, these fragrant, savory biscuits are heavenly smeared with sweet butter or homemade jam. They’re great to serve alongside soups and stews, too! Ingredients 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried rosemary ½ teaspoon dried sage ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1/3 cup cold butter 1 cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon butter, melted Directions Preheat oven to 400’ F. Combi

Herbal Muscle Liniment This formula brings fast relief to strained, sore muscles and joints when you need it most. Ingredients ¼ cup witch hazel ½ cup vodka 25 drops rosemary essential oil 15 drops fir needle essential oil 10 drops camphor essential oil Directions Combine all ingredients in a glass bottle with a mister top. Shake well before each use. To use, spray affected area and massage into skin using small, circular motions with open palms. Note: Do not use on broken s

Chicken with Honey-Orange Sauce This tangy dish impresses but is super easy to prepare. Perfect with Basmati or Jasmine rice. Ingredients 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves Salt & pepper to taste 1/4 cup local honey 3 tablespoons pure orange juice (with pulp is fine) 1 teaspoon orange zest 1 clove garlic, minced 1 scallion, sliced with green tops reserved 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon olive oil Directions Season chicken with salt a