Practical Uses: Vinegar

Not only are there many different types of vinegar (from the well known White Vinegar to Coconut Vinegar and Seasoned Rice Vinegar), but there are also many everyday remedies and uses for vinegar. Here are a few that I found that might help!

Laundry:
1. Stain remover- For stains caused by grass, coffee, tea, fruits, and berries, soak clothing in full strength vinegar.

2. Getting rid of underarm marks - Marks can be eliminated by soaking them with vinegar before laundering. To remove solid residue left by deodorants, soak area in white vinegar until saturated then wash. This will also remove odor!

3. Fabric Softener - This is great for those times your run out of fabric softener. Just use white vinegar as you would fabric softener. And don't worry about the smell, the vinegar spell disapates before your laundry is done.

4. Prevent colors from running - Use white vinegar when washing something that might bleed. Pour vinegar in washer while filling with cold water and then add detergent and cloths.

5. Prevent fading of colored towels and quilts - Add 150 Ml of vinegar to the laundry to prevent fading. Handmade quilts can be soaked in lots of cold water using 275 Ml of vinegar on the first time laundering.

6. Cleaning the base of an iron - Make a paste of vinegar and baking soda to clean sole plate of iron. It will not harm any surfaces ( according to the book).

7. Deodorise a wool sweater - This is a great tip. Wash the sweater, then rinse in equal parts of vinegar and water to remove odors.

*My Notes:*
- I found these tips in "Vinegar 1001 Practical Uses" by Margaret Briggs

Velveeta Dip

1 lb. (16 oz.) Velveeta Cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 can (10 oz.) Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 lb. ground beef, cooked, drained

Mix all ingredients in a microwaveable bowl.

Microwave on high 5 minutes or until Velveeta is melted, stir once while its cooking! Garnish with green onions (optional).

Serve with yummy restaurant style tortilla chips!

*My Notes:*
-This recipe is from hip2save.com and is going to be on my list of appetizers for my birthday this year!

Whole Wheat Muffins

2 eggs
1/2 cup yogurt (used strawberry)
1/4 cup applesauce or vegetable oil
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 bananas, mashed
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries mashed

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease 12 large muffin cups, or line with paper liners.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce/oil, yogurt, brown sugar, vanilla and bananas. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg; Stir into the banana mixture until moistened. Stir in the strawberries until evenly distributed.

Spoon batter into muffin cups until completely filled.

Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when pressed lightly. Cool before removing.

*My Notes:*
-I got this recipe from hip2save.com . They look so good! I will let you know when I try them!

Strawberry Bread

1-1/2 cups fresh strawberries
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can use 3/4 cup wheat & 3/4 cup white)
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup yogurt (strawberry or vanilla)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 eggs, beaten


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter one loaf pan.

Slice strawberries, and place in medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle lightly with sugar, and set aside while preparing bread mixture.

Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking soda in large bowl and mix well. Mash strawberries with your fingers or a fork. Blend oil, yogurt, vanilla extract and eggs into strawberries.

Add strawberry mixture to flour mixture, blending until dry ingredients are just moistened. Place batter into the loaf pan.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes. Turn loaf out, and cool completely.

*My Notes:*
-I found this recipe on hip2save.com. I can't wait to try it out!