Cooking like Calvin - Butternut Squash Soup

I love the comic Calvin and Hobbes, and especially the ones where Calvin and his friend tiger played 'Calvin Ball.' The game where the rules change constantly and crazily and it always looked like a blast.

My children and I now have a saying. 'Let's do it Calvin Ball style.' That's when we're playing a game of any kind that's gotten a bit stale, and suddenly you can just start making up the rules as you go. The only rule to making up rules is that you can't contradict another person's rules, you simply have to go with them and add more. And everyone has to have fun.

It occurred to me today that I cook the same way. These days, I cook 'Calvin Ball style.' Calvin Ball cooking is where the ingredients are always changing, but you have to try and have fun. I rarely find a recipe that I can use; usually more than half the ingredients are no-go. So we use a few ideas and then get to use whatever was in season and I happen to have at home. And try to have fun with it.

Finding yourself again

This is the year of change. The year of 'more' change 'again,' anyway. We dropped gluten when were were diagnosed with Celiac Disease, and then more foods when we had more food allergies. And then I had to alter where I went when sulfites were added to the mix.

Now there's more.

Soapnuts, or no shampoo, part 2

After using only baking soda and vinegar for a few months as my hair cleaning regimen, I was starting to have problems with my hair care. There was a slow build up of oil in my hair that I could eliminate, but to do so, it was seriously drying out my scalp and hair with the amount of baking soda I had to use.

Unpleasant.

It didn't work well at all with my teenage daughter, either, who produces a lot more oil in general, and has exceedingly thick hair that was difficult to penetrate with the baking soda mixture.

So, I went on another researching binge and I found something that works well. My daughter and I have been using this since November and it is AWESOME.

Soapnuts. 

Avocado Salad Dressing

My husband just made this a few weeks back and I understand it is pretty kick-ass, according to him and the kids. I'm looking forward to trying it!

Avocado Salad Dressing:
1/4 c lime juice
1 large avocado
1 small tomato
Basil
Coriander
Dill
Cilantro
Chiles or chile powder
Salt

1. Combine ingredients in food processor and chop until creamy and thoroughly mixed.
2. Season with herbs to taste. Even 1 tablespoon portions of herbs works well.
3. Salt to taste.

Sounds nice and easy, especially if you grow your own herbs like we do! :-)

Homemade Date Candy

Homemade Candy, yum!

I just saw this recipe from LisaLise on the forum at Crunchy Betty and it looks like it would be pretty darn good!

Chocolate Date Candy
1. Pit a handful of medjool dates and roughly chop them.
2. Work cocoa powder into them until you have a mass that resembles dough. Wrapping it with wax paper before working the dough can prevent sticky fingers.
3. Break off bits of the "dough" and roll into balls.
4. Roll the balls in shredded coconut.

It sounds like it would taste pretty awesome, for those that can try it. I'm looking for dates I can eat, and chocolate and coconut are out for me, but it's just so awesome sounding I had to put this up, anyway!

No heat, easy hair curling method

This young lady has such a clever way to create curls overnight. It looks easy, cheap, and comfortable to sleep in, as well. I have a feeling my daughter may be checking this out, although she will probably like the decorations in the room as much as she likes the curling method!

Sock-bun curling method:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FV-YO46E8Y

Pseudo-pickled Veggies

When I have a heavier dish, like my potato pancakes or red meat, I really enjoy a little bright flavored 'something' to eat with it. If I have some homemade pickles, that works for me, but I often don't have any pickled veggies, so here's something that can be made quickly but still give a bit of a pickled taste to some veggies.