Homemade Cleaning Spray

Ingredients

1 part vinegar

1 part filtered water

1 tsp (estimated) dish soap

10 drops of essential oil

Instructions

1. Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake.

Notes

Homemade Cleaning Spray is not just practical—it's safe, natural, and eco-friendly. Perfect for those who care about what they use in their homes and on their surfaces.

Why Choose Our Homemade Cleaning Spray?

• Natural Ingredients: Made from simple, all-natural ingredients like white vinegar, essential oils, and water. No toxins, no harsh chemicals—just pure, nature-derived cleaning power.

• Effective Cleaning: Our spray cuts through grease, grime, and dirt with ease. It’s perfect for countertops, bathrooms, kitchens, and even glass surfaces. Plus, it leaves no residue behind, just a streak-free shine.

• Safe for the Whole Family: Because our spray is free from harmful chemicals, it’s safe to use around children, pets, and food-prep areas. You can clean confidently, knowing you’re protecting your loved ones.

• Eco-Friendly: Our cleaning spray is kind to the environment. Choosing our homemade solution reduces your carbon footprint and avoids contributing to the plastic waste crisis.

How to Use

1. Shake Well: Before each use, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.
2. Spray: Spray directly onto the surface you wish to clean.
3. Wipe: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. For tough spots, allow the spray to sit for a few minutes before wiping.

Ingredients

• White Vinegar: Naturally antibacterial, it helps dissolve dirt and grime.
• Water: Dilutes the vinegar for safe use on various surfaces.
• Essential Oils: Adds a pleasant scent and extra antibacterial properties.

Customizable Scents

Choose from our range of essential oils to create a perfect scent for your home. Whether you prefer the calming aroma of lavender, the refreshing scent of citrus, or the invigorating touch of eucalyptus.

Pat's Potato Salad

Grandma Pat’s Potato Salad

6-7 Russet potatoes

5-6 eggs, hard-boiled

1 tbsp red onion to taste, chopped

1 c Mayonnaise

2 tbsp c mustard

¾ c milk

1 tbsp sugar (optional)

Hungarian paprika (or sweet paprika)

Salt & pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil potatoes until they are soft. Set aside to cool.

2. Cut potatoes and hard-boiled eggs into ½ inch squares. Finely chop the onion.

3. Combine mayonnaise, mustard, milk, and sugar in a small bowl or mason jar and mix thoroughly. 

4. Stir mayonnaise sauce into potatoes, eggs, & onion.

5. Sprinkle paprika liberally on top of potato salad. In addition to paprika, you may season with a little salt and pepper to taste.

6. Chill in the fridge before serving. 

Notes

Peanut Butter Sauce

Ingredients

1/2 cup smooth no-stir peanut butter

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

Ice cream, pound cake, cheesecake, or another dessert, for serving

Steps

1. Combine all ingredients in small, heavy saucepan set over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.  Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce to simmer.  Simmer and whisk for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let cool to warm or lukewarm before serving.
3. Keeps well in sealed container in fridge.

Gadgets, Appliances, & Tools

• Food Processor
• Mixing bowl

Notes

• ...

Hot Fudge Chocolate Sauce

Yield: (approx. 1 cup)

Ingredients

3 oz semi sweet chocolate

1/2 cup heavy cream

6 TB brown sugar

2 TB unsweetened cocoa powder

1 TB regular salted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

small pinch kosher salt

Steps

1. Combine all ingredients in small, heavy saucepan set over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.  Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce to simmer.  Simmer and whisk for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let cool to warm or lukewarm before serving.
3. Keeps well in sealed container in fridge.

Gadgets, Appliances, & Tools

• Food Processor
• Mixing bowl

Notes

• ...

Graham Cracker Crust

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (170 g) graham cracker crumbs (or 11 graham cracker sheets pulverized to crumbs in a food processor)

2 Tablespoons sugar

1 Tablespoons brown sugar packed

7 Tablespoons (100 g) butter melted

Steps

1. Pulverize graham crackers in food processor until finely ground into crumbs (skip this step if starting with graham cracker crumbs).
2. 1 ½ cups (170 g) graham cracker crumbs
3. Stir together graham cracker crumbs and sugars in a medium-sized bowl.  Add melted butter and use a fork to combine ingredients well until crumbs are all moistened.
4. 2 Tablespoons sugar,1 Tablespoons brown sugar,7 Tablespoons (100 g) butter
5. Pour mixture into pie plate or springform pan.  Use the (clean!) bottom of a measuring cup to firmly pack crumbs into the bottom of the pan and (if using a pie pan) gently press up the sides.  Use your fingers to pack crumbs tightly into the sides of the pie pan.
6. If the crust needs to be pre-baked, bake on 375F for 7-10 minutes. If using this crust as part of a different recipe, bake according to your recipe’s instructions.  If this crust is for a no-bake recipe, refrigerate or freeze for 10-20 minutes before filling.

Gadgets, Appliances, & Tools

• Food Processor
• Mixing bowl

Notes

• ...

Lobster Rolls... Mayo or Butter?

Few things are more New England than the lobster roll. A soft hoagie roll, lightly toasted and filled with North Atlantic lobster. You can order a lobster roll in nearly every food establishment in all parts of New England. We found you can order lobster rolls in fine dining, bars, and street-side vendors. However, no dish elicits more opinions than the lobster roll.

    This culinary clash comes down to butter or mayonnaise ("mayo"). Variations come from regional preferences, traditions, and (most likely) personal tastes. That said, be prepared for some restaurants to pick a side and serve their style.

Carrot Hot Dish

Mom’s Carrot Hot Dish: A Holiday Staple

When the holidays roll around, the aromas from the kitchen tell a story of family traditions. For my family, one dish always made its way to the table: my mom’s carrot hot dish. This recipe is a perfect blend of comforting flavors and simple ingredients, making it a beloved classic that everyone looks forward to year after year.

The combination of tender carrots, creamy soup, and a cheesy, buttery crouton topping is nothing short of magical. It’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you're looking to introduce a new side dish to your holiday menu or simply craving a cozy casserole for a special meal, this recipe is sure to deliver.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The Ingredients Tell a Story

• The use of Velveeta cheese gives it a nostalgic, creamy richness.
• Herbed croutons add a flavorful crunch that balances the soft, savory filling.

Versatile for Any Occasion

• While it’s a holiday favorite for our family, this dish also pairs beautifully with roast chicken or ham for any special dinner.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

• My mom’s recipe has been passed down with care, and each time I make it, I’m reminded of the love and effort she poured into making holidays special for us.