Asian Ginger Dressing

Ingredients:

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp minced ginger root

3/4 cup olive oil

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1/2 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons honey

1/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a jar or other storage container.

2. Cover container and shake well.

3. Heat dressing for 1 minute to dissolve honey.

4. Cool to use and store extra in refrigerator.

This dressing is delicious, but tastes very salty. If you're not a fan, decrease the amount of soy sauce to 1/4 cup.

Vegetable Stock

Ingredients:

2 quarts (1/2 gallon) of water

5 medium carrots

5 celery stalks

2 medium onions

3 medium potatoes

1 sweet potato

3 cloves of garlic

1 medium to large tomato

3 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp fresh cilantro (or other fresh herbs)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp dried parsley

TIP: If you want to maximize the flavor from your vegetables, cut them a little finer. The smaller the pieces the more surface area will be exposed to the water and infused into your broth.

Directions:

1. Chop all vegetables, placing all aromatics (carrots, onions, celery, and garlic in the same bowl).

2. Coat pot with olive oil and heat at medium high. Place aromatics into the pot and sweat for a few minutes to create a strong flavor base.

3. Add the rest of the vegetables and seasonings to the pot.

3. Pour in water, cover pot, and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours.

5. Strain the stock. Use immediately, store in refrigerator 2-3 days, or store in the freezer for a couple months.

So far I've used the broth to cook noodles, make soup, and even warmed some in a sippy cup for my son when he was sick.

DIY Magazine Holders

Ok, this isn't a complete DIY . . . I cheated. I found 5 plain cardboard magazine holders at Ikea for $3! I thought it was quite a steal and worth the time it would save me making 5 out of cereal or mailing boxes.

Mod Podge one side at a time and cover with the scrapbook paper or fabric, cut excess.

You can also trace each side of the magazine holder onto a piece of scrapbook paper and cut out before covering the magazine holder.

I left the back side uncovered since it will be facing the wall. You can also use fabric instead of scrapbook paper. 

Once each magazine holder is covered with paper or fabric, coat with Mod Podge.

Simple and stylish (I think).

Total Cost: $3 (If you already have paper and Mod Podge or Elmer's glue)