Friday Finds

Well, somehow or another, I managed to completely space out that yesterday was Friday.  So this week, I guess my Friday Finds will just have to show up on Saturday.

I seem to be somewhat in a DIY mode this week so I am sharing some links to great DIY ideas that I must try.

Homemade Buttermilk

Kitchen Parade

Although I keep a container of powdered buttermilk in my fridge and have used the milk plus vinegar/lemon juice substitute for buttermilk, I prefer to use liquid buttermilk.  The idea of making new, homemade buttermilk using commercial buttermilk as a starter has been around awhile, and it is a good one to be aware of.  This is a very nice article detailing the simple process and even suggests that you can use the homemade buttermilk to make a great Greek Yogurt substitute.

Homemade Chocolate Chunks

Back4Seconds

As the blogger said, this is one of those "Slap Yourself Upside of the Head and say Why Didn't I Think of That" kind of thing, but I didn't and am glad someone did.  I always have a few packages of chocolate chips on hand and never remember to buy chocolate chunks.  Well, now I don't have to.  Great, great idea.

A Seasoning Mix for Homemade Sausage

Thrice the Spice

This recipe makes enough for 8 lbs. of ground meat; and, of course, you could choose from ground pork, turkey or chicken.  With just spice and a little sugar, this has no nitrates, MSG or other chemicals that may be found in commercial sausage. 

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Portuguese Girl Cooks

I have been thinking about trying homemade ricotta ever since I saw a recipe for it in "Cooking Light" last year.  With just whole milk, cream, salt and lemon juice, this recipe has no special ingredients.  It does take a candy thermometer to make this, but otherwise the process is simple and mostly "hands off."  Much, much better than the store bought kind I am sure.

  Homemade Ranch Dressing

Mel's Kitchen Cafe

If you don't already have a special Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe, take some of that Homemade Buttermilk you made and make this one from, the always reliable, Mel.  With the addition of a little olive oil, it seems to have good keeping qualities.  Homemade beats store bought every time.

Well, that ends my Friday Finds on Saturday.  Late to the party, I am linking up to Friday Favorite Finds.  Pop on over to see what other bloggers have found this week.