Soap

It's been a bit hectic these last few days. My better half left last week to work in Georgia for 6 weeks so I've been learning how to feed myself and do my own laundry in her absence. Haha I'm only kidding

The two eggs that my guinea hen has been sitting on hatched! One of the babies was trampled by mom as she thoroughly freaked out anytime one of the ducks even looked in her direction so I took it upon myself to "rescue" the other one. He is now living quite comfortably in a large plastic bin with a heat lamp on the kitchen table. Good thing I have the house to myself for another couple of weeks. I think I frazzle Ashley's nerves a bit with all the animals I keep allowing to live inside.

This is Godfrey. He spends most of his time running around like a crazy person and pecking at his reflection. The dogs think it sounds like someone knocking on the door and they've been going crazy non-stop!

I shouldn't be left home by myself for extended periods. I always end up finding some new project to work on or some harebrained experiment I want to try.  My newest project has been to venture into making homemade soap. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about the subject and earlier tonight I decided to jump in feet first.

Looks almost like a delicious custard huh? I don't recommend eating it.

If it turns out well I plan on posting more on the subject later.

Bacon Fat

Wait! Don't throw out those bacon drippings!

If you're not using bacon grease in your cooking, you're missing out on good 'ole southern flavor. Most people seem almost disgusted when they hear me talk about cooking with bacon grease. What they don't realize is that back before everyone lived within 5 miles of a grocery store, people had to be resourceful. It was unacceptable to waste anything that could be reused or re-purposed.

So why save bacon grease?

For one thing it's very thrifty. Bacon grease can be used for almost anything you would use butter for when you want that smoky bacon-y flavor. If you cook a lot, butter is relatively expensive and if you're like me, anything you can save on your grocery bill is helpful.

Bacon grease is also a healthy fat. Don't believe me? Ask Google. You will probably be surprised at what you'll find.

Bacon makes everything better. That's just one of the simple truths in life. 

Here are my favorite ways to use bacon grease:

• Greasing a pan
• Cooking green beans
• Sauteing vegetables
• Scrambling eggs
• Making cornbread
• Making pancakes
• Cooking rice
• Adding to mashed potatoes (cut out some of the butter to make the proportions correct)

What are your favorite uses for bacon grease?