Homemade Sun Dried Tomatoes (oven dried)

Sun-drying tomatoes is a nice method of preservation because it requires little work, they are a lot less expensive homemade than from the store.

PROCEDURE:

A Roma or paste type tomato works best – simply slice them in half and lay them out on baking sheets skin side down.  They shrink a lot so they can be crowded on the baking sheets to start.

After slicing them, they simply go into a 200°F oven until dried – approximately 12 hours depending on the type and size of tomato used.  I like to start checking them after about half the time - the photo below shows what these looked like at 6 hours.

I continue checking them and removing any that are ready until they’ve all dried to my liking.  Then I store them in a ziplock bag in the freezer, and they’re conveniently on-hand whenever I need them.  Simply remove as many as  needed from the ziplock and soften in a small amount of oil or water (depending on the recipe) prior to using.  





The photo below shows the final product before being packaged for storage. 



Recipe courtesy of:  http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2011/09/11/homemade-sun-dried-tomatoes-oven-dried-really/

Repinned by:  https://www.hummingbirdjewelry1.etsy.com
PINTEREST:  http://pinterest.com/hummingbirdjewe/















http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2011/09/11/homemade-sun-dried-tomatoes-oven-dried-really/

DO AT HOME - DEEP CONDITIONING FOOT TREATMENT
With Summer just around the corner it's time to start to get our feet into shape for all those cute sandals we have stashed away.  Here is a recipe for a deep moisturizing  foot butter.  This butter is great for cracked and dry skin.  For an extra deep, deep moisturizing foot treatment, put this mixture on your feet before bed and then pull on a pair of socks and leave on overnight. I think a salon would charge a fortune for this service. 

In a medium bowl mix together well: 
2 Tablespoons Cocoa Butter
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
1 Tablespoons grated Shea Butter
4 Tablespoons  Jojoba Oil
30 drops lavender or other Essential Oil -optional 

This recipe will make approximately 3 oz. 
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Make at Home - Hot Oil  Hair Treatment

If your hair is extremely dry and damaged substitute Jojoba Oil for the Olive Oil. You can use whatever Essential Oil you like, but I used Rosemary Essential Oil because it is an excellent hair tonic, improving circulation to the scalp and is helpful for dandruff and dry scalp and hair.  

In a small glass bowl heat 1 ounce of olive oil in the micro wave for 18-20 seconds.  When it is cool to the touch add 30 drops of the Essential Oil. 

1 oz olive oil
30 drops rosemary Essential Oil. 

Apply to damp hair, wrap with a plastic bag and let sit for 30-45 minutes. 
Wash hair as usual and condition.