Making Tofu From Scratch at the Institute of Domestic Technology

...coffee roasting, bacon curing, bread baking, jam and exotic projects like making your own nocino and toothpaste. One of the perks of teaching at the IDT is getting to sit in on some of the other classes. The coffee roasting class changed my life. Now, every morning, I look forward to fresh coffee I roasted myself in a Whirley-Pop Popcorn maker. This past weekend I sat in a new IDT class taught by author Andrea Nguyen on how to make tofu from scra...

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DIY Sage Deodorant

...actly. The essential oils listed later are sage, tea tree oil, citrus-type oils, rose-type oils and lavender type oils. It would take a perfumer’s nose to replicate the fragrance exactly, but any of us should be able to make something pleasant smelling from whatever essential oils we have on hand, and whatever scents we like best. Weleda deodorant comes in a few different flavors, actually, so those might also inspire you if you’re not a fan of sa...

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Citified Parched Corn

...only a couple of variables you need to decide on. The first is the raging oil or no oil controversy that exists among parchers. It’s not a deep fried product by any means, but some folks like putting a little oil in the pan. Maybe it helps spices stick? Purists insist that there should be no oil. I used no oil. The second is flavoring. Parched corn doesn’t really need flavoring–it’s good on its own. Salt, of course, only makes it better. But it c...

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Foodcrafting 101

...resource guide empowering you to recreate everything at home. Foodcrafting 101 Workshop Schedule: Bread Making: Master the simple technique of bread making from scratch using the no-knead bread recipe from the Institute Director’s own cookbook. Learn about types of flour, where to purchase them, how to shape loaves and achieve the perfect crust. You’ll learn how to recreate a professional bread baker’s oven at home and produce loaves that rival a...

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Lila Downs Video Showing Tortilla Making in Oaxaca

...ngeles Bread Bakers sent me a link to this music video that shows tortilla making in Oaxaca. The song is “Palomo Del Comalito” (Dove of the Comalito) by Lila Downs. Note the huge corn tortillas, proof of the regional diversity of Mexican cuisine (and one of the many details I got wrong in my tortilla press post–thanks for the corrections Gloria). Lyrics in English after the jump. The beautiful people of this land Grind corn A miracle of their hand...

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