Blissful Learning ~ Apple Cider Vinegar, Potato Flakes, Rice Crumbs

 If you have visited my site before you probably have already noticed I use a LOT of Apple Cider Vinegar.  YES...I used it in many recipes and foods and dressings, etc...but I also use it as a cleaner for many different issues - among other things.  More recently - I have been using it in my kitchen to get 'rid of' gnats and fruit flies.  I really haven't had a problem with this until this year.  And it's NOT because of the produce in my house!  I think it's because of  the moisture near my kitchen sink!  Between the Apple Cider Vinegar AND boiling hot water 'treatments' I think it's really helping.  I've been talking to family, friends, and co-workers and they are having problems with them this year, too!  I use Bragg's Brand for Apple Cider Vinegar.

Another 'problem solver' I have been fond of lately is using Potato Flakes and/or Rice Crumbs as a thickener for soups, sauces, and dips.  Sometimes they might be a bit too thin for my liking and these two items seem to really help thicken it up without changing the flavor of the food I am making (too much if at all).  For Potato Flakes I have been using Bob's Red Mills in most cases.  For Rice Crumbs I really like the Orgran Brand and have blogged about them before.  I have also been known to use Edward & Sons Vegan Organic Bread Crumbs for Casseroles and such.  BUT...I have to admit...I'm currently out of my Rice Crumbs almost thru my stash of Potato Flakes!  I must really get to some shopping VERY soon!  But...I did want to blog a bit about these items today as they are VERY handy and with all of the at-home food prep I have been doing it's been fresh in my mind and I thought I would share my tips with you.