If you are fortunate enough to have an American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) in your yard, you can stop buying witch hazel astringent and make your own. It’s important that you distinguish between the American witch hazel and Asian witch hazels (H. mollis). Only the American witch hazel yields the astringent. It’s easy to tell them apart. American witch hazel … Read More

One of the classic flavors of the Christmas season is ginger. Gingerbread, ginger cookies, ginger cakes, the list is endless. Another way to add ginger flavor to your holiday desserts is by using candied ginger. Candied ginger is fresh ginger that has been first cooked and then dried with sugar. Use it in moderation. It has more sugar in it … Read More

I do a lot of baking, especially during the holidays. Vanilla extract is an important part of my favorite sweet treats. It’s a “flavor potentiator” meaning it enhances other flavors including our perception of sweetness. Vanilla extract is usually made from ethyl alcohol, water and low grade vanilla beans. You can increase the quality and flavor by making your own … Read More