Pizza, Bread, Beauty Recall & Book Recs
life is hard; food doesn't have to be #76 [vol2, 12.5]
I felt like a kid unboxing a long awaited gift. My parents gifted me a wood pellet pizza oven for Christmas. The weather was an unusual 75* in Little Rock, perfect for being outdoors making pizza! Like the reviews suggest there is a learning curve but we persevered and landed with delicious pizza. This YouTube video helped. I like this crust recipe from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day because it makes a big batch then will keep for 2 weeks. The longer it sits the more it tastes like sourdough.
I use a simple recipe for sauce: empty a can of tomato paste into a large bowl then add a can full of water to paste. Add 1/2t sea salt, 1T Italian seasoning, 1 clove crushed garlic. Stir and let sit for at least 30 minutes to meld. Taste and adjust. Probably needs more salt.
Want to make bread?
This is my new fav *silly easy* bread that bakes in a glass bowl.
Beauty Recall for Carcinogens
Do you use any of these 32 shampoos or conditioners recalled by Proctor & Gamble?
Those products were voluntarily recalled because of a known carcinogen. Do you know other ingredients to be weary of? Four ingredients I try to steer clear of are:
Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others) - A class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others) - A class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds) - widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers.Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.
Fragrances - An engineered scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000-plus stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed. Found in: all types of cosmetics.
These ingredients and about 1,800 more are never used in Beautycounter products. This is one reason I trust the company. And the products actually perform.
There’s a year end clearance sale going on now. Up to 65% savings. Of note, try out the anti-aging skin care I’ve been using for 2 years. It’s changed my skin for the good. You can try the deluxe-mini travel set and refill the bottles. Two of my favorite products are bundled with a fun sleep mask.
Recent Books I’ve Enjoyed
How to Tell Stories to Children - I’m not a natural story-teller but this book gave me confidence. It helped me see that kids want connection more than a great plot. Would be a great gift for anyone who spends time with kids. Fast fun read.
Fallout: Spies, Superbombs and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown - Written for middle grades this book kept my attention with gripping stories and fast pace. If you feel your Cold War knowledge is less than it should be, grab a copy at the library. Then pay a (pre)teen to read it. Our family has enjoyed other books by this author.
The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure - Just started and was highly recommended by my husband. My teen son is also reading it because he wants to discuss with his principal at LRCA in the spring.
The Man Born to Be King also in BBC audio drama - written by Dorthy Sayers, an associate of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. It’s a play that Lewis read every year during Lent. I’ve enjoyed reading a few pages in the morning.
Sweet Home Alaska - Recommended by Read Aloud Revival on Instagram, this book caught my attention because we’ve been watching Homestead Rescue. It’s a show about an Alaskan homesteading family that goes to floundering homesteads across America and gives a week’s worth of time/energy to get homesteads surviving. Borrowed from the library, my 11yo daughter read it first. I’m reading it now and will pass it along to my 3rd grade son next. Sweet story of family in 1934 that moves to Alaska. If you like the Little House series, you’ll love this book.
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI - I’m always up for a non-fiction that reads like a murder mystery. It’s from the same town as the Pioneer Woman: Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire - I read this book when it came out 20 years ago and reading it again. Inspiring to trust the Lord for more in prayer. Related: his daughter’s Girl in the Song: The True Story of a Young Woman Who Lost Her Way--and the Miracle That Led Her Home - I read it a month before.
The Aviators: Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, and the Epic Age of Flight - My husband is our family’s librarian and knows I like historical non-fiction with a twist of biography. He keeps my nightstand well stocked.
Kitchen Tip
Sometimes I open a can of tomato paste but just need a tablespoon. Freeze the remainder in 1T blobs on wax paper.
Life is hard, food doesn’t have to be.
Julie
PS - as always you can reply to this email. I’d love to hear any kitchen goals you have for 2022. Anything I can help you learn?