How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

So, this actually works. I tried it today after getting tired of my appliances looking streaked and covered in water spots.

Here's the recipe:
Mix 1/4 cup vinegar to 1/2 cup baking soda.
Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of olive oil.
Stir all of your ingredients so they form a paste.
Once your paste is made, take a soft cloth and dip it into your mixture and rub it in small circles over your dishwasher/appliance.

This also worked on my tarnished silver jewelry. :)

Recipe #31: Mexican Pasta Salad

I enjoy making pasta salads for events, but am extra nervous about using mayonnaise. I never want to be responsible for anyone getting food poisoning. I was excited to to find this recipe, Mexican Pasta Salad that doesn't include mayo.

INGREDIENTS

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 glove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Wildtree Natural Grapeseed Oil
1 tablespoon white wine (or white balsamic) vinegar
1 tablespoon Wildtree Chipotle Lime Rub
2 cups uncooked pasta, prepared according to package directions
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15.25 ounce) can corn, drained and rinsed
1 ½ cup diced cherry tomatoes
2 avocados, diced

I improvised, as always. I used dried cilantro. I also, used kidney beans instead of black beans.

I ended up liking this recipe, but I would say that it's best made and eaten in the same day, as the avocados discolor.

My finished product

Recipe # 30: Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

I've been tailgating a lot this year and have been waiting to make different things for each. I've also been embracing fall and thus wanting to make desserts with pumpkin. Roughly 3 weeks ago, I made Pumpkin Cake with Apple Cider Glaze and this time I decided to try pumpkin AND chocolate!!!

I used Pinterest to find this easy recipe. The upside is that it's low fat! The recipe is essentially a boxed Devil's Food cake mix and a can of pumpkin. No eggs, oil or water.

The cake comes out so moist, but slightly crumbly. My friends liked it and so did I. :)

Recipe #29: Pumpkin Cake with Apple Cider Glaze

I had a can of pumpkin and wanted to make an easy cake with purchasing as few extra items as possible. I found a great recipe on Pinterest and tweaked it, as always.

Pumpkin Cake with Apple Cider Glaze
From: Noble Pig Vineyard & Winery

Instructions
1. Empty the contents of the boxed cake mix and pumpkin puree into a large bowl. Using a hand-mixer or stand mixer beat until well incorporated. The batter will be very thick, but will come together nicely.
2. Pour batter into a greased 7 x 11 X 2 pan. This is the small, rectangular-sized pan from your Pyrex set.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not over bake.
4. Let cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan, then flip onto a platter.
5. Make the glaze while you're waiting.
6. Combine powdered sugar, apple cider and pumpkin pie spice. Glaze should be thick but pourable. Add more sugar or cider if needed. Pour over the cake while still warm. Reserve some to pour over each slice when served.

My Tweaks
So, my cake seemed too dense, so I added an egg.
I also, decided to make it into a poke cake. I used roughly 8 ounces of apple cider and kept it in it's original pan.

My friends really liked it. Next time, I won't add the egg and will add less liquid as the cake was crumbly. I'll probably tone down on the powdered sugar since it was a bit too sweet.

This weekend, I'll be experimenting using a chocolate cake mix and possibly no glaze, we'll see. :)