Top 10 Posts of 2011 (Kitchen Tips, Health, Food Freedom and More!)

So here is my final “Top 10″ post of the year.

I have to say, these have been a lot of fun.

It was so neat seeing what interested you all!

Anyway, I already shared the Top 10 Recipe Posts and the Top 10 DIY / “Make Your Own” Posts, and these are well, the others .  Everything from autism to food freedom to kitchen tips.

I really hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed writing them – that they give you help in your home, something to ponder – and in some cases, I hope that they inspire you to action.

1.  How to De-Gas Beans

(I originally titled this “How to Degas Beans”, then I remembered that Degas was a famous painter of ballerinas .  Oops!)

Avoiding beans due to ….tooting?  No more!  Here is all you need to know about de-gassing beans! (And there are more suggestions in the comments as well – my readers are sharp!)

2.  How a Mercury Filling Almost Took My Son’s Life

No surprise that this one got a lot of attention.  You really need to sit down with a cup of coffee coffee substitute (post coming really soon ) and read through the comments.  They’re fascinating – and they get kinda heated too!)

3.  Don’t Take Probiotics!  Try Arsenic Instead!

What?!  This chicken looks pretty puzzled, doesn’t he?  You’ll have the same expression on your face (or maybe one that is more angry, perhaps) after reading this post!

4.  Which Costs the Least – Dehydrating, Canning, or Freezing?

I was so excited when I found this information!  Just had to share it!

5.  Healing Our Son’s Autism – The Best Therapy of All

If you’ve been around my blog for awhile, you know that my oldest son has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism.

The road has been long and hard – but there has been victory along the way.  Come and see what has worked and what just might be the best therapy of all!

6.  The Easiest Way to Peel Garlic

I almost feel bad sharing this because I have a revised post in mind already – so…..perhaps this should be titled “Almost the Easiest Way to Peel Garlic!”  But really – read it.  It’s super easy!

7.  The Easiest Way to Preserve Herbs

See a theme here?  I’m all about quick and easy life & kitchen tips.  Gone are the days of detailed fancy-schmancy cooking.  Well, I still try sometimes….  You may also want to read The Easiest Way to Preserve Tomatoes while you’re at it !

8.  Save Time and Money Cooking Pasta

This is a tip that really made a difference for me!  Pasta lovers – time to celebrate!

9.  Substituting Sweeteners in Cooking and Baking

Are you like me and you find yourself in the middle of a recipe thinking, “This recipe calls for honey but I don’t have any?”

Here’s a handy dandy post to get you out of that pickle.

10.  6 Super Tips for Cilantro

I love cilantro, but I didn’t used to.  If you like cilantro, you’ll love the tips here.

And if you don’t like cilantro, maybe I can convince you to give it another try .  Like in my Fast and Yummy Bean Dip.  It’s a favorite around here!

And well, just like with my other “Top 10″ posts, I just couldn’t help but mention a few others that were some of my favorites as well:

11. Is There Jet Fuel on Your Almonds?

And why would there be?  You won’t believe this.

12.  Making Your Own Seasoning Blends

Lots of reasons to do this.  You can check out my Recipe page to see all of the great blends that I encourage you to add to your repertoire!  How about

• Homemade Taco Seasoning
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Mild Curry Powder
• The Best Cinnamon Sugar – made healthier! (see the winner of our “very official” taste test!)
• Homemade Vegetable Broth | All Purpose Seasoning (including a surprising delicious use for this!)
• Herbes de Provence (you won’t believe what I use this for !)

13.  FDA Poised to Ban Supplements in the U.S.

Really.  This is a must read.  Please do what you can with this post – Read.  Share.  Act.  Thanks in advance.

Well, I guess I’ll have to stop there.  The Top 10′s are done – until next year when we get to do this again!

I hope to have some great things to share in the next 11 months.

Thanks for all your great questions and for sharing your experiences in 2011.  I so look forward to what 2012 has to offer!

Which post / topic meant the most to you or helped you the most?  I’d love to hear!

Top Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amani1306/2357549928/

Shared at Beauty and Bedlam,  The Healthy Home Economist, Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms, C.R.A.F.T., The Girl Creative, The DIY HSHP, The Prairie Homestead, Add a Pinch,  Time Warp Wife, Rook No. 17, The 21st Century Housewife, Growing Home, Chef in Training, Hope Studios, Not Just a Housewife, Far Above Rubies, Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free, Permanent Posies, Sugar Bee Crafts, Real Food Forager, Tip Junkie, The Thrifty Home, Sugar and Dots, Blue Cricket Design, Day 2 Day Joys, This Chick Cooks, The Thrifty Home, Learning the Frugal Life, and Craft-o-Maniac.