Homemade Vodka Perfume

I just made some today. I think it should work pretty well. Word of caution though. Do not put Vodka in a thin plastic cup. The Vodka will eat right through it and you'll end up with a sweet smelling mess. I know, because I did that already.

Anyway this is what you need:
2 ounces of Vodka (per 2 ounce spray bottle)
scented oil--about 20 drops per batch, in varying scents.
2 ounce spray bottle
glass or thick plastic container with a lid
Coffee Filter
Water

This is real simple. All you do is pour the Vodka in a glass or thick plastic container. Add the oil. This will take some experimenting until you get a scent that you like. The stuff I made was a mix of lavender, gardenia blossoms and sweet pea and jasmine. It smelled pretty good. Anyway, don't add too much oil or you'll end up with an oily mess. 20-25 drops should be fine.
Next, stir the Vodka and put the lid on the container. Let sit for 48 hours to 6 weeks. The longer it sits the stronger the scent.
Then, add two tablespoons of spring water. Filter the perfume with a coffee filter and put into bottle. You might end up with a small amount left over. You can either discard it or add it to your next batch

Cheesy Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:
3 medium potatoes
5 bacon strips, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup flour
1 packet sausage gravy mix (2 cups)
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
seasonings:
salt, pepper, parsley, garlic, basil

1. Scrub and pierce potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 8-12 minutes or until tender, turning once.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels.
3. In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Stir in 1/4 cup flour; cook and stir for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Gradually stir in broth. Add the parsley, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the gravy mix with milk until smooth; add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Peel and cube potatoes; add to soup. Add bacon. Cook and stir until heated through. Add cheese and stir until melted.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This is yummy!

















3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbs cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl combine flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix well.
In a separate bowl combine sugar and eggs, beat until well blended. Add oil and vanilla. Beat until combined. Stir in zucchini. And flour mixture, stir until moistened. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Spoon evenly into loaf pans. Bake in preheated over for 55 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove bread from pans and cool completely on wire rack.

I'll have plenty of zucchini this year if you want to try this recipe.