can active dry yeast be used in a bread machine?

Bread Machine Yeast is a fast-rising yeast specially formulated for bread machines. It is finely granulated to hydrate easily when combined with the flour. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is added to promote good loaf volume and structure. Active Dry Yeast may be used but may not yield optimal results.

what is the difference between fast rising yeast (rapid rise/bread machine) and active dry yeast?

RapidRise and Bread Machine Yeast are different strains than Active Dry Yeast. RapidRise and Bread Machine Yeast are grown with a higher level of nutrients and are dried to lower moisture content. The particle size of RapidRise and Bread Machine Yeast are finely granulated to allow complete hydration of the yeast cells during the mixing process. The Active Dry Yeast larger particle size should be dissolved in water to achieve complete hydration prior to adding to the mixer. In addition, RapidRise and Bread Machine Yeast contain ascorbic acid resulting in increased loaf volumes.

can active dry be used in rapid rise recipes?

Yes, but with limitations. The Active Dry has larger granules and it is necessary to dissolve completely for the yeast to work. Therefore, Active Dry works best if dissolved in warm water (100° to 110°F). To use the electric mixer method, combine yeast with 1/4 to 1/3 of the flour and other dry ingredients.

what is the difference between instant, rapid rise and bread machine yeast?

Mainly names, but these are all the same yeast! Use interchangeably

the above is from http://www.breadworld.com/FAQ.aspx

this link is also helpful http://whatscookingamerica.net/Bread/yeastbreadtip.htm

SO I guess I am going to go back to the store and get the rapid rise. I had the option of the rapid rise and the active dry, and choose active dry b/c it’s what I use for pizza. But it definitely seems rapid rise is the way to go for the bread machine.

this is the bread machine I got - http://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-5891-2-Pound-Programmable-Breadmaker/dp/B00067REBU/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3E0WJMZSV8PCR&colid=2VMUNAW3SC9XP

From Body+Soul, April/May 2007

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Dying Easter Eggs Naturally

“The spring tradition of exchanging brightly colored eggs among friends dates back centuries, long before the advent of Cadbury chocolates and, more important, processed food dye. This year, instead of squeezing drops out of plastic bottles, look to Mother Nature for colorful — and nontoxic — inspiration. Beets and cranberries create a subtle shade of pink; fresh spinach lends a delicate green; red cabbage brings a surprising blue hue; and powdered turmeric dyes eggs a glowing yellow.

To make, add 4 cups of chopped fruits or vegetables, or 1 tablespoon of spice, to 4 cups of water in a large pot. Stir in 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes; strain and cool. One at a time, submerge hard-boiled eggs into the dye, turning occasionally until you achieve the desired shade. Remove, dry, and let the hunt begin.”

also check out - http://www.marthastewart.com/article/dyeing-eggs-naturally and http://www.marthastewart.com/article/natural-egg-dyeing-techniques

Chinese tea eggs

For after, well right before needing to transition to bigger diapers, I am planning on hitting up the Diaper Lab in Somerville. So lucky to have an awesome cloth diaper store locally! They have a great experiment to own program. check out the details below – copied from their site! the only hard part will be choosing the 8 diapers I want to try, there are SO many I am interested in.

by Jennie Lyon, 12/26/10

posted at inhabitots

After the holidays have come and gone, you will be left with a huge stack of holiday cards and gift packaging, which usually get tossed into the trash or recycling bin. Instead, you can reuse both your holiday cards and gift packaging by upcycling them into next year’s gift tags. This is a super simple process that takes less than half an hour, leaving you with a cute stack of holiday tags to adorn next year’s gifts — and it’s a great activity to do with your kids. Won’t friends and family smile when they see their holiday card turn up as a gift tag on their gift next year? Read on to learn how to create these fun gift tags in a few easy steps.

Have your children collect all of the holiday cards that are displayed on your mantle and the gift packaging that’s stacked in the garage or left lingering under the Christmas tree.

To create the gift tags you’ll also need: A hole punch, scissors, a paper cutter, and twine

Have your children help you remove the colorful, decorative fronts of the holiday cards from the backs and cut off the parts of the gift packaging that you want to use.

Using your paper cutter, scissors, and a hole punch, your children can help you transform the front of the holiday cards and decorative parts of the gift packing into tag shapes

You and your child can write “To:” and “From:” on each tag, along with a holiday greeting. Then thread twine through the punched holes of each tag. Then, admire your work and pack them away in a safe spot until next year.

can’t wait for summer berries and tomatoes!!

• little green books
• gift ideas for kids & babies from EF Family
• more gift ideas, handmade from EF Family
• EF& Frugal’s gift guide – stuff for kids, babies and adults
• Greenzys – soft cuddly plush toys are made in socially responsible factories from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes with packaging made from recycled paperboard. When you purchase one of these loveable toys, you and your child will have an opportunity to actively help preserve the environment.  For every toy purchased, a tree is planted! (copied from their website)

• info from EF Family
• ergobaby – baby carrier. review from EF Family
• mobywrap