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We’ll discuss vermicomposting and how to do it in another article, but what is interesting is that in a time when people thought earth worms were merely pests, (they’re not by the way) Darwin was out in the yard studying them. By doing experiments he found that earth worms were beneficial in turning the soil and making it more fertile. He even wrote a book about it published in 1881, The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms, With Observations on Their Habits, which sold better than On the Origin of Species during Darwin’s lifetime. Read more about Darwin and his worm studies in an NPR article by Joe Palca entitled: Darwin’s Earthworm Experiments Broke New Ground. Are you a vermicomposter? Share your tips and tricks with us in our forums or comment in the section below.
If you have a food allergic child you know how difficult it can be to find allergy friendly and safe recipes. In all fairness this recipe is not free of the top 8 major allergens; but it is free of peanut, tree nut*, egg, sesame, soy (depending on your allergy level), and dairy. And you have the benefit of knowing you made it yourself. No cross contamination! Here’s what you will need: 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (omit if using oil instead of shortening) 1-2 tablespoons water (if needed) 1/2 cup shredded coconut 6 ounce package of dark chocolate or dairy free chips of your choice Instructions Combine shortening and/or oil, sugars, and vanilla and stir until mixed. Combine flour and baking soda in a separate bowl then add to wet mixture. Add optional coconut and stir. At this point mixture should be slightly moist, not dry or crumbly; add a small amount of water as necessary. Add chips and combine. Drop by teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheets spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies appear to be just barely set in the middle. These cookies will not brown like traditional cookies so be careful not to overcook. Cool cookies on pan for 3 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool further. Yields approximately 2 dozen cookies. Because they are preservative free, they are best eaten within the first few days of baking. These cookies go fast in our house so we make a double batch, wrap in pairs when cooled, and freeze. Makes for a perfect lunch box snack! |
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Green Peony: Tips for Green Living. Your resource for information on sustainable living, green products, organic gardening and healthy eating. |
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From Wikipedia: Vermicompost (also called Vcompost, compost, vermicast, worm castings, worm humus or worm manure) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by some species of earthworm. Containing water-soluble nutrients, microbes, and bacteria, vermicompost is one of the best, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioners available. The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting. 
Here’s a quick and easy chocolate chip cookie recipe that everyone will love!