I just recently found something I am excited to share!
Have you heard of fermented black garlic? This unique ingredient is created through an age-old fermentation process that transforms fresh garlic into sweet, molasses-flavored black cloves.
It is a gourmet delicacy prized by chefs and foodies for its rich, complex flavor.
Making your own fermented black garlic at home is surprisingly easy, and you can enjoy all the incredible health benefits this supercharged garlic has to offer.
But first let's list down the benefits
Through fermentation, black garlic develops potent antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation.
It improves heart health, and even shows anti-cancer and anti-aging effects
It’s gentler on digestion than raw garlic, yet maintains an abundance of beneficial compounds like amino acids, minerals, and antioxidant flavonoids.
Now onto the fermentation process
Fermented Black Garlic
Equipment
- 1 fermentation container or pot with a tight lid
Ingredients
- Whole heads of fresh garlic
Instructions
1. First start with fresh heads of garlic. Remove any loose outer skins but keep the head intact.
2. Next place the garlic heads in a single layer in the fermentation container. It's best to use a container that allows some air circulation.
3. Then seal the container tightly. The fermentation happens without adding any liquid or starter culture.
4. After place the sealed container in a warm, humid area around 60-85°C (140-185°F). Many people use a bread proofer, dehydrator, or even a rice cooker set to warm.
5. Allow the garlic to ferment for 4-6 weeks at the warm temperature. Flip or rotate the garlic heads every few days.
6. During this time, the garlic will slowly turn from white to golden brown and eventually take on a rich black color. The cloves will also become soft and sticky.
7.Once fully fermented and black throughout, remove from a warm environment and allow to cool.
8. Finally store the finished black garlic in the refrigerator.
Notes
Fun Summer Activities for Kids: Indoor & Outdoor Fun to Beat Boredom
The summer break can be a mixed blessing for parents – while kids look forward to a much-needed break from the classroom, the unstructured days can quickly lead to boredom and cries of “I’m so bored! ”
Avoid the summer slump by planning ahead with a roster of activities that will keep your children engaged, learning, and having fun.
Get ready to be the summer champion with this curated list of unique and enriching ideas tailored to different age groups, from creative endeavors and science explorations to nature adventures.
Make a Sun Catcher
1. Dope food coloring onto a white tissue paper and let it dry
2. Cut tissue paper into fun shapes and sizes
3. Peel off backing from contact paper and arrange tissue paper between two layers
4. Seal the contact paper layers to laminate the tissue paper
5. Use a hole puncher to make a hole at the top for hanging
6. Hang in a sunny window to watch the colorful rays shine through!
Build a Kite
Materials Needed :
Lightweight plastic bag or tissue paper
Bamboo skewers or straws for the frame
Scissors
Hole punch
Kite string or lightweight cord
Decorations like markers, stickers, streamers (optional)
Instructions :
1. Lay out the plastic bag or tissue paper in a diamond/kite shape on a flat surface.
2. For the frame, make a cross by tying two bamboo skewers or straws together in the middle with string or tape.
3. Place the frame on top of the plastic and trim the plastic around the edges, leaving 2-3 inches of excess plastic around the frame.
4. Use the hole punch to make small holes all around the edges of the plastic, about 2 inches apart.
5. Weave a long piece of string through the holes, pulling tightly to attach the plastic covering to the frame.
6. Make a hole in the precise center of the kite and tie on a long piece of kite string for flying.
7. Decorate your kite with markers, stickers, or streamers if desired.
Flying Your Kite :
Choose a dry, breezy day with steady winds to fly your kite
Run with your kite held above your head to catch wind under the plastic
Slowly let out kite string once aloft, holding string taut
Adjust the angle of your kite by pulling on one side of the string
Outdoor Tea Party
Materials : Blanket, plastic dishes, pretend tea set or cups, stuffed animal guests
Instructions :
1. Set up a table or spread out a blanket in the backyard or park
2. Set up the dishes and tea set
3. Invite stuffed animals or dolls to be your tea party guests
4. Practice pouring and serving, using good manners
5. Make up fun stories about the adventures you and your guests are having!
Paint Your Summer Sky
Materials: Large plastic tarp or clear shower curtain, tempera paints, food coloring, acrylic paint, brushes, spray bottles(optional), container
Instructions :
1. Mix paints and food coloring with water in a container or spray bottles
2. Lay tarp or curtain out on flat surface
3. Spray and splatter “clouds” using white paint
4. Add colors like blue, purple, pink for a sunset sky
5. Let dry and hang up your painted sky scene!
Wonder Walk Through the Park
Materials: Notebook, crayons, markers or/and pencil
Instructions :
1. Head to a local park or nature trail
2. Use all five senses to experience surroundings
3. Write or draw observations of sights, sounds, smells
4. Collect leaves, rocks or other natural items
5. Discuss findings and creatively document the adventure
Nature Art
Materials : Mud, leaves, flowers, grass, berries, twigs, paper, pebbles, etc…
1. Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, berries, etc.
2. Use mud as “paint” to create scenes or patterns on paper
3. Glue or arrange nature items to make pictures or collages
4. Get creative with items found in nature as art supplies!
Make a Pet Stone
Materials : Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, permanent markers, googly eyes, glue, decorations
Instructions :
1. Decorate rocks with markers and acrylic paint to look like animals or characters
Glue on googly eyes, pipe cleaners for antennas(optional), etc.
Give each pet rock a name and backstory Make a cozy “home” for it out of a shoebox or container😊
Make a Short Film
Materials : Smartphone or tablet, props/toys for set
Instructions:
1. Come up with a short, simple story idea
2. Cast family members or plush toys in different roles
3. Take a series of photos or short video clips for each “scene”
4. String the clips together and add music for your film!
Big Bubbles
Ingredients : 1 cup dish soap, 1 tbsp sugar, and 4 cups warm water. Hollow wand (unbend a wire hanger) or wool string.
Instructions:
1. Mix 1 cup dish soap, 1 tbsp sugar, and 4 cups warm water.
2. Use hollow wand (unbend a wire hanger) or wool string to blow incredible huge bubbles.
Camp Indoors
Set up a cozy reading tent or fort indoors using blankets, pillows, and fairy lights. Bring books, snacks and stuffed animal “campers.”
Explore Water Beads
Water beads (also called water gel beads, water balls, or gel balls) are super absorbent polymer balls that can provide hours of fun for kids!
Materials Needed :
Water beads (can find at craft stores or online)
Large bowl or a big tub
Water Scoops, spoons, cups for transferring Colander or strainer Food coloring (optional)
Instructions :
1. Pour the dry water beads into a large bowl or bin. Follow package directions on how many to use and recommended bin size.
2. Cover the beads completely with water and allow to soak and expand over 4-6 hours. The beads will grow dramatically in size!
3. Drain any excess water through a colander or strainer once fully expanded.
Optional :
4. Divide the beads into different bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl. Mix to dye the beads fun, bright colors.
5. Let kids scoop, pour, and squeeze the squishy, wet beads. The beads stick together but break apart easily.
6. Set out cups, funnels, or tubes and have kids experiment with transferring the beads.
6. For added fun, bury small toys or treasures in the beads for kids to discover.
Garden Fun
Plant seeds or starter plants and watch them grow while learning about plant care.
DIY Science Experiments
Explore simple chemistry with baking soda volcanoes or grow crystals.
Coding Games
Learn coding basics through interactive games and apps like Scratch or Code.org.
Click the link below
Culture Exploration
Cook dishes, learn phrases from different countries.
Generation Wild
My Daughter recently visited the London Wetland Center WWT . In the heart of the city, the London Wetland Centre provides a refreshing escape into the tranquil world of wetlands and their incredible biodiversity.
Spanning 105 acres of lush reserve, this urban oasis invites visitors to explore recreated habitats like lakes, meadows, and marshes teeming with an array of wildlife.
On their website there are a range of activities that you can do as a family , earning badges and certificates as you go.
Click on the link below and start your adventure
Or book a visit on
More than just preventing the “summer slide,” these unique activities facilitate bonding between parents and children.
Whether it’s an elaborate outdoor adventure or a simple craft made from household items, the goal is providing enriching activities that nurture curiosity, imagination, and skills.
Hope you find this helpful, the goal is to make memories that last.
Enjoy your summer!
Rumi’s Inspiration : Embracing Transformation and Pursuing Your Authentic Path
Rumi, also known as Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic.
His poetry is celebrated for its spiritual depth, philosophical insights, and universal themes of love, spirituality, and the human experience.
Here are some profound quotes attributed to Rumi:
This quote encapsulates Rumi’s emphasis on personal transformation and growth, suggesting that true change begins with self-awareness and inner work.
This quote encourages us to follow our passions and inner desires, trusting that they will guide us towards fulfillment and authenticity.
Rumi often speaks about the transformative power of pain and suffering, suggesting that through our struggles, we can find enlightenment and growth.
He suggests that the connection between souls transcends physical proximity, highlighting the idea of a spiritual union that exists beyond the constraints of time and space.
Rumi urges us to create our own narratives, to live our lives authentically, and to forge our own paths rather than conforming to societal expectations or preconceived notions.
This quote emphasizes the importance of transcending dualistic thinking and embracing unity, compassion, and understanding beyond the confines of moral judgments.
He highlights the value of silence and introspection, suggesting that by quieting the mind, we can better perceive the subtle truths and wisdom that lie within.
This quote encourages us to trust our inner guidance and intuition, suggesting that the heart is a reliable compass that can lead us towards love, fulfillment, and spiritual growth.
This quote reflects Rumi’s belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the idea that our desires are often reflections of what the universe is guiding us towards.
Rumi emphasizes the importance of discernment and focus, suggesting that true wisdom lies in knowing where to direct our attention and energy.
Rumi teaches that we possess all the resources we need within ourselves and that true fulfillment comes from self-awareness and self-realization.
He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in overcoming the obstacles that prevent us from experiencing and expressing love fully.
This quote speaks to the soul’s intuitive wisdom and its ability to perceive truths that transcend rational comprehension.
Rumi uses metaphorical language to convey the depth and richness of the heart’s language in matters of love and soulful connection.
Rumi uses metaphorical language to remind us of our inherent potential for greatness and encourages us to embrace our inner strength and capabilities.
From Rumi, we can learn the profound importance of love, both for oneself and others, as a transformative force. He teaches us to seek inner peace and self-awareness, emphasizing that true wisdom and fulfillment come from within.
His poetry encourages us to embrace our inner journey, overcome our fears and barriers, and connect deeply with the world and the divine through compassion and understanding.
Rumi’s poetry continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world centuries after his passing.
Adventurer’s Delight: Delicious in Dungeon Inspired Stuffed Mushroom Caps
If you’ve ever dreamt of embarking on a culinary quest similar to the adventurous meals in “Delicious in Dungeon,” this recipe is your portal to a fantastical feast!
Our Dungeon-Inspired Stuffed Mushroom Caps bring the spirit of dungeon-crawling right into your kitchen, with a delicious and whimsical dish.
Inspired by the imaginative and mouth-watering recipes from the beloved series, these stuffed mushroom caps are packed with savory goodness, blending hearty ground meat with aromatic herbs and a hint of Parmesan.
Stuffed Mushroom Cap
Ingredients
Large mushroom caps (Portobello mushrooms work great)
Ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or a mix)
Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
Optional: finely chopped monster herbs (if you’re feeling adventurous, add a bit of your favorite seasoning herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Clean the mushroom caps with a damp cloth and remove the stems (you can chop the stems and add them to the stuffing mixture if you like).
2. Make the Stuffing:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat mixture, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Stuff the Mushrooms:
Place the mushroom caps on a baking sheet, gill side up.
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the mushrooms.
Spoon the stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap, pressing down slightly to ensure it's well packed.
5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
If you like a crispy top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
6. Serve:
Let the stuffed mushrooms cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with a bit more chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Enjoy your adventure!😊
Creamy Dreamy Lemonade Recipe – The Ultimate Velvety Summer Sipper
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing, cool beverage. While traditional lemonade is a classic, this creamy lemonade takes it to the next level with a rich, velvety texture that’s utterly delightful.
Creamy Lemonade