#allergyfree

Pretzel Bread 🥨

Ingredients:

1. 1 1/2 cup of warm warm

2. 2 1/4 tsp of yeast

3. 1/2 tsp of sugar

4. 1 tsp olive oil

5. 12 cups of water

6. 1 cup baking soda

Dough-

1. 1 tbs of sugar

2. 1 tbs of brown sugar

3. 2 tsp of salt

4. 4 1/2 cups of flour

5. 1/3 cup melted earth balance margarine

Method:

1. In a bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Stir to mix together and let it sit about 10 minutes. Set aside.

2. Combine all the dough ingredients until a ball is formed then knead it on a floured surface until the dough is smooth, elastic and slightly sticky.

3. Coat the inside of a large bowl with 1 tsp of olive oil and use a paper towel to get the oil all over the sides and bottom of the bowl. Then roll the dough ball around the bowl until it is fully covered in the a layer of oil. Cover the bowl with a dish cloth and let it rise for 1 hour. It should be doubled in size.

4. Then cut the dough into 2 loaves. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and cover and let rise again for 10-15 minutes. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

5. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil and then add 1 cup of baking soda. Gently place one loaf in boiling water for 30 seconds, turning halfway. Remove with a large slotted spoon to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with other loaf. Brush each with melted margarine and sprinkle with coarse salt. Slice a line through the top of the loaf.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes in a 450 degree oven until lightly browned

Hay Fever – Herbs for Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

Approximately 20% of Americans suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or seasonal allergies.

The primary part of the body affected by this allergic reaction is the membrane that lines the nasal passages making them swell.

This causes nasal discharge, sneezing, itching, and difficulty breathing.

The allergic reaction is brought upon by airborne materials; commonly pollen of grass and trees in the spring, and ragweed in summer and fall.

It is a good idea to use herbal remedies and supplements for hay fever as a preventive tool before spring and summer arrive instead of treating the symptoms of hay fever as they arrive.