My mother instilled in me the belief that vinegar is nature’s remedy for a myriad of ailments. I continue to be amazed at how accurate she was, as her techniques remain effective even today. In our modern world, these methods are often hailed as eco-friendly, but she was truly ahead of her time.
For any sore throat, my go-to was always apple cider vinegar. She instructed me to gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of warm water, repeating as necessary for relief.
Growing up on a Midwest farm meant summers filled with mosquitoes, and I was often the target of their relentless bites. My mother would soak cotton balls in apple cider vinegar and apply them directly to my bites, alleviating the itching. This remedy also worked wonders for sunburns. Although I appreciated the relief, I often complained about smelling like a salad. However, my moans fell on deaf ears.
Every year, we tended to a flourishing garden that yielded a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, and sweet corn, along with an assortment of annual flowers. Mom showed me how to clean the freshly picked vegetables by soaking them in a mixture of one part vinegar—either apple cider or white distilled—to three parts warm water, followed by a rinse in cold water and a gentle pat dry. Afterward, she would create a stunning bouquet to decorate our dinner table, using tepid water mixed with two tablespoons of vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar to extend the flowers’ freshness.
My mother also had a strong aversion to dirty windows. Her solution was a simple spray of vinegar and water, made with two tablespoons of white distilled vinegar mixed into four cups of water. To achieve streak-free windows, she would use crumpled newspaper for drying, a trick I still employ today.
Lastly, I must share one of my mother’s most cherished uses for vinegar: its role in her famous chocolate cake. I affectionately refer to it as my “Magic Chocolate Cake.” This beloved recipe has been handed down through generations, and I hope to pass it along as well.
Magic Chocolate Cake Recipe
Sift together the following ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups sifted flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Next, add the subsequent ingredients and mix well:
- 1/3 cup soft shortening
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tbsp. vinegar (either white or cider)
- 1 cup cold water
Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square pan that has been lightly dusted with cocoa. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly moist. Be careful not to overbake!
This article was originally published on May 10, 2015.
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In summary, my mother’s practical use of vinegar for various ailments and household tasks not only reflects her ingenuity but also serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom passed through generations. Her beloved Magic Chocolate Cake recipe continues to delight, reinforcing the bond between tradition and culinary creativity.
Keyphrase: vinegar remedies and chocolate cake
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