My mother was a firm believer in vinegar as Mother Nature’s remedy for nearly anything. To this day, I am amazed by her wisdom, as her tried-and-true solutions remain effective. In an age where eco-friendly practices are celebrated, she was a true pioneer.
Whenever I had a sore throat, my mom’s go-to fix was apple cider vinegar. She would have me gargle with two tablespoons mixed into a glass of warm water, repeating it as necessary.
Growing up on a farm in the Midwest, summers meant battling swarms of mosquitoes, and somehow, I was the family’s mosquito target. My mom would soak cotton balls in apple cider vinegar and apply them to my bites for relief from the itching. This method also worked wonders for sunburn. Although I appreciated the soothing effects, I often complained about smelling like a salad—a grumbling that went unheard.
Every summer, we cultivated a vibrant garden bursting with tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, green peppers, radishes, carrots, beets, sweet corn, leaf lettuce, and an assortment of flowers. Mom taught me the best way to clean our freshly picked veggies: soaking or rinsing them in a mixture of one part apple cider or white vinegar to three parts warm water for several minutes, followed by a cold rinse and a gentle pat dry. Afterward, she would gather a bouquet of flowers to brighten our dining table, using a vase filled with lukewarm water, two tablespoons of vinegar, and a teaspoon of sugar to help the flowers last longer.
Mom had a disdain for dirty windows, and once again, vinegar came to the rescue. She kept a spray bottle filled with two tablespoons of white distilled vinegar and four cups of water for those cleaning sessions. Her secret for achieving streak-free, sparkling windows was drying them with crumpled newspaper.
Now, I’ve saved the best for last. Mom’s most cherished use of vinegar is the secret ingredient in the most delicious chocolate cake I’ve ever made—what I fondly call my Magic Chocolate Cake. This recipe has been cherished across generations, and may the tradition endure.
Magic Chocolate Cake
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
Add the following ingredients and mix well:
- 1/3 cup soft shortening
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tbsp. vinegar (white or cider)
- 1 cup cold water
Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square pan dusted lightly with cocoa. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven on the center rack for 30-45 minutes or until done. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out slightly moist. Note: Avoid overbaking.
This article was originally published on May 10, 2015. For those interested in exploring more about home insemination options, check out this helpful resource for insights. Additionally, for further information on the topic, this site provides authoritative guidance, while this page serves as an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, my mother’s natural remedies with vinegar not only provided effective solutions for common ailments and household chores but also contributed to cherished family traditions, especially her beloved chocolate cake recipe.