Question from Ann We have an abundance of apples this year and I have a 4 month old. I have made applesauce with the apples previously and have had to use a lot of sugar as they are the tart variety. I want to make applesauce this year and can it for my son as he is...

Question from Barbara I am confused about stevia. Is it best to use only the whole leaf in dried or powder form. I mean the green powder as opposed to the white powder that says it is derived from the stevia leaf. Thank you Debra's Answer It's better to use the dried...

Question from CLHallet I was wondering if refined white sucrose from sugar beets or sugar cane is bad for use why is the refined white crystals of fructose and Xylitol not present the same issues? Debra's Answer Actually, they do, but each in a different way. Fructose...

Question from Jennifer Shaw Hi Debra, We have a dark-stained wood crib (million dollar baby) that now has scratches. Our new baby will be here in June and we'd like to find a safe way to restain or touch up the scratches to help it look better. Are there any nontoxic...

Question from Laura Ideally, I would not wear shoes in a house and damp mop the wood floors with water/vinegar every so often. In reality, I live in a house where people wear shoes, use a walker and regularly ( every few weeks) used the toxic floor treatments that...

Question from Laurie Porter I am a small processor of over 75 varieties jams and jellies that I sell at my local farmer's markets, and I'd like to know what the ratio of making apple cider syrup is. I'd also like more information on how these natural sweeteners behave...

Question from Linda Hi Debra, I was shopping in Walmart here in Kissimmee, FL and came across a sweetner called Clabber Girl Sugar Replacer. It has Sorbitol, Eythritol, Isomalt, Polydextrose, Acesulfime, Potassium and Neotame. Are these natural sweetners or should...

Question from Mom-of-2-soon-to-be-sugar-free There is a new "natural" sweetener Sun Crystals, it claims to be 100% natural, Non-GM* ingredients: Raw Cane Sugar & Erythritol www.suncrystals.com/ perhaps your site can give the low down on this new comer. Thank you,...

Question from Susi Love Hi Debra and community! I have been offered a beautiful rental home at a REALLY good "friend discount" price, but it was newly built 3 years ago and I can still smell that "new home smell". If I spent a month baking it, ozone-ating it, airing...

Question from Tessa M I just found your blog and I am impressed - so much help! Recently, I have been trying to find an ice cream that has been sweetened with a natural sweetner. I have seen a few made with "evaporated cane juice" but was curious if that is the same...