NaCl

Do you remember much Chemistry?  I don't from my school days, but with a homeschool Chemistry class a few years ago and a daughter currently taking CHEM 100 at Palomar, sometimes chemical topics creep up at dinner.  Sodium Chloride (NaCl--if you are fluent in Periodic Table-ese) is definitely a good dinner topic.   This ionic compound is formed by the neutralization of an acid and a base (Sodium and Chloride) to create what we more commonly call salt.

"Salt is what makes things taste bad when it isn't in them." ~Unknown

So, what's the deal with salt?  Salt not only makes things taste good, but it provides the essential chemicals of Sodium and Chorine that humans need to survive.  It helps with things like brain and nerve function.  Before refrigeration salt was used as a preserver for meats.  And, there are so many different kinds of salt!  From table salt, to pink Himalayan salt, Kosher salt, rock salt, and the list goes on.

But, the bottom line is:  You need salt in your food storage.  At least 8 pounds per person.  

So, now you have salt in your food storage.  How do you use it?  Well, the possibilities are endless.  Aside from regular recipes that call for salt, here are a few ideas:

• Rub gray salt into a prime rib (or other) roast prior to cooking.
• Sprinkle sea salt onto whole potatoes after brushing with olive oil, then bake.
• Make homemade ice cream with Rock Salt to make the ice colder--hence the freezing.
• DIY some flavored salt to add some kick to your recipes (this was totally new to me, but it seems there are several ways to do this, and it doesn't look that hard!).

And if you have a little person in your life, or need a quick birthday present, this is probably my favorite salty recipe:

Play Doh

1 1/2 cups Flour

1/3 cup Salt

2 tsp. Cream of Tarter

1 1/2 c. Water

1 1/2 Tblsp Vegetable Oil

Food Coloring or Kool-Aid Packet

Mix Ingredients (dry then wet) on stove.  Cook over medium heat until it thickens.  Cook 4-6 minutes until if forms into a ball.  Knead.  For something extra fun, knead in a bit of glitter.  Store in airtight bag or container.