ShellBell's Homemade Apothecary

05/25/2026

Honoring those we've lost on this Memorial Day.

05/24/2026

Did you know all parts of the horseradish plant are edible? Before last night I knew the leaves and roots were, but I didn't know the flowers are edible too!
This horseradish plant is very top heavy so taking some of the flowers to dehydrate isn't going to affect the plant or the pollinators. I have an idea in mind as a use for these, and once I have it figured out, I'll post an update!

What would you use the flowers for? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

05/23/2026

The recipe was a success! The rhubarb pink lemonade is so, so good! The perfect amount of tart and sweet.
The recipe called for the rind and juice of an orange and lucky for me, I had two blood oranges! Of course, this led to a deeper pink color for the juice.
If you're interested in the recipe, please comment below!

05/22/2026

Have you ever come across a recipe and thought, "man, I really have to try this!"? That's 100% me today!
I found a recipe for rhubarb "pink lemonade"...If it's successful, I'll post an update.
Fingers crossed! 🤞

05/05/2026

I can only imagine what my neighbors thought today when I walked out of the house with my trusty bunny basket and started clipping dandelions. 🤣
After seeing reel after reel touting the benefits of dandelion, I decided I needed to give it a try! I spent an hour trimming the flowers while the rest of the process took minimal time. It smells like wildflower honey! I did not expect that!
If it works as "advertised", I'll be back in the fields cutting more while making everyone around me scratch their heads. 😁
Maybe I'll try making dandelion jelly next!!!

05/04/2026

Science.
As a teenager, it didn't excite me. I did not see a practical, daily use for it. My, how times have changed...
I spend a great deal of time in the kitchen experimenting. The higher elevation means cooking temperatures need to be increased and cooking times also need to be adjusted. Leveling agents may need to be increased or decreased depending on the ingredients used. And sometimes, equipment required may need to be adapted based on what's available in my personal kitchen. Humidity matters too. All in all, it's one big, constant, science experiment!
What's your biggest ongoing experiment in your kitchen? Right now, I'm obsessed with sourdough. Did you know it is possible to make a chocolate sourdough starter?

04/04/2026

Jessika wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter, albeit a day early. 🌻

02/01/2026

It's Sunday Funday! What are you doing today?
I have carrot pieces dehydrating, a roast in the oven, and mandarin oranges in the crockpot for a big batch of orange simple syrup! Plus I started a batch of apple scrap vinegar and dehydrated some of the apple pieces for Jessika Rabbit. ❤️

01/01/2026

12/28/2025

I've been thinking of my good friend Vinny a lot lately. Without communication, I tried to channel his energy and make lasagna for Christmas. It was a bit dry, even with proper care, so I added homemade sauce on top. It looked like a cob pie. It was no Vinny pie, that's for sure! To know he's now judging my lasagna from the heavens hits unbelievably hard. Fly high my friend. You'll be missed. I'll always love you. 💔