Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

Our family gatherings are over for 2012, and the Christmas decorations come down on the 1st of the new year 2013.  We box up the tree lights, the outdoor lights and the Santa cookie jar.  We box up the stockings and homemade ornaments...until next Christmas.


Happy New Year!

Have a blessed, safe, and prosperous 2013!

 

Crazy for Cookies


I finally got some time (and cash) to bake a few cookies.  This time, I utilized some oranges that a family member gifted us.  I made White Chip Orange Cookies.   These were delicious!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Breaking out my Apron for Some Good Old-Fashioned Baking


I was reading over a Christmas book that I purchased at a Goodwill store many years ago (for $.99). I came across this recipe that looked worth trying.  I think it is a pretty tasty side version of a bread roll, but healthier, and baked like a muffin.


Wheat-Corn Muffins
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup cornmeal
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 organic eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cups organic milk
1/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds

In a bowl stir together whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. salt.   

 In a separate bowl combine eggs, milk, honey, oil, and onion.  Add all at once to the dry mixture.  Stir until moistened.  Batter will be thin.

Spoon into lined muffin pans, filling paper liners (See Note) about 2/3 full.  Sprinkle tops with sunflower seeds.

Bake in a 400°F oven for about 18-20 minutes.  This makes about 1 1/2 dozen muffins. 

(Source:  Adapted from  the Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Christmas Crafts and Foods, © 1980, ISBN: 0-696-00025-3)

I think this recipe could qualify under the dark days challenge - our whole wheat flour and cornmeal comes from a local mill, our honey is local as well, and the eggs came from our chickens.  This also challenges me to grow more onions and dehydrate more, for recipes like this.

Note: These muffins do stick to paper liners.  I highly suggest a non-stick spray in a good muffin pan, or lining with parchment paper instead.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Friday, December 28, 2012

Reflections of 2012



I made homemade deodorant for the first time.

I learned to be more resourceful.

 Finished a crocheted blanket to take camping.

 Had "wig" night with the kids (and pets too). 

I baked more foods from scratch.

(photo taken by my daughter)
Buried a very much loved barn cat named Joey.

 Did many farm/barn repairs.

 Tried new foods and recipes.

 (photo taken by my daughter)
Experienced the birth of two different baby goats.

Took an "accidental" road trip with hubby.

I added a few more useable antiques to our home.

Invested in Araucanas.

 (our daughter who tends the goats and makes the soap)
Had successful soap making. 

Participated in the Farmer's Market for the first time ever.

  Got through many trials and tribulations.

 Took more time out for myself.

 Made homemade ricotta cheese with our goat's milk for the first time.

 Canned more.

 Planted more.

 Dehydrated more.  

 Received "Farm Girl of the Month" in July. 

Went camping.

  Spent more time focusing on my marriage with weekend trips to rejuvenate, relax, and enjoy.

 Had a "salsa" party to celebrate and try new canned salsa recipes. 


Inherited many family heirlooms (Grandmother's doll my Aunt made, my mother's rings and hankies, and more).


 
Buried our good friend Gus.

Happy New Year's and may 2013 be full of blessings, love, and peace. 

  


 

 

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Snowed In and Loving It

Middle of the afternoon on Christmas Day.

The next day, same time.

This morning. 

Barn cats, Aurora and Sapphire, hanging out while I took photos this morning. 

 That little stinker Aurora, was actually in the house when I got up this morning.  She must have darted in when Hubby left for work.  These two were purring up a storm this morning.  Like little motors.  Their food bowls are a bit snowed in, and we still need to finish building an insulated cat house from them.

We are snowed in, but not for long.  I'll enjoy it while it lasts anyway.  The driveway drifted over in 3 places, making it impossible to get in or out.  Hubby will dig us out after work tonight.  According to the news, we only got about 3 inches of snow, and they had predicted up to 10.  It's the wind that makes the difference also. He got out with his 4-wheel drive, but I would need to pull a "Dukes of Hazard" to get ol' Eunice out of the driveway. Ha ha ha!  

 Yesterday was my 14th wedding anniversary.  I set up a table in our bedroom (only room to have a quiet dinner in our house), and had a quiet candlelight dinner with hubby.  I played some dinner jazz music, and served wine in the green wine glasses we bought during our island outing this year.

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Dog Bone Funny


Conversation Christmas Eve.  In my bedroom with youngest daughter wrapping bones for the dogs.

"Awwwwww, Jesse's peeking!"

"Jesse come!"

"Jesse!!!"

"He's peeking again!"

"JESSE!"

When we were done, he came in and sniffed the entire floor area, nosing around for that bone he smelled.  He just kept walking down the hallway and slowing peeking into the bedroom door.

That night he crawled up in bed with me and hubby, and literally put his head on the pillows between the two of us.  I went to bed, thinking he'll get up and leave when he's ready.

Not!

At 7:30am Christmas morning, when our youngest daughter came rolling in to wake us up, I saw that Jesse was still in the same sleeping position as he was when I fell asleep.

Ha ha ha ha!  That little stinker knew he was getting a bone, and wasn't leaving the area until he got it. He has never done this before.

However, I did hide the bones in a closet until morning.  He's now guarding his, and even gets upset if the cats walk by them.  

....just had to share, as we treat our dogs, cats and even the pet rabbit to some of holiday goodies.  I am sure that Gus is in Heaven getting all the bones he wants.

The weather man is telling us to expect blizzard conditions and up to 10 inches of snow.  They are warning us of power outages as well.  Typically, I am stocked up on water, in case the pump can't run, but I am not.  That's first on my list this morning.

I apologize to my blogger friends for not posting any comments lately.  I'll try to do better at that.