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~

Showing posts with label Chickens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chickens. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Growing Sprouts for the Chickens

 Last summer, the lentil sprouts I grew in the sprout jars did great.  However, this past month they would not sprout much at all.  I thought I had bought bad lentils, and refilled the jars with new lentils.  Again, it was a week and a half, and hardly any sprouts.

I figured out what was hindering the germination - salt in the water softener hooked to our well water.  I didn't even think about it.  Apparently, the salt was shut off for watering the garden in the morning last year.  At the same time the sprouts were rinsed.  Makes sense.  No salt in the well water.

Also, if your house is too cold in winter, it can also hinder your lentils from sprouting.  Humidity can play a part in sprouts vs. no sprouts as well.

Another fact, is that our well water is freezing cold this time of year.  It's pretty cold year round, but during winter, it is very cold. I have to set water out to get to room temperature, just to water plants.  

I started a new jar of lentils, and soaked them in room temperature water, and did the daily rinse with lukewarm water as well.






We have sprouts!  The chickens are super happy!  It only took 3 days to sprout.  I used a 1/2 cup of dry lentils, soaked them overnight, and rinsed each day after.  I have a sprout tray, that holds the jars at a slant (and catches any water), and black out jar covers.  In the past I covered them with a towel to block the light out, so you don't need a fancy tray (I do like mine however).

Growing Sprouts for the Chickens   © March 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

This and That

 


We've been blessed with some beautiful sun-shiny days, and we are so thankful.  We get more clouds this time of year in our area.  It really does make a difference in your mood.

Hallway update:  all of the door and window trim has been painted. 

Plugs have been ordered for the entry door off the hall.  I guess I never noticed they were missing, until I scrubbed the door and window for priming.  





The plugs have been shipped.  One side had them, and the other did not have them.  We just need to install them before priming.  I didn't have to do this, but future cleaning and any future painting will be much easier.  It will look nicer too.  I used an old toothbrush/vinegar water to clean the holes out.

I finished painting the entire upstairs flooring.  Stairs will be next, but only when I have time.  The hallway is getting full attention right now.



I little ditty about this book.  Mom gave it to me a while back, and it got packed up when we ripped out carpet, and found again.  The back story - Mom handed it to me with a grin on her face, and said "just read it" explaining it was about an autistic boy, and his mother is a vet and brings home a baby skunk.

I read it, and it's getting passed on.  I just need to locate a shipping vessel to get it on its way.  It was a cute book.  A kids book, and I have no idea how or why Mom had it.  

We had a hankering for garden goodies, so I made us a salad.  We sure do miss going out and picking it all fresh.  It'll all be happening again soon.


Bad photo, but do you all remember me blogging, that I was growing sprouts for the chickens?  Well, they are not sprouting. Well, some are just now starting to sprout.  It's been taking forever, and I'm not doing anything different, other than it's a different brand of lentils.  The expiration date is '26 so I'm not sure what's going on.  Bad batch?  I started a second jar to be sure.  If they don't sprout, I'm going back to the store for a different brand.



Fun information to share.  My sister-in-law sent me this photo, and asked if I knew what they were?  They were in some crochet/tatting supplies of her Mothers.  The first person I asked said they were for making bias tape, but the next person told me they were "braid-aids" for making braided rugs, and I do think that is what they are.  If any of you think they are for something else, please comment, but I do (after looking online) think they are for running the fabric through (like a bias tape), to then braid the fabric into a rug.  Very fun stuff if you ask me.  Did you know these existed?  I did not.

I don't make braided rugs anymore, but wanted to share, as I know some of my blog followers still make them.

I got the last of our pre-paid propane ordered.  They only give us so many months to have it delivered, and then it's put as a credit if we do not.  The pre-paid cost is much lower, so we are still trying to gauge what we think we will need each winter.  I'm hoping we are on track, and that the heaters will be off in a month or so.  We've had 60 degree weather in march before.

I have not found a widget of gadget to add to my blog, to all an email contact form.  I want one that will send the email to me, but one that will keep the actual email address private.  Is that even possible?  I'm working on it anyway.  




Friday, January 26, 2024

Just the Bits



The fog that rolled in recently.  We have been, and are still getting rain.

The chickens are loving this warmer weather, and the eggs are rolling in again.  However, it's "mud" season here, and the coop run is a mess of mushy mud.


My husband requested more sausage/egg/cheese cups with sage sausage.  One pound of sausage, makes approximately 3 dozen of these egg cups.  It helps make the most of your money with the sausage vs. making sausage patties to go with scrambled eggs.  I cook up a pound, use 1 cup and freeze the rest for future egg cups for breakfast.  They re-heat well too.


Winter Project Progress:

~Hallway~

Window curtains washed, window blinds cleaned, and windows cleaned.

Door to garage painted, but it will need a second coat.

 

Just the Bits © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart







Wednesday, January 24, 2024

This and That

 



A beautiful sunrise from Monday morning.  The rain moved in, and so did the freezing rain.  Now the fog has rolled in.


I put my big girl bloomers on, and watched YouTube and read a few "how to drywall patch" a hole.  One job done, but two more drywall patches need done (from moving a light switch and moving a ceiling light fixture.   Add this to my "what did I learn new" this year list.

I finished painting one more entire door and two door frames, including trim inside each room and outside.  The door to the garage has been primed.  I'm making progress, but feels like it's taking forever to finish.




I finished the pink/white lap afghan. They will all be donated to a cause, and soon I hope.  


Low-carb egg, ham and cheese breakfast quesadillas.  I used to make my own tortillas (so many varieties), but my husband brought home carb friendly ones from the store.  I am using the ham we were given at Christmas, that we diced up and froze.  I also freeze the cheese, so I have it on hand, with less trips to town.

I have been pretty successful at planning meals based on what is in the freezer/pantry.  I had to laugh the other day, when I cooked meatballs for our dinner.  My husband asked, "these aren't those meatballs from the store are they?"  Ha!  Nope.  I make a big batch, and freeze them for several quick meals.  I make them using oats vs. bread crumbs too.  

Sharing the recipe again:

Meatballs
3 pounds ground chuck (see notes)
2 cups oatmeal 
2 eggs
1 cup chopped onion
13 oz. can evaporated milk (see notes)
2 teaspoons salt
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder 
1 tsp. black pepper

Mix well.  Shape into balls (I use a large cookie scoop), place on cookie sheet and freeze until firm, package and freeze until needed (or bake).

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

Notes:  I use half ground beef and half ground pork.  

Lamb could be used if you like lamb.  As for the milk, I used fresh goat's milk when I had dairy goats, so if you have raw milk that works too.  I use all organic ingredients.  

These freeze well, and come in handy all winter long - meatball subs, spaghetti and meatballs, topped with BBQ or Hot pepper mustard sauce, etc.  I have also used 2 lbs. ground beef and mixed with 2 lbs. pork and it still tasted great (getting about 72 meatballs or so).

I sometimes cook them frozen, then toss them in the crockpot with a sauce for 3-4 hours, so I can whip up a quick dinner with a rice blend or quinoa and a vegetable.

Enjoy!


Friday, January 19, 2024

This and That


Our new winter egg "basket" as we are in slower egg production, and this helps keep track of the oldest to newest egg.






I made another new recipe by The Real Food Dietitians - Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal.  It is very good, but so far I think my favorite is the pumpkin one.


My pamper me moment - merino wool socks.  They were on sale for $2 at the farm store.  I could learn to knit my own socks, but I've put that off for so many years now.  You never know.  Until then, I bought these to keep my feet warm during this winter freeze.


Entertainer for the Day

 I don't know how I get into such conversations, but I do, and I did.  I not only entertained the dentist at my last appointment, but the dental assistant as well.

It was freezing cold out, so the conversation started there.

I was talking about tending the hens, which led to talking about dressing for the weather.  I mentioned that I always take my cell phone and a house key with me, when I go outside for anything.  They both giggled at my entertainment, when I told them I was once locked out of the house by one of the dogs, in the heat of summer, and had one dog with me.  I had no cell phone, no key and we live in the boonies.  Literally.

I guess I'm traumatized enough to continue to carry both a phone and key after that happened.  Glad I could make them laugh.

Winter Tea

I recently shared a link for a seasonal stress tea recipe via Mennonites Can Cook blogspot.  Well, they shared another recipe the other day for "Winter Blues" tea recipe.  It looks interesting. Here is the link:   Winter Blues Tea.  I think I have all the ingredients to try this, other than the lemongrass and rose buds.  I wonder if I could use my lemon balm?  Is there a big difference in lemon balm and lemongrass?  I used to have lemon grass planted in a pot, but it has since died off.


Comfrey/Bruise Update:



I made us a comfrey mix salve a while back, and for some reason did not post it on my blog.  I will have to do some searching in my recipes to find it.  I have been using it on my bruise from my fall, and it is helping heal.   I may still mix up a few poultices with dehydrated comfrey, depending on how fast/slow this heals.




Saturday, December 30, 2023

Back on Track ~ This and That ~ Cashew Brittle

I hope you are enjoying the recipes lately.  I am sorry I am posting them after the holidays, but maybe it will spark motivation for next Christmas season.  Or for that matter, any time of the year.

No, I am not turning my blog into a cooking blog ha ha!  It's winter, and there is not much going on that is "news" worthy, so you get to see some new or older recipe posts.

(Before a weeding day, and they grew almost 6 feet tall!!)

...... and yes I do miss my garden shenanigans.  Oh man, this last season was a good one, and I will not forget how I would start my day with a good laugh.  Every time I went out to work in the garden, I would just laugh and laugh about the enormous squash plants we had.  Not to mention the enormous bounty we got from them.


Something ate the tops off of a few of my bunching onions, that are in my herb garden.  Hm?  I will have to put a deer camera on it if it continues to come back.  The herb garden is very close to the house too.  

 * * * * * 

The outside Christmas lights are all taken down, and put away.  The tree decorations are off, the holiday bedding washed, dried and put away, and other decorations collected to be boxed up as well.  Another Christmas all wrapped up and put away for a year.  The tree will be put away this weekend.  Believe it or not, my husband is the one pushing me to keep it up longer (it only has lights on it right now).

Lists are back in action.  I have a goal for each winter month.  Trust me, when I say we will not be running out of things that need done around here.   I've already cleaned out one shelf in my refrigerator.  The holiday season baking/cooking really put a toll on my organization.  The fridge is a hot mess, so the plan is to finish that job first.

The warmer days have spiked the egg production here at the homestead.  I guess we can't complain about that.  




We had some leftover "innards" from omelet making, and I did not want to waste them.  I decided to whisk up 9 eggs, and make a small-ish sheet pan egg dish using all the leftover omelet bacon/bell pepper mixture.  


I harvested some bunching onions from the herb garden for this too.  I cooked up some sausage patties and made it into a sandwich.  I'll be doing this again, but adding some greens too.  Gosh, you could eat it without the bread, jazz it up with flavor etc.  

Tip:  I save my bacon grease, and greased my pan with the bacon grease.

The weather otherwise, is still damp.  However, we are starting to cool down again.  The current chicken coop run is a muddy mess.  


Detox for the win!  

I'll admit the holidays get us off track of every day meals, and life in general.  By the way, I am still waiting on my holy basil to arrive.  In the mean time, we are using what tea we have on hand.  

I forgot about our traditional Christmas Cashew Brittle recipe.  I did not make it this year, only due to the lack of time.   I do have the recipe already posted on my blog, and it makes a small batch (I use my metal round baking sheets for this).

You can get the recipe HERE.


Back on Track ~ This and That ~ Cashew Brittle © Dec 2023 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Frigid ~ New Crock Pot Recipe Tried

 We warmed up from an 8°F wind-chill to 18°F.  I had the brainy idea it was great weather to muck the coop.  It was a bit windy, but half the coop was cleaned anyway.  Nothing like fetching one frozen egg in this frigid weather.  

Although the sun was out, the chickens wanted no part of the outside world.  They wanted to huddle inside.

I have been lazy with cooking, so it was a recipe to try from this cookbook.


Chicken Chickpea Tortilla Soup

I love my crock pot, but I'm not a big fan on "soups" for dinner.  It typically is not a substantial meal, and my brain immediately associates it served with some sort of bread.  Then I think a side sandwich.  What do you serve with your soups?  Another vegetable side sounds good too.

The recipe suggestions for serving it, say try yogurt, cheese, crunchy blue tortilla chips.  By the way, the nutritional information is included with the recipes in this book.

Anyway, the above recipe was easy and quick, and the results of test tasting were good.  Delicious!  We loved it.  I used a full 4 cloves of garlic (recipe says 3-4), and I only had one can of regular diced tomatoes, so the 2nd can was fire roasted (organic) tomatoes.  Also, the recipe states for 6 cups of stock.  I used 4 and it was plenty.  The photo is deceiving, as it shows very little broth.  Otherwise, I followed the recipe, and did not top it with anything, it was that good.






Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Just the Bits

 

We are into cold weather now, and it's been snowing off and on here lately.  Woke up to a wind chill of 8 degrees.  Yep, that cold (and more snow).

Still not in the mood to decorate for Christmas.  I have yet to turn on the porch Christmas lights.



A morning moon.  

I got frustrated with the chicken watering units sold in our stores.  They are either too big, or I can't hang them, or they don't let the water out as they should.  I ordered a new one online.  I am hoping it does the job.

We have hit another hiccup with the coop build.

All I can say, is I am thankful that Thanksgiving is over with. 




I've been experimenting with different ingredients for beef and bean breakfast burritos.  Eggs are far and few this time of year, so it's been sort of fun to take it slower in the kitchen.


Sugar alert!  There is cane sugar in your Randall's cooked and ready to eat pinto beans.  I keep these on hand for when I cook for a large group of people, and I never realized there was cane sugar in them.  

Best way to avoid that is to just cook your pinto beans from dry beans.  I do that in my crockpot (soaking the night before), and adding onion and garlic to them.  I call them the unfried refried beans.  I cook them all day in the crockpot with a bit of water and watch them so they maintain enough moisture.  I do not add any salt until the end.  The beans cook much better.  The beans end up versatile for many dishes.  I have  also frozen them after cooking them.


My pricing "station" is under way.  The more I price my crochet items, the more I am dreading the craft show.  Here I wanted to do this, and now we are talking about how we can't wait for it to be over with ha ha!

My husband has offered to pay me to stay home vs. set up at the craft and vendor show.  I'll be honest, I may take him up on that offer.

While I priced items the other day, one of our nephews came over to help us mow, but ended up repairing our dishwasher.  We ended up taking the inside of the dishwasher apart, and giving it a deep clean, so that job is done.  Did you know your dishwasher has a filter, that needs cleaned about once a month?  I guess I forgot, but it's super-ity, duper-ity clean now.

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Hillbilly Hen House

 The recent days have been in the high 60's and low 70's, up until Friday.  We dipped just a hair, and the rain moved in.  The rain did not stop me from working on the new coop.  I've dubbed it the "Hillbilly" hen house, ha ha!  We've had to do some crazy work in order to make things work with what we have.  Nothing seems to come together straight, nor level, but it's getting done.


I decided to do things a big backwards, but it's a race against the clock with painting trim.  Instead of waiting for a day to measure and cut the trim, then paint it, I just painted what we had.  I can touch up later, but it's painted now, before the weather gets too cold.  The weather is quickly changing here.

I bought my husband that wrist wrap that is on his wrist. It is magnetic and holds the screws for him.  Now he needs a carpenters apron and/or a tool belt.


Friday, October 13, 2023

Chickens Carving a Pumpkin

 




We gave the chickens a pumpkin from the garden, and scratched the surface to get them to start carving it.  At first, they were not sure about the pumpkin, but by day two they were enjoying it.


Thursday, October 5, 2023

Stocking Up ~ Freezing and Dehydrating ~ Herbs ~ Bag Holding Hack (if you have a jar lifter for canning)

 


Our last 87°F day was yesterday.  Woke up to find one of my older hens has passed away.   We are on the downward slide to cooler weather, with a pretty chilly weekend coming up.




Feeling a bit better, I took advantage of the heat, and washed bed covers, bedding and other laundry.  I mostly washed the large bed covers, so they could dry outside.  The bedding smelled so good too!  

Someone else wanted to enjoy the sunshine.


I even unpacked (and washed) our holiday bedding, which I forgot about, and had not used for 2-3 years or so.  I mentioned it to my husband, and he was all for using them the next few months.



Okay, now on to other happenings here. . .


I don't see the price of any culinary herbs and spices going down any time soon.  I am busy putting my herbs into storage for winter/spring.




Bag Holding Hack:  Use a jar lifter to hold your freezer bag in place while you snip away or fill your bag.  I used a quart freezer bag in this photo.  Worked great!  I haven't tried this with heavier fillings, but if I do, I will update.

I dice and freeze my green onion and chives.  These two do not dehydrate well.  They just blow all over inside your dehydrator.  Trust  me on this, as I have tried it.  I am freezing these two in freezer bags this year, due to freezer space.  Otherwise, in the past I have used freezer containers.


I am dehydrating sage, yarrow, spearmint, peppermint, and more oregano, and thyme.  The peppermint this year is limited, as the plant is not that big.  I have my mints in pots this year.  I have yet to convince my husband for a medicinal/wild growing weed garden somewhere around this homestead.



My cilantro has gone to seed, so I am saving the seed.  My outdoor basil is still going strong, so I have taken a cutting for propagation, and the same with parsley.  My dill has also gone to seed, so I am saving dill seed as well.  Not one store in our area sold dill seed (for culinary uses).  We had to travel 3 hours to the Amish area stores to find any.  I will be sure to dry as much of our own as I can.


Mullein that grew up in a flower bed, but has not gone to seed/flower yet.  I will harvest it before our fall frost arrives.

I have been making notes in our garden journal, on new herbs to grow next year.   A few that I used to grow and for some reason just didn't get them planted, like Tarragon and Marjoram.