Christmas Lights

 

Not to make the last post too long, here are a few of the 200 or some photos we took on our drive-thru Christmas light display this year.  Totally worth the cost, and I'm thankful we could do this vs. a walking tour.  It took about 1 hour to drive all the way from beginning to end.  Great display. 

What goes up, must come down.  Holiday decorations are slowly being taken down and places in piles here and there.  Soon enough, it will be placed back into storage for next holiday season.

I hope to get around to reading updates on your blogs soon.

Today is a holiday for some, but a regular work day for others.  Tonight's dinner will be a new recipe - black-eyed pea cabbage soup.  I have a new biscuit recipe to try soon, but when I am up to it.  I hope and pray your new year is a good year.

Christmas Lights  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Crochet Book Blanket ~ End of Year Update

I started a crochet book blanket at the beginning of this year (2025).  I crocheted a granny square for every book I finished, and crocheted the square with matching colors of the actual book.  The plan was to get back into reading, be motivated by the crocheted blanket, and use up scrap balls of yarn.  An overall fun, and positive project for myself.  The blanket is a join-as-you-crochet type of blanket, making it less intimidating to start, work on, and eventually finish. 

How many books did I manage to read?

43 books, with one last book that will be finished on the 31st, will make that final year end number a whopping 44 books!

Not the amount I had hoped for, but I really did not have a number goal in mind.

It's not a bad number either.  

In the past 5 years, I was lucky to even read 1 to 5 books within the years.  There were all sorts of reasons reading didn't happen.

On the bright side, the blanket is coming along very nicely, and it is such an inspiration to other book lovers who crochet.  I have shared my progress with so many book store owners, especially used book stores.

I finished a pair of blue baby booties for the next grandson to be born next year (crocheted).

First puzzle to finish this winter.  What can I say?  It's winter, and not much is going on.  Besides the crazy weather.  Snow, up to 60's, then really bad wind, followed by more snow and cold again.....it's winter.

The dehydrator is out (thanks to my husband's help) and ready for some winter time making.

I have learned a lot in 2025, and overall tried new adventures, and loved every minute of each one.  I have learned a lot about people, as I had time to sit and reflect much more at the end of the year than ever.  I've learned the good, the bad, and the ugly.  

Like I said, it's been a year of learning, and making changes.  Social media has really changed some people, and not in a good way, as life was before social media.

I've learned to grow new foods, dehydrate new concoctions, and learned new ways to either utilize or use herbs, medicinal herbs, and garden goods.  

We discovered many new-to-us or "first time" try-its.  

I've ventured back into my writing, and boy am I rusty.  It's been fun however. It's been a positive spin to this winter.

Plans for 2026?  Yes and yes. 

So many people we have talked to are sick right now.  Thankfully I am home another 3 weeks of recovery, so I've been staying away from people.  My husband has had to work outside a lot more than inside this winter (he's not happy about that).  We do have homemade ginger-ale syrup in the freezer, and I'm about to write my recipe to mail out for another person this week.

I'm putting together a list of items to create "get well" baskets for those who I can bless.  

As of this post, my rosemary plant is still alive, but barely (sigh).  I am babying it, but man these plants take such specific winter indoor care.  I'm learning anyway.

Happy New Year!  

Crochet Book Blanket ~ End of Year Update  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

2 Days Until Christmas

Finished this Christmas book and matching book blanket granny square.  It's about the 6th of 16-18 books of a box I bought at an antique store very early in the year.  I'll attach it to the blanket soon.

Two of the kiddos who received the 24 day advent gift bags, have been in touch, and so far have really enjoyed them (and found it fun and love the "useable" theme I tried to adhere to).  One kiddo I have not heard one iota from.  Not even a thank you.  One loved the hand crocheted dust cloth (as it is reusable and saves them money), while one was ecstatic about the tiny sample jam jars we included.

 The Christmas Spice Extract I "brewed" up was ready to strain and bottle.  Just a few lucky ones will be receiving it to try this Christmas season.  I was able to bottle this up early December, but have not tried it yet.

The had-it-on-the-plan, but did not happen.  Yet.

Homemade Seasoned Salt for another quick and easy gift idea. My Mom loved this stuff.  I plan to write the recipe to gift with a jar of this mix, and also write an additional recipe card for a recipe that uses the homemade seasoned salt.  

                     

Remember I made homemade fruit cake this year?  Well, we froze the other loaf, and we will be pulling it from the freezer.  Not many to share it with this year, but we both feel it is the best ever!  According to my Aunt's notes, it is the best, and my cousin said she used brandy over it.  I won't have time this Christmas, nor the energy ha ha! But!  I am adding this to the recipe gift ideas for Christmas of 2026.  Definitely a keeper recipe, but very very unhealthy, ha ha ha!

Crocheted throw and hand crocheted Christmas ornament were shipped and delivered.  

Christmas cards finally made their way out of the house.  First time in several years, but in a limited amount.   I have already started noting ideas for Christmas 2026 (you would too, if your Christmas was spent like ours).  It will be an exciting new year, as we also welcome another new grandbaby.

There may, or may not be "Christmas" cookies this year.  It may happen later, and it may not.  All depends on if there is a need, but right now it will not happen so I can rest and recoup my health.

Merry Christmas!  

2 Days Until Christmas  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Spice things up

 I'm working on keeping the monotonous, un-monotonous.  More so leaning on keeping the variety of these winter days interesting and not boring.  Although one who is constantly "busy" would find forced rest time a blessing.  Or not, ha ha!

I am doing well.  I'm not back to reading very much at all, but the "mind" games are a bit refreshing.  Spikes are back on my boots, although we are told Christmas will be in the 50's and rain here this year.  I'm getting a walk in to the mailbox once in a while.  If there is sunshine, it's a win-win.

I've been relying on the health benefits of herbal teas, and have been rotating them for restorative benefits.  Teas are always are soothing addition to the winter days.

I've discovered that we love a peppermint anything hot in the winter once in a while.  Sort of a treat in the day so to speak.  

Homemade peppermint mocha creamer for your coffee!  Yum!  Of course the heavy cream is not fat free, but we plan to try it with half and half (would use goat's milk if we had it, along with the cream that floats to the top).  It lasts for a week in the fridge and it is delicious.

Heat in a saucepan:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

2 Tbsp. Cocoa 

2 Tbsp. maple syrup

Whip or stir until all ingredients are combined.  Remove from heat and add 1 tsp. homemade vanilla extract and 1 tsp. peppermint extract.  Immersion blender works great for this.

We used all organic ingredients.  I attempted to make my own peppermint extract one year, but it did not have a strong flavor.  If you have tips on making it, please comment below. 

Stir, cool, and store the homemade creamer in the refrigerator up to a week.  

Garden seed catalogs are starting to roll in, and of course I'm taking a look-see.   We definitely will not be planting any squash next garden season, but that will free up space and eliminate those nasty squash bugs for a year.  

I ordered some library books via the inter-loan system.  The books are non-fiction, and will give me a bit of a change with learning something new.  Thankfully, my husband can pick them up for me.

All things "kitchen" are in disarray, but my husband (bless his heart) is doing as much as he can around here.  The refrigerator is going to need a full clean out after this month, ha ha!  

Crockpot Hearty 3 bean soup.  We've had this soup 3 times now, and there are never any leftovers. It is meatless, but it is very good.  I do have home grown garlic for it, so that makes a wonderful flavor.  I have grown turnips and kohlrabi, but we have not grown parsnips yet.  Sprinkling those home grown herbs on the soup, always makes me smile.

Side note:  Oregano oil has been handy for medicinal reasons, but limited to specific ways to use it.  I will be making an oregano tincture next year.

Although I have been taking it easy, and moving slowly to full recovery, I have a few things I will be able to do (with some assistance).  I have printed (yikes!) about 3 new recipes, but for summer garden season too.  

Handiwork is very slow going.  I'll try and get one last "Christmas" post in soon.

Spice things up  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Homestead and Handiwork Happenings

We started December with some chilly weather - low -4 (windchill) 6°F/High 27°F.  The coldest weather for early December since 1976.  According to weather authorities.  We've been as low as -8°F this month.  Now we are melting away into the 50's by tomorrow with a lot of rain.  Crazy, crazy winter weather for sure.

Surgery went well.  Thank you all for your prayers, good vibes, positive mojo and good thoughts.  I am in recovery mode, which oddly feels very strange for someone who is on the go most days.  

One kiddo visited to help out, and stayed the night, and I really appreciated the help. She did some driving for us, cooked and even cleaned.  Very thankful for her help.

Not to worry.  I am listening to my doctor/nurses.  I'm not able to exercise like I typically do daily, but my brain is getting a super dose of "brain" activities.

On top of a new puzzle, and a 132 new word search book (my first), crochet also continues.  I have one crochet item to share soon, but waiting on Amazon to deliver the final item to finish it.   I am also revisiting my long lost interest in writing.  There may be a submitted entry (small, but a start) in the near future.  I think my husband is more excited about this venture being revisited, but I am too.

I had purchased glass jars with wooden spoons, for easy access for my evening tea, and I'm so glad I did.  You have no idea how much you "lift" in a day, until you are told to not lift certain things.

The yarn order I sent out a few weeks ago, for another last minute hand crocheted gift, is on back order.  Seems fitting right now, ha ha!

As for some good news, one of our girls has learned to bake bread, and baked bread for the very first time (yeast rise bread).  One has learned to cook one of the family holiday dishes, and I am beyond proud of them.  Kids today, do not cook, nor are they interested in getting back to the basics in the kitchen, and we are so thrilled they are learning.

My rosemary and chive plants are still alive, but the rosemary looks iffy.  I am doing my best to win this battle to keep it alive all winter.  Lemon balm continues to sprout, but it does much better outdoors in the summer.  I had to replant a few seeds.

Homestead and Handiwork Happenings  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Winter Homestead Happenings

 There has been no more snowfall this very chilly day, and by chilly I mean a wind-chill of 14 degrees.  Snow is on the ground, but no more snow in the forecast for now anyway.  It's slippery out for sure.

My lovely ladies have started to lay again, after a much shorter (but still long) molting hiatus, compared to last fall.  They love their new coop.  They have more room, more roosts, more light and more protection from the predators.  It only took us 3 years to complete it ha ha!  Photos to share soon.  We are actually considering on keeping the old coop and using it for the actual "brooder" now.  We'll be adding more ladies to the clan, so we'll figure that out sooner than later.

I have not made all of our gardening plans for 2026, but I am putting in an order for some herb garden seeds.  

The rosemary and chive plants I brought indoors are still alive, but the rosemary is looking iffy (crossing my fingers, saying a prayer).  

I needed to purchase more amber bottles, as I have gifted so many of my own over the years, that we were completely out.  They will be used for strained extracts, tinctures, and infused oils.

I have added one book to our homesteading bookshelf.  I have a few more in my sights.  I'll get a photo of it for you soon.

I put out an offer to barter with anyone local that cans jelly.  I have the ingredients and a recipe, but due to doctor's orders, I am unable to can right now (lifting restrictions, which will seem forever for me, but temporary for a few months).  I had hoped to barter the ingredients for the jelly, but even one nearby acquaintance said "no" to the offer.

Prayer requests. . .

I typically do not share something like this, but I know there are many prayerful blog followers here, so if you don't see a post very soon, I am having surgery soon.  Lifting will be restricted even more after that during recovery.  I may drive my husband crazy, because if you you follow my blog, you know I do not "sit" around.  I will not be able to make or take a grave blanket to either of my parents graves this December, but will plan to go in the spring with new flowers.  Our other dilemma is how to get the snow shoveled and plowed.  We'll figure it out.

Also, prayer request for a friend Lisa B, who her husband just lost his job so they have no health insurance.  She is due to have a surgery next Feb.

Winter Homestead Happenings  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Tuesday Tidbits

 

Weather has been in the 20's here, with lots of snow, some rain, icy roads, and just your typical winter weather.

The latest crocheted granny square for my book blanket.  Book was about a 3/4 out of 10, if you ask me.  Just too much family drama for me.

In the midst of the Thanksgiving holiday, we made up a batch of homemade meatballs and got them into the freezer for winter meals.

Update on the crock pot macaroni and cheese... 

It reheated great!  Just do it slowly, and it reheats very creamy as it was when it's cooked.  My husband took some to work and heated his in the work room microwave, but heated it too long and the oil separated.  So, just heat it slowly, and not high microwave heat, and it's great the next day.

Here is how I made it.

In a crock pot pour in dry noodles.  I used a 14.5 oz. box, and that was non-gmo (can't remember the brand), but it was enough noodles.

My Mom never made stove top mac'n cheese with whole milk, but she did add it later if needed.  She always started with canned milk.

I had one can of evaporated milk, so I used that first, by measuring, then make up the difference, with whole milk, up to 3 cups, and poured that over the noodles. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream (I used organic).

Next time I will use more evaporated canned milk or all canned milk.

I think I will also butter the crockpot first next time.  The noodles cooked, but stuck when I stirred half way of cooking these two ingredients, mixed with 4 oz (half a block) of organic cream cheese and 4 Tbsp. of butter. Add 1 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. white pepper. I cooked this about 2 hours, then added the following cheeses:

-2-6oz. blocks of organic sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

-about a inch thick stack (to 1 1/2 inch) of local Amish made American white cheddar cheese slices, cut up (what we had on hand)

and about 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Additional whole milk if needed, after the cheese is melted. 

The mac'n cheese was the first crock pot mixture, that did not come out "gritty" or reheat terrible, or even taste too cheesy.  It was just perfect in flavor, texture, and over all a winner for us.  I do believe the type of cheese, and brand will change this, but using the better cheeses will make a winner dinner.  One recipe we tried in the past called for mozzarella, and we have both decided the only local mozzarella is the worst cheese made (will look for some locally for our other dishes now).

Tuesday Tidbits  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

4 Weeks Until Christmas

 

Tree was made from a cinnamon stick, fake evergreen cut, and buttons.  The candy apple ornament was a mini muffin wrapper, a small apple ornament dipped in glue and bird seed.

Drum was made from half a toilet paper tube, craft foam for the top and bottom, felt and ribbon, and the drum sticks were painted tooth picks with tiny pom poms glued on.  Yes, they took forever to make, and back then, I didn't blink an eye on how much time they took to make.

A small bit of all of my duplicate handmade Christmas ornaments.  I could not believe how many duplicates worked their way to the Christmas storage totes (Three more totes to go through yet).  Good grief.  Anyway, the story behind them all. . .

When the kids were in elementary school, I would race to the school and sign up for room parent for their Christmas party first.  My second choice was always Valentine's Day when the lists were full.  

Anyway, for some crazy reason, I fell in love with making ornaments, and when I was a Christmas party room Mom, I came up with a handmade ornament.  I made one for every single kid in the class, and I hand wrapped each one, so every kid had one to open.  Yes, I did that.  Some years there could be almost 30 students too.

In the process of the ornament making, my family got one every Christmas too.  Ha!  Probably way too many, but they got one too.

I would go to our large area library, and check out every single handmade ornament books they had, and then some.  I would get ideas, or in some cases, even patterns (I made a LOT over the years).

The duplicate pile was loaded into a box, and the kids got to pick out any they wanted.  The rest will be donated to a nursing home or if I hear of a family in need. 

~~~~~~~~~~

As for what's happening for this up coming Christmas?

First, I realized when I bought dye free, non-gmo cookie sprinkles for the advent gifts, I did not buy us any.  I had to find them again (not easy to find in the area here).

I have started yet another crochet project related to Christmas, but it's on the slowdown time, for an idea for next year (too late for this year).  More on that later I think.  I saw the idea on facebook one day (ha ha!  Social media at it's best to influence us).

Two advent gift bags delivered.  One more to deliver yet.

I have yet to get a Christmas grave blanket/or saddle for Mom and Dad's headstones.  I will not be able to make them myself, and may not even be able to deliver them this coming month.  In the past, I did a barter with an acquaintance, and she made us two.

I have my 2026 planner now, and there is a section for "projects" in it, so that is where "Christmas 2026" will be kept noted and organized.

We have talked to someone we know, who is not working and could use the extra money over the next month.  We may have found someone to help with a few home repairs before or after Christmas.  We are not done painting, and took a long break from it.

Tried a new macaroni and cheese crockpot recipe.  I added additional cheese.  It's a white cheese dish, and it tasted fantastic.  I will try and get the recipe up soon, but it may be the best we have tried so far, and perfect for potlucks or gatherings.

4 Weeks Until Christmas  ©  November 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

 We have been blessed with sunshine the last few days, and I am so thankful for that (after several days of zero sunshine).

I emailed our local library, and proposed a puzzle exchange program.  They may not have the space for such a thing, but I have suggested it.

We got a call that an extended family member on my husband's side of the family, had passed away.

Joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather . . .

25 degrees at night, but we had some pretty nice, almost 60 degree weather over the weekend.

Right now I am . . .

Making a list of of things that need moved to the top of my to-do's for the day.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Thinking about adding another crockpot to our home.  I've been doing research on the best one on the market these days.  Boy have they changed too (digital buttons etc. on some). When the last kiddo moved out, she took one of our crockpots with her, so we do need another replacement.

I'm thinking about getting us a puzzle board and puzzle box lid stand for the winter puzzle time.

We are now thinking about which home repairs to tackle next.

How I am feeling . . .

Tired.  Ha!

On the breakfast plate . . .

Breakfast sandwich - sausage, egg, and cheese.

On the menu . . .

-a new crock pot mac n' cheese recipe to try

-a new roasted stuffed chicken recipe to try

-Thanksgiving meal will be whatever we feel like.  We have no kids coming home for the holiday.

-leftovers

On my reading pile . . .

Used book.  Have no idea how I obtained it either, ha ha!

On my TV this week . . .

Landman when a new episode is available.  Some Christmas movies. Not much else.

Looking around the house . . .

The Christmas decorations are mostly out.

On the to do list this week . . .

-cobwebs (been on the list all last week)
-make a few calls (doctor, park district {more on that later})
-return library books
-mail a rebate

-write a snail mail letter to an extended family member

-make a yarn order (gulp! for a specific cotton yarn not in stores)

-sweep/mop 

-dust

-wash some rugs

-laundry

What I am creating . . . 

Current crochet blanket for a Christmas gift.

Current "on-the-go" crochet blanket. Sorry if you saw these on my last blog post.

From the camera . . .

The best part of the early morning, is getting outside and taking in a deep breath of fresh outdoor air.  Unless someone is cleaning their barn, and then it's not so pleasant,  ha ha ha!

Devotional, prayers, bible verses . . .

"In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.  But take heart!  I've conquered the world."  John 16:33 MSG

Happy Homemaker Monday  ©  November 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

This and That

I harvested one last bit of Russian Red Kale.  I saw new sprouts of our Swiss Chard.  It makes me happy to see it growing this late in the season.  I am already missing the garden.  Crazy as that sounds, but I am. 

A funny to share.  I was working on the dinner in the kitchen when my phone rang.  Ha ha ha!  It was my husband.  He was home, so this was strange to me.  He said, "Well, I have discovered one problem with the coop.  Can you come let me out?"  Ha ha ha ha ha ha!  The door shut, and latched on him.  We are still laughing about it.  We will be doing something to rectify that from happening again.  Oh, they are still not laying eggs, but they deserve a break too.  They still get treats and such, so hopefully they will be laying again shortly.  Then again, they have new roosts, so they may be acclimating to them.

Our little library is celebrating 100 years, and they are having a "home" Bingo game, but the numbers are called on social media, so I have to check there every day to play.  A little bit of fall fun.

I may have shared this for crochet folks, but did you know that Boye is not making the "I" hook in 5.5mm size?  They only make them in 5.25mm now.  It sort of messes up my patterns I use.  I am still trying to find more of these to keep on hand. 

I ordered one from Herrschners online, which stated 5.5mm, and when it arrived it was 5.25mm.  Just a heads up on that information.  You can buy other brands in the 5.5mm size.

Here is an update on the larger lap afghan I am crocheting for a gift.  I am not yet halfway done, and the month is going by way too fast right now.

I have already been going through the yarn stash to make the next gift (it may end up after Christmas, but the recipient knows).  I have not narrowed down the colors just yet. Can you tell the recipients of both blankets like green? Ha ha!  Blankets take a good amount of time to crochet.

This and That  ©  November 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Lima Bean Hummus

 

I found it very difficult to find a selection of any lima bean recipes.  I asked around, and only one person I know ate them as a kid, and not ever as an adult.  

I purchased canned lima beans in the Amish area we visit this year.  They are very hard to find around our area for some reason.  I have had them sitting around waiting to try.  

I used them to make hummus.   Delicious!!

(source:  Google images)

I did not cook the lima beans, as I do not when I use chickpeas, but I may try cooking them next time (to see if it would be creamier, and/or cook from dried beans).  I do not mind the texture regardless, and it tastes just like chickpeas in my own hummus recipe.  Of course, I used home grown garlic, and it makes it the absolute best flavor.

I just swapped out the chickpeas for the canned lima beans (rinsed and drained), and it was fantastic.

My traditional hummus RECIPE.

Red Lentil Hummus

In the past we have tried beet hummus, black bean hummus, pumpkin hummus, green bell pepper hummus, white bean hummus and others.  I think the only one yet we have not tried is sweet potato hummus.  

Lima Bean Hummus  ©  November 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

5 Weeks Until Christmas

 

Not new, but sharing a hand crocheted XL (for those 13 x 9 size pans/pizza pans etc.) pot holder I created and gifted one Christmas.  I made one for each of my sibling's family, Mom, and a few friends one year for Christmas.  I used to put together a box or container of handmade gifts for each family, and had so much fun creating the gifts too.  

As one blogger stated recently, life requires us to make "adjustments" sometimes.  I have a few local people to gift this Christmas, and it's not happening this year.  I had plans to can a ton of "Christmas" jelly, but it will have to wait until Holiday season of 2026. 

Note:  My husband is already trying to assist, and help can jelly sometime after late January.  He's so sneaky really.

I have looked into adopting a person in a nursing home/assisted living facility.  I plan to keep that a year long commitment if I can locate a facility.  Many facilities are doing things like fill a stocking for someone etc. I am looking for someone who gets zero visitors.  It's harder than you think, as most out reach programs help kids more than single elderly adults.  I will be asking around with the local people as well.

Another past gift item for Christmas . . .

I may have shared these before.  Sorry if it's a repeat.  Not much going on, other than decorating right now.

              

Homemade Vapo-Rub

Herb garden, home grown rosemary, dehydrated and put into recycled jars.  I also included a recipe to use the rosemary.  Even the kids bus driver was gifted rosemary that year.

Every year I had fun coming up with unique, useful homemade/handmade gift ideas (one post here, what I gifted in 2015).

The Christmas decorations have made their way out of storage, thanks to my husband.  I am slowly, going through all of it, and filling a box of donations, and some actually were so worn out they went into the trash (no kidding there).  

I have a pile of duplicate handmade ornaments for the kids to look through.   I used to make a new ornament to gift every single year, and the extras must have made their way to the Christmas totes.  Whatever they do not want, will be donated to an area 55+ living facility (to put on their "free items" table).

Many of the older decorations are retiring and moving on to a new home (not handmade).  I found items that belonged to the kids and their past homes (after moving back in again, leaving things behind).  I found ornaments that the kids bought and they no longer want, and even childhood stockings.  

It is simply a good time to sort it all, purge, toss, and narrow it down to a better collection of decorations.

I have about two or three new recipes to try, but have yet to try any of them.  Two advent gift bags were delivered (one left to deal with).  The Christmas tree is up and is being decorated.  yes, we still put up a tree, even if no one comes home for the holidays.  It brings cheer to the homestead.  I am about halfway done with the larger lap afghan crochet gift.

As for house cleaning for the holidays, I really need to clean my oven, but it may not happen until after Christmas.  

5 Weeks Until Christmas  ©  November 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Using a Spiralizer and Garden Basil Pesto

 

I tried another new crockpot recipe, and we loved it.   The only thing I discovered, is my crockpot "low" setting is pretty hot, and I can lower the cook time on this, and it lacks "color" due to the homemade basil pesto.  We think adding some red bell pepper next time would be nice.  

Also, it did not make a lot.  It's about a 3-4 serving dish, but it ended up a 3 serving for us, ha ha.  I would double this for leftovers.

What is it?

Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Basil Pesto

Where is the recipe from?

                         

I prefer to cook my raw chicken separately, and not with other vegetables, when it comes to crockpot cooking.  It's just me.  I cooked the chicken the day before (in the crockpot), shredded it and cooled it (recipe called for chicken breast sliced).

I simply added the chicken at the end of cooking, as well as grated parmesan cheese, because I froze our homemade basil pesto without the cheese this last time.

We thought it was so filling too, and wow, so healthy.

I bought a new hand crank spiralizer about a year ago, and I (gulp) finally used it.  Wow, it is so much easier than the little gizmo I used to use.

Advice:  Grow an herb garden.  Even if you have to grow it in pots.  You will have so many options for your meals, medicinal options, and you will have so much fun in the process.  I'm considering teaching classes for herb gardening, but the actual classes to be "certified" in any way, per say, are expensive.

Using a Spiralizer and Garden Basil Pesto ©  November 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart