38 weeks until Christmas

 

I have an update on the taste testing of the trial size jar of Christmas Jam.  It's delicious!  However, when I spread it out on the sourdough toast, it appeared more like jelly than jam.  I do plan to look for a recipe to can this myself, and reduced sugar if I can find one.   Sharing the label in case anyone has a recipe to can jam similar to these ingredients.

Note:  After drafting this post, I read most recipes state that you puree the fruit, hence the jelly-like spread.  

Does anyone have a tried and true recipe with such ingredients?  I do not see a "Ball" recipe in my books at home. 

It seems as if every new store we visit on any getaway trips, or day trips is selling Christmas decorations.  Maybe I am just noticing it this year?  Maybe. However, even though it's now March, I am finding that the stores are not reducing the prices on the Christmas related items.

I bought myself a new pair of Christmas earrings - hot cocoa cups with a candy cane.  Made in the USA.

Books I borrowed from the library, that are related to Christmas.  I may have found at least one new recipe to try.

I read this Christmas themed book in my book stash.

Homemade gift idea:

Homemade Vanilla Extract.  I gifted this one year and it was well accepted, as it's a useful item.

Grow extra in your summer herb garden, and gift dried herbs in recycled jars for gifts.  Attach recipes to use the herbs with.  One year I gifted rosemary, and another year I gifted sage.  Sage is great for cooking, but can also be used to make a medicinal tea for soothing a sore throat.

Let's talk peanut butter fudge.  I want to make it this year, and the only recipe in the books I have borrowed (so far) use marshmallow in the it.  Is that the normal ingredient?  I am looking for a fudge that ends up with a soft, creamy fudge, with good peanut butter flavor.  Anyone have a good recipe?  I have my Mom's, but it's a skillet recipe, and ends up a dry fudge.

38 weeks until Christmas  ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Homemade Vanilla Extract

 The process to make homemade vanilla requires vodka.   Here is how I make ours.

1 cup vodka (I use a good quality brand, organic)

5 organic vanilla beans, cut in half and sliced open

Place the ingredients into a glass jar, and shake.  Keep in a dark, cool location, and shake often, letting the jars infuse for several weeks.  Strain and store in amber bottles to use for baking.

I buy my vanilla beans online, but they have gone up in price like everything else.  Some stores offer organic vodka, while others do not. I use good quality vodka for the making of our vanilla extract.

Homemade vanilla extract makes a nice homemade gift. You can buy amber bottles online, or at some health stores, and add a homemade label.

Homemade Vanilla Extract  ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Nettle Infused Oil

 I have resurrected a blog post draft from 2018!  Crazy how some of these drafts slipped through my days.

I have been using nettle as a nutritional tea, allergy tea, and medicinal tea for years.  According to my research, stinging nettle is a powerhouse of goodness.  You can read about it in many free books from the library (or trusted/reliable sources online).

I have started a nettle (stinging nettle) infused oil to eventually use.  We will be using it to make salad dressings and drizzling on vegetables. It can also be used for sore muscles/sore joints, and it can be used to make a nettle cream.  Lots of possibilities with nettle oil.  I made ours with organic olive oil, as we use that for our summer salads.

Nettle Infused Oil  ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Got Ripe Bananas? Healthier Banana Cookies

 The weather is 19°F this morning, as I post this blog post today.  Brr.  I sure hope it warms up, but if not, it's a good day to bake something.

I used my larger cookie scoop, and used the back of it to spread the cookie out a bit.

One of the kids wanted a healthy banana cookie recipe, and I have a few.  I had to dig this one out and make to see if it was one of my keeper recipes (I have a habit of not taking notes).

It's a soft cookie - no flour, no sugar.

3 ripe bananas, organic, mashed

2 cups of organic old fashioned oats

1 cup of finely diced apple or dates (I used half of both for this batch, using organic apples/dates)

1/3 cup organic canola oil *

1 tsp. homemade vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp. organic cinnamon

A few dashes or so of organic nutmeg

Mix, drop on parchment paper line baking sheets, and bake for 20 minutes.  Cool on a rack.  I let these sit on the baking sheets a bit after taking out of the oven. I had larger bananas, so they needed a bit more time, but they are so good.  Healthy snacks to have on hand, or a quick morning bite if you are pressed for time.

*Note:  I have no notes on the recipe as to if I have cut the oil, and used half home canned (sugar free) applesauce.  I will do that the next time I have ripe bananas on hand.

I am low on homemade vanilla extract.  I have ordered my vanilla beans, and will post the process soon.  It's very easy to make.

Got Ripe Bananas?  Healthier Banana Cookies  ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

New Recipe Tried and Other Tidbits

 

I found a few printed recipes in the back of my binder, when I changed them out to new binders recently.  I found a recipe I had printed back in July of 2021, and gave it a try (without reading any reviews).  Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole.

It's delicious.  However, the next time I make this, I will finely dice the sweet potatoes, roast them, and then layer it all to bake.  I found the shredded sweet potatoes gave it a "mushy" bottom texture.  It is very light, and not a "heavy" breakfast.  

The only thing I did different, was that I used real meat instead of the "vegetarian" meat the recipe called for.  Oh, I also added 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground garlic (homemade) for added flavor and some salt and pepper. I found it strange that the recipe did not call for any seasoning at all.  The recipe is still online at allrecipes.

Tidbits. . .

We woke up to 21°F this morning.  The cold has returned, but thankfully no snow this March (like last year).

I have somehow lost my blog writing mojo.  Maybe it's the transition from winter to Spring, with it's back and forth weather?  I don't know, but I just haven't had much to write about this month.

I took advantage of the cooler weather and seasoned our new cast iron pan.  I had asked if anyone had one, and there was no answer, so we are giving it a try.  Even the clerk at the store, gave me her name, and asked for me to give her a review the next time we were in the area (not sure that will happen, ha ha!). Anyway, I will be cooking with it, and if we like it we very well may go back for a 2nd one.   

We are still focusing meals based on what's still providing from last year's garden.  We still have frozen garden vegetables, canned sauces, and of course the copious amounts of green beans.

I have yet to jump on the sourdough bread band-wagon.  We just don't eat bread that often, so two loaves of Amish baked sourdough, went into our freezer.  We have a friend who also bakes it, so I may just buy from her next time (all organic ingredients).  

We are still getting more outdoor walking in this year despite weather changes.  In fact, 100% more than last year (we did not do outdoor walking this  time of year, last year).  In fact, last weekend we walked 3.31 miles (we tracked our distance for health purposes).  My husband's sugar reading tests are much lower, and we are very happy about that.

Our Spring Daffodils continue to emerge, but no actual blooms just yet.

Although the weather is on the chilly side today, there is nothing more invigorating than a deep breath of morning fresh air.  

New Recipe Tried and Other Tidbits  ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Crocheted Baby Blanket ~ Greens ~ Frozen Stuffed Bell Peppers and Home Canned Sauce

 The weather has been bringing us some of the most enjoyable Spring weather days lately.  The weather is also bringing coyotes thru the area (we heard them the other morning). 

Today it's starting at 39°F with possible snow (yes, I said snow, ha ha!), but tomorrow it is to start out as low as 26°F.  It's hard to believe I sat on the porch and read a book for a bit in almost 70 degree weather yesterday. 

 

It's typical Spring weather here, and even with the up's and down's.  We had rain showers last night, with thunderstorms.  It will be fun to see what Mother Nature brings the rest of the day today.  If it's cold enough, I may be seasoning my new pan.

I'm finally putting the edge on the the current baby blanket.  The mother is due about May, so I'm happy to be finishing it up. I feel like this blanket took a long time to work on.  However, as the weather is changing, it's hard to find time to read or to crochet.  We are taking advantage of any/and all nice days lately.

It also feels like there is always housework that needs done.  How does that always happen, ha ha!   Cleaning toilets, sweeping and mopping, dusting, dishes, baking and cooking (when you are a from scratch cook/baker it uses a lot of time), porch sweeping, chicken tending, laundry, errands, cleaning windows, etc.  

Every time I turn around, there is something else that needs done like re-filling the homemade vanilla. Or forgetting I bought several bunches of organic dandelion greens (a powerhouse that we often eat in a breakfast) that need blanched and frozen.  Both happened yesterday.  The last photo is watercress.  I could not believe I found both dandelion greens and watercress in the same day.  The watercress (also a power house of goodness) went into the day's salad.

I think we notice all the things that take up our time, as the hunkering-in months start to disappear.  It's why I try so hard to get indoor jobs/repairs done before Spring (and a few of those are lingering here).

We are still enjoying those lovely stuffed garden bell peppers from the freezer.  I just pull some out, top them with a jar of home canned tomato (herbed) sauce, and bake them.  I top them with some freshly shredded mozzarella cheese at the end of the bake time.  So delicious, and the best, easiest dinner when you have a nice day and want to go for a walk outdoors.  A very self-sufficient meal, however we will need to grow paste tomatoes this year if we want more sauces (of any kind) canned this year.

On a side note, that red crocheted XL hot pad was the very first extra large one I crocheted almost 17+ years ago. It still washes up nicely, and still looks very good after all these years.

It was a trial making to create my own pattern.  I have been using it since, but have changed the way I make them, as per my Mother's request (before she passed). She preferred them to be the size and shape of a 9 x 13 pan.  I had requests for more of this (it's more square in the photo) size, so it could be used for anything like pizza pans.  The one above also has different stitching than what I currently make them with.  Anyway, just a tidbit story to share.  It brings back good memories when we used to set up for craft shows.

Crocheted Baby Blanket ~ Greens ~ Frozen Stuffed Bell Peppers and Home Canned Sauce ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

This and That

 It's a "this and that" sort of post today.  It seems to be that in-between season of slowly emerging from winter resting to spring activities.  The weather continues go all over the map.

We purchased this popcorn seasoning last year sometime, and the bottle is about empty.  I just now realized it has fennel in it.  Anyway, we cannot locate it in any stores, and apparently it's made in Indiana.  I'm sure it's for sale on Amazon, but I'd like to find a recipe to make this myself.  We love popcorn as a snack, and often times after a hot day in the garden, alongside a cold iced tea.

We love this seasoning, as it is not super salty, and offers the herbs for healthy flavorings (added health benefits).  I've sent an email off to inquire within a store.  I may be experimenting with my own homegrown herbs, if we cannot locate it again.  

Current puzzle.  Nothing news-worthy going on, other than we are getting outside more often as the weather gets nicer.  The puzzle came in a collectable tin.  Sorry the light in the photo is not that great.

As for any purging/organizing, I finally got around to moving my printed recipes from the broken binder into two new binders.  I'm so glad I did this too.  It took a while to do too.  I needed the recipe for pumpkin oat breakfast bake, so I decided it was a good time to get this project finished.  By the way, we are still enjoying frozen pumpkin puree from last year's garden.

 When I emptied the old binder, I found a stack of printed and unfiled recipes in the back pocket (sigh).  I tossed a few, saved a few to try, and filed the ones we already tried and wanted to keep.  I have had this project sitting in a living room chair for over two weeks.  

Project is done, and no I do not intend to add any more recipes, other than we are looking for a homemade, healthy French salad dressing recipe.  As the weather gets warmer, we are wanting salads more often.

 I found one recipe in my mess of unfiled recipes, but it calls for "chili sauce." Not sure what that means.  Regular chili sauce?  Sweet?  And would I find a non-gmo brand?  Hm.  The recipes for French dressing seem to all call for sugar, but this particular one calls for honey.

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

Tidbits

 

We enjoyed our 78°F days, but then the weekend brought us rain. The wind was terrible, but we still had breaks in the day to do some outdoor adventuring.  We have a tree down, and a few large tree limbs down due to the high winds.  Monday morning it was 21°F!  A big swing in temperature for us.

If you saw my post about the "blind date" with a puzzle, I have some news about that.  My husband said to toss it in the garbage and chalk it up as we were duped in the purchase.

I however, took photos, and contacted the store we purchased  it at.  Mind you, we bought it January 31st, and we just finished it.  I was nice and polite, but to the point about our disappointment on the expense and product. 

The store responded back to me.  I'm told they purchase them from a vendor from California, and were as disappointed as we were.  She said they were supposed to all be "new" puzzles.  I explained to her that that the box was even falling apart.

They are looking into new vendors now, and we got a refund.  It pays to inquire. Thankfully, I had taken a photo of the purchase while at the store too.

So we were not being duped by the store, and they were being duped by their vendor/supplier.  If that is true.  I do find it odd a business would buy pre-wrapped puzzles to sell.  Why not wrap them yourself?  Anyway, we got a refund, including tax.

I tried a suggested mix of essential oils on cotton balls, and placed them in a few windows, to deter those nasty orange ladybug pests from entering.  The next morning there were 4 in the same window.  

The ladies are laying once again.  Very thankful for that.  I see a breakfast frittata and maybe some boiled eggs soon.

(Mom taught me to always remember to clean my clothesline)

The clothesline is back in action (or was, ha ha!).  First order of business was to clean it.  It has much wear and tear this spring, so I have a new one to install (that was supposed to be put up last year, ha ha!). 

The weather on this particular day was absolutely fantastic.  It was like a breath of fresh air (yes, and with windows open once again).  I spared you from seeing all of my laundry, ha ha!

Kitchen tip:  I never thought to do this, and I use more than one, and they often stick inside each other.  Brilliant!  Kudos to Cooks Illustrated. 

Here you see me reading a book on the porch (our 78°F day), and the weather was amazing!!!  I was enjoying a glass of iced nettle tea too.  I normally do not have my phone with me, but I was waiting on a call.  I snapped a photo.  The garden is brown still, but the green grass is returning. 

The weather is going up and down so often, it makes gardening and outdoor work very limited right now. We have had a hankering for roasted swiss chard, and we cannot find one bit of it in stores right now.  It's on the list to plant again this Spring.

I can say, that I need to stay out of book stores and yarn stores for a while now, ha ha!  I'm re-stocked in both, and have plenty to keep myself entertained.  I sort of abandoned my shelf lining project, but have not forgotten about it.  What can I say?  When the weather is nice, we enjoy it. 

Tidbits ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

41 weeks until Christmas ~ Christmas Shop and Other Fun News

 New Recipe Tried?  I had a recipe in the lineup to try, but after reading the "notes" I decided not to try it.  It was a Puppy Chow recipe, but used freshly made popcorn vs. store bought cereal.  It said to store it in the freezer and consume straight from the freezer.  Not really a winter go-to Christmas treat if you ask me.  The recipe stated the popcorn goes soft after you coat it, so hence we ditched the idea.

However, I purchased a trial size of Christmas Jam to try.  I know it won't taste like a home canned jam, but if we like the taste, I may look into any good recipes similar to it.

We do can a jelly at Christmas that everyone absolutely loves - it's a cinnamon/candy apple flavored jelly.  It's definitely not made with healthy ingredients (ha ha!), but I do not know one person who does not like it at Christmas.

The jelly is called Cinnamon Cider Jelly - Recipe on my blog.

I finally convinced my husband that we needed to visit the largest Christmas store in our state (open year round).  They decorate it beautifully, and we are told there is much more on display and for sale, the closer it gets to Christmas.  I purchased a few tree decorations, and plan to go back (love this store!).  The store has 3 floors.  Prices are rather high, so you have to really consider your purchases here.  By the way, we have been to the famous Bronner's in Michigan, and we like this store better.

I also purchased a new tree ornament at an antique store.  It was an inexpensive, whimsy purchase.  I do make many crocheted and handmade ornaments, but thought it was pretty glittery and would look nice on our tree.  If not, it will make a nice gift for someone (the husband is not too sure he likes it, ha ha).

I have purchased two more advent gifts (the ones above are small journals I snagged for $1 each) for the advent calendar.  I think I will plan to save paper bags to use for wrapping the gifts with.  I believe this puts me to 6 advent gifts per gift bag.  I'll have to get wrapping and re-count them.  I'm trying to stay with useable gifts.

Gulp!  Guess what I did ha ha ha ha!  Oh boy.  I bought a box of 18 Christmas books that I have not read.  Not sure I'll get them all read this year, but I'm stocked up for a while now.  Good grief, I should not be buying more books.  Cost of the entire box was $6.00, and some look brand new.  I thought for sure I had read the Clark book, but according to my book journal, I have not.

It has taken a few years for me to find my joy in the Christmas holiday since Mom passed away.  I found so much joy in planning her homemade gifts, or other gifts, and when she passed, my joy for the holidays passed with her.  I'm finally in place where I can enjoy it, and now crochet and donate lap afghans to those who need them or can use them, and that brings back my joy (Mom constantly got compliments on her lap afghans, and expressed that to me often).  

Thank you Anne in the Kitchen for inspiring me along the way to a fantastic, upcoming Christmas this year too.   

41 Weeks until Christmas ~ Christmas Shop and Other Fun News ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Spring is in the Air

Spring air is such an intoxicating aroma.  The best part of March is being able to open the windows and let in fresh air.  However, this weekend is bringing in stormy weather.  

First sign of spring daffodils popping up.  They are coming in much later this spring.

Green onions in the herb garden are starting to spring back into delicious-ness.

Spring is in the Air  ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Blind Date with a Puzzle ~ Meal from the Freezer

 We have been having some beautiful weather here lately.  I however, have not put laundry out on the line, as we call this "bird" season.  Flocks of them are in the area, so as soon as they move on out, I will be able to enjoy the clothesline once again.

We purchased a "blind date" with a puzzle back on January 31st, from an area local store, while out on a getaway.  However, we paid $18.00 for this puzzle, and when we got it home, it was a used puzzle (box was falling apart).  I never saw any signage that stated the puzzles were used, so my husband insisted we purchase a 1,000 piece one.  

Well, we finished the puzzle finally. 

(puzzle is a portrait by a famous artist)

There were two puzzle pieces in the box that did not even go to the puzzle.

As we predicted, there were pieces missing from the puzzle.  We plan to donate the puzzle pieces to a place that recycles them with art/crafts.  Very disappointed.  We won't make this mistake again.

We have however, purchased two new puzzles.  I'll be back to share photos of them soon.  I, honestly, was not going to get more puzzles, as our weather is warming up here, but we did.

It's been so nice to pull the our homemade stuffed, garden bell peppers from the freezer.  I just top with more tomato sauce to bake them, and top with some mozzarella cheese.  It's a meal in itself, and we get to enjoy our "fruits from our labor" garden.

In the past years, I blanched the bell peppers.  I do not blanch them anymore.  The stay crispy, and bake up so delicious.  If you blanch them, they bake up too soft and more of a soggy bell pepper.  I prepare the stuffing mix myself, then stuff the fresh grown bell peppers (I cut in half lengthwise vs. cut the tops off), wrap each with saran wrap, and store them all in freezer containers.  The end result is a quick, healthy and delicious meal.

There are many ways to utilize growing bell peppers, if you are considering it this garden season.  We made breakfast egg filled bell peppers, we have cut them in rings and made "eggs in a nest" for breakfast, we have made oven baked bell pepper rings (like onion rings), stuffed bell pepper soup, and of course we freeze them in diced size and sliced for future meals.  Fresh bell peppers are healthy snack tools for hummus and other healthy toppings or dips.

Blind Date with a Puzzle ~ Meal from the Freezer  ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart