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 Healthy Eating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Healthy Eating. Show all posts

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Easy Peasy Cheddar Cheesy ~ Healthy Garlic Cheddar Biscuits ~ Tales of an Accidental Baker

The wind chill was a perfect time to bake a side dish to go with our big pot of chili.  I typically make a buttermilk cornbread, but we have to keep an eye on my husband's diet.

By the way, this morning we woke up to 23°F outside!  Wind chill is 14°F.  Feels like a heat wave after that sub zero weather we've had.

I resurrected this draft (while looking for something else), that I have had for a few years now. I have no idea who gave me the recipe, but there are so many variations of them.

I can't make this stuff up, ha ha!  

First, my "whoopsie" below happened from using my recipe in my recipes, not off of this blog draft (thankfully).

It wasn't until I made them again, that I realized my blog draft said "baking soda" and my home recipe stated "baking powder."  Had I not even found this draft, messed them up again, and looked at both recipes, I would have never noticed until someone else baked them. 

Photo is when I forgot to add the baking powder (baked for 10 minutes), and they were still very good!  I said something to my husband about how they were small-ish.  He said, "I like them that way."

Funny story (again), the very first time I made them I left out the butter, and they were still good.



I made them again, but this time used the correct ingredients.  They are taller, but I still want to make them again, and swap the sour cream with greek yogurt (just to try).


 Call me the experimental cook?  Accidental baker?  Oh boy, ha ha!


They are delicious, and a nice substitute for cornbread if you, or a loved one is watching their sugar/starch. Top them with a bit of butter, and they will not last long in the house.

 Here is the recipe for the "Low Carb" Garlic Cheddar Biscuits I made the other day:


1 1/2 Cups Organic almond flour (superfine)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. baking powder (non-gmo)
1/2 tsp. homemade garlic powder (organic)
1/2 tsp. homemade onion powder (organic)
2 large farm fresh eggs
1/2 cup organic sour cream (or homemade)
4 Tbsp. organic butter, melted
1/2 cup organic shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, set aside.  Mix wet ingredients, then add we to dry and mix well.

I lined my muffin pan with parchment cups for easier removal (which worked great), otherwise use a non-stick spray.


Makes 12 muffins. Batter is slightly thick, but bakes up so nice.

Bake at 450°F for 10-11 minutes.  

Note:  I sometimes freeze organic sour cream, and had thawed it, stirred it and used it in this recipe.  It will be a thinner texture of sour cream, but worked great for baking.

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Book Finished! ~ Just the Bits

 First, I was in a book funk, where I have not been wanting to read at all.  I used to LOVE to read.  I'd fit it in anywhere I could.  

One of my cousins recommended reading "Atomic Habits" as one of two books she mentioned.  I bought both. 

My goal was to read 2 pages daily.  Small habit to start, but showing up to read made it a good habit. 

I was pretty impressed with this book.  There are some powerful quotes, so it's just not that same ol' self help type book.   If you want to get back to good habits, or ditch bad habits, this book is for you.

I haven't started the other book yet, but when I do, I will update on that one too.  Atomic Habits was highly recommended, and is a great book to take a review of your daily life.  We all need a review every once in a while.


It's day 11 of no rain.  It's great to dry laundry on the line, but I'm running that electric bill back up with the water pump, by watering what we did plant.

I'm glad we didn't buy annual flowers (yet).  I'd be watering those daily right now.

I've come to accept we just won't get everything planted in the garden.  I'll be going to some Farmer's Markets.  I have a bad feeling the voles got my 100 spring planted garlic cloves.  I dug into one grow bag and found one clove.  I plan to dig up the rest to concur that is a fact or not.

I finally finished painting kilz on the upstairs larger room.  I'll be moving on into the smaller room next.

I finally got someone to drive out here, and help get one AC unit in.  At least part of the house feels much better.  I am patiently waiting to get the upstairs one installed. 

We are on day 9 of my husband's double shift hours.  Every day he says it's the last, and then there is another.   There is hope that it will get back to normal soon.

The heat here is no joke.  My chickens have been panting.  I had to chip ice for them, and today will take frozen water bottles out to put inside their watering units.  

My husband had me order two solar motion activated rodent repellers.  They send off a sound to repel rodents such as rabbits, skunks, raccoons, squirrels etc.  He's feeling badly something got my bell peppers and hot peppers, and he can't help me get the fence up yet.  The units have been delivered, have been charged, and I will update on if we have anymore activity in the garden.



I had another "wing it" Wednesday dinner.  I loaded this up with lots of vegetables (onion, bell pepper, asparagus, zucchini), herbs from the herb garden, a bit of kale and spinach (because I didn't have enough kale), home canned tomato sauce, quinoa pasta, and a small bit of Monterrey jack cheese.  So good!  Oh, and I used ground turkey for the meat in this.  I really like this pasta too.  I does not get mushy like most chickpea pastas do.  Unfortunately, it's is also not sold in stores around here.  It's sort of a "treat" for us here lately.  It's on the re-order list for now.




Monday, April 17, 2023

Happy Homemaker Monday

 The closet "extreme clean" is still going on.  I'm impressed if I pull at least a few items a day around here.  



My green onion is in full harvest due to the recent weather.  I could not let it be ignored with the twist of weather today.  I made a batch of fresh green onion/parsley pesto.  I plan to use some in our breakfast this morning.

Compost has now been added to the gardens.  I have yet to pull the bean fence, but we have a few days before tilling is done.   I think this year has been the earliest to get these jobs done, and I am thankful for that.  In May, it's typically hit or miss weather for getting planting done.  





Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I will link up when she posts.

The weather . . .

43/34°F and possible snow.


As I look outside my window . . .

Very cloudy and dark, and it's snowing.


Right now I am . . .

Brewing coffee.


Thinking and pondering . . .

Thinking about taking some donations to drop off, to get them out of the house.


On my bedside table . . .

Water, a crochet hook, phone charger


On my TV . . .

Netflix movies.


Listening to . . .

Country.


On the menu . . .

-fried eggs with homemade pesto, bacon and tomato slices

-Charro Beans to use up tomatoes in the freezer, and a side to go with leftover

-sheet pan chicken sausage/carrots and potatoes 

-Mexican Lasagna (no pasta), and  corn we froze off the cob last summer

On my reading pile . . .

Once a week I get this out to read up on things.  Last week I read about the Nettles.  I am learning new things from this book, and it's been on my shelf for years.


I am about 1/4 of the way through Atomic Habits.  I am very much enjoying this book.


On the to-do list . . .

-pay bills
-laundry
-work on upstairs flooring
-make a breakfast
-run errands

Extreme Clean list:
-clean all of the blinds

Plans for the week . . .
To get the closet floor done, trim done and everything put back in it's place.


What I am creating . . . 



Hard to see, as the weather was rainy and dark and the lighting was bad, but I am using beads from my Grandma's stash and making a few sets of these earrings (using up supplies I have on hand for jewelry making).  It's a smaller crafting project for when it's hot out.  Most likely they will be gifted or sold down the road.  I'm thinking it would make a thoughtful Christmas present for our girls, considering the beads are from my Grandmother.

By the way, my readers were not much help with the tiny parts of the earrings.  If you use a crafter's magnifying lamp, I would love to hear your suggestions on purchasing one.



I'm still working on this blanket (old photo)

My simple pleasure . . .
On a dreary day like today, I will sometimes put something in my coffee like Bailey's or Rum Chata Peppermint Bark.  Most days it is just coffee.  I do miss the recent porch time I was getting.


Looking around the house . . .
It's still a hot mess.  I will be until the upstairs flooring is treated completely, and the bedroom closet is done. 


From the camera . . .
The ornamental apple trees are loaded with blossoms.  I took a photos just in case the snow damages things today.  


Bible Verse, Prayers. . .
Last Monday I mentioned Tina's husband.  He had cardiac arrest, followed by more complications, and unfortunately has passed away.  He name is Dane, if you wish to pray for the family.


Thursday, June 17, 2021

Santa Fe Chicken Fajitas and Chit-Chat



 Santa Fe Chicken Fajitas

1 lb. organic boneless chicken breast, sliced in thin strips

1 red onion, sliced thin

1 organic green bell pepper, sliced

1 organic red bell pepper, sliced

1 organic orange or yellow bell pepper (optional if you want more veggies), sliced

3/4 cup home canned salsa (or picante sauce)

6 Tbsp. organic lime juice

3 cloves garlic, minced (we use home grown)

2 tsp. organic chili powder

1 tsp. organic oregano (we use homegrown and dried)

1/2  tsp. organic ground cumin

1/4 tsp. natural smoke flavoring (optional, see note)

Salt

Black pepper

1 Tbsp. organic olive oil

10 homemade tortillas


Mix everything in a bowl with lid, except the tortillas of course.  Marinade the ingredients for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.  We like to let it sit overnight.  You can then cook the chicken and veggies in a pan or in a grill pan on the grill.  Top tortillas, and any toppings you'd like.

Note:  Natural smoke flavor typically contains a color added.  There are so many Youtube videos on how to make your own flavoring, but sometimes I just add a drop of molasses and vinegar and grill the fajitas. I have also found organic smoke flavor online.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The weather has had us yearning to go camping, and we even joked about putting up the camper out in the "back 40" this week.  However, the forecast changed those spontaneous plans.  A storm is brewing up and heading our way tomorrow.

I had so much to put away in my chaotic kitchen yesterday that my fitbit was reading over 10,000 steps by dinner time.  I got word that Wal-mart had put a clearance price on their mulch, so we headed up to the Big City to check.  Nope.  We came back home with one bag to mulch Daughter E's butterfly bush.  We needed a few items anyway, so the trip was not a waste of gas.

Our mower guy nicked the butterfly bush with the lawn mower and it both irritated me and made me sad.  I'll be making sure the bush is surrounded enough with mulch to keep the mower far away from it.  I asked my husband to make sure he mentions it to him next time he is here.

My clothesline was full yesterday, so first thing today is the remaining laundry and getting it on the line.  Porch clean ups are in order, while we wait for the garden to produce a harvest.

I also have a to-do list for in the kitchen again today.  My list remains for stocking up the freezer, until I begin cleaning it.  I hope to get one shelf done today.

I already woke up to gritting my teeth after seeing my kitchen sink.  I already started charging Daughter K rent due to her horrible housekeeping skills.  I reminded her twice last night to put her dishes in the dishwasher.  Guess where they are at?  In the sink.  She'll be 22 this month.  As hard as I try and change her ways, I can only hope she is better when she moves out with her boyfriend (which may happen this year).

I hope to get some time to "surf" the internet for some alternative recipes for baking walleye vs. frying it.  I'm trying to watch over my husband's sugar intake (breading is bad for him).  I found one already, but it uses boxed potato flakes and white potatoes are on the list to avoid.  I may try it with parmesan cheese though.

I hope your summer is returning to normal, and things are well for you all.  I do appreciate your comments.  Things here are coming back to life.  It was so nice to see our friend's bar completely full of people and even a birthday party going on (they have wonderful food there). Farmer's Markets are going on everywhere, so I hope to make it to one for vegetables we did not plant this year.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Day 14 of Self Quarantine ~ Chicks!

Hubby made us omelets with veggies and leftover ham.  The muffins are organic from the store since I still cannot find wholewheat flour anywhere.



We did a grocery pick up (no toilet paper...again).  It's limited now, and we never know if we'll get what we need.  I try to get some sort of greens in each order we need to do.



Pan of veggies we had one night.

I got an email that stated one seed order was shipped.  The other order came back with "out of stock" on about 4 of my items.  Sadly, I had to go and reorder them from another source, crossing my fingers this all arrives timely.  We did not start any seeds indoors this year, so that means relying on our garden resource for a few other items, especially tomatoes.  

Hubby dropped a jar of 4 thieves vinegar and spilled the remaining goodness.  He looked like he was going to cry.  Literally.  I had another jar, so he was relieved, and I'm making more, but using the stove top vs. a  warm window (because it's still too cold here and we lack the sunshine to make it all happen).



Meet the new additions to the homestead.   I had to go in the store to get the feed (no delivery or pick up) so I left with these ladies - 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte, and 3 Prairie Bluebell Eggers.  They guy helping me said they sold over 1500 chicks last week, and more and more were starting to raise their own, who never did.  I just hope they realize they won't get eggs for a while.  Mine are getting up in age, and with the loss of another recently, I thought it was best.  I had suggested I give 3 away to keep the brood manageable, but Hubby insisted we keep all 6.  




Tuesday, March 3, 2020

March Reading Challenge ~ Fog ~ New Recipe!

I picked a new author to read for March (although I started it last month).  She has a series of books, so I started with her first one.  I borrowed this from the library, but ended up ordering a copy of it.


Mum's the Word, by Kate Collins (Flower Shop Series)

Speaking of books.  TLC book tour emailed me wanting me to read a book, and post a review on my blog.  The book looks interesting, but seriously, my time in March is limited this year.  Has anyone else gotten these emails?  

Nothing much going on considering it's winter and I'm stuck home.  I did manage to make a bucket of homemade laundry detergent amongst regular chores.

We have major fog this morning, but the weather is a bit warmer.  School has a 2 hour delay, and there is hardly any traffic on the country highway of ours.  It's nice to have a quiet morning.  The other night a plane went over us at 3am and woke us up (flying that low).


I almost forgot to take a photo!  It was so good - Sweet Potato and Black bean enchiladas.  I forgot to make the crema sauce for the topping, but oh my gosh, so good.  We'll make these again, and make the topping minus the avocado.  I used a store bought non-gmo/low carb tortilla for these too.  The sweet potatoes have to be pre-cooked for this recipe, but worth it.  I used a recipe online from Ambitious Kitchen (I'm finding some goodies on that site) - Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado Lime Crema.  

The sauce can be made with home canned tomato sauce and home canned tomato paste, with spices.  Oh my, I cannot wait to plant sweet potatoes, possibly black beans this year too.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Egg shells ~ Garlic in Grow Bags ~ Three New Recipes

I took some egg shells out to toss in the garden (where the tomatoes will be planted), and took a look-see at the garlic.



I am thrilled to say, that some of it has green tops.  Not all, but I'm hoping it all comes up.  The only downside of grow bags - squirrels.  I had to plant a garlic clove that a rodent dug up.  Otherwise, I am a happy gal to see this.

Tried three new recipes yesterday.  Due to lack of ingredients on hand, each one was adjusted.


Cod in the crock pot with seasonings and onion.  Didn't have red onion, so I used white.  It cooked perfectly and tasted great.


Veggie quinoa in the crock pot.  Didn't have carrots, so I just made it without.  Cookbook said cook 4-6 hours on low.  It cooked in 4.


Low carb chocolate chip cookies (almond flour).  I didn't have maple syrup for these.  I didn't have any eggs, so this recipe was fitting to try.  These were so good!

The first two recipes are in the cook book, "Fix-It and Forget-it Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook.  The cookie recipe is online (Almond Flour Cookies with no eggs, Detoxinista).

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Wide Awake Hot Mess ~ Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

On top of being a hot mess on Tuesday, so was the weather.  We got boat loads of rain, so everything is a muddy mess.  It's cold now again, and nights in the teens.  Stupid, crazy weather.

By the way, when I post things that are just not going our way, it's simply reality.  I'm not complaining, just pushing through.  I don't post that life is all posh in the boonies if they are not.  Although winter is a time to rest, we may be cleaning up the garage this coming weekend.  Not willingly though.  I guess we'll see.

I checked off my to-do list as best as I could yesterday, which started with washing the crock pots for another two crock pot dinner - turkey meatballs/marinara sauce in one, and veggie quinoa in another.  However, I realized I was completely out of quinoa, so glazed carrots went into the other crock pot.


By the way, I had cauliflower to blanch and freeze, but decided to "rice" it with some onion and parsley.  We topped it with the meatballs and it was actually very good.  Recipe is online from Food Network - Healthy Cauliflower Rice.

...after downing a lot of coffee, I just became a wide awake hot mess.

I was literally still in the kitchen at 2pm.  I never got much of the laundry done - 2 loads.  I washed and dried dishes twice, emptied, filled and emptied the dishwasher. In between all that, I prepped dinner, made a batch of homemade ginger-ale for Mom, baked almond butter cookies (I was needing some chocolate) and a big batch of Einkorn blueberry pancakes.  The rest of my chores just might get done today.

Romeo was pretty needy, as he was in his kennel all day Monday (which never happens).  He was by my side all day long and sort of in my way, so I treated him to a carrot here and there to keep him occupied and offer a peace treaty for not being home.

Now, I'm home all week without a car and it's driving me nuts.  In reality, to most people, it would be a good thing, but I have stuff I need to do.  I have my library loot to return, so I'm filling up the back seat of daughter's car (or Hubby's truck) to drop off for me.  I put an S.O.S. out to another daughter to come out and pick up homemade ginger-ale syrup, which I made for my mother.  She'll have to pick up the club soda for me as well, since we are fresh out.  I also placed an online order for quinoa and other items, and it should be here in a day.  Hubby is still working on the car after work, and the last thing he needs is his Wifey texting him a grocery list.

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup organic non-gmo almond butter
3/4 cup organic brown sugar
1 farm fresh egg
1 tsp. homemade vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup organic non-gmo mini chocolate chips

Mix together all but the chocolate chips.  Fold the chocolate chips into the batter.  Drop about a Tbsp. on parchment paper lined cookies sheets and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.  Do not flatten.  These spread nicely.  Allow to cool before removing from baking sheets.  Cool completely on wire racks.  

Note:  I am thinking about adding slivered almonds and leaving out the chocolate chips for my husband, and reduce the sugar to about 6 Tbsp. next time.

Here's to another day of getting things back on track around here.  

Monday, February 17, 2020

Happy Homemaker Monday

First thing on the agenda was go through my library loot.  I didn't get any really good gift ideas from these garden gift books.

I'm looking through this one for new recipes.  I've ordered another one for the slow cooker for "diabetic" recipes.  I will wait and see which is better to buy.  There are several recipes for this next recipe online, but I really like using crock pots for dinner (trying new recipes for easier days this summer).


One recipe from the above slow cooker cookbook - Thyme Roasted Sweet Potatoes.  Yes, those are sweet potatoes (different organic variety).  Loaded with garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes.

A second crock pot was filled with a turkey breast, loaded with seasoning and a few homemade beef bouillon cubes.

Both were delicious, and it was the first time I ever cooked a turkey breast in a crock pot.  I'll definitely make them again, and I'll be doing a turkey in the crock pot next Thanksgiving.

Homemade Beef Bouillon Cubes
3 cups organic celery, finely diced
3 cups organic carrots, finely diced
2 onions, organic, finely diced
2 Tbsp. salt
1/2 lb. organic ground beef

In a saucepan, on low heat, combine all the ingredients.  Continue to cook this on low heat, covered for about 60 minutes.  Cool.  Process ingredients in a food processor until smooth.  Spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until sold.  Remove from freezer and place cubes in freezer containers.

Use to flavor meats, soups, stews, or other recipes.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 




My husband, after cooking us his famous omelets for breakfast yesterday morning, went to work on the car again.


I made a small batch of homemade seasoned salt.  I don't use it too often, but we were running low.

I'm working on another rooster name now.  Russell Crowe was removed from the coop, put into the coop with the other roosters, and another one put in with the hens.  So far, this one is not mean.  We'll be watching to see if Russell Crowe attacks the other roosters or not.  

I took advantage of a 25% off essential oil sale at MRH.  I restocked a few items too.


Today I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  

The weather outside is . . .


Beautiful. We'll get into the 40's today.

On the breakfast plate . . .
Have no idea just yet.
How I am feeling this morning . . .
Pretty good.  Hubby and Daughter are both home today.

On my mind . . .
Nothing really.  Just waiting for my husband to get out of bed to get this day started.
On my reading pile . . .
I came across this author, and so far it's much like the murder series written by Joanne Fluke.  The setting is a flower shop vs. a cookie bakery, and the main character has red hair (like he Fluke books), and there are more to the series.  This is the first book.  So far, I am enjoying it.

On the TV . . .
Whatever we find interesting on Netflix.

On the menu . . .
Crock pot cod, carrots
Turkey meatballs/marinara sauce, Veggie Quinoa (both crock pot dishes)
...not sure what else just yet


What I am creating . . .


An order of "F" Bombs, another cross bookmark (an order)


From the camera . . .



Looking around the house . . .
It's not looking too bad.
Chore I am not looking forward to today . . .
Not sure what our plan is for today.  All depends on how long it takes to finish repairing the car.
To relax this week I will . . .
Read and journal

Prayers . . .
Mom, no other special requests






Friday, February 7, 2020

Snow Emergency ~ Easy Farro Chili

Our county remained in a snow emergency yesterday morning, and our school district ended up closing by 5:30am. Daughter's career school also closed.  Hubby messaged me that he made it to work safely (he had a 1 hour drive north into worse weather).

This morning schools have a 2 hour delay, due to snow.  We are also under a road level 1 emergency (cars will be towed on snow streets and roads are bad etc).

The force from the snow plow, blew every single one of our pole solar lights, right off the poles.  We just installed them brand new last summer.  I hope they still work, and will just need re-installed a bit tighter.

Romeo decided to steal a log off the hearth and tear it into itty bitty pieces, all over the living room floor and sofa.  Sigh.  How in the world he managed to do that without me seeing it.  What a mess!  Guess who had to clean it up?  Yep.  She had no school, so I put daughter to work.   I guess his toy box needs a re-fill real soon.


The egg basket is filling up thankfully!

Russell Crowe is at it again.  However, I did manage to get away with the eggs.  Dang rooster.  We got a whopping 5 eggs yesterday despite his shenanigans.  Hubby went out later in the evening and he didn't even bother him.  Hmpf.



It was a good day for a slow cooker chili, so I made a new recipe - Easy Farro Chili.  I found this recipe online, which swaps the beef with farro.  It was our first time trying farro and we do like it.  It made a nice chili too.  In fact, we caught our daughter eating it with quinoa/chia chips later in the evening for a snack (ha ha!)

Deep clean progress . . .
Pulled the fridge out from the wall, swept and mopped.  Wiped down utility room  bottom of half door.   The cat jumps over it and it had paw prints.

Cleaned up my writing nook, which hasn't been getting used because the room is not heated.  Found 2 more UFO's that I stashed in there over the past holidays and totally forgot.  I had also (gulp) stashed crafting supplies I used to make wine cork trees and wine cork ornaments (put it all away). 

I spot cleaned my  writing nook's carpet, vacuumed, knocked down cobwebs, and dusted.  I just need to clean some floor trim and wipe the wooden desk and chair a bit and that room will be completely done.


Me time?  I did a bit of crochet work, and read a few chapters in a book from the library. I finished my Feb. reading challenge book, so I borrowed another one for to read.