Rainy Day

 We had another rainy day, so I was able to have a much slower indoor day (sort of).  It was also so humid outside after the rain stopped, so it was not even enjoyable.  There was also a smoke haze in the air, compromising the air quality.  I did not get any Swiss chard cut as it heavily downpoured most of the day yesterday. 

Our garden is about 2-3 weeks behind, compared to last year.  I think it was due to a very cold May, and we planted much later.  I am getting kale, Swiss chard, and radishes.  The zucchini is on, but only about 1 inch long right now.

I do need to dig the fall planted garlic up soon.  I dug one up already, and we are very happy with the size of it this year.

I'm trying out my "vegetable" keeper container to see how long it keeps our freshly cut kale fresh.  I bought the containers on clearance a few years ago, specifically to keep pickling cucumbers in, to collect and keep fresh, until I had enough to can with.  I may be looking for more similar containers, if these keep the greens fresh too (first good harvest in many years).

I used some of the Red Russian Kale in our dinner the other night.  I was worried we would have needed another side vegetable, but this was perfectly enough.  I cooked the turkey cutlets in the crockpot with barbeque sauce, and later in the evening made the "One Pot Beans, Greens, and Grains" recipe that I found in the New York Times newspaper.  By the way, I found the recipe online, and I linked it.  It is the first recipe I have found where it does not require you to have a membership of some sort.

It is very similar to how I make my quinoa, but I used leftover broth instead of water.  I used great northern beans, but you can use any beans of your choice.  I will double the amount of kale in it the next time.  

Not the best photo, but I'm on the last round of the pink and white baby blanket.  I'll get a better photo once it's finally finished, and ends sewn in.  Once this is finished, I really need to get caught up with my crochet book blanket.  I now have several finished granny squares, but need to attach them.  I finished another book last night, so I will be crocheting yet another square soon.

Rainy Day ©  July 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

More Rain ~ Garden is Flooded ~ Turnips

We can't seem to get a break from the rain right now.  I checked on the garden.  It's flooded.  Like parts of it have 4 inches of standing water. 

Woke up to a chilly 36°F outside.  So cold, I had to turn a heater on, and today I need to order propane (gulp!).  Way too cold for a garden to grow, so I am praying my already planted herbs and flowers survive this dip in temperature.  Wet and cold do not mix well for an abundant garden.  My feverfew seeds did not sprout at all, so I may need to re-buy them if we want a harvest this year.

I have been bringing in about 2-3 asparagus a day lately.  We are at the end of harvest, but we keep getting a few a day.

I'm already utilizing fresh herbs from the garden.  The cilantro seed sprouts are holding up in this colder weather too.  Same with the dill seeds I planted.

About turnips . . .

Turnips are the most under-rated cruciferous vegetable in my opinion.  Probably along the same path with rutabagas.  I don't know anyone personally who even eats either of them, and you won't find them served in any area restaurants (in our area anyway).  You can find turnip greens at some restaurants.

(photo credit my husband)

Although it would be the best world to be able to grow everything we eat (or raise it), some of us cannot.  I have not grown turnips in several years, due to lack of tilled garden space, and lack of raised beds.  

I do buy our turnip greens, and for now, organic peas.  We have been him-hawing on when and how to add more raised beds, so we can grow more of both.

Turnip Greens are not just a healthy side, but high in fiber.  I have been doubling up on our vegetables lately, and mixing up the rotation, so we don't eat the same thing all week long.

I boiled my greens in a mix of organic chicken broth, water, a bit of bacon fat (you could use olive oil), salt and pepper.  At the end of cooking I added 1 minced clove of garlic for added health and flavor.

Greens are a healthy addition to a breakfast, and I add them to ours weekly.

Turnip Au Gratin (a newly tried recipe, and no breadcrumbs).  We love potatoes, but we do eat them in moderation.

I tried this recipe, in hopes to get some turnips in our rotation more often, and to also find a reason to plant them next year.

Funny story, we bought a flat of what we thought (and was told) was cauliflower, and when it all grew it ended up all kohlrabi,  We loved it, but we got so tired of eating so much of it ha ha!

Recipe stated to layer and season, but I tossed the sliced turnips in the seasoning, with 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic.  The thyme is from the herb garden.  I layered these with the cheese mixture, then poured the organic heavy cream over the top as the recipe stated (and covered it).  Oh, and I buttered the baking dish.

Results on the turnip recipe:  

Very good, but there were blips with this recipe.  First, the recipe stated bake covered for 25 minutes (375°F) then broil.  It was not done at that time. By the way, I used my thinnest slicing on the mandolin, so these turnips were very thin too.   I covered it and had to bake it for 1 1/2 hours.  I then researched roasted turnip recipes, and they use 400°F for one hour.  

The recipe is a keeper, but cook time will be higher. We loved this!  Turnip au Gratin (Low Carb Spark).

It was very good in the end, but the time in the oven is off with the temperature on the recipe.  I think more heavy cream was needed, and maybe one more minute of broil time.  Also, the recipe did not say to broil on high or low. 

It re-heats nicely, but it does not have a liquid-y base after that long of cooking.  However, my husband's first bite was "Wow! That's good!"

I'll keep looking for more new turnip recipes.  It was good, but a few flaws in the instructions on this one.  It would be a good side for grilling meats on the outdoor grill, but with a higher temperature to speed that baking process up.

By the way, I have put turnips in the crock pot, but with a mix of root vegetables and a sweet/butter glaze.

More Rain ~ Garden is Flooded ~ Turnips  ©  May 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Cucumber and Cottage Cheese Toast ~ Support your library ~ More Spring Blooms

Nothing is tastier and more satisfying, than picking freshly grown cucumbers from the garden.  In anticipation of summer garden goodies (trying to pump myself up, because I'm lacking garden mojo this year), I'm trying a new recipe.  More so, I wanted to taste this combination, because it would be great for a hot summer day when eating a full meal seems too much work.

 The credit goes to the cook book "Come Hungry" by Melissa Ben-Ishay. I borrowed the book from the library.  It has a lot of good recipes, and some repeat instructions I already know, but one caught my eye for a high protein snack.  It's nice to have a hearty snack available when we come in tired and worn out from garden work.

If you have dill growing in your herb garden, that is a plus to make this.  Along with a few pieces of homemade sourdough bread.

In the making of this, cottage cheese was one cheese I never got around to making when we had dairy goats here at the homestead.  Do you make your own cottage cheese?  Any recipes to share?  Until then, I'll be buying it, unless I can locate fresh goat milk (most unavailable in our neck of the woods).

Try-it results:  Fantastic!!  We both loved it, and it's the most simple meal/snack you can make.  I hand diced the cucumber and used an entire English cucumber (recipe called for another type, but good luck finding them in stores, and organic). Anyway, this recipe is a keeper for us.  I'm going to borrow the book from the library again.

I told my husband, that if I wasn't already writing a blog, I would be writing one just solely based on recipes tried from borrowing free library books (could still happen so don't go stealing my idea).  I'll admit, when it's a good recipe to keep, it's a happy moment.

More Spring blooms to share:

Blooms from another variety . . .

Red roses gifted to me (and delivered on surprise).  Yes, I was all giddy and all, considering I was feeling pretty low at the moment.  He's working the worst hours a human can possibly work right now (or so it appears that way anyway).  The words "this too, shall pass" are roaming about my brain.

Until next, time, I hope you borrow the book from your library and give the recipe a try.

Cucumber and Cottage Cheese Toast ~ Support your library ~ More Spring Blooms  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Cold Weather ~ Baked Perch ~ Homemade Kimchi (update)

My goodness!  It's 13°F this morning.  Spring can't make up it's mind around here.  I have the newly purchased tulips and hyacinths (in pots) indoors for now.  I had high hopes to plant them by now.

I am praying this early cold spell in April does not kill my wild violet harvest, or fruit tree blossoms.  I have yet to see one asparagus up either.  It was up much earlier last Spring.

A new recipe tried.  Baked Perch.  Recipe is from allrecipes, but I adapted organic/non-gmo ingredients.  Perch (lake perch from our state) was gifted to us, and instead of frying it this time (vs. beef tallow), I baked it.  In the past I have baked walleye and it turned out delicious.

By the way, in the past I have baked walleye, and it was very good.  I did read the recipe reviews. Some people used panko instead of crushed saltines, some used all grated parmesan cheese.  I found organic/non-gmo saltines, but I'm thinking all parmesan cheese would be healthier and delicious.  Just my thoughts on this.

Note to self:  dry more herb garden oregano this summer

Homemade tarter sauce using home canned sweet pickle relish.

The results?  Well, we both said we liked it, but a thicker fish would be better for baking, like walleye or cod.  It was good, and obviously healthier, but for perch we feel it's better fried.

You most likely could bake any white fish with their recipe (I would think).

I am fairly certain, my husband will insist the next batch of perch be fried in beef tallow.  It's a lighter coating to the fish than the baked, but that's just our reviews on baking vs. frying perch.

Note:  Reheated leftovers in an air fryer make this a more crispy coating and delicious.   I have yet to try it reheated in the oven.

I forgot to give you an update on the homemade kimchi (fermented vegetables).

The recipe for kimchi is found in this book (which I own, but your local library may have it too).

I tasted it as is, and then we strained any liquid, added a bit of mayo to make up a "slaw" and it was very good.  By itself, it is a bit spicy, but overall, we will be making this recipe again for a good healthy addition to our meals.

Cold Weather ~ Baked Perch ~ Homemade Kimchi (update) ©  April 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

Mud Season

 March is what we call our "mud" season.  Everything is thawing, or there is rain and flooding, and sometimes a snow shower in the mix.  Mud.  We get lots and lots of of a muddy mess, which prevents any or all outdoor work or play (unless we find paved hiking/walking trails).

Mud season can feel unending and arduous, but also inspiring as the warmer/sunny weather arrives.

Monday - 13°F windchill in the morning

(I attempted to sit in the sunshine for a hot minute, and the clouds moved in of course)

Tuesday - 36°F windwill in the am.  High for the day was 60°F (insert smiling face), but we had am rain.

Wednesday - 53°F (windchill of 48°F), rain

Today?  - 37°F Snow!  

Nothing new going on.  We are patiently waiting for spring to stay put.  If you remember, we were trying to get an online appointment for new tires last weekend?

Well, my husband actually got an appointment made over the phone, and drove there after work to the said appointment.  When he got there, the employee told him he could not and would not put new tires on the vehicle, that we had an appointment for.

After much discussion, my frustrated husband got him to do the job.  The employee literally told my husband that whoever was on the phone that day, should have never agreed to the work to be done.  Needless to say, my husband drove home with new tires.

On the home front . . .

I got two more wire shelves purged, lined, and re-organized.  I cut more pool noodle pieces to place inside my tall boots (it's a cheap way to keep them upright and looking nice).  I have yet to find tall enough storage bags for a few pairs of tall dress/casual boots (that do not have boxes).

I got the one corner kitchen cupboard cleaned, lined and re-organized.

The donation box is filling up much, much slower now, which means I'm much closer to being 100% organized (in the house anyway, the garage is another story).

What's Cooking?

I finally got around to making kimchi for us.  I have no experience with this, and no advice, so I used a recipe from a book I own.  I'll let you know if we like it or not.

Outdoor fun . . .

Despite rain here again, I managed to find a window of time to roll out the coop cleaning tools and muck the stinky winter chicken coop.  The ladies are in pure heaven again, and I got outside.

R & R time . . .

Current book.  I bought this book almost 2 years ago, at an antique store, and while on a weekend getaway.  It is starting out rather mundane and slow.  I sure hope it gets better.  I had shoved it into a living room end table drawer, and completely forgot about it.  I guess I had high ambitions to sit in the living room and read maybe?  Either way, it's on top of the stack right now.

Current progress on the "blind" date with a puzzle.  It's been a doozy of a puzzle.  Pieces are not uniform, It's hard to find the edge pieces, and there are too many of the same color in much of the puzzle.  It's been a challenge, and may be the last puzzle of the "winter" season for us.  My husband, who insisted we buy the "blind" 1000 piece puzzle date, has been of very little help with it too.

Mud Season  ©  March 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Enjoying the Last Days of February

 

It's hard to believe that we are approaching the last day of February 2025 this coming Friday.  The weather was definitely much more "winter" this year, but February is the month we tend to get the most snow.  

There has been some beautiful sunrises this month.  I'm blessed be able to capture a few.  We even squeezed an adventure in this month.  

We have also driven around, and located some new hiking/walking trails to enjoy nature and get exercise (maybe even a few picnics).  

Although we had much of the month in freezing and subzero temperatures, this week it warmed up to a wonderful 53°F.

Seen during the day recently.  Even the deer are enjoying the warmer weather this week.

I had the chance to read a new book on the porch this week, before the month ends.  Oh my gosh, the sun felt so good.

The ground is a very mushy mess this week, so there is no work progressing on the new chicken coop, but we have not forgotten about it either.  However, I did ask my husband where the new wire cutters were for this project.  We both have no idea, but I surely hope we find them.

I did however, take a walk out to the fall planted garlic, and all but a few are up already.   I did not walk on the garden, due to the thawing out here, but will check it again soon. 

Our bunching onions look pretty good for being February too.  I may be harvesting some to go in tonight's dinner.

I finally got all of my medical appointments off the calendar too.  I had to change one twice due to icy roads.  I've been bringing a book along with any travel friendly crochet/knit projects to any appointments or any longer drives, and have finished another book.  More granny squares for the book blanket are in progress (insert happy face).

I rescued our lost roll of shelf liner.  The clerk indeed must of put it down behind the counter, because they had it at the customer service counter.  I had to sign to get it back.  Literally.  Anyway, I took advantage of the store visit, and purchased a few zipper storage bags to help organize the current closet.

Only about 950 pieces to go on this puzzle, ha ha!  It's been too nice outside to work on it.

Here is the newly tried frittata recipe (29.4 grams of protein, cut in 4 servings).  It called for sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.  I think feta cheese and cottage too, but we finish it off today. We loved it, but  I felt the fresh spinach added too much moisture to the frittata, so I will wilt it and squeeze it dry next time we make it.   I may be topping mine with home canned cowboy candy too.  Oh, I did add a pinch of homemade "fire powder" to it.  

Recipe:  Cottage Cheese Egg Bake (Frittata in a pie dish)

From:  Sweet as honey online

I also made the homemade chicken breakfast "sausage" patties, but used organic ground turkey.  I left half of the brown sugar out this time, and may even leave it all out next time.  It's basically to carnalize it while making them.

I'll be posting the red lentil hummus recipe and an update on handiwork soon.  I plan to enjoy every minute of the last days of February.

Enjoying the Last Days of February  © February 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

44 Weeks Until Christmas ~ New Appetizer Recipe Tried

I'm not too behind in trying this recipe.  I printed it off (gulp) back on December 3rd of 2024.

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Appetizer

(Don't Sweat the Recipe, online)

Did you know they make organic tortillas now?  In case you are lazy like me, and do not want to make them homemade.  

One bowl mix.

Spread on the tortillas, roll up, cover, chill, and slice later.

How they looked sliced for snack size appetizer.

We love these, but be warned, they are not low-fat ha ha!

These would be great for summer potlucks, taking along for weekend getaways, when guests come to visit, picnics and the like.  Not just for Christmas.  I would love to try them with home grown jalapenos from the garden this summer.

Honestly, if you don't want the tortilla in your meals, I would just as much enjoy deviled eggs with bits of freshly chopped jalapenos in the filling too.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

It's a brisk 3 degrees here today, with a windchill of -9°F.  It's so frozen outside, we were not able to put our trash container out to the road for trash pick up today. It's frozen to the ground.  Literally.  It previously rained, then froze, then melted a bit, then the snow arrived, and now the continued deep freeze.  Exciting news today.  Ha ha!

I have another recipe to try, but it's not for a holiday meal.  I am in search for one ingredient, and so far unable to find it in stores.  The recipe is from a cookbook I own, so if it all happens, I'll write up a post about it.

Meanwhile, garden plans are underway, and seeds are being ordered.  I try to plant something new to us, so that gives me something to look forward too.

44 Weeks Until Christmas ~  New Appetizer Recipe Tried  © February 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

 

Deer ~ New Recipe Tried ~ Mini Flood

 

One day we spotted about 20 "dots" out in a field.  Sure enough it was a larger herd of deer.  The few photos I took were not that great, as they were way out in the field.  I am still looking to upgrade my camera.

New recipe tried.

Einkorn flour Greek yogurt pancakes.

Source online:  Peanut Butter Fingers (name of their site).

Love these, but be aware it makes a lot!  I froze the extras, and it will come in handy for busy mornings or mornings I need a quicker, healthy breakfast.  I added blueberries to ours (I freeze a lot of them in the summer).  Side these with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, chicken or turkey "sausage" patties, fruit or eat them as they are.  Very filling, high in natural protein (no protein powder), and you can top them with your choice of topping.

I had gone to the kitchen to heat up a cup of tea and noticed water all over the utility room floor, and mostly from coming under the sink in there.  Hm.  Closer look, and we were not sure if the pipes were jostled by one of us, or worse, there was a leak in the wall.  Bingo!  Leak.  We shut off the water softener, until we can get the parts and repair the water line that works the water softener.  It happened before, but many years ago.  We already have an access in the wall to it, so at least that is making the repair easier to do.  I'm glad I kept all of our "dog" towels, because it took a lot of them to clean up the mini-flood.

Deer ~ New Recipe Tried ~ Mini Flood  © February 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

47 weeks until Christmas 2025 ~ New Recipes Tried

 I made myself a binder (nothing special, just to organize) for Christmas preparations years ago.  I keep recipes (which I should also copy and keep in my regular recipe box), Christmas gift ideas, games and so forth.

There is not too much in the binder, as years went by, and we continued to remove very old (and dog ruined) carpet, and do home repairs and updates.  We just didn't host any holiday here, and we continue to do that (much needed repairs, updates, purging, painting etc.), but in the mean time. . .

The binder reminds me to try a new recipe, or write down a homemade edible food gift idea etc. Back in the day, January and February were my months to made handmade Christmas tree ornaments for the next Christmas.  I LOVED making Christmas ornaments, and my family was given a plenitude of them.  Trust me when I say in abundance, ha ha!  

I then resorted to steering those same energies to making them and selling them.  I have now left the craft show scene due to lack of support/sales.  I can tell you, that I do miss making ornaments and creating new ones from recycled materials.  I may be making some to donate.  Anyway, back to the recipe.

What did I try?

Pigs in a Blanket (Recipe is free online at Mennonite Girls Can Cook).

Holiday Appetizer 

Honestly, this would be a great go-to for any party you are attending.  The re-heating part has me thinking on easier ways that using an oven, but I'm not sure that's possible.  Anyway. . .

You make a homemade dough (very easy to make, but they suggest you cream the cottage cheese, and I did), split it in 6 pieces, then roll each piece to a disc and cut it into 8 pieces to roll each mini-sausage.  Place them on parchment lined baking sheets and bake.

I forgot to take a photo of how to cut the ball of dough into 6 equal parts, so here is an image from google for a visual.

You then roll each piece into a disc, shown in my photo below.

I forgot to take a photo of how to slice this in 8 pieces.  I used a pizza cutter.

(photo from google, showing a visual for cutting the rolled dough into 8 pieces, but you want your dough to be about 1/8 inch thick for these pigs in a blanket).

(one 14 ounce package of sausage smokies gave me 38 in the final baking, see notes on how I used the extra dough, or buy two packages of meat).

(notice the print date on this recipe?  Oh boy!  In the process of looking for it, I found my long lost broccoli salad recipe card that my SIL shared with me.  Time to clean off the side of the fridge ha ha ha ha!)

I printed the new (to me) recipe about a year ago, and it came up on my reading list via my blog last Christmas.  I finally got around to trying it, and guess what?  It's a keeper appetizer recipe.

I will be very interested if this does indeed freeze well (according to the recipe instructions it freezes well, and reheats nicely {bonus}).

The cocktail sausages are not that healthy, but the dough is homemade, and oh my gosh it tastes so good, and is very flaky.  I made the dough about 3 days in advance, and it still made a delicious result. By the way, I am currently looking in stores, to see if they make the mini sausages from turkey or chicken.

There were no instructions on suggestions for re-heating, so I may play around with that idea.  I think keeping them warm in a crock pot would not work, as the steam may make them soggy.

They only sell the mini (smokies) sausages in 14 ounce packages, so we had a small bit of dough left.  We used it to wrap turkey pepperoni and it turned out pretty good too (maybe add a small bit of cheese for those).

We made a homemade honey mustard dip for these too.  They are good on their own, but who doesn't like a dip for appetizers?  The recipe is from Inspired Taste online, but I used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream (I didn't have any on hand), and it was delicious.  

The newly tried recipes would be great for any gathering, potluck, holiday meal or just for fun.  It would be nice to have some Pigs in a Blanket in the freezer for unexpected guests too.  I call these "not just for Christmas" recipes, but that is what I had in mind for them.

47 weeks until Christmas 2025 ~ New Recipes Tried  © January 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart