Soup Weather ~ Dehydrator Weather

 

There is nothing better than to enjoy some crock pot Italian Soup during a cold spritz in May.  It was a new recipe  (Food.com), but I utilized some tomato sauce I canned last year, and dried herbs from the herb garden.  Not sure what they meant by "brown" onion, but I used a yellow onion, and used fresh minced garlic (not from a jar).  I also used sweet Italian vs. mild sausage (what was in the freezer), and it turned out delicious!

I'm taking advantage of these cooler weather days, and getting dehydrated items re-stocked.

I'm dehydrating ginger for tea making and other uses.  I can also grind it as needed.  I do freeze some as well, which has come in handy several times for homemade ginger-ale and other meals and recipes.

Has anyone, who uses a dehydrator, dehydrated turmeric root?  I just froze us a bunch, but would like to dry some.  How do you dehydrate it without staining your trays?  Will it stain stainless steel if I layer it with parchment?  I know it stains my hands when I go to peel it.  I do use gloves.  Anyone?

Today's reading from the book "A Year of Positive Thinking" by  Cyndie Spiegel.  It's a neat idea, and a great blog prompt if you are in a rut with what to post, or in a "rut" in finding joy in your life perhaps.  I just thought it was worth sharing today.  Perhaps a journal entry if you enjoy journaling?

We had zero rain yesterday and a load of wind.  We are once again setting a date to till the garden.

Soup Weather ~ Dehydrator Weather  ©  May 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

This and That ~ First Snow ~ Recipes for Cheddar and Chili Egg Casserole and Homemade Ginger-ale

 

The porch hanging pots are still blooming in late November, which is absolutely unbelieveable.  Never, has this happened in the last 16 years.  However, they all came down, as the weather will dip very cold today.  In fact, they are predicting windchills in the low 20's, so the water hoses were drained and put away in storage (before more rain rolled in).

Yes, we woke up to snow, but it's a dusting.  The weather reporters have been so annoying about it too.  They act like we will be snowed in.  It literally rained the entire day yesterday.

Watering cans were put away, porch plants taken down and discarded, porch furniture covered for the winter, and outside Christmas lights put up (before it gets too cold to do).  Leaves blown off all entryways.

Breakfast these next few days will be Chedder and Chili  Egg Casserole, and some local blueberry sausages (from the freezer). 

Recipe is from Rachel Ray Magazine (from years ago), but adapted with organic ingredients.

4 servings (I double it for us, as the baked dish cools thin)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted, organic or homemade
• 5 large eggs, beaten, from our chickens
• 1 cup cottage cheese, organic
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 4 ounce can  diced green chilies, organic
• 1/4 cup flour, organic (have not tried einkorn yet)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (non-gmo)
• Salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees . Brush an 8-inch square baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, chiles, flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Pour into the prepared dish and bake until set, about 35 minutes.

I do spend the extra few cents to buy the organic canned diced green chilies.  We've purchased off brands in the past, and have found stems in them cans.  

I am doing a trial run on freezing homemade ginger-ale syrup.  Sickness is all around our area, and I am trying to stay out of the stores if possible.

I have 2 pints and a half pint jar in the freezer now (using freezer safe Ball canning jars).  I'll give an update if we have to dig these out use them.  I keep a few bottles of club soda on hand, just for this "feel better" drink.

Yes, I freeze my ginger.  I wash it, and let it dry.  I then wrap it in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer container or bag.  I simply take it out when I need it, re-wrap it, and place anything left back into the freezer.

Speaking of meals, have you noticed how many food recalls we've been having?  There has been so many lately, and now carrots.  There has been McDonald's onions, there has been fresh green onions in stores, meats, mushrooms etc.  

This and That ~ First Snow ~ Recieps for Cheddar and Chili Egg Casserole and Homemade Ginger-ale  © November 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Caught the Virus

 Although not nearly as bad as my husband got it, I caught the virus from him regardless.  I do feel taking my 4 thieves, and drinking a good amount of water kept me from getting it as bad as him.

However, I was unprepared for waking up ill, as far as food goes.  I realized, after resting for several hours, that I needed to go tend the hens.  It was the worst, cold and windy day outside as well.  Yes, I did it in pajamas and muck boots, but left the other chores for my husband after he got home.

The only soup on hand was home canned tomato soup, but I did have broth.  I always make sure we have ginger in the freezer.  You can freeze it.

How to Freeze Ginger (is in this post)

I am out in the boonies, so to ask a friend to come by was out of the question, so it all got me thinking.  I also have a limited amount of family, and they all work full time.  It's not like I can get door dash either.   I need to be better prepared in regards to food a sick person may need, when by themselves.  I am prepared otherwise.

I also, wanted to make myself homemade ginger-ale for my stomach, and had ran out of limes (no lime juice in the freezer either).  I am thinking of making a batch of the actual ginger-ale syrup, and freezing that for emergency needs.

According to my research, simple syrup can be frozen, but my homemade ginger-ale recipe contains honey too.  Has anyone had experience with freezing homemade ginger-ale syrup (with the fresh lemon/lime juices added)?

Teas, and medical supplies were on hand, but I will make sure the food/drink list is checked off and well on hand for easy access.  It all got me thinking, because I have always been the one to take care of others my entire life, but my husband was the one to tend to me when I was sick (and he was at work).

I did have our 4 thieves on hand, but to take it, you typically want something in your stomach (as it contains garlic).

I am off to make a list as I think things over.   If you have something you have on hand, that I am not thinking of, please comment below.  Or a food/medicinal item to freeze. 

Caught the Virus  © November 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

 Today is definitely a "happy" homemaker day.  Waking up to new floors in the hall and the kitchen is a game changer.  It really brightened up the house.  If you didn't see the photos of the hallway progress, you can see the post HERE.  

Today is the last Monday of February 2024.  How will you be spending your day today?  Time flies by way too fast.

We are getting a lot finished on the to-do list, and boy it feels great.  No more pattern binders piled in the living room, another lap afghan finished, kitchen blinds/windows cleaned, and so forth.  We still have a bit of work in the hall, but it's 98% done!

We haven't decided on the next course of action, but with spring around the corner, we may be back to working on our waist high, raised beds (a project from last spring).  There is the complete garage clean out, and the drywall repair/new outlet and window project too, to think about.  

I think I forgot to buy new seeds for some winter squash for this years garden, so I need to get on that before the week is over.

Also, in the process of moving the refrigerator, I realized how many printed recipes I had on the side (with magnet clips).  Oh boy.  They have been there for a few years.  I guess I just forgot about them, and secondly, I just don't have the time to try them all.   Some are tried recipes, but for the most part are recipes to try.  Once again, I let them pile up.  A very bad habit of mine.  It's on the purge/clean list for the week.

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

The weather . . .

The sun will be out, but the rain moves in tonight.  It will be warming up too.

Right now I am . . .

Brewing another pot of coffee.

Thinking and pondering . . .

I had to toss out the plastic floor mat, that was under my computer chair (in the kitchen).  I'm considering replacing it to protect the flooring, but stores here do not carry the clear ones, or any for that matter, for non-carpet floors.  I had to buy the last one online.  My husband says we really don't need one, but the wheels do put wear and tear on the flooring.

How I am feeling . . .

Tired, but a good tired.

On the breakfast plate . . .

I'm thinking I will bake Cheddar and Chili Egg Casserole.

And blueberry link sausages.

On the lunch plate . . .

?

On the dinner plate . . .

I put about a half batch of a new recipe in the crockpot.  It'll be a side for tonight's yet-to-decide dinner.  I'll let you know if it's good.  The original recipe calls for 5 sweet potatoes and 3 onions.  Hence why I made a half batch of this.  I used frozen jalapenos from last years garden.

On the menu . . .

Again, I didn't have time to plan this yet.  I will work on this today.  I'm going to base my menu on what's in the freezer.  Stay tuned.

On my reading pile . . .

On my TV . . .

Whatever looks interesting.

Looking around the house . . .

 The kitchen was swept and mopped, and everything is finally moved back in their place.  We used those felt mover pads, and it worked for most of it.  We'll add felt floor protectors to the legs too. 

To-do List . . .

-breakfast for the next few days 
-sweep/mop the rest of the floors
-dishes
-any laundry left from the weekend
-put trash out

For the week:

-prime hallway entry door

From the camera . . .

Yikes!  I have nothing to share today, other than my crochet projects below.

What I am crocheting . . .

Finished this lap afghan.  The idea is to only use yarn I have, so the top and bottom are different gray colors, but it worked.

I'm back to working on this blanket, while the weather is cooler, but on warmer days I am not.

Devotional, Bible Verses, Prayers. . .

Prayers for our youngest, as she is sick and the doctor was unsure of what was the cause of it is.  I delivered her some homemade ginger-ale, but she is still pretty sick.

Happy Homemaker Monday  © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Chit Chat ~ Lost Mojo ~ Christmas Eve Tradition ~ Non Traditional Thanksgiving Meal Dish

 I've been spending a lot of time tidying up, putting stuff away, preserving and stocking up, and just regular ol' housework. I've had to deliver some homemade ginger-ale to one of my daughters.  By the way, her cyst is draining thankfully.  However, her antibiotics are making her sick.  Thank you for all of your prayers.

More greens are being blanched and frozen for the winter months.  Spinach and dandelion greens.  I have to remind myself to focus on one at a time, and not bring home different ones.  It's time consuming to switch water out and ice bath water.  I'm still looking for swiss chard in stores.  I have not found any yet.

I've been searching for my holiday mojo.  It's been lost.  Poof!  Disappeared.  Not one iota of it lingering this year.

I used to be the one that insisted on a tree in every room of the house, including the master bathroom.  I had lights everywhere, in rooms, on the trees, in the hallways.  I used to have a binder dedicated to all things Christmas - gifts, food, etc.  I used to work on a new handmade Christmas ornament every Jan/Feb, so it would be all done for the upcoming Christmas.  Everyone in the family was gifted one.

When the kids were little, I would practically run to the sign up sheet for their Christmas class party.  I handmade an ornament for every single kids in the class (did this every year), and hand wrapped the gifts.  I came up with games, and prizes and took treats.  I was pretty creative with some of them.  

Check out this one (on my S.C.R.A.P. blogspot as well).  It was a treat container and the head was an ornament.  I was pretty proud to make them for 25 students.  The bottom "treat container" was a cardboard tube from toilet paper.  I typically also bought small trinkets like something to put on their pencil tops.  Can you imagine how many parties I volunteered for?  

I'm still looking for my mojo.  I've had one kiddo volunteer to come decorate here, but we are not.  It's a simple tree, with just lights, and that's it so far.

I have been asked to bring back our pajama tradition.  My Mom always looked forward to our family photo of each Christmas Eve.  I'd buy new pajamas for all of the family, and wrap them up.  Christmas Eve we'd all open them, put them on, and wear them all day Christmas Day. 

Here I am talking about Christmas, and we haven't even gotten to Thanksgiving.  

What is something a family member would make for the Thanksgiving meal that was not a "traditional" dish?   My grandmother on my Mom's side of the family would make fried chicken. If I remember right, it was coated chicken, then baked in the oven.  So technically not "fried" but it tasted that way.  My grandfather would make the dessert, which was usually a boxed cake of some sort, and frosted.  We never had turkey when we had a Thanksgiving meal at their house, which was different.

Kitchen-ness

One thing I keep in my freezer:  ginger root (and cranberries)

One thing I keep in my pantry:  honey

Homemade Ginger-ale is often requested, although I give the recipe out to the family so many times.  It truly is a staple for when anyone is sick or experiencing nausea.  I wish there was a way to make a giant batch, and can it.  

I would also buy my fresh cranberries in October, and put them in the freezer for Christmas.  The cranberries would be used for Mom's Hot Cranberry Punch recipe every year.  I however, did not buy any cranberries this year.

So, cranberries were often found in my freezer too.

Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal - another new recipe tried. The recipe is online with The Real Food Dietitians.  I borrowed their cookbook from our library, but the recipes they post online are not in the cookbook.  We are very much enjoying the breakfast oatmeal bake recipes.  There are about two more of their recipes to try.

The recipe for this bake was a one bowl mix, only uses one egg (you can substitute flax), and the only sugar in the bake is the 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips.  You can top it with peanut butter, yogurt, honey, or syrup.  I ate it plain and it was delicious.  You could top it with homemade whiskey butterscotch sauce too.

How I freeze my ginger root:

I wash the ginger root first, then let it dry on a veggie drying mat.  I then wrap it in plastic wrap, and then put it in a freezer bag (labeled and dated).  I take it out when I need it, and put it back in the freezer.   

Kitchen-ness © Nov 2023 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Recovering . . .slow going . . .

 One thing I realized being sick is, that I am on my own.  Too sick to get the mail?  Don't.  Too sick to do the housework or cook anything? Don't.  It was a rough weekend, as I rested to get over whatever I had.  It was bad enough, that I did not leave my pajamas for a few days.  The first morning I slept the entire day.  The only thing I did was let the chickens out, and that was also in my pajamas.  

I cannot stress on how I cannot wait for the new coop.  It will make my life so much easier in the way of layers.

My husband had brought home a pizza for himself, and chicken noodle soup for me.  The aftermath is yet to be cleaned up around here.

There is one thing I know now.  Do not try to knit when you do not feel good.  At least for me anyway.  I was halfway done with a dishcloth, and messed up, and just frogged it all.  I put it way until I feel better.

My husband was not back to himself either.  I felt so bad we had no breakfast made, no dinners, no lunches, no laundry done, no dishes done from starting to get sick.  When he goes to work, he needs a packed breakfast, lunch and coffee.  At least the coffee can be pre-set the night before.

Homemade Ginger-Ale Simmering (before adding lemon and lime from real lemons and limes)

On a good note, we had medicine, medicinal teas, essential oils, lemons, limes, etc. all on hand.   Thank goodness we were stocked up on tissues.  On a bad note, we live too far away from anyone we know, so we have no one to bring us a meal, or anything we may need.  Sort of stinks in that way, in where people tell you "I wish you didn't live so far away" and such.

We did have one daughter text us and ask if we needed any medications or anything else.  

I realized when I out for the count, and my husband is still not feeling well, we do suffer.  We do are best, but there isn't anyone to cook healthy for us.  

I will have to step up on this, and put some things in our freezer.  Any suggestions for healthy breakfast to freeze (I know oatmeal is a good quick breakfast) when one is sick, or even other meals.  I have never frozen chicken noodle soup, so I am wondering if the noodles go to mush after thawing?

When you are ill, what do you eat for your breakfast if you can?  Just hot tea and toast?

I could see a need for some homemade bread to go in the freezer.  Toast is sometimes needed during times of sickness.  Maybe just some broth in the freezer?

While my husband is still on the mend, he is feeling better.  I hope to be feeling that good in 2-3 days.  He said his lasted about 5 and then he still had to take it slow.

I forgot to ask.  What is your favorite wellness tea with either an herb or medicinal weed or store bought tea?

Sick

 Everyone at my husband's work is sick.  My husband doesn't have a fever, so he goes to work not feeling well.  That is the problem with sickness.  Now it has spread to me despite keeping things clean, and hand washing around here.

I didn't even have the energy to let the chickens out.  Literally.  I slept in late.  I did not work out of course.  

I sipped a hot cup of yarrow tea.  Funny how I had just put some in the dehydrator too.  

I'll be back when I'm feeling better.  I hope to have the energy to make some homemade ginger-ale today.

Sunrise ~ Sickness

 

We had a beautiful sunrise the other day, and I could not help myself, but to take some photos.  There is still snow on our porch.

I had plans to take our outside Christmas lights down today, but that is not happening.  I have come down with a sickness, and of course all of our covid tests at home have expired.

I'm doing all I can do from home - mullein tea, eucalyptus/oil rub, 4 thieves, humidifier, diffuser, etc etc.  I really want some homemade ginger ale, but I have zero energy to make it.  I feel like someone beat me up, and the cough is horrible.  So far, no fever.

Not sure if I picked it up while out shopping, or have been over doing things here at the house.  I'll be taking a blog break to heal up and get over this, whatever it is.  The weather isn't helping either.  The frigid temps that we just had are now changing to the 50's with rain.

Sunrise ~ This and That

 

I took these photos of the sunrise yesterday.  There won't be many left to view as winter is rolling in.  So beautiful.

This is what the view from the porch looks like this morning.  Foggy and raining today.  No sunny sky today.

I got so side tracked on my to-do list.  I started in the living room, but realized I need a taller ladder, so that was brought in.  I took more yarn back upstairs, but brought more down, and completely got off track with the living room.  I did however, put a roast in the crock pot, so tonight it's easy leftovers.

We are so frustrated with ordering supplies for the living room.  The delivery date on our heater (fireplace) was Nov. 30th.  We've called two times, and each time they say they'll send an email to get more information on why it's not been shipped yet (and they never followed up/called us back).  I have brought in our small electric heaters we used to use in the pop-up camper.  It's taking the chill out and heating up the room for painting (for now).

Our flooring should be in by the end of the week, but we need the gas line hooked up before we can put that down.  Just a lot of "ugh" moments.

The nail polish ornaments got hangers attached, and were delivered to the salon.  I hope to sell them, as it feels so depressing not to participate in a craft show this year.

The chickens are not liking this weather, but are let out every day so far.  The egg laying is definitely on the slow-down.  I'm still trying to convince my husband to let me get a donkey.  We are him-hawing on putting some sort of meat animal in the barn (in the future).

I used to pick up note paper at the dollar store for my daily lists, but have not seen it there lately, and I am running low.  I still cannot get into my office.  I found one notebook to use for now, so I am hoping to stay on track today.

It sure doesn't feel like Christmas in our house.  We are hoping to have a tree up before Christmas, but with all the things slowing us down, I'm not sure that will even happen.

Daughter K is sick.  I felt bad that she is so far away, and had to care for her dogs while sick.  We called to check in on her last night.  Today I will send her my recipe for homemade ginger-ale, in hopes that her boyfriend will make it for her.

Finsished Halter Top and Not so good news. . .

I finished Daughter E's halter top.  I hope it fits.  If not, there is one size larger available to crochet.  It was the first time for me to create a "twisted cord" for a crochet project.  Very interesting.

Daughter K tested positive for covid, and she is very sick.  I am up early to make homemade ginger-ale, and start a diffuser in my own bedroom.  Unfortunately, I am congested and feel off.  We only have one home test left, and holding onto it for my husband if needed (he goes to work Monday, and if no symptoms has to work).  We need the last kit for if he gets symptoms.  We are having a terrible time find more home test kits (so they can test negative to return to work if needed).  Every place is completely out of home covid test kits, including the libraries.

I am back to working on the baby blanket and have another scrap lap afghan I can finish.  I may have to order some baby yarn today.  Thank goodness for Amazon.  I need supplies for another crochet project.  I have lots of books to keep me busy too.

i 

Dirty Dishes and Tragic News

 

I think I did about 5 rounds of dirty dishes, but then turned around and made homemade lemonade and a pot of homemade ginger-ale syrup for Daughter K.  She is sick.  Her throat was very sore, thus the extra dirty dishes.

Lemon juice can help break up the mucus and help a sore throat, plus it's packed with vitamin C.  Homemade ginger-ale has a lot of healing properties too, and helps with nausea as well.  

She was dealing with a very bad headache as well.  I surely hope she feels better this morning.

Tragic news.  My husband's first day back to work was not good.  He was told that a co-worker, 41 years old passed away.  A semi trailer crossed over the center line and landed his semi on top of my husband's co-worker's car.  I was told that it took 75 minutes to get the semi off of the car.  Mike (his co-worker) died at the hospital.  He leaves behind his high school sweet heart (wife) and two kids (7 and 9).

Tuesday Tidbits

Monday was a busy day for sure.  I called Daughter E to ask if the homemade ginger-ale I delivered was helping with her nausea.  She has lost her smell, but not her taste.  She is moving around to keep her from getting worse, and getting sun and fresh air.  She's basically bored stuck there all by herself.  She has dug out her craft box and made some friendship bracelets.

I called Mom to check in and see if her 14 free meals arrived.  Unfortunately, she is not seeing any improvements and said she'll call her doctor. Oh, and no meals.  

Breakfast - sweet potato, onion, sausage, mad hatter and jalapeno peppers, collards and kale, and eggs.

Dandelion greens were blanched and frozen.  I dug into the jungle of our potato patch.  Zero.  Well, not really zero, but a teensy one on each plant.  Lack for and too many super hot days was the problem this year.

I submitted a vendor request form to a business that is similar to one in the "Big City" but haven't heard back yet.  The one in the "Big City" was too expensive to rent and offered one table space to sell my handiwork.  

However, some great news!  I may be selling some things at a store on the island next summer season.  So excited.  I'll be working on those items this winter.  I've also spoken to the owner of the General Store in another town.  I've emailed them a photo of my jar grippers to sell there.  I pray it all works out.