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

Happy Homemaker Monday {April 7, 2025}

 

Welcome April!  First Monday of the month.  Spring time!  I love Spring flowers too.  The bad storms we had last week, brought so much rain, that flooding was an issue.  Even a park we were walking at, had closed a portion of it due to flooding.

On the health front, we are still looking for a tried and true kale/blueberry salad with homemade dressing.  I hate to waste ingredients, so I'm still asking around.  I plan to ask one of the local librarians soon (one who eats healthy and exercises etc.).

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

I will link up when she posts later.

The weather in my neck of the woods . . .

Woke up to 24°F with a frost.  Mid week the forecast is saying we may get more rain and possibly snow.  Our state is flooding everywhere, and we could definitely use a break from rain.  So many roads, and areas closed due to high water.  Our property is very saturated.

Our colder Spring weather, and frost, may affect the wild grown violets here, as well as our asparagus harvest.  Possibly the pear, apple and peach trees too.

As I look outside my window . . .

Very foggy and chilly.

Right now I am . . .

Sipping hot coffee and writing out my meal plan.

Something fun to share . . .

Nothing today.

On my TV . . .

Tombstone

On my reading pile. . .

Current book off my home bookshelf.  Apparently, I bought it over a year ago or so.

Listening to . . .

80's music maybe today.  Not sure.

On the menu . . .

-Chicken pesto pasta

-Baked Perch

-Chili, cornbread or cheddar chive biscuits

-Red lentil hummus for healthy snack option

-Leftovers

On my to-do list . . .

-Bake breakfast, sweet potato hash with veggies and eggs

-Dinner prep

-Muck coop

-Visit library book sale (gulp!) Maybe.  Maybe not this week.

-New Recipe to Try:  Bourbon Candied Walnuts (to use on salads)

-Look into local activities, crochet meet up's, book clubs, outdoor exercise groups, writing groups, cookbook book clubs....heck, I'm even considering doing coffee and crochet at my own house.  Just random thinking and pondering, but I know garden season will bring "busy" into the mix too.  

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating . . .

. . .finished three more crocheted pacifier holders for future gifts.

(will get a photo soon)

. . .started a lap afghan to eventually donate to an organization or person in need.

. . . finished more books, hence more granny squares for our book blanket.  You can see some of the recent ones on my blogpost HERE.

My simple pleasures . . .

(have to think about this one more)

Looking around the house . . .

I have a lot of yarn to put away.  I've been sorting it to decide on more lap afghan colors.

From the camera . . .

(nothing today, I've been off-line a lot more often lately)

Bible Verse, Devotional, Prayers . . .

Prayers for Specific Situations:

If you are struggling with a specific problem:
"Lord, I bring before you this [specific problem]. I know you are in control, and I trust in your timing. Help me to find the strength to persevere and not give up hope that you will guide me to a solution."
(source:  Google)

Happy Homemaker Monday {April 7, 2025}  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart