Pioneer Woman at Heart

I don't know why I have never thought of millet vs. rice when I stuffed peppers to freeze last summer.   I'm very happy with the taste of my "thrown together" recipe too.  We had a so-so bell pepper year, so I had to (gulp!) buy these (organic of course).  They were pretty large, so I purchased 4, however the amount of filling I made, would have stuffed 5 large peppers. Here is how I made them, and the next batch I make will be doubled and some frozen for winter.  I have never frozen cooked millet, but from what I have read, it will freeze well.  However to freeze these, I will blanch the peppers first, so the crunch won't be there.  When cooked with fresh peppers, you get a nice crunchy pepper. Made with organic ingredients, home grown etc.   Millet Stuffed Peppers 5 large bell peppers, cut in half, seeds removed Set aside and continue: 1 cup millet, rinsed 3 cups broth (your choice, vegetable or chicken) Cook millet per instr...

On Monday I totally forgot to post a Happy Homemaker post.  Sorry about that.  I had a "paperwork" day with bill paying, filing. I even filed some recipes I had out and used, filed some of the new ones, and cleaned up the "office" area a bit. Rain arrived just as they said it would.  It will soften up the soil and make weeding the garden much easier. Pear picking is on hold until the rain stops, but I hope we get that window of opportunity before our hard freeze arrives this weekend.  I'm collecting new pear recipes to try (like I need more). The hens have gone from molting and laying 1 egg a day, to 4 now.  However, this little one on the left sure looks like a new layer egg, ha ha!  They are not back up to laying the amount we need on daily basis.  I'm also certain the Araucanas (blue/green eggs) are not laying at all.  Last winter they started laying again.  I guess we'll see.  I don't want to be feeding layers organic grain,...

It's been a long few weeks of tearing out the garden.  For me it's been a tough haul.  Due to unfortunate circumstances, I could not keep up with maintaining it this summer, so the aftermath was this:  There are green pepper plants in that mess. (Before) Same area (in progress)   My sad looking pea fence (before). Done!  Still moving on through the garden. The front of that area is where my potatoes were planted (before).  Done!  Again...still moving on through the garden.  The very last of the potatoes were dug up. Larger Tomato patch all done and ready for winter.  I just have to get my pie pan and metal pole put away for next year. Rough, tough, and difficult to totally remove before winter.  I'd like to post some pristine looking photos, but this is reality.  I can't do everything, nor can my family.  However, I am sticking to it. "Biker Sally" is a bit slumped ov...

The sunrise was just plain gorgeous yesterday morning.  Hubby was called into work, although we planned a family day with the girls. Grab your coffee - this post is a "rambler." There's not much on homesteading packed into this post either (strangely).   Sort of a "play" day for us that ended on a not-so-good note.  With my treadmill out of commission, and Hubby off to work (yeah, I could have done squats, push-ups etc), I went to the porch and watched the sunrise in peace.  Although a teensy chilly, it may be the last good weather weekend we have.  Good morning sunshine!   By that time it was still too early to head to the garden.  The dew was pretty thick. So I debated. And waited. And made breakfast to kill some time. A totally self-sufficient breakfast - garden potatoes, onion, jalapeno, one dinky bell pepper, a bit of kale and eggs.  Then Hubby announced he'd make it home in time for the "family" ...

Conversation while taking the laundry off the clothesline. Me:  "Honey have you seen what I've gotten done in the garden lately?" (which is a small start) Hubby: "Yeah." (looking out at the garden) Hubby: "Do we really have to take all that out?" Me:  "Well we can't very well till it in." Hubby: (after a long pause and sigh) "I guess we can't" (lowers head) Lots of hard work in the garden, and I imagine over the weekend.  We'll see what gets done I guess.  Potatoes have to cure for about 10 days before going in our potato bin.  This puts me in a bind for space.   No less, I dug the remaining Kennebec and more sweet potatoes on Friday, and brought in another 30#.  My kitchen will be a mess for another 10 days plus.  I guess I can live with that.  I just hope the food sharks (dogs) don't run off with any during the process.  The one thing I did not thing about - where am I storing the sweet potatoes...

I took the advice of so many thoughtful folks, and took the day off from the garden Thursday.  Totally felt guilty after seeing the weather forecast too.  Winter will roll in quick and I am far from ready.  I still took the day off.  I donned the apron instead.  And I did a little handiwork. And downed a tincture while I baked (for my swollen glands, slight sore throat).  I had my tea afterwards. I finished a project and I never thought I would.  Especially this time of season. I started this back before the 4th of July, and well, it's done! I'll link up with Jill for "Friday Finish" once she has posted. As for the cookie experiment. . . Calling all of those who love a crispy, crunchy molasses cookies!  Do you have a tried and true recipe? I do not.    So I tried one (Sally's Baking Addition online - Crisp Molasses Cookies).  Only I used 1 cup Einkorn flour, and 1 cup regular (organic) all-purpose, and local sorgh...

First off, I just want to say that I don't write my blog to brag, boast, nor compete with any person.  I simply share my experiences we go through in maintaining a self-sufficient life, processed food free, healthy, using natural remedies, and sometimes funny homesteading life.  I consider myself unique, one-of-a-kind, and love to learn from others. I am inspired by others, and I hope I myself, create inspiration to others.   This morning's sunrise.  Another beautiful start to my day. The weather is cold.  Brr.  Not cold enough to turn on the heat, burn wood or get out the carhartts, but it's cold.   Garden work resumed, but with less hours, and no digging.  Hubby promised he'd help after work a few nights to ease the strain on my back.  He is always so tired when he gets home. I am trying to get it pulled for a few hours every day this week. Meatballs were restocked.  They'll last a lot longer now that we are do...