Pioneer Woman at Heart

I adapted this family recipe with homegrown, organic ingredients.  The original recipe is from my own Mom, and called for "shortening" so feel free to use organic shortening if you can't find real lard or process your own lard. The crunch is also a thin dessert.  It is not thick and will go quickly, as it is so good.   Rhubarb Crunch 1 cup flour 1 tsp. Baking powder 2 Tbsp. lard (or shortening) 1/2 tsp. salt Cut lard into dry ingredients.  Add 1 beaten farm fresh egg.  Pat into the bottom of a 13 x 9 in. baking pan.  Scatter 2-3 cups of diced rhubarb over the crust. Mix: 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup butter Cut butter into mixture and sprinkle over the rhubarb.  Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.

We were blessed with another sunshiny day, and no rain.  I went way out to the garlic and tried to recover it, lining up the holes.  Didn't happen.  Hmpf.  I then tried to hand hoe it.  Didn't happen.  Too wet, which put me instantly in a depressed mood.  It's not drying out, we can't till.  We can't plant.  Clouds moved in by 2pm, so the sun didn't last too long, but we warmed up to the low 70's. I sat on the porch and chatted with a daughter, contemplating my options for the day.  Previous to that, I pulled weeds by the side door (what a mess).  I decided to clean the porch and get some things out of the barn.  Daughter helped, and soon it was swept, and furniture out and looking cozy.  I just need flowers, hanging pots and flower beds weeded now. Question for you all. I have always infused my oils with dry herbs.  Everything I've read states it is safer.  I'm also reading that chickweed loses it's val...

I literally made a "possibilities" list yesterday.  The sun came out (shocker), and the rain was only 10%.  I had no idea what to tackle first.  Garden?  Herb garden?  Garlic? Wash rugs?  Clean off the porch?  Fix the vacuum?  Harvest chickweed, plantain and clevers?  Start another jar of Four Thieves Vinegar?  Take a lawn chair out into the sunshine and read a book?  Oh, so many possibilities. I just wrote out a list and went with the flow, starting with anything that could be washed and dried outside (taking a chance). First off the list - leaning tower of dishes.  Put them away only to get most back out again.  Oh look!  Rotten bananas! Second off the list - rugs washed and on the line.  I could not believe the sun was out and the rain went away for a day. Next?  I had all good intentions to get the bathroom scrubbed, tidied, swept and mopped. After checking the garlic and asparagus I notic...

It was my turn to take the lead for the day, as Hubby was super tired, exhausted, and plain worn out.   The rain continues to fall, so the expensive electric dryer has been humming more often than not lately.  I'm not happy about it, but I can't do anything about the rain but pray it quits. I think I need a second Mother's Day off from cooking.  Whew.  I dirtied so many dishes yesterday.  After getting a breakfast casserole mixed up, I had to wash dishes just to make dinner. Granola bars - cherry, chocolate chip with hemp seeds. Breakfast casserole.  I dug out my frozen organic cottage cheese for this one.  Worked perfect.  I had to taste it since I never made this one before. Dinner - Chicken spaghetti, and at the last minute decided on corn vs. asparagus.  I'd like to pick a bit more for another meal. Sorry it's all food pictures.  I'm pretty sure you don't want to see rain and clouds.

Hubby: "When is your birthday?" Me: "Tomorrow." Hubby:  " Oh Sh*t!" That was Thursday night, ha ha! My birthday morning excitement was getting up at 5:30am and packing Hubby's breakfast and lunch, making my own breakfast, running the dishwasher, feeding the animals, washing a pair of jeans, and making a tea infusion. I visited Mom and took her a Mother's Day gift.  Hubby didn't have to work 2nd shift, but it was a rather boring birthday.  No flowers, no gifts, no cake or ice cream etc.  I know he's working a lot of hours, so I gave him a pass.  As for the older kids, I'm lucky to get a "Happy Birthday" text message. Hubby and our Youngest daughter later took me out for a steak dinner, which was pretty good. I checked on the hens early.  Move in day was Thursday night and it was the battle of "Who is large and in charge."  I went to make sure they were all okay.  They are skiddish, but they'll just hav...

I made a steak/potato/asparagus sheet pan dinner the other night, and all of us were disappointed in the steaks - organic ribeye and expensive.  They were more fatty than I have ever purchased.  These are typically not available until "grilling" season starts, and I was super excited to have them again.  This time?  Not so.  I'll be checking out a new organic, grass fed farm that is one hour away. I however, made our delicious whiskey/garlic butter ( Black and Blue Cheese Butter ) to top the steaks and potatoes, so now I have to use up that butter one way or another. The recipe for the sheet pan dinner is from Rachel Ray's show.  Just google it.  Super easy, I just need a new steak to use for it.  Please be patient with me catching up with your blogs.  I have so much to catch up on in my kitchen alone right now.  Hmpf.  I know it'll be so nice when I'm done.  Now, if I can get Hubby to start on that bathr...

I'm slowly trying to get order of the homestead.  Thankfully we hired our biker friend to mow the almost 6 acres on the only sunny dry day, while we were gone.  Whew.   While I put loads of laundry on the line (cold but windy), I picked the asparagus.  It's still doing well for us. Also, while the washer hummed away, I cooked up dandelions, potatoes, onion, bacon, jalapenos and eggs for a scramble.  Poor Youngest was complaining about missing my cooking.  Not that I was in the mood to jump back in, but it was done. Hubby is back to work, and in full swing.  It's that time at work where they shut down and work double shifts, 16 hour days for 4-6 weeks.   Not the greatest picture since it was super windy, but my bleeding hear is in full bloom right now. A late bloomer.  Nice.  I hope it keeps spreading.  It's the only purple one I have right now. Our youngest was being bullied (was threatened by a stu...