Pioneer Woman at Heart

I tried a new recipe that was given to us by our well being (insurance) point program.  I adjusted it to organic and homegrown ingredients. Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus (adapted with organic/homegrown ingredients) 2 cans (15 oz.) chickpeas, rinsed and drained (organic) ⅓ cup fat-free yogurt (I used full fat homemade using my dehydrator to make it) ¼ cup tahini (or homemade with sesame seeds ) 3 garlic cloves(organic home grown) ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomato (dehydrated home grown grape tomatoes) 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves (organic from the garden) 2 tsp. lemon juice (organic) Directions Process chickpeas, yogurt, tahini, and garlic in a food processor until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomato bits and oregano; season to taste with lemon juice. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Of course this is a "healthier" version of hummus, as it uses less tahini and no olive oil.    Don't have the yogurt?  Just use my traditional recipe and add the t...

We had a high of 77°F, Hubby had to work, so I worked around the house etc.  Even though we took a nice long ride with our motorcycle friends, I logged 20,000 steps on my fitbit. Here's a few pictures of what's been cookin'.   Sun dried tomato hummus.  Recipe to come. Mustard dip for the pretzels. Whiskey Stix with homemade garlic powder and organic cayenne. Crock pot chicken and wild rice (no cream sauce) and roasted asparagus with rosemary.  This was a new recipe and very good despite no cream sauce in the rice.  One daughter, who hates mushrooms, ate her entire plate.  The recipe is online at "Today" and is called Slow-Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. Easy Broccoli and Cheese Egg Bake Recipe is online at "It's a Veg World After All" and I just adapted organic ingredients and added garlic powder.  I like to use a large onion with this recipe.  The crunch and flavor from the onion is great togeth...

Using your dehydrator and guidebook, dice shallots, spread it out on parchment paper lined dehydrator trays.  My guidebook states to dehydrate at 155° (same for onions). I store mine in my freezer, as they quickly absorb moisture and when stored in the pantry do not stay crisp.  Anything from the onion family powdered will absorb moisture in the pantry as well (even in an airtight container). To re hydrate, I do equal amounts of warm water and dehydrated shallots (same for onions), and let sit for about 20 minutes and drain.  Used as you would in any recipe. At the same time you are making diced in the dehydrator, you can make finer diced, and grind in to powder and store the same way (in an air tight container).   Tip:  Use a food processor to dice the shallots (or onions).

I deleted one item from our wish list - buy a pressure canner.  I tried to order it directly from All-American, but it was "out of stock."  It didn't surprise me.  I found the same one on Amazon and put in my order.   Hubby wants to build my "garden shed" now with old barn wood.  Not sure if it will happen, but it would allow me to have all the tools right by the garden.  Crossing my fingers on this one. Peas have been planted.  Sugar snap and shell peas.  I am now looking for empty pie tins to hang on my fencing to keep the birds away.  I need to dig through old clothes and try and fix up my scare crow now.  We are however anticipating a cold week May 4-10th with possible lows in the 30's.  This is not normal May weather. I've been keeping my eye on the nettles.  The recent rain should be helping them out, so hopefully soon I'll be harvesting more.   I started a thyme tincture.  First time doing this...

Peel several cloves of garlic.  You will need a garlic mincer to do this. Line the dehydrator trays with parchment paper. Using the garlic mincer, mince the garlic onto the parchment paper.  I use the tip of a knife to spread the garlic out. Using the directions in your dehydrator guide book, dehydrate the minced garlic until crisp.  Once done, simply scrap the dried garlic off and store in an airtight glass jar. The color will change as it dries. Note:  I use this in my canned cowboy candy and any recipe that calls for minced (dry) garlic.

There were a few requests interested in the recipe for the breakfast casserole.  The recipe is online from AllRecipes (Easy Broccoli-Cheese Casserole).  I simply used organic ingredients, and added 1 tsp. homemade garlic powder and a 1/4 tsp. homemade fire powder to add flavor.  In all honesty, I think this recipe would make a great side dish as well for family get togethers.  I like this one particularly because it uses less eggs.   As for the family's recipe for Hot Cranberry Punch.  I have the recipe on my blog - HERE .  It's been a tradition in our family for years and years, and my youngest daughter wanted to have some with her cookies I baked (and wanted to learn how to make it).  It was sort of something to take her mind to a peaceful place I think, and I was thrilled she wanted to make it herself. How to make Fire Powder: Dehydrate a mix of hot peppers according to your dehydrator instruction book.  Grind the dried peppe...

As much as I'd like to keep the pandemic issues off my blog and keep them upbeat homesteading posts, yesterday's briefing was a debbie downer. We remain under shut-in order, and no groups of 10 or more until June 1st.  They did no lift the shut in order. Daughter's grad party was for late June.  Now I have to wait and see what he says June 1st.  Those who liked him in the beginning do not like him now. There has been no talk at all about campgrounds opening and a lot more. Camping is social distancing.  The list of what remains closed is very long. I feel like we are the prisoners and at war with the government. Meanwhile GA opened hair salons, bowling alleys, tattoo parlors and more.  Too early for them?  I guess we'll all find out. Our 18 year old had to apply for pandemic relief pay of some kind - for unemployed that cannot work due to the orders set.  She applied for another assistance as well.  I think my husband and other daughter ...