Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Monday, October 31, 2016

Happy Homemaker Monday

It's been too long since I joined the Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom, and Happy Homemaker Monday.  I hope you enjoy today's post.

The weather outside is. . .

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Random Tidbits ~ Fall Cleaning

I'm adding more chives to meals.  Eggs are not just eggs anymore.    I read that chives work like garlic does, when it comes to "heart" health.  I'm adding red onions more often to meals then before as well.

Hubby's snack at work is a combination of non-gmo nuts - walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cashews and raisins.  In moderation of course.

Friday, October 28, 2016

More Chutney ~ Sweet-Hot Caramelized Onions

Yesterday was a busy day again.  I can see more of the kitchen table top, and we can actually sit and eat there.  Some of us anyway.  I had two crock pots going, while another batch of green tomato chutney (the one with raisins) simmered.  

 ...and all while the laundry went on the line.  It was still a dark, dreery, cold day.  However, it was windy. 

We tasted the chutney on the turkey breast that was cooking with sweet potatoes and onions in one crock pot.  Delicious!

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Pumpkin Butter ~ Random Tidbits

I had my own sous chef yesterday, so I got a lot done by 2pm.  Hubby was my chopping helper and enjoyed it actually.  I told him he needs to hurry up and retire. I kind of like having him at home.

I roasted the last two pumpkins for making pumpkin butter - delicious!!!  One container for the fridge, and two went into the freezer.

We'll use it to top waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, biscuits, toast and more.  Maybe use it in a dessert if the need arises. 

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Green Tomato Chutney ~ Green Tomato Relish.



I brought in 17# of green tomatoes before our frost, so I canned a simple green tomato chutney.  


There are so many recipes, I just wanted to try a simple one first.  It filled 6 half-pints (tripled recipe), so I hope it's tasty.  This came from the book "Foolproof Preserving."  It appears I could have thickened it just a bit more, but it was already sticking to the pan.

What was next?

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Frost Warning ~ Puttin' Up Herbs

 A frost warning was set for last night, so I moved into high gear and worked on what should be brought in first.  I Cut the last of the parsley my herb garden could give me (while canning)


 ...a few more comfrey leaves


 ....the last of the calendula flowers.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Pie Pumpkin Puree

I purchased 8 pie pumpkins so far, and roasted them all for puree.  The first 6  weighed in about 15.71 lbs. 
I typically cut them and clean them all, and roast them all in one day.  This time I roasted two a day, until I was done.  I have a dog that likes to steal food, so I made sure I didn't have a lot going on.  Funny how all the dogs don't touch the tomatoes.  Anyway...


I used parchment paper this year.  I usually add water and cover, but not this year.  It works pretty well too.  Parchment paper isn't cheap, so I buy it at our dollar store for $1 a box.  It gets me through the holiday baking season on a dime as well.