March 14, 2025

Worcestershire Sauce


3 onions chopped

1kg brown sugar

2 tbsp ground ginger

4 tbsp salt

2 oranges roughly chopped

4.5 liters malt vinegar

2 kgs apples roughly chopped

1 tsp cayenne pepper 🌶

2 tbsp cloves

Throw in a pot, boil slowly for 3 hours. Let cool. Strain. Bottle. 

I add chillies 🌶🌶🌶


March 13, 2025

Air drying herbs & vegetables

 

How to Dry Herbs & Vegetables Without a Dehydrator

Drying herbs and vegetables is a fantastic way to preserve your garden’s bounty or leftover farmer’s market produce for use year-round. While a food dehydrator can speed up the process, you don’t need special equipment to successfully dry your produce. Many herbs and vegetables can be air-dried or dried in the oven with minimal effort. Here’s how to do it, plus tips to ensure the best results.

Herbs & Vegetables That Can Be Dried Without a Dehydrator

Herbs
• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Mint
• Parsley
• Dill
• Chives
• Marjoram

Vegetables
• Tomatoes (for making sun-dried tomatoes in the oven)
• Peppers (hot or sweet)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Kale
• Spinach
• Carrots (grated or sliced thin)
• Zucchini (sliced or shredded)

Air-Drying Method
Air-drying is ideal for herbs and certain vegetables that don’t have a high moisture content. This method works best in a dry, warm, and well-ventilated area.

Steps for Air-Drying Herbs
1. Harvest herbs in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day.
2. Gently shake off any dirt or rinse lightly and pat dry with a towel.
3. Gather small bunches (about five to ten stems) and tie them together with twine or a rubber band.
4. Hang the bunches upside down in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated space, like a pantry or a covered porch.
5. Depending on humidity levels, herbs will dry in 1-2 weeks. They are ready when they crumble easily.
6. Remove the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.

Steps for Air-Drying Vegetables
• Thinly slice low-moisture vegetables like peppers and onions.
• Lay them out on a clean, breathable surface like a mesh rack or parchment paper in a dry, warm area.
• Turn them every few days to ensure even drying.
• Once brittle, store them in airtight containers.

Oven-Drying Method
For vegetables and moisture-rich herbs, oven drying is a more reliable option.

Steps for Oven-Drying Herbs & Vegetables
1. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (typically 150-200°F).
2. Arrange herbs or vegetable slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Leave the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape (you can prop it open with a wooden spoon).
4. Check herbs after 1-2 hours; they should crumble easily.
5. Vegetables may take 4-6 hours depending on thickness. Flip them halfway through drying.
6. Once fully dry, cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Tips for Successful Drying
• Choose the best produce: Only dry fresh, unblemished herbs and vegetables for the best flavor and storage quality.
• Avoid damp conditions: Humidity can slow drying and promote mold.

Ensure a dry environment for air-drying.
• Store properly: Keep dried herbs and vegetables in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to retain freshness.
• Label your jars: Include the drying date to track freshness. Most dried herbs last up to a year, while dried vegetables can last even longer.
• Test for dryness: If a vegetable bends instead of breaking, it needs more drying time.


https://lynchburgliving.com/preserving-garden-goodness/

February 21, 2025

Tallow Balm- Natural lotion

It is great to use as a natural moisturizer on dry skin, rashes, burns, scars, etc. (this is not medical advice)

Here are the steps: 1. Clean and cut your beef suet into 1 inch cubes. 2. Cook in a crockpot on low (200-250 F) for 12-24 hours. 3. Strain through 2 layers of cheese cloth. 4. Let sit in a bowl to come to room temperature. It will be completely white. 5. Scrape off any impurities on the bottom. 6. Put 4 parts tallow and 1 part oil (avocado or coconut) into a large standing mixer.
7. Add any essential oils you like. 8. Beat the tallow until in become fluffy and airy. 9. Store in a dark/cool place in jars for up to 1 year or longer in the refrigerator. Ingredients: 4 parts rendered tallow 1 part mild oil of choice Essential oils for scent -Options-Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemon Example: 16 ounces rendered tallow to 4 ounces oil


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSxIGB_Gu7U

February 15, 2025

Hershey's Brownies

 1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup sugar

1 t vanilla

2 eggs

1/2 cup unsifted all purpose flower 1/3 cup cocoa powder 

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt


Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Blend butter, suga and vanilla in bowl

Add eggs and beat well with a wooden spoon

Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt

Gradually blend into egg mixture.

Spread in a greased 9 inch square pan

Bake for 22 minutes

The brownie will be starting to pull away from the edges of the pan.

Let cool before cutting into squares.

February 14, 2025

Easy Lemon Pudding

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2/3 cup granulated sugar

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

6 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup berries of your choice to garnish


In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, sugar and lemon zest. Breing to a boil.

Adjust the heat to a gental boil, and cook, stirring ofter, for 5 minutes.

Add the lemon juice and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring frequently.

Take the pan off the heat and let the cream cool for 5 minutes.

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a 4 cup liquid measuring cup or other container for eay pouring. 

Pour into for 4 ounce ramekins or glasses.

Refrigerate, uncovered for 2-3 hours or until set

Add the garnish before serving.

 

February 10, 2025

Cottage cheese chocolate chip cookies

 

  • 2 cups almond flour packed
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cups dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, add almond flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • To a small blender, add cottage cheese, egg, vanilla and oil. Process until smooth, about 20-30 seconds.
  • Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the dry ingredients and fold together until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips. The dough will look like muffin batter but will get thicker as it sets. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the cookie dough and place it on one of the prepared baking sheets, spaced at least two inches apart. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/cottage-cheese-cookies/

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

February 9, 2025

Chicken teriyaki

 2 lbs chicken breast

16 oz stir fry frozen veggies

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

1/4 t ground ginger

1/4 t salt 

1/4 t pepper

1/4 t crushed red pepper


Add to crockpot and cook low 8 hours or high 4-6 hours

February 8, 2025

Stuffed pepper soup

 1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion diced

1 t minced garlic

3 belll peppers diced

28 oz can diced tomatoes

8 oz can tomato sauce

salt & pepper to taste

1 t italian seasoning

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese


All all but rice and cheese to crockpot

Cook Low 4-6 hours

Add in cooked rice 15-30 min prior to serving

Top with cheese.

Serve

February 7, 2025

Honey sesame chicken

 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

2 T olive oil

1/2 onion diced

2 T minced garlic

1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes

salt & pepper to taste


Add chicken to crockpot

Mix all the other ingredients together in a bowl

Add to chicken

Cook low 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours

Serve with rice and broccoli


February 6, 2025

Crockpot nacho chicken

 2 lb chicken breast

1 taco seasoning packet

1 can Rotel


Place all in crockpot

Cook 5-7 hours on low or 3-5 hours on high

Shred chicken once cooked

Place over tortilla chips or serve in taco shells

Add cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, guac

February 5, 2025

Crockpot chicken wings

 3 lbs chicken wings

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

1/4 cup orange juice

1 t garlic powder

1/8 t black pepper


Place all in crock pot

Cook on low for 3-4 hours

1/2 hour prior to serving preheat oven to 425

Prepare nonstick foil lined baking pan

Add chicken to the pan and bake 20 min


February 4, 2025

Croatian Cheesecake

  • CRUST:
  • 2 cups Simple Mills cinnamon sweet thin cookies, pulse in food processor
  • 3/4 cup almonds, sliced, pulse in food processor
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, pulse in food processor
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, pulse in food processor
  • 1/3 cup wheat germ, can substitute ground flax
  • 1/4 cup paleo flour, optional
  • 8 Tbl, butter, salted, melted
  • FILLING:
  • 2 1/2 cups cottage cheese, whole milk, 4%, small curd, drained
  • 1 cup whipped cream cheese or mascarpone, about room temperature
  • 3/4 cup maple sugar
  • 4 eggs, pasture raised, beaten
  • 4 Tbl. Paleo flour, can substitute regular flour
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 3 large lemons, zest and juice
  • TOPPING:
  • 2 (6 oz.) container Greek lemon yogurt, best brand is Noosa lemon yogurt or creme fraiche
  • 3/4 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Coat the pan (bottom and sides) with cooking spray (i.e., coconut oil). Cut a piece of parchment paper the size of the round bottom and place in the pan.
  2. Pulse in a food processor the graham crackers, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds wheat germ. Remove to a bowl. Add the melted butter and blend well. Add the paleo flour for extra support to hold the nut mixture together more securely. Totally optional.
  3. Put into the spring form pan and pat down well firming the crust. Prebake/set in the preheated 325 oven for 6-8 minutes. Remove and let cool thoroughly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, put the cottage cheese, whipped cream cheese, sugar, eggs and flour. Whisk together well. Add the lemon juice and zest. Blend together well. Pour into the pan.
  5. Place the pan on a cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 325 oven about 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick basically comes clean from the center. (Note: Doneness also is evident when the top begins showing ‘cracks’ and crevices on top.)
  6. Remove to a cooling rack. Take a butter knife and gently move around the perimeter of the cheesecake loosening the sides.
  7. Disengage the pan when the cheesecake is completely cooled.
  8. If not serving immediately, cover well with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It helps refrigerate a few hours before serving. This helps to set the flavors and the texture of the cheesecake.
  9. When ready to serve, put the lemon yogurt on the top spreading around. Sprinkle on the blueberries. Refrigerate or slice immediately.

Notes

Cook time may vary depending upon variables like altitude, different ovens. The thing to do is the skewer test to check for doneness (middle of cheesecake). Also, you'll start to see small cracks and fissures on the top of the cheesecake as it's nearing doneness.

You can use a deep baking dish to make this cheesecake.You'llust the baking time accordingly to the thickness of the cheesecake.

Sometimes I love to make the crust thicker. If you like that, simply add about another 1/2 to 3/4 cups of graham crackers, 1/4 cup of wheat germ and/or ground nuts and another two tablespoons of melted butter into the mixture.

You can also use other types of packaged cookies in lieu of the graham crackers, vanilla wafers, butter cookies, or anything that's a plain cookie that can be crushed.

This cheesecake keeps well for several days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Don't think of this cheesecake as just for dessert. As a kid, I would eat it for breakfast!

If you want more of a 'thin' cheesecake, use a 9x13 pan, then you can cut cheesecake squares.

https://allyskitchen.com/hallmark-croatian-cheesecake/?

January 17, 2025

Struble chocolate eclair cake

2 (3 ounce) packages instant french vanilla pudding mix 

3 cups milk 

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 

1 (16 ounce) package graham crackers

1 can chocolate fudge frosting

 Directions In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and 3 cups milk; mix well. Fold in whipped topping and beat with mixer for 2 minutes. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the dish. Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over crackers, then top with graham crackers. Spread remaining pudding over crackers; top second pudding layer with another layer of crackers. 


Microwave chocolate frosting at 30 sec intervals until pourable when stirred. Pour icing over graham cracker layer and refrigerate until set; serve.

Enjoy

January 16, 2025

Struble ice cream cake

 1 family size package of double stuffed oreos

1 container of cool whip

1 large bottle of hershey syrup

1 1/2 -2 cartons of ice cream (cookies & cream is a favorite) You can use 2 different flavors


Crumble the entire package of cookies in the food processor

Place 1/2 of the cookie crumbs along the bottom of a 9 x 13 dish

Drizzle chocolate syrup all across the cookie crumb

Spread 1/2 container of cool whip over the chocolate syrup

Spread semi melted ice cream over the cool whip

Let set to melt enough to smooth the layer 

Spread the other 1/2 of cool whip on top of the ice cream

Add the other 1/2 of the cookie crumbs

Drizzle the other half of the bottle of chocolate syrup on top

Freeze to set up over night

Set out about 30 minutes before serving to make it easier to cut.

Serve and enjoy