Plaintain

This is the last one for tonight. Another "weed" we tend to overlook in our yards. So many wonderful uses for this as well. I will be sharing the links to several below.

https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/10-things-to-make-with-plantain/
https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2015/05/harvesting-and-drying-plantain.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&m=1
https://www.studiobotanica.com/plantain-medicine-the-ultimate-soothing-healer/
https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/10-things-to-make-with-plantain/
https://mommypotamus.com/plantain-salve-recipe/
https://abetterwaytothrive.com/simple-first-aid-salve-with-plantain/
https://abetterwaytothrive.com/simple-first-aid-salve-with-plantain/

Wineberries

Remember that app I was telling you about? I used it to identify this as well even though I was already familiar with it.  When my children were growing up they waited patiently for these small berries to make their appearances so they could pick them and enjoy them. 
Over the years we have eaten them right off the bush, made sorbets, eaten them in salads, dropped them in tea and more!

https://wingingitonthehomestead.com/wineberry-vinegar/
http://www.twobearsfarm.com/2015/07/wineberry-sorbet-recipe.html?spref=pi
https://homeiswheretheloveis.wordpress.com/2012/07/02/wineberry-pie-and-a-new-dinner-recipe/
https://www.lifeslittlesweets.com/wineberry-recipes-collection/
https://www.backyardforager.com/wineberry-wildcrafted-cocktail/

Here are some links to recipes and ways to use them, Enjoy!

Dandelion

How many of you have Dandelion in your yard? How many of you consider it a dreadful weed? Are you aware of all the things you can make with it?

I went on a walk today and used an app called "Picture This" to identify all the cool things in my yard. This is one of many things I found.

It wasn't until recently that I found all the marvelous things you can make with it. You can even eat the leaves! Check out some of the links I posted and let me know if you try any of them!

https://www.simplycanning.com/dandelion-jelly.html
https://simplybeyondherbs.com/dandelion-salve-and-lip-balm/
https://www.growforagecookferment.com/dandelion-recipes/
https://moonandspoonandyum.com/dandelion-recipes/
https://canadiancookingadventures.com/recipe/dandelion-iced-tea/

Homemade Butter

Butter has got to be one of the easiest things to make!  All you need is heavy cream and salt (if you wanted salted butter).  That's it! Do it yourself or let your kids make it.

Put it in a mixer with whisk attachment or put it in a jar and shake it.  Easy peasy!

I made 3 small bowls in a matter of minutes.

Blueberry Bagels

My daughter loves blueberry bagels for breakfast and we couldn't find any last time we went shopping. Well I have tons of blueberries in the freezer so I thought why not try and make my own!

They didn't turn our pretty or exactly how I envisioned but they do taste good! I also learned a few things that I will do differently in the future such as roll them smaller and thicker, leave them on a floured surface to rise (not parchment paper) and move the oven rack down some.  Simple enough!

This is the recipe I used..
https://findingbakersbliss.wordpress.com/2015/01/27/blissful-blueberry-bagels/

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Being stuck in the house with no where to go have you feeling blah? Try this recipe for a nice surprise for the family.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

3/4 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 square unsweetened chocolate, melted and cool
1 teaspoon vanilla

Sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 packed brown sugar
3 Tablespoons cocoa
1 1/2 cup boiling water

In large bowl measure flour, 2/3 cup sugar. 1/2 teaspoon salt, baking powder, milk, butter, chocolate and vanilla. Beat on low speed until mixed and then beat on 4 minutes at medium speed. Pour into an 8x8 dish.

To make sauce mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt. brown sugar and cocoa in medium bowl. Sprinkle over chocolate mixture.  Pour boiling water over all. DO NOT STIR Bake at 350 for 60 minutes. Cake will separate into cake and sauce layers.

Cool slightly and serve with whipped cream.

Whipped Cream 

heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar to taste
1-2 tsp vanilla
Mix using a whisk attachment until desired consistency.

Stevia

Years ago my sister gave me a book called "Growing and Using Stevia ". Not sure why I held on to it but I am glad I did.  Before we were told we have to stay home except for essentials I ran out to the local greenhouse and low and behold they had Stevia plants! I picked up two and came home, grabbed my book and started reading. 

Reading the book I have learned how to start stevia from seeds, cuttings and transplants, how to grow them outdoors in the garden or in containers, how to harvest the leaves to make green stevia powder or liquid stevia extract and several recipes to use it in.

Now I am excited to watch them grow and take advantage of both plants to try new things including trying to start my own plants.

Does your local greenhouse carry the plants?

Dr. Bonner's Castile Soap

Does anyone here use this soap? I do for certain things. Today I was looking around the internet at all the different uses and recipes for it. Needless to say I am pretty certain I will be getting all the different ones and using them more! In the meantime, looks like I will be making a folder of recipes just for these.  Below you can find a few links you can use. There are plenty more!

Please share any recipes you have tried or your favorite scents.

https://prettysimpleideas.com/2014/05/uses-for-dr-bronners-castile-soap/
http://www.lifewithlovebugs.com/how-to-make-castile-soap-body-wash-diy/
https://www.lisabronner.com/dilutions-cheat-sheet-for-dr-bronners-castile-soap/
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/castile-soap-benefits-uses/
https://greencleaninghacks.com/castile-soap/

Protein Ball Recipe

Protein Ball

1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup dark cocoa ( I used Black Dutched with this batch)
1 scoop protein powder (Use whatever is your favorite)
2 TBSP Chia seeds
2 TBSP Flax seeds

Mix honey ans peanut butter until well blended. Add the rest of ingredients mixing well. Roll into small balls, put onto pan lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for approx an hour until set.

Snack Cake Mix

This recipe has always been a favorite of mine and the family.  Just mix up the entire recipe, preportion into bags or containers and label.

Snack Cake Mix
8 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 TBSP baking soda
1 TBSP salt
5 1/4 cups granulated sugar

In large bowl combine all ingredients with a wire whisk. Divide into 6 portions (Approx 2 1/3 cup each). Store in bags or containers and label with date and contents. Store in cool dry place for 10-12 weeks


Applesauce Snack Cake
1 pkg snack mix
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup applesauce
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 325. Pour snack mix into ungreased 8 or 9 inch square baking pan and set aside.

In small bowl combine egg, oil, cinnamon, applesauce, allspice, and cloves beating with a fork to blend. Stir into snack cake mix. Stir in nuts and raisins. Bake 35-40 minutes. Cool - Makes 9 servings

Banana-Walnut Snack Cake
1 pkg snack mix
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup buttermilk, milk or water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Pour snack mix into ungreased 8 or 9 inch square baking pan and set aside.

In small bowl combine remaining ingredients beating with a fork to blend. Stir into snack cake mix. Bake 35-40 minutes. Cool - Makes 9 servings

Carrot Snack Cake
1 pkg snack mix
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup grated carrots
3/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Cream-Cheese Frosting, below

Preheat oven to 350. Pour snack mix into ungreased 8 or 9 inch square baking pan and set aside.

In medium bowl combine egg, oil, carrots, orange juice and cinnamon, beating with a fork to blend. Stir into snack cake mix. Stir in nuts. Bake 35-40 minutes. Prepare frosting and set aside. Cool cake and then frost- Makes 9 servings

Cream Cheese Frosting
3 TBSP butter or margarine
1 3 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 2/3 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
In small bowl cream butter or margarine and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.


Double Chocolate Snack Cake
1 pkg snack mix
2 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup water
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350. Pour snack mix into ungreased 8 or 9 inch square baking pan and set aside.

In medium bowl combine water, egg, oil, and vanilla beating with a fork to blend. Stir into snack cake mix. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips. Bake 35-40 minutes. Cool - Makes 9 servings

Gingerbread Snack Cake
1 pkg snack mix
3/4 cup hot water
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Preheat oven to 350. Pour snack mix into ungreased 8 or 9 inch square baking pan and set aside.

In medium bowl combine water, egg, oil, cinnamon, ginger and cloves beating with a fork to blend. Stir into snack cake mix.  Bake 35-40 minutes. Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar- Makes 9 servings

Purple Dead Nettle

Have you ever heard of such a thing? Me neither! BUT guess what? I am pretty sure you have it in your yard because my yard is overrun with it. So with that being said I decided to follow a recipe and make some Purple Dead Nettle Salve. I picked my nettle, dried it in the dehydrator (can just leave it out to dry), crumbled it, put it in a jar and filled with oil (I chose avocado and olive). Please click on the link for instructions.  While I only made the regular oil, I hope to make the others soon.

https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/purple-dead-nettle-salve/?fbclid=IwAR0k7fFaa86mtqiDizVuWQDo8GwZvt2a4ENTooFxwTGvCCDs_gEmWeZdedE

Extracts

I have been making my own extracts for a while now. It is so simple and the taste in incredible!

Vanilla Extract
7-10 Vanilla Beans (I get Madagascar beans off Amazon)
8oz vodka or rum (I use vodka)

Run a knife lengthwise down the center of the bean to open it up. Chop the bean into 1" pieces. Place into a clean jar/bottle (I use a brown tinted bottle). Pour the alcohol over until beans are completely submerged. Put on lid and shake.

Place Jar in cool dark spot. Shake every few days for about 6 weeks.  The longer you go the more intense the flavor becomes.  I refill as needed and get several uses out of the beans.

Mint Extract

3/4 cup - 1 cup mint leaves
vodka

rinse and pat dry leaves. Roll and crush leaves between fingers. Place into a clean glass jar (I use a brown bottle).  Pour vodka over until fully submerged.  Put on lid and shake.

Place Jar in cool dark spot. Shake every few days for about 6 weeks.  The longer you go the more intense the flavor becomes.  Once its at the desired strength, strain and discard leaves.

Chickens

Good evening everyone.  I hope tonight finds you all well. What have you been up to?  As for me, I have been doing things around the house and finding things to help my family become more self sufficient. 

A few days ago we got baby chicks and purchased a used chicken coop. A few days after that we were offered 4 laying hens so we purchased them as well. We ordered a pen and all the supplies, did a curb side pick up and started getting things ready. We even got our first egg today! The babies are Bantam of some sort, a silver laced wyandotte, and 4 barred rock. The hens are 2 Rhode Island Red and 2 black sexlink. Now here's hoping none of the babies are roosters!

We cleaned, power washed and painted the coop. We got it moved tonight and hopefully tomorrow we will get the pen up. Then hens have been housed in a large dog crate at night in the basement but tonight they are spending the night in the new coop. I pray we have it secure enough! Below are the before and after pictures.

I am so excited for all the yummy eggs to come! Maybe in the future we will try our hand at meat chickens and/or turkeys.