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?