Hey Reader! If you read about our skid steer fiasco a few weeks ago and thought that was entertaining, well, apparently we like providing ongoing entertainment over here. Last weekend’s episode: the pool wall. Getting to this point has been a project all by itself. We have only had weekends to work on it because Theron works during the week, and it felt like every single weekend brought another torrential downpour. So trying to get the ground leveled, sand hauled, and everything ready has...
14 days ago • 3 min read
Hey there Reader! I was debating whether or not to jump into back-to-school recipes this week, but I think I am going to save those for next week. For now, it still feels like we are right in that late-summer season where peaches are everywhere, the garden is still giving, and there are plenty of little kitchen projects to keep up with. So this week I wanted to share a few recipes that fit right now. Low Sugar Peach Jam Recipe Without Pectin If you are finding peaches at the farmers market or...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! Last week I told you we were getting ready to level the ground for our above ground pool, and Theron did an amazing job. He rented a skid steer and had the pool area dug out in about 4 hours. And since we had the machine for the weekend, he also made me a few more garden beds because I made an impromptu purchase of over 80 strawberry plants with no place to put them. Because apparently that is how we do things around here! Buy everything first, then figure out where it is going...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hey there Reader! We took the plunge and bought an above ground pool, and it is supposed to go in this weekend. We are all so excited! It has already been a bit of an ordeal though, because we have to level out the ground where it is going to go. Theron thought he could do it by hand last weekend, but after realizing there is about an 18 inch difference from one side to the other, that plan changed pretty quickly. And since we live on the mountain, we do not just have rocks. We have boulders....
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! Last year I had 6 zucchini plants, and they gave me enough zucchini to feed an army. I am not exaggerating. This year I dialed it back to 4 plants, just to try to keep up with the amount of zucchini that comes in once they really start producing. But now I am already wondering if I should have planted more, because last year I made and froze at least 10 zucchini parmesans and zucchini lasagnas. They froze beautifully, and we literally just had the last one about a month ago. The...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Happy 4th of July Reader! Whether you are cooking for today, getting ready for the weekend, or just trying to decide what to make with fresh strawberries, I wanted to send a few recipes that fit right in with the holiday. This time of year always makes me think of simple food, something on the smoker, fresh berries, homemade desserts, and maybe a bonfire later in the evening if the weather cooperates. If you still need a dessert, this strawberry pie is a good one: Homemade Strawberry Pie with...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hey there Reader! It may still feel a little early, but this is the time of year I start thinking about zucchini recipes. Once the plants start producing, they do not slow down, and it is always good to have a few recipes ready before the zucchini starts piling up on the counter. This sourdough zucchini bread is a good one to keep handy: The Best Sourdough Zucchini Bread Discard Recipe It is soft, simple, and a great way to use both zucchini and sourdough discard in one recipe. I recently saw...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! With Father’s Day weekend here, I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge all the dads, grandpas, husbands, father figures, and steady men who show up in quiet ways for the people they love. I know this weekend can feel different for everyone. Some are celebrating, some are remembering, and some are carrying a little bit of both. Wherever you are in that, I hope this weekend brings a little time to slow down, gather around good food, and enjoy the people in front of you. Since...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! There is something about summer mornings that makes a homemade breakfast feel especially good. Maybe it is the slower pace, having everyone home a little more, or simply knowing there are fresh berries, peaches, and other seasonal foods waiting to be enjoyed. If pancakes sound good this week, I have two recipes to choose from, depending on what you have on hand. Whole Wheat Pancakes Recipe with Fresh Milled Flour and Sourdough Option These pancakes are made with fresh milled whole...
3 months ago • 1 min read