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~

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Could this be your home?


I had to share this postcard.  It was the only one we bought on our recent road trip.  I took a picture of it in the car, on the road trip.  It made Hubby and I laugh pretty good.  However, in reality, we could live in that house and be perfectly happy.  It really made us sigh, as in a happy sigh.  

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Canning Pepper Mustard Sauce ~ Tidbits


I froze more zucchini and squash for winter soups, sauces and casseroles.  Yesterday was a race against the clock.  Trying to put up the garden, and clean house both were a challenge.  

See that straw?  That is my food saver bag method.  It's a bit hillbilly, but it works for now.  I simply seal the bag all the way to one corner, slip the end of the straw in, suck out the air, quickly seal as I pull the straw out.  Boom-ba-da-bing - sealed and most of the air removed.  

Friday, July 18, 2014

Puttin' Up Corn


I've been busy here at the homestead.  Laundry was put out again yesterday and today.  The weather is still very nice.

Yesterday I took a quick road trip to buy sweet corn (we only planted black popcorn this year).  When I arrived, the nice gentleman tells me, "if you buy two burlap bag fulls, you get one free."



Well, of course I was okay with that.   A burlap bag is not quite, but close enough, to a bushel.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Goat's Milk Cream Cheese ~ Take 2


I purchased the culture I needed for cream cheese making, and made homemade cream cheese again.  I am desperately taking advantage of the goat's milk this summer.

How did it turn out (photo included this time)?  

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Squash Patties ~ Talking to the Cucumbers


Last season, due to storms and wind, and rain, we lost our garden.  This year, we are blessed with yellow squash.  YAY!  One of the family's favorites, is a recipe we make using yellow squash - Squash Patties.  By the way, we top these with sour cream.  Absolutely delicious!  We do follow the recipe, but add the sour cream on top.  



You can jazz them up any way you'd like.  Hubby chopped up a jalapeno and added it to a few for himself.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Zucchini-Banana Squares ~ Goat on the Loose


While I was out getting a few groceries, my 17 year-old daughter made Zucchini-Banana Squares.  I had quite a bit of zucchini that I harvested yesterday morning, and had a few soft bananas.  Luckily, I had one bag of mini-chocolate chips too.  These bars are made with flaxseed or wheat germ, and are fairly healthy.  The recipe comes from Heart Healthy Living, and is linked below.  We do buy organic/non-gmo canola oil as well.  I have not made these with applesauce yet, but may try it before the summer is over.  I do plan to freeze some shredded zucchini this year.

I also picked some green peppers for dinner, and made 3 batches of homemade mushroom soup (to make a chicken spaghetti favorite of ours), using our goat's milk.  

Monday, July 14, 2014

A Little Bit of This ~ A Little Bit of That


Sunday the humidity was terrible here.  Even so, I canned one batch of wild black raspberry jam, got caught up with laundry, garden work and even got dinner made before going to the movies with Son and the family.  

This is a "grab a cup of java" kind of post.  I beat my son up this morning.  How?  I have no idea. Ha ha!




We enjoyed our first green and wax beans this season at dinner too.  Yum.