Kettle Corn
I have always been a big fan of homemade popcorn cooked on the stove top. I switched to microwave for a long time for the convenience. But nothing beats the taste of stove top popcorn. Even when I was little in my family I was
All posts by Diane
Spicy Meatloaf
My back is slowly recovering. I still am not allowed to sit. But I can stand and walk, so I’m good. At work, I put my computer up higher and I get the best chiropractic care in town right there on the job. The doctor
Homemade Laundry Detergent
Have you ever considered making your own laundry soap? If you haven’t you should. I have been making my own for over four years. I’ve always been able to get a pretty good deal on laundry soap. But this homemade laundry detergent recipe makes 2
Ground Beef Stroganoff with Fresh Mushrooms
Beef Stroganoff has always been a favorite of my family. I would mix in canned cream of mushroom soup. Since I am not using as many processed foods I don’t buy cream of mushroom soup anymore. Now I make it from scratch and boy it’s
Grilled Zucchini & Squash
We have been grilling a few times a week since the weather has gotten warm. We use our old Weber kettle charcoal grill. I love the charcoal grill flavor. I have been trying more vegetables and boy does it make them taste great.. It’s so easy. All
Taco Seasoning
Making Taco Seasoning at home is easy, economical, and it tastes delicious. Many years ago I managed the food service program at a local catholic high school. I really enjoyed working with the high school students. Those boys sure could eat! I also worked with some amazing women.We
Sloppy Joes
Over the holiday weekend we smoked 3 pork shoulders, 2 slabs of ribs, and a beef brisket in our smoker. We actually made it into an all night party with some friends. They guys stayed up all night tending the smoker and the ladies sat
Oven Roasted Green Beans with Scallions
I bought green beans last week and was wondering if I could roast them like I do sugar snap peas. I used what I had on hand which was garden-fresh scallions to roast with the fresh green beans. You’ll need: A couple of hands full of fresh
Bacon Meatballs
Awww…my precious little kitchen helper. She enjoys helping me make everything especially these delicious Bacon Meatballs. Who doesn’t love a good meatball? Add bacon…wow! I found this recipe in (Cuisine for less). It’s a great recipe to make in bulk, the meatballs freeze well. I made
Grilled Pineapple
Summertime grilling is one of my favorite things to do. I like to cook as many things as I can on the grill. It’s amazing how grilling will enhance the flavors of fruits and vegetables. I want to share with you a simple recipe /idea to add to your back
Homemade Chicken Broth ~ Don’t Throw Those Bones Away!
After I made my Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker with Garlic and Thyme, I cleaned off all the meat and put the bones in a bag until I have time to make stock with it. So instead of throwing those bones away you can
Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker with Garlic and Thyme
I love using my slow cooker anytime of the year. It’s so convenient. A whole chicken cooked slow is so moist and tender. Here is a simple fool proof way to make a chicken taste like you slaved for hours making it. Well… the slow cooker spent
Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins with Chocolate Chips
I was so excited when I came home from work yesterday because my chocolate chips came in the mail. Chocolate always gets me excited. But this chocolate is special. It’s supposed to be better for you. So since I am not going to give up
Spinach Salad with Lingonberry Dressing
Lingonberries? Have you heard of them? I had never heard of them until I caught an episode of Dr Oz a while back. He was introducing a new super-fruit called the Lingonberry. It’s also known as a cow-berry. It’s related to the cranberry, bilberry and
Cooking Dry Garbanzo Beans
Yesterday I spent a fun filled day with those two cuties. We worked in the garden a bit until we got rained out. Since I started my journey of eliminating processed foods I have been buying beans in bulk. I cook a large batch and
Update on the Sour Dough Starters
It was a busy weekend for me. I didn’t get a chance to post anything because I was gone most of the time. I went to a beautiful wedding shower on Sunday. The doctor I work for is getting married late June. Today I thought
Sour Dough Starter
Happy Friday! Katie and I have been busy today. We made sour dough starters. We did 3 different types. Whole wheat flour, white flour, and half whole wheat and half white flour. We are doing a test to see of they act or taste any different.
Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries Whole Wheat & Sour Cream
Yesterday I spent the day with my grandkids and my mom. We were able to spend a little time outside later in the afternoon. Katie likes to help her little brother. Sometimes he likes it, sometimes he doesn’t… Aunt Marti brought over a new garage
Asparagus with Whole Wheat Pasta
I was so happy last week when I drove by my favorite farmers market and saw they had the fresh asparagus sign out. I drive by the market a couple of times a week on my way to work. I was in luck they had
Whole Wheat Chocolate Crackers
My grand daughter Katie loves her chocolate crackers from Meijers. I’m not crazy about her eating those processed foods so I looked for a recipe for chocolate crackers and found one here. I made mine with whole wheat flour and sucanat. I am going to
Chuck Roast with Vegetables in the Slow Cooker
I had my little helpers with me for the day so I decided to put together a chuck roast in the slow cooker. This way I can spend the rest of the day with the grandkids. This little lady likes to help me cook. She’s a
Homemade Bird Feeder ~ Easy Craft for Kids
I love spending time outside with the grand kids. I found this easy craft for Katie to do. She is 3 1/2 and loved doing it. All you need is a box of cheerios and a pipe cleaner. And of course a 3 year old.
Chocolate Bark with Coconut Oil
I’ve been experimenting with the coconut oil I received from Tropical Traditions. I found a really simple recipe for chocolate bark. Yummy cocoa flavor, the oil gives it a mild coconut taste. I used sucanat. You can use any type sugar. It took 20 minutes tops to
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies
The grand kids really wore themselves out, we came in from playing in the yard and out they went. I must admit I was tired. It was a beautiful sunny day, they played in the dirt for hours. A favorite past time for all the
Ham and Green Beans in the Slow Cooker
Ham and Green Beans in the Slow Cooker It’s Friday the 13th! Been pretty busy this morning with my mom and 2 of the grandkids. I said in an earlier post, I am doing all things ham this week. Gotta get rid of the leftovers. Plus this time
Bean and Ham Soup
Have you ever wondered what to do with that leftover ham bone? I took my doggies to get a summer haircut. Meet Lily and Emma.I have just finished simmering the bean soup.It smells so good in the house today. It’s chilly outside and a perfect
