Enchilada Sauce and other Knock-offs

 Good morning.  There seemed to be some interest in the enchilada sauce I canned last week.

It is very easy to make.  You can use fresh tomatoes (as that is what the recipe called for) or you can use canned - whole, diced, crushed or add in plain tomato sauce.  What ever you have you can use.

It calls for the sauce to be very chunky - I used the stick blender on mine as I wanted it pretty smooth like the kind you buy.

ENCHILADA SAUCE - for canning

12 C of tomatoes (with a cup or so of water added)

Lemon Juice

MIX TOGETHER IN A SEPERATE BOWL

6 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. cumin

2 tsp. oregano

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

Cook up your tomatoes until soft and smooshy and some of the liquid is cooked off!  Like I said I blended mine up to a sauce consistency.  I also ONLY added about 1/2 C of water to mine - as they were juicy.

ADD 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice to each JAR and then add 2 tsp. of spice mix to each JAR (pints).  Add in tomatoes -   leave 1/2" clearance.  Clean tops and add lids and water bath 40 minutes after boil begins.

That is it!!!!!!

If using half pints - adjust the lemon and spice mixture added to each jar accordingly.

This was 2 batches.  So easy.  I did the 2 half pints, as I had a little left of tomatoes and spice for each batch.

*********************

I mentioned I made a BIG MAC type sandwich at home last week.

2 all beef patties, lettuce, cheese, NO pickle for me (don't like on sandwiches), added tomato and "special sauce".

My sauce was  a mixture of Thousand Island dressing, pickle relish and a squirt of catsup.  Tasted just like McD's sauce!  Just mix together till you get the right taste!  

Simple and homemade!!!!

*********************

I hade a 'poor mans' Philly beef and cheese and baked beans on day as well.

BAKED BEANS - was a little can of Bushes beans - a little brown sugar, a nice squirt of catsup and some onion powder.  Tasted pretty darn good  jazzed up.  Not like homemade made but sure better than just emptying a can!!!

I got these little individual cans on clearance a while back for .69 each.  Use what you have and jazz it up a little.  

PHILLY BEEF AND CHEESE

I used lean ground beef.  Add beef and sliced peppers (from freezer) and some sliced onion and I even added a few frozen mushrooms to pan.  Seasoned and let it all cook together.  Drained fat.  Gave a good dash of Worcestershire sauce and a good dash of Italian dressing.  Let it all simmer together so flavors meld together.  Perfect!

I placed on open face hamburger buns (what I had) and topped with Swiss cheese.

Sure made for one tasty and hearty sandwich.

So there you go.  An easy-peasy canning recipe.  And a couple knock-offs I made for dinner.  Some days I see something on a commercial or a show and it just sounds good.  I figure I can use what I have and get close to the same results.

We all get into the mode that we want something different - just experiment a little.

Hope this gives someone some ideas.  Use what you have and have fun!

ENJOY!

Weekly Wrap-Up 10/11

 Another week gone by - my mercy.

Woke to a damp (not rain), cloudy and super foggy morning.  There is a chill in the air and it sure looks like fall.

We have had a perfectly lovely week weather wise.  On Monday morning I actually did turn on the furnace for one cycle - it was pretty darn chilly.  It was 38* outside.  Two days later I turned on the AC late one afternoon for one cycle to cool off things.  That is it.

Windows open, ceiling fans on - just lovely.

I have so many very small and young squirrels and they play like crazy.  Running and chasing each other.  The outdoor kitties are getting all frisky and playful in this weather as well.  It is funny, they chase leaves, each other and the squirrels.  They don't try to catch the squirrels - the just play around.

The grass is brown, still no rain.  I can see colors on the horizon however.  The trees are changing and there is such pretty colors.

This week was pretty quiet again - 

• Chunked the bottom of a wonderful candle to use as melts.  The candle is pretty done as far as burning, but the smell is wonderful - so I am not wasting the remainder
• Got to air the house a lot!
• Made 12 pints and 2 - 1/2 pints of enchilada sauce and canned.  Most will be used for holiday gift baskets.

• Renewed library books online
• Kroger had Fugi and Gala apples on sale 5 lbs. for 2.99 - that is .60 a pound!!!!  Super cheap here.  I got some of both - sooooooo yummy  I also got more cat litter while at Kroger (for stock)
• Stopped at CVS and got a battery I needed on the way home
• I fixed my key fob for the Blazer!!!!  It quit working a few weeks back.  I got to wondering about a battery - yes it has one.  I mean the silly thing is 18 years old, and I have never changed the battery!  Replaced it and it still didn't work.  Well at this point the fob is useless - so I took the little computer board out and saw that the little gold colored strips (connections) were black.  I took a soft cloth and rubbed them clean - put it all back together - and WAHLA it works!!!!  Yep that saved me about $85 for a replacement
• I did a big financial overview this week - spent a day just going over everything.  Need to do that once in a while
• Did more cleaning and de-cluttering - never ending battle!
• Cleaned all the wood floors
• Doing all the normal stuff - cooking at home, getting resourceful and experimental with food, lights out most of the time, drinking water and juice, taking my vitamins and herbs (got to stay healthy), reading, porch sitting, etc.
• Did a little more yard clean-up

Meals this past week:

Seasoned Rice a Roni (home mix), chicken strips and sliced tomatoes

Can of Progressive Santa Fe chicken soup with added leftover rice

Tuna patty, mac n cheese with peas and sliced tomatoes

Homemade Club sandwich and an apple

Nachos

Home version of Big Mac and fries

Poor man Philly beef and cheese sandwich (ground beef) and baked beans

Eating apples, crackers and cheese, popcorn for snacks

How was your week?  Are you enjoying good weather?  Are you doing any more canning or preserving?  What kinds of deals have you found lately?

I pray for all those involved in the fire areas and those in line of the hurricanes.  So much devastation.

I hope you and yours are well, safe and healthy and free from harm.  

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in thee.

Psalms 56:3

Inventory and Basics

 I mentioned on my weekly wrap-up that I did an inventory of my dry goods.  WOW!  Is all I can say.  It is amazing how much one can accumulate and not be aware.

I will survive for ages!

I can be happy with pretty basic meals.  I am not a fancy food eater AT ALL.  During my inventory I found I have "pounds"  of basics.

*Dry beans and peas - just about any type you can imagine.  This is the largest inventory item I have - a pound of beans gives a few meals and great protein.  (prob. 45/50 lbs.)

*Rice - homemade rice-a-roni - and rice with soy (TVP) - I have bunches and bunches - can be used in so many ways.  Extender, fried, side, casseroles and soups, with stir fry - just no limit  (total prob. 30 lbs.)

*Pasta - all shapes and types - pounds of it.  So many uses - great carb   (prob. 30 lbs.)

*Seasonings and spices - more than I imagined.  Can make a bland dish taste much better.  Great barter tool as well.  Many bouillon cubes and powders as well

*Dehydrated potatoes and veggies for soups - about a gallon and a half - that is a lot of veggies

*Flour and sugar - LOTS and lots

*Tomato products of every type - home canned and store bought.  I can do anything with tomatoes - eat, season, soup, blend with other things, you name it.

*Pickles and relish - all home canned.  I know it isn't  considered FOOD per se - but you know what - it would keep me from starving!!!!!!  Great for sides and seasoning.

*Jams and Jellies - not really food - but great to add flavor to things, over things, in recipes, add to the blandest of food for flavor

*Oats - both quick and regular.  I don't really like oatmeal at all - but this girl could eat it (jazzed up) if I was hungry.  I keep on hand a fair bit.  I use as an extender in meat, use in suet for birds, baking, etc.

Simple ingredients can keep you alive.  It doesn't have to be fancy or exciting.  All basics can be perked up with flavoring and spices and herbs.  Mix them together.  Think about surviving well!!!!!

I will not go hungry.  I have items I can barter with and exchange with family and friends for other things.

I try to keep a variety of canned meats as well (as well as frozen) just in case.  If I lose power - first the neighborhood will eat well for a day or two - think major BBQ!!!!!  But I will also have meat on the shelf for later.

BASICS THAT WE SHOULD ALL HAVE TO SURVIVE

Dry beans and peas - a good variety

Pasta - all types

Rice

Tomato products

Oatmeal

Flour, sugar and baking goods and Spices (cornmeal as well)

Potatoes - canned, dehydrated or instant

Popcorn (real not microwave)

Canned, dry or frozen veggies and fruit

Yeast

Ramen noodles - I know (but a cheap add in if hungry)

Peanut butter - great protein  ADD Jams or jelly and you have a meal

SOME canned meats

Think about maybe having some powdered items as well - milk, cheese, egg replacer, bouillon

I also have powdered butter, nutritional yeast and many odds and ends.  You would be amazed at what you can find in powder form!!!!  Do some research - you may be surprised.  Look around at health and natural food stores.  Even the regular grocery stores are starting to carry a lot more different items.

Get informed and get prepared!

Take an inventory and see what you have.  How long could you survive?  Hopefully for a long while.

The items above are all INEXPENSIVE items and can be added weekly to your stash.  

Again, this may not be how you are used to eating - BUT it could save your life in a really bad time.

Are you prepared with all the basics?

Get busy now!!

Some Days - I Wish

 Some days I wish we could go back a little.  Back when life was not so modern and so complicated.  Back when there was less technology.  Back to a time of happiness and joy in even the smallest things.  Back to childhood and friends and family.  Back to a safer world.

Anyone remember when grocery stores were like this?  Power outage - who cares.  They could still operate the registers, they could still weigh your produce, they could still accommodate you in every way.  Clerks were friendly - and they often knew your name.

I remember play time was either in my yard or a friend's yard.  We played with whatever we had.  We used our imaginations.  We rode bikes,  We played in the creek for hours.  Walked to the small family owned grocery for penny candy!   No one watched us - yet everyone did.  Parents knew what was going on - we just didn't realize it.  All parents looked out for each others children.  No one was worried about perverts or child snatching.  We were safe.

I don't remember gas quite this cheap - but when I got my first car I do believe gas was about .30/gallon.  I could put $2 or $3 in the car and go for what seemed forever.  My first car was a 1964 Ford Galaxy - a tank!  Robin egg blue.  Paid $300 for it and I paid for it with money I had earned.  I got it is '72.  I made money on that car (that is another story).  I sold it in '74 and it was going for years after.

Service techs  pumped the gas, cleaned your windows and checked your oil if you so desired.  They would check your tires and add air if need be.  I know some people today find that hard to believe.

There is something about certain times of the year that just send me back in time.  I miss people I loved, I miss the innocent times.

I smell leaves burning - I go back in time.  I see a pile of leaves - I want to jump in.  I see pumpkins and apples, I remember having a ball at Halloween and at friends little parties.  I look out at the colors of fall and remember taking drives in the country with Mom and Daddy to the country (often to glean apples and persimmons and paw paws).

Mom would be gearing up for the holidays this time of year.  Canning was being finished, crafts were being done and baking would be starting soon.

Put on a sweater and sit out on the porch swing with my girlfriend or Mom and count cars or just sit and chat.  Making hot chocolate and having homemade cookies for a snack.  Caramel apples (homemade) and popcorn balls.

Aaahhhhhh fall!

Just for a while!!!!!  

I wouldn't want to miss all the wonderful things that came to pass after the 'old days' - but some days just a small visit back then would be fun.  

Many family members are gone, many friends from then are gone, the simple things and times are gone, BUT my memories are still VIVID.  

For that I say THANK YOU God!

Life is really short - the years go so quickly.  I can't believe I will be 66 this month, childhood seems like yesterday.  ENJOY every moment you can.  Live it to the fullest.  Make memories for others.

Blessings my friends.

Did You Know???? Recipes

 I have found some great recipes that totally surprised me.  Maybe, just maybe, they will surprise you too!  Maybe, just maybe, they will help us ALL out.

I have not tried these yet - but they have been given high marks of praise from many.  I will be trying them all.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can make butter with powdered milk

3/4 C powdered milk

1/3 C water

1/4 C oil (olive, coconut, what you have)

Pinch of salt - if wanting salted butter

Place the powdered milk in the food processor - add other ingredients.  Blend until it starts to thicken.  Check every couple of minutes until you get it thickened.

Will not be hard - but spreadable (like a thick version of mayo or spreadable butter).

Makes about 3/4 cup.  Lasts about a week in the frig.  Tastes like butter - great for toast, pancakes, biscuits, veggies, etc.  (Not sure about baking - may change texture).

DID YOU KNOW?

You can make your own bouillon - veggie and (no) chicken

These bouillons are vegan, gluten free, MSG free, soy free, no chemicals  WIN WIN!!!

Veggie Bouillon

1 C nutritional yeast

1 1/2 Tbsp. salt

1 Tbsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. onion powder

1 Tbsp. thyme

1 Tbsp. parsley

1 tsp. celery seeds

1/4 tsp. turmeric

Blend until powdered and store in an airtight container.  1 Tbsp. to 1 C hot water

This can be purchased at most grocery stores in the baking aisle or next to regular yeast.  Health food stores sell as well.  Adds great flavor and nutrition to food without all the chemicals and it is vegetarian.

(NO) Chicken Bouillon

1 1/3 C nutritional yeast

3 Tbsp. onion powder

7 1/2 tsp. salt (adjust to your taste)

1 Tbsp. rice protein powder (any protein powder works)

1 Tbsp. sugar or Truvia

2 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. sage            (I won't be adding to mine)

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. turmeric

Blend in a small food processor until powder and keep in airtight container.

1 level teaspoon per 1 cup of hot water

DID YOU KNOW?

You can make pizza dough without yeast

NO Yeast Pizza Dough

2 1/4 C all purpose flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 C butter - room temperature

1 C milk

Mix in a mixer with a paddle if you have - until ball is reached.  You can do this by hand as well - just mix until you get a ball.

NO RISING - NO WAITING - NO YEAST!

Bake after topping with ingredients you desire at 450* for 10-12 minutes

I learn something new each day - and I love learning new ways to cook, season, and bake!  We can be mindful of what we have or what we put in our bodies by just trying some new ways and recipes.

I can't wait to try all of these.

PS - I have others to share later!!!!!

ENJOY!

Weekly Wrap-Up 10/4

 Happy Sunday to everyone.  Here it is October and getting closer and closer to the end of this year.  It is just amazing to me how fast the year has gone by.

I hope this post finds you all well, rested and safe.

Cool, gloomy and damp morning here.  They have called for rain several times this week and very, very little has been received.  It is so dry - and we have several counties that now have burn bans.

We did get a spot of rain last Sunday and then again a VERY brief shower during the week and that one contained hail!! Crazy.

We had the driest September ever recorded and it isn't looking good for October either.

My house is doing good good maintaining warmth.  On the coolest morning so far, in the house, as been 67*.  Not bad.  It warms up pretty quickly.

We have had some night in low 40's - tonight may get upper 30's.  So far no frost here.  It is going to warm up after today, all is good.

I noticed this week that my water heater has a little leak - UGH.  I am going to have to have that replaced very soon.  Thinking back, I am sure this one is probably 20+ years old.  Now to find a good plumber!

My week:

• Cleaned out some storage cabinets in the laundry area - a mess!
• Found some way past "best" date cinnamon rolls (roll) in the frig and baked them.  Tasty
• Picked 2 bouquets of New England asters and the last rose of the season
• Cut hair
• Picked ALL the tomatoes left on the vines (just in case of frost)

This is the end of the tomatoes.  I still have plenty of ripe ones too - but got everything in now.

• Worked and worked in the basement - decluttering and straightening.  OH MY!  I made a lot of trash and have 2 boxes of donations ready to go again - still much more to go through.  I also have some larger items for donation as well.  If not needed - out it goes.
• Did some more dead heading of flowers and bit more yard work
• Inventoried all my DRY goods - pasta, beans, rice, bulk goods, etc.
• Chopped and sliced peppers for freezer (gifted peppers)
• Received the FREE book many have been receiving - Great Controversy.  Haven't read any of it yet.  It is a full book of 473 pages.  Many in our area have received it.  (I believe it is about religion over the years in this country)
• Found some recipes I have been hunting for for canning and making for gifts
• I ran to Kroger simply to check clearance.  I got 2 different items
  
  Got this pasta for my sister.  She makes stuffed shells for her family a lot.  Kroger is discontinuing selling these.  Dated 2023 - I got all 4 boxes they had for part of her Christmas bag!
  
  
  32 ounce bottles (big) on clearance 1.49.  Got 2. Not my usual brand - but for that price I don't care.  It is all good!!!!  I am probably set, with what else I have, for a couple years at least.

Meals this past week:

Open face sloppy Joe sandwich (scratch made) and fries

Lasagna (from freezer) and salad

Taco salad

Green beans w/potatoes, bread w garlic butter and sliced tomatoes  Oh my - so good!!!! (no meat day)

Leftovers - green beans/potatoes and taco meat over bread

Hamburger stroganoff and sliced tomatoes

Cup of chili (from freezer) and grilled cheese sandwich

I learned this week while de-cluttering and inventorying I have so much of many things.  This girl will not buy Christmas paper, boxes, bags or tissue paper probably forever!!!!

I will not starve it it all hits the fan.  My goodness I have so many more dry goods than I thought.

What has everyone been up to this week?  How are you providing for your home, pantry or gift closet?  Any great deals?  I always look forward to hearing from you all.

May you all stay safe and healthy in this coming week.  PLEASE pray for our President, his family and our nation.  It doesn't matter your political views - we need to pray for all afflicted.   Never wish ill on anyone. EVER!!!

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Just a Thing or Two

 Happy OCTOBER!  My goodness, time flies.    It sure feels like October here this week.  Breezy, cool, cloudy - refreshing!!!

Today I am just going to throw out an idea or two or three that I use.  Maybe they might help someone else out - some may be old ideas - some may be new.

• If you have a rain barrel - of course it needs to be emptied before freezing weather - but don't just dump it.   Fill some old jugs or bottles with it.  It is great for your houseplants, it can be useful reserve water for flushing, etc. that is free.  My favorite hint - is I keep several gallons to use during the winter months on my hair.  I rinse my hair with it and it makes my hair so soft.  Make sure you keep your rain water!
• Conditioner that you don't like or don't use - use it for shaving your legs and under arms.  It helps the razor glide easily and it also softens the skin.  Don't waste it!  SOAP can also be used for shaving - cheap and easy.  Foam it up and shave!  For MEN - Glen had a beard and once a month or so he would put conditioner in and leave it for an hour or two and then rinse out.  It made his skin under the beard soft and not flakey.
• I use my ice cream scoop when measuring out batter for muffin tins.  Perfect amount.  It also works when making BIG drop cookies.  I use it a lot it for super big sugar cookies at the holidays.  I also use the ice cream scoop when scooping watermelon.  Makes a bigger ball than a little melon baller.
• Now that it is pumpkin and winter squash season - don't forget to save the seeds!  Wash well, salt and roast for a free and yummy snack.  IF you don't like them for a treat - clean and put them out for the birds and squirrels.  NOTE:  Check your ads - Our Kroger has pie pumpkins on sale this week 10/$10.  My goodness you can't buy canned pumpkin that cheap - and this is pure and healthy pumpkin.  Look for deals and make your own puree.
• It is baking season again.  If you need to measure honey or molasses or anything very sticky - first measure oil in your cup.  It prevents the sticking - honey rolls right out.  If you don't need to measure oil - spray cup with Pam to prevent sticking
• Leaves will be falling upon us very soon.  Rake those babies and place them on the garden.  You can till this fall or leave till spring.  Snow will help break down leaves.  Great mulch and additive to garden for free (don't use walnut leaves where you might plant tomatoes)
• If you get bananas and they get too brown for your eating pleasure - make sure you freeze them.  I just keep a bag going with bananas in peels.  I pull out what I need for bread or muffins and they thaw in no time.  Cut off the tip and squeeze out banana goo!  Super easy and no mess
• Apple season is here.  That means homemade applesauce and apple butter - pies and cobblers - caramel apples, baked apples, fried apples  - YUM.  I have always kept peels to make apple peel jelly - no waste.  I have been reading a lot lately about people dehydrating the peels till crisp - then they grind up into a powder and use it as a natural sweetener on oatmeal, cereal and on /in all kinds of things.  What a great idea!!!
• ALWAYS keep some bar soap in your house.  I like Ivory or any other sort of plain soap.  You can not only use it to bathe - but also in a pinch use to wash your hair, your dishes, and your clothes.  Many uses and it sure may come in handy some day.  A cheap and easy alternative.

Just a few tips.  Hope you find something you can use.  Do you have a great fall tip that can help us out?  Let us all know.

Have a great day!!