Dehydrating - Making Powders

Dehydrating - it really is easy!!!  Most people think about herbs and things like onion - but you can dehydrate about anything.  There are many types of dehydrators out there - from non-expensive models to super expensive.  You can also use your oven (lowest temp), air,  or sun.  Many, many ways to do it.  I have a very inexpensive dehydrator I got  a few years ago and it works fine.  No timer (except me checking!).  It does what I need it to do.  I have also used the air method (hanging herbs) and the oven.

 I love making powders of all sorts.  They are fantastic for seasoning and flavoring things.  I have done a lot of items that people just don't think about.  It really is fun to experiment.

TIP - if things dry small and fall through racks - think about using parchment cut to size of your racks.  I do this for many, many things.  Center is open - but racks are covered!!!

• You can dehydrate frozen veggies and fruit you buy.  It is shelf stable and frees up space in the freezer (could powder - but just mentioning you can dehydrate these)
• I dehydrate mushrooms when I find a super deal.  They are great in any dish or I can re-hydrate in no time and just sautee'  I do powder some of them as well - to add to homemade cream of mushroom soup jar recipes
• You might want to 'measure' as you dehydrate - as things drastically shrink!!!!!!  I place a slice zucchini per rack and then when done - I bag ONE zucchini.  A whole stalk of celery measures out to about 1/2 of a half pint when dry!!!!  Know your measures, so you don't add too much to a recipe.  *** Just basic dehydrating fact you should remember!
• My first powder I ever made was tomato powder from scraps and skins of tomatoes that I was canning - thus using everything.  It adds great flavor and color to soups and other dishes.  

Dehydrated items should be jarred or vacuum sealed to keep moisture out. You can also (should) add absorbers of some sort.  Desiccant packs, silica packs, dry grains of rice or arrowroot powder (about a teaspoon to a pint jar - mixed in).  I keep the little desiccant packs that come in vitamins and re-use them. SO far so good.  Above is a pint jar with pouring spout.  That is the top of a salt container cut to fit.  RECYCLE!  You can also use old spice jars, and don't forget to save those lids from parmesan cheese jars.  Many lids fit your canning jars - like peanut butter, mayo, etc.  

IDEAS for powders

• Fruit - powders are great to use in smoothies.  Also add for extra flavor to Jello and puddings.  Fruit dip is wonderful - add to sour cream or cream cheese.  Top you yogurt or oatmeal with fruit powder and get extra vitamins
• Home canned pickles that have gone soggy (not crisp).  Pat dry and then dehydrate.  Great for making dips and adding to salads and salad dressings
• If doing garlic or onions - it is advisable to set your dehydrator outside (under cover, so it doesn't get wet).  Those items are very aromatic!!!!!!!!
• Dry herbs, onion, garlic, celery, tomatoes, etc. to make your own seasonings.  I love homemade seasonings.  I make up my own mixes.  Sometimes I add salt - other times not.  There is no right or wrong mix - GET CREATIVE
• Peppers, squash, celery  broccoli leaves and scraps, cabbage leaves, asparagus ends....... can all be dried and powdered.  Add to soups, casseroles or any where you want to secretly add veggies!!!!
• If you grow okra - you know they can get big and woody over night!  Don't throw those out.  Dry and grind and use for a thickening agent in soups and stews!!!  It is natural, has vitamins, doesn't really add any taste and NO it isn't slimy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Dried fruit makes great snack for kids and adults alike.  It lasts and it gives great vitamins.  Many kids like dried fruit over fresh.  You can also dehydrate fruit leathers!!!!!!

Dried tomato skins (these were done in oven on lowest temp).  Cool and grind - I have coffee grinders that get used for this (found them for $1 at yard sales).  Jar up and ready to use!  So much flavor added to things

I love drying tomatoes, peppers, celery, mushrooms and SCRAPS!!!!!  Scraps from ends of broccoli, cabbage, peppers bits, asparagus ends, apple skins, peach skins (after fuzz washed off)........ you name it!

I use in soups and recipes.  I make lots of dips and spreads.  Great to add to cheese balls. So many uses.

Don't waste what can be used in another way!  Groceries are expensive.  Seasonings are expensive.  Vitamins are expensive.  Add you own and make your own from what nature gives us.

Waste NOT and want NOT!

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/27

 Happy Sunday to all.  Well, here we are again at the end of another month - we are now half way through this year.   Times sure does fly by quickly.  It will be Christmas before you know it!

My friends from the west coast got to come for one more visit before heading on their journey.  It was so nice.  Bless their hearts, they brought all the goodies to make a spaghetti dinner, green beans, Texas toast and dessert to the house.  I threw together a salad.  We just sat and visited here in the comfort of the house and ate and talked.  They got a "tour" of the yard!  LOL

It sure was nice to have this opportunity to get together again.  I hope it happens again someday!  I miss you guys already!!!!!

We had some nice temperatures for a few days then it decided to get all hot and juicy again!!  My, the air is thick.  We have had rain off and on.  Some northern areas of the state had tornadoes this week.  At least with clouds and windy conditions it has been bearable here.

My plants are really growing.  I have lots of blooms, baby zucchini and cukes and peppers - it is starting!!!!!

                                                      Baby zucchini and lots of buds

                           Looking UP from under the grape arbor.  LOT's of grapes hanging!

My week:

• Mowed and trimmed a little
• Raked leaves 2X - yep - that darned old tulip tree!  At least we had so much wind yesterday that the latest bunch of leaves are all kind of blown together in one spot!!
• Stayed away from the grocery and  all other stores (been home all week)
• Been doing some de-cluttering again.  I have 2 boxes ready to go.  I will continue to work on this for a bigger donation
• Using up all leftovers in new ways (had a lot of spaghetti left - used in 2 meals and froze balance)
• Used rain barrels when I needed to water
• Laundry - used portable dehumidifier water in a load
• Worked on getting the tomatoes contained in cages and tied (they have grown tremendously this week)
• Got to air house for about 3 days - no AC
• Drinking tea, water and fruit flavored Soda Stream water
• Working on rearranging and cleaning the over stock area of pantry.  (I have a lot more canned meat than I thought!)  It is coming along.  More work to do - that whole room needs a make-over!!
• Just doing all the normal stuff we all do
• Watched a few You Tube videos this week for diversion!  LOL

Meals this week:

Salsa/cheese goulash

Fried chicken (leftover) and salad

Spaghetti, green beans, toast, salad and dessert (with friends)

Leftover spaghetti (with cheese) and salad and toast

Smoked sausage on hotdog buns and green beans

Chicken/veggie stir fry with spaghetti noodles (kind of like Lo-mein)

Dirty rice with meat and beans added and side of fresh veggies

Finished up watermelon I bought last week - IT WAS GREAT!! (I got lucky)

How was your week?  Any deals or values?  How are those gardens coming along?

Are you managing to stay cool?  Some areas are really getting extreme heat.  I feel so sorry for them.  Keep yourselves hydrated, eat popsicles, frozen grapes, ice chips and cool meals.  

If you are in those extreme heat areas - please take a moment to check on elderly or handicapped neighbors.

I hope you have a safe and healthy week.  Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.  God bless and comfort you.

                                                    God hears you wherever you are!

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Refresher #2 - More Saving on Things we Can

 More ideas on things we can take control of and save a little of our hard to come by funds.  Whether you are employed or retired - you want your money to stretch as far as possible.  There is absolutely no sense in wasting things or money.  We all need to be the best stewards of what we have - and be the best we can be!!!!!

• Keep track of where your funds go.  Pay attention to bills and frivolous spending.  A notebook and pen will work - just keep track for a while and you may be amazed at how much you waste
• Unplug appliances that are not being used.  I never leave small appliances plugged in - I guess that comes from the many stories I have heard over the years of sudden fires.  It may not save a ton of money on electric - but it all adds up.  If it saves you from a fire - well that could be a savings of life!
• Stop using so many paper products.  Use rags for cleaning.  Use cloth napkins instead of paper.  Only use paper plates when having outdoor meals.  Paper costs a lot and then you just throw it away!
• Turn off lights when not using or not in a room.  It all adds up
• DECLUTTER - how does that save?  Well, you can sell your stuff and make extra money.  OR you can donate and get a receipt for taxes.  OR you can give away stuff - just having less clutter makes for a calmer home - this a calmer you!  That can be worth a lot!!!
• Make your own cleaners or use natural products.  I mainly use alcohol, peroxide, vinegar, (not all at once) and baking soda and of course HOT WATER.  Keep it natural.  Soak your citrus peels in vinegar to make a great citrus cleaner.  Not only does it save - it is better for the earth

• Make your own bread crumbs.  Stale bread/crackers/chips - use them all.  You can grind up stuffing type bread and make your own.  I never buy bread crumbs any more.  I use what I have.  Can mix in corn meal or flour as well when breading items
• Line dry laundry when possible.  I know not everyone can hang clothes outdoors (not allowed).  You can hang up in the basement over a tub or on a rack.  Hang in the garage.  IF there is a will there is a way!  Dryers use a lot of energy
• Make extra meals to freeze for another day.  Leftovers? Or just cook ahead.  There will always be a day that you don't feel like cooking - so resist temptation of eating out by having meals frozen ahead.  It can be as simple as soup or casseroles - precooked meat - you name it.
• Contact companies whether you love or hate their products.  You may get free product or coupons if you LOVE something.  You could possibly get a replacement or a refund if you HATE something.  It is worth a try.  Most products have a phone number or email listed on the package
• Keep nice jars (from store bought stuff) to use for dry storage.  Many items last a lot longer is stored in glass - it prevents moisture and buggers!
• Water things down.  Use less.  You can water just about anything down and it will still be effective or taste good.  I always add an extra can of water to frozen OJ.  I water all soap products down - shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, body wash, etc.  No one need all that detergent to clean something.
• Keep up on vehicle maintenance.  A good running vehicle is a cheaper vehicle.  Maintenance is very important.
• Take care of yourself - good HEALTH saves a fortune!!!!!!  Eating right and taking vitamins and herbs is a lot cheaper than tons of doctor visits and hospital stays!!
• Grow and dry your own herbs.  Use them for seasoning or for teas
• Keep old clothes for rags or for remaking into something new.  Remake into a new clothing item, craft items, quilts, etc.  
• Check around on pricing.  Call your utilities like cable and internet or cell phone call your insurance companies to see if you can get a lower rate.  All the can say is no - but they may say YES
• Learn to make your own seasoning mixes - they are so easy to do and no extra chemicals.  You can make to reflect your tastes.
• Take care of your home and do maintenance when necessary.  If you take care of things - hopefully you won't have a major expense down the road.  Maintenance is so important in ALL areas of our lives!!!!!!!!!!!
• Think about alternative places to shop.  There are lots of places that sell groceries now.  Grocery stores, ethnic stores and even home improvement stores!  Yep they literally do sell anything from soup to nuts and bolts!  Goodness, if you have a place like Menard's near you - they often have the greatest deals on grocery items.  They also have good deals on t-shirts, hats, socks, gloves, etc.  great deals on animal/critter feed.  Look at Big Lots/Odd Lots, Ollies, discount groceries, Amish stores, The Christmas Tree Shoppe, Rural King or other farm stores, bulk stores............................many, many choices.
• Have an extended pantry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Seriously, this is probably one of the most important money savers.  Buy cheap, sales, clearance and stock-up.  Buying at a cheaper price now is truly 100% money in the bank!!!!  WHY pay more when you can spend less now and be prepared for anything that comes your way?
• Keep cash on hand at home.  You never know what may happen in this old world - so always be prepared with cash on hand.  At least you are able to maybe make purchases or you can barter or buy second hand.  Keep it - hide it -  and be prepared.

I know most of these things just sound like common sense - but little things DO add up.  Get creative and RETHINK everything.  

There are just so many things we can do to save our dollars.  As prices go up on may things - we need to be more vigil on how we spend.   No one thing will probably save you a fortune - but small changes can end up making us all save more.

I am not trying to say you need to have a huge amount of money in the bank - I mean you do have a life to live.  BUT you need a good emergency fund, you need to be prepared for losses in life that can affect income and you need to save in one area so that maybe you can enjoy a little more in another area.

Live your life and enjoy - just be SMART!  

Be prepared for whatever may come your way.  You never know what can happen in a flash.

Fun and Interesting Charts

 I love seeing things about food - I mean who doesn't??  LOL

I came across some charts that I thought were pretty neat.  Many things I have never heard of and others I am quite familiar with.

I hope you can read most.  You might try CLICKING on the pictures to enlarge - so maybe it will be more readable.

Enjoy - maybe you will see something new as well.

So many options!!!!

These are just fun to look at and as many goodies as they list - it isn't even HALF of the options that are actually out there.

We have so many things to choose from - some areas have different species and choices.   YET, we get bored with food.  HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE??????

We need to look around and just try new things and experiment with all the wonderful blessings that have been put on this earth.

I will do fruits and nuts and other items at some point.

I just thought it was pretty neat to see so many colors, textures and tastes available to us.

Think OUTSIDE the box a little!!!!

Refresher #1 - Saving Where we Can

 I think we all need reminders now and then to get us back on track with our finances.  It is easy to get out of the habit of watching our pennies.  I have a bunch of tips written down - so this will be a 2 part refresher!  

Hope you find something to use or remember to use!

• Freeze those charge cards - literally!  If you tend to over use - just hide in the freezer.  Make it difficult to get to and use.  Now you can be responsible with CC's - pay off each month and do not pay interest.  Have a card that gives you points for purchases and use those points to get goods or Gift Cards.  That is responsible.
• Garden when and if you can.  Even if it is a little bit in a pot on the patio.  Everything you grow is cheaper and better for you.  Think about a fall garden as your summer garden starts to come to an end.  There are lots of cool weather crops that can be planted later on.
• Go meatless on meals one or two days a week.  Meat is probably our most expensive grocery item.  It isn't necessary every day.  Also eat smaller portions.  Use as a side - not a main course!!!
• Turn down the heat or turn up the AC.  Put on or wear less clothes.  Energy can be a budget buster
• Pay ALL bills on time!!!!  Avoid extra fees at all costs
• Ask for gifts or give gifts that are practical.  Gift cards or food.  People can buy what they need - not what you THINK they need!  I love getting cards to grocery stores or food places.  Homemade foods and goodies are great.  Everyone has to eat!  
• Have NO SPEND weeks.  Just stay home and don't spend.  It is not mandatory that you shop weekly!
• If you live in a dry area or drought area or just need to save on water - use bath water for the garden!  Keep a bucket in the shower and use that water that would just go down the drain.  Bath water is still water and it will work perfectly on your plants of all kinds!!!!!
• Cook from home and eat simply and use basic ingredients.  Stop the morning coffee runs or lunches and dinners out.  You would be amazed how much you end up spending over a year.  Simple ingredients can make wonderful meals  and you don't have to be a master chef to eat good meal at home 

• Drink water or make tea or Kool-Aid.  No need for store bought drinks
• Don't pay full price for anything.  Go to cheaper stores like Aldi, look for clearance and markdowns, buy in season.  Barter with others.  Shop yard sales.  Look for deals wherever you can find them!!
• Plan your trips and errands to make the most of your fuel.  Don't just go driving around all willy-nilly - PLAN
• Do not buy on impulse!!!!  Think things over, especially before spending a lot of money or purchasing a large item.  Odds are you will talk yourself out of the purchase.  Always sleep on it!!!
• Reduce, reuse and recycle - this is essential to saving funds.  Find new uses for things.  We all have too much and we all have things we don't need.  Many items can be used for a bunch of things - just in a different way.  GET CREATIVE
• If out running errands - take your own drinks or snacks.  That can save a lot of funds
• Use leftovers!!!!!!  Use for breakfast or lunch or make into something new.  Just don't waste.  Have a meal that is a 'clean out the frig' meal - use up all those bits and bobs.  Make soup with all those odds and ends or a casserole.  So many ways to extend your food.  Every time I have to throw something out - I stop and think about others who are hungry!!!!  It sure makes you re-evaluate your waste.

I will do part 2 on Thursday.  We all need to be reminded of how we waste time, money and goods from time to time.  We are ALL guilty of it!  

We all have hard earned funds or limited incomes and need to make the most of our dollars.  We need to really think before spending.

Take time to rethink your habits.  Do whatever you can to conserve.  That my friends is simply being a GOOD STEWARD of what you have.

What have you done this week to NOT waste?

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/20

 Happy Sunday to all.  Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there (American Father's Day).  This evening summer becomes official in the northern hemisphere.  To think all this hotness has been spring!!  LOL

Lightening bugs (fireflies) and hummingbirds are visiting a lot.  I love seeing lightening bugs!

We had about 4 really nice days and I got a lot done outdoors.  Then heat and humidity returned.  There was quite a storm front that came through on Friday night.  Luckily here, I only had rain and some downed branches.  We got almost 3" of rain over night.  Some areas got up to 7"!  There was a lot of nasty stuff going on around the state - just thankful to have missed that.

Now the tulip tree leaves have started falling just in the past few days.  They fall like it is fall for about a month!  UGH - it sure makes a mess.

My west coast friends came in town and we got to visit on 2 different days and hopefully we get to get together again this coming week before they head out on their journey again.  It was like sitting down and having conversation with friends I had sat with a million times.  They came baring gifts - what a surprise.  She made me a lovely afghan and other lovelies, home canned salmon and other surprises!  We also went out to eat one evening. It was lovely.

                                       Lilies and more lilies - they are going crazy!

My week:

• Cut a lot of mint
• Finally got 'most' of the big flowerbed weeded.  Oh my - what a job.  
• Mowed and trimmed - front to back
• Power washed and power washed some more!!!!!  Did the back of the house and the back of garage (both face N).  The garage was awful - but now both are nice and white.  It had been almost 3 years since I did it the last time.  Power washing is addictive - you keep finding things to clean!!!!!  I did a lot - still more to do.  And YES - I did it all by myself!!!!!!!  My arms and back were sure tired and I have been having hand cramps all week!  LOL - but worth it.
• Did a couple small repair projects outdoors
• Had to wash windows after power washing
• I went to the feed store and got some bird seed and squirrel corn.  I also got a new watering can - which has been needed for a while

                              I don't know about you - but I think I bought an alien!!!!!!!

• I started a butt end of Romain lettuce in water - it has grown and starting to get roots
• Ran to Kroger for salad supplies.  I broke my rule and bought a watermelon already (seedless, nice size - 2.99).  I lucked out  - it is sweet and tasty
• I fried up a bunch of chicken pieces.  I kept out enough for a couple of meals and the rest went into the freezer for homemade 'heat ad eat' chicken!
• Basics - cleaning, making tea, doing laundry - even fresh air some mornings

Meals this past week:

Corn on cob, grilled zucchini and fresh veggies

Cheese and crackers and fresh fruit (busy day)

Ham sandwich and bowl of soup beans (from freezer)

Double cheese burger (homemade) and chips

Cheese and tomato quesadilla

Mexican food and margarita (evening out)

Fried chicken and mixed fresh veggies with dressing

                                     Isn't this beautiful?  My new afghan - I love it!!!!!

How was your week?  Did you get any projects done?  Any deals?  What is happening in your area?

My garden has a grown a lot in the past few weeks - just starting to get some buds for things!  How are your gardens doing?

I hope you all have a lovely, safe and healthy week.  

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and be glad.  O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!

Psalms 34:1-3

Day Off

 Hey y'all.  I have had a busy week so far and today I am kind of taking off.  I have some friends coming through town and they will be stopping by.  I haven't had much time to decide on a new post - so I will catch up everyone on Sunday.

I am actually getting to MEET an old friend.  We got acquainted years ago on a chat forum and became fast friends.  She and her husband are making a long road trip for vacation and they are coming here!!  We actually get to meet in person.  I am excited.

They are coming from the west coast - so quite a trip for them.  They have many stops and people to see, and I honored they are coming here as well.

Have a great day full of love and peace!