Smashed Baby Potatoes

It makes me sad that potatoes get a bad rap. Just because we love to fry and make indulgent mashed potatoes out of them, doesn’t make them inherently bad. It’s all about how potatoes are prepared and let me tell you, I haven’t met a roasted potato that I didn’t like or felt bad about eating. The crispy skin. The spices we top them with; it’s all just so good. Case in point: these delicious smashed baby potatoes that my friends on Instagram couldn’t get enough of!

Before we jump to the recipe, let’s talk about why potatoes are a great food. What is it that they provide?

  • They are rich in vitamin C (No scurvy for us!)
  • Potatoes are high in potassium, aiding our heart, muscles, and nervous system
  • The fiber in potatoes is great for our digestive system

Learn more here! 

If you’ve been here a while, you know I love whole foods. I look to make meals nutrient dense, and it seems potatoes fit the bill: they are full of energy and great nutrients. Let’s cook some up!

Now, I will be honest, there is some very hands off prep work required for these potatoes. Don’t rush it. You’ll thank me when you do all the steps. When I tell you to let them cool in the once boiling water, I mean it. Walk away from the stove. Don’t even think about them. It will take longer than you think, but it will be worth it! 

Your Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil 
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt, pepper, ground rosemary, to taste

Your Steps to Smashed Baby Potatoes 

Place the potatoes in a medium-large saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and crushed garlic clove. Cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Remove from heat and allow potatoes to sit in the water until room temperature (at least 90 minutes). (I am telling you, just walk away. Find something else to do 🙂 ) 

Once cooled, drain the potatoes. Toss with olive oil, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, pepper, and ground rosemary. I wish I could give you a measurement, but it’s just too painful for me to measure. If you need it, I would say about ½ teaspoon a piece. I simply pour a little in my palm and toss it in. 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet that’s been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Using a flat bottomed cup (I use a fermentation tamper), smash each potato with some force. 

Bake the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, until crispy. Optional: For a little more indulgence, toss the potatoes in some melted butter before baking them as well. It will take them to the next level, but I am all about taking the healthier twist! Serve with your favorite grilled protein. You’ll thank me! 

Smashed Baby Potatoes

Looking for a great side dish for that favorite protein? Give these delicious and simple smashed baby potatoes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt pepper, ground rosemary, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place the potatoes in a medium-large saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and crushed garlic clove. Cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Remove from heat and allow potatoes to sit in the water until room temperature (at least 90 minutes).
  • Once cooled, drain the potatoes. Toss with olive oil, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, pepper, and ground rosemary. If you need a measurement, I would say about ½ teaspoon a piece. I simply pour a little in my palm and toss it in.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet that’s been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Using a flat bottomed cup (I use a fermentation tamper), smash each potato with some force.
  • Bake the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, until crispy.

Notes

Optional: For a little more indulgence, toss the potatoes in some melted butter before baking them as well.
Keyword chicken parmesan, garlic, Potatoes, roasted potatoes, rosemary, sides, smashed potatoes
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Sweet Potato Muffins

I don’t know about you, but I dig a good muffin. The Mr and I are early risers, which generally means I am a “double breakfast” kind of gal. What can I say, I don’t like being hungry and am a grazer throughout the day. Muffins make a great small first breakfast while I drink my warm lemon water (check out the benefits here!). They are a snack I can feel good about feeding my kiddos too! That is especially true for these delicious sweet potato muffins!

That’s right. Sweet potato muffins. Not something you’ve heard of, right? But I bet you’re intrigued and thinking, “Why haven’t I thought of that before?!” I mean, sweet potatoes are just that, sweet. They are also a nutrient dense vegetable with more potassium than a banana, full of fiber, vitamin A and C, and antioxidants, among so many other things. 

You may also be wondering, “But that’s a hard potato. How are we going to add that to a muffin?!” A few kitchen gadgets are going to get us to riced sweet potato and let me tell you, once you have it riced, the possibilities are endless! 

The gadgets

Yes, you will need a couple to create these muffins, but I am telling you, once you get started, you’ll use them all the time. 

The Spiralizer 

My sister gifted me a spiralizer a number of years ago along with the cookbook Inspiralized by Ali Maffucci. The spiralizer is small and handheld so it doesn’t take up much space in my kitchen. Sometimes it’s a bit of hard work, but I don’t mind that when I am working in the kitchen. And seriously, the sweet potato is my favorite to spiral so far! 

The Food Processor

I spent the early parts of my adult life thinking I could get by with a small, 2 cup food processor. It’s what my mom had growing up and I figured it was enough. Then one year, my mom (of all people) gifted me this beautiful 7 cup KitchenAid Food Processor and I don’t know how I lived without it for so long. 

I use it for making oat flour, pesto, you name it. She is so lovely and I love her so much! 

The Sweet Potato Muffin Recipe

But enough about the gadgets I love, it’s time to start cooking! You’ll want to get started by spiralizing 1 medium/large sweet potato. You are looking for about 2 firmly packed cups of spiralized potato. I like to do this over a plate (you’ll see why in a moment!). Then you’re ready to get started!

Your Ingredients 

  • 1 large sweet potato, spiralized (2 cups firmly packed)
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats 
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt 
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 eggs 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla 
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (coconut oil would be great too!) 
  • ¼ cup real maple syrup (or honey)
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips

Your Steps to Sweet Potato Muffins

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 12 portion muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. 

In a food processor, combine oats, baking soda, and salt. Pulse until a coarse oat flour is created. Pour into a bowl and set aside. Place spiralized sweet potato into the food processor and pulse until it is riced (the size of long grain rice). 

Now I avoid all the extra dishes I can, so the oat flour goes onto the plate the sweet potato was on and cinnamon gets added. You do you! 

From here, add the eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup to the mixing bowl. Combine well. Sir in sweet potato and melted butter (being mindful that the temperature of the butter is cool enough to avoid scrambling the eggs). Fold in the oats and cinnamon along with the chocolate chips. 

Scoop into muffin tin by the quarter cup, filling 12 vessels. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through. Serve right away or within the week. We like to pop them in the microwave for 15 seconds to warm up the chocolate and make them just perfect with a cup of tea or coffee! 

Sweet Potato Muffins

There is something sweet and delicious about these simple sweet potato muffins. Full of nutrient dense ingredients, but still give the vibes of a tasty treat!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 muffins

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large sweet potato spiralized (2 cups firmly packed)
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter coconut oil would be great too!
  • ¼ cup real maple syrup or honey
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 12 portion muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a food processor, combine oats, baking soda, and salt. Pulse until a coarse oat flour is created.
  • Pour into a bowl and set aside. Place spiralized sweet potato into the food processor and pulse until it is riced (the size of long grain rice).
  • From here, add the eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup to a large mixing bowl. Combine well. Sir in sweet potato and melted butter (being mindful that the temperature of the butter is cool enough to avoid scrambling the eggs).
  • Fold in the oats and cinnamon along with the chocolate chips.
  • Scoop into muffin tin by the quarter cup, filling 12 vessels. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through. Serve right away or within the week.
Keyword Breakfast, breakfast muffins, clean eating, maple syrup, muffins, nutrient dense, oatmeal, oatmeal flour, sweet potato
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Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

Weekends in the fall are for cozy breakfasts. Warm breakfasts that you can curl your hands around with a cup of coffee and just take in the cool, beautiful weather. At least, that’s what I believe. Most days of the week, I go for overnight oats with Greek yogurt (Grab this recipe here!), but on the weekend, I like to play around with my breakfast a little more and this pumpkin pie baked oatmeal is just the ticket. 

I don’t know your story, but I am a mom that lives for the quiet on the weekends. For me, I intentionally wake up before everyone else so I can enjoy my coffee and breakfast with a candle and some Christmas lights (don’t judge!). I love mixing together baked oatmeal to savor while it’s still before dawn. This pumpkin pie baked oatmeal is a single serving dish of deliciousness that mixes up in minutes and bakes in just twenty minutes. I top it with a little Triple Zero Vanilla Greek Yogurt to get those whipped cream vibes without all the sugar. So dang good!

Ready to make your own breakfast? Let’s go! 

Your Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal 

  • ½ cup quick oats
  • ½ tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg 
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder 
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk of your choice)
  • ⅛ teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree (I always roast my own! Learn how here!)
    2 tablespoons walnuts (optional) 

Your Steps

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, combine oats, flaxseed, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour the mixture into a small round baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top of the oatmeal is solid. Eat it plain, or top with vanilla Greek yogurt for extra protein and a little treat! 

Finished Baked Oatmeal

Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

A warm and cozy pumpkin pie baked oatmeal is the ticket for a single serving breakfast full of good for you ingredients
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup quick oats
  • ½ tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • cup unsweetened almond milk or other milk of your choice
  • teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons walnuts optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • In a small bowl, combine oats, flaxseed, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour the mixture into a small round baking dish.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top of the oatmeal is solid.
  • Eat it plain, or top with vanilla Greek yogurt for extra protein and a little treat!
Keyword baked oatmeal, Breakfast, oatmeal, pumpkin, pumpkin recipes, single serving
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Black Raspberry Jam

It is black raspberry season and with that comes black raspberry jam creating! 

Growing up, I have fond memories of harvesting wild red raspberries while my dad set up deer stands, checked for hunting activity, and the like. My sister and I would keep containers with us and would harvest away, swatting bugs and getting scratched by the branches. It wasn’t until I met the Mr. that I even knew black raspberries were a thing. 

Around our home, the red raspberries are referred to as “mama’s raspberries” and the black are “daddy’s raspberries.” As I started to learn to can early in our marriage, the first thing my husband requested was black raspberry jam. Of course, I had to oblige. 

I do want to share that I did not grow up in a canning household. I learned about ten years ago, as soon as we bought our home and started our first garden. And while I had some support of my mother in law (thank you so much!), I learned SO MUCH from reading. If you are a first generation canner like I was, let me share some of my favorite resources: 

Ball Complete Book of Home Canning: This book gives you a good idea of all the basics from the people who know canning forwards and backwards. I love that I can dig in and get just what I need. 

Not Your Mama’s Canning Book: Modern Canned Goods and What to Make with Them: This book is SO FUN. It has some out of the ordinary recipes. We especially love the tomato soup and seasoned black bean recipes. 

And finally, the National Center for Home Food Preservation has all the information you need for all sorts of food preservation, not just canning. I reference it often! 

But enough about resources, you want to can right? (But seriously, I am going to give you the basics. If you are a newbie (Yay!), head to any of those resources for more detailed information)

Your Ingredients for Black Raspberry Jam

For approximately 4 half-pints, gather: 

  • 5 cups black raspberries
  • 3 cups sugar 

(Yes, that’s it! No, you can’t swap out the sugar for a different sweetener. Canning is finicky like that)

The Prep Work

Fill the canning kettle with enough water that the jars will be covered by at least 2 inches of water. More is better in this case so overestimate. Begin to heat over high heat. Place the canning rack so that it is hooked over the side of the canner and put clean jars on it to keep them warm. Note: You don’t have to keep the jars in the rack, although it is helpful to keep them warm. You want the jars warm to prevent breaking when they are being filled. 

Set the clean rings aside. I like to simmer my lids on low low heat in a small saucepan. Not necessary, but I like to think it helps them seal better. 

If you have not already done so, measure out the sugar and the berries. 

The black raspberry Jam Making

In a large, preferably shallow kettle, smash the black raspberries with a potato masher. Stir in the sugar. Begin to heat over medium-high heat, stirring often. I like to smash the berries more as they are cooking down. 

Your end goal is to reach the gelling point. There are lots of tests for this, but I prefer the temperature test. If you are at sea level, the gelling point is at 220 degrees. For every 1000 feet of elevation, you subtract 2 degrees. For me, the gelling point is 218 degrees. Don’t have a decent food thermometer? Check out the National Center for Home Preservation website for other ways of testing for the gelling point. 

It takes longer to reach the gelling point than I think it should. It also goes from needing 3 degrees to reaching the gelling point fast. You can get complacent while you are waiting and suddenly hit the temperature, so I am trying to warn you 🙂 

Once the jam has reached the gelling point, remove from heat. Ladle into prepared jars, leaving ½ inch head space. Wipe rims of the jars with a damp, clean cloth, add lids and rings, tightening to fingertip tight. Place in the canner, increasing the heat to high. Once the canner reaches a boil, process for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow jars to cool in the canner over 5 minutes. Remove from canner, placing on the counter. Listen for the ping of the lids over the next 12 hours. Sealed jars are self stable. If any jar doesn’t seal, simply place it right in the refrigerator. 

Note: You can skip the processing step all together if you feel more comfortable. If you do so, the black raspberry jam will need to be stored in the refrigerator. The process of water bath canning creates a self-stable jam. That is, a jam that can be stored on the shelf. 

Black Raspberry Jam

Two little ingredients (sugar and black raspberries) combine to make this wonderful taste of summer treat!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Canning
Servings 4 1/2 pint jars

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cup black raspberries
  • 3 cups sugar

Instructions
 

  • If you have not done so, measure out raspberries and sugar.
  • Wash and sanitize 4 1/2 pint jars, rings, and lids. Keep warm. Fill the canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 2 inches of water. Cover and heat on high. Watch the temperature, you want a simmer but not a boil when you place the jars in the water.
  • In a large, shallow kettle, smash raspberries with a potato masher. Stir in sugar. Begin to heat over medium-high heat, stirring often. Smash more as they are cooking down.
  • Heat to 8 degrees above the boiling point of water. If you are at sea level, the gelling point is at 220 degrees. For every 1000 feet of elevation, you subtract 2 degrees.
  • Once the jam has reached the gelling point, remove from heat. Ladle into prepared jars, leaving ½ inch head space. Wipe rims of the jars with a damp cloth, add lids and rings, tightening to fingertip tight. Place in the canner, increasing the heat to high. Once the canner reaches a boil, process for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow jars to cool in the canner over 5 minutes. Remove from canner and allow to rest for 12 hours before storing.

Notes

You can skip the processing step all together if you feel more comfortable. If you do so, the jam will need to be stored in the refrigerator. The process of water bath canning creates a self-stable jam. That is, a jam that can be stored on the shelf.
Keyword black raspberry, Jam, Jam Recipes, Jellies and Jams, raspberries
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Looking for other canning inspiration?

Click here to head to my canning page or click any of the recipes below!

Korean BBQ Inspired Beef and Broccoli

This Korean BBQ Inspired Beef with Broccoli has been are recipe that has hung out on my Instagram page for a long time and is an ultimate go to dinner for our family when time is short. Sitting down together for meals is incredibly important to everyone in our house, but basketball, baseball, barre classes, and the like can make that challenging. This complete meal can be done in under 25 minutes (depending on your rice) and provides a healthy and nutritious meal everyone can love!

What I love best about it (besides the flavor of course!) is that it truly can be a pantry meal that gets thrown together last minute. We are a hunting family which means our freezer is full of home-ground venison, which is what we use in place of ground beef 90% of the time. We always have Minute Rice on hand (they make a great brown rice), and if we don’t have fresh broccoli, we will definitely have some frozen. As long as we don’t run out of the sauce ingredients, we are golden and can make this any day of the week. 

Also, I ADORE these steamer bags by Ziploc. It allows us to quickly cook up some broccoli (fresh or frozen) without heating up the house. We use them for cooking vegetables on a regular basis!

Ready to get cooking?! Let’s go! 

Your Ingredients For Korean BBQ Inspired Beef and Broccoli 

  • 1 pound ground protein (beef, venison, turkey)
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • ⅛ cup water
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger 
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil 
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste 
  • 3 cloves garlic 
  • 4-6 servings brown rice, cooked 
  • Two heads of broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces (four servings frozen broccoli florets) 
  • Sesame seeds 

Your Steps 

Over medium heat, brown protein, adding oil as needed. Venison benefits from a ½ tablespoon of olive oil in the pan to help keep it from sticking. Meanwhile, steam broccoli and cook instant brown rice if you haven’t already. 

I highly recommend these Ziploc steam bags for all things vegetables. I think we cook our vegetables in these bags 2-3 times a week for simplicities sake. They are amazing and come with timings for all types of food, fresh and frozen! I dig any kind of instant brown rice and have also fallen in love with frozen, par-cooked rice for those busy nights! 

While your meat is browning and rice and broccoli are cooking, mix your sauce. I like to add the liquids in a 1 cup liquid measuring cup and then add the rest of the spices. Don’t skip the sesame oil! It makes the dish! 

Once the meat is cooked, drain if necessary. Pour sauce over the browned protein, cooking over medium for 4-5 minutes, until slightly thickened. 

Serve protein over rice, topped with steamed broccoli and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Good luck having any left overs! 

Korean BBQ Inspired Beef and Broccoli

Dinner in under 25 minutes is possible with this complete meal of Korean Inspired BBQ Beef served with broccoli over rice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground protein beef, venison, turkey
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • cup water
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • Red pepper flakes to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 4-6 servings brown rice cooked
  • Two heads of broccoli chopped into bite size pieces (four servings frozen broccoli florets)
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Over medium heat, brown protein, adding oil as needed. Venison benefits from a ½ tablespoon of olive oil in the pan to help keep it from sticking.
  • Meanwhile, steam broccoli and cook instant brown rice if you haven’t already.
  • While the meat is browning and rice and broccoli are cooking, mix your sauce.
  • Once the meat is cooked, drain if necessary. Pour sauce over the browned protein, cooking over medium for 4-5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  • Serve protein over rice, topped with steamed broccoli and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Good luck having any left overs!

Notes

I like to add the liquids in a 1 cup liquid measuring cup and then add the rest of the spices. Don’t skip the sesame oil! It makes the dish! 
Keyword broccoli, Brown Rice, ground beef, quick meals
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Looking for other delicious dinner inspirations?

You can also head to my cooking page or perhaps the baking page for other meal and dessert ideas!

Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

Some seasons, I totally forget about my rhubarb as it is coming up. I don’t know about you, but up until this year, I associated rhubarb season with spring. (Did you know you can harvest all summer long? I didn’t!) And spring is planting season so sometimes planting and prepping the garden gets in the way of the rhubarb. Not this year! I have had a blast giving different rhubarb recipes a try (check out these strawberry rhubarb bars!) and I am so excited to share this Rhubarb Strawberry Jam with you. 

I have given rhubarb strawberry jam a try a time or two before but hadn’t fallen in love with the results. Once I did a straight rhubarb jam that was green since that’s the color of our rhubarb. Not that appealing, if you ask me. But rhubarb is supposed to be a little tart, and too many strawberries counter that. 

I think I found the perfect blend here by having 67% more rhubarb than strawberries (I can’t stop my math teacher ways) and using low sugar pectin, cutting down on the sweetness a bit. And the color? Divine. It will seem like the rhubarb isn’t going to break down to a good jam consistency, but I promise, give it time and you will love the results. 

The Supplies 

This recipe will result in approximately eight 8 ounce jelly jars. You can use wide mouth or narrow mouth jars. Just be sure you have rings and lids for them and that they will all fit in your canner at once. It will likely be a little less, but with canning it’s always better to be over prepared in terms of jars. 

You will need a water bath canner or large stock pot with a lid. The jars need to be off the bottom of the pot. A water bath canner will have a rack to use. If you use a stock pot, I would invest in canning racks. You can also put a towel down in a pinch, but it is MESSY in terms of getting water everywhere.  

It is also helpful to have the tools in a canning kit like this, but it isn’t necessary. Canning would be crazy challenging without the jar funnel and jar tongs. The lid lifter is also very handy. 

While we are here, I will give you all the information you need to successfully can a batch of jam. However, if you are new to canning, you may likely want to gather additional information. My favorite places to learn more are The Ball’s Book of Canning or the National Center for Home Food Preservation

Your Ingredients

  • 3 cups diced strawberries
  • 5 cups diced rhubarb (I peeled mine to decrease on the fibrous material) 
  • ¼ cup lemon juice 
  • 4 cups sugar, divided
  • 1 package low sugar pectin 
  • ¼ teaspoon butter, optional

Your Steps to Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

Begin by measuring out your sugar in a large bowl and set aside. It’s important to have all your ingredients prepared before beginning the canning process so don’t skip this step. I also highly recommend reading through the steps more than once before beginning (I know that we are all guilty of flying by the seat of our pants when cooking). 

Fill the canning kettle with enough water that the jars will be covered by at least ½” water. More is better in this case so over estimate. Begin to heat over high heat. Place the canning rack so that it is hooked over the side of the canner and put clean jars on it to keep them warm. Note: You don’t have to keep the jars in the rack, although it is helpful to keep them warm. You want the jars warm to prevent breaking when they are being filled. 

Set the clean rings aside. I like to simmer my lids on low low heat in a small saucepan. Not necessary, but I like to think it helps them seal better. 

Now to Create the rhubarb Strawberry Jam 

In a large, preferably shallow kettle, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, and lemon juice. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of sugar and pectin. Sprinkle mixture over the fruit and stir. Add butter if desired. It will decrease foaming while the jam is cooking, but is not necessary. The foam isn’t bad. It just makes the jam a little less pretty. 

Heat fruit and pectin over medium high heat, stirring consistently. I like to use a potato masher to help crush the fruit as it begins to break down. Once it is close to a boil, stir constantly until you cannot stir down a rolling boil. On more than one occasion, I have thought I reached this point only to go a little longer and see what a “real rolling boil” looked like. 

Once a rolling boil has been reached, quickly stir in the remaining sugar. I find a strong whisk is helpful to make sure there are no clumps of sugar in the jam. Continue to heat over medium-high heat until a rolling boil is reached again, stirring constantly. Once the roiling boil is reached, time for EXACTLY one minute. Remove from heat. 

Canning Time!

Ladle hot jam into jars using the canning funnel, leaving ¼” head space. Wipe rims of the jars with a damp cloth as you go, top with a lid, and put on a ring so that it is finger tip tight. Fingertip tight means you know it’s tight but you aren’t sealing it so much so that it wouldn’t leak on its side, if that makes sense. (Any leftover rhubarb strawberry jam can go in a small container and get placed in the fridge to be enjoyed immediately)

Place jars in JUST about boiling water bath canner. Cover and raise the heat until a rolling boil is reached. Cook jam for 10 minutes (adjusting for your altitude…under 1000 feet, you’re good. Over? Add 5 minutes for every 1000 feet). Once the time is complete, remove canner from heat and remove the cover. Allow the jam to sit in the canner for an additional 5 minutes. Then remove and place on a towel on the counter. 

Afterward

Listen for the ping as the jars seal and just let them be for 24 hours. I know it will be hard to let them be because you’ll be so proud, but it’s recommended to make sure you get a good seal. Any jars that do not seal can be refrigerated and enjoyed right away. Note: It is recommended to store canned goods with their rings removed so that you can know if a false seal occurs. I generally just loosen them as loose as they can go. 

A FEW NOTES: 

  • Make sure you are using powdered pectin rather than liquid pectin. They do not set the same. Early in my canning career I didn’t know the difference and had a few batches of jelly never set. 
  • If you have never canned, you can reference the instructions within the pectin box for additional, more detailed directions. 
  • Sealed jars are shelf-stable, meaning they can be stored on a shelf unrefrigerated. If your jars don’t ping (a sign that they have sealed), they are still good. You will just need to store them in the refrigerator. 
  • Most sources recommend removing the rings from jars for storage so that you will know if they unseal for any reason. When I know they have sealed, I generally just loosen them as much as I can without removing them. 

Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

The classic springtime combination of rhubarb and strawberry make a delicious jam.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Canning
Servings 7 half pint jars

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups diced strawberries
  • 5 cups diced rhubarb
  • 4 cups sugar
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 package low sugar powdered pectin
  • ¼ teaspoon butter optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare your water bath canner. Fill the canner with enough water so that once the jars are in the canner, they will be covered by at least one inch of water. Cover and begin to heat over a medium-high heat.
  • Measure out sugar. Set aside.
  • Place the rhubarb, strawberries, and lemon juice in a large, non reactive kettle. Add ¼ teaspoon of butter, if desired, to reduce foaming.
  • Combine pectin and 1/4 cup of the sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the fruit.
  • Cook over medium high heat until a rolling boil is reached, stirring consistently. I like to cursh with a potato masher as the fruit starts to break down.
  • Once a rolling boil is reached, slowly stir in sugar.
  • Continue to stir until you reach another rolling boil that can not be stirred down. Once a rolling boil is reached, cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Ladle jam into prepared jelly jars, wipe the rims with a damp cloth, add lids, and tighten rings to fingertip tight. Put into the water bath canner. When the canner has a steady boil going, time and process for 10 minutes.
  • Once the jam is done processing, remove the canner from heat and let jars rest in the water for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, remove jars from the canner and allow to cool for 12-24 hours before moving.

Notes

  • Make sure you are using powdered pectin rather than liquid pectin. They do not set the same. 
  • If you have never canned, you can reference the instructions within the pectin box for additional, more detailed directions. 
  • Sealed jars are shelf-stable, meaning they can be stored on a shelf unrefrigerated. If your jars don’t ping (a sign that they have sealed), they are still good. You will just need to store them in the refrigerator. 
  • Most sources recommend removing the rings from jars for storage so that you will know if they unseal for any reason. I generally just loosen them as much as I can without removing them.
Keyword Canning, Jam, Jam Recipes, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Strawberry Rhubarb
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Potato Soup with Rosemary and Thyme

Recently my little one was home, sick. Okay, she isn’t really little. She’s almost 8, but the Mr. and I will likely always call her little one. She was home, sick, and didn’t have much of an appetite at all. Dinner rolled around and our plan had been to pick up sub sandwiches for the busy night ahead. However, her request was, “Can you make me some potato soup mama?” Who says no to that? So I set out to create a new little recipe for her and also for all of you. A simple and quick recipe (she hadn’t eaten all day!) with flavor. Out came some delicious and simple potato soup with rosemary and thyme. 

While she napped, I had worked on updating my blog and found that I had 18 (eighteen!) soups already. So when she requested potato soup, I wanted to mix it up. Most of my potato soups have cheese in them. Being sick, I figured cheese wasn’t the best choice. I also wanted to add some herbs I don’t normally add. Thyme seemed a good fit, and rosemary always pairs well with potatoes. 

So here is my mini me’s potato soup. It sat well with her tummy and she ate it all. I hope you enjoy the comfort in it as well!

Your Ingredients for Potato Soup with Rosemary and Thyme

  • 3 cups diced potatoes (peeled or not, your choice)
  • 1 ½ cups diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onions 
  • ½ tablespoon minced garlic 
  • 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil 
  • 2 ½ cups chicken stock 
  • 2 cups milk 
  • ½ teaspoon pepper 
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ¼-½ teaspoon rosemary
  • salt, to taste

Your Steps to Potato Soup with Rosemary and Thyme

In a large soup kettle, heat olive oil. Once hot, add onions and celery. Saute over medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes. Once soft, add potatoes, garlic, and chicken stock. Raise to medium-high temperature and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are soft, 10-15 minutes. 

Once soft, remove 2-3 cups of the mixture and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. The amount is dependent on how creamy or brothy you want your soup. Stir smooth vegetables back into the soup with milk, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Allow to simmer over low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. 

My tool of the trade?

I adore my Kitchen Aid immersion blender. I use it for ALLLL the cooking and creating. It’s worth being the extra tool in your kitchen.

Potato Soup with Rosemary and Thyme

This potato soup with rosemary and thyme is the ticket if you need a quick and simple meal that's full of flavor!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups diced potatoes peeled or not, your choice
  • 1 ½ cups diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 ½ cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ¼-½ teaspoon rosemary

Instructions
 

  • In a large soup kettle, heat olive oil. Once hot, add onions and celery. Saute over medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Once soft, add potatoes, garlic, and chicken stock. Raise to medium-high temperature and bring to a boil.
  • Cook until the potatoes are soft, 10-15 minutes.
  • Once soft, remove 2-3 cups of the mixture and blend with a stick blender until smooth.
  • The amount is dependent on how creamy or brothy you want your soup.
  • Stir smooth vegetables back into the soup with milk, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Allow to simmer over low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Keyword Potato Soup, Potatoes, rosemary, soup, thyme
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Italian Chili

If you know me, you know I dig ground Italian sausage. We almost always have some on hand (frozen or in the fridge). We also make our own Italian sausage/venison blend that’s great! ⁠A while back, I had some in the fridge that needed to get used up and it was CHILLY outside. It got me wondering, “Is there such thing as Italian chili?” A quick google search got me to all the ingredients and some inspiration to throw a little something together. ⁠I remembered it as delicious and the pictures were beautiful. But…

It may be a big surprise to you, but I didn’t write it down and had only jotted what I remembered after the fact. That doesn’t make for good food blogging, so it went on the back burner. For months, I have been thinking that I needed to revisit the recipe and check the measurements, the flavors, and the like. 

That time finally came, and friends, it’s a great recipe. It needs just a bit of prep ahead of time (might I recommend browning the meat the night before if your mornings are rushed?), and 6-8 hours later, you will have a DELICIOUS Italian-inspired chili that will keep you warm any chilly day. (Or really any day, because every day is a good day for soup!) 

Before you get started, let me preface this recipe by saying that it will seem like you don’t have enough liquid initially. After cooking in the slow cooker all day, the liquid will be drawn out of the vegetables and it will be perfect.

Let’s get cooking!

Your Ingredients for Italian Chili

  • 1 ⅓ cup diced sweet bell pepper, any color (1 large)
  • 1 ⅓ cup diced onion (1 medium) 
  • 16 ounces ground Italian sausage
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • 28 ounce Italian diced tomatoes⁠
  • 1 1/2 cup tomato juice⁠
  • 1 cup diced celery⁠
  • 15 ounces kidney beans, rinsed⁠
  • 15 ounces Cannellini beans, rinsed⁠
  • 1/2-1 tablespoon chili powder⁠
  • 1 cup diced zucchini (1 small)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⁠
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⁠
  • salt, to taste ⁠

Your Steps (So easy!)

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add onions, peppers, oregano, and basil. Cook until just softened, about 7 minutes. Add Italian sausage. Cook until browned.⁠ Drain as necessary. 

Combine the sausage mixture with the remaining ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours. Serve up with some crusty bread and top with some shaved Parmesan. Simple and great. A combination of all the things I love. Happy cooking! ~Jess

Looking to pair this with some dessert and bread? Give these recipes a try!

Tools of the Trade

I know I share about them a lot, but gosh, I love my flexible cutting boards. I don’t even mess with anything else! And You’ve got to have a great slow cooker, bonus points if it has the timer on it.

Italian Chili

Italian flavors combine with this classic comfort food for a simple slow cooker meal that is sure to make everyone happy!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ⅓ cup diced sweet bell pepper any color (1 large)
  • 1 ⅓ cup diced onion 1 medium
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 28 ounce Italian diced tomatoes⁠
  • 1 1/2 cup tomato juice⁠
  • 1 cup diced celery⁠
  • 15 ounces kidney beans rinsed⁠
  • 15 ounces Cannellini beans rinsed⁠
  • 1/2-1 tablespoon chili powder⁠
  • 1 cup diced zucchini 1 small
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⁠
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⁠
  • salt to taste ⁠

Instructions
 

  • Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add onions, peppers, oregano, and basil.
  • Cook until just softened, about 7 minutes.
  • Add Italian sausage. Cook until browned.⁠ Drain as necessary.
  • Combine the sausage mixture with the remaining ingredients in a slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Serve up with some crusty bread and top with some shaved Parmesan.
Keyword chili, crock pot, Italian sausage, roasted vegetables, slow cooker
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Pressure Canned Seasoned Venison

I love fall as it turns to winter. The warmth of sweatshirt and jeans weather. Fires. And hunting. Now, I am not a hunter (hunter’s safety was offered during girl’s basketball and I had to choose), but I do love filling my freezer with protein harvested from the woods. I also fill my shelves with pressure canned venison: Both in the form of venison stew and pressure canned seasoned venison. 

Pressure canning is my job in our home, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know there are horror stories of pressure canning out there and a number of people are afraid of it. And if they aren’t afraid of the act of canning the meat, they are hesitant to eat pressure canned seasoned venison. “How can meat be self stable and room temperature and still be okay to eat?” I promise, its easier than you think and the meat is great to eat. I follow all the recommendations from the National Center for Home Preservation. Let me tell you, this stuff is GOOD. 

The meat is SO tender. It heats up in minutes, and you can have a meal on the table in under ten. The convenience is out of this world and you are still able to serve your family good for you food without being processed. Our favorite way to use our seasoned venison is to drain off a little of the liquid and heat it in a kettle with BBQ sauce. As the meat is stirred, it will break down (so tender!) and create a shredded venison that can be served with rolls (may I recommend my silver dollar rolls?) and some coleslaw. YUM. 

Bottom line?

I am beyond excited to share how I prepare my seasoned venison with all of you. There is no reason to be afraid of a pressure canner. I was 100% a novice who simply did some reading at the beginning. The only caution I want to give is that it does take time (primarily hands off) for it to cook. I would say make sure you have three hours to be around the house, but truly you can be doing other things while it cooks. Just be present. If you do want more information, read your canner’s directions or check out the NCHP

Ready to create some pressure canned venison stew? Let’s go! 

Your Ingredients (per quart jar) 

4 cups cubed venison stew meat, raw

Seasoning (see below)

We keep a seasoning mixture on hand of 1 part pepper, 1 part dried minced garlic, 1 part dried minced onion, and 1-2 parts kosher salt. I use this on everything from chicken to venison to roasted vegetables. It’s fantastic and versatile. When I am canning meat, I season every 2 ½ pounds of meat with about 1-2 tablespoons seasoning mix. This is to our taste. 

Tools of the Trade

Normally, I put this at the end of a post, but with a pressure canner, I feel as though I should put it at the beginning. I love using my weighted pressure canner. It doesn’t stress me out and I can create so many great things with it. I also think a canning funnel is a must here. 

Before you start this process, make sure you read the general directions to your own pressure canner. They may differ from what I am sharing, and you should always follow those directions first. Also, if you are a beginner canner or even advanced, it is always a great idea to check out the National Center for Home Preservation Site for more information! 

Your Steps to Pressure Canned Venison Stew

Begin by preparing your canner and jars. Wash and sterilize quart jars, rings, and lids. Keep warm. Check the seal and center vent of your lid of the canner. Set aside. 

Season prepared meat with seasoning mixture mentioned above (2 tablespoons per 2 ½ pounds of meat). Using a canning funnel, stuff jars with 4 cups of raw meat each, leaving 1 inch of headspace. 

Wipe rims with a damp cloth, center the lid on the jar and adjust the band to fingertip tight. 

Place jars on the rack of a prepared pressure canner (mine needs 3 quarts of hot water plus a splash of vinegar). 

Time to Can that Pressure Canned Seasoned Venison!

Place the lid on the canner and heat to high heat. Once a steady stream of steam can be seen/felt, vent for 10 minutes, adjusting the heat if needed to have a steady but not crazy stream of steam. After 10 minutes, put the weighted gauge on the vent. You will want 10 pounds if your altitude is under 1000 ft; 15 pounds if you are over 1000 ft. 

Once the weight starts to jiggle (indicating it has reached the appropriate pressure), begin timing. You will need to process pint jars for 75 minutes and quart jars for 90 minutes. Once the timer has gone off, turn off and remove the canner from heat. Allow the pressure to drop on the canner all the way (read specific canner instructions for the indicator-this takes about 45 minutes). Remove weight and allow to cool an additional 10 minutes. Remove jars from canner; do not retighten bands. Cool 12 hours, then check their seals, label, and store jars. 

Again, we like to create pulled venison with ours by heating it with some BBQ sauce. It will shred as you stir, getting the perfect texture. Add some coleslaw and rolls and you are set! 

Pressure Canned Seasoned Venison

Fill your shelves with a pressure canned seasoned venison for quick meals throughout the year. Full of flavor and easy to create!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Canning
Servings 5 quarts

Ingredients
  

  • 20 cups cubed venison stew meat (about 10 pounds)
  • ¼-½ cup seasoning mixture of minced garlic, minced onion, salt, and pepper see directions for additional information

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing your canner and jars. Wash and sterilize quart jars, rings, and lids. Keep warm. Check the seal and center vent of your lid the canner. Set aside.
  • Create the seasoning mixture: 1 part pepper, 1 part dried minced garlic, 1 part dried minced onion, and 1-2 parts kosher salt (or canning salt).
  • Season prepared meat with seasoning mixture.
  • Stuff jars with raw seasoned meat, leaving 1 inch of head space.
  • Wipe rims with a damp cloth, center the lid on the jar and adjust the band to fingertip tight.
  • Place jars on the rack of a prepared pressure canner (mine needs 3 quarts of hot water plus a splash of vinegar).
  • Process quart jars for 90 minutes at 10 pounds. If your altitude is greater than 1000 feet, use 15 pounds. Follow the directions of your pressure canner or see the more detailed directions in the notes.

Notes

Pint jars can also be used. You will need two cups of meat per pint jar (four cups per quart jar). Pint jars process for 75 minutes. 
We keep the seasoning mixture on hand for all sorts of cooking: proteins, vegetables, potatoes, you name it. That’s what the directions give you “parts.” so you can mix up as much as you want! 
Detailed Directions
Place the lid on the canner and heat to high heat. Once a steady stream of steam can be seen/felt, vent for 10 minutes, adjusting the heat if needed to have a steady but not crazy stream of steam. After 10 minutes, put the weighted gauge on the vent. You will want 10 pounds if your altitude is under 1000 ft; 15 pounds if you are over 1000 ft.
Once the weight starts to jiggle (indicating it has reached the appropriate pressure), begin timing. You will need to process pint jars for 75 minutes and quart jars for 90 minutes. Once the timer has gone off, turn off and remove the canner from heat. Allow the pressure to drop on the canner all the way (read specific canner instructions for the indicator). Remove weight and allow to cool an additional 10 minutes. Remove jars from canner; do not retighten bands. Cool 12 hours, then check their seals, label, and store jars.
Keyword pressure canning, soup and stews, stew, venison, venison stew
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Peanut Butter and Oat Brownies

As a high school teacher, I get invited to a number of graduation parties every year. I love celebrating their accomplishments and walking through the shrine that shows them growing up through the years. ⁠I also LOVE when they have brownies for dessert. Brownies are a top treat for me, and it’s a rare day that I turn one down. I’m always looking for a new recipe. These peanut butter and oat brownies are gluten free and free of refined sugar. So good!

This recipe was inspired by a Taste of Home magazine recipe. I put my own spin on a brownie bar that I think turned out pretty darn incredible. Bonus points for them being gluten free with no refined sugar (depending on your chocolate chips!). Win, win right? Excuse me while I eat the whole pan!⁠

Ready to get baking? Let’s go!

Your Ingredients⁠

  • 1/3 cup oat flour (I grind old fashioned oats myself in a food processor)⁠
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder⁠
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt⁠
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder⁠
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla⁠
  • 1 cup nut butter (I did all natural peanut butter)⁠
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup⁠
  • 1 large egg⁠
  • 2/3 cup walnuts ⁠
  • 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips ⁠

Your Steps⁠ to peanut butter and oat brownies

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line an eight inch square baking pan with foil and then coat with cooking spray. ⁠

In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. ⁠

In another medium bowl, combine nut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips. ⁠

Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan before removing the foil and cutting into bars. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! ⁠Just try not to eat the whole pan, I dare you.

Tools of the Trade

I love my large food processor. I do so much with it, including making my own oat flour!

A good Pyrex baking dish is a must!

Peanut Butter and Oat Brownies

These peanut butter and oat brownies are a quick and clean eating brownie that are full of texture and flavor! Give them a try!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup oat flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder⁠
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt⁠
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder⁠
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla⁠
  • 1 cup nut butter
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup⁠
  • 1 large egg⁠
  • 2/3 cup walnuts ⁠
  • 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips ⁠

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 8 in square baking pan with foil and then coat with cooking spray. ⁠
  • In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. ⁠
  • In another medium bowl, combine nut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips. ⁠
  • Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan before removing the foil and cutting into bars.

Notes

I grind old fashioned oats myself in a food processor. You can also purchase your own.
Keyword brownies, chocolate and peanut butter, Gluten Free, oats, peanut butter brownies
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