Oatmeal Molasses Bread

I gave this recipe a whirl today. I was intrigued with the idea of adding oatmeal.

A Little History Behind Oatmeal Molasses Bread

Oatmeal molasses bread has its roots in early American and Canadian kitchens, where oats and molasses were common pantry staples. Molasses was often more affordable and easier to store than refined sugar, while oats provided a hearty, filling ingredient that could stretch flour supplies. Together they created a flavorful bread that was popular on farms and homesteads for generations.

One of the things I enjoy about this recipe is its old-fashioned flavor. The molasses gives the bread a rich sweetness, while the oatmeal adds texture and helps create a moist loaf. It reminds me of the kind of simple homemade bread that would have been served alongside soups, stews, and hearty family meals.

Why Add Oatmeal to Bread?

Oats are a good source of fiber. Adding oatmeal to bread can also help create a softer texture and a more filling loaf. Combined with the rich flavor of molasses, it makes a hearty bread that is perfect for breakfast toast or served alongside soups and stews.

This is better than Playdough...

Oatmeal Molasses Bread

1 cup quick oats

1-1/2 tbs butter

1 pkg active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup molasses

2 tsp salt

3-2/3 cup white flour

1 cup wheat flour

2 cups boiling water

Bring the two cups to a boil, add quick oats and butter. Let mixture sit for 1 hour.

Stir yeast into the 1/2 cup of warm water and let sit for 5 min.

Stir yeast mixture, molasses, and salt into oatmeal mixture.

Stir in as much flour as possible and knead on floured surface and knead for about 8 min or until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in bowl (greased) and cover with towel. Let rise till double.

Punch down dough and cut into two. Shape each into loaf and place in loaf pans. Let rise again with towel.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 35 min... Cool on wire racks.

Love white bread? One of my all-time favorites from the bread machine:   

Old-Fashioned White Bread Made Easy in a Bread Machine

Growing Stevia in Texas: My First Experience with Nature's Sweet Leaf

You've heard me talk about artificial sweetners. I've blogged about my experience meeting the inventor of Splenda and the research team here in Austin.

Well, my husband reminded me something I had long forgotten. Years ago, we used to work for a PLASTIC'S company in Lubbock, Texas. We operated injection molding machines and mass produced plastic components for cars, radar devices, holiday ornaments, and... get this (what I had forgotten) SUGAR SUBSTITUTES! Yes, the stuff you add to your drinks and desserts. We were a plastic's firm packaging sugar. We didn't create the stuff, but I found it odd that we handled it. After all, Frito Lay was just down the street.

I had forgotten this.

A Little History of Stevia

Stevia is a sweet herb native to South America and has been used for centuries by the Guaraní people of Paraguay and Brazil. Often called "sweet leaf," the plant was traditionally added to teas and beverages because of its naturally sweet taste.

Interest in stevia spread to other parts of the world during the twentieth century, and today it is grown in many countries, including China, Paraguay, Brazil, and parts of the United States. In warm climates, stevia can be grown as a garden plant and harvested for its leaves.

Growing Stevia in Texas

One of the things that interested me most about stevia was that it can be grown in many parts of Texas. Like other tender herbs, stevia prefers warm weather and plenty of sunlight. While it can be challenging to start from seed, many gardeners have success growing it from young plants.

For homesteaders and gardeners, growing your own sweet herbs can be an interesting way to experiment with traditional plants that have been used around the world for generations.

Stevia thrives in WARM and humid climates. 

From what I've read, it is hard to germinate, so several seeds need to be planted. I ordered thousands of seeds from Uruguay.

I had the opportunity to try some Stevia this weekend, in ground leaf form, and was very amazed at how good and sweet it tasted!

After learning more about stevia and trying it for myself, I found that I enjoyed its sweetness and became interested in growing it as part of my garden.

Pearl Harbor Day: My Experience as a Female Boatswain's Mate in the Navy

Today is the anniversary of my blog. One year ago today, I posted my experiences as a tour guide for the USS Arizona Memorial. Visit my FIRST BLOG ENTRY -

A Day in Pearl Harbor 

for Pearl Harbor stories and my experience as tour guide.

A Brief History of Ford Island

Ford Island sits in the middle of Pearl Harbor and has played an important role in Hawaiian and American history for more than a century. During World War II, the island was at the center of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Battleships were moored nearby, aircraft operated from the island's airfield, and military personnel worked throughout the harbor.

By the time I was stationed there in the 1980s, Ford Island remained an active military installation. Access was still largely dependent on boats and ferries, since the bridge connecting the island to the mainland had not yet been built. Working in the Water Transportation Division gave me a unique perspective on daily life in Pearl Harbor and the historic waters that surrounded us.

I dusted off a couple of my old pictures...

 
This is one of the girls I had trained. I'm standing on the bow. Beyond the stern of the boat, you can see the ship channel. This is where I kept a look-out for incoming ships and submarines. Whenever crossing the harbor, I'd have to radio each incoming ship to ask for permission. We were called, Whiskey Tango, which stood for Water Transportation.

The boathouse in Ford Island. If I wasn't training others, I was running boat shuttles, doing tours for the Arizona Memorial, or radio dispatching at the boathouse.

A Unique Thing About Ford Island

One thing many people don't realize is that when I was stationed at Ford Island in the 1980s, there was no bridge connecting the island to the rest of Pearl Harbor. Boats and ferries were a way of life. Military personnel, civilian workers, visitors, and supplies all depended on water transportation to move around the harbor.

Because Ford Island sits in the middle of Pearl Harbor, our crews were constantly navigating among warships, submarines, tugboats, and visiting vessels. Every crossing required radio communication and coordination with incoming ships. It was a unique assignment and a daily reminder that Pearl Harbor was not just a historic site, but a working military harbor.

Ford Island is one of the few places in the United States where visitors can stand in the middle of one of the most important locations of World War II history. During the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, battleships lined the waters surrounding the island, including the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and other vessels that became part of American history.

More on Pearl Harbor - 

Remembering Pearl Harbor: Then and Now

Marching the Tangerine Bowl Parade in Orlando 1981 - Triple Threat Drill team

Fresh out of bootcamp- wearing basic training tee shirt - KO73 

December Garden - Walking Egyptian Onions

I confess, I've been neglecting my garden. We're still in the midst of a drought. Last week I dragged out my waterhose and all kinds of flowers started blooming. Flowers that I didn't expect to see again until next spring.

Vegetables are still growing... Tomatoes, hot peppers, bell peppers, green beans, cucumbers... So far, Jack Frost hasn't swiped them yet.

Tomorrow's our chance for a real freeze - possibly 29 degrees. Midweek, we'll be back in the upper 70's. I'm hoping this will kill off those darn mosquitoes.

It's probably a pipe dream, but I'm hoping to do my winter planting this week. I know I'm late.

I ordered these Egyptian Walking (winter onions) online and plan to plant half and share the rest with my mother. These can grow year-round here in Texas. Maybe I'll mail some fresh onions to my sister who can't get enough of them! ;-)

Why Egyptian Walking Onions Are Popular

Egyptian Walking Onions are a favorite of mine and among many gardeners because they are easy to grow and return year after year. Unlike traditional onions, they produce small bulb clusters at the top of the stalk. As these bulb clusters become heavier, the stalk bends over and the bulbs take root nearby, giving the appearance that the onions are "walking" across the garden. 

These hardy onions can tolerate cold weather, require very little maintenance once established, and provide both green onion tops and underground bulbs for the kitchen. For gardeners looking for a reliable perennial vegetable, Egyptian Walking Onions can be a productive addition to the garden. I love it when I spot these at nearby nurseries!

A Unique Perennial Onion

Despite their name, Egyptian Walking Onions are not believed to have originated in Egypt. These unusual onions are thought to be an old hybrid variety that has been grown for generations in Europe, Asia, and North America. Their nickname comes from their unusual growing habit. Instead of producing seeds, they form small bulb clusters at the top of their stalks. As the bulbs mature and become heavy, the stalk bends to the ground where the bulbs take root and begin growing again, appearing to "walk" across the garden. This plant reminds me in an odd way, of sourdough starter. Just like the Egyptian Walking Onions, sourdough starter is something you can start, grow, and share for generations.  

Speaking of sourdough, I do have a recipe here: 

How Pioneers Made Yeast at Home for Bread (A Simple Old-Fashioned Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole | Easy Budget Family Meal

Why We Keep Making This Casserole

This hearty ground beef potato casserole has been a staple in our home for years. It’s simple, filling, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients most families already have in the pantry. During times of rising grocery prices, this is one of those comfort meals that stretches ground beef while still feeding a hungry family.

This potato casserole is one of my family's favorite dishes. If you haven't tried any of my recipe's, don't pass this one up. It's easy to make, economical, and a staple!


Ingredients

• 1–3 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
• Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (enough to line the pan and cover the top)
• 1 family-size can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable shortening or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown the ground beef and drain excess grease.
3. Mix the cooked ground beef with the cream of mushroom soup.
4. Grease a casserole dish.
5. Line the bottom of the dish with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes.
6. Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly over the potatoes.
7. Add another layer of potato slices on top and around the sides of the dish if desired.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is lightly browned.
10. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ground as much beef as you need. 1 - 3 lbs, cook and drain.

Peel potatoes and thinly slice.

Mix in a family sized Cream of Mushroom soup with the ground beef.

Grease pan with vegetable shortening and line entire pan bottom with potato slices.

Pour mixture into pan.

Layer potato slices on top of mixture, and along sides of pan. Salt and pepper. Bake at 350 -400 for 1 to 1.2 hours (depending on how crispy you want the potatoes.)

 

Tips

Double this recipe for large meals and gatherings. For a heartier casserole, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Food Storage Variation

For long-term food storage, this recipe can be adapted using home-canned ground beef, dehydrated potato slices, or commercially canned beef. During emergencies or periods of rising grocery prices, having shelf-stable ingredients on hand makes it possible to prepare familiar comfort foods without an extra trip to the store.

This is one reason I enjoy keeping potatoes and canned meat in my preparedness pantry. They can be turned into a variety of hearty meals, including this family favorite.

Keystone Ground Beef - for food storage 

Nutcracker: Georgetown Texas Library

Today, we went to the Georgetown Library to see a Nutcracker Docent Presentation -- by a Ballet of Austin, dancer. We learned the history of classical ballet, the training of a dancer, score and component. Some interesting facts too ... for example, a professional ballerina will go through several shoes a week, and a Tutu has 100 yards of Tulle (fabric) which is the length of a football field. We also learned costuming, and theatre etiquette.

Our homeschool group is getting prepared to see the Nutcracker Ballet next week in Austin. This will be my 3rd time seeing the Nutcracker.

We also signed up for piano lessons at the Texas Fine Arts Academy for the spring semester. For homeschoolers, it's only $40 a month! I've been searching for lessons for quite some time and this is the best deal I've seen. Pamela and I worked out a deal. She takes the lessons, and when she comes home, she has to teach me!

A Brief History of The Nutcracker Ballet

The Nutcracker is one of the most popular ballets in the world and has become a holiday tradition for many families. The ballet is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann and features music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It first premiered in Russia in 1892.

Today, The Nutcracker is often the first ballet many children experience. Productions feature elaborate costumes, colorful sets, and memorable characters such as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker Prince. For young dancers, performing in The Nutcracker is often considered an important milestone in their ballet training.

Learning about the history, music, and costumes before attending a performance helped us appreciate the ballet even more.

Guess where Pamela is standing?

She's at the library.

This was my first visit the Georgetown library since they've rebuilt in 2007. Since WHEN do libraries serve food??? This one serves coffee, pizza, and all kinds of yummy temptations! WOW!

I checked around and found that several libraries are adding cafe's. This is to make the library a social place.

Libraries Are Changing

Growing up, libraries were quiet places filled with books, study tables, and librarians reminding everyone to whisper. Today, many libraries have evolved into community gathering places where people can read, study, attend classes, meet friends, and even enjoy a cup of coffee.

Over the past several years, libraries across Texas and the United States have added cafés, meeting spaces, and educational programs in an effort to make libraries more welcoming and social. While I still love the traditional rows of books, I have to admit that enjoying a cup of coffee while browsing the shelves is a pretty nice addition.

What a neat way to spend the day.

Lowcarb Turkey Soup from Leftovers: Stretching a Thanksgiving Turkey

What to do with leftovers?

We never have leftovers at our house...

The turkey is eaten fast!

Making the Most of a Thanksgiving Turkey

One of the easiest ways to stretch a food budget is to make use of leftovers that might otherwise be thrown away. After Thanksgiving, I like to boil the turkey carcass to create a rich homemade stock that can be used in soups, stews, and casseroles. Not only does this provide several additional meals, but it also makes use of every part of the bird.

Homemade turkey stock freezes well and can be stored for future recipes. In our house, a single turkey often provides enough stock and meat for several pots of soup, making it one of the most economical meals of the season.

Food Storage Tip

Turkey stock can be frozen in meal-sized portions for later use. During the winter months, I like to keep a few containers in the freezer so I can quickly make soup without opening canned broth. This is also a great way to reduce food waste and stretch grocery dollars.

This Thanksgiving I decided to roll up my sleeves and save the nitty gritty. I boiled the entire turkey carcass and saved the stock for future soups.

Using a strainer, I separated the meat from the bone and fat.

I was able to extract enough stock for three pots of soup. I froze 2 bags and saved the other bag for today's dinner. There was enough turkey (extracted from the bone) to make a pot of soup.

This soup is spicy and wonderful!

Chop 2 medium onions

Dice some celery

2 cans of undrained green beans

1 can of undrained Rotel (diced tomatoes/green chilies)

1 cup of frozen peas

Sea salt

Pepper

Minced garlic

* * * If you're not using turkey leftovers, then toss in a couple of raw boneless chicken thighs or breasts in a pot of water, boil till cooked. Dice chicken and toss back into same pot/chicken broth and add veggies and Rotel.

Homestead Heritage - Waco Texas

We spent our Thanksgiving weekend at Homestead Heritage. This is a non-denominational Christian homeschooling community (about 300 families) that lives on and farms over 500 acres north of Waco. EVERYTHING is homegrown, homemade, homeraised, and made on site -- This community reminds me of the Amish.

The homeschooled kids played in an orchestra, sang, and participated throughout the festivities.

ALL the food is grown from organic and heirloom seeds. No preservatives, no food colors, everything 100% natural. The only thing I saw they had shipped in, was the natural cola's. This community bakes their own breads, weaves their own baskets, yarn, leather, woodworking, blacksmith, candlemaking, soap making, butter, cheese, canning, grinding wheat and corn, pottery, bee keeping, farming, furniture making, barn raising -- you name it.

Lots of samples to try -- porridge, cookies, breads, cheese, fresh pasta...

The food is PHENOMENAL! Creamy homemade ice cream, with homemade cones. Fresh beef and poultry, raised on wholesome grains. Homegrown rice, vegetables, fruits, nuts, popcorn...

The kettle corn melted in our mouths and the hot cider was out of this world.

We watched live music, took a horse drawn hayride to the look-out, visited the petting zoo...

These pictures are in no special order, but will give you an idea of the activities the community had provided. I was very impressed with their skills. This festivity is only offered to the public around Thanksgiving, but they offer year-round classes on homesteading.