Dutch oven: How to Bake Biscuits in a Cast Iron Dutch Oven Over a Campfire

Why We Love Dutch Oven Cooking

Cast iron Dutch ovens have been used for centuries because they distribute heat evenly and can be used almost anywhere. Whether you're camping, living off-grid, cooking at a historical reenactment, or simply enjoying a backyard fire pit, a Dutch oven makes it possible to bake bread, biscuits, cobblers, stews, chili, soups, and even cakes without electricity.

One thing I've learned is that Dutch oven cooking teaches patience. Building a proper bed of coals often takes longer than preparing the food itself, but there's something incredibly satisfying about slowing down and cooking the way many of our pioneer ancestors once did.

Today was a sunny 65 degrees, and just perfect for outdoor cooking. As you can see, I'm playing SMOKE OUT while trying to get the fire started. We had some drizzle this week and even some ice, so all the wood is a little damp.

I sent the girls to fetch some water so we could have hot tea, water for the recipe, and also for clean-up.

I selected a nice cast iron pot to hang from the hook.

I love how I can adjust my temperature by raising or lowering the pot over the fire.

Pamela made us a batch of country biscuits. Nothing fancy.

COUNTRY BISCUITS

• 4 cups of flour

• 5 tsp butter

• 1 tsp baking soda

Mix in just enough warm water to dampen and shape dough

We're using the dutch oven for our baking.

Biscuits are placed in the iron pot.

Shoveling the embers, we placed the dutch oven on top of ashes, and covered the lid. The red hot embers heats the inside of the pot just like an oven. We can raise or lower our temperature by adding or taking away embers from the bottom and top of the pot.

Dutch Oven Tip

Rotate the Dutch oven a quarter turn every 10–15 minutes while also rotating the lid in the opposite direction. This helps prevent hot spots and encourages more even baking.

 

The biscuits were good slathered with creamy butter and honey.

Cooking biscuits pioneer style sure placed things into perspective. By the time we got the fire good and ready (with enough hot ashes) and cooked the biscuits, it took over two hours.

Like they say, food tastes better cooked outdoors, but I sure do appreciate my INDOOR kitchen! Imagine all you had was this outdoor kitchen, like some of our ancestors. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, food needed cooked!

Imagine laundry day back then... that's another story.



~

Handmade Wedding Dress: Timeless Elegance Created by a Talented Seamstress

One of the things I appreciate most about a handmade wedding dress is knowing that every stitch represents hours of careful craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced gowns, a custom dress can be designed to reflect the bride's personality while incorporating beautiful details that make it truly one of a kind.

Here are a few close-up photos of Caitlin's gorgeous handmade wedding dress.

Sonny, (the one in black) is the seamstress. I think she did a wonderful job!

This makes me anxious to design another colonial gown with lots of lace and beads.

This reminds me of a scene of Scarlett O'Hara on Gone With The Wind.

A Tradition of Handmade Wedding Dresses

Before ready-to-wear bridal boutiques became common, most wedding dresses were sewn by family members or local seamstresses. Every bead, button, lace trim, and hem was carefully stitched by hand. Many gowns became treasured family heirlooms, passed down through generations or lovingly repurposed into christening gowns, keepsakes, and quilts.

Looking through these photographs reminds me why I enjoy sewing so much. Handmade garments have a character that's difficult to duplicate, and it's always inspiring to see the time, patience, and creativity that go into creating something truly special.

GONE WITH THE WIND - Green Curtain Dress in Austin, Texas

Goodie Cookies: Homemade Oatmeal Cookies with Surprise

I experimented with an oatmeal cookie recipe today and added these extra ingredients:

• Raisins

• Chocolate Chips

• Pecans

• Walnuts

• Sunflower Seeds

I mixed it all together and named it, GOODIE COOKIES. You don't know what goodies you're going to get.

These were very delicious, and I'll definitely make these again and again.

GOODIE COOKIES

1 1/2 sticks of butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup pecans
1/4 cup sunflower seeds

MIX butter, sugar, eggs, before adding dry ingredients. Add raisins, nuts, and chocolate chips last.

Bake 375 degrees for 8-10 min.

I Grow: Why Do Plants Lean Toward the Light? A Simple Phototropism Experiment

One of the joys of growing plants indoors is watching them respond to their environment. This simple experiment with my basil plant demonstrates phototropism, the natural way plants grow toward a light source. It's an easy project for gardeners, homeschoolers, and anyone curious about how plants grow.

What Is Phototropism?

Phototropism is a plant's natural response to light.

When sunlight shines from one direction, plant hormones called auxins move to the shaded side of the stem. Those cells grow slightly longer, causing the plant to bend toward the light.

It's nature's way of helping plants capture as much sunlight as possible for healthy growth.

I've been playing with my plant in the window.

If you look closely at the first pot on your left, the leaves of this Basil is leaning towards the sun. The pot in the middle is the same plant --- I just turned the pot to the right. Within a few hours, the same plant (pictured to the far right) started leaning towards the sun again. This process is called, Phototropism. Although it leans toward the sun, most of the activity (cell growth) is happening on the SHADED side.

sunflowers are one of the best-known examples of phototropism

AUXINS are plant hormones. The name comes from the Greek word Auxano, which means, "I GROW"... Too much of Auxin stimulates the production of ETHYLENE. Ethylene is needed for fruit production. Synthetic Auxins are what is used to create herbicides and is also the active ingredient in Agent Orange.

Whenever you hear me mention, Monsanto, ethylene and auxins are some of the things being genetically tampered with to create herbicides and food production. I'm still learning about Monsanto, but from what I've gathered, I have a better understanding of how our fruits and vegetables are being (genetically tampered) to rush food production.

17 days ago, I planted my organic herbs. Only two have sprouted -- The Sweet Basil, and the Mint.

I went ahead and replanted the Lemon Basil.

The Catnip, I'm going to give another few days as the pkg said it would take up to 20 days of germination. After rereading the package, it said the plant will take 2 years to mature!

Smells like sunshine: Why I Started Drying Clothes on a Clothesline (And Never Looked Back)

My mother and I were discussing over the phone a few weeks ago, about getting back to the basics...

She asked if I had thought of using a clothesline.

I actually had a clothesline up once, to hang beach towels, but I'd taken it down to make room for the hammock.

But I got to thinking...

WHY not give it a try. Her discussion and blog post was convincing. After all, not only would I save money on electric, but it would reduce the wear and tear on my clothes and cut back on the time I spent waiting on my dryer.

I tied two lines and started hanging my clothes to dry. This has been two weeks ago and I am completely caught up with laundry. The first time in MONTHS.

Less than a year ago, I'd purchased a fancy brand new HIGH EFFICIENCY washer and dryer.

In less than 6 months, I had a repairman fix the dryer.

Although my washer and dryer are doing well, I regard their fancy computerized dials with suspicion.

I like my new "dryer" the best... My clothes smell like sunshine.

So, thanks Mom. Simple IS better.

Why I Love Line Drying

I never expected something as simple as hanging laundry outside would become one of my favorite household routines. Besides lowering our electric bill, I've noticed my clothes last longer because they aren't constantly tumbling in high heat. Towels, blue jeans, and everyday clothing all seem to wear more slowly when they're air dried.

One unexpected bonus is the fresh scent. It's hard to describe, but clothes dried outdoors really do smell cleaner. Sunshine and fresh air create a freshness that no dryer sheet has ever been able to duplicate.

If you're interested in even more traditional laundry methods, you might also enjoy my article about washing clothes off-grid without electricity, where I share simple techniques that work whether you're homesteading, camping, or preparing for emergencies.

How to Wash Clothes Without a Washing Machine (What I Learned Traveling Overseas)

 

Early gardening in January? Why I Start My Vegetable Garden Before Spring in Texas

Most gardeners wait for spring before planting vegetables.

Living in Central Texas has taught me that sometimes the best gardening season begins much earlier.

Because our temperatures often swing between chilly nights and warm sunny afternoons, I've learned to watch the weather instead of the calendar. By using a simple greenhouse, I can get a head start on the growing season while many gardens are still dormant.

Why I Plant Before Spring

People are often surprised to hear that I'm planting vegetables in January.

The reason is simple.

A greenhouse traps the warmth from the winter sun, creating a much more comfortable environment for young seedlings. Even when temperatures drop below freezing overnight, the soil inside my greenhouse often stays noticeably warmer than the outside air.

Before planting, I always check the conditions inside. On freezing mornings, I've been amazed that the planter boxes still feel warm to the touch.

That gives many cool-season vegetables an excellent start.

The temps fluctuate around here too much for me to wait for "Spring" to do my gardening.

I've been keeping a close eye on my greenhouse during cool weather. On days when it's freezing outdoors, the planters inside feel warm to the touch.

This has boosted me to plant now.

Today, Pamela and I planted organic:

Serrano Peppers

Carrots

Heirloom Black Zucchini

Heirloom Brandywine Red Tomatoes

Lettuce

Marigolds
Green Bell Pepper

Stevia

Starting Herbs Indoors

The previous weekend, I planted an indoor herb garden near my kitchen window.

Watching the first seedlings emerge is always exciting.

Sweet basil was the first herb to sprout, while the remaining herbs typically require two to three weeks before germinating.

Starting herbs indoors provides fresh cooking ingredients throughout the year and allows plants to become well established before moving outside.

Companion Planting Plans

One gardening method I enjoy using is companion planting.

As the radishes mature, I'll thin them out to make room for other vegetables including:

• Bush beans
• Cucumbers
• Peas
• Lettuce

Companion planting helps maximize garden space while encouraging healthier plant growth.

Last Sunday, I planted my herb garden indoors by my kitchen. So far, the Sweet Basil has sprouted. The rest of the herbs take up to 2.5 weeks for germination, so I'm still waiting.

I'll be thinning the radishes later for companion plants to my beans, cucumbers, peas and lettuce.

Why I Always Plant Marigolds

Every year I include marigolds throughout my vegetable garden.

Besides adding cheerful color during the winter months, marigolds attract pollinators like bees and beneficial insects that help support a healthy garden ecosystem.

Whenever temperatures are warm enough, I leave the greenhouse door open so bees can easily visit the flowers.

Seeing those first pollinators of the season always reminds me that spring isn't too far away.

Sprouting Garlic from the Grocery Store

One pleasant surprise this week was discovering that the organic garlic I purchased from Whole Foods had already started sprouting.

Rather than letting it go to waste, I planted the cloves.

Many gardeners successfully grow garlic from grocery store bulbs, although locally grown seed garlic is often recommended for the healthiest harvest.

Next on my list is finding some red potatoes for planting.

Flowers are continually blooming. When the weather's warm, I keep the door open to allow the bees entrance.

The garlic I'd picked up from Whole Foods has sprouted. Hoping to get red potatoes next time.

Tips for Starting a January Garden

If you're considering planting early, here are a few lessons I've learned over the years:

• Watch soil temperatures, not just air temperatures.
• Use a greenhouse, cold frame, or frost cloth for protection.
• Harden plants gradually before moving them outdoors.
• Keep an eye on long-range weather forecasts.
• Plant flowers alongside vegetables to attract pollinators.
• Don't be afraid to experiment—gardening is one of the best teachers.

Gardening Doesn't Always Follow the Calendar

One of my favorite things about gardening in Texas is that nature doesn't always follow traditional planting dates.

Some years, January feels more like spring than winter.

By paying attention to local weather conditions instead of waiting for a certain month, I've often been rewarded with an earlier harvest and a longer growing season.

Have you ever tried planting vegetables before spring? I'd love to hear what has worked in your garden.

Seeds of Change Review: My Experience Ordering Heirloom Seeds Online (Plus a Lesson About Checking Prices)

Every January, I start planning my vegetable garden and look forward to browsing seed catalogs and ordering heirloom varieties. Over the years I've purchased seeds from both local nurseries and online companies, and each experience has been a little different.

This particular order from Seeds of Change turned into an unexpected lesson about checking prices, reviewing invoices carefully, and paying attention to shipping costs before placing an order. While the company ultimately made things right, I thought my experience might help other gardeners who are comparing seed companies.

My seeds arrived today from, seedsofchange.com. Very fast shipping! But there was a little problem with my order. I had noticed that my debit card had been overcharged almost $4.

According to their website and confirmation email, I was to be charged $2.79 per packet.

In the invoice from today's shipment, I noticed that I was charged $3.29 per packet, and the Marigold's were charged $3.69.

This is very pricey!

I sent off an email today (Saturday) asking for an explanation, and didn't expect a reply until Monday. Needless to say, I was surprised they responded in minutes. Customer service apologized and said to expect a refund of the difference within 24 to 72 business hours.

No explanation of why I was overcharged for the seeds.

I can only assume that maybe they had gone up on their prices and this wasn't reflected on their website?

Shipping was $9.14 for those 5 packet of seeds... No free seeds, no catalog with shipment...

Anyway, just giving you a heads-up in case you're planning to buy from seedsofchange.com ~

I think I'm going to check out the Natural Gardener here in Austin for the rest of my seeds. This way I can buy locally and save on shipping. Besides, I'm always looking for an excuse to drive out there.

On the bright side, I planted my lemon Basil Heirloom seeds today in my new planter and sat it in my kitchen window. This particular Basil heirloom seeds were mentioned in a 1597 edition of John Gerard's book, The Herbal.

I learned something today about Basil. When used in tea, it can relieve nausea and gas pains. The ancient Greeks used Basil to relieve flatulance ;-)

UPDATE:

I just checked online and Seeds of Change, HAS gone up on prices. I must have purchased just in the nick of time.

This is good for me, as I wouldn't have paid $3.29 a packet. I can understand how they tried to bill me correctly, but with my evidence (email invoice) they had no choice but to refund the difference.

Lessons I Learned from This Seed Order

Looking back, this experience reminded me of a few things that are still worth remembering today.

• Always compare seed prices before ordering.
• Double-check your order confirmation against your final invoice.
• Consider shipping costs when buying only a few seed packets.
• If you have a good local garden center nearby, you may save money while supporting a local business.
• Keep copies of confirmation emails in case prices change before your order ships.

Although I was disappointed by the pricing confusion, I was impressed that customer service responded quickly and honored the original advertised price.

Since then, I've continued to enjoy trying heirloom vegetables, herbs, and flowers from many different sources. Sometimes buying locally is the better value, while other times online seed companies offer varieties that simply can't be found in stores.

Whichever route you choose, planning a new garden each winter remains one of my favorite parts of the gardening season.

Today's treasures: How I Choose Organic Seed Companies for My Vegetable Garden

I browsed in a Goodwill store today while Pamela took her piano lessons. My treasures found today; Neil Sperry's Complete Guide to Texas Gardening, and this cute planter. I'll plant some Basil in this one and set it on my kitchen window.

Today, I was informed by a friend in email that the seed company I had purchased from, Seedsofchange.com, is actually owned by M&M Mars.

This was the first I had heard of this, so I checked around and discovered they're still a reputable ORGANIC seed company. I'm not exactly happy that they're big corporation, but the reviews were good about their products. I even read they give out free seeds with their orders (I'll keep you posted on that.) I also placed an order for their free catalog.

Before I ordered from Seeds of Change, I DID try to locate my seeds through Seedsavers, and my favorite eBay heirloom sellers. They didn't have the seeds I wanted.

To my relief, Seeds of Change is not owned by Monsanto. 

But surprisingly, here's a list of the SEED COMPANIES that are owned by Monsanto (Monsanto is historically one of the world's largest developers and producers of genetically modified (GM/GMO) seeds)  

I plan to double-check before I order from a new seed company again.

* Territorial Seeds
* Totally Tomato
* Vermont Bean Seed Co.
* Burpee
* Cook's Garden
* Johnny's Seeds
* Earl May Seed
* Gardens Alive
* Lindenberg Seeds
* Mountain Valley Seed
* Park Seed
* T&T Seeds
* Tomato Growers Supply
* Willhite Seed Co.
* Nichol's
* Rupp
* Osborne
* Snow
* Stokes
* Jungs
* R.H. Shumway
* The Vermont Bean Seed Company
* Seeds for the World
* Seymour's Selected Seeds
* HPS
* Roots and Rhizomes
* McClure and Zimmerman Quality Bulb Brokers
* Spring Hill Nurseries
* Breck's Bulbs
* Audubon Workshop
* Flower of the Month Club
* Wayside Gardens
* Park Bulbs
* Park's Countryside Garden

Now, I haven't had a chance to verify each and every one, so if you find a company, that's listed here, and they really aren't owned by Monsanto, please drop me a line so I can edit.

Thanks for the heads-up, Melanie! I learned something today ;-)

UPDATED:  

Before You Buy Garden Seeds

Every winter I begin planning my vegetable garden, and one of my favorite parts is searching for heirloom and organic seed varieties. Along with comparing prices and unique seed selections, I also like learning about the companies behind the seeds I purchase.

This post shares one of my early experiences researching seed companies, along with a fun thrift store find that inspired another season of gardening. While company ownership can change over time, the lesson remains the same: it's always worth doing a little research before placing an order.

Companion Plantting Guide: Natural Pest Control for Your Vegetable Garden

Why I Love Companion Planting

One of my favorite ways to garden is by using companion plants. Instead of relying solely on sprays or chemicals, companion planting pairs vegetables with herbs and flowers that may help attract pollinators, confuse insect pests, and create a healthier garden environment.

Although companion planting isn't a magic solution for every garden problem, many gardeners have found it to be a simple and natural way to encourage healthy plants while adding beauty and variety to the garden.

Today, I've ordered organic garden seeds from seedsofchange.com ~

My purchase:

1 PACK, CATNIP
1 PACK, MARIGOLD, FRENCH BROCADE
1 PACK, MINT, LICORICE (ANISE HYSSOP)
1 PACK, BASIL, LEMON
1 PACK, BASIL, GENOVESE SWEET
1 PACK, SUNFLOWER, RUSSIAN MAMMOTH

These are the companion plants that are good for sharing pots with certain vegetables to help deter garden pests. The herbs are especially good for household pests, rodents, and ants.

The sunflowers are actually being grown to harvest seeds for food, but I read that they make great climbing poles for our beans ;-)

Why I Chose These Companion Plants

Each of these plants serves a purpose beyond looking pretty.

• Marigolds are popular for attracting beneficial insects and may help discourage certain garden pests.
• Basil is commonly planted near tomatoes and peppers, and many gardeners believe it helps attract pollinators while adding wonderful flavor to the kitchen.
• Catnip can attract pollinators and may help discourage some insect pests, although neighborhood cats may also find it irresistible.
• Anise Hyssop (Licorice Mint) attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators that help vegetable gardens thrive.
• Russian Mammoth Sunflowers provide food for birds and people, attract pollinators, and can even serve as natural supports for climbing beans, creating a classic "Three Sisters"-style growing space.

One lesson I've learned over the years is to give mint plenty of room—or better yet, grow it in a container. Mint spreads quickly through underground runners and can easily take over a garden bed if left unchecked.

While companion planting won't eliminate every insect problem, combining flowers, herbs, and vegetables has helped make my garden more diverse, productive, and enjoyable each season.

From what I've read, the mint needs to be contained separately, or they'll take over a garden.

What companion plants do you grow? Any pointers or tips?