IN LIKE A LION ~~~

Well March definately came in like a LION - RRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

After 2 weeks of snow, 3 days with no electricity, and MUD MUD MUD I'm just a little pooped and have the winter blahs.  I'm dreaming of sunny skies ~~ blooming flowers ~~ long hikes ~~ I need a little refreshing in my life, not just outdoors but in my homeschool and spirit as well.  Do you every get the BLAH's this time of year, are you ready for a pick me up?

God tells us :
Psalms 51:12 - Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit. 

Psalms 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Grab a hold of God's promises today and get a refreshing that no SPRING day can compete with.  I will be praying for you today ~~

 

Little Bit of Old Whole Lot of NEW ~~

Well if you have noticed we haven't been blogging much.  We have decided to change our blog from a business blog to a blog about our Homeschooling, Homesteading, Frugal, Country Lifestyle ~~  now before you run you don't have to Homeschool or Homestead to follow our blog.  We will continue to have lots of YUMMY recipes, we will have more daily life stories, along with great homeschool articles or product review and fun information about our homesteading venture so stayed tuned because we're a little bit "crazy" and our stories will at least be interesting!!

We are trying to build our blog #'s so please share - - you will soon see giveaways and other FUN things going on and don't want to miss it!!

Heart Surgeon Speaks Out On What Really Causes Heart Disease -- Health & Wellness -- Sott.net

Heart Surgeon Speaks Out On What Really Causes Heart Disease -- Health & Wellness -- Sott.net: http://www.sott.net/articles/show/242516-heart-surgeon-speaks-out-on-what-really-causes-heart-disease

Cheesy Sausage Penne (this ones YUMMY)~~~

1 lb ground sausage (can also use hamburger)
1 block of cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 box of Penne Noodles (cooked according to pkg directions)
1 Jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
8 oz sour cream
8 oz cream cheese


Brown sausauge in a skillet until done.



Drain sausage and add your spaghetti sauce - simmer on low.   Also while browning sausage cook your penne noodles according to pkg. directions until done, drain and set aside.  Also shred your block of cheese and set aside.
 
In a small bowl combine place your cream cheese - microwave about 40 sec to soften, then add your sour cream and mix.
 
In a 9x13 baking dish layer as follows.   Place 1/2 your noodles in the dish, then 1/2 sausage mixture, then drop 1/2 the cream cheese mixture over the sausage and spread out, then 1/2 the cheese, repeat topping with cheese.
 

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes - take out and enjoy with a favorite salad and crusty bread!

DIG IN  :)

Salsa Mia Shipwreck

I am having fun playing around with recipes using our mixes!!

Salsa Mia Shipwreck - this recipe uses our Salsa Mia dip mix and an casserole my family loves

6-8 potatoes - peeled and cubed 1/2 - 1" - enough to cover bottom of a 13x9 pan
1 can of kidney beans
butter
1 lb hamburger
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cube beef bouillan
1/2 cup milk
1 can diced tomatoes
1 Salsa Mia Dip Mix - http://www.collyottfarms.com/
1 block of cheddar cheese - shredded


Cube potatoes and place in the bottom of 13x9 pan. Add a few teaspoons of butter over the potatoes 4-5.  Drain kidney beans and layer over top of potatoes. 



 
In a skillet brown your hamburger (we use deer burger).  When brown add milk, can of cream of chicken and 1 beef bouillan cube.  Mix all together til warm. Spread over potatoes and beans. 
 

Then mix your can of diced tomatos and Salsa Mia mix, layer this over top of the meat mixture.

Top with shredded cheese and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until potatoes are done.  If cheese starts to brown - cover.  Take out and enjoy  - - Was great with a piece of our crusty beer bread mix.  As you can see the dish was almost cleaned out!!

Yummy ~ Easy ~ Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is Yummy and Easy

1 Whole Chicken
1 Can Cooked Carrots
1 Can Cannelloni Beans
4-5 Stalks of Celery
Mushrooms

Boil your chicken - season well with salt, pepper and other favorite herbs and spices.  When chicken is done set aside to cool - then debone.  Save the broth.  I usually do this on the weekend and freeze or refrigerate for a quick evening meal during the week!!

To make soup:   Cut up celery and saute in butter, add mushrooms.

In stockpot put the broth and chicken, add sauted mushrooms and celery.  Add can of carrots (drained), add can of cannelloni white beans (drained), and season to taste. 

Heat to a boil then lower to a simmer until ready to serve.  The longer you simmer the more the seasonings and flavors will mix.  You may need to add water if you did not have much broth. 

Add a Warm Crusty Loaf of Bread and what a comforting meal  (We have Beer Bread Mixes online that go sooooooooo well with soup!)

Front Porch Dreams.....

NOTE - - we are switching our website name to FRONT PORCH DREAMS - you will see changes over the next two months as website colors and graphics change as well as some of the product line.

I can't wait - we've collected dozens of Front Porch Pictures - cannot decide on a favorite!!

We'll have more updates to come..  but right now I'm off to the store for more beer (no I'm not drinking in the AM) but I do plan to roll our a new Beer Bread Mix today - Cheesy Ranch Beer Bread - so let the trial and error begin - lots of bread for supper I imagine!!

You can check out our "Original" Beer Bread mix above online @ http://www.collyottfarms.com/

Have a GREAT Thursday everyone - I'm enjoying the SUNSHINE  :)

Health, Joy & Happy Eating: Roasted Butternut Squash & Sausage Soup

Health, Joy & Happy Eating: Roasted Butternut Squash & Sausage Soup: From Kristi’s Kitchen As featured on the Beyond Organic Facebook Page www.facebook.com/livebeyondorganic Ingredients: 1...

Meet our NEW Meat Rabbits

We have partaken on the adventure that is Meat Rabbits - I am told not only healthy but quite tasty meat - I have only had wild rabbit and am told this is much better.

Meet our Doe:   Daisy
(here's to many happy healthy litters :)

and here is our buck Amadeaus - his name is my husband's contribution to this venture!! 

As you will notice the females are larger than the males.  Some perks to meat rabbits - you know what your rabbit is being fed.  Rabbit meat is a lean, protein rich, heart healthy meat!!  We hope to offer this meat to our customers the summer of 2012.  If you raise meat rabbits we would LOVE to opinions or anything you have to share or add!!

"The most nutritious meat available"

- Dept. of Agriculture



Resolutions!! Are you making them????

Well 2012 is almost here and I'm almost giddy!!!  :)    I never do the whole New Years thing - I'm actually babysitting this year for a few others who are enjoying there time out - - but I'm excited about making "Goals" for the new year and all that I'm going to accomplish - I have a plan and it's exciting!!!

I can already check one item off my list - MEAT Rabbits - we bought a doe and buck today and brought them home - I will share pictures later this weekend!!  So excited about it!

I'm excited about our upcoming Homeschool year - excited about the weight I'm gonna lose (yes I know everyone makes this one but YES I AM!!:) - - I'm excited about all the produce I plan to grow and sell - - excited about being part of the Farmers Market this year - - I'm excited about Home Shows with The Olde Farmhouse - - excited about my baby girl turning 1 in January, she has been a total delight this past year!! - - excited about my new work/home life schedule that will allow me to do more and be home more - - excited about all the NEW IDEAS for http://www.collyottfarm.com/ - -wow I'm so excited I could keep going because I'm sure your tired of hearing me say "excited"  but like I said I'm in a giddy like state of mind!!!!

Lets say it Ducks Chicks and Pigs OH MY.. ok so Dorothy used different animals but I'm excited -----

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone - may you have a wonderful year and know how blessed you are..

Join us on Facebook - New Homeschool Group

We have created a NEW Homeschool Group on Facebook - Homeschooling in the Backwoods.  You don't have to live in the backwoods to be a part of this group.  You just need to be a homeschooling mom or dad, family member, someone interested in learning more about homeschooling, a supporter of homeschooling or even a mom who would like some ideas of hands on things to do with her children.

This group was created for us to support one another, make friends in the homeschooling community, offer support and encouragement, share pictures of family and fun projects (even the science project that BLEW up!!), share kid friendly recipes, stories and adventures, links to great homeschooling, lapbooking, worksheets sites and more.  

Click here to ask to join:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/220833204634015/#!/groups/220833204634015/

Layered 4th of July Drinks

OK the minute I saw these I fell in love with them.   What cool looking drinks - patriotic to boot!!  They are non-alcoholic so you can invite your kids to join in the fun of making these!!

See the entire tutorial and instructions online at http://www.thesistercafe.com/

Enjoy!!!!

ONLY 3 LEFT - taking $10 off to move inventory - don't miss out.......

Our Awesome Dip Coolers are a must have and great wedding, birthday or gift to self!!!   They are hand thrown so no two are the same. American made - Missouri made!!

We have 2 Sage Green and 1 Amber left - we are selling these at an AWESOME discount to move inventory and make room for new colors!!  They are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.  Fill with ice to keep your dips and cheeseballs cool or add water and microwave to keep butter and sauces warm. 

They are at this sale price only while these 3 are in stock - - grab our 3 dips for $8.00 special and you have the perfect gift or setup for your summer BBQ's!!!  Click here to be directed to sale coolers   ==  http://www.collyottfarms.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Dips 

God Bless America!!

Collyott Farms wishes you each a SAFE and FUN Fourth of July!!!!  My you have a wonderful weekend with family and friends. 

Weekly Special over @ The Farmhouse

We don't do this often but I thought we would share our weekly special with you this week - it's a great way to stock up for those summer gatherings!!

Buy 5 dips at regular price and receive 2 FREE!!!!

You can view them online at www.collyottfarm.com

Spinach Herb

Garlic Galore

Pantry Ranch

Dilly Dip

BLT

Zesty Tomato

Con Chile Queso (see crockpot recipe below)

Tomato Horseradish

Down By The Bay (seafood dipper)

Salsa Mia

Over the Border (hot)

Cheesecake

Tropical Cheesecake

Sweet Curry Dip & Dressing

** All natural, no MSG

**Warning - these dips may be addicting - we are not responsible for any addictions as a result of devouring these yummy dips

Oatmeal Delights

OK so you know how I mentioned I am trying to substitute "honey" for "sugar".  Our entire family is 10 days into a 30 day fast off of white sugar and white flour - my kids have been allowed to cheat a couple of times, you know the cupcake that was passed out to everyone on the ball team - well I decided NOT to be that cruel.  Anyway as only a sugar addict would I'm tearing through my pantry like a "MAD" woman wanting something anything - a candy bar - an entire cookie bowl full of cookies, cupcakes SOMETHING!!!

Well being the Good Girl that I am I decided to create the  best of both worlds a SNACK but made with honey and unbleached whole wheat flour.  Here is the Oatmeal Delights we had - and yes they were edible and good. 

1 cup of butter, softened
1 cup of honey
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 - 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour (going to try with Rice Flour next time)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups Oats (I used Quacker as that is what I had on hand - would like to try with some whole organic oats!)

1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees

2.  Mix together butter, honey, eggs and vanilla in a bowl.



3.  Then mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and oats.   Gradually add to honey mixture.  If you need more flour or oats add til thick and will drop off a spoon.

4.  Drop dough by the teaspoons onto a cookie sheet and bake about 10 minutes are until done - should be golden as the honey darkens the dough!!

OH then ENJOY!!!!

We are still playing with the ice cream recipes- when I find one I can't live without I'll share so far not much luck - Happy Day!!

Dumb Rooster!!

So I posted on Facebook yesterday "Don't chase me in my own backyard or you will become my supper!!"  Well I have this dumb rooster who got out of his fenced in yard a couple of days ago and he chases ONLY THE FEMALES humans- you can already tell he male can't you --- "birdbrain"

Well hubby was gonna catch him last night so I could make some yummy chicken soup today - - well we did'nt get it done and I wake up this morning to find some bit of "wildlife" enjoyed my rooster - so see I had to go and get mad at him all over again --The wildlife around here eat well at my pocketbooks expense = lol!

Why Homeschool: Interesting study - corn syrup causes you to gain ...

Why Homeschool: Interesting study - corn syrup causes you to gain ...: "A sweet problem: Princeton researchers find that high-fructose corn syrup prompts considerably more weight gain : ---------- A Princeton U..."


I soooo try to stay away from the evil of high-fructose corn syrup - it's amazing what all you can find it in - even baby formula - why really does a baby need this - blech!! I have been learning to use "HONEY" as a sweetener. There are tons of health benefits to honey as well. We'll share some of those sometime - but right now my next project will be to attempt to make some homemade ice cream using honey instead of sugar - you know that wonderful summer treat - I LOVE ice cream and hope this turns out yummy. Stay tuned for pictures and recipes later this week...................

Chicken Chile Con Queso

I made this yesterday in the crockpot and am enjoying some leftovers now!!!  Nothing makes a house more inviting then a YUMMY crockpot concoction simmering.

Chicken Chile Con Queso uses one of our yummy dip mixes - little bit of cheesy chile flavor - definate southwest flavor - -

1 whole chicken (grassfed is best of course!)

1 Con Chile Queso mix from Collyott Farms (http://www.collyottfarms.com/)
1 can of your favorite flavored diced tomatoes (we used fire roasted garlic by Hunts)
1 can of corn

any other vegetables you prefer - we once used canned zucchini instead of corn - so make this an original!!

Put your chicken in the crockpot...

Then add your tomatoes, corn and/or other choice veggies

Then top with your Chile Con Queso Dip Mix

Add about 3/4 cup water over mix

Bake at either HI/Lo according to your crockpot directions.  High should probably be about 4-6 hours and Lo about 8 hours or more. 



Then ENJOY!!!  Goes great with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, salad and bread.  Here we have used the crockpot juices as a gravy for the potatoes.  Let us know what you think - -

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Tomorrow is June 1st and for all strawberry lovers this is the season of the STRAWBERRY.  Those sweet sometimes tart delectable pieces of fruit!!  I share with you here a very YUMMY way to serve strawberries that look fancy and look like you went to a lot of work (we won't tell your guests how easy it was)!!

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

1 package of Plain or Tropical Cheesecake from Collyott Farms (http://www.collyottfarms.com/)

Strawberries (fresh picked is best)

To make the Cheesecake Mix you will need:

8 oz. Cool Whip

8 oz. Cream Cheese

Make Cheesecake according to package directions.  Set Cheesecake in fridge.  Wash strawberries, and cut the tops off - then take a knife and slice them in 2 ways making a cross or plus sign - do not slice all the way through just enough so you can open them up.  If you wish them to stand you may take a tiny tip off the bottom to make them flat.  Line them up on your serving platter.  Then take the Cheesecake mixture and spoon into a small ziplock bag.  Cut a tiny piece off at the corner and squeeze the cheesecake into the strawberries.  Make sure to save some for your guests!!!!