Terry McDaniel, Author at

Fall for Flavor: Exploring Chili Recipes

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, there’s one thing that never fails to warm my heart – the arrival of fall! 🍂 And what gets me most excited? The return of hearty soups and chilis to my kitchen.

There’s something magical about simmering a big pot of chili on the stove, the aroma filling the house with comfort and coziness. And let’s not forget the convenience – these dishes are even better as leftovers, making for quick and delicious lunches throughout the week.

But what’s a bowl of chili without a slice of homemade cornbread? The perfect side, with its golden crust and moist, buttery interior, completes the fall meal experience.

So, here’s to the cozy season ahead, where we can embrace the chill in the air and indulge in soul-warming soups, hearty chilis, and delightful cornbread. Fall, we’re ready for you! 🍁🥣🌽 #FallFlavors #ComfortFood

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crockpot-beef-chili/

beef chili + sour cream and cheddar biscuits

The Best Homemade Cornbread Recipe

https://thecozycook.com/easy-chili-recipe/

Garden Fresh Salsa: A Taste of Summer, Preserved

There’s something undeniably satisfying about growing your vegetables, plucking them straight from your garden, and turning them into a delicious salsa. But what happens when your garden’s bounty becomes too much to enjoy at once? Enter the world of homemade garden fresh salsa, a vibrant taste of summer, lovingly preserved to enjoy year-round.

The Garden’s Bounty:
When your garden is in full swing, it can feel like a race to savor each tomato, pepper, and onion at its peak. However, there comes a point when you have more than you can consume in one sitting. That’s where homemade salsa comes to the rescue.

The Raw, Fresh Advantage:
Unlike cooked salsa, which can alter the flavor and texture of your garden’s treasures, raw salsa retains the essence of each ingredient. The crispness of freshly harvested vegetables shines through, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

The Preservation Process:
To ensure you can enjoy your garden’s salsa long after the harvest season has ended, consider vacuum-sealing it and storing it in the freezer. This method locks in the salsa’s freshness, preserving its vibrant colors and flavors.

Versatility at Its Best:
Homemade salsa is incredibly versatile. It’s not just a dip for tortilla chips; it can be a topping for grilled chicken, a filling for tacos, or a zesty addition to scrambled eggs. With your garden fresh salsa at the ready, your culinary options are endless.

A Taste of Summer Year-Round:
In the depths of winter, when your garden lies dormant under a blanket of snow, you can open your freezer and find a taste of summer waiting for you. Each spoonful of your homemade garden fresh salsa will transport you back to those sunny days in the garden, a reminder of the joy of growing and savoring your own produce.

So, the next time your garden overflows with ripe tomatoes, peppers, and onions, consider whipping up a batch of homemade garden fresh salsa. With a little effort in the preservation process, you can enjoy the flavors of your garden throughout the year, bringing a taste of summer to even the coldest of days. 🍅🌶️🌿 #GardenFreshSalsa #PreservationJoy #TasteOfSummer

Best Homemade Salsa Ever!

Natural Ant Repellent: Cinnamon – A Fiery Solution for Your Home Garden

Ants invading your precious vegetable and plant planters? Before reaching for harsh chemicals, consider an effective and natural solution right from your kitchen pantry: cinnamon. Not only is it a delightful spice for your dishes, but it also doubles as an ant deterrent with a fiery twist.

Cinnamon works wonders in keeping ants at bay due to its strong aroma and essential oils that ants find repugnant. The best part? It’s safe for your plants too! A light sprinkle around your planters not only creates a protective barrier but also enhances the well-being of your greens.

The secret lies in its dual role – while it’s a fragrant delight for us, it’s an unwelcome surprise for ants. This natural ant repellent is proof that effective pest control doesn’t have to be harsh on your environment.

So, the next time ants attempt an invasion on your indoor garden, simply reach for the cinnamon jar. With this simple spice, you’ll not only protect your plants but also experience firsthand how nature’s solutions can be both effective and eco-friendly.

Spreading Smiles: Painting Kindness, One Rock at a Time

Small acts of kindness can make a big difference, leaving painted rocks in your neighborhood is a charming way to spread joy. The simple act of painting rocks with bright colors and uplifting messages can bring smiles to the faces of passersby. As you place these artistic tokens in parks, sidewalks, or near local shops, you’re offering a little dose of happiness to anyone who stumbles upon them. Each rock becomes a reminder that kindness is all around us. So, pick up your paintbrush, unleash your creativity, and let your neighborhood bloom with these heartwarming acts of kindness.

https://www.ilovepaintedrocks.com/2017/10/best-easy-rock-painting-projects-tutorials-beginners.html

Reviving Your Trees: Treating Untreated Iron Chlorosis for a Lush Landscape

🍂 Are your trees showing signs of fall early? 🌳🍁 It might not be the season, but untreated iron chlorosis could be to blame. This condition can cause leaves to turn yellow, affecting the overall health of your trees. 🌿💧 Give your trees a boost with iron treatment to bring back their vibrant green and ensure their well-being. Don’t let iron chlorosis overshadow your landscape’s beauty! 🌳✨ #TreeCare #IronChlorosis #LandscapeHealth

This has been recommended by a few of our neighbors.

DIY Raised Herb Garden with Pallets: An Eco-Friendly Solution for Herb Enthusiasts

If you’re passionate about gardening but lack space or resources for a traditional garden bed, look no further than “How to Build a Raised Herb Garden with Pallets.” This informative video offers an ingenious and budget-friendly solution for creating a thriving herb garden using repurposed pallets. In just a few simple steps, you can transform discarded pallets into a beautiful and functional raised herb garden that adds freshness and flavor to your culinary adventures.

Step-by-Step Guide:

The video takes you through the entire process, starting with disassembling the pallets and preparing the wood for construction. With some basic tools and minimal effort, you can turn the pallets into sturdy and rustic garden bed frames.

Once the frames are ready, the video demonstrates how to fill them with nutrient-rich soil, ensuring the perfect environment for your herbs to flourish. Finally, it showcases the planting process, providing valuable tips on herb selection and spacing.

Affordable and Creative:

Building a raised herb garden with pallets is not only eco-friendly, but it also offers an affordable and creative alternative for herb enthusiasts. The versatility of pallets allows you to customize the garden bed to fit any available space, whether it’s a small balcony or a corner of your backyard.

With “How to Build a Raised Herb Garden with Pallets” as your guide, you can embark on a rewarding DIY project that brings the joy of gardening to any space. This eco-friendly solution offers not only a practical herb garden but also a testament to creativity and sustainability. So, gather your pallets and get ready to nurture your own little green oasis, adding fresh and aromatic flavors to your culinary creations. 🌿🌱 #DIYGarden #RaisedHerbGarden #PalletProjects

https://www.realtor.com/videos/how-to-build-a-raised-herb-garden-with-pallets/456b5ac4-fd69-41d8-a665-c136993e29a3/

Savor the Flavors of Summer: Embrace the Joys of Eating Local Fruit

As summer arrives in all its vibrant glory, it brings with it an abundance of delicious and nutritious local fruits. From luscious berries to juicy watermelons, there’s no better time to indulge in the bountiful harvest of nature’s sweetness. Eating local fruit not only tantalizes our taste buds but also presents a myriad of benefits that extend beyond the palate.

One of the most significant advantages of consuming local fruit is its freshness. Unlike fruits that travel long distances, local produce is picked at its peak ripeness, ensuring maximum flavor and nutritional value. It’s a delight to relish the explosion of natural sweetness, a true gift from the sun and soil of our region.

Supporting local farmers is another compelling reason to choose locally grown fruit. By purchasing from nearby orchards and farmers’ markets, we contribute to the growth of our local economy and strengthen our community. Moreover, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce from distant places promotes sustainability and a healthier environment.

Eating seasonal and local fruit introduces us to a diverse array of flavors and varieties. As the summer unfolds, we can savor succulent peaches, refreshing melons, and tangy cherries, all offering unique taste experiences that change with each passing week.

Beyond the sheer pleasure of consumption, local fruit packs a nutritional punch. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it fortifies our bodies against summer heat while nourishing our overall well-being.

So, this summer, let’s seize the opportunity to enjoy nature’s bounty right at our doorstep. Indulging in the freshest, locally grown fruits not only delights our senses but also brings us closer to our community, the environment, and the essence of this glorious season. So, head to your local farmers’ market, support the growers, and embark on a delectable journey of savoring the flavors of summer.

https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide

Sizzling Summer Dinners: 3 Oven-Free Ideas to Beat the Heat

When the summer sun is blazing, the last thing you want is to turn on the oven and heat up your kitchen. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with three delicious and oven-free dinner ideas that will keep you cool and satisfied all summer long.

Grilled Delights:
Fire up the grill and embrace the smoky flavors of summer. Grill marinated chicken, juicy burgers, or succulent seafood like shrimp or fish fillets. Pair your protein with a refreshing side salad, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying meal. Grilling not only adds incredible flavor but also keeps the heat outside where it belongs.

Ultra Juicy Smash Burgers On The Blackstone Griddle Recipe

Fresh and Vibrant Salads:
Create vibrant salads bursting with seasonal produce. Opt for a refreshing watermelon and feta salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a zesty citrus salad with mixed greens, avocado, and grilled shrimp. Get creative with unique combinations, adding fruits, vegetables, nuts, and a variety of proteins to keep your salads exciting and satisfying.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/g1341/pasta-salad/

Chilled Pasta or Grain Bowls:
Beat the heat with chilled pasta or grain bowls loaded with colorful vegetables, herbs, and proteins. Cook your pasta or grains ahead of time and toss them with a light dressing, such as lemon vinaigrette or a tangy yogurt-based sauce. Add your favorite mix-ins like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for a refreshing and filling meal.

Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls.

With these three oven-free dinner ideas, you can enjoy delicious meals without the added heat in your kitchen. From sizzling grilled delights to refreshing salads and chilled pasta or grain bowls, there’s a summer dinner option to suit every taste and keep you cool. Embrace the flavors of the season, stay out of the kitchen, and savor the joys of summer dining without the oven’s help. Bon appétit!

Soak Up the Sunshine: How to Make Sun Tea

There’s a simple and delightful way to infuse the flavors of nature into your favorite beverage—making sun tea. This effortless brewing method harnesses the power of the sun to create a refreshing and naturally flavored tea. Join us as we explore the art of making sun tea and enjoy a sip of sunshine.

Making sun tea is a breeze. Start by selecting your preferred tea leaves—whether it’s black, green, herbal, or a blend. Fill a clean glass container with filtered water, and add the desired amount of tea leaves. Cover the container and place it in a sunny spot outdoors, where it can bask in the sun’s warmth.

Allow the tea to steep in the sunlight for a few hours, allowing the flavors to gently infuse into the water. The length of steeping time can vary depending on your taste preference and the intensity of the sun. Once the tea has reached your desired strength, remove it from the sun and strain out the tea leaves.

Add ice, sweetener if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices. Sit back, relax, and sip on the sun-infused tea that’s as vibrant and invigorating as a sunny summer day.

Making sun tea is a simple and enjoyable process that allows you to embrace the flavors of nature. As the sun works its magic, it infuses your chosen tea leaves with warmth and sunlight, resulting in a unique and refreshing beverage. So, seize the opportunity to soak up the sunshine and experience the joy of making sun tea—a delightful way to savor the essence of nature in every sip.

A fun place to start with some ideas!

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/sun_tea/

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a87137/how-to-make-sun-tea/

https://www.eatingonadime.com/easy-sun-tea-recipe/

The Quest for the Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

There’s something magical about sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. The quest for the perfect recipe is an adventure in itself, as we search for that ideal balance of crisp edges, chewy centers, and irresistible chocolatey goodness. Join us on a culinary journey as we embark on the quest for the best homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe.

In our pursuit of cookie perfection, we’ve tested countless recipes, tweaking and experimenting along the way. We’ve tried variations with different ratios of butter, sugars, and flour. We’ve played with baking temperatures and times. And after much trial and error, we’ve discovered a few key secrets to crafting the ultimate chocolate chip cookie.

Firstly, using a combination of both brown and white sugars adds depth of flavor and enhances the chewiness. Secondly, chilling the dough for at least a few hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld and results in a more tender texture. Lastly, opting for high-quality chocolate chips or chunks ensures a rich, melty indulgence in every bite.

The quest for the best homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe is a delightful endeavor filled with anticipation, experimentation, and the joy of tasting the results. While each baker may have their own preferences, incorporating the secrets we’ve discovered—playing with sugars, chilling the dough, and using top-notch chocolate—will undoubtedly bring you closer to cookie perfection. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on your own delicious adventure as you create a batch of chocolate chip cookies that will make your taste buds sing. Happy baking!

Some I’ve tried, and enjoyed at home!

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/10813/best-chocolate-chip-cookies/

https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/01/chocolate-chip-cookies/

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/giant-chocolate-chip-cookies/