In my Homestead Kitchen December. Looking back on November 2025

November, where did you go? Wait, did I say that last month also? Probably, November was not a very exciting month around here. What with so many tasks and chores that needed to be done for the land and on the land. Largely the garden was put to rest for winter, and leaves ( oh my gosh, lots of leaf raking!) are being bagged and saved for spring garden beds. But food? Not real exciting except the potatoes, and sweet potatoes for our Thanksgiving dinner. They were harvested from our garden. That and other tales of life around here as we join Sherry for In My Kitchen. 

Gardening season came to a close, 

and that changes the chores needing done each day. The only part of the land we irrigate is the garden. Our humidity is so high here in East Texas that we don't water the lawn, and trust me the weeds are experts at finding water! We did put up a small greenhouse to keep our pineapple plants safe over the winter, so I do need to remember to water those pots often enough. And since there was room in the greenhouse, we added a large tomato plant, along with sage, basil, thyme and a couple of pepper plants. 

We were also off kilter a bit around here as my hubby took a temporary part time job. 

Which threw off our usual schedule quite a bit. Returning to work after a few years of retirement might be good for your level of physical activity, and your wallet. But your lifestyle schedule does change. Some of the chores that are on his list were rearranged or put on my list. Some of the family gatherings were empty of his presence as some shifts were in the evenings. And days off were full of catch up chores leaving not much time for any social engagements with friends or family gatherings. December will allow us to return to our usual scheduled programming, LOL!

The kitchen reflected that hiccup. 

Often we did not eat dinner together so meals were quite basic, fried meat, a potato on the side and a vegetable either fresh or cooked. So new recipes are almost absent from this month's In My Kitchen. But I was able to come up with a tasty quinoa muffin for low histamine eaters. I have lots of recipes in mind for December, such as a chocolate crusted, chocolate chip cheesecake bars, a treat I have been thinking about for my hubby. And a single loaf of whole wheat apple cinnamon swirl bread for toast, again for my hubby. I will continue to be a low histamine bread eater for some time yet...

Oh and we do have a new family member! 

While out walking one morning this tiny starving kitten was running after me. Alone, so starved looking I knew she had been dumped on our country road. Possibly with her mom and the rest of the litter, (I wish I could that this never happens, but sadly, I cannot.) but now she was alone and starving. It was as if she knew if she was not saved, right then and there, it would be too late for her to survive. I was walking with my daughter and grandson. My daughter returned home to get the kitty some food. We sat the plate down and continued on our walk. We would pick up the plate on our way back. But she was still there. I knew if I didn't grab her, she would be coyote food. She would not come to me, but she did get close to my grandson, and when she did, I grabber her. I told my daughter that I could not leave her to fend for herself. So she came home with me. 

At first I was going to see if anyone wanted a cat, and then I realized that I did! 

It had been almost five years since I had to put my beloved cat of 19 years, down. And I realized I was ready for another pet to love. So we are keeping her, and she is a handful, I forgot how wild kittens can be! She also came with ringworms and fleas and the biggest appetite I have ever seen in a cat! She was so small from long term hunger that it was hard to know her age, but she has adult eyes so I knew she was at least two months old. So with ringwork treatment, ongoing flea treatment and "soft paw" claw covers, which she is an expert at removing, meet Graylin...

Guess who ate the poached giblets from this years Thanksgiving turkey...

And now the recipes I did have to opportunity to offer...

I did update the recipe for Little Bagel Bites, offering two sizes to consider when baking this low histamine bread. 

While this is not something most think about, adding a touch of bitter to your meals is good for the gut. I grew this crop of radishes to be able to roast not only the globes but the greens to be able to do just that. Easily Add a Bitter Element to Your Meals, Roasted Radishes and the Green Tops!

Pretty Darn Good Quinoa Muffins, a low histamine bread recipe. 

And of course for my Homestead Sunday series, Let's Talk Leaves, for Homestead Sunday #13. 

I will say, I am looking forward to all the cooking and baking that December brings! Because I have missed being creative in the kitchen. 

Thanks for dropping by, I appreciate it!

#wholefoodingredients

#scratchmadefoodforyourfamily

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