Onion Gratin, sweet tender onion slices under a Parmesan crust!

Do you ever find yourself with a limited variety of fresh vegetables before the next grocery trip? That was the inspiration for this Onion Grain. And as it turned out, we absolutely loved it! So much so, that even when our larder is full, we still make this delicious vegetable side dish...plus, onions are a very nutritious vegetable. And one you might want to eat more often!

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #427

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 09.04.2026

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for September 4, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Creamy Paprika Salad Dressing.

Creamy Paprika Salad Dressing seems a bit simple or possibly a little too plain. But don't let looks fool you. It is so, so good! I am sure it is the lime juice. Lime juice makes everything just a little bit better! Break some lettuce into your favorite salad bowl, slice some tomatoes, and drizzle on this Creamy Paprika Salad Dressing for a quick, enjoyable salad, that everyone and I mean everyone, will love. 

The NEW Carry-Out Cuisine for What Did You Read This Month? Book Review Link-y

Welcome to the What Did You Read This Month? Book Review Link-y, a monthly sharing link-up for books! Books of all kinds, romance, suspense, DIY, and my personal favorite, cookbooks! Personally I couldn't be happier that books are once again, back in fashion! 

And a great way to keep them front and center is to share a review of what you have read, if and how you enjoyed it, and if you would recommend that book to a friend! Oh and a story or two of how you came to own or stumbled upon the book would also be fun...because the human connection to a book is just as important! Since books are for everyone, let's all enjoy them, once again!

In My Homestead Kitchen September, Looking Back on August 2026

September got here fast, and slow, if I am being honest. August was hot, hot, hot. And very dry! We had almost no rain with 100+ temps, day after day. July, August and the first part of September are not gardening months in East Texas due to the heat. And I am adjusting my gardening schedule, desires and workload to that fact. All of a sudden, here we are, September 1, 2026. A little side note, 52 years ago at this very time I am pecking out the words to this post, I was in active labor, getting ready to deliver my first born. Whew, so many memories! And now it is time to join Sherry for In My Kitchen!

Green Beans with Roasted Radishes and Garlic

Different and delicious, come and take a look at Green Beans with Roasted Radishes and Garlic. Your new favorite way to cook green beans that that does not call for ham, tomatoes or bacon. 

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #426

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

Nem Nuong Vietnamese Pork Loaf, perfect for Bahn Mi and Pho.

Nem Nuong...The perfect Vietnamese Pork Loaf to make and use for bowls of Pho or a Bahn Mi sandwich! Mix and bake it ahead and then you will be ready for a quick and delicious dinner in no time.

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 08.28.2026

 Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for August 28, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Jessica's Chocolate Date Cake.

This easy to make Chocolate Date Cake is the latest favorite of my chocolate loving husband! It is moist, rich and yes, as the name says, easy to make. Oh did I also mention it is whole grain and has no refined sugar? 

What's in your pantry? Let's talk Molasses!

Molasses is not the usual topic for a kitchen pantry discussion. But then again, maybe it should be. Because molasses is not only delicious, as well as nutritious, but probably used more often than, you might know...come and take a look!

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #425

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

Low Histamine Recipes to Enjoy. With August Updates!

Like every family out there, we have a lot going on! In our case it is family and homesteading. With a garden, tending to the chickens and of course the land. Add in learning about our new home state of Texas, and exploring all that we can when we have open time. As well as time with family, and getting ready for the next celebration, because there will be one!  Here recently I have had to add one more thing, a Low Histamine eating plan. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Drop Cookies..

Easy does it for these cookies! Chocolate Peanut Butter Drop Cookies is just what you are looking for! They are easy to stir together, east to get into the oven, and even easier to enjoy!

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 08.21.2026

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for August 21, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Grilled Cheese Pizza Bombs!

Grilled Cheese Pizza Bombs, really are the bomb! Fun to make, and delicious to eat. A fun meal to share at camp or the comfort of your own back yard. The bonus? Everyone can enjoy making their own pizza just the way they like. Come and take a look...

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #424

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

The Best Homemade Pizza Sauce. Pizza night just got better!

Do you want to make The Best Homemade Pizza Sauce?! This pizza sauce is so easy to make, with just one can of organic diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Plus you get to choose the style of sauce you prefer, chunky or smooth. But each one is perfect for pizza night...

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 08.14.2026

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for August 14, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

How I process potatoes to reduce waste!

How about you, do you live in a hot and humid climate? Do your potatoes sprout out in a week's time? Come and take a look at how I prep ahead the potatoes that come into this kitchen to reduce waste. While adding convenience at the same time. 

Apricot Chicken with Dijon and Truffle Oil Mustard

Apricot Chicken with Dijon and Truffle Oil Mustard may be one of the easiest fancy dinners, ever! And the best part, is, the delicious flavor belies how easy it is to make...come and take a look!

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #423

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

Weekend Traffic Jam Weekend 08.07.226

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for August 7, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

The Blue Zones of Happiness, for What Did You Read This Month?

Welcome to the What Did You Read This Month? Book Review Link-y, a monthly sharing link-up for books! Books of all kinds, romance, suspense, DIY, and my personal favorite, cookbooks! Personally I couldn't be happier that books are once again, back in fashion! 

And a great way to keep them front and center is to share a review of what you have read, if and how you enjoyed it, and if you would recommend that book to a friend! Oh and a story or two of how you came to own or stumbled upon the book would also be fun...because the human connection to a book is just as important! Since books are for everyone, let's all enjoy them, once again!

How to Make Homemade Smoothie Packets!

Who knew that being so far away from a Costco would give the opportunity to make our own Homemade Smoothie Packets? Come and take a look, these are easy and if you have a berry patch, you have what you need!

Watermelon with Mint and Feta, one of the best tastes of summer!

Watermelon with Mint and Feta! Honestly I do not think this could be shared too much! Why? It is one of the best tasting, most refreshing bowls of fruit you will ever enjoy...Don't let the combination of ingredients concern you in any way, they go together as perfectly as the ocean and a sandy beach. 

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #422

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

In My Homestead Kitchen August, Looking Back on July 2026.

Each month the first IMK post I read is always Sherry's! She starts the group out, even though we need no invitation as we all know the month just turned. And I have to tell you, it wasn't just me that thinks that July could have been better...speaking for East Texas, I have definitely had better months! With that said, please join me and all the rest of the bloggers who visit for In My Kitchen. 

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 07.31.2026

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for July 31, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

One Bowl Banana Snack Cake

Who needs an easy-to-make, One Bowl Banana Snack Cake recipe that uses up the last two perfectly soft, speckled brown, sweet bananas in the fruit bowl? That have been left behind day after day? The answer is, we all do! Yep, and you will love this one...

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham.

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, the perfect meal to make when you are knee-deep in a house renovation, or getting the garden weeded and replanted. Or just busy with life in general...it is pretty much a "hands off" dinner that cooks it's self once you put the ingredients into the slow cooker...and don't we all need a recipe or two like that? See, I thought so too...

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #421

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

Whole Wheat Honey and Wheat Germ Bread.

Variety is the spice of life, especially when baking your own homemade bread! Whole Wheat Honey and Wheat Germ Bread is so good it will be on repeat at your house, like it is in ours. Another specialty bread recipe that your family will love!

How to process Easier to Peel Garlic!

If peeling garlic is not your favorite kitchen chore, this is the post for you! After many years of peeling garlic I was quite happy to see that this method for Easier to Peel Garlic really does work! Come and take a look...

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 07.24.2026

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for July 24, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Lemon Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Blueberry Sauce

Who doesn't love cheesecake? If you are looking for a delicious cheesecake the whole family will love, come and take a look at this zesty Lemon Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Blueberry Sauce! It's a winner the whole family will love!

Easy Peach Compote

Peaches are one of my all time favorite fruits to eat and cook with. I have never met a peach prepared in any manor that was not simply delicious. Which brings us to this recipe for Easy Peach Compote, you are going to want to make this soon! It ticks all the boxes, easy, delicious and made with peaches!

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #420

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

How to Make Homemade Woolen Dryer Balls, eliminate dryer sheets for good!

Do you want to eliminate commercial dryer sheets? Yep, the same ones full of chemicals and paraffin? We did too. I made the switch and we have never looked back! And the best part? Your clothes are just as soft when you take them from the dryer...From the DIY Homemade Household, side of the blog! Come and take a look at How to make Homemade Woolen Dryer Balls. 

Homemade Wool Dryer Balls. 

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 07.17.2026

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for July 17, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Casey's Blue Cheese Vinaigrette, a restaurant favorite, now made at home.

Casey's Blue Cheese Vinaigrette. The house dressing served at a small family-run Italian café in California. Where they proudly served pasta covered with their own fresh homemade red sauce, and always a salad of tossed greens with this house dressing...

Snacks to Satisfy and Nourish. Because snacking can also be good!

My husband is a snack-er, as am I. And while he tends to head toward snacks of a sweeter nature, I try to head towards those with fiber and a bit more nutrition. There is a reason for nutritious snacks, the first one is for those with small appetites' and two, smaller portioned eaters often get hungry before the next meal. 

So why not offer snacks that are just as nutritious as the meals you serve? We love all of these, come and take a peek at our healthy snacks roundup. This round up offers snacks with protein, fiber and almost no refined sugar. Real food for real hunger...

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #419

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

Just Say YES to Popcorn and Other Healthy Snacks!

Snacks will either make or break your overall nutrition for the day. Wait, did I did use nutrition and snacks in the same sentence?...I did, because you can in fact snack and add good nutrition along the way. Most of these snacks we offer are crazy easy as well as delicious, today we are making popcorn...

Weekend Traffic Jam Weekend 7.10.2026

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for July 10, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #418

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share with all of us as well!

 

Cherry Cobbler Skillet

Cherry Cobbler Skillet is easy and delicious, so much so that you will be making this time and time again. And one way to be able to do that is, be sure to get some cherries into the freezer during the cherry harvest! Seasonal treats like this one, just seem to make us smile!

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 07.03.2026

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for July 03, 2026!

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Blistered Green Bean Salad with Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette Feta and Chopped Almonds.

Blistered Green Bean Salad with Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette Feta and Chopped Almonds, the perfect springtime salad until Spring Greens show up in the market! And if you grow your own green beans, this is delicious enough to make throughout summer also! Come and see how easy this delicious salad is to make!