Texas Chili Recipe

Below is my version of Texas Chili.  Not sure what makes it "Texas," but it is yummy! 

To prepare to make this version of chili, I soak dry beans in a large pot for 24 hours.  I usually use 1 (16 ounce) bag of dry Chili Beans or Black Beans.  I cook the beans by themselves for several hours before I use this recipe.

Texas Chili

Ingredients:

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

1 large bell pepper, chopped

6 stalks of celery, thinly chopped

2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

4 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce

3 jalapeno peppers, minced (optional)

1/2 cup chili powder

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

16 ounce dry chili (or pinto) beans, cooked  

OR  3 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans

Directions:

Cook and stir the beef, onion, and bell pepper in a large pot over medium heat until the beef is brown and onion, celery and pepper are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain grease from beef.

Stir in beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, jalapenos (if using), chili powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Bring mixture to a slow boil; cover and reduce heat. Simmer chili at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so that it does not stick.

This chili can be simmered for several hours; the longer you simmer, the more flavor you will get.

Healthy Rice Pudding Recipe

I was looking for a "healthy" version of rice pudding.  Initially all I found were recipes that substituted skim milk for whole milk or heavy cream.  Since my hubby and I completed our 21 day detox we have decided to severely limit our milk consumption. The recipe I finally settled on is vegan so no milk and no eggs (and LOW fat).

Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe

1 cup organic brown rice
1 1/2 cups water
1 Tbsp vegan butter
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup Vanilla Coconut Milk (or other non-dairy creamy beverage)

1/3 cup agave or maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp unsweetened toasted coconut flakes, optional

First, add the rice, water, salt and butter to a pan. Bring it to a bowl over high heat. Cover with lid, reduce heat to low. Simmer rice for an additional 30 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.

Next, turn heat to medium and stirring constantly, add all the coconut milk until it has been sufficiently absorbed. Be sure to uncover lid so that steam can cook off the rice. Fold in the vanilla extract, cinnamon and agave or maple syrup. Cover with lid and allow to sit for ten minutes.

Serve warm or store in fridge to serve cold. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and a drizzle of agave syrup on top before serving.

Enjoy!

Backyard Beekeeping: Getting Started

Before you go out and buy fancy and expensive equipment it is best to do research.  There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of books and websites out there to help you get started out right.  Beekeeping isn't like baking a cake.  You can't just buy the ingredients, mix it together, bake and let cool.

I've ordered a few books to get me started and I'll start to review them in the next few weeks.  Below are a few which had great reviews.
I look forward to reading about the wonders of Beekeeping!




 

 

Peat Pellets Specials Extended! Happy Spring!

Have you purchased your Peat Pellets yet?  

I have been VERY pleased with the germination rates and ease of transplanting since I've been using Peat Pellets.  They are virtually mess-free!  I am so impressed that I've decided extend the special offer until MARCH 31st!

Mary's Heirloom Seeds will include 6 free Peat Pellets in all seed orders over $25 (plus FREE Priority Shipping).

Zinnias in Peat Pellets

Also available until March 31st, purchase 25 Peat Pellets and receive 5 EXTRA Peat Pellets AND a Free extra Seed Pack  

(plus FREE Shipping).

Thyme growing in Peat Pellets

 Growing Herbs in Peat Pellets is easy.  Just add water and sprinkle seeds over the top of the peat pellet.  Keep the pellet moist by adding water to the bottom of the tray or bowl to keep from scattering the tiny seeds.

Transplanted Squash seedling

Transplanting seedlings is simple with no root disturbance.  Simply place the seedling (in peat pellet) in the dirt and cover peat pellet completely.

Honeybee Deaths and Genetically Modified Crops

Death of the Bees. 

Genetically Modified Crops and the Decline of Bee Colonies in North America

This article was originally published by Global Research in March 2008
Commercial beehives pollinate over a third of {North}America’s crops and that web of nourishment encompasses everything from fruits like peaches, apples, cherries, strawberries and more, to nuts like California almonds, 90 percent of which are helped along by the honeybees. Without this pollination, you could kiss those crops goodbye, to say nothing of the honey bees produce or the flowers they also fertilize’.¹ 

      This essay will discuss the arguments and seriousness pertaining to the massive deaths and the decline of Bee colonies in North America. As well, it will shed light on a worldwide hunger issue that will have an economical and ecological impact in the very near future. 

      There are many reasons given to the decline in Bees, but one argument that matters most is the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and "Terminator Seeds" that are presently being endorsed by governments and forcefully utilized as our primary agricultural needs of survival. I will argue what is publicized and covered by the media is in actuality masking the real forces at work, namely the impact of genetically modified seeds on the reproduction of bee colonies across North America.

      Genetically modified seeds are produced and distributed by powerful biotech conglomerates. The latter manipulate government agricultural policy with a view to supporting their agenda of dominance in the agricultural industry. American conglomerates such as Monsanto, Pioneer Hybrid and others, have created seeds that reproduce only under certain conditions, often linked to the use of their own brands of fertilizer and/or insecticide.

The genetic modification of the plant leads to the concurrent genetic modification of the flower pollen. When the flower pollen becomes genetically modified or sterile, the bees will potentially go malnourished and die of illness due to the lack of nutrients and the interruption of the digestive capacity of what they feed on through the summer and over the winter hibernation process.

 You'll find the rest of the article here.

Another Theory about Honeybee Deaths

I found another article this morning about Bee Deaths titled "Honeybee Death Linked to Corn Insecticide."  Today I will re-post the entire article.  There are many theories surrounding the major die-off of honeybee colonies or Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).  I think researchers are on the right path. However, the article DOES NOT mention the statistics of GMO corn grown in the US.

According to Seeds of Deception:

Currently Commercialized GM Crops in the U.S.:

Soy (91%)
Cotton (88%)
Canola (80-85%)
Corn (85%)
Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%)

THIS is one of the MANY reasons to GROW YOUR OWN and plant heirloom seeds!

Honeybee Deaths Linked to Corn Insecticide: By Alexandra Ludka | ABC News

What was killing all those honeybees in recent years?  New research shows a link between an increase in the death of bees and insecticides, specifically the chemicals used to coat corn seeds.

The study, titled "Assessment of the Environmental Exposure of Honeybees to Particulate Matter Containing Neonicotinoid Insecticides Coming from Corn Coated Seeds," was published in the American Chemical Society's Environmental Science & Technology journal, and provides insight into colony collapse disorder.

Colony collapse disorder, or the mass die-off of honeybees, has stumped researchers up to now. This new research may provide information that  could lead to even more answers.

According to the new study, neonicotinoid insecticides "are among the most widely used in the world, popular because they kill insects by paralyzing nerves but have lower toxicity for other animals."

Beekeepers immediately observed an increase in die-offs right around the time of corn planting using this particular kind of insecticide.

Pneumatic drilling machines suck the seeds in and spray them with the insecticide to create a coating before they are planted in the ground. Researchers suspected the mass die-offs could have been caused by the particles of insecticide that were released into the air by the machines when the chemicals are sprayed.

The researchers tested several methods to make the drilling machines safer for bees. However, they found that all variations that used the neonicotinoid insecticides continued to cause mass die-offs of bees.

Honeybees are critical for pollinating food crops. Scientists say the disruption of pollination could dramatically affect entire ecosystems. In addition, as the researchers wrote in the study, "In view of the currently increasing crop production, and also of corn as a renewable energy source, the correct use of these insecticides within sustainable agriculture is a cause of concern."

For more information on honeybee deaths, 

look Here, Here and Here.

Recipe for Delight: Focaccia

I feel a bit carb-obssessed lately.  I don't eat a whole lot of bread or pasta but when I do I really savor the flavors.  I stumbled across a delicious recipe for Focaccia the other day and I just have to share.

Easiest Focaccia

Ingredients

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

1/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with flour; stir well to combine. Stir in additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all of the flour is absorbed. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly for about 1 minute.

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).

Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface; knead briefly. Pat or roll the dough into a sheet and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush the dough with oil and sprinkle with salt.

Bake focaccia in preheated oven for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on desired crispness. If you like it moist and fluffy, then you'll have to wait just about 10 minutes. If you like it crunchier and darker in the outside, you may have to wait 20 minutes.

This might be the easiest focaccia recipe ever. Seriously!

Garden Update: Peat Pellets and Seedlings

A week has gone by and most of the seeds I planted have germinated and are thriving.  I wasn't sure what to expect since I had never used Peat Pellets as a growing medium.  In the past I have purchase seed-starter soil and peat pots or the greenhouse disaster and hoped for the best.

Dry Peat Pellets (before)

I have had a MUCH better success rate using the Peat Pellets than ever before.  They have required much less water, less space and are mess free.  I love mess free!  They are most certainly "quick cheap and easy."

Fully grown Peat Pellets (after)

Since most of the seeds I planted in the mini greenhouse didn't do so well I planted quite a bit more seeds than I need (just in case) so I'm sure there will be extras left over for gifts.  I planted flowers, herbs and veggies again.

Radish Seedlings after 4 days

In a few weeks the seedlings will be ready for a more permanent home.  I've read that it might give the roots an advantage if I snip off the bio-degradable casing before transplanting.  I don't think I'll be snipping anything, just in case I disturb the delicate roots.

Baby Zinnias after 7 days

I wasn't sure how the squash would grow in the Peat Pellets.  I didn't soak the seeds for 24 hours like I normally do to prepare than for germination.  I am pleased to say that the squash and all of the new herbs are growing just fine!

Borage Seedlings

Last but certainly not least, the survivors from the greenhouse catastrophe are doing well.  I rescued all of the Dark Purple Opal Basil and I'm looking forward to Opal Basil Jelly.

Dark Purple Opal Basil seedling

From now until March 20th, Mary's Heirloom Seeds will include 6 free Peat Pellets in all seed orders over $25
(plus FREE Priority Shipping).

Also available until March 20th, purchase 25 Peat Pellets and receive 5 EXTRA Peat Pellets AND a free extra Seed Pack
(plus FREE Shipping).

Check out the video!

  Happy Planting!