Monthly Archives: November 2011

Gooseberry Patch Recipe #10 – Spicy Layered Enchiladas – and a Giveaway!

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I did it! Recipe number 10 is in the books! And now that I’ve finished, you can win this great cookbook yourself!

Here’s my recipe #10:

Spicy Layered Enchiladas

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef, chicken, beef, turkey or beef (the extra beef’s are for a friend!)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 c. water
  • 2 1-1/4 oz. pkgs. taco seasoning mix (or use this recipe!)
  • 15-oz. can tomato sauce
  • 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 18 to 20 6-inch corn tortillas
  • 16-oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese
  • Optional: chopped green onions or fresh chives

All those lovely tortillas, lined up and waiting for sauce!

Brown meat and onion in a skillet over medium heat; drain. Stir in beans, water and one package of taco seasoning; simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until sauce is thickened. Remove from heat. In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice and remaining taco seasoning; mix well. In a lightly greased 9″X13″ baking pan, spread enough of sauce mixture to just coat the bottom. Layer 1/3 of tortillas on sauce. Evenly spread half of meat mixture on top of tortillas, layer with 1/3 of remaining sauce mixture and 1/3 of cheese. Add 1/3 of tortillas, remaining meat mixture, half of sauce mixture and half of remaining cheese. Top with remaining tortillas, sauce mixture and cheese. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into squares; sprinkle with green onions or chives, if desired. Makes 12 servings.

Note: I skipped the first part, because I used the leftover taco meat that I had from Sunday. Layered it all together, like you would lasagna. Hubby gave it two thumbs up!

A BIG hit in our house!

Cost breakdown:

  • Leftover meat – $0
  • Sauce – $1.50
  • Tortillas – $1.50
  • Cheese – $1.97
  • Total – $4.97, that totals out to 41 cents a serving!!! Woohoo!

That is recipe #10 – and here’s a recap of my other nine recipes:

  1. Iowa Freezer Corn
  2. Easy Cheesy Potatoes & Sausage
  3. Country Chicken & Dumplings – a family fave!
  4. Taco Ole’ Bubble Bake
  5. Creamy Macaroni & Beef
  6. Mini BLT Cups
  7. Buttery Parmesan Potatoes
  8. Magic Peanut Butter Cookies
  9. Taco Seasoning Mix

Now…to get on to the winning! You will have until Dec. 11 to enter, using any one (or ALL) of these 11 methods!

  1. Follow me through Twitter @wagfarms
  2. Become a fan of Wag’n Tales on Facebook
  3. Follow Real Farmwives of America and Friends through Google
  4. Follow @realfarmwives on Twitter
  5. Becoming a Fan of RFOA &Friends on Facebook
  6. Follow GP on Twitter @gooseberrypatch
  7. Fan Gooseberry Patch on Facebook 
  8. Leave a comment on Gooseberry Patch’s blog 
  9. Join the Gooseberry Patch Circle of Friends email club 
  10. Leave a comment on this blog, giving one sure-fire, money-saving tip for the kitchen
  11. Leave a second comment on this blog post listing out how many of the above methods to register for this giveaway you have completed and which ones.

And a quick reminder! Please, don’t forget about the Christmas Angel Project going on now (until Dec. 15)…we would love to share our love with those that need an extra hand this holiday season! (Check out details by clicking on the Blue Angel in the right hand corner at the top of the page!)
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Wordless Wednesday – Winds of Change

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This summer we were hit hard by a storm. Although it was not ruled a tornado, just straight-line winds in excess of 125 mph. Yeah, the wind blew a little. There was not a building on the farm that wasn’t damaged…and Boss Man is lucky to be alive. You can read about it here.

Harvest finished early this year, giving us time to get things taken care of before snow flies. And here it is, almost Dec. 1, and still no snow. Amazing!

So Boss Man, his dad and a friend worked on repairing the damage.

This is the west end of the shop Mark was in when the storm hit. The whole side is caved in.

 

And now it looks like this:

Good as new!

 

The old wooden bins that used to set on the east side of the farmstead were blown away:

This bin should be sitting on the cement slab...the other bin is strewn across our corn field.

 

That area now looks like this:

EJ has instructed me that these bins are for his corns. Dad gets to use the big ones further east of the farm.

 

Sometimes, when we’re not ready to adjust to change, the decision is taken out of our hands. The best we can hope for is to hang on for the ride and sort things out when all is said and done.

We still have a few roofs to fix, garage doors to put on, fence to mend and a barn to put back together, but God has blessed us so far…and I know we’ll get it done. One step at a time, that’s the way it all goes.

 

Gooseberry Patch Recipe #9 – Taco Seasoning Mix

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I would have finished up my last few recipes a week or two ago, but my camera ate my pictures and wouldn’t give them up! I have it fixed now, so I will finish up my last two recipes today and tomorrow. Are you ready for a giveaway?

Here we go with recipe #9:

Taco Seasoning Mix

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 c. dried, minced onion
  • 1/4 c. salt
  • 1/4 c. chili powder
  • 2 T. cornstarch
  • 2 T. red pepper flakes
  • 2 T. dried, minced garlic
  • 2 T. ground cumin
  • 1 T. dried oregano

Makes a pretty little pile, eh?

 

 

Mix all ingredients well; store in an airtight container. Use 4 tablespoons mix in place of a 1 -1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning mix. Makes about 1-3/4 cups.

So simple and so frugal!

 

 

And the lowdown on the cost? Another freebie. I had all the ingredients (although, I will admit, I did not use them very often). I LOVE it when I find a way to save a dollar, and didn’t even realize it was under my nose!

I used it this week to make up some taco meat for a church lunch. My boys absolutely loved it and told me that it was MUCH better than the other stuff I had been using. I will admit, it was pretty darn good!

 

Trucker Tuesday

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Cross one thing off my bucket list…I can drive a semi. OK, not only do I have the ABILITY to drive a semi, I actually did it. This morning. By myself. With a load of straw. And nothing fell off. Really.

What? It’s not your dream to drive a semi? Well, it wasn’t mine either. But when the boys got on the bus this morning, the house phone rang and Boss Man was in a bind. He needed to get the straw bales off the field before the cows came home…today. I know, I know, nothing like waiting for the last minute. But it encouraged me to bite the bullet and say, “Sure!”

This was the view through my windshield:

Big rig mama, that's right!

 

I will admit, all the buttons and switches and doodads kind of fascinated me. But I didn’t play and stuck to the guidelines given. And I would do it again, in a heartbeat!

Some days, when I’m all wrapped up in kids and house-stuff and dishes and laundry, I wish that I was more involved in the day-to-day activities on the farm. I know I’ll have my time (once some of the wee ones aren’t so wee), but I love being outdoors. And the thought of spending a day in the peace and quiet of a tractor is like balm to my soul.

But for now, I’ll enjoy each of these little snippets of farm life that I get to enjoy. Who knows when the next one will come!

Yes, those are black fuzzy slip-ons...I didn't say I was DRESSED to drive semi, just that I was able to! 🙂

Wordless Wednesday – Thanksgiving

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Today’s post is mostly wordless by me…following you will find another survivor’s story, this one by Heather Von St. James. We are all given so much, and sometimes we don’t realize the “village” we have, until we need it.

And please, don’t forget to click on the blue angel in the right-hand corner! We need more angels and more gift suggestions! Let’s make this a season of giving!

The Strength of My Village

When a mother announces her pregnancy, a village surrounds her. Family, friends, co-workers and even strangers offer support and advice. This happened to me in 2005. On August 5, my husband and I welcomed our daughter Lilly into our family. Our village surrounded us in the hospital with well wishes as they met our daughter. In the months and years to come, I would realize how much I needed their support.

As the partial owner of three successful salons, I supervised 20 employees at one location and worked behind the chair until the day Lily was born. After a few weeks at home with my baby, I regretfully returned to work. Unenthusiastically, I accepted a location switch and a lighter workload. I really only wanted to be home with my child!

Motherhood brings health changes such as weight fluctuation, lack of energy and tiredness, but I soon began to experience severe symptoms. After losing an average of six pounds a week, I consulted my doctor. Blood work and a chest x-ray revealed fluid build-up around my left lung. The doctor prescribed more tests. On November 21, 2005, my medical team discovered the source of my unusual symptoms. In the lining of my lung, I had cancer called malignant pleural mesothelioma. Caused by asbestos exposure I had experienced as a child, the diagnosis came just three and a half months after precious Lily was born.

The doctors gave me 15 months to live, and my thoughts flew to my husband and child. I wanted to do whatever it took to save my life. My husband and I decided to pursue drastic treatment. On February 2, I underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy in Boston. Specialists removed cancer-laden organs and tissue and administered heated chemo to remove all the cancer. I spent 18 days in the hospital recovering from surgery. Two months of additional recovery prepared my body for chemotherapy then radiation. I survived the horrid medical treatments with help of my village.

My parents took Lily to live with them in South Dakota where my childhood friends and people from my church surrounded my parents who both worked full-time. They babysat Lily and made meals. Halfway across the country, my baby learned to roll over and eat solid food. So we could watch her grow, my mom emailed pictures of Lily that my husband printed out. In black and white, I watched my little girl grow and change. I fought for my life because of my daughter.

Five years later, I rejoice that I can stay home to care for my child. As we embrace life, Lily has learned to give to others in need. She befriends everyone she meets and really thrives because of the family, friends, and strangers who surround us. Because of the cancer diagnosis, I remain thankful for my many blessings. With the bad comes good, and my family appreciates every moment thanks to our village who so generously supported us then and continues to support us now.

 

Mesothelioma: www.mesothelioma.com
Diagnosis: http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/diagnosis/
Heather Von St. James: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather/

Heaven is for Real

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I’m sure many of you have heard of the book, “Heaven is for Real.” I had…but I had never read it. Sometimes we avoid those things that we fear the most…and I didn’t want to think about death, or death and children specifically. But I’ve read it now. I’m pretty sure God wanted me to, so I did.

This weekend was our annual Farm Bureau meeting in Minot. George and I packed up Friday morning and headed north. I wanted to testify on one resolution specifically. It would support allowing North Dakota Children’s Special Health Services to open their doors to children with catastrophic illnesses. (Catastrophic illnesses are ones that are life-threatening. Currently, NDCSHS can only assist those children with illnesses specified by state statute…OTC is not one.)

On Saturday morning, I stood in front of the Farm Bureau delegates and tried to give a brief synopsis and explain why we needed to forward this resolution. It was, by far, one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Imagine explaining to a large body of people that your child’s life is at risk, and you would hate for other children and families to have to fight the same fights you’ve been battling. It was pretty emotional for me, and I wasn’t as strong as I would have like to have been. But I made it through, and I thank God that the resolution passed.

After that, we had our district caucus meetings. And I was sitting in the back of a room, along with my friend, Joannie. A lady came up to my table, handed me the book, “Heaven is for Real,” and told me that she thought I should have it. She gave me a hug, watched me wipe away my tears, and quietly slipped out of the room.

Sitting here, I still can’t believe it happened. It was one of those moments that (looking back on it), God was telling me not to worry about the future. No matter what happens, He’ll have George in His arms. I need to quit dwelling on the what-ifs and work on enjoying the now. I get that. And when I falter, and start to worry, I have a book to read to remind me.

I needed that.

And to the wonderful angel who delivered the message to me…thank you.

Thankful Thursday – Moments

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My Christmas Angel Project is taking off, in the most amazing way. What’s breathtaking to me is that I will read an email from someone who has every right to be making a request…and I’ll be surprised at the end with a statement similar to this:

“Although I can’t afford much, I love the idea of your project. Please count me in!”

In an age where people complain loudest because they don’t have what they feel they “deserve,” where you hear left and right in the media about protestors protesting people that are working hard to earn a dollar, where those who are able to wade through all the muck and rise above are ridiculed and belittle for having the gall to actually succeed…well, I was expecting a different response. But I have been blown away. And I have (once again) learned so much about humanity and humility.

In fact, my Angels by far outnumber my requests…which isn’t something I was prepared for! So please, please, please, put on your thinking caps and let me know if you know of someone who could use a smile in their day! (For more information, click on the blue angel in the right corner…it looks like this:)

 

But one request came in that I can definitely get on right away. It was a simple request, simply stated and it promptly reminded me about all of the things I’m thankful for…including you.

This request was for each and every one of us to not put off ’til tomorrow those things that you can do today. And I don’t mean dishes, or cleaning out that last cupboard, or washing windows…I mean calling your grandmother, sending a note to your neighbor, talking to the lady down the street who is spending her first holiday alone. Picking up the phone, just to say, “Hi!” Writing a note, letting distant family members know how you’re doing. It’s the little things that can make such a big difference.

You know, Christmas cards wouldn’t be such a chore and a hassle, if all we had to do was update our photos. If we didn’t have to recapture the whole year in a page or two, wouldn’t that be simpler? If we keep in touch and let those that we care about know what’s happening more frequently, those connections would be stronger, those bonds would be tighter and our memories would be brighter.

All it takes is a moment…and in the end, it’s those moments that count the most.

Valerie Lynn Brandenburger and Vivian Lorraine Brandenburger - peas in a pod.

Wordless Wednesday – Breakfast

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I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write about today…but thankfully, I have a little guy in my house that usually makes these posts pretty easy to write. He didn’t disappoint today!

While I was checking email, and assuming George was quietly eating his breakfast, I found out he was really trying to make ME breakfast! Wasn’t that sweet of him? (I keep telling myself that.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Angel Project

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OK everyone, I’ve got an idea up my sleeve, but I need all of YOU to help me. Got it?

Here’s the plan (bear with me, I may babble a bit, but there’s a good plan here, I promise!):

I want you to email me suggestions, ideas, requests for Christmas wishes. For the sake of this project, please don’t make them unattainable (such as houses or vehicles), but they can be as simple as prayer requests, or a gift card to get a few groceries…think of someone in your neighborhood who may be down on their luck, or a young family who could use an extra smile. Be creative, I know you can!

You can email those requests to wagntales@gmail.com…and then I’ll compile the information. I will take emails up until Dec. 15, after that point, our angels would need some time to shop/ship/make whatever is needed!

While taking requests for those in need, I’m adding a twist to this charity drive. I’m taking requests for those who want to give. I know that a lot of us give locally, but let me tell you from experience, that giving anonymously is an AMAZING feeling! Imagine getting a package in the mail that you weren’t expecting?!? Isn’t that the coolest feeling in the world?

Anyway, if you can also email me at wagntales@gmail.com and let me know if you’re interested in being an angel…to what extent, etc. I’ll match up my requests to angels and let God take care of the rest! Sound like a deal?

Now, for the most part, I’m going to keep the requests confidential…only angels will have the information sent to me. I’ll do my best to set up good matches, but I’m human, so there may be some trial and error going on here. But I’m so excited about this opportunity to share our good fortune and blessings with so many others!

So here’s how I have it played out in my head (just to give you an example): Angie emails me, telling me that a lady in her neighborhood could use a helping hand with a few groceries this holiday season. She sends me a list of local grocery stores, the lady’s address and any specific items she may know that she needs (whatever would be helpful). I then look at my list of “angels” and see that Suzy is interested in sending gift cards and has access to one of the stores that has a site near Angie’s neighbor. I email Suzy the address and request for Angie’s neighbor and let Suzy take care of the rest. Got it? Questions?

Now, I get that there could be problems, issues, etc. I don’t pretend to think that this is the ultimate in plans…but I think we can work together and iron out any issues that may come up. I’ll do what I can to check out both the recipient and the giver prior to passing out any information, but trust me, nothing top secret is really going on here.

Alright, get to brainstorming some ideas for gifts, and let me know if you can help out with the “angel” end of things. I’ll keep you updated everyday on how many “matches” were made…and if I’m in need of more of one or the other!

I can’t wait to get this thing rolling! 🙂

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Gooseberry Patch Recipe #8 – Gluten-free Peanut Butter Cookies!

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On Sunday, Mark and I were ushers/greeters for church…and so I thought it would make sense for us to bring treats for our Fellowship Time after church. I decided to bake some cookies, but didn’t know what my second choice should be, since I knew that there was at least one church member who followed a gluten-free diet. (Not that I had to supply something special, but I wanted too.)

And there, in my “Dinners on a Dime” cookbook was the recipe I’ve been looking for! It’s a super easy, super simple peanut butter cookie recipe, minus any flour. And according to my husband, they are delicious! (I’m not a peanut butter fan. I know, don’t throw your Jif at me!)

Anyway, enjoy this simple gluten-free cookie recipe. And it’s very economical (as long as peanut butter prices stay reasonable, but resources tell me that it might go up in the coming weeks/months. Just a heads up!).

Magic Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

Simple as this!

  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c. creamy peanut butter
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 t. vanilla extract

Mix sugar well with peanut butter, add remaining ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, until cookies are puffed and golden. Cool; remove from baking sheet. Makes 2 dozen.

Make sure to mix your peanut butter and sugar well...doesn't take long!

My cost analysis for these cookies? Sorry, can’t give you one…I had all the ingredients on hand! 🙂 YAY!

Great cookies, so easy and gluten-free!

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