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The Many Benefits of Cinnamon and Its Uses

I have always loved cinnamon. I try to put it in everything possible – I just love the flavor and how it really seems to round out a lot of dishes. I like smelling it too. A few times I’ve considered rubbing a cinnamon stick under my arm pits. True story.

But did you know that cinnamon doesn’t just taste yummy, it’s also GOOD FOR YOU? Yes! More Than Alive sent me a bundle of their cinnamon products to try: cinnamon sticks, cinnamon chips, and cinnamon powder. I’ve been sniffing for days now and I love it.

If you’re like me, you have no idea what Cinnamon Chips are. They are not, in fact, a product made by Hershey’s that you throw in muffins (although I do have a love affair with those too). They are actually just cinnamon sticks that have been chopped. Who knew?! [Read more…]

Crock Pot Pumpkin Soup

You didn’t think I’d leave pumpkin out of my crock pot day, did ya? No. I’m up to the challenge. I accept!

I’m usually a meat and potatoes kind of girl when it comes to soup. I don’t really like weird things in there – like those soups that call for clams and they leave the shell on? Ew. Totally not for me. I don’t like to have to work around a shell to get to my food, but thanks anyway.

This might qualify as a “girly” soup…it’s pureed. BUT, my manly man who doesn’t like his food pureed (weirdo) liked this soup just fine. And so did I. And so did Annie – she ended up eating out of my bowl. And for those of you who know me, you know this is a BIG step for me. Normally someone who eats out of my bowl or off my plate loses a finger. [Read more…]

Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Parfait

Okay, so please tell me I’m not the only person in the world who cannot eat a parfait, or even say the word parfait, without quoting the Shrek movie…I’m not, right? “Ain’t nobody ever said they didn’t want no parfait…”

Anyway, I love breakfast food. It’s my favorite meal of the day – evident by my 132+ breakfast pins. Sure, lunch and dinner are cool – but breakfast is where it’s AT. There’s just something about seeing a picture of Banana Stuffed French Toast or Peanut Butter and Jelly Breakfast Rolls that makes my heart go pitter-pat. [Read more…]

Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars

I love granola. I do not, however, love hugging trees. I like to look at them and have them in my yard, but I don’t enjoy wrapping my arms around them. They’re pokey. So, the moral of the story is…you can love granola without hugging a tree. Amen.

If you love granola, you have to love granola bars. It’s just the natural progression of things. It makes sense. If you love pumpkin AND you love granola bars then it also makes sense that you would love pumpkin granola bars. See how it works? If you love pumpkin and you love fried pickles, chances are you would love pumpkin fried pickles. No, wait – that does not work. Just cancel out my entire train of logical thinking. [Read more…]

Pumpkin Syrup

In past years, I have done a week-long series during the fall focusing on something. I’ve done an Ode to Thanksgiving and the Week of the Candy Corn. I declare this The Week of the Pumpkin! Amen and amen.

Today we’re having Pumpkin Syrup. The rest of the week we’ll see: Pumpkin Granola Bars, Pumpkin Breakfast Parfaits and Pumpkin Soup. If you don’t like pumpkin, I apologize. You might want to seek medical attention though – because that sounds like a serious problem to me. Fall without pumpkin is like green beans without ketchup…like popcorn without salt…like every day without a doughnut. [Read more…]

Better Bran Muffins

When I was growing up, my favorite breakfast was my Mama’s Bran Muffins. I could smell those puppies baking a mile away. Even to this day, my Mama knows that’s the way to my heart. I could eat an entire 12 muffin batch in two days – alone – by myself – without any help – get away from my muffin, you thief.

There’s a problem though – they don’t make the cereal that it calls for any more…100% Bran.  At least it’s not sold around here and I’ve not been able to locate it using the Post website. I know, I know. “But Stacy, store cereals aren’t good for you.” Yeah – I know…but these muffins…man, they call to me. They’re worth that store cereal. Amen and amen.

So, I set out to recreate my favorite recipe without the cereal. The end result wasn’t the same…there will never been another muffin like that. But, I was pleased with it – and it was very tasty. Even my mom gave it her approval. These will be a regular around the Myers house…regular – bran. Get it? HAHAHAHA! [Read more…]

Crock Pot Chicken and Whole Wheat Dumplings

There are a few things in life my husband is passionate about: woodworking, Christ, not touching the computer screen with your finger, and Chicken ‘n Dumplings.

I knew when we got married that he was crazy about them…and that kept me from making them. I was afraid I would bomb it royally and he’d wonder, “why did I marry this sorry excuse for a woman who can’t make dumplings?”

See, my Mama didn’t teach me to make this dish. She doesn’t like it, so she never made it.

I didn’t even eat them for the first time until after Barry and I were married. I’ll be honest – they’re not my favorite.

I’d rather have a hamburger. But, in order to make my man happy, I decided I would learn how to make his favorite dish. [Read more…]

Gluten Free Sorghum Cookies

My friend Becca, from Frugal Wannabe,  is awesome. She’s a homeschooling mom of 4 kids and she just makes me laugh all the time. 🙂 I just love having encouraging folks in my life!  Becca was recently diagnosed with a gluten allergy, so I asked her if she would share a gluten-free recipe today…y’all ask me for those so I have to get help. Thanks Becca!

Gluten-free Sorghum Cookies

I was recently diagnosed with a ridiculous amount of allergies, the main ones being dairy, wheat, and eggs. Oh and chocolate. Isn’t that pitiful? What kind of person can I be without chocolate? For the most part, the whole family has gone gluten free at home. I have to say it’s not easy, because these items are in almost everything. What I’ve done quite often is tweak a recipe that calls for one or more of these ingredients, and substitute what I am able to use, at least until I can experiment more. That’s what I’ve done with this recipe.  [Read more…]

5 Things You Should Know About Goat’s Milk

My friend, Jill, from The Prairie Homestead is a genius about goats. In fact, I think she might just be a genius about everything – remember the Crock Pot Granola? Today she’s giving us some information on goat’s milk, which I find utterly (get it?) fascinating. Thanks Jill!!

When you first mention drinking goat’s milk to many people, you’ll usually be met with funny looks and exclamations of “Gross!”

But, did you know that worldwide, goat’s milk is more popular than cow’s milk? And if you are interested in healthy eating of any sort, then you’ve probably come across articles and blogs touting the benefits of goat milk. If you are also a dairy farm owner, I suggest you to read this post for more info.

So, is it worth a try? Or does that initial gross-factor outweigh the benefits? [Read more…]