Sourdough Peanut Butter Ball Recipe

Made Interesting With Organic Pumpkin and Whole Wheat and Rice Flour

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith; © 2022

Sourdough peanut butter balls, complete with ballerina
Sourdough peanut butter balls, complete with ballerina
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I’ve been enjoying the world of sourdough baking lately. I enjoy the classics but what I really love is coming up with my own creations, quite often to the dismay of my wife — She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed. Come on; I jest. Earlier this month I unleashed my Sourdough Focaccia recipe. Yesterday I came up with this sourdough peanut butter ball concoction.

It all started as a brain-storming session for a dog treat variation. I already make my own chicken jerky for dog treats. One similarity betwixt that one and this is that they are both suitable for both human and canine consumption. Win-win!!

Our vet had recommended adding canned pumpkin to our homemade dog food both the nutrition value and to maintain peak “regularity” if you get my drift. And the peanut butter? Loads of nutrition and protein. Not to mention flavor! Approved by all our rescue dogs.

If you make these balls 1″ to a quarter inch larger, like I do, this one batch will yield about 60 servings. Yes, you and the kids will love these, but so will your dog. But, tell me again, how much are you paying per paltry ounce for dog treats? (Forehead-slapping moment.)



Sourdough Ball Ingredients

Use organic ingredients when possible.

  • 1 cup sourdough starter
  • 1/2 cup organic steel cut oats
  • 3/4 cup canned organic pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup coconut flour
  • Approximately 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 large eggs

Preparation

  1. Mix sourdough starter and oats in a large mixing bowl. This allows the oats to absorb liquid from the sourdough starter.
  2. cover the bowl with a damp washcloth and let the mixture rest for at least 3 hours. You could do this before going to work and do the baking this afternoon.
  3. Stir or whisk in the pumpkin, peanut butter, eggs, and coconut flour.
  4. Start mixing and stirring in the whole wheat bit by bit. You know the drill; it’s like preparing bread dough. When it gets hard to stir, cease and desist. Time to move on.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
  6. Get out your pizza pan and a medium-sized sheet pan.
  7. Roll ball of dough in the palms of your hands and place them on the parchment paper, one by one. Each ball that I make is 1″ to a quarter inch larger, but you make it to suit you. They don’t rise much so they can be neighborly and sit close.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove (after passing the toothpick test) and set aside to cool.
Frankie dog waiting for a homemade treat.
Frankie doesn’t see much sense in the cooling-down phase

More Recipes and Related Content to Explore



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Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

This Spiced Italian Comfort Food is Excellent as an Appetizer, Side Dish, or Main Course

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith; © 2022

Sourdough focaccia in a skillet
Sourdough focaccia in a skillet
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Sourdough focaccia is one of those wonderful Italian dishes that is enjoyed by itself as an appetizer or as a meal unto itself. In our home, we do either, depending on our mood, just like my guacamole recipe. With this recipe, it emerges with a delicious, chewy tang and a mouth-watering golden crust. It all starts with your beloved starter. Don’t have one yet? Here are three ways to get your sourdough starter going.

Is focaccia the same as pizza crust? No! However, it is thought to be a precursor of pizza when it was a flatbread known to Romans as panis focacius, to which toppings were then added. Modern pizza evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, in the 18th or early 19th century.



Sourdough Focaccia Ingredient List

  • 1 cup sourdough starter
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespooln honey
  • 1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup diced onion
  • Approximately 5 cups of flour


Preparation

  1. Mix the starter, honey, and water in a large mixing bowl. A cast iron skillet is perfect. It will look like a big blob, and that’s okay! Us your hands to pull the edges out to gently stretch them. Your dough should be about 1 1/2 inches tall. Don’t stretch any more. Let it rise in a warm spot. Cover it with another piece of cookware, upside down, so it has room to rise for 2-3 hours hours until it is puffy and very bubbly.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  3. Drizzle the top of the dough with olive oil Press your fingertips using your whole hand into the risen dough. Your fingertips should go all the way down through the dough until you feel the pan.
  4. Put your pan in the oven on middle rack. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove it for a moment and brush the top with melted butter, garlic, and oregano. Turn your oven down to 400 degrees F. Bake it for another 10 or so minutes until the crust is golden brown and bounces back a wee bit when you press down on it. Let it cool for 15 minutes, cut. and enjoy.


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Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

How to Make a Sourdough starter

If You Love That Tangy Sourdough Taste And Love To Bake, Here is How to Get Started

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith; © 2022

San Francisco style sourdough starter culture
San Francisco style sourdough starter culture
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Who doesn’t like the tangy taste of freshly baked sourdough bread? How about pancakes, cupcakes, bran muffins, focaccia, and buttermilk biscuits? The actual baking part doesn’t differ much from the traditional yeast-in-a-package process, but now you’ll need a sourdough starter to replace the yeast.

What is a Starter?

Although the concept may seem a bit esoteric, a starter is a mix of flour and filtered water that provides an environment for a stable blend of beneficial bacteria and wild yeasts. The baker must continually maintain the mixture is with regular refreshments (or feedings) of water and flour. There are basically three ways to get it going.

  • Hit up a friend for a cup. This is the easiest way, if you know someone who is an avid sourdough baker.
  • Buy an affordable packet of wild yeasts all over the place.


You will need:

  • A glass jar; don’t use metal. Silicone spatula“>silicone spatula. This is used for stirring and scraping the inside of your jar.
Sourdough English muffins
Sourdough English muffins

Whichever way you go, use filtered water. Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine, which are disinfectants used to clean tap water. This can impede fermentation. If you go with the first method, you will just need to feed it every day with equal measures of organic white flour and water until you have more than enough for your recipe.

If you go the packaged route, the instructions will be on the package. This usually entails feeding it more every day for a week or so.

Starting from scratch is a bit different. Here’s a basic recipe.

  1. Day 1: The starter adventure begins. Combine 4 ounces all-purpose flour (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) and 4 ounces water (1/2 cup) in your jar. Stir well until it is combined into a smooth batter. Scrape down the sides with your spatula and loosely cover the jar. Place your jar somewhere with a consistent room temperature of 70°F to 75°F. Let it sit for 24 hours.
  2. Day 2: Feed your starter. For this, use 4 ounces all-purpose flour (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) and 4 ounces water (1/2 cup). You might see small bubbles here and there. Bubbles mean that the wild yeast have began being comfortable and active in your starter. They eat the sugars in the flour and continue to release carbon dioxide and alcohol. Additionally, they will increase the acidity of your starter, which assists in fending off any unwanted bacterias. At this point, your starter should begin to smell fresh, mildly sweet, and yeasty.
  3. Day three: Feed your starter again. This time, use the same quantities as day 2. By now, the surface of your starter might be speckled with bubbles and be larger in volume. If you stir the starter, it will still feel thick and batter-like, but you’ll hear bubbles popping. It should also start smelling a little sour and musty.
  4. Day 4: Feed your starter again. Use the same amounts of water and flour. The starter will feel looser than day 3 and have embeded bubbles.
  5. Day 5: Your starter should be ready to begin using. It should be doubled in bulk since day 4. It should also be very bubbly. If not, it can still be used but it won’t have the same leavening power. Feed it again.
  6. Day 6 and going forward: Maintain the starter. Discard (or use) about about 1/3 of the starter and then feed it with new flour and water; you know the drill by now. If you’re using the starter every few days, leave it out on the counter and continue discarding half and feeding it daily. But, say, you are only using it on the weekend, cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. You must still take it out and feed it once a week; let it sit out overnight to give the yeast time to gather strength before returning it to the fridge.


There will be times when you go out of town on business or on vacation and you won’t be able to tend to it properly. When this happens, you can feed the starter double the amount of flour to make it thicker and dough-like before you store it in the refrigerator.

Now you know how to make a sourdough starter. It’s not rocket science but it may seem like a lot of work. But, like shaving or brushing your teeth, the process soon becomes just another small effort in life, albeit one with palatable rewards.



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Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

Organic Foliar Feeding with Garrett Juice

Spray Fertilization Will Take the Health and Yield of Your Garden to the Next Level

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith © 2022

Lemon balm and tomato plant
Lemon balm and tomato plant
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Many gardeners unknowingly miss half of their fertilization schedule because they focus on the ground, which is understandable. Roots, right?. But, foliar feeding with a product such as Medina Hasta Grow Plant Food will increase your harvest. Why? Because plants also uptake nutrients through their leaves.

Medina Hasta Grow is one of the best sprays on the market, but perhaps you might be the DIY sort? In that case, Garret Juice is your answer. In addition to stimulating plant growth, this organic concoction will also protect against some garden pests. Why add foliar feeding to your schedule when you already fertilize on a regular basis? Because it offers yet another, safer avenue to getting nutrition into your vegetable garden, fruit trees, and rose bushes rather than using chemicals and neurotoxins.



If you have chosen backyard homesteading and self-sufficiency, or prepping as a lifestyle, or just want to get a better return on your labor and investment, then organic foliar feeding with Garrett Juice is a given. Enjoying better, healthier yields relies on this type of horticultural strategy.

Basic Garrett Juice Ingredients

Be sure to use organic ingredients and methods whenever possible.



Additives for Pest and Insect Control

Want to boost it up for insect control? Add 1/4 cup garlic tea/pepper spray. To make this, use a blender. Liquefy 1 clove of peeled garlic, 1 quartered habanero pepper, and 16 ounces of water. Everyone, but especially those wearing contact lenses, needs to wear disposable gloves when cutting the habanero or when you take your lenses out for the night, you’ll never be able to use them again. Been there, done that. Great balls of fire!

You’ll need to strain the solids out of the resulting liquid. Since the particles are so small, you’ll need a very fine strainer so you won’t clog up your spray tip. A good choice is the small fuel strainer for Coleman lanterns and camping stoves. You will have some leftover but you can save it for spot treatments later with a hand bottle sprayer. For spot treatment, mix it with 3 parts water.

Foliar Feeding Procedure

Add all ingredients to a pump-up garden sprayer and mix well by shaking. The molasses is a very thick liquid so give it a little extra shake than you normally would. Pump up your sprayer and adjust the tip to a wide mist, not a jet spray. Just lightly coat the leaves; a little goes a long way. If you have any left over, go ahead and use it up on your ornamentals. I always make enough to spray my magnolia tree, for example. For tall trees like these, you will need to adjust the sprayer tip to a stronger stream in order to reach the higher leaves. Or, conversely, drag out that ladder.

Using Garrett Juice for foliar feeding on a monthly basis will give your plants and trees a new zest for life. And of course, your vegetable garden will put more on your table.



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About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

Creamy, Zesty Guacamole Recipe

My Take on This Mexican Food Classic For an Appetizer or Main Course

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith © 2022

The blessing of the guacamole
The blessing of the guacamole
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Who doesn’t like Mexican (or Tex Mex, if you prefer) guacamole? I know everyone in my home does! I set out to make a batch the other day. Love to cook, love to explore. When I enter my experimental kitchen, anything can happen.

The avocado is the base ingredient, of course; it is one of God’s greatest gifts. In my opinion. This fruit was originally called the alligator pear. I don’t see any correlation between the critter and the food, but still, interesting trivia. The nutrition is solid ― one cup supplies 21.4 g fat (mostly the good kind), 12 g carbohydrates, 2.9 g protein, 14.6 mg Vitamin C, 0.4 mg B-6, 708 mg potassium, and 42.3 mg magnesium. This recipe just adds to the nutritional spectrum. By the way, it pays to grow your own avocado tree when the fruit gets pricey.



Zesty guacamole ingredients
Zesty guacamole ingredients

Ingredient List

  • 4 or 5 large avocados
  • 2 packages of guacamole seasoning mix; I used the Kroger brand
  • 1 package cream cheese; again, Kroger brand. Yay, frugality!
  • 3/4 cup chopped red onions
  • red pepper flakes to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • Pink Himalayan salt to taste
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 4 diced roma tomatos


Preparation Steps

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocados. Use your device of preference; I just used a fork. Throw the husks in your compost pile.
  2. Mix in the seasoning packets.
  3. Mash in the cream cheese. You did let it come to room temperature, right?
  4. Mix in salt, pepper, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Mix in the tomatos.
  6. Chop and mix in the red onions.
  7. Break out the chips and enjoy!

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About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

Creamy Turkey Mushroom Couscous Recipe

This Pasta and Lean Meat Dish is a Real Crowd-Pleaser

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith

Creamy turkey mushroom
Creamy turkey mushroom couscous
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I’ve long wanted to try a couscous recipe just because the word sounds cool. How shallow, right? But, anything pasta is tickety-boo here in the Smith abode. Pasta forms the basis of many recipes that I keep going back to again and again. Who doesn’t like Beef Stroganoff, for example?

But hey, you are here for a more specific recipe, right? I looked at a lot of different recipes that were similar but not. quite. right. So, here we go!



Ingredient List (Organic When Possible)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb. Turkey sausage
  • 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced and chopped, cremini or baby bella
  • 3/4 cup onion
  • 3/4 cup bell pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 eggs, whisked
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pink Himalayan salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound dried pearl couscous pasta (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups packed baby spinach (about 4 ounces)


Preparation Steps

Creamy turkey mushroom couscous  preparation
Creamy turkey mushroom couscous preparation
  1. Finely grate the Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup), mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or similar pot using medium-high heat until shimmering. Add in the sausage meat and brown it. Add in the mushrooms, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the pink salt, the onion, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are slightly browned and tender. This should take 5 to 8 minutes. Next, add in the garlic, the and the dried pearl couscous pasta (about 2 1/2 cups) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the 2 cups of broth and the 2 cups of whole milk and bring it all to a boil. Next, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to keep the orzo from sticking, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed and has formed a creamy sauce, about 10 minutes or according to package instructions.
  4. Remove your pot from the heat. Add the eggs, packed baby spinach, the bell pepper. and the Parmesan. Stir it until the spinach is just barely wilted and the cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Serve topped with more grated Parmesan cheese.


I hope you found this creamy turkey mushroom couscous recipe as delicious as we did! I love experimenting in the kitchen and this was somehow my first time cooking with couscous and now I’m a fan.

More Favorite Recipes and Nutrition Info


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About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

Crustless Tomato Pie Recipe

Combine the Goodness of Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Lots of Cheese

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith

Crustless tomato pie right out of the oven
Crustless tomato pie right out of the oven
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I love to come up with new recipes. I’m especially partial to baking bread and comfort food casserole-type dishes. This tomato pie recipe was prompted by the fact that the tomatoes in my garden are coming in fast and furious, like a profitable jackpot from a slot machine. No complaints about that, but it’s use ’em or lose ’em; am I right? This year my vegetable garden is home to red and yellow tomatoes as well as herbs like basil and lemon balm, which not only makes great tea but has medicinal benefits. Using as many ingredients from my own garden means I can be sure they are organic. Anyhow, on to the recipe.



Crustless Tomato Pie Ingredients

  • 4 tomatoes sliced, about 1/4 inch
  • Salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 3/4 cup onion (I like red ones)
  • 3/4 cup bell pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (that’s right out of my garden as well)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for sprinkling over top
  • 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Tomato Pie Preparation
Tomato Pie Preparation

Preparation Steps

  1. Slice the tomatoes and lay them out on plates. Sprinkle lightly with pink Himalayan salt and let them rest for 30 minutes. This step is important to leech out excess water.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the onions, and saute until they are soft.
  3. Transfer mixture into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  4. Mix in the eggs, cheese, bell pepper, pepper, and cilantro.
  5. This is a good time to preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
  6. Spray cooking spray on your casserole dish. I used my 2 1/2 quart Corningware.
  7. Tilt your plates to spill off the excess water. Then, lightly press down with paper towels to remove even more water.
  8. Line the bottom of the dish with tomato slices and spoon a thin layer of the mixture on them. Keep going, in like fashion, building up layers. Spread a final thin layer of cheese across the final, top layer.
  9. Bake for 30-40 minutes. It’s done when lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool a bit before serving.

And there you have it. There are other versions but this is my crustless tomato pie recipe. Are there other possible ingredients? Sure, depending on your taste. Try serving it with something like a raw Tuscan kale salad.

More Recipes to Try (and Some Nutrition Info Thrown In)


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Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

Why Grow Sage in Your Garden?

This Medicinal Herb is a Must-Have in Your Garden or Flower Bed

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith

The many health benefits of sage
The many health benefits of sage
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Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a medicinal herb that offers a powerful effect against both viruses and microbes which makes it important in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been used for centuries by herbalists worldwide. The name Salvia comes from the Latin word “salvus” which can be translated as “I save” or “I heal.”

Many plants in your garden perform more than just providing food. Whether you are a prepper or not, you likely grow some of these plants to repel mosquitos, for example. Some herbs, like mint, do double-duty. Sage is primarily medicinal. The Romans were the people who began using sage extensively so it has a long history.

The Medicinal Benefits of Sage

  • A Powerful Disinfectant. A sage decoction (boiling in water to extract the benefits) and gargle to clean your mouth and treat various inflammation of the mouth. Use it externally to treat skin wounds and inflammation. Rub it on or add it to your bath.
  • Sage as an Anti-Inflammatory. It can treat inflamed gums, mouth ulcers, and many other irritations. Chew fresh leaves or make a poultice and apply it to your cold sores on your lips or nose. It’s no wonder that sage is one of the most common ingredients in toothpaste.


  • Use it to Eliminate Indigestion. Do you suffer from indigestion? Like the medicinal herb lemon balm, sage is your friend. Just add it to your line-up of bread baking ingredients or to your cooking.
  • Gallbladder Booster. Adding sage to your daily meals will stimulate the gallbladder.
  • Sage Tea for Cleansing. Some believe that half of a gallon of a mild sage decoction can cleanse your intestinal wall, helps cure polyps, and kills harmful parasites. That’s a lot of curative power. Some believe it is effective as a liver detox method.
  • Cell Protection. Sage can help protect your body’s cells from damage resulting from free radicals due to its high antioxidant capacity. Free radicals often cause cells to die and can lead to impaired immunity and chronic disease. They can be formed either naturally in your body by means of your normal metabolic processes or from external factors like X-rays, cigarette smoke, air pollutants, and exposure to industrial chemicals.


  • Alzheimer’s Treatment. An article in the US National Library of Medicine reports, “In vitro and animal studies have confirmed that several Salvia species contain a large array of active compounds that may enhance cognitive activity and protect against neurodegenerative disease.” It goes on to say, “In this 4-month study, participants allocated to the active-drug condition (60 drops of S. officinalis daily) experienced significantly greater improvements in cognitive function as measured by the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale, and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale.”
  • Lowers Blood Glucose and Cholesterol. Another article in the US National Library of Medicine reported, “Conclusions: S. officinalis leaves may be safe and have anti-hyperglycemic and lipid profile improving effects in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients.”

Growing Sage

  • Sage is resistant to both cold and heat; its cold hardy to -30°.
  • It flowers during the summer.
  • Plant it in full sun; it will tolerate partial shade but the flavor will be reduced.
  • Cultivate it in well-drained soil. Sandy loam is preferable but it will grow in average soil too. It prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.7.
  • You can start sage seed indoors as early as 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date in your growing zone.
  • Or, sow seed in your garden during late spring after the last frost. Sow seed shallowly, ¼ inch deep.
  • For companion planting, grow sage with chives and calendula, cabbage, carrots, strawberries, and tomatoes. It is believed to deter cabbage-family pests such as imported cabbage worms and root maggot flies. The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects to your garden. Sage will stunt the growth of cucumbers and has a negative effect on onions.

It’s easy to see why you should grow sage in your garden. Whether you plan to use it for natural medicine, as an ornamental, or for companion planting, it will enhance your property. Always grow organically; what you put in your soil ends up in your body.

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About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Recipe

How to Make These Popular Store-Bought Cookies at Home

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith

Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
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Although I love to cook, develop bread recipes, and eat copiously, I’m not real big on “sweets.” My wife, (She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed), on the other hand, enjoys her special treats. In particular, she likes Lofthouse Sugar Cookies. I do have a thing for dark (unsweetened) chocolate, and that dovetails nicely in my blood pressure control program because it’s good for that.

Normally, I buy them at the local Kroger when I’m out hunting and gathering. For the past few weeks, they haven’t been selling them. Unfortunate, right? So I decided, hey, why not make them myself? I found many copycat recipes on the internet, took the best of the elements, rolled up my sleeves, and went to work. Here’s what I came up with, and I hope you try it as well. Share the good news, I always say.



Lofthouse Cookie Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cup organic pure cane granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract (more than other copycats specify, but yum)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour (some copycats specify cake flour; your call)


Salute to Baking Experimentation

Preparation Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 400°.
  2. Line one or more baking sheets with parchment paper. I used 2 baking sheets for some really big cookies, seen in the photo above, and that only used up 3/4 of the dough.
  3. Use your mixer in a large mixing bowl to cream together the butter and sour cream until smooth.
  4. Add in the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until just combined.
  5. In a much bigger mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt (if you are using it). Add the dry ingredients to the wet in three additions, mixing well after each.
  6. Keeping your hands wet with water, form drop cookies. Roll dough into 2″ balls and place 2″ apart on the prepared cookie sheet/s. Using a flat-bottomed glass dipped in water, press the cookie balls flat.
  7. Bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cookies just begin to set up and the bottoms are lightly brown; this is really the critical step. After the first 5 minutes, check every minute. Immediately remove them from the cookie sheet/s and let them cool completely on a cooling rack before applying the frosting of your choice.


I hope you enjoy this copycat Lofthouse sugar cookie recipe as much as She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed did. Let us know in the comment section and vote in the survey on the right.

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About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Traditional Homemade Tex-Mex Comfort Food

Photo of Kelly R. Smith   by Kelly R. Smith

Homemade chicken enchiladas
Homemade chicken enchiladas
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Enchiladas are originally from traditional Mexican cuisine, but the ones I make have sort of crossed the border to Tex-Mex. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, or usually, a combination. The sauces are usually chili-based sauces, like salsa roja, various moles, or cheese-based sauces, like chile con queso. The recipe I present here is the one I made a couple of nights ago, but feel free to indulge in modifications!

Chicken Enchilada Ingredients

  • 6 – 8 whole wheat tortillas
  • 1 lb. cooked, shredded chicken; I simply used a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to expedite the process.
  • 3 oz cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 – 4.5 oz diced green chilis with their juice
  • 1 14 oz. can oz mild red or green enchilada sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup diced red onions
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican, Four Cheese, or Colby Jack)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
  • Optional: chopped jalapeno, serrano, or (whew) habanero peppers to taste


Chicken enchiladas in the pan
Chicken enchiladas in the pan

Enchilada Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
  3. Add all ingredients except for the cheese and the chicken into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Mix completely.
  5. Transfer 1/3 of the mixture into another mixing bowl.
  6. Add the chicken and 2 cups of your cheese to the 2/3 bowl and mix in well.
  7. Generously add contents of the 2/3 bowl to the center of each tortilla and roll up tortillas tightly. Arrange them in your dish as you go.
  8. Pour the reserved 1/3 of sauce over the tortillas, spread well, and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese (you can add more cheese if you desire).
  9. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 400˚F for 35 minutes.
  10. Remove and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada recipe as much as we do. I always get an opinion from She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed and this dish got two thumbs up! Next time I’ll experiment a bit more. The basil in my garden is really taking off now so…



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Visit Kelly’s profile on Pinterest.

About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

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