Author: MrsMarvelousJoy

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Pizza Recipe

Egg Recipe #16

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Happy chickens= a lot of eggs= egg recipes for you!

Customized pizzas are the best kind of pizzas! Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings and ingredients like pepper varieties, mushrooms, tomatoes, extra meats and specialty cheeses to this great recipe!

Here is our basic sausage and egg breakfast pizza recipe.

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Pizza Recipe

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~Cook in nonstick skillet or sprayed cast iron 10 inch, warm 8 oz. of brown and serve pork sausage. (We prefer links cut into 1/2 inch pieces, it works the best.) Links take 3-4 minutes to warm. Remove sausage from skillet & drain.

~ Whisk 6-8 beaten eggs into warm skillet. With spatula, gently fluff and lift small portions of cooked eggs from the bottom of the skillet. (As to not stir.) Cook additional 5 minutes. Eggs should be moist/ soft but thoroughly cooked through.

~Place 2 (8 ounce) ready- to -serve pizza crusts on ungreased cookie sheets.

~Between the two crusts divide eggs, cooked link slices and top with 1 cup of cheddar cheese on each pizza. *Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings.

~Bake 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted.

This recipe is so simple, yet delicious. Take note, that this works on mini’s, “pop” biscuit pizzas, and also on pita breads. (Makes about 6). A great way to make single servings for students or individual kids breakfast pizzas.

DIY Cloud Sand Dough Sensory Bin with Recipe

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Children LOVE sand. Hours at the park, beach or in the back yard sandbox accumulates a large portion of our summer for the littles. To my surprise, while working at a preschool, the private school center actually did NOT allow the children to play in an outdoor sandbox due to safety precautions. As wild as that sounds, that did not deter us from bring sandboxes inside. Throughout the years there have been so many “new” products introduced on the market, and to another surprise teachers pay SO MUCH for these products to save time and energy. As a teacher, I loved seasons. I would get as creative as possible to “create” our own sensory bins while utilizing inexpensive everyday products that most homes or center already obtain. As creative with textures and visuals as we could be, we still get asked time and time again about a moon sand type recipe we have used for years. Although, I believe the texture is a bit different, this recipe can fill a bin for pennies if your center or home has the proper ingredients already. HERE it is:

Cloud Sand Dough

As you can gather, this recipe is a base recipe I use for the large clear totes that fit under the bed. We have done a pond unit for homeschool & preschool and place 1/2 the pool with this sand dough and it’s critters. The remaining half split with water gel beads and local rocks we collected from a previous unit.

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I LOVE having activities out where the children enjoy learning without the structure. Kids love to learn naturally and through exploration & it’s such a joy to watch and be apart of!

Happy Teaching & Happy Homeschooling!

Southwestern Egg Bake

Egg Recipe #15

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Happy chickens= a lot of eggs= egg recipes for you!

Brunch time must- try recipe! A great make- ahead meal that can be refrigerated up to a day in advanced, leave this dish simple with a bit of a twist to traditional bakes. Let’s begin:

Southwestern Egg Bake Recipe

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~Mix 2 Cups of corn bread stuffing crumbs, 1 can of corn (drained), 1 can of chopped green chilies (undrained), 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1 egg. (Set aside 6 more for later.)

~Stir well. Place in grease/ sprayed 9 X13 baking sheet. Spread evenly across pan.

~With the back of a large spoon, make 6 indentations.

~Crack and place an egg into each indentation. (Uses 6 eggs.) Pierce the yolk of each egg with a fork.

~Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes or until the egg whites and yolks are firm, not runny.

~Next, sprinkle 1 Cup (or more if desired) of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the stuffing mixture. Bake for 3 minutes more, until the cheese is melted.

~Serve with fresh salsa. NUM!

Happy Homemaking! Happy Baking!!!

Keeping Chickens: A Beginners Guide!

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Raising chickens is by far one of the easiest and most inexpensive hobbies one could acquire. In doing so, you would be providing a long lasting benefit of bug eaters, compost producers and edible eggs. (Or as my boys tactfully say- fresh butt nuggets AKA eggs.)

Rasining chickens is a great way for the whole family to begin homesteading and/or just work together to produce a great family product while learning responsibility.

Whatever your reason for raising chickens here are a few things to consider:

  • Choose a fitting BREED of Chickens– Chickens can be territorial. Breeds can vary by purpose. Climate can play a part in the best breed for your family. Same with size. If you have a little space and loads of eggs are not your priority, there are an abundance of bantam breeds that eat less and still lay a few eggs. While requiring very little space as well. So do some research based upon what you are looking for.
  • Space. Whichever breed you choose, make sure they have adiquite space. Happier chicken = healthier chickens= more productive chickens. A roomy coop allows you to grow your flock or keep them inside more during harsher weather. So, plan your space accordingly to your breed, climate and purpose for raising chickens.
  • Keep the coop clean. Determine how you will keep a clean coop. Shavings are a great way for keeping a “nice smelling” coop and make shoveling easier. Another method is dirt floor and some just rake or shovel out manure weekly. A method we have acquired with many more chickens now, is rotating the birds between two coops. A “main coop” that is rubber matted with shavings. Along with a secondary coop with dirt, shavings & natural composting layers. The rubber matting can easily be scooped out, then hosed off when weather permits. (We have enjoyed this method of prevention. Our birds seem healthier and free of diseases and illnesses in the overall flock.)
  • Make sure to keep flock safe from predators. Chickens, once accustomed to a “housing” will return to their roosts nightly if allowed free range. However, if not locked in, our flock is prone to be picked off by predators. (Fox, minks, weasels, wolverines, coyotes, raptors, etc.) Hardwire mesh is a great way to keep unwanted critters out. ** Do not forget the top. One night upon returning home, a giant snowy owl perched itself directly above the coop. Waiting and watching, we were relieved to know that we had covered the top with wire, netting and clear plastic.
  • Lastly, feed and water installation. Your flock will need fresh water and feed. Breed is a factor, along with seasons. But, most chickens eat about 1/4 lb. of feed a day AND drink about a pint of water a day. That will have to be considered when acquiring your flock. If you do not care to water or feed everyday, you could install hopper systems or water lines. Many options are on the market, be sure to check them out. None the less, be prepared for the time and expense.
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Once you have decided you are getting chickens and you have considered the points above, you will need to determine if you are getting pullets (hens) or rooster (male chicken) or both. You do not need a rooster for eggs unless you are planning to raise chicks and continue the flock. These things will also factor into the breed you choose. Keep in mind, some breeds are very aggressive and will attack your children! If you want your chickens to hatch their own eggs, that will greatly narrow your breeds down. So make a list of those points then get to it.

Will you look for started chicks a few months old? Already layers? Or do you really want to start your own flock with day old chicks. Each has it’s advantages and there is required equipment for young chicks. However, the advantage is they can be very tame. A few hand raised batches were so sweet with the kids, they would “pick a favorite” or be picked more or less. The hens would squat for the kids to pick them up and not be ugly during egg collection time because they were used to the children handling them. Take all of these things into consideration.

Although it may seem like a lot to consider, which any pet or animal can be, chickens are rather simple to care for and a great addition to any home.

Happy Homesteading!

Ultimate French Toast Recipe

Egg Recipe #10

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Happy chickens= a lot of eggs= egg recipes for you!

Ultimate French Toast Recipe

~In a round baking pan beat 6 eggs. Add 5 Tablespoons of whole milk. Blend with fork.

~Gently add a splash of vanilla extract and a couple drops of almond extract. Mix.

~Top off your batter with 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. (I only add 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, dip a few slices, then add 1/4 more as it dwindles down.)

With a sprayed hot griddle or cast iron pan with a splash of olive oil, dip slices of your favorite bread in the batter. Turn and do the same on the other side.

~Next, place on the hot griddle. Brown, then flip.

~Once both sides are brown, remove and do the same with the next batch. Serve HOT with fresh churned butter and local maple syrup from your local foods store or farmer. AMAZING!!! So good!

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Indeed there are many ways to make french toast; however this is my favorite because:

  1. You can substitute seasonings. My kids love the bakery apple pie seasoning, pumpkin pie seasoning and cardamom as well. Have fun & change it up. It is still delicious!!!
  2. Although we are fans of fresh churned butter and our fresh maple syrup most of all; we have also used a variety of toppings. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, thimbleberry syrup, honey, sprinkled powdered sugar, fruit whip, yogurt or cool whip are some of the few choices!!!
  3. Speaking of substitutes, how about the bread. Sliced hoagies are among my children’s favorites. The thick bread soaks in the small sliced, filling them with delicious flavor. Others include: french bread, sour dough (apple sour bread is AMAZING as french toast), cinnamon raisin or fruit breads work well too! (Even zucchini bread)

As you can see, with all these options, this is why we rank this recipe at the top of French toast recipes!

To improve overall taste, make with fresh brown eggs!!! Note that depending on the bread you select, this usually feeds 1 adult & 4 children. I do double the recipe if a thick heavy bread that will soak up a large amount of batter. Happy Homemaking!!!

Flock of Feathers

@Pioneer Academy

Perhaps the most exhilarating sign of spring are the birds. Anticipating their arrival our craft area is filled with tools and supplies for creative new feeders for our feathered friends.

@Pioneer Academy

As a teacher, I must confess, this is a unit I enjoy every year! -AND- I do not skip this unit for any age.

@Pioneer Academy

Faithful feathers peak at the feeders throughout spring to announce their arrival and notify us they are ready for their “treats”! As corny as it may seem, we absolutely love it! (All ages!)

@Pioneer Academy

During mid- migration, the feeders are quieter indeed. However, bustling loud blue jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and various winter breeds tackle the feeders with delight. It is such a joy!

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Happy Homesteading!

Garden in the Winter

@Pioneer Academy

Although gardening in the “frozen tundra” appears to be impossible, especially since there are no signs of end at this current time.

Extending our growing season this year by transplanting some garden produce plants into buckets, allowed us to pick fresh peppers and tomatoes up through Christmas. It was such a nice treat to add to our sprouts, greens and herbs. Although our set up is a bit on the frugal side, a nice crop of carrots and beets do well through the winter in the basement. I by no means am trying to offend AND I absolutely love the fresh produce, herbs and dishes! However, it is just not the same as digging into the fresh dirt!

Sweet sprouts and started transplants are just peeking through the soft soil mixture. It reminds me of the soon to come planting days. Each year we plan and rummage through the seed catalogs, just like some children do for Christmas toys! New varieties, favorite flavors, sweet smells and tastes of fresh produce or pie trickle into our thoughts. Hmm…

@Pioneer Academy

Even though the pantry is still stocked and supplied from last years beautiful blessings, the excitement of a new season finds a way to creep in. Gathering supplies and seeds are just a few steps for a successful garden. Here are 5 things you can do during winter to help plan for a successful garden:

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  1. Prepare your garden equipment. No matter what time your area or zone begins to plant, the off season is a great time to clean up or restock your tools. Even better, many times off season products are on clearance at local stores. Do you need more garden hand tools? Perhaps gloves? Some fertilizer or better yet potting mix. When on clearance one can easily save $5-$8 a bag, depending on brand and location AND use a coupon on top of that. Refill your tools and supplies. A friend has a shop and sharpens our shovels for us. It makes a difference folks! Perhaps a tune up if you have a tiller? Cleaning it out if rust is an issue in your area, etc.
  2. Restock. #1 was more for equipment or tools. This is for seeds, soil, transplant or pots. Purchase what you need or restock in the off season and save $!
  3. Organize your seeds. What are you definitely planting? Do you always plant the same thing and same amount. If you are like us, we have a stack of what we consider “needs to go into the garden” and a stack of seeds I make room for. LOL. Whichever way you garden, organize what you are planning to plant. This will assist you to be able to plan, which is #4. With this one, I also encourage you to separate what needs to be started indoors, or will boost your crop if started inside. This provides a huge advantage for a great season and crop!
  4. Plan & Layout your garden. Rotating crops can make things difficult for some people, depending on their type of garden and layout. If space is not an issue, it may not make much of a difference to you, as long as everything gets light. However, if you are trying to plant as much as possible, your garden layout can make a huge difference. Vertical gardening frees so much of your gardening space up and is a huge blessing to work with. So with your seeds organized, come up with a plan for what you have to work with. Perhaps you will decide you want to plant more. Due to your planning, you have time!
  5. Get Encouraged & Inspired. Gardening can be so diverse. Having the privileged to grow up gardening, I was fortunate to see so many types of gardens and methods. I adopted my favorites and oddly, when I married, my husband had his methods. Over time, methods seem to really work better for certain crops that I was not accustomed to growing a certain way, and likewise with my husband. Every year, we love to see peoples gardens. It is inspiring and encouraging! Our garden is a huge blessing and so beautifully productive, but there’s just that one thing in someone’s garden that we “might try” or that give’s us a new idea with something we are already doing. It’s wonderful! It keeps things lively, new & interesting!
  6. BONUS: Compost. If you are able to compost your garden area, do so, it will not hurt! If it is covered in snow, do you have compost methods ready. We use a mixture of bunny manures and one of our kiddos has taken a fancy to worm farming. The compost is wonderful and greatly impacts the garden! IF you do not have anything available, now is the time to plan. Can you call a local farmer and ask him to call you when he/she has thawed manure. If your area is saturated with farmers, it will probably be free if you haul it. Locals here are free OR up to $25 dollars for as much as you can load. Simply drive up, and they use the bucket on the tractor to fill your truck and/or trailer. ***Make sure you check what kinds of manure. Some manures are too HOT for a garden. There are methods to breaking it down, but it’s best to get ready manure that can go on as you till up your garden. Just ask your local farmer or coop group.
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Happy Homemaking! Happy Gardening!

Twice Baked Breakfast Potatoes Recipe

Egg Recipe #9

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Happy chickens= a lot of eggs= egg recipes for you!

Twice Baked Breakfast Potato Recipe

~Gather: 4 Baking potatoes, 8 eggs, 8 strips of cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, butter, cream, salt & pepper **Optional sour cream and chives

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

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~Bake (4) Russet Potatoes until tender. (40-45 minutes)

~Remove potatoes from the oven. Cool.

~Slice each potato in half lengthwise and hollow out the centers. Reserve the inner potato filling in a glass bowl.

~With glass bowl potatoes, add 4 Tablespoons of butter & 5 Tablespoons of cream. Stir. Season with salt and pepper.

~Add potato filling from the glass bowl back into the potato. With a spoon push a “welt” or round shaped dip into the center of the potatoes.

~Sprinkle entire potato halves with cheddar cheese.

~Place (1) strip of cooked bacon on each potato half. (Break in half and crisscross the bacon to form an X in the center of the half (Near welt). Crack 1 egg over the X for each potato half.

~Place your potatoes (on baking sheet) back into the oven at a lowered temperature of 375 degrees. Bake until the egg whites set. Remove.

~Top with cheddar cheese, green onions and sour cream. Delish!

Happy Homemaking! Happy Baking!

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

~Saute 6 cloves of garlic (minced) in a cast iron frying pan or dutch oven for 1 minute.

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~Add 5 & 1/4 Cups of chicken broth. Heat on medium. As is begins to warm, add 1 & 1/2 cups of heavy cream & 6 cups of broccoli chunks. (I have diced mine small in a mandaline chopper for young children and add 2 cans of chopped carrots run through the mandaline chopper as well.) Heat. Bring to a boil slowly. Then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. (Veggies should be soft and tender.)

~Once heated thoroughly, remove from heat. Continually stir and add 4-5 Cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

**These recipes are calculated for 10 children and 2 adults.