Cooking With Chaos
Cooking with four kids…what could go wrong?
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How to sterilize jars for water-bath canning.
The USDA endorses two canning methods, water-bath and pressure canning, based on food acidity. Sterilization, especially in water-bath canning, is critical. Cleanliness is key: inspect and wash jars and tools meticulously. For better seal rates, avoid boiling jar lids. Happy Canning!
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Easy Weeknight Tuna Potato Cakes
A simple, chaos-free, weeknight meal. Canned tuna, cooked potatoes and cheese come together in a little ‘cake’, perfect for little appetites or dressed up with fresh arugula and herbs for more refined tastes.
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Thursday Thoughts… What equipment fills my kitchen?
Struggling with a kitchen lacking central air and a reliable wall oven, we have adapted by using portable cooking gear and a countertop oven. We face challenges like a faulty stove burner and a treacherous wall oven, leading to creative solutions and cooking in the garage during hot summer days to keep the house cool…
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When your “secret stash” of Oreos isn’t a secret…
What to do when your secret stash of Oreos goes missing on a stressful, long day with four kids?
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Homemade Vanilla Extract (Brandy)
Vanilla is a versatile, popular ingredient, but its rising cost has led many to use cheaper alternatives. However, making homemade vanilla extract is a simple, cost-effective solution. It takes around five minutes and makes a thoughtful gift. Even when the extract is used up, the leftover paste adds a potent flavor to baked goods.
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Drying Herbs – The Hanging Method
It’s that time of year when firewood is prepared, critters seek refuge in homes and produce from gardens is stored for winter use. If your herbs are anything like mine, they will produce far more than you can possibly use before they develop flowers and go to seed. What to do with that abundance? Throughout…
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Simple, Tasty Egg and Potato Casserole
Quick, filling and simple breakfast or dinner casserole.
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Fast and Easy Summer Soup
Who wants to be stuck at a hot stove on a summer evening? This fast and easy Summer Soup is guaranteed to fill hungry bellies while using up the abundance of produce from your garden or farm stand. Want more protein? Add in sliced, smoked sausage or leftover beef.
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Dandelion Jelly – A Taste of Spring in a Jar
A sweet, light flavor, reminiscent of honey, dandelion jelly is a perfect way to preserve a taste of early spring!
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Creamy Ramps and Pasta
Nothing beats the garlicy, mild onion flavor of a fresh spring ramp. The entire plant is used in this recipe and its a must-have spring comfort side dish!
Welcome to Cooking With Chaos!
Thanks for stopping by! On this site you’ll find recipes, canning techniques, and gardening how-to’s. All doable with lots of chaos and distractions. Most of what I do is done with 4 “helpers” and the recipes I use are then served to my family of 6, with 4 of the most honest food critics you’ll ever find! Find out more about me here…
