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Remember the old saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? In the homesteading world, it’s more like one man’s excess zucchini is another man’s jar of honey.

Don’t be afraid to trade with your neighbors!

Recipes

test - Daube Provencal midia

Best Daube Provençal One Pot Recipe

This one pot recipe for Daube Provençal showcases the rich, aromatic flavors of southern France.
Combining tender beef, a bold wine sauce, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients, this dish offers a perfect balance of comfort and elegance, ideal for cozy gatherings.
Total Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6 to 8 people

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Kitchen twine

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ ounce dried porcini mushrooms rinsed
  • 4 pounds boneless beef chuck-eye roast trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 5 ounces salt pork rind removed
  • 1 pound carrots peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds
  • 2 onions halved and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 750 ml bottle dry red wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 cup chicken broth plus more as needed
  • 4 strips 3-inch orange zest, thinly sliced
  • 3 anchovy fillets rinsed and minced
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme tied with twine
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 14.5-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup pitted Niçoise or Kalamata olives
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Microwave water and mushrooms in a covered bowl until steaming, about 1 minute. Strain mushrooms through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter, reserving ¼ cup liquid. Chop the mushrooms and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F and adjust the rack to the lower-middle position. Pat beef dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown half the beef on all sides (8–10 minutes) and transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining beef and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add salt pork, carrots, onions, tomato paste, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned (about 2 minutes). Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in wine, scraping up browned bits. Add chicken broth, beef, and juices. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add mushrooms, reserved liquid, orange zest, anchovies, thyme bundle, and bay leaves. Submerge the beef in the liquid, partially cover the pot, and transfer to the oven. Cook until beef is tender (2 1/2–3 hours).
  • Discard salt pork, thyme, and bay leaves. Skim fat from the stew’s surface. Stir in tomatoes and olives, and let sit for 2 minutes until heated through. Adjust the consistency with extra chicken broth if needed. Stir in parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Keyword easy one pot recipes, French beef stew recipe, one pot beef dinner, slow-cooked Provençal stew
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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test - Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich midia

Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

These chocolatey ice cream sandwiches combine soft, brownie-like wafers with creamy ice cream, creating the perfect dessert with rich flavor and a balanced texture.
Customize with Double-Vanilla Ice Cream, Devil’s Food Chocolate, or your favorite variation for a personalized treat.
Active Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 sandwiches

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • 9-by-17-inch baking sheet
  • Offset spatula
  • 8-by-8-inch square aluminum baking pan
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • cup boiling water or hot coffee/tea
  • ice cream

Instructions
 

Prepare the Wafers:

  • Prepare your workspace: Move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Draw a 9-by-17-inch rectangle on parchment paper and place it ink side down on a greased baking sheet, ensuring the paper lies flat.
  • Mix the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and cocoa powder together into a bowl. Level off the dry ingredients using a knife for precision if measuring by volume.
  • Cream the wet ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Use the paddle attachment to mix at low speed until moistened, then increase to medium and beat until the mixture is fluffy and light in texture, about 5 minutes.
  • Incorporate the eggs: Add the egg yolks one at a time while the mixer is running, allowing each to blend in fully before adding the next.
  • Combine wet and dry: Lower the mixer speed and gradually sprinkle in the sifted dry ingredients, alternating with the boiling water, until a smooth paste forms.
  • Spread and bake: Spread the batter evenly within the outlined rectangle on the parchment using an offset spatula. The layer should be very thin. Bake for about 6 minutes, until the batter puffs slightly and feels soft but set. Allow the wafer to cool completely on the sheet, then cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Pan:

  • Line and shape: Line an 8-by-8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, using two strips to fully cover the bottom and sides, creasing the edges to fit snugly.
  • Cut and assemble: Using the baking pan as a guide, cut the wafer into two 8-inch squares. Press firmly to cut through the parchment if necessary, and reserve any scraps for patching. Lay one wafer into the bottom of the pan, shiny side down, and carefully patch any cracks or gaps.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

  • Add the ice cream layer: Once your ice cream is churned and ready, scrape it into the prepared pan over the bottom wafer. Use a flexible spatula to smooth the ice cream into an even layer.
  • Finish the sandwich: Place the second wafer on top, shiny side up. Press gently but firmly to ensure it adheres. Cover the pan with foil, wrap it tightly in plastic, and freeze for at least 12 hours, or until solid.

Serve:

  • Cut and enjoy: To serve, lift the parchment flaps to remove the sandwich block from the pan. Cut into 12 equal-sized pieces, then serve immediately or store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with white rice flour.
  • Keep leftover wafer scraps for decoration or snacking.
  • Experiment with various ice cream flavors to customize your sandwiches.
Keyword Chocolate dessert recipes, Chocolate wafer recipe, dessert recipes, DIY ice cream treats, easy dessert recipes, Homemade ice cream sandwiches
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

test - Homemade Magic Shell Dessert midia

Homemade Magic Shell Dessert Recipe

This homemade magic shell dessert recipe is a quick and fun way to create a crackly chocolate topping for ice cream.
With only two ingredients, you can whip up this delicious treat in minutes, customizing it with your favorite type of chocolate.
Active Time 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • cup dark, milk, or white chocolate, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil

Butterscotch Variation

  • Replace white chocolate with caramelized white chocolate for a butterscotch-like flavor.

Instructions
 

  • Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in short, 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each burst to ensure even melting and to prevent scorching.
  • Once the chocolate is fully melted, stir in the coconut oil until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  • Let the mixture cool slightly before using.
  • To serve, drizzle the magic shell over scoops of ice cream. Allow it to sit for about 30 seconds, during which it will harden into a crisp shell.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the refrigerator for 6 months, or in the freezer for 6 months. Rewarm gently before use if needed.

Optional Instructions

    To Make Chips for Ice Cream:

    • After adding coconut oil, spread half the mixture evenly on a piece of parchment paper.
    • Freeze until solid (approximately 15 minutes). Crumple the parchment to break the chocolate into small pieces.
    • Stir the chips into freshly churned ice cream or store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.

    Notes

    • Refined coconut oil is recommended to avoid a strong coconut flavor, but virgin coconut oil can be used for a hint of coconut aroma.
    • Experiment with different chocolates to create unique flavors tailored to your dessert preferences.
    Keyword Chocolate dessert recipes, dessert recipes, easy dessert recipes, homemade ice cream topping, magic shell recipe, quick dessert ideas
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    davin
    Website |  + posts

    Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.