Simply Home by Beth

The Roasted Radish…who knew?

“The radishes are ready; the radishes are ready!!”

I remember my grandmother being way-too-excited to harvest her first crop of the year, the radishes. Her excitement was far greater (I felt) than the tiny red bulbs deserved. I wasn’t “sure” about eating radishes, but I enjoyed working side by side with my grandmother as we pulled them from the earth.

The harvest was complete, for now. Soon the Spring lettuce would follow, and the green onions would grow tall, towards the sun. The rest of the garden would have to wait to be planted, for warmer weather had not yet arrived.

The above photo is the garden I’m referring to, quite large, in a corner behind my grandparents’ old farmhouse.

As newlyweds, my parents fixed (as in fixer-upper style) a small summer kitchen behind their parents’ farmhouse, and we lived there until I was four years old. I’ve always loved being outside, playing outside, and as I grew the play turned into “helping” with the “outside” chores. Side by side, I would join my father as he “planted” the garden, he was helping his in-laws, and I was helping him!

When I think of a garden, I remember several things from way back. First, the people I loved the most were devoted to “gardening” and grateful for all it provided. My father, working, hoeing and weeding until it was dark, after working all day at his job, and my grandmother, teaching me, or including me as “we” worked to harvest our crops. Vegetables were washed, shucked, de-stemmed, washed again and packed into canning jars or freezer bags. Everything we pulled from the garden was eaten for dinner, for a snack, given to neighbors or preserved for the winters’ meals.

Looking back, I’m beyond grateful for the life’s-lessons learned on that patch of land.

Do you garden?

Do you have the room for multiple crops, or for just a few favorites to grow?

I don’t have a garden at my current home, “it is not allowed” on a golf course lot. Supposedly, it attracts “wildlife” that interferes with the golfers! Ha!

Living in the city/suburbs, I shop at an Amish Farmers Market, about 6 miles from my home. There I can buy freshly picked, with the dirt still on it! vegetables by the half or full bushel. The prices are reasonable, the quality is high, and the freshness is consistent.

**A Country’s Drive through Amish farmland.**

NOW…. no more strolling down memory lane…. let’s talk about the radish.

I enjoy them raw, rinsed and chilled, with a tiny pinch of salt on them…delicious.

I’m easy to please, a vegetable tray with a radish is fine with me, no need for anything fancy or extra, but when I saw this recipe, I thought, why not? What a great idea!

Roasted Radishes

Ingredients…

2-3 bunches radishes (1-1.5 lb.) trimmed and halved, quartered if large.

1/4 C. avocado oil or other cooking oil of your choice

1 clove garlic, pressed, or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder.

1 Tbs. chopped fresh Rosemary.

Salt, to taste.

Now…

Preheat the oven to 425* F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the radishes and oil and toss well. Add the garlic and rosemary, season lightly with the salt, and toss again.
Pour the seasoned radishes into the lined baking dish and spread out in an even layer. Roast 15 minutes, flip the radishes over, and roast another 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. If desired, turn the oven to broil and broil the radishes for 2-3 minutes for extra crunch.

**Roasted Radishes, from the Simply Keto cookbook by Suzanne Ryan**

I’ve grown to love radishes!

Lately, I’ve been on a gluten-free diet plan, and radishes are my new ice cream!

Please like, comment or share if you like radishes too!!

or if you garden, have a garden, or would even like to,

just to know you better!

**Tiny herb pots were the name-cards at the Kid’s table for Easter! Just one more radish photo, couldn’t help myself!**

Let me know if you roast your next bunch or radishes!

Enjoy!

xx,

Analysis Paralysis…

By Beth Wood

**Distressed lantern did not disappoint.**

How long would you hang-around for a new job to start?

My distressed lantern has waited patiently in the corner, waiting to be “glazed” with a new finish, (can’t choose between bronze and copper), hung over the Dining Room table, and gifted four new candelabra bulbs…and a dimmer switch!

She is not the problem, I am.

I’ve waited so long for this room refresh, chosen multiple looks in a rainbow of colors, chosen side chairs and new tables, accessories and rugs, though the closer I get to the actual finish line, I waiver.

Not wanting to miss any opportunity, I keep the door open for new thoughts and suggestions, all while knowing that I’m suffering from a case of “Analysis Paralysis.”

Note to self: You are the kind of client, you wouldn’t want to work with!

Truth.

I feel like a Bride at the altar, scanning my eyes over the crowd in the chapel, double-checking to make sure I didn’t “miss” a better offer!

That’s just awful!

**Chose the right one! No analysis paralysis here!**

Seriously, there are so many lovely options in wallpaper, paint colors and textures, chandelier types, styles and finishes…. what’s a girl to do?

The lantern, I loved, though the distressed white is the only finish it was offered in.

I’ve chosen a copper Rub-N-Buff to use on the lantern, with a pale neutral wallpaper above the chair rail, with horizontal bead board below the rail, or a shiplap. I do love the texture and warmth of wood. Then again, I could change my mind.

You guys!

I actually design and choose entire rooms and finishes for clients, but for my own home?, it’s different.

I know me. I will choose carefully, will choose a look I love, which leans Traditional or English Cottage, neither one of those styles are “trendy”, but timeless.

I am not “trendy”.

I am “classic and tailored” in clothing and accessories. My home is “collected and curated”, a true reflection of its owner! I’m sure your home is that way as well, my friend.

When you find an item you love for your home, whether it’s large or small, it will fit in perfectly, as if it’s always been there.

Writing this blogpost has been therapeutic for me, a focus that I needed. I’ve reminded myself that my home is indeed a reflection of the family that dwells within its four walls. Over time, don’t be in a rush, your home will grow along with you.

I’ve chosen the Dining Room to start with, because it is indeed my favorite room in this house, in any house. Our dining room is where we host all of life’s celebrations, where we toast each other’s achievements, and watch our holidays roll-out through the years.

**Last year’s Easter dinner’s theme was Peter Rabbit in the garden/ tabletop-style.**

**Tiny herb pots were the name-cards at the Kid’s table, my grandson is a curious one!**

Funny story, last night I took a little break from writing, and looked up the word: indecisive.

Did you know that being “an indecisive, can’t make a decision or choice” person is an actual Personality Trait? There are five major personality traits that define an indecisive personality, and…..

get this….

for a small “fee”, following a rather lengthy online test, I can find out “what’s wrong with me”!

And with that, I MADE A DECISION that I was “fine” just the way I am!

How about you?

Do you ever feel like you’re “stuck” when you’re deciding on colors, paints, patterns, furniture, pillows or lighting?

Too many choices?

Absolutely not, I truly love taking my time, choosing one item at a time, making one decision at a time, and stepping back, looking at the entire picture, like I just completed a beautiful puzzle.

No need to be stressed, my friend!

Take your decision-making process, and divide it into smaller pieces, it is so much easier. Your end-result will be the same, without the stress, it’s a win-win.!

Let me know if this helps you, if you need it,

hate to admit it, but it’s a great reminder for me, myself and I!

When the room is completed and ready, you’ll be the first to know, the first to see the photos…just can’t tell you yet, when that will be!

Later!

xx,

Bolognese by Beth…my version!

By Beth Wood

**My One-Pot Bolognese dinner, easy and so so delicioso!**

So, my friends, when your pantry is “full,” but you are “running on empty”, where do you turn for dinner?

My past go-to was a Chinese take-out or Pizza delivery, either one made everyone in this house happy. Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been on a health-awareness journey, making a “resolution” to be “healthier” so I can live forever!

Is this Bolognese sauce/meal on my “diet”?

Yes, and let me share with you why I say that… This is not low- carbs, low- fat, or low- calories, instead, it is high on pleasure, won’t be wasted or pushed away, and if you watch your portions, you have nothing to worry about when you meet your bathroom-scale tomorrow morning.

This dish is NOT gluten or dairy free, but can be easily adapted to those requirements, should you choose to do so. Two items can be substituted from the original recipe: gluten-free pasta, and dairy-free sour cream.

On a day too-cold to go to the store, I skimmed over my pantry and came up with this one-pot meal, a German’s version of an Italian dish, Beef Bolognese.

**Beth’s Bolognese, a quick one-dish meal**

First, you’ll need a large, lidded, deep skillet, then add 2 Tbs. EVOO over medium heat.
Dice one large white onion, 5 cloves garlic, diced, and 1 yellow pepper, sliced and 1 red pepper, sliced, sprinkle a pinch of salt over vegetables, and cook until onion and peppers are tender
Add 1.5 lbs. of 80/20 ground beef, cook until meat has no pink in it, drain grease from skillet.,
Add 1 jar, of Meijer’s brand, or your favorite, Onion and Garlic Pasta Sauce, 24 oz. Mix into other ingredients, decrease heat to Medium-Low.
Add spices: 1 Tbs. dried Oregano, 1.5 Tbs. dried Italian seasonings, pinch of salt, and 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper.
Add 8 oz. Daisy Sour Cream, stir in, mix well
Cover with lid, bring up to a simmer for about 15 -20 minutes
In another pot, add 8 oz. (1/2 bag) of Tortiglioni, cook as directed, drain and cool
Add the cooled, cooked Tortiglioni, fold in gently.
Add 1 C. shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, stir in
On low heat, mix until all ingredients are heated through, about 5 minutes.
Top with a small handful of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and 3 Tbs. Parsley flakes for garnish
Enjoy!

**Garnish with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Parsley**

You won’t believe how good this meal is!

Serve with a small side salad, and some crusty garlic bread….wowwza! It’s perfect!

Hope you enjoy it friends, let me know if you try it, and how it was received by your own little tribe!

Hugs!

xx,

“Dead or Alive” on wheels!

By Beth Wood

**Dead or Alive, a full-service auto station, best marketing ever!**

Repurposed, reused and renewed, an auto mechanic’s cart for wiper blades and fluids, now is filled with a faux fern in the corner of my kitchen.

I love it.

How about you?

Do you save, restore and reuse the old and forgotten?

I think the odd…is the best. Atleast, it’s the story that I love more than anything else….or the comments I hear, like

WHY is it in your kitchen?

How did you think of that?

What’s wrong with you, or where is your head at?

My mother would say, “That rust isn’t good for you”!

Those reactions are similar to the comments you overhear at an art exhibition…

the passerby’s leaning closer to try to “see it” the way the artist did,

“What are they on?” is one of my favorites, or “they didn’t wear glasses then, I don’t think…”, followed by “who would buy that?”, then “HOW MUCH is it?”, followed by “ARE YOU INSANE?”

Did I mention that I’ve been to a few of the world’s finest art galleries, in Amsterdam, London, Paris and Chicago, Illinois?

No matter where you are, or what you are viewing, the comments from the people around you are all the same, and that’s in English! I can’t imagine that the Dutch, French or British comments were any different, though perhaps more polite in their assessments.

Am I comparing my 4-wheeled auto mechanic’s cart to a Monet or Van Gogh?

You bet I am!

“Art” is in the eye of the beholder.

Where I see a unique piece, loving the colors and graphics, and above all else, that catchy slogan, “Dead or Alive” wiper blades, who wouldn’t love that?

My mother.

My mother would not love it, would not “eat in the same kitchen as that rusty thing”, and would pray for me, that my senses would soon be restored.

For that, her prayers, I thank her and appreciate her.

Something else? She was a talented artist in her own right, sketching in charcoal, watercolors, and oils, she preferred painting portraits over landscapes because of the challenge of putting the “light in a person’s eyes,” which made them most lifelike.

If I could tell her that the little cart with the funny slogan, made my “eyes light up” with excitement, because it was so unusual,

she’d understand.

Would she love the cart like I do? Of course not.

Would she want to capture the “light in my eyes”,

absolutely!

Dear friends, above all else, I want to encourage you to express yourself, your love of colors, or neutrals, love of patterns, art and accessories chosen that simply “light up” your eyes and your spirit. Your house will become your home, the more you share yourself with it, the more it responds to you.

Don’t be discouraged if others “don’t see it,” or understand, many will not.

That’s okay.

“Buy the weird stuff,” is more than a popular slogan right now, it’s exactly what I’m talking about in this post. Put yourself out there!!

Make your house your home, you won’t regret it!!

Hugs to you!

xx,

Just checkin’ in…

By Beth Wood

Hey, how are you??

I really am “just checkin’ in” on you and wondering how you’ve started this new year.!

**Old House Key unlocks February…what’s behind that door?**

Let’s get this out of the way.

Have you kept your resolutions; it’s been almost a whole month!

That struggle is real, my friend, I personally find it best to not even think about “resolutions” at all.

Which brings me to an update, on said “resolutions” that I DID make….I haven’t given up or broken any promises yet, to myself or to others. I’m making changes in my life that are needed and changing old “habits” requires time to be successful.

My new motto is this…

No success in 23′ ?, then it’s not meant to be!

Ok, let’s talk February, the “love” month, and if that makes you uncomfortable, it’s also the shortest month of the year! That’s the best I can do, thought it might help.

I am not a Winter-loving person, even the month of Love, Hearts and Flowers is simply enjoyed on a day-to-day basis, while I hold on to the fact that we are one month closer to Spring.

Anybody with me?

What about you?

Are you loving the real winter we’re having? with more snow than last year and frigid temperatures, this year seems to be the “real deal” in most of the country.

I’ve been busy making a lot of soups, baking, roasts and comfort foods during this cold weather. The aroma of bread baking, cinnamon and sugar cookies fresh out of the oven, or soups simmering on the stove, warms our senses, our moods, and the comfort-levels of our homes. I suppose, in its own way, the pairing of cold winter days with the warmth of kitchen and hearth, does make a happy home, and a heart fulfilled.

In January, I made two gluten-free pots of soup, Potato Soup (gluten and dairy free), and a White Chicken Chili recipe that is also gluten-free. Both of those recipes are on the blog @Simplyhomebybeth.com

One of this years’ resolutions was to get healthier, mainly by shedding extra pounds, I am an avid “walker” in warm weather, and I need to “trim” before Spring arrives. Also, diabetes runs in our family, and I don’t want to be a candidate for that.

The recipes that I’ve posted are what I’m eating right now, along with a few breakfast drinks, breakfast items and snacks to keep me on track. When I get “used to” this new routine, I’ll add some serious “gym time” to go along with my menus.

Wish me luck, this is hard work, and I’m not enjoying it…. too much, it’s a challenge, which intrigues me, but yes, it’s tough, and not overnight. For an impatient girl, that’s the worst part!!

So, tell me, what are you excited about so far in 23?

Where will your success be, in 23′?

Tell me, we can cheer each other on!

Remember, I appreciate you, your presence and your comments just make my day…every day!

Here’s to a GREAT year!

Hugs to you!

xx,

Sunday’s Supper White Chicken Chili… gluten-free!

By Beth Wood

**A comforting supper following a peaceful day, easy, quick and gluten-free!**

Yesterday was soooo cold, it was nice to have a relaxing, warm afternoon following church.

As we discussed the busy week ahead for our schedules, I decided to keep the evening slow, easy and relaxed. A hot bowl of White Chicken Chili with cornbread muffins sounded like the perfect fit for our supper.

Do you have a favorite “keep it easy” meal’s recipe? You know, the one recipe that is in your head always AND in the pantry as well! Everyone likes it? That’s huge!

This is one of those recipes for me. I love making a traditional chili when the weather turns from cool- to- cold, but as an alternative, this is at the top of the list:

White Chicken Chili

A one-pot meal, quick and easy, White Chicken Chili is a family favorite of ours!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

1 stovetop or stove
1 Dutch oven
1 knife
1 can opener

Ingredients

1 Tbs. vegetable oil I used EVOO
1 lg. white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, diced
3 C. low-sodium Chicken Broth I used Vegetable Stock as well, about 1 cup
1 11 oz. can of white corn, drained
1 15.5 oz. can of great northern beans, drained
1 15.5 oz. can of butter beans, drained
2 Tbs. chopped cilantro
2 Tbs. lime juice
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano, dried
1/4 tsp. red pepper sauve/hot sauce
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces

Instructions

1. In a 4 quart Dutch Oven, heat oil over a medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is clear, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients except the chicken. Stir to combine. Heat to boiling, then reduce to a simmer, and simmer for 20 minutes uncovered. Add chicken, mix well, then simmer for 5-10 minutes longer, till heated through.

Notes

Leftovers will freeze well for later, using a freezer-proof container such as Rubbermaid.

My personal endorsement?

I have ten grandchildren, ranging in ages from 2.5 years to 24 years old…10 out of 10 love this chili!

How rare is that?

Enough said!

Keyword one pot meal, gluten-free, chicken, chili, quick-easy-recipe

Hope you give this recipe a try, I think you’ll enjoy the simplicity of it, and it is so comforting!!

If you try this, let me know what you think!

Stay warm my friends!

xx,

White Chicken Chili

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

simplyhomebybeth