We love delicious grilled ham steaks that are perfect for the cold weather. While most recipes suggest using sweet ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, we prefer a more savory taste. Don't let the cold weather stop you from making perfect ham steaks - simply pop them in the oven and enjoy! 

Ingredients
2 1-pound Ham Steaks
2 Tablespoons Butter 
3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
¼ cup Pure Maple Syrup
½ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Take the ham steaks out of the package and drain.   
3. Cover a large baking sheet with tin foil.
4. Place the ham steaks on the baking sheet.
5. In a small bowl, melt the butter. 
6. Once the butter melts, add brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
7. Do not brush the bottom of the steaks, they will burn. Brush the glaze on the ham steaks. Remember the sides. 
8. Place in oven for 45 minutes or until heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
9. Remove the ham steaks from the oven.  Serve immediately.

​This fragrant, flavorful rice goes with so many main dishes - beef, poultry, pork, or fish. Serve alongside roasted vegetables and homemade sourdough bread to make an inviting, pleasant dinner.

2 cups organic basmati rice 
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
3 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic finely minced
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 cups organic chicken broth
1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions
1. Rinse rice.
2. Get the Instant Pot ready by selecting “sauté” and set it to “low”. 
3. Add sesame oil, then add ginger and garlic, stir often, about 1 minute.
4. Add the rice to the pot and stir. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about a minute. Stir in salt.
5. Cancel the “sauté” function.
6. Add chicken broth, don’t stir.
7. Place the lid on the IP and set it to sealing. Select “pressure cook” or manual high pressure, and set the timer to 3 minutes.  
8. Once it is finished let the IP do a nature pressure release for 10 minutes, and then release remaining pressure. 
9. Open the lid once the pin drops. 
10. Add parsley, serve and enjoy.

Calling all homeschool moms, join me in my kitchen as we indulge in the wonderful world of homemade sourdough sandwich bread together! Picture this: amidst the joys and challenges of homeschooling and the luxury of not rushing out the door in the morning, an easy recipe brings the whole family together - baking homemade sourdough sandwich bread! As the aroma fills your cozy kitchen, turning simple ingredients into a delicious loaf becomes a cherished part of your homeschool routine. Join me in embracing the art of breadmaking, adding a sprinkle of warmth to our homeschool days, and creating unforgettable moments with our loved ones. Enjoy slicing into pure homemade goodness and savor the satisfaction of nurturing bellies and hearts!

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water (at least 110 degrees) 
1 Tablespoon active yeast 
2 Tablespoons raw honey 
2 Tablespoons olive oil 
1 1/2 teaspoon salt 
2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour 
1 cup whole-wheat flour 
1/3 cup unfed sourdough starter  

Directions: 

1. For this recipe, we will use a bread maker as a shortcut. 
2. Set bread maker to dough cycle. 
3. First, Add 1 cup warm water (at least 110 degrees) and 1 tablespoon active yeast and leave it alone for about 5 minutes.  
4. Next, add 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 
5. Finally, add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole-wheat flour, and 1/3 cup under sourdough starter. 
6. Start the beadmaker and let it mix for 13 minutes. 
7. The dough should pull away from the sides. 
8. Coat a large bowl with olive oil or butter. 
9. Remove the dough from the beadmaker and place in the bowl that is coated. Set in a warm area for 1 hour. 
10. The dough should double in size, punch it down, shape in doing some stretch and folds. Then place in a loaf pan. Don’t forget to coat the loaf pan.
11. Let it rise for 20 more minutes. 
12. Preheat over to 375. 
13. Bake for 35 minutes.
14. Take it out of the oven and remove from the pan. Let it cool and then slice! 

And there you have it, a homemade sourdough sandwich bread filled with the love and satisfaction of baking it yourself. Now, go and make that ultimate sandwich, share it with loved ones, or simply savor each bite knowing you've mastered the art of breadmaking. Here's to many more baking adventures and countless moments of bread bliss!

Fall is a magical season filled with crisp air, colorful leaves, and the perfect excuse to indulge in cozy family activities. If you're looking for a delightful way to spend an evening with your kids, consider hosting a themed dinner and movie night centered around the beloved children's book, "Room on the Broom" by Julia Donaldson. Get ready to embark on a spellbinding adventure combining creativity, delicious treats, and quality family time.

Invitations:
Build anticipation by crafting invitations that mirror the book's enchanting theme. Include whimsical language and imagery, inviting your little guests to join a magical journey with the characters from "Room on the Broom."

Dress the Part:
Encourage the children to dress up as their favorite characters from the book, whether it's the friendly witch, the cat, the dog, the bird, or the frog. This adds an extra layer of fun and immersion to the experience.

Themed Dinner:
Create a magical menu inspired by the characters and events in "Room on the Broom." 

Here is an example menu: 
Witch's Brew Punch: A non-alcoholic, fruity punch with floating ice cubes shaped like stars or broomsticks.
Wizard Hat Sandwiches: Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches into wizard hats made with kid-friendly ingredients.
Broomstick Pretzels: Dip pretzel rods in chocolate and add bristle details with small strips of licorice.
Magic Potion Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with edible decorations resembling potions and magical spells.

Movie Time:
Settle in for the main event by screening the animated adaptation of "Room on the Broom." Ensure you have a comfortable viewing area with blankets and pillows for the kids to snuggle up in. As the enchanting tale unfolds, encourage interaction by providing small props related to the story, such as toy broomsticks or stuffed animals representing the characters.

Craft Corner:
After the movie, engage the kids in a craft activity inspired by the book. Make mini broomsticks using craft sticks and twine or create witch hats using construction paper. This hands-on experience allows kids to express creativity and create a keepsake from the magical evening.

A Room on the Broom-themed dinner and movie night is the perfect way to infuse a touch of magic into your fall family activities. Combining a captivating story with delicious treats, creative decorations, and interactive elements, you help create lasting memories that your children will cherish. So, gather your little witches and wizards for an enchanting evening of fun, laughter, and togetherness!

Essential #1: Location
First, find a park in Gainesville/Hall County or an area on Lake Lanier that will make you go outdoors with your family and spend quality time away from technology. My favorite memories about growing up on Lake Lanier always revolved around family and food. We always found a quiet cove on my parent's pontoon to enjoy a delicious picnic. Making memories on the lake with my family now is priceless. 

​Essential #2: Picnic Blanket
Find a picnic blanket with a waterproof lining and an easy-carrying handle once rolled up. 

Essential #4: Convenient Food
Grab some healthy picnic meals from Costco or Sam's Club that are a perfect addition to your picnic. Some of my favorites are rolled sandwiches, cilantro lime shrimp, chicken salad, large spinach, or Romaine salad. Add all your favorite toppings and divide into glass mason jars or make-ahead meal containers.