• Hauls

    Popshelf Prep Haul…Clearance Finds

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    (Late post. I know. But, it’s still good and they still have good deals – no I don’t get a commission!)

    • 01:29 🍽️ The Haul
      • Pop Shelf haul, featuring discounted Farberware prep sets and various clearance items.
    • 04:17 ✒️ Writing Utensils Find
      • Exciting discovery of quality pens and writing tools at Pop Shelf.
    • 09:32 🎁 Euroglass Jar Gift
      • Euroglass jars bought at half price for creating gifts, emphasizing sturdiness and creative presentation.
    • 13:05 🎨 Craft Deals at Pop Shelf
      • Discusses affordable craft supplies at Pop Shelf, Y’all need to explore!

    Exciting Popshelf Prep Haul – Unbeatable Deals!

    Hi Everybody, Brandy here.

    I hope this message finds you well and in the holiday spirit! I recently had an incredible shopping experience at Popshelf, and I couldn’t wait to share my finds with you. 🛍️✨

    While preparing for everything, I stumbled upon some amazing clearance deals that I’m sure you’d love. The Popshelf store had an abundance of kitchen essentials, perfect for hosting and handling leftovers during the festive season.

    Here’s a quick rundown of my Popshelf Prep Haul:

    1. Farberware Prep Sets: I discovered a fantastic deal on Farberware 20-piece meal prep sets – 10 bowls or trays for just $2.50 each! These were originally priced at $5, but the clearance offer was too good to resist.
    2. Insulated Coffee Cups: For just $2, I snagged six insulated coffee cups. They’re heavy-duty, perfect for serving hot beverages without burning your hands. A steal for the price!
    3. Euroglass Jars: Talk about a find! Euroglass jars, usually $4 each, were on a 50% clearance. I bought six at $2 each and can’t wait to use them for a special Christmas gift project.
    4. Pens and Writing Utensils: Popshelf had an irresistible collection of pens and markers. I splurged a bit on some high-quality writing utensils, including my favorite erasable pens and felt-tip markers.
    5. Greeting Cards and Rola Mints: I also picked up some affordable greeting cards (much better than Dollar Tree, trust me!) and individual Rola mints – perfect for on-the-go freshness.
    6. Colorful Mechanical Pencils: A fun find! Colored mechanical pencils for just a dollar each. I’m thinking of using them for crafting holiday gift bags.
    7. Peach Oolong Tea: Found my favorite peach oolong tea – a delightful treat for myself amidst all the shopping excitement.

    I’m super excited about these bargains, and I thought you might be interested too. If you’re planning to host a get together or looking for unique holiday gifts, Popshelf is definitely worth checking out.

    Feel free to reply if you have any questions or if you’d like more details about my haul. Wishing you a fantastic haul. Let me know what you find. I don’t know if it will be in my area, but I’d love to search for it around here as well.

    Have a good one! Brandy – Sowing Back

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  • cooking

    Easy Crockpot Blackberry Jam

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    • 00:03 🍇 Prep & Inspiration
      • Preparing frozen blackberries, inspired by a tasty Grilled Cheese.
    • 02:30 🚀 Crockpot Jam Method
      • Introducing a new crockpot method for blackberry jam.
      • Setting on low for 3 hours, curious about the outcome.
    • 05:53 🍲 Crockpot Success
      • Successful tripling of the recipe, yielding 12 jars.
    • 07:05 🥄 Jam on Yogurt
      • Sampling jam on zero-fat Greek yogurt.
    • 08:42 🍓 Jam Jar Showcase
    • 11:49 🎁 Jam Gifting Tips
      • What do they look like!

    Delicious Homemade Blackberry Jam – A Winter Solstice Treat

    Hey Everyone,

    I hope this day finds you well. I wanted to share a delightful experience from my recent YouTube video, where I made Easy Crockpot Blackberry Jam.

    In the video, I explored the process of preparing 5 lbs of frozen blackberries from Azure, sharing insights on the importance of adding lemon juice for acidity. The inspiration behind this batch was a divine Blackberry Bacon Cheddar Grilled Cheese I tried at a local sandwich shop during a recent outing with John.

    The highlight of the video was experimenting with a new crockpot method for making blackberry jam. I tripled the recipe, combining 3 and 1/2 cups of sugar with 3/4 a cup of lemon juice, and let it simmer for 3 hours. The result was 12 beautiful jars of jam, perfect for gifting and personal use.

    I also added a creative way to enjoy the jam by adding it to zero-fat plain Greek yogurt, so it has healthier ingredients and lower sugar content (but still tastes good). I think you’ll see the satisfaction of successfully making and experimenting with crockpot jams, promising more delightful recipes in the future. It’s really nice when you make your own jam. Rewarding, at least to me.

    If you’re interested in trying this out or simply want to enjoy the process, you can watch the full video here (or just click above).

    Wishing you a cozy Winter Solstice filled with warmth and homemade treats!

    Best regards,

    Brandy

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  • cooking

    How to Make Blackberry, Jalapeno, & Bacon Grilled Cheese (a new take)

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    TL;DR

    • 00:03 🍞 Preservation Sandwich Inspiration
    • 01:10 🌶️ Creative Grilled Cheese
    • 02:05 🍞 Sourdough Choice and Cooking
    • 04:00 🧀 Layering and Cooking Demo
    • 07:28 🍽️ Well, How does it Taste
    • 09:53 📈 Encouragement to Try the Sandwich (Don’t just watch the video!)

    Hey everyone. Hope you had a good Christmas. I have a new sandwich for you, so get ready to elevate your sandwich game with an exciting twist – a flavorful grilled cheese creation I recently explored on my YouTube channel. Inspired by a visit to a charming sandwich shop, the star of the show was a bacon-blackberry jam-jalapeno grilled cheese that left a lasting impression.

    Beginning with my homemade blackberry jam, a personal favorite, I felt compelled to recreate this delightful sandwich, highlighting the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and a hint of heat. What sets this apart is the choice of sourdough bread, adding a wonderful texture to the mix.

    Armed with a trusty cast-iron skillet, some deli cheese, Costco pre-cooked bacon, and the last of my jalapenos, I took my viewers through the step-by-step assembly process. The result? A mouthwatering creation boasting the irresistible melty goodness of jam and a perfectly crusty exterior.

    As I indulged in a satisfying bite, I couldn’t help but encourage my viewers to embark on their culinary journey. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought jam, this warm and flavorful sandwich, especially on a cold day, exemplifies the joy of thinking outside the box. Honestly, y’all. The sandwich is good. John liked it too.

    Join me in elevating your sandwich experience by embracing the unexpected—combining sweetness, savory richness, and a touch of heat—all in one delightful grilled cheese. Whether you’re a seasoned subscriber or new to my channel, I promise an exciting venture into the world of sandwich-making. Here’s to a flavorful and happy New Year ahead! – Brandy

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  • Hauls

    Azure Haul Pros and Cons

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    TL;DR

    • 00:30 Azure Standard requires commitment to drop schedule.
    • 02:44 Azure offers unique shopping experience with various choices.
    • 04:33 Azure provides savings through sales and Azure Box.
    • 05:01 Sharing Azure link can earn benefits, up to $25.
    • 06:23 Azure is allergy-friendly with diverse options.
    • 08:06 Azure introduced canning jars, available at a discount.
    • 11:08 I purchased herbs for teas and tinctures.
    • 15:07 Azure offers pet products, like pour-over dog food.
    • 16:32 Azure has a variety of food items, including nuts.
    • 19:34 Azure haul cost approximately $230.
    • 20:15 Azure is recommended for quality spices and responsibly sourced products.

    Unboxing my Azure haul on the latest “Sowing Back” episode, I’m thrilled to take you through the goodies from Azure Standard. From those must-have canning jars to unique herbs, let me spill the beans on what I snagged and my overall take on Azure.

    Pros

    So why Azure? Well, let’s dive into the pros first.

    Diverse Product Choices are the name of the game. Azure Standard spoils you with options, whether you’re eyeing bulk quantities or smaller packages. It’s like a playground for home cooks like me.

    Ethical Sourcing is a big win. Take the burdock and echinacea roots, for instance. Azure’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices shines through, and that matters when you’re invested in quality.

    Allergen-Friendly Options are a lifesaver. As someone with food allergies, Azure’s transparency in labeling is gold. Finding gluten-free spice mixes and other goodies is a breeze.

    Azure Cash and Discounts sweeten the deal. Who doesn’t love a good loyalty program? I earned some Azure Cash during this haul, thanks to their discounts and sales.

    Unique and Hard-to-Find Items make Azure stand out. Fever Few for headaches? Check. Sleepy Chai tea for cozy evenings? Double-check. Azure’s got the gems that might be elusive elsewhere.

    Cons

    Now, let’s talk cons, ’cause nothing’s perfect.

    Inflexible Pickup Schedule is the thorn in the side. Azure’s strict pickup times can be a headache. If your schedule isn’t super flexible, it might throw a wrench in your plans.

    Shipping Costs are a consideration. No membership fees are fantastic, but the weight-based shipping costs are something to factor in. Sure, my earned Azure Cash often covers it, but it’s still there.

    Limited Local Availability is a potential hiccup. Depending on where you are, getting to an Azure drop might involve a bit of a journey. Rural or urban, it might not be as convenient for everyone.

    In conclusion, despite the cons, I’d still nudge you to give Azure Standard a shot. For home cooks, herb enthusiasts, or those with dietary restrictions, it’s a goldmine. The diverse offerings and ethical sourcing make it a winner in my book.

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  • cooking,  Preserving

    Honey Fig Preserves and Fig Harvest

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    My husband’s grandmother, Louise, was known for her figs that she grew for years. His grandparents
    had a small vegetable stand that folks would stop by to get good homegrown food. Louise’s figs were
    one of the items folks looked forward to getting each year during fig season in north Georgia. I still
    remember tasting my first fig. Yes, from Louise…I had never had one before and my word was it ripe and
    delicious. I would have been in my early twenties, and I can still remember being in her old kitchen when
    she went to get the figs out of the fridge. She is the one that told me to put them in the fridge to help
    them last a little longer.

    Louise taught me so many things in my young married life…how to remove wallpaper and then, how to
    cut and hang wallpaper (I think she was in her mid to late 70’s when she did that). She also tried to teach
    me to sew, refurbish furniture, and of course she would share cooking recipes. She made the best pecan
    pie I have ever eaten and the last piece I ever had on this side of heaven, since I developed a nut allergy.
    She was such a treasure. When Louise passed away, I planted my first fig (a black mission) in honor of
    her. We thought we might have lost our precious fig in last Christmas’ deep freeze. All our figs took a hit
    as did many other plant favorites, but early this summer Louise’s Fig started putting on new leaves and
    is looking quite healthy now as we head into fall.

    As you can imagine Johnny and I were both relieved to see her bring forth new healthy growth. We only
    had one of our figs this year which was a shared tree with our neighbors that produced any figs. It is a

    brown turkey fig. I went out about a week ago as the figs were becoming rip. When a fig is ripe it will
    start the bending process. If you allow it to bend too far the birds, bees, and ants will enjoy it, but if you
    pick them at the halfway bend point, you will have a tasty ripe fig to enjoy.

    One of the big questions you hear a lot about figs is the fact that they are higher in sugar, so can that be
    good for you especially if you have blood sugar issues. In fact, figs are higher in sugar; however, they are
    also higher in fiber which means the fiber helps to balance out the sugar impact. Remember fiber is
    always our friend! It is also important to remember to add some protein to balance your figs out such as
    a nice plain Greek yogurt. This will make a fantastic snack. Figs are full of vitamins and minerals such as
    A, C, B6, K, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Riboflavin, and Strontium. Eating foods with
    said nutrition is far better than buying expensive supplements.


    Figs are good for


     Digestive health
     Heart health
     Skin health
     Bone health


    Fig leaves are also good for you when dried and made into tea. Studies have shown that the leaves help
    with blood sugar control. As with any food, it is good to enjoy when in season. The only downside to figs
    is if you take blood thinner medicine, to only consume in small amounts as the higher vitamin k can
    interfere with your medicine’s absorption.

    This year with our reduced fig harvest, I decided to make a small batch of honey fig preserves. I love this
    recipe because it is perfect to put a spoonful over my morning Greek yogurt. It adds a little sweetness
    but not super sweet. I hope you will give it a try.

    Honey Fig Preserves
    2lbs of fresh figs (frozen ones will work to)
    2/3 cup of honey (I use Alapaha Honey)
    1 cup of water (maybe a little less if frozen)
    3 TBSP of lemon juice
    ~Wash figs well and snip stems off.
    ~Place all ingredients into a pan and bring to a boil (I like to mash my figs first).
    ~Reduce heat and simmer until figs reduce to a thick jam/preserve and gel on the back of a cold spoon.
    This takes about 40 to 45 minutes. Make sure to stir to keep from sticking.
    ~Jar up and use for fresh eating or freeze it for a longer shelf life.

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  • gardening

    How to Save Tomato Seeds

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    Seed Saving Tomato Seeds is not hard, but it does have a process. This process requires fermentation of the tomato seed and pulp. 

    1. 1. Choosing the correct fruit is important. You want to select a fruit that has ripened on the vine and without disease. You also want to use heirloom tomatoes for the best results. You can use hybrids, but they may not grow true to seed. It can be a fun experiment in your garden. 
    1. 2. Wash your tomato and cut it open to scoop out seeds and pulp into a clean jar. Cover with water (I use filtered water).  
    1. 3. Place a coffee filter or cheesecloth over the jar and allow it to sit at room temperature for about a week to ferment.  
    1. 4. Scoop off any floating seeds as they are not viable seeds to save. Strain the viable seeds at the bottom and rinse well. 
    1. 5. Place rinsed seeds onto newspaper, paper towel, or paper plate to dry.  
    1. 6. Once completely dried, label a small envelope with the name, variety, and date of seeds for next year’s planting. 

    Note: If you are saving several different varieties, make sure to label through each step of the process so that you do not mix up your seeds. Happy Seed Saving! 

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  • backyard chickens,  chicken scratch

    Backyard Chickens

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    Homemade Chicken Scratch from scratch

    (article may contain affiliate links)

    I have several friends that have taken the plunge into backyard chickens. Many are learning the hard lesson of…oh no, not another roo! This is part of owning chickens in the suburbs. Another part is that most backyard chicken keepers cannot allow their chickens to free range due to laws and codes but mostly for the safety of their flock…EVERYTHING loves to eat chicken!

    So, this brings up the issue of what to feed your backyard flock. Many will head to their local Tractor Supply, Rural King, or local Mom and Pop Feed and Seed. You can purchase feed, scratch, and all the extras for your flock, but as you become more experienced as a chicken mama or papa, you become very aware of each member of your flock.

    This may not seem possible on big farms and or homesteads with larger flocks, but to the backyard chicken keeper, you know what you know. We do not have other livestock to manage so we often put our full attention into our girls just like our pet dogs, cats, and yes, bunnies. Just like I work hard not to allow my dogs to become overweight, I work at keeping my girls’ weights in the correct place. Growing a garden is a wonderful way to keep giving your girls a good foundation of nutrition.

    So is sourcing your feed and scratch needs. I have been blessed to find a local source from my local Mom and Pop Feed and Seed store, Marietta Feed and Seed, for my girls pelleted layer feed (22% protein). However, I have not found the same in scratch that I give my girls. I live in Kennesaw, Georgia growing zone 7b, and it gets awful hot and humid in the summers. I do not like feeding my girls corn in these months as corn heats their bodies up as they digest it. I do like offering them well sourced corn in fall and winter to help keep them warm on cold nights.

    Back to my point. It has been difficult to find quality scratch to give my girls without corn this spring, so I started chatting with my local Azure Haul friends that keep chickens on a much larger scale than I, as I noticed they were buying 50lbs. bags of grains. What is Azure Standard you ask? “Azure is a different kind of company born of a different mindset and held to a different standard. You know us as a natural health food distributor bringing bulk and specialty health foods to communities across the nation.”

    I have purchased a few of the organic scratches that Azure offers, but the price has gone up a good bit as of late and the amounts in the bag have decreased. As I noticed these same folks buy these same bags of grains each month, I decided to ask. They told me that they make their own scratch, and some make their own feed. So, I did what everybody does…I went home and googled scratch recipes.

    Once I had a plan, I hopped on over to AzureStandard.com and started adding bags of grains to my next order. I ended up spending about the same amount of money, but once I mixed up my scratch, I had doubled the amount of scratch from buying the premixed scratch. I picked up some black oiled sunflower seeds and Party Flock from my local Tractor Supply with my fresh organic grains hot off the Azure truck. Came home, enlisted my husband’s help (those bags are heavy), and we set to mix our first batch of Chicken Scratch. Check out our video showing what we used.

    If you are interested in Azure Standard, I have several videos on them and my hauls to give you a better idea why I like them so much.

    Azure Haul and Costco
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