Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • A pinch of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground white pepper
  • 1 1/4 cups of a flavorful sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese blend, grated
  • 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chives or parsley for garnish.

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Check your plants: If you see white, powdery areas on your leaves, here’s what it means

There’s nothing more frustrating for a gardener than to watch a vibrant, healthy plant succumb to a disease. But, chances are it will happen to you at one point or another. So, do your best to learn a little bit ahead of time about the most common diseases that affect the plants you’re growing.
Powdery mildew in particular has a wide range of host plants and spreads easily, so it’s a good idea to know the basics in case you come up against this fungal disease. Here’s what you need to know to identify, prevent, and control
powdery mildew before it wreaks havoc on your vegetables!

1. Identification

Powdery mildew is an easily identifiable fungus characterized by white, powdery areas that spread across a plant’s foliage (usually the top side of leaves) and often its flowers as well. On the plus side, powdery mildew is host specific. So, just because one plant becomes infected doesn’t mean neighboring plants will, too.
However, powdery mildew consists of a wide range of species that infect an even wider range of host plants. Every group of plants, from ornamentals to edibles, shrubs to trees, has members that are commonly affected by powdery mildew. Make sure to do some basic research on the plants you choose for your garden to determine which pests and diseases you’re likely to come up against.
Some of the edibles most prone to powdery mildew include squash, cucumber, tomato, Swiss chard, basil, sage, mint, as well as strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry plants.

BEAN AND HAM HOCK SOUP

When the pantry is bare and the grocery budget is empty, this is the meal I lean on—ham and bean soup or, as we call it in my house, ham and beans. This recipe can feed an army for just a couple of dollars, the flavor is excellent, and thanks to the Crock-Pot, the hands-on … Read more

10 fasting growing shrubs that create privacy

Sitting outside in a garden is one of life’s most simple pleasures. But sometimes, a garden can feel a little bit too open to the outdoors, particularly if you live in a more build-up area. Feeling exposed to nosy neighbors and passers-by can make your time in the garden feel busy and stressful. Luckily, there is something … Read more

We love making batches of this and handing these out as gifts. Pure deliciousness in a jar

Ingredients: 1 gallon pulp-free orange juice 1.5 cups granulated sugar 3 cups 190 proof everclear 2 tbsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup French vanilla liquid coffee creamer 1/2 cup vanilla-flavored vodka Instructions: 1. In a large pot, heat to boil the following ingredients: orange juice, sugar, coffee creamer, vanilla extract. 2. Continuously stir until the coffee … Read more

This plant is called ‘Christmas cactus.’ Here’s how to successfully grow it in a pot at home

The Christmas cactus, with its captivating blooms and easy care requirements, has become a beloved houseplant for many during the holiday season. However, with the right approach, you can enjoy the beauty of this plant year-round by growing it in a container. Cultivating a Christmas cactus in a container not only allows you to create … Read more

Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect cozy soup and such a good way to use up all those veggies stocked in the fridge! It’s perfectly hearty and filling thanks to the tender chunks of protein-rich beef and abundance of nutritious vegetables. Plus it’s a versatile recipe so feel free to replace veggies with others you may … Read more