Homemade chicken pot pie is a winter staple in our home. It’s the perfect meal for lunch or dinner, you can always make a double batch for left overs, and it’s a great way to get veggies in! This meal has everything in one; protein from the chicken, several servings of vegetables, and fat from the heavy whipping cream. It is so satisfying and what makes it even more delicious is the homemade flaky pie crust on top. I am all about healthy, convenient meals, that feed us more than once. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, Sunday dinner, or if you need something made ahead of time. An added bonus, you can make it, freeze it, and then take it out when needed!

This homemade chicken pot pie is filled with a creamy veggie chicken sauce, topped with a flaky buttery pie crust on top. It is way better than store bought and healthy! It’s a full meal in itself which, makes dinner easy.

Ingredients For Chicken Pot Pie

• Pie crust– you need a double batch. One for the bottom and one for the top.
• Chicken– I usually put 2 chicken breast in an instant pot and shred them or you can always repurpose left overs from a rotisserie chicken.
• Butter– For the pie crust and for the gravy
• Flour– to thicken the sauce. Azure has the best unbleached all purpose flour
• Mixed Veggies– you can use frozen mixed veggies or fresh peeled diced carrots, celery, onion, corn, and peas. Or any veggies you want to put in your pot pie.
• Heavy Whipping Cream– Organic is always best. There is no Carrageenan or polysorbate 80 in organic.
• Chicken Stock/Broth– This is what makes the gravy. Use store bought or homemade chicken broth.
• Garlic– Fresh minced garlic
• Spices- Salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

How To Make Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

• Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and dice carrots, celery, onion, and mince the garlic.

• Meanwhile, if youre using chicken breast cook those and shred them. I put mine in the insta pot with 1/2 cup chicken broth on the meat setting for 20 min. They fall apart and make it so easy to shred.

• In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic until the celery, and carrots soften.

• Once the carrots and celery are cooked, add flour to the veggies, and mix until its incorporated.

• Pour in chicken broth and heavy whipping cream. Bring to a simmer and add spices. Add frozen corn and peas. Mix thoroughly. Add shredded chicken and mix that in completely. Then let it all cool.

• While the gravy mixture is cooling, make the pie crust. Store bought will work but homemade always taste better!

• Lay the bottom pie crust in the pan and fill it with the gravy mixture. Place the other pie crust on top and cut slits for the air to escape.

• Bake pot pie at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Homemade Butter Pie Crust Ingredients

• 1 Cup Butter
• 2 1/4 Cup Flour
• 1 Tsp. Salt
• 8 TBSP cold water

How To Make Homemade Butter Pie Crust

*This can be made in a food processor or with a pastry blender hand tool.

• Cube 1 cup of butter and place in food processor or bowl.
• Add 2 1/4 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix in the processor or by hand with a pastry cutter until it’s fine and crumbly.

• Slowly add cold water. Add 1 TBSP at a time. If using a food processor pulsate 3-5 times in between each TBSP. Make sure its not too wet or too dry.

• Once it starts to fall from the sides lay it out on a lightly floured surface and knead into a ball.

• Separate into two discs. Because were making pot pie, I do not place them in the refrigerator. With a lightly floured surface, roll each disc out to the size of the pan you are using. One for the bottom and one for the top.

Can you freeze pot pie it?

Yes, this is a perfect freezer meal and so simple to make multiple at one time. You can freeze it precooked or already cooked. Take it out, and thaw 30 minutes, and then bake it. If it is already cooked, keep foil over the top so the top doesn’t burn but cooks the inside completely (I know foil is so icky, so if you have a better solution please enlighten me!). Make sure not to thaw completely, as it will make is soggy.

Storing Pot Pie

Keep it in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze. This can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge. Bake it within 3 days of making it.

Can I make chicken pot pie with store bought crust?

Yes, just make sure to get a double crust. It will save you time, make sure to follow package directions for the crusts.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just make sure to cook them long enough to absorb the water and make sure the sauce isn’t too runny. If it is, add a little more flour.

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

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Homemade chicken pot pie that's hearty, savory, and topped with a flakey, buttery pie crust!

Ingredients

• 2 pie crust
• 2 chicken breast
• 1 small onion
• 4 celery sticks
• 1 cup carrots peeled and diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 cup peas
• 2 cup corn
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 Tbsp rosemary
• 1 Tbsp Thyme
• 1 tsp salt & pepper
• 3 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup butter

Instructions

1. In a pan melt the butter. Add carrots, onion, garlic, and celery. Saute until they start to soften about 10 min.
2. Add flour and mix into the vegetables until combined.
3. Add spices, heavy whipping cream, and chicken broth. Stir until mixed.
4. Add peas, corn, and shredded chicken. Mix until thoroughly combined. Let it cool.
5. In a 9x13 pan place one pie crust on the bottom. Add gravy mixture and top with the second pie crust. Cut slits in the top to allow the moisture to seep out.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

The post Homemade Chicken Pot Pie appeared first on Pure Life Farm.

There is something so satisfying and filling about Italian sausage, spinach, and cheese stuffed shells. On a cold day it’s such a comfort food and something we crave. Pair it with some homemade sourdough bread and you will be in food heaven. This meal is so easy to make and so good. It can be made ahead of time, or right as you’re ready to make dinner. Its not time-consuming and its great for any size of family.

These shells are stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, and Italian sausage but can be made with several other variations. Top with marinara and bake until the cheese is gooey and brown and you have a dinner in less than 45 minutes! I really love this meal because I can make it different each time or even vegetarian. They are full of flavor and a great meal to make if you’re having company over.

Ingredients

• Jumbo shells– I cook mine with salt and olive oil to avoid sticking. Make sure not to overcook the pasta or the will be hard to stuff.

• Spinach– I use fresh spinach and it can be chopped or whole. Frozen can be used as well.

• Cheese– I use mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta. Cream cheese is also great in these. My favorite mozzarella is from Azure and I shred it myself.

• Marinara/Spaghetti sauce– Use whatever your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce is. I really like Trader Joes.

• Seasonings– salt, pepper, and italian seasoning from Azure makes it extra flavorful!

• Italian Sausage– If you cant find it ground already, cut the casing off and cook it like ground beef. I get the italian chicken sausage links from Trader Joes and do it that way.

How To Make Italian, Spinach, And Cheese Stuffed Shells

• Boil the pasta following the package directions until done. Make sure not to over cook the shells.

• Meanwhile, cook the Italian sausage till done.

• In a large bowl, add spinach, all the cheeses, Italian sausage, 2 large handfuls of spinach (or however much you desire) chopped or whole leaves. Stir to combine.

• Fill the shells. Start by spreading a small amount of sauce to the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Stuff each shell with the filling and set in the baking dish. Once the pan is full top with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.

• Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

• If you have extra shells, grease a little pan, and just put cheese in them! They’re a kid favorite!

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.

Different Variations

• Italian sausage, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, spinach.
• Ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, and spinach.
• Ground beef, cream cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta.
• Italian sausage, ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella.
• Zucchini, spinach, ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! I love these stuffed shells because you can make it ahead and store in the fridge up to 2 days. Sometimes I will make a pan over the weekend when I have time and know I’m going to need a quick meal to throw in the oven. Just cover the pan and bake within 2 days.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes! These are a great freezer meal, and so awesome to pull out during a busy week night, or I found them extremely helpful after having a baby. You can make several at one time and freeze up to 3 months. To reheat, pull out of the freezer, and thaw, then bake as normal.

Sides to serve stuffed shells with:

• Sourdough bread– this recipe is so easy and delicious every time!
• Salad- There’s something about Italian food and a side salad.
• Bread sticks

Italian sausage, spinach and cheese Stuffed Shells

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These easy stuffed shells are filled with a creamy blend of cheeses, spinach, and Italian sausage making it the ultimate comfort meal for dinner!

Ingredients

• Italian sausage
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella
• 3 oz parmesan cheese
• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 12 oz Jumbo shells
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 32 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce

Instructions

1. Boil the noodles according to package directions. Make sure not to over cook the noodles.
2. Meanwhile, cook the Italian sausage till done.
3. In a large bowl, add the ricotta, parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, spinach, Italian sausage, and seasoning. Mix till thoroughly combined.
4. Assemble the shells. Pour sauce to cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking pan. Fill each shell till they're full and place in the pan. Top with marinara and remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

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Homemade Lasagna is one of our favorite meals in our home. This is the best, and easiest meals that feeds the entire family. It can be made in a baking dish or in the crock pot, which is perfect for a busy night when you need dinner to be ready.

I really love lasagna because it’s so filling, it feeds the entire family from one dish, and it can be paired with other things like sourdough bread or a healthy salad. This is also a meal everyone in our family will eat, we always have left overs, and usually enough for another dinner.

There are many different ways to make lasagna, but this recipe is different than the traditional way, and gives it the best flavor. To me, this meal is a comfort food that always satisfies our taste buds. It’s so simple and can be thrown together in minutes. You can either layer it in a baking dish, or a crock pot, and then pull it out to bake when your ready, or cook it on low in the crock pot all day until you’re ready for dinner.

Trader Joe’s has the best lasagna noodles that are no boiling, oven ready which makes it so much easier, and you get to skip the time consuming step of pre boiling noodles!

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles- I love Trader Joe’s lasagna noodles. You just open the box and start layering. It makes it so much easier not to have to boil them.
• Spaghetti sauce- I always try to find one with minimal ingredients and low sodium. Trader Joe’s is another great place for this.
• Cottage Cheese- Daisy has a great cottage cheese that doesn’t have additives in it.
• Mozzarella Cheese- We buy ours in bulk from Azure.
• Cream cheese
• Italian Sausage

How To Make Homemade Lasagna

1. Start by browning the meat. Once browned add the spaghetti sauce and mix together. Set aside.

2. In a baking dish or a crock pot, the steps are the same. Start layering the lasagna. Add enough sauce to cover the bottom of the dish, add noodles, sauce, a dollop of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and a thin layer of mozzarella. Repeat until you get to your last layer on the top, and only add sauce, and mozzarella.

3. If you’re using a crock pot, turn it on low for 8-10 hours. For a baking dish you can cover and place in the fridge until your ready to bake. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until its bubbling around the edges.

Homemade Lasagna

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The BEST and easiest homemade lasagna. It can be made in a crock pot or baking dish. It's so simple and feeds the entire family!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 package lasagna noodles
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 24 oz cottage cheese
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese (or more depending on how much cheese you prefer)
• 64 oz spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb Italian sausage

Instructions

1. Start by browning the meat. Once browned add the sauce and mix together.
2. Layer the lasagna. Start by adding a thin layer on sauce to the bottom of the dish. Then cover with noodles, sauce, a dollop of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and a thin layer of mozzarella. Repeat until you get to the last layer, only add noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Notes

If using a crock pot, turn on low for 8-10 hours.

The post Homemade Lasagna appeared first on Pure Life Farm.

Who doesn’t love a homemade hamburger bun? These are the easiest homemade hamburger buns that taste so fresh, and satisfying. They are fluffy, and can be used as rolls, or buns. I make them for hamburgers, and then I use the leftovers the next day for sandwiches, or to go with another meal. They require minimal ingredients, and work, not a lot of rise time, and they have a short baking time. If you double the recipe, you can have left overs, and have sandwiches the next night. I am all about making something once, and using it for multiple meals.

This is also a recipe you can make hot dog bus, or hoagie rolls out of. After the rise, shape them into whatever shape you desire. There are so many different meals you can use these for; sandwiches, pulled pork or chicken, dipping for soup or broth, hot dogs or brats, or even just toasting and putting some good butter and honey on it.

At our house we are all about eating real food and it’s worth the extra time to spend on making healthy homemade meals. If you haven’t ever looked at the back of bread there is always extra ingredients for preserving. Other ingredients, I often wonder why they actually put it in, most of the time it doesn’t make sense other than for filler.

It’s simple to make extra, freeze them, and take the bread out when you need it. That is why I love making these easy homemade hamburger buns. They’re simple, can be frozen, used for multiple meals, and they’re SO good, and fluffy!

Ingredients

• Water
• Yeast
• Eggs
• Honey
• Flour
• Baking powder (optional)
• Butter

How To Make Homemade Buns

Proof the yeast by adding 1 cup warm water. You want it hot but not too hot that it kills the yeast, about 102 degrees is good. Add 1 heaping TBSP honey and dissolve in the hot water. Add 1 packet or 2 1/4 tsp of yeast to the water. Wait till it has bubbled up and is active. This takes about 5-8 minutes for it to be fully active.

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Add 1 egg, 2 TBSP soft butter, 3 cups of flour, and 1/2 tsp of baking soda. The baking soda is optional but I like it because it makes the buns fluffier and more airy.

Mix until everything is well combined and form a ball. The dough should be sticky but in a ball and not sticking to your hands. If it is, add more flour. If its too dry add small amounts of water to get to the desired texture.

Once its mixed and in a ball, grease a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap, about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Depending on the temperature of your house, it may vary.

Once it has doubled, shape into balls about 3-4 inches, and place on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. It should make about 9 buns depending on the size you shaped. I like to make all different sizes for the kids, and adults. Cover with a towel and let them rise for 45 minutes. The longer the better as they will get bigger and fluffier.

Once it has doubled, shape into balls, and place on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. It should make about 9 buns depending on the size you shaped. I like to make all different sizes for the kids, and adults. Cover with a towel and let them rise for 45 minutes. The longer the better as they will get bigger and fluffier.

After they have risen, or are the desired size, they are ready to bake. You can do an egg wash over the top if desired by mixing 1 egg yolk with 1 TBSP of water and brushing it over the tops.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes

Homemade Hamburger Buns

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Fluffy homemade hamburger buns! They can be used for buns, sandwiches, dipping, and more!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 22 minutes

Ingredients

Buns

Toggle ingredient group

• 1 Cup water
• 1 packet yeast or 2 1/4 tsp
• 2 eggs
• 1 TBSP honey
• 3 Cup flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional)
• 2 TBSP butter

Egg Wash

Toggle ingredient group

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 TBSP water

Instructions

1. Proof the yeast by adding 1 cup warm water. You want it hot but not too hot that it kills the yeast, about 102 degrees is good. Add 1 heaping TBSP honey and dissolve in the hot water. Add 1 packet or 2 1/4 tsp of yeast to the water. Wait till it has bubbled up and is active. This takes about 5-8 minutes for it to be fully active.
2. Add 2 eggs, 2 TBSP soft butter, 3 cups of flour, and 1/2 tsp of baking soda. The baking soda is optional but I like it because it makes the buns fluffier and more airy.
3. Mix until everything is well combined, and forms a ball. The dough should be sticky, but not sticking to your hands. If it is, add more flour. If its too dry, add small amounts of water to get to the desired texture.
4. Once its mixed, and in a ball, grease a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap, about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Depending on the temperature of your house, it may vary.
5. Once it has doubled, shape into balls about 3-4 inches, and place on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. It should make about 9 buns, depending on the size you shaped. I like to make all different sizes for the kids, and adults. Cover with a towel and let them rise for 45 minutes. The longer the better as they will get bigger and fluffier.
6. After they have risen, or are the desired size, they are ready to bake. You can do an egg wash over the top by mixing 1 egg yolk, with 1 TBSP of water, and brushing it over the tops.
7. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes

Notes

The egg wash is optional

The baking soda is optional. They come out just as good without baking soda. It just makes them a little fluffier.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 207Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 67mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 6g

The post The Easiest Homemade Hamburger Buns appeared first on Pure Life Farm.

Baked tacos and Spanish rice is a family favorite. It’s a simple recipe, the whole family loves. We love them with black beans, but you could always add meat with the beans or as a substitute. They are satisfying, and filling, and if you make a double batch you may have left overs! This is a great meal for taco Tuesday, or even lunch. You can make them as plain as you want, or add extra toppings to make it the perfect taco.

If we are having a busy day this is one of my go to meals because the ingredients are generally in our house, and they’re quick to make. Who doesn’t love a cheesy baked taco with a side of rice? In our house, all of our children like different things but they will always eat a taco, especially if it has cheese in it. If you’re one who loves to have meat you can always add ground beef, or ground turkey with the mixture.

Tips For Making Baked Tacos And Spanish Rice

• These can be made ahead! This recipe is perfect to make ahead and keep in the fridge for a busy weeknight.
• To make dinner even easier, double the recipe, and have it again the next night. Or this recipe can be used for other meals as well. Nachos, burritos, salads, quesadillas, burrito bowls, or whatever you can think of!
• You can use carnitas, ground beef, or ground turkey along with the bean filling or substitute meat for the beans. Either way, its delicious.
• Store bought tortillas will work or you can use my homemade tortillas recipe to make them even better. These tortillas are simple, and the best tortilla you will ever have! Make a double batch, freeze them, and then take them out when you need them.

Ingredients:

• Onion- white or yellow
• Garlic
• Black beans
• Corn
• Taco seasoning
• (Optional) choice of meat
• Enchilada Sauce
• Cilantro
• Chicken Broth
• Rice
• Tomato Sauce
• Olive Oil
• Tortillas-Make a double batch of my tortilla recipe and freeze the rest for later!
• Cheddar Cheese– Azure has THE BEST cheddar cheese!

How to Make Baked Tacos And Spanish Rice

Before I start cooking I like to have all my ingredients cut and ready to go. To start, to make both the tacos, and rice, cut the onion, cilantro, and mince the garlic. Measure out the corn, and beans, and have your meat browned and cheese shredded.

Start by adding olive oil to a pan till hot. Add onion, and garlic until fragrant. Add beans, frozen corn, taco seasoning, and already browned meat if using. Cook until warm and set aside.

Meanwhile, start your spanish rice by adding olive oil to a pan, and the rice until lightly browned.

When browned, add chopped onions, chicken broth, and tomato sauce.

Simmer the rice on low, with the lid on, stirring once for 15 min.

In each tortilla, add the bean mixture, shredded cheese, enchilada sauce, and top with cilantro. Place each tortilla in the baking dish. When finished, add a little more enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese. You don’t want to put too much enchilada sauce, or they will become soggy, and fall apart when you pick them up to eat them.

Place each tortilla in the baking dish. When filled, place in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Serve with spanish rice and any sides you prefer! We love adding guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

Sides

• sour cream
• guacamole/avocados
• tortilla chips
• salsa
• hot sauce

Other Meal Ideas

• Nachos
• Burrito bowls
• Burritos
• Quessadilla
• Taco Salad

Baked Tacos and Spanish Rice

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Satisfying baked tacos, and spanish rice the whole family will love! It's simple and quick, perfect for a busy weeknight!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

Baked Tacos

Toggle ingredient group

• 2 cans black beans
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
• 1/2 onion chopped
• 5 tsp taco seasoning
• (optional) meat
• 8-10 tortillas

Spanish Rice

Toggle ingredient group

• 1 TBSP olive oil
• 1/2 onion yellow or white
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 1 (15oz)can tomato sauce

Sides

Toggle ingredient group

• sour cream
• qualcamole/avocados
• salsa
• hot sauce
• tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Start by adding olive oil to a pan till hot. Add onion, and garlic until fragrant. Add beans, frozen corn, taco seasoning, and already browned meat if using. Cook until warm and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, start your spanish rice by adding olive oil to a pan, and the rice until lightly browned. When browned, add chopped onions, chicken broth, and tomato sauce.
3. Simmer the rice on low, with the lid on, stirring once for 15 min.
4. In each tortilla, add the bean mixture, shredded cheese, enchilada sauce, and top with cilantro. Place each tortilla in the baking dish. When finished, add a little more enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese. You don't want to put too much enchilada sauce, or they will become soggy, and fall apart when you pick them up to eat them.
5. Place each tortilla in the baking dish. When filled, place in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve with spanish rice and any sides you prefer! We love adding guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

Notes

*Before I start cooking I like to have all my ingredients cut and ready to go. Cut the onion, cilantro, and mince the garlic. Measure out the corn, and beans, and have your meat browned and cheese shredded.

*You can also add any meat you prefer or substitute meat for the beans.

The post Baked Tacos And Spanish Rice appeared first on Pure Life Farm.

My favorite things about this recipe

• Minimal work– there’s no stretch and folds. All you have to do is mix the ingredients, wait for it to rise, and then bake it.
• Delicious– it’s so good, still has the crispy top, and sourdough flavor.
• Simple– who doesn’t love a tasty simple recipe? As a busy mom, I love to simplify my life when I can, yet, get the health benefits, and eat REAL delicious food!
• Multiple meals– this bread can be made into several meals. It can be served as a side with soup, used for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or even just toast.
• Freezer friendly– It makes meal time so much easier when I have a loaf I can pull out of the freezer, and know we have something for dinner. I’m all about doubling a recipe, and only having to do the work once, and getting multiple meals out of it. Let it cool and then place in a bag and freeze up to 3 months!

Tips for making an easy overnight sourdough round loaf

• Almost always, if your bread comes out flat, dense or extremely hard, its due to your starter. When mixing your starter it should be thick. If you were to tip your jar upside down, the starter should NOT come rolling out. The gluten should be stretchy and tight with bubbles. The key to good bread starts with your starter.
• Make sure your flour has enough protein in it. 13% is a good number to be at. I have found, Trader Joe’s and Azure Standard have the best flour.
• In this recipe, since there isn’t a cold ferment, make sure to let it rise long enough, till doubled, but not too long or it will be hard to work with and run out of your hands. About 8-10 hours is a good time frame. It all depends on the temperature of your house.
• You want the dough sticky, but not sticking to your hands. If it sticks too your hands, add more flour. Everyone’s starter has a different consistency, one could be runnier than the other so sometimes you may have to add more flour or water. It depends on the stickiness of the dough.
• Use plastic wrap to cover the bowl, NOT a towel. It doesn’t hold the condensation in, and your bread dough will be hard, and crusty on the top.

What you will need

• Stand mixer
• Plastic wrap
• Flour
• Salt
• Water
• Starter
• Butter or oil spray

How to make an overnight round loaf

1. In a stand mixer add 4 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup starter, and 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups water (start with 1 1/4 cup and add more if needed). Using your hands works too, but it’s much easier to use a mixer.

2. Mix until everything is incorporated. You may have to flip the dough once or twice to get all the flour off the bottom.

3. Once you have a round ball, place in a greased bowl. Big enough for the dough to double. I usually take the dough out and use the bowl I mixed it in to save on dishes.

4. Cover with plastic wrap.

5. Let is rise for 8-10 hours or until it has doubled.

6. Once the dough has doubled, shape it into a tighter round ball tucking it under on the bottom.

7. Place on parchment paper in a dutch oven with the lid on.

8. Let it rise again for 1 hour on the counter. Rub flour on the top of the dough, and make sure to cut to allow the heat to escape and expand the bread.

9. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

10. After 1 hour bake with the lid on for 45 min. Take the lid off and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature is 200 degrees.

11. Let it cool for at least an hour before cutting into.

Ideas on what you can eat this bread with

A loaf of bread in our house generally doesn’t last long. Not more than a day. But it makes life easier if you make a few and plan meals around them. Some meals, or snacks we use sourdough bread for are:

• dipping in soup
• grilled cheese
• bbq chicken sandwiches with cheese
• avocado toast
• butter toast
• sandwiches

What do you use sourdough for?

If you make this easy overnight sourdough round loaf, leave a comment and let me know how you like it!

Easy Overnight Sourdough Round Loaf

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Easy overnight sourdough round loaf! Great for dipping in soup, toast, or for sandwiches.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 9 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 Cup water
• 1 Cup starter

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, water, and starter.
2. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Make a round ball. You want the dough sticky but not sticking to your hands. Add flour or water to get the right consistency.
4. Put the dough in a greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap.
5. Let it rise for 8-10 hours or until doubled.
6. Once doubled, make a tight round ball, and place on parchment paper, in a dutch oven. Place lid on, and let it rise for 1 more hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
8. After an hour, dust the dough with flour and cut your design into the dough.
9. Bake for 45 minutes with the lid on. Remove the lid and bake for 15 more minutes or until the internal temperature is 200 degrees.
10. Wait at least an hour to cut into!

Recommended Products

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• Organic Unbleached All Purpose Flour

The post Easy Overnight Sourdough Round Loaf appeared first on Pure Life Farm.

With this recipe, you can make turkey, chicken, beef or vegetable broth. Save your bones, and your vegetables, and when you have enough for a batch you put it all in a crock pot with water and simmer it. It’s really that simple!

Why you will love this homemade chicken broth

I really love this recipe because I always have everything on hand. The ingredients in the homemade chicken broth are ones you may be using throughout the week anyways. Its a lot cheaper and you will get a lot more out of it than what you buy at the store. There are many health benefits and its great if your sick, to sip on. You know exactly what is in the broth and there are no additives or preservatives! This can be kept in the fridge for 2 weeks, it can be frozen, or canned with a pressure canner. If you need broth but don’t have bones to add to it, just use vegetables and you have a healthy, nutritional broth.

What you will need for homemade broth

• Crockpot
• Vegetables
• Chicken or turkey carcass, beef bones
• Water
• Apple cinder vinegar- Azure has the best organic apple cider vinegar for the best price!
• Garlic cloves
• Spices- Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano

How to get enough for broth

Throughout the week, I save up my vegetables in a large baggie that I keep in the freezer. You do NOT want to use broccoli, cabbage, or peppers. They give it a very overpowering flavor that doesn’t taste good. Whenever we have chicken, turkey, or beef bones I place those in a storage container and freeze those as well. When I have enough of each I am able to make a batch of broth. If you don’t have any bones you can make just vegetable broth with the same process.

How to make broth

1. In a crockpot place bones of your choice in the bottom.

2. Add vegetable to the top and garlic. I prefer fresh garlic so I add several cloves. The amount of garlic is up to you and how much you like.

3. Add a large splash of apple cider vinegar. This has many health benefits and is great for your immune system.

4. Add spices. Which ever sound delicious to you. I use rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme.

5. Cover with water, about 10 cups.

6. Simmer on low for 12-24 hours.

7. Once its done, strain the broth and pour into a sealed container. Mason jars work great. If you’re freezing, make sure you leave enough room for the broth to expand, otherwise, the jars will crack. If not, it can be kept in the fridge up to 2 weeks or canned in a pressure canner.

Things to use broth in

• Any recipe that calls for broth.
• Use instead of water to boil noodles or rice. The broth gives them delicious flavor.
• Sipping on when sick.
• It’s great when making homemade ramen.
• We love to make a loaf of sourdough bread and use it for grilled cheese or plain and then dip the bread in the broth. You can use my easy sourdough bread recipe and its delicious with this broth.
• If making beef broth, you can use it for homemade gravy.
• Homemade chicken noodle soup.

Vegetables that make a good broth

• Onions- red, white, and yellow work. I cut the ends off and peel the first layer and add it to my bag.
• Carrots- anytime I peel or cut the ends off the carrots I add that.
• Celery- the ends and sprouts are great for broth.
• Garlic- any part of it.
• Mushrooms- any part
• Tomatoes- any part.

Homemade Chicken Broth

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Delicious and nutritious homemade chicken broth! Simple, easy, and great for any recipe that calls for broth.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 hours

Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• Vegetables
• Chicken, turkey or beef bones
• 10 cups (or enough to fill to the top)
• 3 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• 1 TBSP oregano
• 1 TBSP rosemary
• 2 tsp sage
• 2 tsp thyme
• 4-6 Garlic cloves (fresh is best)

Instructions

1. In a crockpot, add the bones of your choice.

2. Place vegetables on top with fresh garlic.

3. Add spices and apple cider vinegar.

4. Cover with water.

5. Simmer for 12-24 hours. Stir a couple times to submerge everything and mix all the spices in.

6. Once it's done, strain the bones and vegetables.

7. Place in mason jars or a sealed storage container.

Notes

*The broth can be stored in the freezer. Make sure to leave enough space on top for the broth to expand or the jars will crack

*It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

*Or it can be pressure canned.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Azure Standard Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

The post Homemade Chicken Broth appeared first on Pure Life Farm.

Why You Will Love Healthy Energy Date Balls

• They are quick and only 6 ingredients
• Nutritional- with the dates and nuts they give you a boost of energy plus, the good fats of the walnuts.
• You can make a double batch to have enough for the week (if they last that long).
• They taste like dessert- If you have a sweet tooth, just eat one of these and you won’t feel guilty
• If you’re pregnant, its a great way to get dates in. I always ate dates around 37 weeks to and they were hard to get down and these were great to get those in because they’re so delicious.

Ingredients And Things You Will Need

• A food processor
• Tupperware
• Walnuts or pecans (either works)
• Dates
• Maple Syrup
• Salt
• Vanilla Extract
• Oats

How To Make Date Balls

1. In the food processor, mix the walnuts, salt and oats till finely ground.

2. Cut the dates in half. Add the dates, maple syrup and vanilla.

3. Blend until the sides start to come down and it sticks together. You may have to push some of the dates down to make sure they all blend up.

4. Once blended roll into balls.

5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to a week!

Healthy Energy Date Balls

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Healthy energy date balls are a delicious, simple snack everyone will love! They require minimal ingredients and taste like dessert.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 Cups Walnuts
• 1 Cup Oats
• 2 TBSP Maple Syrup
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Salt (optional)
• 8 Dates

Instructions

1. Mix the walnuts, salt and oats in the food processor until finely ground.
2. Cut the dates in half. Add dates, maple syrup and vanilla.
3. Blend until it starts to pull from the sides. You may have to push the mixture down to get all the dates blended in.
4. Once blended roll into balls.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week!

The post Healthy Energy Date Balls appeared first on Pure Life Farm.

Why you will love this homemade pizza dough and sauce…

• It is seriously so simple and quick to make other than the waiting time for the dough.

• Delicious and satisfyingly.

• You know what you’re putting in and on your pizza. There are no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

• Its real food.

• Your kids will love it too!

• If you have picky eaters, everyone can make their own pizza.

How to make homemade pizza sauce

• In a bowl pour one can of tomato sauce
• 4 tablespoons oregano
• 3 teaspoons garlic powder
• 3 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons basil
• Mix it till all the spices are incorporated well.

How to make homemade pizza dough

1. For this recipe a stand mixer is best but you can definitely mix it up with your hands.

2. In a mixing bowl add 1 1/2 cups of hot water, 2 teaspoons sugar or honey and 5 teaspoons of yeast. Give it a little stir and wait 5-7 min. Make sure the yeast has proofed before adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Add to the water 4 cups of flour (this is the BEST flour), 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup plus a tablespoon of olive oil.

4. Mix on low until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and you have a soft round ball of dough.

5. Coat a bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it. Pour olive oil over the dough and let it rest till it has doubled. About 1 hour.

6. After it has doubled, divide the dough in half to make 2 large pizzas or you can make mini pizzas to your desired size, about 4.

7. Place the dough on a floured surface and roll the dough out into your desired shape. Roll it slightly larger than the pan so you can roll the dough up to form a crust.

8. Place the pizza dough on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. If using a pizza stone, there’s no need for lining it.

9. Bake the dough at 450 degrees for 5 min. Then rotate the pizzas to make sure the dough cooks evenly and bake for another 3-5 min. You’re just slightly cooking the dough because you only want to pre cook it before you add sauce and toppings.

How to make the homemade pizza

• Once the dough is pre baked add your sauce, toppings and cheese

• Bake in the oven at 375 for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. I like to put it on broil at the end to brown the cheese a little bit. Make sure to rotate the pizzas so they both cook evenly.

**Make sure to not use too wet of ingredients or the pizza will get soggy**

Our favorite pizza combinations

• Pepperoni, olive and mushrooms
• Pepperoni, ham, mushrooms and olives
• Mushrooms and olives
• Ham and pineapple
• Sundried tomatoes and basil
• Chicken, basil, feta and sundried tomatoes

Homemade pizza and sauce

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Delicious and easy homemade pizza and sauce. A meal the whole family will love! It makes 2 large or 4 individual pizzas

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

Toggle ingredient group

• 4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup plus a tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 5 teaspoons active yeast
• 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey

Pizza Sauce

Toggle ingredient group

• 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
• 4 tablespoons oregano
• 3 teaspoons garlic powder
• 3 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons basil

Instructions

*Pizza sauce: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until completely combined

1. In a mixing bowl add 1 1/2 cups of hot water, 2 teaspoons sugar or honey and 5 teaspoons of yeast. Give it a little stir and wait 5-7 min. Make sure the yeast has proofed before adding the rest of the ingredients.

2. Add to the water 4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup plus a tablespoon of olive oil.

3. Mix on low until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and you have a soft round ball of dough.

4. Coat a bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it. Pour olive oil over the dough, cover and let it rest till it has doubled. About 1 hour.

5. After it has doubled, divide the dough in half to make 2 large pizzas or you can make mini pizzas to your desired size, about 4.

6. Place the dough on a floured surface and roll the dough out into your desired shape. Roll it slightly larger than the pan so you can roll the dough up to form a crust.

7. Place the pizza dough on baking sheets, lined with parchment paper. If using a pizza stone, there's no need for lining it.

8. Bake the dough at 450 degrees for 5 min. Then rotate the pizzas to make sure the dough cooks evenly and bake for another 3-5 min. You're just slightly cooking the dough because you only want to pre cook it before you add sauce and toppings.

9. Once its pre baked add sauce, toppings and cheese.

10. Bake in the oven at 375 for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. I like to put it on broil at the end to brown the cheese a little bit. Make sure to rotate the pizzas so they both cook evenly.

Notes

Don't use ingredients that are super wet or your pizza will be soggy

The post Easy and delicious homemade pizza dough and sauce appeared first on Pure Life Farm.

When I had my first baby, I knew I needed to start making my own detergent. I didn’t want harmful chemicals on his fresh baby skin. I’ve tried many soaps and have always come back to this one because of how simple it is and I feel like it washes them so well.

When I started making switches, it all seemed so overwhelming and it seems like now days, everything on the shelves at stores are harmful. I knew slowly but surely, I could swap out products for non toxic ones, one at a time so I started with this!

Tips For Making Detergent

• Add the baking soda, super washing soda and epsom salt all separate and make sure they are all dissolved into the hot water.
• Fill it with as hot of water as your hands can stand. This will help with it dissolving faster.
• Stir everything efficiently
• Wait to pour the soap in till you have filled it almost to the top. Otherwise, there will be a lot of bubbles and not enough water.

Things you will need for DIY laundry detergent

• 2 gallon glass dispenser
• Super washing soda
• Baking soda
• Epsom salt
• Young living thieves household cleaner
• Young living thieves laundry soap
• Essential oils (if you use discount code SHAREYL you will get 10% off your order!)
• Stir spoon

Instructions to make DIY laundry detergent

1. Use a 2 gallon glass container with a spout. Fill the bottom with hot water, about 5 inches and add 1/2 cup super washing soda. Dissolve completely.
2. Add 1/2 cup baking soda, dissolve completely.
3. Add 1/2 cup epsom salt and dissolve completely. This takes a little longer since it’s salt.

4. Fill hot water almost to the top and pour in 1/4 cup thieves household cleaner and stir gently with a long spoon.

5. Pour in 1/2 cup thieves laundry soap and stir gently.

6. Use 20 drops essential oils of your choice. Do one final stir and it’s ready to go!

Essential Oil Combination

• Lavender and lemon (I really like lemon because it fights stains)
• Patchouli and lavender
• Peppermint and lemon. It’s very fresh smelling
• Thieves
• Orange and cinnamon

Using DIY laundry detergent

• I use a small mason jar (8 ounces) and fill it half way full for each load of laundry. I find it best if you pour the detergent in the bottom of the washer first and then put the clothing in.

• Did you know vinegar is a natural fabric softener?! Since we don’t use artificial fragrance, I add a couple splashes of vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser with each load. No, your clothes will not smell like vinegar.

• If you want your clothing to smell more fragrant get wool dryer balls and add a few drops of essential oils to those and toss them in the dryer with your clothing! It takes time to get use to your clothing not smelling like when you walk into bath and body works but I promise over time you will get use to it and you will become more sensitive to smells.

Let me know your favorite essential oil combinations in the comments below!

DIY Thieves Laundry Detergent

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Quick, easy. non toxic, DIY laundry detergent. Cleans your laundry and leaves it smelling fresh!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup super washing soda
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup epsom salt
• 1/4 cup young living thieves household cleaner
• 1/2 cup young living thieves laundry soap
• 20 drops essential oils

Instructions

1. Use a 2 gallon glass container with a spout. Fill the bottom with hot water, about 5 inches and add 1/2 cup super washing soda. Dissolve completely.
2. Add 1/2 cup baking soda, dissolve completely.
3. Add 1/2 cup epsom salt and dissolve completely. This takes a little longer since it's salt.
4. Fill hot water almost to the top and pour in 1/4 cup thieves household cleaner and stir gently with a long spoon.
5. Pour in 1/2 cup thieves laundry soap and stir gently.
6. Use 20 drops essential oils of your choice. Do one final stir and it's ready to go!

Notes

Make sure you use hot water

The post Quick, easy, non toxic, DIY Laundry Detergent appeared first on Pure Life Farm.