How to Grow Potatoes in a Bag

Want to learn how to easily grow potatoes in a portable, space saving, and easy way that even apartment dwellers can do?  Read this blog post to find out.

Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

You may say, eww, cranberry sauce, if you've only ever eaten it from a can.  This recipe will change your mind forever about the holiday food that will make you famous at dinners.

How to Make King Cake (and What Is It?)

King cake season is from January 6th (the Catholic holiday called the Epiphany or Three Kings Day) and goes until the start of lent. This festive sweet bread traditionally has a plastic baby baked inside (which represents the baby Jesus). The legend changes depending on who you ask, but some versions are: whoever finds the baby has to buy the next king cake; host the next party; has good luck. Either way, you'll be lucky to eat this traditional Cajun sweet bread!

How to Make the Good Ranch Dressing

Let's face it.  It seems like every ranch dressing is different, and there are some bad ones out there. I'm going to give you the secret to a phenomenal recipe that will make your friends say, "Oooo, you've got the good ranch!" (And my favorite - it's cheap, too!)

Becky's Guide to Cutting Food

Ever wonder what they mean by cubing, slicing, or dicing?  Never knew there was a difference?  Well, this blog post will show you what each of the cooking cutting terms mean.

Easy! How to Make Homemade Yogurt

Do you want to make good yogurt that is as cheap as milk?  Want more control over the ingredients going into it?  Want to know the secret of Greek yogurt? In this post, I will show you how easy it is to make your own affordable great tasting yogurt using ingredients you can find at the grocery store...

How to Make Easy Old-Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles

If you're old enough to remember drug store barrel pickles, or like me and have never eaten them, you will absolutely fall in LOVE with these easy to make, long lasting, homemade, refrigerator pickles...

How to Make Squash Puppies

With my garden exploding with squash on a daily basis, I have had to find inventive ways to cook them.

I had found a hush puppy recipe a while back, but it was a bit dry.  Knowing that squash is full of liquid and it makes quick bread (like zucchini bread) very moist, I decided to try it out in the hush puppies.  The result: moist, yet crispy, squash puppies!

How to Make Mouthwatering Tequila Lime Ribs

Ever wondered what the secret to good ribs is? Just in time for Memorial Day, I'll share with you how to get tender, juicy ribs that will make you unable to order them at a restaurant because you'll just be disappointed.

Hubby's Favorite Meatloaf Recipe

As part of Becky's Cooking Lessons series, here's my husband's favorite meatloaf recipe.  It also uses ingredients from my garden...

Pick'em and Preserve'm Strawberries

I finally made it to the U-Pick strawberry place in New Braunfels, TX, just outside San Antonio, with my elder companion...

San Antonio Edible Weeds - What's in My Backyard

Salad from all wild plants in my yard

It's weed season in San Antonio, aka wildflower season.  So which ones in my backyard are edible?...

How to Dye Eggs on the Cheap with Koolaid

Dying eggs with Koolaid is super cheap and easy...

Panang Tofu Curry Recipe (Don't Fear the Tofu!)

Don't be afraid of the tofu!  For another of Becky's Cooking Lessons, this recipe is creamy, spicy, and delicious...

Pick Your Own Farms near San Antonio, TX

For all the fruits and vegetables I can't grow on my own, I'd like to be able to pick them fresh from the plant.  They taste sooooo much better that way!  So, I'm compiling a list of places within a day trip time frame from San Antonio, TX.

How to make Pupcakes for your Dog

It seems like only yesterday that Fuji wandered into our yard.  It's already his 11th birthday!

In celebration of his big day, I made pupcakes, or more aptly, pupcrack.

I've brought these pupcakes dog treats to dog events with the Nature Hounds, and they disappear.  Dogs go crazy for them!

Fresh Eggs and Mushrooms Are Sooooo Good!

There is no comparison when using fresh ingredients to store bought.  What's even better than fresh ingredients?  Two different fresh ingredients.  Mushrooms and Eggs

Becky's Cooking Lessons: Priceless Tips and Tricks

People will think you are a seasoned pro when you use these tips and tricks while cooking.

As I think of them, I will add more tips and tricks, so check back often.

Want to make your ground beef go farther.  Add shredded zucchini or other squash to it.  Then cook your favorite dishes as usual, like tacos, spaghetti, and even hamburgers.  You'll get lots of fiber and vitamins, and stretch your ground beef budget farther.  It tastes the same, so no one will ever know!

Becky's Cooking Lessons: How to Make Delicious French Bread Every Time

Most people are afraid to make bread, but it's actually really easy.  Although you do need to plan ahead for rising time, the actual hands on prep takes no more than 15 minutes and can make very little mess.  I make bread at least 3 times a week.  A good baguette (French bread) is hard to find. There is no comparison to store bought, even bakery bought, bread.

This recipe is very forgiving.  They say baking is an exact science, well, not this bread.

Becky's Cooking Lessons: Garlic

Mostly I take it for granted that I know how to cook, but it wasn't always that way.  I started cooking when I was around 18 years old.  I have always been a picky eater, but I discovered that I am picky towards good food. In the majority of cases, I do not like the processed crap.  When I am able, I cook from whole ingredients.

I learned all the tricks that I know from reading recipes, watching cooking shows, and tons of trial and error.  Ask my husband, I am a great cook, but I have made some stinkers.  From this, I have learned the ways to make simple and delicious meals.

As they come to mind, I will share with you what I have learned.  I hope these lessons will make it easier for you to look like a fabulous cook without going to much trouble.