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Homemade Turkey Chili With Beans

Homemade Turkey Chili With Beans Here is my complete turkey chili recipe that uses 2 pounds of dried pinto beans and 2 pounds of ground turkey sausage. This recipe feeds a crowd and stretches well for leftovers. You can use mild, medium, or hot spiced turkey sausage, depending on your preference. Servings: 12–16 Total time: about 2.5–3.5 hours (hands-on 1.5–2 hours, plus soaking and simmering) Ingredients: 2 pounds dried pinto beans, rinsed, sorted, and checked for any stones 2 pounds ground turkey sausage (usually 93% lean) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium red bell peppers, diced 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with their juice 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or more as needed) 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) Seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Opti...
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Homemade Venison (Deer) Stew

Homemade Venison (Deer) Stew Today, I would like to share my recipe for a hearty, rustic venison stew featuring tender meat, potatoes, and mushrooms in a savory broth. This recipe is flavorful, simple to prepare, and yields a comforting meal for cold wintery days. Ingredients: 2 pounds ground venison (deer) 8 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced 2 small yellow onions, diced 4 cups beef broth (more as needed to cover ingredients) 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening) Instructions: In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground venison over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if desired. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to sof...

Happy Thanksgiving 2025

Happy Thanksgiving From Olden Oasis, During this cherished holiday, let us take the opportunity to express gratitude for the abundance and blessings in our lives.  Thanksgiving serves as a meaningful time for reflection and appreciation of the efforts and support provided by family, friends, and colleagues throughout the year. It is also an occasion to foster a spirit of community, warmth, and generosity, reinforcing connections with those around us. As you gather to celebrate and enjoy the traditional feast with loved ones or embrace solitude in contemplation, may your Thanksgiving be filled with peace and joy. This holiday reminds us of the importance of giving back and helping others less fortunate than ourselves; thus, volunteering or sharing our resources can amplify its significance.  Wishing you a truly blessed holiday complete with love, laughter, and memorable moments that strengthen bonds across personal and professional realms. From my family to yours,...

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Divinity

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Divinity Homemade candy is a cherished tradition during the holiday season, and divinity holds a special place in our hearts here at Olden Oasis Homestead. As we embark on this festive time of year, I am pleased to share my comprehensive step-by-step guide for crafting the perfect divinity. Preparation and Equipment Needed Before you tackle divinity, get your kitchen buzzing! You’ll need a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a candy thermometer, mixing bowls, and a stand, hand mixer, or a big wooden spoon. Don’t forget parchment paper to line your pans. Prepping everything in advance will save you from frantic kitchen chaos mid-recipe. Ingredients: 2 cups white granulated Splenda or sugar 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (optional) Whipping the egg whites To achieve the perfect consistency when whipping egg whites for homemade divinity, be...

Classic French Vanilla Cake

Classic French Vanilla Cake Seeking a delectable and straightforward homemade cake for the holidays? This classic French vanilla cake is a cherished favorite in my family. French vanilla cake has a flavor that's superior to a basic vanilla cake, in my opinion. Its buttery vanilla taste and texture are so dreamy that it's downright difficult to resist. Ingredients: 1 cup of butter, softened 2 cups of Splenda or sugar 3 large eggs 2-3/4 cups of cake flour, or all-purpose flour, sifted 2-1/4 teaspoons of baking powder 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt 1 cup of oat milk 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract Vanilla buttercream frosting ingredients: 1 cup of butter, softened 1-1/2 cups of vegetable shortening 6 cups of sugar-free powdered sugar or regular powdered sugar, sifted 6 tablespoons of oat milk, almond milk, or whole milk (add more if needed) 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract Instructions: Grease a 9x13 cake pan with butter, then dust the inside of the pan with flour. Shake th...

What are the Benefits of Snap-Together Tiles?

What are the Benefits of Snap-Together Tiles? A few months ago, I decided to explore the option of purchasing plastic snap-together tiles due to the skyrocketing prices of wood, including even the most affordable plywood. As someone who values frugality, I was intrigued by the potential cost savings. Additionally, I wanted to assess the durability of snap-together tiles and determine whether they could outlast traditional wood materials. Today, I will share the insights I have gathered regarding their performance and longevity. Easy Installation Interlocking Design:  These tiles are designed to snap together effortlessly, eliminating the need for adhesives or tools. Quick Coverage: Ideal for patios and balconies, they can rapidly cover large areas. Durability- Weather Resistant : Constructed from wood-plastic composite, these tiles resist fading, rot, and decay. Non-Slip Surface:  Many models feature a non-slip finish, enhancing safety in wet conditions. Maintenance- Low Maint...

All Natural, No Cost Chinking

All Natural, No Cost Chinking I am currently engaged in a significant project at our Olden Oasis homestead, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. Unfortunately, progress is currently delayed due to inclement weather. Chinking is a technique traditionally associated with log cabins. Although our home was constructed using thick oak boards rather than logs, it shares many characteristics with traditional log homes. I am doing this project independently, manually, with no additional costs. I already possess the necessary basic tools and am exclusively using natural materials available on my property. So, what is chinking with natural materials? Chinking with natural materials typically involves using a mixture of clay, wood ashes, and water, which can create a durable and eco-friendly seal between logs, or in my case boards. Moss, straw, or any other natural plant fibers can also be used to strengthen the chinking. This traditional method allows the logs to breathe while providing...