1. My Presto Pressure Canner 

Certain foods like chicken broth and green beans require pressure canning and this is an affordable and quality canner. You can fit two layers of jars in there if you get a divider. 

2. My Water Bath Canner 

A lot of foods can be preserved in a water bath. Some of my favorites are applesauce, apple butter, jams, and tomato sauce. 

3. My ForJars Funnel and Strainer Set 

This is such a handy set and you’ll use it for everything! Stainless steel and easy to clean, I use it for steaming broth and yogurt and many other things. Forjars has excellent canning jars, lids, and rings. Use code RACHEL for a discount when ordering. 

4. A Chinois Cone Strainer with Pestle

I like using this cone strainer for smaller batches of tomato sauce. It requires no setup and the cleanup is so easy. 

5. A Johnny Applesauce Maker 

This is what I use to make applesauce and large batches of tomato sauce. It’s what my mom used all my growing up years and I still find it the best thing. We have applesauce making day and set it up and everybody gets involved helping crank it. Lots of good memories! 

Of course there are more things like a big stainless steel ladle, good paring knives, stock pots, and a jar lifter but these are some of the bigger things. I hope this list helps you with your canning! 
You can find my recipes for canning strawberry jam, tomato sauce, salsa, bread and butter pickles, red beets, applesauce, and apple butter in my cookbook. You can order it on Amazon by clicking on this link. You can order it on Amazon by clicking on this link. 

Happy Canning!

~Rachel Ballinger 

“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”    ~Rachel 

 

The post Canning Essentials appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

These oatmeal raisin cookies are full of oats, raisins, and the warm flavors of brown sugar and butter. I consider this nostalgic old fashioned recipe a comfort food. Back before the chocolate chip was ever invented,  there was the humble raisin. And it is still loved and appreciated by many and it is absolutely delicious baked into this oatmeal cookie.

Ingredients Needed to Bake These Cookies:

• brown sugar 
• butter, I use salted butter for everything 
• eggs
• vanilla extract 
• baking powder
• salt
• baking soda, I dissolve the baking soda in a little bit of warm water to make sure there are no lumps 
• flour
• raisins
• quick oats, you can use regular oats too, the texture will be a little different but still delicious 

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In the bowl of a mixer, cream together the brown sugar and butter. 
• Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat. 
• Add the rest of the ingredients except the oats and mix.
• Lastly, add the oats and mix till combined.
• Drop dough on cookie sheets with a spoon.
• Bake for 14 minutes. The outer edges will be browned but the center will appear unbaked but that’s ok. They will harden as they cool.
• Store in an airtight container. 

My favorite cookie sheets that I’ve used for years are a set I got at a Pampered Chef party at my friend’s house. You can buy them here. 

I hope you enjoy the cookies! It’s a classic recipe to add to your recipe box. 
~Rachel Ballinger ☕️💕

Here Are Some More Of My Cookie Recipes For You To Enjoy: 

• Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Oatmeal Apple Cookies 

“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”   ~Rachel

Print

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These oatmeal raisin cookies are soft and comforting, made with brown sugar, raisins, and oats.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Cookie, dessert, Oatmeal, Raisin

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 28 minutes minutes

Total Time 43 minutes minutes

Servings 4 Dozen

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup butter 2 sticks
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda dissolved in 4 tbsp hot water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups raisins
• 4 cups quick oats

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In the bowl of a mixer, cream the sugar and butter together.
• Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat till light and fluffy.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Drop by spoonful onto cookie sheets.
• Bake in 350 degree oven for 14 minutes until lightly browned around the edges.

The post Oatmeal Raisin Cookies appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

These old fashioned peanut butter cookies with their traditional crisscross pattern on top are perfect with a glass of cold milk. Soft in the middle and slightly crunchy on the outside, they practically melt in your mouth.

This is a tried and true classic recipe and will most likely become your favorite peanut butter cookie. The recipe you write down and place in your recipe box and hand down to your kids and grandkids. It’s that good! 

Ingredients Needed to Make Peanut Butter Cookies: 

(scroll down for complete recipe with measurements)

• white sugar
• brown sugar
• creamy peanut butter
• butter, I use salted butter for everything 
• eggs
• vanilla extract 
• salt
• baking powder
•  baking soda
• all purpose flour 

How to Make The Cookies:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In the bowl of a mixer, cream together the sugars, peanut butter, and butter.
• Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and beat well. 
• Shape dough into 1” balls and flatten with the palm of your hand. Use a fork to make a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.
• Bake cookies in preheated oven for 12 minutes. The centers will be very soft and appear unbaked but they are done. They harden as they cool off. 
• This recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies depending on what size you make them. 
• Enjoy! 

I like to make these cookies nice and soft but if you prefer crunchy peanut butter cookies, just bake them for a couple minutes more and you’ve got it. 
If you love peanut butter then you would also enjoy my Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies! I always make them at Christmas time and Valentine’s Day. Peanut butter and chocolate is a winning combo every time!

Enjoy!

~Rachel Ballinger ☕️💕

“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”    ~Rachel

Print

Peanut Butter Cookies

These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk. They have the classic crisscross on top of each cookie and practically melt in your mouth.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Cookie, dessert, peanut butter

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes minutes

Total Time 22 minutes minutes

Servings 3 Dozen

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup salted butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In the bowl of a mixer, cream together the white and brown sugars, peanut butter, and butter until nice and fluffy.
• Add eggs and vanilla and mix. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
• Using your hands, roll the dough into one inch balls or just scoop dough onto cookie sheet with a cookie scoop. Press flat with palm of hand. Make a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie with a fork.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until very lightly browned. They will still be soft in the middle but harden as they cool.

The post Peanut Butter Cookies appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

Baked penne pasta has all the classic flavors of spaghetti, soft pasta in a tomato sauce with olives and topped with melted cheese. An easy family dinner that is sure to please all ages.

I absolutely fell in love with this recipe because it is so simple and fast to throw together. Literally takes about five minutes to stir it up and put it in the oven. Then I can go do something else for an hour while it bakes and then come back and add the cheese and melt for 10 minutes while you set the table and then dinner is served! 
I also really like this recipe because my whole family likes it! That’s always a winner when you can make a dish that you know will be heartily enjoyed with no complaints.

Ingredients Needed To Make Baked Penne Pasta: 

• dry penne pasta, uncooked
• spaghetti sauce
• chicken broth
• cooked ground beef 
• sliced black olives, these are totally optional but we love olives 
• salt
• black pepper
• garlic powder 
•  basil
• italian seasoning 
• shredded mozzarella cheese 

How to Make Baked Penne Pasta:

• Mix all ingredients, except the cheese, in an ungreased 9”x13” baking pan.
• Give a good stir and cover with aluminum foil. 
• Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 1 hour.
• Remove from oven, give it a good stir, and top it with the shredded cheese. 
• Place it back in the oven uncovered and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Serve and enjoy! 

I like serving the baked penne pasta with broccoli that has been cooked till nice and soft (or the kids won’t eat it!) and generously buttered and salted or a nice salad and garlic bread. 
~Rachel Ballinger ☕️💕

“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”    ~Rachel 

 

Print

Baked Penne Pasta

Baked penne pasta has all the classic flavors of spaghetti, soft pasta in a tomato sauce with olives and topped with melted cheese. An easy family dinner that is sure to please all ages.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword dinner, Ground Beef, Main Course, Pasta,

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8 Servings

Ingredients

• 16 oz dry penne pasta
• 1 can spaghetti sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb ground beef cooked
• 1 can sliced black olives
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients, except the cheese, in an ungreased 9”x13” baking pan.
• Cover pan with foil and bake for 1 hour in a 375 degree oven.
• Remove from oven, stir, and top with cheese.
• Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

The post Baked Penne Pasta appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

Korean beef is a quick and easy dinner that the whole family enjoys! The ground beef has that classic sweet and savory flavor and is perfect served on rice or in a lettuce wrap. 

Ingredients Needed to Make Korean Beef:

• ground beef 
• salt
• black pepper 
• minced garlic
• brown sugar
• soy sauce
• sesame oil
• ground ginger 
• red pepper flakes
• green onions 

How to Make Korean Beef:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. 
• Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes if desired. 
• Stir well and heat through.
• Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions. 

I love how quickly I can make this recipe on a busy evening and I love that my whole family likes it. It’s an easy and creative way to eat beef and rice. Y’all enjoy!
~Rachel Ballinger 

”A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”    ~Rachel 

Print

Korean Beef

Korean beef is a quick and easy dinner that the whole family enjoys! The ground beef has that classic sweet and savory flavor and is perfect served on rice or in a lettuce wrap.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Keyword beef, Ground Beef, Main Course

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes omit if you don’t like spicy
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

• In a skillet, brown the ground beef and season with the salt and pepper while cooking.
• Add the minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes if desired.
• Stir it all together and simmer for a couple minutes.
• Serve over cooked rice or in a lettuce wrap. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

The post Korean Beef appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

This flavorful white chicken chili is a tasty cousin to your classic red chili. It has just enough zest and spices to wake up your taste buds and is delicious served with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream. This soup is creamy and comforting and always a hit when served. 

This chili is perfect for the chilly soup months in fall and winter. It’s a family favorite in our house. I also love this recipe because I can make it quickly in about 30 minutes if I use precooked chicken and canned chicken broth. 

Ingredients Needed to Make White Chicken Chili:

• yellow onion
• olive oil
• minced garlic
• chicken broth, if you cook your own chicken for this chili then you’ll have the broth you need 
• diced green chilies
• salt
• black pepper
• cumin 
• paprika
• oregano
• coriander 
• cannellini beans
• sweet corn
• cream cheese
• cooked shredded chicken 
• lime juice 
• fresh cilantro 
• toppings like tortilla chips, shredded cheese, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices 

How to Make White Chicken Chili:

• In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in oil. 
• Add the broth, diced green chilies, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cannellini beans, and cream cheese. Stir and bring to a simmer letting the cream cheese melt. 
• Add the chicken and simmer for a couple Minutes to warm through.
• Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Stir and remove from heat.
• Serve with toppings of your choice. Enjoy! 

I hope you enjoy this chili and it becomes a favorite in your house as well. 
~Rachel Ballinger ☕️💕

”A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”    ~Rachel 

Print

White Chicken Chili

This creamy white chicken chili is a flavorful alternative to its red beef cousin. It has just enough zest and spice to wake up the tastebuds and is delicious served with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Always an instant hit whenever it’s served.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword Chicken, Chili, Main Course, soup

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 8 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 large yellow onion diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 7 oz can of diced green chilies
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 2 15.5 oz cans cannellini beans
• 1 1/2 cups frozen sweet corn
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese, cut into 1” squares
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or leftover chicken works great
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
• Toppings: tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado

Instructions

• In a large pot, add the oil and onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
• Add the broth, green chilies, and seasonings and bring to a simmer.
• Add the beans, corn, and cream cheese. I cut the cream cheese into little squares to help it melt better. Stir and simmer until cream cheese is dissolved. Add the chicken and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Stir in the lime juice and cilantro and serve.
• Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and avocados if desired.

The post White Chicken Chili appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

This zesty key lime pie is refreshingly tart but with just enough sweetness to make this the perfect summer dessert! The creamy filling is in a graham cracker crust, topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream, and garnished with some fresh lime zest. 

Key Lime Pie freezes really well so you can make it ahead of time and pop it in the freezer until you want to serve it. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or for a couple hours before serving. 

Ingredients Needed to Make Zesty Key Lime Pie: 

• Graham crackers
• sugar, white granulated sugar 
• butter, I use salted butter for everything 
• sweetened condensed milk 
• egg yolks
• key lime juice, I use Nellie and Joe’s lime juice 
• heavy whipping cream 
• vanilla extract 

Instructions for Making This Pie:

• Make the crust. Bake it and let it cool. 
• Make the filling. Pour the filling in the crust and bake. Let cool completely in the fridge. 
• Make the whipped cream. Spread evenly on pie and garnish with some fresh lime zest.

I like these ceramic pie pans. They’re the perfect size for my pie recipes. I have the red and the white ones. 

I hope you enjoy this refreshing pie! It’s perfect for spring and summer and anytime you’re craving something zesty. 

~Rachel Ballinger ☕️💕

“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”     ~Rachel 

Print

Zesty Key Lime Pie

This zesty key lime pie is full of fresh citrusy flavor and topped with sweet whipped cream making it the perfect summer dessert.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword dessert, Lime, pie

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Chill Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 1 9” Pie

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 sleeve graham crackers
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 4 tbsp butter melted

Pie Filling:

• 1 can 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup key lime juice

Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp white sugar

Instructions

To Make the Crust:

• Mix all ingredients together in a 9” pie pan.
• Bake the crust for 7 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
• Let cool while you mix up the pie filling.

To Make the Pie Filling:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a bowl, use a handheld mixer to beat together the condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Add the lime juice and mix well. Mixture will slightly thicken.
• Pour the filling into the baked and cooled pie crust.
• Bake for 15 minutes in preheated oven.
• Let cool at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To Make the Whipped Cream:

• When you’re ready to serve the pie, make the whipped cream. Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until thickened.
• Spread on top of chilled pie and garnish with fresh lime zest if desired.

The post Zesty Key Lime Pie appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

Simple French toast is a classic breakfast that is a delight to kids and adults alike. Thick slices of homemade bread dipped in an egg and milk mixture that’s been seasoned to perfection with vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor and then cooked in a skillet till nicely browned and served with maple syrup! 

If you bake your own bread and raise your own backyard chickens for eggs then French toast just makes sense! Maybe you also have your own milk from a cow or goat. You already have the ingredients on hand, it’s quick to make, and so delicious! 

Ingredients Needed to Make Simple French Toast:

• eggs
• whole milk, you can use 2% but if you want to enjoy life I suggest whole milk 
• vanilla extract
• ground cinnamon
• salt
• sliced bread, this is a great opportunity to use up older bread before it goes moldy 

Directions to Make French Toast:

• Slice the bread
• Whisk together the egg and milk mixture 
• Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture
• Cook the soaked bread in a hot buttered skillet 
• Serve with maple syrup and enjoy! 

If you need a good homemade bread recipe, please check out mine. Mamaw’s Homemade Bread  is simple and amazing. 

I hope you enjoy the is simple breakfast! This is a great one for the kids to make themselves. Enjoy! 
~Rachel Ballinger ☕️💕

“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”   ~Rachel

 

Print

Simple French Toast

Thick slices of bread dipped in an eggs and milk mixture seasoned to perfection with vanilla and cinnamon and then cooked in butter until nicely browned and the egg has set. Serve it with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and powdered sugar if desired.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine French

Keyword Bread, Breakfast, eggs

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 Pieces of French Toast

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6 thick slices of bread

Instructions

• In a pie pan, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
• Heat up your skillet and drizzle a little olive in and then a little butter. Dip a piece of bread in the egg mixture and then fry in the hot skillet till both sides are nicely browned and the egg is cooked.
• Serve with maple or pancake syrup. Enjoy!

The post Simple French Toast appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

The Pre-Order Links to Purchase my Cookbook:

Amazon

Amazon.ca (Canada)

Barnes and Noble 

Signed Copies on TalkShopLive 

Blackwells 

Bookshop

Chapters

Enjoy,

Rachel Ballinger 💕

”A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”   ~Rachel 

The post My Everyday Ordinary Life Cookbook appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.

This blueberry peach cobbler tastes like heaven in your mouth! Warm blueberries and peaches under a bed of soft sweet cake, it’s a delicious dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Or any time of the year because you can use frozen fruit for the same amazing results as fresh fruit. 

My absolute favorite way to enjoy this cobbler is scooping some into a bowl while it’s still warm from the oven and adding some cold milk. Mmmmm, so good!!! 

Ingredients Needed to Make this Cobbler:

(scroll down for complete printable recipe with measurements)

• blueberries, fresh or frozen work 
• peaches, fresh or frozen work 
• white sugar
• water
• butter, I use salted butter for everything 
• all purpose flour 
• baking powder
• salt
• milk
• ground cinnamon 

How to Make Blueberry Peach Cobbler: 

• In a saucepan, mix and heat the blueberries, peaches, sugar, and water. 
• Place butter in the baking pan and place it on the oven to melt while the o em preheats to 350 degrees. 
• In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. 
• Pour batter into hot pan over melted butter. 
• Pour cooled fruit over and the batter. 
• Sprinkle the top with cinnamon. 
• Bake for 45 minutes. 
• Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or cold milk.

You can use any fruit to make this cobbler. Peaches and raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc. 

Enjoy,

Rachel Ballinger 🫐🍑

“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”   ~Rachel 

 

Print

Blueberry Peach Cobbler

This blueberry peach cobbler tastes like heaven in your mouth! Warm blueberries and peaches under a bed of soft sweet cake, it’s a delicious dessert perfect for summer gatherings.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Blueberry, Cobbler, dessert, Peaches

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 12 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen
• 2 cups peeled and sliced peaches fresh or frozen
• 2 cups white sugar divided
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 stick butter
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 °F.
• Combine the peaches, blueberries, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Put the butter in a 9”x13” baking pan and place in oven to melt.
• Mix together remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir.
• Spoon the cooked fruit on top, gently pouring in the syrup. Sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon. Batter will rise to the top during baking.
• Bake for 45 minutes until browned and sides pull away from the pan.
• Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Or my personal favorite is to pour cold milk over the warm cobbler and eat it like that.

The post Blueberry Peach Cobbler appeared first on My Everyday Ordinary Life.