It is the shortest month of the year, and most often the darkest also. I tend to notice the sun more when it is out during February.

Because it is ‘no shop February’ for me, I have been seeking to make some different types of snacks. This post has several of those… etc.

We have grown two different varieties of popcorn. This one, directly above, is Glass Gem, and is beautiful! However, unfortunately, I have not been able to get the moisture balanced in order to pop it. The top photo is actually some popcorn we were gifted. I wanted to show you that everything doesn’t always work out… and I have more than 2 gallons of this beautiful popcorn. If it won’t pop, I plan to grind it for cornbread. We will plant some more this year and see if I can get the moisture levels right. Hmm… maybe I know a corn farmer I could ask…

Our homegrown butternut squash is also coming in handy. This beautiful, orange goodness made some pumpkin bread that was delish, thanks to my sons!

These carrots, again homegrown, were part of a supper meal, but could just as easily have been made for a snack. Roasted is my favorite way to eat carrots!

Here is a taco soup I made using almost only leftovers! Taco chicken, a few black beans left over from a ‘build your own taco bowl’ supper, about 1 cup of frozen corn, and some salsa and crushed tomatoes. Yum! It turned out lovely- we added cornbread per Sweet Husband’s request.

This was out annual Super Bowl sandwich! I made a large loaf of focaccia bread on Saturday and then turned it into a fun picnic supper on Sunday! We added apple slices and Kettle chips (BBQ flavor is our usual pick, cooked in avocado oil).

Another soup, I made white chicken chili one Monday we went to our homeschool group. I was disappointed that the cumin in this wasn’t potent enough. However… I took the leftovers, drained the broth, and turned the soup into chicken and bean nachos! I just poured some tortilla chips into a baking pan, topped with the leftovers, having added taco seasoning, and added cheese. Bake for 30 minutes and voila! We enjoyed the nachos with a salad.

This dish has become a quick fave- baked blueberry oatmeal. Yummy! I tweaked the original recipe and it makes an excellent breakfast or snack. The leftovers we top with yogurt. Mm…

My second son made some pecan squares while I finished up homemade yogurt.

Valentine’s Day pizza!

Also for Valentine’s Day- Texas Sheet Cake cupcakes. Too good… so don’t make them often!

Have you been enjoying this wintery month? I included some real life photos below so that you can see what else we’ve had going on. Have a blessed day! Comment below!