Recipe: Tea Biscuit Mix from Farmer John's Herbs

I got a tea biscuit in my Nova Scotia Community Haul box. Every month I receive 4-5 local items and it’s so much fun to take advantage of.

(PS. this is not an ad I just really like the thing I get in this box)

The mix was pretty simple, just needed to add shortening and milk. I made the tea biscuits my own by adding some Skor bits (so I essentially made scones instead) I had in the cupboard already and cut then in triangles to avoid the excess dough from cutting in circles. (Yes I’m that lazy sometimes.)

Baked them in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 minutes and had a set of decedent caramel scones.

Since I’d already messed with things I also drizzled with a little icing to set the mood.

I’m usually not a big fan of mixes, just adds excess packaging IMO when usually the mix is just dry ingredients and leavening agents already mixed together but it does inspire me to try something different at least!

I’ve found supporting local can make an even bigger impact than going completely zero waste, emissions from exports is still a huge concern for me so I’d rather use a product made within 300km of my house then know a zero waste product had to come from China. It’s been a nice balance.

Hopefully Farmer John won’t be too offended that I changed up the recipe at least. Still delicious I promise John!

Recipe: Homemade Chili

Nothing better then a hot bowl of chili on a cold winter day.

There is something so comfortable about having a meal like this ready for the reheat on a whim and the recipe can be easily changed up to accommodate your available ingredients.

You can also play around with your spice comfort. I enjoy a kick- my partner however.. He has prominent Dutch genes when it comes to his taste-buds it seems- no spice tolerance at all.

Something like chili can also take any type of protein- the spices will flavor anything whether it be beef, pork or even a soy ground- once it’s all stewing in that pot it tastes the same. In a world where food prices are skyrocketing or some things simply aren’t available it’s nice to have a recipe with some wiggle room.

Homemade Chili:

1Lb of ground beef/pork/turkey

1-2 cloves of garlic, minced or chopped fine

1 onion, chopped

1 3/4 Tsp chili powder

1 can of kidney beans

1 stalk of celery, chopped

1/2 a green pepper, chopped

1 can of tomato soup

1 15oz can of diced tomatoes

1/3 cup of water

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vinegar

a pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp oregano

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp paprika

1 tsp sugar

1. Fully cook the meat along with the garlic, strain any excess fat.

2. Combine the meat along with the remaining ingredients into a large pot.

3. Bring to a boil at medium heat and let simmer for 1 hour.

You can garnish the top with some cheddar cheese and fresh microgreens.