Feet Under My Table

Canning Chili Beans

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:57:14 +0000

If you have been here long, you know how dearly I LOVE to can. When a friend mentioned canning chili beans? Oh, yeah, my ears perked up. Have you ever canned chili beans? Starting in June and ending in the fall, 1/4 pints, 1/2 pints, pints and quarts of everything I can preserve happens here. Corn, jam, strawberries, blackberries, and more are added to the freezer. Jams, preserves, jellies, green beans, limas, dill pickles, sweet pickles, tomatoes, tomato juice, pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, soups, meats…the list is never ending. You see. Chili is one of my husband’s favorite foods. Pots of chili are created and added to the freezer…year round. And we are picky about the type of beans that we look for…mild chili pinto beans which often are difficult to find. Another reason for canning chili beans? Cost savings. Walmart price for a 2 lb. bag of pinto beans provided 9 pints at 22 cents. WHAT? Yes, please. Now I realize my equipment and jars are reused, making only the ingredients and lids needed for each…but, it’s a wonderful investment. Filling the pantry for winter…isn’t that the BEST reason to can? Have things on hand when needed for a recipe. Right? But with these…you begin with dried beans. The MOST cost effective way to buy beans. So, when I heard that this recipe begins with dried beans. I’m in! Another benefit? Canning allows me to know the exact contents in those chili beans. I thought perhaps if you are like me, you’d love to give these a try…save your budget…know the contents in those jars. If you need new canning equipment to begin the year…here are a few of my favorites. NOTE: Here’s the recipe for each pint. This allows you to personalize the number of jars your canner holds. I’m loving filling my pantry with these. Perfect for our favorite sweet potato chili recipe. While I had the pressure canner out to can lima beans and green beans, I had to give these a try. I’m so glad I did! Honestly? This type of canning can be done any time of year. That’s a win to not have to make these at the same time all the summer produce needs to be canned. If you love to can vegetables, this one may be perfect. And if you love to make and serve chili–I’m your budget friendly friend! Feel free to adjust your spices and adjust your heat level to make them perfect for guests when they have their feet under your table. Happy Canning,

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Favorite July 4th Recipes

Leslie J Watkins — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:48:31 +0000

It’s hard to believe that the fourth of July is this weekend! I’m not sure how much outdoors we will do with the extreme heat now and forecast, but I’ll be prepared with our favorite July 4th recipes. For sure! July 4th Favorite Recipes First, salads. Potato Salad I don’t know about you, but potato salad has to be on the table for the July 4th gatherings. With the heat, I’ll be sure to add the bowl to a container over ice just to keep it cold since it is a mayonnaise based recipe. Mayo doesn’t like heat so be careful with any of your recipes with that ingredient and make sure they stay cold. Marinated Salad Aunt Helen’s marinated salad is a GREAT recipe for celebrating the 4th because of it’s vinegar base that handles heat beautifully. It made it’s appearance at our family reunion last weekend and was loved by all. Corn Salad Oh, my goodness! This is a favorite. You can always have corn on the cob…but this takes fresh veggies over the top with this July 4th favorite recipe! Caprese Salad Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar…so quick and easy…and delicious! Burgers Burgers off the grill shouldn’t disappoint. Save by using ground turkey instead of beef. Here’s our favorite recipe, page 20 in the Vue magazine. Grilled Ahi Tuna Steak Sandwiches Simply the BEST. Here’s the recipe. Fourth of July Watermelon So easy and festive! Just cut the watermelon with star cookie cutters! Red, White and Blueberry Pie If you follow me on the Vue magazine, this is pie is a favorite Pampered Chef recipe, page 61 of this issue. Campfire S’mores Pizza The s’more flavor with a twist! Click here for the recipe. ICE CREAM! And last, but not least! Ice Cream! page 32 in that Vue issue… Make it any flavor that you want! You can pull out the old hand cranked or electric freezer…but, this is SOOOO much easier. If you’d like more July 4th ideas for entertaining, please join me here! By the way, I picked up this great little book at Kirkland’s yesterday for half off…250 facts about America. Lots of facts to share this weekend. Grab one if you have a Kirkland’s close to you. Or click below to order online… Happy 250th Fourth of July, friends! And whatever you choose to add to your menu, may all enjoy every bite and moment with feet under your table…wherever that may be! I’d love to know your menu in the comments. Thank you for joining me here,

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Mama’s Yellow Summer Squash

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:17:17 +0000

Growing up, during the summer months, we ate yellow squash. Lots of it and cooked only one way. There was never breading or casserole versions. Only Mama’s summer squash. How did Mama make her yellow squash? Well, first of all, she was picky about that yellow squash. It couldn’t be very large that would be more tough or pithy. She liked the smaller, more tender squash. No hard skins. Not large in size. Nope. Nada. I guess she bought it at the grocery since we didn’t have a garden or have friends overflowing with it to gift it to us. But, it arrived home to be cooked only one way. After it was washed, and ends removed, she sliced each squash into 1/4″-1/2″ rounds and added them to boiling water. She cooked them until tender, and then drained them. Meanwhile she chopped onion and added it to a skillet with a little butter and cooked the onion until it was translucent. Then she added the drained squash into the skillet of cooked onion. She used the back of a wooden spoon to mash up the squash with the onion and butter. It was sprinkled with a bit of salt and pepper…a spoonful of sugar…and then cooked down until it was the right consistency. Summer squash was often on the table during the summer months. With sliced garden tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and onions in a vinegar mixture, and whatever meat she had available. Can I tell you another story about yellow summer squash? When I started dating my husband, I invited him to my mother’s house for dinner. I was still living at home and cooking him dinner seemed a great thing to do. Now, this was before I knew that he had ONLY a few vegetables in his “like” or “love” category. You see he loved green beans, corn, lima beans, and maybe a potato or sweet potato…but that was the end of the list. Seriously. That wasn’t the way things were when I grew up. There were always lots of fresh summer vegetables on the table…and since yellow squash was a favorite? Yep, it was on the dinner menu the night he arrived. He never flinched when I handed him the squash and he added a portion to his plate and passed it on. He had NEVER tasted squash before. But, that night? He gave it a try to be polite…and the rest of it is history. It may not be his favorite, but every year of our married life Mama’s same yellow squash version is made and added to the dinner table. He never fails to add it to his plate. Ever. Now if you are someone who needs a casserole version to indulge? Sorry, that’s not what I’m sharing today. Just a simple summer squash. Farm folks might call this “fried” squash since it’s cooked in a skillet…but “fried” to me means breaded and fried in oil, like okra. This is a simple recipe. One that no one ever measured. Just boiled squash. Onions cooked in butter with drained cooked squash added. A sprinkle of salt and pepper with a small amount of sugar and cooked together was it. The hardest part of making this squash? Making a decision about what else to have with it. If you need a recipe? I did my best to contain it into amounts. Feel free to wing it if you make it. Taste as you go and everything will be all right. I realize this is a Southern version for yellow squash, but it’s simply my favorite. I have sisters that make wonderful squash casseroles…but, I go back to those family memories and Mama’s is my favorite. Do you have a favorite way to cook and enjoy yellow squash? I’d love to know in the comments. If you need more ideas for summer sides, here you go: Don’t mind me…just deciding which summer vegetables I’ll have with the squash for dinner…so far, I’m at tomatoes. What are you having? Enjoy all of that summer produce…in whatever way makes you happy!! Thanks so much for joining me here,

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Basil Salt

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:13:54 +0000

It’s the season for basil here…and when I found a recipe for basil salt? Oh, my goodness, I was all in! Have you ever made basil salt? Each year I buy a small 3″ pot of basil in the produce section of Trader Joe’s. Not in the plant section there or at any other garden center. I have found that the pot at Trader Joe’s will be huge and flourish in no time at all. No need for any other basil in the garden. Added to a large pot, with supports as it grows larger, it supplies all the basil, pesto and NOW basil salt I’ll need for the year. This is a few weeks after planting.. Do you see why I need to get started on saving it??? If you have followed me long, you know that I one of my favorite ways to use basil is with roasted tomato sauce and with freezer packets. With it’s abundance, I have made pesto and frozen in ice cube trays and then put into freezer bags; enjoyed caprese salads; and added them to so many salads. As you can see, I have to get creative to save the basil before it wants to bolt. Just a tip! Pinch off flowering to prevent bolting that makes your basil more bitter and alters the flavor. So, this basil salt HAD to be made. All that you need is two ingredients. Seriously. Doesn’t get any better than that! I chose Maldon sea salt flakes, but I have used Real Salt sea salt in Mediterranean and Tuscan salts. I think I’ll have to share those two other salts soon. They are amazing to take recipes to the next level. Why would you want to have basil salt on hand? Oh, my! Let’s give this some thought here. So, here’s the recipe. I’d love to hear if you make this in the comments! I have made seasoned salts for years…from Mediterranean, Tuscan, and other varieties to add to the pantry. I buy jars from Savory Spice to match those in my spice organizer and add labels. Dating is a great idea so that salts may be replaced if they lose their vibrancy and flavor. Here are the jars that would be great to add salts to your pantry: Enjoy adding to your pantry! Thanks so much for joining me here,

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Summer Sheet Pan Nachos

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:31:26 +0000

I don’t know about you, but with summer vegetables abundant already, summer sheet pan nachos are my new best friend. Fast, easy and delicious, it makes great use of fresh tomatoes, avocado, red onion, corn, pepper, cilantro, jalapenos, green onions, and any other veggies you want to toss in the mix. How do you give those sheet pan nachos more summer flare? Add BBQ sauce to rotisserie chicken with a layer of tortilla chips in a sheet pan with all of those veggies and cheese, and summer sheet pan nachos are in your future. Who doesn’t need the flavor of BBQ sauce during the summer months? I have shared them in the VUE magazine, but summer just screams have them now! Can’t you see them being the perfect meal for kids (or big kids) at the pool, or lazy lunches that require little time in the oven to heat up the kitchen? Here you go… Summer Sheet Pan Nachos The beauty of this recipe is to include the veggies and ingredients that you have on hand or suit the tastes of those who have their feet under your table. If you need more summer time menu ideas…here you go! I’m here for all the favorite recipes for summer gathering. Grilled burgers, steaks, chicken and s’mores are in our future here. What’s your summer favorites? I’d love to know in the comments. Thank you sooo very much for joining me here, friends,

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Roasted Beets- A Favorite Side

Leslie J Watkins — Wed, 27 May 2026 17:17:22 +0000

Are you a beet lover? I know you are either a lover or hater of beets. It’s one of those vegetables. I love them any way they are prepared. Canned, pickled, cold, warm…and then I made roasted beets. OH, MY! The roasting brings out the sugars in the beets and gives them the BEST flavor. Perfect just as a side. A great addition to salads with a bit of arugula, kale or feta. Yes, please. This is truly the easiest recipe ever. If you want to protect your hands from the red color from the beets that may linger…don some gloves. So here you go: The Roasted Beets Recipe. It’s so easy it doesn’t need one. But in case you need to remember exactly how to repeat the results, save, pin or print this one. This may be my very favorite way to eat fresh beets. The sugars that roasting brings out in the beets is perfect for a side or added to a salad. You may have done this before…but for me? This was a first. I’m not sure why…but its a new favorite. Quick. Easy. Delicious. Hope you give this one a try! If you need more seasonal salads, here you go: Hope you enjoy all of the fresh vegetables and summer favorite recipes to enjoy them! Thanks so much for joining me here…your presence is so loved,

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How to Use AI for Garden Planning

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:51:42 +0000

I don’t know if you’ve gone down the bunny hole with AI yet…but I truly needed inspiration for a backyard garden planning update. If you’ve followed along you’ve seen my 8′ tall zinnia bed that sometimes I plant and other years they have self seeded. I’m a fan of a perennial garden since they return every year and bring me joy. There have been so many configurations of this tiny rectangle of a space between a picket fence, screened porch and two sidewalks that I have been exhausted with each redo. It’s been sketched by my friend, Ro, a master gardener…landscaped by a landscape architect…and nothing ever seemed to stick. Hence, the AI tool for garden planning. With the expanse of ugly gravel and the grass less than beautiful in this area, and 2 tired raised beds, I needed ideas for improvement. You have probably seen all of the use for interior updates with AI…why not use AI for garden planning and inspiration? That’s where I started. How to begin with AI for Garden Planning? Well, if you use a FREE version of Google Gemini and/or ChatGPT, you get a limited number of responses for each in a 24 hour period. NOTE: Photo credit of simulated photos in this post were created by Google Gemini. So…here are the tips on how to use AI for garden planning that I found useful. 1. First, take photos of the area in it’s current state from different angles. The photos are a great starting point for the program to modify. Have them ready to upload. I did find that only uploading ONE photo at a time worked best. Specific details that you want AI to know about your photo are helpful. I let the program know that there were zinnias that will grow to 8′ along the picket fence; that the concrete table on the patio would stay in place, etc. Even sunlight and shade information is helpful for plant and landscaping suggestions. 2. Curate prompts. Since a free AI version gives you a limited number of responses in a 24 hour period, be careful on how you curate the prompts. First, carefully give the plan guidance…some of my wording was: Next, upload your photo with the prompt to save versions. Ask AI to use the photo and prompts to give you a visual photo and information. CHAT/GPT actually gave me plants labeled and a list which was helpful. If you want that you might actually ask that with your prompts. In my opinion, Google Gemini did a better job of photo creations. If you are like me, visual photos are a must. Don’t forget to ask for photos in your prompts. 3. Revise. Look carefully at the photo and information it gives you for revision. Often, unless you give specific dimensions of the area, the photo may be out of proportion; it may interpret things incorrectly–it thought my swan concrete planter on a concrete table was a birdbath and wanted to move it around the yard. When I gave it a second photo it seemed to think we needed a sidewalk from the bench to nowhere and not centered….a seating area that wouldn’t fit…and styles of pots that I would never choose. If you don’t give it a style? It may go way out of the style you love. 4. Save results. When you find a photo you like…even if only a portion of it, save it to your photos, print it out and that way you can determine which parts to use and which to toss. This was a design using a “secret garden” theme. We actually love seeing over the picket fence to watch wildlife and the driveway. Isn’t the meandering path delightful? It saved the raised beds, switched out seating, and added a tree that gave inspiration. This photo was from the second uploaded photo and we loved the less maintenance, perennials, and meandering walkway. And guess what? NOTE: A photo will sometimes highlight areas that need a bit of update, too. Plans for pressure washing, painting and changing out lattice were already happening…so you will likely see an update for those areas, too. The beds are great in this one, so we took this as our inspiration. Again, there is not enough space for seating to the left of the deck steps. So we deleted the table set there. The difficult thing with this backyard is the amount of larger rock that was put in as landscaping before we bought the house years ago. Some areas under hostas and around trees and side beds have had mulch added and it’s held; other areas? the mulch has washed away in a few months leaving the rocks in sight again. If you have that issue in your landscape, select a different rock that you are happier with for a refresh, cover, and don’t fight the battle like we have. 5. Set your plan into place. Begin by adapting the plan you like best and measuring different areas to center, arrange, and implement areas to create the perfect AI inspired garden plan. Putting the AI Inspired Garden Plan into action. A Skid Steer was rented. Mulch, gravel, and edging purchased. Friends joined in the fun. Can I tell you that I thought I would be entertaining kids…nope! They ALL were extremely hard workers for 8 hours. Needless to say, we had to reward their excellent labor. Workers aged 11, 9, 7 and 4 (plus their Dad) all pulled their weight. We now have new workers that LOVE helping spread mulch, set edging, and level gravel. Who knew? What do you think? Didn’t they do a great job? So how to finish that garden plan? On to perennials and plants to fill the beds. About 5 more edging stones to complete the beds. Can I tell you that there’s something wonderful about getting perennials from family and friends? My friend, Kim, at Cottage in the Mitten, also shared about how wonderful it is to received perennials from friends. You can read her story here. So many perennials were gifted by Aunt Helen years ago. Hostas, Iris and peonies are my favorite reminders of her. Gifts from her garden after we first moved in. So the beginning of additions to these new beds were gifts. My niece, Emi, arrived with perennials divided from her garden. Lambs ear, coneflower, catmint and more were planted by her. She warned me that they would not be happy for a few days…poor little lamb’s ear… White lilac gifted to me from her Michigan trip will be tucked in soon…along with more. A variety of pink, yellow, purple, lilac, and white so far will be more glorious next year as they root in and settle into their new bed. Emi gifted me this beautiful David Austin Vanessa rose a few years ago and it is simply stunning all summer long. She is a gifted gardener. My friend, Wade, with an amazing green thumb, has gifted me roses, foxglove and more. They are treasured. So looking forward to the bouquets that the summer will bring. But, my favorite? Enjoying the blooming and rewards that perennials bring every year. Savings for the garden budget for following years. I’ll take that. THANK YOU Fix family! You truly worked your magic with us on this project! Oh, my goodness…for littles to say they LOVED helping…even the 4 year old? It adds the perfect touch to the finished look. Keep watching for the finished plant beds…and I’ll be sharing as I continue to fill in and complete the cottage garden. Most of all? Enjoy the inspiration that AI provides for garden planning. Take time to consider which perennials to group into sun and watering areas. Determine height, size and plants that work well together. And you know what? If you don’t actually put the plan into action? It’s still fun to see what inspiration you can create. Consider an herb garden…pollinator inviting plants…and what will bring you joy. Color, vibrancy, and plants that will do well in your new garden area. What plants would you choose? Roses? Hydrangea? catmint? rosemary? lavendar? coneflower? lambs ear? sooooo many choices. Can I tell you that learning how to plan a garden with AI was some of the BEST inspiration I’ve had in a while?! Wish me luck in planting! Happy gardening,

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Would You Love the Best Pickled Okra?

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:51:07 +0000

Do you love pickled okra? It is the EASIEST and FASTEST canning recipe ever! You don't want to miss this recipe!

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Cinco de Mayo Favorite Recipes

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 05 May 2026 14:32:57 +0000

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Are you like me and love to have favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes? We love Mexican recipes any time of year…so what better time to celebrate, right? If you have followed me long, you know that I have shared a few of my favorite Mexican recipes along the way…so today? Cinco de Mayo favorite recipes all in one spot. Perfect. Gathered in one spot for you to create today or tonight’s menu. So, here we go! Tiny Tacos Yep, these are still a favorite for a quick easy night’s dinner or appetizer. The perfect ratio of meat, cheese, beans to chip that somehow work better at times than nachos. Here’s the recipe. Lime Salsa The BEST lime salsa is always a favorite when there are feet under my table. The fresh and perfect flavor makes this one go fast. Taco Soup The flavors in this taco soup are wonderful. If your day is a bit dreary and rainy like it is here? The perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo menu. Taco Ring Oh, my goodness. This Pampered Chef inspired recipe has been served for decades here. The taco ring is a delicious showstopper. I’m seeing a taco theme appearing…if you are loving a lighter version to add to your Cinco de Mayo celebration? These lettuce versions may be just right. Lettuce Wrap Tacos And if you need a homemade taco seasoning? You can find it here. Mexican Enchilada Casserole and last, but certainly not least, the Mexican Enchilada Casserole. An absolute favorite. A crockpot recipe that is a crowd pleaser. So, now what will you add to your menu? Here are a few fun things to make your celebrations and preparing your favorite Mexican dishes better. I’d LOVE to know in the comments. Thanks for joining me today…and may those you have your feet under a table with today share great food, conversation and celebration!

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Sprite Biscuits

Leslie J Watkins — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:19:32 +0000

I know sprite biscuits have been around a long time. I would love to know how many pans of these have been served to those who have had their feet under my table. Seriously. Then I had to create a gluten free biscuit recipe because there’s now a need with those who have their feet under my table. The crazy biscuit recipe that you may have found here was great; but, I discovered a secret a few of years ago after I posted that one. Sprite Biscuits–All I have to do is mention them… That’s it! If it’s known I am making them…there are several who will be at my door. Do you have recipes like that? And when my niece and the family from Japan arrived and I doubled the recipe for these in a lodge cast iron pan??? I thought there might be a fight over them. Every bite of each pan was eaten. They made a repeat appearance with a jam bar. If you have followed me long? You know that I LOVE making jam. That resulted in a review of which jam was their favorite with these biscuits. Here were the contenders: Can you guess which jam was their favorite? They loved ALL of them…but there was a tie between the carrot cake and the apple jam. So, here’s the BEST biscuit recipe… or as my friend has named them…crazy biscuits…but in a new and improved method. Pans of these have been made for family gatherings. Always requested. Always made and enjoyed. These are just so light, fluffy and buttery that they are the favorite biscuits to make. I love a cast iron skillet for these…here are a few of my favorites: Enjoy, friends!

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