Tag Archives: Homemade is Better

Planning My Garden 2023

It is about time, late even, that I plan my garden to start this spring. This has only been made all the more difficult after a swap-meet event I held where one of the women brought and amazing array of seeds…that I must use. Here are my vague plans:

  • New Garden Beds – Since we have moved into a new house, there is A LOT of work to be done. We will be making new flower and vegetable beds which means lots of digging.
  • Recycling Old, Meaningful Materials – I am extremely excited to erect the same arch that was the backdrop in our wedding as a trellis in our garden and the old garden bed from our old rental is already in the ground (with garlic planted in it no less)!
Photo by Hallie –
https://instagram.com/halliebark?igshid=MjkzY2Y1YTY=
Tomato and Squash Garden at the Lansing House.
Our old, crowded tomato and squash garden.
  • FLOWERS –
    • My local Ladies’ Library held a fundraiser in which they were selling flower bulbs….so I bought a MILLION irises and tulips. I planted them in the front yard in the fall, but the warm-to-freezing weather may be harming the little sports too much for this year.
    • Furthermore, after the fundraising order, I ordered dahlia tubers and a few “pollinator blend” seed mats.
    • And sunflowers. There will be lots of sunflowers 🌻
  • Birds, Bees, and Bats – THE BIRD FEEDER IS HANGING OUTSIDE MY FAVORITE WINDOW! I also intend to add bird/bee baths in the front as well as a bat house in the backyard!
  • Chickens?! – If you know me, you know I want my own flock of egg layers. Hopefully this spring we can get a coop together and later use chicken poo in composting!
  • Miscellaneous –
    • I want to incorporate hops in some way. For the look, not the functionality. In case you were wondering
    • This is the year I start a peach tree. Maybe on 5-10 years I get a peach!
    • Pizza Oven? Idk, this is a three year goal.

Well enough dumping, are you planning a garden this year? What are you planting?

Homemade is Better: Garlicky Ranch Dressing Recipe

    Hello!

    I have been away, but thank you to everyone that reached out and for continuing to check out my blog and socials (see above for more Sustaining Sara)! Now that I have time to write and create again, I have really been inspired to share some of my favorite recipes that I have been enjoying lately. I have been so happy to see my friends and family respond well to the things I cook, so I hope you can enjoy them to!

    To share recipes I have started a series called “Homemade is Better.” I have a few recipes I am SURE I need you all to know about, but I have a very personal reason for starting with my Garlicky Ranch Dressing, and that is because I have been meaning to give this recipe to my mother-in-law. We made this dip to enjoy while watching the Super Bowl and can attest that is it great with veggies, wings, or anything else you might want to dip. So this creamy and flavorful recipe is for Mary and anyone else that wants to make their own ranch dressing!

    This ranch dressing can be made in less than 15 minutes and should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 5 days after you make it.

    -Sara, Garlicky Ranch Dressing Recipe

    For this recipe you only need four ingredients:

    • 1/2 cup Buttermilk
    • 4 sprigs fresh dill
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • 1/4 cup mayo
    Ingredients for ranch dressing
    All you need for homemade Ranch Dressing; buttermilk, fresh dill, cloves of garlic, and Mayo.

    On top of these ingredients, you will need a container to make and store your ranch in. I suggest making the dressing in the container you will store it in because then it will be super easy to throw it into the fridge! I reused a a mason jar that I previously bought honey in.

    Now lets get started!

    1. Cut and mince herbs
      • Start by mincing your garlic and putting it in your container, I personally achieved this by using a garlic press.
      • Next cut the dill of the stem. I used kitchen sheers to quickly snip the herb from the stem.
    2. Add your buttermilk and mayo
      • Stir!
    3. Idk what to tell you other than you just made ranch!
      • It’s that easy!
    Cutting up herbs
    Cut the dill and mince the cloves of garlic, place in container.

    I LOVE this ranch, however feel free to adjust this recipe to your preferences too! Three cloves of garlic makes for a very strongly flavored dressing, feel free to use more or less cloves! This ranch is also very drippy, use less buttermilk for a thicker dip.

    Ranch dressing in mason jar
    Your dressing should be drippy, but if you want it thicker use less buttermilk!

    I hope you enjoy this Ranch as much as I do and make sure to tag @sustaining_sara on Instagram and let me know in the comments below if you are excited for more “Homemade is Better!”

    Final ranch dressing
    The final, creamy product!

    Love,

    Sara