Author: Midwest Storyteller

Coach Barb’s Copy-cat No-Carb AND Slo-Carb Easy Breads (FP or E)

~ Midwest Storyteller

I fully disclose that as a Certified Lifestyle Coach I do, at times, receive monetary compensation as such. See The Fine Print on the “About Me” page of this blog.

Food Freedom with Coach Barb www.midweststoryteller.com

I am super thrilled to be writing this post – and just a tad riddled with guilt.  I love it when I hit a home run in the kitchen!  I’ve invented many a recipe in my time and, believe me, they were not all worthy of winning three “golden ladles” such as my soup here, or of getting a 5-star review from those gathered at the table, if you know what I mean.

There’s a story behind everything here on the blog and this is where the guilt comes in.  It was a dark and stormy night…just kidding.

One of the more recent additions to the Trim Healthy Mama line of products has been “No-Carb Easy Bread”, a packet bread mix that when blended with a couple of simple ingredients, is poured right into the pan to bake.  When they say “easy”, they mean easy, as in whisk three things in a bowl and bake!  BONUS:  It’s Fuel Pull, so it can be enjoyed with FP or any other “S” and “E” meals on plan.  It can be baked in a loaf or as buns.

As with everything in THM world, it will not spike blood sugar, so that makes it great for people watching that who may not even be aware of what the THM plan is all about. 

I ordered a couple of packets to try and I was not only thrilled with the simplicity, but also the flavor.  I knew this could easily become my “go-to” substitute for the morning English muffin, the hamburger bun, whenever I needed an on-plan bread.  I could butter it up for an “S”, fill it up with lean meat and greens for sandwich and keep it FP or toast it to have alongside a delicious “E” soup like this one.

I spotted my dilemma.  I’d only ordered two bags.  I could see myself constantly running out of this and wishing for more.  We’re budget conscious around here.  Shipping costs add up and I usually make my THM orders when I have several things I need.

I set my mind to coming up with a mix of my own that would come as close to Serene and Pearl’s as possible (without having to making as many attempts in my kitchen to get it right as Pearl says she did). 

No-Carb and Slow-Carb Easy Breads www.midweststoryteller.com

I make up about six recipes of the dry mix at a time and put them into quart freezer bags upon which I’ve written the additions, oven temperature and baking time.  This way, I don’t even have to pull out a recipe.  I just grab, mix, pour and bake. Then, I made a discovery. After doing some number crunching with fats and carbs and realizing that I mis-read something, I found all those bags of mix were actually “E” and not “FP”!

Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t throw away perfectly good food, so I began enjoying it as an “E”, especially in bun form. Hey, we all need more “E” meals, right? I shared it with my clients and a even made up “E” sandwiches on buns and took them to a soup ‘n sandwich dinner party and they were a hit. The hostess’ hubby took a leftover sandwich to work the next day and bragged on it, saying he could eat that bread anytime!

Now I needed to work on a “FP” version because I am determined to help my clients keep their THM life simple and I never wanted them to feel “stuck” if they run out of pre-packaged items. After a few attempts that weren’t quite what I had in mind and some further crunching on the calculator, I came up with a mix that works. You may think it can’t compare to THM’s No-Carb Easy Bread, but if, by chance, you even prefer it, then I’m sorry, Serene and Pearl – I love you and I didn’t mean to show you up.

DISCLAIMER:  I totally guessed at this.  I haven’t been down in Tennessee rooting through dumpsters at the THM facilities.  I don’t know how this happened other than to say it was a shot in the dark.  I’ve no intentions of selling it, so I don’t see any reason to end up standing in front of a judge.  It can’t be the same recipe, because I’ve never seen the real recipe. 

Try both recipes and see if you like them.  I’ve grown to love making it up into buns as pictured because it seems more versatile for our needs.  There is a slight tweak to make if you do these the way I do, so be sure to read the notes and see the weird bun pan in the photo.  If this bread saves you money, makes your life simpler and keeps you away from “frankenfood” breads, that’s great.  You could literally whip up a batch every day and never strain a wrist.  If it’s not quite your thing, then by all means go for the real thing and order up some “No Carb Easy Bread” from Trim Healthy Mama.

I’m offering you a free printable with both recipes on one sheet so that you can jump right in and make both breads.

TIP: When I made the “E” sandwiches, I used a Laughing Cow light cheese wedge to spread over the two halves of the fun. Half of the sandwiches I then drizzled balsamic glaze onto the Laughing Cow for a sweeter flavor and on the other half, I generously added the Kickin’ Dippin’ Sauce, Dip or Dressing (page 518, Trim Healthy Table) for those who like a more spicy flavor. (I added a little gluccie to the blender when making this to make it a bit thicker.) I had the deli slice my provolone cheese on the #1 thickness so that I could keep the fat on the sandwich to a minimum by using one slice. Lettuce leaves and mesquite deli turkey breast completed the tasty “E” sandwich.

Here are both recipes. Don’t forget your free printable below.

Coach Barb’s Copy-cat No-Carb Easy Bread       “FP”

1 1/3 cup egg whites (I use carton type for this)

1 package of dry mix (see the mixture below)

¾ cup water

In a large mixing bowl, whisk egg whites vigorously for 60 seconds until very frothy.

Add dry mix and water; whisk until well combined.

Pour into a parchment lined 9”X5” loaf pan..  Carve a large “X” across the top.  Or, pour into 6 or 7 holes of a silicone mesh 4” bun pan.  Bake at 450 degrees for 50-60 minutes for bread or for 20-25 minutes for buns.  Use convection setting if you have it and reduce the cooking time accordingly.  (I do bread for 50 minutes and buns for 20 minutes on convection.)

Grasp the edges of the parchment paper, lift the loaf from the pan and place on a cooling rack as soon as it is finished baking.  Peel away the parchment and cool completely.  If using a mesh-style bun pan, allow to cool ten minutes in the pan and they should “peel” from the mesh cleanly.


Dry Mix
1/2 cup oat fiber

1/2 cup golden flax meal

1/2 cup whole husk psyllium flakes

1/2 cup unblanched almond flour

2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder

2 teaspoons nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon erythritol

½ teaspoon mineral salt

2 doonks Pure Stevia extract

Now for the version that gives you all those good carbs!

Coach Barb’s Slow-Carb Easy Bread “E”

1 1/3 cup egg whites (I use carton type for this)

1 package of dry mix (see the mixture below)

¾ cup water

In a large mixing bowl, whisk egg whites vigorously for 60 seconds until very frothy.

Add dry mix and water; whisk until well combined.

Pour into 9”X5” loaf pan lined with parchment paper.  Carve a large “X” across the top.  Or, pour into 6 or 7 parchment lined holes of a 4” bun pan.  Bake at 450 degrees for 50 minutes to an hour for bread or for 20-25 minutes for buns.  Use convection setting if you have it and reduce the cooking time accordingly.  (I do my loaf for 50 minutes and my buns for 20 minutes on convection.)

Take hold of the edges of the parchment paper and lift the loaf from the pan and place on a cooling rack as soon as it is finished baking.  Peel away the parchment and allow to cool completely.  If using the mesh-style bun pan, allow the buns to cool ten minutes in the pan and then they will peel away from the mesh without pulling apart.

Dry Mix

4 ounces oat flour  (or 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons)

¼ cup golden flax meal

¼ cup psyllium husk flakes (add two more tablespoons if making buns in the mesh style pan – See notes)

1 tablespoon unblanched almond flour

2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder

2 teaspoons nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon erythritol

½ teaspoon mineral salt

2 doonks Pure Stevia extract

NOTES:  I had trouble finding a bun pan with holes large enough for what I considered a hamburger sized bun.  I ended up with the one in the photo which I found on Amazon.  Even though the description said “mesh”, I was not prepared for the rolled up thing that arrived – the limp and floppy thing you see here.  I had my serious doubts as to whether it could even be used for such a loose dough as this.  I did end up stirring in 2 additional tablespoons of the psyllium husk flakes to make the dough thicken a little before spooning into the holes.   I also thought the buns might not want to come out of the pan, but let them cool 10 minutes and you’ll be able to “peel” them right off the mesh!  Strangest item of cookware I’ve ever bought!  If you like a taller bun, then be sure to fill only 6 holes rather than 7.  Look for something which has holes in the 4” range if you want more of a bun rather than a muffin size.  Here’s the link to the one I ordered.

YIELD:  6 or 7 buns or 1 loaf of bread.

Grab that FREE PRINTABLE RECIPE!

I give full credit and honors to Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison for the inspiration for these recipes and for their great products at TrimHealthyMama.com such as No-Carb Easy Bread mix. Thank you for all you do to help others live a healthy life!

If you need support in your journey to better health and weight loss, head to the Contact page or my Food Freedom pages on Facebook and Mewe and let me know.  I’ll give you all the info on group sessions which I conduct locally in person on a weekly basis.  Private coaching can be done in person or by phone.  Share with friends and let’s see how many are ready to get Trim & Healthy!

The Trim Healthy Mama Plan is a great way to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and certainly to lose weight if you need to do that. 

Leave a comment and let me know how you like the bread and what is your favorite way to enjoy it.

It’s fun to try something new, especially when it’s this easy! 

A Freebie Sent With Love

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 16 Comments

Here we are in February and my motto is – “embrace the love”!  Whether you have a significant other or not, you can still spread love and appreciation along with the other thing I consider vital – chocolate!  Why not wear red, sport some pink, hang up some hearts and hand out some Valentines?  It beats sitting around surrounded by winter’s drab days waiting for brighter ones.  Brighten them up yourself!

I’m doing my part.  Let’s take a look at February’s First Friday Freebie. 

I Love Doing Life With You www.midweststoryteller.com

We do life with so many others – our close-knit immediate family, our extended family, those coming in and out of our home and those we meet out and about.  This weathered wood sign with its riveted metal plate declares, “I love doing life with you!”  It measures 7” wide and 10” high.  It’s a little bit of modern on a little bit of shabby and neutral to go with any décor.  You certainly won’t have to take it down after Valentine’s Day.  Its twine rope allows you to hang just about anywhere.  I hope you enjoy this great  Hobby Lobby find. 

To enter to win the “love doing life” décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love doing life with _______” (and fill in the blank with someone special).  It could be your sweetie, your grandchild or your pet – just drop in that special name.  Of course, I love doing life with Smuffy. You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, February 3rd, 2023.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, February 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “I love doing life with _______” and insert that special name or nickname. 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Spread a few hearts and flowers over the next couple of weeks and make the ones you love or appreciate feel special.  It serves to heal the soul when people know they’re not forgotten.  Soon we’ll be moving on into spring and have fresh reasons to rejoice.  For now, let’s melt the winter blahs by warming as many hearts as we can. 

I’m tweaking a great recipe to share and will hopefully have it posted here soon to help you make 2023 trim, healthy and simple. 

Speaking of love, my “Life With Smuffy” and my “Laugh” pages are all about people I love and sharing those with someone will fill their lives with joy and laughter.

2023’s First First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

We’ve just said farewell to January, which is usually a welcome thing in this part of the country.  While we’re waving, say “hello” to the winner of that month’s Freebie.

Let’s meet  –

Freebie Winner Liz www.midweststoryteller.com

Liz from Boonville, Missouri. 

Congratulations, Liz!  These Boonville people are super consistent about entering to win and it certainly pays off.  Liz is not a first-time winner and she assures me she has just the place in her office for the metal “family and friends” sign.    

Liz commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer here. 

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  What can be better in today’s economy?

Coming up on February 3rd, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, February 3rd, 2023.

Enjoy all the hearts and flowers February has to offer!  You may think it’s all been commercialized, but I look at it this way – if there’s one thing in life that can’t be overdone, it’s loving on others!  So, buy a box of Valentines, stir up some THM chocolate goodness and bless somebody.  Tell them you love them, appreciate them, value them.  Do it on the cheap, but do it with all your heart. 

Blessings and a Freebie for Your New Year!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

May your 2023 be healthy and happy and may you prosper in it.  May your blessings be many and your troubles few.  May it start off with a fabulous First Friday Freebie! 

For most of us, this is the month when we evaluate the old year, giving thanks for the blessings that were too numerous to count, and make plans for the year to come that hopefully don’t involve any resolutions that are unrealistic and end up stealing our peace of mind.  If we focus on treasuring and nurturing home, family and friends, we can’t go wrong.  This month’s First Friday Freebie is a reminder to do just that.

Love Overflows sign www.midweststoryteller.com

This metal sign measures 11 ¾” wide and 5 ¾” high and reminds us exactly where love and joy are found.  Its white background and gray leafy vine at the edges keep it simple so it will go with any décor or season.  Its twine rope makes it easy to hang just about anywhere.  I hope you enjoy this great  Hobby Lobby find. 

To enter to win the “family & friends” sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m blessed with family and friends!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, January 6th, 2022.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, January 6th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m blessed with family and friends!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Don’t overload yourself this new year.  Perhaps broad resolutions are better than specific ones.  One of my family members tells that last year, she had resolved to get better sleep.  At the end of the year she felt like she had made strides in that direction.  That’s great!  One of my favorite things to remind myself and others is, “Baby steps count!”  Moving forward in the right direction is sometimes all that matters. 

I’m resolving to get more stories, recipes and other fun and inspiring things coming your way in 2023.  While you wait, “Life With Smuffy” and my “Laugh” pages and start your year off with joy and laughter.

2022’s Final Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

I’m playing just a bit of catch-up here because, though we say we’re the ones who never get sick, it happened.  The crud hit the house and Pookie’s house as well and the First Friday Freebie isn’t the only thing suffering delay.  Christmas got bumped as well.  But we’re going strong once again and I hope that you are also and that you are having a Happy New Year!

Let’s meet the latest winner  –

December 2022 Freebie Winner

Francine from Boonville, Missouri. 

Congratulations, Francine!  I’m glad the delivery of the freebie was not delayed, so these lovely, festive kitchen towels made to you in plenty of time to spruce up your kitchen ahead of any Christmas festivities. 

Francine commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the most recent First Friday Freebie offer here. 

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  What can be better in today’s economy?

Coming up on January 6th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, January 6th, 2023.

As I mentioned in November, I had asked God to help me see the beauty in winter.  I smile that He has made it easy on me so far by giving the blessing of mild temperatures.  Although it turned cold again today, we eased out of the old year and into the new with warmth and time outside.  Smuffy has been doing the things Smuffy does in the back yard and yesterday I took Lil’ Snookie out for a romp and we ran around and kicked the ball like spring lambs. (Actually, I ‘ve never seen spring lambs kick balls, but you get the idea.)  The Midwest has got to show its true colors sooner or later, but I’ll cross that icy bridge when I come to it.

A Christmas Freebie for You!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 13 Comments

Welcome to December!  (As if I am in charge of December.  If I were, we’d have some changes in the usual temps and precips.)

The fabulous upside to this month, of course, is the celebration of Christmas!  Another thing I’m celebrating is being married to Smuffy (today is our anniversary).  To top it all off, it’s the first Friday of the month so today you can enter to win the First Friday Freebie.  Let’s take a peek at it –

Christmas Kitchen Towels www.midweststoryteller.com

There are always a few more people around during the holiday season and things need to be freshened up.  A few new linens help brighten up the kitchen and these towels from Robert Stanley Home Collection will do just that.  Each of the four towels measures 16”X26”.  One has a Christmas tree farm theme which coordinates with the green and white checked towel and two are solid and embroidered with white snowflakes.  Once again, these were Hobby Lobby finds that I hope you enjoy. 

To enter to win the holiday towel sets, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Make my kitchen Christmasy!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, December 2nd, 2022.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, December 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “Make my kitchen Christmasy!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Make a promise to yourself to slow down, simplify the days ahead, celebrate the real meaning of Christmas and savor the love of those around you and the love that came down to that stable in Bethlehem so that you could have joy and peace! 

I’m working on a couple of Smuffy stories for you and his tale of Christmas past is a real doozy so stay tuned!  In case you’ve fallen behind, take a trip to my “Life With Smuffy” page and catch up on the laughter and thrills.

Meet November’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s cold.  I always try to do my part by warming your heart with a gift every month with my First Friday Freebie.  This month my freebie didn’t have to work too much because it traveled to a much warmer home.

Let’s meet the winner  –

Sally from Chino Valley, Arizona. 

Congratulations, Sally!  I hope that, as the freebie says, you are “happy and blessed” by it.  The embossed metal sign expressing gratitude was a great find at Hobby Lobby.

Sally commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see what Sally won here. 

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

Coming up on December 2nd, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, December 2nd, 2022.

As I mentioned last month, I have taken a bold step.  I have asked God to help me see the beauty in winter.  Aside from thinking that falling snow is pretty, I’ve pretty much failed at this for a very long time.  There will be the same amount of frozen precipitation whichever mood I’m in and no amount of silent disgust on my part will move the thermometer, so I’m trying to make friends with it.  However, my past failures have shown me that I’ll be needing help of a Divine nature.  Either that, or I’m going to have to go visit Sally and stay for four months!

Lil’ Snookie’s Favorite Autumn Soup  (a simple THM “E” recipe)

Lil' Snookie's Favorite Autumn Soup www.midweststoryteller.com
~ Midwest Storyteller

I fully disclose that as a Certified Lifestyle Coach I do, at times, receive monetary compensation as such. See The Fine Print on the “About Me” page of this blog.

We eat soup year-round at our house.  We’re just soup lovers.  This one has always been a favorite, but it has made it BIG with the toddler at the table!  Originally, I started with a recipe from an old Betty Crocker cookbook, but I can’t find it in the newer cookbooks, nor can I find the recipe online anymore. I’ll just give credit to “Betty” for its origins though I have done my own tweaks over the years and so have had to do very little to make it Trim Healthy Mama plan-friendly.

Food Freedom with Coach Barb www.midweststoryteller.com

The name?  Well, when my Lil’ Snookie, who is here for lunch almost every day, graduated to solid foods and could manage it, I was sure to chop the veggies small in this soup so I could feed it to him.  He was one to talk early and often and as soon as he figured out how, he was calling out “Soup!” and we all knew exactly which soup he meant.  Even on his way home at night, when Pookie would tell him they were going home to have some supper, he would shout from the carseat, “Make soup!” and this was the one he wanted.

So, as these autumn days march on and prepare to turn into winter ones, I thought I’d share the soup with you. 

Personally, I feel that my “Creamy Leek Soup with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes”, found here, is the best soup ever invented by me or anyone else (and it’s a repeat contest winner), but I’m not going to start an argument with Lil’ Snookie over it.

I’m offering you a free printable recipe so that you can jump right in and make the soup and beside it, you’ll find some encouraging thoughts you may also want to include as a page in your recipe binder to lift you up on “those days” when you are blessed to be cooking for your family.  Just click on the banner below and both will print on one sheet.

Lil' Snookie's Favorite Autumn Soup www.midweststoryteller.com

Lil’ Snookie’s Favorite Autumn Soup       “E”

1 pound 96% lean ground beef or venison  (see notes)

1 cup chopped onion

4 cups water

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped celery (make these small)

1 cup cubed to 1/2″ Yukon Gold or purple potatoes

2-3 teaspoons applewood smoked sea salt or mineral salt and add a dash of liquid smoke  (see notes)

1 teaspoon bottled brown bouquet sauce

1 bay leaf

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

6 tomatoes (peeled fresh and chopped, frozen from your garden or two 14 ounce cans diced tomatoes)

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook and stir meat until brown.  Drain off any fat and if you did not use the super lean meat, place in a strainer and pour hot water over it.
  2. Add onions.  Cook and stir with meat until they’re  tender, about 5 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients except for the tomatoes.  Heat to boiling and reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  
  3. Add tomatoes.  Cover and simmer 5-10 minutes longer.  Remove the bay leaf and serve.  

NOTES:  You could also try using lean ground turkey.  Salt the soup to taste, remembering that canned tomatoes already have salt and your garden ones will need more seasoning.  Don’t be tempted to use more veggies in this soup.  I tried and this not only raises the carbs too much but also just doesn’t taste right.  If you prep meat by browning ahead of time, this recipe goes fast.  Double or triple to have in the freezer or pressure can it!

YIELD:  6 servings.

Don’t forget to round out your meal with a nice green salad with a “FP” or “E” dressing and then maybe even sip on a nice collagen trimmy. Enjoy!

If you need support in your journey to better health and weight loss, head to the Contact page and let me know.  I’ll give you all the info on group sessions which I conduct locally in person on a weekly basis.  Private coaching can be done in person or by phone.  Share with friends and let’s see how many are ready to get Trim & Healthy!

The Trim Healthy Mama Plan is a great way to boost your immune system and we all need that right now, don’t we?  Leave a comment and let me know how you like the soup and tell me what your “go to” soup is for the fall and winter months.

It’s a joyous season ahead, and we can all enjoy it in a healthier way if we are willing to learn and try new and better things. 

Be Blessed with a First Friday Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

Oh, that November could hold on just as it is, I say as I sit here at the computer at night with the windows open.  That’s right – and I’m not even wearing a sweater.  This is my idea of fall.

I lingered outdoors with Phoebe June, but finally had to come in and finish this post so you could have a First Friday Freebie!  Don’t take it personally, but she hissed when I nudged her out of her dusky spying lair under the backyard swing. I don’t think she thought giving you a freebie was half as important as exercising her pouncabilities. Let’s take a look –

Gather, Rest, be happy & BLESSED www.midweststoryteller.com

This embossed metal sign carries the message that our hearts long for.  Smuffy has so often said, “This year, I’m going to take a long winter’s nap.”  (Then, he has a million indoor projects and never really gets one.)  We feel things beginning to slow a bit around here even though there is still much to be done to this old house.  To “gather, rest, be happy and blessed” is, I believe, what God wants for us in winter.  I couldn’t resist giving you this freebie as a wish that you’d experience a time of enjoying your loved ones, resting and relaxing and counting your blessings, realizing that they are truly new every morning.

The sign measures 8” square and its neutral gray color fades at the edges to look just a bit worn.  It also features a rope hanger should you want to hang it on a wall rather than prop it on a shelf or easel (or on a tree as I did). This was a Hobby Lobby find that I hope you enjoy.  The words remind me of the Scripture in Hebrews 4: 10-11, where we are told,  “For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter His rest.”  Throughout Scripture, we are told to fear not, fret not, and worry not.  There seems to be just this one area in which God tells us to strive and make effort and that is to rest.  You have His permission!

To enter to win the “Gather, Rest…” metal sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m ready to be blessed with rest.”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, November 4th, 2022.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, November 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m ready to be blessed with rest!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy enjoy every minute of these fleeting beautiful days.

Be sure to take a look at my latest soup recipe – it’s Lil’ Snookie’s favorite!

October’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

I’ve spent most of my days lately taking Lil’ Snookie to the park as we try to relish every bit of warmth and sunshine before it’s all over.  I’ve checked both versions of the almanac and they both assure me that come the end of this month, it’s all over.  I did take time to get my First Friday Freebie to its new home, though.

Let’s take a look at the winner  –

October's Freebie Winner www.midweststoryteller.com

Ruby from Boonville, Missouri. 

Congratulations, Ruby!  I know you love to decorate and you also have fun kiddos around, so it won’t be long before you have some fun décor or a great photo to slip into the holder at the top of this wood block.  It was a great find at Hobby Lobby.

Ruby won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original freebie offer here. 

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

On November 4th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, November 4th, 2022.

November has managed to stay on my good side so far.  Warm days with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s and glorious color all around draw me outside and away from indoor chores (and from writing to you dear readers if I’m honest).  I may have to take a firm line with this month if it suddenly decides to disappoint me, but I may be wasting my energies there.  Today I did ask the Lord to perform a miracle in my life by requesting that He help me see the beauty in winter.  Perhaps being open to that notion is the first baby-step for a person like me.