About the Author

Rita Heikenfeld

Starting with the most important, I'm a wife, mom, grandma, aunt and sister to a very large family. My own family includes husband Frank, 3 grown sons and, to date, 11 grandchildren. We live on a little patch of heaven outside of Batavia, Ohio where we raise produce and herbs, and chickens for eggs. We heat with wood that we gather. Professionally, I've had numerous "careers". I'm an herbalist, educator, media personality, speaker, journalist and author. I've published books on kids & adults nutrition, gifts from the kitchen and garden, and herbs. My website abouteating.com reaches people who share their tips, thoughts, recipes and memories. My philosophy is simple. I have a deep faith and believe in the law of abundance: share your talents, encourage others. I love writing for the Countryside group and it's fun to see so many like-minded folks sharing my vision!
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Articles by Rita Heikenfeld

Sloppy Chicken Recipes
November 20, 2024 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Try a healthy twist on a family favorite when you make a sloppy chicken recipe with ground chicken.

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Buttermilk Coleslaw No Mayo Recipe
November 20, 2024 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Are you looking for a coleslaw recipe without mayo? Make this buttermilk coleslaw (no mayo) recipe for a tad healthier alternative to the traditional recipe.

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Blueberry Pie with Crumb Topping
November 19, 2024 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Enjoy these two delicious recipes for a blueberry pie with crumble topping, and get tips for pie-making with a fresh blueberry pie recipe.

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Apple Plum Crisp
September 8, 2023 · · Recipes

Looking for a taste of fall? Enjoy apple plum crisp recipes with the perfect mix of fruit and autumn spices that will make your mouth happy.

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Colander Gardens for Kids
May 30, 2023 · · Growing

Add to Favorites Are there children in your world who are “greens challenged?” If this sounds familiar, you know how stubborn they can be about eating salad greens. Maybe it’s …

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Healthy Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups Recipe
February 8, 2023 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Skirt artificial ingredients, high-fructose corn syrup, and high prices by choosing your own favorite fruits and making your own fruit roll-ups recipe.

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Cinnamon Bread Treats for the Holidays
December 27, 2022 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

When it comes to holiday baking, sweet cinnamon yeast bread is at the top of my list for both family and friends.

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“No-Peek” Beef Stew for a Winter Warm Up
December 8, 2022 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Is there anything better to chase away the bone-chilling cold of winter than old-fashioned beef stew?

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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

My old-fashioned peanut butter fudge recipe is a perennial favorite during the holidays.

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Bone Broth Recipe: A Hot Trend in Modern Health
November 17, 2022 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Learning how to make bone broth is easy. Next time you have a leftover poultry carcass or bones from a roast, don’t relegate them to the trash. Use them in a bone broth recipe!

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3 Chill-Chasing Soup Recipes and 2 Quick Breads
November 8, 2022 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Need a meal that matches the autumn weather? Here are three soup recipes and two quick breads.

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How to Make No-Knead Artisan Bread
November 8, 2022 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Here are two of our favorite recipes for no-knead artisan bread and brown and serve rolls that are perfect for entertaining or anytime.

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Preserve Recipes Turn a Bountiful Harvest into Holiday Gifts in a Jar

You could have a pantry full of superior edibles made from preserve recipes that make convenient, thoughtful gifts in a jar from your pantry or freezer.

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How to Make Bath Salts, Soaps, Scrubs, and Balms
October 11, 2022 · · Soapmaking

Making spa products started as a fun experiment starting with bath salts. Then came the Eureka moment.

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Food Preservation Methods for an Abundant Tomato Harvest
August 5, 2022 · · Canning & Kitchen

Add to Favorites As an herbalist, I’m always thinking of ways to use the abundance of herbs this time of year. Couple that with a huge tomato harvest and it’s …

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