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!

Anise Hyssop 2019 Herb of the Year

December 30, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Growing

Add to Favorites The herb of the year for 2019 is anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). A member of the mint family, this lovely, easy to grow perennial is native to …

How to Make Ginger Beer

December 16, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Canning & Kitchen

When we were kids and would complain about a stomachache, Mom would give us a glass of ginger ale to help stop the rumblings and pain. Fast-forward to today, and ginger beverages have grown up and become quite trendy.

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

December 15, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Canning & Kitchen

My old-fashioned peanut butter fudge recipe is a perennial favorite during the holidays. My sisters and I make batches of this easy peanut butter fudge to give away.

Scented Geranium Plants: Fragrant Herbs Indoors or Out

December 4, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Growing

My love affair with scented geranium plants started decades ago. The proprietors of my husband’s restaurant cultivated an herb garden on the premises.

How to Make No-Knead Artisan Bread

November 4, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Canning & Kitchen

Nothing says “welcome” like a warm loaf of crusty bread or a basket of buttery rolls. Here are two favorites, no-knead artisan bread and brown and serve rolls that are perfect for entertaining or anytime.

Best Kitchen Gadgets

October 30, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Canning & Kitchen

When each of us kids left home, Mom gave us several of the best kitchen gadgets, one of which was a cast iron skillet. I still have that skillet and it gets daily use.

How to Make Bath Salts, Soaps, Scrubs, and Balms

September 22, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Soapmaking

Making my own spa products, starting with making bath salts, began as a lark. A fun experiment. Then came the Eureka moment.

How to Plant Daffodil, Tulip and Other Bulbs in Pots

September 9, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Growing

If you live in a condo, apartment or just don’t have space to plant spring-flowering bulbs in the ground, you can still enjoy continual color and fragrance from spring bulbs by learning how to plant daffodil, tulip and other bulbs in pots.

Elderberry Offers Edible and Medicinal Benefits

August 30, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Self-Reliance

My first experience with elderberries came when my husband and I moved to the country to build our first home. We purchased land that was pretty much untouched as far as wild edibles went.

Exploring the Numerous Calendula Benefits

July 3, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Self-Reliance

Calendula (Calendula Officinalis), or pot marigold as it’s sometimes called, is a multi-purpose edible and medicinal herb. The Shakers and early settlers knew the culinary value and superior healing qualities of this beautiful golden herb.

A Garden of Simples Offers DIY Remedies

June 7, 2020 · Rita Heikenfeld · Growing

In the early days of our country, certain herbs were grown and used for the household and for simple medicinal remedies. There was no drug store around the corner so whether one was rich or poor, every household had what was then known as a garden of simples.