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

Exploring the Numerous Calendula Benefits
July 20, 2021 · · 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.

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Growing Bay Leaves is Easy and Rewarding
June 8, 2021 · · Growing

Add to Favorites My first bay laurel tree was a tiny four-inch seedling from the nursery. I found out quickly that growing bay leaves is not at all difficult. I …

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Learn How to Make Shrub Syrup

Shrubs. Have you heard of them? Do you know how to make shrub syrup? If you’re not familiar, shrubs are budget-friendly, delicious, fermented vinegar, and fruit-based beverages.

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Anise Hyssop 2019 Herb of the Year
December 30, 2020 · · Growing

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 parts of the upper Midwest and Great Plains.

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Scented Geranium Plants: Fragrant Herbs Indoors or Out
December 4, 2020 · · 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.

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Healing Herbs List: Safe and Effective Herbal Home Remedies
October 19, 2019 · · Growing

Growing up in a large Lebanese family, herbs and spices were not only used to flavor food but to cure common ailments. I distinctly remember ginger for upset tummies, and barley water for babies recovering from illness.

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Muffin Mania!

What’s more inviting than a warm muffin with a cup of tea or mug of coffee? Someone to share it with! Try one of our family’s favorites.

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The Best Barbecue Ribs: Secrets to Barbecue Joint-Quality Ribs
September 8, 2019 · · Pigs

My first bite of spicy, saucy barbecue ribs in a local ribs restaurant put me on a quest to perfect this ultimate finger food. The best barbecue ribs have intense flavor from a dry rub and smoky barbecue sauce, and a texture that is tender, meaty and succulent.

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Roast Chicken with Green Beans, Tomatoes, and Olives
September 1, 2019 · · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

One of my family’s favorite dinners is roast chicken with green beans, tomatoes and a handful of Greek olives tossed in.

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Pavlova Dessert: Easy and Elegant
March 13, 2019 · · Canning & Kitchen

I was intrigued and impressed not only with the name but how easy it was to make this ethereal egg white dessert.

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The Secrets to Barbecue Joint-Quality Ribs
March 13, 2019 · · Canning & Kitchen

My first bite of spicy, saucy barbecue ribs in a local ribs restaurant put me on a quest to perfect this ultimate finger food. The best barbecue ribs have intense flavor from a dry rub and smoky barbecue sauce, and a texture that is tender, meaty, and succulent.

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Making Chai Tea 101
March 13, 2019 · · Canning & Kitchen

Add to Favorites It’s that time of year when our kitchens are fragrant with warming spices. Common spices, like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg make their appearance in many holiday …

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Make-Ahead Gifts from the Kitchen
March 13, 2019 · · Canning & Kitchen

The holidays will soon be upon us, and that means finding the perfect gift for everyone on the list. I’ve got the answer for those hard-to-buy-for folks.

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Limoncello Recipe: Make Ahead for Holiday Giving

The holidays will soon be upon us, and that means finding the perfect gift for everyone on the list. I’ve got the answer for those hard-to-buy-for folks.

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Best Baking Apples For Pie, Kuchen, and Dumplings
March 13, 2019 · · Canning & Kitchen

Find the best apples for baking and cooking, including recipes for apple pie, apple kuchen, and apple dumplings.

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