Author: Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

My name is Chastity. I started a Blog because a lot of people would rather have the recipes on a website than pull it up on YouTube. This site started out to basically be a recipe site. In recent years we've added a few extras, such as gardening, DIY projects, and backyard birdwatching. Thanks to my sister for helping me get this Blog up and going. I will link the video, if available, for each post. So, a little about me. I’m a dog lover if you can’t tell. The top photo was taken on Bobbi Jo’s first day with us. We were introducing her to the pack. My husband is also a dog lover. We have 5 rescue dogs. Jackson was added to the pack in September 2021. We didn’t rescue these dogs; they rescued us. I’m a Christian who enjoys cooking, gardening, nature, and photography.
The Lake Hills City Birds

Feeding Hummingbirds

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

Feeding Hummingbirds

The only hummingbird I have seen in my yard so far is the Ruby-throated hummingbird. I have several of them here right now, fighting over the feeders. In the city, hummingbirds like neighborhoods with mature trees and shrubs. They like gardens with plenty of flowers.

Did you know that the location of a hummingbird feeder is more important than the color? Some people place the feeders close to a window, which can be a hazard to hummingbirds. It is recommended to hang the hummingbird feeder at least 15 feet away from windows to prevent the birds from hitting the glass.

Ideally, the feeder should be positioned 10-12 feet from trees or bushes where the hummingbirds can safely fly to if they sense danger. Predators such as cats, hawks, blue jays, grackles, and owls have been known to prey on hummingbirds, so it’s essential to hang the feeders in areas where the birds can enjoy their meal without fear of harm. If you have a cat, it is not advisable to hang the feeder on a tree limb. Using tall shepherd’s hooks is a good alternative.

Another important factor to consider is keeping the feeder clean. This particular hummingbird feeder features small glass balls, making it easier to clean. It is crucial to regularly change the sugar water, as stagnant water can develop harmful bacteria. Larger feeders should not be filled completely with sugar water, as it should be changed every few days. In temperatures above 90 degrees, the water should be changed daily or every other day, while on cooler days, it can be left for 2-3 days. Proper education and adherence to best practices are essential when feeding hummingbirds.

In addition to their nectar and sugar water diet, hummingbirds are known to include insects in their meals. I have personally witnessed these agile creatures skillfully capturing mosquitoes and gnats on the fly. It is fascinating how their diet incorporates both sweet floral nectar and small insects, making them versatile and resourceful feeders. Creating a garden full of flowers can greatly enhance the chances of attracting more hummingbirds to your yard.

Desserts, Recipes

Blackberry Cobbler

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

Are you craving a drool-worthy dessert that bursts with the flavors of sweet blackberries? Look no further because this easy blackberry cobbler recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds. Made with juicy blackberries and a buttery topping, this classic dessert is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends at any gathering. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or straight from the pan, this blackberry cobbler is sure to be a hit. Get ready to indulge in a fruity, comforting dessert that will leave you craving more.

Blackberry Cobbler

Are you craving a drool-worthy dessert that bursts with the flavors of sweet blackberries? Look no further because this easy blackberry cobbler recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 8 1/2 cup servings
Calories 264 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups blackberries
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup reserved for the end of recipe
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 5 tbsp melted butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine sugar and flour in a mixing bowl.
  • Add milk and butter, mix well.
  • Pour into a baking dish.
  • Add blackberries to the top and sprinkle the reserved sugar over it.
  • Place in preheated oven for 45 – 50 minutes.
Keyword Blackberry Cobbler, Easy Recipes, Southern Cooking
Breads, Desserts, Recipes

No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread

“Satisfy Your Cravings Guilt-Free: The Ultimate No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe”
Our quest for a guilt-free sweet fix often feels like a culinary adventure in a world where sugar rules. But worry not, because we’ve got the perfect solution: our No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe. If you’re searching for a healthier way to indulge your sweet tooth, you’re in for a tasty ride.

Imagine your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of fresh blueberries and the citrusy scent of lemon as this delicious bread bakes. It’s like a cozy, sunlit morning captured in a loaf, and it’s about to make your day a whole lot sweeter – without the sugar crash.

But this isn’t just another recipe; it’s a salute to mindful eating. It’s proof that ditching refined sugar doesn’t mean saying goodbye to flavor.
So, toss on your apron, fire up the oven, and dive into the world of moist and delicious No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread!

No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread

Get ready to have your taste buds blown away by this amazing Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe! It's super easy to make and is drool-worthy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 229 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups All purpose flour or the flour of your choice
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar substitute
  • 1/3 cup butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest zest 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 tbsp all purpose flour for blueberries

Lemon Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar substitute
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease and flour a loaf pan.
  • In a small bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
  • In another mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  • Next add in part of the flour mixture and half of the milk. Mix together and continue until all the flour and milk is added. Do not over mix. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined.
  • Rinse off the blueberries. Then toss them in a bowl with 1 tbsp of flour. Coat all the blueberries with flour.
  • Fold the blueberries into the batter.
  • Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 55 – 65 minutes. Check at 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean then it is done. If not, bake a few more minutes. Remember every oven cooks differently.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool a few minutes before removing from the loaf pan.
  • Mix all the glaze ingredients together and let it set for a few minutes while the bread cools.
  • Remove from the loaf pan and pour the glaze over the bread. Enjoy the drool-worthy treat!
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Easy desserts, Easy Recipe, Lemon Blueberry Bread, No sugar added
The Lake Hills City Birds

Feeding Hummingbirds

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

Feeding Hummingbirds

Did you know it is easy to make your own hummingbird food? Use regular granulated sugar. Do not use honey or sugar substitutes. Avoid using dyes or food colorings in the nectar.

In the summer, I use 1/4 cup of sugar per 1 cup of water. During this season, the hummingbirds have plenty of flowers to obtain nectar from as well. As the weather becomes cooler, I adjust my recipe to 1/3 cup of sugar per 1 cup of water. I provide them with a little more sugar due to the scarcity of flowers around, as they rely on the additional energy for their migration journey.

When making a large batch of nectar to store in the fridge, I always boil it. If I am just making a small batch to change out in a couple of days, I do not boil it. I just pour the water from my Berkey and sugar together in a jar and shake it until it is dissolved.

During the hot days of summer, I change out the nectar every couple of days. So, I only put a small amount in each feeder. It can ferment quickly in hot weather. Change it often.

I have only seen Ruby-Throated hummingbirds in my backyard. That doesn’t mean that other types of hummingbirds haven’t visited. I just haven’t captured any on video or camera. Hummingbirds are so quick, it is difficult to tell exactly what kind they are unless they sit still for a few seconds. That’s why it is nice to have a camera set up at the feeders.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are those beautiful green hummingbirds we see at this time of year in Chattanooga, TN around our hummingbird feeders. The males have an iridescent red throat. It looks almost black when the lighting isn’t good.

Female Ruby-throated hummingbirds have a white throat with some light gray feathers. The females are typically larger than the males. Juvenile ruby-throated hummingbirds also have a white throat like their mothers.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only species that nest in Tennessee. All others are just passing through to their nesting locations. There are two migration routes that Ruby-throated hummingbirds follow in the spring and fall.

The first route is across the Gulf of Mexico. Before they make this long journey, they double their body’s fat. This may be why you see some chunky hummingbirds later in the season.

These small birds fly southwest over the Gulf of Mexico to reach Mexico. The distance across the Gulf of Mexico is over 500 miles. This is a direct route with numerous obstacles in their way.

The second route follows the coastline, outlining the Gulf of Mexico. This is the longest route, spanning over 2,000 miles. Along this route, the birds have the opportunity to rest and refuel.

No one is sure why some choose the shorter route over the longer one. I guess it is no different from us humans; some prefer the scenic route while others opt for the shortest and quickest one.

I have tried several different feeders. This is the favorite style among the hummingbirds that visit my backyard. I have the third one.

The second favorite is my ring hummingbird feeder. I purchased mine on Amazon, but it is no longer available. You can purchase individual ones like this if you want to try feeding the hummingbirds from your hands.

The Ruby-throated hummingbirds are very territorial. You can often see one hummingbird chasing the others away. I even have a video of one chasing a chickadee off a bird feeder that was near its feeders. It helps to set up feeders in different areas of your yard instead of all together. That way, separate territories can be established, and one bird isn’t controlling all of the feeders.

It is also helpful to have a water source for the hummingbirds. A shallow bowl with water or a birdbath with a bubbling fountain will attract hummingbirds. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel for videos of hummingbirds, all of my backyard birds, cooking videos, gardening, and DIY projects.

Main Dishes

Reduced Fat Lasagna for two

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

Reduced Fat Lasagna for two – make one and freeze one.

This is a drool-worthy reduced fat lasagna recipe. It is made in a loaf pan. The recipe is for 2 loaf pans so you can make one now and freeze one for a later time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 per pan
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 Loaf Pans

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
  • 1/2 cup Zucchini diced
  • 1/2 cup Yellow Squash diced
  • 1/2 cup Onion diced
  • 1/4 cup Mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves Pressed Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Oregano chopped
  • 1 tsp parsley flakes
  • 1 lb Ground turkey
  • 1 jar – 26 oz Sauce marinara or spaghetti
  • 1 15 oz Ricotta Cheese made with part skim-milk
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese fat free shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 box Oven ready lasagna sheets I used Barilla brand
  • Aluminum Foil Enough to cover loaf pans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
  • Add in diced zucchini, yellow squash, and onion.
  • Cook for about 3 – 4 minutes until barely tender with a fork.
  • Add pressed garlic cloves. Cook an additional minute and remove from skillet.
  • Brown the ground turkey.
  • Once turkey is brown add in the basil, oregano, and mushrooms.
  • Mix in the squash, zucchini, and onions. Add the sauce. Mix well.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • In a mixing bowl add the ricotta cheese, eggs, and parsley. Mix well.
  • Spray the loaf pans with cooking spray.
  • Add about 1/4 cup sauce mixture to the bottom of both loaf pans. Spread it out. Place 1 lasagna sheet over it.
  • Spread about 1/3 cup of ricotta cheese mixture over that.
  • Then add another 1/4 cup sauce mixture.
  • Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Add another lasagna sheet. Top with ricotta mixture.
  • Add sauce and then top with parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  • Spray the aluminum foil with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking. Wrap both loaf pans tightly with foil.
  • Bake for 30 minutes and then remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  • If you want the top toasted turn oven on broil for a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Remove from oven and let it set for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

There are 6 servings per loaf pan. Each serving has 252 calories. 10g fat. 24g carbs. 
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Downhome Cooking, Healthier Alternatives, Lasagna Recipe, Low Fat Recipes, Reduced Fat Recipe
Breads, Main Dishes, Recipes

Cornbread Waffles

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

Cornbread Waffles

Cornbread Waffles are savory waffles. Simple ingredients are used to make this drool-worthy human treat. Top it with BBQ Chicken or your favorite chili.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 489 kcal

Equipment

  • Waffle Iron

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/4 cup Cornmeal
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder optional
  • 1 tsp onion powder optional
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tbsp oil or butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a waffle iron sprayed with oil to a temperature between 375 – 400 degrees F.
  • In a mixing bowl combine all the ingredients.
  • Mix until combined. Do not over mix.
  • Pour batter onto preheated waffle iron.
  • Depending on the type of waffle iron used you may need to flip after 3 – 4 minutes. Then cook until steam no longer comes from waffle iron.
  • With a butter knife go around the edges to make sure the waffle isn't sticking. Remove and butter waffle.
  • Repeat until all batter is used.
  • Top with whatever you normally like to eat with cornbread. I topped mine with BBQ chicken. Enjoy!

Notes

If you are cooking for a crowd you can place the waffles in a 200 degree oven on a skillet or wire rack until they are all done. This way the waffles stay warm. 
Keyword Appalachian Cast Iron Co, Cast Iron Cooking, Cornbread, Downhome Cooking, Simple ingredients, Southern Cooking, The Great American Waffle Iron, Waffle Iron, Waffles
Main Dishes, Recipes

Honey Garlic Salmon

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

Honey Garlic Salmon

This is a quick, healthy, drool-worthy recipe.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Salmon Fillets
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to your heat preference
  • 1/3 cup Raw Honey
  • 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 whole Lemon Sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to skillet.
    Heat over medium heat.
  • Mix together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and pepper flakes.
  • Salt and pepper salmon fillets.
  • Once skillet it hot, add in salmon fillets skin side up. It needs to be sizzling hot before adding fish.
  • Cook for 6 minutes. Then flip to other side. Add another tablespoon of olive oil at this time if needed.
  • Add in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in sauce. Simmer for 3 – 4 minutes. Baste salmon fillets with sauce.
  • Top with lemon slices. Serve and enjoy!
The Lake Hills City Birds

American Goldfinch

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

This time of the year the American Goldfinches return to Lake Hills. A flock can be seen in the park enjoying dandelion seeds. They still have their winter colors which are a much duller color than the vibrant colors they have in the spring and summer.

This is a photo of the winter colors. This bird is probably molting. Notice how the colors look patchy? Birds shed (or molt) their feathers at certain times of the year to make way for their new colors. Goldfinches molt in late winter and late summer.

They love foraging through the tall grasses of the park. They enjoy all sorts of seeds. In March the grasses start growing tall here. The weather is still too cold to mow. These birds love it.

Here is a Goldfinch enjoying some flower seeds. When I put seed in my feeders, I make sure to have sunflower seeds because those seem to be a favorite of Goldfinches.

Female Goldfinches are brownish in color. The males have the bright yellow feathers.

Goldfinches breed later than most birds around here. They start to nest in June/July. They wait until plants like milkweed, thistle, and sunflower plants have produced seeds, which goldfinches incorporate into their nests and also feed their young.

They love when my sunflower seeds dry out. I plant them just for the birds. It is so entertaining watching these beautiful birds enjoy the seeds straight from the sunflower. They eat mostly seeds.

I hope you get some of these beautiful birds in your backyard. Add sunflower and nyjer seeds to your feeders for a better chance of attracting them.





Main Dishes, Recipes

Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

This recipe comes from a Keto Cookbook I own. I have changed a few things but not much. It is a delicious, filling, flavorful, low carb meal. It has 3 carbs per serving.

Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This recipe was inspired by a recipe I found in a Keto Cookbook. I have changed a few things. It is very flavorful and drool-worthy! It has 3 carbs per serving.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, French
Servings 9
Calories 445 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups Shredded Chicken
  • 5 oz Sliced Ham
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 6 oz Swiss Cheese Or whatever cheese you prefer
  • 1 Lemon juiced
  • 6 oz Cream Cheese
  • 1 tsp White Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish with the shredded chicken.
  • Top with sliced ham.
  • In a mixing bowl, add all of the remaining ingredients except Swiss cheese.
  • Mix until smooth. It should have a spreadable paste texture. If it is too thick add a little chicken broth to smooth it out.
  • Spread over chicken and ham.
  • Bake for 35 – 40 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Diabetic Friendly, Keto Friendly, Low Carb Recipes, Keto Friendly, Simple Recipe
The Lake Hills City Birds

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Cookin' With Bobbi Jo

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker makes holes in trees to collect sap. Once it leaves the hole other birds, bats, and even hummingbirds like to get the leftover sap from the hole. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have been found drilling more than 1,000 species of trees. They like birches and maples the most. The Sapsucker has no issues using its bill to drum metal objects. On our house they like to use the gutters. The Sapsucker whacks its beak against metal to make a loud morse code type sound. This is a way to let other birds know that this is its territory. Also, it is a way to summon a mate.

This bird is larger than a Downy Woodpecker but slightly smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker. When I saw this in the tree, I thought it was a Hairy Woodpecker. Once I zoomed in I realized it was a different type of woodpecker. It was the first time I had seen one in my backyard.

These birds are mostly black and white. Both sexes have a red forehead. The male also has a red throat. It has white or yellowish feathers on the underside. It is 7.1 – 8.7 inches in length, weights 1.5 – 1.9 ounces, and has a wingspan of 13.4 – 15.8 inches.