Author: stlmaryland

From Garden to InstantPot: My Two-Day Pepper Dehydrating Journey

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I picked a batch of jalapeño, habanero, and cayenne peppers from my garden and decided to dehydrate them in my Instant Pot so they wouldn’t go to waste. 🌶️ It was my first time trying it with whole peppers, and I was curious to see how it would turn out.

The Instant Pot automatically sets the dehydrator to 125º for 7 hours, so I loaded all the peppers in together and let it run. When the timer finally beeped, the cayenne peppers were perfectly dried — crisp and ready to store. But the jalapeños and habaneros were still soft and far from done.

So, I reset the dehydrator and ran another cycle. And then another. It ended up taking two long days before the jalapeños and habaneros finally reached that perfect dry snap. The whole house smelled amazing — smoky, spicy, and earthy all at once.

It was definitely a slow process, but totally worth the patience. Now I’ve got a container of homegrown heat ready to crush or grind whenever I want to add some fire to my cooking. Nothing beats preserving your own peppers straight from the garden. 🔥

A New Chapter: Helping Students Shine

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It’s been four months since I made the cross country move to Maryland, and what a whirlwind it’s been! I had hoped to start school, aka work, back in August, but a series of interview delays had me close to tears at times. Sometimes life has a funny way of testing your patience, but finally, everything aligned, and I was able to finally step into the interview process.

Starting a new position at any elementary school is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. This is new territory for me since I’m used to being an Instructional Para, but every day is a chance to learn, grow, and sharpen my skills in my trade as a one on one Paraprofessional. Meeting new co-workers, connecting with students, and learning the ins and outs of this new environment will shape up to be an adventure I know I’ll be grateful for.

As for extra cash, DoorDash will be my little side gig, and just when needed, probably more during the summer months when school is out of session. It’s a small way to supplement my income without taking away from the focus I want to put into my work at the school.

Here’s to a successful school year filled with learning, laughter, and new connections (both with the students and my new colleagues). New beginnings are always a little scary, but there’s nothing quite like stepping into something that challenges you and helps you grow.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

🌾 A Day at Kincaid’s Ranch in South Jersey

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The kids and I spent the day with our friends, Jim and Beth, at their beautiful ranch in Bridgeton, New Jersey, recently, and what a blast it was! It’s the kind of place that makes you instantly breathe a little deeper. Wide open land, blue skies stretching forever, and that peaceful South Jersey calm that stays with you long after you leave.

Their ranch produces soybeans, stretching across acres of rich soil that shimmered golden-green in the afternoon light. I’ve always admired the work that goes into growing something so simple yet so essential. All around the property were walnut trees (the big, old ones) dropping what looked like green tennis balls scattered across the ground. I had no clue they were walnuts at first until Jim laughed and explained it. The kids wasted no time turning them into a makeshift baseball game, cracking a few open in the process and learning something new without even realizing it.

The 4-wheeler rides were another highlight — the sound of laughter chasing behind them as they zipped along side the fields. And the kittens… they were plenty, each one friendlier than the last. It took every ounce of willpower to leave without one tucked in a jacket pocket.

We spent the afternoon talking, laughing, and soaking in that quiet, easy rhythm that comes with life on a ranch. My grandfather was a produce farmer in California, so I know and deeply admire the hard work and dedication it takes to run a farm. Watching Jim and Beth care for their land and crops reminded me of the same kind of heart and grit my grandfather carried — something that never leaves you once it’s in your roots.

Easily a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ afternoon of fun and laughter; the kind that fills your heart and reminds you why small-town life on the East Coast is something special.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

When the Universe Closes a Door, You Learn to Trust the Path

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There was a time I wanted the Universe to give something back to me, a love I wasn’t ready to lose. I kept hoping the door that closed would open again. But it never did. And for a while, that hurt more than I could explain.

It took me a long time to realize maybe the Universe wasn’t being cruel. Maybe it was protecting me. Maybe it knew I needed time to find myself again, to stop pouring so much energy into trying to understand someone else and start putting that same energy into healing my own heart.

When your heart breaks, it changes you. It makes you look at things differently. You start to notice where you gave too much, where you accepted less than you deserved, and where you confused chaos for connection. You start to see how often you held on when you should’ve let go.

I used to think healing meant forgetting. Now I know it’s more about remembering, remembering who I was before I lost myself in someone else. It’s learning to sit with my feelings instead of running from them, to find peace in quiet moments, and to trust that every ending has a purpose, even when I can’t see it yet.

There are still days when I miss what I thought my life would look like. That’s okay. Healing doesn’t mean the memories stop showing up. It just means they don’t control you anymore.

Now, when a door closes, I don’t chase it. I pause. I breathe. I remind myself that not everything that ends is meant to be lost. Sometimes, it’s just the Universe making room for something better, peace, clarity, and a deeper kind of love that starts within me.

Trusting the path isn’t always easy. Some days, it’s just one step at a time. But even in the hardest moments, I can feel something bigger guiding me forward. And for now, that’s enough.

If a door has closed for you recently, maybe it’s not the ending it feels like. Maybe it’s the Universe quietly shifting things to protect your peace, even if you don’t understand why just yet. Be gentle with yourself while you wait for what’s next. Sometimes, the hardest goodbyes lead to the most peaceful beginnings.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

Gluten-Free Blueberry Sourdough Pancakes

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A Cozy Rainy Morning Treat…

It’s raining here in Maryland today, which means one thing — it’s a pancake kind of morning. There’s something about the sound of steady rain and the smell of sourdough pancakes sizzling on the griddle that makes everything feel calm and cozy.

I based my recipe off Tastes of Lizzy T’s sourdough pancake recipe, but since I use gluten-free flour, I tweaked it a bit. Gluten-free flours tend to soak up more liquid, so I adjusted the recipe to keep the pancakes soft and fluffy instead of dry. And because I had a handful of fresh blueberries on hand, I tossed in a half cup, just enough to add little bursts of sweetness in every bite.

The result was absolute breakfast perfection; pancakes with a tang like buttermilk but with a deeper, earthy flavor from the sourdough. I used two cups of sourdough discard from my fridge, and the batter rose beautifully. The teenagers loved them, which automatically makes this a win for our rainy weekend morning.

As the rain keeps tapping against the windows, I’m already thinking about making another batch tomorrow. These pancakes were light, tangy, and full of flavor, and the kind of breakfast that makes a gray day feel golden.

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Review: The Salt House – New Hope, PA

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Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

I went to New Hope, PA, for my cousin’s birthday, and we decided to dine at the Salt House, a charming, historic restaurant nestled in the heart of the town. Built in 1751, this stone landmark exudes old-world character with its cozy, intimate interior that feels like stepping back in time.

The Salt House offers seasonal dishes crafted from local ingredients, described on their website as “creative and elevated pub fare served in a 1751 stone building that feels straight out of a fairytale.” My cousin and I are both Celiac, so we asked plenty of questions and appreciated how patient and accommodating the staff were. We both ordered the Maine Salmon with Mango, Bell Pepper, and Haricot Verts green beans, but requested it without the Mango/Bell Pepper chutney since it contained bell peppers, which I have a major sensitivity to.

I have to say, kudos to the chef since I’ve never had restaurant salmon cooked so perfectly before. Crispy edges, tender center, and incredible flavor. The portion was generous, and I left completely satisfied.

I gave The Salt House 4 out of 5 stars because the gluten-free menu options were limited, but what they do offer for those with dietary restrictions delivers big, bold flavors that make it worth the visit. It was a lunch to remember, and if I ever find myself back in New Hope, the Salt House will absolutely be on my list again.

📍 Location:
Salt House
7 East Ferry Street, New Hope, PA 18938
📞 (267) 740-7908
📧 info@thesalthouse.com

Review: P.F. Chang’s – Christiana Mall, Newark, DE

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Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My daughter and I had a full day of errands and found ourselves near the Christiana Mall. Back when we lived in Tahoe, we had several favorite restaurants — one in particular made an amazing Gluten Free Pad Thai that became our go-to dish. Since moving to the East Coast, though, finding good gluten free Asian food has been a real challenge.

We tried a restaurant back in February that left us unimpressed — the Pad Thai was just “meh.” So the search continued… until now.

I recently discovered that P.F. Chang’s offers a dedicated gluten free menu, and to my surprise, Pad Thai was on it. That alone was enough to convince us to give it a try. From the moment we sat down, the staff was patient, kind, and knowledgeable about gluten free dining. They made sure to answer all of our questions and took great care of us throughout the meal.

The Pad Thai itself was absolutely delicious — perfectly balanced flavors and just the right texture. It was everything I’ve been searching for since leaving Tahoe. While I had originally hoped to find a small, local spot that could satisfy my craving, I’m perfectly happy knowing I can count on P.F. Chang’s whenever the craving strikes.

Menu Description:
A classic approach to rice noodles wok-tossed with egg, tofu, green onion, peanuts, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Protein options include Vegetable, Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, or Combo.

📍 Location:
P.F. Chang’s
331 Christiana Mall
Newark, DE 19702

🥖 My Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread (Short-Proof Version)

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After successfully bringing my gluten-free sourdough starter to life, I was beyond excited to finally bake a loaf of bread that actually worked — soft inside, golden crust outside, and completely gluten-free.

I based my recipe on Joanna Overly’s Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread but made a few changes to fit my ingredients and schedule. I used Namaste Foods Gluten Free Organic Perfect Flour Blend, filtered water, Celtic sea salt, and olive oil. And instead of an overnight proof, I proofed mine for just two hours — and it turned out beautifully!

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🌾 My Gluten-Free Sourdough Starter Journey

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This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me continue to share gluten-free recipes and tips!


When I lived in Lake Tahoe — at 6,250 feet elevation — baking gluten-free bread never turned out right. The altitude always seemed to fight against me. Every loaf came out dense, dry, or flat. After moving to Maryland, closer to sea level, I was excited to start dabbling in bread making again — this time hoping for better luck.

That’s when I discovered Captain Sourpants Gluten-Free Sourdough Starter — a 100-year-old dehydrated heirloom-style starter that you bring back to life using gluten-free brown rice flour and filtered water.

My first batch didn’t take off (I think my house was too cold due to the AC), but my second attempt came to life beautifully thanks to the Sourdough Starter Warmer with Glass Dome I ordered from Amazon. The mason jar I used was too tall for the dome, so I just used the warming base — and that extra warmth made all the difference.

For my setup, I used a mason jar with cheesecloth and tightened the ring around it. I didn’t use the jar lid, just the cheesecloth, so the starter could breathe while still staying protected from dust or bugs.

To stir my starter, I used the Skinny Spurtle, Teak Wooden Kitchen Utensil Set. It is so perfect for reaching the bottom of my large mason jar without scratching the glass. It’s become one of my favorite tools for mixing in general.

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Review: CAVA – Newark, Delaware

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Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Walking into CAVA instantly gave me a Chipotle vibe, but with a Mediterranean twist. The setup is similar, but the flavors are all their own. I decided to build my own Grain Bowl to keep things gluten-free and started with Saffron Basmati Rice as my base. From there, I added their Tzatziki and signature Crazy Feta® dips, chose the Grilled Steak for protein, and topped it off with Fiery Broccoli, Pickled Onions, and Cherry Tomatoes. A drizzle of Garlic Dressing tied everything together beautifully. The flavors were aromatic, fresh, and perfectly balanced.

Most of CAVA’s menu items are naturally gluten-free (with the exception of the pita bread and falafel), and they offer plenty of gluten-free sauces, dressings, and toppings to choose from. You can even check their website or ask a team member for their gluten-free list.

Overall, the food was absolutely delicious, and the experience was easy, fast, and flavorful. I’ll definitely be back to try one of their salads and probably the lamb next time.