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

An Easy Quiche Recipe For Entertaining or Everyday
January 28, 2026 · · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

It may sound fancy, but this easy quiche recipe is simple to make and is versatile enough to serve a few or a crowd.

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Italian Castagnole Recipe
August 19, 2025 · · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

Make this Italian castagnole recipe a “doughnut cousin”, deep-fried balls of dough enriched with eggs, sugar, and vanilla.

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Roasted Ranch Chicken Recipe
April 29, 2025 · · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

Ranch dressing mix is blended with seasonings, cheese, and bread crumbs. Then, chicken thighs are brushed with mayonnaise before dredging into the flavorful crumb mixture, producing chicken that’s golden, crisp, and moist.

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Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Wings
April 29, 2025 · · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

Make crispy baked ranch chicken wings for game day with a recipe for ranch-roasted potatoes, and don’t forget a homemade buttermilk ranch dressing mix for dipping.

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Old-Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe with Cinnamon and Ginger
April 8, 2025 · · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

Overripe bananas aren’t relegated to the trash but are essential ingredients in my old-fashioned banana bread recipe with cinnamon and ginger.

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Chai-Spiced Zucchini Bread with Black Walnuts
April 8, 2025 · · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

Try this newfangled, chai-spiced zucchini bread, an old-fashioned quick bread made new again.

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How to Cook Carnitas
March 14, 2025 · · Recipes

Learn how to cook carnitas in a slow cooker or pressure cooker to enjoy on pan cubano bread as a Cuban sandwich.

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Pan Cubano Recipe
March 14, 2025 · · Recipes

Make a pan cubano recipe for a beautiful amber-brown bread with a mild white breadlike flavor and a tender bite for the crust.

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Master Cinnamon Roll Recipe
February 23, 2024 · · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

Bake tasty traditional cinnamon rolls or add a citrusy twist with an orange glaze or pecans.

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Mix in Pan Chocolate Cake and Orange Cake with Twist
December 29, 2023 · · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

Orange olive oil cornmeal cake is moist and velvety while Mix-in-the-Pan chocolate cake is rich with sweet buttercream frosting.

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