Christmas is Over, Girls!

Okay girls.  Christmas is over, so now what do we do!

My girls had to go three days without seeing me and hearing my voice, and worse, they didn't get any treats (tortilla chips).  But they sure all came running today when I went down to give them some lovin' and treats.
They are the best hens ever, still giving me eggs when the temperature has been in the low twenties!  They know they are loved. 
If you live in the city and have rules, I feel sorry for you that you cannot have chickens,(especially hens).

They all have very distinct personalities going with a certain breed.
 I have one that feels she is so elite that she won't eat around the others and definitely won't be bothered with the excitement of seeing me or running for treats, even when I throw them out to her.

I have another one that comes over the fence every day to lay her egg in the woodshed, where we have a box for the cat with a blanket in it.  She parades back and forth in front of the entrance to make sure the coast is clear before she enters.  The whole process usually takes about an hour.  Sometimes I go out to check on her to make sure everything is going as planned, talking softly to her as to reassure her.  When she is done, she parades by the window in the kitchen, clucking radically, so I will come and open the gate for her to go back with the others. 
She expects me to do that for her, after all she gave me an egg! 

Life is so fun in the country!  



To Grandmother's House We Go

Over the river and through the woods---

To Grandmother's house we go;

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh

through the white and drifted snow

Over the river and through the woods---

Oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose

As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the woods---

And straight through the barnyard gate.

We seem to go extremely slow,

It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the woods---

Now Grandmother's cap I spy!

Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie! (lydia Maria Child,  1844)

Sleigh Ride Anyone?

How many of you have been on a sleigh ride in Austria?  I think it would be heavenly to experience something as to that nature especially at Christmas time.  The snow is beautiful and clean and deep.

I just imagine the swish of the runners gliding in the snow and the clopping of the horses.  The rest of the world has faded out of mind . 

There is no automobile exhaust,  no television,  no newscasting,  no cell phones.   Just soft, quiet, glistening , white snow and the steam of one's breath from the clarity of the icy cold.  Feeling the sting of the air that hits your lungs---how fresh it is. 

This is what a lot of our Christmas carols talks about, but we never stop to imagine what we are singing, and to enjoy the simplicity of the Christmas season. 

Since we are only a few days away, instead of the stress of buying and shopping in the mall, slow down and give some thoughts to the lucky ones who live the simplicity of the slow country pace, and to enjoy  what each one of us already has, friends and family. 

Then, go with your imagination to Austria!   

Artsy Wood Pile ll

I think I like this wood pile better than the one I had up yesterday.  Also it will stay dry, to a certain degree, being under the stairs.  You could say it resembles a window, or even possibly a barbecue or fire pit area.
Whatever it is, it is very beautiful to look at, however I don't believe I would want to spoil the whole effect by removing about seven pieces of wood!

I wonder what would motivate a person to do this creative masterpiece--possibly listening to opera music and singing along with every "heave ho"!  Possibly, a "Sousa" march to keep the timing going at a pace that seemed right. 

Whatever it takes to get the job done is right. 

Happy Stacking! 

Art in Stacking Wood

When you get bored with just stacking wood in a regular cord, be a little creative.  The job goes faster that way. 
Obviously this was done in the fall before the icicles formed.  There are all sorts of designs one could do if you just let your imagination soar.  I am sure it would be very forgiving if you made a mistake and changed the design as the stack grew. 
I just thought this would be an interesting project for those with a little time on their hands. 

Tomorrow I will show another artsy wood pile! 

Hang in there and" keep on keepin on".

Corn Chowder

This recipe for corn chowder is to die for.  My husband has raved about this to everyone he knows.
I was very surprised because when I made it I thought it was just another "corn chowder recipe".
Not on your life.   Here it is:

2 cups water
2 cups diced peeled potatoes
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk
1 can cream style corn
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
In a large saucepan, combine the first five ingredients; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Do not drain.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter.  Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually stir in milk.
Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Stir into the vegetable mixture.  Add corn and Parmesan cheese.  Cook 10 minutes longer or until heated through.   Yield:  7 servings

Raking Oak Leaves

We went to our mountain retreat this morning to rake oak leaves before the snow really started to fall.  We did pretty good, as we got two pick up trucks loaded and hauled away.  Once the oak leaves get wet, they are difficult to rake, because of the stickers on the points of the leaves and they stick to the ground.
This is why we try to get them raked up before they get wet.  We do have over two acres to rake so it is a good week's worth of work every year.

It is supposed to snow about six inches tonight and it feels like it will.  I like to have a little fire going outside in the fire pit to keep the hands warm.  Some hot cider would have really tasted good, but we didn't have that privilege today since we went on a last minute decision.  I sure will remember it the next time we go in the cold to rake.

We did have a lunch that I packed and that included persimmon cookies.  I packed a tin of them to give to two friends in the area.

The air is fresh and brisk and is so good to be in the cold and then go inside where it it warm. 
Tomorrow we will wake up to snow, we are told.

After the Christmas Program

Last evening we completed the third night of our country church Christmas program.  We all feel it was very successful by the crowds of people that came each night.  They enjoyed the pie and home made fudge.
We had hot apple cider outside for those who wanted to hear the brass quintet playing under the boughs of cedar and lights. 
The setting was so very festive, one could not help getting the spirit of Christmas. 
Those of us who were involved are just a little bit tired after having it three nights in succession.  But the whole community came out to take part and everyone did their share to make it wonderful. 

The brass quintet did songs like "Chestnuts Roasting in an Open Fire" and we did have a fire pit going, and they ended with "Have Yourself a Merry Merry Christmas".  

I hope you will have a good time with doing something fun, such as going caroling with a small group and stopping along the way for a cup of hot chocolate.  These are the things that make Christmas so special.

Christmas Hen House Fantasy

I have been very curious about the "Neiman Marcus"  chicken coop that sells for $100,000.  I wonder if they have actually sold any of these for Christmas giving for city Chicken Lovers.  If you are curious, like myself you can go to www.neimanmarcus.com.
Having your own chickens is becoming very popular with city dwellers, but I have heard, one must have a valid permit and you are limited to five chickens and no rooster,  in some cities. 
But, I am thinking if you have a Chicken House that meets all the criteria, and this "Neiman Marcus" house has everything,  why not have a flock of hens.  After all, if one can afford a fantasy house like this,  "bring them on". 

I am not a city dweller, so my chickens get a "country coop" and they are very happy.  They like to go free range and scratch for their food, of course, I throw out chicken scratch to them and they talk to each other and to me, letting me know how happy they are. 

www.neimanmarcus.com.

Cowboy Christmas

        

We have been rehearsing at least three times a week for our community church Christmas program which goes for three nights next week.  We already have "full house" reservations. 
It includes good old fashion sing a long music such as "White Christmas" and other popular songs.  The local cowboys will do some funny guitar numbers and pie will be served. 
They serve hot cider, coffee, or hot chocolate, and of course home made fudge.  People that do not attend church on a regular basis just come out to have a good time! 

Right now, the weather is being kind and no snow is predicted. 

This year we have relatives coming up to see what it is all about.  Events like this really puts one in the right spirit for Christmas.  We hope to have a jolly good time. 

Persimmon Cookie Recipe

I promised I would share with the world my "revered Persimmon cookie" recipe passed down through the ages.  It's nothing difficult or fancy.  Just plain old goodness! 

3/4 Cup of vegetable oil ( or 1 cup shortening).   I prefer oil.

1 Cup sugar

1 fresh egg

Mix the three of these together.

Add 1 Cup of persimmon pulp (almost mushy).  Then add 2 Cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda,

1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.  Stir together with egg mixture.  Add 1 Cup raisins.  Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 in oven for 10 minutes. 

This will give your house a wonderful holiday aroma, and you will have delicious cookies to boot! 

Men seem to really love these cookies.   (Just my experience).  

A Mountain Retreat in the Forest

 

 

This is our mountain retreat in the forest.   It is a lot of work to get it ready for winter.  We have to make sure all the water supply is drained and no water left in the pipes.  The same goes for the outside valves.  All the food has to be taken out of the refrigerator because the main electricity supply is turned off until we return.  We always have a dry supply of firewood in a shelter close to the backdoor, just in case we are there and get snowed in.  We keep fast and easy canned soups and things of that nature, again, for the same reasons. 

It is very cozy inside the cabin with a fire going and plenty of books to read.  We heat the water on the stove for clean up purposes.  When it is very stormy and the snow is deep, we cannot even get to the cabin.  The gravel road is not  visable. 

So, we have to wait until the snow pack melts before we venture in again.  I love the quietness of being there when there is snow.   It is really a summer cabin and we miss it when we have to “close up” for the winter. 

Christmas is Coming

 

Today  I got my pinecone garland up with a string of lights on top and it looks rather home made, but  I like the look of something that isn’t store bought.   In the country one can get away very easily with nice projects.

I also got the inside of my house decorated, (out with the fall colors and in with the Christmas hues). I also put our Christmas tree up and added one outside just in front of our picture window.  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! 

I baked more persimmon cookies today and I love the aroma of cloves and cinnamon.  When persimmons get ripe, one must use them in baking or just eating.  Some people like to let them get mushy ripe, then freeze them.  They eat them like frozen sherbet with a spoon.  I prefer my cookie recipe .   Tomorrow I will give you  my Persimmon Cookie Recipe.  On a cold wintery day it smells very good to come in from the cold and have the cookies baking.

So go get your house decorated and get ready to bake! 

Orange Glazed Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

 

This is a wonderful recipe for Orange Glazed Cranberry Pumpkin Bread!   It  makes two loaves.  If you are baking for Holiday gifts it really is one to get started on and put in your freezer now, so you will be ahead of the game.  Glaze it when you take it out of the freezer.

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour ,  1  2/3 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons baking soda and pumpkin pie spice,  3/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking POWDER,  1 can of whole berry cranberry sauce, 1 can 16oz. pumpkin, 3/4 cup chopped pecans,  2/3 cup vegetable oil,  and 4 fresh eggs. 

In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking powder.   In a second bowl stir together remaining ingredients until well mixed.  Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture and stir until all ingredients are well moistened.  Pour batter into two  9x5 greased loaf pans, and bake at 350 for 65 minutes or until  bread tests done with a wooden toothpick.  Completely cool bread and drizzle glaze over top and sides. 

Glaze:  In small bowl mix 1 cup of powdered sugar,  1/4 cup of orange juice concentrate, and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice until smooth.  Drizzle over cooled bread. 

Thanksgiving Dinner

Here we are!  It's almost time for that endulging day of Thanksgiving. 

Some like it hot and some like it cold.  Some like it fancy and some like it simple.  Whatever your taste is, we need to go back to our roots and remember why we have Thanksgiving.  Our forefathers were so very thankful to be alive and to finally set foot here, they hunted some dinner, and put all ot their resources together to make a substantial  meal, and before they endulged, they bowed their heads and gave thanks to God for leading them and providing food for them. 

The necessities of life.  We sometimes get mixed up in our thoughts about our desires and our needs.  It is easy to do when we are so busy driving here and there,  going shopping to get the "appropriate attire" for some event we are obliged to attend, and just being overextended. 

Sometimes, we need to go to the country to slow down, and look beyond ourselves.  Reflect on how things used to be and just bask in the thoughts that somehow, throughout the years people and families flourished.

I am so very thankful that I live in the country after so many years of working in the city.  It is nourishing to the soul.

Everyday is Christmas,  It is what you make it to be.  Be Thankful.

The First Snow

 

We woke up to our first snow of the season and luckily it was on a weekend.  All was softly quiet and very white.   After checking outside to see if our cabbage and peas were still intact,  we had to go see how our flock of chickens were handling the situation.  They did not venture out until later in the day.

Our cabbage and peas did just fine.  So after brushing off the snow, I came in the kitchen and started the coffee.  I found some maple flavored bacon to fry, and whipped up some fresh laid organic eggs to scramble.   We got our plates and took them in beside our fireplace to enjoy the scenery and home cooked breakfast, (in our pajamas).   It doesn’t  get any better than this. 

Oh yes, I had jars of home made applesauce from the busy week.   It was really quite nostalgic to be able to enjoy the moments. 

I have to say, “Everyday  is Christmas”.

Time for Cabbage Soup

I looked out in my garden yesterday only to find some big, beautiful cabbage almost ready for cutting.  They tell me "Savoy Cabbage is the mildest and sweetest one can grow. 

I can't wait to make cabbage soup.  I ran across this recipe that sounds healthy and delicious.  It has only two Weight Watchers points for the whole pot. 

1/2 head of green cabbage, sliced
3 small zucchini.diced
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
salt to taste
12 ounces of V-8 vegetable juice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can French Onion soup undiluted
2 cups chopped spinach or chard
1/2 cup finely sliced carrots
dash of Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients; cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.  This makes 6-8 servings.  If you don't have a crock pot I am sure this would work in a Dutch Oven on the stove top.

You Are On My Mind

Hello again everyone,

Today I am thinking of all the people who reside in the Eastern coast area and New York who have or are going through a very tragic misfortune of the "Storm".

 Having been through a very powerful earthquake which brought most of our city down, and being without water or electricity for a week, I can relate somewhat.  My prayers go out for you.  I know it is difficult to even say a prayer right now, but God will sustain you and give you peace if you reach out to him.  God knows our every hurt and what we need to get through the next fifteen minutes.  Recognize your need , and call out to him.  He is there. 

I remember feeling cut off from the rest of the world and wondered if "the rest of the world" even knew of our tragedy. 

In your respect, we do know, and send up prayers in your behalf.  God gives all of you the strength to get through each day.  Never give up!

Spotted Skunks

  Yesterday as I went outside through our back door I noticed a faint murmuring sound in our hot water closet.  I didn't pay too much attention to it and just thought it was the hot water heater making weird noises.  After I was out for awhile I came back to the door and kept hearing the same sound.  I stood and waited.  This was getting a little unnerving to me. 

I called my husband out to see if he heard what I heard, and sure enough, he did.  He pulled up a patio chair and sat down to wait it out.  Well, what we both saw next was really crazy.  Every few seconds we saw through the bottom crack of the door, a furry tail moving back and forth!  We were paralyzed with what to do next.  I suggested for him to call a friend that may know what to do. 

The friend was there in fifteen minutes.  All three of us were sitting there analyzing the situation.  The friend said to quickly open the door and jump back (about 15 feet).  I freaked out and went in the house and waited for something to happen.  When I looked out the window, the two of them were right next to the open door seriously looking down.  The friend motioned for me to come out, and low and behold, there were two spotted skunks all wrapped up together.  We couldn't even tell if there were babies they were so entwined. 

They got the garden hose and tried to wash them out.  No luck.  Then they tried the leaf blower to no avail.
Then they waited, and one of the little critters came walking out with his tail up, and we all moved.  The other one was still in the insulation that wraps the water heater.  They sprayed some garden spray and removed all the insulation.  I never saw the second one leave, but they reassured me he did. 

I feel uneasy about my hens because spotted skunks are in the weasel family and will get my chickens.  I am on "Red Alert" for spotted skunks. 

If you have any experience with these cute and smelly critters they are out this time of year and do Watch Out.  They do spray and suck the blood of chickens! 

My Scottish Fold

 

Everyone that sees our kitty thinks something is wrong with her ears!  She is a very rare cat that was bred in Scotland for the purpose of catching mice and other critters in the barn.  She is very sweet and has her own space outside our door.  She prefers “live catch” over the finest cat food one can buy. 

Some friends gave her to us because they were planning to travel and thought she would be happier at our home.  She is a delight to watch with the chickens.  Our chickens are bigger than she is and they all behave themselves. 

Now that the weather has cooled down, she is more actively engaged in hunting her own prey again.

I would like to hear from any of you readers out there if you know of one of these, or have seen one.

After becoming aware of this breed, you may keep your eyes open in case you happen to locate one.

Be back tomorrow with a “skunk story” 

Good Girls

Hi everyone!  I had to make a trip to town today to get chicken feed and pine shavings for my hens.  This takes me most of the day because I try to do other errands while I am there.  The landscaping on the trip down is so pretty this time of year.  My hens miss me when they don't see me all day, as I go to the coop and talk to them, telling them what "good little girls" they are.  I know, some people think this is "sick" but they obviously don't have any place in their heart for any animals or birds.   However, they really like to come by and get eggs!  

I have made an observation. The days that I hold a few hens and talk sweetly to them, the eggs are bigger the next day.  They really like attention.  They also look up into my face and make sweet sounds.

Certain breeds are much more docile than others which I learned by handling them.  So much for my hens.

When one lives in the country it is really a good thing to have chickens, because so many people come by just to visit and to see the chickens and ask lots of questions.  It is an excellent way to meet new friends.

Glazed Apple Bread Recipe

 Here we are in the middle of fall and the maples are turning color and the air is brisk with apples and pumpkins.  I am giving out my favorite old standby apple bread recipe.  It is good in the morning or evening.
  
                                                                           Glazed Apple Bread

1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup raisins
2 large apples finely chopped
1/2 cup walnuts chopped

Glaze;

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons melted butter

Combine oil , sugar, and vanilla.  Cream until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and beat well.  Sift together flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.  Add milk, raisins, and apples and nuts, and dry ingredients to mixture and stir only until flour is dampened.  Bake in well greased loaf pan 9x5 at 350 for 60 minutes.  Cool, remove from pan.  Combine glaze ingredients; mix well and pour over loaf.  Let glaze set before wrapping loaf tightly. 
This is so easy, you can make one for now and one to put in the freezer.  It is nice to have if company drops by for a visit. 

herb garden

I

I found this beautiful way to have a herb garden all year around right in your kitchen, and the aroma will be so fresh and wonderful.  This is easy and practical. 

So go to it readers!   Enjoy!  

A Small World

Last night we were invited to some friends house on a large creek and the sound of the creek was so refreshing and relaxing that it seemed to put one in a different world, at least for a little while.  Dinner was prepared by some friends who were house guests from a mountainous region in Mexico.  The man and his wife are Bible translators for the people that live in the area .  Originally they are from New Zealand.  The dinner was the best chili rellanos and beans and home made salsa we had ever tasted.  There was a special cake like dessert which I couldn't  even attempt to describe! 

We learned a lot about the region and the people, their culture and life.  The men who are working in the

mountains carry on conversations by whistling some tones back and forth to each other.  They seem to be heard for quite a distance.  The elevation where these people are is about 7000 feet.  But it is considered to be a rain forest. 

It was a very enjoyable evening for everyone.  It is indeed a small world.

Bed Bugs and Unfinished Tasks

 

Here we are together again discussing some strange household hints from my old brown cook book from the eighteen hundreds. I find these so interesting that I wanted to talk about them one more day.  If you want to try these, do so at your own risk. I'd love to know if it did the job or if it ruined something.

• To soften boots or shoes:  Kerosene will soften boots or shoes hardened by water, and render them pliable as new. It will also make the tea kettle as bright as new. Saturate a woolen rag and rub with it. It will also remove stains from varnished  furniture.
•  Cure for Hiccough: Sit erect and inflate the lungs fully. Then retaining the breath, bend forward slowly until the chest meets the knees. After slowly rising again to erect position, slowly exhale the breath.  Repeat this process a second time, and the nerves will be found to have received an excess of energy that will enable them to perform their natural functions.
• Lamp wicks: To prevent them from smoking, soak them in vinegar, and dry them thoroughly.
• Bed bugs: To get rid of bed bugs rub varnish all over a wooden bedstead, slats and all. Make sure to get into the crevices and cracks. This will also make your bed look nice.
• Noisy bedstead: To prevent creaking of bedsteads with each movement of a sleeper, remove the slats and wrap the ends of each with old newspapers.

I think this covers the important stuff and hopefully entertained some of you in the blogosphere as well. In my next post we'll move on to something new. In the mean time, Happy Reading!

Household Hints

Today we are looking at old cleaning tips from the 1800's.  Some of these are sort of useful today if one could find the ingredients!  The first one is for cleansing sinks.: To purify greasy sinks and pipes, pour down a pailful of boiling water in which three or four pounds of washing soda have been dissolved.  A disinfectant is prepared in the same way, using copperas.  Copperas is a poison and should not be left about.

To preserve brooms:  Dip them for a minute or two in a kettle of boiling suds once a week and they will last much longer, making them tough and pliable.  A carpet wears much longer swept with a broom cared for in this manner.

To prevent mold:  A small quantity of carbolic acid added to paste, mucilage, and ink, will prevent mold.  An ounce of  the acid to a gallon of white-wash will keep cellers and dairies from the disagreeable odor which often taints milk and meat in such places. 

To ventilate a room:  Place a pitcher of cold water on a table in your room and it will absorb all the gases

with which the room is filled from the respiration of those eating or sleeping in the room.  Very few realize how important such purification is for the health of the family, or indeed, understand or realize that there can be any impurity in the rooms.  The water will be entirely unfit for use. 

If you find these things interesting I will inject a few more in my next post.

Have a good weekend!

Remedies From 1800's

REMEDIES IN THE 1800'S 

I found so many funny and ridiculous things going through my "old brown cookbook" that I have had a difficult time deciding what to write about.  So I hoped that I chose something that would capture your interest. 

For bad breath:  Bad breath from catarrh, foul stomach, or bad teeth, may be temporarily relieved by diluting a little bromo chloralum with eight or ten parts of water, and using it as a gargle, and swallowing a few drops before going out.  A pint of bromo chloralum costs 50 cents, but a small vial will last a long time. 

Pearl tooth powder:  Prepared chalk, half a pound, Powdered myrrh, two ounces, camphor, two drachms, orris root, powdered, two ounces;  moisten the camphor with alcohol and mix well together. 

Sore throat-aching limbs-hurting chest:  Best oil of Lucca; gum camphor.  Pound some gum camphor and fill  a wide mouth pint bottle one third full; fill up with olive oil, and set away until the camphor is absorbed.  Excellent lotion for sore chest, sore throat, and anything that aches. 

Grandmother's cough syrup---Take a half pound of dry hoarhound herbs, one pod of red pepper, four tablespoons of ginger, boil all in three quarts of water, then strain; and add one teaspoonful of good fresh tar and a pound of sugar.  Boil slowly and stir often, until it is reduced to one quart of syrup.  When cool, bottle for use.  Take one or two teaspoonfuls four or six times a day. 

Tomorrow I will have some old "household hints" out of the "old brown book".

How far we have come is amazing!

Old Recipes

Yesterday I promised I would have a couple of recipes out of the "old brown cookbook", so I have chosen a couple that I thought were strange.  The first one is for ROASTED WOODCOCK.

Skin the head and neck of the bird, pluck the feathers, and truss it by bringing the beak of the bird under the wing, and fastening the pinion to the thigh;  twist the legs at the knuckles and press the feet upon the thigh.  Put a piece bread under each bird to catch the drippings, baste with butter, dredge with flour, and roast 15 or 20 minutes with a sharp fire.  When done, cut the bread in diamond shape, each piece large enough to stand one bird upon, place them aslant on your dish and serve with gravy enough to moisten the bread; serve some in the dish and some in the tureen; garnish with slices of lemon.  Roast from twenty to twenty-five minutes. 

Snipe can be served in the same manner, but they require less time to roast.

APPLE PUFF PUDDING

Put half a pound of flour into a basin, sprinkle in a little salt,  stir in gradually a pint of milk; when quite smooth add three eggs; butter a pie dish, pour in the batter; take 3/4 pound of apples, seed and cut in slices, and put it in the batter; place bits of butter over the top; bake three quarters of an hour; when done, sprinkle sugar over the top and serve hot.

Tomorrow, I am going to give some health remedies that were used back then.  Remember, these were in the 1800's era.   If any of you are brave enough to catch or find these wild birds to roast, let me know.

The Old Brown Cookbook

The big old brown cookbook has been in the family for six generations.  I remember my Mother going to where she kept it and looking something up, whether it was a recipe or a "folklore remedy" for some ailment..

When my Father passed away the grown children got the honors to go and empty out the house of anything that meant something to them, or certain pieces of furniture they would want.  Thank God that I remembered the old brown cookbook.  It took me some time to find it, but I did.

The book has household hints, how to get moths out of carpets or how to wash flannels, (I believe they are talking about underwear).  Since this book goes back to the 1800"s, there are things mentioned that I really don't know what they are talking about.  Also remedies for a sore throat, how to remove freckles, or how to dye ones eyebrows.  If one has varmits it tells what to do to get rid of the pests.

Tomorrow I am going to share with you some recipes out of the book.  The next day, some remedies.So hold on to your hat because some of them are really strange. 

The book belonged to my Mother's family generations ago. 

Easy and Elegant Apples

I have picked too many apples.  The old saying that "the eyes are bigger than the stomach" is quite true in my case.  I am going to be making applesauce, spiced apple rings for our Christmas dinner, and I am going to leave enough out to have a lot of baked apples.  And of course I have my favorite way of doing this.

First I preheat the oven to 350.  Core the apples but not all the way to the bottom.  Then peel them only halfway down from the top.  Place in a baking dish.  In a small bowl, stir together the orange zest, 6 tablespoons chopped raisins, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Divide the mixture evenly for 6 apples, pushing it down into the cavities.  In a small saucepan combine 1/4 cup honey, and 1/2 cup of orange juice or apple cider.Heat just until the honey dissolves.  Pour the honey mixture evenly over the apples and bake, basting often with the juices, until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork,  just about 45 minutes. 

To serve, let cool to room temperature.  Serve with a dollop of cream or vanilla yogurt. 

Nevertheless, if you have found yourself in the same predicament as myself, remember to save a good number of apples just for baking.  These are easy and elegant. 

Apple Picking Day

I awoke this morning more excited than usual because I knew we were going apple picking after all the chores were completed.
I got my 1/2 bushel boxes ready and threw them in the truck, also some heavy duty clippers , just in case I ran across a stubborn apple that wouldn't release.  Off we went to the beautiful apple country. 

The apples were at a level where I could easily attack them and sample a few.  Tart apples are the very best for cooking and pie making.  I was already tingling in my mouth as the anticipation took over my whole body.  The apples are organic so they have a few worm holes here and there but I just cut around them and keep cutting and peeling.  It looks like they are Rome apples and a cross between a golden delicious.  Never the less, they will certainly be enjoyed. 

It was a clear fall day with the colors of Autumn and the aroma of apples.  On the way home our vehicle took on the smell of apple cider. 

A perfect ending to a perfect day!

My Favorite Pie Recipe

Today was kind of a sad day for me because we cut our huge bright orange pumpkins off the vines that God had placed right out my kitchen window so I could sit there and see the beautiful color every morning. But now I can put them (providing I can lift one) anywhere I want to enjoy them. Later on, when I am moving from the fall season into the Christmas season I will start to use my pumpkins in pies and breads.

My favorite pie recipe is called my "spiced pumpkin pie".  Just make or purchase a 9-10 inch pie shell and bake for 15 minutes at 350 until browned.  Remove from oven and let cool.  In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar, 1and 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1tsp. ground ginger, 1/2tsp  ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. ground cloves, 3 eggs beaten, and 3/4 cup of half and half  until well mixed.

Pour into the prebaked  pie shell and bake about 55-60 minutes.  Serve with heavy whipping cream whipped with 1/2 tsp. of vanilla. 

Changes in the garden bring sweet happiness.

Looking Out a Different Window

In our small community there happens to be one of the oldest adobe houses in the State.  It was before the gold rush era.  One wonders how a structure such as that has withstood the severe winters that can happen here.  It is only one room but has definitely met a need  to someone in the early days .  I look at that window and wonder who has looked out of the window, and at that time the landscape was totally different, so I wonder what they saw!  

It is wonderful that it has been preserved all these years.  When I think of how people lived back then I just become so thankful for the simple things I have each day. 

We can all be thankful for everything we have.  Somewhere, sometime, there was a beginning.

My Favorite Breakfast

A tasty breakfast is fuel for the body to start the day with.











Everyone knows how much I like the early mornings. I love to sit at my window in the kitchen with my fresh cup of coffee. My favorite breakfast to make for guests is baked eggs, bacon on the side, huckleberry coffeecake, my canned pears, and coffee in abundance. When I have my sister and brother in law up for breakfast this is what I like to do.  Of course the table has to be set special  with the fall colors. This is fun for me and special for them. 

After breakfast we take a walk out in the garden to see what is still growing. We have a new crop of winter heirloom peas about 6 inches tall and also purple and green savoy cabbage. The pumpkins have been cut and the largest one is close to 75 lbs.  The colors are so vibrant. 

My sister is afraid of my 25 hens, (they all come running to us when they hear my voice).  It is a little alarming if you are not expecting this. Of course, I love it and talk right to them.  So goes the day.

We have a very relaxing slow day just catching up on the latest family news.

I would like to know what your favorite thing is this time of the year.

Sunday Dinner

When I was a young girl I was always treated to a home cooked Sunday dinner at about 1:00 in the afternoon.  My mother would arise early in the morning and peel a large pot of potatoes and cover them with water.  Put a lid on top and let them sit ready to cook when we got home from church.  The chicken would be ready to fry on top the stove and an apple pie would have been made on Saturday.  Sometimes we would have peas with the mashed potatoes.  I really liked the chicken gravy she would make for the mashed potatoes and sometimes we would put the peas on top  We always had home made dill pickles on the side. 

I grew up in a family of seven and in today's world we would have been considered in the "lower middle class' but I felt very fortunate to always have a new homespun dress to wear if there was a special occasion.

After having a large Sunday dinner we wouldn't be very hungry in the evening, so we would have another treat--a bowl of steamed white rice with milk and sugar. 

Television was not yet available so in the evening we would have an Aunt & Uncle over and play cards until the wee hours (10:00 p.m.) That was late for me. 

I feel very fortunate to have such rich memories of my childhood.

Fresh Eggs for Sale

Eggs

Eggs, in every shape, color and variety,

are a favorite for anytime of the year. 








I find it a great pleasure to hear my hens let me know whenever they lay an egg.  They are so proud, only an hour later, it is gone, because I go out and whisk it away.  They can't quite figure out what happened.  That's when I assure them they have been good girls and everything is okay. 

We hear a lot about eggs these days and how many we can safely eat.  According to "BACKYARD POULTRY MAGAZINE"www.backyardpoultrymag.com  eggs are among the highest-quality protein found in food, second only to mother's milk.  Egg protein is complete, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids. One large egg contains approximately the same amount of protein as an ounce of lean meat, poultry, fish, or legumes.  Eggs laid by hens that have access to pasture or other greens, contain less cholesterol and saturated fat, more vitamin A, D, and E and more beta carotene, folic acid, and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids than factory farm produced eggs laid by caged hens. 

So what are you waiting for?
www.backyardpoultrymag.com

Ready for a Warm Fire

Yesterday I was observing through my window in the kitchen all of the squirrels that were very busy gathering and storing up their "stash" for the winter.  It made me realize that we are very much the same with our vegetable garden. As the produce comes to be, it seems to come all at once, and we are using, freezing, or canning everything we possibly can.  We even go up to the higher altitudes to pick fresh huckleberries to store or make jelly. 

These are really nice essentials to have in the pantry in the midst of a winter storm or if you happen to have house guests who are stuck because of inclement weather.  The best part about it is it makes you feel warm and cozy that you have the menu all ready for times such as this. 

We have been gathering firewood and splitting piles of wood all summer, kind of like the squirrels.  It must be a natural instinct of survival skills. 

An Artful Masterpiece

I was looking out my kitchen window this morning at an artful masterpiece.  The sun was creeping over the top of the huge oak tree that would provide three tree houses.  Every morning the sun changes about every fifteen minutes.  There was a family of coyotes down in the front pasture howling as they were trying to catch their prey.  This time of the year there are squirrels everywhere one looks, and they are very busy storing up for when the weather changes.  (Maybe we should learn something here about planning ahead).

I don't know about you but as I get on with my day (this time of year) I have to listen to opera music, such as "Carmen" to get me in the mood for getting all of my inside work done.  All the sooner I can get out to my garden to see what has changed overnight. 

I am sure you have a window that you can look out and see your own masterpiece, not necessarily a kitchen window. 

Have a wonderful day no matter where you are!

Cow Country

I was having my morning coffee and enjoying the crisp feel from looking outside to my garden and noticed the gate to our driveway had been closed and locked.  If you live in "cow country",  that means cows will be driven up the highway and the ranchers come along to every gate to make sure the cows don't take a detour up a neighbors driveway.  It is quite fun to watch the dogs help control the mass and mooing cows.This happens in the spring and the fall.  The cows are driven down the mountain in the fall, and late spring they are taken back up to greener pastures.

If you have never experienced this it is quite exhilarating.  It makes me glad to live in the midst of this fresh world beyond the city. 

Fall is coming----this I know.

Pumpkin Soup from the Garden

For man, autumn is a time of harvest,

of gathering together.

For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering

abroad.

_______Edwin Way Teale  

Today, I just couldn't resist a recipe that savors the very best that autumn has to offer from the garden.

For all of your homegrown pumpkins and onions here is a winner to say the least. 

PUMPKIN SOUP RECIPE

1 lb. of cooked pumpkin, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temp., 2 slices bacon finely chopped, 1 large

yellow onion chopped, 6 cups chicken stock.  After cooking add 1/4 cup heavy cream, pinch of nutmeg,
and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice.  Reheat if necessary.

TOASTED WALNUT BUTTER

3 tablespoons walnuts, 2 tsp. walnut oil, large pinch of sugar, salt and pepper, 2 tbsp. unsalted butter.

In a soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add bacon and onion and saute until the onion is soft.

Raise the heat to high, add the pumpkin and stock and bring to a gentle boil.  Reduce heat and simmer

uncovered about 30 min.  Meanwhile, put walnuts and oil and sugar on baking sheet.  Toast until golden.

Remove pumpkin from heat and cool.  Puree in blender until smooth.  Add cream, nutmeg, and juice to

pumpkin soup.  Heat again. Garnish with the toasted walnut butter and flat leaf parsley. 

Voila!

A very autumn day

Hi everyone,

It was a very autumn day that brings out the desire to be outside and do clean up work in the

garden.  The peppers are going crazy this time of year while the zucchini is calling it a end of

the summer for produce.  Tomatoes are bursting with color, ready to be picked. 

If you haven't had the experience of growing a vegetable garden, I really encourage you to

try it!  There is nothing so rewarding as to walk outside and see your rewards. 

Pumpkins are so beautiful but they do take a lot of space.  I am drying the seeds from

the five sunflowers that we had and I am amazed at the amount of seeds that are in one sunflower.

It is so fun to experiment and to be a little successful at new things. 

So be adventurous and step out to a whole new world of growing your own vegetables.

It's fun!

Slow Cook Garden Soup

Slow Cook Garden Soup


1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 C Chopped Green bell pepper
1 C chopped onion
1/2 C sliced celery


Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add pepper, onion and celery. Cook and stir until onions are translucent. ( Your kitchen will smell so good) Transfer to slow cooker.

                                                        1 can (141/2 ounces) Tomatoes diced with basil, garlic,
                                                            and oregano             
                                                        1 can (151/2 ounces) Navy beans drained and rinsed
                                                        1 med. Zucchini, chopped
                                                        1 C frozen cut green beans, thawed
                                                        2 can chicken broth ( 14ounces each)
                                                        1/4 tsp. Garlic powder

Add Tomatoes with juice, navy beans, zucchini, green beans, broth and garlic powder.  Cover, cook on low 7 hours or on high for 31/2 hours.

                                                        1 pkg. refrigerated  fully cooked sausage or cheese filled tortellini
                                                        3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
                                                        Grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese

Turn slow cooker to high, add tortellini or Sausage and cook 20-25 min. until pasta is tender. Stir in basil. Garnish with cheese.

For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Enjoy the harvest time.
    

Best Time of Year

This is the best time of the year.  Fall is in the air, the garden is changing colors, and your kitchen is reaping the bounty of the harvest. Corn in the freezer, grated zucchini and huckleberries fill the empty crevices. The pantry is stocked with canned pears, jams, and pickles. Basil is dried on the stems and put into containers on the spice shelf. Mint is dried the same way and labeled on the jar for winter tea time or for zest in meat dishes.   

Basil:  Sweet warm flavor with an aromatic scent. Use whole or ground. Good with lamb, fish, roasts, stews, vegetables, dressings, and omelets.