Homekeeping Heart

All Who Are Hungry, Come And Eat!

2009-04-08T17:28:00.000-05:00

There is always room at the Lord's table.

Deliverance. Redemption. Sanctification. Remembrance.

Blessings for a Beautiful Passover!

Get The Leaven Out

2009-04-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

I've been doing some heavy duty spring cleaning over the past couple of weeks. I've been getting things ready for Passover. One of the preparations prior to celebrating Passover is to rid the home of any and all leaven. This means making sure leavening products, such as, yeast, baking soda, baking powder and anything made with them are removed from the home. The Jewish people, who have been diligent to keep the feasts of the Lord throughout the centuries, make sure every crumb that may have fallen behind furniture or appliances is removed. This results in some extreme housecleaning.

According to the Holy Scriptures, leaven is symbolic of sin. It's been an interesting object lesson for me. I've learned that getting rid of sin is hard work, when you've neglected it for long periods of time. Therefore, the process would be alot easier if I would deal with "getting the leaven out" on a daily basis.

Let me just say that as a believer of Jesus Messiah, I believe that the Blood that He shed on the cross is powerful enough to clean me of my sin. However, I have a responsibility to repent and ask for forgiveness. The process of preparing my home for Passover is simply a beautiful picture of how Messiah Jesus has delivered me out of the slavery of sin and of my diligence to have it removed.

Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Messiah, our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
~1 Corinthians 5:7-8

A Good Day for Spring Cleaning

2009-03-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

The first day of spring prompted a cleaning frenzy!

I've been busy washing curtains and cleaning windows. It has been an absolutely lovely day today. I've enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine and the satisfaction of accomplishing some things that have desperately needed to be done.

I hope your day was beautiful and productive, too!

House and Senate Fast-Track Bills to Ban Organic Farming

2009-03-13T12:56:00.000-05:00

The information below is from an e-mail I just received. We need to contact our congress representatives and express our opinion on this issue.

House H.R. 875
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-875

Senate S 425
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-425

The main backer and lobbyist is (guess who?) Monsanto!

The Bills will require organic farms to use specific fertilizers and poisonous sprays. All farms and growers will be instructed and regulated by the newly formed agency to 'make sure there is no danger to the general public and the appending food supply.' The attempt is to 'standardize' the agricultural industry.

At first this may appear as if it is only directed at commercial farms but don't be fooled. This WILL include backyard gardens that grow food for consumption by a single family and not intended for resale. Most prior Bills that started off with such intent are later expanded in their scope and become more restricted in nature.

If this passes then NO more heirloom clean seeds but only Monsanto genetically-altered seeds that are now showing up with unexpected diseases in humans.

The name on this evil food plan is the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (Really makes it sound like the feds are trying protect us!)

Criminalize Organic Farming? video (Read the text under the video as well.)

Let me be crystal clear here. This has NOTHING to do with food safety. This is only about TOTAL CONTROL by the federal government in our lives.

Hello Out There

2009-03-07T13:39:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all, I'm still inhabiting planet earth!

A Good Find

2009-01-29T13:45:00.000-06:00

I found this vintage printer's drawer at a local junk shop in town. The price tag was marked $15 but the vendor had a sign posted on his/her booth for 50% off everything unless marked firm. It was not marked firm, so I got this find for only $7.50.

I've been working on turning my daughters old bedroom into my craft room. This will be perfect for storing small things that crafter's find necessary to have. My husband's trade is cabinetry and trim carpentry and he is going to install some drawer guides on it to install under my work table.

I am very pleased to have found this item.

A Pleasant Surprise

2009-01-28T17:35:00.001-06:00

Today after returning home from running a few errands in town, I was surprised to find a package sitting on my sideboard addressed to me.

A Gooseberry Patch book and a sweet little note from my dear sister wishing me a wonderful birthday.

Here's a little peek at a couple of pages in the book.

The drawings are so adorable, don't you think! On the cover it says, "For Bees and Me - A Bouquet of Garden-Fresh Recipes, Memories, Hints, Simple Pleasures, Herbal Beauty Potions, Backyard Entertainment and Easy to Make Gifts!"

Thank you, Darla, I will enjoy reading through this wonderful book.

It's My Birthday, I Can Do What I Want

2009-01-27T13:58:00.001-06:00

If I want bright pink frosting on my cupcakes, I'll have bright pink frosting on my cupcakes! It's my birthday, I can have what I want, especially if I'm making it myself.

Jeff made fun of my pink frosted cupcakes, but he sure didn't mind eating several!

I repeated the quiche that I made for Lindsey's birthday because that's what I wanted for mine. I wanted Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, so that's what I made. I wanted Pink Champagne so that's what I had.

I turned 44 yesterday! I did just what I wanted for my birthday!

The Remains Of The Day

2009-01-19T22:35:00.004-06:00

This is all that's left of a wonderful tea party spent with my daughter and our friend Linda, to celebrate Lindsey's 21st birthday.

The remains of this day has left me feeling happy. My chicken turned 21 today and she was gracious enough to spend the afternoon with me and Linda, a dear friend and relative.

We enjoyed several slices of quiche each and many, many cherry tarts, each.

A gift of a poem was written and read by Linda that made us all laugh. Lots of little presents were opened...

and handmade truffles were shared.

Living a Beautiful Life with The Inspired Room!

Eggs

2009-01-03T10:56:00.004-06:00

Look, look what my chickens did! Aren't they beautiful?!

Handmade Cookies

2008-12-19T21:31:00.005-06:00

This is my handmade "holiday" gift for my friends. Lindsey and I got together this past Wednesday afternoon and made several batches of cookie dough. I baked them off today to bring fresh cookies to friends. Lindsey baked hers yesterday to bring on her trip to Pine Mountain, Georgia to visit Robert's family.

We made Chocolate Chip Cookies, Jam Thumbprints, Russian Tea Cakes and Soft Ginger Cookies. The very nice and sturdy pasteboard box was less than a dollar at Wal-Mart and held just enough cookies without going overboard.

Happy Hanukkah! and a Joyous Christmas to you all, whichever you celebrate!

Funkville

2008-12-18T19:50:00.004-06:00

No, I haven't fallen off the planet. I've been in a funk lately. I promise to get back at it soon!

I hope all is well with everyone out there and that your holidays are wonderful.

Nature Girl and A Caterpillar

2008-11-05T09:42:00.003-06:00

I love it when Lindsey and I take walks on our place. I've always called her my "nature girl" because of her incredible interest and fascination with all things nature: animals, bugs, rocks, leaves, flowers and even scat.

Yesterday, after we voted together, we spent the afternoon just doing Mamma/Daughter things. We perused some cookie magazines because we plan to get together on Thursday to make a few batches of cookies. We talked and we took a walk along an old logging road that runs through our property.

We saw this beautiful black and white striped caterpillar. As always has been the habit of my "nature girl," she had to do a little research to find out what kind of critter this was. She spent a couple of hours on-line trying to find an identity but to no avail. Her best guess was that it is possibly a catalpa caterpillar but there are a couple of distinctive differences that cause us to think not. We finally decided we would submit the photo to whatsthatbug.com in hopes they will be able to identify it.

If anyone out there has a clue, please tell us!

************************
Update:

Lindsey is a pit bull when it comes to finding out what she wants. The chicken went to her college library after class and looked through several books to find out that this rare and elusive caterpillar (not really) is called a turbulent phosphila which morphs into a rather common looking moth.

Betcha Can't Eat Just Some

2008-10-31T15:42:00.002-05:00

This stuff is so addictive, there's no way you would even want to consider trying to eat just some. Caramel Corn is crunchy, sweet and oh so yummy. If you haven't made this before, you absolutely should and I'm posting the recipe for you. It's snack time y'all and your gonna wanna eat bunches!

Caramel Corn

12 to 14 cups popped popcorn (about 3/4 c. unpopped)
1 stick butter (8 Tb.)
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 cookie sheets sprayed with cooking spray.

Preheat oven to 200°F. Pop popcorn in a large pot!

Combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add baking soda. Stir until foamy. Pour over popped corn and mix well. Spread on cookie sheets. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Place on waxed paper and carefully separate pieces with your hands while it's still warm.

Cool and store in airtight containers. Plastic zip bags work well!

When The Frost Is On The Punkin'

2008-10-30T09:54:00.002-05:00

I am taking a cue from Meadowlark and Robin today. I'd like to share a poem that I think is so much fun to read out loud. Sometimes poetry can be high and lofty or melancholy and sad. I suppose poetry is meant to touch on certain emotions according to what the writer wants to convey. This piece speaks of all things country and of the satisfaction that comes with living the country way. It reminds me of how alot of my blogger friends live their lives with or without a farm per se. Lacey of Razor Family Farms comes to mind as well as Meadowlark of Just Wandering Through and Robin from The Blog at Stokesbury. There is Carolyn from the Barber Bunch who always has good ideas on saving money and stretching a dollar. Mac from Texas Machinist is sure to enjoy it as well. My sister Darla, also knows how to live simply and the essence of this poem relates to her as well.

Be sure to read it out loud y'all! It may take a couple of times to get the flow going but once you do... it's so much fun... really it is! I read it to Jeff last night, I'm not sure he enjoyed it as much as I did but at least it brought a bit of happiness to my soul anyway.

When The Frost Is On the Punkin

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,

And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,

And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,

And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;

O, it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his best,

With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,

As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere

When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here --

Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,

And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;

But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze

Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days

Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock --

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,

And the raspin' of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;

The stubble in the furries -- kindo' lonesome-like, but still

A-preachin' sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;

The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;

The hosses in theyr stalls below -- the clover over-head! --

O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps

Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;

And your cider-makin' 's over, and your wimmern-folks is through

With their mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and saussage, too! ...

I don't know how to tell it -- but ef sich a thing could be

As the Angels wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me --

I'd want to 'commodate 'em -- all the whole-indurin' flock --

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!

James Whitcomb Riley

Strange Behavior

2008-10-23T17:40:00.003-05:00

Strange behavior happens each and every year when the weather makes it's transformation from summer to fall here in southern Arkansas. Camo clad men in pick up trucks pulling trailers loaded with the makings of high-rise platforms and small woodland gardens, wildlife fodder and a no-holds barred way of getting through rugged terrain.

Hunt Club societies pitted one against another, closely guard their territories with heavy gates, 'No Trespassing' signs and sundry other measures to thwart rivals from getting 'the big one' that should be theirs.

The mighty hunter is on the move, it's in his blood, he can't help it. It's almost deer season and preparations are the order of the day.

The hope of getting that colossal 18-point buck is on the wish list of every hunter around these parts. And I say may divine intervention bless them all!

It Really Was 'This Big!'

2008-10-22T12:21:00.001-05:00

Jeff loves to fish! Lately though, he stays so busy that he doesn't have alot of time to fish anymore like he'd like! Well, he made time a couple of days ago and this is what he came back with... a 6 pound bass! He was one happy man!

Almost a Grandma!

2008-10-19T09:49:00.004-05:00

Meet my newest.... granddog? This is Moose, an adorable cocker spaniel.

I have two of these now, Bear and Moose. I didn't really imagine being a grandmother to animals. We have a huge stack of hay that I envisioned a cute little blue-eyed dark headed 6 year old boy having a blast climbing up and down. Or an adorable brown-eyed blond 8 year old girl making cookies and having tea parties with me.

Oh well, I guess for now, I'll have to be happy with taking walks up to the pear tree with Moose and Bear! Well, Bear... a chocolate lab with an over abundance of energy will need to run it off with the four-wheeler.

Our Tabernacle Under the Stars

2008-10-14T14:04:00.003-05:00

This is our sukkah! We ate dinner there last night and will continue through for seven more nights.

We are celebrating Feast of Tabernacles this week, also known as Sukkot. The Feast of Tabernacles is a joyous celebration. It is a time to remember the children of Israel dwelling in tents or booths as they trekked their way through the wilderness to the Promised Land. It is also a time for gathering in the harvest. We are to celebrate with praise and thanksgiving to God for the abundance he has blessed us with.

Sukkot is just one of the feasts of the Lord, that we are to keep as a statute forever throughout our generations. It is to be a reminder of past generations and also anticipation for a future life in which we will tabernacle with the Lord forever.

Jeff and I had a wonderful time enjoying our meal and admiring the beauty of it all with the candles all aglow. It was absolutely lovely eating dinner there under the stars.

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord:

my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may lay her young, even thine altars,

O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house:

they will still be praising thee. Selah.

Psalm 84:1-4

Shabbat Shalom

2008-10-03T16:30:00.003-05:00

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee,

and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee,

and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Chicken Festival?

2008-09-28T18:04:00.003-05:00

My neighbor friend Cathy, my daughter Lindsey and I went to the 20th Annual Louisiana Chicken Festival this weekend. I bought this poster to frame, I love it!

Small town festivals crack me up. We traveled quite a distance to find that these were the only chickens there! I like the tail feathers on the white one!

There was a very nice quilt show that had some really beautiful quilts. These two, were made by an 82 year old woman. Not sure how old she was when she started them, though. I know that if I started on making a quilt of this magnitude today that maybe by the time I was 82 it would be finished. All funning aside, these two quilts were absolutely exquisite. The intricate designs were appliquéd and hand-embroidered. The floral quilt above was said to have appraised at $5000. I can believe it, because it was absolutely gorgeous. It was my favorite. Cathy and Lindsey favored the second one. They were both beautiful!

I just loved this block from the quilt above. These photos do not do justice to the fine detail in these quilts.

Some of the festival-goers gettin' with it in the Strut, Cackle and Crow Dance. I would have joined in but I didn't want to shame those kids with my proficiency in chicken dancing.

This gentleman was one of three contestants in the BBQ Chicken Cook-Off. We didn't stay long enough to find out if he won, though.

All in all, we had a nice time. Although, I would have liked to have seen some actual chickens. Live ones, that is! Oh well!

Bountiful Dumpster

2008-09-28T10:20:00.005-05:00

You have to get up pretty early in the morning to beat our friend Gerald to the grocery store dumpster, which is basically a shopping cart filled with out-dated throwaways the store can't sell. This time Gerald loaded us up with about 30 pounds of onions, 5 pounds or so each of apples, plums and peaches, a slew of green, red, and yellow bell peppers, a bunch of tomatoes, grapes, and a few green onions.

So I've been busy! Busy making taco sauce, peach jam, plum jam and apple slices in a light honey syrup for making pies. It is such a good feeling to stand back and look at all that you've accomplished after a couple of long days standing at the stove working away to preserve such a wonderful bounty.

A Clean Giveaway

2008-09-26T16:54:00.002-05:00

Run, don't walk over to Razor Family Farms to enter your name for a chance to win something that will put a sparkle in your day!

Friendship's Offering

2008-09-23T09:25:00.003-05:00

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness making everything

in its vicinity freshen into smiles.

-Washington Irving

I received this cheerful box of the most fragrant gardenias and a kind note from my neighbor and friend, the other day. She sent them by way of my husband, who has been doing some work for them.

It's the simplest things that can fill the heart with happiness. The flowers were simply arranged in a plastic cup and nestled in this box with some newspaper to keep them from spilling over on the ride home.

Of Turnipseed and Almanacs

2008-09-18T14:42:00.005-05:00

I'm sure all you sustainable living folks already know about The Old Farmer's Almanac website. There is a wealth of information there, if you haven't already checked it out.

I wanted to find out whether or not I was too late for some fall planting. I was disheartened to discover that according to the almanac I was indeed too late for planting some fall crops, until I realized that if I typed my zip code in the that little box thingy, (what do you call that thing, anyway) that it would give me planting dates for MY area. Whew, what a relief! Now I knew I could safely plant my mustard seed, turnip seed and a few broccoli plants. And I still have until October to consider planting some spinach.

My little garden plot and I mean little is chock full of tiny mustard and turnip seeds. I have loads of cherry tomatoes that are still green, I thought about pulling them up because it didn't seem like they were in much hurry to ripen and it looks such a mess, all wrangled up together. I learned from The Country Living Encyclopedia that they can stay just where they are before the first frost, then I can pull them up by the roots and hang them in a dry and safe place away from the frost to slowly ripen or I can turn them into green tomato relish. I will probably do the latter. Actually, I should consider doing that soon. I just hate the thought of giving up on the idea of popping those beautiful red jewels in my mouth once more until next summer.

I'm kind of late on discovering the Independence Days Challenge, and I'm hesitant to make a commitment of any sort, anyway. I figure I will do what I can without the constraints of feeling guilty if I don't meet the standards. So I will give myself a point or two toward my "Guilt-free ID Challenge" for my little gardening efforts. I just don't have a green thumb like most of you folks but as my neighbor put it we have a purple thumb, meaning our thumbs stay bruised for the trying.

Polling for Answers

2008-09-17T14:19:00.002-05:00

Go over to Just Wandering Through and take her poll. I know she'd be indebted to you for life!

Oh, My Goodness

2008-09-14T18:54:00.006-05:00

Oh My Goodness! This has to be the best chocolate cake ever. I'd seen the recipe on the back of the Hershey's Cocoa Powder box many, many times and never gave it a second thought. What a mistake, because this cake is absolutely delicious.

The title tells the truth about this recipe, "Perfectly Chocolate." The most unusual thing about this recipe is that it calls for a cup of boiling water added to the batter. I don't know the chemistry that is taking place here, but oh what chemistry.

You absolutely must try this recipe, you will not be disappointed.

Hershey®'s "Perfectly Chocolate"™ Chocolate Cake

2 c. sugar

1-3/4 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. Hershey®'s Cocoa

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1-1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 c. milk

1/2 c. vegetable oil

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. boiling water

"Perfectly Chocolate"™ Chocolate Frosting

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-in. round baking pans.
Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on med. speed 2 min. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into pans.
Bake 30-35 min. or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 min.; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "Perfectly Chocolate"™ Chocolate Frosting. About 10 to 12 servings.

"Perfectly Chocolate"™ Chocolate Frosting

1 stick (1/2 c.) butter
2/3 c. Hershey®'s Cocoa,
3 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa.
Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating on med. speed to spreading consistency. Add more milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. Makes about 2 cups.

In Rememberance

2008-09-11T09:07:00.006-05:00

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic
for which it stands,
One nation under God,
Indivisible
with Liberty
and justice
for All.

May God comfort the hearts of those who lost loved

ones on September 11, 2001.

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee,

and give thee peace.
The Holy Bible, Numbers 6:24-26

Sowing the Basil About Pesto

2008-09-09T15:03:00.009-05:00

In Italy, the offering of basil is a promise of love. And according to The Rodale Herb Book, "early Greek and Roman physicians believed that basil only thrived if it were sown amid vile shouts and curses." Well, there must have been lots of ranting and raving going on when I was sowing the basil because I have a bunch of it. However, there was a promise of love amidst the upheaval..... Pesto!

Well, I do love basil and I especially love pesto. I think making pesto would be a good method of preservation. Did you know pesto can be successfully frozen? This means I can enjoy my basil through the winter months. I adore pesto on pizza, it's wonderful on grilled tilapia and of course, it can be tossed with pasta.

Mark Bittman's "How to Cook Everything" is one of my favorite cook books and his recipe for Basic Pesto is wonderful. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the cheese until you're ready to use it. Actually, it's probably a good idea to leave it out completely, and add the cheese as you go. You may not want the cheese in some dishes, anyway.

Basic Pesto

2 loosely packed cups fresh basil leaves, big stems discarded, rinsed and dried
Salt to taste
1/2 to 2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts, lightly toasted in a dry skillet
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Combine the basil, salt, garlic, nuts and about 1/2 the oil in a food processor or blender.
Process, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container occasionally, and adding the rest of the oil gradually. Add additional oil if you prefer a thinner mixture (I did not use all the oil stated). Store in the refrigerator for a week or two, or in the freezer for several months. Stir in the parmesan by hand just before serving.

Check out Mark Bittman's blog in which he uses this Basic Pesto in a recipe on a previous post.

By Request

2008-08-31T20:53:00.005-05:00

Per request of Robin from Autumn Harvest, I'm posting the recipe for:

Mrs. Twylah's Sour Cream Pound Cake

2 sticks butter

3 cups sugar

6 eggs

1 cup sour cream (8 oz. container)

1/4 tsp. baking soda

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. vanilla, almond or lemon extract

Preheat oven to 325° F. Grease well and flour a 10" tube pan, bundt pan or 2 loaf pans.

Sift flour with soda. Cream butter, add the sugar slowly. Beat to cream well (10 to 15 minutes). Add eggs one at a time. Stir in the sour cream. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Beat well and constantly. Stir in extract. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Let set in pan 5 minutes, turn out on rack and let cool completely. Enjoy!

See my post entitled A Sweet Memory for my story about this pound cake.

A Celebratory Tea

2008-08-28T09:58:00.002-05:00

My chicken and I celebrated Tasha Tudor's birthday on Monday. We had a sweet little tea party and I read "A Time to Keep" to her like she was a little girl again. She didn't seem to mind, she knows she'll be my baby always.

As we read through the pages of the book, we talked about the beautiful pictures on each page. We counted the corgi's on each page, too. We each chose our favorite picture from the book, hers was and has always been, the August picture of the birthday cake floating down the river. She's always wanted her birthday cake to come floating down a river. Maybe one day! I'll have to find a small river, though! My favorite is the February picture with valentine's delivered by Sparrow Post. I just love that. My grandbabies will surely know of the Sparrow Post .

Tasha Tudor certainly knew how to weave wonderful memories into the hearts of her children and everyone else who has been blessed to have come to admire her art and life.

We had a wonderful time. It was truly, "a time to keep!"

Tea Party Menu:
Tea, of course
Mini quiches
Green salad
Chocolate Dipped Orange Peel Cookies

Thank you Clarice at Storybook Woods for such a wonderful idea and making a new tradition for me and my sweet daughter.

What Do You Do When Life Throws You Oranges

2008-08-27T12:56:00.010-05:00

You make orange marmalade...

candied orange peel and orange shortbread cookies!

A friend of ours found loads of oranges behind a local grocery store in town, they were throwing them out. The oranges were perfectly fine. I don't know how many total pounds he picked up, but he gave us about 15 or 20 pounds of them.

I thought O my gosh, what am I gonna do with all these oranges. I didn't want to turn it all into orange juice so I got on-line. I found a recipe for orange marmalade at Cooking with Amy, which was perfect for two reasons; 1) as she described, it is more a formula than a recipe and 2) the ingredients were simple. Then after squeezing some for juice, I thought... candied orange peel. I got on-line again and found a recipe for candied orange peel by Jen at "use real butter". Then I thought what am I gonna do with all this candied orange peel... I got on-line again and Jen at "use real butter" also had a recipe for Chocolate-Dipped Orange Peel Cookies which are really good. I hope you take time to visit these two blog sites, their recipes and pictures are awesome!

Needless to say, with all the squeezing, slicing, boiling and baking going on, my house smelled absolutely heavenly for several days.

Moms On Facebook

2008-08-20T15:46:00.009-05:00

For some reason , I just think this topic is so funny: Moms on Facebook. I guess it would've been even funnier if it had posed a problem for my chicken. It didn't though.

Almost 2 years ago facebook began allowing anyone to join its social networking website, and not just the university and high school network users that were initially allowed membership. This decision ultimately included moms being able to sign up. "OMG, my MOM's on Facebook" likely resounded in unison around the world, with kids facing the dilemma of having to decline or reluctantly accept an invitation from their mom to be a friend.

Fortunately, my chicken liked me and trusted me enough to invite me first. Not only that, a couple of her friends invited me too. I guess it wasn't so much of a dilemma for them, they're such good and wholesome girls. Possibly, if they had been rambunctious punks, it might have been different.

Now that I'm on facebook, I have a total of 7 friends so far, four of which were added just this week. It's kind of fun being able to keep up with old friends and also being somewhat of an interloper. Of course, I think there is a new option to limit what information gets displayed, so I guess that might offer a resounding sigh of relief to those rambunctious punks out there.

I'm a mom on facebook.... OMG, my kid's on Facebook!

The Ultimate Comfort Cookie

2008-08-18T10:34:00.017-05:00

Chocolate Chip Cookies are just one of those kinds of foods that bring comfort and warmth to the soul. And man yeah, these are incredibly comforting; from grasping it from the cooling rack, while it's still warm, to cradling it in my hand, to I hear music from heaven as it envelops the taste buds in my mouth. It just makes you feel good all over.

This recipe was copied from a *children's cookbook that I picked up from the library about 10 or 12 years ago. I wish I could remember the title of the book to give credit where credit is due. The recipe is simple and very easy to make. No need to drag out heavy equipment, just a simple wooden spoon is all that's needed to mix these babies up. In fact, I think it's key to the yummyness of these cookies. Just make sure your butter is softened and you're good to go.

Lindsey said she recently tried one of the highest rated recipes for chocolate chip cookies from **Allrecipes.com and it still did not measure up to these. Lindsey and I have been hard-pressed to find a chocolate chip cookie recipe better than this one. I certainly would encourage you to give them a try.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
makes about 24 cookies

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 large egg

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt (use a little less if your butter is salted)

1 cup (6 oz.) chocolate chips
1/2 cup nuts (I opt out on the nuts)

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Mix in large bowl with a wooden spoon: sugars, butter, and egg. Combine flour, soda & salt; stir into butter mixture until combined. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheet. Bake 10 - 15 minutes or until light brown. Cool on cookie sheet one minute then remove to wire rack.

*If anyone knows the title of the cookbook this recipe comes from let me know in the comments section. I would be incredibly happy to update this post with that information.

**Allrecipes.com is an excellent resource for great recipes.

Artistic Humor

2008-08-15T14:36:00.005-05:00

A Remote Lunch
by Lindsey

I recently found this drawing that Lindsey did for Illustration Friday about 3 years ago. The topic was "Remote." Can you guess what he's eating?

She's so witty!

A Sweet Memory

2008-08-12T14:11:00.009-05:00

The recipe for this Sour Cream Pound Cake came from a childhood friend's mother, teenhood actually. My friend Myra's mom, Ms. Twylah, gave me the recipe a long time ago. She was the sweetest lady I've ever known. She was always genuinely happy to see me, arms open wide with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. She was that way with everybody and everybody loved her.

There was always something sweet to eat sitting on her counter. Cake, cookies or candy was always there to offer to the many friends and relatives that would stop by. Myra and I certainly didn't hesitate to help ourselves to the goodies. Mr. Russell, Myra's dad, surely enjoyed it too, although I think it was there mostly for him to begin with.

Everytime I make this cake I think of Ms. Twylah. As I recall, she made a blueberry sauce to go with it, which was wonderful. Topped with blueberry sauce, peaches and cream or just plain, it never fails to be delicious.

A very sweet memory, indeed.

A Crunchy Cookie Life

2008-08-06T14:24:00.019-05:00

I keep thinking about that Chips Ahoy commercial with the cookie that wakes up, runs to the window and says, "Wow, todaaay is the first daaay of the rest of my li..." crrnnch! That's how I feel today, ripped away and crunched. Seriously, though, today is a new beginning for me, although at this point I'm not sure exactly what's in store. I can feel that change is slowly moving in, though.

I will be getting a new camera soon, so a new hobby will be in store for me. I'm not sure what I'll be photographing but I'm sure I will figure it out. Jeff would like me to chronicle the progress of our farm doings. I'm interested in macro photography of food. I just love looking at beautiful food pics, so maybe combining my interest in cooking with photography will keep me occupied. Maybe I'll work on my very own personal cook book. Who knows where the camera will lead me. I just know that I need to find a new direction for my life, something to fill the void.

Whoever said 'life is a rollercoaster ride' was no joker. I'm here to tell ya' that when you think things should go a certain way in life, they surely will take an upside down, inside out, spiral into a new direction. I wanted my little family to be similar to The Walton's, where warmth and closeness abounded. pause and say ahhh! John Boy howdy, did I ever have to wake up early to smell the coffee. The Walton's exist only in a tube, my friends!

And that is how the cookie... crnnnch!

Becoming Laurie

2008-08-05T15:49:00.006-05:00

I have good days and bad days trying to adjust to this empty nest thing. When I wrote yesterdays post, I was having a very bad day. Today is better but not great.

This just seems like the perfect place to whine and complain. I can air my feelings, see them in black and white and try to adjust my attitude. I could write them in a paper journal but this way is kind of like burying your face in a pillow and screaming at the top of your lungs, and few will notice or hear, at least in my case.

Lindsey really is a kind and gentle soul as I described in my post entitled My Chicken. This issue is totally about me and my struggle to come to terms with this new way of life. I have to get it through my thick head that what was will never be again. That my relationship with my daughter is not the same as it was before she got married. I'm not sure exactly what this new relationship is supposed to look like but I will have to be deliberate about quieting my soul and trying to be content until this metamorphosis is complete.

I will choose to behave differently, to think differently, to speak differently. Maybe I will actually become Laurie. I wonder what she'll be like? I hope I like her.

Empty Nesting Sucks Big Time

2008-08-04T16:00:00.013-05:00

This is the most difficult thing, letting your kid go. It hurts so bad. I don't know how to act anymore, what to say, what to do, what not to do. It seems I'm a hateful bitch, an intruder, too needy (<--all my interpretation), I interfere and I'm rude. The impression I get is, 'we love you but we don't want you hangin' around too much, we don't want you to expect much of us and we will let you know when we're ready for you.' Don't get me wrong, she is a good girl and she is thoughtful and caring. I know she is pre-occupied with being newly married and trying to adjust to a new way of life. I guess I am expecting too much...

but...

I find myself clambering for every opportunity to make myself think that they need me. I run when she's sick and feeling bad, I run when her car breaks down and offer mine just so I can feel loved and needed. I don't feel like me anymore, I've become a wretched old sack of a soul that has to grovel for self-worth. Everything I was has been replaced. I've become a stranger.

We've tried talking things out but this last time I was left feeling uneasy. Although, we all parted on seemingly rosy feelings, I am still left knowing that I am hateful and rude because I don't get what I want. What I want is to feel that I'm still momma, that I'm still needed, and that I'm appreciated. Words are not enough for me, I want actions. Am I selfish in that area, maybe, yes. Maybe this is so because I express my love by actions more than by words and I think that's what I should receive in return. I need to learn a different way. I need to learn the way of words, yes words will be the new way for me. I will express my love with words, minus the deeds. I will quit expecting, I will be satisfied with what I do get.

I will get past this. They say time heals all wounds. Hopefully it will because, man, this really sucks.

Green Haiku

2008-07-31T08:12:00.005-05:00

Neon green jumpers
Moving stealthily in sight
Think they can't be seen.

My Home Style Sacher Torte

2008-07-24T08:44:00.008-05:00

I had been in the mood to make something sweet for the past few days and could never decide what to make until I ran across a recipe for the Sacher Torte in The Jewish Holiday Kitchen by Joan Nathan. According to most accounts that I've read, the Sacher Torte was invented by a 16 year-old apprentice chef in Vienna, Austria in 1832. It's a huge deal there, with varying opinions from folks who've had it at the famed Hotel Sacher. Nathan's version sounded interesting, chocolate cake topped with apricot preserves and covered in a chocolate glaze. What's not to like! I had to give it a try.

While I had the cake baking in the oven, I decided to get on-line and find out a little more about this Sacher Torte. Low and behold, oh no, oh dear, I found out that the cake is famously dry. What to do? When my cake finished baking and I took it out of the oven, I had this ominous feeling that all accounts were true, it was not going to be moist and tender the way we Americans like our cake. Although, Nathan's recipe included potato flour which is supposed to keep baked goods moist, I was still afraid, very afraid. I didn't want this venture to turn into a huge disappointment, so I set out to make sure it wasn't.

I found a remedy to counter the dryness at JoePastry, where he suggested brushing the cake with a simple syrup. His recipe is listed in his post entitled Is Sacher Torte really "dry"? where he also explains why the cake ends up being dry in the first place. Okay, so far I've hopefully remedied the dryness of the cake. As I was perusing the many articles about the cake I ran across a real upscale foodie at Chubby Hubby where his wife S came up with the perfect solution to the Sacher Torte dilemma. It was too late for the cake but her suggestion for the chocolate ganache sounded divine.

I topped the cake with some yummy apricot-pear preserves that my dear friend Shuri had made and covered it with S's divine ganache. It was late when I finally got the cake assembled so I let it refrigerate overnight. This morning I plated a slice of my home-style Sacher Torte with a side of freshly whipped cream and indulged with my morning cup of coffee.

This cake is dense but between the potato flour and the simple syrup doing their jobs, it was not dry. The combination of the lightly chocolate flavored cake with the sweet-tart flavor of the apricot-pear preserves and the rich chocolate ganache was... well... wonderful. I was pleasantly surprised.

My Chicken

2008-07-15T11:02:00.001-05:00

Lindsey Picking Blueberries, originally uploaded by J & L Howard.

This is my "chicken," a pet name I call Lindsey. I've known her all her life. She is the most beautiful person I know. She has such a kind and gentle soul, others have commented on this as well. She takes after her dad alot, cares about people and always has something positive to say about everyone.

Cherry and Yellow Pear Tomatoes

2008-07-11T14:13:00.001-05:00

Cherry & Yellow Pear Tomatoes, originally uploaded by J & L Howard.

I have an abundance of these little jewels. The best thing is to cut them in half, toss them with salt and pepper, chopped fresh oregano or thyme, a little minced garlic and a generous amount of olive oil. Lay them on a cookie sheet, cut side up then roast for about 30 minutes or so. Put a few of these on top of a piece of toasted ciabatta or french bread that has been slathered with fresh pesto. Oh, my gosh, absolutely wonderful!

Clyde

2008-07-10T13:14:00.001-05:00

Clyde, originally uploaded by J & L Howard.

This is my boy Clyde. Isn’t he gorgeous? He has such a laid back personality. Food is about the only thing that really gets him worked up. Oh, and the cats drive him crazy too!