Posted in Crafting, Locally grown, Moderation and Economy, Sewing on Aug 31st, 2009
The other night I stayed up ridiculously late finishing a little scrap quilt, and I really paid for it the next day! Of course, the children decided to wake up almost two hours earlier than normal the next morning! I needed two cups of coffee just to be able to make toast and eggs for [...]
Posted in Crafting, From my kitchen, Locally grown, Moderation and Economy on Aug 29th, 2009
Peach-Brandy Jam = 18 - 1/2 pints
Peaches in Light Syrup = 12 Quarts
Peach Honey (a delicious, thrifty, vegan honey substitute) = 6 1/2 pints
Peach Honey Butter on Applesauce cake (with peach jam between the layers.) – 1 stick unsalted butter, 6 tbsp peach honey (or regular honey) , beaten together in the Kitchenaid Mixer with [...]
Posted in Building Community, Giving, Locally grown, Working the earth/harvesting its bounty on Aug 28th, 2009
Another day’s harvest at Penelope’s Garden. Fourteen pounds of beautiful organic produce picked and delivered to Birch Community Services!
The girls were excellent green bean harvesters. Little Hen and I may have snacked on a few while we picked.
For more bountiful harvests, visit Soule Mama, Mom in Madison, Red Dirt Mother, Old Red Barn Co., Heirloom [...]
Posted in From my kitchen, Giving, Locally grown on Aug 26th, 2009
We like to make an assortment of flavored liqueurs to enjoy on cold winter evenings (and to give as gifts). The list includes apricot or peach brandy, lemoncello, elderflower cordial, raspberry cordial (alcoholic, and non-), and cherry brandy (which makes a very special soaked-fruitcake at Christmas).
I started making apricot vodka about 15 years ago (back [...]
Posted in Books and Reading, Learning, Locally grown on Aug 25th, 2009
We made another trip to our favorite local bookstore, Powell’s. It’s on the way home from church, and so very hard to pass it by without stopping in. Every visit I am tempted to spend a ridiculous amount of money on crafting, cooking, and kids’ books. And I could hide out in the Orange [...]
Posted in Moderation and Economy, Working the earth/harvesting its bounty on Aug 24th, 2009
This weekend was the first weekend in months that the weather hasn’t been horrendously hot or rainy, and we haven’t had other obligations (weddings, visitors, birthday parties, etc), so despite the fact that the two younger children were sick, we spent the entire weekend at home, working on our major yard renovation.
Along with a lot [...]
Posted in From my kitchen, Mothering tool kit on Aug 23rd, 2009
Here’s my mother’s super simple recipe for onion biscuits. They go perfectly with roast chicken, or a bean soup, and the girls love to help make (and eat) them - a great way to occupy the children with something purposeful while I’m trying to get dinner ready.
You’ll need:
2 tubes of biscuits, 1 stick of butter, [...]
Posted in From my kitchen, Locally grown, Uncategorized on Aug 22nd, 2009
Cooler weather this weekend means a chance to make a family favorite – roast chicken. Here’s my recipe -
Larksong’s Roast Chicken with Shallots
1 chicken, washed and patted dry with paper towels left to stand at room temp for 20 min.
2 – 3 Tbsp (approx) Penzeys Bicentennial Rub (or spice rub of your choice that contains [...]
Posted in Learning, Nature Table, Outings on Aug 21st, 2009
Some pictures from our nature hike at Mt. Tabor Park (which is fast becoming our favorite day hike – right in the middle of the city, great hills, great hiking, lots of nature to examine and exlpore!). Check out those helicopters!
Firecracker stood for a long time and watched the water pouring in at the reservoir.
Little [...]
Posted in Building Community, Moderation and Economy, Mothering tool kit on Aug 20th, 2009
We were recently, unexpectedly, blessed to be able to trade a family friend some homemade jam and brownies for a Kelty his son had outgrown. Best barter we’ve ever made, if you ask me!
I love my Ergo and use it daily, but the Kelty is a much better fit for my husband. We’ve been on [...]