Post Christmas Thoughts

I am having a bit of post Christmas blues which, being me, I shall get over ASAP. My motto: When I wake up I have two choices, happy or miserable - I choose happy. Right now I shall wallow a pinch and then pull myself back to normal.

I think it is just the let down after the holiday rush and it seems autumn rushed right on by into Christmas. Oh well, winter is for introspection, sitting by the fire, drinking plenty of tea, making lovely soups and stitching. Those endeavors should pull me right up by my boot straps!

Christmas Eve and Christmas day were quiet and lovely with just DH and I, oh and Sterling B, our old cat, of course. It was rather nice not to have to go crazy preparing for a houseful, although I did miss it. Maybe next year or maybe not. Sitting beside your love, rocking, watching the fire and being a bit silly romantic is a very nice way to spent Christmas Eve.

The homemade goodies, especially the apple butter, were a big hit as holiday gifts. I received a text this morning that my friend had added some to her oatmeal and it was delish! Never thought of putting it in oatmeal, but then I'm not a cereal for breakfast kind of gal.

I made some bone broth from chicken last month, 4 quarts, and shall pull a jar out of the freezer and brew up a lovely chicken pumpkin winter soup - nice and thick with some potatoes, chicken and whatever other veggies I can find. To go with it, a nice cornbread, an old recipe from the Fanny Farmer Cookbook I got when first married. Despite the fact that I have a cookbook that is just cornbread recipes, this is the once I always use. Made with honey, it has just enough sweetness to make it interesting. DH eats half a loaf in one sitting - and never gains an ounce - I know, you likely had figured that out.

As for stitching, three large projects: Sampler Sisters of the Thread, Autumn At Hawk Run Hollow and A Marriage by by Lizzie & Kate, all ready to go. Sampler Sisters has one line stitched. A Marriage is for our 32nd anniversary at the end of May. There are also some smalls to give me a break. These fingers will be flying.

Generally, we go to my mom's for New Year's Eve, but she is up north visiting the rest of the family after the death of my uncle before Thanksgiving. We'll likely just stay home and try to stay awake until midnight, LOL, not hard for me, but my other half will have to be awakened just before the big moment as he dozes in the rocker.

Whatever you do for New Year's Eve, have a wonderful and safe time!

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K

Merry, Merry!

Hoping your Christmas is filled with love, joy, peace

and lots of goodies!

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K.

O Christmas Tree!

Cute and interesting, in case anyone doesn't know all this! Be sure to turn off my playlist at the bottom before viewing.



Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K

Busy, Busy!!!

Well, the tree did not get decorated - but will be by Friday!! Absolutely, without any more interference. Ah, well, no stress, it will be what it is. Some things, like tearing apart book cases and such, proved to be a bigger job than I anticipated. For some reason, beyond my comprehension, I decided to reorganize my little studio as well. I know - let's not go there.

Decisions, decisions!!! I'm trying to narrow down the cookie list. Of course my shortbread must be first on the list - there could be a riot at my door otherwise. Oh, and those ricotta cookies - must have those too. However, I have come across some other recipes I would like to try, such as Italian Almond Cookies, Maple Chocolate Chip Shortbread and a basic sugar cookie. I always make fudge as well and  can't leave that out. I came across a recipe for Pumpkin Spiced Fudge which sounds yummy so I may make a pan of that to go along with the traditional fudge. Oh... and the eggnog! Last year I made real, honest to goodness, homemade eggnog - from scratch. There is NO going back. It was not only delicious beyond anything I have ever had, but it is nutritious with all that organic whole milk and eggs, lovely spices and just enough honey to give it a touch of sweetness. You won't believe this, but I didn't share it; no, I kept it all for myself - and no, I'm not ashamed to say it! ; ) This year I will make a bigger batch so I can share, but it does take a great many eggs, milk and some heavy cream.

There are also some aromatherapy blends and linen mists - all completely pure and natural - to be blended and bottled. What else? Oh... I have some goodies from the beauty supply which I can't mention here because of certain individuals that read this blog! Hehehe - just think about that!

I just found this in the bottom of my stitching basket! Stitched last year and never put together! I can't believe I didn't finish it. The design is from Cherished Stitches and was in the 2010 Just CrossStitch ornament issue. Another task on the list - albeit a quick one. This is for my tree.

So there I am, busy doing thinks I love to do for a season I so enjoy. Hope you are enjoying this time as well and letting the stress just flow away. Breathe in the scent of pine, bayberry and cedar - that will make you feel good!

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K

Favorite Ornaments

Some favorite Christmas tree ornaments!

I made these the second year of our marriage. I have always loved all things Victorian so when I saw a magazine article about early Victorian Christmas cards, I cut out the illustrations and Mike carved balsa wood for me. I then decoupaged the illustrations and they still hang on the tree every year. They are favorites because we made them together.

A few of the stitched ornaments I've made over the years, some vintage and you can see one of the chandelier crystals I use. I found an old chandelier in the garbage room of our building and took off all the crystals, thinking craft supplies! At Christmas time I remembered them and just added a hook; voila! Christmas tree ornaments that sparkle beautifully.

Another vintage and one of our decoupage ornaments in the background.

 Clara, from the Nutcracker, another chandelier crystal and a treat box with a vintage Santa.

 Must have a pumpkin! The Santa is a vintage light bulb. Of course, my tree must have pine cones, I scatter them on the branches.

An acorn because I love those as much as pumpkins.

Under the tree, a doll I made, wearing my Christening gown, sits beside a glass nutcracker, a vintage-looking Santa and other goodies.

I have lots more ornaments, our tree is always just covered with them. I'll be decorating my tree tomorrow, so more photos to come.

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K

Holidays

Christmas tree with my needlework light close by!

I'm sure everyone is gearing up for their holidays. I'm a little behind in the decoration department because I decided to tear things apart and really have at the cleaning. In any event, in this house we celebrate multiple holiday as my husband is Jewish. I myself love to celebrate anything and everything so we have an open house on Christmas Eve, light bayberry candles on the Winter Solstice and celebrate Chanukah. In general, we celebrate the arrival of winter - despite the fact we are in Florida.

We both were born and raised in New York - once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker, and honestly, I'd probably go back if I knew I wouldn't have to drive in the snow - it terrifies me. Anyone who has lived in Florida for a good length of time dresses appropriately for our winter - anything below 70 degrees and out come the sweaters, boots, coats - seriously!!!! And we all complain about the how cold it is. Meanwhile, relatives and friends who live where it really is cold just have no sympathy or patience. We live where it is really hot most of the year, I guess it thins the blood and we freeze when the mercury heads below seventy, what can I say? I won't even go into how we react to fifties - and yes, it drops down that low sometimes.

I'm always hoping it will be chilly around Christmas and especially Christmas Eve. Our little condo is the standard brand - and almost forty years old, but quite cozy and nice. The one thing that was missing and I desperately wanted was a fireplace. Well, there's just no adding a real fire place to a condo. Being me, I went on a quest to find a way. I didn't want an electric fireplace because they actually give off heat. In my search, a few years ago, I found something called a ventless fireplace at Plow and Hearth - see this link -http://www.plowhearth.com/Petite%2DVisionary%2DJelled%2DFuel%2DFireplace_p8278.html
This is almost exactly what mine looks like. Those "logs" are ceramic and you place these little cans of natural alcohol gel behind them. This stuff actually crackles and pops just like a real fireplace, but... no heat to speak of, all natural, no toxins. It looks like they are using two cans of gel in this photo, and you can use up to three. I have only ever used one.  I remember when we first got it, friends came over and I lit the fire. All of a sudden I noticed no one was talking, we were all staring at the fire, listening to the crackling - we were all delighted. So I use it quite a bit and it makes me feel like I've got the real deal. And yes, we hang our stockings there too! Even in the summer time one can use this since there isn't any heat - yay!!!

My husband never celebrated Christmas growing up, of course. He came from a very conservative Jewish home. There was quite a to-do when we married, I can tell you and not from my side. However, it all worked out and I was extremely close to my in-laws. They would come to our place for Christmas. My hubby tends to get really excited about Christmas despite the fact that we rarely exchange more than one gift. We've been married for over 31 years, there just isn't anything we need. Still, he wakes me early, asking, "Is it Christmas yet?' and drags me out of bed. I usually find that he's been up, the tree is lit and the music is playing. He's very sweet.

When I was a little girl, one of my aunts lived in Germany as her husband was in the army. She sent us advent calendars and since then I have just loved them. I always buy one for myself and this year is no different. I purchased mine from The Victorian Trading Company, http://www.victoriantradingco.com/, along with my holiday cards. I love all things Victorian and this is a great place. Ah... I just realized I haven't opened the little window for today... better do that!

I bet you're wondering about the pork! Yes, hubby eats pork, we do not keep Kosher. There are many things he strongly adheres to: never drives or even leaves the house on the high holidays, etc. but the man loves a pork roast! What can I say?

For Chanukah, I make latkes (potato pancakes), the delight of my husband's life, and we light candles. DH would eat those pancakes every night if I made them. Where he puts them, I don't know, he eats a truckload. You would think I was feeding a family of ten. I prefer Chanukah early in December because it takes the edge off waiting for a gift, LOL, but many is the time that we are lighting the menorah and the Christmas tree is decorated nearby, and the Solstice candles are burning merrily too. It's all good, don't you think?

Perhaps if the rest of the world thought this way there really would be peace on earth. And now... off to open today's window on the advent calendar and brew a cup of tea!

last year's celebration

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K

Apple Butter and.... Pork!

Yes, that's an avocado green stove in my kitchen - the dang thing won't die! It must be as old as the apartment - almost forty years, the original stove my in-laws had. It is still going strong. But, that is neither here nor there, just thought I'd mention it. I'm retro, but Victorian retro! Someday I'll have the stove of my dreams. Really, I can't complain about this one, it works so well.

The real point of this post, now that I've stopped yammering on about the avocado green stove, is what I did last night for supper with some of this apple butter pictured above! I smeared it all over two pork tenderloins - yummy! Let me tell you how I do my pork tenderloin which always roasts up fabulously.

I buy the package with two tenderloins, remove from package, rinse and pat dry. I then place them in a ceramic dish - old fashioned refrigerator dish with a lid . I measure out, into another bowl, about three cups of apple cider or juice, add a tablespoon of allspice berries, a teaspoon of whole cloves, two teaspoons of cinnamon, half an onion, coarsely chopped, 3 garlic cloves, smashed and cut into four pieces, 2 teaspoons of Celtic sea salt (much healthier and lots of minerals), 2 teaspoons dried thyme and some freshly ground peppercorns. I give this a little mix then pour over the pork tenderloins, lifting each tenderloin so the marinade gets underneath. This marinade should come up to at least halfway on the tenderloins; if not, add a little more apple cider. You could even add some wine, which I have done - used Marsala wine - delish! Pop the dish into the fridge, turning the tenderloins over later in the day. I usually marinate about eight hours, flipping them after four. There's no set time, leave them overnight if you like.

When I am ready to cook, I heat some unrefined, organic coconut oil in a saute pan large enough to accommodate one tenderloin. I brown and sear each side of the tenderloin; watch carefully because the marinade draining from the meat will caramelize and can burn. When the meat is browned nicely, I place each in a roasting dish which has been coated with some coconut oil - no, you don't taste any coconut. I spread about half a cup of the apple butter on the top and sides of each tenderloin, then surround with a pile of little new potatoes. I season the potatoes with Celtic salt and dot with plenty of good, organic butter. I roast in a preheated 425 degree oven until my meat thermometer reaches 155 - 160 degrees. I let the meat rest a good fifteen minutes before slicing. I served the pork and potatoes with buttered broccoli. The tenderloin was juicy and sweet. The potatoes picked up the sweet apple spice flavor from the meat. Happy Mr. K, happy Mrs. K!

A note about ingredients: I use unrefined, organic coconut oil to fry and saute as well as greasing pans. I use it in baking also. It never leaves a coconut taste and it is incredibly healthy - read the The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife and/or Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. I also use plenty of organic, pastured butter - also very healthy. These are good, natural and wholesome nourishing fats which we all need; what we don't need are the processed and rancid vegetable oils sold in grocery stores. Salt - I only use real, course Celtic Sea Salt - the gray stuff that comes slightly damp. This is a mineral-rich, nourishing salt. The apple cider and juice I use is always organic. I try to use organic veggies and fruits as much as I can find and afford. The honeycrisp apples in my apple butter are organic, the sugar is not, it was just too expensive. I don't fret about it, I use the best I can.

So... tonight - leftovers!

     

Apple Butter!

Every year, for the past 25 or so years, I have made apple butter to give as holiday gifts - oh, and of course, for the DH and myself. Most all of the gifts we give are homemade - fruit butters, shortbread and other cookies, some kind of candy and needlework ornaments or trifles. I really enjoy making these goodies despite the work involved. If I'm honest, it's much better than fighting the mobs in the stores!

But apple butter - oh, it is truly a labor of love! My little condo cottage is filled with the scent of apples and spices, and it lingers for days. Even the canning process is delightful, especially when I remove the jars from processing; after a minute or two I hear that little ping as each jar seals. The apple butter fairies are at work!

Of course, other jams and fruit butters are prettier - the apricot butter I make is like sunshine in a jar, golden yellow and the taste!!!! Apple butter is this brown stuff - from all the spices - but lift the lid of the jar and the scent of those spices dance with the fragrance of the fruit. One can't help but believe it is the ambrosia of the gods.

Peeled, cored and chopped! Into the pot, where cider has boiled away to half its measure, concentrating the flavor; the apples cook until very tender. Ah... the sweet smell of honeycrisp apples! Then more work - all of the cooked apples are put through a food mill - manual labor! I'm not kidding, hand cranking that food mill, I have to keep switching arms!

The apples, saucy consistency are placed back into the pot with sugar and spices. I am lucky enough to have a neighbor who brings me real cinnamon bark right from his trees on one of the islands near South America. Amazing stuff. This year he brought me nutmegs as well which will season my homemade eggnog.

Cooked and cooked more; a bit onto a chilled plate from the freezer to check consistency - all was just as it should be. Then, onto ladling the apple butter into jars. I had to process two batches, but ended with...

nine half pints and two quarter pints - I do love those little jars! One half pint went directly into the fridge unprocessed and we have been enjoying it on toast. It is quite good on shortbread too - real shortbread. My family's shortbread recipe was given to us by a very elderly Scottish lady. My mother was, for some time, a lay minister of the Holy Communion in the parish to which she belonged. She took communion to this elderly lady every Sunday and spent time chatting and drinking tea with her. The woman gave my mother her recipe for shortbread - the real deal - butter, flour and sugar, that's all. We've been making it for years. I am famous for that shortbread and the apple butter too, LOL!

To be honest, the shortbread is, if you will pardon the pun, a piece of cake to make! Very easy and the aroma while it bakes... ooh, delish! Oh, one other thing I use that apple butter for: pork tenderloin! I coat the pork with the apple butter and roast - yummy!

Fruit butters are really the easiest of jams to make. You measure your fruit after putting it through the mill and use a half cup of sugar for each cup of milled fruit. I always leave out the last half cup of sugar, only adding it if needed. Depending on the sweetness of the fruit or lack there of, sometimes you may need more. Taste and add as you like. As for the spices... it's all up to you - how much you prefer. Very easy!

In any event, the apple butter is prepared, mellowing in the pantry, one holiday chore complete.

Inside me live a skinny woman crying to get out,

but I can usually shut her up with shortbread and apple butter.

author unknown, but that little end bit was adapted by yours truly!

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K.

P.S. Excuse the abundance of exclamation points in my writing. I can't help myself, something or other always inspires such enthusiasm, they are the only way to express all that emotion! (There I go again!)

New Blog!

So... who am I and what am I going to be up to here? Well, I'm very much in love with my home, it's my sanctuary - there's no better place I like to be. However, I have lots of interests, get about town and enjoy all sorts of things. I wanted to make a place to share that joy, so this is it.

I'm sort of a gypsy-spirited gal - mature - turned 55 a few months ago, but feel like I'm 11 at heart sometimes. I rather like my age; while I know there's still a lot to learn, I know I've "gotten" many important things - I KNOW what counts now. That makes me happy and I think I am able to just enjoy life more.

I love to stitch, craft, weave, cook, bake, write, oh... all things Victorian, secret vice - regency romances and the list goes on. Each day is an adventure. Like today! Up early and off to the post office to mail a couple of packages, I returned home with the intention of tending to some cleaning and holiday decorating. Well... my buddy called and we were off to the needlework shop. The cleaning can wait!

In the meantime, with the holidays coming on fast and so many of us baking cookies, here is a link to the Farmer's Almanac and their tips for cookie making.

http://www.almanac.com/content/ten-things-cookie-bakers-really-ought-know?utm_source=Almanac+Recipe+Box&utm_campaign=4f931378d4-OFA_Recipe_Box_11-30-2011&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=4f931378d4&mc_eid=1544a334d6

Wow - long link! Enjoy!

Mrs. K