Thanksgiving & What It Means To Me

I have noticed, in the communities I frequent, that there seems to be this backlash against Thanksgiving, similar to that of Columbus Day. Many people have become overly sensitive and beyond politically correct. I can't agree with them and I will enjoy my Thanksgiving. So... what does Thanksgiving mean to me? Well, many things, as i found when I really thought about it. From now until Thanksgiving I will share some of those things - memories, nostalgia, just good stuff.

I celebrate Thanksgiving with gratitude for all the year has given me... and that's the name of that tune! Others may feel differently and get angry and negative about things that happened hundreds of years ago, well, that's their right I suppose, but I'm not interested in hearing about it. As I said, I am all about giving thanks and being with people I love.

This year we will be doing something a little different than in years past. Instead of joining Mr. K's cousin, we are going to my very good friend, Diana's. We met over a year go and found we have SO much in common we couldn't help but become close friends. We are both the same age, we love all  things Victorian, we love the same books, we love needlework, antiques, and drinking tea! So... naturally when she invited us to join her family for Thanksgiving, we said yes, indeed! One can never go to Thanksgiving empty-handed, so I suggested I bring my squash carrot casserole and the suggestion was enthusiastically accepted.

Ah, squash carrot casserole, I just love this! I first found it in a book I mail-ordered in the early 1980s from Better Homes & Gardens - Better Homes and Gardens  American Christmas, Crafts and Foods. What a treasure of a book! So may wonderful country-style craft projects and recipes. It is a great pleasure to just browse through, which I do often at this time of year... and others when I need a little nostalgic boost.

The book is just brimming with projects, some which look a little dated, but so what! 

Some sections of pages have separated, but I keep it all together. 

You can see how well used this page used, not just the casserole, but

the creamed onions recipe was the first I used.

So this book is worn to bits, but I love it. There is a lovely Christmas sampler I would love to stitch, as well as one that says, East West, Home is Best! The book has many photos showing the crafts and craftspeople who made lovely things that were included, lots of projects and good instructions as well as wonderful art quilts.

Here is the recipe as I make it, a bit tweaked from the original, but not much.

Squash Carrot Casserole

7 cups yellow crookneck squash

A large sweet onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots

1 can Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup (10.5 oz)

1 cup of regular sour cream

½ to ¾ quarters bag of herb-seasoned stuffing mix

(I use Pepperidge Farm and like plenty of crumbs on top)

½ cup real butter, melted

(or as much as you need for your crumbs)

Cook the carrots in a pot of salted, gently boiling water for 5 minutes then add the crookneck squash for another 5 minutes. Drain very well and set aside in a bowl lined with a cotton cloth. Sauté the onion in a little butter until translucent and just starting to brown. Toss in the chopped garlic for just a couple of minutes and remove from heat. You want that garlic barely cooked so it doesn't taste bitter.

Stir the cream of chicken soup and sour cream together, add all veggies and gently stir so the veggies are coated well with the soup/sour cream mix. Butter a baking dish - 12 x 7 x 2, then add the veggie mix and spread evenly in the dish. You can prepare the casserole to this point the day before and set it in the fridge to keep until ready. 

Preheat the oven to 350.  Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or so, just as it gets bubbly around the edges. While it bakes, melt the half cup of butter over medium low heat in a pot that will hold the crumbs and you will be able to mix easily. When the butter is completely melted, add crumbs, mix with a fork until those crumbs are well coated and softening up. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle evenly with the crumbs, return to the oven for another 10 - 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it so the crumbs don't over-toast. The casserole should be boiling up a bit here and there when heated through.

Let the dish sit for 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

A very forgiving recipe, double or triple, it is very easy and really yummy.

(adapted from Better Homes and Gardens American Christmas, 1984) 

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K

Merry, Merry!

A very Merry Christmas!

May you have plenty of love, happiness,

good health, and prosperity...

and anything else your sweet hearts desire!

Now off to make the lasagna!

Tangled in  lasagna noodles and the joy of the holiday,

Mrs. K.

One Smart Kid

This little gal has made a video in response to an article written by Dr. Oz that conventionally grown food is just as healthy as local and organic food. He went so far as to say canned foods are a bargain food and just as nutritious.

I never watch Oz because he has always come off as an advocate for big agra and his health information is outdated. He states that eating real, organic, local food is "snobby" and "elitist! What??? Is he kidding? He supports the large food companies, with their CEOs who make more money in a year  than most of us will see in a lifetime, and calls budget-conscious people who support small farms part of the 1%?

Here's my note to Dr. Oz - stop drinking the Kool-Aid! You have, in my opinion, a serious conflict of interest in most of what you present. Studies funded by the Canned Food Association are going to tell people that those BPA lined lids are not good for you? That the pesticide-laden food one finds in those cans is safe? As Coral says.... puh-leeze!

Take a look for yourself and share, share, share. Let's see if we can get Dr. Oz to see this and respond!

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K.

Food Companies to Avoid

Here is a list of food companies that donated considerable funds to prevent labeling of genetically modified food. You might want to show them how you feel about that by not buying their products. The list also shows companies we thought were OK, but it turns out they are just subsidiaries of larger companies:

Many of the products that seem so good are actually just subsidiaries of the companies that were most complicit in blocking GMO labeling, aided and abetted by everyone’s favorite purveyor of death, Monsanto. (Monsanto, incidentally, donated $7,100,500.00 to the fight against the labeling of GMO-containing products.) Don’t forget that Monsanto is now above the law due to the Monsanto Protection Act, a traitorous rider that Senator Roy Blunt managed to attach to a bill that was subsequently signed into law by President Obama. (you know, that guy in the White House, who made the labeling of GMOs one of his 2007 campaign promises?)

In addition, there is a list of the good guys. Here is the link for the complete article:

http://www.thedailysheeple.com/the-grocery-store-blacklist-12-food-companies-to-avoid-and-95-sneaky-aliases_042013

After Thanksgiving!

Well, I certainly hope your Thanksgiving was as lovely as mine. That nasty stomach virus I had been dealing with finally let up and I was able to enjoy my dinner. I made sure not to over-indulge. Although the wine didn't sit well, otherwise I am back in fighting form! Yay! I don't do sick well.

Our Thanksgiving was spent at my husband's cousin's club (what a mouthful!) which included very moist and delicious turkey, naturally, but also excellent ham, apple cider glazed salmon, and prime rib that didn't require a knife to cut. Along with these, there were traditional fixings, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, a wonderful salad table that included a sauteed mushroom and Brussels  sprouts salad with bits of bacon that was out of this world. I will be figuring out that recipe, for sure. There was plenty of breads; cornbread, rolls, sliced breads of all types, butter and honey butter. Then there was dessert... two rooms worth, traditional pies and everything in between and around, including a sugar free table that I don't think anyone touched, hehe. The chef even made his own truffles and white chocolate covered almonds. OH...... delightful. However, with my tender tummy, I did not over indulge, enjoying a few little bites of this and that along with a lovely cup of tea. Best of all, Mike's cousin and his wife, Aunt Harriet and her friend, Arlene, were there to share the day. We sat a good long time, chatting, laughing, and remembering. My own mother was home with my nephew and a few friends. She said she cooked up a feast that she hasn't done in years when we talked on the phone. Thanksgiving, a wonderful day!

How appropriate that Common Sense Homesteading had this post today - all about natural remedies for.... you guessed it, upset tummy! See the post here. Good information to add to one's housekeeping book or file.

Do you remember those old Victorian housekeeping books? I have a number of them, including Mrs. Beeton's, of course. My edition is probably early 1900s, but there were many editions. I also have a copy of A Jane Austen Household Book, which includes Martha Lloyd's receipts; not an antique, but most interesting. I do have many actual antique books which I love to peruse and even attempt the recipes - adjusting measures and ingredients as needed. There is a lot of advice about remedies too, which Laurie's post at Common Sense Homesteading reminded me of.

Folks are  so quick to take a pill when, most of the time, a cup of chamomile tea with a just a pinch of mint will do the trick for the upset tummy. A tea of crushed fennel seeds also relieves the, pardon the expression, burps. Herbal tinctures are also very good - melissa, passionflower, chamomile, all relaxing when stress is about to overwhelm or you can't sleep. Of course, there are good medicines today, so I like to utilize the best of both worlds; the ultimate tummy soother: Pepto Bismol! Works for me, LOL!

Moving along, it is now officially THAT time of year, the countdown to the holidays! On the agenda for me, finishing handmade gifts, candy and cookie making, cakes, homemade eggnog, and, of course, decorating. I like to have my tree up on December 1st so I can enjoy it all month. Last year, I was way behind getting my decorating done and that definitely will not be happening this year. I am ready to go!

We, in this household, celebrate Chanukah as well as Christmas, Mr. K being Jewish. I love it!!! Getting a little Chanukah gift takes the edge off waiting for Christmas, LOL! (oh, I have to stop with the exclamation points! Argh, there I go again.) After all these years being married, we curb the gift giving to just little goodies, but still, it is the excitement of a sweet little something wrapped in pretty paper. So, in addition to the Christmas food making, there will be LATKES!!!! And no latke incident as happened a few years ago - I will post that another day, a funny story, just before Chanukah which begins the evening of December 8th. Out with the menorah and blue paper!!! Onward potatoes, onions, applesauce and sour cream!!! The smell of frying will permeate my home for a few days, but it IS worth it. Nothing like homemade potato pancakes!!!

What about all of you? Ready to decorate? Recovered from the wonderful gastronomic indulgences of Thanksgiving and plotting those for Christmas? My Christmas pudding fixings await me!

Did I say Christmas pudding???? I certainly did. Today is Stir-up Sunday, the Sunday before Advent or the Sunday after Thanksgiving, according to some. In any event, mine is not a traditional plum pudding, but a dried apricot pudding. Each and every Sunday after making it, I unwrap it and douse it in rum, wrap it back up and leave it in the fridge to do its thing. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, that baby is potent! And quite delicious with a lovely, buttery rum sauce drizzled over it. Lights up like a torch too, hehe! Yes, we set it alight in the traditional manner. Fun, fun.

So, off I go, because in addition to the pudding and some ham steaks for supper, there is stitching to be done.

Tangled in threads and deliciously yours,
Mrs. K.

Remembering Thanksgiving

When I was a child, Thanksgiving was a very exciting time. Most years, family joined us for dinner, but sometimes, it was just the immediate family, my parents and us kids. My dad always cooked breakfast for us on Sundays and holidays, pancakes! He made great pancakes and we ate piles, literally. He would just keep cooking until he could see we were full, then he'd sit down and have his breakfast.

There was one thing my dad, who's gone now three years as of October, did for us on Thanksgiving when we were kids, that I always remember with such sweetness. We'd come to the breakfast table, waiting for those pancakes, and there was a little gift at each of our places; just small things, a little mini tea set, a little girl's make-up kit - not really make-up, but the play stuff. My brother would find Match Box cars, little tools, those sorts of little toys and goodies one found in the Five and Ten, or in our case, the Hopewell Pharmacy. We could never wait to see what he got us. Small things, big memories.

Yesterday, as I am just getting over a stomach virus from hell, I made a pot of homemade chicken soup. I had a large pack of chicken thighs in the freezer, so I used those. I cooked the chicken with some onions, garlic, celery with leaves, and a couple of carrot. When the meat was cooked, I removed it, but threw the bones and skin back into the pot, cooking another couple of hours. I then strained the broth and put it back into the pot. Along with more fresh onion, lots of garlic - all told, about 8 cloves, carrots, and celery, I threw in a leftover half bag of frozen spinach, some barley, about a third box leftover ditilini macaroni, and finally, some cheese tortellini. That is the best chicken soup I have ever had, and I consider myself a connoisseur. Love chicken soup.

Wasn't sure how Mr. K. would react to such a mixed pot, but he ate three bowls and told me I better make it again just that way. He said I could always add matzoh balls too! As I've mentioned before, we mix it up in our home and it's all good.

Tomorrow we are off to Mr. K's cousin's club, as we have been doing for the past few years, joining relatives and friends. They put on an incredible spread, so it will be a wonderful meal. For leftovers, I've got that pot of soup in the fridge, but who knows, maybe Sunday, as I stir up my Christmas pudding, I'll make a little turkey dinner just for the two of us. As for the pudding, I'll share the adventure of the first one I made later in the week.

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K.  

Canning Label Giveaway at Canning Granny

On Facebook, I always keep up to date with everyone's canning by reading Canning Granny's page. She also has a  great blog - Canning Granny - click and it will take you right to the page about her canning label giveaway. Here's her FB page, just in case you'd like to follow her there - Canning Granny FB - people post photos of all their wonderful canning stuff, a great page.

I don't know about anyone else, but I never seem to have enough labels - I like to put them on my canning jars, of course, but baked goods, seasoning mixes, etc. Check it out and enter for a chance to win some nice labels!

The photo above was nabbed from FB - a WWII poster.

Off to bake some cornbread!!!

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K.

Catching Up & Brussels Sprouts

Good grief, I haven't even said Happy October, so first... Happy October!!! This is a favorite month as I love autumn and Halloween. I have been busy finishing up my fruit butters, making pomanders, giving my home a good cleaning, and decorating for the season. Busy, busy.

We are not visiting North Carolina this month and I am so disappointed! It just can't be done, so onward and forward. I look forward to getting away into some real autumn weather every year and I feel rather sad, sort of a deep ache and longing. Oh well, I'll survive. Surely no one ever died from not being able to make their autumn pilgrimage.

I have been consoling myself with plenty of tea, stitching gifts for the holidays - I am even weaving a little bookmark for a friend - and browsing through favorite books. One favorite is Sara Midda's "In And Out of the Garden." No matter how many times I look through this beautiful book, I never tire of Sara's charming and whimsical illustrations. It is filled with old garden lore, recipes, quotes, and other wonderful things, including poetry.

Within this book I found a very sweet little poem about brussels sprouts that I just adore; I am known for reciting it whenever the urge strikes! For many years I didn't like these little cabbage-like vegetables, in fact I didn't like cabbage much, nor onions. Now however, I love all three. Brussels sprouts still require special treatment in order for me to enjoy them though and, over the years, I have found the perfect way to cook them so they are just right for me.

First, I choose baby sprouts if they are available. Second, I toss them with plenty of butter, Celtic salt, and maple syrup. Yep... maple syrup. Brown sugar or honey works well too; that bit of added sweetness just does something to enhance the flavor, but the maple syrup, that makes them extra special. Most important, I roast them at about 350 degrees until they are tender. I don't like my veggies barely cooked, I prefer them well cooked and, according to Bee at Healing Naturally By Bee, it is best for one's digestion. All I know is that MY digestion is happiest with well-cooked vegetables.

Back to sprouts... I make sure I keep an eye on the sprouts, stirring them often, and watching so they don't get charred. I don't like charred veggies. Sometimes, I toss in a couple of apples or pears, which is quite delicious, or even a sliced Vidalia onion. If I use apples, I might even add a splash of Calvados or apple cider, very good indeed! One thing is for sure, after roasting, more butter is added, seasoning adjusted, and none are left! Mr. K. is quite fond of brussels spouts.

Do you like brussels sprouts? How do you cook them? Love to hear how you prefer yours... or not. I shall leave you with the brussels sprouts poem from Sara's book.

Sprouts for dinner, 

Sprouts for tea,

Sprouts for you

and sprouts for me.

Sprouts at Christmas,

Sprouts at Fall.

Whether large

- or whether small,

Sprouts enough to fill us all!

I say, hurray for brussels sprouts!

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K.

Do you like

Plum Butter, Yum!

Yesterday was a busy day as I finally got my plum butter made; I had planned to do it Sunday, but got sidetracked with other things... reading a couple of good mysteries and stitching. I just needed a lazy day, so I gave myself one. However, those plums were ready to go and so I had to get busy.

This jam is such a gorgeous color in addition to being SO delicious! I used a mixture of dark purple and red plums, sugar, cinnamon, and just a touch of cloves. Perfection, if I do say so myself. ; )

I always begin by selecting the most luscious looking plums I can find. I needed about six pounds. I wash them  and let the soak a bit in a tub of water to which I've added some vinegar; this is to clean them really well. I then rinse and quarter them, removing the pit. I add a bit of water, just enough to keep them from sticking, cover and cook until soft. Plenty of checking and stirring is needed. Sometimes a bit more water needs to be added, but these were very juicy so I didn't have to. When softened, I put the cooked plums through a food mill, measure, so I know how much sugar to start with, and put back into the pot. Peels were disposed of and I was ready to make the fruit butter.

Sugar, I started this batch with half a cup of sugar per cup of fruit puree, then the spices, a tablespoon of cinnamon and a half teaspoon of cloves, were stirred in. I slowly brought to a boil, then reduced the heat a bit. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, I taste and make any adjustments in sugar and spice. This batch needed a half cup more sugar, but the spices were perfect.

Bubble, bubble, simmering away, stirring with my lovely, handmade, heart-shapred wooden spoon. I bought it last year at the Southern Highlands Craft Fair in Asheville, NC. Puts a bit of extra love into all this goodness. When I think the consistency is just right, I check my fruit butters by placing a bit on a chilled saucer that has been waiting in the freezer. I put the saucer back in the freezer for a moment or so, then check. Perfect timing yesterday!

Into the jars, edges wiped, lids and screwbands placed, I try not to burn my fingers on the hot, sterilized jars, but, ouch, they are hot!

I use the water bath canning method for 15 minutes. Boiling away!

 The end result... ooh deliciousness! The color is so pretty too. As the jars are removed from the canner, I wait for that "ping" as they seal - love that little sound! Naturally, Mr. K. couldn't wait to sample some, and since there was one jar that was only about two thirds filled and didn't go into the canner, he helped himself. There's always one of these left that goes right into the fridge, after the taste tester has done his job, of course!

Today... pear butter, which I've not made before. I found some lovely pears so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm rather partial to pears. I checked through my cookbooks, but couldn't find a recipe, so I checked on line and found one. I was concerned about the canning method, wanted to be sure there wasn't any issue. The recipe I found adds a little orange juice. Sounds good! I'm also going to get my pomanders done tonight and get them to curing. You can imagine how wonderful my home smells with all this going on.

Next week is apple butter time. Apple butter is my favorite. There is just something about that taste, the apples, my favorite fruit, and all those spices. I love the scent of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, along with apple and orange. I make a simmering pot pourri that keeps our little place smelling lovely with these ingredients for when I'm not making fruit butters!

Oh well, off to the kitchen!

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K

Summer Ending, Jam Making and a Tropical Storm!

So, here we are at the end of August! I am so looking forward to Autumn, well, I always do. It is my very favorite time of year. I have fond memories. Now, however, I have a lot to keep me occupied as I finish up summer. Jam, or more specifically fruit butter, making commences. I am also making some new pomanders, stitching away on various projects, especially holiday ornaments, and deciding on my Autumn decor.

Early last week I made a lovely batch of spiced peach butter. The peaches were perfect and I really enjoy the process. I have been using a stock pot with a cake rack in the bottom for processing my half pint jars, but came across an enameled pot of perfect size with a steamer rack in the bottom. The price was right too. It worked perfectly. However, my new stove runs much hotter than my old 1973 model, so I had to keep my eye on the canner.

I peel and roughly slice my peaches, add them to a small amount of water, then cover and cook until soft. Into the food processor they go to be whirled into a golden puree. I measure the puree and use about half a cup of sugar per cup of puree, holding back the last half cup of sugar until I taste. This year I used half brown sugar and half white. Cinnamon and freshly ground nutmeg are also tossed into the pot and the cooking begins.

I bring this lovely blend of lusciousness just to a boil, then turn the heat down and cook until it is just the right consistency. I keep a little dessert plate in the freezer during the cooking, then when I need to test, I drop a pinch onto the plate and stick it back in the freezer for a minute. If it is the right consistency, we're good to go, otherwise back to simmering.

The color get darker from the spices, I keep testing until it's just right. My jar, lids and screw bands are ready to go and I ladle that golden deliciousness into the jars. I process the jars in a water bath canner for fifteen minutes, remove the jars and wait for that wonderful little ping that signals my lids have sealed.

I just love making these fruit butters. The book in the photo above is from The Good Cook series, which I subscribed to in the 1980s. This particular book is where I learned how to make jams and can. It is rather splattered and worn, but still serves me well. Later today I will be making plum butter - oh, most precious jewel of fruit butters! It is a glorious color and a favorite of mine. I would have done this Sunday, but we had the interesting experience of a tropical storm; Isaac came to visit. At least he was polite, leaving little damage, but that rain pounded our windows and the wind howled all day and night Sunday, as well as Monday morning. I was worried that I would lose power in the middle of the process, so held off. We had a few blinks, but no loss of electricity, just our cable, but even that wasn't very long - thank you Comcast!

In any event, my husband dipped into the peach butter as a condiment for the pork tenderloin I made for dinner last night. He thought it was quite tasty. I sure hope some of those jars last through to the holidays, I plan to give it as gifts. Oh, well, there will be plum butter and apple butter too, so I should be safe!

I have been stitching away, as usual. I have a new favorite designer, The Little Stitcher. Her designs are primitive and just my style. You can see her designs here at her blog: http://thelittlestitcher.blogspot.com/

The Granny and The Deer

Not only are her designs lovely, but she is a very sweet gal. Her designs are available as digital downloads - yay, instant gratification!!!! Of course, the usual paper is available as well. She has a freebie little pair of mermaids available if you leave your email address. I am working on three of her, what I call, harvest designs: Tansy, Yarrow, Rue, The Harvest of Ancestors, and The Granny and the Deer. They are simple, but very meaningful designs. In addition, I am stitching on Salem Remembered, by The Primitive Needle. I had lost one of the chart pages while taking my mother to doctors and just could find another copy anywhere. Luckily for me, a lovely person offered me her copy and I am back in the saddle or, uh needle, so to speak.

In any event, I should be off to the connubial couch as the clock has struck two. My dear husband has come down with a summer cold, yes, in the middle of a tropical storm, he catches cold and I want to add a little eucalyptus oil to the aromatherapy atomizer to help him breathe a little easier.  Oh well, it rained and it poured!

Basic Fruit Butter Recipe

Prepare your fruit, depending on the type. Peaches should be peeled and cooked in a little water; apricots simply put through the food processor uncooked; plums cooked whole in a little water, and then put through a food mill. After pureeing the fruit, measure it, for each cup of puree, add a half cup of sugar. Hold back the last half cup until you taste to see if it is needed. Sometimes, a little more sugar may be needed. Add any spices, as you like. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer until a spoon dragged through the butter leaves a trail. Check for the right consistency by placing a bit on a chilled plate. There should not be any water around the fruit butter and when chilled for a minute, it should be the right thickness. Fill sterilized half pint jars, place lids and screw bands, then process in a water bath for 15 minutes.

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K

Happy Birthday Julia!

Today Julia Child would have been 100, so Happy Birthday, Julia, wherever your travels have taken you. I certainly miss you!

And here is a video that is collage of many fun and best moments. I really enjoyed it. Now... in her honor I will make something delicious for dinner!

http://video.wgbh.org/video/2262363727

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K

Memories

I was reading today's post over at the Blind Pig and Acorn blog, all about life in Appalachia, (www.blindpigandtheacorn.com). Tipper's post was a list of remembrances by one of her readers about growing up in Western North Carolina. I have loved Western North Carolina and Appalachia since my very first visit some years ago. It seems something just draws me there and I keep going back, hoping to move there someday.

I grew up in upstate New York, near the Catskills, and lived in a small town, an area much like Western NC. That's probably the reason I love NC so much - nostalgia. I have always felt I was born in the wrong time because I love to do things the old fashioned way, love old crafts. I prefer cooking right from scratch, canning, weaving and embroidery, etc. There is so much of that back home and in NC. I know I won't get Mr. K. back to New York, but I keep hoping for at least halfway back!

The list Tipper posted by one of her readers reminded me of my favorite spring and summer pursuits as a child in the country. Inspired by that list, I thought I'd share some of them here.

- picking wild strawberries in fields and woods - those little tiny ones.
- going barefoot as soon as it was warm enough. We never wore shoes all summer and we would use our toes to pop tar bubbles on the tar and gravel road. Took a long time to get the tar off!
- building forts, with the trees that fell during winter storms, in the the woods.
- wandering the woods, alone or with friends, without any cares or fears.
- lightening bugs!
- watching bees on the flowers.
- barbecue every weekend - hot dogs, hamburgers, steak; especially my dad's Chinese hot dogs and hamburgers!
- sleeping out on the porch or in homemade tents out in the backyard.
- helping to plant our garden.
- stealing tomatos and cucumbers from the gardens to snack on, fresh and still warm from the sun.
- spraying each other with the garden hose to cool off until we got an "above-ground" swimming pool.
- my mom's potato salad with those hot dogs and hamburgers.
- watching the vegetables grow. I was born in the city and we moved to the country when I was eight. I was fascinated by all the flowers, gardens and trees.
- my mom's daffodils in the spring when it seemed too cold for flowers to be blooming.
- weeping willow trees.
- the row of lilac bushes in our backyard and the scent of them.
- neighborhood block parties.
- my first taste of venison.
- sitting on the patio on a Saturday night with everyone, roasting marshmallows, listening to the adults talk.
- falling asleep with the windows open, listening to the sounds of nature, trying to figure out what each sound was.

When we moved from the city to the country, my first experience was getting stung by a yellow jacket. We had some Lombardi trees along the driveway and I was sitting playing with the dirt around the trees when all of a sudden I felt the most awful stinging on my finger. I let out a wail and my parents and relatives, who were helping with the move, came running out. A neighbor came over and diagnosed the problem. A little ice and love from mom made all well. After that, stepping on bees and getting a sting in the foot was no big deal, we'd just rub our feet on the grass and went on our way. I guess the rubbing pulled the stinger out! Funny, everyone got stung now and then, bees, yellow jackets, wasps, but I never knew of anyone who was allergic.

No one would mind when we kids would steal a few vegetables to snack on. Those were the best, still warm and just so good. Sometimes we'd even make a salad. Everyone had gardens, some bigger than others, and people shared the bounty.

Now, my dad loved to barbecue and we loved to eat it so we barbecued a lot. He came up with a very funny, but really good idea to top burgers and hot dogs - Chun King chow mein!!! It sounds weird, but honestly we loved it. He would take one of my mom's copper bottomed pots and heat the chow mein on the edge of the grill. We'd bring our plates over, rolls open and waiting. He'd give us a burger or dog and top it with a spoonful of the chow mein. Boy, they were good. When friends would join us, they'd hesitate, but eventually give in and try it. They never could believe how good it was.

Weeping willows are still my favorite trees. It was such an amazing thing for us, fresh from the city and even later, to put a branch in some water and watch the roots come out. Those branches grew into trees pretty fast too and made wonderful places to to play under. We would also just stick a branch in the ground and it would grow into a tree pretty much in no time at all.

And I still love the sounds of night time, frogs in the lake, the wind in the trees and hedges, all the other rustles and sounds I can't identify, that lovely stillness that comes on slowly as we turn on a few lamps. We settle down, me with my needlework or a good book, and Mr. K. in the den watching TV or sometimes joining me in the living room, sitting in the willow rocker, chatting.

Life is good and so are the memories.

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K.

Passover, Stress and Other Bits

Well, we are still eating matzoh and drinking Milk of Magnesia, but we are enjoying the holiday. As well as Passover and Easter, I read that April is Stress Awareness Month. The recommendations for stress are chamomile and lavender, but Mrs. K. recommends a shot of Jack Daniels then lay back and read a good book!

I've been cooking up a storm on the new stove and enjoying it. Did some baking before Passover, but have put that on hold until after the holiday so as not to tempt Mr. K. Roasted some of those lovely little fingerling potatoes with olive oil and salt last night - yum, crisp outside, creamy inside. They were great along with a nice filet mignon and salad - not exactly traditional Passover fare, but we certainly enjoyed it.

Still stitching away on the anniversary piece, but not as much as I have hoped - really, I've got to buckle down! I'm reading, reading, reading and can't pull myself away. What have I been reading? A mixed bag, as usual. Whistling Woman by Christy Tillery French and Caitlin Hunter; a memoir of Bessie Daniels who grew up in western North Carolina. She has a Cherokee grandmother. I've just begun this and am already really enthralled. Also reading the Sebastion St. Cyr mysteries by C. S. Harris - yes, all of them - Regency mystery/thriller/romance. I am really enjoying them, interesting mysteries. One other that has my attention is If Walls Could Talk, An Intimate History of the Home, by Lucy Worsley. This was recommended by one of the Jane Austen blogs I read and it is quite interesting. It gives you all those answers about how people actually lived over the centuries, such as why did medieval people sleep sitting up, why did the flushing toilet take so long to catch on, what was all that fainting about. So you can see why I'm being kept from my stitching... oh and music practice too. Must work on that today,

So... what's for dinner tonight? Add that on to today's list and it doesn't look like I'll be laying back with a book, let alone a shot of Jack Daniels anytime soon!

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K.

The End of An Era!

This is my old, 1973, avocado green stove. My mother-in-law chose it, along with the same color fridge, when their condo was being built and since it still worked fine, we didn't replace it when we moved in, around 2001. The fridge passed on in 2002 - not bad, but the stove continued on! Last week, after almost 40 years of service, Madame Hot Avocado passed on. The burners are still fine, but the oven just stopped. She doesn't owe us a penny, she served us well, may she rest in peace.

YAY!!! Oh, I can't help it, that color!!! It just didn't sit well with me. In fact, it was one of my mother-in-law's favorites back in the day; even her living room/dining area had green carpet. Thank goodness that had been replaced! But honestly, almost 40 years - that's a heck of an appliance!

Off we went to the Sears Appliance store and Manny, our extremely helpful and very nice salesman, showed us what was available. Now, I did really want the same type range top - coils. Well, while you can get them, they are rather passe' - my age showing, as I really didn't want that flat glass top range, I had heard horror stories about keeping it clean; in fact, my mom has one and it seems a lot of trouble to keep clean. However, Manny explained it all to me, despite my crabbiness, and with my husband encouraging Manny, they won me over. Of course, they also told me not to expect almost 40 years of service from these new appliances, but I'm not buying that - this will last a good long time. As for Mr. K, I told him that mine is the final word regarding the choice of stove... unless he wanted to take over cooking. He went off to look around. (snicker, hehehe)

Delivery was yesterday. The two men and one woman (delivery/installation guy had two trainees) were really super nice and Madame Hot Avocado was gone and the new stove was in, including moving a little cabinet, in less than twenty minutes! No, I am not a paid spokesperson for Sears, but, honestly, the whole process was easy peasey and the sales and delivery folks were just plain nice.

So... here's a photo of my new stove - black, big oven, those wonderful burners and warming burner too. I know... most people have this, but you have to remember I've been cooking in 1973 for all these years!

Now I have to finish putting everything back in the cabinet that we had to move as well as get rid of another one that will no longer fit - the old stove was 26 inches wide, this one is 30. And yes, I cooked dinner on it last night - tortellini Alfredo - quite yummy. Wow, that water boiled fast on the double burner! The little warming burner kept the sauce at the perfect temperature and Mr. K was very happy with his dinner.

Today I plan to do a little baking, just to try out the oven, among other housewifely chores. I also need to work on my anniversary needlework which needs to be finished and framed by the end of May as well as music practice. 

Oh... speaking of needlework for anniversaries, this is the third time I am stitching something for ours. The first one, in honor of 15 years, I designed myself, stitched it and NEVER framed it! Going through some other unframed work, I found it and Mr. K said we should have it framed - finally. So here it is, after 17 years! Different types of stitches, a drawn thread band, a little heart button and a favorite verse.

For our 30th anniversary, I stitched this little pillow which Mr. K keeps on his side of the connubial couch. He gives it a little squeeze every night before giving me a little squeeze! He's very romantic, is my Mr. K. 

This design is by Beth at Heartstring Samplery with a couple of little changes to personalize it. 

So... there we are, I better get busy! Brownies, music, and stitching!!!

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all! I am planning a lovely little dinner for the DH and myself which will include chocolate wine! Yes... chocolate wine. I had some at a friend's home and it was so delicious, I think it will be perfect for tonight. More chocolate for dessert - DH has a real sweet tooth.

I am marinating a flank steak in wine - not the chocolate stuff - olive oil, onion and garlic, and a little salt. That will tenderize it nicely. Along with the steak, roasted potatoes which I toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and then dot with butter - the butter just gives it the right finishing yummy touch. Of course, we must have a green, so spinach sauteed with garlic and butter. Oooh - I can't wait. Personally, I think garlic is an aphrodisiac.

Dessert - brownies with a little scoop of coffee ice cream on top and a dollop of whipped cream to go along with the chocolate wine.

What about the rest of you - making anything special for your Valentine's dinner or are you going out?

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K

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

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