turkey feathers

Look Who's Lurking

There's so much bounty from the garden right now.  My dining room table is taken over with canning jars ready to be filled.  More pickles, some tomatoes, and soon, applesauce.  I love this time of year.  Sweet September, with autumn beckoning and sumac turning red along the creek, always one of the first signs of fall.  And it's my birthday month!  But Indian Summer, where did you go?  The skies are gray and there's a nip in the air.  I'm not quite ready to slip back into socks and sweaters and close my bedroom windows at night.  Though, around two o'clock this morning I wished I'd had, as I was abruptly shocked from sleep by a wild pack of yapping coyotes that went racing through the back field.  I bolted up half-awake; still dreaming, and thought I was at the beach house, and for a few seconds I feared for my life thinking those varmints were coming in after me through the open windows.  That is the first time in my life I've ever had a waking dream.  I was looking around my bedroom, but I was seeing a completely different place.  Quite, strange.

 

I love this little vintage cutting tool.  The serrated edge makes perfect pickle chips...

 

...and another yummy addition to the pantry.

Sometimes I find this time a year a bit overwhelming with all that needs to get done before the weather lowers the boom on us, and I'm definitely feeling that urgency right now.  Like a crazed squirrel gathering nuts.  Making lists and checking them twice.  I'm often working on so many things at once around here.  However, I do remind myself to appreciate what I have accomplished this summer, and I'm so hugging myself right now for finally sewing up some new curtains for the kitchen.  Sixteen panels in all.  Yes, I did have a bit of a production line going.  But I spent one afternoon cutting, and a couple of weeks sewing in my spare time.  I'm thrilled they're done because it was a project that's been on hold for such a long time...mainly because I just couldn't find the right fabric.  Then last month, just by chance, I ran across a whopping big bolt of lovely off-white cotton lawn (at a thrift shop of all places), and I couldn't believe my luck.  Plus—it was "on sale" for half-price that one day.  So double-woot! Not bad for covering eight large windows for $15.

 

 

Turkey Talk:: Thought some of you might like to hear an update on Turkey Lurkey and her flock of chicks, that I blogged about a few weeks ago.  They have been making frequent visits to our house, although sadly mother turkey is hopping on one leg, apparently the victim of a predatory attack. I've been sitting here watching her hop along with her crumpled leg drawn up, still diligently herding her chicks, and standing guard over the remaining five left (out of a dozen). They often nap in my flower bed.  It makes me a little sad to witness their struggle to survive, but how I admire their fortitude.  I know that wild turkeys can create problems when left unchecked, and we often hear such stories about that from a nearby town that is over-run with them.   But I like watching them pass through, and do appreciate their foraging and feasting on those pesky summer bugs.  They do seem to enjoy the cracked corn and raisins I (ahem) "accidently" toss out on occasion too.

Just Jamming

It's good to be back amongst friends.  I missed you guys too!  Thanks for the nice welcome back.

It's so nice to know there are many of you out there still making jam and that I'm not a dying breed.  I hope I didn't imply that there was anything wrong with freezer jam.  (Heavens no--if you are making any kind of jam:  kudos!)  In praise of FJ; I do like that you don't need to use as much sugar to make it and that it tastes more like fresh fruit.  But for those reasons I mentioned canned jars still work best for me.  I'm often asked how I make my jam, so I thought I'd share a little bit about that for beginners or anyone else interested in reducing the amounts of sugar called for in traditional recipes. 

Basically, the amount of sugar needed to set up fruit depends on pectin.  Some fruits are naturally high in pectin, but determining that is difficult because pectin breaks down considerably as fruits ripen.  Without sufficient amounts of pectin you have to add nearly double the amount of sugar-to-fruit ratio, and then boil to the "soft-ball stage" for jam to thicken properly.  It's a bit of a guessing game, even with a candy thermometer for guidance.  Additionally, the cooking time can seem endless because you need to stand over a hot spattering pot and stir at intervals to keep the jam from scorching. 

When I began making jam years ago, I didn't like adding gelatin (because of its animal origins), so that is the way I did it.  Then I discovered natural pectin made from citrus peel and it was transforming.  I use Pomona's Universal Pectin (available at most health-food stores), which allows you to use low amounts of sweetener.  Even honey.  It's power is activated by calcium (included in a packet you mix with water), not by sugar content--so you retain more of the fruit flavor.  Recipes for making jam are included in the box. 

More recently, I chanced to try Mary Jane's ChillOver Powderand was not disappointed.  Her product is marketed as a gelatin substitute, but also works great for jam.  It's made from Kanten (agar agar) a sea vegetable used primarily in Japan. I must say the flavor, color and texture of this jam was excellent.  The sugar to fruit ratio was half—4 cups fruit + 2 cups sugar, not as low as citrus pectin, but still very good, and again, short cooking time.  It was a little watery when I was spooning into jars, and boy was I nervous, but it set up beautifully.  The only downside is the price.  One box contains four packets which is enough for 8 cups of fruit.  So if you have a lot of jamming to do, it might not be economical unless you are getting your fruit and berries free from your backyard.  But worth it (I think) if you are entering your jam at the county fair.  Or, inviting friends for tea and scones. 

Sweet & Sour

 

It happens sometimes.   I just sort of back out of here slowly, hoping no one will notice the stagnant blog void.  But--you do, and I get the sweetest emails from concerned peeps who wonder; so I just want to say, thank you for caring, and for the blogaversary wishes too. Those years went by so fast!  I'm always so grateful for those of you who still stop by here to visit my little corner of the blogasphere, even when I'm off on a ramble for awhile. 

 

Well, I must say, these past few weeks have been incredibly busy as summer winds down and the garden output ramps up.  I've been canning pickles--from our own garden this time (recipe here), and turning wild blackberries into jam, and generally filling pantry shelves--because it is a tragic heartbreak to run out of homemade pickles and sweet jammy goodness in the middle of winter. (As we sadly discovered one time, and it wasn't pretty.) 

 

The other day, as I was standing in line at the store someone observed me buying more jam jars and suggested I make freezer jam instead of, “going to all the trouble”.  I smiled politely, not bothering to differ as this seems to be the mainstream hurry-up attitude about life in general.  But in my mind, I was thinking, Of course I know freezer jam is a no-brainer; if you don’t mind using plastic containers for long-term food storage (something I worry about); and convenient if you have extra space in your freezer (which I don't), and additionally, own a back-up power generator when the electricity goes out during stormy weather (as it inevitably does.)  Oh, we do have our reasons for going to all the trouble.  And something wonderful happens when I allow myself to relax during these long tasks--everything slows down.  Time actually seems to expand.  My daughters are usually gathered around and helping.  They open up, share things.  I listen.  We take turns stirring the pot and filling jars.  There’s a rhythm to the day that develops and bonds are made.  A sticky sweet bond!  Not just jam, but memories in the making.   

 

The pantry got a make-over too, with the addition of cute wallpaper (from Waverly), that I bought a few years back and never got around to putting up.  Well, I finally did and I love it, just as I knew I would.  It's quaint and homey with little images scattered about bringing to mind 'peace and plenty'. See more of them here.

Blackberries!

It's blackberry time again!  A bit early, but no one's complaining.  These grow on the other side of our backyard fence.  We went running back to the house for containers as soon as we saw them today.  There's a skunk that lives somewhere underneath all the bramble.  We've never actually seen it, being a creature of the night, but he's hard to miss if you know what I mean.  We step lightly so as not to disturb him -- just in case, humming softly (and nervously) to convey, "we mean no harm--just passing through".  Nope.  Not even a skunk, poison oak, or those wicked thorns discourage us.

 

I found out the basket on my salad spinner is a great container to use for picking.  When it's half full I can rinse and spin the berries very efficiently.  And we are all about efficiency in the kitchen, are we not?

 

The first few bowls get gobbled up pretty fast. I like mine with a few spoonfuls of plain yogurt. I'll pick more later to make jam when it cools down again.  There will also be a blackberry cobbler or two.  And hopefully, more of these.  And some of these.  Yum.

 

Looking on the Bright Side

Yesterday was hard.  We had to have an old tree taken down.  A honey locust, planted too close to the house, when it was first built.  My lament about this tree has always been; if only it had been planted 20-feet further out.   I've lost count of how many times we've had it pruned back to keep it off the roof, out of the bedroom windows and the rain gutters, only to have it grow back in the exact same place the following season.  Hardier than ever.  Unfortunately, woodpeckers and insects feasted on it a little too much, which only added to the never-ending fallout of pollen, pods, leaves, twigs, and a host of creepy-crawly things that got sprinkled daily (and liberally) over the deck, chairs, tables and anyone who sat under it.   This year seemed worse than ever.  Looking closer we noticed stress-cracks in the bark and began to worry about the integrity of the branches (perhaps one falling), and the overall health of the tree.  So, taking everything into consideration; a hard decision was reached.  We'd been discussing it casually for years though.  I suppose, getting used to the idea.  Knowing eventually, this day would come.  There were a few tears and a bit of angst during the final showdown.  To be expected.  We could hear and feel the thumps of tree parts falling heavily to the ground.  No one could bear to watch. 

 

I bravely opened the back door, snapped this one picture, then ran away and hid during the rest of it.  (I'm sure the tree men thought I was bonkers.)  Gosh.  This picture makes me sad.  It's hard to look at.  Change is hard sometimes.  We'll surely miss the song birds perched at the windows in the morning and the dappled shade under its feathery branches.   That's the sad part.  But looking on the bright side, we most certainly have more light in the house.  A new view of the mountains.  And there's the ease of sitting under an open sky. 

Which has been quite lovely under big patio umbrellas.  (Sarah and I have been reading Bread & Butter Journey by Ann Colver c. 1970.  About pioneer families crossing the Alleghenies to find a new homestead.)  The strawberries...we picked early Tuesday morning.  Both the girls and I visited a local farm and picked 15 lbs. of strawberries in 30 minutes.  Those professional berry pickers have nothing on us!  Already made 8 small jars of jam; making more today.  

Dessert last night; a spruced-up "hot milk sponge cake" with strawberry jam filling.   

 

Served up with more berries and a dollup of whipped cream on the side.  Truly a sweet comfort after a rough day.  Like a wake for the sad poorly tree.

Hey! Thank you for the garden love; it's day 5 and the roses are still with us!  I appreciate the great suggestions for improving the weed situation too.  I'm just cringing at the sight of them all at the moment. We seem to have every variety under the sun.  BUT I think I'd much rather save any back-bending efforts for...picking more strawberries.  

We do have our priorities. 

 

 

Cream Puffs to the Rescue

 

We had such big plans for the weekend--with another birthday and an anniversary to celebrate, but I was down for the count through most of it with a crude stomach flu.  I'm 90% over it today, but the head-banging headache still lingers, along with a renewed appreciation for pepto bismal.  Oh-boy.  If I'm lucky, I'll squeeze a nap in later today.  Preferably outside in the warm sun, if it happens to come out.  Anyway...we've moved the festivities out to mid-week, which actually works better for everyone's schedule and will give me more time to rebound.

I must say though, the weekend wasn't a total loss:  I'm talking cream puffs here.  Something special for the birthday girl.  I haven't made them in a long time, and I've never made them using spelt flour, so that was a first.  They surprised me by turning out extremely light and delicate.  (The no-fail recipe I use can be found in, The Fannie Farmer Baking Book, by Marion Cunningham--page 181, I think.)  These are filled with freshly whipped cream:  1-1/2 cup heavy whipping cream + 2 T. sugar.  And the perfect chocolate drizzle, in my opinion, is a warm ganoche:  1/2 c. heavy cream + 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bits; heat the cream to a scald over a double-boiler, remove from heat and add the chocolate.  Let it "temper" a few minutes, then whisk gently until it becomes dark and shiny.  Let it cool a little before spooning over the puffs.  (for extra yum--stir any remaining chocolate sauce into your coffee!)  These are best eaten right away, but, if you have more will power than we do, keep them cold in a covered container--up to 24 hours. 

Ours, however,  never seem to last that long.

 

Camping In the Kitchen

I love this image, especially that cute apron from the March 2009 issue of marie claire idees; it speaks perfectly, in a way, to the mode we were operating in all weekend and not just because of a spring storm, but because Friday, we realized the compressor had gone out on the refrigerator;  just past its 5-year warranty naturally, amounting to a brain freezing $600 repair.  Is anything made to last anymore?  Growing up, it seemed like my parents had the same refrigerator for 20 years.  They were built like tanks; albeit not as energy-efficient or nearly as convenient (remember "defrosting days?"), but at least you could count on them to run.  Even pass them onto your grown kids when they moved out.   I'm frustrated because we've already had a number of newer appliances quit working recently--and this is just another one that will be added to the scrap-heap in a land-fill if it can't be fixed and donated.  Not to mention the strain on my pocket book. 

More mci eye candy for distraction:: pretty applique flowers on dishtowel. Note to self: bookmark for later.

Anyway, back to the camp-out in the kitchen with our food packed in ice chests scattered about and the cat on the prowl; fortunately, and trying to look on the *bright side*, we hadn't done our weekly shopping yet, so food loss wasn't monumental.  And I say 'monumental' with all sincerity as food prices are insane.  So are new refrigerators--we found out.  (Wow!)  I asked the salesman, "Can we drive it home? "  Reply: "No.  But we can guarantee Monday morning delivery."   Me (snickering):  "Deal!"  (Monday can't come fast enough.)

 

These aren't from the magazine, they're from my oven...the last of the blackberry tarts.  I was relieved to have them on hand (one of the things we were able to save from the freezer), to take to a special gathering of friends and neighbors up the street yesterday.  The recipe for the blackberry filling was blogged last summer and can be found somewhere in the archives.  The "cookie dough" is basically a pie-crust.  No time right now to find and link to it though. Sorry.  If anyone needs me, I'll be in the kitchen--roasting marshmallows, and singing kumbaya.

It's a Keeper

  

So, I got around to making "Neighbor Dorothy's Heavenly Carmel Cake" yesterday (recipe from book), and I'm happy to report that it was pretty good. 

 

The directions were a bit sketchy--no pan size was given for instance--although my heart-shape one worked fine.  By far one of the oddest ways of combining ingredients though.  For instance, the cake required sifting brown sugar and flour together (huh?), and cooking a flour and milk paste to beat into the icing.  OK.  Slightly dubious, I held my breath and kept up the faith as I methodically went through all the steps, wondering how in the world it was going to come together right, and be carmel flavored as promised. 

But in the end, a magic thing happened.  And it really was heavenly!

Sprinkled with Sugar

Winter!  It arrived here in the northwest in a BIG way, with epic snow and ice.  We were lucky to miss most of it though and just by the skin of our teeth it seems, being on the outskirt of the storm as it swept through.  Still, we had our share of snow earlier in the week (above), and were bracing for the worst.  But by Sunday, it was back to this.  We actually had our kitchen door open for the first time in weeks.  The fresh air a welcome friend.  Especially so, with non-stop baking and midlife moments of, "Is it hot in here--or is it just me?" 

Anyway, what better way to celebrate the winter solstice than with a little sugar.

Or a lot.

Now all we need is a cup of hot chocolate and some music--listening to Internet radio through Pandora.  My choice today; "Folk Holidays", which is a wonderful collection of gentle arrangements. So peaceful and calming.   (No commercials.)  And it's free!

~Thank You for stopping by and filling my virtual "stocking" with such sweet sentiments!  I appreciate every one so much and regret that I can't reply the way I'd like to--still, I want to wish you ALL a happy holiday before I check out for a few days.  Hope all your dearest wishes come true!  Merry Christmas!

Chilly = Chili

Br-r-r-r. . .

It was 11 degrees outside when I came downstairs this morning.  I don't think it got warmer than 25 degrees all day.  And the sun was shining!  The bone-chilling cold didn't stop the girls from rushing outside to have some fun.  But even with all the layers they didn't last long.  Soon they were back inside wrapped in blankets and sipping hot cocoa. 

We haven't gone anywhere for days, not since the last storm dumped about half a foot of snow on us.  No worries though.  We have our little diversions; our winter Scrabble tournament has begun.  Is "woot" a word?

The pantry is stocked and the crock-pot is back in full rotation.  My homemade chili is so good and especially warming on cold wintry days.  I usually start right after lunch so it's ready by dinnertime.  Here's the recipe if you need warming up too:

Crock-Pot Chili

1.  Rinse: 2 cups of dried red beans, put them in the crock-pot and cover them with boiling water.  Cook on high for about 2 hours until they are tender.  (Watch that the beans don't cook dry, add a little hot water when necessary.) 

2.  In a skillet: brown 1 pound of ground turkey in olive oil, (sausage is good too), with 1 cup chopped onion, and 3 chopped garlic cloves.  Season with dried herbs; oregano, thyme & sage.  Add 1/2 teas. fennel seeds, 1/2 teas. cayenne pepper flakes, (adjust to your own taste, this is medium-hot);  2 teas. (mild) curry powder, and 1 T. soy sauce.   Cook it all together until well blended, then add it to the pot. 

3.  Then add: one 8 oz. can chopped peeled tomatoes, one 8 oz. can of tomato sauce, and 2 T. of brown sugar.  Mix everything together and cover.  Cook on high for 3-4 hours; reduce to low an hour before serving.  Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese. 

I like to make cornbread to go with this, and I like to make it in a large old-fashioned cast-iron skillet the way my great-grandma always did, to get that delicious golden-brown crust on the sides.  It's easy.  Just use any cornbread recipe that makes enough to fill an 8 x 8 baking dish.  Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F and place the empty skillet inside for 5 minutes.  Take it out, and carefully brush the hot skillet with oil, coating the sides and bottom so the cornbread won't stick.   (I use Nutiva organic extra virgin coconut oil for this).  Pour the cornbread mixture into the heated skillet, leaving an inch or more from the top for rising.   Bake at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.  Let cool 10 minutes before cutting it into pie shaped wedges. 

Bon apetit!  And...thanks everybody for the movie recommendations--they're the same ones I already love to watch!  I just thought of another one that wasn't mentioned; Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" with Patty Duke, as the quirky Aunt.  Check it out--it's great.