Support Your Local Farms – Apple Picking

Posted on September 19, 2011 by simply0637
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This is the second year that we have leased an apple tree for Liberty View Farm, and I think it was one of the best things we have done in on our quest to support our local farms and farmers.  Liberty View Farm is simply wonderful – their gardens beds are works of art and this time we got to meet their pigs and listen to the goats bleating – Stella loved it all.  We were welcomed by Billiam and George their dog.  George was running through the orchard and enjoying many an apple and this only weeks after he had one of his back legs amputated.  Billiam and Rene are wonderful people and make you feel so welcomed and take the time to talk with you and share their life – reminds me of simpler times, when people took pleasure in the company of others and slowing down learn about one another.

Last year we leased one tree, but this year thanks to a wonderful birthday present we have two leased trees, one Rome and one Cortland.  Last year I made apple sauce, apple butter and apple chips and did all the peeling by hand – and one tree almost got us through the whole winter and spring and I even gave away jars of apple sauce and apple butter.  This year with 2 trees I am going to have to clear more shelf space or finish converting the basement into a root cellar.  I have already had people ask me when I am going to have a fresh batch of apple sauce and apple butter, with two trees I will be able to share the goodness and love with even more people.

After the first soccer practice of the season we drove the 1 1/2 hours north to Highland, NY to spend the day picking and enjoying the views and fresh, crisp air.  There was not as much mud as I thought there would be since the orchard had been flooded thanks to Irene and the torrential rains after she passed through.  We walked through the orchard with Billiam as he looked for the perfect tree for us to pick – and then he found it.  As is tradition, Billiam takes a picture of the apple pickers jumping up in the air, yelling apples – and we were more than happy to comply!

The tree this year had so many apples on lower branches that Stella was able to assist more in the picking – she tends to pick one apple show it to me, place it in the bag and then go back for another one – or she just talks to me, stands still as the bees land on her, waiting for it to depart – I have to say she makes it even more enjoyable!  It took us about 2 hours to pick the whole tree and I have no idea how many apples we ended up with – we did fill 4 reusable grocery bags along with an apple picking bag.

 

 

 

 

We loaded up our apples into the car and then went and visited a little while longer with Billiam and then it was back into the car and home.  The work of preserving, I am sure will take me several days!  And of course we will be back in October to pick our other tree – I can’t wait!

I can not recommend enough to get involved in your community and support your local farms and farmers.  It is great for the community, both in building relationships, healthy eating and the always present financial perks – to both you and the farm.  If you live in the Hudson Valley I would encourage you to lease an apple tree or two from Liberty View Farm http://www.libertyviewfarm.biz/ and if you don’t check to see if a farm near you offers leases. If you have kids – make a day of it – they will love it!  As you have probably already predicted – the posts for the remainder of the week, will most likely all have an apple theme to them – I can smell the apple butter cooking now and it is divine!

 

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Green Cleaning the Bathroom

Posted on September 16, 2011 by simply0637
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I do not use chemicals in the cleaning of my home, but I do buy the products – Seventh Generation, Method, Simple Green, Whole Foods Brand, Mrs. Meyers, Earth Friendly, etc.  But I also make some of my cleaning products.  This past week I have been doing a lot of research on green cleaning and have come across many green cleaning “recipes” – so I decided to do a test to see what really is the best way to clean tile, glass, mirrors, the tub, the toilet, etc.  Today I tackled the bathroom – trying 2 different methods for each item that needed to be cleaned.  I have to say for all of the home “recipes” it does take a little more elbow grease, but I turned the music on and stayed in the moment – focusing on what I was doing, not on the lists that are constantly going through my head – the time did not seem as long.

I have tried to show before and after photos, but the after photos, for the most part, do not give justice, but I hope you can get some idea.

Faucets – First on the list were the faucets.  I did the sink faucet with straight white vinegar, putting some on a cloth rubbing the faucet and then buffing – this looked good and better than the green product I had been using.  On the tub faucet I used rubbing alcohol, putting some on a cotton patch and then buffing – this was faster, cut through the film better and definitely shined more – I will be changing to rubbing alcohol.

Tub Faucet Before

Tub Faucet After

Tub Faucet After

 

 

 

 

 

Mirrors – I usually use a mixture of vinegar and water, but I decided to try two new methods.  For the mirror I wiped off with a clean cloth and then rubbed water on the mirror using a squeegee to take the water off – if you do not completely take the water off , you are left with streaks.  I then rubbed some dish soap on the mirror with a clean cloth and then buffed until there was no trace of it – this is suppose to keep the mirror from fogging for up to 2 weeks – will get back to you on that one.  The light fixture in the bathroom has a mirror back, so I used club soda on that – again I wiped it down with a clean, dry cloth, then I rubbed club soda on the mirror and buffed cleaned – this took even more buffing then the straight water.  I will definitely stick with the vinegar and water, but maybe I will add the squeegee – it is fun to use!

Toilet Bowl –  The tried and true is baking soda and vinegar.  Sprinkle some baking soda in, then spray some vinegar and let the reaction begin.  I usually do this first thing when I start cleaning the bathroom, let it sit and then it is the last thing that I finish at the end – it cleans great and eliminates toilet odor.

Porcelain Sink and Tub – I usually use Bon Ami for both, but today on the tub I used a cut lemon dipped in Borax and rubbed away, with very little effort. I had to re-dip into the Borax a couple of time – but I was amazed!  There were stains on the tub that I thought were there forever that came out with this method.  Once I had done the whole tub I rinsed with water and it was so clean and the bathroom smelled great.  I was going to do the sink with baking soda, but after seeing the tub – I decided there was no other way to clean either the sink or tub from now on.

Lemon with Borax

Tub Before

Tub After

 

 

 

 

 

Rust – This being an old house, there is rust around the faucet and the drain of the sink.  I found a couple of “recipes” that said it got rid of rust stains, but none worked for me the way I was hoping.  First I used straight vinegar on a cloth and rubbed and rubbed, then I closed the drain and let vinegar sit there for about an hour – no change.  I then tried rubbing alcohol – nothing.  Finally I tried a paste made from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide – this made a difference, but not huge – I think I will try this over a couple of cleanings and see if there is a gradual improvement.

Drain Before

After Vinegar

After Everything

 

 

 

 

 

Before

Tile and Grout– My bathroom has a lot of tile – up half way on the walls, around the tub and the floor.  I used a mixture of vinegar and water on the walls and around the tub – worked really well, cutting through the water spots and build up.  On the floor I used a paste made from baking soda, Borax and warm water. This was a lot of work – now I mop my floor at least once a month, sometimes more and I was amazed at how dirty the bucket of water was and that I had to refill 6 TIMES!  You make a paste, rub it on the tile, rub with a soft

After

brush and then rinse.  Well the paste kept absorbing the water, so I had to keep adding water, I tried using a soft brush, but that just spread the clumps everywhere – I finally applied the paste with a cloth and used the same cloth to rub – then I would rinse with water and a sponge – I had to rinse the floor three times before there was not a residue left.  Overall this worked really well and is probably worth the effort every couple of months, but this is not the way I will clean the tile and the grout on a weekly basis.

Paste

Floor Before

Floor After

 

 

 

 

 

This was an interesting experiment. I did learn quite a bit and I will be changing the way I clean some things. I also found that the homemade cleaning product recipes worked as well or better than the green products I have been using and buying – so when the store bought are used up – homemade is the way I will be going, cost less too!

 

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Another Project Completed – Felted Water Bottle Carrier

Posted on September 15, 2011 by simply0637
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I have finished another project that had been started during our power outage due to Irene.  The was the first time I had felted a project and it was fun and easy.  I will definitely be making more of these! I am not really a fan of knitting on double pointed needles and prefer to knit with a loop, but I did not have the correct size loop, but had the double pointed needles – once I get going I can get into the rhythm, but it does take me awhile.

There are so many great knitting sites on the web and I found this pattern on a free knitting pattern site: http://knitjenious.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern The directions were great and I have added some additional photos, since I am a more visual learner.

Hands Free Water Bottle Holder

Items Needed

1 skein on felting wool yarn, about 93 yards, pick one with a pattern or different colors throughout
Size 8 double pointed needles
Water bottle
Dish soap
water

Instructions

1. Cast on 36 stitches, leaving about an 8 inch tail which will be used when you begin the strap.  Divide evenly on 3 double pointed needles.  Join to work in the round, making sure not to twist yarn.  The cast on edge is the top of the carrier.

2. Knit in stockinette stitch ( knit all stitches ) until you have a tube about 6 inches in length.

 

 

3. Once you have about a 6 inch tube you will start the decreasing part of the project:
1st round: Knit 7, knit 2 together (K2tog) – 4 times (32 stitches remain)
2nd round: Knit 6, K2tog – 4 times (28 stitches remain)
3rd round: K5, K2tog – 4 times (24 stitches remain)
4th round: K4, K2tog – 4 times (20 stitches remain)
5th round: K3, K2tog – 4 times (16 stitches remain) NOTE: you will probably be on 2
needles now
6th round: K2, K2tog – 4 times (12 stitches remain)

Cut yarn, leaving about an 8 inch tail.  Thread the end of the yarn onto a needle (I use a steel yarn needle), draw through the remaining stitches, starting with the stitch that you would knit next, pull through – I usually go through twice, but that is up to you – pull tight.  Poke the needle through to the inside of the carrier and weave in the end.

 

 

 

 

Starting the strap –

1. Using one double pointed needle pick up the first 5 stitches on the cast on edge, those directly to the left of your “tail”.  Using the tail as the yarn, knit the 5 picked up stitches.  This is the set up row for joining the strap later.  Leave these stitches on the needle and move to the other side to begin the strap.

 

2. Moving clockwise around the cast on edge pick up stitches 19 – 23, start counting from the stitch closest the tail.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: (right side) K1, P1, K1, P1, K1
Row 4: (wrong side) P1, K1, P1, K1, P1

Continue the K1, P1 rib (repeating rows 3 & 4) until the strap  measures about 40 inches in length, ending on a right side row.  Strap length can be adjusted – this is the length that will allow you to go across the body.

3. Join the strap edge to the other side (remember those 5 stitches on the other needle), using Kitchener Stitch – this is NOT a complicated stitch, but it is easier to watch then for me to explain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhQYq-6UCKI , this shows you how to do the stitch and end it – I found it to be the best one to watch.

4. You now have completed the knitting process and now comes the felting process.

Felting

1. Fill the sink with water as hot as you can stand – I filled my tea kettle and added it to the water.  Add a few drops of dish soap to the water.  I found that I was able to felt faster if I just put the dish soap on the wet project and then rubbed in – but either way works.

2. Place the project in the water and swish around and then rub the project in between your palms – remember to give just as much attention the to strap.  Check along the way – I kept a towel on the counter with the water bottle and would take the project out and place on the water bottle until it was the size and the amount of felting that I wanted.

Before Felting

 

 

3. When it is felted to your liking, rinse the project thoroughly under cold water and place the project on a towel and roll up to remove the excess water.  Place the project over a water bottle, to mold, and allow to dry for a couple of day.  I found that this fits both an 18 oz and 24 oz. water bottle nicely.

This is a great project – I find when I am out on a short hike or taking a walk, I want my hands free and so many times I do not bring my water with me and then I am sorry – now I have no excuse.

 

 

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Quick Meal: Veggie Quesadillas and Banana/Chocolate Wraps

Posted on September 14, 2011 by simply0637
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There are those nights when you just want to get dinner on the table and quick – no thought, just the motions!  I have to start by giving credit to my cousin, my aunt and a friend – whose ideas created this quick dinner and dessert – thank you!  Most nights dinner is a 1 – 2 hour activity, but some nights we have so much going on or for some reason the time has flown by – where – I am not sure and dinner needs to be quick and hopefully, somewhat nutritious!

This whole meal was made, eaten and cleaned up in 1 1/2 hours – you can make it even faster by using canned beans.

Erin’s Veggie Quesadillas

Ingredients

Beans (I used lentils, but you can use any bean you want)
Veggies – use whatever is in the fridge
Cheese
Tortillas (I use whole wheat or spinach, but you can use whatever you like best)

1. Cook the lentils or drain and rinse a can of beans.  I love lentils, but for some reason when I cook them on  the stove they never come out.  Here is the other thank you – I was over at a friends house and she was cooking her lentils in her rice cooker – great idea. I did one cup lentils with a little over 2 cups water – now I will have beans for other meals during the week.

2. While the lentils are cooking, cut up your veggies.  I use whatever is in the fridge and usually make more than I need – to either have on the side or for a quick lunch or snack.

3. Saute up the veggies with a little bit of olive oil and then set aside.

4. Warm the tortillas – I use the same pans that I am going to cook with.

5. Place the veggies, beans and cheese on 1/2 of the tortilla, then fold over and cook on medium high – turn after about 2 – 3 minutes, cook on the other side and then transfer to a plate.  They are hot – so let cool some before eating – they are usually cool enough to eat when you have placed them on the table and gotten the drinks for everyone. – Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Stella has been asking for me to buy Nutella – it is a big thing in the kids lunches at school – maybe because of the advertising by them that it is a great breakfast item, makes you wonder.  I love Nutella and when we go car camping I use it instead of chocolate squares for our smores – yummy!  So I was trying to think what could I do with Nutella and get Stella’s craving taken care of and then I remembered my aunt telling me about how she cooked up some bananas and added them to vanilla ice cream for a dessert for her daughter – who does not like bananas, but she loved this.

Banana Chocolate Wrap – this if for one wrap

Ingredients

Nutella or other chocolate – nut spread
One banana
Butter for cooking
Tortilla (you could use a crepe or other wrap – I figured a crepe was too sweet for this)

1. Heat some butter in a pan, enough to coat the bottom.

2. Cut up the banana into 1/2″ slices and place them in the pan – keep the heat about medium. Flip once – they should be a little brown, about 2 minutes.

3. Warm the tortilla and then place on a plate, spread Nutella on.  I put it on pretty thin and the heat helps that.

4. Place the bananas on the tortilla towards the center, roll up and bite in.  I was informed by Stella that this is the best dessert I have ever made – I wouldn’t say that, but it was very good and sweet.  Next time I would use the smaller tortillas.

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Knitted, Faceless Doll

Posted on September 13, 2011 by simply0637
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I started a couple of projects about 2 weeks ago and finished the knitted, faceless doll.  I love these dolls, they are so easy to make and the kids love them, even the boys!  You can complete one of these in a day or over the course of a couple of nights.

Knitted, Faceless Doll Pattern

Items Needed

2 different colored yarns
Main yarn – about 1 skein
Face yarn – not much
darning needle
stuffing
Size 4 needles
bell (optional – I tend not to use because of choking hazard)

Instructions

The body and arms of the doll are knitted in squares made up of 20 stitches, knitted in garter stitch and 40 rows high.  Make six of these.

The face is done in a different color.  Cast on 28 stitches and knit in stockinette stitch for 40 rows.  Cast off.

The hat is knitted in garter stitch.  Cast on 32 stitches, decreasing one stitch by knitting 2 together on both sides every 4th row.  Continue this until you have 4 stitches left on the needle and cast off.

Once you have knitted all the squares you are ready to put the doll together.

To make the limbs fold the square in half, short side to short side and sew along the long side (20 stitches in length) and one short side (the 40 rows, halved).  Fill with stuffing, but not too full.

The body is made of two squares, stitch around leaving the top open and stuff.

The seam of the face is at the back.  Gather the top, stuff it and gather the bottom.  Insert the body and sew.

 

 

 

 

The arms and legs can now be fastened to the body.  You can either stitch the open seam of each and then attach or you can sew and attach at the same time.  I usually sew and attach at the same time – the limbs seem to lay better that way, at least for me.

Sew the hat piece up, the seam is the back of the hat.  Put some stuffing in the top of that hat and then pull over the head so fat that the back touches the body.  Sew onto the head.  I decided on this one to do a shown “X” seam around the hat, but you can just sew on with the same yarn as the hat and not have the seam show.

The last step, if you chose to do it, is to add bell to the top of the hat.

Finished Doll

This doll makes a great gift and the holidays are coming up!

 

 

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Back to a Set Schedule – School is Back in Session

Posted on September 12, 2011 by simply0637
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The summer is over and it is back to a more set schedule.  School started last week, but this is the first full week and now we are really back to a set schedule of getting up early, the morning and evening routines and getting to bed at a set time.  I am now getting up at 5:30 so I can get my walk and exercise in and then getting Stella up at 6:30, then it is getting dressed, morning chores, breakfast and then out the door by 7:20 to walk the couple of blocks to school.

After school, for at least the month of September – I walk to the school around 2:10ish, that is what time a teacher told me to be there and then home for a snack and homework.  Stella then plays and I finish up “work”.  Around 5:00 I start dinner and Stella does her evening chores, dinner on the table at 6:00, then dishes are done, homework checked and re-done if need be, bed time reading and then off to bed at 8:00.  This year Stella is now allowed to read for 30 minutes and then lights out at 8:30.

During the summer, chores go to the wayside, somewhat, and Stella’s allowance is stopped.  I figured I am paying for all the extras during the summer and consider that her allowance – going to the pool, ice cream, treats when we go on an outing, etc.  With the start of school is also the reinstatement of chores and allowance.  Stella and I sat down and put together the chore chart for this year and it is now hanging on the refrigerator so that she can check it off as she goes.

On Saturday, if chores were done throughout the week Stella get her allowance.  Stella is 7, so after much research, I decided her allowance would be half her age – $3.50.  On each birthday her allowance changes.  She has 4 piggy banks – savings, bank, fun and charity.  One dollar goes into each, savings, bank & fun, and then $0.50 into charity.  The bank is for her bank account, savings if for something that she wants to save for and fun is for her to spend however she wants.  The charity piggy bank is left up to her as to where she wants to put it – one time she gave to Unicef, another for a kids charity they were collecting for at school and another time she donated her money for the playground at the school she is now at.  This system seems to work really well for us.  I always love it when we are out and she wants something and I ask her did she bring her money, which most times is no and then it is,  well can’t you buy it and I say no, but I will buy it for you and you can pay me back when we get home and then this is the best when she answers me this way – well I don’t want to waste my money on that.  Really, it is okay for me to waste my money, but Stella can’t waste her’s?!  Whatever the item is that she so desperately wanted usually stays on the store shelf.

Sunday’s are always the get ready for the week day.  One of Stella’s chores this year is to pack her own lunch.  Sunday afternoon I fill up 5 baggies with Pirate Booty or something along those lines, then I fill up 5 cups with apples sauce and depending on what fruit I bought for the week I will package that up into 5 – this all makes it a little easier for her to just grab and pack and less frustration all the way around.

It is really hard when school gets back to session – each year it seems to take me longer to get back to the routine!  Drive carefully, school is open!

 

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Papple – Pear & Apple Jam

Posted on September 9, 2011 by simply0637
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As I have mentioned earlier, last weekend we went pear and apple picking.  I made apple crisp, apple, cinnamon buttermilk pancakes and pear sauce, but still had some pears and apples leftover.  I decided I would make pear and apple jam, but as I searched the internet I could not find a recipe for jam – just jelly and I wanted jam.  So I decided I had made enough jam that I could make my own recipe – and that is what I did and not to go too overboard, it is pretty damn good!

I decided I wanted the jam to be more pear than apple, so here it goes.

Papple – Pear & Apple Jam

Ingredients

7 – 1o pears, depending on size
3 – 4 apples, depending on size
1 pkg of pectin
1/2 cup water
1/4 lemon juice
2 1/4 cups sugar (can be reduced or increased, depending on your taste)

1.  First you want to wash and sterilize the jar.  You can use a dishwasher, which I do not have – so I wash the jars and then put them in boiling water, the same water I use for the water bath. This recipe will fill about 6 half pints , but I always put in one extra or a couple of the small 4 oz. jars. .

2. Put a spoon in the freezer.

3.  Wash and peel the apples and pears.

4.  Cut up, in large chunks, 4 cups pears and 2 cups of apples, or any combination you want, but you will need to have a total of 6 cups.

5.  Place the cut pears and apples into a large pot along with 1/2 cup water, turn the heat on high and let the water come to a boil.  Once the water has come to a boil, turn the heat down, cover, simmer, stirring often until the fruit softens.  Turn the heat off and let cool.

6. While the large chunks are cooking and cooling, cut up 1 cup of pears and 1 cups of apples, but this time cut them up into small pieces or squares.

7. Place all the pears and apples from the pot into a blender or food processor and puree, pour back into the large pot, add the small cut up pears and apples, lemon juice and the box of pectin that has been mixed with 1/4 cup of sugar.  Mix well.

8. Turn the burner to high and stir occasionally to prevent burning.  You want the mixture to come to a boil – this takes about 5 – 10 minutes.

9.  Since my kitchen is very small and I really only have one counter top to use – I am a stickler about cleaning up as I go.  While the mixture is coming to a boil I wash all the items used so far and then set the jars out on an old dish cloth, so they are ready to be filled.

10. Place the lids into a pan of water and set to boil.  Once the water has boiled turn the burner off and let the lids sit in the hot water. Keep the cover of the pot on.

11. Turn the bath water on high so that it is boiling when it is time to put the filled jars in.

12.  Once the mixture is a rolling boil, where stirring it will not get rid of the bubbles, add the remaining sugar.  I use no sugar pectin, which still calls for 3 cups of sugar.  I usually use 1 1/2 – 2 cups of sugar, but it depends on how sweet you want it and how sweet the fruit already is.

13.  It will start to thicken.  Take the spoon out of the freezer and fill it about 1/2 way.  Let it cool to room temperature – taste and if the thickness you want – it is done.

14.  Using tongs or a magnetic top taker outer and take the tops out of the hot water and place on the dish cloth next to the empty jars.

15.  Place a funnel over a jar and using a ladle, ladle the mixture into the jars to about 1/4 inch from the top.  Continue this until all jars are filled.  Place the tops on and then put the ring on and tighten.

16.  Place the jars into the bath water.  After about 7 minutes you can start taking them out – using a jar grip.  Place them on the dish towel and then listen for the popping – this is the jars sealing.  If one does not seal turn it upside down and let it stand there for about 5 – 10 minutes turn over and it should have sealed.  If one does not seal that is the one you will place in the refrigerator after it has cooled and use it tomorrow morning on your toast.  The jars should keep for about 12 months.

 

 

 

 


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Cooking with Zucchini Flowers

Posted on September 8, 2011 by simply0637
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My neighbors are Italian and their meals are wonderful.  Back in July I had a knock on my back door and when I opened it there was a plate of warm fratellis being offered to me.  I ate 3 of them on the spot and then the other 3 about an hour later – delicious is all that I can say.  I have never cooked with zucchini flowers and wanted to learn.  I asked my neighbor to let me know the next time she was making them so that I could watch.

I got another knock on my door yesterday and my neighbor handed me a container with the fratelli batter.  I am not sure of the exact amounts of the ingredients, but she did walk be thru what she put in the batter.

Liz, my neighbor, picks the flowers in the morning, washes and dries them and then cuts them up.  The cut up zucchini flowers are placed in a bowl and eggs and flour are added, along with some grated cheese, salt and pepper.  The batter is on the thicker side.

I heated up about 1 inch of olive oil in my cast iron pan, waited for the oil to get good and hot and then dropped the batter into the oil.  Liz told me to take a spoon and pick up the equivalent amount like I was dropping cookie dough onto a cookie sheet.  I let them cook for a couple of minutes and then turned them over and cooked on the other side.  Since this was my first time frying them, I turned them several times – I did not want to over or under cook.  I then took them out of the oil and placed on a paper towel lined plate to drain.  I did this until all the batter was used.  This time I made them last for 2 meals and let another neighbor try them.  Stella was a trouper and tried a bite, but did not like them – oh, well – more for me!

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Holy Cow – What Do You Do With 27 Pounds of Pears?

Posted on September 7, 2011 by simply0637
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We went pear picking last weekend and had about 27+ pounds of pears – what to do?  Pear sauce, just like apple sauce but with pears.  I had never made pear sauce before, but have made apple sauce – so I figured it had to be made about the same.

So here is how you make Pear Sauce.  Nine pounds makes about 3 quarts.

Pear Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

9 pounds of pears
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 Tbl lemon juice
Cinnamon

1. First you want to wash and sterilize the jars.  You can use a dishwasher, which I do not have – so I wash the jars and then put them in boiling water, the same water I use for the water bath.

2. Using a large pot, pour 1 cup of water in.

Before Cooking

3. Peel and cut the pears into large chunks and put into the large pot.

4. Once you have cut up all the pears, turn the pot of high, stirring the pears, occasionally, until the water begins to boil.

After Cooking

Then turn the heat down, cover the pot and simmer the pears for about 20 – 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft.

5. Turn the heat off, take the top off and let the pears cool somewhat.  During this time, place a dish cloth on the counter and line your jars up on the counter.

6. Place the lids into a small pot of water, cover and bring to a boil. Once the water boils, turn the burner off and keep the lid on.

7.Turn the bath water on high so that it is ready when you have the jars filled.

8.  Once the pears have cooled, place some into a blender of food processor and puree – do this with the whole pot of pears and then put the pureed pears back into the pot.

9. Turn the burner on medium, pour in 1 – 1 and 1/2 cups sugar and the 2 Tbs lemon juice and cinnamon if using – sprinkle to taste.  Stir and cook for about 10 minutes.

10. Using tongs or a magnetic top taker outer and take the tops out of the hot water and place on the dish cloth next to the empty jars.

11. Place a funnel over a jar and using a ladle, ladle the sauce into the jar to about 1/4 inch from the top.  Continue this until all jars are filled.  Place the tops on and then put the ring on and tighten.

12. Place the jars into the boiling water.  After about 10 minutes for pints or 20 minutes for quarts you can start taking them out – using a jar grip.  Place them on the dish towel and then listen for the popping – this is the jars sealing.  If one does not seal turn it upside down and let it stand there for about 5 minutes turn over and it should have sealed.  If one does not seal that is the one you will place in the refrigerator after it has cooled and use within a month.  The jars should keep for about 12 months. We called it Pickety Pear Sauce, it was Stella’s turn to pick the name – I think it is fun!

 

 

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Apple, Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes – the Right Way to Start the Day

Posted on September 6, 2011 by simply0637
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With the rain and the temperature dropping a warm breakfast was the way to start the day!  I found a recipe in

a while back and have made some alterations to the recipe.  I have taken the recipe in Nourishing Traditions and added a couple of additions to make it my own.

The main component of this recipe is the soaking of the flour in buttermilk for 12 – 24 hours in a warm place.  The soaking in buttermilk, which is acidic, activates the enzyme phytase, which works to break down the phytic acid in the bran of the grain, it also increases the vitamin content and makes the nutrients more available.  You can read more about the benefits of soaking your grains in the book.

Apple, Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes

Ingredients

2 cups spelt, kamut or whole wheat flour
2 cups buttermilk, kefir or yogurt (if you have milk allergies use 2 cups filtered water plus 2 Tbl whey, lemon juice or vinegar)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 medium sized apple, cut into small pieces
Cinnamon
Vanilla
Honey

1. Mix flour and buttermilk in a bowl, cover and let stand for 12 – 24 hours in a warm place.  We make these so often that I just keep re-using the tin foil cover.  Once I wash the bowl I just place the folded tin foil inside the bowl for the next time.

 

2. The next morning, cut up the apple into small pieces, this time I used a Honey Crisp apple, but this works well with Granny Smith, Fuji, Rome, Cortland apples.  Keep the apples to the side and add them last.

12 hours later

4. Using a whisk, whisk the batter, you will notice how thick and

gummy it has become.

5. Beat the eggs slightly in another bowl and then add to the batter and mix.

6. Add the salt, baking soda, cinnamon and vanilla.  For the cinnamon and vanilla I just pour some in depending on the mood of the morning – mix well.

7. You do not have to add honey and I do not do every time, but you can just squeeze some from the bottle – mix.

8.  Add the apples and mix well.

9. If the batter is too thick you can thin to desired consistency by adding water a little at a time.

10. Cook on a hot, oiled griddle or cast-iron skillet.  These will take longer to cook.  You will also notice that they rise much higher than non-soaked flour or white flour pancakes.  I try to show that, but the picture came out a little blury.  I use 2 pans and cook 4 at a time, then place them on a tray and stick them in the toaster oven to keep them warm.  This recipe will make between  15 – 20 pancakes.  They keep well in the refrigerator or freezer.  I usually keep them in the refrigerator and then re-heat them in the morning – one batch will last us all week and is a nutritious, fast and delicious breakfast alternative.

 

 

 

 

11. Serve with maple syrup, sorghum syrup, raw honey , preserves, etc.  You will notice that the consistency is chewier than other pancakes with a touch of sour and they will stick with you all morning long until a late morning snack or lunch.

Enjoy!

 

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