August Blues

I don't know why I get a little sad at this time of year, but I always do. It's kind of silly because I think August, September & October are my favorite months. Except for May, when all the birds are nesting. Oh, and December, when it really snows for the first time! But summer has the dirtiest months. The windows are open, so dust & pollen get all over everything. You're always dragging in grass & dirt on your boots from the garden. The kids are running in and out, with God knows what on their feet. And the wet bathing suits dripping all over the place! The dogs shed a little more and there is an endless stream of company, making incredible amounts of laundry. Which must be hung on the line, because I can. Then there's the canning and pickling. Pots of boiling water, jars everywhere, the kitchen never seems to get clean, or stay clean.

                                                      But you can't beat those sunsets on the deck, hanging out with the kids and the dogs and now the grandchildren.

 I guess I just don't want it to end. 

Cold May nights, Piggy helps out!

So much is happening I don't know where to begin! So I'll start with today. I had a cancellation this morning so I have some time to fiddle around with the blog.
We are getting some mighty cold weather for May over the next fews days and I was concerned about the more delicate veggies. Turns out, so was Piggy.
Well, he insisted on helping protect them. And then, he insisted on having his picture taken at the first greenhouse. So, here he is, farmer Piggy. You'll be seeing more of him in the coming months. He may even get his own Facebook page. What do you think? Isn't he cute?

He is a very proud Pig.

My Little Dumpling

Look who came to our house for my birthday!
She is such a little dumpling, I could just eat her up.
They surprised me, my husband, my kids, some of my family and even Junior's future father-in-law!
It was a very nice evening. I like low key.
I have been working hard on the "Stilla" project. Should be up and running by spring.
I CAN'T WAIT!
Stay tuned .....

Hot and Sweet Green Tomato Chutney

It seems like all I do these days, in between teaching and massaging, is put up food.
Yesterday I blanched and froze about 3lbs. of green beans from a neighbors garden. 
Today it was green tomato chutney.
I got this recipe from a fellow blogger named Andie. The blog title is "Books, Cooks, Gadgets and Gardening"  I did make a few minor changes and this is the recipe I used. I love the bite in this one!

4lbs. green tomatoes
3 large firm fruit. I used apples.
3 large yellow onions
3 jalepeno peppers with seeds
1 cup golden raisins
2 cups brown sugar
3 Tbs. finely chopped fresh ginger
2 Tbs. pickling salt
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
4 cups apple cider vinegar

Core and peel fruit.
Chop all fresh ingredients into small dice.
Place vinegar, sugar, salt, ginger, spices and raisins into a large non-reactive pot. Bring to a boil.
Add all remaining ingredients and stir well.
After liquid returns to boil, continue to cook for 30 minutes.
Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 2 1/2 - 3 hours, stirring occasionally. If mixture gets too thick add a little boiling water ( I didn't have to do this ).
2/3 of the way through the cooking time, remove a small amount to a dish, taste and adjust flavors as you like.
Ladle into sterilized jar and water bath process for 15 minutes.
I love harvest time!

Next Summer's Project!

By next summer we hope to have two or three of these platforms up in the woods. You'll be able to come, pitch your tent and hang out on the mountain!
We will have toilet facilities and an outdoor hot water shower. 
Cooking will probably be communal. But I'm not sure about that yet.
Anyway, check back in with us now and then to see how it's coming and if your interested, to get pricing.
I want to sleep out there!

Made Me Some Carrot Cake Jam Today :)

Do you love carrot cake? Me too.
When my garden exploded with more carrots than I can eat I decided to try something different. Carrot cake jam.
This recipe is all over the internet, and now, here it is again!
1 1/2 cups finely grated peeled carrots
1 1/2 chopped, cored, peeled pears
1 can crushed pineapple with juice
3 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 Tbs powdered pectin
6 cups granulated sugar

Prepare your jelly jars for canning. This recipe makes 6-8 jars.
Combine carrots, pears, pineapple and juice, lemon juice and spices.
Bring to a boil over high heat, while stirring.
Reduce heat, cover, boil gently for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, whisk in pectin until dissolved.
Bring back to boil, add sugar all at once, return to full boil and cook, stirring constantly for one minute.
Ladle into hot jars and water process for ten minutes.

Note: If you are new to canning, please seek out proper instructions on on of the government sites that tells you all about it :o)

I Do Other Things Besides Cook!

I go through phases, don't you?
I am happiest when I am creative. Sometimes it's food, sometimes it's decorating and sometimes it's art.
I am not that great at photography, I always cut off a head or some feet. But I try, because it's fun.
Here's a photo that I took recently that I kinda like. And a pastel I did a few years ago that I like too.

I hope you enjoy looking at them. If you don't, please don't tell me. I am very sensitive :o)