Something for the Road

Project: Food Storage Room

We have been wanting to make this room our food storage room for a while.  And, I’m checking things off my list, so this seemed to be within my control over Christmas Break.  Keep in mind there was a wallpaper border there also, but I got so anxious to get it off my walls, that I forgot to take a picture.

After realizing that there was more to it than just moving the food, my very supportive husband got on board and we decided to do it right – meaning that we have no intention of moving that food again!

The things that make me excited after 4 coats of wall paint and 2 coats of floor paint.

 

Moving Day was New Year’s Day.  I can’t think of a better way to start the new year.  Everyone helped.

Doesn’t it just want to make your heart sing?  Mine did!

Solitude and Raspberries

I found myself one morning last week, all alone, at the top of Green Bluff, specifically Knapp’s Farm, picking raspberries.  I had invited a friend and my sister, but they had gracefully cancelled because they have such full plates and were feeling a little overwhelmed.  I, too, was feeling overwhelmed and thought about not going – no one would care.  But, then I realized, I would care.  It might be my only chance at raspberries, which I love, and with kids, work, adoption, garage sales, and trail races rolling around in my head, I felt like I needed a mini getaway.

I was so glad I went.  I picked 6 pounds in one hour and during the hour, the only sounds I heard were crickets, the wind, buzzing of bees, and the occasional laugh from the older couple in the next row.  The sun was shining.  The berries were beautiful.  My fingers were red.  I found myself sighing a few times.

Feeling so grateful for where I live, for my family, my friends, and raspberries.

A New Look for Our Food Storage

 

Here’s what we started with.

Our Christmas gift from Mom and Dad arrived over a month ago.  Shelf Reliance Food Rotation Systems.  We never would’ve gotten these for ourselves.  Luxurious.  Perfect activity for the kids for President’s Day.
Working together is fun, isn’t it kids?

End Result.  I love it. 

I got The Harvest and also the Reserve 72” #10 units. My only regret is that I really need more space for #10 cans.

Happiness in a Well-Organized Pantry

This pantry organization project was a result of a challenge from the current Feel Great in 8 program I’m doing right now.  It was fun (as strange as that sounds), especially since I used my favorite Christmas Gift.

I love my Epson Label Maker.  I can’t wait to organize my baking cupboard . . . and don’t even get me started on my food storage room . . . . and I think I’ll work on my filing system – so much to label!

Bountiful Basket: Collard Greens

These are collard greens.  I always think of The South when I hear the term “collard greens.”  I’ve never actually had them, until they showed up in our basket last week.  I did find out they are great in helping to lower cholesterol.

In most recipes they were sautéed.  I chose this one because it had a little sweet and crunch with it.

With Mike’s grilled chicken, it became the perfectly healthy meal.  Although everyone was ok eating it, I didn’t take Juli’s bunch when she offered it.  Great recipe if you are into collard greens, though.

Bountiful Basket: Leeks

I love leeks.  I love pizza.  What do they have in common?

Slice them up, add a few bacon crumbles and red potatoes

and place on a whole wheat pizza crust, and you have a very yummy, very healthy,

Slice of Heaven.  Recipe from The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

Bountiful Basket: Chiles

What do you do when you have so many chiles (this is only half of what appeared in my basket)?

You roast them and peel them, and slice them.

Then you make Pioneer Woman’s Lazy Chiles Rellenos.

Great flavor – I rushed the baking because we were in a hurry.  But, all in all, great use of those chiles.

I Heart craigslist

One day, I bought a bed from my friend,for Caleb.  I love that it has drawers and created more space in his room.  His old dresser went to cousins, but I still had a bed frame that needed a home.  And, when I picked up the bed from Sherry, she reminded me that they had been borrowing our crib set.  I hate having things on hand that don’t have a specific spot or use in our home.  The obvious solution:  craigslist.

  

I arrived home at 4pm that afternoon, had the old bed torn down and the new bed set up by 6.  Posted 2 craigslist postings by 6:15.  Delivered the dresser by 8pm.  Sold everything by the next day by 8am.  I love it.  Efficiency.

I’m not the only one who loves craigslist.  Check out the great selling tips here.

Jammin’ with Jess

Jessica and I made raspberry jam this week.  Yum.  I know, it’s kind of out of season, but we were really wanting some and this summer’s raspberry picking fell a little short.

I got to make raspberry jam with Jess this week.  She wasn’t happy about having her picture taken.

Just to be fair, here’s a picture of me.  See, I can have my picture taken, too.

The inspectors came in, just to make sure we were following protocol.

 

Both agreed it was tasty, and came back for more . . . . . and more.

24 pints plus overage plus frozen berries leftover.  So worth the effort.

So, if you don’t have access to fresh berries, what do you do when you just have to make some berry jam?  Cash and Carry had a 10 pound box of frozen whole raspberries for $24.97.  10 pounds produced about 18 pints.  Also, I know they are also reasonably priced if you buy them from Azure Standard.  You will just need to find a drop-off location in your area to take advantage of them.  If you plan ahead, you can also order from Bithell Farms in Oregon.  You can order puree or whole berries from them.

Of course my family’s favorite way to eat jam is on toast, but it’s also great in stuffed French toast, vinaigrette, thumbprint cookies, and as a cake filling.  We just couldn’t do another year without raspberry – thanks, Jess!

Chunky Applesauce Meets Cobbler

Every year, I end up with some apples that a generous friend has passed on.  I think when a year finally comes and no apples are offered – that will be a very sad year indeed.  I always make Sherry’s Chunky Applesauce and each year I find a new and different way to enjoy it.

Our favorite way to eat this applesauce is in a pie plate, topped with a crisp topping and baked.  Sherry likes to eat it warmed with caramel sauce over Ice Cream.  This year, I found another way to enjoy it – you might want to write this down, Jason.  I found it in the Bubby’s Homemade Pies cookbook I so love.

Did you know there are 3 types of cobbler?  Biscuit-style, Southern Batter Style, and Pastry-style.  I just happened to have ingredients for the Southern Batter-style.  Here’s what it looked like:

It’s pretty simple, really.  Pour the batter into the buttered pie plate, top with a jar of Chunky Applesauce, and . . . .
look at that texture.  Yummy enough to eat.  Warm is good.  Warm with cream is even better.

This little impromptu dessert went quickly.  Some professed it to be their new favorite way to eat Chunky Applesauce, and others were still partial to the Crisp Topping.  Either way, this will definitely be a repeat.

Bubby’s Southern-Style Cobbler Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter

Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.  In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add the dry ingredients and milk alternately to the butter mixture, beating to incorporate.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan and scatter the fruit over the top (or in this case, spread the applesauce over the top).

Bake the cobbler for 30 minutes, until it is pale golden brown and a little crisp at the edges.  Enjoy pure yumminess.