A Labor Weekend...

I got a lot accomplished last weekend. I canned 34 pounds of tomatoes for starters. Twenty pounds became stewed tomatoes, and seventeen pounds were canned as crushed tomatoes.

I cleaned, cored, and froze the other 15 pounds (the balance of the bushel I purchased) to deal with later. One quart didn't seal (my fault because I didn't put it on securely), so I made spaghetti for dinner. Nothing like fresh tomato sauce.

I took the day off on Sunday, so yesterday was my baking day. One loaf will go up the hill for Andy and Shelly, and another will go to Dawn and Pete (bartered for pints of freshly-pickled, home-grown beets). The rest are for our freezer until we need them.

I was up in the dark today to work my shift, but banana nut bread is in my future. The bananas are "ready". The rest of my day is up for grabs.

I hope you had a great weekend. I'll be back tomorrow.

I Baked...

The weather was mild, the breezes came through the open windows of the farmhouse, and it was a perfect day to bake. 

I made six loaves of bread, and sixteen more caramel pecan rolls. Fear not. Most of them left the farmhouse late yesterday to share with our neighbors. A few remained - to be enjoyed judiciously.

After all the dishes were washed and put away (thank you, Handsome), I pulled a jar of chicken soup/pot pie filling I canned a few months ago. I thickened it with my homemade chicken gravy mix, and made a crust specifically developed for meat pies. We had a homemade chicken pot pie for dinner. I do love having simple and tasty options at the end of a busy day. 

Today, I'm going to the blood bank to donate for a friend who needs a transfusion. Did you know you're allowed to request donations for upcoming procedures? All you need to do is plan ahead so the donations are received within a time frame that keeps them viable for the date of your procedure.

As I'm a "universal donor", they asked if I'd help by making a donation. I haven't donated since we lived in Florida, and I was happy to help, so off I go this morning to do my part.

I'll have the rest of the day to do as I please, plus Handsome has rehearsal tonight. I may even work on the monarch again!

 

Baking For Barter...

Shelly and Andy gave us some beautiful eating cucumbers and a watermelon they grew next door, so I wanted to reciprocate to say thank you. For me, that means baking. I've made the same arrangement with my friends, Dawn and Pete.

I wanted to try adding a new ingredient to my cinnamon rolls, and then make caramel pecan rolls to add a new variety to my repertoire.

I made a sixteen rolls, sending half to Shelly and Andy and their grandsons who are visiting. The rest stayed her. (I have to test them, after all!) Sorry, I didn't stop for pictures until the big tray went next door.  

Handsome tried the pecan rolls, and allowed as how I could make them any time. Later I got a message from Shelly that they loved the new ones, too. That means now I can offer cinnamon rolls, caramel pecan rolls and/or farmhouse bread and hamburger buns to barter for fresh produce for eating and canning.. I feel really great about that.

I'm back to work today, but I wanted to tell you my schedule is changing. Beginning August 17th, I'll be working Mondays from 6 am until 10 am; Tuesdays from 6 am to 10 am (instead of  6 am until 4 pm or my previous 10 am to 4 pm); and then my regular Friday evenings from 4 pm until 6:30 or 7 pm. 

I'll have this schedule (by choice) until I have my knee surgery in October. I'll definitely need to get to bed early on the nights before my new work days! I'm looking forward to it, too!

I'd better get crackin' now, though. I still have two six-hour Tuesdays before I start the new schedule. I don't want to be late, so I'll see you tomorrow!

 

June Classmate Dinner...

Back row (l-r): Dan, Brad, Deb B, Handsome and me Front: Bruce, Deb N, and Lisa

Handsome joined us again this month for dinner. As always, we had a great visit, and shared events since our last get-together.

One of our regulars, Cal had surgery last week, so he continues to heal. We'll see him again next month.

I made two dozen cinnamon rolls, and with the exception of the four I kept at home, sold almost all of them to my buddies. Deb B. was so enthused, she opened her duo and tore one apart to let everyone know they were tasty. 

I was originally going to bring one two-pack back home until our waitress asked if I had any left because they looked so good. She ended up purchasing my last pack, so I came home with an empty tote. Yay, me!

I'm going to work on my Etsy shop today. My plan is to update current listings, and add a new category or two. I should have new items up by the end of the day. 

Now I'm going to pour a cuppa, feed the birds, and then get busy. See you later!

 

Baking On A Rainy Day...

As I write this, there's a gentle rain falling on the fields surrounding Hickory Hill. The birds are singing, and the crops are lapping up every bit of it. The forecast predicts this will continue all day.

This photo is from a previous baking marathon day, but I'll be making more warm cinnamon rolls just like these.

This afternoon is our monthly classmate dinner, and it was requested that I bring more frosted goodness to sell. So, I'm already in the kitchen with a fresh cup of coffee and cinnamon on my mind.

I wish you a day filled with wonderful things. I'll be back tomorrow with photos from my day today. 

More Progress Has Been Made...

First Upper Monarch Wing Completed

I managed quite a bit of needle dancing over the holiday weekend. We had one rainy day that was made for stitching, and I finished this wing part that day. I'm so pleased to see it done and now waiting for the other parts to come alive.

Beginning Work On First Lower Wing

In fact, I even got a healthy start on the first lower wing! This all happened before Monday when I spend all day in the kitchen. (I baked four loaves of bread, and a half dozen hamburger buns.)

I also mixed, froze, and vacuum-sealed thirty four fresh rhubarb scones for sharing and later consumption. Lastly, I made rhubarb custard pie in a long baking dish which finished baking at midnight! I went to bed shortly after that, but not before Handsome tried it and gave it his seal of approval. (He did stay up later than I did.)

I worked my shift yesterday, and I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I changed clothes when I got home, and took a two hour nap. 

Today is going to be a "take it easy" day. I'm going to play it by ear. See you tomorrow!

 

Busy Monday...

 

Cracker Toffee

I got a lot done yesterday. I baked a loaf of bread and a half dozen hamburger buns. I canned five pounds of organic beets I purchased from Azure Standard, and I made a tray of cracker toffee. 

I call the candy "cracker toffee" because the base is saltines. (I have also made this with a Graham cracker base, which is the same technique and equally tasty.) The second layer is a simple boiled mixture of butter and brown sugar poured and spread out over the crackers. Once that's been in a 400° oven for seven minutes, it's topped with chocolate chips. Once melted, the chocolate is spread over the toffee and topped with pecan pieces. It's not difficult, and no candy thermometer is needed.

Beets are out of the canner and were under cover overnight. I'll clean the sealed jars before going to work. I'd better get cracking!

Mondays Are For Baking...

After they cooled, I frosted the cinnamon rolls. Most are going to friends. A few will stay here. Bread for the freezer, and some for our neighbors.

Today, I'll be working my regular shift, so I'd better get cracking. See you again tomorrow. 

Happy Valentine's Day...

LilyLouTay Homemade Stuffed Oreos

I made Valentine cookies for Handsome yesterday, with enough extra to take to my coworkers last night. They were a first-time success, and I'll definitely make them again. 

Hannah Taylor is LilyLouTay, and if you've never watched one of her videos, it's really worth the time. Everything she makes is done with love (and a little humor), and whenever I've made one of her recipes, it's been delicious. Even just watching her cook is a delight. (She's also on Facebook and Instagram as lilyloutay)

HERE is the link for these fabulously decadent cookies - Hannah's Homemade Stuffed Oreos. Mine measure about 3" across, and they're large enough to share. I got messages from neighbors, Shelly (next door) and Dawn (up the road) who I also shared with and got messages that I'd ruined their dinners when they each had one after I left. 

I did double this recipe because I knew I wanted extras to give away. The doubled recipe made eighteen or twenty 3" sandwich cookies. I might try a single batch and make them smaller next time...or not. lol

Happy Valentine's Day, my friends

Baking Day...

English Muffins

Mondays are typically baking days here at the farmhouse. Yesterday was no exception. I baked four loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread (one went up the hill to Andy and Shelly), six large hamburger buns, and ten English muffins. 

I hadn't made the muffins before, so I did learn a few things this time, including that once mixed they should cold proof in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours. They can be made immediately, but that wasn't the suggested method. So, after I mixed and kneaded the dough, into a covered container to spend three hours in the fridge.

After cold proofing, I cut the dough into equal pieces and formed them into balls. They were rolled in semolina and then placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment and more semolina to rise. Handsome was at band rehearsal and the muffins were ready to finish just as he walked in the door.

He usually likes to have a light meal after rehearsal, so I took out my flat cast iron pan and put three muffins on the hot pan at a time. Directions said to fry one side for 3-5 minutes, then turn it over, press into the English muffin shape and fry the second side. (I may have slightly overdone the last two).

I placed them on my cooling rack, and made Handsome's breakfast-for-dinner. As I was finishing his ham and eggs, he took a muffin out of the toaster. He declared them a roaring success, so I guess I'll be making them again in the future. 

I work today, so I'll be leaving soon. Tomorrow, I'll tell you about the constant commotion inundating us at the farmhouse - along with all our neighbors who actually have it worse than we do. I think you'll be as peeved as we are.  See you later!

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe...

Cinnamon Rolls

As promised, today I'm going to share the recipe I use for the delicious cinnamon rolls I make here at the farmhouse. I cannot take credit for the recipe. It's the result of a post I saw from Elizabeth Lucenti on Instagram. HERE is a link to her channel (thehomemadefam), where you'll find lots of delicious things. 

All you have to do is click on the image to save it to your desktop or phone, and you can print it out from there.

Recipe Page2

Recipe Page 2

If you decide to make these, PLEASE let me know what you think of them. Fair warning: They're dangerously delicious! Also, you can see from my photograph that I love lots of cream cheese frosting. I almost always make a double batch for the rolls.

Haircut this morning, and then I'm going to relax and stitch all day. I'll see you again tomorrow!

MMM MMM, Good...

Frosted Cinnamon Rolls

I baked four packages of four cinnamon rolls yesterday. I woke up early, and had them rising in the pan by 10:30. They bake for less than half an hour, so I only had to wait for them to cool enough to frost. I had that done by 2:00 pm or so.

One package went up the hill to Andy and Shelly, and two of the packages went to Kim and Teresa at work. That left these beauties for us. Handsome and I shared one after dinner last night. There's nothing quite like a fresh cinnamon roll.

I'll be canning today. I have all my recipes pulled, the jars are waiting, and I can't wait to get started. My first batch will be mushrooms. Then, I'll clean and cut carrots for the jars. Last project for the day will be canning Alfredo sauce. I'm pretty sure I'll be ready to quit by then. Photos on Monday!

The wind is blowing and we were getting snow as I write this. It's still so cold, but I bundled up when I went to work, and we're staying in all day (except that I think I need to refill bird feeders). I'll be back to chat on Monday, but of course, I'll share a scripture with you tomorrow. Be warm and safe, dears.

Baking Day...

Friday was a baking day at the farmhouse. Because of the extreme cold, my boss let me know that I was covered and didn't have to go in to work last night. So, I baked instead!

I made a long loaf of Amish Cinnamon Bread (a quick bread, like banana nut bread), and it turned out delicious. I've never made it before, but we're glad I did. I found the recipe on Facebook in the group, AllGoodRecipes. In case you're interested in trying it, I've attached a jpg of the recipe below. You can just click on it to download a copy for yourself (or write it out if you prefer).

In addition to the Amish Cinnamon Bread, I made Cracker Candy (saltine cracker base, a crunchy thin toffee layer, topped with melted Ghirardelli chocolate chips and chopped pecans). Another recent find.

Lastly, I made a dozen and a half hamburger buns (mostly to freeze), but we did use some of them for homemade sloppy joes for Friday night dinner.  

After baking, cleaning up, and having a nice warm dinner, I was ready to put my feet up to enjoy a hot cuppa for a while before bed. I think it was a productive day, and I was ready to rest on my laurels.

We were supposed to have a Craft Day today, but after polling the participants, Adrienne wisely decided to cancel it for this month. Better to stay tucked in at home than to brave this awful cold weather. I had already planned to stay home, so I'm glad the rest of the ladies are following suit. There's always next month. 

I'm going to bake bread today, and am contemplating mixing up a sourdough starter, too. I know I'll have to tend it for a week or so, but it might be nice to make a sourdough loaf from time to time. Either way, I'll have our usual fresh farmhouse bread for us for the next couple weeks, so that's my plan for this morning. 

I'm going to go out and refill the bird feeders for the birds, and see if there's anyone in the Compass Barn that would like food and fresh water. Otherwise, I'll be in the farmhouse at least until Monday! I know most of the country is experiencing some of this weather system, so please stay safe and warm...and don't take any unnecessary chances. 

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

This Year's Christmas Trees

It's going to be darned cold today, but I'll be cozy inside, baking cookies for the exchange party tomorrow. The wind picked up late last night, and it was even snowing a bit. Neither dogs nor cats wanted anything to do with going out. 

I ran to the store yesterday and got eighty pounds of bird seed, so I know I'll be able to keep our flying friends nourished so they can stay warm. I'd love to think they're all sheltered in the rafters of the Compass Barn, but I suspect most have sought shelter in the woods above the farmhouse when they're not eating.

Once the cookies are done, I'll be stitching. Anything to stay busy - and indoors. As I write this, it's 11º, but with the 17 mph wind, it feels like -7º. Warm socks and sweaters are definitely in order around here.

Stay safe, my friends. 

Kitchen Time...

Cranberry Jalapeño Jam

I was gifted the last of a friend's small green bell and jalapeño peppers, so I started my day making cranberry jalapeño jam. It only had to process in the water bath for ten minutes, so all the jars were on the counter (and all the lids popped) before I even began baking. 

Farmhouse sandwich bread, Asiago cheese bread and hamburger buns

I cleaned up the pans and utensils from making jam, and then turned my attention to baking for the rest of the day. By dinnertime, there were loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread, a loaf of cheese bread, and lots of hamburger buns.

I didn't stay up late after dinner. I was "good tired". No discomfort in my legs, but I was definitely tired. I'd say it was a productive and worthwhile day. 

Hit Me With Your Best Shot...

They're back on my needlework stand. I stitched a bit more on my fencing for the bluebird project yesterday. I also baked bread, so I sat at my hoop between proofing (30 minutes at a time).

By the end of the day, I'd added an inch or so of stitching to the bluebird project, plus baked four loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread, a half dozen hamburger buns, and a special small cheese loaf to go with our dinner last night. 

That cheese loaf is looking all gnarly because I should have put it into a larger dutch oven than the one I chose. In the end, I took it out of the pot and let it bake on the oven rack on parchment paper. The darker top is from the baked bits of cheese. It was perfect, even though it looked a bit odd.

I enjoyed that I got to bake and play a bit. Oh, and one other thing...Now don't holler at me, please. I know it was dumb. Believe me. 

Monday, Handsome and I mowed the lawn like we always do, but first, he wanted to remove the bucket and weight box from his tractor so he could move a newly-acquired blade attachment that was sitting right in the middle of the lawn by the Compass Barn. I'm usually the one who drives the tractor for attaching and detaching as I'm slightly more limber than Handsome and I can turn around easier to line up the gadgets with the hitch on the tractor.

Well, Monday, I was just a teeny bit off from being able to connect the blade, so I hopped (hopped. lol) off the tractor to see how far off I was. It was just an inch or so from hooking on so my "I can do this Amazon warrior spirit" took over. I first tried to scoot the blade just a bit - and it didn't budge. So, what did I do next? Yep. I turned my back to it, brought up my "BoB" leg and tried to push it. I heard something pop. In my head I may have uttered a swear word or three, because I didn't want Handsome to realize that I probably hurt myself. 

I got back on the tractor and realigned the hitch - perfectly this time - and we hooked the blade on so I could move it into the barn. From there, I just had to get off his tractor and walk over to get on mine. Yikes! It really hurt, and now Handsome knew it, too. He said I should go back into the house and he'd do the lawn, but I insisted on doing my share.

We finished the job in 1-1/2 hours, and then we went inside. He set up the ice machine, and I used it on my right knee for about a half hour. Then, he said we were going out to the drive-in for dinner so I wouldn't have to stand to make a meal for us. I was glad for the break.

I have physical therapy today. It's my second to last appointment with Jenna, and truthfully, I don't know how much I'll be able to do. I'm peeved that I did something without thinking. A year ago, it wouldn't have been a big deal. Now it is. I'm hoping Jenna can give me some tips to help that knee feel better. Funny. Since this happened, my "new" knee doesn't feel so bad! I guess it's all relative. I'm prepared to be chastised, not only by Jenna (Handsome already got in his 2¢ worth), but I'll be expecting a few of you to let me have it in the comment section. It's okay. I know I've asked for it this time. Believe me, nothing you will say can come close to the talking to I've been giving myself.

I really don't want to have a second new knee until next spring, so I'm just hoping I haven't forced that program before Christmas. I'm telling myself it's just a slight pull and I'll be fine in a few days. We'll see. 

I'm going to close for today. Now the ball's in your court. Fire away...

Tiny Miracles...

 

 

Yesterday was wonderful. I had my physical therapy appointment and hit my goal of 120º bend in my knee. I still will work toward 130º, which was my pre-operation measurement, but getting to 120º was a huge achievement. 

Jenna (and Nicole) have been monitoring my progress, and because I got to 120º and am walking so well, I was told that I no longer need to use the cane, and we're changing my appointment schedule from three times a week down to two. I was thrilled.

Nicole was my therapist for yesterday's appointment and we went from riding the bicycle to stair stepping to some strength training. I also stood on a flat cushion and she evaluated my balance on both legs. I passed everything with flying colors, and I'm so happy.

Even better was that, although my knee muscles felt tight, there was no pain, heat, or inflammation in my knee like there's been before. The best possible news. Of course, once home Handsome and I sat down and I immediately fell asleep for an hour (or two). I guess it was more of a workout than I thought. 

 

Friends of mine who live close have gifted us with pickling cucumbers, zucchini and potatoes, so today Handsome and I will be canning bread and butter pickles. I have a five gallon bucket-full, but that will be my limit.

I also have bread to make, so it will be easy to work back and forth between the two. I'm going to pace myself so I don't overdo it, but I intend to do more canning this next week as my knee allows. I'm looking forward to seeing the pantry restocked with lots and lots of jars this fall. I've already made a list of what I hope to get canned in the next few weeks, and some things can definitely wait until later (canning my dried pinto beans into refrieds; making baked beans from my dried navy beans. Stuff like that.) You can count on me to show you the fruits of our labors, too. 

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, dears. I'll be back tomorrow.

 

 

Monster Cookies!...

Yes! I baked yesterday afternoon. I mixed up a double batch of chocolate chip cookies, but rather than make the "civilized" size, I opted for MONSTER sized.

I grabbed the larger of my two scoop sizes and ended up with thick, chewy, 4" cookies. Instead of six or seven dozen, there were two dozen. The first batch turned out lighter as I tested my way through baking times. The second batch was darker, but not as dark as they appear in this late day photograph, and still chewy.

Handsome ran an errand while I made these, and my own Cookie Monster was delighted to see them when he walked in the back door. Made my day, actually.

We both spent a lot of time off our feet during the day, and although my knee still feels tight, I'm pleasantly surprised that there's no longer that intense pain. More like a dull, tight sensation. Have I turned a corner? I'm being optimistic here. I may have.

Physical therapy this morning and then no trips to town for the weekend. Jenna is off today, so I'll have a different therapist. We'll see how hard she wants to push me, and how I do with it. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I can always console myself with milk and a cookie when I get back home. That's if Handsome hasn't eaten them all! I'm not too concerned. They're a bit rich to eat more than one for me, and maybe two, even for him.

Happy Weekend!!!

We Have A Date...

Vintage Baking Image via Internet

I baked yesterday to stock up for later this month. I made bread and tried a new recipe for molasses cookies - all while I was busy answering the phone all day with upcoming appointment dates.

Seems I have a surgery date - pending clearance from the cardiologist. Tomorrow is my echocardiogram. Then, I have a new pre-op physical therapy appointment; an appointment with the cardiologist to go over the echo results (and hopefully be cleared for surgery); another pre-op consult with the surgeon's office; all leading up to my surgery date the week of July 21st. It's going to get a little busy around here.

In the meantime, I'm going to be doing more baking; making a few "thaw, heat ,and serve" meals for the freezer; and a little more home prepping for when I'm recuperating. I'm not forgetting about my bluebirds, either. Working on the fence embroidery will keep my mind occupied as I get closer to the day of the operation. It's okay, though. I'm getting anxious to get this over with to let the healing begin. Waiting is the hardest part, I think.

Lots to do today, so I'm going to enjoy my morning cuppa and then set about my tasks. Have a great day, and I'll see you again tomorrow.

A Different Kind Of Commission...

I got an order this week, but not for anything even remotely related to needlework. I got an order for some of my baked goods. Granted it was for a relative, but still. It's a paying gig. The order is for two four-packs of cinnamon rolls, ten strawberry scones, and two loaves of bread.

I figured I'd do a little prepping because I don't know exactly when my surgery will be scheduled, but I likely won't be baking for a little while. So, I made four trays of cinnamon rolls instead of just the two ordered. They freeze well and I can frost them later. 

I also made extra bread, trying a couple loaves in round form. Then, I tackled the scones. I have to freeze them for at least ten minutes prior to baking, but they can be frozen longer, which was perfect. I made sixteen strawberry scones, which will leave some for us after I fulfill the order for ten. I also made white chocolate/raspberry scones (shown frozen in the photograph), and then I made an experiment...fresh rhubarb scones. I took two out of the freezer and baked those for Handsome and me to test after dinner last night. They got a raving thumbs up from my resident taste-tester. I'm glad I have six more of those, too.

Believe me when I say I was pooped by dinner time. I've had more than a few requests for my scone recipe, too. Now that I'm selling the baked product, I've decided to create a pdf file of the recipe and make it available in my Etsy shop for a minimal fee. I've been fine-tuning the recipe, so it will be ready some time next week - with photographs. Once I list it, I'll let folks know in case anyone wants to purchase it.

I'm frosting the cinnamon rolls and strawberry scones first thing this morning, and then I'll be driving out to deliver them. I work at four today, so I'll get back home toot sweet and put my feet up to relax and rest my knees until it's time to dress and report for duty. I can't believe it's already Friday again. Can someone please tell me where the heck this week went?