Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Monday, November 11, 2013

Fall is Still Lingering

The kids are out of school today and tomorrow.  We are all guilty of having the "sleepy head" syndrome.  All, but Hubby of course, who groggily went to work.  I, for the first time (other than when sick), slept in until almost 10am.  Yikes!  My 14 year-old actually thought something was wrong with me, ha ha!  Gracious, I am so far behind now.  But you know what?  It felt kind of nice to just take it easy.  Besides, we got a lot done over the weekend. 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Pen in Hand ~ Letter Writing




Although I have tried, and I am trying, I simply get side-winded and do everything but write.  Today I spent more time in my e-mail than anything else.   And I (gulp) am guilty of handcrafting this necklace for myself.  Cute right? It's the keyboard of an old-fashioned typewriter.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Chutney, Chopping, and Random Talk


My 19 year-old daughter asked me what she could use to flavor her pork chops with, and aside from herbs and spices, I have now suggested apple-pear-ginger chutney.

I still have pears after all this baking and canning, so I made some.  It's great to flavor grilled sandwiches and other foods too. It's fabulous on ham.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Homestead Tidbits

Even though it's November, we are still seeing some color in our flower beds.  

"Huh, I haven't heard you say, I'm going out to the garden today, in a long time.  I think I could get used to that," said my 11 year-old early this morning.

Speaking of garden, my fitbit is reading 3,000 less steps per day, now that I'm not outside doing any outdoor work.  However, we haven't figured out our heating situation yet, so  that may change with splitting wood.  I'm going to have to do something to continue to get more exercise.  This may mean heading back to the gym, with a 5am workout.  Hubby needs it anyway.  They are warning employees about weight.  They are at a point now where they will not hire anyone that is over a specific weight, and will start looking for ways to fire employees, that weigh over a specific weight.  More and more employers are taking this route.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Pear Berry Gingerbread Loaves

Pear Berry Gingerbread Loaves
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup molasses
2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 brown sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp. grated ginger root
2 med. pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries


Pear Frosting
1 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. Pear Liqueur
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

For bread:
Preheat oven to 350°F, and grease 2 loaf pan.

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.  Set aside.

Combine eggs, molasses, applesauce, brown sugar, milk, and grated ginger root in a medium mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour the eggs mixture in, all at once.  Fold in pears and cranberries.  Pour into prepared pans.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pans for about 10 minutes before removing, and continue cooling on wire racks.


Frosting:
Stir all ingredients, and drizzle onto the bread.  Note:  if you do not have pear liqueur, simply use milk.

(adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, Celebrate the Season 2000)

Overall family test tasting:  everyone said that they would not like this bread without the frosting.  We also used organic ingredients with our homegrown pears.


Monday, November 4, 2013

Unplugged


I unplugged for the weekend.  We've undergone some stress here at the farm, and well, I would just not be a pleasant person to be around. We are undecided about how to heat this place.  I will really miss my wood stove.  Although it was work, I will still miss it.  I also feel stripped of my self-sufficiency, which I do enjoy.  It's a freeing feeling to have less bills and debt.  Now, Hubby's  co-workers have convinced him that we need to install a furnace and not replace the wood stove.   I'll update as he figures it out.  My vote is for a new (or used) wood stove.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Pear Walnut Bread


I adapted this recipe from a few other bread recipes.  It's family approved.  I used my homemade vanilla, locally grown walnuts, and our very own pears and eggs.  Yum.  Last year I canned organic applesauce as well.  I haven't yet this year however.  I sprayed my pans with organic canola oil spray.  I think the 3 pears I cut up, amounted to about 2 1/2 cups.