Angel Cookies and Real Books

As you know, I am a very low-tech, or no-tech person.  I do not read books on electronic devices, nor read them on-line on my computer.  I like to hold the real thing in my hands, and enjoy it without batteries.  That's just me.

(note:  In no way, I am writing this to be hurtful to those who do use electronic reading devices.) 

Happy New Year!

Our family gatherings are over for 2012, and the Christmas decorations come down on the 1st of the new year 2013.  We box up the tree lights, the outdoor lights and the Santa cookie jar.  We box up the stockings and homemade ornaments...until next Christmas.

Happy New Year!

Have a blessed, safe, and prosperous 2013!

 

Crazy for Cookies

I finally got some time (and cash) to bake a few cookies.  This time, I utilized some oranges that a family member gifted us.  I made White Chip Orange Cookies.   These were delicious!

Breaking out my Apron for Some Good Old-Fashioned Baking

I was reading over a Christmas book that I purchased at a Goodwill store many years ago (for $.99). I came across this recipe that looked worth trying.  I think it is a pretty tasty side version of a bread roll, but healthier, and baked like a muffin.

Wheat-Corn Muffins

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup cornmeal

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 organic eggs, beaten

1 1/3 cups organic milk

1/4 cup raw honey

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup finely chopped white onion

1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds

In a bowl stir together whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. salt.   

 In a separate bowl combine eggs, milk, honey, oil, and onion.  Add all at once to the dry mixture.  Stir until moistened.  Batter will be thin.

Spoon into lined muffin pans, filling paper liners (See Note) about 2/3 full.  Sprinkle tops with sunflower seeds.

Bake in a 400°F oven for about 18-20 minutes.  This makes about 1 1/2 dozen muffins. 

(Source:  Adapted from  the Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Christmas Crafts and Foods, © 1980, ISBN: 0-696-00025-3)

I think this recipe could qualify under the dark days challenge - our whole wheat flour and cornmeal comes from a local mill, our honey is local as well, and the eggs came from our chickens.  This also challenges me to grow more onions and dehydrate more, for recipes like this.

Note: These muffins do stick to paper liners.  I highly suggest a non-stick spray in a good muffin pan, or lining with parchment paper instead.

Cooking with Dehydrated Garden Potatoes

I would have a photo of our finished dish, but it was devoured.  Literally.

Reflections of 2012

I made homemade deodorant for the first time.

I learned to be more resourceful.

 Finished a crocheted blanket to take camping.

 Had "wig" night with the kids (and pets too). 

I baked more foods from scratch.

(photo taken by my daughter)

Buried a very much loved barn cat named Joey.

 Did many farm/barn repairs.

 Tried new foods and recipes.

 (photo taken by my daughter)

Experienced the birth of two different baby goats.

Took an "accidental" road trip with hubby.

I added a few more useable antiques to our home.

Invested in Araucanas.

 (our daughter who tends the goats and makes the soap)

Had successful soap making. 

Participated in the Farmer's Market for the first time ever.

  Got through many trials and tribulations.

 Took more time out for myself.

 Made homemade ricotta cheese with our goat's milk for the first time.

 Canned more.

 Planted more.

 Dehydrated more.  

 Received "Farm Girl of the Month" in July. 

Went camping.

  Spent more time focusing on my marriage with weekend trips to rejuvenate, relax, and enjoy.

 Had a "salsa" party to celebrate and try new canned salsa recipes. 

Inherited many family heirlooms (Grandmother's doll my Aunt made, my mother's rings and hankies, and more).

 
Buried our good friend Gus.

Happy New Year's and may 2013 be full of blessings, love, and peace. 

  

 

 

Snowed In and Loving It

Middle of the afternoon on Christmas Day.

The next day, same time.

This morning. 

Barn cats, Aurora and Sapphire, hanging out while I took photos this morning. 

 That little stinker Aurora, was actually in the house when I got up this morning.  She must have darted in when Hubby left for work.  These two were purring up a storm this morning.  Like little motors.  Their food bowls are a bit snowed in, and we still need to finish building an insulated cat house from them.

We are snowed in, but not for long.  I'll enjoy it while it lasts anyway.  The driveway drifted over in 3 places, making it impossible to get in or out.  Hubby will dig us out after work tonight.  According to the news, we only got about 3 inches of snow, and they had predicted up to 10.  It's the wind that makes the difference also. He got out with his 4-wheel drive, but I would need to pull a "Dukes of Hazard" to get ol' Eunice out of the driveway. Ha ha ha!  

 Yesterday was my 14th wedding anniversary.  I set up a table in our bedroom (only room to have a quiet dinner in our house), and had a quiet candlelight dinner with hubby.  I played some dinner jazz music, and served wine in the green wine glasses we bought during our island outing this year.