Bald Eagles ~ Homemade Seasoned Salt

We've been watching a family of 4 bald eagles out in a field by our homestead.  As long as the leave my barn cats and chickens alone, we are enjoying watching them.

I made homemade seasoned salt for a recipe I needed it for yesterday.  It was better than store bought seasoned salt.

I used my homemade onion powder and garlic powder to make it too.

Homemade Seasoned Salt
2 Tbsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. organic paprika
1/4 tsp. organic turmeric
1/4 tsp. homemade organic onion powder
1/4 tsp. homemade organic garlic powder
1/4 tsp. organic non-gmo corn starch

Mix and use in any recipe.  

Homemade Seasoned Salt and other ramblings

 

Thanksgiving morning was a beautiful morning.  They day was a perfect porch day as well.  Rain slowly crept in as the evening fell.  I can't say we really did much.  Daughter K came over for a visit.

I was given a pass on all that holiday cooking, but I did restock my homemade seasoned salt.

Our guy to clean gutters called and was to come Wed. morning.  I then got a message Wed. morning that he said the weather may be better on Thursday.  It was too.  Anyway, he never called, messaged or arrived after that.

I finally got around to setting up an account to register any new tools (and register any we purchased this year), for the lifetime warranty.  So get this?  I was reading over receipts from the living room supply runs.  I have been giving the handy man our credit card vs. cash (easier to keep track of and we trusted him).  It may sound petty, but he purchased two energy drinks with our card.  We haven't said anything, but any and all purchases will be made by us from now on.  We are taking note of it.

The truck is still full of sub flooring, so if he doesn't arrive today to install it, we will unload it.

I think this Thanksgiving was a bit hard on us, as Mom was not with us.  I know it was really bothering one of the kids.  They say it gets better, but this holiday was definitely difficult.  I set the Christmas porch lights on now.  I am hoping it lifts my spirits.

Garden Surprise ~ A "Get'er Done" Project

From the Homesteading Journal . . .

Garlic was planted this weekend.  It will be harvested next spring. The heat wave we had is over, and they are calling for much cooler weather. 


I also made homemade seasoned salt. I used my homemade garlic and onion powder to make it.  It's the first time making it, so I am comparing it to the smell and taste of Lawry's from the store.

Recipe I used:

Hope Chest ~ Preparing Your Kids for Independent Life

I was asked to explain our daughter's Hope Chest.  I do not have an actual "chest" in which items go into, but they go into storage bins.

A Hope Chest simply refers to preparing your child for independent life.  To us, it doesn't mean simply "marriage" but independent life, and have a good start for it.

(not my photo)

There is actually a book written about the Hope Chest, and suggestions.  I used to own this book, but passed it on to a friend years ago.

We don't want our kids going broke, when it's time to leave the "nest" so I try to add to their stash quite often.  The first three to move out even had boxes of homemade Christmas ornaments for their own, first Christmas trees away from home.

(Made with scraps of cotton year leftover from knitting dishcloths and other items).

I recently added a scrap rug to our youngest's daughter's "Hope Chest" along with a few Christmas ornaments.  I also added a set of coffee cup coasters with a hand embroidered kitchen towel, and a new kitchen utensil.  

It's not limited to what you put in a child's hope chest, but most importantly useful and needed items.  I just add a few items to keep it fun and real, like the ornaments or other items.

Just for example (but not limited, let your mind be creative), here is a list of ideas to stock up and prepare your child for independent life:

-Bedding, handmade quilt, hand crocheted afghan

-Handmade washcloths and face scrubbies (I crochet)

-Handmade hot pads, dish towels (embroidered etc).  I hand crochet hot pads, XL pt holders.

-Handmade dishcloths, hand crocheted dish scrubbies (I knit and crochet them)

-kitchen items: salt/pepper shaker, butter dish, utensils, set of dishes, canister set

-basic bakeware/cookware

-handmade doilies, dresser and night stand covers

-handmade tablecloths

-recipe box, locally made or handmade

-cookbook with family recipes, including homemade cleaner recipes like homemade laundry soap, foaming hand soap, grout cleaner, and homemade "lysol" wipes.  Our youngest is the only one to have a "family" cookbook, but I get messages from the older ones for family recipes often.  Include easier recipes for homemade dry mixes like taco mix, italian, seasoned salt, homemade hot cocoa, homemade butters (honey-cinnamon, cranberry etc.,) Recipes for herb infused cooking oils, spreadable butter etc.

-books on growing indoor/outdoor herbs, veggies etc.


When they get older gift them a dehydrator with a recipe book, and homemade useful, frugal recipes.


Our daughter already has quite a bit, aside from the bedding.  She has entire set of 7 hand embroidered "cat" kitchen towels and many other items.  

I often look for unique items while out at the thrift stores, but more-so at antique stores (butter dishes, measuring cups, measuring spoons, spoon rest, etc.).

Store items in a chest (thrift stores often have them), or storage bins.  A hope chest is not limited to your own children either.  It could be a grand child, God child etc.

I hope you enjoyed my post today.  I just try to add a personal touch to most of what we put in Youngest Daughter's Hope chest.

I remember when our oldest daughter set up in her first apt. by herself.  She sent me photos of everything I had made, and was so proud of her new "home."  Even the smallest item can make a difference.

Happy Homemaker Monday

First thing on the agenda was go through my library loot.  I didn't get any really good gift ideas from these garden gift books.

I'm looking through this one for new recipes.  I've ordered another one for the slow cooker for "diabetic" recipes.  I will wait and see which is better to buy.  There are several recipes for this next recipe online, but I really like using crock pots for dinner (trying new recipes for easier days this summer).

One recipe from the above slow cooker cookbook - Thyme Roasted Sweet Potatoes.  Yes, those are sweet potatoes (different organic variety).  Loaded with garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes.

A second crock pot was filled with a turkey breast, loaded with seasoning and a few homemade beef bouillon cubes.

Both were delicious, and it was the first time I ever cooked a turkey breast in a crock pot.  I'll definitely make them again, and I'll be doing a turkey in the crock pot next Thanksgiving.

Homemade Beef Bouillon Cubes
3 cups organic celery, finely diced
3 cups organic carrots, finely diced
2 onions, organic, finely diced
2 Tbsp. salt
1/2 lb. organic ground beef

In a saucepan, on low heat, combine all the ingredients.  Continue to cook this on low heat, covered for about 60 minutes.  Cool.  Process ingredients in a food processor until smooth.  Spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until sold.  Remove from freezer and place cubes in freezer containers.

Use to flavor meats, soups, stews, or other recipes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

My husband, after cooking us his famous omelets for breakfast yesterday morning, went to work on the car again.

I made a small batch of homemade seasoned salt.  I don't use it too often, but we were running low.

I'm working on another rooster name now.  Russell Crowe was removed from the coop, put into the coop with the other roosters, and another one put in with the hens.  So far, this one is not mean.  We'll be watching to see if Russell Crowe attacks the other roosters or not.  

I took advantage of a 25% off essential oil sale at MRH.  I restocked a few items too.

Today I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  

The weather outside is . . .

Beautiful. We'll get into the 40's today.

On the breakfast plate . . .
Have no idea just yet.
How I am feeling this morning . . .
Pretty good.  Hubby and Daughter are both home today.

On my mind . . .
Nothing really.  Just waiting for my husband to get out of bed to get this day started.
On my reading pile . . .

I came across this author, and so far it's much like the murder series written by Joanne Fluke.  The setting is a flower shop vs. a cookie bakery, and the main character has red hair (like he Fluke books), and there are more to the series.  This is the first book.  So far, I am enjoying it.

On the TV . . .
Whatever we find interesting on Netflix.

On the menu . . .
Crock pot cod, carrots
Turkey meatballs/marinara sauce, Veggie Quinoa (both crock pot dishes)
...not sure what else just yet


What I am creating . . .

An order of "F" Bombs, another cross bookmark (an order)


From the camera . . .

Looking around the house . . .
It's not looking too bad.
Chore I am not looking forward to today . . .
Not sure what our plan is for today.  All depends on how long it takes to finish repairing the car.
To relax this week I will . . .
Read and journal

Prayers . . .
Mom, no other special requests

Normalcy

We've hit the 20's here lately, and dipping into the teens at night.  The cold can really get to you, but I'm taking advantage of it with indoor jobs etc.

Now that the house is getting back to normal, I can get back to the kitchen.

Garlic powder and granulated garlic was made.  Just one more way to preserve my garlic without a root cellar (basement or proper storage area).  I then use these to make homemade spice/herb mixes, including homemade seasoned salt.

Strained another tincture.  

Found a quick fix for the coop door that leads out to the outside ramp.  It'll go on the inside, so both sides are secured.  I'm without "wheels" again (Big Red just needs replaced in my opinion), so it was work with what I had.  There has been no animal sightings whatsoever.  Hubby feels that the idiots in the woods (most likely illegal hunters) were the cause, but we still don't know.

I still had one daughter's dog (Mia) yesterday.   She is getting homemade food.  Her Mom didn't leave me enough of her dry dog food, so her belly is happy.  She was picked up last night.

I've been trying to squeeze in crochet time to work on the 11 "f" bombs.  I have 7 more to make.  In the midst, I'm getting some plans in motion for Christmas gifts for next Christmas.  Thank goodness for my notebook.

Just the Bits

 We are on the hunt for a wider ridge cap for the chicken coop.  We will need to be creative and resourceful, if we cannot locate one.

We have another leak in the kitchen, but it's under the floor, so yay us.  We may have to cut out the bottom of the cupboard and check under it.  Not what we need right now at the holidays.  It could be another issue.  

The  weather turned much colder and brought rain.  Lots of rain.  

Has anyone who crochets, noticed that the "I" hooks are getting made now with new handles, but the measurements are not the same as the original hooks?  Top one says 5.50mm and the newer one says 5.25mm.  Both say they are an "I" hook.

Yay!  The photo upload function works again on blogger!

The kids were over for Thanksgiving, and two mentioned that medical workers would buy "boot" cuffs for their 40oz. Quencher Stanley cups.  It keeps the tumbler from scratching surfaces, but I do not own one to measure.  Does anyone have one to measure the width of the bottom, and the height up to where it goes wider?  I may just take this one to Wal-mart and try it, ha ha!

Homemade seasoned salt was restocked.  I don't use this very often, but I do make it homemade.

I am thankful the library gave out 2024 calendars for free this year.

I found a project to use up scraps of cotton yarn.  Particularly solid colors, but we'll see.  It will be gifted, so I can't share it if I am successful (just been too busy to crochet much).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tidbits

 

The boys also shoveled me a path to get to the other side of the drive, but I needed to shovel out getting into the coop.  There was snow in the coop and a huge drift in the run.  Lovely.

We got 12 inches of snow by Tuesday morning.   We have 17 inches on the ground.  A nephew came and plowed us out, but more snow is coming.  Sigh.

They predicted -8°F last night.  I filled water jugs.  Woke up to a wind-chill of -11°F.  I made sure there was plenty of food for leftovers for today too.

Daughter K made it to work yesterday, as the downgraded us before she had to be to work (level 3 is a level the Sheriff can give you a ticket for being on the road). She got to work, but said all the stores in the strip she works in were closed.  She just wanted to go home, as the roads are still not good and no one was shopping (as should be).

Youngest was told she should not go to work, and if the salon opened, they'd just have two people there.  They ended up staying closed.  My husband who got his truck stuck yesterday, got it out with the nephews and he made it to work (although drove during a level 3).

I got busy in the kitchen, by first making a breakfast bake - zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, onion, green pepper, jalapeno, garlic, dandelion greens, bacon and chives.

Next up was a strawberry crisp, using strawberries I froze.

Made some more homemade seasoned salt.

Made a double batch of my version of "chex mix" for the girls.  I normally only make this for the holidays.

Dinner?  A new recipe - pizza casserole (posting recipe soon) using Einkorn penne. Our side dish?  Zucchini and corn saute.  However, I didn't get the side veggie made.  I will get it made today though.

The craft supply purge continues.  It's gonna get me into more trouble.  I found these and they are USA made.  I may be making something.  Or not.  We'll see if the craft bug stays or goes.  

Random Tidbits

It's confirmed that one family member will raise the meat birds in the spring for extended family.  We will all chip in for how many we want.  We are thankful for that.

I finally finished the sleeves on the cardigan.  I am now finishing up the back panel and have one shoulder panel to do, then I can sew it up.

I'm tickled pink that my husband bought me this as an early Christmas present.  I can keep a few projects organized and not sitting all over in different project bags.

Question for those who buy faux fir balls for hats:  where is the best place, for the best price, for the best quality to buy online?  Neutral colors?  I don't want 4 inch ones either.  I am looking for the ones that are a bit smaller and less awkward looking.

I finally got around to getting some more homemade seasoned salt made.  It's great for a lot of recipes.

Excerpts from a Journal Junkie

from the homesteading journal . . .

I taught one of the kids how to mix washing soda and borax to make homemade dishwasher detergent....the goat roof is not done, we need one more sheet of tin roofing .....we got a thin layer of snow last night, and need to restock the porch with firewood....Dad was right about prices sky rocketing.....the local paper already went up $.25/an issue and I saw that redbox movies have increased $.20/a day rental.....thankfully the library still loans out free movies....


from the garden journal . . .

I am already down to the last few jars of home canned tomato sauce.  I used 3 pints to make a stew with leftover turkey and it turned out very good.  

   Tomato Sauce and Leftover Turkey Stew   

In a crock pot, add:

8 potatoes diced

carrots sliced, I didn't count, maybe 5-6?

celery, diced, maybe 5 stalks

2 onions, small/med, diced

1- 1/2 cups frozen corn

1/2 cup or so frozen garden green pepper

3-4 cloves garlic minced 

3 pints of canned seasoned tomato sauce

2- 2 1/2 lbs of leftover turkey (don't add this yet)

2 bay leaves

salt and pepper to taste

season, I used basil

(before turkey was added)

Cook on low for 6- 8 hours until potatoes and carrots are tender, just before you eat, toss in cooked turkey until it's heated through.  Enjoy!  This is a thick stew. This was a large pot of stew, perfect for a large family. 

from the family journal . . .

We had our first school delay today.  They delayed school last night due to flooding....I went to school conferences and got a good update....I missed a few meetings due to being sick....including a National Honor Society breakfast....but we are finally getting rid of the sickness here....

from the handicraft journal . . .

I am still working on many projects, but finally bought the velcro I need to finish sewing the dog coat.  Unfortunately, with being sick so long, I am behind on many projects.....

from the gratitude journal . . .

Today I am thankful for:

~the rain that fills our well

~wood in the fireplace

~coupons that I can use

~paper and pencil

~the views from my front porch

~God's Protection

~trees

~farmer's who grow and provide straw and hay

~surprises in the mail

~the wind, for drying my laundry outside