Hummus ~ And and another blanket

I made homemade hummus today and I'm having a hard time keeping my 8 year-old out of it.  I like to let the flavors infuse, while allowing it to sit in the fridge for a few hours.  I have to admit, after I tasted it on a cracker, I had a difficult time putting it away too.  We love homemade hummus and it's healthier too.  I use real lemons for the juice and natural tahini in it.

Hummus

2 - 15 oz. cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed

4 garlic cloves, minced

2/3 cup of roasted tahini (not raw)

juice of one fresh lemon

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add additional water if it is too thick (depending on what size your lemon is).    Place in refrigerator for a few hours before serving.  Add more garlic for a stronger flavor.  Serve with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or reduced fat crackers.

Makes about 3 cups.

And yet I have started another crocheted blanket, using the same colors as the last.  It is an easier pattern and will have a different edge when it's finished.

Celebration!

My 16 year old was inducted into the National Honor Society yesterday.  I had no idea what a huge thing this was, until I saw the ceremony myself.  She is the first of my kids to join.  In honor of her celebration, I baked Trapper's Oat bread and made homemade hot cranberry punch.

I dug out my old nut chopper to chop the walnuts.  I laughed when I heard that one of my kids was asking the other, "What is this thing?"

NaNoWriMo ~ Day 17

I plan to exceed 28,000 words today, possibly 29,000.  There are definitely days when I doubt and wonder why did I do this?  Is it worth the messy house?  Is it worth the headaches and sore body from sitting so long writing?

My novel is crazy, outrageous and downright close to reality.  I have to keep chugging along and do this.  It's even causing my family to become absorbed into the government conspiracies that I have included.  We laugh about it, stretch our imaginations and laugh some more.

My husband is even talking to his co-workers about my novel.  They are giving him ideas to include, and he had even called home to share the ideas with me.  To humor him, I have included most of them.

This is an "anything goes" novel, editing not allowed, and no backing out allowed.  No matter how bad my head aches.

Migraine and Running Buck

Woke up with a migraine this morning.  We have to split more wood tonight and I am hoping I get over this before my husband arrives home. 

I have to share with you that our oldest dog ran after a buck the other night.  We had a laugh over it, because we are wondering what he's thinking he'll do if he ever catches one. Ha ha ha!

We are also experiencing night poachers around our property.  It's bothersome to know that they are out there, as we walk our dogs nightly, and in the dark some times.   We are not sure what they are hunting, but the gun shots are pretty much a clue they are hunting deer.  This is just one of the things we have to deal with by living in the country.  People that can't follow the law are the people who encourage the government to place more restrictions on gun ownership and freedom to protect oneself.

Pumpkin-Apple Butter

I managed to make my very first batch of Pumpkin-Apple Butter, and we all love it.  I had been buying Apple butter from the orchard, but have now taken the time to make it myself.  I like the pumpkin in it too.  Who knows, maybe my family will be getting a small jar for Christmas too.

I made 4 1/2 pints to give this recipe a try.  I will definitely be making this recipe again.

The recipe is a crock pot recipe, and is in the book Creating the Happiest of Holidays, book 2, by Leisure Arts.

No luck convincing my husband to go camping ~ Splitting more wood

I almost had him convinced, but the weather is changing rapidly and wood is needed for winter - chicken feathers!  It's going to be in the upper 60's today, but after that drop back down.  Today is a very sad day here.  The front porch furniture must go into storage.  We'll take one last view from the front porch and treasure it until spring.  Meanwhile, I'll have to dream about camping until the work is finished.

If I have time, I'll freeze more chopped green onion for winter.  I am really going to miss my garden this winter.   I already brought my rosemary and starter of lemon verbena inside.

Camping Weekend

I can't believe the weather this November.  This weekend is perfect for camping.  Now if I can just convince my husband we don't need to split wood, and to go camping spontaneously, life would be even better.   Maybe I can convince him of camping just one night.  Either way,  I would love to enjoy some campfire cooking and time alone.  A hike in the woods would be wonderful too!