Some things I learned and other ramblings . . .

 I was watching a foraging video on making dandelion pesto, and the person mentioned using "soaked and dried" nuts (unroasted) or seeds for the recipe.

I had to google it, and yes there are video's on doing this process.  Apparently, it helps you digest them, brings out their flavor and nutrition.

I did not even know that re-usable freezer bags, that use a handheld tool, existed.  The tool removes the air from the bag.  They re-seal and are washable.  I bought one (not the one I wanted, as I don't think it is being made anymore), but trying it out to see if the bags keep the air out after months of being in the fridge.  I hope it works out well.  I just put hot peppers in the freezer.  I can take out a bit, re-seal and put back in the freezer.  I love the fact that it will cut back what I spend on ziploc bags.

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

Beautiful sunrise this morning.

I had to frog the second cardigan sleeve.  Not sure what is wrong with my brain, because I know how to crochet.   I will put it off for another day and get back to it.  

An odd sighting on Sunday - a man jogging down the country highway with a USA flag.  A car was behind him with hazard lights on, but I couldn't read what was on the side of the car.  I'll admit, I lifted my spirits to see him doing that.  I would have had a photo if I had my phone in my hand, but I had a cup of coffee in my hand instead.

Daughter E came out for a visit.  That was a blessing, considering my husband and Daughter K were both working.  She took more of her belongings, and we chatted for a while.

I called the General Store, where I may be selling one of my items.  They have not yet emailed or called me back.  I know they are busy with fell festival stuff, so I may need to call again this week.  Or I may stop in with the items.

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

I'll link up after she posts this morning.

The weather . . .

86°/65° F, sunny

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Exhausted, but mostly because my husband worked all weekend, so I worked at the house.  Not having a weekend to sleep in is exhausting.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Frittata, coffee.   Lots of coffee.

On my reading pile . . .

Nothing, again oddly

On today's to-do list . . .

-laundry

-boil pinto beans for bean dip and freeze most of it

-pick peppers from the garden

-freeze more hot peppers

On my tv . . .

Whatever we find interesting on Netflix

On the menu this week . . .

-Leftover Chicken Spaghetti

-Baked walleye, veggie

-honestly, have no idea yet, ha ha!

From the camera . . .

The rain gave us more hot peppers.  Maybe fire powder for Christmas gifting?  I really don't want to can, but I may be canning hot pepper mustard sauce.  I guess canning first.  There won't be any family holiday gatherings again this year.

Looking around the house . . .

My kitchen, for once, is beautifully cleaned, tidy and a fresh breath of air.

To relax I will . . .

Crochet

Something I want to share . . .

Look what I made!  Oatmeal/vanilla soap.  I can add soap making to my craft show days next year.  I'm so excited I tried a kit first.  I think the smaller bars will be great for people who rent out homes for Airbnb or similar.  Question.  What is the best source to buy a goat's milk soap base?  I found some on Amazon, but wondered if there is a lower priced base elsewhere?  

New Recipe I tried or one I want to try. . .

I've printed this out for the next time I need it. Thought I would share.

I also tried a homemade "fritos" recipe.  I adapted organic ingredients.

I want to try a smashed brussel sprout recipe soon too.

Devotional, Inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse . . .

Husband's sister Patty (covid), Mom (she's getting a bit better)

Updates

My husband surprised me by getting off work early.  We took the hot rod out and visited Mom and took her dinner. My younger brother was there too.  Mom is doing better, and walking more.  It'll be a while before she is completely back to herself.

We visited Patty too.  We went around her house and waved in the window.  I guess we are allowed to go in with a mask, but we did not want to with her having covid.  She was happy to see us, especially her brother.  We didn't stay long.  The excitement of seeing us gave her a coughing fit.  She is doing okay though, so thank you all for your prayers.  I believe my husband said she is 74 years old.

Oh, and Michael?  He is doing very well now.  He had to get those antibody injections, but is recovering very well, so thank you for all of your prayers.  Their baby is doing well too.  Unfortunately, he was not paid while home sick.  So sad to hear this when they are a newly married couple with a baby to care for.

Fall Blooms ~ Sunrise

 

The recent rain has brought us some beautiful fall blooms.

A beautiful sunrise.

I've been washing a lot of dishes.  Our dishwasher is on the fritz.  My husband will look at it when he can.  Not this weekend.  He is working all weekend.

Egg production is low.  They are molting.

I'm still putting hot peppers away.  I have not pulled the plants due to the daily rain we have gotten.

Parsley ~ Kitchen Purge ~ Sad News

 

I finally got parsley put into the dehydrator (sorry for the bad photo).  I love the aroma of freshly cut parsley.  Our weather is changing too quickly.  Rain is still in the forecast, which makes putting the garden to bed difficult.

Even after dehydrating the aroma was still strong and smelled delicious.

We got rain almost all day yesterday, so the refrigerator is completely cleaned and re-organized.

I also spent the day working on boxing up my computer area in the kitchen (aside from the computer itself).  We are prepping to move things to the living room to rip up the kitchen floor later this month.  I didn't realize how much stuff I had that needed thrown out, donated or things I just don't use anymore.  My computer area involves a kitchen counter with 6 desk drawers.  I will tackle the drawers, then start on the cupboards that will be taken out.  What a job!!  And this is just the prep work.

In a way I'm glad it's happening, because when things are in drawers and out of sight, it's not the first thing on my mind to clean/purge.

However, once we are completely ready to do the floor, I will lose use of my stove.  How do you grill breakfast?  I guess I'll be googling it or using a crock pot.  I could use my cast iron pan on the grill too.  Just thought of that.

In bad news.....my husband's sister and our niece both tested positive for covid yesterday.  Every worse....my husband's sister was moved to hospice care by dinner time the same day.  Please pray for Patty.

Fire Powder ~ How I Make It ~ Tidbits

 You can dehydrate the last handful of hot peppers in any form, but I place them in my food processor and grind them up to small bits.

(dehydrated in the photo)

I then spread them out on parchment paper and dehydrate in my dehydrator.  If you have an air fryer, most have a dehydrate option.

When they are all dried, I put them in a coffee bean grinder (used only for grinding dehydrated items), and grind into a powder.  I store in an air tight spice jar.

Add the ground powder to any recipe to add flavor.  I use it a lot in our breakfast casseroles/frittatas and scrambles.

Yes there are Christmas towels in there😂

I fear for our world we now live in.  More and more people we know are sick with covid.  It's spreading like wild fire in our area.  A co-worker of my husband's could use prayers.  He is the same age as me, and was moved to a different hospital with covid.  Both of his lungs collapsed.  His name is Lauren (not sure if I'm spelling it correct).  We last saw him in 2020.  

How to Roast Pie Pumpkins and Make Pumpkin Puree ~ Whiskey Bacon Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pie pumpkins are also called sugar pumpkins, but the perfect pumpkin for pumpkin puree for baking and cooking.  Simply cut the pie pumpkins in half, and roast in a baking dish/pan at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.   The best tool to clean the pumpkins is my melon baller.

I lay the cut side down, and prick the skins with a fork a few times prior to baking.  Allow them to cool, scoop the pumpkin off and puree in a food processor.  Freeze in air tight containers.

One of our favorite dinners, using pumpkin puree, is pumpkin/sage macaroni.

Our family motto - use it up!  Don't forget to save those seeds. Roast them, and toss the rest of the pumpkin innards to the chickens for a nice fall treat.  Nothing wasted.

Our favorite recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds:  Whiskey Bacon Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (any whiskey will work)

I finally packaged up all of the remaining dried seeds for next year's garden.

I know many of my followers already know how to roast and puree pumpkin, so I'm sorry if it's a repeat for you.