My three boys just came home from school a few hours ago and I thought this was appropriate.
"You're going to feel every moment of being a mom ... you're also going to be making sandwiches until you die."
Unknown
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Why? Because I refuse to die first. That's why.
A year ago, I had little-to-no want to have any sort of food prep or real domestic knowledge whatsoever. A few things happened this fall and winter that made me a bit more concerned about taking care of my family if something were too happen. For instance we had a once a century type snowstorm this year, followed immediately by nasty floods. Luckily the power stayed up and running, or things might have gotten desperate pretty fast. But as it were, people were stranded at their homes, grocers ran out of food. I went to a local grocery store and felt like I was in Mother Russia. No eggs, long lines, cash only. I couldn't believe how quickly some of the basic social systems lagged.
This experience made me quite a bit more aware of how I did things on a day by day basis. I had no idea how survive outside of the normal everyday realm. Just about everything we ate was created with things only purchased at the grocery store. I didn't make a single thing by hand, and beyond that I didn't have the foggiest idea where to start if I wanted too. So I took it upon myself to learn. I had help from friends, and did a lot of research. I spent the money and bought a couple books, and started on the road to self-reliance.
Luckily for me, my family has taken my sudden domestic 'insanity' pretty well in stride. My father is LDS, so he's all for it. My mom is a little taken back, but she's very supportive. My sister thinks I've completely lost my marbles, but since I'm giving her some of my canned fruit she's managed to keep her thoughts more or less to herself. I'm not saying I could survive all on my own should something happen, but I sure wouldn't be the first to die.
Now, I also have some amazing friends that need specific mentioning. Ryan the 2L and Theotherryan (or TOR) and TOR's Wifey. You might have heard of them (okay, chances are you have) as they run the amazing Total Survivalist Libertarian Rantfest. I've known the Ryan's since I was knee high to a duck, and although TOR's Wifey is a more recent addition, she is equally amazing. The Ryan's have introduced me to the scope of the 'survivalist' world (although I still swear I'm a hippie) and helped ease me into it, while still letting me take my own way. I'm very excited to be their sister blog, and hope I can do them justice.
This experience made me quite a bit more aware of how I did things on a day by day basis. I had no idea how survive outside of the normal everyday realm. Just about everything we ate was created with things only purchased at the grocery store. I didn't make a single thing by hand, and beyond that I didn't have the foggiest idea where to start if I wanted too. So I took it upon myself to learn. I had help from friends, and did a lot of research. I spent the money and bought a couple books, and started on the road to self-reliance.
Luckily for me, my family has taken my sudden domestic 'insanity' pretty well in stride. My father is LDS, so he's all for it. My mom is a little taken back, but she's very supportive. My sister thinks I've completely lost my marbles, but since I'm giving her some of my canned fruit she's managed to keep her thoughts more or less to herself. I'm not saying I could survive all on my own should something happen, but I sure wouldn't be the first to die.
Now, I also have some amazing friends that need specific mentioning. Ryan the 2L and Theotherryan (or TOR) and TOR's Wifey. You might have heard of them (okay, chances are you have) as they run the amazing Total Survivalist Libertarian Rantfest. I've known the Ryan's since I was knee high to a duck, and although TOR's Wifey is a more recent addition, she is equally amazing. The Ryan's have introduced me to the scope of the 'survivalist' world (although I still swear I'm a hippie) and helped ease me into it, while still letting me take my own way. I'm very excited to be their sister blog, and hope I can do them justice.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
On the Prowl: Kid Friendly Eater Treats
I was recently invited to a friend's families annual Good Friday celebration. This involves a lot of different things, but I'm basically planning to spend an entire day at their home. The Boy will probably be in heaven, he loves playing with other kids so an entire day of playing is going to be surreal for him. Lots of things are planned, including an Easter Egg hunt, so it should be fun.
My dilemma is this: it's a potluck style lunch. Normally this would be easy, I have a bazillion potluck-style ideas, and a bunch more I'd like to try. But this one has to be uber kid-friendly, and Easter themed. I have a feeling I'm going to end up being asked to bring "cookies or something". In case you don't remember, I'm not a baker. I'm not that good at it. Period. I can make basic cookies, but when it's time to impress I'm at a loss.
I asked my sister, the "Baker" of our family and she told me to take pita and hummus. I'm sorry, sister say what? Hummus? This is little kids. I need child-proof finger food, preferably dessert-ish. Where did you get hummus?
My mom was also little to no help. Gracie gave me a couple ideas, and so did Lila but I'm generally drawing a blank. I want to do something more creative then sugar cookies, but still simple as I have to perfect it in one night only.
I'm currently obsessed (No, really) with Cake Pops from Bakerella. The possibilities are endless, and Bakerella made some adorable Easter bunny pops that I might be able to handle if I simplify the faces a bit. I'm very aware of what I can and cannot handle, and teeny tiny bunny faces I'm pretty sure falls into the latter. I've been browsing for the pastel candy corn, and have yet to find it so I think I might have to expand the search area.
I also consider making some meringue cookies like these Easter Story Cookies. Having the boy pound pecans and explain that Jesus was beaten is a little further then I'm willing to travel per say, but meringue cookies are my favorite. We have a mint chocolate version my family makes every year at Christmas, so I'm pretty sure I could hack it.
Other then that, I'm pretty well out of ideas. Anyone have any suggestions?
My dilemma is this: it's a potluck style lunch. Normally this would be easy, I have a bazillion potluck-style ideas, and a bunch more I'd like to try. But this one has to be uber kid-friendly, and Easter themed. I have a feeling I'm going to end up being asked to bring "cookies or something". In case you don't remember, I'm not a baker. I'm not that good at it. Period. I can make basic cookies, but when it's time to impress I'm at a loss.
I asked my sister, the "Baker" of our family and she told me to take pita and hummus. I'm sorry, sister say what? Hummus? This is little kids. I need child-proof finger food, preferably dessert-ish. Where did you get hummus?
My mom was also little to no help. Gracie gave me a couple ideas, and so did Lila but I'm generally drawing a blank. I want to do something more creative then sugar cookies, but still simple as I have to perfect it in one night only.
I'm currently obsessed (No, really) with Cake Pops from Bakerella. The possibilities are endless, and Bakerella made some adorable Easter bunny pops that I might be able to handle if I simplify the faces a bit. I'm very aware of what I can and cannot handle, and teeny tiny bunny faces I'm pretty sure falls into the latter. I've been browsing for the pastel candy corn, and have yet to find it so I think I might have to expand the search area.
I also consider making some meringue cookies like these Easter Story Cookies. Having the boy pound pecans and explain that Jesus was beaten is a little further then I'm willing to travel per say, but meringue cookies are my favorite. We have a mint chocolate version my family makes every year at Christmas, so I'm pretty sure I could hack it.
Other then that, I'm pretty well out of ideas. Anyone have any suggestions?
More food storage stuff
So, my favorite prepardness website is called Emergency Essentials. They have everything from food storage, MREs, water, food storage canisters, and just tons of other stuff. They even have insight articles that talk about everything from preparing your pet for emergency to emergency financial planning. Great info there.
Heritage seeds are something I just found out about. Very exciting. I knew that 14 or so years ago, all the seeds were made so the plants could not reproduce and make more seeds. That has some very scarey implications if human kind wants to have any sort of food other than meat. I have thought about this off and on over the years but didn't know that you could actually buy heritage or heirloom seeds that will reproduce. I recently found some in the Emergency Essentials website and decided to investigate further. I found a few more sites that sell them and I am sure that if you wanted to, you could find many many more. This site has fruit and vegetable seeds, flower seeds and also herbs. This site seems to have very reasonable prices. They sell tomato variety sets, canning variety sets, culinary herb sets and medicinal herb sets. The herbs also have a guide that tells you what they are used for. Especially usefull for the medicinal herbs.
We have also found a company that sells milk that can be stored for months. (For some reason I thought I had been told it could be stored for years, but the webite says months) Gossner U.H.T. Milk comes in Whole White, Whole Chocolate, 2% White, 2% Chocolate and Skim. There's also a variety of flavored milks including Strawberry, Vanilla and Rootbeer. We tried the rootbeer and it is REALLY GOOD! Sounds gross I know, but its really tasty.
Heritage seeds are something I just found out about. Very exciting. I knew that 14 or so years ago, all the seeds were made so the plants could not reproduce and make more seeds. That has some very scarey implications if human kind wants to have any sort of food other than meat. I have thought about this off and on over the years but didn't know that you could actually buy heritage or heirloom seeds that will reproduce. I recently found some in the Emergency Essentials website and decided to investigate further. I found a few more sites that sell them and I am sure that if you wanted to, you could find many many more. This site has fruit and vegetable seeds, flower seeds and also herbs. This site seems to have very reasonable prices. They sell tomato variety sets, canning variety sets, culinary herb sets and medicinal herb sets. The herbs also have a guide that tells you what they are used for. Especially usefull for the medicinal herbs.
We have also found a company that sells milk that can be stored for months. (For some reason I thought I had been told it could be stored for years, but the webite says months) Gossner U.H.T. Milk comes in Whole White, Whole Chocolate, 2% White, 2% Chocolate and Skim. There's also a variety of flavored milks including Strawberry, Vanilla and Rootbeer. We tried the rootbeer and it is REALLY GOOD! Sounds gross I know, but its really tasty.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
What happened to gravy?
I've been abusing my stumble button again (seriously) and I'm particularly addicted to food/cooking blogs lately. Some of them are amazing, a lot of them make me drool. The cake ones make me wish I was baking-creative. But the more I see, the more I'm a bit stumped. Seems like everyone with a food blog claims to be learning to cook or cooking on a budget in college or whatnot.
I call bullshit. When I was "learning" to cook, I sure as hell didn't make Osso Buco with veal shank. Never once in college did I make a Six Cheese Souffle. Ever. And if I had made one, I would have had to use Cheese Whiz, because nothing else in cupboards survived. Except liquor. But we drank that fast enough it wasn't really in danger. In fact, come to think of it really the only time I ate during college was when I was at work. I was a waitress so I could eat for free if the owner wasn't around. Other then that I lived off a diet that was pretty strictly camel lights, southern comfort and the occasional mixer.
I dabbled in cooking in HS because I figured out really quick that the fastest proven method to accrue teenage boys anywhere is to leak a combination of the words 'free', 'food', 'lots of it' and 'you should come'. Since most of my friends were guys, and all of them were hungry, it was an effective way to hang out with them. I made some decent stuff, but it was mostly Italian and pretty simple dining.
I didn't really try cooking again until I got married, and then it was easy things and lots of meat and potatoes type dishes. Hams, steaks, sides. Things like I slowly but surely added to my surefire foods. I've been steadily expanding my repertoire since. I've learned some new techniques: braising, blanching, caramelizing, marinating to name a few. But most of what I make is still pretty simple, and doesn't involve crazy ingredients you can't find anywhere but Whole Foods.
I have no need or what to make things like Maple Pots de Creme or Ginger-infused Dark Noodles with Spicy Fried Eggplants. I don't think I ever will. I see nothing wrong with making meatloaf that looks and tastes like meatloaf. Pork Chops with rice. Chicken Casserole. Sloppy Joes on a lazy summer day. I love to grill a nice steak on the BBQ, and make a simple salad, with watermelon for dessert.
Besides everyone knows if some tastes bad, simple add bacon, or smother with gravy. Or both.
I call bullshit. When I was "learning" to cook, I sure as hell didn't make Osso Buco with veal shank. Never once in college did I make a Six Cheese Souffle. Ever. And if I had made one, I would have had to use Cheese Whiz, because nothing else in cupboards survived. Except liquor. But we drank that fast enough it wasn't really in danger. In fact, come to think of it really the only time I ate during college was when I was at work. I was a waitress so I could eat for free if the owner wasn't around. Other then that I lived off a diet that was pretty strictly camel lights, southern comfort and the occasional mixer.
I dabbled in cooking in HS because I figured out really quick that the fastest proven method to accrue teenage boys anywhere is to leak a combination of the words 'free', 'food', 'lots of it' and 'you should come'. Since most of my friends were guys, and all of them were hungry, it was an effective way to hang out with them. I made some decent stuff, but it was mostly Italian and pretty simple dining.
I didn't really try cooking again until I got married, and then it was easy things and lots of meat and potatoes type dishes. Hams, steaks, sides. Things like I slowly but surely added to my surefire foods. I've been steadily expanding my repertoire since. I've learned some new techniques: braising, blanching, caramelizing, marinating to name a few. But most of what I make is still pretty simple, and doesn't involve crazy ingredients you can't find anywhere but Whole Foods.
I have no need or what to make things like Maple Pots de Creme or Ginger-infused Dark Noodles with Spicy Fried Eggplants. I don't think I ever will. I see nothing wrong with making meatloaf that looks and tastes like meatloaf. Pork Chops with rice. Chicken Casserole. Sloppy Joes on a lazy summer day. I love to grill a nice steak on the BBQ, and make a simple salad, with watermelon for dessert.
Besides everyone knows if some tastes bad, simple add bacon, or smother with gravy. Or both.
Oh how I love you, Apple Butter
After the Adventures at the Farmer's Market I had several pounds of beautiful cameo and granny smith apples, the great intention of making apple butter, and a brand spanking new pressure canner. There are a few flaws in this though, as I don't had no idea how to make apple butter and have never canned anything in my life.
Luckily for me, both issues where solved pretty quickly. I found a Apple Butter recipe in my Canning for Dummies book, and started reading through. 8 Large apples (I had 10), check. Ground cinnamon? Check. Sugar, canning salt? Check and Check. Cinnamon sticks...Apple cider? Crap. 30 mins. and one trip to the grocer later, I'm ready to put the plan in action.
I peeled 5 apples with a vegetable peeler, and was working on a pretty good hand cramp when my mom called. I was complaining about the peeler I bought when she very sweetly reminded me that was why we always used knifes. I promptly defended my vegetable peeler, and as quietly as I could grabbed my parring knife.
I finally had all the apples peeled, cored and sliced. I brought 4 cups of cider to a boil, dumped in the sliced apples brought it to a simmer and walked away. No, really. I stirred every once in a while for 45 minutes. Then I tossed in the salt, sugar, cinnamon and the cinnamon stick and walked away. Again. Then I funneled it into hot jars (it made just about 3 pints) threw on the (hot) lids and bands, and poof. Apple Butter.
I decided to pressure cook it because 1) I'm terrified I'm going to poison my friends and family and 2) I wanted to get the hang of it so when the veggies come in, I'm not panicking. Got the canner set up fine, and didn't have a single problem with the actual process. Gracie and I purchased the same canner, and in place of a pressure gauge this particular model has a pressure regulator. Which to me if a fancy way to say "weighted plug". You pick the pressure level you need, set the rings and go. It worked great, and was it was comforting to hear it whistling away on the stove. After their allotted time in the steam, I pulled the jars out, set them aside and let them cool overnight. Tested the seals, and they seem perfect. Today a friend of mine is coming by to pick up his freezer jam, and I'm going to give him some of the apple butter and canned pears as well. He loves it, so I know he'll be a good critic on how to change around the recipe if I need to.
Ladies and gentleman, I'm pleased to announce Operation Can Like Mad is a go.
Luckily for me, both issues where solved pretty quickly. I found a Apple Butter recipe in my Canning for Dummies book, and started reading through. 8 Large apples (I had 10), check. Ground cinnamon? Check. Sugar, canning salt? Check and Check. Cinnamon sticks...Apple cider? Crap. 30 mins. and one trip to the grocer later, I'm ready to put the plan in action.
I peeled 5 apples with a vegetable peeler, and was working on a pretty good hand cramp when my mom called. I was complaining about the peeler I bought when she very sweetly reminded me that was why we always used knifes. I promptly defended my vegetable peeler, and as quietly as I could grabbed my parring knife.
I finally had all the apples peeled, cored and sliced. I brought 4 cups of cider to a boil, dumped in the sliced apples brought it to a simmer and walked away. No, really. I stirred every once in a while for 45 minutes. Then I tossed in the salt, sugar, cinnamon and the cinnamon stick and walked away. Again. Then I funneled it into hot jars (it made just about 3 pints) threw on the (hot) lids and bands, and poof. Apple Butter.
I decided to pressure cook it because 1) I'm terrified I'm going to poison my friends and family and 2) I wanted to get the hang of it so when the veggies come in, I'm not panicking. Got the canner set up fine, and didn't have a single problem with the actual process. Gracie and I purchased the same canner, and in place of a pressure gauge this particular model has a pressure regulator. Which to me if a fancy way to say "weighted plug". You pick the pressure level you need, set the rings and go. It worked great, and was it was comforting to hear it whistling away on the stove. After their allotted time in the steam, I pulled the jars out, set them aside and let them cool overnight. Tested the seals, and they seem perfect. Today a friend of mine is coming by to pick up his freezer jam, and I'm going to give him some of the apple butter and canned pears as well. He loves it, so I know he'll be a good critic on how to change around the recipe if I need to.
Ladies and gentleman, I'm pleased to announce Operation Can Like Mad is a go.
Quote of the Day
"Are you kidding? This is an X-File. Wrapped in cover-up, and deep fried in paranoid conspiracy"
-General W.R. Monger (Monster Warden) in Monsters Vs. Aliens
-General W.R. Monger (Monster Warden) in Monsters Vs. Aliens
Monday, April 6, 2009
Spring break, hrmph, whatever.
So spring break was a bust! We hit stormy weather on out way out of Nevada and it continued the whole time we were in Utah. Seriously, we got sunshine on the way home and by the time we pulled into our driveway, the weather was beautiful.
Anyway, we didn't get to do many of the things we had wanted to do including raiding my mothers cookbooks. I DO have enough to get started as soon as I get my pressure cooker and I will call her and get recipes as I need them. (my mom rocks like that)
Hubby and I went to the families mountain property and picked out a spot to build our cabin. We also got the updated tour of where all the food and other supplies are stored. We also talked to a friend of mine about buying some goats. I have decided that goats are the perfect survival animal. You can milk them, eat them and even use them to pull carts or pack supplies around. The hide can be turned into leather and I was once told by a child genius that goat milk will be the only food not contaminated in case of nuclear fallout. (I would really like to know if that is true. Pretty incredible if it is.)
Coyote hunting was also a bust. We saw road kill deer everywhere and does on the hoof by the thousands (no joke) but nothing had been eaten at all. Weird. We did find a neighbor that has a pet coyote though and so we took the kids and the Hubbies mountain cur down to take a look. The boys were fascinated and Buskshot had exactly the reaction we were looking for. He sniffed the other dogs and immediately moved on. When he touched noses with the coyote he quickly realized this one was different and totally freaked out. It was kind of funny to see the little guy with his hackles up barking and growling like he thought he could really take that yote. I think he is going to turn out to be everything we hoped.
The boys had lots of fun visiting with the grandparents. They also found their limit on the amount of sugar they can handle. Detox commenced this morning.
But anyway, we are home safe and sound. Now off to do the laundry and put the suitcases away.
Anyway, we didn't get to do many of the things we had wanted to do including raiding my mothers cookbooks. I DO have enough to get started as soon as I get my pressure cooker and I will call her and get recipes as I need them. (my mom rocks like that)
Hubby and I went to the families mountain property and picked out a spot to build our cabin. We also got the updated tour of where all the food and other supplies are stored. We also talked to a friend of mine about buying some goats. I have decided that goats are the perfect survival animal. You can milk them, eat them and even use them to pull carts or pack supplies around. The hide can be turned into leather and I was once told by a child genius that goat milk will be the only food not contaminated in case of nuclear fallout. (I would really like to know if that is true. Pretty incredible if it is.)
Coyote hunting was also a bust. We saw road kill deer everywhere and does on the hoof by the thousands (no joke) but nothing had been eaten at all. Weird. We did find a neighbor that has a pet coyote though and so we took the kids and the Hubbies mountain cur down to take a look. The boys were fascinated and Buskshot had exactly the reaction we were looking for. He sniffed the other dogs and immediately moved on. When he touched noses with the coyote he quickly realized this one was different and totally freaked out. It was kind of funny to see the little guy with his hackles up barking and growling like he thought he could really take that yote. I think he is going to turn out to be everything we hoped.
The boys had lots of fun visiting with the grandparents. They also found their limit on the amount of sugar they can handle. Detox commenced this morning.
But anyway, we are home safe and sound. Now off to do the laundry and put the suitcases away.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Adventure at the Farmer's Market
Yesterday morning, had I had some around who would have cared, I totally should have used my Nemo quote. It really was a beautiful day! After months of snow and cold (I get that I'm whining, but this is the PNW. I do rain like a champion) Spring seems to have finally gotten off his lazy butt and came around. The sun was shining and it was warm enough to be hoodie optional weather by noon.
I packed up the Boy early and head down to the Farmer's Market. We (I) had already arranged to meet my mom there, and on my way I called my sister just to see what she was up to. Turns out, she and her fiancee were also walking there (they live nearby) for breakfast, so they decided to hang out as well. My dad even showed up for about 10 mins., but he was gone so fast he wasn't really involved in the adventure.
I was genuinely surprised by the amount of produce already available. Apples abounded, and tons of varieties were available. I saw a few onions and some garlic, and a few stalls with small potatoes. I saw a bunch of starter plants and cuttings, and even and entire stall of just bulbs. Fresh dandelions were everywhere being sold of in large bunches, and I even managed to snag a bouquet of beautiful early white Irises.
In addition to the flowers (which really are beautiful) I grabbed a couple pounds of apples; both Cameos and Granny Smiths. I found a smaller stall run by a local family I'm acquainted with and bought some Spanish Winter Onions and 2 huge bulbs of garlic. I also ended up picking up some D'Anjou Pears with the intent of making pear butter, as well as the planned apple butter.
Golden and Red Delicious Apples (Yum.)
Assorted Herbs and smell/taste good things
My Irises on the kitchen table!
I packed up the Boy early and head down to the Farmer's Market. We (I) had already arranged to meet my mom there, and on my way I called my sister just to see what she was up to. Turns out, she and her fiancee were also walking there (they live nearby) for breakfast, so they decided to hang out as well. My dad even showed up for about 10 mins., but he was gone so fast he wasn't really involved in the adventure.
I was genuinely surprised by the amount of produce already available. Apples abounded, and tons of varieties were available. I saw a few onions and some garlic, and a few stalls with small potatoes. I saw a bunch of starter plants and cuttings, and even and entire stall of just bulbs. Fresh dandelions were everywhere being sold of in large bunches, and I even managed to snag a bouquet of beautiful early white Irises.
In addition to the flowers (which really are beautiful) I grabbed a couple pounds of apples; both Cameos and Granny Smiths. I found a smaller stall run by a local family I'm acquainted with and bought some Spanish Winter Onions and 2 huge bulbs of garlic. I also ended up picking up some D'Anjou Pears with the intent of making pear butter, as well as the planned apple butter.
I ended up making the apple butter and canning the pears, but I will post those blogs later this week. Today, I'm going to take the Boy out and enjoy the sunshine! I will however post some market pictures for your enjoyance!
Golden and Red Delicious Apples (Yum.)
My White Irises.
The guy would sold them was an older gentlemen who called me Sweetheart.
His wife called me Pumpkin, and snuck the Boy a peppermint stick.
Pacific Oysters (Also Yum.)
The guy would sold them was an older gentlemen who called me Sweetheart.
His wife called me Pumpkin, and snuck the Boy a peppermint stick.
Pacific Oysters (Also Yum.)
Assorted Herbs and smell/taste good things
My Irises on the kitchen table!
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