Full Day

Remember I said I would put the bone broth kettle out to cool overnight so I could skim the fat off in the morning? Well, I forgot that I can't reach the top of the freezer where I had the Mister put it, and I also remember putting it into the car on the back deck. Oops! Sold car. I sure didn't want to temp the visiting forest critters! Well it ended up in the kitchen refrigerator after I moved things around to make space. Yes, there was a lot of fat to skim off this morning. It wasn't as easy to do as when it used to be hard, but I was able to do it. I found that the yellow split peas cooked down faster than the green ones, went mushier quicker, tried to stick to the bottom even! I had to do an extra amount of stirring. It was tasty but something was missing. I never salt or pepper it as I feel everyone has their own limits on condiment additions, but I did add a little black pepper. It was lunch in my pottery bowl and very filling. I'll stick to the green variety.

It went well with the fresh loaf of whole wheat bread that I baked this morning.

It is ready, after cooling down to put in the freezer. I leave room at the top for expansion. Nice yield!

I had a wonderful surprise from my family friend who took away the base of the ceramic tree and replaced the entire wiring system. He brought it over after dark and it was so wonderful to see it lit and pretty! Happy Dance! It will stay lit the entire season. I like it that much!

Early this morning I decorated it and now my world here is right.

Meatloaf for dinner tonight! I should have lined the pan with foil and now will have a cleanup. I forgot! Dang! Doesn't really matter - I make good meatloaf! I know it is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°. I usually make a bigger one, but this will keep me for a bit.

If anyone wants to help wash dishes and pots and utensils, my door is open. I could feed you too!

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Ceramic Tree of 1972

I knew my tree was special!! My friend who made it has left this world but has left me a very cherished tree that she made and dated back in 1972. Today they are all the rage!

Click on link below to see what a collector has!

https://www.wnep.com/article/entertainment/places/on-the-pa-road/ceramic-christmas-trees-collector-sayre-bradford-county/523-612874dc-450f-4b55-8b57-35cb4d3f61e9?fbclid=IwAR3gG-HTmDdFGRiqNipjvy-PX6rx5pqCSHLtFMryW-lTXhqXHmCJQWnheCk

Trees in my Kitchen

Last night I took a couple of photos of my old ceramic tree. It was a gift, made by a friend in 1972. She signed it.  It comes out of the closet every year but I haven't hung any little decorations on it, yet.

It took me all morning to bake the cookies but the cookie tree was formed. Seventy two!  Well, we did munch up 3 or four.  -each-  I used my mother's old recipe. I don't remember it taking all morning, though. Now I have enough to share. I rolled them in raw sugar before baking and they actually sparkle and have a little extra crunch as well. 

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Peanut Butter Cookies from Grandma's Recipe Collection

Sift together - 

2 C flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

Blend well before adding flour mixture -

1 C peanut butter

2 C brown sugar (packed)

1/2 C butter (1 stick) I said BUTTER!! (Don't melt!)

2 eggs

Add -

1 tsp pure vanilla

1/2 C whole milk 

Cool dough in refrigerator for a bit, then teaspoon 12 scoops to an ungreased cookie sheet.  (I used parchment paper and I rolled them in a bowl of turbinado sugar before baking)

Bake - 350° oven 11-12 minutes depending on how crunchy you like them. The less time in the oven the chewier they are!

After baking, let them rest a bit before removing from sheet to rack to cool.. 

Makes about 5—6 dozen, depending on size.

Hats, Scarf and Covers On

Finally, I have repaired and made a new Pom Pom for James' hat. I changed my mind about not having one on the first hat I made. Our golf car has a new cover and I'll see it again in the spring. The porch swing is covered. We are winter ready. I'm feeling a need to bake now.  First I'll find the ceramic tree to put in my window. I store it safely each year in the back of a closet under pillows. A friend made it for me in 1972, therefore it is 45!