Threes

They say good things come in threes. Today it happened. A box from friends in HI with frozen specialty foods was delivered via UPS this afternoon. The snail mail delivery person stuffed a book-sized box that was full of homemade cookies and candy from a dear friend in PA in the mailbox. Every year this friend also makes gifts of little angels and items that are unusual. I treasure these very much. Another sweet lady supported her local business and purchased goods that have significant meaning for us. That package came with a nice card and is a lovely and useful gift. Several other beautiful cards arrived, all with notes. The Christmas and holiday cheer surrounds us here. 

I had fun with the dry ice. Mike Stevens, our local WNEP News journalist who puts together slide shows among other wonderful efforts to entertain us once said, "We are products of our childhood."  How true!

The snow is coming down at high speed as I write this. Tomorrow we'll see if the Mister can use the blower to open the driveway. If not, our lawn and yard man is ready to help out. (The cold air is a problem for the Mister as it makes him cough, due to his lung disease.) The plows will plow us in for sure! We have all we need and are prepared very well as far as food and shelter are considered. Not everyone is. 

Here is a sample of what we expect to see tomorrow morning. The forecast says 18" to 24"! It should be finished falling around 10am. 

(These are last year photos, not nearly 18-24")

please click on image to view larger

 

Gingerbread Cake

Today I made an old-fashioned gingerbread cake and topped it off with a warm lemon sauce. UMMMMMM! Sure wish there were more people to share with.

I also ventured out to take a photo of James on this dreary pre-storm morning. He's not happy these days.

After talking with my eldest daughter this morning she told me that she has two of the ceramic Christmas trees. One was a wedding gift that my sister had made and gave them. The other a twin to it that she found at a yard sale many years ago. Does anyone else have a "special" old linen dish towel that is pulled out and used just at Christmastime? I do. It was my mother's. It feels so nice and soft. Use it a couple of times - wash it - put it back. The message says, "Remembrance, like a candle, burns brighter at Christmastime." ~Charles Dickens~

RECIPES

GINGERBREAD CAKE

Ingredients

½ cup white sugar

½ cup butter

1 egg

1 cup molasses

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup hot water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan. (I use Release foil)

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the egg, and mix in the molasses.

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in the hot water. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. 

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LEMON SAUCE

Ingredients

½ cup white sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

⅛ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 cup boiling water

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 lemon, juiced (three tablespoons)

Directions

• In large saucepan, stir together sugar, cornstarch, salt and nutmeg. Gradually stir in boiling water, then simmer over low heat until thick, stirring occasionally.

• Remove from heat; stir in butter, lemon zest and lemon juice and serve.

(Don't forget to click on an image to view larger.)
 

A Taste of Home

The cinnamon buns were frozen I must admit but they came out just fine and saved me a ton of pain for not having to knead dough. Six more to go from the bag of Schwan's product. I just started ordering some items for home delivery. We shall see if I continue ordering. 

No "fails" yet. 

The quiche is my own recipe and a tried and true delicious meal. (I omitted mushrooms this time.) We consumed half last evening and the other half is in the freezer. This dish freezes very well and warms up again successfully when the mood strikes. The majority of my photos were blurry because of the steam fogging my camera lens. What you see is the best I could get.

please click on image to view larger

RECIPE

Spinach Quiche

• 1 Prepared pie crust
• 1 (10 oz) box frozen spinach
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or chopped roasted)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheese (I used x sharp cheddar )

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. If your frozen spinach is not already thawed, thaw it in the microwave per box directions. Drain the spinach in a colander while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Place sliced mushrooms in a skillet coated with 1 teaspoon olive oil or nonstick spray, add the garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Turn the heat on to medium-high and sauté the mushrooms until they release all of their moisture and no more water remains on the bottom of the skillet, about 6-7 minutes.

While the pie crust is pre-baking for 8 minutes, whisk together the eggs, milk, and parmesan cheese until combined. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Blot and squeeze the rest of the water out of the thawed spinach. After 8 minutes, remove the pie crust from the oven and spread spinach on top. Add the cooked mushrooms and shredded cheeses. Pour the egg mixture on top. If desired, sprinkle the top lightly with more parmesan cheese and/or salt and pepper.

Bake the quiche until it is golden brown on top and the center is no longer jiggly. Depending on your oven, this will take anywhere between 45 minutes - 1 hour. Mine took 50 minutes. Use a pie shield to prevent the pie crust from over browning, if desired. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This quiche makes great leftovers! Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Baked quiche freezes very well, up to 2 months.

The Cabin, My Home

1996

The old Tranquillity cabin was built in 1961 with love and patience and hope. We moved in here in 1997.

This is a very comforting home. It doesn't seem to change very much. When things don't change they can be very comforting. No, I did not say comfortable. There are drawbacks but it is not like living in Alaska. Sometimes the biggest difficulty is laundry. There isn't one nor is there a way for there to be one in here. Sometimes another difficulty is showering in the old tin shower with a faulty head that, though we have tried to remove and change it, won't budge. 

HOWEVER,  the old rough and really rustic logs surround us from floor to ceiling with stability. The pine cupboard doors with black hinges and crooked screws work just fine. The floors are cold most of the time as the cabin is built on a concrete slab. So what?

As you already know, the kitchen is functional - not modern but very practical and handy. There are no stairs. That is a strong positive!

We can look out any of the 13 windows and see our little world of the beautiful lake just across the dirt road. Nature appreciation opportunities are countless.

There are old draft horse shoes nailed over both entrance doors and we are protected. They face up. Pop hung them there.

Just talking about the past can be an indulgence for old people so here I am telling you that we are OK. Snug, safe, secure, satisfied, sheltered. All we have is all we need.

Please click on image to view larger. These are all older photos.

 

Eagle Feast

Some don't believe or have never heard of geese getting stuck in icy slush. We saw it happen on November 29, 2014 and when it died, the opportunist predators came to eat it. I took many photos, but none were very sharp. Here are a couple to show you an eagle enjoying its dinner. Other birds of prey came when he wasn't there and they ate the goose too. Soon there was nothing left but a pile of feathers. 

At least the small flock I observed yesterday was finally able to get free or it would have been a tragedy, even though we are not fond of geese on our grassy banks in the summer!

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

Stuck

A very unusual sight this morning made me stop in awe. I called the mister out of the back room to come see what was occurring. 

Seven Canada geese flew over and then landed on the lake. They sat where they landed in a complete mentally frozen state as the lake has started to freeze over and I imagine the slush was very deep. 

I grabbed the camera and went out on the porch after fifteen minutes of watching them just sit there in a paralyzed position not even moving their heads. They were in some kind of shock after landing and not being able to move. 

Then one, the "leader" I think struggled to paddle its body around a bit and the others tried to do it too. VERY slowly the leader moved a little forward, the others following. It took about an hour for them to all gather in one cluster, stirring the slush and - suddenly they all in unison flapped their wings, and lifted off. Whew! That was a close one.

One year a goose was stuck and the eagles ate him. I took pictures. Sad sight. 

Yes, we had our first snow yesterday. Greasy mess. 'Tis the Season...

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. 

click on image to view larger

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.

Back to Basic Bakes

I won't bore you again after this, BUT I must tell you one more time that my little bread baker is going to be put to use on a very regular basis. That is because is I can bake a small loaf without fails and it not only looks good, it tastes wonderful. Take my word! The latest liquid used was beer and I have found out that we like the bread made with beer the best. We also like it less sweet. BUT! This is a BIG BUT - Adding grated sharp cheese was a killer!

Plain Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1T sugar

1T onion powder

1 tsp  paprica

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

6 oz. beer

Mix first then add beer

Do not over-mix! (I stir with spatula until flour is all absorbed then scoop into  greased baker.)

Instructions:

(Do NOT pre-heat oven)

Place in oven and heat to 350° F

Bake 50-60 minutes (start timing after temp in oven reaches 350°)

After resting on grate, turn out onto cutting board. Slice by holding loaf on side. Easy does it.

please click on image to view larger

Oh, the stew was plain and simple! We ate it all.

I can sliced white potatoes with liquid

1 can diced tomatoes with liquid

1/2 can peas strained

1 tsp. onion powder

1 T chicken boullion granules 

1 left-over chicken patty cut into small cubes

AND..... Pottery bowls to keep it warm when you slowly slurp.

Coloring Book Project Completed

I really spent a lot of time on this one! I've also found out that my printer prints the projects VERY well. YAY! Card making is fun for me but this was very intricate. Always striving for perfection. Not there but I'm satisfied. 

Quiet Day

Yes, we stayed home. No, we didn't have visitors, Yes, we had a very good meal. Yes, the pie was perfect. Yes, we called friends and relatives. Yes, friends and relatives called us. Yes, we shared a bottle of Baileys, (We have 6 of the little cups and they are perfect for this treat!) Yes, I'm glad it was a peaceful and quiet day, though raining. Yes, we are very thankful for all we have had in the past and have in our lives currently. We are very fortunate and fare as well as we can. 

No, I'm NOT making a dinner next year, BUT I might find a way to have a complete meal delivered! Contrary to most others, we prefer a quiet and peaceful day without drama or hullabaloo.

And... how was your day?

Last Hurrah for 2020

For apples, that is. Over the hills and on the road to Jayne's Orchard we went on this dreary day. The Orchard is closing Saturday and I just knew we could find some late apples such as Winesap and Empire. I also thought of the old fashioned Northern Spy apple that we always had at home when I was young. There weren't any there today. I don't even know if they grow them. 

How lucky to find some of the late variety Winesap! It has a tart, rich taste and, of course we shared one when we got home. These are sitting in the sink waiting for their vinegar bath before storage and/or processing.

Winesap

The Empires are crispy and sweet. They have a hybrid parentage of the Red Delicious and Macintosh. They are crispy and crunchy and will go fast. I just might keep them for having an apple a day! They, too are ready for their bath. You might ask, "Why a vinegar bath?" Well because my mother always did is my answer. I use three parts water and one part plain vinegar. I think it is supposed to kill bacteria. Don't know for sure, don't care. Will keep on bathing my apples before doing anything with them.

Empire

Oh I forgot to tell you how good they smell! The visual experience doesn't do them justice!

Snowman

 

Candles

 

Coloring Book Project

In anticipation of creating greeting cards for the holiday season I searched for and found some free coloring book pages on the internet and have downloaded and worked on them. I wanted pages that incorporated "stained glass" themes. They are out there! 

Current results are here. I have not put them into any photo manipulation free internet programs as I usually would, but have tried out something different - at first. I still have time to further change these and they are not promised to be my final images. 

What do you think?

Nativity

Musicians

Candy Cane

Bells

To view larger, please click on image.

Pretty

It's OK to strive for perfection but I have learned through the years that it is rarely attainable and sometimes not even at all important! I didn't even strive for it today because I knew it wouldn't matter. It didn't! I found the recipe when looking to use up my frozen lemon juice and thought I'd try it. Since there really wasn't a pan size listed and the picture showed it in a bundt pan, I used my 11" x 14" pan.  Yep! It became a beautiful sheet cake!

After I sliced it into 6 pieces I just stacked three with icing in between and called the project a success. Got two 4" square cakes now! They're not pretty. We don't care! The photos were taken before tasting but I can verify that the lemon three layer cake was light in texture and really full of flavor and very satisfying.

RECIPE

1 1/2 C flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 C sugar

2 large eggs

zest one lemon

2 T. lemon juice

2/3 C vegetable oil

2/3 C milk

• Preheat oven 350°
• Grease and flour pan - 9"cake pan will do fine (I used large cake pan and had resulting cake like a sheet cake)
• Whisk the flour and baking powder together in small bowl.
• Beat eggs and sugar in large bowl on low or medium, not high.
• Add zest, juice, oil and milk until combined and then add flour mixture and beat on low until smooth.
• Pour into pan and bake approximately 35-40 minutes.
• Toothpick should come out clean.
• Cool in pan then remove to dish. Ice or not, you choose. A dusting of confectioner's powder would do. 

Chestnuts

I remember my mother having a large bowl of chestnuts on the dining room table during holidays. I also remember that they were the size of horse pucky. She roasted them on a tray in the oven and they were easy to get the middle part out. It tasted like a roasted chestnut. DUH!

Yesterday my daughter brought me some that she found under a chestnut tree at the roadside when she was walking her dog. She collected some, took off the outer shell and brought them to me. 

I had never seen any this small, (about the size of a Dum Dum lollipop) but scored each one and roasted them according to directions I found on internet.  Well you know how I always refer to either being the statue or the pigeon? I was the statue today after all the work! They will break our teeth! The squirrels across the road that live in the big pine tree will love me.

please click on image to view larger

I baked them way too long (25 min at 475°) and have figured out that about 10 minutes would have been enough. Oh well, if you ever have some and want to roast them, this link might help. 

Roasted Chestnuts 

New Bowls

A delivery was made here yesterday and I've been waiting for these beauties for about three weeks. When I first spied them on his internet page during a community event, I claimed them. They spoke to me! Yep! Now I admit that the 'cereal bowls in oatmeal color' seem to have changed colors but I think it is the lighting plus the different cameras used to capture their beauty. 

They are thick but not too thick, thin but not too thin, and were put to use the very same evening. The heft and feel are perfect! They kept our meatball-vegetable stew nice and warm throughout the meal. What a treat! 

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Al, aka the Potter accepted some of my recent cookies and I was pleasantly surprised he mentioned them on his latest post. He has a wonderful sense of humor as you will read.