Info and Recipes - Misc.

 Today I am just showing a couple things that may come in handy this time of the year.  It is fall and winter will be here before we know it.  I think many are working on making holiday gifts and looking to cook comfort foods.  

YUMMO.  I can imagine this being made with about any canned fruit - fruit cocktail, pears, cherries..... Super easy and dessert is always comforting.

(reminder you can make your own buttermilk and can substitute butter for margarine)  

This is kind of a pantry ready recipe.

Click on picture to easily see the measurements.  This is a great guide to use when making pretty fleece  throws or blankets this season.

Super easy to make and so good.  This is one part of Chinese food that I love.  I like fried rice and lo mein but that is about it.  These are so good.  I have made them.  (I found a little egg wash helps the wrappers stick together when folded up)

Here is a good guide for those who are getting ready to put apples.  Fall is the time!  It is always hard to try to figure what you need.  I always figure a quart of apples for one pie.

Hope this helps someone.  Click on picture to easily read.

Just a thing or two today.  Hope this helps someone with crafting, canning, baking, etc.

Have a blessed day my friends.

It Is All About Perspective

I saw this story on FB and it really resonated with me.  What is poor?  What is rich?  Everyone has their own opinions and truthfully it is all a matter of perspective.

I have had people jokingly (I think) say "if I had your money - I'd...."  - I laugh.  I know we worked hard to have what there is now.  Diligently we worked to pay everything off and be debt free.  We invested some money and we saved.  I am in no way rich financially - but I am so very rich in other ways.  I am comfortable  and I have enough!  Enough is good.  I pay my bills and have some left.  I can help others when need be.  I am good.

I know people who have a ton of money, pay cash for everything and travel the world.  Glad for them - but are they truly happy?  I wonder sometimes.  Some people I know really covet money - and I don't think they are really aware of that.  But their world revolves around money - getting more - and never seeming to have enough. 

We Are So Poor

One day a father and his rich family

took his son to a trip to the country

with the firm purpose to show him

how poor people can be.

They spent a day and a night

in the farm of a very poor family.

When they got back from their trip

the father asked his son,

"How was the trip?"

"Very good Dad!"

"Did you see how poor people can be?"

the father asked.

"Yeah!"

"And what did you learn?"

The son answered,

"I saw that we have a dog at home,

and they have four.

We have a pool that reaches

to the middle of the garden,

they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lamps in the garden,

they have the stars. Our patio reaches

to the front yard, they have a whole horizon."

When the little boy was finishing,

his father was speechless.

His son added,

"Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are!"

~Unknown~

I love this. Yes indeed, those country folks were rich. There is so much more to life than money. Health, family, friends, pets, home, food for the table, enough to take care of things, warmth.... all the basics we have come to take for granted.

Take some time to be thankful for your riches. They are far greater than your bank account and investments.

I am thankful for so much. I give my thanks to my creator every morning and every evening and sometimes many times in between. He really has blessed me in so many ways. I am thankful to have you all to share with and to learn with and from. You are part of my blessings.

Take care my friends. YOU ARE BLESSED

Weekly Wrap-Up 9/20

 Good morning to everyone.  This coming week is the official start to fall in our area.  It sure has come around quickly, considering how little we all did this year!!  You would think all the staying home would have made the time seem slower - but it sure seems like it went by quickly.

We are really getting the feel of fall.  Mornings have been in the upper 40's and low 50's.  Days 60's and 70'sF.  I love it.  No furnace yet - but no AC needed either.  It is supposed to get back to 80* this week.   Mornings are dark, when I go out to feed the cats, and all I hear are crickets and a far off call of the rooster.  So quiet.

Today I put on my first sweatshirt of the season and got out my slippers!!!  EEK

I do believe the hummingbirds have gone to warmer destinations in the past couple days.  I saw a couple on Thursday and haven't seen one since.  I am going to put new nectar out today  just in case we get some strays flying south!  I will sure miss my little flying jewels.

We are back to having blue skies and calm.  It was quite breezy for the past 3 days.  Earlier in the week, the skies never had blue, just a haze and the sun looked red when it came up in the morning.  Weather guy said it was from the smoke from out west that got caught up in the jet stream.

We are now to have the sunniest, clearest stretch of weather that we have had in months.  Absolutely no rain in sight (ugh).  Things are so dry.  Sunshine and blue skies are appreciated though!

My week: (was kind of quiet)

• Still picking tomatoes and eating them every day
• Did a lot more yard work -  deadheading flowers, trimmed bushes out back for the final time this year, weed whacked - the grass is basically dormant so all there was around was the occasional pop up weeds, started cutting back the peonies (trash bin full) - lots of odds and ends
• Made a batch of beans and rice and used in different ways
• Changed the bed quilt to a heavier one for fall
• Windows open most of the week
• Laundered what seemed like everything!!!  Clothes, bedding, throw rugs, table toppers, furniture covers - you name it
• Turned off the ceiling fans for the first time in MONTHS
• My brother came by to get some ham seasoning I have and he brought me peppers - YUM

                            Aren't they pretty?  The longest green one is 8" long!  Happy dance!!!!!

• Ran up the road to the library.  Got a couple new books
• Been watering everything with water from rain barrels
• Washed ALL the bedding for the kitties in the greenhouse (ready for cool weather) and sprayed the greenhouse with natural flea spray - kitties got their flea meds as well
• Made my first chili of the season!
• Washed the full glass panels in the security doors - inside and out
• I have been doing more de-cluttering and packed another box
• NO grocery shopping or shopping of any sort 
• Just doing all the normal stuff we all do - nothing too exciting

Meals this past week:

Chicken chunks/asparagus stir fry over noodles

Beans and rice with ground beef, sliced tomatoes

Burritos (used rice/beans) cheese, salsa & ranch dressing

Chili with crackers/butter - (tossed in leftover beans/rice)

Stuffed pepper skillet & cheesy bread

Chili w/cheese & sour cream and crackers

Leftover stuffed pepper skillet with a baked potato

Tomatoes every day at some time during the day!!!!!

I am ready for comfort food, reading books and nesting all snuggled up in a throw!  Sounds crazy probably - most of us have nested all summer - but there is something different about cooler weather and the beauty of the season.

Yesterday I was tired after working outside and came in and laid down on the bed, and Coogy came in and snuggled with me.  Those are the times I just smile and feel calm!

How was your week?  Are you all ready for the autumn weather?  Have you done any stocking up this  week (in any form)?

I hope you are all well and safe.  I look forward to hearing from everyone - it makes my day!  May I say, we have such a good group here - so sharing and caring - I love it!

BLESSINGS from my humble little home to yours.

Fall - Harvest Time

 Those of us in the northern hemisphere are approaching the fall harvest season.  Crazy I know - it seems like it can't be that time already.

Now is the time to take advantage of many fresh and yummy items that are abundant and cheaper during this time.  

The days are getting shorter and the nights are cooler.  It is that time.  I am not crazy about what happens next in line (winter), but I do absolutely LOVE fall harvest time.

Take advantage while you can.  Visit orchards, farm markets, road side stands - barter and glean.  

Gardens are slowing down and coming close to the end of harvest time.  Tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers will soon be a thing of the past (for fresh and tasty).  Get what you can now.  Can or freeze whatever you can for winter - you will miss them, I can assure you!

Now is the time to reap the benefits of getting beans, greens of all kinds, carrots, radish, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, Brussel sprouts (soon), cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, squash and PUMPKINS!!!

I keep hearing people say "pumpkin in cans is no where to be found" this year. (I see it all the time)

FIRST - it isn't the season quite yet - so chill.

SECOND - I read a quote from Libby that said production slowed this summer due to pandemic and they are back and producing and shelves will be stocked soon!!!!!

THIRD - use fresh!!!!  Get small pumpkins and bake them down and use the pulp to make your own.  You can easily freeze it.  You can also substitute sweet potatoes or winter squash in pies and baked goods.  Don't be one of those who creates panic - there are many substitutes and there are worse problems in the world!!!!!!

(OK - off my soap box)

Apples are big this time of the year as are pears.  So many fresh and yummy options out there.  We had a big freeze in May that damaged a lot of buds that had set, but the orchards still have plenty available.  Cider is another wonderful side product of apples.

Now is the time to get apples for making applesauce, for baking, frying, canning, freezing  and plain good time eating!!!!!!

You can use pears in just about all the same ways as apples.

Nuts are starting to fall from trees.  Take advantage of gleaning if you have the chance.  Many folks have walnut or hickory nut trees - get those yummy nuts before the critters do!  It sure will save money come holiday time when even though plentiful they jack up the price.

If you live in the country or around vacant homes - there may be fruit trees that you can glean from.

There are things like persimmons and  paw-paws as well in many areas.  We have both here in Indiana.  Let them be ripe - before trying to use.  You will surely know if they aren't ripe!!!!!  Pucker doesn't even begin to define the result!!!!!!  LOL

Grapes are ready in many areas.

I know every region has their fall fruit options - take advantage while you can.

I don't consider food the only harvest of fall.  Look around at the stores and get whatever deals you can find for yourself or gifts.  Summer clothes and items are marked down, school supplies are being marked down already, camping gear, gear for outdoor activities (games and fun), and gardening items.  Think ahead to gifts you need to get.  A gift doesn't have to be about winter - get something the recipient can use next summer!

It is cookout/campfire  time - so look for deals on hotdogs, condiments, hamburgers and chili ingredients, smore ingredients - the list goes on.

My brother has a cookout each fall - to celebrate fall birthdays - and it is always a fall food delight.  There is a big pot of thick chili, hotdogs and all the fixings, smores and cider - chips, dip, etc.  It is always wonderful!  Sitting around a fire with family and eating good food.

So if you have the opportunity to go visit a farm stand or farm market - now is the time.  Most will end in a month or so.  Healthy, fresh food is available.  Check with your family and friends and see if they have any surplus they can share.  

Get your fall 'harvest' on and stock up for the days ahead.

Enjoy the first days of a new season - winter is around the corner.

Inexpensive, Easy and In A Pinch Meals

 I think most that read this blog do pretty good as far as stretching their dollars and their pantries.  I know many read that don't comment, and we all need new ideas.  I like reminders, alternatives, and just different choices sometimes.  How about you?

Whether you are short on dollars, or the pantry is getting low, or weather is bad and you need to stay in, or you choose to stay home because of illness, or you are just bored - here are some frugal and easy ideas to stretch the budget and the pantry.

• MACARONI AND CHEESE - pasta is very cheap and a staple in most pantries.  Cheese is a protein - so add meat or not.  If you do - chopped up hotdogs, ground beef or sausage, ham pieces, smoked sausage, tuna, leftover taco meat.............. whatever you have.  This can be a meal in itself or add a veggie as a side.   You can also add veggies to the mac - broccoli, peas, tomatoes or salsa, asparagus, etc.
• ONE POT MEALS - can be anything.  Chicken, pork, ham, smoked sausage with potatoes, carrots, onion, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, peas...................  Put what you have in a crockpot and let it simmer together for a yummy combo.  Your imagination is the only limit to what you can fix.
• RICE & BEANS - add meat or not.  Beans are protein.  I can make a meal of beans and rice, maybe add a biscuit or bread and a salad.  You can add corn, hominy, mushrooms, onion - anything you want.   **Use in burritos, enchiladas, put leftovers in soup or chili
• VEGGIE SOUP - always an easy throw together pot of goodness.  Whatever you have leftover in frig - add pasta or rice to extend if needed - add meat or not - add a few cans of this or that - and season.  No limits whatsoever and it can be added to over days and can make many meals!  Hearty food!!!!  
• FRIED RICE - super easy and tasty.  Add egg, meat or not, and any kind of veggie you have.  There are no rules.  Add a bit of soy sauce or make your own sauce.  Super good and very filling!!   ******You can do the same thing with spaghetti and turn it into lo mein!  One of my favorites
• BAKED POTATOES - NO limits whatsoever.  Top with anything you have and make a meal of it.  I do this about once a month or more.  So good and cheap!
• BREAKFAST - another favorite.  You can do anything and mix and match.  Eggs, waffles, pancakes, French toast, toast, biscuits and gravy, egg sandwiches, quiche, bread pudding - all cheap and easy things to make.  Cereal or oats or granola are good options.  Add fruit (canned or fresh) if you have it.
• ROAST VEGGIES - YUM.  One or a variety - have fun with it.  Can add a small side of meat if you choose - or serve with pasta or rice.  OR make stuffed peppers with whatever you have on hand.

• SALAD - tuna, ham, chicken, egg, pasta, rice, lettuce, potato, pea, bean, corn - salads can be hot or cold.  Many, many meals here have been salad - serve with toast or crackers for a super inexpensive meal.  Salads can be any combination of food you desire
• PATTIES OR FRITTERS - tuna, salmon, mackerel, corn fritters, potato cakes, zucchini fritter, dressing/stuffing fritters. bean burgers - there is just no limit to what you can put together.
• FOIL PACKETS - can be done in the oven or on the grill.  Generally  meat and whatever veggies you have - a little seasoning or butter and wrap it up and cook.  Great for camping.  Easy and no clean-up!
• OTHER SOUPS - chili is a fall/winter favorite.  Make with meat or not.  Add pasta to stretch it or serve over rice.  Add cheese or sour cream - so many options.    Potato soup is super frugal and easy to make.  Any kind of cream of soup - broccoli, asparagus, corn, etc.   I am sure we all have canned soups on hand as well - don't dilute much - pour over pasta or rice or add them to the soup.  Jazz up a normal can of soup with cheese or sour cream - whatever you have.
• BEANS - soup beans, green beans, any kind of beans!  Protein, flavorful and frugal.  Add some corn bread and you have one super delicious dinner.
• SPAGHETTI OR ANY PASTA MEAL - spaghetti is about as easy as it gets.  You can add whatever you want to pasta sauce to make it more hearty - veggies or meat.  Lasagna, casseroles,  goulash, etc.  Pasta of any kind can be used for any dish - it is just pasta after all.  If you don't have one kind - substitute another type.
• EGGS - hard boiled eggs are a yummy and filling addition to a meal.  Scrambles, soft boiled, over easy, fried, frittata's, quiche.  Add to salads.  Eat as a side dish.  Make a meals of hard boiled eggs, cheese cubes, maybe a little meat, some fresh veggies and crackers.  YUM

I think we all tend to make things too difficult.  Change things up a bit and look outside the box.  There is so much you can make with WHATEVER you have on hand - spend NO money - and eat WELL.

So no matter the reason for using your pantry and freezer and using only that - no shopping - have fun!!

Experiment - do new and fun foods - remember a meal doesn't need to be 3 courses - a meal is what you have and what fills you up.  IT CAN BE ANYTHING!

I hope this inspires someone in a time when they feel they need it.  You can always whip something tasty up with what you have.  

ENJOY

De-Clutter and Help Others

 My home - so full of stuff!  I am slowly and deliberately getting rid of stuff.  I am making progress - albeit slow progress.  Main floor is coming along pretty good.  When done there, then it will be the dreaded basement.  There is so much storage down there - things that haven't been touched in years.  WHY?????

Well I have decided to donate things instead of selling them.  I thought about a yard sale - but not many are happening this year, and that is just way more work than I care to do.  I have a wonderful place that is close to donate to and they are thankful.  Last load I took in - they started going through the boxes before I left the shop (I was looking around) - and they just kept saying how nice it all was and how easily it would sell.  They have 3 different locations in and out of town and they do good for the communities.  The money they raise FEEDS people!  That is a win in my book!

They also receive loads of different kinds of breads, bagels, donuts, etc.  every week that they give to ANY ONE that needs it for FREE.  No need to buy anything - just go in and get bread.  

Most clothes and knick-knacks are .99 each.  They do have a boutique area for extra nice clothing, coats and specialty household items that cost more - but still very affordable.

My thinking lately:  How many small appliances do I need?

How many things do I want to clean?

How many things that I have never used nor will I use - do I need to keep?

I have a set of china that was Glen's paternal grandmas.  We received it like 25 years ago and never used.  I won't use it.  I contacted his only aunt on that side of the family (she has several kids and grands) and asked her if she wanted.  She was so excited - she didn't know where it had gone.  Packed and ready for her.  It needs to stay with his Dad's family.

I donated an electric orange/citrus squeezer.  Haven't used it in years - I buy OJ in concentrate.

I donated a veggie steamer.  I have a colander that fits over a pan.  All I need for me.

I donated blender.  I donated an electric chopper - I have a Ninja that does everything.

I donated an electric sandwich maker.  I use a griddle to grill sandwiches.

I donated lots of odds and ends of glasses and cups.  I kept the nice ones - and have plenty.

I donated odd and end dishes - only need one set.

I donated old mismatched and dinged up Tupperware.  I have plenty of nice storage containers.

I donated a ton of storage lids that went to nothing I have anymore!  (Really - why in the world?)

That's just the kitchen!!!!!!

I kept my George Foreman grill (thinking of getting rid of outdoor grill I don't use), I kept waffle iron and Quesedilla maker and of course my NINJA which mixes, blends, chops and does dough.  (I use the Ninja every day).

I have my crockpots (2 big and a tiny).

Most  items can be used for more than one purpose - it is time to get back to simplifying life.

I can also cook over a fire outside if need be.  I have no problem with that.  I can chop, and mix anything I want the 'old fashioned' non-electric way!!!  I have an egg beater, knives out the wazoo, and cooking spoons of all types. My can opener is manual.  

GOOD GRIEF we are spoiled.  SO many gadgets.  I am taking a stand to go to a more simplified life.

It just amazes me as I go through closets, drawers and cabinets.  I keep saying WHY did I keep that?  WHY did I buy that?  Why did I ever think I needed that?

I have decided to bless others with these things.  Someone out there can't afford to get a new --------.

Maybe they can't afford a gift.  Maybe their hands don't work good any more and they need something to make life easier.  Maybe they are starting over.

Whatever it is - maybe my contributions will bless them.

The money the store makes will bless those who are hungry.  The store gets reduced rent and only pays utilities - all workers are volunteers.  They don't need much to operate and it all goes to food pantries for those in need.  ANYONE in need at NO cost.

(I have seen them GIVE a coat and gloves to homeless many times)

Not only is this doing good for others - BUT I am getting older.  Someday, someone will have to come in here and clean this place out!  Been there and done that - oh my.  It is no fun.  The more there is, the more work you cause and the more someone wonders "what were they thinking"!

Have you thought about what a blessing your excess could be for others?

Things that may not be useful for you - could change another person's life.

MOVE FORWARD - SIMPLIFY - AND BLESS OTHERS

Weekly Wrap-Up 9/13

 Happy Sunday everyone.  My goodness, we are almost half way through this month already!  Crazy - how time flies.

This morning I went out to pick-up the kitty dishes (wet food) to wash and there was this bright glowing orb in the skies - it scared me!!!!  LOL.  I haven't seen a clear view of the sun in days - it has been so cloudy.  That has kept the heat down - which is good.

It was supposed to rain overnight and was sorely needed - but all we got here was sprinkles.

Next week is supposed to be low humidity and 70's - aaaahhhhhh.

The hummingbirds are still here and drinking lots and lots.  I see formations of geese about 4X every morning and evening.  They go west each morning and then back east in the evening - honking all along the way!

The blue jays and woodpeckers haven't been around much lately.  Miss their antics.

The outside kitties sure do like the cooler weather - lounging in their chairs and in the greenhouse - and not having to hide in the shade.  Momma is doing much better.

Mr. groundhog is sure getting fat!  I am still not sure where he is living.  I see him in my yard, neighbors yard and the one behind me.  He scurries under decks and buildings in all places - guess he has a lot of homes!

This week:

• Used leftover refried beans in a lasagna I made - added protein, didn't waste, but you couldn't even tell it was there
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry
• Cut a bunch of stuff from the back fence - some small wild trees coming up and lots of spent flowers
• Picking tomatoes - still getting tons of cherry toms.  I checked out the price of organic cherry tomatoes this week - boy have I raised a fortune!!!!  They were 5.99 for a 12 oz. container.  YIKES
• Watered plants with water from rain barrels
• I ran to Kroger and Ollies - just because this week (had to get out).  I wanted seedless grapes that were on sale and sale cheese (4/$5 - for 8 oz. pkg.).  I got a bunch of DEALS!!

Cauliflower and onions - both .99 ea.!!!!  Markdowns bags.  Ground beef - 85% lean was clearance at 1.99/lb.  They had lesser lean on sale for 1.88 - decided to get this (that is 12 meals for me - .50 meal for meat).  

Diced tomatoes with garlic - .49 can (12 cans) and 4 cans of southwest pinto beans for .49 each

Multi packs of cookie sprinkles - .99 ea.  Honey mustard sauce - 1.29 and 4 packs of smoky mac n  cheese (instant - for just in case) for .39 each

                                        My FAVORITE flavor of ice cream!!!!!!!!  1.29 each!

Look at the size of these grapes!  Compare to my thumb nail - huge!!! Pictured is just one stem of grapes - more in the bag.  Juicy and sweet too!

Lastly - Ollie's had spices on sale.  Every kind you could imagine.  Not those tiny jars either - these are the bigger bottles - it fills up my hand.  .97 EACH!!!!!  I got stocked up.  They even had this size jar of dehydrated onions and garlic for .97.  Surely can't dehydrate my own that cheap.

• Cleaned out all the upper kitchen cabinets and loaded up 3 boxes of stuff to donate.  I cleaned the tops of the cabinets as well - I have storage up there too.  3 boxes so far to deliver to thrift on Tuesday (closed Mon.) and 2 bags of trash!  UGH. It is amazing what we accumulate and keep!  I mean how many small appliances does one person need?
• I received a letter this week!  A snail mail letter - doesn't happen much today.  I also wrote one in return!
• I organized spice and baking cabinet
• Using what I have, cooking from home, just doing all the normal stuff
• Got to have the windows open some and fresh air!

Meals this week:

Lasagna and garlic toast

Lasagna and salad - (froze  remainder)

Ground steak burger, baked beans and fries

Ground turkey burger (reheated from freezer), macaroni and sliced tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes and dressing/turkey fritters (last ones from freezer)

Ham and cheese sandwich and salad

Slice of pizza (from freezer) and salad

I started the week slowly - lost my oomph!  Cooler days prevailed and helped boost me.  I ended the week on a roll.  So much to do - just minimizing stuff.  I feel so much happier to open a cabinet and see it neat and orderly - with far less in it.

How was your week?  What has everyone been up to?

PLEASE pray for all those being affected by fires and smoke.  Many of our friends here are  in that area.  It is so terribly sad and heart breaking.  Many people have lost everything.  Sadly we heard about this months ago with our Australian friends and now our west coast friends are being hurt.

Prayers that fires are contained and put out soon.  Prayers for rain.  Prayers for comfort.

I can not even fathom.

I pray that this week we can all live and act more 'Christ like'.  We need to be kind and caring and loving.  May the hate and nastiness stop immediately - it only causes more division.  PLEASE  pray for our world - prayers are surely needed.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

God bless.