I have been dehydrating veggies and fruits for several years and I have found ways to use what I have dried but I am not sure I am using what I dry to the fullest advantage. Last winter, I started adding dried spinach to soups and salads. I found there was never any complaints about what is this in my food or what do I taste that is different. With the adding the spinach into salad dressing and dips. once again, I enjoyed what I was doing and received compliments about the interesting tastes I was developing. So this year, we are drying spinach, onions and garlic to add to spice blends and zests for our many different soups. I have learned if you want to make a hearty and filling soup add these dried items, the soups just seem to come alive with flavor and the texture of the soup is a little thicker without having a roux base. Yes, I am always looking for ways to make my day a little easier and please those I cook for.
IN THE KITCHEN
I pulled out the recipes I was working on last winter for soups which I added ingredients from the freezer, canned and dehydrated. I have always known if I do not have a way to use something it does me no good to take my time preserving it for use at a later date. One of my main projects has been a great northern bean soup with homemade sausage, lots of onion, celery, carrots, garlic, I use a quart of bloody Mary mix or tomato juice for my base, fill the flavor with dried green onions and spinach. This is one hardy pot of soup. This is my recipe and I am so pleased is was accepted well. When I serve this, I put a wedge of corn bread in the bottom of the soup bowl and pour this mixture over the corn bread. I will continue working on this until I have some measurements to share with you. When I am working on a recipe I do cook a lot like my Momma did and forget to measure everything.
ON THE FARM
We started adding hay in the barn this week, there is always some there but I knew the cold was coming and I wanted the ladies to eat hay to help keep them warm at night. They are continuing to free range in the afternoon, I am not sure if they will want to come out after all the leaves have fallen. Lady Gracie has found the Virginia spiderwort plants, I knew the deer would eat them down to the ground and now I can add goats to this list. One evening this week, she found more spiderwort and Mr. Bootsie had to take her grain bowl and show it to her before she would return to the barn, I know she was saying, but Daddy this is so good, fresh and green. If I leave it the deer may get it tonight.
IN THE COOP
Outside the coop has been getting some attention as the falling leaves will weigh down the covers of the runs. Mr. Bootsie informed me it was time to blow the leaves off the top. Now, all of you know the girls really love this. So I open the gate to the runs and he fired up the leaf blower which in turn has 17 chickens flying, running and trotting past me. The ducks were waddling so fast they were falling over their own feet. Everyone had that what are you doing to me look and I am never, never coming back in there so you can do that to me again. Of course, the goats did not know what was going on and here they come to offer their support to the girls. The girls, who don't want anything from the goats except space and for them to stay in their pasture were not pleased. So, the girls take off again heading for their safe space which is howling and leaves are flying. It was a wild few minutes and we will be having a few more of these events before all of the leaves are off the trees. I just think I will keep the goats in there pasture and not let them free range with the girls while Mr. Bootsie is blowing leaves.
The temperature fell on this week, I made my personal goal, the peeps are in the coop with big girls, on the roosting poles and all is good. Food is still somewhat of an issue but we are working through this. It will take longer to have them eating from the same bowls, as I am thinking I may need to add another bowl for all of these girls and 1 little guy. There has been a smile on our faces because once again we have merged the flock without issues. The brooder has been taken out of the coop, cleaned and stored for the winter.
IN THE GARDEN
Frost is coming, prepare, We did it all. The tunnel cover went on and all the floating row covers are in place. Some small beds of greens have been covered. I must say this year went like we had a plan. I may pushed the bullet not cleaning the tunnel a little long, but, we made it. I gleamed the garden, mulched some of the onions and now I am waiting for the results of two cold nights below the freezing mark. Saturday morning check everything looked as if we may have saved our garden for a few more days. I do not pick the last of the butter beans until the frost has hit the vines. I left a few peppers but very few incase there is Indian Summer. Now as I play the waiting game each thing I find will be a treasure. The tunnel has some plants in it and next week I will be adding to the tunnel. By late Saturday afternoon, I knew Mother Nature had won with the freeze on Friday night. The climbing spinach looked as if I had cooked it on the vines. Butter beans has some burnt leaves but I think I may be able to pick what is remaining on the vines. Pole beans were burnt from the cold. But the winter garden is looking good. Parsnips have been waiting for the frost, this is my first time to grow them and I will be digging some to see if I or the moles are going to have parsnips.
IN CLOSING
I must stop and reflect because this year has been our best garden ever. To remind us they are still here, another raccoon was caught this week and relocated to our friend's river farm. With all of the problems we had, there was a good harvest, we did loose some of our crops but I can't dwell on that. We did harvest quite a lot of vegetables, we have eaten from the garden all summer, have quite a bit stored away for winter and next spring. I have learned more about preserving our harvest and how to use it. When are the seed books coming to my mail box? I can hardly wait to see the new selections and learn about some old ones being returned to the market. I have a few items I have been searching for and I will be on the net hoping one of the seed houses has located some of the plants I treasure. But, first I am going to have to clean my house, get things ready for the holidays and dream about what our future holds. Next week I know I have to help with the gathering of some firewood, It never stops!!!!
Have a wonderful week, stay healthy, keep smiling, spring is on its way!!!!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Triple Creek Farm, October 19, 2013
Wednesday, I knew I could no longer play the waiting game, they must come down, all of the beautiful squash plants had to be pulled from the tunnel. I pulled, stacked, cut with my nippers and after about an hour I walked outside the tunnel and saw the empty side of the tunnel. My heart sank, it was as if I had just destroyed the garden of 2013. We have enjoyed so many loaves of cucuzzi bread, squash with onions, the squash apple pie plus many dehydrated squash this year. I stood in the garden looking at this as if I were in a graveyard I could feel my eyes tearing, I was looking for a few missed squash to take in the house just as some like to take a few flowers from the graves. For some reason, this part of the garden has meant so much to me. I really felt like I had accomplished something every time I walked into the garden and saw this jungle I had created. There were several types of climbing squash plants and I decided to add the climbing spinach. I have a large bag of spinach in the fridge which needs to be cleaned, frozen or steamed and eaten. After feeling sorry for myself, I decided that next year will be better. I know for a fact I will be pulling the plastic off the tunnel once again when the weather is warm and I shall have climbing plants on it. Mr. Bootsie has promised additional cattle panels next summer as we all enjoyed this year's crop in so many ways.
IN THE KITCHEN
I had to do it, open one jar of the potato soup which was canned. I used 1/3 cup of the soup mix I made a couple of weeks prior to thicken the potato soup, it was delicious. I am so pleased with the results of this and being able to have a meal on the table in 30 minutes from start to finish, I know I shall be canning more potato soup in the future. We have been trying a recipe, this recipe was for baked sweet potatoes using coconut oil. I thought about this decided to try this recipe using russet potatoes. We have made this twice this week, slicing the potatoes a different thickness each time, I decided I like the potatoes sliced very thin, oven fried and served with a kefir ranch dressing. I think from everything I am reading these chips may be very good for us to eat or maybe not, but they really did taste good.
ON THE FARM
Wood gathering has been going on this week, the new log rack has been filled and covered by the house. Mr. Bootsie is already in love with this change. There is enough wood on this rack to last quite a while. We may be able to fill only once a week when the weather is moderate. Friday afternoon, was spent replacing the posted signs around our property. We are in an area which is not to be hunted, but people see woods and totally, do not realize there is a barn and pasture lot in the middle of the woods. I fear for my ladies as some of those who hunt around here do not hunt with a clear head and may take a shot at something that resembles a deer. I, also, fear for myself as I am always moving through the woods doing projects.
IN THE COOP
Progress is being made, the efforts to learn how to crow are starting to pay off. We are now hearing a err, err so the rooster is on his way to finding his voice. If his voice is anything like he is there will be beautiful music around here in the mornings. I have had real progress blending the flock. I have always known food was the problem, I have tried feeding the little peeps in their own bowl with the big girls, I changed the way I do this and feed the little peeps in the coop and the girls outside. After everyone has eaten, I let the little peeps go where they wish, leaving the brooder open so they may come and go. They do spend sometime in the brooder but real progress is being made and they are not being pecked by the big girls. I may make my goal of having everyone in the big girls coop before cold weather sets in.
IN THE GARDEN
With the tunnel being replaced this coming week, I am in the process of replanting most of the garden. There are butter beans, pole beans and spinach remaining from the summer garden. Turnips are starting to develop the thicken roots but the tops have been eaten off, I really do not know if they will develop but I hope they do. I am pulling lots of chickweed for the girls almost everyday. I found myself looking a seed book thinking what shall I order for next spring. The row covers came out this week and I have them over the beds I planted this week. I started digging the lemon balm from the herb garden, I had no idea the size of the root system these herbs develop. With digging them up, I am finding they have worked the soil, while it is hard work I am finding beautiful soil under them. I have planted potatoes in the garden. I like to start some in the fall and hope for early potatoes in the spring. I will be mulching my onions and potatoes in the coming weeks.
IN CLOSING
The pace has slowed, I am quite ready for a break. Living on a farm there is always something to think about, Saturday morning, I went to the barn lot and realized Lacie, one of goats is in heat, I am going to skip this opportunity and see when she cycles again. The way I figure we could have a late March birth and I would rather wait until April. I know there are many ways to look at this but I do not feel I am ready to have little ones in the snow. This will be a new venture for both of us and I would like to make it as easy as possible.
I keep thinking there is not going to be anything to share with you but there is always something going on around here. With 4 goats, 17 chickens, and 2 ducks life just doesn't get dull. Thanks for stopping by, I do look forward to our visit. You can always visit the Facebook page to leave a comment about our post, some feel it is a much easier way to comment. Looking forward to hearing from you!!! Have a wonderful week!!!!
IN THE KITCHEN
I had to do it, open one jar of the potato soup which was canned. I used 1/3 cup of the soup mix I made a couple of weeks prior to thicken the potato soup, it was delicious. I am so pleased with the results of this and being able to have a meal on the table in 30 minutes from start to finish, I know I shall be canning more potato soup in the future. We have been trying a recipe, this recipe was for baked sweet potatoes using coconut oil. I thought about this decided to try this recipe using russet potatoes. We have made this twice this week, slicing the potatoes a different thickness each time, I decided I like the potatoes sliced very thin, oven fried and served with a kefir ranch dressing. I think from everything I am reading these chips may be very good for us to eat or maybe not, but they really did taste good.
ON THE FARM
Wood gathering has been going on this week, the new log rack has been filled and covered by the house. Mr. Bootsie is already in love with this change. There is enough wood on this rack to last quite a while. We may be able to fill only once a week when the weather is moderate. Friday afternoon, was spent replacing the posted signs around our property. We are in an area which is not to be hunted, but people see woods and totally, do not realize there is a barn and pasture lot in the middle of the woods. I fear for my ladies as some of those who hunt around here do not hunt with a clear head and may take a shot at something that resembles a deer. I, also, fear for myself as I am always moving through the woods doing projects.
IN THE COOP
Progress is being made, the efforts to learn how to crow are starting to pay off. We are now hearing a err, err so the rooster is on his way to finding his voice. If his voice is anything like he is there will be beautiful music around here in the mornings. I have had real progress blending the flock. I have always known food was the problem, I have tried feeding the little peeps in their own bowl with the big girls, I changed the way I do this and feed the little peeps in the coop and the girls outside. After everyone has eaten, I let the little peeps go where they wish, leaving the brooder open so they may come and go. They do spend sometime in the brooder but real progress is being made and they are not being pecked by the big girls. I may make my goal of having everyone in the big girls coop before cold weather sets in.
IN THE GARDEN
With the tunnel being replaced this coming week, I am in the process of replanting most of the garden. There are butter beans, pole beans and spinach remaining from the summer garden. Turnips are starting to develop the thicken roots but the tops have been eaten off, I really do not know if they will develop but I hope they do. I am pulling lots of chickweed for the girls almost everyday. I found myself looking a seed book thinking what shall I order for next spring. The row covers came out this week and I have them over the beds I planted this week. I started digging the lemon balm from the herb garden, I had no idea the size of the root system these herbs develop. With digging them up, I am finding they have worked the soil, while it is hard work I am finding beautiful soil under them. I have planted potatoes in the garden. I like to start some in the fall and hope for early potatoes in the spring. I will be mulching my onions and potatoes in the coming weeks.
IN CLOSING
The pace has slowed, I am quite ready for a break. Living on a farm there is always something to think about, Saturday morning, I went to the barn lot and realized Lacie, one of goats is in heat, I am going to skip this opportunity and see when she cycles again. The way I figure we could have a late March birth and I would rather wait until April. I know there are many ways to look at this but I do not feel I am ready to have little ones in the snow. This will be a new venture for both of us and I would like to make it as easy as possible.
I keep thinking there is not going to be anything to share with you but there is always something going on around here. With 4 goats, 17 chickens, and 2 ducks life just doesn't get dull. Thanks for stopping by, I do look forward to our visit. You can always visit the Facebook page to leave a comment about our post, some feel it is a much easier way to comment. Looking forward to hearing from you!!! Have a wonderful week!!!!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Triple Creek Farm, October 12, 2013
The fall rainy season arrived, it normally arrives when the State Fair of Virginia is here but this year there was no rain during the fair. It has rained from Tuesday forward this week. Mr. Bootsie has taken this time to add another notch to his tool belt, he and the canner have become friends. He has learned how to fill jars with head space, how to wash the tops of the jars with vinegar or water, closing the canner, how long to vent but he is totally confused with the different processing times. I guess he just needs more practice.
IN THE KITCHEN
With Mr. Bootsie manning the canner this week we have put up 20 quarts of provisions, 7 quarts of a potato soup base, 1 quart of beef stock, 5 quarts of potatoes and 7 quarts of veggie beef soup. The canning shelf in the pantry is looking very secure for the coming winter. I have been baking some bread, we have been eating spinach salads along with French onion soup I made this week.
ON THE FARM
I can say there has been very little done on the farm this week, aside from the caring for the animals and checking the drain ditches. Monday before the rain came there was a good size pine tree felled, it was cut into sections and taken to the goat lot, they have eaten just about all of the bark from this tree. This has been a good treat for the ladies and worked well as we did not have to go out each day and cut saplings for them.
IN THE COOP
The struggling sound coming from the coop is starting to sound a little more like a crow. It needs more work but the little guy is trying. The coop is being opened up in the afternoons for the little peeps to start their journey over to the laying hen side of the coop. It will be a while before they start to lay but I want to have them settled in before the cold weather comes. I use the deep straw method of bedding, I do not care to do the whole coop, only where the girls lay and roost. Molting has taken over the coop and most large egg layers are not laying, the cochins are all laying but they lay small eggs. My pullet's eggs are getting bigger than the cochin eggs. The first order of business after this rain will be getting sand from the creek to go into the runs, the duck run needs lots of sand.
IN THE GARDEN
The garden is having to take care of itself, when the weather clears I will be removing the squash vines from the tunnel. We have had lots of enjoyment watching them grow this season.
The rain should be gone by next week and fall chores must begin because I lost this week and I have been taking chances hoping the fall would be a long fall. Leaves came down with the rain and my woods are starting to take on the sad look of winter. Here's hoping I can get somethings accomplished by the next time I see you. Enjoy your fall or early winter!!!
IN THE KITCHENWith Mr. Bootsie manning the canner this week we have put up 20 quarts of provisions, 7 quarts of a potato soup base, 1 quart of beef stock, 5 quarts of potatoes and 7 quarts of veggie beef soup. The canning shelf in the pantry is looking very secure for the coming winter. I have been baking some bread, we have been eating spinach salads along with French onion soup I made this week.
ON THE FARM
I can say there has been very little done on the farm this week, aside from the caring for the animals and checking the drain ditches. Monday before the rain came there was a good size pine tree felled, it was cut into sections and taken to the goat lot, they have eaten just about all of the bark from this tree. This has been a good treat for the ladies and worked well as we did not have to go out each day and cut saplings for them.
IN THE COOP
The struggling sound coming from the coop is starting to sound a little more like a crow. It needs more work but the little guy is trying. The coop is being opened up in the afternoons for the little peeps to start their journey over to the laying hen side of the coop. It will be a while before they start to lay but I want to have them settled in before the cold weather comes. I use the deep straw method of bedding, I do not care to do the whole coop, only where the girls lay and roost. Molting has taken over the coop and most large egg layers are not laying, the cochins are all laying but they lay small eggs. My pullet's eggs are getting bigger than the cochin eggs. The first order of business after this rain will be getting sand from the creek to go into the runs, the duck run needs lots of sand.
IN THE GARDEN
The garden is having to take care of itself, when the weather clears I will be removing the squash vines from the tunnel. We have had lots of enjoyment watching them grow this season.
The onions and garlic are really coming up. The okra which was eaten by the raccoons is starting to bloom. As I have always grown okra for the lovely flower, I was pleased to see it bloom. I enjoy eating okra but I love the blooms. Still picking peppers, climbing spinach, pole beans and butter beans. I have lots of flowers blooming in the greenhouse and this has been a bright spot for me this week.
IN CLOSING
I am pleased when we have sometime to be inside as I get a chance to clean and organize the pantry, take a good inventory. I keep a constant list going of things I am running out of. I do try to be very organized but sometimes you forget to add something to the list. Mr. Bootsie found another leak in the water lines so the plumber has been called once again. This new stuff is not lasting but we are adding shut off valves when we find a leak, in the future it will be easier (?). There will be dry wall repair but it all comes with upkeep of your home.
The rain should be gone by next week and fall chores must begin because I lost this week and I have been taking chances hoping the fall would be a long fall. Leaves came down with the rain and my woods are starting to take on the sad look of winter. Here's hoping I can get somethings accomplished by the next time I see you. Enjoy your fall or early winter!!!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Triple Creek Farm, October 5, 2013
I love the fall/autumn season, I love to see the earth prepare for the winter. Walking down to the pasture lot kicking my way through the fallen leaves reminds me of being a child playing in the leaves. I know we will be dropping trees, because without the leaves, they are much easier for us to handle. The goats will be missing the leaves as they get saplings every day. In the winter, they will be fed holly and pine. This helps us with the clean up of the forest floor. I am watching the girls very close to see if they are thinking of coming into season. With the two I wish to breed, this will be their first time and I hope I do not miss the opportunity this year. I have told everyone in the coop there will be no more baby chicks as winter is coming. They have to wait until spring for any more little peeps.
IN THE KITCHEN
I have had a recipe to make a condensed cream soup mix but I wanted to use my supply of creamed soups before making this mix. I was planning to make the green bean casserole with the french onions for supper Monday night. Walking into the pantry, there it was, no more cream of mushroom soup. Off to gather the ingredients I had stockpiled to make this mix. I was so excited because it will save money, save pantry space and I think I will find many ways to use this mixture. Here is the link to the recipe. I am very excited to have this mix on my pantry shelf. I have other homemade mixes, they are a staple in my pantry. I am going to make this soup and when I heat it I will add in some dried mushrooms which I will chop. This worked very good, the green bean casserole was very tasty. I enjoyed the flavor of the herbs in the soup mix as this bought a new level of flavor to the casserole. I am very pleased to have made this soup mix.
ON THE FARM
We have woods behind our house, they are across a creek. I have been wanting to go through these woods and collect all of the dead trees from the forest floor. The first load of dead trees were bought in this week to be made in our own mulch. There are some huge oaks trees on the floor which a storm laid down for us. Lots of good firewood, this is our first step at making a road to get down to where these trees are located.
IN THE COOP
Sunday morning, when approaching the coop we heard a strange noise, we just went on our way as we were not sure what this was. Monday morning, there was another noise and we could tell there was a welsummer rooster trying to find his voice. As the week progressed I can now say it sounds kinda like a crow but there is plenty of practice needed. With the welsummer starting to crow this answered the question of Heathcliff being a rooster because this bird has never tried to crow. Mr. Bootsie found Heathcliff on the nest Monday, and I know I am collecting 2 pullet eggs. There were 2 little peeps in the first hatching and both of them hens, Our second hatch 5 little peeps with 4 hens and 1 rooster. We had a good year hatching. I have, once again, started the blending of the coop. So far, so good.
IN THE GARDEN
The night time temperature has been quite moderate, so I am starting to play the I have a few more days game with Mother Nature. We seem to have new pests in the garden. I walked through and there a 4 traps set. Snow peas have been nibbled off, the lettuce, kale and Holland greens have been eaten. So far, they do not care for turnip greens. Garlic, red, white and yellow onions are coming up. I am going through the harvested onions looking for the multiplying sets, I know there were a few harvested and I tried to save all of them. I planted rhubarb seeds, but I saved half of them just in case they do not come up, to replant in the spring. I am going to do several things this way. My momma would plant a number of things in the fall saying the plants would be much stronger if they overwintered. So, I am going to give this a try.
IN CLOSING
I know the end is close for the summer garden. There are a number of cucuzzi hanging in the tunnel but they are much to large to harvest for food. I just let them go because the wee folk (grandchildren) enjoy seeing how big they get. I have a large number of small ones and with promised rain on Monday and Tuesday I think I may be able to harvest a few more to make more cucuzzi bread. I can store this bread in the fridge for 6 weeks, this would give me fresh bread for Thanksgiving. I know I can freeze it but I would rather not.
Thanks for all of you who visit our little farm, time for all of us to get the onions sliced and placed around the living areas in our homes. They will collect all sorts of germs. I have put a few in the keeping room, when I start hearing flu shoot time, I do the onions to help protect the house from germs. Have a wonderful week and stay safe.
IN THE KITCHEN
I have had a recipe to make a condensed cream soup mix but I wanted to use my supply of creamed soups before making this mix. I was planning to make the green bean casserole with the french onions for supper Monday night. Walking into the pantry, there it was, no more cream of mushroom soup. Off to gather the ingredients I had stockpiled to make this mix. I was so excited because it will save money, save pantry space and I think I will find many ways to use this mixture. Here is the link to the recipe. I am very excited to have this mix on my pantry shelf. I have other homemade mixes, they are a staple in my pantry. I am going to make this soup and when I heat it I will add in some dried mushrooms which I will chop. This worked very good, the green bean casserole was very tasty. I enjoyed the flavor of the herbs in the soup mix as this bought a new level of flavor to the casserole. I am very pleased to have made this soup mix.
ON THE FARM
We have woods behind our house, they are across a creek. I have been wanting to go through these woods and collect all of the dead trees from the forest floor. The first load of dead trees were bought in this week to be made in our own mulch. There are some huge oaks trees on the floor which a storm laid down for us. Lots of good firewood, this is our first step at making a road to get down to where these trees are located.
IN THE COOP
Sunday morning, when approaching the coop we heard a strange noise, we just went on our way as we were not sure what this was. Monday morning, there was another noise and we could tell there was a welsummer rooster trying to find his voice. As the week progressed I can now say it sounds kinda like a crow but there is plenty of practice needed. With the welsummer starting to crow this answered the question of Heathcliff being a rooster because this bird has never tried to crow. Mr. Bootsie found Heathcliff on the nest Monday, and I know I am collecting 2 pullet eggs. There were 2 little peeps in the first hatching and both of them hens, Our second hatch 5 little peeps with 4 hens and 1 rooster. We had a good year hatching. I have, once again, started the blending of the coop. So far, so good.
IN THE GARDEN
The night time temperature has been quite moderate, so I am starting to play the I have a few more days game with Mother Nature. We seem to have new pests in the garden. I walked through and there a 4 traps set. Snow peas have been nibbled off, the lettuce, kale and Holland greens have been eaten. So far, they do not care for turnip greens. Garlic, red, white and yellow onions are coming up. I am going through the harvested onions looking for the multiplying sets, I know there were a few harvested and I tried to save all of them. I planted rhubarb seeds, but I saved half of them just in case they do not come up, to replant in the spring. I am going to do several things this way. My momma would plant a number of things in the fall saying the plants would be much stronger if they overwintered. So, I am going to give this a try.
IN CLOSING
I know the end is close for the summer garden. There are a number of cucuzzi hanging in the tunnel but they are much to large to harvest for food. I just let them go because the wee folk (grandchildren) enjoy seeing how big they get. I have a large number of small ones and with promised rain on Monday and Tuesday I think I may be able to harvest a few more to make more cucuzzi bread. I can store this bread in the fridge for 6 weeks, this would give me fresh bread for Thanksgiving. I know I can freeze it but I would rather not.
Thanks for all of you who visit our little farm, time for all of us to get the onions sliced and placed around the living areas in our homes. They will collect all sorts of germs. I have put a few in the keeping room, when I start hearing flu shoot time, I do the onions to help protect the house from germs. Have a wonderful week and stay safe.
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