Honeysuckle Farmhouse

Pizza Can Actually be GOOD For You!

2012-01-20T15:13:00.000-08:00

Pizza has been given a bad name just like potatoes...But---Pizza products can be a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals. Just don't over-do it on the high sodium toppings (and this can include cheese) Especially if you have issues with high blood pressure. :( Always include some veggies - like spinach, bell peppers, onions....Use your imagination! Use mini pepperoni's instead of the big ones, for instance when making homemade pizza.

And always include a green salad to boost your veggie intake.

Just be sensible and don't eat a whole pizza by yourself....Invite me over!!! :P

Nourishing Traditions: benefits of traditional fats and oils

2012-01-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats

This well-researched, thought-provoking guide to traditional foods contains a startling message: Animal fats and cholesterol are not villains but vital factors in the diet, necessary for normal growth, proper function of the brain and nervous system, protection from disease and optimum energy levels. Sally Fallon dispels the myths of the current low-fat fad in this practical, entertaining guide to a can-do diet that is both nutritious and delicious.

Nourishing Traditions will tell you:

--Why your body needs old fashioned animal fats
--Why butter is a health food
--How high-cholesterol diets promote good health
--How saturated fats protect the heart
--How rich sauces help you digest and assimilate your food
--Why grains and legumes need special preparation to provide optimum benefits
--About enzyme-enhanced food and beverages that can provide increased energy and vitality
--Why high-fiber, lowfat diets can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Topics include the health benefits of traditional fats and oils (including butter and coconut oil); dangers of vegetarianism; problems with modern soy foods; health benefits of sauces and gravies; proper preparation of whole grain products; pros and cons of milk consumption; easy-to-prepare enzyme enriched condiments and beverages; and appropriate diets for babies and children.

Using REAL FAT for Health, Beauty, and Healing

2012-01-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

Can saturated fat be good for you?

Natural coconut oil-not the hydrogenated version often found in processed foods-is a saturated fat, but not the kind your doctor has warned you about. Studies have shown that this uniquely curative oil actually has innumerable health benefits ranging from disease prevention to anti-aging.

When taken as a supplement, used in cooking, or applied to directly to the skin, coconut oil has been found to:

- Promote weight loss
- Help protect against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and many other degenerative diseases
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improve digestion
- Prevent premature aging of the skin

Paula Deen and Southern Cooking

2012-01-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, Paula has made the announcement that she has diabetes. And critics are fast to look down their noses, and say I told you so even more with this bit of information. A little empathy might be more called for!

We all know that Southern foods are rich, calorie laden at times, but sooo very good. Using salt, sugar and fat, (whether it is in the form of bacon, butter, or shortening) in so many of our dishes that we prepare does make them a bit unhealthy, especially if we use too much, and/or eat like that every day. But everyone needs to realize, that without these key ingredients, it just wouldn't be true Southern fare.

And you know what? There are just as many healthy Southerners, on the average, as there are unhealthy. And if you look at some of the skinny Southerners, you'll see they have health problems, including diabetes and heart disease just as often as overweight Southerners. And there are people down here in the South that are just oozing with vibrant health, even when they are overweight and are "healthy" eaters (meaning healthy appetites). And as far as our undernourished skinny cousins go...you know...the ones who starve themselves, live on black coffee or drink diet soda's all day, and skip meals...They are none the healthier for having done so. So don't go stereotyping all of us into one big basket.

We do know good food when we test it, smell it, and yes, even indulge in it from time to time!

And if rich, calorie laden foods are truly to blame for health dilemma's then the French should have already died out a few centuries ago with all of their rich sauces, and decadent desserts. And the Italian's would all be dead from heart attacks from eating too much bread, pasta, and pizza.

The fact is, that we do need to use moderation in eating. We can substitute healthier ingredients in some of our dishes when necessary. And we can do this without feeling deprived of our cultural heritage, or thinking we are "eating like a bird" as my grandmother use to say.

How is this possible?

How can we have our cake and eat it too, without over-taxing our conscience or our health?

I'll be adding more of my opinion and other ideas on this topic soon...right now I need to go get a glass of whole milk, and a slice of pound cake.

Don't be shocked, it IS healthy. I'll prove it to you later. But I will say, ALL of my cholesterol levels are perfect. How? I'm not sure if what the health officials, health food experts, diet fanatics, and other like-minded people have to say about fat, sugar and salt are true. While I do have a few health problems, high cholesterol is not one of them...And I do believe in eating fat, real fat, and nothing that is "low-fat" is ever found in my pantry or fridge!

CHECK BACK LATER FOR MORE INFO!

Can we honestly still say this?

2012-01-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Friends, the Retailers of America have just celebrated a half century of progress, a half century of public service and also just completed a week of outstanding cooperation with American businessmen to celebrate this significant milestone. Everyone of us can be proud of the great material strides taken in the last several decades to double our output for every hour we work, and increase our annual income. We've enjoyed a steadily rising standard of living as a nation, and we've preserved all of our precious hard-won freedoms. Yes, our American economic system has brought greater material means for happiness to more people than any other system the world has ever known. So, congratulations to the Retailers of America, for helping to boost the good things in our American way of life. Let's remember, that the better we all produce, the better we all live.

Aired on April 30, 1950, as closing comments of My Favorite Husband radio show.

Looks Like a Winner!

2012-01-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

Smoked Beef Bacon (Applewood smoked)

Developed for those who love the taste of bacon, but do not want to eat pork, the beef brisket is cured in a secret-recipe salt and sugar brine, and then smoked with famed Washington State applewood. Can't wait to try it out....Ahhhh, you know how us Southerner's just love bacon!!! And those beloved grits!!!

Nevermind, this could get rather complicated.

Another Delicioso Colombian Treat

2012-01-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Sweet treat my daughter-in-law made last night!!!

Receta Colombianas:

AREPUELA O ANISITA

INGREDIENTES
Harina de maíz
Azúcar
Sal
Anís
Aceite
PREPARACIÓN
Agregue a la harina una cantidad proporcional de agua, entretanto súmele el azúcar, la sal y el anís. Cuando la masa esté un poco suave, haga bolitas del tamaño de una arepa normal y aplánela con un rodillo o con la mano.

Las arepuelas o anisitas deben quedar delgadas, de tal modo que se puedan esponjar al freírse.

Recipe in English (somewhat :) )
INGREDIENTS:
Corn Flour
Sugar
Salt
Anise
Oil

Add flour, a proportional amount of water, meanwhile plunge him sugar, salt and anise. When is the mass a little soft, make little balls the size of an arepa normal and flatten it with a rolling pin or with the hand. The arepuelas or anistato must be thin in such a way as they can esponjar* to the FRY.

*foreign word, even to Live Search Translation!

You didn't think I spoke Colombian Spanish this well, did you???
Muy bueno, dulce tratar...Now I did know (most) of that!!! haha

Photo: Sabor Perfecto!

Arepas de Queso

2012-01-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

Colombian and Venezuelan fried corn cakes called arepas

Arepas de Queso

2012-01-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about my granddaughter!!! :P She has become one of the best bread-baker's that I know! She makes the bread for Shabbat every Friday, and we had the pleasure of eating with them a couple of weeks ago, and I was VERY impressed!!! She is 16, and has learned a lot in the past couple of years! Anyway...back to the bread---it was moist and baked to a golden brown perfection. Braided bread (7 braids!!!), topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and looked and tasted just scrumptious! I should have taken a picture!

Good Housekeeping, November, 1931

Bread and Butter

2012-01-05T05:36:00.000-08:00

Paleolithic Diet, (gluten-free and dairy-free) also called the caveman or a hunter/gatherer diet. Hunting, gathering, and gardening.

It's what po' folks have been practicing for generations.

God seemingly used bread as a curse, in Gen 3:19 anyway...But we've come to LOVE it!!! Isn't that strange? The bible makes mention of bread over 300 times --- 361 to be exact. It certainly has become a staple in our modern diets.

So what is with so many people being allergic to gluten. Here is a clue:Wheat and Dairy: A lesson about terrain and tradition

I don't even pretend to be an authority on the subject, or any other topic for that matter! lol But I have done my share of researching, and have come to the conclusion that this, along with many other diet related illnesses/allergies are a direct result of tampering with nature. Or, eating too many highly PROCESSED foods. WHY are the foods being processed? To prolong shelf life mainly.

So we are eating all of these foods that have had the LIFE taken out of them, and then they have been doused with artificial vitamins, minerals and chemicals!!

There has to be a better way to eat!

You also have people advising us to eat LESS, but actually we need to eat MORE naturally prepared foods! Foods that haven't been tampered with (processed), and foods that give us nourishment, vitality, and LIFE!!!

And this is really going to be a challenge with my Southern upbringing! You know....all those biscuits and gravy, and desserts we are so fond of! But hey, I am up for the challenge. I'm going to have my bread and milk, and eat it too!
Whole grain toast with plenty of butter, and steel-cut oats, with cream and honey sound very good, even nourishing!

Did I say that???

Another Southern Favorite

2011-08-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Known as the house wine, here in the South! We make at least a gallon and a half of it everyday...Always Southern, and that to me means sweet, iced, and delicious!

Luzianne is the best! I've tried the cheaper brands but they just don't cut it. I'd rather pay a little more and have great-tasting tea! And it is satisfying to know it comes from the South. Always buy local when you can!

8 O'Clock Coffee

2011-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love 8 O'Clock Coffee....Flavorful, aromatic, and smooth!!! But...there's always a BUT! lol The price has gone ridiculously HIGH!!! And they changed the packaging, (I loved the old red design)! Let's just say I'm not a happy camper!!! :/ But, I still love it!!!

And I LOVED the Dollar General....

2010-08-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

I just found out our nearest DG is going to discontinue carrying my FAVORITE BBQ sauce!!! I had to drive 10 more miles to Wal-Mart to get some the other day!!! I'm SO not happy about this!! :(

Shall I continue??? They also do not carry my FAVORITE coffee there, as the other DG's in the area. But like I said this is the nearest one, so that means I'll have to drive farther to buy my coffee!!

Seafood Omelet

2010-08-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

I'm glad I re-read my own posts at times Working Hard

I promised an Omelet recipe on there! LOL

A little late, but here it is!!

So here it is, but no pics!! :(

I've been experimenting with omelets lately, and this is one of my concoctions!! And it was delish, if I do say so myself!!

Easy, Simple, like me...LOL

Whisk ever how many eggs you want in a bowl... For me no more than four at a time, so they'll turn easily. Have skillet ready, butter, and cheese of your choice,

(I love Shredded Mexican Blend). Melt butter on med. Now add shrimp, sliced fresh mushrooms, green onions, and brown slightly, until tender...Pour in eggs,

and flip after it gets done enough for you. Now cover with desired amount of cheese. Let cool slightly and serve with red pepper jelly, (makes it delicious) grits, buttered toast, and OJ!! Oh, and plenty of hot coffee!!! ;)

Pear Preserves

2010-08-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

It's pear season here on Honeysuckle Farm!

Watermelon Season!!!

2010-08-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Good Housekeeping, September, 1927

Cocina

2010-08-01T16:05:00.002-07:00

Cocina - A Southwest Kitchen

2010-08-01T16:05:00.001-07:00

Tomatoes

2010-08-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Muy Bueno

FarmGirls FUN....

2010-07-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

MaryJanes Farm

Simple Solutions

FarmGirls

Honeysuckle Farm FarmGirl Chapter

Blueberry Pie with cobbler topping

2010-07-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Just pre-bake bottom pie crust (homemade or store bought) for about 7 minutes in oven @ 400 degrees until air bubbles start forming. Place blueberries into bottom crust, mix together these ingredients in a bowl: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk, 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; stir and pour on top of berries. Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with whipped cream while still slightly warm. Enjoy!!

New fridge!

2010-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hotpoint, Women in the Kitchen,
Refrigerators, USA, 1940

I hated to part with my old vintage fridge,
but at last, it died. I now have a cute little
refrigerator that suits me just as well.
There is just something about brand new
appliances that make me happy!

I wish...

2010-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Lady with Tiara and Electric Stove

I've been cooking without a stove for
about a week now! Fry Daddy, Lean
Mean FAT Grilling Machine, and the
old faithful micro have certainly earned
their keep this week! I think if I had a
crock pot and electric skillet I wouldn't
even need a stove except to bake.
I LOVE baking...And of course I just
love using my old cast iron skillets for
cooking...So I'm cheering Mr. Honeysuckle
to get the stove hooked up again!

2009-11-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

PINK lemonade....Very pink, maybe too pink??

LOL OKay I had the bright idea to add strawberry

K--Laid, to my lemonade "mix"...No it isn't even

homemade. But boy was it good after working in

the garden and picking these things below...

More yellow squash, this time I added bell

pepper, banana pepper, onion, salt, pepper

and butter...I know, I KNOW!!

And more buttermilk cornbread to go with it,

and a pot of fresh from the garden cabbage

---no not my garden.

We have been SO blessed with vegetables

from people...

What's for supper?

2009-09-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

The same thing we had for dinner (meaning lunch here at Honeysuckle Farm) LOL What started out as Cornbread and Okra ; ) turned into this:

Baked ham (slices from the freezer, the one I bought whole and had sliced at Williams Brothers in Philadelphia, MS)
Peas (frozen, that was given to us) w/okra (from the garden) and pieces of ham.
Fried Okra
Steamed Okra
Rice (from the 25 lb sack from the grocery salvage store)

Gravy (made with pan drippings, a little flour, water, salt and pepper)
Cornbread (I bought a 50 lb sack of cornmeal from the salvage store)
And of course: Sweeeeet tea!

Colombian Arepa's with Lety

2009-08-12T13:59:00.001-07:00

2009-06-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

"We found skinny people run the highest risk. We had expected thin people would show the shortest life expectancy but did not expect the difference to be this large."
— Shinichi Kuriyama on June 19, 2009

ARTICLE

And to give credit for quotation of this inspirational quote, and why it is so funny, and why I even posted it, go visit: Robert St. John Expecting to be converted from your current ideas on dieting---especially if you live in the DEEP SOUTH.

What's for supper?

2009-06-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hamburger steaks

Rice, gravy

PEAS

Cornbread

Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh lime pickles
Sweet tea

Family Reunion...

2009-06-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Beef Chuck Roasts with carrots, potatoes, rosemary, and seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Baked for about 1 hour @ 450, turned down to 350 and baked until meat juices ran clear, and browned nicely.

Squash Dressing:
1 medium pan of cornbread
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 medium pan of cooked yellow squash
Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder
3 eggs, beaten
1 lg. heaping T. softened butter
1 t. fresh or 1/2 t. dry thyme
1 t. curry powder
Diced chicken (opt)

Cook cornbread. Crumble in large bowl. Mix all other ingredients in bowl with cornbread. Mix well, and pour into buttered baking pan. Bake until golden brown @ 400 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. Serve with cranberry sauce if you wish.

Blueberry Pie...

2009-06-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of All Posters: Housewife, vintage

A Little More Than Window Shopping

2009-06-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

I went shopping and splurged on a couple of really cute dolls from an antique store for my two little granddaughters! Pictures later?? I also found a really nice rag rug! It's been so long since I've done anything like this, it feels strange...The Lord has blessed my self-employed Mr. Honeysuckle with a couple of jobs this past week! PTL!

Fishing trip bounty...

2009-06-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

43 small croakers, cleaned and ready to fry...

Flounder, cleaned and ready to bake or fry or put in the freezer for later...

Mr. Honeysuckle also caught several black drum and a few catfish, that are already cleaned and in the freezer---FIVE one gallon bags full!
And you just have to read his BIG FISH story on my other blog...

Reunion Menu...

2009-06-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

I'll be making roast w/potatoes and carrots, potato salad, squash and chicken cornbread dressing and a yummy blueberry poundcake. Recipes soon...

Encore...

2009-06-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I just happened to have a jar of this glorious stuff:

And I decided to spice up the humble yellow squash a bit more!

Mmmmm...Very good!

By the way, this was a vegetarian meal for us...and being from the South, where ham, bacon or salt meat would be used generously in the cabbage, not to mention having some sort of meat as the main entree - well this isn't usually an easy task (getting anyone in my family to go without eating some kind of meat)! But tonight they didn't say a word!

OKay, so I already have orders to make some more of my Salsa, and I'm sure I'll be looking for a "homemade" version of the Salsa Con Queso, tweaked to suit my/our own tastebuds and ingredients "on-hand"...So be on the look-out!

At the risk of sounding redundant...

2009-06-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

PINK lemonade....Very pink, maybe too pink?? LOL OKay I had the bright idea to add strawberry K--Laid, to my lemonade "mix"...I got a little carried away with the pink stuff....LOL And no, it isn't even close to homemade. But boy was it good after working in the garden and picking these things below...

More yellow squash, this time I added bell pepper, banana pepper, onion, salt, pepper and butter...I know, I KNOW!!

And more buttermilk cornbread to go with it, and a pot of fresh from the garden cabbage---no not my garden. But I did pick it and helped them pick a lot of stuff......Hard work!!

We have been SO blessed...

Saturday, we'll be having our annual family reunion in Mobile, and I'm sure I'll have lots of food stuff to share...and more on my other blog!

sharing a few links...

2009-06-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Some of these have free newsletters, as well as recipes:
http://www.clabbergirl.com/

http://www.suebee.com/

http://www.petmilk.com/

http://www.argostarch.com/

Scrumptious Saturday Blessings & Savings...

2009-06-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Washcloths and "dust-cloths" $1.00 per bundle...There were bath towels for $0.60 each and I had to run for change, and they were gone when I returned....I'm glad I got these when I did!

Parboiled rice, 25# bag: I saved approximately $20.00 PLUS on this. It is expensive even at the Dollar General compared to this price.

Large bag of corn flakes, a 5# jar of Sue Bee Honey and a large jar of ketchup about $14.00. I saved about 10.00 or more on this purchase.

SUPER deal! A 5# canister of Clabber Girl baking powder for only $1.19! If i had bought this much individually I would have paid about $15.00!

And the really good deal were these two bags of yellow corn meal and Buckeye rolled oats. I can't even begin to calculate the savings, but I would guess about $50.00. I paid $14.00 for both 50# pound bags ($8.00 and $5.99). Which by the way was a $3.00 savings for having waited until today to buy them. I had seen them about two weeks ago, and decided to wait and ask my husband if we could handle these sizes. And when we went back today the rolled oats had been marked down from the original price of $11.00 per bag to $8.00.

Okay, I just happened to need to go to town this morning, and decided to go with my husband to save gas. No sense in taking two vehicles, right??

So, let me give you a little information. I don't know how many of you have salvage grocery stores in your area, but it would be worthwhile to search for one. This particular store was started about 40 years ago by a man named Bill Durham and his wife Maria in Petal, MS. He has passed on now, but he was a good friend of ours, and a good man. As far as I know she still has the business in Lumberton.

My favorite thing about the store was when he would box up a variety of items in a banana box (a lidded box), and sell it for $5.00. It was a mystery box....We never knew what we were getting, but it was always quality items, and FUN! LOL

He sold out a few years ago and they have kept the salvage business going, thankfully. There are a few other stores in our area too, in Hattiesburg, Purvis and Lumberton-most of which HE started.

But let me back WAY up!

Over 60 years ago another salvage type business got its start in Palmer's Crossing, in Hattiesburg. You can read the full story here: http://www.hudsonsalvage.com/

This is where I first started shopping, along with the local Winn Dixie store over 33 years ago, right after we got married. My mother in law was already very familiar with the two stores, and she got me interested in this type of shopping, and "saving"...

SO, if you happen to live very close to any of these towns, do yourself a favor and go save some money!

Am I glad I decided to ride to town with my husband??? YES, indeed! I would have gone another route and MISSED all this!

Abundance...

2009-06-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Fresh tomatoes from my mother and step father...

Fresh corn - buttered and seasoned with sea salt, and ready for the oven. Cover in foil and bake for 30 minutes @350 degrees. Or wrap individually with foil and place on the grill for about 20-25 minutes.

Prepared for the freezer. Wash, trim ends, place in freezer bag and "freeze"...Simple as that!

Southwestern Corn Casserole

1 can whole kernal corn

1 can cream corn

1/2 can French Onion Dip {or you can use sour cream or cream cheese}

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 egg

2 T. sliced jalapeno

Mix all together in bowl and pour into greased baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes @ 400 degrees.

What's for supper?

2009-06-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

Fried bream
Potato salad
Buttermilk cornbread
Sliced cucumbers
Homemade ranch dip

I almost didn't get a picture of the cornbread! LOL

POTATO SALAD:
Ingredients:
6 medium red potatoes, wash & peel, dice into 1" pieces or leave skins on, and dice. Some say leave whole to boil, I don't.
Boil until tender in salted water, drain, rinse carefully with cold water and set aside to cool.
2 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped,
1 t. mustard
2 - 3 heaping tablespoon mayonnaise
1/4 -1/2 c. chopped sweet pickles or dill; both work well.
A little bit of juice from pickles.
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
Salt & pepper to taste
Your choice:
Paprika, dill weed, course black pepper, green olives, parsley, strips of pimento, etc. for garnish.
Fold all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, until well mixed. Transfer to large serving bowl , sprinkle and/or place on your choice of garnishes.

Some like to eat it chilled & some like it warm. You decide.

BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD

1 c. cornmeal (self rising or plain, if plain add 1 t. baking powder, and 1/2 t. salt)

1/2 c. buttermilk

14 c. water

1 egg

vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Add 2 T. vegetable oil to skillet and heat on medium burner. Mix all ingredients together in medium mixing bowl, pour into hot skillet, and place in oven. Bake until golden brown approximatley 20 minutes. Broil if necessary to brown top for 1-2 minutes. Watch so it doesn't scorch. Take out of oven slice like a pie. Serve hot with butter.

HOMEMADE RANCH DIP:

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream (or cream cheese, softened)

1/2 t. dill weed

1/2 t. onion powder

1/2 garlic powder

Thinly sliced green onions, or chives if you prefer

Dash of salt and pepper

Mix all well and place in serving dish.

Old Fashioned Cooked Banana Pudding

2009-06-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

PUDDING:

1 can evaporated milk

1 can water

5 eggs separated, use yolks (save whites for meringue, be sure you don't get ANY yolk in the whites you're saving, it won't get stiff if you do)

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 c. cornstarch

1 t. vanilla

1 heaping T. butter

Mix all ingredients except vanilla and butter. Bring to a low boil on medium heat, stirring constantly, add vanilla and butter. Continue stirring for 3 minutes. Take off heat. Set in ice water to cool while preparing baking dish and meringue.

Line baking dish with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas.

MERINGUE:

5 egg whites

2 T. sugar

Beat egg whites with electric mixer, adding sugar as needed to thicken. Beat until stiff enough to form peaks. Test by lifting beaters from meringue, if it forms peaks then it is ready.

Pour 1/3 of pudding over wafers and bananas. continue to layer these until all is used. Place wafers on top or around edges standing up, and sprinkle with a few crushed wafers if desired for presentation. Smooth meringue over top, and form peaks with a spoon. Place in oven and bake until meringue is slightly browned on the peaks. READY TO SERVE. Some like it hot, some like it cooled. Your choice.

Happy Birthday Sweet One...

2009-06-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Creamed Corn

2009-05-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

My mother and stepfather gave us a "mess" of corn yesterday evening, and this morning dear Mr. Honeysuckle shucked it and cleaned it for me. He fed the horses the shucks and corn cobs. Yum for the horses...they love it!
Anyway I made creamed corn for lunch. Along with turkey and rice, buttermilk cornbread and ahem....yellow squash, straight from the garden. One squash filled the skillet! A huge squash but very tender! I sauteed it with green onions for a little change from smothered...
OKay enough about squash.

Here's how I made the creamed corn:

CREAMED CORN
8 ears of fresh corn
2-3 T. butter
Salt and pepper to taste
2 t. corn starch if needed (see note*)
Shuck corn and remove silk. Trim any bad spots off. Wash corn. Warm skillet and add butter. Keep on low while preparing corn. Cut the tips of the "kernals" into a bowl, then scrape the cob (the remaining juice under the kernals) into the bowl. Turn burner up to medium. Place corn into skillet and add about 1 /2 cup water, salt and pepper. Stir and cover. You want it to simmer. Watch carefully and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a little more water if it does. Cook until it is slightly glossy looking and thickened, approx. 15-20 minutes.

*If it is watery or doesn't thicken then the corn wasn't very starchy or you may have added a little too much water. You may thicken it by adding 2 t. corn starch mixed in a little cold water, then stir into corn.

Taste to see if done. Turn down to lowest temp. to keep it warm until mealtime. Serves 6.

Throwing in the towel...

2009-05-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

I don't think I ever want to see any squash again. Oh boy................We put up over 60 (I lost count) quart sized bags of squash (and zucchini) yesterday, and I think I'll go get the mower and cut down the bushes! Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for what we've got, and thankful to have put up this amount in the freezer, but I think we have enough already? My sweet niece helped me or I'd still be cutting, blanching and bagging squash! On top of that I had to do something with some of the things in the freezer and fridge to make room for all of the squash, did I mention we have squash? LOL So anyway, I boiled parts of a turkey my son killed a few weeks ago for turkey and rice that we'll have tonight, also baked a chicken with turnip roots, potatoes, carrots and onions, smothered some "squash", and I have some yummy avocado's to make some guacamole today.

I put up:

~blanched yellow squash

~raw yellow squash

~raw zucchini

~zucchini fries (dampened and coated in flour)

~yellow squash fries (dampened and coated in flour)

~yellow and zucchini sliced dipped in buttermilk and egg, and coated with cornmeal

~shredded zucchini for zucchini bread

Inevitably, I will have more squash...I'm going to be pickling it next time...Oh, and I canned 11 jars of pickles, as well.

I'm still so tired, and so sore...Even my thumb is sore from all the cutting! But we'll have plenty of squash to get us through until the year 2015 or so...well, not quite, but close.

What I've been up to today...

2009-05-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

Two big boxes of zucchini and yellow squash from my sister.

Yellow squash from our garden.

Wrapped whole ears of corn from the freezer.

Off the grill!

My mother gave me the corn, and when it comes time to put

up corn this year I'm going to try doing it this way:

Trim the ends and leave husk on the corn and put in

freezer bags and freeze. When you're ready to cook them,
you pull back about an inch of husk, strip it all the way back,

season as you like and smear butter on them,

and you can pull the strip back up or leave it off. Wrap in foil and

bake in oven or on the grill until done.

My mother has done hers like this for years and swears by it!

Of course I'll also cream some corn...We just LOVE it creamed!

It's hard work but worth it!

For supper tonight:

Grilled burgers

Corn on the cob

Butterbeans

Squash fries

Slices of BIG white onion...

Plenty of Old South Lime Pickles!

Fresh sweet iced tea.

Case in point:

A couple of weeks ago we were at a local restaurant,

and at the table next to us was a woman and her grandson.

The grandson was a picky eater, and also picky about his tea.

He told his grandmother his tea was too fresh! LOL

His grandmother replied that the restaurant didn't let

their's sit and get nice and sweet like they did at home. ;)

Kids!

While I'm at it...Let me tell you about a delicious way to eat

tomato sandwiches!! Not my brainstorm....LOL

Tomato, mayo, thin slices of Vidalia onion!

I'd have never thought of it, but my step-father suggested it!

Delish!

Tonight may be a LONG night with all the squash to put up....

My niece said she would help me in the morning though,

and I might take her up on it and let it wait!

Good Food

2009-05-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

Housewife/Actress Mary Deegan in the Kitchen Preparing Dinner For Her Four Children

I'm not sure when this photo was taken, but I can assume it was before the introduction of fast food, processed foods, etc. So many good, natural, whole foods have been given a bad name over the years, and the potato is one of them! Any food that is high in starch is shunned by the dieting community. But the potato has given nourishment to generations of people worldwide for centuries.

Going back to the terrain dilemma I mentioned in an earlier post---It's not the food that is bad, it is the soil which has been depleted, and the processing practices that have made good food bad for you.

There are many things that can be done on a small scale, meaning we can grow our own food using organic principles. The first practice being nourish your soil---don't destroy it. How can this be done? By giving back to the soil what was taken out of it, in the form of compost.

NOW, is the perfect time to begin preparing your soil for springtime planting, while the ground is recovering from the growth of last year's garden.

First you'll need to clean it up.

Get rid of any insect/egg harboring plants that have been left in the garden.

Burning them (check with your local authorities before burning anything!) is the best way to cut down on what might be in there just waiting to develop. Just when your broccoli or greens start to flourish, overnight, bugs can make a disaster of them.

In my opinion it is better to burn the weeds and leftover plants to get rid of the nuisances, than worrying about what good insects you might be killing off. Nature is going to provide us with both! But with a little forethought, we can possibly cut down on the bad ones.

Now, plow the ground and plant a cover crop. According to many experts, "Cover crops just might be the hardest-working plants you’ll ever grow. Cover crops (also called green manure) suppress weeds, build productive soil, and help control pests and diseases. Plus, cover crops are easy to plant and require only basic care to thrive. And they grow well in nearly every part of the country." http://www.suburbanhomesteading.com/build-your-soil%e2%80%99s-productivity-with-cover-crops/quick-tips

Other enthusiasts on using cover crops for the above reasons, include: Mary Jane Butter's, Mother Earth News, and a myriad of other experts in organic gardening. Mary Jane even suggests using an edible cover crop, Daikon Radishes.

Yummy Zucchini Fries...

2009-05-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

Your choice vegetable oil
1 lg. zucchini (10-12")
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 t. salt salt
a shake of pepper
dash of cayenne pepper (opt)
1-2 cups flour

Get oil hot on med-medium high. Mix egg with buttermilk, stir well. Dip fries in batter, then roll in flour, place in pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cayenne and fry in until golden brown, turning once or twice.

My version of Wickles Pickles...

2009-05-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

7 pounds of cucumbers, washed and sliced.

Place in large container-no metal or aluminum. Use glass, crockery, enamel, stainless steel or plastic.

Mix 1 cup pickling lime to 1 gallon water.

Cover face with a bandana - it is very "dusty"...don't breath it or get it in eyes or on skin. Read instructions/cautions on label.

Pour over cucumbers, let stand covered for 12-24 hours. Rinse 3 times in cold water, or until liquid is clear. Put into iced water and/or let stand overnight in fridge.

Mix 2 quarts vinegar, 1 t. salt, 2 T. spices and 12 cups sugar together and bring to boil. Put in pickles and let stand overnight*, (*I skipped this since I had already waited 2 days) then bring to a slow boil for 30 minutes, put them jars that have been sterilized, wipe rim with clean wet cloth. Use seal and rings that have been sterilized.

I also added 1 t. dill, and a 1 T. crushed red pepper.

Trying to replicate...

2009-05-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE these scrumptious pickles, I discovered several years ago. Food Tiger (Greers) stopped selling them. The only place I have found them is at a Piggly Wiggly about 40 miles away---they are SCARCE. I buy a couple of jars when I go there, but they don't last long. They are so good on roast beef po' boys, in potato salad, and just on the side with a meal. I could order them online, but it gets rather expensive with the high shipping costs....SO??? I'm trying to figure out a similar recipe!! I've come close to replicating the recipe, but I don't think anything could be better than the original! They are truly addictive! A mixture of sweet and spicy, dill and garlic...Mmmmm Anyway, I have an old label recipe I've used for years, Lime Pickles... and I add a bit of dill, peppers, and garlic....And like I said, "It is close"...RECIPE Later...Back to pickling! I have my pickles sliced and ready to start soaking...

And I'm making Zucchini Fries in a buttermilk batter for supper.

Tonight we'll be having:

venison meatloaf
turnips
zucchini fries
baked sweet potatoes
corn bread

Also: Last night we ground up about 20 pounds of venison, with beef fat trimmings. For supper we had---you guessed it:

venison/hamburger steaks
rice
gravy
green baby lima beans
blackberry cobbler

I made 60 hamburger patties which I froze on 2 baking sheets in layers between wax paper. Today I'll place them in freezer bags, about 6 to a bag.

Got a lot to do...Later!

What's For Supper?

2009-05-20T17:23:00.001-07:00

Bar-b-q chicken, smothered squash, potato salad, rolls...

Dessert: Dishpan cookies & coffee

Smothered Squash...

2009-05-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

Fill a skillet with sliced squash and 1/4 cup water. Place a big pat of butter, about 1/4 cup onions, salt, and pepper on top. Cover, simmer for about 20 minutes. If you like it slightly browned, cook longer until all water has evaporated and bottom starts to brown.

This recipe works with zucchini too.

Dishpan Cookies...

2009-05-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Dishpan Cookies

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup sugar

1 cup cooking oil

2 eggs

2 cups self-rising flour

1 cup oats

1 cup dry cereal (your choice-cornflakes, bran flakes, raisin bran, etc.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I have also used orange extract with very good results)

a slight handful chopped pecans or other nuts of your choice

a slight handful of chocolate chips, or butterscotch, or peanut butter, or all

Mix sugar, oil and eggs well. Add all other ingredients, mix well. Drop a teaspoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet. (if it would make you feel more comfortable, spray slightly with a cooking spray) This is where I made some slight adjustments to this recipe-It said to bake at 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes, and I found they just were not done enough to suit me. so I raised the temperature to 400 degrees, and baked for at least 10 minutes. They are done when the edges start to turn brown, no longer or they will be too brittle.

Taken from a local church cookbook—Or rather, “tweaked” from a local church cookbook recipe….LOL
div>

A little "out of season"?

2009-05-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Not really, considering that pecans keep longer "inside" the shell. I was about to make Dishpan Cookies and discovered I was out of shelled pecans---it took about 45 minutes for my son and I to get about, oh, approximately one quart of pecans, shelled that is. Inside the shell-about 2 gallons. I use these for making pecan pies, cakes, banana Nut bread, and of course, cookies! Yum! Will post pics later, if not eaten beforehand...LOL

What's For Supper?

2009-05-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Bar-b-que'd ribs, baked beans, potato salad, rolls...

Quick & Easy Pizza Casserole

2009-05-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

2 boxes Jiffy biscuit mix
2 T. olive oil
Assortment of toppings

1 1/2 c. sauce

Your choice of cheese(s)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Oil pan. Mix dough according to directions; place dough in prepared 8 X 12 baking pan, pat down evenly, spread sauce on dough; sprinkle cheese(s) and then place toppings on top.

I chose a marinara sauce, mini pepperoni's, Fiesta blend shredded cheese, and sliced black olives.