Gardening update

Most of the seeds I started have come up.

They have also survived Gracie. I put some tin foil up around the sides as some suggested that cats hate tin foil. Seems to have worked so far.

I have 3 varieties of tomatoes, basil, thyme and parsley. My green onions have yet to sprout so I’m thinking that I’ll have to try again with some other seed.

I just love to look at the tiny little plants though, knowing the yummy goodness to come.

Now if only Mother Nature would cooperate….

My gardens are a little full of snow right now from the latest storm.

We had thunder and lightning with the snowfall this morning. Crazy Spring!! With more on the way.

Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the snow. It provided much need moisture for the ground…I just wasn’t excited about the timing.

Around home | Blog | Outdoors

day in the life, frugal living, gardening

3 Comments

halleday

201303/28

Seeds are started…must be Spring

I got these started last week and now have a few bits of green coming up. My biggest concern now is how am I going to keep the cat from grazing on my little sprouts!

I’m thinking of wrapping the plant cart in some netting we have…if I can remember where I stashed it.

Anyone have any tips for me on keeping the cat from grazing on my tender new veggie plants??

Around home | Blog | Outdoors

frugal living, gardening

5 Comments

halleday

201303/09

Sushi Saturday

I decided to get brave and try making sushi at home after having been to a sushi party at a friend’s house. I was able to get a lesson in making a roll as well as good advice on purchasing the fish and making the rice.

I picked up the equipment I needed this week such as the bamboo mat for making rolls.

The process definitely gets easier once you’ve made a couple rolls. I’m sure it’s like any skill. It must be practiced and honed to get it right.

Between the wasabi and the radish sprouts in this roll it was REALLY spicy. Clears out the sinuses, that’s for sure.

Of course since I’ve never done this before I had no idea how much to make. Yeah…I definitely made way more than we could eat.

We called up the neighbor to help us eat some. I’ll certainly try it again but will make much less and try some other ingredients for fillings.

Blog | Kitchen

In the kitchen

Monday was a “stay home” day for me knowing that the rest of my week was much busier. I made my list and got started as soon as everyone was out the door.

I spent more than half the day working in the kitchen. First was my dad’s recipe for Whole Pea Soup, so much better than split pea. Although finding dried whole peas is very difficult in the stores.

Next I started a batch of homemade bread, a recipe from my friend Sandy. I believe it was her grandma’s recipe. I changed things a wee bit and the loaves still turned out really good.

While the bread was rising I stirred up a batch of pumpkin muffins from the Betty Crocker cookbook with some healthy substitutions. The recipes call for it to be in bread loaves but I just adjusted my time a bit.

My last goodie before getting dinner prepped and in the oven was some Chewy, No Bake Granola Bars. They are so yummy! I put chocolate chips on half the bars since I’d rather have them plain. My photo was an afterthought as I was wrapping them up for individual servings.

They are so good!!!

I like domestic days…feels good to make things that are healthy and provide homemade, non-processed food for my family.

Blog | Kitchen

frugal living, kitchen

3 Comments

halleday

201302/08

Birthday cake

Let me just start by saying, I am not a baker. I’m not good at it nor do I enjoy it. But my kiddos think that mom’s homemade cakes and especially my frosting are the best.

My cakes are generally lopsided. I blame the oven, but it’s very likely my fault.

This cake came to be because the first one I made broke into about 7 pieces when I was taking it out of the pan. I nearly cried…

Did I mention I don’t like baking…?
I made a whole new cake this morning. I left it in the pan until I was sure it had “set” so to speak.
This one came out in one piece..thank goodness.

I decided to use some of the chunks of cake to create a hill for the freshly washed Army men to make their stand upon.

This was also good to help camouflage the lopsidedness of the cake.
Since I was adding crumbly cake to the top and trying to frost it as well I needed something to cover my mistakes. Crushed up graham crackers fit the bill. It looks a bit like sand or at least some rugged terrain if you use your imagination.

I hope he likes it…

I do know that it tastes better than it looks. :)

Blog | Kitchen

cake decorating, kitchen

3 Comments

halleday

201212/22

Bugle Bells

I know I don’t usually offer recipes but I had to since I am completely in love with these tasty treats.

They wouldn’t be considered a “work of art” but they definitely look as good as they taste.

To say that there is a recipe for these is really stretching it but here is what you need and how to make these tasty treats that you’re going to love to eat but hate that you can’t stop…or is that just me?

Ingredients:
Bugles
almond bark
M&M’s

Directions:
Melt almond bark in a double boiler
Dip end of Bugle in almond bark
Press M&M into the bark covered end of the Bugle.
Set on wax paper or other non-stick surface such a silicone mat on a baking tray until they have hardened. If you are in a hurry you can pop them in the freezer for a few minutes or set them in the cold garage like I usually do. Gotta love winter in Minnesota!

That’s it!! So simple, so yummy. Sweet and salty all in one.

Blog | Kitchen

Christmas, kitchen, recipe

12 Comments

halleday

201212/19