Monday, February 28, 2011

Feeding the Crew Gets Honored


Katherine at Homestead Garden and Pantry, honored me with the Stylish Blogger Award. Granny Miller, as she goes by, is the writer of *the* most inspiring blog I have come across. I've read her blog for years and implemented ideas as I am able on my little Urban Homestead. Is it childish to admit how giddy I was when I realized that
she was aware of my blog?

The rules of the game are that I must divulge seven things that you may not know about me and pass the honor along to fifteen other bloggers. Therefore:

1. I had several pet tarantulas as a child. I was fascinated by them. I brought them to school for show and tell once and was told by a girl that I was weird.

2. I am double-jointed in my hands and legs. I should have challenged that girl to a game of Mercy! Double-jointed-ness can lead to arthritis. I had a lot of pain in my hands and other joints several years ago that was cured by drinking kombucha.

3. I didn't know how to cook when I got married. I knew how to prepare Rice-a-Roni, Top Ramen, and Mac and Cheese. My husband asked for mashed potatoes and I said, "OK, I'll go get a box." He said, "No, real mashed potatoes!" It was an epiphany. I had never thought of making mashed potatoes from potatoes, just from a box of flakes. It didn't turn out well that first time. I have improved since then.

4. I love books! If you read at my other blogs, you already know that. I am currently cataloging my books so I might buy fewer duplicates. I have a friend who is waiting eagerly to hear the end number. My suspicion is so that she can say to her husband, "At least I'm not a bad as HER!"

5. I grew up in a very small town. The speed limit downtown was 15 MPH. In the outlaying roads, it was 30. You could go all of 55 on the highway, but I wasn't out there often. When I moved to Sacramento, CA, I was a wreck! I was afraid to drive the forty mph speed limit in town. My sister-in-laws, aged 12 and 13 at the time, thought this terribly funny.

6. I am a planner. I write lists of everything. However, I often forget my shopping lists at home. This makes my dear husband laugh and roll his eyes. "Good thing you are cute", says he.

7. I told my husband when we met (at age 15) that I wanted 22 children. I thought that would scare him off. :) It did not. He negotiated down to 10. That seemed like ever so many, back then. Now I wish I had stuck with a dozen or more. We have eight living children and two with the Lord, so he says we are finished.

Now to bestow the Stylish Blogger Award to fifteen others....

1. Mrs. O'Melay
2. Heartchild
3. MotherHen
4. Maureen at Suburban Sharecroppers
5. One Acre Homestead
6. Paisley at Vacation Schooling
7. Ginger at Clark Chatter
8. Stephanie at Our Little Library
9. Laurie at Common Sense Homesteading
10. Woody Farm
11. Veee at Acknowledging Him
12. Not Dabbling In Normal
13. La-Mama-Loca
14. Bison
15. Pudge and Biggie's Mom

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

I am trying to add more and more meat to our diets and less carbs. This is a simple meal we have all enjoyed.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

10-12 thighs, skin on

1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
the juice and zest of 1 lemon

Combine all ingredients but chicken. Rub chicken generously with spice mixture. Lay chicken in a baking dish. Add any leftover spiced butter to top of chicken. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until done. Thicken resulting broth, if desired, for a sauce.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Chas' Hamburger Buns

This is on my list of things to try when I get my mill back (it's being replaced by the company) and my oven works again (repairman is scheduled to visit on Thursday). I got it from Chas who blogs at Heritage Acres.

Chas' Hamburger Buns

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 cups all purpose flour
2 Tbsp yeast

Mix and proof.

Combine in saucepan:

1 cup milk
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup oil
3 Tbsp honey
1 tsp salt

Bring just to warm and combined.

Add wet to dry ingredients,. Knead briefly. Let rise 10-15 minutes. Knead a few times. Form into buns. Rise. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Garlic Salad Dressing

We've added more and more salads to our meals and a variety of dressings are a nice way to brighten them up. My Lambies think it tastes like liquid hot dogs. Serve at room temperature.

Garlic Salad Dressing

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp dry mustard
2 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
1 tomato, cut in chunks
1 dash Tabasco sauce
1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp bacon drippings
1 clove of garlic


Add all ingredients to the blender and puree until smooth.