contemplation

So I've been thinking, yes it hurt, about writing down all of the hilariousness that spews forth from The Girl Child's mouth. The problem with that is that as soon as it's published she'll say some more funny things and I'll wish that they were in it too. So maybe i should just keep collecting those gems and wait till she's a snarky teenager and then embarrass the crap out of her by publishing it then.

Your thoughts?


Also maybe I might have been contemplating turning this here sucker into a food blog, seeing as I've become ever more reclusive and there's only so much a hermit can actually write about.

Here's my first installment- Recipe for toast

1- get a toaster
2- plug in said toaster
3- put bread, any variety you'd like
4-push down the toaster button
5-wait
6-put cooked toast on a plate
7-top with butter, jam, nutella or other topping of chioce
8-eat

What- did you think I'd actually post whilst on vacation?

Well, if you did, you're right.

I'll sneak a quick recap in for all of you who are just dying to know exactly what there is to do in northern Illinois. Short answer: a whole lotta nothing. Unless you count tornado warnings, tornado sightings and The Girl Child freaking out in the basement, then, it's something.

That tornado day, that was probably the most eventful day of the whole trip. Other than that, playing nertz, boot and glove aka hand foot and mouth, whoonu, and a million other games, eating, lots and lots of eating- really good things, too. Oh and movies, lots of movies. I love Thanksgiving, I love a whole week of Thanksgiving even more.

an ipod and truffles to be given

Emma's costume- cutest ipod ever
She came up with it on her own, clever girl.

I know I'm exceptionally lame for taking this long to choose a winner, but trust me when I say you wouldn't have wanted any thing sent to you from my house last week anyway.

Without further ado, the winner drawn from the bowl of fate is- Karen. Just be happy I didn't enforce the idea from Schroeder's comment on said post.

Wait- there's more- seeing as I make the truffles in gigantic batches, and I'm sending some to both of my brothers that are far far away anyway- everyone else, yes all 3 of you, get some truffles too.

They're just not winning truffles. They're giftish truffles? Or some other, more appropriately named, type of package of deliciousness in the mail.

Email me your addresses and I'll ship those suckers to you next week, except Keri- I'll just walk them over.

an explanation and a giveaway

It's 1:35 pm and there is snow- on the ground, all sticking like, with no plans to melt. And here I was, just saying how it finally felt like fall, sweaters and flip-flops and all- then out of nowhere we have snow. ummm- I think winter is getting a little ahead of itself, and I don't think I'm too pleased either. I'll let you know when I decide.

So on to the real reason for this post. Jen convinced me I should give away a sampling of my tiny truffles, twisted my arm right into it I tell you. Ok- so maybe it was just a suggestive comment, but still she's the reason- so thank her if you win.

Seeing as I have no idea how to do this whole giveaway thing; what conditions to place upon it, what hoops to make you jump through, I'll keep it simple. Leave a comment saying that you'd actually like to try them and I'll make the Schroedecider pick a name from a bowl. Easy enough right?

And now for the explanation, indicated in the title. It's about the hovercraft- what a story- it goes like this, with only minor embellishments- for entertainment's sake only though.

Once upon a time a young man was talking to an old farmer- the young man totally gets the old farmers, seeing as he is one- at heart anyway. The old farmer takes the young man on a walk of the farm, and lo and behold, there was a hovercraft sitting.

Being the Y chromosomed being that he is, he ogled and admired said hovercraft. So the old farmer generously offered the hovercraft to the young man, free of charge. And so the young man dragged that sucker home, hoping to gain forgiveness from his lovely and kind wife, seeing as he failed to chat with her about such and acquisition- it was free of charge after all.

She forgave him, but, occasionally and very silently, she loathes the hovercraft in private. Cursing it's state of in- between-motors-at-the-time, and it's lack of motivation to even find one. But sometimes, especially at Christmas, the lovely and tolerant wife actually likes the old thing. Mostly due to it's usefulness as a decoration, and because it's Christmas, good will to all, and such.

And now you know the story of the hovercraft that sits in my garden, and how it came to be- at my house anyway. I don't know how it got to the old farmer's house, or what his wife thought about it either.

the things fall brings

It finally feels like fall- the leaves are starting to pile up and it's the perfect shade of cloudy.




My pumpkins are just the right color for picking (yes that is a hovercraft sitting in my garden) It's practically the perfect time of year.

And best of all- I think I just found a venue in which to sell my tiny truffles. Pumpkin and cookies & cream for now, then after I perfect them, eggnog and wassail too. It was one of those happy accidents- serendipity I believe it's called.

Boxes- pretty little boxes. I need to find some to package those tiny truffles in. Maybe plain white boxes with ribbon tied on. what do you think? Oh the possibilities. I love the sparkly nesting and cooking feelings that fall brings. The ideas that suddenly pop into my brain- visions of sugar plums even!

It makes me wonder why my brain is so much more active in the fall-ish times. Do you know? I sure don't- but I've learned not to look a good idea horse in the mouth, or however that expression goes.

9 /10 ain't bad

My brain child was born, well one of them anyway, it was a long and very intensive gestation and labor, like that of an elephant. The pumpkin truffles are perfected, 9 out of 10 tasters agree.

I've been stewing on these babies for nearly a year, and working obsessively all week. Trying different variations, a pinch more of this, a lot less of that, white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate. White, definitely, white.

You'd think after all of that hard work I'd at least take a picture of 1 of my babies, alas, I was too overcome to think of the camera at a moment like that.

So now, I'm even starting to contemplate selling my truffle babies (wassail, and eggnog are nearly ready). I even have the perfect name- wait for it- Tiny Truffles. It makes a sparkly vision in my head when I say it. Tiny Truffles- see there it is again.

All I need is just a few elves to do the hard labor, for free, and someone who can design a cute logo. Maybe the tooth fairy, or the Easter Bunny- it's his off season you know.

I think I would actually do it if I were more of a risk taker, but I speak safety and security, not entrepreneur or small business loan. I need to learn a few more languages apparently- why not French, too, while I'm at it?

*No testers, or animals, were harmed in the making of this product

emma & pumpkins- 7 years ago

It's nearly time to harvest the only thing that grew in our garden this year. Seriously, just the pumpkins. Nothing else, really.

Not a single squash, or cucumber to speak of. Nary a pepper in sight. And oh, my purple beans that never were, how I missed roasting you. I'm sure if we could stand tomatoes, and planted some, they would have failed miserably too.

Last year I was quite smug about all of my green thumb-ness, I have since repented.

a sucker for compliments

I think in my attempt to impress The Schroeder's family, I may have made my life much much harder. See I was in charge of food for the family Easter party- so what did I do? I delegated is what, it's a new and useful tool that I have discovered through my calling. My fantastic neighbor, and home teacher John made this smoker, I know he made the sucker- and magically when you put meat inside and wait a few hours, out comes the most amazing and tasty food known to man. So I took said food to the in-law's for the party, and now everyone is nominating me to be the forever in charge of food lady.

Yes I know everyone practically gorged themselves on the ribs and pulled pork- the side dishes went nearly untouched- but that doesn't make me want be in charge every time. Compliments forever- sure I'll take them, known as the best family party food ever- absolutely. I'm happy to be the sister in law cook of legends, but I don't want to do it all of the time. It's a hard line to walk I tell you.

Maybe if I would have made it clear the I wasn't in any way shape or form responsible for the tastiness of the food I may have been ok, but how do you not accept compliment after piled on compliment, it's just not graceful or tactful (and I'm so known for my tact). Even after I explained how John really did all of the work and let me 'help' only because I felt bad about him doing it all- even though I really didn't do anything of real use, to no avail. So no0w I have to figure out how to undo this mess. Maybe next time I'll show up with cereal and milk- that might do the trick.

march wind

The Bear dog is pacing, nervous about the weather change, he doesn't want to go outside- really strange. I think it's the annoying wind. And the wind is really annoying- it's 60 some-odd degrees out today, but you can't go out to enjoy it since there is a 'strong breeze' that's weatherman speak for hurricane on land happening.

The sun and even the clouds are obscured by this crazy dirt haze that's swirling all around, ruining all of my good intentions to go walking or even to the store and walk the crazy dog. I don't think I can walk out without getting my face sandblasted off and sand in my eyes. The lawn must wait-patiently.

It's a good thing I feel like baking today right? Bananas need to be used and beans are begging to be roasted- but not together I think. And I'm sure I can fit in some reading now too- I think it'll be a good day despite the whipping wind.

Oh I know that March is supposed to be windy- good kite flying weather and all- but the whole sand storm need a new paint job for the car stuff is a bit much. I didn't think I'd ever say anything like this in March - but I'll take snow over this any time, so bring it on mother nature I promise not to complain.

plotting and planting

I'm in charge of the food for the annual family Easter party this year (I got out of the Christmas party- only because we didn't have it this year and I didn't miss it either). I'm making ribs and pulled pork- in a smoker that is the coolest thing ever. Ok, so I'm really probably just going to stand there and watch while our neighbor John does all of the real work- but I'll get all the credit with the family- nice right? I was also able to borrow an Easter bunny costume from another neighbor and now I just need to bribe one of the grown nephews into it... we'll see who takes the bait.

The lawn fertilizer stuff was purchased today- hopefully this system will work to help us keep our lawn from winning the trashiest lawn on the block award, third year running. I have high hopes, so I'd better not be disappointed. Also we're trying to decide what to plant in the garden this year, mostly we've just decided lots and lots of beans- for my roasting pleasure.

Speaking of dashes/hyphens whatever you prefer to call them- I know they are not supposed to be used as a comma, etc. but I like them and will continue to use them at my discretion.

Springy days are here again

Today was a really good spring day- the kind where you cook your food outside and then eat it outside too, where you play and play until you fall into bed happily exhausted- day.

This morning at the end of the walk I smelled the most delicious food sizzling away, it was nearing noon so I guess burgers were legit. Shoot anything that smells that good is legit. It inspired tonight's polish hot dog and roasty green bean dinner, eaten on the front porch of course.

Life doesn't get simpler than this, or better for that matter. Good food, good weather, longer days filled with everything- all those things that hibernate for the winter. The go cart made it's spring debut, sporting a new and properly inflated tire with its wardrobe. The garden is begging to be worked on, prepped for pretty flowers and mulch and other such garden-y things. and the great thing is that I'm itching to do them. I love the feel of my bare hands in the soil, very soul soothing and such. It's time for a trip to the nursery.

The list grows, then it snows

I have my little list of Christmas treats, some I make, some I buy, all are good. I believe I've let you in on the tim-tam secret (you can but them at world market-arnotts is the brand or now pepperidge farms make them-any store). Try it, you'll like it.

Some of the usual suspects are caramels, dipped pretzels, oreo truffles. Now I have something new. Hot Chocolate on a stick. Frothy hot cocoa goodness I tell you. I think I'll try dipping them again and adding crushed candy canes or sprinkles to pretty them up. Maybe I'll even get around to taking a picture, and posting it, wouldn't that be a Christmas miracle to behold?

So completely off the subject, but very relevant to me, it is so stinking cold. cold like you walk outside to get the mail, and come in all frozen, chapped and wind burned. At least it snowed real snow today, not the cloud dandruff we had a few days ago- again the cold. Since the weather has decided to turn all arctic winter, I've had to put the flip flops away for another season, we made it to December though, a record maybe. I really should look into getting some snow boots or something, maybe even just shoes with backs. we'll see about that.

Lasagna Lessons

Tonight we had the missionaries over for dinner. I made lasagna. it was really gross. even the dog wouldn't eat it.

I made said lasagna weeks ago and put it in the freezer-to be consumed while I was away.
It went unconsumed, apparently for good reason.

We don't eat lasagna much, so I don't make it. ever. I don't even have a recipe-I just looked on the box for theirs. I guess I did it wrong or something.

While I was making the rolls and cinnamon rolls-that turned out yummy- I was pretending I was on a cooking show, silly I know but it helps me stay on track with the recipe.

I was explaining to my pretend audience each step and giving a history about this specific recipe (my grandma's). I was telling them that everything she made was fantastic, while in my mind thinking I'm just like her- a good cook-and proud of it. Obviously I needed a bit of a humbling.

sufficiently humbled

tasty treats

Today we have been baking up a storm- pumpkin rolls, cookies-dozens of them, and cupcakes. My house have never smelled like it should be eaten with lots of frosting before, I kind of like it. I'll post pictures of how the halloween cupcakes turned out, when I figure out our camera, just know that they're so dang cute.

Clean again

For the first time in FOUR whole weeks, my kitchen floor is clean. I know gross right?

I'd like to say it's because I'm in a full leg cast or something like that, but I'm not. It's been these dang peaches, baskets and baskets full of them-and something had to be done with them.

Every time I'd try to get the floor mopped I'd have more peaches to do, and the icky-sticky mess that goes with them, so finally I just stopped cleaning the floor altogether. I've already acknowledged the grossness of it all, but what I really can't believe is that I let it go for that long without having a family of rats move in unnoticed, not even a single ant.

Really all I can say is that I'd better not tempt fate by doing that ever again- I'm happy to be a slave to routines and I'll stick to floors on Tuesdays and Fridays to keep it that way.

Only to have it all undone by the girl child, mere minutes later... what was I thinking- I'm not happy being a slave to routine, it's a necessary evil.

All in a days work

Today I was busy with my friend Jill: Boiling, blanching, slipping, pitting, halving and chatting too. We were bottling peaches and peach pie/cobbler filling. And really it's a good thing one of us knew what she was doing to begin with (hint-it wasn't me) cause that would have been disastrous. I think I've got the hang of it now.

I feel so domestic!

14 bottles of peaches and 10 filling. Already tried the cobbler filling... yum-o.

Bipolar

A cool 50 at night, balmy 60 in the morning and then scorching 90 in the afternoon. September I think you're a little bipolar.

I'm ready for flip flops and sweaters, for the trees to change to their fiery colors and hear the crunch of the fallen leaves.

I want steamy bowls of soup with fresh homemade bread, buttery squash, and hot chocolate with whipped cream.

I want to bake again- gingerbread cake, banana bread, wheat rolls, zucchini muffins- fall foods that use all of the bounty of the harvest.

I'm tired of not knowing how to dress in the morning, for cold or hot or somewhere in between. Please make up your mind soon.