Post-rut

Wow! It has been a while since the ol' blog and I have had a date. I think it's time to get back into the swing and write a little bit. We have been spending a lot of time hunting so most of our weekends have been consumed by a technology-free cabin on the lake. My husband and I were successful during early bow season. He shot a beautiful eight-point white tail and I shot a big lone doe. We almost have enough to get us through the year. A freezer full of venison is one of my favorite things! Delicious! I can hear my little one stirring about...she is about to come out and say, "Mama, it's a sunny day," in her ever-cheerful voice. She is really does have a sunny outlook on life. Until next time.

Weekend Discoveries

Discovery #1
Adding a packet of hot cocoa while whipping whipping cream is a delicious treat and the perfect topper for a birthday dirt pie.

Discovery #2
Adding a generous pinch of nutmeg and ginger to pancake batter is delightful. In addition to the spices, add a shredded apple for even more fun! (You may have to add a little flour, the added apple may make the batter a little runny.)

Discovery #3
While baking bread, actually take the temperature of the water you are adding to the yeast. It helps! I finally made a loaf of bread without killing the yeast. It is a small victory for me and a light a fluffy victory that will be enjoyed by my family this afternoon.

R-to-the-H-to-the -U-B-A-R-B, Rhubarb!

It is rhubarb season in the Irving garden!! I made jars of Rhubarb Ginger Jam this morning. This was my first attempt at making cooked jam. It was a success. Eleven of my jars sealed without hesitation. The twelfth was a little behind the rest and sadly, it was victim of my insatiable jam-tooth.

For a new canner, there is nothing better than the unmistakable 'pop' sound of can lids. The pop means success. It means that all the time you just spend chopping, sterilizing, pouring, sealing, sweating over pots of steam, has just paid off. The pop, my friend, is just as good (and maybe a little better) than tasting the deliciousness that awaits inside.

Canning.....it's not just for Grandmas ya know.