Net Effect

Hi all,

 

The other day I decided that the laundry closet needed to be straightened up.  There are a lot of cleaning clothes and mop pads that were all jumbled into some plastic buckets. The buckets are from ice cream and rectangular shaped so they sit well on the shelf over the machines.  As I sorted the contents I knew something had to be done because there were too many different things in each bucket.  I had kept some of the net bags from some 5 pound orange purchases, so I folded the clothes and stacked them in one and put my mop pads in another. I am talking about the netting that almost feels like thread, not the plastic ones the tear easily. These bags will hang nicely from hooks on the wall and freed the buckets to hold other laundry items .  I’m sure this idea can be used in the pantry, closets or other areas .  Use your imagination and utilized under used wall space.

 

Until next time.

 

Enjoy!   

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Winter Comfort

Hi all,

 

This week has been alternating between sun and clouds, but the temperatures have been chilly to downright cold. It has snowed about every other night, so the mornings are winter white.  I have tried to keep the feeder filled for our feathered friends and now it is time to fill my crockpot of the humans of the household.

 

We like Hamburger Soup on cold nights or even for lunch on dreary cold days. This recipe is very adaptable to your specific tastes.  My ingredients vary depending on pantry items and what we are in the mood for.

 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 to 3 cups beef broth 9depending on how juicy you like your soup. we like it with less leftover broth) 
• 1 to 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained ( you can also add chopped fresh roma tomatoes, 2 or 3 med size)
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (I have also substituted dehydrated hash browns, about 1/2 to 3/4  of a 4 oz carton)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoons beef bouillon granules (I have used onion soup mix, 1/2 to full envelope, in place of fresh onion and bullion, If you like more onion also use the fresh chopped) 
• 1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons salt  (depending on taste or diet) 
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, optional 
• 1 cup cut fresh or frozen green beans  ( sometimes I put in frozen mixed vegetables)

After browning and draining beef, put everything in crockpot and stir well. I usually only just cover ingredients with broth, but if you like more liquid, by all means go for it.  If using frozen veggies, wait to put them in until the last couple of hours.  My pot has an auto setting that starts at high then turns to low after about an hour.  If you need to start out on high set a timer and adjust temperature to low after about 90 min. Potatoes and carrots don’t always cook the same every time so my soup cooks for about 6 to eight hours.  Start it early (8 to 10 in morning) check after about 5 hours for doneness on potatoes.  Soup is easy to reheat and usually tastes better the next day, after the flavors get together and party  Potatoes and carrots… don’t cut to big or allow more time for cooking.  This can be frozen, just cool completely. 

 

You can vary ingredients to suit you. I’m not sure I make  this soup exactly the same every time myself. Feel free to experiment! I am adding the recipe I posted a while back for Crusty Cornmeal Rolls.  They go great with this and most hearty types of soup.

 

Crusty Cornmeal Rolls

List of Ingredients
1/3 Cup Cornmeal
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening, melted
2 cup whole milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 pkg active dry yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
4 cups all purpose flour
3 TBSP butter, melted

Recipe
in a double broiler, combine cornmeal, sugar, salt, shortening and milk. Stir the mixture often, cooking until thick. Allow to cool, then add the eggs. Dissolve the yeast in water and add to the batter. Beat well, then allow to rise in a greased bowl for about 2 hours.
After the batter has risen, add the flour to form a soft dough. Knead the dough lightly, and allow to rise again for another hour. Then knead again. Roll the dough out with a floured rolling pin and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter.
Brush with butter, then if you like, with floured hands, fold into desired shapes (fans, twists, rolls, etc.). Place on a greased baking sheet and allow to rise for another hour.
Bake at 375 for just 15-20 minutes.
Makes 36 rolls.

This takes a while but the results are worth the time.

 

Stay warm!

 

Enjoy!!  

 

 

Amaryllis by Morning… Light

HI all,

 

For the last couple of years our neighbors have given us a poinsettia for Christmas. Last year I decided to see if I could keep it growing. Trimmed it back, watered it and crossed my fingers.  It started putting out new leaves and continued to grow, turning into a very robust green, leafy bush.  While it did not get the red flower tops, the plant is very healthy and gives a nice color during cold winter days.

 

This year I decided to try an Amaryllis. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out very nicely!

 

  It is close to 3ft tall and boasts 3 large blooms.  They span around 7in in width.  Read up on care and feeding so will update you on how things go with trying to get it to bloom again for Christmas 2021 or maybe even once before then, Time will tell.

 

Until next time,

 

Enjoy!   

New Year, Season’s End

HI all!

 

Well today is Epiphany.  The wise men have found the Baby Jesus and look forward to better things for mankind, much as we all hope 2021 will be a better year. 

Next post I will share a few variations on my Hamburger Soup, which also goes very well with the Crusty Cornmeal Rolls I posted a while back.

 

I hope for you all a year that brings the opportunity to move forward to better times.

 

Enjoy!