new blog

Just want folks to know you can find me at my new blog spot..

http://deliberatehomesteader.ning.com/profile/Brendaxxx

Have a great day hope to see ya there..

closing the blog

Hello blogger friends I will be closing this blog down as I have a couple of other blogs. I'm not getting foot traffic here so its nice to move on... Have a great day and do remember to pray.. Blessings sisterbrenda

Need Help Please

How can I make a tutorial doing a copy and paste it won't show pictures can anyone out there help me please... Thanks sisterbrenda

Thanksgiving

I just want to say Thanksgiving is coming up and the stores don’t have much unless you go to dollar tree which I do like. But for Christmas all the stores have so much.. So I would like to say lets not forget Thanksgiving and be thankful..
I’m thankful that I walk with the lord every day.. thankful for family and friends and so very thankful that HB still has a job but only has three days of work… What are you thankful for? Blessings sisterbrenda

Pumpkin walnut muffins

Today has been a very busy day ..I've been cooking pie pumpkins did four . I baked the first one it took too long so I microwaved the next three and it was so much faster in cooking. Then I scooped out the pulp. I'm doing it up for when old man winter sits in I can go to my freezer and pull out a bag and cook something Yummy! So here is the picture lightening not that great ... Blessings sisterbrenda

What To Put In A Pantry

What To Put In A Pantry

Pantry

A room or cupboard for storing food, usually dry goods. Most foods to be stored will be dried, packaged, bottled, canned, foods that do not require refrigeration.

Stocking The Shelves

Fats/Oils
Polyunsaturated oil, Olive oil
Flour: Enriched, All Purpose, Cake Sifted Pancake, Cornmeal
Cornstarch
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Cream of Tartar
Yeast-Dry
Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
Chocolate: bitter, unsweetened, semi-sweet
Nuts
Flavoring: Vanilla, Almond, Lemon, Orange
Food Coloring: Assorted colors
Sugar :white, brown, confectioners, corn syrup, honey, maple syrup
Gelatin: plain, flavored
Herbs : Basil, Bay Leaf, Capers, Dill Seed, Dried Rosemary, Dried Parsley, Garlic (powder-salt), Marjoram, Dried Tarragon, Dried Thyme
Spices :All Spice, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Celery Seed, Chili Powder, Cloves, Ground Ginger, Dry Mustard, Nutmeg, Oregano, Paprika, Poppy seed, Poultry Seasoning, Salt, Sesame Seeds, Soy Sauce, Pepper: black and white, Tabasco
Bread Crumbs
Rice: white, long grain, brown
Pasta
Barley
Split Peas
Dried Lima beans, Navy Beans
Potatoes
Onions
Prepared Mustard
Catsup
Relish
Mayonnaise
Salad Dressing
Vinegar-Cider, White Distilled
Pickles
Olives-Green Stuffed, Black
Coffee:Regular, Decaf, Instant (whichever one you use)
Tea: Regular, Decaf, Herbal (whichever one you use)
Jelly, Jam
Raisins
Juices, Assorted of choice
Cereal, Oatmeal, Dry of choice
Crackers
Milk-Evaporated, Condensed, Dry
Non-Dairy Creamer
Sugar Substitute
Gravy Mix
Peanut Butter
Canned Fish-Tuna, Salmon, Anchovies, Sardines
Canned Vegetables
Green Beans, Corn, Baked Beans, Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Tomato Puree, Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Soups
Chicken Broth, Beef broth
Grated Parmesan
Got the link here..
http://www.pioneerthinking.com/pantry.html

single-serving-pie-in-jar

Hi I've been so busy haven't done much on computer but I would like to share this with you. It is so cute I'm going to be making this for Rays lunch and for Christmas gifts.. Hope u think it is cute and a great idea..From our kitchen to yours. Blessings sisterbrenda
Just click on the link.....
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/single-serving-pie-in-jar.html

Harvest party and tired..

Hi well I'm so tired yesterday went to my granddaughters field hockey game it was two hours and fifteen minutes one way up North.. Thank the lord for a GPS.. Got there and back ok never been too that school at all.. Sorry to say they lost 4-0 .. it was there last game.

Today so cold and cloudy with some drizzle to start..I went outside to mow for our harvest party on Sunday.. I have so much to do Ray is building this huge fire pit and a tripod on top hope to post pics... I'm planning on having beans-hotdogs-coleslaw and several kinds of different cupcakes-candy apples-popcorn balls and so much more.. I have planned adult games and children games as well.. Tomorrow will be clean house day its pretty much clean all the time and on Saturday is baking day.. So I'm off the grid that day...

Well hope all my friends are fine.. Blessings sisterbrenda

Good morning

Great smells in at thecfarm kitchen making apple pie and white bread and cinnamon bread. Apple pie just went in the oven and the bread dough is resting..

GOt up this morning to a nice heavy frost the sun is out beautiful day.. Well must get back to my cooking have a great day.. Blessings sisterbrenda

Best Ever Popcorn Balls ~recipe

Prep Time:
10 Min
Cook Time:
10 Min
Ready In:
20 Min


Servings (Help)
US Metric Calculate

Original Recipe Yield 20 popcorn balls


Ingredients
•3/4 cup light corn syrup
•1/4 cup margarine
•2 teaspoons cold water
•2 5/8 cups confectioners’ sugar
•1 cup marshmallows
•5 quarts plain popped popcorn
Directions
1.In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, margarine, cold water, confectioners’ sugar and marshmallows. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Carefully combine the hot mixture with the popcorn, coating each kernel.
2.Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 191 | Total Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 0mg Got link here:

http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/best-ever-popcorn-balls/Detail.aspx

Candy Apples~Recipe

Well that time of year to start making all those yummy eats.. From our kitchen to yours.Blessings sisterbrenda

Kids can’t resist these crackling, crunchy, juicy candy apples, perfect for any fall birthday or celebration.

Ingredients
•15 craft sticks
•15 apples
•2 cups white sugar
•1 cup light corn syrup
•1-1/2 cups water
•8 drops red food coloring

Cooking Instructions
1.Lightly grease cookie sheets. Insert craft sticks into whole, stemmed apples.
2.In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Heat to 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads. Remove from heat and stir in food coloring.
3.Holding apple by its stick, dip in syrup and remove and turn to coat evenly. Place on prepared sheets to harden.

Nutrition Facts
Servings per Recipe: 15

Amount Per Serving
•calories: 246cal
•total fat: 0.5g
•cholesterol: 0mg
•sodium: 27mg
•carbohydrates: 64.4g
•fiber: 3.7g
•protein: 0.3g

Preparation Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 30 min.
Ready In: 40 min.
Servings: 15
Got the link here: http://recipes.kaboose.com/candy-apples.html

Hello Sunday

Hello to all my friends its Sunday and the sun is shining so bright. The leaves have turned color and now blowing off the trees. Old man winter is on the way. I've had a great day today as always.. I had so much energy when I got up this morning.. I did lots of laundry cleaned the house started to make my poncho and found out I didn't have enough fabric so off to Wal-mart I went .. I just made nachos and they came out so good.. It was a late lunch and supper maybe??? I was reading the bible and my mother stepfather and half sister came to visit.. Ray was outside doing up some wood to sell.So once he saw we had company he comes to the house for fellowship.. The dog got into some Caron that is a dead animal of sort and he smelled really bad so Ray gave him a bath then he cleaned the tub really well for me.. Smile..He is such a great guy.. So I'm having some me time after I post I will do some reading in the bible and off downstairs to do some more sewing.. Ray has gone outside to do up some more wood.. He will be out until dark. I now have the towels soaking from the dogs bath later tonight I will finish them up and hang on the rack .. Well hope you all have a great day.. Blessings sisterbrenda

Fluffy White Icing

Fluffy white icing
October 4th, 2010
I’m making cupcakes this morning and wanting a different frosting something fluffy.. So I would like to share with you..

Blessings sisterbrenda

FLUFFY WHITE ICING
Printed from COOKS.COM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/4 c. Crisco
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. water
5 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. dry skim milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Place all ingredients in large mixing bowl. Beat for 10 minutes at high speed. Regular mixer works better than hand held portable mixer.

// // http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,196,155188-249196,00.html

Great day

My day has been great so far.. I’ve been outside and harvested all my basil will put it on the drying rack.. And I worked in a flower bed to put it to sleep for old man winter.. Came in made meatloaf its in warming oven now also made molasses cookies and bananna walnut cookies… My my baking is done for a few days…

One sad thing did happen my neighbors dog got hit when I was outside and I heard this terrible crying sound didn’t know what it was and a couple of men came to my house said a dog was hit and if it was mine..I said no but new the owner so I got ahold of owner and I went down to be with the dog until she got there. We loaded the dog in her car and she took it to the vet.. How sad the person that hit the dog didn’t stop… I pray the dog will make it.. Haven’t head yet.. Blessings sisterbrenda

up date on C Farm

Wow I've been away for awhile.. Well lets see lets go back a couple of weeks ago.. I was sharpening my knife and I cut my thumb really bad down to the joint ended up in ER had to have three stitches.. So it's been hard to do many things..The stitches came out last night I took them out..
The garden is on its way out only pumpkins left and some basil I've wanted to harvest the basil but we have had rainy weather for a few days.. that makes me happy..
On Saturday Ray took me to NH to the white mountains and the leafes are beautiful.. We did many things there and we ate at Harts Turkey Farm great place to eat.. Well thats about it for now have alot to catch up with in the house and outside.. Many blessings sisterbrenda

Update on Back In Time THECFARM

Oh been so busy Ray BirthdayParty and my Brithday went well. At his party we had over 35 plus. Had so much fun and the cart party went over really well..It all started around one in the afternoon and finshed @10.. We have had our grandson and my son and his girlfriend did a surprise visit on Saturday for the party. My son lives in DC and his girlfriend lives in NY. I just took the both of them to the airport this afternoon and just getting back its almost two hours one way.. I’m so tired Ive been on the go for a staight week.

Well the garden is over lots of pumpkins left and a few buttercup squash if the deer don’t finish them off . I have basil to pick and dry tomorrow.. Well just wanted to give u all a quick update..Goodnight.. Blessings sisterbrenda

Canned berry pie filling

Today we had our grandson we went picking some blackberries..I have never canned blackberries so I thought well see If I can do a blackberry pie filling so I found this and would like to share..Blessings sisterbrenda from our kitchen to yours.

cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp Clearjel (use regular, not instant Clearjel)

1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1-1/3 cups cold water

1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp lemon juice

3-3/4 cups fresh berries (Marionberry, Loganberry, blackberry, raspberry) **

Wash one quart jar. Keep hot until needed. Prepare lid as manufacturer directs.

Combine sugar, Clearjel and cinnamon (if desired) in a large saucepan. Add water. Stir mixture and cook over medium-high heat until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Add lemon juice and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Fold in berries.

Ladle hot filling into hot jar, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe jar rim with a clean, damp cloth. Attach lid. Process in a boiling water canner for 30 minutes.

Yield: 1 quart

* This recipe is for one quart of pie filling. The amounts can be multiplied by the number of quarts needed (up to 7 quarts at a time).

** Frozen berries may be used. If they’re sweetened, rinse off while the fruit is frozen. Thaw and drain juice away from berries. Measure drained fruit, and use the juice in place of the water, adding water to measure 1-1/3 cups.

http://www.thatsmyhome.com/general/berry-pie-filling.htm

Farm News

Well here at the farm things are starting to slow down and the garden is dyeing back the leaves are starting to turn..My pumpkins are orange and I have buttercup that I have along with pumpkins at the stand.. Well a few weeks back someone stole from me and guess what it happened again today.. This is getting to get old.. This time they took tomatoes..It was a small loss but still a loss.. Its getting darker here now but eight PM time to call it quits outside unless you run lights on the tractor.. Well hope all this well with everyone good night.. Blessings sisterbrenda

So busy

I’ve been so busy canning jelly and jams.. Today I made a double batch of blueberry jam and I made double batch of chokecherry jelly, and a double batch of blackberry jam have enough to make another batch of blackberry , made a batch of zucchini relish..Some 0f this will go to the farm stand and some I will give away to friends and family..

The garden has been keeping us busy I need to get some pictures posted we now have a deer in the garden enjoying himself..And can you believe I have pumpkins orange already..We are about three weeks early on everything..

Had a pretty big thunderstorm that came in tonight closed the stand just in time. It has been very humid and hot here some relief coming tomorrow..

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods..

Blessings sisterbrenda

busy

Well its a hot humid day here at the farm.. Last night we got some welcome thunderstorms and much needed rain but when it stopped it got so humid. Taking it easy today just reading doing up some tags for scrubbies and I bought some beads to make some wrist bands and earrings..
Going to have nachos for supper and I will skip lunch..
Coco bun the rabbit is doing great not liking the warm weather and our birds are chirping up a storm.. Time to rest.. Have a great day.. Think about the beautiful things that god has made .. Blessings sisterbrenda

Common Chokecherry

This will be the next picking I will do and I will make chokecherry jelly oh so good.. So if you have any on your land u should try it.. This is what I would like to share with you.. Enjoy..



Leaf Characteristics


•broad, flat leaves
•simple leaves
•not lobed
•fine, double teeth
•all teeth same size
•shorter stem
•all side veins same length
•long, not narrow
•veins curved
•less than 5 inches long
•stem less than one-third length of leaf
•short tip, veins not dense
•oval
•smooth
Fruit Characteristics


•other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule)
•without husk or capsules
•loose, not packed tightly together
•fruit with pit
•whole fruit less than 1 inch
•fruit without strap-like modified leaf
•not like rasperries
•fruit not at end of single stalk
•loosely clustered
•various colors but leaves not modified
•round and dark red
•0.3″ in diameter




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Common Chokecherry



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Tree Size
height 6′ – 20′
diameter 2′ – 6′
Bark


Flower


Prunus virginiana

The Common Chokecherry is a small tree, sometimes a shrub, and often it forms dense thickets of woody growth. The bark of the tree is brown or gray, sometimes smooth, sometimes scaly. The Common Chokecherry grows commonly in rich moist soils, but often is found in poorer, drier soils. It grows in forest edges and openings, and often is found in uncultivated edges and corners of farmland.The natural range of this tree includes much of southern Canada and northern United States. In Ohio it occurs most frequently in the northern counties and in scattered parts of the southern counties. The wood of this tree is similar to that of the Black Cherry, but it has no commercial value because of the tree’s small size. Many kinds of wildlife eat its small fruits. Although the fruit is harsh and puckery, people sometimes use it in making jellies. People also occasionally plant the Common Chokecherry tree as an ornamental, or to provide food for birds

Berry Time

Hi from Maine where the weather has been great it is blueberry and blackberry season here with apples not behind.. Just got back a while ago from picking blackberries I got about 12 cups of crushed blackberries.. I was going to do up some jam but didn't have enough sugar and the store is a ways away..We will pick some sugar up tomorrow.. Ray has been busy mowing for me as I haven't felt great.. Please send up a prayer my way as I have minor surgery tomorrow... Not looking forward to it.. Have a great sunday and don't forget to read the good book... Blessings..

Poking my head in

Just wanted to say hi we are off to see the nephews about two hours away ..I was asked to make a cake and cupcakes.I got ballons and all sorts of things I'm in hopes to post a picture or pictures later. We off to get in the shower.. Have a great weekend.. Take time to relax and read the good book.. Blessings sisterbrenda

My son runs a restaurant in DC he was pleased when President Obama walked in the back down my son was only two feet away I'm waiting to hear more..'This is what he sent to me..
President Obama and family came though the back of the restaurant today and finished in the Museum
I hope you all have a nice weekend and take that time to enjoy each or company..
Blessings sisterbrenda

Well Another Hot Day

At nine o'clock this morning it was 90 and very humid..We have the AC running I'm in the living room moving things around and dusting going to watch Martha Stewart @ 10 this morning that will be my break I have pre-op @ 1:30 then my granddaughter needs a ride home from a friends house so I will pick her up and take her home its quite a ride but that's OK.. Would do anything for my grand kids.. Well time to get to work I will be posting later today on some vintage sewing patterns..
We like the slow pace in life take time to read the bible pray all good things come when u do..
Blessings sisterbrenda

Hi

Stopping in too say hi to my friends.. I've been sort of busy and sort of not.. Still not feeling all that well go for pre-op tomorrow.. Staying sort of busy here at the farm. Poor Ray has been picking up the slack for me like mowing cause that is what I do.. I've been doing some picking for the farm stand.. I wish we had more produce to meet the demand.. My prices are good
cukes .25 each
green peppers.50 each
onions .25 each
green beans or yellow 1.25 a pound
and I sell my jam tripe berry for 3.75 a jar and and I've made blackberry have only a few jars of strawberry left..
Well need to hit the hay.. have a good night hope too post again soon..
Take time out to enjoy the slow pace smell the flowers listen to the birds and remember to thank god and pray every day..
Sisterbrenda

Reusable Bags May be Hazardous to Your Health

I saw this on our local news and this really gives you something to think about.. I know I’ve grabbed my reusable bags for other things..

Have a good day..

By: Nicole Nichols : 6/30/2010 7:14:47 AM : 271 comments : 20,119 Views

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is just as much a part of me as living a healthy lifestyle is, and I often think that the two are very much related. While we may all feel differently about how our actions are affecting the planet, I think we can all agree that conserving resources and reducing waste are good steps for everyone. And many things that are good for the planet are great for your body, like walking or biking more, avoiding the harsh chemicals found foods or beauty products, or growing your own food.

One of the first changes many of us have made already was to purchase reusable grocery totes to limit single-use plastic and paper bags from the grocery store. Simple, easy, good for the planet—good all around, right? Well, a recent report found that these bags, while eco-friendly, might be bad for your health.

I love using my reusable bags. I even have bumper stickers on my car that say BYOB (bags, that is!), so I took note when I saw a news story linking reusable bags to public health risk.

Researchers from the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University tested the reusable grocery bags carried by shoppers in three major cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tucson. They found E. coli in half the bags sampled, some at levels significant enough to cause health problems, even death. They also found that 97% of the shoppers interviewed had never washed or sanitized their totes, even though, according to co-author Charles Gerba, Ph.D., washing them would kill nearly all bacteria that accumulate in reusable bags.

I guess this doesn’t completely surprise me, but I admit that it’s something I’ve never really thought about before. While it’s definitely something to cause concern, I don’t think we need to swear off our use of these bags completely. In fact, researchers offered four tips in the article to reduce your risk of illness when using reusable bags.

1.Sanitize your bags after every use. While all bags are made of different materials, many are machine washable or could be disinfected with a sanitizing wipe, for example. I occasionally wash my own bags, but only the soft, cotton bags I own that easily go in and out of the washer. If you haven’t yet purchased reusable bags or plan to get more in the future, consider purchasing those that are easily washable.
2.Separate raw foods from other food products. This is to prevent cross contamination.
3.Do not use reusable food bags for other purposes. OK, I am totally guilty of this one. Not only do I use my bags for multiple purposes (carrying books to the library, toting my lunch to work, as a carryon at the airport), but I bring them when shopping anywhere I go, not just the grocery store. Going forward, I may just stick with my washable cotton bags for the grocery and the not-easy-to-wash bags for other purposes.
4.Do not leave reusable bags in your car. Researchers say that the high temperatures inside your car will only promote the growth of bacteria. Guilty here, too. I store my bags in the car most of the time so that I don’t forget to bring them back to the store.
Overall, I think this is a good reminder for all of us who tote these bags back and forth. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be adding my bags to the laundry this weekend!

Read more: http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=could_reusable_bags_be_hazardous_to_your_health#ixzz0uQDHXneb

http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=could_reusable_bags_be_hazardous_to_your_health
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Capitol Report: Deputies, inspectors make early morning visit to raw milk supplier

I sure do miss the raw milk.When I go to PA to our Amish friends always so nice to have raw milk..






Early this morning as the Hershberger family was eating breakfast, officers with the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department and state inspectors paid a visit to the known raw-milk supplier’s property.

Erma Hershberger said several of her nine children were in the farm’s store, with the door locked, when officials attempted to serve her and her husband, Vernon, with a warrant to search the property.

The children did not open the door, Erma said by phone Thursday morning.

“This is pretty traumatic for our family,” Erma said. “We hope this will end soon … but I don’t think it will.”

Erma said her husband called the sheriff’s department and asked that the officers leave their property. Officers complied, with an inspector with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection then calling Vernon to request a visit for 10 a.m.

Officials showed up at 10 a.m., only to again be denied access to the farm’s “member’s only” store. Items in the store include meats and dairy products, including raw milk.

“They left the property and are now consulting with law enforcement officials on the next steps,” said Lee Sensenbrenner, a DATCP spokesperson.

Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed a bill that would have allowed limited raw milk sales in May. Since then, numerous visits have been made to farms known to be selling raw milk.

In addition to selling raw milk, Hershberger is also operating a store without a retail food license and does not have a dairy license, two additional legal strikes against him in the state’s eyes.

Erma said supporters were at the farm, filming the state’s visit and remained on their property as a show of support.

For those who have not been following the raw milk debate, Hershberger was paid a visit June 2 by DATCP inspectors, who were coming to the farm because Hershberger failed to complete a routine questionnaire after choosing not to renew his Grade B dairy license in February.

A day after Hershberger was told to close up shop, he defied the state and opened his store for business. That same day, he created a herd-lease program for his cows.

Such programs allow people to lease farms animals, in this case cows, from the farmer. Hershberger says this gives the roughly 100 families who consider themselves part of the lease program “ownership” in the farm.

By law, only farm owners, their families and their employees can drink raw milk. The validity of that argument will be tested soon in Dane County Circuit Court under a separate, but similar, case set to begin Tuesday.

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt_and_politics/blog/article_4f5d084e-74ac-11df-9b16-001cc4c002e0.html

Garden

Well the garden is coming along nicely I should post a picture. I've been taking it easy for a couple of weeks now and Ray has been doing double duty . I thank the lord every day for having a great partner. In the garden we are picking..
zucchini
onions
tomatoes ( three different kinds)
cukes
green beans and yellow
green peppers
salsa peppers
I have been putting my product down at the farm stand..
The Japanese beetle have hit so I will be using dish detergent and water and start hand picking them off we don't like to use any chemicals..
Have a good day..
Take time to smell the flowers and open up the good book lots of good things to be thankful for..
Blessings sisterbrenda

Hi

Just like to say hi too everybody been very busy. It has been hot and humid here for several days. Been busy picking things from the garden and putting at the stand.
Today Ray and I went to the parade it was really nice very long. I will be posting more in a few days..
Blessings sisterbrenda

Welcome

I would like to welcome you too my new blog.. I'm moving from the the homesteader.. Please get yourself comfortable and stay awhile.. Sisterbrenda