Photos from around the house

Yesterday morning I woke up with the crafting fever. I was unstoppable. I made a bunch of things and everything turned out really well. 

--Tape 

--It's turtleneck weather here. 

--That paper thing is like a paper snowflake but better

--Pinwheels are easy to make, who knew? 

--Variation on the "paper thing" pictured earlier

--I put an eye patch on that cat and a sunset in the background 

--Dinner table set for the dining 

--Yarn Garland 

Two places, or a million, at the same time

I have been feeling a little sad about not living closer to my family recently. I really love it here in Asheville, I just wish that it was closer to my parents, and my sisters, and my nieces and nephews who are growing up so so so fast.

I feel so jealous of my sis Moriah who gets to go home all the time. Here are a few pictures that she took of the farm when she was home last weekend.

you can view these pictures and more at her blog: http://moriahsmidwestinphotos.blogspot.com/

Homemade Pickles

Weeks ago we got some cukes from the farmers market. I let them sit in the fridge and I tried to blame Joel for not dealing with them. Finally I decided that I just needed to do something before they went to waste.

I don't have the necessary for canning, like in a water bath, so I decided to make refrigerator pickles.

So easy. So easy.

One Part Water. One Part Vinegar. One Tablespoon of Salt per Two Cups. Dill. Garlic. Refrigerate for Two Weeks.

Done.

Heading Home

I am heading home for a little visit soon. I am so excited. I love the farm so much. While I am there I am going to do a million things.

-play with my nieces and nephews
-say hi to the cows
-go on a canoeing trip with my sister
-help my parents in the garden
-eat and eat and eat
-jump on the trampoline
-swim in the pool
-pick food from the garden

I cannot wait to see my family. Family is the best. As my parents get older I value the time that I spend with them more and more. It's crazy to think that they won't always be there.

From the top:

-Scallops at christmas time
-Taco Fillings
-The kitchen at night
-My mom at farmers market
-My sweet sweet parents
-Laundry drying indoors
-Sink in the upstairs bathroom
-My parents bedroom
-Back of the house
-Trampoline!!!
-Greenhouse
-Barn
-Cows
-Compost pits 
-Milk in the fridge 
-Garlic from the garden 
-My parents record collection 
-Bathroom reads 
-Niece in the garden--photo credit Moriah Spicer 
-Just your average lunch at the farm--photo credit Moriah Spicer

Making Bread

I love to make bread so much. I have been making this one recipe for the last few weeks and it's just getting better and better.

The recipe comes for the New York Times and it took the world by storm a few years ago. I am just jumping on the bandwagon, but I have no shame.


http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/dining/081mrex.html?_r=1

Apple Pie

Last night my sister and I joined forces to make an unforgettable dinner of Risotto, Roasted Vegetables and an Apple Pie.


I only have pictures of the Apple Pie:

Chicken Soup for the Sister

The other night I made some chicken soup for my sister. I don't think that I had ever made chicken soup before… And it was a total disaster. Just kidding, it turned out great.

Here are the pics to prove it:

Almond Croissants

Yesterday I spent the entire day in the KITCHEN with my mom. What a fun time we had. We made a ton of baked goods and the best part about it is that I got paid for my hard work.

We made Almond Croissants, complete with homemade Almond Paste. I always feel a little intimidated when I make Croissants, but have no fear, they are actually hard to mess up. Also, I was super shocked when it was easy to make Almond Paste.

I will include a short description of how I made the Paste: Take one pound of almonds and put them in a food processor until they are the consistency of corn meal. Then mix in one and a half cup of sugar. Then blend in three eggs, three table spoons of cream, and a teaspoon of almond extract. The paste should be about the consistency of grits. Enjoy.

Here are some pictures of the baking extravaganza!!