tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.comments2024-03-26T23:23:16.662-06:00Going CountryKristin @ Going Countryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221544641416039741noreply@blogger.comBlogger22012125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-30149494530116543442024-03-26T23:23:16.662-06:002024-03-26T23:23:16.662-06:00Such beautiful flowers. We will reach Spain just i...Such beautiful flowers. We will reach Spain just in time for the flowers to bloom.Meihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11646899729203228823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-91839808087258754812024-03-26T13:46:01.526-06:002024-03-26T13:46:01.526-06:00Robins returning and beginning to possess their su...Robins returning and beginning to possess their summer territories for nesting and raising babies. Every time they return, the robins need to survive one more snow storm, and that is true this spring. On Sunday, I saw one chubby, fluffy little female sitting in an evergreen tree, peering out through the branches and needles at the blizzard. She blinked and blinked and looked around. I could almost hear her thinking--"I TOLD them it was too early to head north. We needed to wait 2 more weeks..." I hope the robins will be all right after this 4-day snowstorm. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-58225677910976201812024-03-26T12:28:01.250-06:002024-03-26T12:28:01.250-06:00G.P.: What a lovely remembrance of your husband to...G.P.: What a lovely remembrance of your husband to have every spring.Kristin @ Going Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00221544641416039741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-53122004103856049602024-03-26T10:12:35.431-06:002024-03-26T10:12:35.431-06:00A million daffodils of all colors , doubles , oran...A million daffodils of all colors , doubles , orange centers, all colors, the small two/three headed ones, asters,crocus , forsythia all around, flowering almond, bridal wreath bushes all around the place along the driveway ....my husband planted for me .Gemma's personhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02740156670047388540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-75106429863392585962024-03-26T07:19:59.856-06:002024-03-26T07:19:59.856-06:00We had spring in Feb and early March, and then win...We had spring in Feb and early March, and then winter returned. (St Patrick's day was 35F and 35 mph winds, for example.) Now we've been lashed by strong winds for days, so I'm afraid a lot of the trees won't bloom. Our daffodils came up but have only bloomed reluctantly compared to our neighbors. I'm waiting for the redbud we planted last year to bud and bloom. The lion and lamb switched places this year.mbmom11noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-91837126291052389312024-03-26T05:50:43.545-06:002024-03-26T05:50:43.545-06:00Yes, Spring has sprung here in northeast PA. Howe...Yes, Spring has sprung here in northeast PA. However, we had warm weather that brought the buds/flowers out & now we are in the middle of a cold snap, so all the buds have died. Especially the Magnolia trees, which I love to see bloom in the Spring. Darn.<br />Your flowers are beautiful!<br />LindaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-88357179246668240922024-03-25T22:37:34.466-06:002024-03-25T22:37:34.466-06:00I started making jam from scratch, without pectin,...I started making jam from scratch, without pectin, when I realized how much more sugar is required when you use pectin. Cooking takes longer, but I think the resulting jam is less sweet, and has a more concentrated fruit flavor. Highly recommended. Jeanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-39932922672652192852024-03-24T16:24:03.752-06:002024-03-24T16:24:03.752-06:00The shell is also pretty colors.The shell is also pretty colors.Gemma's personhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02740156670047388540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-31565083550313275942024-03-24T05:32:39.342-06:002024-03-24T05:32:39.342-06:00I found a bag of lamb bones in one freezer, made b...I found a bag of lamb bones in one freezer, made broth, and used it in a tomato, lentil, chickpea and chili soup that is pretty good. My daffodils are covered with 6 inches of snow, but 50 degrees Monday. Happy Palm Sunday!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-66957983142274995782024-03-24T05:03:40.296-06:002024-03-24T05:03:40.296-06:00Those eggs are beautiful. Poppy staged them perfe...Those eggs are beautiful. Poppy staged them perfectly in the shell.mbmom11noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-8684938458162168772024-03-23T14:22:25.902-06:002024-03-23T14:22:25.902-06:00I do love a good grilled cheese!Mbmom11. I also li...I do love a good grilled cheese!Mbmom11. I also like that everyone eats what sounds good to them and you are always baking something . <br />Kristin cooks like I did, use what is left over for the next meal re imagined.<br />I am sure down the line I will Kristin. <br />I want to say , I have found I like my cottage cheese warmed up a bit. ;)Gemma's personhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02740156670047388540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-9762537686408846372024-03-23T14:17:13.872-06:002024-03-23T14:17:13.872-06:00I wonder can you make lasagna noodles from scratch...I wonder can you make lasagna noodles from scratch...don't know why not. I haven't but I would never say never.Gemma's personhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02740156670047388540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-70078053799102340292024-03-23T05:28:49.858-06:002024-03-23T05:28:49.858-06:00Kit: I've never made lasagna either. But that&...Kit: I've never made lasagna either. But that's my plan for the latest batch of ricotta I had to make with some milk that was going off. Except I keep forgetting to get lasagna noodles. Because I never make lasagna. :-)Kristin @ Going Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00221544641416039741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-16918121799873927712024-03-23T04:54:58.741-06:002024-03-23T04:54:58.741-06:00Friday-cabbage potato soup that was in the freezer...Friday-cabbage potato soup that was in the freezer, biscuits, peanut butter cookies<br />Saturday-hamburger stew in the crockpot. I like this recipe because it's one of the very few crockpot recipes that really is a whole meal.<br />Sunday-family birthday. Cream of tomato soup (not eaten by all because, well, we all know about kids and soup), grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate cake<br />Monday-leftover hamburger stew<br />Tuesday-leftover grilled chicken from last week that I picked off the bone and stir fried with frozen peppers and onions, baked potatoes, broccoli<br />Wednesday-leftover tomato soup and biscuits<br />Thursday-lasagna, peas. I don't think I've ever made lasagna. A friend gave me a big pan for a birthday present. Great gift.Kitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-75038038300365119992024-03-22T14:20:47.976-06:002024-03-22T14:20:47.976-06:00G.P.: I'm sorry to hear that, Beth. I hope you...G.P.: I'm sorry to hear that, Beth. I hope you find your place in the kitchen again soon, if for no other reason than you deserve to eat good homecooked food, too.Kristin @ Going Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00221544641416039741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-82867533991785243272024-03-22T14:02:30.854-06:002024-03-22T14:02:30.854-06:00Is it the incessant grilled cheese that's the ...Is it the incessant grilled cheese that's the attraction? 😉mbmom11noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-48102201315624743572024-03-22T12:35:49.373-06:002024-03-22T12:35:49.373-06:00WOW, I really need to move in with you or mbmom 11...WOW, I really need to move in with you or mbmom 11.<br />Maybe try soup as a topping for home made noodles or rice or even toast. For those who don't like soup in soup form.<br />I have hardly cooked anything since husband died last May.<br />That doesn't mean I haven't eaten just hasn't been home cooked.BethGemma's personhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02740156670047388540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-90014305053317604372024-03-22T05:11:16.143-06:002024-03-22T05:11:16.143-06:00Fri- with a guest in the house, I didn't want ...Fri- with a guest in the house, I didn't want to serve fish sticks, but we were all sort of tired. Big sister had taking my kids out all day for adventures, and I had driven to get college freshman hone for break ( 3 hours both ways, which is easy but still, tiring). So Dominos happened. 4 cheese pizzas and one free black olive pizza later, we were sated. <br />Sat- St patricks day meal of corned beef,, mashed potatoes, peas, broccoli, string beans, soda bread. I doubt that this is an authentic Irish meal, but it's tasty. I used instapot for the beef- it came out very tender, but I hate the clean up. I think I'll bake it next year instead. The soda bread is currant free, which is how we like it. I want to get caraway seeds for flavor next time. And the string beans got burnt slightly, so I had to triage them before serving. I either forget about string beans and they wither in the fridge, or I do cook them and they burn. There is no middle. Which is why I usually stick to broccoli.<br />Sun- out of town in big city for a hickey game with daughter, her husband, and most kids. ( husband stayed home with daughter who is sensitive to noise.) There were plenty of leftovers, so I figured I'd put it all together when we got home. Hockey game ran long, kids had eaten a lot of popcorn there, and son in law had fed them pretzels and Popsicles when he took them early back to their apt. ( My sons found hockey somewhat interesting, but they did not like the players hitting the plexiglass or fighting. My daughter's rolled with it.) So dinner was random when we got home. Sister had a salad, one son had oatmeal, other kids nibbled and went to bed. I had ramen. Daughter at home had eaten tortilla chips and salsa. Husband had eaten the corned beef, but to one son's disappointment. <br />Mon- big sister/best aunt left, so I didn't have to try anymore, and the menu shows it. Leftover pork roast, left over veg, noodles. Picky boy added a bagel and chicken patty <br />Tues- I had a teacher conference in afternoon, so I went with easy.chickenstrips, fries, apple slices, pineapple.<br />Wed- I thought it was going to be pasta, and I cooked some Italian sausages, but I lost interest. So I added bacon, cut up apples, and some italian bread from the freezer. It was fine- bacon makes everything better. <br />Thurs- out of town to big city for son's birthsmday present of trampoline park for him, 2 friends, and my kids. Lots of fun- they had slushies and candy while at park, so not much was ordered at the McDonald's stop. A few milkshakes, nuggets for the high schooler, and a few milkshakes. Though everyone grabbed some of the fries. I had ramen at home. <br /><br />Lovely cookies- I don't like rolling out cookies much. Luckily, a few of my daughter's do so they take over for holiday treats.<br />Enjoy the weekend!mbmom11noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-38243065900781965612024-03-21T12:25:07.737-06:002024-03-21T12:25:07.737-06:00cabinart: My input on that is that cornstarch will...cabinart: My input on that is that cornstarch will make it end up like pie filling. It's very different. Also, cornstarch is not a good ingredient if you process jam (like in a waterbath canner). You could use cleargel in a pinch, but imo pectin (which usually is apple-based) is better than cleargel in spite of the flavor modification. Karen.http://thisprairielife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-79478736432424098562024-03-21T07:12:44.574-06:002024-03-21T07:12:44.574-06:00cabinart: I feel like that would be weird. The con...cabinart: I feel like that would be weird. The consistency of jam is more like a very soft candy; cornstarch is more sludgy. I think it might also muddy the taste. However, I've never tried it, so it might be worth experimenting.Kristin @ Going Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00221544641416039741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-4265618710946070502024-03-21T06:27:44.105-06:002024-03-21T06:27:44.105-06:00Would it be weird to thicken it with cornstarch if...Would it be weird to thicken it with cornstarch if it didn't get to the sheeting stage?cabinarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14532794006239536858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-80020083274428126272024-03-20T14:33:05.834-06:002024-03-20T14:33:05.834-06:00I put my strawberry freezer jam in the freezer in ...I put my strawberry freezer jam in the freezer in plastic square containers that can be stacked.<br />Well , I did when I made it. It gives such a rich buttery flavor to ice cream. :)Gemma's personhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02740156670047388540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-19865083043456079582024-03-19T15:55:26.277-06:002024-03-19T15:55:26.277-06:00Karen.: I got some sand plum jam from a school auc...Karen.: I got some sand plum jam from a school auction and loved it. I need to scout out some of the bushes/trees that grow wild down the hill.<br /><br />Kit: Huh. Glass jars have always broken in the the freezer for me, too. In three different freezers, in fact. I don't make enough jam at a time that it can't be stored in the refrigerator, though.Kristin @ Going Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00221544641416039741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-88886590030156622362024-03-19T15:33:54.866-06:002024-03-19T15:33:54.866-06:00Homemade jam is the only thing I've been able ...Homemade jam is the only thing I've been able to freeze successfully in glass jars. I just use regular pint canning jars. They don't break. I don't know why because I've tried freezing other things in glass jars with no luck - maybe all the sugar keeps the jam too soft to break the jar. Kitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506305897742962637.post-30192312713635784562024-03-19T10:03:19.605-06:002024-03-19T10:03:19.605-06:00Ha, I let other people home-make my jam. It's ...Ha, I let other people home-make my jam. It's so good. I make such a terrible sticky mess with anything made/canned with syrup ... I think the last I made was sand plum-jalapeno maybe two years ago. Karen.http://thisprairielife.comnoreply@blogger.com