Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Rose Hips

Sunday afternoon the family got cabin fever so we ran a couple errands and ended up at Dillons for Chinese for dinner. After ward we wandered around and I thumbed through a magazine called Back Home. Browsed an article on making Rose Hip nectar.

So yesterday I was comparing prices on another herb between two companies,one being the Bulk Herb Store. I click on different herbs that catch my eye to read about. I read about Rose Hips. Here is what they say
Herbs: Rose hips - cut
Quantity:

Common Name: Rose hips
Latin Name: Rosa canina

Rose hips are the dried fruit of roses. They contain a good deal of vitamin C and vitamin C complex. Rose hips are especially good for stress and fighting infections. Rose Hips also have bioflavonoid which affects the heart and circulatory system, particularly strengthening the capillaries.

Walking back from the mailbox yesterday,I notice the red berries on the wild rose bush out back behind the big barn.




Light bulb over my head moment! We have rose hips here! So I go grab an ice cream bucket and start picking. This of course captures the attention of the boys,so they bundle up and come help.



Between the 4 of us,(Nathan was napping) we get a little over a cup. Of course there was some taste testing going on too. ;)

During this time I am wishing for a photographic memory of the directions in the article. I think I have the jist,so this morning I took a stab at it.

This is 1/2 the recipe. It was COLD,out there picking!!
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup honey
1 cup rose hips



Combine all in small saucepan,boil 10-15 minutes until hips "pop" releasing their juice and seeds;stirring and gently mashing.



Strain,pour into jar. Store in a cool,dark place.



The boys can't wait to pick and make more!
I plan on using it as an addition in herbal teas.(1-2 tsp stirred in each cup) Sweet flavor,Vit.C,and healthy to boot!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Some Like it Hot

We have discovered Popyeye's Chicken! Especially their Red Beans & Rice. So as with all things we love out, I set out to look for a copycat to make at home. I hit the jackpot on my first try! You can adjust the heat level by decreasing or omitting the cayene,but the liquid smoke is essential!!! All of the family except Nathan loved it. He had granola for dinner. ;) Next time, which will be soon, I'll double the recipe so we will have leftovers for the next day.

This is also very budget friendly! Tasty and cheap,can't beat that!!!


Copycat Popeye’s Chicken Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Recipe from http://teasphere.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/copycat-popeyes-chicken-red-beans-and-rice-recipe/

2 cans of light red kidney beans.(undrained)
1 capfull (~1tsp) Liquid smoke.
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper.
~1/2tsp garlic salt. (probably a bit more)
3-4tbsp real unsalted butter.
(I also throw in a 1/4-1/2tsp of powdered red hot pepper and a dash of garlic powder for good measure.)

Put all ingredients in a pot on medium heat until it begins to boil. Smash most of the beans with spoon as they soften to help thicken everything up and continue to cook and stir often, especially once it really begins to come together or it will scorch. I’d say about 8-10 minutes before smashing some beans, and another 20-30 cooking and stirring until they reach the right consistency which is a touch soupy but thick.

For the rice:

2 cups white rice
1 tblsp butter
1tsp garlic salt

Cook the rice as normal with the addition of butter and garlic salt.

Enjoy!

Leat

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Busy,Busy

Ever have so much to do you just don't know where to start?

That's me today. But once I get get going I know things will be fine and get done. It's just getting started. I'm the same way with ironing. I don't mind when I'm doing it,it's just getting started. Same with exercising. Same with spending time in the Word. Why am I procrastinating?

Here is my want/need to do list for today. I'll get started just as soon as this posts.;)

1. make kombucha
2. make yogurt
3. laundry
4. school
5. exercise
6. quilt
7. read to the boys
8. read to myself ;)
9. sweep,dust
10.make dinner

Have a great day!
Leat

Monday, November 2, 2009

Sweet Home Sounds

Living with four sons and a fun loving husband,this house can get pretty noisy pretty fast. But right now,I'm hearing some of the sweetest sounds. The older boys are gently strumming their guitars and teaching the younger ones to sing Amazing Grace. Luke generously is letting Nathan strum on his lap harp.

I know it won't last long, so I'd better enjoy it while I can.

Have a great start to the week!
Leat