tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41259372336115976482024-02-07T21:48:37.260-06:00Newfound TraditionsBringing back the past, for a sustainable future. This blog was previously known as New Ground, Old Dirt.Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-17241223389232516662012-06-10T09:15:00.001-05:002012-06-10T09:15:38.423-05:00Garden HerbsMy goal this summer is to use more of the herbs from my garden and CSA share. I was told that lemon balm can spread very easily.... so lemon balm is the first to be harvested. <br />
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After a few online searches, I can across a really <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/old-fashioned-lemon-balm-lemonade-374913?soc=sharepinterest">basic recipe</a>. We have a indoor Meyer lemon tree. The lemons are sweeter than a traditional lemon, but I had so many lemons to use before they spoiled. I tweaked the original recipe by using bottled lemon juice and using the Meyer Lemons for peels in the syrup and garnish.<br />
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A Meyer lemon tree is easy to grow. We have our next to a sunny window and occasionally spray it with mist for a humid environment during our winter months. We get about 6 lemons per year. But the best part of growing the lemon tree is the smell of blossoms throughout our dining room.Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-22707397758238224432012-05-28T13:02:00.002-05:002012-05-28T13:02:41.762-05:00Warm Weather LoveEven though I'm eight months pregnant, I can't get enough of this warm weather. I love to sit in the backyard and watch the chickens foraging, the dogs basking in the sun, and the laundry blowing in the wind. I have a natural habit of waking up at dawn and I love to sit outside and knit or pull garden weeds while the dogs enjoy the cool morning air. If only this could last ten months out of the year...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging laundry bring great joy to my life.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow enjoying the fresh air and evening sun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk4sqya5YiuRd0ZzgU3EnxGqxzkggcy810KZv1JlD8JdubkUo7hYMxCbxkCtEptVGHll64A31qGvMh3CIBn85YWbDtZ2HXkGEc_1no3iP3_lLycB-kSvOw9V4JDTjSj-jCcG0sESD2Il9/s1600/may+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk4sqya5YiuRd0ZzgU3EnxGqxzkggcy810KZv1JlD8JdubkUo7hYMxCbxkCtEptVGHll64A31qGvMh3CIBn85YWbDtZ2HXkGEc_1no3iP3_lLycB-kSvOw9V4JDTjSj-jCcG0sESD2Il9/s320/may+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny, our Easter Egger</td></tr>
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Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-883335135671215022012-05-26T12:51:00.000-05:002012-05-28T12:52:19.517-05:00Low Tunnel SuccessLast Fall was our first attempt at building a <a href="http://newfoundtraditions.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-apoligize-in-advance-for-lack-of.html">low tunnel</a> to lengthen our growing season. We had bought some fabric that was recommended on websites. The fabric failed within a few days. The thin fabric tore with the first windy day, and soon the dogs and chickens were helping themselves to our hard-earned vegetables.<br />
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This spring Eric replaced the fabric with clear plastic. He stapled each end of the plastic to wooden planks to prevent future wind damage. This plastic made a complete difference! I planted seeds in March, and by April we were enjoying lettuce, radishes, kale, and swiss chard. Carrots were also planted, but will still take some time to grow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lettuce</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PPelrNdl2HFX_PRVuawiw8kFknOq9ZnRLSQbz9p3nQ7vgZAIxkgNfP2J8Vvr5PjGo2IvlDZlBwVunxRuHoP1uGEEPoDLcQFJWdigQCRhl5jGBQtiAeLtUeBB0ZDRbacPm_stmbx26jsf/s1600/garden+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PPelrNdl2HFX_PRVuawiw8kFknOq9ZnRLSQbz9p3nQ7vgZAIxkgNfP2J8Vvr5PjGo2IvlDZlBwVunxRuHoP1uGEEPoDLcQFJWdigQCRhl5jGBQtiAeLtUeBB0ZDRbacPm_stmbx26jsf/s320/garden+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Russian Kale</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_JfHO4tiLfVqkpJIySrInWi6WMt8Gjqs9EGLYCpjytBo3PZsqXIH8u8U5nY9HhE2da3cleASx8QrdfGPBSViEZkGjyrqInYapSPJP-Kv1Qr_Sb33GJtbrmX60UOau76x9atXAfA251NS/s1600/garden+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_JfHO4tiLfVqkpJIySrInWi6WMt8Gjqs9EGLYCpjytBo3PZsqXIH8u8U5nY9HhE2da3cleASx8QrdfGPBSViEZkGjyrqInYapSPJP-Kv1Qr_Sb33GJtbrmX60UOau76x9atXAfA251NS/s320/garden+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge Radishes (I can't remember the name)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-40164800302588743512012-03-27T12:45:00.003-05:002012-03-27T12:45:44.675-05:00Another busy season...I'm not going to lie, I'm starting to feel the stress of another growing season. Things started smooth. I got the onion seeds started in February and the cabbage family seeded shortly after. And then bamm!!!!<br />
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Spring came early in March and spring projects were suddenly on my mind, Eric was gone working all month, my work schedule picked up, and the baby inside me keeps me awake at night. I can't do all the spring projects myself and yet Eric is still remodeling our soon-to-be nursery/playroom. I get stressed when I can't accomplish things (like lifting things that I could've last year). Okay, Moriah, just breathe! <br />
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I explained to Eric how I was feeling and he offered the best piece of advice... "Spring came very, very early. We weren't expecting to work in the garden yet. It's okay if we have to put aside a few spring projects because it shouldn't be spring yet." So in the meantime, the garden compost and asparagus roots can wait.<br />
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Thankfully we still have our low tunnels and cold frame where little sprouts of radish, spinach, pac choi, lettuce, and soon carrots await. I transplanted a few swiss chard plants because I had a few to spare. I still plan on more cold weather soon, but I'm okay with hoping for the best. <br />
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-MoriahEric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-51252580538738990772012-01-21T12:08:00.003-06:002012-01-21T12:08:39.882-06:00Another Addition to the HomesteadOur little homestead keeps growing and growing. This time we are adding another person. Eric and I are having a baby at the end of July! We are so excited to share our life with the little one. We are really looking forward to making baby food, growing more food, and teaching our child to garden, hike, and raise animals.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture is how we annouced the baby to our families.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-21693425638507210092012-01-02T16:34:00.000-06:002012-01-02T16:38:06.007-06:00Chicken DramaA week after the chickens were traumatized by a hawk, there was another attack in the chicken coop. Our dogs learned they they could open the coop door by clawing at the clasp. Normally the door is locked, but recently it wasn't.<br />
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We thought the chickens were safe from predators in their coop, but we hadn't realized the dogs new trick. One day Eric looked out the window and he starts screaming, "Shadow has a chicken!" He was on the phone, so I ran outside. I started yelling Shadow's name before I was even in the backyard. Both dogs came running towards me. The chicken that was in Shadow's mouth also came running into my arms.<br />
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I carried the bitten chicken into the house for a closer look. The dogs happily followed behind me. There were a few feathers missing and some exposed flesh on the chicken, but nothing looked serious. Another chicken had similar injuries under one wing. The rest of the chickens were safely hidden in a lumber pile. I made sure that all chickens were safely locked in the coop.<br />
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A few weeks after this awful incident, I noticed that a chicken was moving around the coop...even after I put fresh food down. I picked her out of the coop and realized she was having trouble walking and was squirting out watery poo.<br />
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After a little online research, I realized she wasn't getting enough food because she was still hurt from the dog attack. I made a temporary home inside our house for our injured chicken. Since she wasn't walking around, I hand-fed her and put water within reach. She was eager to eat and enjoyed human company. <br />
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We know that chickens are social birds, so I spent a lot of time talking to her and Eric brought in other chickens for a visit. The hurt chicken was pooping normal within a day, standing within two days, preening within three days, and walking within four days. She came to greet us whenever we brought food. <br />
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By the eighth day, the now healed chicken was back outside with the other five chickens. I know that reintroducing a chicken can have problems, so I waited for any bullying. One other chicken picked a fight, but our healed and healthy chicken stood her ground and no one else bothered her. I'm so happy that our chicken was able to get better because I feel awful that it was our dog that hurt her...an accident that didn't have to happen. I will continue to watch our chicken and make sure she continues to healEric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-39026931639234398932011-11-25T08:53:00.001-06:002011-11-26T10:06:06.179-06:00First Farm LossSomeone had an early morning Thanksgiving feast...and on the menu was one of our chickens...<br />
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For the past few months we have been letting the chickens roam free in our yard during the day. Our new fence gives us this freedom. Then at night the chickens go back to their coop and we lock the ramp for the night.<br />
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Yesterday morning Eric went outside to put the chickens in the coop so that we could let the dogs run around in the backyard. When Eric walked into the yard he watched a hawk fly away from the yard and into a nearby tree. He searched and searched for the chickens. One chicken was hiding in the coop and two more where covering behind some pine trees. <br />
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After no luck finding the other chickens, Eric came inside the house and told me what just happened. My heart sunk. "Are Sunny and Scrambles safe?" I asked. (We named three of the seven chickens due to their personalities). "Yes," he said. We ran back outside and Eric checked the garden shed. As I was walking to help Eric look in the garden shed, I saw it. I saw the heap of black and white feathers. My heart sunk even farther. I told Eric that I could never be a farmer. But here we were gathering the rest of the terrified chickens and putting them safe in their coop.<br />
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Losing a chicken was bound to happen. In fact, I'm not surprised it hadn't happened earlier. We have had the chickens outside for over a year. But the first death is always the hardest. Eric buried our Barred Plymouth Rock behind the garden shed and placed a rock on top. I guess I'm thankful that the chicken who died didn't have a name.<br />
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Now we are left with the question of whether we let the chickens roam free again. Now the hawk knows where dinner is. We plan to keep the chickens cooped up for a few weeks, and I guess from there we will make up our minds what to do next.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is watching who through the window?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-2596268197748644392011-10-16T10:08:00.000-05:002011-10-16T10:08:34.536-05:00Low Tunnels for BeginnersI apoligize in advance for the lack of posts this fall and the shortened information. We both are getting slammed at work and time with house projects. The "To-Do" List never ends. There are so many things I want to get done this fall, but just haven't had the time. <br />
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Cold weather is starting to creep in. We've had a beautiful, warm fall the past couple weeks, and now it is time to turn on the furnace and add an extra layer of clothing. We are tucking in some of our garden plants for the Fall as well.<br />
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In August (or was it September) I planted a few seeds of plants that love cold weather. Carrots, green onion, radish, lettuces, pac choi, spinach, mache, and arugula. We could've also planted broccoli, but we are still waiting on this spring's plants to produce the head...so maybe we will see broccoli this Fall. Most of these plants should still be protected when the temperatures dip. <br />
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After reading an <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Low-Tunnels-Quick-Hoops.aspx">inspiring article</a> from Mother Earth News, we decided that low tunnels were a good choice for our small homestead. We drilled long screws into the wooden frame of the garden beds, with 4 inches of the screw still sticking up. Attached a PVC pipe and then covered the hoops with fabric. Each 12'x4' bed has four hoops, and we can add more if needed later. To save some money, I repurposed bird seed bags to fill with rocks and hold the fabric to the ground.<br />
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Since the growing plants are protected, I was able to remove the garden fence and allow the chickens to stratch in the empty garden beds. Everyone wins!</div>Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-7287274244549055372011-09-17T08:44:00.001-05:002011-09-17T08:44:43.831-05:00Wild Grape JellyI love this time of year when the landscape is dotted with all sorts of colors: yellows, reds, greens, and purples. I love the colors more if they guide me to free food. On our hike through a field the other day, we spotted many vines of ripe wild grapes. <br />
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Research needs to be done before harvesting wild edibles. It is very important to be 110% confident that you know what you are harvesting. We have learned about wild grapes over the past couple years, but this was the first time to gather the grapes. There are a few look-alike plants, so caution is needed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqNHfAswQiIaBp-_Nqn4SRGcuKh4rt9fdCSWMHRRQocsp1mlC5RhG09b_nRkIzckqy3Gtl2y6OcM78sA0rIEblHMkjTPzqQEfQS7_YjGPPFndv87IxvXiuaCF1beYpgxLRAk2NmovwXji/s1600/wildgrapes+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqNHfAswQiIaBp-_Nqn4SRGcuKh4rt9fdCSWMHRRQocsp1mlC5RhG09b_nRkIzckqy3Gtl2y6OcM78sA0rIEblHMkjTPzqQEfQS7_YjGPPFndv87IxvXiuaCF1beYpgxLRAk2NmovwXji/s320/wildgrapes+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There isn't much that one can do with wild grapes: juice, wine, or jelly. Don't let their tart flavor off the vine scare you away. Most recipes dilute the grape juice with water and sugar. <br />
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The grapes were on state land, and at first I didn't know if it was okay to harvest. I know for most people it is a "don't ask, don't tell" philosophy. But I was still nervous running into something while I was cutting off the grape clusters. Everytime I heard a car drive past, I ducked in the bushes. I'm still not sure what I would've done if someone actually saw me. My nerves were eased though when Eric called a local DNR office and found out that harvesting nuts and berries is legal at this spot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDvXlpsKpSONTxbqh4cQUm3jSLohp8RQ79rQHs18C5z46srkaLjd2GRasMe5rOXxLt8CDIDt2CtkrbIcUx2iUrKF00B-LNPiilnd33s0KiK_Y6ojD19EMdMd_8cFS3rt1KRfdHHoaDs_S/s1600/sept+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDvXlpsKpSONTxbqh4cQUm3jSLohp8RQ79rQHs18C5z46srkaLjd2GRasMe5rOXxLt8CDIDt2CtkrbIcUx2iUrKF00B-LNPiilnd33s0KiK_Y6ojD19EMdMd_8cFS3rt1KRfdHHoaDs_S/s320/sept+073.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Many pounds of grapes were needed for just a few pints of jelly. But it was worth it!</div>
Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-35392649006240676222011-09-13T15:30:00.000-05:002011-09-13T15:52:00.169-05:00And another addition to the homestead!I just realized that I forgot to share the news of the latest addition to our homestead. Shadow, our second dog. We actually got him in April, but I completly forgot the news. Koda, our first dog, is a very kind and social dog, so we thought he needed a friend. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4PjhZN3WNj0i-Oql4SBEbBdN6LF4CfbCIpKkcWFrjyiFQ17T9GqkB54qM7JUA9F-djfK7fzk1wgeNtxyzNmITadiOyozy1JLAkdML61-guQVQWkGVakNNfkmciotShL_qdRMNs5WD4Lc/s1600/shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4PjhZN3WNj0i-Oql4SBEbBdN6LF4CfbCIpKkcWFrjyiFQ17T9GqkB54qM7JUA9F-djfK7fzk1wgeNtxyzNmITadiOyozy1JLAkdML61-guQVQWkGVakNNfkmciotShL_qdRMNs5WD4Lc/s320/shadow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our decision literally was last minute when we found ourselves driving to the Humane Society. While we were driving, I kept saying that just because we were looking at dogs, didn't mean we had to get one. Well, long story short...when we saw Shadow, he smushed himself against the viewing window and gave us those loving eyes.<br />
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Shadow and Koda have been the best of friends ever since. Now that makes two dogs, seven chickens, and two rabbits on our homestead!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM91ztM20-qCvZTdUyFYz3qM8pvWB5k7u-D8pT5fM9LmqnqB-StmxUxbh_5i8daIm5_tvc7rrMa9dnu3tvWvL6n61izV3HAgrUcl9cqBfy_7xD3-NaNXVh2YDO-SJv63DRtts_mIHltMbv/s1600/shadowkoda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM91ztM20-qCvZTdUyFYz3qM8pvWB5k7u-D8pT5fM9LmqnqB-StmxUxbh_5i8daIm5_tvc7rrMa9dnu3tvWvL6n61izV3HAgrUcl9cqBfy_7xD3-NaNXVh2YDO-SJv63DRtts_mIHltMbv/s320/shadowkoda.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping with Koda and Shadow</td></tr>
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Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-86049857764073920752011-09-11T15:59:00.000-05:002011-09-11T16:06:45.079-05:00Canning SeasonWell, I'm a little overwhelmed right now with all the things happening this season. There seems to be a surplus of produce everywhere I look. Recently the <a href="http://www.highcrossfarm.com/">CSA farm</a> was selling grade B organic heirloom tomatoes. So we bought 30 pounds worth and turned them into 21 colorful jars of diced tomatoes. Next on the list: salsa, tomato sauce, and pear butter...watch for updates!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMlO4h_RuYTSlwHeTr4mJG9zKKUo6APVm2Khr-p-bmoEEd_ZqCtkOdyLinHe3Cbl3NlV1hyphenhyphenVzR55-e7SxXCrkv5Zcb4RL6rAzWngzjD5iNdV3kbxN-DlcHpnGu3iVD9KSNY1z4R8aGqGW/s1600/tomatoes+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMlO4h_RuYTSlwHeTr4mJG9zKKUo6APVm2Khr-p-bmoEEd_ZqCtkOdyLinHe3Cbl3NlV1hyphenhyphenVzR55-e7SxXCrkv5Zcb4RL6rAzWngzjD5iNdV3kbxN-DlcHpnGu3iVD9KSNY1z4R8aGqGW/s320/tomatoes+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Heirloom tomatoes usually have cracked skins. But thankfully the outside imperfections are only skin deep and are removed when prepping the tomatoes for canning. Their insides are gorgeous. (Is there a lesson here?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6bA_MjS0qTu37SwXGO_n4M6-xgo3V05NezkKLQIFFeGmaVbgrXg83S3gvIAbgYAEsQrPcQ41KSS1zxNDeNz4o_KN0C4G-Gfub6ft1fHVtDQE2k6N30kAF23A7xWUqKYRM4aCdoH3yIXx/s1600/tomatoes+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6bA_MjS0qTu37SwXGO_n4M6-xgo3V05NezkKLQIFFeGmaVbgrXg83S3gvIAbgYAEsQrPcQ41KSS1zxNDeNz4o_KN0C4G-Gfub6ft1fHVtDQE2k6N30kAF23A7xWUqKYRM4aCdoH3yIXx/s320/tomatoes+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The chickens enjoy canning season too.</div>
Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-41500212286376692552011-08-26T08:46:00.001-05:002011-08-26T08:54:04.793-05:00A Homestead's Weekly Meal PlanI've been wanting an old fashioned egg basket for a few months now. My aunt found out that I wanted a basket and mailed me one that can be traced as far back as my great, great grandma. I love household items that have a story behind them. The basket comes in very handy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCjxbmWNMPxjJOz9fOQ_IlsI0DBHzFE3OwH3JQNK5xUt9Q2fEu2G_-iwyz177T6bRCH3AZSpZNE3sUfHvr_LdmxjX6j0KtddhRmqXsyj2AxIbG97YZhPZpio97dbNpDCv7TIsTRGUPIyV/s1600/august+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCjxbmWNMPxjJOz9fOQ_IlsI0DBHzFE3OwH3JQNK5xUt9Q2fEu2G_-iwyz177T6bRCH3AZSpZNE3sUfHvr_LdmxjX6j0KtddhRmqXsyj2AxIbG97YZhPZpio97dbNpDCv7TIsTRGUPIyV/s320/august+066.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u>Our Meal Plan</u></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/the-essence-of-emeril/ratatouille-recipe/index.html">Ratatouille</a><br />
Vegetable Pizza and Cherry Tomato Salad<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/dave-lieberman/red-wine-beef-stew-with-potatoes-and-green-beans-recipe/index.html">Beef Stew</a><br />
Roasted Chicken and Pasta Salad<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/mac-and-cheddar-cheese-with-chicken-and-broccoli-recipe2/index.html">Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Brocolli</a> (Using leftover chicken)<br />
Swiss Chard and Ravioli (Book: Serving up the Harvest)<br />
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Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-86982900889011934692011-08-23T09:01:00.005-05:002011-08-23T09:09:09.341-05:00Rocket Stove for Beginners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkDjoBryGWRYCFz4jHHXyqubNwv7TYhI1DpJm8S4WRO8gia-YYb3iJ_STaQ8gApWCLXrMh6dOh1qlh_npSDRLPfwwYyy2lYgXESOBJFG_MtTwzndZ_llwDKRb39izwdxwWfaWKtuouMvP/s1600/rocket+stove+021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkDjoBryGWRYCFz4jHHXyqubNwv7TYhI1DpJm8S4WRO8gia-YYb3iJ_STaQ8gApWCLXrMh6dOh1qlh_npSDRLPfwwYyy2lYgXESOBJFG_MtTwzndZ_llwDKRb39izwdxwWfaWKtuouMvP/s320/rocket+stove+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Over the last year we have been entertaining the idea of some kind of permanent outdoor cooking appliance for our back yard. Our choices were between a masonry oven, earth oven, or a rocket stove. After researching all three and taking an earth oven building workshop, I decided the rocket stove would be the easiest place to start. The earth oven required a large base and I wasn't sure of the quality of our local clay. The masonry oven involves a lot of brick work and I had never held a trowel before so I chose the simpler rocket stove.</span><br />
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<b>The Concept</b><br />
A rocket stove uses a small combustion chamber to burn fuel efficiently. Unlike a campfire which can slowly draw air in from all around and gives off heat in every direction, the rocket stove creates a draft at the inlet that rapidly pulls fresh oxygen into the combustion chamber and exhausts through a small opening at the top so the energy is transferred only where the operator wants it. The setup burns the fuel efficiently so less is needed. Rocket stoves are popular in third world countries where fuel is scarce and expensive.<br />
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<b>The Materials</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhFxYXeA4Nzyn_D9SuCmuhtbVOSIcA8aGf7OsY7DWqFN85np0zL7bAtMKOPx5WjTJ_IC3hub5f641jcYpTnWcr2YXue0xsE9d3gPPsOji_Kvn3K4k5nvn5Jb5Bd29GhflFmzfAPScXJ0v/s1600/rocket+stove+007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhFxYXeA4Nzyn_D9SuCmuhtbVOSIcA8aGf7OsY7DWqFN85np0zL7bAtMKOPx5WjTJ_IC3hub5f641jcYpTnWcr2YXue0xsE9d3gPPsOji_Kvn3K4k5nvn5Jb5Bd29GhflFmzfAPScXJ0v/s320/rocket+stove+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I used:<br />
-76 standard construction bricks<br />
-6 pavers<br />
-two and one half 60lb bags of mortar<br />
-19" length of stainless steel vent pipe<br />
-stainless steel angled pipe<br />
-2 pieces of stainless steel plate <br />
-7 gallons of wood ash<br />
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The construction bricks were 25 cents at the habitat restore. The mortar was about $8. The wood ash was free from the parents wood stove. The plate was donated but the pipe was a bit pricey at $85. I didn't want to use galvanized steel or aluminum around high heat and food.<br />
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<b>Construction</b><br />
As I said I had never picked up a trowel before this project, but after watching some master masons on you tube and consulting with both of the dads, I felt confident enough building a simple tower. I figured the worst that could happen would be some wasted time and maybe a ruined meal if it collapsed. At least it wouldn't be providing structural support for anything more than a frying pan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkrzF0vq99RjAiazPGJHMGO6oMUrqrrcbn8p9vF47pZ_gaPGrO0-JsygIfA4_cB7GJIvVtiEN_VDMNWAaj4cBb28_z0hbWoFSNuyjCjLhci8Ti5BfamgPNSo66TWEUV4qa9dHVAfo24Q6/s1600/rocket+stove+008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkrzF0vq99RjAiazPGJHMGO6oMUrqrrcbn8p9vF47pZ_gaPGrO0-JsygIfA4_cB7GJIvVtiEN_VDMNWAaj4cBb28_z0hbWoFSNuyjCjLhci8Ti5BfamgPNSo66TWEUV4qa9dHVAfo24Q6/s200/rocket+stove+008.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>After getting the hang of the mortar, it went quickly. I finished all but the last two courses (a course is one layer of bricks) in the first day. I left a hole for the fuel magazine/air inlet by leaving out one brick and trimming two down leave a space.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvUOZXVoj6qvmNu3JSKIx4-2KF0D7N3KCEO6yA7tSqwKOrJEEMov2waeJ5klm2EoBkhn6ZAKjH_KW4DyCRWlQb2TxyxX9y3iUgO-g9yrUviaDuqtnWkiB_AH9UrFE9U2vxFUqVfHC0cDg/s1600/rocket+stove+012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvUOZXVoj6qvmNu3JSKIx4-2KF0D7N3KCEO6yA7tSqwKOrJEEMov2waeJ5klm2EoBkhn6ZAKjH_KW4DyCRWlQb2TxyxX9y3iUgO-g9yrUviaDuqtnWkiB_AH9UrFE9U2vxFUqVfHC0cDg/s200/rocket+stove+012.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The second day I laid the last two courses, finishing with the pavers for a clean look on top. Next I installed the pipe and poured wood ash in the void between the brick and pipe. The ash served as insulation to both protect the bricks from cracking, and to concentrate the heat at the opening to increase efficiency. I mortared in one of the stainless steel plates below the top two courses to keep the ash from getting wet and blown around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RWl_aUuxiVLG_bDJWnkjCkoEIkIb8wXs2sVVCFyvIBgIsYwYgbwhnEfjJuGdGTjHJTaaCpopaq6GLQ_7wcX_9FZZ3qsZcyPcDNjKXRTqAqzYoWcQ_Ne5un3jrRkjWVRG1OptwlmwWQVb/s1600/rocket+stove+020.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RWl_aUuxiVLG_bDJWnkjCkoEIkIb8wXs2sVVCFyvIBgIsYwYgbwhnEfjJuGdGTjHJTaaCpopaq6GLQ_7wcX_9FZZ3qsZcyPcDNjKXRTqAqzYoWcQ_Ne5un3jrRkjWVRG1OptwlmwWQVb/s200/rocket+stove+020.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgIHcANdAYthRSM4Ptm-5VILmqOxc0Het6kyKPJ5CImO81lgocQeLx7rXdEsRHQ2Ro1tqxz5fnO9g-dW_fxTkb2qjc_-r41ty7wm3ssxWJPwffJgxGa60GTf3jLuX8W97QM2W4LP_nhfZ/s1600/august+007.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgIHcANdAYthRSM4Ptm-5VILmqOxc0Het6kyKPJ5CImO81lgocQeLx7rXdEsRHQ2Ro1tqxz5fnO9g-dW_fxTkb2qjc_-r41ty7wm3ssxWJPwffJgxGa60GTf3jLuX8W97QM2W4LP_nhfZ/s200/august+007.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The finished stove sits 36" high to approximate the working height of our kitchen stove. The middle of the opening for the fuel magazine sits 14" off the ground so we don't have to bend down too far to start and feed the fire.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHqs_4l9H_Y9kwQxRS-16U7JMAtdRVPDPNY_WkbKZ34yHQtnB6YcLeTbMUaFcqm8J_8ue6GQyZzKILQZBrF_m78PrzZN5FF4n6AiGrwNKdTvJjJRiJOM8jLttk8II34Mnc7FS7rWcVmhq/s1600/rocket+stove+022.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHqs_4l9H_Y9kwQxRS-16U7JMAtdRVPDPNY_WkbKZ34yHQtnB6YcLeTbMUaFcqm8J_8ue6GQyZzKILQZBrF_m78PrzZN5FF4n6AiGrwNKdTvJjJRiJOM8jLttk8II34Mnc7FS7rWcVmhq/s200/rocket+stove+022.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>First Firing</b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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I fired the stove up the next morning to boil water for coffee and try a <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Bistro-Breakfast-Panini">bistro breakfast panini</a> recipe Moriah found at Taste of Home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfDmjq4meBi47f3iLJkgeoFbIWKpaEJ0EjyhrkJsJZDo3r8ATbrH87gl5C_YMLnWhXnGHtpwekebzT-XnikRukH22oV19NrF1zd8joFjoUReur-943rtjfqxboM6hrH7Otbe8WHmRv-sd/s1600/august+013.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfDmjq4meBi47f3iLJkgeoFbIWKpaEJ0EjyhrkJsJZDo3r8ATbrH87gl5C_YMLnWhXnGHtpwekebzT-XnikRukH22oV19NrF1zd8joFjoUReur-943rtjfqxboM6hrH7Otbe8WHmRv-sd/s200/august+013.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flames shot up over 20 in </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The paninis were delicious, but this is not the recipe I would recommend for the first time using the stove. It takes some practice feeding the fire and adjusting the height of the grill. This type of stove can get up over 1200 degrees F. The heat can be controlled by how much fuel is added and how high the cooking surface is raised.</div></div><img height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfDmjq4meBi47f3iLJkgeoFbIWKpaEJ0EjyhrkJsJZDo3r8ATbrH87gl5C_YMLnWhXnGHtpwekebzT-XnikRukH22oV19NrF1zd8joFjoUReur-943rtjfqxboM6hrH7Otbe8WHmRv-sd/s200/august+013.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 327px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2220px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-38787198994211718252011-08-19T18:30:00.001-05:002011-08-19T18:31:48.741-05:00Pickles for BeginnersI don't eat many pickles every year, but the thought of being able to make my own is intriguing. And I think that a picnic basket filled with homemade pickles, homemade ketsup, and homemade mustard would make a great Christmas gift for family. After reading a few websites, I figured that I could manage making pickles.<br />
<br />
There are a few different kinds of pickles: refrigerator pickles, lacto-fermented pickles, and canned pickles. Each kind has its pros and cons. Refrigerator pickles stay crisp, but they of course take up space in the fridge. Lacto-fermented pickles have beneficial digestive properties. Canned pickles can easily be stored in a pantry, but they lose their crisp after several months. <br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHZPkKS3t-0rp5gaMbuszGFUhjEbmiCN9vKuK-17is7O_tOyaJkLcZe3krIBU1zxQpJo_7vzGGgFdy9abTU8SgwX3Ivjy_pwNp1w9nytfOMKHcktM0njhGt7hAAH2Ri2f7Kp5ixje0ebW/s1600/august+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHZPkKS3t-0rp5gaMbuszGFUhjEbmiCN9vKuK-17is7O_tOyaJkLcZe3krIBU1zxQpJo_7vzGGgFdy9abTU8SgwX3Ivjy_pwNp1w9nytfOMKHcktM0njhGt7hAAH2Ri2f7Kp5ixje0ebW/s320/august+041.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washed Pickling Cucumbers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'd like to make all the different kinds of pickles. For starters I made the refrigerator pickles. I used a recipe from a farmer. Just add brine to pickling cucumbers...anyone can do that. After feeling good about the first patch of pickles, I canned some <a href="http://girlsguidetobutter.com/2011/08/how-to-make-refrigerator-and-canned-dill-pickles/">dill pickles.</a> I really liked the recipe, but my pickles lost their brilliant green color. I also noticed that a couple jars have garlic sticking out of the brine, so those jars might end up in the fridge. I think the brine settled into gaps after I put the jars into the water bath, and I should have stirred the contents to remove air bubbles. Please visit this <a href="http://girlsguidetobutter.com/2011/08/how-to-make-refrigerator-and-canned-dill-pickles/">blog </a>for good step by step instructions. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuinqaxlBiTtXU8qxqjkAbZ71cjoznMtd0HLwO-b45UDUYb-aAV03x7qVIiFTORqRqThvQRjDBUQSTwI00MoPqz3nO2FH0YDymwi_8NyaNAEJ3E7UEEO6os2Z67pkFB1xXcuvtNx20wy5y/s1600/august+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuinqaxlBiTtXU8qxqjkAbZ71cjoznMtd0HLwO-b45UDUYb-aAV03x7qVIiFTORqRqThvQRjDBUQSTwI00MoPqz3nO2FH0YDymwi_8NyaNAEJ3E7UEEO6os2Z67pkFB1xXcuvtNx20wy5y/s320/august+050.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canned Dill Pickles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My next goal is lacto-fermented pickles!Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-43996578062970387502011-08-19T09:49:00.001-05:002011-08-19T15:38:44.190-05:00A Homestead's Weekly Meal PlanWe finally solved our <a href="http://newgroundolddirt.blogspot.com/2011/07/chicken-coop-problem.html">chicken coop problem</a> by fencing in the garden. This keeps the chickens out when we aren't outside watching them. The added bonus of the fence is that the rabbits get to run around on the inside between the raised garden beds. The rabbits must be supervised though because they could still jump the fence if they wanted. Socks got out once and was hopping around by the chickens, and the chickens were terrified. We took a video, but I'd really like to get some pictures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwn6qyQUgB9rPh0XIAhurXHrHLY6dQkrBoyH0O-udXat2hPNZck2CvHnn2MudVzpZDBrPBvh4dIj8XH0T19E37UkoxbxQedgdyhOWFgOTsjA-jiqRy2JgQRTmLe8ba81Iyg_2_vQsDxze/s1600/august+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwn6qyQUgB9rPh0XIAhurXHrHLY6dQkrBoyH0O-udXat2hPNZck2CvHnn2MudVzpZDBrPBvh4dIj8XH0T19E37UkoxbxQedgdyhOWFgOTsjA-jiqRy2JgQRTmLe8ba81Iyg_2_vQsDxze/s320/august+030.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabbits hanging out by the tomatoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<strong>Our Weekly Meal Plan</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/zucchini-parmesan-crisps-recipe/index.html">Zucchini Parmesan Crisps</a>, steamed green beans, and grilled chicken<br />
Grilled brats, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/cole-slaw-recipe/index.html">cole slaw</a>, and homemade pickles (and maybe sauerkraut if it is ready by then)<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/dave-lieberman/red-wine-beef-stew-with-potatoes-and-green-beans-recipe/index.html">Red Wine Beef Stew with Potatoes and Green Beans</a><br />
Vegetable Pizza<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sauteed-mini-vegetable-medley-recipe/index.html">Sauteed Vegetables </a>and slow-cooked chickenEric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-88844651159884983182011-08-12T15:14:00.001-05:002011-08-12T15:18:36.615-05:00A Homestead's Weekly Meal PlanOur garden seems a little stunted right now. It's in an inbetween stage of ending spring plants and planting fall crops. Our summer tomatoes and peppers and squash aren't quite ready yet either. For some reason our two front garden beds aren't doing well right now. The tomatoes stopped growing and the onions just finished growing and are still too small. At least we have our <a href="http://www.highcrossfarm.com/">CSA basket</a> to depend on! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lj9UDwoDUiXOukleEJ94n_9KpfJK7IUwNWIOVycvJYak4uHbIXrX-YglmevF8BwwtZrBuNGpjHmmttqaefwKCj2fkW72qwr0tSvG9yoOoGerwYn1AYBKvPBQiM0OhsJRVtz2xuoaF7qg/s1600/august+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lj9UDwoDUiXOukleEJ94n_9KpfJK7IUwNWIOVycvJYak4uHbIXrX-YglmevF8BwwtZrBuNGpjHmmttqaefwKCj2fkW72qwr0tSvG9yoOoGerwYn1AYBKvPBQiM0OhsJRVtz2xuoaF7qg/s320/august+019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><strong><u>Weekly Meal Plan</u></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.karisann.com/2011/07/baked-zucchini-cakes.html#uds-search-results">Baked Zucchini Cakes</a> with Cucumbers and Tomatoes<br />
Vegetable Pizza<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/french-onion-soup-recipe/index.html">French Onion Soup</a><br />
<a href="http://www.365daysofkale.com/2011/02/recipe-slow-baked-beans-with-kale-my.html">Slow-baked Beans with Kale</a><br />
<a href="http://themealplanner.blogspot.com/2010/03/beef-and-bean-chimichangas.html">Beef and Bean Chimichangas</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Vegetarian-Enchilada-Bake">Vegetarian Enchilada Bake</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Marinated-Venison-Steaks">Marinated Venison Steaks </a>served with any vegetables available stillEric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-31576910262162691352011-08-05T13:27:00.003-05:002011-08-07T20:03:11.491-05:00A Homestead's Weekly Meal PlanEverything is looking great in the garden this week...including the weeds. We've had a steady supply of water and heat-- perfect for our 15 tomato plants. The only problem we are facing is that our paste tomatoes are still the size of cherry tomatoes and we aren't sure if they will grow bigger...not good if we plan to make sauce again this year.<br />
<br />
Speaking of problems...our laptop crashed and it had all my recipes stored...so here are the links I could remember and find.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Weekly Meal Plan</u></strong><br />
Braised Chard Pizza (didn't get to it last week)<br />
Grilled Brats and a cabbage cole slaw (recipe provided with our CSA newsletter)<br />
<a href="http://sarahnett.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/zucchini-carpaccio/">Zucchini Carpaccio </a>(for lunches)<br />
<a href="http://www.karisann.com/2010/09/classic-pasta-primavera.html">Pasta Primavera</a><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-oliver/roasted-carrots-and-beets-with-the-juiciest-pork-chops-recipe/index.html">Roasted Carrots and Beets</a> and Baked Chicken<br />
Baked Zucchini Cakes<br />
<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Meatball-Cabbage-Rolls">Meatball Cabbage Rolls</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I've never been a fan of beets. But for a few weeks, we have been getting them from our CSA box and now they are piling up in our fridge. Any ideas for a recipe that hides that "earthy" flavor?Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-83284355534267538802011-08-02T17:27:00.000-05:002011-08-02T17:27:08.142-05:00A Homestead's Weekly Meal PlanNow, we are feeling the summer pressure of trying to get stuff done around the house! This weekend was full of family events and volunteering at a CSA farm. <br />
<br />
<u><strong>Weekly Meal Plan</strong></u><br />
Kale and Cheese Spread (great on toast or crackers)<br />
Penne with Kale and Onions<br />
Swiss Chard and Ravioli (Book: <em>Serving up the Harvest</em>)<br />
Braised Swiss Chard Pizza (Same book as above)<br />
Two dinner provided through other events<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxC2MdiPSKBFGlE3l6RHqDsUyuNptHw5wb3MZL6IlqVDrA4plZjIViNopYK_l2IqR1qpmjiMAplk0rcOXYkL7ePOFZsOGfHqLpzC2LbHL8XPImwiiYoWYLMm3vsXIgZh1L8jsjdlXIGLy/s1600/garlic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxC2MdiPSKBFGlE3l6RHqDsUyuNptHw5wb3MZL6IlqVDrA4plZjIViNopYK_l2IqR1qpmjiMAplk0rcOXYkL7ePOFZsOGfHqLpzC2LbHL8XPImwiiYoWYLMm3vsXIgZh1L8jsjdlXIGLy/s320/garlic2.jpg" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This week's garlic harvest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-29204760388499373432011-07-25T15:53:00.001-05:002011-07-25T15:56:32.926-05:00Chicken Coop ProblemWhen we first built our chicken coop, we envisioned the chickens grazing on a fresh patch of grass every day. For the first few months last summer, the chickens really did eat fresh grass every day because we moved the coop every day. <br />
<br />
But this year is different....<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The coop is a two person job when it comes to moving it. Eric and I have varied work schedules and don't always see eachother every day...which means the coops stays in the same place for a few days at a time. Our varied work schedules is fine with us, but not fine for the chickens. The seven of them can plow through a grass patch in a day. The second day the chickens start to kill the grass. And the third day there is nothing but dirt. So slowly our wonderful backyard lawn is shrinking. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVroo0jRQveVQYteT8p06wfm7UFEV9oDy6y-pvJY6VpA8bL8hI4XoONKOmKK6-Dd11q8-O81KDiRiMB1BFoopedbh11E9kn4bIvrSIf1OZqGkRIfV3pdXGeL1Ri6pDikldhFejZ7HxYCI/s1600/chicken+dirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVroo0jRQveVQYteT8p06wfm7UFEV9oDy6y-pvJY6VpA8bL8hI4XoONKOmKK6-Dd11q8-O81KDiRiMB1BFoopedbh11E9kn4bIvrSIf1OZqGkRIfV3pdXGeL1Ri6pDikldhFejZ7HxYCI/s320/chicken+dirt.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We thought about just leaving the chicken coop in the same spot and opening the coop door when we are home (our fence allows us to do so now). The chickens need to be supervised when they free range because of the garden. But this idea isn't working right now too. Sometimes the chickens can't free range for a few days. The chicken poop stays in the dirt under the coop and the smell is aweful on a windy day.<br />
<br />
Do you have any ideas? How can we let our chickens graze, but let our yard stay green?Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-45586394993706273622011-07-21T19:20:00.001-05:002011-07-21T19:22:08.216-05:00A Homestead's Weekly Meal PlanThe intense summer heat ruins my appetite and motivation to cook. But seeing my CSA box was enough of an excitement to make me look at recipes for this week.<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Weekly Meal Plan</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://macrobiotic.about.com/od/salads/r/kohlrabiandradishsalad.htm">Kohlrabi and Radish Salad </a>(for potluck dinner)<br />
<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Herb-Burgers">Burgers</a> and <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/11130?section=">Root Vegetable Sticks with Roast Garlic Dip </a><br />
Zucchini Patties and <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/crispy-kale-chips-recipe/index.html">Kale Chips</a><br />
Grilled Steak with Swiss Chard<br />
Spinach Omelets<br />
Vegetable Pizza<br />
Pasta Primevera (we loved it so much last week!)<br />
<em>Lunches</em>: Sandwiches, stir-fries, and leftovers<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhcuFGACchbddII9aN53AEVmnw0pcy8gsZowqEmS9F4kQbLTyb_WxttFWM9zFzeDdvLHhhaTsrBAAGw6PvJpzGR2i_lBotPJ_6OvgSViXQiD40esXM4avvMNydDs7Dg-l3Pu67EgkuXIO/s1600/garden-july+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhcuFGACchbddII9aN53AEVmnw0pcy8gsZowqEmS9F4kQbLTyb_WxttFWM9zFzeDdvLHhhaTsrBAAGw6PvJpzGR2i_lBotPJ_6OvgSViXQiD40esXM4avvMNydDs7Dg-l3Pu67EgkuXIO/s320/garden-july+027.jpg" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Swiss Chard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-5718590723195528352011-07-15T13:48:00.001-05:002011-07-15T13:59:58.782-05:00Homestead Weekly Meal PlanI thought that having a CSA basket on top of our huge garden would be too much. But everything is working out great. The farm has green houses and we are getting vegetables earlier than our garden. Right now we are getting lots of squash from the farm, but our garden hasn't even produced blossoms. Some plants we will get all season long due to both sources. Yes!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL57y22-htAypGg5LGWzkdB5D0mLdcFe9DxrK57YsZoEpfcCc0KMmGwklKHQ8aeXrwhNWr3vxrZWQFOZPTj3hWYwpYTVOziDm4asnVU2Bbw2PatS0TPjGhIWR3XG0lUY3Jpvmn5_8ywtSr/s1600/garden-july+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL57y22-htAypGg5LGWzkdB5D0mLdcFe9DxrK57YsZoEpfcCc0KMmGwklKHQ8aeXrwhNWr3vxrZWQFOZPTj3hWYwpYTVOziDm4asnVU2Bbw2PatS0TPjGhIWR3XG0lUY3Jpvmn5_8ywtSr/s320/garden-july+003.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Shelling Peas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last week, I didn't get a chance to make all the recipes on the meal plan due to varied work schedules. Those recipes will be added to this week's meal. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>Weekly Meal Plan</u></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.karisann.com/2011/07/baked-zucchini-cakes.html#uds-search-results">Baked Zucchini Cakes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.karisann.com/2010/09/classic-pasta-primavera.html">Pasta Primavera</a><br />
<a href="http://sarahnett.wordpress.com/2008/07/26/stuffed-patty-pan-squash/">Stuffed Patty Pan Squash</a><br />
Lettuce Salad (We can't get enough!) with Grilled Wild Turkey Breast<br />
Marinated Venison and Summer Squash Casserole<br />
Bean and Kale SaladEric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-30137332357691878622011-07-11T00:01:00.003-05:002011-07-11T00:01:00.155-05:00Summer Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is why we love summer! </div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-UDy6Ke-xEdipxn5cy4ZPc461mbNBOipkNl98d5lKf09z8EUPii5oGfG4lonwcDlA0vXKcbJT3Xc9xFvanlSbFTzOP4x8sFzTlrICWtFUThkQdC3BzWklASARBAupgQNN_UDXjizmHl4/s1600/garden-july+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-UDy6Ke-xEdipxn5cy4ZPc461mbNBOipkNl98d5lKf09z8EUPii5oGfG4lonwcDlA0vXKcbJT3Xc9xFvanlSbFTzOP4x8sFzTlrICWtFUThkQdC3BzWklASARBAupgQNN_UDXjizmHl4/s320/garden-july+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGJHbVf1ra_USgc-QMlGCDMn2nJVi5_ajMms5MzF4ynxkpWRvXQuVvrepf0F3DFuzAicF2XPXxZM0-SR_hJsSnkHDM447sb_RYSPO93wLadiKZBvbXKhOr7x5yTpsdDHu8OAw-BMpFr4f/s1600/garden-july+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGJHbVf1ra_USgc-QMlGCDMn2nJVi5_ajMms5MzF4ynxkpWRvXQuVvrepf0F3DFuzAicF2XPXxZM0-SR_hJsSnkHDM447sb_RYSPO93wLadiKZBvbXKhOr7x5yTpsdDHu8OAw-BMpFr4f/s320/garden-july+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borage: Offers edible flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZIwRieNkQtuxvkFd8G3-kU7RJzOP98-b18K74Tsu1yQNAZ0EdJmNJQaSvhhlLEuP-Rai1b51u4aHVwv89WmEEfp3rSUCJgv-VbOV8viC2l77IIUo2OEmgyR8rnSRAMLAeedjqMaFV39Z/s1600/garden-july+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZIwRieNkQtuxvkFd8G3-kU7RJzOP98-b18K74Tsu1yQNAZ0EdJmNJQaSvhhlLEuP-Rai1b51u4aHVwv89WmEEfp3rSUCJgv-VbOV8viC2l77IIUo2OEmgyR8rnSRAMLAeedjqMaFV39Z/s320/garden-july+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calendula: Another edible flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRDf4vsI1sTZEyrF9CjBJyZtTl3pN_SAq4H2eqgEKZ6t0EqJimgEThd-E6t5SUqmdnEwD-EUnerWFcoKXAQsLh6iDNobAnQYvSHerZSHl0wCA3zrlkSD-KiudcQhHjuKcd5uDZ2klXGgz/s1600/garden-july+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRDf4vsI1sTZEyrF9CjBJyZtTl3pN_SAq4H2eqgEKZ6t0EqJimgEThd-E6t5SUqmdnEwD-EUnerWFcoKXAQsLh6iDNobAnQYvSHerZSHl0wCA3zrlkSD-KiudcQhHjuKcd5uDZ2klXGgz/s320/garden-july+022.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peas, radishes, and carrots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-47040022158049643412011-07-09T10:41:00.000-05:002011-07-09T10:41:47.319-05:00Summer is Here!After a long, cold spring, summer is finally warming up. Eric and I went on vacation just as things were getting crazy in the garden. The project list never ends and the projects were still there when we got back from New York. Before we even unpacked our CSA boxes, we checked the growing garden and CSA box. I love surprises!<br />
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Everything took off in the garden, including peas, onions, tomatoes and yes...weeds!<br />
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<u><strong>Weekly Meal Plan</strong></u><br />
Roast Chicken with a side of <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Zucchini-Parmesan">Zucchini Parmesan</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/8724?section=">Egg Drop Soup with Spring Greens</a><br />
<a href="http://www.citylifeeats.com/2010/10/beans-n-kale-salad.html">Bean and Kale Salad</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Marinated-Venison-Steaks">Marinated Venison</a> with a <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Summer-Squash-Casserole-3">Summer Squash Casserole</a><br />
Vegetable Pizza<br />
Leftover chicken with <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/chicken-sliders-with-spicy-bbq-mayo-recipe/index.html">Spicy BBQ Mayo Sauce</a><br />
Raspberry and Rhubarb Pie/CrispEric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-85844112547235467392011-06-26T12:50:00.015-05:002011-06-27T15:43:14.054-05:00Weekly CSA Box and Meal Plan #2Another great week! Here is what is in our CSA Box and the recipes I plan to use with the box contents and stuff from my own garden. We are going camping and then on a week long vacation, so I might end up freezing some things too.<br />
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<strong>Box Contents:</strong><br />
Asian Greens<br />
Chives<br />
Sage<br />
Strawberries<br />
Kale<br />
Swiss Chard<br />
Head of Lettuce<br />
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<strong>Weekly Meal Plan:</strong><br />
Pasta bake with a vegi salad with <a href="http://thirtyaweek.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/sage-dressing/">Sage Dressing</a><br />
<a href="http://www.365daysofkale.com/2008/12/recipe-potato-pancakes-with-kale.html">Potato Pancakes with Kale</a><br />
Grilled Steak, garlic scapes, and swiss chard<br />
<a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/10967?section=">Parmesan-Chive Popovers</a><br />
Vegi Stir Fry<br />
Spinach Omelets<br />
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Still looking for a Swiss Chard Recipe. Any suggestions? I'm not a fan of swiss chard, so I need something to cover up the "beet" flavor. Also, my chives are spreading like weeds in my garden. Any recipe ideas that use a lot chives?Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4125937233611597648.post-17244222143185903952011-06-21T19:33:00.001-05:002011-06-21T19:37:59.665-05:00Seasonal Meal PlanEvery week I create a meal plan and a grocery list. Then I search for which stores have the best deals. This helps us stay organized and save money and time. Our weekly CSA basket has put a spin on my weekly routine. Now I have to wait until Thursday evening to set the meal plan. Our local farm store store opens on Friday and Saturday, so everything works out. Thankfully I <em>love</em> looking for recipes. This week is different then most due to a different work schedule and a camping trip.<br />
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<strong><u>Weekly Meal Plan</u></strong> (a little late)<br />
Burgers and vegi salad (arugula, spinach, lettuce, mizuna, borage flowers, and chive blossoms)<br />
<a href="http://themealplanner.blogspot.com/2010/03/beef-and-bean-chimichangas.html">Beef and Bean Chimichangas</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cooklocal.com/growing-washington-csa/week-1/">Bok Choy Stir Fry</a> (add in mizuna stems)<br />
<a href="http://www.atlantamagazine.com/southernrecipes/sides/story.aspx?ID=1300578">Kale and Cheese Spread</a> (made into sandwiches)<br />
Pizza topped with arugula, spinach, and chive blossoms<br />
Basic pasta salad with arugula, tomato, onion and herbs<br />
Dessert: <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Rhubarb-Crumble">Rhubarb Crumble</a> (Will last us all week)<br />
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I'm thankful for our garden produce and <a href="http://www.highcrossfarm.com/">HighCross Farm</a>!Eric and Moriahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834895816813097232noreply@blogger.com0