Visit with Clayton

We are enjoying our visit with Clayton. Updates can be found on our blog for him and photos in the online album.

Peach Cobbler in the Winter

I put 10 pounds of peaches in the freezer. It gave me enough for 3 cobblers. I have more peaches coming in a week and half, so I will probably put more in the freezer after I make some peach jam. Yum!

Canning Labels

I've been playing with a design for canning labels. Not sure I'm done yet. Here are 2 examples:

Photo of the Week

Sweet Heat

This recipe was called "pepper butter" but I have a hard time seeing it as that. I prefer to call it pepper mustard. It is good on so many things; pretzels, pork, hamburgers, brats...you name it. Oh, I even had a little with fish one night. It called for all jalapenos [42], but I used part jalapeno and part anaheim. I think it made a perfect balance. I want heat but not to where you can't taste anything because of it.

I need to make another batch because most of these will be gifts between now and Christmas. One batch makes about 17 half pints.

Pepper Jelly

I used the same recipe, just used red bell pepper and red food coloring for one batch and green bell pepper and green food coloring for the other. The 4 ounce jars are the perfect amount for topping a block of cream cheese. I will be giving them away at Christmas time.

Dairy & Berries

A couple of years ago Clay gave Barry an ice cream maker. We haven't used it much until recently. And we don't know why! We have been making eggless ice cream. Yum. I think Strawberry is on the menu for this weekend with Clay being home for a visit from Afghanistan and family in town to see him.

Clayton is coming home!

Clayton is on his way home from Afghanistan for a 15 day visit! He should arrive in the states tomorrow.

Woo hooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Photo of the Week

Sophie

Looking ragged...

...but still producing.

The weather is taking a toll on my tomato plants. I think my yellow plum bush is about done. I liked them and will plant again next year. The heat has slowed them down but they should bounce back producing when the temps are a little lower.

Photo of the Week

Before a wash...

Stop...Thief...Thieves

I am SO mad. Figured out why I haven't had many tomatoes this week. Guess the heat is leaving them thirsty. What they didn't take off the vine has been pecked. I have pieces of tomato all over this part of my yard.

This one is blurry but you can see what is in its beek.

Our Sunsets

We have no housing behind us. Just a field that is used for wheat and alfalpha. This allows us to enjoy many wonderful sunsets.

Yikes

Nothing like having a big hopper scare you when you're weeding. He was 3 inches long.

Hopping Down The Bunny Trail

I never get tired of watching the bunnies play...just look at the cottonball tail.

 

Molting Cicada

When they first appear they are kind of cute. Such fragile looking wings, until they dry. They leave behind those ugly brown skeletons on the brick, furniture, trees, etc.

Garden Foe

Here is what has been eating my Hibiscus.

Bama White Sauce

Southern BBQ sauces are mustard based. This is a mayo based sauce. Alone it is tangy and tart and is great on grilled chicken. Adjust the vinegar level to your liking. You may want to start with just a little less than 1 ounce and see if you like it before adding all of it.

Cider Vinegar - 1 ounce [= 2T] or 2 1/2 T for more tart

Water - 2 ounces [=4T]

Mayo - 1 1/2 cups

1 t - Black Pepper

1/2 t - Garlic Powder

1/2 t - Onion Powder

1/4 t - Cayenne Pepper or 1/2 for more kick

1/2 t - Dry Mustard
1 t- Lemon Juice

Pour vinegar into a pint jar. Add other ingredients and shake well. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Use within a few days.

Photo of the Week

Red bell pepper in the making

Pretty Salad

The red and yellow tomatoes from the garden make a pretty salad.

New Patio Set

Our friends are downsizing and so we bought their wicker set. I replaced our brown set with this one. Just need to get some cushions.