A Day In The Kitchen

We have been experiencing some pretty high winds today from the bands of hurricane Sandy. The temperature has dropped dramatically. Not a fun day to be outside, but a good day to spend in the kitchen. I had been commissioned to make 150 biscuits for a function Friday. After much thought we decided the best route would be the angel biscuits. They freeze well and could just be popped in the oven 20 minutes before needed. I did not want to make them too far in advance for flavor reasons.. I am a bit weird when it comes to frozen bread. She was much less concerned than I. So, I figured I could live with 4 days in the freezer.

 After I made the biscuits, I froze them for about 30 minutes on wax paper and dropped into freezer bags.

And while I was in biscuit making mode I made some Cheddar and chive to go with supper tonight. They turned out to be quite delicious!

Since it was so chilly, I put a pot of chicken quarters on to cook for chicken and rice soup. And then I decided, what the heck,  I made some cabbage rolls with the beautiful leaf cabbage in the garden. And finally, a yummy turnip au gratin. The kitchen stayed quite warm and smelled divine. Best of all, I can take a few nights off from cooking! (I will post all the recipes on the "Eating Blog" soon...)

The Garden Dictates

Every Sunday I make out my menus for the week. I peruse the garden to see what is growing and ready to harvest. This helps me make a grocery list and plan what I may want to cook. In spite of the animal damage we have incurred lately, we may actually harvest a good bit this week!
Today I saw lots of turnips. The Beira Tronchuda cabbage have several leaves that are ready- either to fry or make cabbage rolls. One head of broccoli, some kale and a bit of spinach can also be picked. AND if the poultry don't behave they may also be harvested. I also have several head of lettuce in the herb garden by the house. I am off to plan menus!

The Problem Solving Rock

We delivered several cashmere goats to their new owners this morning which just happened to be on the way to our farm in VA. Sooo...
We arrived at the farm at noon and only had about three hours before we needed to head back to finish chores. We ate a sandwich on one of the highest hills and enjoyed the fall colors. I think we missed the peak by a few days as some trees were already naked but still it was a glorious sight. We headed out for a hike. Lots of turkeys were hanging out by the creek and we discovered a major deer highway. After a two hour hike we were starting back to the truck when Doug wanted to walk my "perfect" future driveway. It runs along a creek and passes by a huge rock overhang. Under one of the rocks a natural spring bubbles up. I want to dig that out, make a pool and waterfall that will flow under the drive through a pipe. We climbed to the top of the overhang and sat for a while. As usual we discussed future plans, how soon, what we needed first, that kind of thing. We know we need a barn but we also need a decent dwelling to live in while working- preferably one with running water and plumbing! I mentioned the possibility of a barn with an apartment. Eureka! And furthermore why couldn't we pay someone to paint the outside of our house here in order to give us the time to start the fencing. Oh boy, now we were on a roll. Alas, it was time to climb down from our problem solving rock and head home. I think if we could have stayed there longer we might just quite possibly have been able to solve the problems of the world....
(Next time I will post pictures of said rock!)

My mom is having a little get together today and asked me to make a table arrangement.
I put this together.. thought it turned out kinda cute!

I have been playing with the felted bowls some more and made this one for a friend. The black swirls are locks from her Portuguese water dog, Savvy.

A Taste of Fall

The trees are beginning to show their lovely colors. It is a sight to behold come dusk as the yellows almost glow in the dark.

This time of year is most pleasant, as things have begun to slow. There is no hectic milking schedule or feeding of young kids. We are not buried in a summer harvest of tomatoes (though I do miss them!). While chores must still be done they are accomplished at a much more leisurely pace.

I was supposed to organize the pantry today. I didn't. Instead, after baking and delivering bread this morning, I decided to get some soap made. I have several requests for some scents that I don't have on hand. I made four batches before heading out to feed animals. I took my time and visited with everyone a bit longer than usual. I also took some photos of one of our rams that will going up for sale soon.

I did a garden check and harvested more turnips, a couple of large handfuls of kale and some lettuce.
I pondered supper and came up with a blue cheese stuffed meatloaf (recipe here), roasted potatoes and a salad. With the exception of the blue cheese all ingredients came from the farm.
Then I set a  lovely fall table on the porch.

Dinner was divine, my company was good (hubby and bird dogs!). Today was homestead heaven.

Little Felted Bowls

Oh there was plenty that COULD be done outside today but I had an intense urge to piddle in my studio. Something that I haven't done most all summer. Besides the weather man is calling for rain. Never mind the sun is shining.
The little one is done free form with roving while the bigger was felted on a ball. I plan to add a bit more detail around the top of the little one.

It was nice just to play a bit!

The Secret Garden

Since all the animals know where the big garden is, I decided a secret garden may need to be planted. Just in case....
It is really not a secret, but the kitchen herb beds. Today I planted collards, broccoli, lettuce and kale. So if an animal disaster does occur again I have a small amount of backup! And too, this area could be covered with protection in the event of a really bad cold snap.

It has already started producing some really lovely lettuce...

I also planted a flat of pansies that have been waiting ever so patiently.

Now I just need to get it all mulched!