Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce … people either love it or hate it.  I love it.  I could eat it year round and do.  I decided to make a bunch of small jars so we don't waste a lot and anyone who likes cranberry sauce can take some home.  This recipe is from someone at work, Will.  He shared it with me a few years ago. It is quick, easy and turns out every time. 

8 cups of cranberries... or two bags

4 cups sugar 

4 cups of water.

Mix together over heat.  Cook until it boils, let boil for 5 minutes.  Then simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. 

The recipe said 15minute but with my altitude it took 30 minutes. 

Put in a water bath for 15 minutes.

I love hearing the cranberries pop as they cook not to mention how beautiful they are. 

We are including many other canning goods from this year.  Orange marmalade, strawberry jam, pickled cucumbers and okra from my sister, The Major, aka Pat, and pickles from my niece, The Sailor, aka Christine - carrots and cucumber spears...ohboy!

Dude had made deviled eggs. 

And ham already.

Early in the morning the homegrown turkey will go in the oven, wrapped in local pepper bacon.  

Salad with cranberries, apples, walnuts and homegrown lettuce will be made. 

Dude is making the stuffing and mashed potatoes.  I will make the green beans, blackberry pie and Watergate salad. 

Family will bring the rest. 

We are so thankful for all who take an interest in our homestead.

We pray all those celebrating American Thanksgiving has a safe and wonderful day and yes...

peaceful. 

Sunday's goings on on the homestead and faith

We went shopping yesterday at one of those new mega-stores - you know, the kind that has a ferris-freakin'-wheel in it . Not something we usually do.  It was a bit overload to our senses and everything was super expensive.  I took pictures of everything I liked and wanted to make.

Crocheted/ knitted cowls were  $60
Scarves $60
Loose woven blankets  $130 - 169
Crocheted turtle neck ponchos $160
Wool punch pillows $70
Western type vests $160

It is definitely a handmade Christmas this year.

Today was busy.  I was off work for Thanksgiving and got these ready as a Thank You gift to my team.  I saw the idea at Organize Christmas where they have these print-outs.  I think you could do the same idea for Christmas with Christmas papers. I wonder how many of my young team have ever seen Jiffy Pop popcorn ...

Dinner was put in the crockpot first thing this morning. Pork roast with potatoes and onion soup mix with a bit of water. 

Next up Peanut Butter Kisses.  It is always good to start Holiday baking early on! These cookies are easy and quick  - 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar - mix. Bake 350* 10minutes. Pop a kiss on time while warm. 

I got the latest issue of Spin Off - a magazine about spinning yarn. 

I opened up to the first story and it was about the family that sheared my ram! Wow! How cool for them. 

Here he is last spring shearing Wilbur. 

Here he is with his buddies who helped with the equipment.  They did a fantastic job and we will have them back in the spring. 

We started the day with a walk. We have been walking now for a week. I have to tell you when I began my hips were tight and didn't think I could make it. I didn't want Dude to know so I kept on going. Now, today, it was a breeze. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for a walk. 

Geese were everywhere!

I did pick some dried Russian Olive branches to work into a Christmas ...as something. Not sure yet what it will be. 

I think they are so pretty. 

I did make Christmas cards. I'm not finished but did get 11 made. I found these antique printables at Shabbyartboutique.com. Then I looked for any embellishments I could find to create the cards. The Blessing card was a postcard that was in a package I recently got so I used it as a card. 

I went outside to see what was happening on the homestead on this absolutely gorgeous day!

Dude was having a wonderful time working with Summer.

I stopped to stay hello to Angelo who was trying to get my attention by eating my shirt. He is adorable and I just can't get mad at him. 

Wilbur asked for a lamb ram massage.  He turned and gave a nod of gratitude. 

A stop in the greenhouse for a dinner salad.

I came in and finished the "cards/coasters" for my team. 

Time for dinner.

Here's that garden salad... our greens, various lettuces, our radishes, a sliced apple, a wee bit of cheese, pecans and dried cranberries.  Oh yum. 

And for Dude... pork roast, potatoes, and, of course, salad. 

I took mom to mass last night. The church was packed and people standing in the back. Always a good thing. The  readings are ones that I understand but still grimace..." Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory. All the nations will be assembled before him and he will separate men one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats. He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left." 

I raise sheep and goats.  Goats are smart and can be, at times, stubborn. Sheep, well, I hate to say it they are kinda dumb. But I think God is telling us not to be stubborn like the goats. He calls us to love him. Sounds simple but changing one's heart can be difficult. God is love and it is hard to envision the love God has for us. To have the faith of a mustard seed is all that is necessary but like sheep, who wander, there are times in our lives we feel lost. But Jesus is always there to show you the way, a new way , a way you can impact not only yourself but others too.  Are you living the King's Way boldly? Don't be stubborn of what you can do in the world, even if your world is small your impact can be huge. Don't be afraid when he shows you the Way or send others into your life that show you. Then it will be your turn to show others and impact the world.

peace

Getting ready for Thanksgiving

Since I work today I needed to get up early to get ready for Thanksgiving. Cleaning , cooking and stripping beds so that tomorrow all that will need to be done is cooking the turkey. 

We got out to feed the animals first. Yes, that is a layer of frost but the weather is suppose to be nice at 53*

Some was delighted to roll in the dirt today.

Corn bread stuffing (I will try to put the recipe on later) and the ever famous green bean casserole were prepared and popped in the frig. 

Thanksgiving very much embodies the homestead.  We serve a turkey we raise along with can goods we have been stocking all year. (yes, a bit dusty but I am running around like a hen with it's head removed) The stuffing is made with a local pig we traded for a goat. 

I found this old child's cookbook I had growing up from the Carnation Milk Company. It reminded me of tomato soup we had as a kid and thought that would be simple and light for dinner tonight. 

Next I am off to the library.  Homesteading causes us to be frugal and my movies are in at the library for the holiday. 

peace

My kind of morning ...canning and sewing

My kind of morning. A bit of canning, a bit of breakfast with Dude, and a bit of sewing. 

First order of business... a fire in the wood-stove. The temps have dropped about 40* from yesterday. 

I looked over and saw I had a bunch of tomatoes just about to go bad. I didn't have a lot of time and remembered I had a bag of salsa mix. I have not used one before and thought , eh, what the heck and got to work.

Turned out pretty good. (Not as good as mine but good -wink)

Hemmed up a tablecloth for Thanksgiving. 

Quick but good morning. Now off to work... I think it has begun to snow there. 

peace.