From Garden to Table

By this time of year we usually have our garden planted and are busy watching baby plants rise from the ground anxious for the first harvest. A late spring, absence of sunshine and warmth, meant postponing outdoor planting. The laundry room is filled with small pots, seedlings are sprouting and we hope they can soon be transplanted to the raised beds. About a week ago I did get the heirloom tomatoes done, however it is still rather cool so they are struggling a bit.

We humans also struggle when events or inclement weather unexpectedly arrives. Frankly, I was having a bit of a pity-party about our cold weather and my inability to move vegetable plants outside. When I leaned of the enormous damage from tornadoes in MO, I realized my suffering is nothing compared to what those folks experienced. When it is hard to recognize how blessed we are, it is good to look around at those who are worse off. I find myself pausing, complaints dying unborn, and I realize things could always be worse.

Having said that, and I do hope you will take it to heart, now is the time to begin growing at least some of your own food. If you care about where your food comes from, how it was grown, whether it is free of chemicals, you'd do well to try at least a few plants. Even if you live in an apartment you can use pots on window sills, a patio, or even a fire escape. Once you eat something fresh and picked ripe from the plant, you'll wonder why you eat anything else.

As you grow a few vegetables and gain confidence in your ability, look around for heirloom seeds. Hybrid seeds, sold by most grocers and nurseries, have to be replaced each year. Heirloom seeds will produce new seeds you can dry and save for future planting. Once you purchase a package or heirloom seeds and harvest seeds from the plant, you never have to buy those again. That's an easy way to save money as well as assure your seeds have no genetic modified organisms in them. One place you can order just about any kind of seed imaginable, even fennel and golden beets, is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Go to www.RareSeeds.com and check them out.

As soon as you have some baby lettuce and spinach leaves sticking up, pick enough for a salad along with any other small greens sprouting up from the ground. Wash carefully and drain in a colander.

Spring Salad

Lettuce and spinach leaves
1 small red onion, diced
1/2 cup candied walnuts, broken in small pieces


Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/2tablespoons sesame or walnut oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt or vegetable seasoning like Mrs. Dash
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Place all dressing ingredients in a glass jar and cap. Shake well until all ingredients are mixed. You can use a blender if you prefer. In a medium size bowl, toss baby lettuce leaves and spinach, candied walnuts and minced red onion. Drizzle half the dressing over mixture and toss with salad fork to mix well. For a special treat, add about one-half a cleaned and sliced jicama. Jicama is crunchy and adds an extra texture to any salad.

I use glass canning jars with regular lids for dressings like Thousand Island, Blue Cheese, or Ranch. For oil and vinegar dressings I use glass containers from organic salad dressings I purchased. Just be sure to thoroughly wash the containers and lids, then allow them to air dry.

Enjoy your garden and savor those fresh picked vegetables.

The Blessings of Water

We often forget that much of our body is made up of water. Water is a requirement for good health and well being. Other liquids are not a substitute for water. It is not necessary to spend money on bottled water from the store. If your tap water has an odd color from minerals or additives, you can use a filtering system that sits on the kitchen counter to create palatable water. Alternatively you can purchase an expensive whole-house filtration system so that even your shower water has not odor or taste. Do you know how much water you should drink every day? Drinking water every day has been neglected by most for far too long. Water helps clean the body, prevents dehydration, and is a diet and stress aid.

You can figure your own water needs with a simple formula. Take your weight, say 130 pounds. Divide that in half. The result is 65 pounds. Translate pounds into ounces. If you weigh 130 pounds, your body requires 65 ounces of water daily for optimum health. With very little physical exercise, you can divide your weight by three, translate that into ounces and drink that amount. Although you actually need the larger amount, you can be relatively healthy with smaller intake. To assure pure water, I purchased a Britta filter. We keep it filled with filtered water in the refrigerator. The cost is very small when compared to buying bottled water. If you do not like the taste of water, add a few drops of lemon juice to a 12 ounce container. NOTE: Other liquids, such as coffee, tea, soda pop or alcohol do not replace water use. Your body needs water, just water, to remain healthy. During periods of low humidity, especially if you are working outdoors, you may need to increase your daily intake of water even more.

In addition to the physical benefits of water, that wonderful liquid is also a terrific stress reducer. If you have ever sat beside a stream or river, walked along the ocean, or visited a place with a flowing fountain, you are already aware of how soothing the sound of running water is to humans. You can create your own small, indoor fountain by purchasing a small pump, digging through all that stuff in the garage or attic and making your own. Small indoor fountains are also readily available at most department and big box stores at a low cost. Turning a small fountain on, especially while soaking feet in a basin or body in bathtub, is one of the most soothing things you can do to relieve stress.

When all else fails, try soaking in a bathtub full of warm water for thirty minutes with the lights off, a lit candle in the bathroom, and the telephone bell muted. I like to add a few drops of organic vanilla extract to the bathwater and relax while my body and spirit are soothed. While I prefer silence for this activity, several friends say they put a couple of classical CDs on the stereo with the sound high enough to hear as background music. The point is not to think you must experience the tension release from a nice soak the same way someone else does. Try several methods until you find the one that works best for you. And remember, you might want to change your method at some time so the activity doesn't become routine.

With cold weather still here and busy schedules for most of us, a nice easy dinner in the oven is a great way to bring everyone together for an evening meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is easy enough that older children can put it together or younger ones can assist with preparation.

Chicken Enchilada Crescent Bake

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans organic refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1-1/4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

In 2-quart saucepan, mix chicken and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Separate or cut dough into 8 long rectangles (if using crescent rolls, press perforations to seal). Spoon chicken mixture and 1 tablespoon of the cheese onto 1 long side of each rectangle. Roll up; pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down in 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees 15 to 20 minutes

Serve with a green salad and vinaigrette dressing.

Year End Resolutions

As one more year draws to a close, millions of Americans will be writing a list of resolutions; things they want to change, quit, or begin at the start of the New Year. Some will resolve to lose weight, many will resolve to start an exercise program, the lists are varied with one thing most have in common, the resolutions almost always have to do with some kind of physical self-improvement. That's a good thing but misses the point of what resolutions should be about. Instead of concentrating the same old resolutions, perhaps for 2011 some of us can find other, more important ways to change.

We could resolve to be more open minded. Doing so might bring a better understanding of those who look different, worship in a way we consider unusual, or speak some other language. After all, we are all unique. Remember, the view of a mountain is not the same on all sides, nor is it identical at various elevations. Each person or village will describe the mountain as it looks from their perspective, yet they are all verbally depicting the same mountain.

As we being this new year, each of us has a chance to take the first step toward understanding that as different as we may be, we all live on the same planet. It it up to each of us to learn how to live together in harmony.

While you are considering what changes you want to make, if any, you could prepare a hearty pot of soup to have later in the day. You may want to invite a neighbor or two you would not normally associate with because of the different ways you view the world, religion, or politics. Set those things aside, share a hearty bowl of savory soup and listen to what each one is saying. Pay attention to the many ways we are all alike; family problems, concern over the economy, and most especially the small everyday blessings each of us has.

Have a wonderful 2011 and may the year be filled with a new awareness of how we can help others with more need and love life to the fullest.



Sausage Lentil Soup

½ pound sweet Italian turkey sausage
1 large onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 (16 ounce) package dry lentils, rinsed
1 cup sliced carrot
8 cups water
1 quart chicken broth
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon non-salt seasoning (Mrs. Dash is a great brand)
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Place sausage in a large pot. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Add onion, celery and chopped garlic, and sauté until tender and translucent. Stir in lentils, carrot, water, chicken broth and tomatoes. Season with non-salt seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat. Cover, and simmer for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until lentils are tender. If soup is not as thick as you want, add about ½ cup organic instant potatoes during the last fifteen minutes of cooking.

Serve with hearty bread or baguette slices.

Being Thankful

As we enter the Christmas season, or Ramadan, Hanukah, whatever it may be called for various religions, it is important we recognize the blessings we have. One way to do just that is read and practice a quote from a wise elder many years ago. "The greatest thief of human happiness and abundance is ungratefulness. Any lack in our lives - whether in money, health, or relationships - is simply the evidence of a lack of gratitude. If you focus on lack you are not being grateful, and that will bring more lack into your life. Yet the simple state of radiating gratitude summons everything to you."

It sounds simple, and it is, however making gratitude a part of our lives takes practice. Anything we do, be it building muscle or endurance, or learning a new task has to be done multiple times before we are able to do it easily. Just remember learning to drive your first car, the rearview mirror, side mirrors, gas pedal, speed, and on and on and you will know what I mean. The first time you got behind the wheel of a car you could not ease into traffic, follow all the rules of the road, and arrive safely at your destination. It took hours of practice and, perhaps, a few mishaps before driving was as easy as inhaling.

In this season of giving and sharing, why not bake a pumpkin cake or two? With two you can give one to an elderly neighbor or have one to share with friends or family when they stop in for a visit. Here is the recipe I promised in my last post. It is simple to prepare, takes few ingredients, and tastes wonderful. I have two of these in the oven along with three loaves of banana bread. Remember to use organic products in your baking. Your body will thank you.


Pumpkin Cake

½ cup applesauce
2 cups sugar
2 cups canned pumpkin
2 cups raisins (optional)
1 cup softened butter
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons soda
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon allspice
1½ cups chopped nuts

Mix shortening and sugar, add applesauce and pumpkin. Stir in flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. If your family is not fond of strong cinnamon taste, reduce the amount to 2 tablespoons. Add nuts and raisins. Mix well. Pour into greased tube pan or three small loaf pans.* Place in cold oven and turn temperature to 300° F. Bake about 1 hour. (Should be golden brown and inserted toothpick should come out clean.) If the center is not fully cooked, return to the oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, and then check with a clean toothpick. Cool about 15 minutes before removing from pan. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Place cake on plate, frost with cream cheese frosting. This cake should be kept in a tin, saran type wrap, or foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 weeks and freezes well.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 pound powdered sugar
3 ounces cream cheese
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons milk

Let cream cheese soften at room temperature. With mixer on medium speed, blend in powdered sugar and liquids. If is a bit thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time to spreadable form. If not quite thick enough, add more powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, until thick enough to spread.

* I use two small tube pans rather than one large one.

Winter Joy

When the weather turns bitterly cold, finding joy can be difficult. This is especially true if one has little or no experience in such activities. Where and how can you find during difficult times? The answer, of course, depends on what you consider joyful and fulfilling. Those in the habit of spending hard earned funds on the latest gadget, closet full of shoes and clothes, eating in expensive restaurants and other wallet draining activities will find it difficult to find true joy in their lives. One thing they have not learned is the difference between frugality and miserliness.

The miser resents any expenditure, saving always for 'someday' and never enjoying life to the fullest. Some misers have unlimited funds, others have very little. Their outlook on life, however, is the same. What about those who are frugal, yet find joy on a regular basis? Those individual do not believe in waste. They live fully in each day and every activity. Expensive meals in restaurants are replaced with meals prepared at home, shared with family and friends, savoring each moment and sharing with others. Frugal living means recognizing that a house or closet full of stuff weighs a person down. They purchase what they need and regularly give away anything not worn or used on a regular basis. There is something freeing about reducing unneeded or unwanted items from our lives. It feels like a heavy weight is lifted from our shoulders and we can breathe deeply.

The joy you discover is up to you; you decide what brings you that feeling of contentment and happiness. Some things I find joyful when weather makes it difficult to be outside include watching the birds from my office window, reading a good book in front of the fire, preparing a pot of hearty soup to share with family and friends, and baking special treats for loved ones. You may find joy in reading to a child or visiting a Senior Center to serve meals, organize a sing along, or driving an elderly neighbor to the grocery store. There is no right or wrong in frugal joy. Do those things you like and share with others. You might be amazed at how little you have to spend in dollars and the amount of joy you find.

If you want to bake a batch of cookies to share at work or with a neighbor, yet find yourself short of time, here is a recipe you and prepare that is both simple and delicious. The cost is minimal but you will be rewarded with joy and love. I seldom use cake mixes and when I do, they are always Dr. Oetker organic, not those full of chemicals. If you are not an organic eater, use your favorite mix.



Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, room temperature
1 stick butter, at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (18-ounce) box Dr. Oetker chocolate cake mix
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the egg. Then beat in the vanilla extract. Beat in the cake mix. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up so that you can roll the batter into balls. Roll the chilled batter into tablespoon sized balls and then roll them in confectioner's sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake 12 minutes. The cookies will remain soft and "gooey." Cool completely and sprinkle with more confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Makes 2 dozen

One of my favorite items to bake is Pumpkin Cake. I promise to post that recipe soon. If you have some favorite dish you enjoy preparing, please send it along and I will do my best to add it at some future date.

Have a wonderful, joy filled, and frugal week.

Cold Weather Comfort

In our northern hemisphere, winter is drawing near with dropping temperatures, rain, and even snow in some areas. When it is cold outside I appreciate a cheerful fire in the wood stove and a pot of chicken soup simmering on the range. A library book in my hand and my enjoyment is complete. Such simple pleasures are east to attain if we cease our running to the movies, the mall, spending money or running up the charge card. Our grandparents knew the value of time spent with loved ones or alone counting the daily blessings of life.



Chicken Noodle Soup

1 chicken breast
4 cups water
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups wide egg noodles

Place the chicken breast and water in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil, then turn temperature down and simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken is completely cooked. Remove pot from stove and cool to room temperature. Remove cool chicken from pot, skin and bone, cut chicken meat into pieces and return to the pot. Discard skin and bones. Place pot on the stove on high heat, add sliced carrots, sliced celery, salt and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then turn heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours. Add egg noodles and simmer about 20 minutes. Serve with crusted bread or crackers and a side salad.

While the soup is simmering on the stove, take a few minutes to think about the upcoming holidays. Many are making lists of presents to purchase, wrapping paper, all the trappings of our modern attitude toward special occasions. It is not necessary to fall into the advertising trap bombarding us on a daily basis. We can, if we want, approach holidays from a different perspective. Family gatherings need not include gifts; enjoying time spent with loved ones is a wonderful alternative.

If you want to give gifts to family and friends, try to think of items you can make yourself. Nothing says love like a gift you created especially for the special person. Some of us are not talented in the knitting, crocheting, or sewing fields. There are other things we can create and give, it just takes some thought to decide what our talents are that we can share with others.

Simple and Delicious Desserts

Here are two quick and easy desserts to create at the last minute. Both are delicious and can bake while you and your family are eating dinner.

Chocolate Pudding Cake

1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa
½ cup milk
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons melted shortening

Mix dry ingredients together. Blend in milk and shortening or salad oil. Pour into ungreased pan, 9X9 inches. In another bowl, blend:

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup cocoa

Add 1¾ cups hot water. Mix well and pour hot mixture over cake. Bake at 350° F for about 45 minutes. Serve while hot by cutting into squares, place in shallow bowls and spoon sauce over top.


Lemon Pudding Cake

1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
½ cup milk
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons salad oil
¾ cup sugar

Mix dry ingredients. Blend in milk, salad oil, and lemon juice. Pour into ungreased 9X9 inch pan. In another bowl, blend:

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 cup boiling water
¼ cup lemon juice
1 cup sugar


Pour this over the cake. Bake at 350°F about 45 minutes. Serve warm by cutting into squares, place in shallow bowls and spoon pudding over top. Use a dab of whipped cream for an extra delicious desert.

Your family and friends will rave and compliment you.