Nov. 10, 2009 - Apple Butter Recipe
I recently found an amazing price on apples, so, of course, I canned Apple Butter and Applesauce. Here’s my favorite Apple Butter recipe and the directions for canning applesauce. Apple Butter Ingredients 4 ½ pounds tart cooking apples* (about 14 medium apples) 4 cups apple cider or apple juice 2 cups sugar 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ ground cloves ¼ teaspoon nutmeg Wash, core, and quarter apples. Combine apples and cider or juice in a large Dutch oven. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until apples are very tender. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching. Press apples and liquid through a food mill.** Return mixture to Dutch oven. Stir in sugar and spices. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cook, uncovered, over very low heat, about 1 ½ hours or until thick, stirring often to prevent sticking.*** Ladle apple butter into hot, sterilized pint or half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids. Process in a boiling-water bath canner for 10 minutes for pints or 5 minutes for half-pints. Remove jars from canner; cool on racks. Makes 4 pints or 8 half-pints. Notes: *The classic Granny Smith apple is a great choice for Apple Butter. I happened to be able to get some McIntosh apples, too, so I made this batch from a mix of the two. I should also note that I used apple juice instead of cider because I found a “buy one get one free” sale. **If you don’t have a food mill, you can press the apples through a sieve or colander using the back of a large serving spoon or ladle. By the way, after helping me do this with a batch of apples, my hubby bought me a food mill. ***This recipe can also be cooked in a crock-pot. If you don’t want to tie up your stove top for a couple of hours, place the spiced mixture into the crock-pot and cook uncovered, on high, for two hours. It takes a little longer, but frees up the stove top. I love Apple Butter on toast, on oatmeal, and, don’t laugh, swirled into cottage cheese. However, if you do make this, Beware! As the scent of apples and spices simmering together begins to waft through the air, you just might be tempted to play Christmas music way too soon. After being so pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to make Apple Butter, I decided to try my hand at canning applesauce. Wow! That’s even easier than Apple Butter! Applesauce Ingredients 12 pounds tart cooking apples Fruit Fresh™ (optional) ½ - 3 cups sugar Wash, peel, core, and slice apples. Optional step: Place apples in large Dutch oven with ½ cup water. Cook on medium high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until apples are tender. Depending on the variety of apple this should take 5-20 minutes. Press apples through food mill or sieve for smooth applesauce or simply mash with a potato masher for a chunkier sauce. Add sugar, if needed, stirring to dissolve completely. The amount of sugar will depend on the tartness of the apples and personal preference. Reheat to boiling. Fill hot, sterilized jars with hot sauce, leaving ½ inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids. Process in a boiling-water bath canner for 15 minutes for pints or 20 minutes for quarts. Remove jars from canner; cool on racks. As always, when canning, be sure you are familiar with all basic canning procedures to ensure safe canning practices. Cool jars completely and check seals before storing. My favorite canning resources for both the beginner and the experienced canner are: Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving Complete Book of Home Preserving Pick Your Own Farms website If you check out these resources, you’ll notice my recipes are a little different than the ones in the books. I like changing things a bit. However, the canning directions provided here are safe and accurate. Now, just because I can’t help myself, I’ve added one more Apple-y recipe. Mulled Apple Cider Ingredients 1 orange 1 lemon 1 gallon Apple Cider 5-6 whole cloves 5-6 whole allspice 2-4 cinnamon sticks ¼ cup packed brown sugar Wash and slice orange and lemon into ¼ thick crosswise slices. Pour Apple Cider into a large crock pot. Add orange and lemon slices, spices and brown sugar. Stir well to dissolve brown sugar. Heat on low for at least 4 hours to blend flavors. Strain into serving mugs. Strain any leftovers and refrigerate. Mulled Cider reheats very well! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy the recipes! Betty Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Nov. 10, 2009 - more favorites and recent discoveries
I thought I'd share some of the things that are making me happy these days - along with some new discoveries that have made our lives simpler (and/or more fun!). . .
First off, I bought this blanket at Wal-mart this past weekend (because I was returning this couch cover, which I would NOT recommend). The website lists the price at $29.88 - if you're interested, you might want to check your local store - I got mine on sale for only $25. Even though we have a queen-sized bed, I bought this blanket in the king size. It's big enough and attractive enough to use as a bedspread. It's light-weight but very warm and cuddly. I love it! (Maybe I'll actually take a real picture to share - once I get my bedroom painted and some new curtains on the windows!)
We're getting ready to do some painting at our house. I've chosen a honey-colored paint for the dining room walls. My mom and I went curtain shopping on Saturday. I have these tie-back curtains in my bathroom and I love them! I wanted something similar, with the same country-feel, in my dining room; but I didn't want the same pattern (thyme). After looking at several, I decided on the saffron print this time. I'll be going with the tie-backs again, but will also be adding valances to the top (our dining room windows are very long and the tie-backs alone won't cover them). Again, hopefully I'll have pictures to share one day soon.
Do you have children with allergies? Gracie has pretty much outgrown her asthma problems, but she still has times when she needs some allergy medication. In particular, when she spends too much time with my parents (it seems she is allergic to their cat). I've purchased the melt-in-your-mouth Benadryl for her and she seems to be fine with that. Recently, though, I've discovered ZYRTEC® PERFECT MEASURE™. This stuff is awesome! Ordinarily, I wouldn't go for a liquid medication for her, simply because I have to worry about finding a dosing spoon or something to measure it out with. This is already premeasured in single-serving "spoons" - I just need to break off the seal and hand it over to her. Perfect Measure is for children ages 6 years and up, is sugar and dye-free, and available in most major retailers. They are grape-flavored and Gracie gives them 2 thumbs up! If you'd like to try it, I have several $3 off coupons - shoot me an e-mail and request one (be sure to include your full name and mailing address). NOTE: I receive this product free as part of a Bzzz! campaign. My thoughts on it, though, are honest and true to our experience.
A few weeks ago, I realized that I had a sensitivity in my teeth (I'll admit, I was gritting my teeth while snuggling with my dog!) I was glad when I got an offer to test some Sensodyne Iso-Active toothpaste. I admit, I was a little skeptical at first. How could a toothpaste help that? But, after just a few days of trying it (once a day - I still use my regular toothpaste at night), I see great improvement. It works! If you have a sensitivity to heat or cold, or to gritting your teeth while you squeeze your dog or baby, you should seriously check this stuff out. It comes out as a gel, but quickly turns into a foam with LOTS of great suds-action. I'll definitely be buying more of this stuff!
And there's one more favorite that my kids have been enjoying lately (two, actually). It is the Life on the Farm games by We R Fun. We have both the original and the preschool versions (thanks to my work with the TOS Homeschool Crew, who will be reviewing these games here). Though I find the original version to be a bit long and tedious, Gracie just LOVES it. And we're all impressed with the preschool version! Ian is constantly saying "how about I set up my farm game for us to play?" Too cute! If you're looking for some high-quality, educational games for your family for Christmas, do check these out as options!
Nov. 9, 2009 - Long-Awaited Photos?
I've been so busy lately that blogging has gone low on the priority list. But I did promise photos of the Scotland trip. And I suppose that an update on life might be nice too--at least it might provide me with the sense that I've been doing something lately.
I do have to apologize for the camera though. It was acting up a lot, and I don't think the colours in some of the photos are perfectly true. Still, I have picked the best of the lot to show you.
Cawdor Castle. We've been there before, years ago. I think perhaps it may have been my first trip to Scotland, or maybe the second, when Belle was a toddler. If you know your Shakespeare, this is supposedly the scene of MacBeth. It is an inhabited castle--so one isn't able to see the entire building, however the rooms we were allowed to see were very interesting. One thing that helped a lot was the quiz the children were given to fill out. It drew one's attention to details that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
This is the countryside around Inverness. I really really love this area. My husband's Aunt lives up in this area, and we had a lovely visit with her.
The Fisher Woman statue in the town of Nairn, and the beach beyond. It was a grey day but the sea was beautiful anyway. The pinkish hue to the photo of the statue is due to the camera rather than the lighting.
Chatelherault, a former hunting lodge of the Duke of Hamilton, and now a country park with play area. I believe the building, and grounds are often used for weddings.
The last three photos are of Bothwell Castle, again a place that we have been to on nearly every trip. It is located about five minutes from my sister-in-law's house. It is a very old castle. We were actually there twice this trip. The last picture is from the first visit, a late afternoon walk with Granny's dog. I have a lot of good photos of the ruins from previous visits. The castle is very photogenic with the red sandstone walls. This time the weather didn't permit great photos, but I like this silhouette, even though the lines are caused by...you guessed it...the camera.
It was a bit rainy the second day we visited, when we actually went inside. We climbed up a very steep, slippery, narrow, winding stone staircase to the top of the tower. I didn't get photos of that because I was a) holding on with both hands to the rope attached to the wall, and b) because every time I looked at the stairs, I felt a bit dizzy. Going up was difficult, and going down was SCARY. But the view from the top was beautiful. And yes, the kids went too--Daddy in front and me in the back, watching every step they took. For some strange reason, nearly all of us had sore leg muscles the following day.
We had a great time browsing the wee shop in the castle and making some purchases to bring home, among them a book of castles (Usborne), and a fridge magnet for my collection. The gentleman in the shop chatted with us for a long time. I believe he probably hadn't had another visitor all day.
So a few photos of the trip. It was a lovely visit, and fun to reminisce about it. Just sorry the pictures didn't turn out better.
Nov. 9, 2009 - Homemade Vanilla Extract
I love to bake, and I especially love to bake during the holidays. In fact, there have been years that I’ve made a batch of cookies just about every single day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s how much I love holiday baking! Obviously, with all this baking going on, I go through a lot of supplies which can really strain the budget. One of the most expensive yet most commonly used ingredients is vanilla extract. Since I do not like using imitation anything, my baking habit can get pretty expensive just in vanilla alone. In order to combat the ever-rising price of real vanilla extract, I started making my own. It’s surprisingly simple to make, but please note, the recipe contains alcohol, just like real vanilla extract. Ingredients 1 quart vodka or brandy* 1-3 vanilla beans** Pour vodka or brandy into a quart-sized jar. Using a very sharp knife, slice the vanilla bean(s) down the entire length of the bean but not all the way through. The objective is to expose the seeds inside, to slice the bean into two pieces. Submerge the bean(s) in the alcohol, and seal the jar tightly. Store jar in a cool, dark place. The mixture needs to steep for about two or three months and should be shaken weekly. I keep mine on my baking shelf behind my most used items so I don’t forget to shake it every once in a while. You should see the tiny seeds floating in the alcohol. After about two months, open the jar and test the vanilla. I do this by smelling it. At first, you’ll probably smell just alcohol. Leave the lid off the jar for about five minutes and that will dissipate. How does it smell now? If the smell of vanilla isn’t strong, reseal the jar and let steep for another month. If your scent of vanilla is rich and strong, then your extract is ready to use. You might find it easier to refill a small bottle continually rather than trying to work out of the quart-sized jar. Also, be careful to filter out the seeds as you refill your bottle. Notes: *Both vodka and brandy are good choices for making vanilla extract because they absorb the flavor of the vanilla easily. The biggest difference is color. Both vodka and brandy will yield a brown vanilla extract, however the vodka will be a lighter shade. Also, some people will swear that only the finest vodka or brandy will create a good vanilla extract. Me? I buy the cheap stuff, and have yet to be disappointed. **Vanilla beans can be difficult to find and very expensive to purchase. Believe it or not, I recommend checking out a local health food store. Many health food stores carry Frontier organic herbs and spices at amazingly low prices. Also, the strength of the beans you use will determine how many you use. Does the bean have a really strong scent? Then you might need only one. I usually use two or three. When the jar is looking a little empty, I refill it with vodka, and add one vanilla bean, leaving the old beans in the jar to help flavor the new batch. Making vanilla extract at home does require patience. However, it has saved me a significant amount of money. My initial investment on a quart of vanilla extract was equal to the price of a 4-oz bottle. I got eight times the vanilla for the same price! Now that’s a savings! Thanks for stopping by. Betty Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Nov. 9, 2009 - Hero's Tribute by Graham Garrison
Is the Measure of a Man Found in His Actions, Deeds or in Who He Really Is?
What is a hero? Is it defined by your actions at one particular point in time or is it defined by who you are? First time novelist Graham Garrison explores the idea of what defines a hero and when a person crosses a nebulous line to become a bona-fide legend in his debut novel Hero’s Tribute.The small town of Talking Creek, Georgia, has a hero—Michael Gavin. As a teenager, Michael made a name for himself as Quarterback of the local High School football team, the Eagles. As a young man, he earned a regional following when he played for the University of Georgia. Post -college, Captain Michael Gavin earned the Medal of Honor for distinguished service in Iraq further cementing his position at Talking Creek’s resident hero.
So when he was diagnosed with cancer, the town immediately rallied behind the Gavin’s. On his deathbed, Michael makes a radical decision and asks a complete stranger, local sports reporter Wes Watkins to deliver his eulogy. With absolutely no idea why the famed Michael Gavin would ask a complete stranger to delve into the intimate details of his life, Wes digs into this project as he would any other story. Who knows, perhaps it would generate some decent bylines and get picked up by the AP. In fact, this could be his ticket out of the small town life.
But what Wes discovers catches him totally off guard. His typical reporting tactics aren’t going to
work in this situation and as he uncovers some secrets in Michael’s past, Wes begins to see him
as he really was rather than the larger-than-life legend the town has created. The closer he gets
to the truth, however, the town begins to close ranks. Struggling to find the words to accurately
and completely describe Michael, Wes must examine his own life and decide what will define
him. Finding the whole truth could cost Wes everything. Who was this man that Talking Creek
revered?
Graham Garrison is a writer and editor who lives in suburban Atlanta. He has covered high school and college football games as a newspaper reporter, completed an internship with the U.S. Army at its National Training Center in the Mojave Desert and tested WaveRunners and Runabouts as the managing editor of a national boating magazine. He’s written about battlefields for America’s Civil War, interviewed medical innovators for Georgia Physician and even penned an editorial for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. When he’s not writing, he’s chasing his two-year old son Nicholas and their Beagle, Baxter around the backyard with his wife, Katie. Visit his website at www.grahamgarrisonwords.com.
I really enjoyed this book. It seems like most of the Christian fiction authors these days are female; so I always enjoy the fresh perspective of a male author. Graham Garrison did a tremendous job with this book. You get a glimpse into each character's mind and learn about the things that make them who they are. Though Michael dies at the very beginning of the book, you learn more and more about him as Wes does his research; and, right alongside Wes, you learn things about people (and about yourself) that will give you a fresh perspective on life and how you live it. I would definitely recommend this book. Nobody is perfect, but it is possible to overcome the odds and become a person that people are proud to look up to - maybe even a hero.
NOTE: This book was provided to me for free (from Douglas Public Relations) in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts expressed herein are my own.
Nov. 9, 2009 - Christmas Giveaways at 5 Minutes for Mom!
5 Minutes for Mom always has the most amazing giveaways! In preparation of the upcoming Christmas season, they've got a TON of great things to give away this month! Be sure to head over and check them out - just click the button below:
Nov. 7, 2009 - Beanie Weenies Video Ok
It's time to change the video at the top of my blog, so my darling daughter asks me to post the "Beanie Weenie" video from the Skit Guys. How could I resist?
So, I said, "Okay."
And she said, "Okay."
And I said, "Okay."
And she said, "Okay."
And I said, "Okay."
And she said, "Okay."
And...just watch the video. You'll understand.
Nov. 7, 2009 - Another ER Visit--ALMOST
More drama in our family. I have a genetic defect called medullary sponge kidney disease. It's not as ominous as it sounds, although some people do seem to have a terrible time with it. People with MSK have deformed kidneys. The drainage tubes in the kidneys have small pockets where urine collects and turns to stones. I have hundreds of these pockets in both my kidneys and hundreds of stones. I know; it sounds like I'm exaggerating. But my doctor said there were too many stones to count. I used to joke that my x-rays looked like I had been hunting with Dick Cheney. (An x-ray of my kidneys shows tw oval areas of what looks like buckshot!) Some people have chronic kidney infections, constant pain, and other problems. I am truly blessed with sporatic pain, and so far only one kidney infection when I was 11 years old. (I wasn't diagnosed until I was 38 y.o. Most people aren't diagnosed until their first kidney stone. I probably had my first stone when I was 18, but they didn't do any x-rays or extensive testing, just sent me home with an "I don't know what's wrong with her, probably in her head" look.)
Thursday I had another kidney stone, large enough to cause severe pain. The only reason I even want to write about it, though, is that I have to tell you about my sweet children. Around 8 p.m. that night after about 3 hours of unrelenting pain, I lay down on our bed. Before that I had a heating pad and rice sock (tube sock full of dry rice heated in the microwave) and sat in a chair or paced the house. By this time, I had reached the point of wanting to go to the ER. I made calls to arrange that, knowing I would probably be there HOURS if not days. Then I just lay there. Praying. Oh, how I prayed.
Then my sweet children came in to ask if I needed anything. They re-heated my rice sock, brought me water, and then began to sing the most beautiful songs. Noah sang "Good night, sweet Mommy, flush that stone right down the drain." Jonah sat on the bed and held my hand, and Gracie sang "Silent Night". What an amazing prayer meeting we had. They got ready for bed, and we had our evening prayers. Again, they prayed for my healing, and as they prayed the pain subsided GREATLY. Within an hour, I passed the stone!
I love my children and my dear husband. You're probably wondering what he was doing?! He so hates to see me in pain and feels completely helpless. He's really good, though. He makes sure I have what I need, reheats the rice sock, brings me water, stays close enough that I can tell him if I need anything, but doesn't hover. He prays for me, and reaches out to our friends and family to ask for prayer. I had prayers going up all over this country. (Just before Mark's heart attack, we joined Facebook at the urging of one of his brothers. We thought it would be a good way to stay in touch with family and share pictures. It has turned into a blessed prayer ministry. When we need prayer, we share our requests--our "friends" are limited to family and friends, no strangers--and friends post their prayer requests. So many people we have been able to pray with, so many old friends we've found, and so many relationships built with family that we saw only at reunions and so briefly, then.)
So today I am just resting. We will be celebrating Jonah's 11th birthday with my parents this afternoon. His birthday isn't until the 16th Nov., but my parents will be out of town. He's kind of excited. He gets an early birthday and then we will celebrate his birthday at home on the day.
And I'm counting my blessings!!
Nov. 5, 2009 - Praying for our Soldiers
Praying for our soldiers, especially those stationed at Fort Hood near Austin, TX. There has been a deadly, mass shooting. 7 reported dead, 20 wounded. 2 or 3 shooters with one in custody. Story here. First thing I did was call my parents to see if they had heard. My dad is retired military. Of course, as I dialed the phone my next thought was, "Surely, they didn't go to Fort Hood today." They frequently travel the 45 minutes to the base to fill prescriptions and do their grocery shopping. They were home and hadn't heard the news. This is so terribly sad. There are also several elementary schools and middle schools on base. I pray for the children, although not in harms way, they are all the children of military personnel and have so much to deal with. What a terrible tragedy!
Nov. 5, 2009 - Another Great Freebie from the Old Schoolhouse!
Have you downloaded your free holiday e-book from The Old Schoolhouse? What are you waiting for? Just click on the graphic below and check out this fun freebie!
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