Sifting

I've been getting my money's worth out of this flour sifter I found at a garage sale.

It's a simple, fun, and helpful task that gets the girls involved.

Following is a look at what's been the result of all that sifting....





'Berry Oat Squares' from La Dolce Vegan!

I used some of my apricot-pineapple jam along with frozen blueberries for the filling, which was a tasty combo.
I guess this looked too healthy for my girls, and they wouldn't even try one, so I ate them all myself! I don't suggest this. Instead, make them when there's others to partake because you just can't stop 'til they're gone.



'Banana Bread' from The Damn tasty Vegan Baking Guide!

I added a handful of chocolate chips because it draws interest from the girls. This was good and we enjoyed it warm from the oven, though it seemed too moist to enjoy later that day. I used a silicone non-stick and perhaps that's the reason? Or maybe it just needed a bit more time to cook? Or, I over-filled the pan? Who knows! :)


'Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins' from The Joy of Vegan Baking.

Can you tell I like this flavor combo? This recipe is perfect for using up ripe bananas, taking four. I had 3 large bananas, and instead of mashing them, I pureed for a consistent texture. These muffins were perfectly delicious, and the whole family enjoyed them. I'll be making these again soon.



'Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cupcakes' from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World.

These were fun to make, and a bit messy. I'm a competitior, and read the text, "Add both to the cupcake liner at the same time, side by side. Some people may not have the hand-eye coordination to do this (as easy as it sounds)...." to be a challenge! lol! Here is my handywork before clean-up. :)



'Chocolate Mousse Topping' from VCTOTW crowns them.

Silken tofu makes for the most luscious & light topping, along with providing a nice shot of protein from an unsuspected source.
I made them for Art's birthday last month. We both thought they were good enough, but nobody took the last one, and I probably won't make them again unless I need some coordination training. :)


I had a cookie recipe in mind, so first I needed to prepare the cookie sheets.

I like to alternate stacking cookie sheets and parchment paper. The top cookie sheet serves as a guide to trim excess paper, and also weighs down and conforms the papers so they don't slip as easily.





'Oatmeal Raisin Cookies' from The Joy of Vegan Baking are a delectable classic.

I didn't have oat bran, so added more of the rolled oats which worked out well for me. The rest of the recipe was by the book, and I used our favorite golden raisins. It yielded 3 dozen cookies using my medium scoop, and I shared a couple dozen with my neighbors. I enclosed lists of the ingredients, and I wonder if they'll notice there's no dairy?

To tally it up, that's 4 recipes tried, and 4 outstanding successes from this cookbook. With that track record, I feel comfortable trying recipes out on guests! Anybody else experiencing the Joy? :)

Apricot Season!

Mom called to say the apricots on her tree were ready, and to hurry up before all the birds got them. The girls and I arrived on the scene within hours. Our bags were already packed and waiting in the car with pectin, sugar, jars & lids. We had been anticipating apricots for weeks!







My helpers and I filled up two buckets, and there was still plenty for my uncle Larry & aunt Nancy, who were on their way to pick some also.
















Mom & Bill played with the girls (& took photos!) while I made a batch of apricot jelly.

















It was a little awkward in mom's kitchen, and lucky for me, aunt Nancy arrived just in time
to help with the batch of jelly. She shared some tips she's learned from a lifetime of preserving nature's bounty. For years, she fed a family of 12 almost entirely on what they produced or bartered. She really knows her stuff, and it was a pleasure to have this opportunity.





We used the recipe inside the pectin box, and it yielded 11 pint-sized jars. I gave a jar to Mom & Nancy.









When we got home, I made another batch of apricot jelly, only this time I added a can of crushed pineapple, juice and all, as suggested by Mom & Nancy. This batch yielded 10 pint-size jars.

If you'd like more ideas and info on apricots, see this post at The Vegan Diet.




Our apricots produced 2 batches jelly, and a full dehydrator.

I was looking forward to the dried apricots, but was disappointed that most had mold on the underside. Did I wait too long before drying the fruit? Was I supposed to do something to the fruit first? Anyway, it's buggin' me because I want to dry some peaches next week, but don't want to waste anymore. Dehydrating tips anybody?

Lakeside Lavender Farm Festival

We went to the Lakeside Lavender Farm festival this morning.


I read directions to Art as he drove along the country roads -- it was a short drive from our home.









This is the path that leads to a farm house with lavender fields on either side.












There were lots of interesting areas for the girls to explore. They were running here & there and literally rolling around in the grass.

I grew up on and around farms like this, so it pleased me to share this type of experience with them.







This festival was extra delightful because it was void of commercialism. This is a family farm, and you get the feeling that you are invited to help and partake in the harvest.









They say lavender can ease stress, induce relaxation, refresh, and even invigorate. It's called a "mood balancing herb" that possesses a sedative and calming effect; as well as an uplifting, refreshing and rejuvenating effect on the psyche.

Look at the uplifting effect it had on my oldest daughter!





Here you see it's calming effects...

and our basket full of lavender goodies!










LAVENDER
* sachets
* jelly
* lip balm
* tea cookie recipe & lavender buds
* bundles - snipped fresh by me!

They had lots more homemade lavender things: lotion, oil, spritzer, relaxation pillows, soap, cookies, honey, ice cream, already dried lavender, and more.




I picked up just enough for me, and a couple friends. One was hand delivered, and the other by mail.
I'm marking my calendar for next year, and I hope they continue this festival for many years to come.
Happy 7 * 7 * 7 !!! I guess today there will be lots of lottery tickets sold and many weddings to attend. For me, I got "lucky" with lavender. :)

Habanero Jelly

Habanero Jelly

I'm planning on giving habanero jelly at the holidays. Remember to warn the recipients that habanero peppers really pack the heat. (How hot is hot?) Serve with Tofutti 'Better Than Cream Cheese' on a Triscuit, and call it an appetizer.

Habanero Jelly (from Walt's Recipe)
2 Orange Bell Peppers
5 Habanero Peppers
5 C. Sugar
1 1/2 C. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Dry Fruit Pectin
6 Half Pint canning jars & lids (sterilized)


1 Put jars in large pot and boil.
2 Seed/Stem Bell, cut into pieces and process (don't puree)
3 **Put on rubber gloves** Seed/Stem Habaneros (seeds=heat, I remove them all) and process
4 Sugar in a separate bowl
5 Bells, Habaneros, Vinegar, Pectin in a stainless steel pot. Bring to rolling boil - Stir constantly.
6 Add Sugar all at once. Return to Boil, then set your timer for 1 minute. Stir constantly.
7 Ladle hot water into a shallow dish with lids.
8 Remove pepper mixture from heat. Fill jars immediately to 1/8" from top. Cover with a hot lid, screw band tightly. Invert 5 minutes.
9 Let them cool (yeah, right!) while you enjoy the sounds of the sealing "POP". Test the seal by pressing the middle of the top. If the bubble springs up, it isn't sealed.
** Never touch habaneros with your bare hands! Wear rubber gloves & don't rub your eyes.

Habanero Jelly

This is the hottest thing at our house! It is such a delicious appetizer...just top a Triscuit with cream cheese & a dollop of habanero jelly. My husband puts it on pancakes & rolls them up. I use it as a marinade and cooking sauce. I believe we are yet to discover all the ways to use this yummy concoction.

Ingredients:
Orange Bell Peppers
Habanero Chilies
Sugar
Cider Vinegar
Pectin
6 1/2 pt. canning jars/lids

Process:
Seed/Stem, cut into pieces & process peppers and chilies, bring to a rolling boil in a stainless steel pan with vinegar & pectin. Add sugar fast, return to a boil 1 minute, stir constantly. Remove from heat & fill jars immediately, cover & screw band tightly. Invert 5 minutes, then listen for the pop of the seal.

I really enjoy making this jelly & I use Walt's original recipe. More photos (You should check the photos, if nothing else, just to see my dog balance a biscuit on her nose!)