Lacto-Fermentation Experiment—Results

 

*affiliate link to follow

All of my veggies have had time to ferment. I told you I’d come back and share my results.
First, I wanted to clear up my post about the HOBBY WOOD and Doll House pieces I found at the hardware store… I HAVEN’T PURCHASED A SINGLE THING YET;  because like I said… we’re in camper mode.  But believe me, when I say we live far enough out from everything—now that I know some of those items are there, I WILL be going back there.  Like many of you have encouraged… I DO have a few ideas filed away in my head!

So on with the lacto-fermentation process! 



Pickles:  The jar with the brown paper sack on top.  I tried this idea from Pinterest.  I’m going to call the bag a fail, though the pickles were a SUCCESS.  I checked them the end of the 2nd day…and discovered white raised mold on my oak leaves in the top of the jar.  So I researched it (didn’t want to toss them if they were salvageable)  You can read the link here.  I cleared all that out.  Replaced the Oak leaves with new. The trouble apparently wasn’t the leaves…but the bag.  Too much air.  I put a LID ON IT. Waited about 3 more days…and There were no more spores on top. The pickles actually had a crunch to them, though a bit too salty for my taste. I’ve since learned the weight of the salt matters when measuring. (coarse vs. fine) Mine was fine…and I’ll adjust the amount next time.

Overall Rating:  SUCCESS!

Skipping the kraut, we’ll come back to it.

Pickles #2: This jar of pickles, is what gave me the courage to research the mold found in the other jar. I used a lid and oak leaves; it was clear of signs of mold growth. They aren’t as crunchy. I believe that is because I used a huge fat refrigerated cucumber. Nothing against huge fat refrigerated cukes… but they aren’t the best model for pickles!  They taste great.  I put some pepper flakes in this jar so they have a KICK TO THEM ! 

Overall Rating:  SUCCESS!

DILLY CARROTS: I said before this is the second time to make them.  We loved them before.  This jar of dilly carrots did not disappoint.  No OAK leaves were used. The carrots retained their crunch.  They’re quite delish! There were no problems with this batch of carrots.

 Overall Rating:  SUCCESS! 

Now to the Kraut:  I did not keep the cabbage under the brine with very great success.The vegetables must stay submerged. NO AIR!  The most modern way of keep air out of the jar is with a Pickle-Pro vegetable Fermenting Lid - 3 Pack or an Air Lock fermentation lid, which I do not own.  I tried using a zip lock bag filled with air. Ironically, stupid idea on my part,I know. Especially since I didn’t get a good seal on my bag! So basically, I PUT AIR IN MY JAR. I now see the ‘air’ of my ways!   

Overall Rating: FAIL!

Keeping the air out of the jar and the veggies under the brine is important to a good fermentation.

I know that you do NOT have to have one for a successful ferment—people have been fermenting veggies long before the mason jar was invented.  So it isn’t necessary. If you’d like to purchase one, you may do so by clicking the link above. After all this experimentation and great food as the outcome… I’ve got mine ordered! I am also excited about finding more recipes with other veggies and trying them too.



In the mean time—I’ve granted myself a DO-OVER with the KRAUT…using an old stand-by method. I read about several here; and I would like to prove TO MYSELF it can be done without modern day tools. I’m eager to have kraut, can you tell?

I think 3 out of 4 jars of veggies…isn’t bad.  I’m hopeful for the cabbage and and looking forward to having it be successful next time. If your interested in preserving food this way and give it a try… let me know your results! I’d love to hear about it!

Just letting you know there is also a new post up on my vintage camper blog! 

‘Til Next time, be blessed!
Patricia
 
 

My Kitchen Counter is Covered in Bacteria!

*Just a note:  There are two posts today. If you’d like to go back and read the earlier it’s Wk 5 ICADS –Thanks!

On Friday I made Lacto-Fermented pickles with some of our home grown cucumbers I made two different flavors, I’m anxious to see how these turn out.

I kind of did my own thing with those… and made it up as I went along. The bag is an alternative to the coffee filter.  Trying this method out. It’s all experimentation when you’re first learning anyway, right?  Also, I placed OAK leaves in my pickles to hopefully give them a crunch!  Turns out Cucumbers need TANNINS to be crunchy.  Who knew?!
The cabbage and the carrots were store bought. I’d rather have home grown carrots; but none this year.(may pick up some at the Farmer’s Market)  Though I’ve made the carrots before and I used store bought carrots; and they were delish!  I’ll include links for these recipes at the bottom for all of them.
The cabbage has apple slices in them, along with some grated apples.  I am really hoping this turns out. I got the recipe from another source…but I used WHEY instead(which she said was fine).  Mine has a lid on top, under the hand towel. Its not an air lock lid. 

• CABBAGE/ KRAUT
• DILLY CARROTS
• FERMENTED PICKLES (this is a link for her recipe for pickles—I used the Dilly Carrots recipe for my pickles)
• CRUNCHY PICKLE SECRETS (I implemented this technique to try and make A CRUNCHY PICKLE— I am still waiting on results at the time this post was published) 

The last jar at the far end--  KOMBUCHA.  I have much success with that yummy drink.
Here is something to think about--

Now, obviously, you’re not going to eat that slimy, yucky watermelon—but the bacteria will! Unlike the burgers and fries—they won’t touch it!
All of these foods (that I’ve canned/fermented) are made when the GOOD BACTERIA eats away at the sugars, creating a preserved PRO-BIOTIC-FULL food that is healthy for you. It’s not over processed—so the vitamins from the vegetables are still there and the good bacteria works in harmony with the vitamins, to make your body strong, healthy, and immune! Starting in GUT!  I’ve just started with the vegetables in 2015. The first recipe I made was the Dilly Carrots. The Kefir is a new addition too. (I’ll share more on it later) I’ve been drinking Kombucha for almost a year and love the way it tastes and the way it effects my body. 
These are real foods I’m using to help combat the T-2 diabetes. It is working for me. I just had to share it with you!**

‘Til next time, eat healthy!
Patricia
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
~Philippians 2:12


**disclaimer: This is NOT medical advice.  I’m not a doctor, nurse or skilled medical professional.  I am just a homemaker with Type-2 diabetes.  I am looking for a way to be the healthiest me I can be.  If you think you have diabetes(or some other debilitating disease)… please see your doctor. I’m not responsible for your health—you are. 

Black Berry Vines, Pro-biotics, and Wild Flower Festival

 

 

The blackberry vines are full of blooms this year, from all the rain we’ve had. I won’t be long until we start to see fruit all around the yard! 

I’ve been experimenting with Kefir  and I can’t wait to have some of these fresh berries to go into my smoothie!  This morning  I  had frozen Raspberries-Banana and cocoa kefir smoothie.  It was tart…but delicious!

I’m reading more and more about Pro-biotics—Home made and Natural.  It’s beneficial to your health in ways I don’t completely understand. But I am seeing changes in my over-all well being. I’ve eaten this now for two weeks a little bit every day –and sometimes homemade plain yogurt with fruit and flax-seed added.   I’m not having near the stomach ailments I was having before.  I can tell it has affected my blood-sugar levels in a positive way as well!

The other thing I’ve tried in the past few months is LACTO-FERMENTED Veggies…well, in this case fruit. Papaya.  I bought a jar online a while back and have been eating a fork full a day.  THAT!  IS. AN. ACQUIRED. TASTE.  But I’m getting there.  I’ll tell you the very best thing I’ve seen come out of this--

One of our newest grand-babies has been having a time with his feedings.  He’s been to the ER twice already in his short little life—and he’s had 3 different types of formula.  Still he has what is can only be classified as Colic. (though I’m a skeptic)  Anyway—after doing some reading.  I tried putting a 1/4 tsp of lacto-fermented papaya juice into his bottle. (1/4 tsp to a 4 oz. bottle)  Whoa!  What a difference that made.   This might sound crazy to some—but I didn’t tell his momma (my daughter) until day 2 of trying this. The thing is – she told me, “Mom, last night was the best night I’ve had with my baby since he’s been born.”   I told her.  She couldn’t believe it.  Both she and her husband were amazed at the difference it made for Sebastyan.   He is happier and more comfortable. He isn’t having the gas or the bowel problems he was having before. He is able to sleep and most of all he isn’t screaming as if he is in pain!  That was the worst.  You just feel so helpless when they get that way.

** I’m not a doctor and I am NOT recommending this for you or your baby.  This is just my own testimony. Please be responsible and do your research; before trying this for you or your family. (if you do and have good results go ahead and share it with me. I’d love to hear about it!)

Tomorrow ( Saturday)  is our wedding anniversary. Our little town is having the 2nd Annual Wild-flower Festival – I think we’re going to go there in the morning after breakfast. There is also a big yard-sale- fund raiser for a Women’s Shelter.  I might visit there…see what we find!

We are supposed to have wonderful weather this weekend.  I’m looking forward to a couple of days—just the two us. ;)

Do you have any plans for the weekend?  What’s going on where you are?

‘Til next time,

Be a blessing to someone around you.

Patricia

:: Back to Work and Pass-the-Baby!

This week our Oldest daughter returned to work. That means back to work for us—now instead of 2 children during the day we have 3.   We’re working on a new routine. I say “We” because The Honey is a big help around here—with everything that gets done during the day, including taking care of the grand kids. He LIKES kids. For the most part, yesterday and today have gone pretty smoothly.  The baby still sleeps a lot.



Vincy, on the other hand,  LIKES routine.  In fact, if we stray from it too far – he has a melt down.  So with him, our last two days have been as normal as possible.  The only change being the placement of his day bed (pack N’play)  He is used to being in the front room with us. He is used to me rocking him to sleep.  At home, Momma or Daddy put him in his bed and he talks and plays until he falls asleep.  He rarely, ever cries himself to sleep.  Now, after being home with momma for 6 weeks; he comes here and his bed is in the guest room After today I think he will be fine.  When he wakes—he stands and says “Oma”  and jabbers or he’ll say “Hunna”   it’s the cutest thing!  He’s adapting well.

For his baby brother—it’s eat, change the seat cover and sleep.  He likes to open his peepers and have a look around, when he feels well.  His tummy gives him problems.  We’re still making adjustments to his eating, burping and bottling habits.  I think we’ve almost got this one figured out… then he gets another issue.  He’s only 6 weeks old—so it’s touch and go, still.

Big sister? 
Well, I home school her. So—while Vincy sleeps. We work her phonics and math in pretty quickly.  The reading and drawing and table work she can do at other times… but the instructional part has to be done as soon as the boys are BOTH ASLEEP!
Thank goodness—she is eager!

It helps for her to know that after school—she gets to pick an activity. Today, it was make cookies.



She wanted to make ‘Boiled-Cookies’.  We call them Boiled Cookies but if  you GOOGLE OR PINTEREST—type in NO-BAKE COOKIES. 

It will pop up everywhere!  This is the recipe we use--

 

The kiddos love them and so do the adults… be careful, YOU CAN’T. EAT. JUST. ONE! They’re so addictive… ;)

Anyway-- Our other daughter lives next door. In the morning she comes and brings Easton and her New little one


and we have ourselves a good ol’ time playing pass the baby!  While Bree and Easton  get a little play time and I load up on coffee! 

That’s how it’s going so far, with the kids, the rain, the snowy cold weather and  the house (to sell or not to sell)  I haven’t gotten one seed planted. I’ve not looked at getting new chickens, we still have the pup litter—and will probably have to visit the humane society (no kill) as we’ve not found a home for ONE DOG YET! 

That makes me sad.  It’s a no kill shelter—but I just don’t like dealing with them if we can keep from it. You know what I mean… it would be so nice if we could find some families close by that are looking for pups!

I hope your week is turning out nicely—we’ve warmed up and had a couple of pretty nice days. Still too wet to mow—but I’m hoping this time next week?  Though looking at the weather they’re predicting more rain.  That’s ok!  We need it.

Even with all this—we are so blessed.   I hope you are blessed today too.  No matter your circumstance—find a bright spot in your day, and Praise Him from Whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

‘Til next time~
Patricia
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:: First-time Fudge

 

Today was my Dad day.  Errand with my dad, grab some lunch, empty the trunk of my car at the Good Will… it’s right around the corner from Dad’s house;  very convenient for dropping of items I’ve been packing up or sorting through…

Today, an indoor grill, a singing lobster, 3 purses and two bags of clothes that are now too big for me!  YAY!

Came home—snuggled with Vincy and rocked him to sleep.  He was overly tired from playing when I got here around 1:30 pm — a few bars of Moon River and he was out!  That’s his favorite song that I sing to him.  I don’t kid around, that baby LOVES THAT SONG!

As soon as he was asleep, I was ready to try my hand in the kitchen making fudge.  I’ve always heard you either CAN make IT… or not.  Apparently… I can make FUDGE!  

 

I was afraid it wasn’t turning out, I was patient and let it cook—the recipe I used had two times of 15 minutes with in the recipe… so I ended up cooking this first WHILE STIRRING about 15 minutes and then WHILE NOT STIRRING… another 15 minutes. ( a bit sketchy for me… not on the part of the recipe- I didn’t read through the recipe ENOUGH TIMES! )  I kept checking for the ‘soft ball’ test. 

 

It wasn’t pretty going into the pan, because it was starting to set up pretty quick, BUT!!! I was hopeful at that point.  It isn’t smooth… it is a slight bit grainy.  HERE IS THE REASON-

FROM HER NOTES: 

NOTES:

For best results, do not double this recipe. The directions must be followed exactly. Beat too little and the fudge is too soft. Beat too long and it becomes hard and sugary.   OH YEAH!  I DEFINITELY DID THAT! 

 

But over all—CHOCOLATE-Y GOOD!   When Honey tried it… see that corner missing?   Oh yes!  He told me it tasted just like what his dad used to make.  {big grin} 

I call it  --A SUCCESS! 

I’ll try again before Christmas or New Years for sure.  I hope to get better with each try.  Wouldn’t fudge be a SWEET GIFT for my VALENTINE? 

Then in April for our Anniversary…? 

…June for Father’s day? 

By this time next year… He’ll be so sick of my FIRST TIME FUDGE. 

He’ll get pie for his next birthday!

 

‘Til next time, Be Blessed!

           Patricia



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Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.                 ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7

Cauliflower Tostadas-

This isn't a food blog.

So no glamour shots of exotic dishes.

 If you are a regular visitor here then you may have read recently I was given the diagnosis of T2 Diabetes. Since then, I’ve been pouring over recipes and Pinterest  and a few cook books that my daughter bought for me—in search of delicious low carb meals.

My life has changed somewhat since that time—but as far as food goes… Man! I’ve never eaten so well! The menu has been nothing if not exciting!

I  originally found a recipe for Pizza Crust here—but I didn’t have ‘pizza’ ingredients in the pantry. However, I did have plenty in the Tex-Mex department. So I decided to make  Tostadas!

What follows is my version of Cauliflower Tostadas—if you’ve made this before, I’ve never seen it. So kudos to you and do leave a comment telling me what you think?

Steam Half a head of Cauliflower—and toss into the blender. I used the pulse setting on my new blender

 

I ended up with about 2 cups shredded Cauliflower (not packed)

To the bowl add: 

2 eggs (though, I am going to try with 1 egg next time as this took longer than expected to cook)

1-1/2 cups of shredded Pepper Jack

 

Scramble the egg and toss into a bowl with shredded cheese and cauliflower.

I started out making tortilla rounds.  Could only find my small cooking sheet… so as you can see I pressed it all into the pan. Not pretty—but it all cooked at one time. Instead of 2 batches I was going to have to make.

 I sliced it into squares using a pizza wheel. Flipped them and toasted on the bottom.*edited to say:  I cooked these on about 400 degrees for about 30 mins.  Including flipping. :)

    

This picture blurred sorry.

Add your favorite Toppings and enjoy!

Suggestions: 

refried beans

ground taco meat, chicken, pulled pork, etc.

onion, lettuce, tomato, sliced avocado, guacamole, black olives, picante sauce , cheese, etc!

It was so good and so filling!  I only had one..but could of easily had another.

Very LOW CARB!

...And quite tasty, too! 

** Note** 

When I make this again. I will only use 1 egg instead of too.  I would like this to be a bit crispy.  I ended up eating it with a fork, rather than with my hands like an actual tostada. 

Til next time, Be Blessed! 

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and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;for in Him we live and move and exist,

My New Favorite Breakfast

 
Scrambled Oatmeal
2 eggs (the recipe calls for 1 egg and 2 egg whites)
1/2 cup rolled oats
olive oil (enough to keep from sticking)
I cooked this in my smallest cast iron skillet and I sprinkle with cinnamon (cinnamon has properties that naturally work to help lower glucose levels)
It comes out kind of dry so, I top with a pat of butter and drizzle about 1 1/2 tsp of honey on top; and I eat it like a pancake!

My friend Angel gave me this recipe she found it here @ Spark People ; They call it 'EGG -n- Oats' it’s listed under Just for kids…I tell ya- this kid loves it! 

Their serving suggestions were with cayenne and hot sauce. But as I’ve cut out most sweets now—I went with organic local honey and today I added raisins. Other fruit whatever you have on hand would also be good. (not canned in syrup though—fresh or frozen will do) 

Let me know if you try this and how you liked it; or how you prepared it for your tastes!

I'm linking here:

@MRL

 
@DeborahJeansDandelionHouse


@SunnySimpleLife




Til next time, Be Blessed!



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The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him. ~Psalm 28:7

:: Biscuits for the Pup; Biscuit Mix and a Paint Question? ::

This past weekend I spent time cleaning up in the kitchen. 
The counters, the stainless steel… and my pantry.
I also made cookies for Buster--- I told you I’d give you the recipe I used. It’s at the end of this post.



The other thing I thought I’d ask…since I’m showing this picture again; 
When you paint in your kitchen, do you paint the underside of your cupboards?

::Frugal Fodder ~5~ ::

                      

We've finally had temps dip into the FREEZING range...upper 20's overnight. 
It couldn't have come at a better time... 
December. :) 

I've taken advantage of having the wood burning stove going all day and into the late night hours too!
I have saved propane all week. The only time we've used 'gas' is for showering. 
I've heated water for the dishes on the stove; AND!!!
I've been cooking on it. 

I've not ever made this a habit ,in all of the almost 17 years we've lived here-- until now. 

This week I've cooked on my stove everyday
So far, on top of the stove, I've cooked: 
Biscuits-
 * I'll show how to cook biscuits in a skillet next time and take pictures. 
Cornbread-
Beans with Sausage-
Grilled Cheeses-
(for lunch with the LITTLES today)  

Here is what we had tonight: 
Venison Tips and Rice with English Peas and Garlic Toast. 

~~YUMMIE~~

The whole idea is that we're saving propane--we're heating our house with wood and so we may as well, use the heat and energy to cook with too! 

I'd say that's the tastiest frugal fodder yet! 

Linking here: 

dj dandelion house

The LORD is righteous in all his ways; and holy in all his works. ~Psalm 145:17

::Pinning Recipes~ Summer Time Berry Crumble::

Today, while at the grocer with my daughter (I only went along for the ride) but... I couldn't help it, the IFFY produce buggy had a couple of good finds. There was this batch of Peaches marked $1.99 it was about 3 lbs.






I decided today would be the day to try a recent recipe that I pinned on Pinterest.







I got the original recipe from Keeping it Cozy --she did a fine job with the recipe.Be sure and click on over there and get that recipe. I actually followed this one-- she used other fruit besides peaches; and suggest you use what you have on hand or in season. I had blackberries in the freezer for a recipe such as this...but I'll wait and make it later on; besides, how much cobbler can two people eat?




I love cooking all my casseroles and cobblers in my big cast iron skillet. Do you like using cast iron? I warmed this up with a little butter and then added the peaches and sprinkled some flour...(tip: stir slightly after sprinking)



It turned out to be quite delicious.



I didn't have cream but I did have some butter pecan ice cream so just a dollop on top was all that was needed make this a delightful little dessert.

Here is a special Tip:
As I was getting all the ingredients together, I noticed I was out of Brown Sugar-- here's what I did.

First, I googled What to substitute for brown sugar... I found several recipes for MAKING YOUR OWN.

So here it is... Pretty simple.

2 1/2 cup white sugar

2 TBLsp of Molasses

Stir together until mixed well. They also suggested using a Food processor; which I don't have. I have the equivalent of a Braun hand blender...it worked just fine. This recipe is for light brown sugar. For darker sugar;  add less white sugar.

I'm linking up here: Sunny Simple Sundays


Homestead Revival 

The grace of the LORD Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philippians 4:23

 

:Figs: Freezer Jam

We've had figs on the tree for a while yet. Our tree is so huge. In the past I've frozen the figs and used them up later...the kids like them frozen just after they've started to thaw--the pop them in their mouths for a sweet treat. The photo above isn't mine. I got that image from  Linda's Italian Table -- she had a wonderful recipe for FREEZER JAM made with figs. I've not ever made freezer jam; but seeing how I'm out of jars, rings and lids and money is tight, I thought I'd try it. 

Here it is cooking! Yummie! 


It was an excellent recipe. It turned out tasting really good. You know I NEVER FOLLOW A RECIPE EXACTLY... but I'll just tell you I didn't add the ZEST of Lemon and I used BOTTLED LEMON JUICE. Still, it is delicious! 


The best part is The Honey wants Newtons...so this jam is good to make a crostata and she also has a recipe for that. I will invariably make some type of crusted cookie with FIG JAM on the inside just for him. I'll let you know how it turns out. 

Like I said-- I was out of jars. The figs were getting more and more ripe by the minute...so I used what I had and recycled plastic food containers. 


This recipe yields about 6 pints !!! (the rectangle one is about double) --I had a wee bit more figs than what she called for so I did add a little splash of lemon more and a sprinkle of Tablespoon of sugar more! 
Still, no matter, it tastes delicious! 


We're trying to use all that we have-- there are more figs on the tree; but not for too much longer, I'm afraid. The heat has been rough I hope to put some more up in the next few days, what the squirrels,birds and chickens don't eat! 


I'm linking 
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Go on over there to Sunny Simple Life and see how everyone is spending their Simple Sundays!

The grace of the LORD Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philippians 4:23