tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88237372903802262232024-02-19T04:24:29.788-08:00An Austin HomesteadPlease visit us at PocketPause.com for more great posts on sustainable living, gardening, cooking, eating real food and playing with corgis and other small livestock!Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.comBlogger642125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-65678723077981604582012-02-27T08:30:00.000-08:002012-02-27T08:30:00.153-08:00Goodbye / Hello<a href="http://pocketpause.com/hello-goodbye/img_1126/" rel="attachment wp-att-5633" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5633" height="330" src="http://pocketpause.com/woofwoof/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_1126-246x330.jpg" title="IMG_1126" width="246" /></a>I am so excited to finally reveal <a href="http://pocketpause.com/" target="_blank">Pocket Pause</a>, with "Tails" of my family's adventures: our follies while learning to farm, and the joys i get from food, cooking and practicing fiber arts. Yay! If you are a long - time reader of An Austin Homestead, you will love Pocket Pause, even if we left you back in Texas. While Pocket Pause will have an Oregonian angle, my focus will always be on sustainability, which transcends all borders. Watch for the occasional post from Pocket, our blog's namesake and the best little corgi in the world. PS, Pocket is a girl.<br />
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Head on over and browse around the new site, and feel free to comment with feedback on what you'd like to see more or less of. You can expect to read lots of posts about local hikes and travel destinations in Oregon, delicious and easy recipes, local and national resources for sustainably grown meat and veggies, tutorials and DIY tips, helpful links and more! Pocket Pause will be a week day blog, with 3-5 posts a week. Looking for more tips on DIY beauty products or herbal medicine? Check out <a href="http://nudesoap.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Bathtime</a>, our sister blog for weekly posts about natural bathing, healing and fun using herbs and essential oils.<br />
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Please join me in wishing An Austin Homestead a big "good-bye" and i hope you will check out, and hopefully stick around, <a href="http://pocketpause.com/" target="_blank">Pocket Pause</a> for many more of the posts you have enjoyed here and will continue to enjoy there. I'm so proud to have built up such a loyal following. I'm sure I will lose many of you in this transition, but i hope many of you will follow me, Pocket and the husband to our new blogging destination. Hint: i'm working on some "giveaways" as added incentive ;)</div>
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<i><b>Who's with me? Will you follow me to Pocket Pause?</b></i></div>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-84018028211719046962012-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:002012-12-13T09:10:27.092-08:00Homemade Toothpowder - DIY TutorialAre you looking for my great, easy and cheap tooth powder recipe? It moved! Check out the new location at <a href="http://pocketpause.com/all-natural-tooth-powder-a-diy-recipe/" target="_blank">Pocket Pause!</a> <br />
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Here's an excerpt:<br />
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As my long-term readers know, i like to save money and packaging by making all natural alternatives to common and oft-used around the house products. I make all our soap, i try to can or freeze most of our preserved foods, i buy bulk and use reusable handmade bags, and i especially like to keep my family healthy by keeping almost all commercially made body products out of our house. Products like tooth paste.
Did you know that sodium laureth sulfate, the same stuff used to make commercial shampoos rather, is in most toothpaste? Have you read the ingredients on most toothpastes in the store... if you have you'll see lots of chemicals, flavors, colors and other artificial nastiness. And flouride. I have mixed feelings on flouride, but despite my dentist's opinion on the stuff, he checked out my teeth as 'problem free' in my last visit.... after i'd switched to making my own tooth powder. I've been using my tooth powder for about 1.5 years. My last dentist appointment was also about 1.5 years ago, before the tooth powder. I had 2 supposed cavities and gingivitis. Commercial toothpaste: cavities and gingivitis. Homemade tooth powder: no cavities or gingivitis and a clean bill of mouth health. Want to make some for yourself? I thought so:
<a href="http://pocketpause.com/all-natural-tooth-powder-a-diy-recipe/" target="_blank"><b>Homemade Tooth Powder</b></a></blockquote>
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<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-142927506092812942012-02-21T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-21T08:00:04.064-08:00Greetings from CorvallisIn a rare appearance together, may i introduce Miranda and Andy Rommel:<br />
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Yup, that's me and the husband! We had a fun time at the Indoor Winter Market last weekend, peddling our wares and chatting with the locals. It was sure cold, though! Keen to hear more about Nude Soap's public appearances? (ha). <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nude-Soap/166571956723170" target="_blank">"Like" </a>Nude Soap on Facebook for all the most current news and announcements.<br />
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I'm crazy busy working on the new blog, so forgive me for my brevity!Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-41952220775757263172012-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-20T08:00:04.167-08:00New Favorite Toy: Dutch Oven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love my newest kitchen toy. Basic, multi-purpose, last a lifetime good: it's a dutch oven. It takes up a lot of space, that i really don't have in this apartment kitchen, but it's worth it!<br />
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Remember that delicious <a href="http://anaustinhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-bread.html" target="_blank">bread</a> i baked the other day? That was all thanks to my dutch oven! Mimicking the environment of a super hot bakery oven, my bread turned out as good or better than that fancy artisanal bread you find at the store for $5.00 or more.<br />
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Do you remember my mentioning my inexperience with cooking meat? I no longer have to think and can bust out the MOST DELICIOUS roasts and other meaty/veggie dishes with ease and minimal effort. Just toss meat, veggies, some herbs and wine into my dutch oven and bake low and slow to enjoy with minimal dishes or time spent in the kitchen. I think i about crawled INTO the dutch oven to lick up every last bit of this pork shoulder roast. The fresh hedgehog mushrooms from The Mushroomery didn't hurt either.<br />
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I'd like to say that i got my new dutch oven at the thriftstore where i work, but i actually got this oven new from Wayfair.com. I did get a set of two cast iron pans, one with a lid passed down from my step-dad for Christmas that i have been loving equally. So now i'm set! I found a few Revereware pots and pans from work, and have begun removing all the non-stick pans and pots from my drawers. I'm so happy to get away from those chemical lined pieces, and back to good old fashioned (and really functional!) cast iron and copper lined stainless steel. The nonsticks were great when they were new, but one use of a pizza cutter or immersion blender in those pots and pans chipped up that coating and cooking with them fills me with malaise. <br />
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<i><b>How about you? Do you love nonstick cookware, or are you a fan of cast iron/stainless steel?</b></i><br />
<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-5822454814666400132012-02-17T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-17T08:00:08.009-08:00Fiber Fridays: Holey CashmereBoth my husband and I love wearing cashmere. Most of our cashmere sweaters come from various thrift stores for cheap, and almost all have developed little holes over time. I'm mostly okay with holey sweaters, holey thrift store sweaters, that is. I'm not as okay with finding my favorite "purchased new from Macy's as a Christmas present from my husband" sweaters with moth holes in them. Cedar has been installed in the closet, let me tell you!<br />
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So, a few little holes is okay.... but one of my husband's sweaters is more holes than sweater at this point... and this isn't the worst one:<br />
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I have some plans on fixing my holey sweaters with some cute felted or stitched patterns: picture little applique felted stars stitched over the hole, or just stitching along the border of the hole to make 'cute' holes. That's not so cool for a man's sweater though, so it is my goal to attempt 'darning.' I SHOULD go tot he yarn shop and try to find some fine wool yarn to use, but instead i just spun some that isn't quite fine enough and is pretty close in color to most of our sweaters.<br />
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I've never darned before, but upon reading in a super cool knitter's magazine that i wanted but couldn't afford, i think i have a good idea on how to do it. Wish me luck!<br />
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<i><b>Any tips, ideas, advice on how to reclaim/ re-purpose holey cashmere?</b></i>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-4483730080647800692012-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-15T08:00:06.484-08:00I Felted a Hat!My friends were looking at me REALLY funny as i crocheted this giant "hat." I mean giant. Huge. Really massive, indeed! This, in fact is what it looked like when i tried it on:<br />
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No wonder they thought i was a nutcase. But i'm not a nutcase at all! (well, actually i kind of am, but that is beside the point) This giant hat was destined to be felted down to a normal hat size... and it almost worked. This was my very first felted hat experiement. I followed a pattern i found on Ravelry.com, and mostly did it right. The resultant hat is way thick, still a bit large and will definitely keep me warm and dry on even the soggiest camping nights. I wanted a rain hat, and i got one --- just maybe a bit thicker than i had anticipated. (Apologies for the blurry camera phone pics)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After wash #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After wash #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After wash cycle #3: we've got it!</td></tr>
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Here's the original pattern:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Eleanor Howe</td></tr>
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My hat:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ga4_XxCTsmJlV3jfjheq9_QEz8pFZ3asN3EBpCINbxylmeS0rHG4pWHf1ggg_x-u6jA1IvG30363qaxgiayb3_gYy6AFBqoEjc8msAqvzcerAzvkZ7Ogt8V6DNWA3ORB5yc3XWavSBQ/s1600/IMG_5573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkBD17YATK7m8fVP9pvrpLjtkWlK3cueEH3RbPKlTQTBq29r9BMAwXrGqM6yBld434OT1O8Jyjh0gsjGQcDrj3MVBG5xzyZJ7x6GOvOtcWFHy3aCqGjZPf8Doiky5ThQJJy55crT4eZ4/s1600/IMG_5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkBD17YATK7m8fVP9pvrpLjtkWlK3cueEH3RbPKlTQTBq29r9BMAwXrGqM6yBld434OT1O8Jyjh0gsjGQcDrj3MVBG5xzyZJ7x6GOvOtcWFHy3aCqGjZPf8Doiky5ThQJJy55crT4eZ4/s640/IMG_5577.JPG" width="500" /></a><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ga4_XxCTsmJlV3jfjheq9_QEz8pFZ3asN3EBpCINbxylmeS0rHG4pWHf1ggg_x-u6jA1IvG30363qaxgiayb3_gYy6AFBqoEjc8msAqvzcerAzvkZ7Ogt8V6DNWA3ORB5yc3XWavSBQ/s640/IMG_5573.JPG" width="500" /></div>
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Not a total success, as you can see. It's kind of cute, and very warm... but also kind of huge still. Or as my darling husband would say "helmut-esque". Grr. I'm not sure if the yarn was too thick, my crochet hook was too big, i didn't felt it enough, or what... I wish the pattern maker would post pics of the hat BEFORE it's crocheted. This was a great learning experience though, and 3 wash cycles later i have myself a decent, albeit REALLY warm hat to wear when i'm out tending the future sheep. Next time, i think i'll use lighter weight yarn. ;) In fact, i'm about to get spinning with some gray roving that will be destined for my second try... i hope it's a winner!<br />
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<b><i>Have you ever felted a garment? Did you do it on purpose or was it a "laundry mistake"?</i></b>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-76772236008967037552012-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T08:00:01.396-08:00Pro-biotic GuacamoleIt's <a href="http://anaustinhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-avocado-season-yall.html" target="_blank">avocado season</a>, which means time for guacamole! We cooked up some pork tacos last night and served it up with some shredded cabbage salad (in season) and some pro-biotic guacamole. Pork can be tricky to digest, so i like to serve it either with pectin rich foods (apples, raisins, pineapple, etc) or with yogurt. Since tomatoes aren't in season, i like to mix up my 'winter' guacamole to feature what is in season or on hand, and homemade yogurt is always around this house. Delicious, nutritious, and a digestive aid to boot, this guac is super fly!<br />
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<b>Probiotic Guacamole</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>1 to 2 whole avocados, sliced the "<a href="http://anaustinhomestead.blogspot.com/2009/10/proper-way-to-cut-up-avocado.html" target="_blank">right way</a>"</i></li>
<li><i>1 T homemade mayo</i></li>
<li><i> 1/3 to 1/2 cup homemade or "real" yogurt with active cultures (read, not yoplait)</i></li>
<li><i>1 clove garlic, finely diced</i></li>
<li><i> Salt and pepper to taste</i></li>
</ul>
Smush up the avocado and add the other ingredients. Whip up until blended and serve! You may omit the mayo, but i really like mayo so i can't resist using it in mayo-friendly recipes. As it is, this guacamole is choc full of good fats and has that added benefit of live yogurt cultures to help you digest your main dish and maintain overall good health. Wahoo! I think i'll go make some more tacos so that i have an excuse to make this AGAIN!<br />
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<i><b>Do you have a favorite alternative-preparation for your favorite recipes?</b></i><br />
<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-29327523591402053082012-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T13:17:28.322-08:00Emerald Valley Salsa: Go Local?Since moving away from Oregon in about 2004 (to live in Savannah, GA then Pleasantville, NY, then Austin, TX), one of the local foods i have missed the most is Emerald Valley Salsa. Fresh ingredients, just the right amount of spicy, no sugar or msg or any other nasties including preservatives added, this local salsa was only found close to the source.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6866871371/" title="Emerald Valley Salsa - my favorite, no longer local product by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Emerald Valley Salsa - my favorite, no longer local product" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6866871371_11efde63fc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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But sadly, i returned to find that although E.V. is still delicious, it is no longer local. They sold out. You can see subtle differences in the packaging: the logo and ingredients are no longer printed directly on the plastic tubs, they're just stickers affixed to the lid and sides. The salsa seems to taste pretty much the same, but now i'm purchasing what used to be concocted and made up right down the road in Eugene, OR is now manufactured in Kent, Washington** by a company based in Salinas, CA. That puts a few more miles on my favorite condiment before it ever reaches my local market. It also <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/eugene_salsa_dip_factory_to_cl.html" target="_blank">lost a few (25 or so) local jobs</a>. <a href="http://www.montereygourmetfoods.com/" target="_blank">Monterey Gourmet Foods</a> took over Emerald Valley, and although the salsa is still organic and still delicious, it's just not quite the same knowing that my favorite local condiment is no longer as local.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>** The article sourced for that information is a bit old, and the packaging on EVsalsa now reads 'manufactured in Fullerton, CA. Dang, even further away. </i></span><br />
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It seems that even Mel Bankoff, who founded the company in Eugene in 1983 is nonplussed by the change his big-dollar sell-out made to the quality and mission behind his product:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Bankoff sold Emerald Valley Kitchen in 2002 to Monterey, then Monterey
Pasta Co., for $5.5 million. He stayed on to head Monterey's organics
division but said he grew disillusioned as top management changed and
didn't exhibit the commitment to organics and employees that he
advocated. Three years later, Bankoff resigned. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
-OregonLive .com</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6866871763/" title="Emerald Valley Salsa - my favorite, no longer local product by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Emerald Valley Salsa - my favorite, no longer local product" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6866871763_5bf8da6095.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
So, a few jobs lost, a few miles added to my 'carbon footprint' and 1 disolusioned business owner later, I just have to settle with my Washington made salsa. It is still pretty delicious, i have to say.<br />
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<i><b>Have you ever had a favorite local product, only to find out that it was no longer local?</b></i>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-2387351788001289762012-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-10T08:00:05.733-08:00Solar Flares?There were some solar flares recently.... and in case you didn't know: solar flares make Auroras! Aurora Borealis... the other one... ha. I don't know much about the Northern Lights, except that they're really really cool and i've never seen them. Thus this post: I want to see YOUR Northern Lights pictures!<br />
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Join my<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/anaustinhomestead/" target="_blank"> flickr group</a> and post your shots, i'll choose my favorites to post here in a few days (if i receive any entries at all, and i hope i do!).<br />
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<i><b>Do you live somewhere with regular auroras? </b></i>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-51021214002496491872012-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-09T08:00:02.728-08:00The Yaquina Spin InI sure had a blast spinning, knitting and selling some Nude Soap to the wonderful attendees of the Newport Spin-in last weekend. Spinning sure isn't only an 'ancient' art form. We spinners filled the cafeteria of the Newport Middle School with wheels, fiber, tall tales and fine yarn. Some highlights:<br />
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<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-32583924834505398732012-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-08T08:00:05.987-08:00It's Avocado Season, Y'allQuick! Run to the grocery store and stock up on in-season avocados! Those little gems full of "good" fat and lovely flavor are usually expeeeensive, but not so when in season. Watch for sales and prices under .75 cents a fruit (2 for $1.00 at Grocery Outlet, baby), and stock up. You may wonder: what will i do with all those avocados? They ripen suddenly and need to be utilized at the 'best' point in their ripeness to take advantage of their flavor, but never fear: you CAN put by avocados!<br />
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Love guacamole? Enjoy it all year, even when the avocado prices are absurd: buy avocados in bulk when they're cheap, and store them in the <b>freezer</b>!<br />
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1. Buy a whole mess of avocadoes<br />
2. Wait for them to ripen (nice and soft, but not rotty-mush)<br />
3. Cut open avocados <a href="http://anaustinhomestead.blogspot.com/2009/10/proper-way-to-cut-up-avocado.html" target="_blank">*the right way*</a> and scoop flesh out into a bowl<br />
4. Sprinkle a small amount of citric acid or lime juice and salt over the fruit and mush together<br />
5. Fill freezer bags with the avocado mush, label and store in the freezer.<br />
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Your frozen avocado will make great guacamole (be careful when you mix it up, as the avocado is already limey/tangy), ice cream, assorted dips or sandwich spread. Now get on out there and buy some avocados!<br />
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*No, avocados aren't local, but if you're in the south they're close to local, and even cheaper than they are up here in the PacNW. Try and choose Mexican avocados for the fewest border crossings.Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-49729323092595686882012-02-07T08:30:00.000-08:002012-02-07T08:30:00.352-08:00I *heart* the Oregon CoastI can't help it: i like to shoot into the sun, especially when it's setting over Ona Beach.<br />
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I cannot express how happy I am to be back on the west coast. An ocean just isn't as lovely without a sun setting over it.<br />
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*happy sigh<br />
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<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com01143-1199 NW Bernard St, Waldport, OR 97376, USA44.510584793579582 -124.0791606903076244.504922793579581 -124.08903119030762 44.516246793579583 -124.06929019030761tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-82428377293805888512012-02-06T11:05:00.000-08:002012-02-06T18:26:15.238-08:00"My" BreadI'm so excited! My husband bought me the book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Bread-Revolutionary-No-Work-No-Knead/dp/0393066304" target="_blank">My Bread</a>" for my birthday TWO years ago, and i finally made a loaf! What was i waiting for, you may ask? Several things: losing enough weight to warrant baking artisanal bread (not-check), having a reason to bake a loaf of special bread (check), acquiring a dutch oven (check!). The dutch oven was the main impediment, and thanks to <a href="http://wayfair.com/" target="_blank">Wayfair</a>, i was lucky enough to receive a lovely 6 quart dutch oven. I spent just a few minutes Thursday night and a few more Friday morning and bam: artisan bread!<br />
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You can find the free recipe for this bread online, plus two bonus recipes <a href="http://www.ecookbooks.com/t-My-Bread-Jim-Lahey.aspx" target="_blank">here</a> and of course plenty more if you can get your hands on the book from your library or local bookstore.
I used the olive bread recipe, and added fresh rosemary to boot. It was
delicious and my friends didn't believe me when i told them i baked it.
I almost didn't believe me myself! Unlike most artisan bread that i've
eaten, this bread was MOIST in the middle. Great crust, gorgeous
appearance and moist moist MOIST center. Awesome. Really awesome.<br />
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The husband did not get to enjoy this fresh bread, as i took it with me on a trip to the coast for the Newport Spin-In. I guess I'll just have to whip up another batch, ay?<br />
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<i><b>Have you tried the "no knead" bread method?</b></i><br />
<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-50456908195124208372012-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-03T08:00:08.310-08:00TUTORIAL: Crocheted Market Bags -Step 2Before we begin building the height of this bag, i'd like to introduce an alternative method for starting the base. It's easier than the first method i posted, so i hope you're not mad at me for wasting any time or curse words over the original pattern.<br />
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Instead of slip stitch joining the begining circle, simple skip the slip stitch and work the pattern in a SPIRAL. Using this method, you will always crochet around the entire chain, instead of the stitch at the top of hte 'posts.' This will make a more flexible mesh that is probably stronger than the first way i showed you. To build the round base, simply chain 1 more between double or triple crochets in each round. This is also how i usually make this bag... i guess i got excited by a recent hat pattern i was following that used the slip stitch method and decided to use it for this pattern... but perhaps i was wrong to do so.<br />
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Note, for a visual on how to triple crochet, visit the<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/anaustinhomestead/" target="_blank"> Flickr Group! </a><br />
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Okay, now it's time for some height! And it's so easy! Simply stop increasing and continue to chain the same number for the next dozen or so rounds. We<a href="http://anaustinhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/01/tutorial-crocheted-producemarket-bags.html" target="_blank"> left off</a> at round 6, so here's the rest of the pattern:<br />
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<b>Round 7-15/20: </b>Ch 5, TC (triple crochet) around previous row's chain, crocheting all the way around the chain, not into the stitch, repeat all the way around for 13 or more rounds. <i>(no need to move your market, just leave it where it is to help you count rounds)</i><br />
<b>Next Round:</b> Ch4, DC (around the whole chain), *CH1, DC *repeat three times per mesh hole all the way around<br />
<b>Next Round:</b> When you get all the way around, slip stitch into the next verticle mesh post/dc and tie 2 knots<br />
Tie another piece of yarn, or a double up piece of string and weave it through the holes you just created at the top of the bag to create a draw string.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Admire your work! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mine turned out pretty huge, great or long term storage or big shopping purchases, but you may prefer to make many smaller bags that are more conducive to purchase a few apples or tomatoes, etc. </span></span><br />
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The size of your bag will depend on a few things: the size of your string, the size of your crochet hook, the tightness of your stitches, how large you decided to make your base and continue your height. If you want a large bag with smaller mesh, simply choose a tinier hook, finer string, and crochet more rounds to create the same effect. It is important, though to not let the 'holes' of the mesh get too large, or objects will slip out! SO use your common sense, play with this pattern and make it your own! But please, do follow the rules of the *disclaimer below.<br />
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These bags really are strong, especially if you choose quality string. I hope you enjoy your new bag, and that you'll comment back with all the fun things you use them for! <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>*Our market bag pattern, and all tutorials found on this site are presented for your personal use only. Tutorials and/or
objects made from my tutorials may not be sold commercially (that
includes Etsy or Ravelry!). If you want to sell something based on one of my
tutorials, please email me at gonudesoap at gmail dot com and we'll try
to work out a fair deal. Please play nicely! </i></span>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-14740437389350045962012-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-02T08:00:05.365-08:00Goat StewWoo hoo, i'm a stew fiend now! After my very first attempt at stew, i've gained confidence and am comfy just throwing things in and letting them 'stew' away all day. With delicious results!<br />
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Remember those shoulder steaks i picked up from <a href="http://winnslivestockandhatchery.com/" target="_blank">Winn's Livestock and Hatchery</a>? We thawed em out, chopped em up and tossed them with some flour and seasonings before cooking them slowly in my new dutch oven. By leaving the bones in, we got the benefit of the marrow infused into the stew liquids. Yum.<br />
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<b>Goat Stew</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>2 goat shoulder steaks, chopped, fat included</i></li>
<li><i> Sprig fresh rosemary</i></li>
<li><i>Bay leaf</i></li>
<li><i> 2 carrots</i></li>
<li><i>3 potatoes</i></li>
<li><i>5 cloves garlic</i></li>
<li><i>1 onion/ 1 leek</i></li>
<li><i>2 dried chillis </i></li>
<li><i>1 bunch radishes</i></li>
<li><i>canned corn</i></li>
<li><i>Splash red wine</i></li>
<li><i>Water to cover meat/veg</i></li>
<li><i>Salt/pepper</i></li>
<li><i>Flour to coat (about a handful)</i></li>
</ul>
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Cut the meat and toss it with the herbs and flour and toss into a
pre-heated dutch oven. Brown meat by stirring about, but don't cook
through. Add chopped onions, leeks and garlic and stir. Add potatoes and
liquid to cover the meat and veg. Let come to a boil then turn way
down, cover and let simmer for hours. Add carrots about halfway through.
Adding a splash of apple cider vinigar a few minutes before serving is
fun, too. The canned corn goes in right at the end. The vinegar helps to "lift" the flavor.<br />
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I topped the stew off with some baby arugula which added brightness, bite and some necessary green veg. Someone asked 'but how did it taste' about the ground goatmeat we had in our chilli recently, and i wasn't sure. This time, though: i can report. GOOD! Meaty, tender, lean, but just enough decadent to make it comfort food. Lunch leftovers never tasted so good.<br />
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<i><b>Is it still stew season in your neck of the woods?</b></i><br />
<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-55456604951121673982012-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-01T08:00:01.973-08:00Weekend Outing - Come to the Spin In!Interested in fiber arts? Want to learn how to spin? Just want to check out a whole bunch of folks practicing their olde-timey craft? Head over to Newport this Saturday, and get all those hankerings met!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Newport Spin-In</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Saturday February 4, 2012</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hosted by: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/YAQUINA-FIBER-ARTS-GUILD/256199187842" target="_blank">Yaquina Fiber Arts Guild</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Northwest Regional Spinners Association Area 6060</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Location: Newport Intermediate School</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">825 NE 7th Street</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Newport, OR 97364</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9:00 am - 4:00 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Admission: $4.00</span></div>
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Food and beverages are available for a modest fee, or byo<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruTKIfvoHkzoETxZ2xbimBi1vpfHwjJgIk7gF8w-uioXeYE-DU18sdoKZLKUnLyTpWtTWg-OxgINopVKrk_Ds0sg7AiE8OL-E9Oj4etXE9krcwF5DrY2VqToNjhZcvyhDI_b-5yhkSlk/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruTKIfvoHkzoETxZ2xbimBi1vpfHwjJgIk7gF8w-uioXeYE-DU18sdoKZLKUnLyTpWtTWg-OxgINopVKrk_Ds0sg7AiE8OL-E9Oj4etXE9krcwF5DrY2VqToNjhZcvyhDI_b-5yhkSlk/s640/IMG_0578.JPG" width="500" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GvDXdy_EasMe0V1JQKuFZAF1AHDoywEYPZo8Bwwvl4n1g3F-OLCzuUXsR840PZ6d5oVPloNrhTza-6TloP59p2mJBWo36iKIMRcm62j1RGlARuHXHteTqUhqEjuAvn9pY7hpHEQYGyQ/s1600/IMG_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GvDXdy_EasMe0V1JQKuFZAF1AHDoywEYPZo8Bwwvl4n1g3F-OLCzuUXsR840PZ6d5oVPloNrhTza-6TloP59p2mJBWo36iKIMRcm62j1RGlARuHXHteTqUhqEjuAvn9pY7hpHEQYGyQ/s200/IMG_0252.JPG" width="200" /></a>Come and check out the vendors, the spinners, new friends and plenty of folks eager to chat and show you their craft. I'll be there with Clementine, my spinning wheel, and a small <a href="http://www.gonudesoap.com/" target="_blank">Nude Soap</a> booth. I would love to meet YOU so stop by the <a href="http://www.bellwetherwool.com/" target="_blank">Bellwether Wool </a>stand to say hello to me and my favorite fiber supplier, and maybe pick up a few bars of soap or a bag of Wenslydale roving. While you're at the coast, grab some<a href="http://anaustinhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/08/review-local-ocean-seafood-newport.html" target="_blank"> fresh seafood</a>, check out the Newport Aquarium, or just take a stroll on the beach (if it's not pouring and screaming wind!)<br />
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Hope to see you there!Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-72871631755139721802012-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T08:00:00.836-08:00"Shake and Bake" ChickenNo, this is not the recipe that you are thinking of. No preservatives, boxes, pre-packaging or styrofoam was harmed in the making of this meal. And let me tell you, I have found my absolute favorite way to prepare chicken! Easy, quick, wasteless and delicious. What's better than that???<br />
<br />
Although we can't afford to buy pastured, organic chickens from our local farmers, i have committed myself to never purchasing packaged chicken that's already been 'convenienced.' This means no buying "chicken breasts" or boneless, skinless anything. I buy Foster Farms whole chickens at the local market... I'm sure FF isn't the most humane, <i>( but maybe it is? )</i> but it is affordable and grown quasi locally, sourced from Oregon or Washington farms. By purchasing a whole chicken, i'm skipping the packaging (plastic wrap, styrofoam, etc) otherwise found in pre-butchered chicken, plus i get the whole bird, leaving me bones and giblets for making stock or feeding Pocket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CrlkTLAMBMoKdW0klmzmGr3pzsdbYe4JSYnuXwYYIk1-UoU9qCrBMJhqrmY63jounBfq16_hNa_9v1lGzXNIjDTQm-kkQ3385BPlgDC0X6_tPABgaoTOhwWUbgp3Pca9Mm_IoBZmmkk/s1600/shakenbake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CrlkTLAMBMoKdW0klmzmGr3pzsdbYe4JSYnuXwYYIk1-UoU9qCrBMJhqrmY63jounBfq16_hNa_9v1lGzXNIjDTQm-kkQ3385BPlgDC0X6_tPABgaoTOhwWUbgp3Pca9Mm_IoBZmmkk/s1600/shakenbake2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sustainability aside, buying a whole chicken does add an element of work, but really not much. I have a nice meat cleaver that i sharpen often, so hacking the thighs and wings off is easy, as is shaving off the breasts. Pocket always gets the wings, but the breasts and thighs are saved for the humans of the family. I often <a href="http://anaustinhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/02/best-roasted-chicken-ever.html" target="_blank">roast the chicken whole</a>, but chicken grease is just too delicious to not be eaten with gusto, and we usually eat it all in one sitting, rarely leaving the sandwich meat leftovers originally planned for. While searching for a better 'diet friendly' option for cooking chicken, i've tried curries, bakes, casseroles and anything else you could think of... but now i've found my absolute favorite, and it's the easiest to make of all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SiCKy7VfxqchN8J1RjVzOFVwvDYY1LVft3hmRqlaxZEfDyTYUzLlkPvzqQFpbMGaTZOaRcJj5TzN6SVRybMuScUxux4gOfsEWcFx1spNnhEiT5Vy9nHtbs7P0KnUH-RkVnoZevvCQk4/s1600/shakenbake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SiCKy7VfxqchN8J1RjVzOFVwvDYY1LVft3hmRqlaxZEfDyTYUzLlkPvzqQFpbMGaTZOaRcJj5TzN6SVRybMuScUxux4gOfsEWcFx1spNnhEiT5Vy9nHtbs7P0KnUH-RkVnoZevvCQk4/s1600/shakenbake1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Shake and Bake Chicken - Scratch Made</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>1 chicken/ 2 thighs and 2 breasts, fat and skin mostly removed (i like to leave just a bit of skin covering the large side of the thigh, and some of the breast</i></li>
<li><i>a ziplock or grocery bag</i></li>
<li><i>Flour mixture: crushed dried bread crumbs, 1/2 cup flour, salt, pepper, seasonings to taste: pick a theme and go with it: cajun, italian, mexican, etc - i used mustard, paprika and sage</i></li>
<li><i>2 potatoes</i></li>
</ul>
Mix the flour mixture in a bag and toss each chunk of chicken, one at a time until coated. Before tossing, preheat the oven and a large cast iron pan (or pyrex baking dish if you're sans-cast iron) to 425-450. Once pre heated, take out the hot pan, melt a bit of butter in it and place the tossed chicken pieces in, skin side down. Enjoy the popping sear sounds! Place a potato or two halved, face down in the same cast iron, nestled in between the chicken parts. You may also wish to toss the liver and gizzrds in the seasoned flour and add to the the pan. Bake for 20 minutes, flip chicken parts (leave the potatoes) and bake another 20.<br />
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<br />
Easy. Tastes like fried chicken. Stays juicy. Isn't greasy. = new favorite.<br />
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<i><b>What's your favorite way to eat a whole chicken??</b></i><br />
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<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-86120128695460334912012-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T08:00:04.585-08:00TUTORIAL: Crocheted Produce/Market Bags - Step 1<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Crocheters</b>: grab your hooks, string and savvy and let's make some reusable bags! </span><br />
<br />
These bags are great to take to market, hold onions or potatoes in the kitchen, and even for storing yarn and other goodies in. They roll up fairly small, so you can keep on in your purse or car without taking up much space, yet they expand quite large, depending on how big you crochet the base. If you already rock at crochet, this will be easy. I've done my best to
post this pattern as both an easy to read description for those folks
who aren't great at reading patterns, as well as in normal pattern
lingo. I wrote in the first tutorial post that we'd be using three
stitches: chain stitch, slip stitch and double crochet, and i left
instructions for these stitches. However, i remembered that i usually
like to use triple crochet for the majority of the bag, so please do
your homework and get ready to triple crochet in the next post.<br />
So, without further ado: we commence the tutorial!<br />
<br />
* I must first start out with a disclaimer.... i am not a master crochetist. I often make mistakes, crochet into half the stitch instead of the whole stitch, am notorious for 'winging' most 'patterns' and have never written a pattern before. That being said, this bag pattern has lots of room for error, there are many ways to skin this cat, and i think you'll have fun doing it. Hopefully you even have fun trying to decipher my instructions. Please also see the second disclaimer at the bottom of this here post. *<br />
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<i>Abbreviations used: ch: chain, slst: slip stitch, dc: double crochet</i><br />
<b>Round 1:</b> ch5, slst into 1st ch after slip knot to join: makes a tiny circle<br />
<b>Round 2:</b> ch2, dc3 into eatch st of the foundation chain (makes 16 stitches)<br />
<b>Round 3</b>: ch5, place marker in st on hook, dc into next st (meaning skip 1 stitch and crochet into the next stitch), *ch3, dc in next st, repeat from * 6 times, stopping at marker<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>be sure you're crocheting under the two loops of the stitch, not just one. If you crochet 'incorrectly' you'll get a ridge between your two rows</i>. <i>Check out this <a href="http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=55" target="_blank">diagram</a> </i>)</span><br />
<b>Round 4:</b> ch3, dc around the chain (instead of into it), move marker to this chain, chi5, *dc into next dc "post", ch5, repeat from * 7 times, stopping at the marker<br />
<b>Round 5:</b> dc into the stitch with the marker, ch3, move marker to this chain, ch3, * dc into next "post", ch3, repeat from * to the marker<br />
<b>Round 6: </b>add to more ch to make a chain of 5, dc around chain, move marker to this stitch, ch5, skip the next "post" and dc into the chain<br />
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Sound like jibberish? Here's an 'english' version, with pictures!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6783849175/" title="round1 by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="round1" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6783849175_2109682c59_o.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6780246175/" title="round2 by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="round2" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6780246175_ca8d969504_o.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6780246285/" title="round3 by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="round3" height="639" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6780246285_0499c44196_o.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6780246395/" title="round4 by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="round4" height="639" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6780246395_8b8de093a9_o.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6780246485/" title="round5 by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="round5" height="633" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6780246485_8897d4ae54_o.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6780246579/" title="round6 by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="round6" height="633" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6780246579_0d9a2bf1db_o.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Remember that if you don't have cute little markers, you can use a loop of different colored yarn or string, a twist tie, or even a paper clip. </i><br />
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At this point, i like to use triple crochet for the next round and the rest of the bag. SO please do your homework and learn the triple crochet stitch. Hint, it's just like double crochet, but you yarn over TWO times before crocheting into the stitch, and pull through three times instead of two times: thus triple crochet. We'll stop here for now and continue on Friday with the base of this market bag, continuing to get you on your way to completing your very own market bag! You get to decide how big you're bag will be based on how wide you get the base circle and how long you continue crocheting up the sides of the bag.<br />
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As always, i welcome emails and questions, and want to see your progress! So, be sure to join the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/anaustinhomestead/" target="_blank">Flickr group</a> and post images of YOUR creations!<br />
<br />
A few resources to help you out if you have questions: <br />
<a href="http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/www.anniesattic.com/crochet/">learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/www.anniesattic.com/crochet/</a><br />
<a href="http://ravelry.com/">Ravelry.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.crochetspot.com/category/tutorials-and-help/">www.crochetspot.com/category/tutorials-and-help/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Our market bag pattern, and all tutorials found on this site are presented for your personal use only. Tutorials and/or
objects made from my tutorials may not be sold commercially (that
includes Etsy or Ravelry!). If you want to sell something based on one of my
tutorials, please email me at gonudesoap at gmail dot com and we'll try
to work out a fair deal. Please play nicely! </i></span>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0Philomath, OR, USA44.540121 -123.367601444.5174855 -123.4070834 44.5627565 -123.32811939999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-67632273717198365772012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:00:01.729-08:00Market Bag Tutorial: Gather Your Supplies!It's almost time to get your crochet on, people! A few of you have already clamoured for details, but for those of you who waited, this is what you'll need:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oRwK3oPnh9a6blTlbfPUloCk3FJvAot3FFSbLVDyFJmiZKDKiNpDIR6-CDeLZBgXmNkrFNib1LNau9MepjSki33x1LwdgL9QrVjGurW6fCxxu3tKQy1vQR48inqm7XphoaeBnGNmGv0/s1600/materials2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oRwK3oPnh9a6blTlbfPUloCk3FJvAot3FFSbLVDyFJmiZKDKiNpDIR6-CDeLZBgXmNkrFNib1LNau9MepjSki33x1LwdgL9QrVjGurW6fCxxu3tKQy1vQR48inqm7XphoaeBnGNmGv0/s1600/materials2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>1 spool of basic cotton string. You could use any sturdy yarn, but you don't want anything bulky, fuzzy, or woolen. Hemp would probably work, but it's a bit stiff. This basic string from the hardware store will do just fine</li>
<li>Medium sized crochet hook. You can use the lightweight plastic ones if that's all you have, but i recommend a metal or bamboo hook as i've been known to snap a hook during heavier projects.</li>
<li>That's it! Though a crochet marker or extra piece of thread tied in a half inch loop would be helpful.</li>
</ul>
Now for the skills needed. I meant it when i said only basic crochet skills are needed. We're going to be using three stitches: chain stitch, slip stitch and double crochet. That's it. You can find instructions for these stitches in ANY crochet book, online, from a friend and from these ridiculous videos i filmed yesterday. Which means you will now hear my actual voice, not just the type written one. Let's see how many of you make fun of my lisp!<br />
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I'm sure you could also find many more and better tutorials on YouTube. If you're a total beginner, check out that site for lots more how to videos. I should have filmed over my shoulder so that you're not looking at the stitches backwards... but here are some photos to help out as well:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMa7DEmVqKaS7H-DsfwjUH7HvuDwB8BLvIqAUhpWGjfYNoBOc4yhyphenhyphenLFdwUudW6bSfhLlhlUR3qmRk5ruls1-nMau06Nkya6MCVAFu9m2PjzouqfhwCN_pgr5zq4kI0BB90yBFF78TTBIs/s1600/crochet+tut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMa7DEmVqKaS7H-DsfwjUH7HvuDwB8BLvIqAUhpWGjfYNoBOc4yhyphenhyphenLFdwUudW6bSfhLlhlUR3qmRk5ruls1-nMau06Nkya6MCVAFu9m2PjzouqfhwCN_pgr5zq4kI0BB90yBFF78TTBIs/s1600/crochet+tut.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
So now you know what you need to get ready for our crochet along on Monday. Head to your local yarn, fabric or hardware store, your basement or your private stash and let's get crackin! For fun, i've created a<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/anaustinhomestead/" target="_blank"> flickr group </a>for showing off our progress. I hope you'll join the group and share with us! You don't have to join to see what others are doing, but it would be even more fun if we could see your projects too! You can also post any recipes or other projects inspired by this blog, up to 10 images a day! Yay!<br />
<br />
What to expect on Monday: bring your thread, hooks and savvy and get ready for a free pattern* with some variations and room for personalization. We'll start with developing the base of the bag, using chain stitches and double crochet, crocheting in the round. Having a stitch marker on hand will help you to count your stitches. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Our market bag pattern, and all tutorials found on this site are presented for your personal use only. Tutorials and/or
objects made from my tutorials may not be sold commercially (that
includes Etsy or Ravelry!). If you want to sell something based on one of my
tutorials, please email me at gonudesoap at gmail dot com and we'll try
to work out a fair deal. Please play nicely! </i></span><br />
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<b><i>Excited? I sure am! See you next week!</i></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-32894489676813196632012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-26T08:00:01.005-08:00Choosing a Raw DietSince choosing to feed our corgi, Pocket a raw diet... we've had lots of factors to consider. Where to get our supply of meat? What type of meat to feed? How often? How much? What "philosophy" will we follow: B.A.R.F., raw meaty bones, whatever is on hand with no rhyme or reason, should we stop feeding kibble altogether or feed some occasionally? Will we consult a nutritionist, or just follow our common sense? We've come to a few decisions, and we're still working it out with the help of Pocket. So far, so good!<br />
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Supply of meat: local. We're open to roadkill and hunting if the
opportunities present ourselves, but we've found an excellent source of
goat/pork/ and lamb meat just north of town: <a href="http://www.winnslivestockandhatchery.com/" target="_blank">Winns Livestock and Hatchery</a>.
Initially, we found a great source of 'meat' from a butcher about 40
minutes up the road, and still have a few butchers to call up for
alternative sources... but the first butcher sold dog food in the form
of ground beef (muscle and organ meat).<i> </i>And we've sense decided that what she needs is meat and bone. <i>(Pocket is seen here consuming ALL of a goat neck, from the flesh to two vertebra).</i><br />
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Philosphy: The ground meat, along with chopped veggies and other raw human-grade meat was a great start, but we've since decided that going with the 'raw meaty bones' philosophy makes the most sense to us. I purchased the book "Work Wonders: Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones" by Tom Lonsdale and read it cover to cover. His website, rawmeatybones.com (which i haven't visited yet) has more resources and forums, and i feel that feeding meaty bones that require Pocket to pull, chew, "floss" and gnaw makes more healthful sense than feeding already ground up meat. I still feed her chopped veggies, in season and supply her with chunks of meat, but the majority of her diet is now fed from raw meaty bones. And when we're talking meaty, we're not talking a bone with some meat on it, we're talking about a leg of critter, covered in all the good stuff and consumed down to the last swallowed bone chunk. Eating is a workout, strengthening her jaws and shoulders and cleaning her teeth all at once.<br />
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So now we have both source and philosophy down, it's time for implementation. Along with meaty goat and lamb bones (and potential pig/sheep/goat heads and other weird body parts) purchase specifically for Pocket from the local farm and butcher shops, she'll also enjoy bones from human grade food, that would otherwise be wasted or saved for stock making. I only buy whole chickens when i want chicken meat, so i have plenty of chicken carcasses coming through the kitchen. When i have plenty of homemade chicken stock on hand, i'll save the chicken frames and backs for Pocket's meals. If i need to save a few for stock making, she'll have to eat something else. If we happen to buy some bone-in red meat, i may cut off the meat for us and save her the meaty bones. "Reduced for quick sale" meat is a great option for us and her, and one can usually find gizzards and other cuts in the grocery store. Utilizing 'spare parts' or less popular/old cuts of meat, and sharing the edible portions from the meat we do purchase becomes cost effective, resourceful, and healthful for the whole family to utilize as many parts from the animals/meat we choose to eat.<br />
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Now that we've decided what philosophy and source we'll be feeding by, the proof is in the pudding: Pocket's coat is shiny and soft, her teeth are getting cleaner and her itchy ear scabs have cleared up. Are you interested in the pros and cons of a raw diet for dogs? I'd be happy to post more about my research and experience, and i'd love to hear from you if you feed your dogs/cats raw meaty bones.<br />
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<i><b>Shall we continue this conversation?</b></i><br />
<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-9538811551810441512012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:00:00.361-08:00Beazell Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Just up hwy 223 (from the junction of hwy 20, just west of Philomath) is Beazell Memorial Forest. Hidden under the trees are mushrooms, ferns, streams and several miles of lovely hiking paths.</div>
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Signs of the recent floods were obvious, and water still ran down many of the steeper paths. We very much enjoyed our trip into the fog and ferns, and Pocket is still sleeping off her eager romp. With a hill steep enough to warm my core and work up a sweat, you can be sure we'll be back again soon.<br />
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<i><b>Do you have a favorite trailhead near enough your house for frequent day trips?</b></i><br />
<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0Beazell Memorial County Forest, Philomath, OR 97370, USA44.6527658 -123.426317744.641470299999995 -123.4460587 44.6640613 -123.4065767tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-64434339450870466492012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-24T08:00:03.015-08:00Black Bean and Goat ChillyWhile everyone else in the country (it seemed) was watching a football game, we the televisionless couple cooked some chilly in honor of the sport. We paid a visit to a local farm last week to pick up some meaty bones for Pocket, and some goat meat for us. <a href="http://www.winnslivestockandhatchery.com/Home_Page.php" target="_blank">Winn's Livestock and Hatchery</a> just north of Corvallis has affordable meat raised by a 4th generation farmer and his very friendly wife. April chatted back and forth with me via email to decide what was best for us to purchase, and we ended up with a freezer full of bones for Pock, a pound of ground goat meat for us plus a shoulder steak that i'll cut up into stew meat in the next week or two. *More about the nutritional facts on goat meat coming soon.<br />
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To preface, i am no master of chilly. Sometimes my chilly is soupy, sometimes thick. Sometimes it just tastes like bean soup, other times i master true 'chilly' flavor. This batch was kind of more bean and meat soup, but it was freakin' delicious bean and meat soup. Topped with a little shredded cheese, in season (and cheap!) avocados and a dollup of homemade yogurt: protein, a little fat, probiotic, balanced deliciousness!<br />
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I started by soaking some black beans in a stock pot over night. The next afternoon i poured off the water, covered the soaked beans with water and brought to a boil. Meanwhile i browned the pound of goat meat with a few chunks of bacon, seasonings (taco seasoning from a Seattle market), chopped jalapenos and a diced onion. Once the meat was cooked, i poured it with the fat into the beans along with some chopped carrot, another diced onion, some more jalapenos, a few pinches epazote and a generous pinch of cumin. I turned the mixture down to a simmer and covered it with a lid. The stew/chilly/soup hung out for about 3 hours until i added some frozen roasted tomatoes (with garlic) and a little salt and homemade raw apple cider vinegar. Never add tomatoes/vinegar/salt to beans too early on: you'll get beans that never soften! After adding the final ingredients, i simmered for another few hours until we were ready to eat. This definitely did NOT taste like watery beans! All the flavors emalgumated very nicely and formed a lovely, thick texture.<br />
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Fist pumps all around!<br />
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<i><b>Are you picky about your chilly, or can you 'go with the flow'?</b></i>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-81228654188891222542012-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T08:00:01.639-08:00Are You Ready for Some Crochet!?Football season is gearing up and winding down at the same time, so it's time for 'us girls' (total gender stereotype there, sorry) to get something to do with our hands during the big games, other than stuffing our faces with nachos. I mentioned it before and got resounding support to host a crochet tutorial, so it's time to get your hooks out, crochet-savvy ladies and gents! Let's make some market bags! They're great for picking up produce in the store or farmer's market (be sure and weigh your bags at home so that you can subtract the cost of the bag when weighing your produce), for carrying your purchases, or even for storing onions or potatoes, etc in the kitchen. For the purposes of this tutorial, we'll be calling our project "market bags."<br />
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I will post this tut in a few posts, first with materials needed, then with the first step for the bottom of the bag with several variations, and then the completion of the bag. <br />
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Here's what we'll be making:<br />
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Excited? Tantalized? Eager to learn this basic but sometimes hard to find (esp for free!) pattern? You should be. It's great fun, totally customizable and only requires basic crochet skills. Gather your friends (tweet this post, share on facebook, email to your bestie) and get ready for some crochet! Step one coming THIS FRIDAY, <i>WOOT</i>!. You'll have the weekend to gather your supplies before we start the meat and potatoes of the project on Monday and finish the next Friday.... just in time to hone your skills before Superbowl Sunday.<br />
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<i>I hope you'll play along, too!</i>Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-36461081159317007972012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T08:00:04.368-08:00Floods in PhilomathPhilomath, and local surrounding areas, are facing some tough times. For once, i'm happy to be living in this apartment, on the north and HIGH side of main street. The Mary's River crested this afternoon at record heights, and she took some homes, cars, streets and farms with her. I hope to take some better shots today, but yesterday was a work day and i was only able to snap a few pics on my lunch break.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6728695453/" title="Philomath Flood by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Philomath Flood" height="491" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6728695453_a591794668.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6728694091/" title="Philomath Flood by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Philomath Flood" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6728694091_c84457828a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6728691913/" title="Philomath Flood by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Philomath Flood" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6728691913_3bbf8abc83.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6728690767/" title="Philomath Flood by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Philomath Flood" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6728690767_6db4df4bbe.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6728690505/" title="Philomath Flood by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Philomath Flood" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6728690505_43f348bd2e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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That last shot is of the parking lot of my workplace.... my low slung hatchback was not at all pleased that i decided to go ahead and drive through that mess. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this flood. From the homeowners with a serious mess on their hands, to Gathering Together Farm with all their farmland covered in water, local residents will have a serious cleanup to face when the waters recede. I just hope the Mary's leaves some topsoil behind.<br />
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Local highways and roads to and along the coast are also facing erosion and mudslides. If you must travel, be sure and check with the roads services to see where closures and delays may impede your progress. Back in Texas, we had a saying that reminded folks not to try and drive over low water crossings when in flood. Same goes with Oregon: don't play the fool and try and drive down a street covered in flooding waters. We've already had some casualties from cars swept away into streams and rivers. Learn by their unfortunately example and stick to the high and dry road, even if the bypass delays you on your way somewhere. Better safe than sorry!<br />
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On the flip side, Eastern Oregon didn't get as much snow as they hoped and are still facing some scary drought conditions for the upcoming season. I wish we could send some of this surplus to them, but isn't that always the way?<br />
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<i><b>Have you ever been victim to mother nature?</b></i><br />
<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8823737290380226223.post-78477315521846058562012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-19T09:34:53.106-08:00Warm Soup for a Cold Day<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6717590201/" title="Warming soup for a cold day by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Warming soup for a cold day" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6717590201_9b2b4e99f3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
After playing in all that snow, we needed some soup to cup our hands around and to warm our bellies. The snow prevented much of a shopping trip, however so i stuck with what i had on hand. Leeks, being my hubs' favorite of late have been featuring heavy in my recent soups, and 1 leeks goes a long way to creating a delicious soup.
The husband says i'm good at making soup. I love that, since i was afraid of soup making for a long time, assuming that some great skill, knack or formula was needed to make a great soup. I was totally wrong. Soup is easy! Everyone should make soup, and no one should buy soup from a can or box. Skip the bpa lined cans, skip the packaging and skip the preservatives and sodium. Just throw together some veggies (you don't even have to chop 'em much), maybe some (preferably homemade) chicken stock and then finish it off with an immersion blender and you've got soup fit for a king and queen! If you don't have an immersion blender GET ONE, they're awesome... or just chop the ingredients finely for a somewhat uniform consistency at the end.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6717616681/" title="IMG_0516 by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0516" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6717616681_f594c415f1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirandypandy/6717590415/" title="Warm soup with crusty bread and avocado by Mirandy Pandy, on Flickr"><img alt="Warm soup with crusty bread and avocado" height="324" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6717590415_991ca9138f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Served with a side of locally baked crusty bread (and a totally non-local BUT in season avocado!) you've got a well balanced meal. Remember the <a href="http://notdabblinginnormal.wordpress.com/dark-days-challenge/" target="_blank">Dark Days Challenge</a>? The soup challenge is ON this week and i'm proud of this contribution, even if it doesn't meet quite all the parameters of SOLE food. To prove that making soup is NOT a challenge, even if sourcing all your ingredients locally can be, here's the recipe:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>1/2 quart condensed chicken stock *homemade*<br />1/2 quart water<br />1/2 a cauliflower *not local (california), in season*<br />1 turnip *local and in season*<br />1 leek *local and in season*<br />some garlic cloves *homegrown*<br />fresh rosemary *homegrown by my mama #2 1 hour away*</i><br />
<i>1 potato *Oregon*</i></blockquote>
To cook is too easy: put all the ingredients in a pot, cover it, bring it to a boil and reduce to a simmer until you feel like eating, at least 20 minutes after it boils. Hit with your immersion blender and top with some seasoning for a filling and vitamin packed feast. Makes enough for 4, but 2 of you will end up eating it all if given the chance.<br />
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<i><b>Have you ever become master of a dish or technique you were once afraid of?</b></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.spain-in-iowa.com/2012/01/simple-lives-thursday-79" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post can be found at Simple Lives Thursdays: a great blog hop of recipes and sustainable living tips</i></span></a><br />
<br />Miranda Rommelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976695254283276415noreply@blogger.com0