Domestic Goodness

Yes, I am still here. I just have not had much to post about, nor have I had the time. It is tax season, which means I am working several days a week. It is also spring, which means I am digging and weeding and tilling and planting and having a grand time again.

Last year, the best crop was potatoes. They were easy and produced much bounty. Therefore, I am planting two difference varieties this year. I am also going to try corn again (I haven't had much luck with it in the past). Pablono peppers, orange peppers, grape tomatoes and onions will be the main crop. I'm going to try seedless watermelons and pumpkins again, although last year I only harvested three pumpkins and zero melons. I can't resist trying again, because you never know if you may finally get it going. I'm going to take my friend, Sam's advice and plant marigolds along the perimeter to ward off the rabbits. And the deer...

I finally have some kefir grains! I have been wanting to get some for years. We drink LOTS of kefir, and to be able to make your own is about 1/4 of the cost, plus you get to control what all goes into it. Kefir is a yogurt like drink, but contains 10 times the amount of good bacteria, maybe even more than that. It is super easy to make, and I use it in everything. I make muffins, pancakes, smoothies, salad dressings and cheese dip. I am making about a quart every day, but we are using it up easily. On a side note, it is pronounced kuh FEER, NOT KEE fur. I got corrected straight from a Russian woman, and she should know, since it is a Russian derived drink! Don't be afraid to say it correctly!

Thanks to me dear friend, Sandra C, I made Ezekiel muffins this morning. They are so yummy!!! Don't tell the kids, but they are eating beans for breakfast!!! HA HA HA HA!!! I plan on making a bucket of Ezekiel mix and using it more often. You can make your own mix by adding all of the following items to your flour mill or Vita-Mix dry container: (taken from Breadbecker's red cookbook)

2 1/2 c wheat berries
1 1/2 c spelt
1/2 c hulled barley
1/4 c millet
1/4 c green lentils
2 T dried pinto beans
2 T dried white kidney beans (or great northerns)
2 T dried red kidney beans

Use it in place of your regular flour, or just use a portion. Super healthy and so good!!

Okay, enough for now. I need to get those potatoes in the ground today! Happy digging, baking and all His goodness be yours today!