Meanwhile...Back at the Homestead Update
WEATHER UPDATE:
SPRING Is Still Happening!
The wind has arrived.
The lilac tree is in full bloom. It looks beautiful and smells delightful. When I walk by this gorgeous tree, I take in a big whiff. Compared to the skunk smell we had a while back this fresh flower smell is wonderful and very welcomed. This month's weather has been great. Sunny and warm. My kind of weather.
One more picture. I know, how boring. But I really enjoy this blooming lilac! LOL.
The Chinese Elm Seed Invasion
Once again, the Chinese elm seeds have made their way onto the property. They are every where. Oh well, what can you do but wait it out for these little elm seeds to blow away.
Finally, the bare front yard has some grass. Its sort of looking like a green lawn. Its probably crab grass. Who cares. As long as its green and covers the dirt. Im happy.
Sorry, I do not have any amusing things or incidents to tell you about this week. Last week, I posted about the neighbor's roosters running amok. I love chickens and roosters but cant have any because I know that I live in the city and not on a farm. Also, I know what it would lead to and I was reminded of this very funny video. I laugh every time I watch it. She is so right and amusing.
The Grands - Eve and Raven
The Grands get mad when I try to take their picture when they are at Nana's. I snuck this picture in, last week on a school break. This was early morning before breakfast. They are sure enjoying their computer time.
Trouble in Paradise
No back yard BBQ's or sitting around the fire pit this summer. Sad face. It will be noisy, due to the new dog clan. My neighbors, on the back side of the house, have a new crazy dog clan. This is the daddy doggy. He is very mean and attacks his puppies, biting them. There are about 6 puppies back there.They are cute but very noisy.How funny, the mommy is a big dog and has black fur and the daddy is a tiny dog with cream fur. All of the puppies are tiny and have black fur. They are cute little yappers.
Oh, click on it. Its only 10 seconds long. Mad Daddy Dog.
Missy has a new name, the biter. Last night, Missy was on my bed, laying next to me as she often does and I looked at her and saw she had crazy eyes and then she bit me. LOL. I said to her, Dont bite me, I love you. And, she bit me again. I guess she is mad at me because the neighbor's cat, Oreo has been visiting the front porch and hanging around the yard. Well, Missy saw me talking nice to him on the porch. I dont think Missy likes him because she growls at him. Actually, I dont think Missy likes any of the cats around here. LOL.
Oreo hanging out by the garage door.
Housekeeping Made Easy:
Cleaning the Bathroom Shower
Shower Cleaner for Tough Stains
Sharing Bookmarks
Shut Up and Take My Money
Sci-Fi Craziness
Home and Style
Maybe because it summer, for some reason, I have been looking at shabby chic decor.
I feel a painting project coming on.
Sci-Fi Craziness
Home and Style
Maybe because it summer, for some reason, I have been looking at shabby chic decor.
I feel a painting project coming on.
Just for Fun A Sci-Fi Video
Slim Whitman - Indian Love Song
What would a vegan serve at a BBQ?
Deliciousness!
As Ive stated before, New Mexicans eat a lot of salsa. We love it. Also, many of us make salsa in our own kitchens. Some people think their salsa recipes are even good enough to enter into salsa contests. Im willing to share mine because its just a simple recipe that tastes great. My salsa recipe is easy and the best tomato salsa that Ive ever tasted. P. S. Ive never had an interest to enter it into a salsa contest. You are most welcomed use this recipe for salsa contest. LOL.
This past weekend, I managed to get some tomato salsa jarred. This fun project took a little under two hours to complete with chopping, blending, cooking and processing.
10 c. chopped, cored, peeled tomatoes (if blending ingredients no need to peel)
1 c. chopped green chile peppers, mild or medium heat chile is best
8 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 c. white vinegar
2 tsp. salt
A light dash of cumin
12 half pint canning jars, lids and rings
I put the ingredients into the blender and blend on low before cooking because I like a non chunky tomato salsa. This salsa recipe is very good chunky too.
- In a large stainless steel stockpot, combine all the ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat and boil gently until thickened, about 30 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning.
- Prepare canner, jars, and lids. How to prepare for canning link.
- Ladle hot salsa into hot jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe rim and attach lids.
- Place jars in canner, covering by at least 1-inch and bring to a boil. Process for 20 minutes, remove canner lid and let sit for 5 minutes, then remove jars to cool before storing.
Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Set out eight corn tortillas. Dip each tortilla into a bowl of salted water to moisten.
Stack the tortillas in piles of eight (8) tortillas. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut through the pile of tortillas, cutting into 4 equal triangles.
Arrange tortilla triangles in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake for approximately 6 to 7 minutes until crisp and the edges start to curl and turn lightly brown. Watch the chips carefully after 5 minutes, as they can burn easily. Once the chips are done, remove from the oven to cool. Chips will continue to crisp as they cool.
Its BBQ season! What goes great with that vegetarian patty is a vegan kabob, marinated in soy sauce and spices! Delicious. Happy face.
Low Fat Vegan Pasta Salad
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked rice
4 large firm tomatoes
1 tablespoon finely chopped green bell pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Slice off the top of each tomato and scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/4 inch thick shell. Reserve 3 tablespoons of pulp, chopped. Invert the tomatoes to drain.
In a medium bowl combine rice, tomato pulp, green pepper, onion, parsley, salt, garlic; mix well. Spoon filling into tomato shells.
Top each tomato with vegan non cheese sauce.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Let Them Eat Cake...Delicious Fat Free Cake!
When making a cake or brownies, you can get rid of fat and some calories in your batter by replacing the eggs, oil and milk with pumpkin puree. The pumpkin puree cannot be tasted in the cake. You can use it in chocolate, vanilla and many flavored cakes and your favorite brownie recipe. Using a box of cake mix or brownie mix? Just pour it in a bowl and add the pumpkin puree. Its that easy. Have a piece of low fat cake.
Going Back in Time
Flour, Sugar, Legumes, Rice, Dried Fruit, etc.
Figure out what you like to eat and
what you cook the most and save money. Buy in bulk.
