Adventures On My Frontier

Bread! Mmmmmm! And lovely locavorism!

2009-03-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Bread making is so beautiful and therapeutic and makes your house smell Lovely!

I have, Finally, found The bread that Charles really enjoys. I am ever so glad. Ever since we got together I have been working on making bread and learning about this good ol' fashioned tradition. So far the best cookbook author I have found is Peter Reinheart, he is awesome! His book is where I got Charles new favorite from.

I have been thinking about it, a 5 lb. bag of flour is about $2, from a groceries. I believe they have 12 c. in them and that equals at least 6 loaves, which is .33 cents a loaf for flour. Then say a carton of eggs is $1, which translates to 12 loaves, which is about .08 cents each. Milk is say $2.75, the last price we paid, 1 gal. is 16 c., which is .25 cents a loaf, so far that will be .66 cents a loaf. Add some for the yeast, which I get a jar of for about $5, and it lasts me for quite a while, so say that adds about .10 cents, then it's .76 cents.

Now there are some people out there who argue that it is still not worth it, sale loaves of cheap store bought bread can be .99 cents. But added to that cheap store bought bread are preservatives, some kind of corn or soy byproduct, sugar, etc. And when things are mass produced lots of other icky things can make there way in there that are not listed, mmmm lovely! Also, you are saving energy by making it at home instead of helping to cause it to be trucked over to where ever you buy from. And before that all the big machines to make it that use electricity and gas. But mainly, I do it because I love it, and it is lots healthier!

Along with baking bread comes discontinuing the purchase of ready made meals. Growing your own garden or some plants in a sunny window, etc.

And on gardens, I am working on one in my front yard! I plan to work a big garden for a friend who will be gone for 2 yrs. And I just found out that there are community gardens here in Charleston!!! YAAY!! Along with that is the farmers market where I can get things that I do not grow, contributing to our locavorism. Being a locavore is awesome!!!! Especially when you can prepare and preserve food for the winter. Hmmm, a big freezer would be such a lovely addition to our kitchen!

Books!

2009-03-10T16:02:00.001-07:00

I feel just horrible at how I have been neglecting blogging. BUT on the upside I have been doing much more reading, cleaning, garden planning, etc.

Speaking of gardening I don't know how often I will be able to update this blog. My goal for now is once a week.

Now back to the subject of books!! I just finished reading an amazing one in Feb. called Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver. I love books that I read and immediately want to be best of friends with the author! This is one of those books. And they have a website with some delicious recipes if you can't get the book right away, which I definitely recommend buying! The website is animalvegetablemiracle.com, and has many yummy recipes. It is a very inspiring, not discouraging book. And if you are unable to have a yard garden, I say go for container gardening! Just remember they need a lot more watering. Also, if you are in an apt., ask your landlord if you can plant in the yard! I am able as is one of my friends here in WV!

Second, is books, but more about the authors! Carolyn Dille and Susan Belsinger. So far I have 2 of their books, Herbs in the Kitchen and The Garlic Cookbook. I have tried 2 recipes from The Garlic Cookbook and plan on using Herbs in the Kitchen soon also! BUT Susan is who you need to check out! Google her and you will find great and useful herb gardening, harvesting, and storage tips. Which her and Carolyn also combine along with cooking in Herbs in the Kitchen. I am soooo excited to have discovered them! They have traveled the world and so far recipes are easy and delicious with no complicated ingredients. LOVE IT!

The third book is Super awesome, another author I want to be friends with, as well as his wife! And I was very afraid I would not receive this cookbook, as there was some kind of mash up on ebay. But it came, rather late, and very beautiful Bread Bakers Apprentice. I think all his books are worth adding to your library also! I already made a bread from his book! The recipe for which I retrieved from the internet. I am already working on the first chapter and it is thrilling! I am soooo looking forward to finally creating bread that my husband will Love as well as all visiting people's. ;) His methods are ingenious, and he even tells you to not throw out your other books, but look at them in a new light. And I am glad he did, cause right after starting to read his book I thought of throwing some of mine out. But now I will know bread and make it! And no more icky, store bought, chemically enhanced bread for us!!!!

Now thinking of my bread baking books reminds me of another excellent husband and wife team whom I Adore! Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid! They so beautifully combine story-telling, cooking, traveling, and photography. I have 2 of their books and am dying to get my hands on the rest! Seduction of Rice, soooo excellent, covering many cuisines that have rice as a staple. And Homebaking, the artful mix of flour and traditions from around the world. I made some good bread from the 2nd book, but it was a bit too dry. I think that Peter's book will definitely help me with working from Jeffrey and Naomi's book.

Man, all this good reading and cooking and baking!!!! If anyone has knowledge of other great cookbook authors, please clue me in!

Oh, and here is another blog that I love and has helped open my eye's on good old-fashioned homemaking also! Passionatehomemaking.com, please check her out, she rocks!!! Soon I will be saying hello to soaked grain breads!

Yummy and warming cup of deliciousness!

2009-02-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

I am sitting on the couch. Sipping my newest drink concoction. Usually it is my baby sister Lydia who does this kind of thing. However my creative juices were flowing yesterday and I have a chai concentrate that I barely ever use! I bought it on clearance and I was thinking is it possible for it to go bad?! So I decided to use it!

Along with the chai I had some hazelnut creamer and milk and coffee. So I brewed up a little pot of coffee. On the stove in a pan, no coffee pot in this home, unfortunately. Filled a cup 3/4's of the way full with milk, added in a good swig of chai and a 2 sec. pour of hazelnut creamer. Then topped it off with a little coffee. And I have to say, even though I am an avid coffee lover! I believe this tastes even better without the coffee, gasp!! So try it, love it, and thank me. ;)

Oh, and while drinking snuggle up under a blanket and revel in our winter that has finally produced snow!

Battlestar Galactica

2009-02-03T17:21:00.000-08:00

My hubby says it is like the new age star trek. I think he has something there, though not a carbon copy, there are similarities. One thing I know for sure is that it is super awesome and exciting, continuously! I would definitely suggest watching it, all of it.

So far there is only one episode that is not good, and that is because it is, pretty much, a complete copy of the one before it.

You have got to watch it!!

SurfacetoAir

2009-01-29T12:25:00.001-08:00

This sweetly simple tank would go well with the pants, don't you think?

Here are the pants. Classic style with just enough of a twist! There is such a urban and european cool to them.

Me time!

2009-01-29T11:40:00.000-08:00

I usually get a couple hours break a day from my 24 hr. job. (Not that I am complaining, this truly is my dream job!) I get to veg in front of the computer and drink a lovely hot mug of decaf coffee or some yummy cocoa. Surf the net and sigh over all things fashion and the beautiful world of bloggers!

Side note: There is this person who drives a muffler-less and ugly car down our street at least once if not twice a day. EVERY time they drive by they rev their engine and if Charles car is parked out there it sets off the alarm. It is ever so irritating! Grrrrrr! Ok, I feel a bit better now.

So back to bloggers.... I have always been a rather curious person, many spankings have ensued from my constant explorations as a child. (I would wonder how mom had caught me! As I rubbed black soot from my face, from the attic. Haha, I wonder what else gave away my antics.) And being a part of the blog-verse helps to satisfy my ever-loving curiosity. I even thought about becoming a scientist before, they get to explore soooo much! But then, I failed chemistry and did not do well at all in math! So thank you! To all the other life chroniclers out there, I love you!!

Playing at Dada's work.

2009-01-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

Izzy being goofy!

2009-01-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

She just started sticking her tongue out the side of her mouth. Man, it is the cool new thing to do!! ;-)

MD

2009-01-17T10:07:00.001-08:00

I have to confess! The reason my daughter is so happy and full of energy, wait, every kid is full of energy, haha.

The secret is.... I give her mountain dew every morning! She plays with the bottle and it starts her day off right! Heehee, just kidding, I only give it to her sometimes.

Isn't it funny how children love the unconventional toy. And yet people pay so much money buying them actual toys? She does like her baby toys, they just get boring.

Mountain Dew!

2009-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Mountain Dew!

2009-01-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

Mountain dew

2009-01-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

2009-01-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through the VS swimsuit catalog and was struck with the need to get in shape. I think I am now in the worst shape ever, after having Izzy. So I have worked out 3 days in a row then took the last 2 days off because my awesome parents dropped by on their way home. They were out vacationing for.... 1 whole month!!! I used to go with them on those!

I think this gorgeously clear and crisp day must be the coldest we've had yet! And we got snow for the third time this winter!

Edelweiss origami flower

2009-01-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

The whole time I was making it I was singing the song from 'The Sound of Music' in my head.

If your dryer breaks...

2009-01-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

Set up your own clothes line in your library. I am excited to see how much electricity we will be saving.

You know there are certain things that are easy money savers. But because of the media they are viewed as signs of poverty. Like hanging up your clothes on the line. I don't have a yard so I can't, but if I did I would. ^-^

2008-12-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

Today I was using an old recipe as a guideline to make a new recipe. And one of the ingredients I used was sesame seed oil.... I had my eggnog coffee sitting right beside my little glass that I was using to mix up to sauce in. Guess what happened! I was not paying close attention and I dripped some into my coffee, haha. Always one up for adventure, I tentatively took a sip. It was not bad, not that I would suggest you doing it yourself, but it is drinkable. The worst part is that you can smell the oil, otherwise you really can't taste it.

I am refining my new recipe, but it involves; chicken, garlic, green onions, fish sauce, and sesame seed oil. Yes, it is of Chinese inspiration! I adore Oriental food!!

2008-12-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

I found some Amazing shoes!! They are peep toe booties, and I really never thought I would want a pair... considering their impracticality. And then I saw these!

And after much trial and error I figured out how to get a picture up on here. Phew!

I love how these are artsy chic and wildly, lovable. Perfect for when you are feeling like some classic shoes with a funky twist. These are definitely the kind of shoes you build an outfit around. And they are on DSW.

Yoda?!!

2008-12-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

Play peek-a-boo I do. Yoda baby I am.

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2008-12-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

My kitchen partner in crime. I just discovered her 2nd tooth coming up!! Gooooo Izzy!

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2008-12-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

Here is the beginning of a beautiful recipe. Budget friendly, healthy, yummy, all around great yogurt!

And the players are 2% milk, 1 can evaporated milk, 2 pkg of knox unflavored gelatin, and 2 8oz. containers of yogurt from last time, equaling 1 1/2 c.

Yogurt Recipe - Makes 2 qts.

Combine in a large bowl:

3 c. powdered milk

6 c. water

(I scalded 6 c. of 2% milk for this instead)

Stir well. Add:

1 can evaporated milk OR

1 2/3 c. scalded whole milk (2 % would work for this also, have not tried it yet though.)

Combine separately:

1/2 - 1/4 c. yogurt (My first batch I used store bought and 1 c. of it. My dad said it is better to err on the side of more yogurt, than less and have it be soupy. This time I am using the last 2 jars from my first batch and that equals to 1 1/2 c. )

1 c. of milk from bowl

2 pkg. unflavored gelatin, add to 1/2 c. cold water and heat up in microwave. Stir in to milk.

Blend until smooth and return to remaining milk. Mix well. Pour into clean jars, or some other container (I use my crock pot. Preferably it should be glass, porcelin, metal, brand new plastic container, etc. Because the yogurt will absorb the smell/taste from any old plastic or rubber container or porous surface.)

Allow to incubate for 3 to 6 hours. (This last time I left it to incubate overnight. It turned out fine and seemed to have a better consistency. Though once stored in the refrigerator the gelatin firmed it up very nicely too!)

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2008-12-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

Scald those 6 c. of milk. Unless you are using powdered milk. Make sure to stir it, and do not let it boil! Just wait til it gets some foam on top and starts steaming a little. Then turn off the heat.

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2008-12-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the amazing budget friendly cookbook that everyone should own! There is an updated version also.

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2008-12-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

Pour the milk into your bowl.

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2008-12-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

Add the can of evaporated milk. Or 1 2/3 c. scalded milk.

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2008-12-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

Now dip out one cup of the milk from the bowl. Add to that your plain yogurt, I used 1 1/2 c. this time. Stir well, it should be completely smooth.

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2008-12-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

Now pour the yogurt mix back into the big bowl of milk. Stir well.

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2008-12-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

Get 1/2 c. cold water from your faucet and add in the unflavored packets of gelatin.

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2008-12-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

Stick it in the microwave for a bit to heat it up and help it dissolve, then stir well.

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2008-12-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

Now pour the gelatin water in with the milk and mix well.

See the toys in the background? That's Izzy helping mommy in the kitchen. :)

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2008-12-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

Now place it into a container so that it can incubate and turn into yogurt!!

I preheated my slow cooker with boiling water, so that it would be a warm temp. And poured it out about 7 min. before I put in the yogurt mix.

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2008-12-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

Next I wrap in in an old flannel blanket, yes, it is clean. And leave it for 3-6 hours, or until morning. We keep our apt. cold, so after letting it set for about 7 hrs. I unwrapped it from the blanket and left it out over night. I do not think I would do this in the summer though.

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2008-12-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

Now I pour it into the super clean jars. They are the perfect size, 8 oz., and reusable and pretty!!

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2008-12-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

Here is the finished product. Fresh, homemade, lovely, delicious, creamy yogurt!! I keep eating them up like a little green pup until there are only 2 left. Which I then go on to make another batch with!! If only I could get my darling, sexy man to try out my yogurt... he would fall in love with it too!! Well, he may need the help of some sugar at first...

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2008-12-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

And here is the super cute and dainty box they came in!! It kinda reminds me of a sari. With the rich beautiful color and pattern. India is full of the most vibrant and lovely colors!

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2008-12-19T22:34:00.000-08:00

Here are the earrings my fiancee gave me as an early Christmas present.

With my newest green wardrobe additions, these will be a great compliment.

2008-12-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

Little baby Izzy, monkey friend attatched ;).

I need to give a shout out to some things, people who inspire me! Thepioneerwoman.com, luckystylespotter.com (and everything Lucky) my FAVORITE magazine! And lots of other ones, haha, the two above are pretty much all I can think of now. I really was not super prepared.

My poor blog!

2008-12-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, I really am doing MUCH better at blogging... it is just over on adventuresonmyfrontier.tumblr.com, so check it. And I think I will be switching everything to here, though I have not figured it out yet!

I switched my title cause this will not be all about birth and pregnancy. Just when I started that was where I was and I was really focused, to say the least. ^-^

So now, my new focus is All my adventures, not just one genre. Hehe ^-^.

2008-06-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I have had my daughter for 4 months now. She is doing extremely well, we are breastfeeding. I ended up having her at the birth center instead of at home. My husband was too afraid to give birth at home. I will have to fill this in as to all that has happened.

My experience

2007-10-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

I was born at home and saw 3 of my siblings born at home also.
Now I am starting my own homebirth tradition. And I will put up my birth experience after it happens.
One great thing about doing things this way is that you do a ton more research. Which has really opened my eyes to all that is going on now in the USA.
Everyone here trusts Dr.'s way to deeply. Especially when it comes to birth. Which they view as a condition to be treated. Not a common life occurance and process. I know that not all Dr.'s and OB's are this way, but the majority are.
This trust we allow to be so easily placed in our medical profession has led to an increase in c-sections and many other serious medical interventions. Often they happen just because the Dr. feels that the labor is taking to long for their schedule. And because they strap the mother down to a bed with moniters and iv's. When in a natural birth, the instinct and best way to do labor, is moving around. Using gravity to help your baby get in place and changing position to find what is most comfortable.
Not to say that hospitals are "bad", or the purpose of Dr.'s null. On the contrary, they are vitally important to all women who have a high risk pregnancy. Where all the testing and monitering saves lives. It is just that the majority of women are low risk. And if they were allowed to move around in hospitals when in labor, eat and drink, have people they trust caring for them, etc. There would be a great decrease in c-sections and other forms of intervention.