Do you doubt?

Haven't we all experienced doubt at some time?  Worship Him who sees you as worth dying for!

Blessings!

My Gift to You....

You, my wonderful readers, bless me all year with orders, kind comments, prayer and encouraging notes that fill my in box and my mail box! I hope to bless y'all this season with the ability to save a little money! I hope this will bless you and your family now and for many years to come!

I have decided to put both of my e-books and my calendar (PDF version) on sale at the same time at the lowerst price ever! Everything is 50% off! I don't think I've ever placed them all on sale at the same time before...or at prices this low!


Do you have a desire to garden but don't know where to start?  Not sure what to plant...or when? Want to know exactly what to do each month of the year in your garden?  Perhaps you need my Perpetual Garden Calendar! This calendar is filled with tips on seeding, planting, transplanting and harvesting. You'll also find some of my favorite family recipes for your garden bounty.  You'll find a list of my favorite seed and garden suppliers too. Don't throw this calendar away at the end of the year...it's printed on 80 lb. cardstock and is meant to be saved and used year after year! This calendar is normally $16.00 but is on sale now for $8!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make a healing salve?  Would you like to know how to make an effective cough syrup?  Want to brew a cup of healing tea?  Does the word tincture scare you.....bewilder you?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, perhaps my e-book Herbal Medicine Made Simple would make a wonderful Christmas gift for you or for someone you love! Normally this course is $20 but you'll find it on sale now for $10!

Or perhaps you would you like to learn how to make your own pure, natural, herbal soaps? Find out what the "soap" in the stores is really made with!  Learn how to create natural, healthy soap in your own kitchen in an easy, simple to follow, step-by-step method in my e-book Soapmaking Made Simple! Find out how to prevent disasters, salvage mistakes and where to purchase supplies inexpensively! This course is $20 but you'll find it on sale now for $10!

Have you ever wanted to take one of my classes but live to far away? This is your opportunity to take my classes and allow me to mentor you, long distance!

Or perhaps these e-books would make wonderful presents for someone you love!

This sale will begin today and end at midnight on January 15th!  Normally, with the purchase of either, or both, Soapmaking and Herbal Medicine books you also receive 30 days of mentoring by email. But during this sale, I will extend the mentoring until the end of February!  Double the normal amount of time if you purchase now!  This will allow you to get through the busyness of the holidays and begin your studies when life calms down a bit! I'll help you walk through these courses until you are confident in your own abilities. Ask as many questions as you need to and I'll answer them quickly!

If you've taken one of my classes and would like to share your experience, please feel free to leave a comment!

May this season be a blessing to you and your family!

Sad, but often true!

Let's truly worship HIM this week!

Philly Steak and Cheese - homegrown!

One of the favorite meals in our house is a philly steak and cheese sandwich.  I just cooked a small roast from a cow we raised ourselves.  We like our roast medium rare.  Here's how we build it....

Start with some whole wheat rolls (homemade I hope!) - sliced and grilled with a little bit of butter until nice and toasty.

Add some home grown beef!

Grill some onions from your garden - just a pat of butter in a cast iron skillet, heap the skillet high with sliced onions and keep turning them until they are golden!

Add a slice of cheese of your choice - Provolone is wonderful!

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Tennessee Splendor!

This fall I decided to take the boys and my mama on a trip to learn some local history.  

It was a gorgeous day and the fall colors took our breath away.

We hiked 1/2 mile to see this cabin - amazing how simply people lived!

We visited an old cemetery.

My sweet daughter-in-law came with us - she takes the most amazing pictures!

I loved this old feed trough - we hiked a mile to see this old farmstead.

This grist mill was still operating!

I love old barns!

Amazing!  Our Father paints the most glorious pictures!

Can anybody guess where we were?

Blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I was so blessed to have my entire family around my table!  I pray that your Thanksgiving was blessed with friends and family!

From our home to yours...

Happy Thanksgiving!

What would it look like?

A great article on what a Ron Paul Presidency would look like written by Bill Sardi and found here.  Although here are some highlights, go read what Mr. Sardi wrote - there is So much more info about how your life could change under a Ron Paul Administration - please go...go now....read the article!

 $1 trillion cut in federal spending(per year.

US would cease being the world's policeman and plunderer of foreign economies .

The Department of Commerce, Department of Education and other Cabinet positions would be eliminated. 

A regular audit of the Federal Reserve

Demand an audit of the gold at Ft. Knox. 

Abolishment of the Internal Revenue Service

A push for the federal government to get out of the real estate lending business. 

A push for a currency that has limited stretchability by backing it with gold.

"Imagine Ron Paul appoints a new chief at the Food & Drug Administration who turns that institution upside down, who complies with the law (Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act) rather than repudiates or ignores it as the current FDA does, and works to allow health claims for natural medicines that work far more safely and effectively than synthetically made drugs, and at much lower cost. " 

Ron Paul has publicly stated he would take a $39,000/year salary while in office .

"You can save your country, save your family, save your nation's future – vote Ron Paul for President."Bill Sardi.

I think we need to kill it....

Although we've spent several days trying to put the garden to bed for the winter this keeps happening....

Sweet  Bells!

Hot Habaneros!

Fiery peppers!

Sweet German Johnsons and Orange Jubilees!

The boys are also digging Kennebecs, Yukon Golds and Sweet Potatoes after school and between rainy days.

And this week we harvested 5 gallons of these....with many more still on the tree!

We are so grateful for the huge bounty our Father provided this year.  However, I'm wondering if we will ever get the garden to bed for the winter so we can plant it again next spring.  It may be time to kill it - just  bite the bullet and till it under.  

We have cover crop planted in some sections of the garden, but it is awfully hard to say goodbye to those sweet peppers and tomatoes!  I don't think we've ever had our plants produce to the end of Oct. and through several light frosts - what a blessing. I've canned, frozen, and dehydrated for months now.  I wonder if my canner will see its' winter resting spot or if it will just continue to work right on through till spring.

How about y'all?  Anyone still harvesting His gifts to us?

Praising Him for an amazing gardening year!

Do you do this?

Do you ever eat something out that you would love to make at home?  Do you ever "analyze" the recipe and try to re-create it?  This is one of my favorite things to do! It's a challenge and I know the end result, if I succeed, is a healthier and more economical version of what we enjoyed out.

We were recently at a wedding and they served an amazing black bean salsa!  We loved it.  So....I put a small serving on a plate, took it back to the kitchen (where I was helping....just so you don't think I lost my mind!)  and began separating the ingredients as best I could so that I had an idea of what was in it. Between the visual and my taste buds, I was confident I could easily copy this recipe.  The results were wonderful!

Yummy!

This is an easy dish to make.  When I shared it with my mama, she decided to use it as a side dish!

Here's what I did!

1 can shoepeg corn (your own canned/frozen will do!)

1 can black beans ( or your own canned will do!)

1 small onion chopped very fine

3 garden tomatoes (not sure how this would be with store bought)

1 large bunch of cilantro chopped

2 garlic cloves minced (go easy on this)

Pinch of salt

1 small jalapeno chopped or 1 tblsp minced jalapeno canned (go easy on the jalapeno - this is a sweeter type of salsa!)

Mix well and let sit at least 2 hours for flavors to meld.

Enjoy with chips, on mexican dishes or simply as a side dish like mama!

We are getting a handle on things here and working out our new schedules....school is going well for the boys, the garden is in the process of being put to bed and cover crop planted.  We are STILL harvesting tons of tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and peppers but everything else is about over.  As usual, I'm happy to see it go and will be happy to see the canner put away...probably by the end of October sometime.  

We have lots of plans for winter projects, have been busy with weddings and other fun things, out of town company twice and with more to come next month! I'm teaching another child to drive and seems like I am always grading math papers!  In between all of that, I'm trying to make soaps and salves!  Life is just a happy hum of busyness.

The taste of fall is here!  Lovely breezy warm days and cool nights.  The curtains are constantly moving at the windows...this is my favorite time of year and I'm loving every second of it.  Our Father was so creative with the seasons - what a gift they are to us!  

Till next time...may He bless you in all of your endeavors!

Changes and Challenges

I can't believe how fast the time has flown since my last post. I'm still canning the last of the garden. Tomatoes are still coming in fast and furious as well as our favorite hot peppers.

School has started in our household and both boys are already working hard. There is a lot to do for Josiah's Senior year.  I want to make sure all his bases are covered come graduation time.

There have been a few changes in our family that require a bit more of my time. I'm still working out  scheduling so everything gets done.  Challenging days right now...but challenges can be a good thing.  It stretches us a bit and that usually helps conform us more to His image.

I won't be posting as often, so you might want to subscribe to posts.  Although I love to write, it is a luxury I just can't afford right now on a daily basis.

I'll be back soon with a Black Bean Salsa recipe that is wonderful!

Blessings,

End of the season blogging break!

My kitchen seems to be open 24 hours a day right now.  It's the end of the garden season and I'm busy putting it all into jars for the winter....or drying it in the dehydrator...or freezing it.

The tomatoes are filling my sinks along with onions, cantaloupe and watermelon. There is still one last bed of beans to pick as soon as they are ready...then we will need to dig the potatoes and the sweet potatoes.  I'll be working on corn tomorrow - hoping to get it all into the freezer.

Then there is school.  When I'm not in the kitchen, I'm working on school plans.  This is Josiah's last year of high school.  We're finishing up his 4 year plan.  Although he doesn't plan on college at this time, I kept Josiah on a college track.  That way if he changes his mind, he will have all the subjects he needs for college acceptance.  Personally, I think Josiah will become a famous woodworker - forget the Chippendale Chairs...one day it will be a piece of furniture by Josiah!

Elijah is only one year away from high school - oh my, they are growing up so quickly!

I need to do some work on my website - several pictures have vanished into cyberspace so I'm working on getting those replaced...in my spare time ;)

All of this to say that I'll be taking a break from blogging for the next week or so. I am finding myself way to tired by the time I get to bed to take the time to blog right now.

I thank you for your understanding and will be back before you know it!

Do you think they've gone wild?

Remember in November 2012!



Remember in November 2012!

His Endless Gifts

This week I am thankful for my Father, the giver of all good things!


#982 - #994


that He brings peace, no matter our circumstances


that He loves unconditionally


that He is just


that He fights the battles for us...if we let Him


that He protects and loves His children


that His ways are higher than our own


that He is always good


that He is always the victor


that He never fails


that He always forgives


that His eye is always on us as He watches over us


that He never sleeps


that He loved us enough to provide a way to spend eternity with Him!


that He never lets go




As I watch my Father's provision for my family in all things, He leaves me breathless...

King of Glory!

Garden News

So happy to say that the jalapenos are done! I had to grab my camera quickly before the boys got them all put away!

They believe there will be enough to do another round of canning...I may try a batch of jalapenos in a sweet syrup instead of the vinegar base....thinking things through.

Still working on the last bed of green beans, corn, tomatoes, dry beans, drying herbs, freezing melon balls, putting up potatoes, sweet potatoes and more. The pecan tree is loaded, the winter squash is doing well. It won't be long before we'll be planting garlic and cover cropping the areas that are finished.

The days are changing - seems a bit early to me for these cool nights and early mornings.  The sky looks different, the air is different...fall is quickly approaching...it's my favorite time of year!

Are y'all wrapping up your gardens?  Anyone planning a fall garden?

Blessings!

French Silk Supreme Pie - Part 2 - The Filling

Today we finish making this wonderful pie.  Your crust should be baked and cooled.  Your chocolate curls should be in the frig waiting for you. (see previous post!)

 Let's make the filling and you could be serving pie for supper tonight...I know I will be!

The very first thing we need to do is melt 3 one-ounce squares of unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler. We do this first because the chocolate must cool before it can be added to the filling mixture. 

While your chocolate is cooling, you can assemble the rest of your ingredients.  You will need 3/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla, cream for whipping and a bit of sugar to whip with your cream.

Next, place 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 cup of sugar into a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. I use my Magic Mill mixer - my favorite kitchen tool! Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.  You can see I used the same spatula that I stirred the chocolate with.

Now add your cooled chocolate.  If the chocolate is warm, you will cause the butter to melt and the structure of your pie will be completely different - more like a chocolate cream pie (ask me how I know!)  We are striving for a very high, light filling. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl often!

Now add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. I'm using my homemade vanilla - yummy!

Next you are going to add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. 

Scrape the sides of the bowl after adding each egg.

You should see the structure of your filling increase in size.

Your filling should not be soupy or "pourable".  It should be thick and rich. You will have to scoop it out of the bowl and lay it in your pie crust.

Make sure you gently push it up against the sides of your pie shell.  It will be higher in the middle than on the edges.

Fill the entire shell and then lick the spatula!

Now place this in the frig for at least 5 hours before serving.

I've served it in as little as 3 hours but it was better after 5.

Now for the "supreme" part - the toppings!

Place heavy whipping cream in your mixer and add sugar to taste - I usually use a bit less than a tablespoon.  The goal is a hint of sweet but nothing that would overpower your pie.  Beat on high until it forms stiff peaks - be careful! - if you over beat it you will have butter!

Aaaahhhh....look at those peaks!

Please! Don't ruin this amazing pie with the chemical concoctions in your freezer section! You can whip your own cream in just a couple of minutes and the taste and texture is far above anything that comes in a plastic tub!

Cover the top of your pie with your whipped cream

Be sure to press your whipped cream to the edges of your pie crust.  This will hide any imperfections and prevent it from "shrinking" in the frig before serving!

Now...find those chocolate curls that you made! Using a spoon, sprinkle them all over your pie!

I think this one needs just a bit more...

That looks wonderful!  Wouldn't this "wow" your family and friends?

Wait till you taste this amazing creation!

This recipe was sent to me by a dear young friend (thanks Lauren!) but you can also find it in the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook!

Next year, my boys want me to enter this pie in the county fair. After looking at the pie entries this year (only 2 pitiful specimens)  I just might do that!

Now, I'm off to make one myself for Shabbat tonight!

Let me know what you think after you taste this divine concoction!