Posted in Quilting

Hi Everyone!

This is a post from Teresa/stichesbyteresa... She has come up with this groovy idea and I want to let you all know about it.  So read the post, sign up if you are interested, (make sure you send me your email so I can keep in touch with you if you are not on HSB), and then get ready for some fun!

DETAILS FOR FIRST QUILTING CHALLENGE: (This is going to be so much fun!!!!)  You might want to print these instructions for your convenience.

So far, 5 people have expressed interest in participating in the first Quilt Challenge.  I have spoken w/Chas, Senior Editor and she is going to participate and assist me with the challenge.  If you want to participate, please let me know ASAP by leaving a comment or by pm me. 

Deadline for SIGNING UP: one TWO weeks from today (which will be Thursday, July 10 17).  To sign up, just leave me a comment on this post, or pm me.

Quilting Challenge:  I received a suggestion of exchanging blocks for our first quilt challenge and I LOVE this idea!  To assure safety and security of each involved, all blocks will be mailed to Chas, Senior Editor.  I know we are like a family here, but since it is the internet, I felt this was the best and most secure way to address this issue.

NOW, for the actual details of the challenge:

Theme:  WINTER!  Be as creative and original as you can.  Your inspiration can be whatever this word means to you (snow, Christmas, sledding, cold, stark, just whatever!

Block dimensions:  12 1/2 inches x 12 1/2 inches...this INCLUDES 1/4 inch seam allowance, so please do not extend designs beyond 12 inches x 12 inches (else it will be hidden in the seam allowance when pieced)

# of BLOCKS:  Make as many blocks as there are participants in the challenge (example, if 12 sign up, you will need to make 12 blocks total, 1 for yourself and 11 for the 11 other participants).  On Friday, July 11 18, I will send a message to all participants of the total # of blocks needed from each participant.  Each of your blocks can be all exactly alike, or each one can be different...your choice since you have to make more than one block. 

SIGNATURE:  If you would like to sign each of your blocks with your blog name, you may do so...examples:  sign in stitches, embroidery, or with permanent pen...just make sure your signature is permanent.  ALSO, make sure your signature is not in the seam allowance.  This signature will make our finished projects more special!

Type of Design:  You can choose whatever method you prefer to make your blocks.  examples:  can be a pieced block, applique, embroidery, pictorial, just whatever you choose.  Since you will have to make several blocks, you can make each of your blocks exactly alike, or all different, just whatever you prefer! 

Note:  If you are not comfortable creating the blocks yourself, feel free to pm me for ideas/patterns/individual help.

Time Limit:  Beginning on July 11 18, you will have up to one week for each block, I will announce on Friday, July 11 18 the total number of blocks needed and number of weeks before deadline to turn in blocks. 

Block Distribution:  You will need to include a self addressed, stamped large envelope with your blocks (just use same amount of postage on this envelope that was needed for you to mail all your blocks to Chas).  Mail all blocks to Chas, Senior Editor.  She will soon send you the address to mail the blocks.  Once Chas receives all block entries, she and I will have up to a week to sort the blocks.  Chas will then mail your exchanged blocks to you in the self-addressed stamped large envelope you provided.  (I will keep you posted on my blog and PMs)

Note:  You will keep 1 block for yourself and mail all other blocks to Chas, Senior Editor.

Finished Project Guidelines:  For this first challenge, I will not specify guidelines. You can use your received blocks in any way you prefer.  Examples:  wall hanging, bed quilt, table runner...just whatever you choose.  You can add whatever fabrics you choose to finish your project, no specifications.  Use whatever batting and backing you prefer for this project.  (AGAIN, if you prefer to be given a pattern or idea, just PM me and I will be glad to assist on an individual basis)

Finished Project Picture Guidelines:  Once you finish the project, please send a digital picture of completed project to Chas, Senior Editor ASAP.  DO NOT BLOG ANY PICTURES OF YOUR PROJECT UNTIL AFTER HOMESTEAD BLOGGER HAS POSTED ALL COMPLETED PROJECT PICS ON THE WEBSITE FIRST!  After homestead blogger has posted the pictures of all completed projects, then you may blog to your heart's content regarding the first quilting challenge.

NOTE:  So far, there are 5 participants, so if you would like to go ahead and begin making blocks now, you know you will need to make a minimum of 5 blocks.  Please feel free to get a head-start on the blocks.

From My Homestead to Yours,

~Chas~

Chasity L. Burrell

Senior Editor Homesteadblogger

My Cup Runneth Over at Heritage Acres Farm

Posted in Going Green

 

Green Cleaning Tips

In an effort to discover greener cleaning products, I have found that they don’t work as well on the toughest of dirt and grime. Not to mention that green cleaning product often times have a steep price tag comparatively to their caustic counter parts. This has had me on a mission to discover green cleaning methods that are effective and inexpensive.

Two ingredients I have found to be the most consistently effective are hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. Both are inexpensive, but I will warn that the smell of vinegar has taken some getting used to for me.

As a little aside, I have been asked about cleaning products that claim they have oxygen based “bleaching”  action. The fact is that these products contain natural ingredients that when mixed with water produce hydrogen peroxide. For this reason those products ARE safe and green, but demonstrates the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide. One of the best assets of hydrogen peroxide as a cleaning agent is that it is not dangerous. The reason that it comes in brown bottles, is because when touched by light it changes into regular water. What could be safer than that?

Here are a list of some of the methods I have found to be effective and the cost is PENNIES!

·         For the Bathtub & Shower stall: To remove soap scum use hydrogen peroxide and the netting from citrus fruit. Pour on the HP and allow to work for a few seconds before using the netting to scrub away the soap scum! Need to disinfect your bathtub or shower? Simply use a vinegar rinse before rinsing with water.

·         Toilet: Add 2 cups white vinegar to toilet with ½ cup baking soda. This will bubble and foam. Once the bubbling stops, scrub with brush as usual. Have stubborn hard water stains? Plunge as much water out of your toilet as possible. Pour 1 gallon of white vinegar into the toilet, scrub with brush, close lid, and allow to sit for 2 hours or overnight. Scrub once more and flush.

·         Sink: Sprinkle baking soda around sink. Pour or spray white vinegar. Allow to bubble for a few seconds. Use scrub brush or citrus netting to scrub clean.

·         Faucet: Soak a cleaning rag in white vinegar. Ring out. Wrap rag around faucet and secure with rubber bands. Leave on for 3-4 hours. Remove rag, and scrub the crannies with an old toothbrush. Then wipe clean with a clean dry rag.

·         Countertops: Mix hydrogen peroxide (about 1 cup) and white vinegar (about ½ cup) in spray bottle to clean and disinfect countertops or any surface.

These are my thoughts.

Leslie Valeska

~Contributing Writer

Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.  With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of the fine art of homemaking.   Simple Journey Ministries was established to encourage, support, and inspire women, from all walks of life, to engage and continue on a path of Godly Womanhood. You can visit her at her blog Journey to Simplicity (www.leslievaleska.com/blog), Simple Journey Ministries (www.leslievaleska.com), and Simple Journey Bookstore (www.leslievaleska.com/bookstore)

Posted in Simple and Frugal Living

Deliberate Shopping

We don’t always have a lot of time. Shopping is time consuming and tedious at best. BUT there is something to be said for deliberate shopping. What is deliberate shopping? Simply put it is taking time to shop. Be conscious of your purchases. Take time to compare prices and check labels for ingredients. Don’t always buy what you know. Right now prices are changing rapidly and frequently. Once a month take time to shop deliberately. Be certain what you are purchasing is the best bang for your buck.

If you do this at least once a month, you will begin to notice you actually enjoy this time of shopping. For me, I cannot do this effectively with others in tow. So, the hubby and I make plans that I will have an hour or so to shop on my own once or twice a month. My future goal is to have time to do this once a week, because the results are bigger savings and a less chaotic mind. This simple activity makes frugal living a blessing in disguise. Make time to do this and your wallet will thank you because your money will be right where it belongs!

These are my thoughts.

Leslie Valeska

~Contributing Writer

Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.  With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of the fine art of homemaking.   Simple Journey Ministries was established to encourage, support, and inspire women, from all walks of life, to engage and continue on a path of Godly Womanhood. You can visit her at her blog Journey to Simplicity (www.leslievaleska.com/blog), Simple Journey Ministries (www.leslievaleska.com), and Simple Journey Bookstore (www.leslievaleska.com/bookstore)

Posted in Sharing Recipes

Alrighty... You responded and here they are!

Blurose submitted this recipe:
Panzanella (Mediterranean Bread Salad)



Dressing:

1/3 cup EVOO

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. water

2 cloves shallots, peeled and crushed

1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper



Salad:

4 cups diced zucchini or summer squash

1 Tbsp. oil

4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped

1 large red or sweet onion, chopped

1/4 cup green olives, chopped

1/4 cup black olives, chopped

1 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

1 cup fresh basil, chopped

2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled and chopped

1 pound bread -chewy bread like baguette



To make the dressing

Put the dressing into a large bowl. Saute the zucchini or summer squash in the oil;use high heat and work quickly, so the squash will brown but will stay somewhat firm. Remove from pan and cool. Chop tomatoes, along with the juice. Put tomatoes and juice in bowl with the dressing, add the remaining chopped veggies and mix well. Can let stand in the fridge for several hours.: Mix the dressing ingredients together and let sit for an hour or so.

To make the salad:

Preparing the bread:Chop bread into 1/2 cubes and toast lightly in oven for 15 minutes -you want chewy not crunchy.

Assemble: About 30 minutes before you serve, add bread cubes and toss.

Ok, here are my changes: First I didn't have any squash ready from the garden so I used some new potatoes from the garden, I just boiled some golf ball sized ones and used them. I also ommitted the red wine vinegar opting instead for browning some garlic in olive oil and using that as a dressing. I cut most ingredients back to half so as to make a smaller amount. I also did not add green olives but did add some fresh grated parmesan (not the powder kind in a plastic can) And lastly I used our fresh milled whole wheat bread as the bread because it is chewy and does not get soggy like store bought bread and it worked out wonderful. If you want a yummy but different than the regular old garden salad -you will just have to try this!

Foggy Mountain Farm's Suggestion:
We love zucchini in stir fry or breaded and fried but also like to shred it to use when making zucchini bread and zucchini muffins...

bu my favorite is Zucchini Relish. I got the recipe from the Ball Blue Book of Home Canning and it's a great way to use up all the extra zucchini. Tastes wonderfully in a bowl of pinto soup beans and some cornbread! YUM!!!

Tiredmamaof5:
We love zucchini! When Our zucchini's come in I try and make most of them into desserts or breads so I can store them in my freezer for winter. I usually make bread, muffins, cakes, whoopie pies, cookies, and bars. They all freeze well.


ZUCCHINI WHOOPIE PIES

1 cup sugar
1 cup grated zucchini
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup crisco
1 egg
2 cup flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

Mix together zucchini, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, crisco and egg. Mix dry ingredients together, add milk. Combine until smooth and stir in vanilla and nuts. Drop by TBSP onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-10 minutes.

CREAM CHEESE FILLING-----
7 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 TBSP butter
1 lb. confectioners' sugar
2 tsp. vanilla

mix well.

gabbie427:
I like to make zucchini chocolate chip bread.

Belle:
I make Fried Zuchinni and Zuchinni Muffins! They are very tasty!

For Fried Zuchini, I slice the the Zuchinni in rounds, I dip them in egg and flour, then I put them in the skillet with a little vegetable oil, fry them, flip them until both sides are brown, then, they are ready to eat!

Reginascott:
We like to put zucchini in our fajitas and casseroles too. 2 of our other favorites:
Slice lengthwise. A little oil and a little seasoning, then throw on the grill.

zucchini lasagna
slice lengthwise
in bowl combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, about 3 eggs, 3 T breadcrumbs, 3 T parmesan cheese, and about 1/4 teaspoon each of parsley, oregano, and pepper.

Spread some spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a 13 by 9 pan. Cover with about 1/2 the zucchini, ricotta mix, and about 1 C of shredded mozarella. Cover with more sauce and then make another layer. Cover again with sauce.
Sprinkle top with 2-3 T of parmesan and breadcrumbs to liking. Cover and bake on 350 for 45 minutes. uncover, bake 15 more min.

I don't remember where we found that recipe, but we love it.

Fantine:
We've never been successful with squash because of vine borer but, in season, I do purchase it cheaply and in quantity at the local farm market. We love it as follows:

2 medium zucchini
2 yellow straight or crook neck squash
1 large vidalia onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

Wash and slice squash slightly on an angle for largest surface area. Peel and slice onions (separate into rings). Place olive oil and butter in skillet over medium-low heat, and swirl until butter is melted. Increase heat to medium and add garlic, squash and onions. Cook until all are translucent and starting to brown at the squash edges. Sprinkle with tarragon and stir to distribute the tarragon evenly. Serve warm with a sprinkle of sea salt.

We're also big with zucchini bread and zucchini corn muffins!

Chas:
Zucchini Bread

3 1/2 c. plain flour (I use soft white wheat)
1 cup nuts
4 eggs
2 c. sugar (I use sucanat)
2 c. chopped zucchini
1 c. oil
1/2 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. raisins
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon

Beat eggs till thick.  Add sugar gradually, add oil and vanilla.  Sift dry ingredients together and beat slow for 3 min.  Fold in zucchini and beat a little.  Fold in nuts and raisins and dates. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 min or until toothpick comes out clean.
Makes 2 loaves.

ZUCCHINI - CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES    

1 c. brown sugar (I use sucanat)
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour (I use soft white wheat)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. coconut
6 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 c. nuts
1/2 c. butter
1 c. zucchini, shredded

Beat butter, sugar, egg and vanilla. Add all dry ingredients and oatmeal; mix until smooth. Add coconut, chips, nuts and zucchini; mix well. Drop by spoonfuls (same as chocolate chip cookies) on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Vegetable Lasagna

1 Large Zucchini diced
1 Large Onion diced
1 Large Bell Pepper diced
Olive Oil
Several cloves of garlic
2 quarts of tomatoes, diced, crushed, sauce whatever
Basil
Oregano
Salt
Pepper
Sugar

Cheese Mixture
1 12 oz. cottage cheese
1 8 oz. ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
basil
pepper

Whole Wheat Noodles

Heat your EVOO in your cast iron skillet.  Then add your diced onion and garlic, making sure not to burn.  Saute' for a few minutes until tender, add your zucchini and pepper.  Saute' that for a few minutes until tender as well.  Add your tomatoes.  Now add about a tsp of salt, a Tbsp sugar, a few shakes of pepper and then take the basil and crush it in the palm of your hand  you probably want about a tablespoon of this.  Now do the same with your oregano.  Mix it well and taste.  If it is too tart add a bit more sugar, if it is too sweet add a bit of lemon juice... taste and let your taste buds tell you.

Meanwhile boil your Whole Wheat Lasagna noodles in a big stock pot with a liberal dose of real salt.

While your noodles are boiling and your sauce is simmering make your cheese mixture.

Beat 2 eggs in a large bowl.  Add your cheeses and mix well.  Add your basil the same way you did to your sauce and then pepper. 

Once you have all this ready it is time to assemble
Pour just a bit of the sauce on your casserole dish to give it a base to start with and your noodles won't stick.
Add a layer of noodles, now cheese, now sauce... over and over until you finish.
Bake at 350* for about 45 minutes and then sprinkle a hefty amount of mozzarella cheese on top and bake again for 10 minutes.  Let it rest for 10 minutes and serve with a nice green salad and some lovely crusty bread!
Enjoy!