The Mennobrarian

In and Around the Home this Week

02:32, Thursday, September 4, 2008 .. Posted in Homemaking .. 2 comments .. Link

There is really very little that goes on around here that might be thought of as well, news worthy, in the strictest sense of the word. That was why I was so surprised to be confronted with this news article the other morning. It seems that there are some people (ahem) who actually live without televisions, an idea that I don't find at all radical but a concept considered radical enough in the scientific community to warrant a study. (And I guess I should know better because eyebrows regularly shoot up when I can't participate in a conversation about the latest tv programs.) But what was interesting about this study was that, to a point, it validated a suspicion of mine that if you are not watching television then you are doing something else that may be worthwhile, and may be considerably more productive. For all of the beliefs that I have regarding the extremely low value of most popular entertainment, it is the underlying fact that at the end of the day, I just do not have time to watch television. In fact, I can't even read all that I would like to. There is always something to be created, or loved ones to spend time with, or something to be sewn, cooked, or....canned.

So there it was again later that same day. Our local newspaper picked up this AP news article on how more people are canning because of the increasing food prices and uncertain economy. So, now canning is news too, and while that's not a bad thing, I inwardly roll my eyes and wonder what else so many of us are doing and have been doing for years that will be reported as the next wave of modern living.

In the Kitchen: This weekend I plan to make gluten-free brownies for a family member with celiac disease. Also, hopefully start on apples for sauce and pie filling.

On the Table: Buttered noodles, stewed tomatoes, salmon, corn relish, and leftover casserole.

In the Garden: I took a tumble in the garden yesterday, when my shoe became stuck on a tomato cage. But my fall was broken by tomatoes! Our sunflowers are done and drying where they were planted, and I can't decide whether to remove them or let them dry naturally. I could use the space in the garden for Fall spinach.

Around the Home: So much work has been done in the area that will be our bedroom that I can hardly believe we will be moving our bed and things in there in the coming months. In preparation for returning the living room to its main purpose, we have ordered our wood stove which will really help with the heating bills this winter.

Also, we finally have a fully usable back door with steps!

Side note: Thank you to all of you who expressed encouraging thoughts and prayers for my dear friend and the recent challenges in her life. May you all be deeply blessed for your compassion.

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maters

07:20, Sunday, September 7, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous
Dear Mater Queen, I got a recipe for the yummiest tomato soup from a friend yesterday. I made it for today's lunch and it is sooo good. I thought of you and your prolific tomato crop as I was enjoying it. If you would like it, just answer here and I will send it on. I just love reading about your enthusiasm for your little homestead. Blessings to you this day. v from north Idaho

****Hi V. So good to hear from you! I would love that tomato soup recipe, thanks for sharing. ~Monica****

Edited by Mennobrarian on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 08:09

All over the wall Tomato Soup

05:30, Monday, September 8, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous
This is the only way I know to send the recipe.

All Over the Wall Tomato Soup
4 c fresh chopped tomatoes
1 small onion (saute in a little butter for 3 min)
1/2 tsp minced garlic
2 c chicken broth
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp salt, or to taste
2 tsp white sugar, or to taste
1/2 c half & half (or more for a creamier taste)

Directions:
In a stockpot, over med. heat, combine the toms, onion, garlic, cloves, and broth. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for about 20 min. Remove from heat and add to blender and puree making sure the lid is on very tight and that you are holding it down! :)

In the empty stock pot, melt the butter over med. heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking and stirring until the roux is a medium brown. Gradually, whisk in a bit of the tomato mixture, so that no lumps form, then stir in the rest. Season with sugar and salt, adjusting to taste. Just before serving stir in the hald & half.
I hope you like this. Love your blog! v from n. Idaho