Archives

Tomatoes

Mar1

Today at the Catonsville farmers market I was able to pick up 50 lbs of tomatoes for $20.  Since this is the first time I have bought that many tomatoes I am not sure if it is a good deal or not but being able to can my own means that I can control what goes into them.  Ryan has high blood pressure so being able to control how much salt is in our food is very important to me.  Also with the Celiacs Disease I know that there is no chance of cross contamination with these sauces and tomatoes.

So what did I learn today: First, I learned that I needed a bigger canner!  I had never canned anything other than peaches, pears and jams, which means I have never canned anything larger than a pint.  Today I canned quarts, my little canner was just not big enough to handle the job.

Second, next year I need to invest in a bigger stock pot to make my sauce in.  I had to do it in two batches.  The first batch that I made I did not peal the tomatoes first, I just washed and sliced.  The second batch that I made I blanched the tomatoes first and took the skins off, then I squeezed some of the seeds and extra water out.  The second batch that I made reduced to sauce much faster and I did not have to strain out the skins.

Last,  I learned that vinegar works just as well as lemon juice as a preserving agent.  This was a great discovery because I did not have enough lemon juice for the job, and I had tons of vinegar.  As long as the vinegar is 5% acidity.

 

So at the end of the day I have 7 quarts of sauce and 10 quarts of whole tomatoes.  No bad for a days work.  I know it is not enough to last us all year, but it is a good place to start.  Next year I hope to can enough tomato sauce to not have to buy any from the store.  Eventually, my ultimate dream would be to grow all of our own tomatoes and not have to buy any sauce from the store… I think we are a few years away from that, but it is nice to have goals.

Correction: our second dozen

Mar1

I was so excited two days ago to announce that we had received our first dozen eggs, however, we learned today that the chickens have actually laid two dozen eggs, not one dozen like the thought.  So little did we know that our chickens had been laying eggs in a compost pile that we were letting cook and had slightly covered and stopped adding food scraps and lawn clippings too.  When Ryan went out to turn the pile this afternoon he found a very nice nest in the grass clippings.  In this nest there was 14 eggs.  We cannot believe it.  This whole time we thought that only two of the chickens were laying eggs when actually 4 of them are laying.  We are sad to say that we are going to just turn those eggs into the compost.  We are not sure how long they have been sitting there and do not really want to break them open.  But we learned a very important lesson today, leave the chickens in coop until noon, this way they lay the eggs in the very nice nesting boxes that we made for them and not in the compost bin and not next to the spare tires.

And then there were 5

Mar1

Tonight when I looked out back I saw the dog eating a chicken. Ryan went out and got the chicken away from the dog and put the dogs in the house. I went out and grabbed the chicken. Coming from a medical background the first thing I thought about what how can I fix it. The wounds were on the back, neck and she had a broken foot. Without giving you the details the wounds were really big and more feathers/skin were missing then I wanted. The care giver in me still wanted to try and do something. We hooked up the hose to clean the wounds. Finding the one on the neck we decided that the most human thing to do was to put the girl out of her misery. The only problem with this plan is we had no idea how to do such a thing. After making some phone calls and gathering information we tied her up and Ryan did the deed while I got a trash bag.

It is amazing how they become part of the family so quickly. How did we get so attached to a chicken so quickly?

Our first dozen

Mar1

Over the last six months we have bonded with our birds.  They are all members of the family.  I know that sounds so hippie like but it is true.  They bring us so much joy and we really enjoy just watching them do chicken things in the backyard.

Ryan and I built them a very pretty chicken coop.  (That is a post I hope to back blog about).  It has two nesting boxes in it, including very comfortable wood shavings to lay their eggs on.  Everyday we would go out in the morning to let them out and we would check for eggs.  We anticipated the day when there would be wonderful eggs waiting there for us.  Last week I went out to let the girls out in the morning as I normally do, I checked for eggs and yet again nothing.  As I started my walk back towards the house I noticed that one of the chickens went into the area where Ryan keeps the lawn equipment.   I watched this chicken make a nest one a pile of rocks with some leaves and grass from the yard.  The nest was in the corner behind the gas cans next to the spare tires.  There in this very red neck nest our “green” chicken laid her first egg.  A joy came over me.  It was so cool and exciting, such a rush. I am sure the rush feeling was only increased by the gasoline fumes.

The next day the “purple” chicken laid an egg in the red neck nest.  We have gotten 2 eggs a day for the last six days and today we have our first dozen.  What a joy this whole process has been!

Bringing home chicks

Mar1

Some of my posts are “flash backs” from what we are doing now. There is some information that I wanted to cover so I am back blogging.

 

Now that the chicks are at their new home, we had to find a safe place to keep them.  They need to stay inside till they are over a month old.  I did not mind that they needed to be inside, it would be fun, however I was worried about how fun the cats thought it was going to be.  We needed to figure out a way to keep them safe, warm, and keep my house clean at the same time.  For a brooder, a chick house, we used a 18 gallon rubber made tote. I got it at Target for under $20.   Using a strong wire fencing, it is called hardware cloth,  on top we were able to attach it to the tote using clamps.  It was a strong enough top that the cats could sleep onto of the hardware cloth and the dogs could not get in.

Their other needs are pretty basic as well. Food, water, and heat. If given the chance chicks will drowned themselves in their water bowl, they are cute but not very smart.  To help prevent this we used the brooder feeder for water and the water can for food.  The feeder has small holes in it that prevents the chicks from being able to fall all the way in the water.  Chick feed, we got Starter/Grower feed.  A really big bag of chicken feed is like $15 at Tractor Supply.

For bedding we used shredded newspaper.  It worked and they delivered it to my door everyday! I had to clean out the newspaper every other to everyday as the chicks grew they produced more poop.

So these are the beginning basics.  There are many good books are the market to help, I would recommend Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow.  It has wonderful information about the chick stage and designing an outside coop.  Other books had good information in them, but they left me wanting more.  The Storey’s Guide answered all of my questions.

I hope this helps and I will continue to post more about are food independence journey.

Why I do what I do

Mar1

So why do I keep a blog and why do I grow my own food.  I am not a writer.  I am not a lifelong farmer nor do I have an agricultural degree.  I am just a Mom who wants to save some money and provide my family with the best food possible.  We have seen a drastic increase in gas prices over the past couple of years.  Food prices have also started to rise and will continue to go up.  The last, but certainly the not the least reason why I want to grow my own food is health reasons.  My husband and kids have Celiac Disease.  So many foods are made with fillers and preservatives that have hidden gluten in them.  I want to keep them healthy.  Ok so enough with reasons, here is what he have been up too.

                My first post was about my girls.  They are so much fun.  When we first got them they were yellow puff balls that lived in a Rubbermaid tote in our bathroom.  They outgrew the Rubbermaid tote in about a month.  From there they moved outside into a small dog house and a fenced in area.  I called it the “mini-coop”.  They stayed in the “mini-coop” while I tried for find the perfect chicken coop design.  After a couple days of searching I decided that finding the perfect coop was just like finding the perfect purse, it was never going to happen.  However, I did find a coop that was close to what I wanted.  www.thegardencoop.com has simple chicken coop plans that work well with are yard and our needs.  The good thing about buying a chicken coop plan is that my husband and I could be on the same page.  We were able to build most of the coop our of recycled materials.  The out of pocket cost for us was about $100.

                The girls love their new coop.  The roof gives them a place to get out of the weather and a nice safe place to roost at night.  Here is a picture of our finished hen house, I think it turned out great!

 

 

Gettin chickens

Mar1

I would love to say that I grew up on a farm..but I didn’t.  I would love to say that I was forced to come to the city against my will, dragged kicking and screaming…but I wasn’t. For most of my life I have lived in a suburb of Baltimore. Within 15 miles of my house there are 3 Malls, 5 or more Walmarts, a major airport, Interstate 95 and Baltimore City.  It is no where close to life on the farm, however, my heart has always been on the farm.  I traveled 20 minutes during the summer in high school so that I could get a part time job on a horse farm.  At 18, I moved to a farm and worked as a farmhand in exchange for a room and board. I wanted way down deep in my soul to be a farm girl, but here I am in the Suburb.  I still want to be a farm girl, so with the support of my wonderful husband and kids I have decided to do everything I can to try and grow my own food and raise some chickens.

We have about an acre of land and we decided we wanted chickens, me being a suburb girl, I have never had chickens and know nothing about them.  However, I know you can buy chickens at Tractor Supply in the Spring! So after batting some eye lashes, my husband agreed to let me go buy chickens.  We came home with six fluffy, cute yellow chickens, a book on chickens, food and water dishes, a heat lamp and chicken food.  So here we are a suburb family raising chickens.  This is going to be a blast!! I am one step closer to being a farm girl, I think I will wear my boots today just for fun!

An email response from Heinz

Mar1

I call and email companies all the time about their products. I decided that it would be helpful to post some the responses that I get back on the blog. This way, hopefully, it will save you from having to call the company.

This is the email sent to me from Heinz, I hope it is helpful.

March 30, 2011
Dear Lavender,

Thank you for your interest in Heinz Products. We certainly understand how difficult it can be to find foods that meet the requirements of a restricted diet.

As you requested, the following is a listing of all of our products that do NOT have gluten containing ingredients. If the product you asked about is not on this list, then it may contain gluten containing ingredients.  Also, please note that recipes can change without notice.  Therefore, we recommend you always check the ingredient statement on the label.

HEINZ PRODUCTS:
Heinz BBQ Sauces  (Original, Chicken & Rib, Garlic, Honey Garlic Only)
Heinz Chili Sauce (All Varieties)
Heinz Cocktail Sauce (All Varieties)
Heinz Horseradish Sauce
Heinz Ketchup
Heinz Organic Ketchup
Heinz Reduced Sugar Ketchup
Heinz No-Sodium Added Ketchup
Heinz Hot Ketchup
Heinz Mustard  (All Varieties)
Heinz Pickles  (All Varieties)
Heinz Peppers  (All Varieties)
Heinz Relish  (All Varieties)
Heinz Sloppy Joe Sauce
Heinz Tartar Sauce
Heinz Traditional Steak Sauce
Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
Heinz Vegetarian Beans
Heinz Distilled White Vinegar
Heinz Red Wine Vinegar
Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
Heinz Apple Cider Flavored Vinegar
Heinz Red Wine Vinegar
Heinz Garlic Wine Vinegar
Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauces  (Original #7, Honey Smokehouse, Hickory Brown Sugar, Spicy BBQ Only)
Jack Daniel’s EZ Marinader — Teriyaki, Garlic & Herb, Steakhouse
Jack Daniel’s Steak Sauce (Both Varieties)
Lea & Perrins White Wine Marinade
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce (All Varieties)
Lea & Perrins Traditional Steak Sauce
TGI Fridays Salsa  (All Varieties)

CLASSICO PRODUCTS:
Classico Red Sauces  (All Varieties)
Classico Alfredo Sauces (All Varieties)
Classico Pesto Sauces  (All Varieties)
Classico Bruschetta (All Varieties)

ORE-IDA PRODUCTS:
UPC CODE:          PRODUCT NAME:
13120XXXXX-        ALL VARIETIES of Ore-Ida® Tater Tots®
1312001879        Ore-Ida® ABC Tater Tots®
1312000080        Ore-Ida Golden Patties® (9 ct.)
1312000258        Ore-Ida® Golden Fries® (32 oz.)
1312000278        Ore-Ida® Golden Fries®  (5 lb.)
1312000286        Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (32 oz.)
1312000291        Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (5 lb.)
1312000296        Ore-Ida® Pixie Crinkles (26 oz.)
1312000377        Ore-Ida® Cottage Fries (32 oz.)
1312000392        Ore-Ida® Southern Style Hash Browns (32 oz.)
1312000428        Ore-Ida® Country Style Steak Fries (28 oz.)
1312000455        Ore-Ida® Zesty Twirls (28 oz.)
1312000469        Ore-Ida® Potatoes O’Brien (28 oz.)
1312000647        Ore-Ida® French Fries (8 lb.)
1312000654        Ore-Ida® Country Style Hashbrowns (6 lb.)
1312000784        Ore-Ida® Steam N’ Mash Cut Russets®
1312000785        Ore-Ida® Steam N’ Mash Cut Sweet Potatoes®
1312000787        Ore-Ida® Steam N’ Mash Garlic Seasoned Potatoes®
1312000483        Ore-Ida® Golden Twirls® (28 oz.)
1312000484        Ore-Ida® Zesties® (2 lb.)
1312000800        Ore-Ida® Steak Fries® (28 oz.)
1312000801        Ore-Ida® Shoestrings® (5 lb)
1312000828        Ore-Ida® Shoestrings® (28 oz.)
1312000833        Ore-Ida® Country Style Hashbrowns (30 oz.)
1312000862        Ore-Ida® Country Style Hashbrowns (6 lb.)
1312001036        Ore-Ida® Crispers® (20 oz.)
1312001176        Ore-Ida® Waffle Fries® (22 oz.)
1312001251        Ore-Ida® Extra Crispy Easy Golden Crinkles
1312001260        Ore-Ida® Extra Crispy Crinkle Cut (26 oz.)
1312001280        Ore-Ida® Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkle Cut® (26 oz.)
1312001417        Ore-Ida® Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries (26 oz.)
1312001461        Ore-Ida® Country Fries  (30 oz.)
1312001492        Ore-Ida® Fast Food Fries (4 lb.)
1312008564        Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (8 lb.)
1312008565        Ore-Ida® Golden Fries (8 lb.)
1312008572        Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (8 lb.)  CLUB
1312001320        Ore-Ida® Sweet Potato Fries
1312001330        Ore-Ida® Sweet Potato Fries

DELI-MEX PRODUCTS
All Delimex Tamales
All Delimex CORN Taquitos
1769604640        Delimex Chipotle Beef Rice Bowl
1769604630        Delimex Santa Fe Style Chicken Rice Bowl

SMART ONES PRODUCTS:
UPC CODE:          PRODUCT NAME:
2580002011        Smart Ones Broccoli & Cheddar Potatoes
2580002247        Smart Ones Lemon Herb Chicken Piccata
2580002254        Smart Ones Fiesta Chicken
2580002360        Smart Ones Santa Fe Rice & Beans
2580002918        Smart Ones Chicken Santa Fe
2580002931        Smart Ones Cranberry Turkey Medallions
2580002290        Smart Ones Honey Dijon Chicken

Again, we appreciate you taking the time to contact us.  If you need further information, feel free to call us at this toll-free number (1-800-255-5750).  Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM, Eastern Time.

Heinz Consumer Resource Center
Heinzconsumeraffairs@us.hjheinz.com

When contacting us, please refer to the following reference number: 003347732A

HEINZ/JNEEL

P.S. – For your convenience, here’s a recipe for a barbecue sauce without gluten-containing ingredients:

Heinz Ketchup Basic Barbecue Sauce

½ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce

In saucepan, combine all ingredients.
Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
Brush ribs or chicken with sauce during last 10 minutes of grilling or broiling.

Makes about ¾ cup of sauce.

Gluten-free Big Mac

Mar1

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a junk food junkie. BUT, I feel like a hypocrite.  I work hard to grow my own vegetables, shop at farmers markets and research where my food comes from. I raise chickens in my backyard for fresh eggs. Some people would even call me extreme! But there are times when I just love a good Big Mac.  There is something comforting in it.   I sit in my truck and stuff my face like I am committing a crime.  So to address my own guilt I have been researching how to make the wonderful special sauce at home.  Here is the recipe that I have found and made it gluten free so that all my gluten free friends can enjoy the simple pleasure of a Big Mac.

This recipe is an adapted recipe from topsecretrecipes.com

1/2 cup mayo                                                                                                                                       
2 tbsp french dressing, (I used Organic Ville French Organic Dressing)
3 tbsp sweet pickle relish (I found a gluten free, dye free relish at Trader Joes)
1 tbsp finely minced white onion
1 tsp white vinegar
pinch of salt
 

Mix all ingredients together, store in fridge until cool, it is best if left overnight to cool.  The original recipe called for sugar.  The French dressing and the sweet pickle relish that I used were so sweet that I did not add additional sugar.  If you taste it and it is too tart go ahead and add some sugar, just a teaspoon will work.

Want fries with that?  Of course!!! What Big Mac is complete without fries?  We fried up some gluten free fries from Trader Joes and served our burgers on Udi’s hamburger buns.  It was heaven…I even made myself some sweet tea.

So everyone sing with me “One locally raised beef pattie, special gluten free sauce, lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, onions on an Udi’s gluten free bun!”

I would love to hear how yours turns out, please leave me a comment.

Beef stroganoff

Mar1

Beef Stroganoff

I just nailed the perfect beef stroganoff!  It is wonderful.  The meat is tender and juicy and the sauce is savory and wonderful.  Did I mention that it was gluten-free and low fat…. I know you think I am crazy, but it really is wonderful.  This is going to take a leap of faith, because you are going to look at the ingredients and tell me I am nuts… but it really is wonderful.

  • Ingredients List:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb stew beef, (I cut them into smaller bite size pieces for the kids).
  • ½ onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Dash of salt
  • 2 dashes of pepper
  • About two cup of water or so
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • ½ package of whole mushrooms, diced
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 2 tablespoon corn (or potato) starch
  • 1 can of white beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup fat free ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup milk
  • A package of gluten-free spiral noodles (I used the ones from Trader Joes)

I use a Dutch over, but I use a Dutch oven for a lot of stuff… a large skillet will work.  Heat your skillet on high. Once your meat is small bite size pieces add olive oil to the pan.  Brown the beef with the onions, garlic, salt and pepper.  Turn it down to medium heat and just let it be happy for a while stirring occasionally.  If the meat starts to stick add a little bit of water to get the good happy bits off the bottom of the pan.

This is a good time to start the water for your noodles.

Once the meat is all brown and the onions are soft use the wine to deglaze the pan.  Once the pan has deglazed and the wine is all soaked up by the meat add about a cup of the rest of the water. While the meat is simmering chop your mushrooms and add them to the meat. This is also a good time to add parsley.  The sauce will reduce again; add the rest of the water.  This should create a nice dark brown sauce, if it is too thin add some starch, if it is too thick and there is no brown sauce, add more water.

For the beans, the milk and the ricotta cheese I use an immersion blender.   Whatever you have to puree the beans, the milk and the ricotta together, this is your “sauce” for the beef.   Stir it into your beef mixture.  Set the heat to low and stir occasionally till your noodles are done.  Once your noodles are done, plate and serve.  It is wonderful.  Enjoy.

Leave me a message and let me know how it worked and what you thought, I like feedback.