Lest We Forget...

Today is Remembrance Sunday...Growing up in the Uk..I would proudly don my poppy and join others marching in the parade to the cenotaph to lay wreaths and pay our respects to all those who gave their lives protecting our country in the two world wars.. and those conflicts since.

Congratulations to Little Miss who was one of three children chosen to lay a  poppy wreath at her towns cenotaph during todays Remembrance Day Service

She did a great job.. and I was so proud... I got a little emotional... maybe because she is growing up too fast (thats her in the middle)

Little Tufty slept through it all but woke up for a photo op...

It was reminder that her great great great Uncle Edwin Hampson... a Sgt Major in the Royal Garrison Artillery.. who was killed on 14 Apr 1917 in France and Flanders. He is buried in Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

But his name is engraved on the war memorial on the Lychgate of St Marys Church in Ruabon, Wales.. our family village

Lest We Forget

Phoebe x

Chim.. Chim.. Charoo...

As my winter prepping continues so does MrD's .Today it was chimney sweeping and seeing as our chimney sweep son wouldn't buy a plane ticket from England to come do it for us... MrD had to do it.

It turned out to be quite a quick job as the brickwork was in good order...

and the chimney itself didnt have much of a buildup at all

I think he fancied himself as Captain Morgan as he posed on the roof

Its wonderful to have such a handyman hubby... 

so thats another job done til next year

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Cranberry Apple Jam

My prepping is on track.. and this years supply of Cranberry Apple Jam is done.. Its not too sweet.. not too tart.. and absolutely delicious with your Thanksgiving/Christmas Turkey. Its also lovely on toast, bagels or served over cream cheese as a Its a slightly different taste from the Christmas Jam I will be making next week and is so quick and easy.

Both apples and cranberries are naturally high in pectin, so you won't need any additional pectin to help this jam set, as long as you cook it until thick and syrupy. This recipe can be doubled...which I did and I've processed a few jars in the canner so we have plenty to last us through the year..

In

12 oz. pkg. fresh cranberries
2 medium (sweet) apples, peeled and diced
1 1/2 Cups sugar
1 Cup water
2 Tblsp honey
1 Tblsp butter (helps reduce foaming)

• Combine the apples, cranberries, honey, sugar and water in a large pot (use a big one, this jam will bubble)
• Over high heat. bring to a boil
• Add butter
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries pop and the apples soften
• you can use a potato masher if you prefer a smoother jam
• Simmer until the liquid in the pot begins to thicken
• Ladle into sterilized jars, wipe rims, apply lids and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
• Label nicely and store in a dark place or distribute to those you love.
• Any unpopped jars will keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Chicken and Spinach Pie... and some Dried Fruit

Today I did a very easy craft ready for Christmas... with the added bonus of having a sweet smelling kitchen. I dehydrated citrus fruits (Grapefruit, Oranges, Lemons and Limes) to use in Christmas decor come December. So simple to do.

Wash the citrus and slice it into ¼ inch thick rounds.

Place the slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays  

Dry the citrus at 135°F for 4–8 hours

or until it's crisp and brittle.,, and not at all sticky

Once dehydrated, store the citrus in an airtight container in a cool, dark place

until ready for Christmas decorating

They can also be done in the oven at 170°F, and for 3–5 hours, flipping every few hours

A couple of weeks ago I made a couple of pies for the freezer. At the time I said I would post the recipes when I baked them. So here's the first.. Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pie which is super easy to make.. and really delicious. Its ready in under an hour and perfect for the whole family. Serve it with mash or roast potatoes but you can have it with anything you like!

1 puff pastry sheet

1 chicken breast shredded (approx 250g)
1 shallot or small onion
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp butter
1.5 tbsp plain flour
250ml chicken stock
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
100ml double cream (heavy whipping cream)
50g spinach

• Saute onion and garlic in a little oil until slightly soft
• Add butter and  flour and cook for a couple of minutes stirring til smooth 
• Add chicken stock and stir until combined
• Mix in the oregano, tarragon, nutmeg, chili flakes, pepper and salt 
• Add cooked shredded chicken, spinach, and the cream and mix together well

• Set to one side until absolutely cool.. otherwise your pie will have a soggy bottom! 
• Slice one puff pastry sheet in half 
• Top one half with the cooled down filling leaving an 1/2 inch around the edge. 
• Fold the other half of the sheet and make slits down the fold making a pattern which also lets the steam out

• Seal the edges with a fork
• At this point you can freeze the pie for  later date making sure its fully defrosted before baking
• Brush the top with an beaten egg 

• Bake in a preheated oven at 200C/180C(fan) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown
• Enjoy

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Too Early??...

It was a very very windy day here at the Blue House.. and that wind was chilly!. Perfect weather to stay inside and do a bit of baking.

So my Christmas cake is done. Its now ready to be fed every week til its icing in December. Its my Nanas recipe...and it used a bigger tin so its wider and shorter than last year. I think I prefer it. I had Christmas music playing as I made it.. and was sipping on a peppermint latte..  The house smells amazing and very festive.. even though its only the beginning of November

The people across the street have their Christmas decorations up already... and it made me long for the festive season. After all.. its my favourite time of year but it comes and goes so fast. So for that reason.. Ive come to a decision. This year Im going to bring the festive season forward a little. Up til now Ive kept the holidays separate, With Thanksgiving at the end of November.. this Brit gets a bit confused about when are you are supposed to put your dekkies up?? So.. I wont be putting my tree up just yet (no lights til Dec 3rd anyway)... but looking at the next few weeks as run up to Christmas.. I dont think it will harm to have an occasional hot chocolate.. watch a movie...or two and put a few sprigs of holly around the place.

Its only taken me 62 years to realize that I dont need anyones permission to do it...

Mince Pie MrD??

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

First..... Blackberry Mincemeat

My first Christmas prep of the year can be crossed off my list. Blackberry Mincemeat.. which uses blackberries from the garden.. and is now all jarred up ready for delicious Mince Pies in December

I used this recipe from my vast 1940s collection and is from "Woman" magazine. I made it for the first time last year and was a huge success. It is beautifully rich and flavourful and tastes like a cross between traditional mincemeat and apple pie filing. It made three jars...just enough for my pies

1 lb blackberries (or mixed berries). Use fresh, frozen or bottled.
4 cooking apples
4 oz (100 g) butter, margarine or shredded suet
4 oz (100 g) of chopped mixed nuts
1/2 lb (200 g) of dried mixed fruit
2 – 3 rounded dessertspoons of soft brown sugar (or granulated)
8-10 drops almond essence
2 rounded teaspoons of mixed spice
Honey or golden syrup

• Chop up apples and place in saucepan with a spoonful of water and soft brown sugar
• Simmer until apple is soft and getting pulpy.
• Add berries, spice and almond essence
• Simmer on low for another 15 minutes stirring now and again.
• Switch off heat.
• Add your margarine/butter/suet and stir in until melted
• Add chopped nuts and dried fruit plus an optional dram of whisky or brandy.
• Stir
• Spoon into clean, sterilized jam jars
• Once filled drizzle the top with a little warm honey or golden syrup to seal before adding lid.
• Water bath process for 15 minutes.. or
• Store in the fridge or somewhere cool until needed when you make your mince pies at Christmas

Here We Go... Meal Plan Monday

Good Morning from the Blue House....

A busy week ahead as I start my holiday prep... for both Thanksgiving.. and of course Christmas

So already this morning.. I have started my lovely traditional Christmas cake.. which is a family recipe that has been passed down a few generations. Raisins.. sultanas.. currants and glace cherries are marinating happily in a little brandy in the fridge. Im not a drinker.. but this recipe is a real taste of home.. Now on to the next thing...

Have you started Christmas prep yet?

Have a good week everyone...and here's this weeks dinner menu

Weekly Plan - 4th November  2024

Monday               Beef Bulgogi, Stir Fry Vegetables

Tuesday               Chicken Frajitas

Wednesday        Breakfast for Dinner (Hubby request)

Thursday            Garlic Shrimp Alfredo          

Friday                  Pizza

Saturday             Guacamole Bacon Burgers

Sunday                 Pork Loin, Ponchmipe, Veg, Onion Gravy

Sunday Thought ~ Proverbs 19:21

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

 

Prince the Poser....

I said  "Smile Prince!!!"

so he did...

This dog loves the camera!!

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

And The Rain Came...

The rain began just after we went to bed..

I lay awake listening to it hammering on the roof...

and lashing against the window... just wonderful!!

The garden loved it too... 

and its so had to believe that with all this growth in the garden... 

its almost November

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Calm Before A Storm... Meal Plan Monday...

So here we go.. the last week in October and at last the temperatures are getting cooler. This week is going to be a busy one at the Blue House as I'm doing my pre Holidays "Big Clean".. and believe me.. its much needed. After all that hot, dry weather... compounded with all the fine dirt particles from MrD's soil sifting sucked into the house by ventilators and fans.... there is fine dust throughout the house. Add a dog who likes playing in the dirt... and our home is decidedly mucky

With walls to wash... curtains to launder and carpets to shampoo...Im going to be a bit busy... so forgive me if I dont get to post every day. It all has to be done this week... as next week the push towards Thanksgiving... and Christmas.. will be underway. If I time it right... it wont be too manic... but I cant wait

By late afternoon... the sky outside was getting very dark.. I do believe we shall have some blessed rain tonight.. 

It really is Autumn...

Have a good week everyone...and here's this weeks dinner menu

Weekly Plan - 28th October  2024

Monday               Chicken Chow Mein

Tuesday               Mexican Beef Stew, Tortilla Chips. Various Toppings

Wednesday        Chicken and Spinach Pie, Potato Wedges,

Thursday            Chicken and Sausage Pasta Bake, Garlic Bread          

Friday                  Spinach and Mushroom Pizza

Saturday             Leftover Mexican Beef Stew

Sunday                 Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Saturday Snippets..

Its been an absolutely gorgeous day here at the Blue House...

Blue skies.. autumn leaves and a lovely cool breeze..

First thing this morning we took Prince to the doge park...

then MrD went for a bike ride in the hills...

and look at that view....

For me it was the perfect afternoon for a cheesy black and white movie

and a bit of beading.

My Etsy shop has done well this week with quite few sales...

including this pretty peach and cream design

this vibrant red Valentines heart..

and this Halloween Spider heart...

How did you spend your Saturday??

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x