Farmhouse Quiet, and Why Do You Do It?

All is quiet as I finish up the piles of dishes and pots and pans from a long day in the farmhouse kitchen. There was a mid-morning request to make bagels, then two more requesting donut holes, and by 10 pm we were finishing up the last of not only those experiments, but sourdough cranberry bread, crescent rolls, more spiced nuts, and supper that turned into a three hour ordeal. If you're thinking I went all-out and made a gourmet meal, let me just admit that it was already made for me...all I needed to do was boil it! I was getting a little testy as the evening wore on as my five foot counter balanced a surprising number of kitchen implements, and I announced to all present that we would not be doing this again.

Now tonight, in the quiet hours before the voices begin again, I can fondly enjoy the craziness. I suppose it's a bit like childbirth...that distinct feeling of certain death and then such overwhelming joy that of course, I would do it all again.

For the JOY.

For the Learning

For the Companionship

For the Success

For the Fellowship

For the Laughter

This is why we do what we do...

...and mediate arguments, fix attitudes, kiss ouwies, wipe noses and a host of other issues that perhaps will be a different post...

"Thou will keep him in perfect peace, him whose mind is stayed on Thee, because  he trusts in Thee"                        Isaiah 26:3

Goodnight, friends. Make plans to enjoy your kiddos tomorrow.

Momma Thoughts and Wishes

What could be more encouraging to a three year old, than the freedom and opportunity to BAKE? There was a day when my goal was to avoid as much as possible, those things or activities that created extra work for me. When the twins were not quite two, my sister asked me if I would EVER let them splash in a mud puddle. If you think that is silly, let me confess (again) that I actually had to make myself allow them to play in the mud. And you know the rest of the story...they had fun, I brought them in and cleaned them up, and eventually God was able to change my heart toward the PURPOSE of parenting.

But it hasn't been quick or easy. More confessions include not letting Jenna play with her Vision Forum doll because I didn't want her hair messed up! Remember, neat and tidy, perfect home, perfect children...

Early training also included not allowing the twins to cross the threshhold into the kitchen. They were so well trained, but YIKES! Can you imagine how much relationship and fellowship I missed because I was so focused on the mechanics of parenting, and not the ministry of parenting?

There is so much regret, but on a positive note, nothing is impossible with God! Though far from perfect, and still wishing I could get on top of an organized life, there is progress. I now look for opportunity to involve my children in as many activities as possible. It is not efficient or expedient, but it is training, it is fellowship, it is equipping them for the future!

We are a family that samples the work of our hands! I know self- control is a virtue and needs to be taught, but there are plenty of opportunuties for that!

In the name of training, I had my four year olds washing floors. Now the concept is great, and I still give opportunity for the three and five year old to wash windows and floors (they love it), but discipling them and coming along beside them is so much the better way...not just instructing and inspecting! How easily we forget that they are relatively new to this big place called earth. Really, they don't even notice that their boots don't match...

...and what about the giant leap of dexterity and success when a button can be buttoned??? They are so young and tender, and I wish I was better prepared emotionally to LOVE my children, not just love my children...to enjoy them being little ones, not trying to make them into minature adults...

But here is living proof, though my mistakes are many, there is laughter and love today, even if Jenna never was allowed to play with her doll...

Humbly exposing my mistakes~

Kathy

Farmhouse Apple Dumplings and More

My friend, Cinnamon, was tempted this picture of

Farmhouse Apple Dumplings and requested the recipe. If you visit her blog, you'll find that she beat me to it, and has already made her own version. So, perhaps she'll need to make these and do a taste test, then let us all know...

Farmhouse Apple Dumplings

2 c. sugar

2 c. water

1 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/4 c. butter

Make into syrup and boil 3 minutes. Using 6 apples, peel, core and thinly slice.

2 c. flour

1 t. salt

2 t. baking powder

3/4 c shortening (or butter)

1/2 c. milk

Cut together ingredients to make dough. Roll out into 1/4" thickness. Cut into 9 squares. Arrange a handful of apple slices on each square, wrap the dough around the apples, and arrange in a baking dish. Pour syrup over the top and bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Top with whipping cream or ice-cream if desired.

:::

So what happens around here when momma is busy and distracted with something else instead of Little Running Squash? Well, the obvious! Little Running Squash heads into the mud room bathroom and retrieves the TOILET PLUNGER! I know that has a very useful purpose, but in general, I find it disgusting. She, however, was quite proudly toting the thing around, until I saw her.

:::

Today the children were out in the barn mucking the stall for the horse and cow. I'm headed out to check soon, but they report (with as many details as possible) that Lucy the cow is showing signs of pending birth. Silly, but I feel like the resident midwife, and need to prepare for the big moment. I'm really hoping that she'll be just fine on her own and not require any intervention. As it is, I'm trying to prepare Tom for "heroic" measures, should they be necessary.

:::

It's Friday! Have a wonderful evening!

Love, Kathy

The Famous Cinnamon Rolls!

If you've ever been at the farm for a Saturday morning, you may have been treated to the Famous Cinnamon Rolls .

For those of you that may never make it here, I'm sharing the recipe for you to enjoy with your family. It's more work than Pillsbury, but there is no comparison to that "down on the farm" taste...and the satisfaction of being able to bake something so delicious...well, I think it's a dying art! So have fun~your family will be so glad you did!

Regan Family Farm's Famous Cinnamon Rolls

Mix together in mixing bowl:
2 1/2 c. flour

1 T. yeast

Heat gently to 115-120 degrees:

1 c. milk

1/3 c. butter

1/3 c. sugar

1 t. salt

Add to flour mixture. Blend. then add:

3 slightly beaten farm fresh eggs

Mix well.

Add an additional 2 c. flour to make sticky but manageable dough. Mix for 6-7 minutes. Let rise until doubled.

While rising, mix the following:

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. flour

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 c. butter

1 peeled and finely chopped apple

When dough is finished rising, roll out on lightly floured surface into large rectangle. Spread with brown sugar mixture and sprinkle with apple.

Raisins and nuts are optional, though we never use them!

Roll the dough starting with the long edge, then cut into 12 or 16 pieces, depending on personal preference. Place in a greased 9x13" pan. Here is a trick for the greedy ones that always want the center: after cutting into pieces, take the end slices and place in the center two spots in the pan. I work my way out from there...no need to punish the people who end up with the corner rolls, as they get the most goo!

Cover and refrigerate for 2-24 hours. Uncover, and let sit for 30 minutes before baking. Bake at 350 degrees until golden, and I'm sorry to say, I go by sight and smell here. Just don't overbake! Rolls can be inverted after out of the oven for a minute or so, or served from the pan.

We make a buttercream frosting and spread when warm. Enjoy!



For all my dear friends who commented on my previous post, THANK YOU for your kind and helpful comments. Though my progress was interrupted due to another back injury, as of tonight I have given away four large bags of children's clothing and thrown a couple of unnecessary items out. More is on it's way!

A Simple Misunderstanding...

"I am an acorn!"

"What?"


"An ACORN!"


And as she turned, I saw clearly the silver spoon protruding from Anna's forehead. How clumsy of me...


"Of course you are a unicorn!"

Although we are still not feeling well, I made a couple of "home crafted gifts" today, in the event that we still travel to my hometown to celebrate Christmas with my family. Hoping to bake some gingerbread men with the children, I stopped at the store to purchase ground cloves, and (I'm sorry if this seems like I'm complaining) but the itsy-bitsy container was $6.99! And if I wanted to get a fraction more, the glass jar was a whopping $10.99!

On principle alone, I just couldn't do it. Briefly I tried to rationalize the travel from India(?) may have contributed to the cost, then I found myself doing what every frugally-minded, domestically-responsible, self-sufficient-seeking woman would do...

...I began to wonder if I couldn't just grow these little babies myself. Honestly though, I left that aisle not even sure if it's a plant, tree or bush. Who knows??? Maybe the boys will taste just fine without cloves...

Pumpkin Fudge

My friend Sherry requested the Pumpkin Fudge recipe, so here it is. Don't even think for a minute that there is any nutritional value from the pumpkin to offset the sugar!

Pumpkin Fudge

2 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

3/4 c. butter

2/3 c. evaporated milk

1/2 c. canned pumpkin

1 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice

12 oz. pkg. white chocolate chips

7 oz. jar marshmallow creme

1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

1 1/2 t. vanilla

Combine the first six ingredients in a heavy saucepan; heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Continue heating until mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly; continue boiling until candy thermometer reaches soft-ball stage or 234 to 243 degrees. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate chips until melted. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour into a buttered 9x13 pan. Cool. Cut into small squares, store in refrigerator.

This has become Josh's job every Thankgiving, so go ahead and get those guys in the kitchen to help out! We love the kitchen when preparations are going strong...memory-making, laughter-filled, multi-tasking moments that to the untrained ear of a stranger may dangerously resemble chaos, but to us...a lovely symphony of what every home should sound like.

On Hay and Applesauce...

We're off to a rainy start for October, and chilly enough to have a fire in the wood stove, though we won't do that for another couple of weeks. Hopefully we'll be stacking wood this weekend in preparation for the winter. We weren't really grasshoppers this summer, but I do feel behind with our wood. On the positive side, we (Okay, the children and Uncle Patrick) unloaded our final wagon of hay into the barn today, so that is one job DONE for the year. I was also blessed with a visit from two of my sisters, and making applesauce was top of the list...so that is done too!

I know I'm not the only one that enjoys a delicious apple pie in this autumn weather, so after a long day of making sauce, we indulged in a family favorite~

Picture courtesy of google :)

Dutch Apple Pie

2/3 c. sugar

2T. flour

1/8 t. salt

1-2 t. lemon juice

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/2 t. cinnamon

6-7 c. apples

Mix ingredients in bowl, pour into pie crust. This can be used as a two crust pie, or make the crumb topping:

1/3 c. sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. plus 2T. flour

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. nutmeg

dash of salt

1/2 c. butter

Mix; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of pie, bake at 425 F for 40-50 minutes, or at 375 F for 50 minutes.

The recipe is easy! Gather the children and have fun making memories, learning the art of pie-making, and enjoying the work of your hands!

How did I forget?

Not certain that I have any pull with this blogger I hope you all have time to enter this giveaway! How could I forget to post about my own daughter sharing this fantastic gift???

Grace in the Kitchen!

One of my simple joys is helping Grace learn home-making skills, especially in the kitchen. This is easy-to-follow, and delicious!

Peaches and Cream Pie

Graham cracker crust

1/3 c graham cracker crumbs ~ 1/4c melted margarine ~ 1/4t nutmeg ~

Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Cool.

Line with fresh sliced peaches

Filling -

Cream together 8oz cream cheese ~ 1 can sweetened cond. milk ~ beat until smooth ~ Add 1/3c lemon juice ~ and 1t vanilla ~ Cover with more sliced peaches ~ Chill until firm ~

Homemaking 101

The work of her hands!

Not really wanting Natalie to interfere...

Sweet Natalie wants to help so badly!

This is real home learning~where the journey is much more important than the result. There is such joy and freedom in reaching this point in my life where the cake is more beautiful to me than anything found in the magazines!

Sourdough Bread

What to do with 50lbs of sourdough bread flour mix that was given to us...with no recipe? Experiment! To our delight, it turned out well. Another gift we gratefully receive.