CAN WE SURVIVE A BLIZZARD?

My sister and I chatted long distance on Christmas Day. They were expecting a blizzard that night, and was anxious to get to the store for bread and milk, and few other things.

Got me thinking.

We have goats for milk.

We have chickens for eggs.

We have feed and hay for chickens and goats.

I have 23 pounds of flour (because my baking business is taking off) plus yeast, baking powder, canola oil and other things to do baking.

In our dining room window and on the tiny storefront shelves by the front door, we have pots of these growing: string beans, tomatoes, lettuces, radishes, and herbs like rosemary and parsley.

I have jars of things I've dehydrated and put away, like zucchini, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, etc.  And canned goods like premade soups, tomato paste, fruits, etc. A freezer full of chickens.

We have a fireplace and plenty of wood.

We have water.

We have enough to last a minimum of a month. Probably closer to a year.

What about YOU?

http://www.rosemary-ridge.blogspot.com

UPDATE FROM FAMILY ON DEC 13 2012

I realize it's been a while since I've written here, but so much has happened.

My Tween has turned into a 16 year old with autism and epilepsy. He has some neurons that didn't form correctly in his brain (in utero) and some lesions and a small tumor.

We live out in the boonies, on a tiny 2 acres. Goats: 2 girls, 1 baby girl, 1 buck and 1 wether. Chickens: about 50 ranging from 3 days old to 2 years old, bantams and standards. Chicken varieties: silkies, cuckoo marans, black australorps, red stars, eggers (standard size and bantam), and all kinds of crosses that we hatched ourselves.

We grow as much of our food as possible but it'll be years before nut trees and some of our fruit trees bear. Loved the red raspberries and blueberries we ate this summer; we're adding even more plus yellow raspberries, purple raspberries, blackberries and currants in 2013.

Started a goat milk cheese share program in 2012 to help pay for my kid's expenses. Going well and have gotten egg and produce customers from it too.

We still have a LOT more to do but yes, we consider ourselves homesteaders. Do we believe the world will end on Dec 21 2012? Nope, but we still prep and could be considered survivalists.  We get powerful snowstorms and windstorms and microbursts (mini-tornadoes) out here a lot so we often are without power. We adjust.



= = = = = = =

Check out our farm's website we just started: Rosemary Ridge

PADAVALANGA KUZHAMBU CURRY(Quick n easy Snake gourd curry)

INGREDIENTS

Padavalanga/Snake gourd-------1 medium size

Red chilli powder------------------ 2 tsp (adjust to taste)

Grated coconut-------------------- 1/2 cup(grind to a smooth paste)

Cumin powder---------------------a pinch (optional)

Salt as needed

For Tempering

Oil------------------------------------1tsp

Mustard seeds---------------------1/2 tsp

Dried red chilli---------------------2

Small onion/shallots---------------3 sliced

Curry leaves-----------------------1 sprig

METHOD

1. Scrape and clean the Snake gourd and cut in to small cubes.
2. Cook the cut pieces with needed salt, water and chilly powder.
3. Add ground coconut to it. 
4. Sprinkle cumin powder to it.
5. Now do the tempering . For this, heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds,dried red chilli and curry leaves.Then saute the onion slightly.
6. Pour the tempering to the curry.
7. Serve hot with rice or chapathi.

Note: The curry should be thick.So don't add too much water.

GOAT YOGURT IN THE CROCKPOT

I have a yogurt maker. Hubby bought it for me when we first moved out here on the farm and the goats started producing milk. (Hubby is lactose intolerant and my Kid would eat a $3.00 bought goat yogurt a day). I used it a couple of times but never could get it to come out good enough.

Trying again, but this time, without the yogurt maker. I'm using my crockpot. I tried it last weekend, without looking up a recipe at all, so naturally, it didn't work. Did make a very nice cheese tho!

Then I googled "how to make yogurt without a yogurt maker" and came across a wonderful blog of a person who cooked 365 in her crockpot. Yogurt was just one of those days.

Here's the condensed version but reduced to fit my 3 quart crockpot and using my ingredients:

Suggestion: Start in early or mid morning to get best results.

Ingredients:
6 cups of fresh whole goat milk (qt and a half) (I pour mine directly from filterer)
1/3 cup plain yogurt (if Dannon, use a bit more)
 (Someday I will try 1/4 tsp probiotic instead as suggested elsewhere)

Directions:
-Pour milk into crockpot and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours.
-Turn off crockpot and let sit for 3 hours.
-Take out about 2 cups of milk in a glass measuring cup.
-Whisk in yogurt or probiotic to the measuring cup.
-Pour back to crockpot. Cover with heavy towel to keep warmth in.
-Let sit overnight.

Afterwards:
To make it thicker, stir in a couple pinches of tapioca starch or unflavored gelatin to the yogurt starter (mix well then add).

Serve with a drizzle of pureed fruit or honey or agave nectar or maple syrup.  I'm gonna portion some out and add some powdered dehydrated fruit and either refrigerate or pour into popsicle molds for a frozen treat later.

Keep some of the plain to the side (in the fridge) to use as a starter next time.

And to keep it super healthy, pour your finished yogurt into 4 or 8 oz jelly jars, top with lid, screw on the ring and refrigerate. Good to add to your loved ones' lunch boxes without adding more waste to the trash can. The current batch I have going ... I'll add some pureed raspberry to the bottom of one, pureed peach to another, homemade blackberry jam to another. Gives us variety even tho it doesn't last long.
Gluten-free!

METHI /FENUGREEK LEAVES PEPPER CURRY (Post natal food)

This is a very traditional dish .
This curry is served along with plain rice or rice kanji/rice porridge as lunch or dinner for up to 28 days after delivery. The same curry can be prepared with drumstick leaves too. 
This is highly nutritious and a good source of iron. It is very good for breastfeeding moms.


INGREDIENTS


Coriander seeds/powder---------1/2 tsp
Black pepper corns/powder-----1 tsp
Cumin seeds------------------------1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder-------------------1/2 tsp
Grind the above ingredients to a smooth paste and keep it aside.


Fenu greek /Methi leaves------a bunch
Garlic ---------------------------------2 large cloves crushed
Ginger---------------------------------a small piece,crushed (optional)
Water as required
Salt as needed


METHOD

1. In vessel add little water and then add the ground masala.
2. When it boils add methi leaves,crushed garlic and needed salt.
3. Cook in medium flame.
4. Serve hot.

RAGI AND MUSTARD KURUKKU(Post natal food)

This is a very healthy food.In my family this is given as breakfast to woman after 15 days of delivery.

INGREDIENTS

Ragi powder------------------------3tbsp
Mustard powder-------------------1/4 tsp
Turmeric powder------------------1/2 tsp
Grated coconut---------------------1/2 tsp or to taste
Ghee or Sesame oil---------------- 1/4 tsp or to taste
Salt as needed
Water as required

METHOD

1. In a vessel boil a cup of water with mustard powder,turmeric powder and salt in it.
2. Next,mix smoothly(without any lumps)the ragi powder and little water in a bowl .
3. Now add the ragi to the boiling water and keep stirring for few minutes till it is fully cooked.
4. Add grated coconut and keep stirring in medium low flame for about 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot with little ghee or sesame oil in it.

Note: Adjust water to get the required consistency.

HOLIDAY MENU PLANS

Putting the finishing touches on my plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Here's my criteria:
-gluten-free
-lactose-free
-corn-free
-use one of our huge roosters - we call this chicken "Thanksgiving" and some of our garden produce

Thanksgiving:
huge chicken, roasted with garlic, "butter" and poultry seasoning
stuffing with mushrooms and water chestnuts
potato skins with bacon and rice cheese
sweet potatoes with "butter" and cinnamon-toasted-pecans
cranberry-and-orange muffins
pecan pie tarts

Christmas:
ham (gotta buy this year)
homemade bread
green beans with sliced almonds
mashed potatoes
apple chunks fried in cinnamon with walnuts and pecans
pumpkin-cheesecake-yogurt tarts

What would YOU add to these menues?

BACON AND POTATO SOUP

My kid's become addicted to IHOP's loaded potato soup, so I'm trying to make it myself. First, experimenting with fresh ingredients, but as soon as I have the recipe down, I'll adjust it to use stored products: dehydrated potatoes/onions, jarred bacon, and goat milk from our own goats.

A search for potato and bacon soup show all kinds with cream of something soup but I don't like using or storing them.

So ... does anybody have the recipe for IHOP's loaded potato soup?

PAAVAKKA PULI KOOTAAN/ ACHAR (Tangy bitter gourd pickle)

This can be used hot or cool as a side dish for rice or as a pickle. This dish will stay for about a week in airtight container.
I am sure that whoever don't like even the name of bitter gourd will ask for more.

INGREDIENTS
Bitter gourd------------------2 medium size,cut in to small pieces
Ginger------------------------ 1 tsp, cut in to small pieces
Garlic--------------------------6 flakes (about 1tsp sliced and crushed)
Tamarind----------------------1 small lemon size or to taste (soak in warm water)
Red chilly powder-----------1 tsp
Turmeric powder------------1/4 tsp
Fenugreek seeds/uluva--- 1 1/2 tbsp
Mustard seeds---------------1/2 tsp
Dried red chilly---------------1
Oil------------------------------- 2 tsp
Curry leaves------------------a sprig
Salt as needed

METHOD

1. In a vessel cook bitter gourd with ginger,turmeric powder,red chilly powder,needed salt and little water.
2. Once the bitter gourd is cooked,add tamarind water/paste.Bring it to boil.
3. Next in a pan add little oil and roast fenu greek seeds and powder it. Add this to the above vessel.
4. Next add crushed garlic to the cooked bitter gourd and slow cook it.Check the seasoning.
5. Then do the tempering. For this add oil in a medium heat pan and splutter mustard seeds,dried red chilly and curry leaves.
6. Now pour the tempering to the cooked bitter gourd and transfer to a serving bowl.

cut bitter gourd,tamarind,crushed garlic,fenu greek seeds and ginger

Step 1

Step 2 to 4

Step 6

KIWI, BANANA AND STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE/SHAKE

INGREDIENTS

Kiwi fruit---------------3,remove the skin and slice it

Banana-----------------1

Strawberry-------------2 large

Sugar-------------------2 tbsp or to taste

Ice cream-------------a large scoop (optional)

Cool milk-------------1 cup

METHOD

In a juicer blend together all the ingredients and enjoy this cool,refreshing and very healthy drink.This is a best way to make kids have fruits. 

Note: You can use either vanilla or strawberry ice cream for this shake.

VEGETABLE PULAO

Pulao is quite easy to make than a biryani and it tastes fabulous.

In this preparation you can add vegetables of your choice.I used beans, carrots and potato.

INGREDIENTS

Basmati rice------------------- 2cups (wash and soak in warm water for 15 minutes)

Water-------------------------- 3 1/2 cups

Ghee----------------------------2 tbsp (for frying bread)

Bread slices---------------------2,cut in to cubes (optional)

Olive oil------------------------1 tsp (you can also use ghee or any oil of your choice)

Onion---------------------------1/4 cup,sliced

Green chilly---------------------1 slit length wise

Ginger garlic paste--------------1 tbsp

Tomato--------------------------1 medium sized,cut in to pieces

Turmeric powder---------------1/4 tsp

Biryani/pulao masala powder--1 tbsp

Garam masala powder----------1/4 tsp (you can also use whole garam masalas instead)

Vegetables-----------------------1 cup, cut in to medium size pieces

Lemon/lime juice---------------1/2 tsp

Yogurt/curd----------------------1/4 cup(mix smoothly in a bowl and keep it aside)

Salt to taste

Cilantro/coriander leaves to garnish

METHOD

1. In a medium heat pan add ghee and fry/toast the bread chunks till crispy and light golden brown in color.Keep it aside.
2. In a well bottomed vessel add oil and saute onion till soft.
3. Then add green chilly and ginger garlic paste.Saute till the raw smell goes.
4. Next add tomatoes and saute till soft.
5. Then add turmeric powder,biryani/pulao masala powder and garam masala powder.
6. When the raw smell of masala goes add cut vegetables. (You can also shallow fry potato in a pan and then add it to the masala if you prefer and is not in a hurry. In that way potato will remain in its shape and taste better). 
7. Toss all the vegetables together with the masala and add needed salt to it.
8. Next add yogurt/curd to it.
9. Then add rice and add lemon/lime juice.
10. Add water and needed salt.Cover and cook in medium heat till water boils and then bring the flame to low and slow cook it.
11. Once fully done,transfer to a serving bowl and fluff gently with a fork.Add chopped cilantro/coriander leaves to it.You can also add mint leaves if needed.
12. Then add fried bread pieces to it.The crispy bread pieces will become soft with the heat and moisture of rice and kids sure will love to pick those. 
13. Garnish with tomato rose,cilantro leaves or any thing of your choice and enjoy.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3 and 4

Step 5

Step 6 and 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11 and 12

Announcing my first event/giveaway "Toddler breakfast ideas"

Hi friends, I am very happy to announce my first event and a giveaway of $20 gift from CSN stores.

 CSN Stores sells everything from cookware to comuter desks for home. 

The giveaway is open only to entries from US and Canada.So please don't forget to write country name whlile sending your entry.

The winner will be selected randomly before March 31,2011

Now coming to the details of the event. 

This is a very simple event  "Toddler breakfast ideas" 

You can send a maximum of 5 entries per blog. Event is from Feb 25,2011 to March 25,2011. Late entries will not be accepted.

Placing logo and linking back to this event announcement page in the post is appreciated.

Be creative and make it attractive and healthy for picky eating toddlers so that they will ask for more.

Send me your entries with picture (resized to 300 pixels) with the following details to  soujo83@gmail.com

Subject : "Toddler breakfast ideas"

Your name:

Blog name:

Recipe name:

Recipe link:

Country:

Hope you all will make it a success. 

Thanks & best wishes,

Soumya

I received 14 entries for the event.

 Savitha of " Savithas kitchen" ( Unites States) had send me two entries Multi coloured rotis and Cheesy Egg Toast

                                  1.   Multi coloured rotis/Marbled rotis

2.                      Cheesy Egg Toast

PJ of Seduce your tastebuds (India) had send  me two  entries
Beetroot poori and  Colorful and healthy vegetable parathas

                     3. Beetroot poori/Pretty pink poori 

                    4.    Colorful and healthy vegetable parathas              

                          

Akheela of torviewtoronto (Canada) had send me an entry  Deep fried stuffed bread kachori

                     5.    Deep fried stuffed bread kachori

Shylaja of South Indian Home (United States) had send me an entry Banana dosai                              

                           6.         Banana dosai

     

Sravani of Srav's culinary concepts (United States) had send me two  entries  Crunchy banana muffins and Bellam minappa rotti 

7.             Crunchy banana muffins

              

8.Bellam minappa rotti / Jaggery urad dal pancake

Sadhana of Sensible veg (United States) had send me an entry  Mung & urad dal appam

    9.   Mung & urad dal appam/paniyaram

                                           

Kalyani of   "What's cooking??"(India) had send me two  entries Beetroot cutlet and  Eggless oats banana muffins

10.      Beetroot cutlet

11. Eggless oats banana muffins

Kamakshi Prasanna of Kamu's Kaivannam (United States) had send me two entries Thavala adai  and  Masala idly

12. Thavala adai 

13. Masala idly

Neetu of Tips N deals(United states) had send me an entry Pink strawberry short cake with ricotta cheese

14. Pink strawberry short cake with ricotta cheese

Thanks a lot  Savitha, PJ , Akheela, Shylaja, Sravani , Sadhana, Kalyani , Kamakshi and Neetu for sending these yummy dishes to the event. 

And now coming to the the selection of the winner of the giveaway. 

I have posted the entries in the order I received.

I used random.org to select the winner.

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 2 Powered by RANDOM.ORG 

And the winner of the CSN stores giveaway is the number 2(2nd entry I received) ie, Cheesy Egg Toast by Savitha of " Savitha's kitchen"

Congrats Savitha and thanks a lot to all  friends who had send their entries to the event 

MUTTA PULI ( Tangy egg omelette curry)

This is a delicious and very simple curry. It is usually prepared in the same way you make fish curry.


INGREDIENTS


Egg -----------------------2 
Ginger garlic paste or crushed ginger and garlic ----1/2 tsp
Small onion--------------6,chopped and slightly crushed
Tomato-------------------1 medium sized,sliced
Green chilly-------------1,slit length wise
Tamarind----------------1 small lemon size(soak in warm water and extract juice)
Coconut milk-----------1/2 cup
Turmeric powder------1/4 tsp
Red chilly powder-----1 tsp or to taste
Coriander powder-----1 1/4 tbsp
Oil-------------------------1 1/2 tbsp
Mustard seeds---------1/2 tsp
Dried red chilly--------1
Fenu greek seeds-----1/4 tsp
Cumin seeds------------1/4 tsp
Curry leaves------------a sprig
Coriander/cilantro leaves to garnish
Salt as needed


METHOD

1. Slightly beat eggs in a bowl with little salt in it.
2. Now in a medium low heat pan add oil and pour egg to it and spread evenly.Flip and cook both sides.Note: Do not keep the heat in high as the egg will become hard and brown.Make medium thin omelette.
3. Transfer the omlette to a plate and cut in to medium sized diamond or square shapes.Keep it aside.
4. Now in a medium heat pan or vessel add oil and sputter mustard seeds,dried red chilly,cumin seeds,fenu greek seeds,cumin seeds and curry leaves.
5. Then add ginger garlic paste and saute till the raw smell goes.Do this in low flame.
6. Then add crushed small onions and saute for 2 seconds in medium flame.
7. Next add green chilly and tomatoes.Saute till soft.
8. Then add turmeric powder,red chilly powder and coriander powder to it and saute till the raw smell goes.
9. Then add tamarind water and needed salt. Bring it to a boil.
10. Then add cut omelette pieces and slow cook for 5 minutes.
11. Next add coconut milk to it and switch off the flame.
12. Transfer this to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
13. Serve with plain rice.

Option: You can use dry roasted (till light golden brown color)and ground coconut paste instead of coconut milk for keeping this curry for more than a day.

Step 2

Transfer to a plate

Step 4 to 8

Step 8 to 11

Step 12