What I Made Today

Black Currant Preserves … To Share

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:23:00 +0000

I've been distracted lately. Distracted and un-centered. Distracted, un-centered and unsettled. You see, my elderly mom fell and broke a hip at the end of April, had surgery and is now in rehab some 300+ miles from my home. She'll be discharged soon. The next phase of the journey involves moving her from New York state to assisted living here in Connecticut. I've been traveling between here-n-there and will be doing so again before the pieces fall into place. I have travel, care-giving, sorting and packing to manage this coming week.

I returned home from my most recent travels late Thursday. Friday kicked off with research, calls, follow-ups, bills (hers and mine) but then quickly dissolved into a need to rest. So I did. Friday is a blur, but I know I made calls and managed to get more plants into the earth.

Sunday, however, coalesced into a day that I needed. A day that I deserved. I managed to get some early morning planting done in the garden. I made a batch of black currant preserves and a batch of black currant-citrus peel-n-rosehips preserves (which is rockin' my world). I got down to The Artists at Whiting Mills for their Open Studio. I processed a batch of kombucha. I made time to catch up in my art journal. I sat with Nature and gazed into everythingness. I did more evening planting and even got half of the tomato stakes in. It was a productive day. An enjoyable day.

Today feels totally different.

There are things I want to do, and things I need to do, and yet I feel my will wavering today. I'd prefer to crawl under a rock. Know what I mean?

All the same, I've stacked the papers that need follow-through in a neat and organized pile to work through. I've started page-prep in my heART journal for the days ahead. I've sipped coffee. And still, my motivation wavers.

So … sharing is an activity that motivates me, inspires me, so I share with you my recipe (such as it is) for the currant preserves I made yesterday.

Black Currant Preserves
12 cups black currants (mine were frozen from last year's harvest)
9 cups cane sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
Optional (I added these to half my batch)
generous handful of dried rosehips
modest handful of dried orange rind
small handful of dried lemon rind

Combine ingredients (organic, please) in a heavy bottom pot, bring to a boil, stirring all the while. Lower heat to simmer, stirring occasionally, to desired thickness (I kept mine quite soft, good to use on toast or mix easily in yogurt). Sterilize your jars, pack them, and process them in a hot water bath for a time suited to your jar sizes.

Thank you for allowing me to share. It is Good Medicine that you offer. Go now, take your Medicine, and share something. Ashe.

Peace.

Ready with Rhubarb Preserves

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Wed, 29 May 2013 20:50:00 +0000

Today I inventoried and cleaned my pantry and was pleased with all the food, still on hand, that I've put away over the past year or two. I reorganized and consolidated the shelves to make ready for the 2013 preserves and to support using what's oldest first. I also organized my empty canning jars by size, mouth-size, bail or screw lid.

So I made ready for the first of this season's preserves and placed the loving jars of rhubarb preserves, grape jelly and cranberry jelly that I made yesterday on their place in the pantry cabinet. All are delicious, by the way.

I modified last year's recipe for the rhubarb preserves by doubling the amount of rosehips and orange peel, and I'm very happy with the outcome. Here's what I did:

Rhubarb Preserves - 7 pints

16 cups rhubarb, chopped

1 cup dried rose hips

1/2 cup dried orange peel

4 cups cane sugar

Combine in a pot, cover and let sit for 8-12 hours. Bring to boil. Simmer until soft. Pack into half-pint/pint jars. Seal. Process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes. Let cool. Check the seal. And enjoy!

Peace.

Pickled Rhubarb

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Mon, 27 May 2013 21:32:00 +0000

Well, it's rhubarb season here on my little acre, so today I started a batch of tried-n-true rhubarb preserves (which my neighbor has dubbed "rhubalade"). It will sit overnight to be processed tomorrow. It already smells good. And tastes good. More on that tomorrow.

I'm always seeking new things to do with rhubarb, since I have so much of it, and today I discovered a recipe for picked rhubarb on spoon fork bacon. So I took that recipe and adapted it to try out a small batch. I'll taste a jar in a couple-few weeks to see how I like it and if it is worthy of keeping with-r-without further adaptations. Here's my adapted recipe:

Rhubarb Pickles

10 cups rhubarb, cut into 1” pieces

1/2 cup yellow mustard seeds
1/3 cup black peppercorns
1/4 cup coriander seeds
2 teaspoon cumin, ground
4 teaspoon chili flakes

1 star anise - to each jar

5 cups apple cider vinegar

1 cup water
1/2 cup kosher salt
2/3cup granulated cane sugar

Sterilize 7 pint jars and lids.

Clean and cut rhubarb, set aside.

Measure vinegar and water into a pot.

Measure mustard seeds, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes and add to the vinegar/water pot. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally, and then simmer until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.

Spoon the rhubarb into your sterilized jars, fill with the hot liquid and spices, add one star anise to each pint. Remove air bubbles and cap. Process in a hot water bath for about 20 minutes.

Yeah. That's what I made today.

Peace.

An Effort

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:10:00 +0000

Today I attended a gathering with some of the most amazing women I know. It's a business meeting, but one that holds the utilitarian and mysterious together in such a holistically natural way. I've never experienced this before. I almost skipped the meeting, but was so glad that I dragged myself to it, for the expressions shared there nourished and motivated me in ways that were much needed.

Not that I knew it at the time.

Much like the wild strawberry blossom that is what it is in the moment, without thought of the berry it will become.

I am glad and grateful for the buds and blossoms in my world. I am glad and grateful for the fruits that make manifest. I am glad and grateful for these relationships that I have in my life.

Ashe.

Peace.

Holistic Art Journey at The Phoenix Rising Center in Thomaston, Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:42:00 +0000

Today I made art in my art journal and splashed a little paint on canvas. I carved out a block of time to take photographs, edit them and prepare them for phase II of action. I made a nutritional herbal blend for myself so that I may reach for on jar off the herb shelf instead of three. I made plans.

And now I'm making an announcement and offering an invitation to my regional friends to join me on an eight-week journey of soul, heart and art!

Next tuesday I'll be facilitating the first session of the holistic and artful journey into the question, "Who Am I?" So if you ever find yourself asking that question you might want to join us at The Phoenix Rising Center in Thomaston, CT for this introspective, expressive and creative workshop.

As we explore the query, "Who Am I?" we'll be expressing our discoveries through the magic of mixed media art. This is a workshop that is perfect for those with art experience as well as for those who have never created with paint, pens, collage and the like. Each week you'll go home with an artful expression of your Self … and you'll likely be inspired to create on your own between classes!

So if you're in the region I hope you'll join us. The eight-week workshop is only $140 and you have so much to gain by taking it ~ mixed media skills, enhanced self-awareness and appreciation, and anything in between.

Contact Doreen at The Phoenix Rising Center to learn more and to register at 860.294.1156 or email her at doreen@thephoenixrisingcenter.com

Peace.

Moving Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:45:00 +0000

Today was moving day. The snow is finally gone from our little acre, so today we moved the chickens from their winter garden spot to their summer space in the lower part of our back yard. The Boy was quite proud of his DYI wheels. Just sayin'. He did most of the heavy hauling and I documented the event, as you can see. But hey, I did some lifting, pushing and lugging too, but mostly coop traffic control.

The ladies were curious (as they tend to be) about the changes and the homemade wheels.

Once one side of the pen was removed and the ladies wandered off, the ark started its journey south. Literally.

We live on a south-facing slope, and their summer location is peppered with above-ground maple roots, so positioning the ark so it was level and the door would properly open was important. Don't want undue stress on those hinges, ya know.

So, no … the door won't fall and lay nicely.

Gotta move it touch this way.

And a touch that way.

A little forward.

And that should do it.

Does the door open nicely?

It does.

Perfect!

Next up is the fencing around the main vegetable garden so I can start planting seed and putting in some seedlings … without the ladies helping themselves to the delicious, young greens and scattering the seed wherever they're inspired to scratch.

So, yeah … moving day. That's what I (we) made today. Peace.

Mixed Media Workshop at The Phoenix Rising Center

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:35:00 +0000

Tempus fugit. Am I right?

I can hardly believe that in less than a week I'll be sharing my passion for play and uninhibited artful creation at The Phoenix Rising Center in Thomaston, CT.

You see, I'll be facilitating an 8-week workshop centered around the pure play of creating beautiful, rich, multi-layered mixed-media art … art that can be used for foundation backgrounds for further artful expressions, and we'll touch on some of those options, too. I'm really looking forward to this, because anyone can create these luscious, textured pieces, regardless of experience. And what I mean by that is even if you've never played with paint, collage or the like … or haven't since you were a child, you can let go and let your playful Muse out to manifest some beauty that you create with your hot little hands! And heart.

So if you're in the area, consider joining us. It's going to be great fun! All you need to do is contact Doreen at The Phoenix Rising Center (call 860-294-1156 or email doreen@thephoenixrisingcenter.com) to reserve your space.

I hope you will.

I'd love to make some artful play with you!

Peace.

Prayers

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 20:54:00 +0000

Some days … it's that simple.

Peace.

Chicken Art

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:28:00 +0000

My art journal entries seem to be sparked with chickens this week. I think it was inspired by some art I viewed on Pinterest … and I was especially taken with a piece by Picasso and leveraged his image to adapt this one (above) of my own.

I'm still working on my canvases, and while they're currently focused on images of feminine divinity, I see chickens in my canvased future. For starters, I love watching my hens. They mesmerize, amaze and amuse me.

Chicken art. Yeah. That's what I've been making.

Peace.

Art Work in Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 21:01:00 +0000

Today I continued playing with paints on canvas. One of my goals this year is to produce something, anything on canvas once a month - on average. I imagine most of what I create will get cut up and used in other mixed media pieces, like this one. This piece is one of two works in progress, the one I'm least satisfied with, but one that is offering an illuminating journey and yielding some sound lessons.

After all, it's all about the journey and the lessons gleaned along the path. Not the destination. Not the outcome.

Peace.

A Whimsy Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:57:00 +0000

Join me in congratulating "number 7," Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs! She is the winner of our February Win a Whimsy mermaid!

I've never met Catherine, but I've known her quite a while here in this virtual online space that we share. She is a wonderful, supportive and talented member of the ArtFire community. She creates beautiful, inspired, handmade jewelry like this recent dog rescue necklace:

This is just one of many wonderful jewelry pieces that she creates, and I chose to showcase it because it resonated for me ... because my rescue dog did - indeed - adopt me!

I'm delighted that she is our winner! And if you don't already know her, you can get to know her at the links above as well as follow her on her Shadow Dog Designs Facebook page and on twitter.

Congratulation, Catherine!

Peace.

Win a Whimsy Wednesday - Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:24:00 +0000

It's been a long while since I've hosted a giveaway. The tide for one, it seems, has come in. So I offer you, in this latest wave of Win a Whimsy Wednesday, a chance to win this little mermaid that I created a while back.

To enter, just leave a comment - anytime before the morning of Wednesday, February 13th.

This sweet little mermaid was created with handmade papier-mâché, paint, inks, gel medium and LoVe. She measures 8½ inches long and has been sitting on one of my altars for a while.

She recently said, "I've served you. I need to swim. Share me. Share me in the seas of LoVe." So it is that "Win a Whimsy" resurfaces from the depths of an almost forgotten ocean.

The mermaid holds much symbolism. She seems a ubiquitous creature, one that has history around the globe, in many cultures and traditions. For me, she most often conjures the verve of the Sirens and the Selkie ... mysterious, enticing, inspired, loving and a touch tragic.

So leave a comment for a chance to win.

If you want extra chances, share this post on any social network and post the link to it here in a separate comment. If you post in more than one place, leave a comment with the link for each. Each comment with a link offers you an extra chance to win.

I'll be drawing the winner next Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 8:00 am, eastern time.

Best wishes!

Peace.

Sage Wisdom Spirit Cord

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:37:00 +0000

This morning I spun a Spirit Cord with some yarn that had prepped days ago. I figured I'd better spin the cord before the yarns tangled. The sage pendant that I made this past summer chose the yarns, an acrylic green and a gorgeous variegated and textured wool-acrylic blend. It spun up beautifully and I was pleased with how the Spirit of Sage chose the yarns to complement its image so sweetly.

This Spirit Cord measures over five feet in length, and has so many uses. I've spun these cords for folks to embellish everything from head to waist, garb to cars, to dress a walking stick and use in handfasting ceremonies. And more.

You can take a closer look at this cord - and others - at my ArtFire shop or my Zibbet shop.

That's what I made today.

Peace.

Hot Tea, Friendship, Green Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:29:00 +0000

I enjoyed a glorious morning with my friend and student, Ruth. We sipped tea and reviewed the many herbal Medicines that she's been working with and created a few on the spot.

We started by making a simple herbal syrup using elderberries, astragalus root and … cardamom pods. The cardamom was a stroke of brilliance straight from Ruth. We used:

1 ounce Elderberries
½ ounce astragalus root
½ cardamom pods
To this we added about 3 cups of water, brought it to the boil, turned it down to a slow simmer, covered, for about a half an hour, then shut it off to let it steep while we worked on other things. We strained the liquid, which measured about 1½ cups and added to that 1½ cups of cane sugar. We returned it to the heat, brought it back to the boil and let it simmer, uncovered, until all the sugar was dissolved and the liquid was clear and glossy. When it cooled it was funneled into bottles. We tasted some too. It is divine. We both said so - at the same time. This wellness syrup, great for the immune system, can be used like any syrup, on oatmeal or pancakes, ice cream or fruit, in a plain or sparkling water or tea. Or, by the teaspoon at the hint of that "first tickle" or anytime.

We made a calendula lanolin unguent by, quite simply, beating tincture of calendula into anhydrous lanolin until it wouldn't take up any more. This is great topical treatment and I love it for treating my stubborn cuticles with some softening love.

We then warmed some local honey and mixed and kneaded slippery elm powder into it until it formed a stiff dough, rolled the dough into "snakes," cut it into little pieces, and then rolled each piece to create slippery elm pastilles. These are great for sore throats and digestive support. These will sit, covered in cotton for a few days to thoroughly dry and cure before jarring up.

Hot tea, friendship, green wisdom … yeah … that's what I made today.

Peace.

A New Obsession

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 17:13:00 +0000

Yesterday I attended day-one of this weekend's Fiber Festival at The Phoenix Rising Center in Thomaston, CT. I taught a morning workshop on spinning Spirit Cords and was available all day to demonstrate how to up-cycle old, worn, discarded, and otherwise unused fabric to create "yarn" for making all sorts of things. I brought along my handmade drop spindle that The Boy made for me a few years back when I gifted some sheep's wool. I never felt like I was doing it "right." So I took a workshop at the Fest and it turns out I had the hang of it after all. Gotta dig validation.

I purchased several ounces of merino wool roving in a rainbow of colors to play with and now I find myself obsessed with the process. I really do love pushing through the challenges in order to learn new skills.

I'm already looking forward to spinning enough yarn to spin myself a Spirit Cord. This will be a Spirit Cord dedicated to my inner Magician, that part of me that loves gathering tools, materials and doing my best to master new abilities that nourish and sustain me.

I have a feeling that I'll want to spin like crazy, some natural alpaca, methinks, to make enough yarn to create a shawl or poncho. But right now, that's a dream. In the meantime I'm focused on the joy of the process, on learning, and on that first Spirit Cord to honor my Magician.

That's what I made today.

Peace.

Tea and Time

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:22:00 +0000

Today was one of those days where plans change … and I rolled with it. It felt good. But, then again, I am fond of change. With some time in the afternoon freed up I brewed a pot of tea and sat outside in the brilliant, if not frigid, sunshine with a hot cuppa and enjoyed watching my chicksters enjoying their sand baths.

When I returned indoors I took a few postcard-sized paintings that I had started a while back and finished them up. Made some other paint play, too.

I gathered my materials for tomorrow's Phoenix Fiber Festival at The Phoenix Rising Center in Thomaston, Connecticut and … made time to enjoy more tea.

Yeah. That's what I made today.

Herbal Love

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:25:00 +0000

I have a question for you: Are we able to care for others before we care for ourselves? I don't believe so. Do you?

So it is that practices of self care have been bumped up on my list of personal priorities. One pampering practice that I absolutely love is pausing, in meditative fashion, to relax, eyes closed, embraced by fragrant vapor, for a facial steam. Lately, when I do pause for this herbal treat, I generally take a scoop of this and a scoop of that, but today I decided to blend a favored mix for my maturing skin to have at the ready. Not only that, but a dear friend was with me to help and to add some extra love to this mix.

Rose petals and lavender, calendula and chamomile grace this blend and later this evening I'll be relaxing over a steaming brew of these herbs, and enjoy one of my herbal tea blends afterwards. Yeah. That's the ticket. ♡

That's what I made today.

Peace.

Heart Flames

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 21:09:00 +0000

My day started with the warming glow of brilliant sunshine, not the kind that shines from the sky, rather the kind that burns from the hearts and minds, stories and dreams of friends, old and new. It was a morning that motivated and inspired me. Here on this New Moon Friday in January my cauldron is filled to the brim and simmering with the insight of my Muse.

The dry, overcast day turned to rain and I turned from note-taking to picking up an old, unfinished project and … finishing it! A bag, crocheted of old plastic bags, a size perfect for my files and notebooks, a briefcase of sorts. It hangs in the south window now, soaking up the energy of the Moon, the day, the love, the vision and voices of not only my Muse, but the Muses of those who joined me around the dining table this morning. I have another unfinished project I shall complete in the next day or two. And another for which a dear friend has been waiting ever so patiently. Ah, New Moon energy … finishing up those things hanging in the darkness … to make room for the new projects beaming for attention.

I made space, too, to light a candle of loving intention for a friend and her family who lost their mother today.

I feel renewed. I fell calm. I feel compassion. I feel rooted. I feel braver than I did a day ago. I feel more bold than I have in quite some time. I feel fires warming and see them flickering in the hearths of my heart.

Heart flames. And a bag.

That's what I made today.

Peace.

Plans and Action

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:06:00 +0000

Well, the calendar has flipped to 2013. But, you already knew that, didn't you? So, late or not, I'd like to wish you a very happy new year!

I've been making time to reflect back, as I do at intervals throughout the year, at the events and circumstances that reside in the "past," namely, in this instance, the calendar year 2012. It has been a year that overflowed with blessings and challenges, ideas and inspiration, actions and inactions, starts and stalls, friendship, community and love, and more. Much more.

As I gaze into the reflections I am able to glimpse evidence of those things that I choose to continue, those things I choose to change, and those things I choose to shed. I see the infinite cycles of life and the seemingly singular message those cycles offer to me.

Today I step both feet and a very full heart into the "new year" by taking action plans and transforming them to pure action. This blog post is just one such sample.

Peace.

All of It

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:52:00 +0000

Motivation returned to me this week in many forms. It has been a gradual and gentle return, and one that I welcome with a grateful heart. I was inspired to finish more of my mini journals and get them listed in my ArtFire and my Zibbet shops. I still have more to get listed. I cooked some nice meals, started a new shawl for a holiday gift, worked on a commissioned doodle, hosted my monthly discussion group, PLAYed in my heART journal with a friend, attended an opening reception for the "Reflections" show at The Phoenix Rising Center and made some time and space to simply Be.

So far today I've made my heART journal entry for the day and will be doodling more as part of my plan to finish up the "peace" of art I'm currently working on, and possibly start another. As I type these words I'm brewing some nice nutritional herbal infusion that will be ready to begin sipping quite soon, and that will support and nourish me throughout the day.

It feels good, this. Whatever this is. And I am grateful for it. All of it.

Peace.

Rest, For Now

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:45:00 +0000

Here we are at the end of November. It's a bit hard for me to accept. The year has whizzed by so quickly and I've been struggling to keep up with … my Self. Know the feeling? Yet, as November drifts to December, my world begins to wind down, contract gracefully, expand within, and slow to a pace that nourishes me. Deeply. I look forward to the winter months.

I look forward this season of the soul despite the challenges I see awaiting me. Some are familiar challenges-in-progress, others are "new." Most are challenges that I manifest for myself, and others are born of the Collective. Know what I mean? I welcome them all, for without challenge life would be dull at best. Yet, I'm careful for what I "wish" into my existence.

I see my "new" year sprouting from familiar roots. I see my "new" year extending roots grown fresh, reaching ever outward and ever deeper into the verve of life. I see days of sunshine and shadow, nights of glimmer and dim mystery … and I see mySelf reaching for all of it.

Gently.

Gracefully.

For now.

Yet, I find mySelf resting on the floor of my Well and it is dry. Dry as dust. This is a familiar place. I've been here before. I know what to do. I know that it is time to gather the tools that support me in seeking the cool, refreshing waters of Life … and Love … and Peace. I know it is time for the sledgehammer and pick ax, the hard and heavy instruments that have sustained me in this dark, dry, dusty place in times past. But I've grown weary and feel too exhausted to handle them, to do the work that is necessary to mine the refreshment that is … mine. So, for now, I rest in the darkness of the heart and gather my strength.

For now.

Peace.

BlogBlast4Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:38:00 +0000

I woke up early this morning. I brewed a short pot of organic, fair trade coffee. I planned my day, scheduling my many tasks, so that I might get done all I choose to get done in a single spiral of daylight.

As I brewed a second pot of java I was drawn to the outdoors. When I opened the back door I witnessed light reflecting on the deck that looked, at first glance, like chunks of snow. My left brain dismissed that perception as I stepped out into the darkness of the pre-dawn day.

The air was brisk, but not bitter. I looked up and there it was, the winter sky. My friend, the clear, sparkling winter sky. It danced its crisp, shimmering gambol above me as the winds did the same around me, all the while enticing the trees to sing their wisdom of Peace to all in earshot.

It was magical.

It was an infinite moment of Peace.

Join us today for BlogBlast4Peace. Blog a piece on peace or visit the many Peace Bloggers from around the globe and leave them some LoVe. Learn more at BlogBlast4Peace.

Peace.

Sweet and Spicy Tomato Jam

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 18:41:00 +0000

Today I harvested beans, broccoli, eggplant, jalapeno peppers, leeks, more (and it looks like the last of the) tomatoes. I also did some garden clean-up.

In addition to getting some tomatoes and eggplant dehydrating, I made a batch of a Sweet and Spicy Tomato Jam. Of all the tomato jams I've made this year, I think I'm happiest with this one and may make another batch with the remaining fruit. I adapted a recipe I had jotted down from heavens' know where. In any event, here's how I did it:

Sweet and Spicy Tomato Jam

9 pounds of tomatoes of random ripeness, randomly chopped
3 onions
1.5 cups brown sugar
3 cups white cane sugar
2.5 sea salt
2 teaspoons cumin powder
1.5 teaspoons crushed coriander seed
.75 cup apple cider vinegar
Juice of 3 lemons

I combined everything in a heavy-bottom pot, brought it to the boil uncovered, then simmered it, uncovered, to a jam consistency, stirring often. This took over three hours, but it heated my little hut and smelled divine.

When ready I packed it into sterilized pint jars and processed for 15 minutes in hot-water bath.

This made not quite six pints, so we'll use the less-filled jar first … and I'll be adjusting this recipe so I can get a full seven pints.

That's what I made today. Peace.

Green Tomato Pie Filling

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 22:57:00 +0000

Today I made a fresh batch of kombucha, as I do most every week. I canned six quarts of green tomato "pie filling," along with a bonus enjoy-it-now pint. It tastes as good as it looks. Better, really! I made a variation on this recipe, and I'm delighted with the results. I see this as something much more than just pie filling!

As I peeled and cored the apples, I nestled the "waste" into a hallf-gallon jar to which I added sugar water, 1/2-cup of sugar to each quart of water, topped it with muslin, and cozied it up in a quiet kitchen corner to begin its fermentation process. In several weeks I should have some nice homemade apple cider vinegar to bottle up and age. The Boy sorted and prepped beans for cooking, for blanching and for the dog. I thought about starting a fermented tomatillo salsa verde, but opted to make a soup for dinner, using up brines from enjoyed ferments.

I still have tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers, beans, cabbage, turnip, beets and more garden abundance to contend with … all activities that distract me from consistent blogging, and I can Live with that.

That's what I made today. Peace.

Joy d'œufs

noreply@blogger.com (Rosemari Roast) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 21:56:00 +0000

I'm not sure if I ever mentioned that The Boy was building us a chicken coop. Well, he did, and this past weekend we visited some dear friends and came home with four hens.

I love observing them as they wander around our little acre. I love gathering the eggs and creating meals and dishes with them. I love watching them meander back to the coop as dusk closes in and the light starts to fade. I love living simply, in as close a rhythm to Nature as I can muster.

With that, I have four pounds of beans waiting to be blanched for the deep freeze.

Peace.