Dilly Beans and What to do with a LARGE Zucchini

I had a request for the recipe for Dilly Beans. This recipe has been in my family a long time.

Dilly Beans
3 pounds of string beans (green or yellow)
2 tsp. red pepper flakes
4 cloves of garlic
4 heads of fresh dill
2 cups cider vinegar
2 cups of water
1/4 cup coarse salt

Makes 4 pints

Blanch green beans about 3 mins. Put in a bowl with ice water to stop the cooking.
In a clean hot jar place green beans, 1/2 tsp. red pepper, 1 clove of garlic, 1 head of dill in each jar.
Bring vinegar, water, salt to a boil.
Pour liquid over beans, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Place tops on and process for 10 minutes in a water bath.

Yesterday my son came up to the house with this enormous zucchini! I thought what on earth are we to do with something of this size...stuff it of course!!! Well we cut it in half and scooped out the seeds. We made a filling to go into it of hamburger, tomato sauce, rice (just like stuffed peppers) then topped it with mozzarella cheese. But I'd leave the cheese off next time and add right at the end of baking. Bake it on a cookie sheet at 350 for about 35-40 minutes. Then add the cheese. It was very good! The zucchini didn't turn into a big pile of mush like sometimes.

Passionate Homemaker

Lately everything I've heard is regarding passion. Two of my devotionals in the past few days have been about that very topic. It got me thinking, am I a passionate homemaker? I decided to look up the meaning of passion. The Webster's dictionary says that the meaning of passion is the suffering of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death. Another meaning is a strong feeling or emotion; strong liking or desire;Love.

So now I began to think how passionate am I when it comes to things in my life? After reading the definition of passion I realize that I have a LONG way to go before I'm as passionate about things as I am supposed to. I had become so absorbed with what the needs of my family were over my needs as a wife, mother and Christian. Before I can become a passionate homemaker I needed to improve my passion for Christ. I'm not saying I do not LOVE Christ with all my heart and soul, but there are areas of my life that I needed to hand over to him. I think many people are like that whether they want to admit it or not, especially us women who worry all the time. After doing that I've realized that I can have more passion for other areas of my life, my Husband, children and then homemaking. Taking the time to really get to know those around me will develop a greater passion for them and knowing what our home is made of. I started with my Husband, did I know ALL of his desires, dreams, interests, likes/dislikes after a number of conversations we discovered many areas of each other we had no idea of. It was great! But it will not stop there, dreams, interests and likes and dislikes change all the time.

Now for my children, when you are expecting you have all these expectation of how your children will grow up. Like having a little girl who loves to have her hair brushed and put up in cute little styles, then BAM your sweet little girl is a teenager who has changed right before your eyes. She doesn't want anything to do with you. But I made it a point each night to sit with her in her room and just talk with her. I learned so much through doing this. Now she looks forward to that time each night. With our middle daughter she loves to play with dolls, I sit with her and play with the dolls also. Our son loves to be read to, we finished 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and he loved every minute of it. Does this make for a long evening YES but it has made me passionate about being a Mother again. Many times I think your children hit that age of being able to do many things on their own we as Moms feel they don't need us any more. WRONG! They need us more now than before. I'm loving this time with them.

Now for my home. I had become so overwhelmed when it came to keeping house I had just let things go. I had lost the passion I had felt 3 years ago when I first came home after working full time outside the home. I thought of it as a chore. That's when the Lord laid it on my heart to just start slow. Work on one room a day. While I was doing that the children were working on their rooms. After about a week or so we had a clean and organized home. Now I had felt the passion return for being a keeper at home.

I didn't wake up one morning and expect to just feel the passion for these things. I needed to work and pray hard for these. With a lot of work I can say I'm almost there. I do not believe anyone will realize all the passion that Christ has for us until we are with him in glory! We need to keep working on these areas because life gets in the way too many times. Passion for these things end up hidden way down deep and need us to bring them back to the surface. We must fill our lives with Christ not just certain areas ALL areas. Make the time for yourself, for me the best time is early in the morning. I look forward to that time each and every day, just as much as all the other times I've listed.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...finally a nice day, temps are much cooler and a lot less humid. The sun is shinning and there is a gentle breeze.

I am thinking...We have one week until school starts. We are all excited.

I am thankful for...for many things. One being my husband who works so hard for us so that I may stay home. I'm thankful for our children and homeschooling them. I am also thankful for our simple life, we hear so many people complaining about not having money for "things" but since we do not need "things" we are so content in our new Simple Life.

From the kitchen...all of my canning accessories, jars, lids, canner, funnels ect. I have everything ready. Green beans are almost ready for harvest, I will make Dilly Beans, cucumbers are coming along nicely, I will make pickles, tomatoes (we will have a lot of) I will make, sauce, crushed tomatoes, ketchup, chili sauce...just to name a few.

I am creating...our homeschool schedule and calendar for this year.

I am going...to try and relax a bit before school starts next Monday.

I am wearing...shorts, tshirt and hair is down.

I am reading...over homeschool materials.

I am hoping...to have a nice visit with my Aunt who is coming up from Delaware, with her girls on Saturday. She is only 3 years older than me.

I am hearing...the clock ticking, birds singing. LOL and my son acting like a baby to wake his sisters up...LOL

Around the house...is gardens to be tended.

One of my favorite things...is the quiet of the morning

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...finish homeshool calendar, gather items for our first week of school, library, relax.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... picture taken from our deck.

To visit other daybooks, or create one yourself stop by The Simple Woman blog.

Surprises!

I just got back from our friend's house, some know her as Happy Mama, and she made me these wonderful coasters for my birthday.

Now I just have to think of where we want to put them. We do not have a coffee table...WAIT now we will have to go get a coffee table. Naw just kidding, we do not have room for a coffee table. I may just display them. Thank you again for such a kind gift, Happy Mama.

SUCCESS!!!

I got this recipe off of A Heart 4 my Home's blog. I have never had much luck when it came to traditional white bread baking. But even though my loaves are not very pretty, I'm very excited that they turned out! When my Husband walks in the front door boy is he going to be surprised by the smell of fresh baked bread.

Thank you for this recipe! I can not wait to have some with supper tonight.

Shoofly and Sourdough-great combo huh!

I had a couple of requests for this recipe for Shoofly Pie. I got this recipe from an Amish woman while I was in Lancaster, PA a year ago. She had a small shop that sold this pie. I'd had the pie before and saw how it was made and it had a lot of layering involved. I love to bake and cook but really do not like recipes that involve a lot of "busy" work. It is a VERY rich pie. Make sure you have a tall glass of milk or like me coffee/tea. Enjoy!

Shoofly Pie

Crumbs

1 C flour

2/3 C light brown sugar

1 T shortening

Mix flour and sugar. Cut in shortening. Take out 1/2 cup crumbs and set aside.

Bottom Part

1 egg, beaten slightly

1 C molasses

1 C boiling water

1 t baking soda

1 nine inch unbaked pie shell

To larger portion of crumbs add egg and molasses. Blend in 3/4 cup boiling water. Dissolve soda in remaining 1/4 cup water and add.

Pour into unbaked pie shell. Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 40-45 minutes longer.

Now for something new I've tried.

I have always stayed away from homemade Sourdough Bread. Why....because I thought it had WAY too many steps. In a sense this one does, BUT they are very easy steps. Trust me these may seem like they are difficult but it really isn't. If they were I would not have tried it. First you need to make the starter. Later I will post a recipe I have for pretzels using this starter.

Sourdough Starter

1 t regular active dry yeast

1/4 C warm water (make sure it is between 105-115)

3/4 C milk

1 C all purpose flour (do not use self rising flour)

1. In 3 qt. glass bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in milk. Stir in flour a little at a time; beat until smooth (it takes a while but does smooth out). Cover with towel or cheesecloth (cheesecloth is my choice, the yeast needs to breath to work really well); let it stand in warm, draft free place for about 24 hours. (Bubbles will start to appear on the top of the starter and you know you are in business.) If after 24 hours there is nothing happening throw it out and start again, you have some bad ingredients somewhere. If bubbles appear after 24 hours, stir well and cover with plastic wrap and return to warm spot. Let the starter stand for 2-3 days or until foamy.

These are your bubbles.

2. When foamy stir well, pour into glass canning jar with lid. Store in refrigerator. The starter is ready when there is a fairly clear liquid on top. Stir well before using. Usually the recipes call for 1 cup of starter, when you take the cup from the starter, add 3/4 C milk and 3/4 C flour. Store covered (with the jar lid or cheesecloth) at room temperature for about 12 hours or until your friendly bubbles appears. Then place back in the refrigerator.

Think of your starter as a "pet" you will need to use it every week or so. If you notice your baking products start to loose some of their umph, dissolve 1 teaspoon of yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. Stir in 1/2 C milk, 3/4 cup flour and add it to your starter. IF I can do this YOU can! Let me know what you think. I am by no means a pro at this. I got this recipe from a dear friend of mine, who is a chef and who studied in Paris. When she first gave me this recipe she said "Oh come on it is very easy." I thought YEAH maybe to you...LOL But she was right.

Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...A bit cooler today but still humid

I am thinking...SUCCESS!! I've finished organizing our home.

I am thankful for...my Lord and Savior.

From the kitchen...Fresh brewed iced tea, coffee cake.

I am creating...an afghan for my son still, a list of Christmas books for a give a way...stay tuned for more on that.

I am going...to relax the rest of this evening!

I am wearing...a smile of satisfaction on getting our home looking nice.

I am reading...Cookbooks

I am hoping...this humid weather goes away soon.

I am hearing...Curious George....LOL my son is watching it.

Around the house...Glorious gardens that have been giving us an abundance of veggies so far.

One of my favorite things...fresh iced tea.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Keep the house in order, weed the garden, back to the lake.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... my husband and father fishing...do they look like they are having fun? Actually they had a great time. I went last weekend and caught a perch! Not a keeper but not bad for my first time out since I was 10 yrs old. My husband caught a bunch that we have in the freezer for a later date.

I've been tagged

I've been so busy running all over I almost forgot about this tag. I've been tagged by Marye at Simple Home Remedies for a 5 Things I love Meme, not including family. So hmmmm let me think, there are so many.....These are not in any particular order. I also have to tag 5 other people. So here goes....

These are my taggies! YOUR it!
Candy at A pretty home
A Heart for my Home
Shelly's Stuff
Life in the Parsonage
Happy Home

First....

I enjoy scrapbooking and faithbooking. It is a way for me to hand down to my children their heritage, not only here on earth but our Christian heritage also. I was trying to find a picture of me scrapbooking but could not. So here is a picture from a living history museum. Scrapbooks are a way to carry on the heritage of your family. Just like this museum.

Second....

I enjoy crafting. It might be crocheting, sewing, making wreaths ect. I enjoy it all. I did not make this but it gets my point across. My bestest summer swap partner....OK my only summer swap partner Shelly made this.

Third....

I love the smell in the outdoors after a summer storm. Clean and refreshing.

Fourth....

I LOVE to cook. There is nothing more satisfying than creating a healthy meal for my family. Although I must admit I'm not really into cooking in the summer. I do a lot of grilling though. This is a Shoofly Pie....not exactly healthy but great for the soul!

Fifth....

I have really come to enjoy photography. God has created such a beautiful world for us.

I GOT MY PACKAGE!!

I got my package today in the mail from my summer swap partner Shelly. The Swap was hosted by The Simple Woman. This was so much fun and I got to know a great person through this. Hopefully we will continue to communicate after all is said and done. She should be receiving her package any day now!!

Here is what I got:
A bunch of quart size canning jars.....along with 3 blue ones (there is a ironic story that goes along with the blue jars....I've been eyeing a few colored canning jars at a local consignment shop and have been waiting until my kitchen was organized to purchase them.....I'm so excited I have the same ones now!) which I will use to display some bulk items we have that will look great in there. Canning lids to go along with my jars. How great is this??!! A knitted hot pad that looks like a slice of lemon....yellow and lemons are one of my favorite things!

Last but not least packs of tea....I may fill one of the jars and make iced tea and sit out on my deck in the cool of the morning with my quart of iced tea.....AHHHH now that says summer! Well any of you that know me well know that I wouldn't be out there in the morning....I'd wait till the sun goes down in the evening! THANK YOU SHELLY! Your package should be arriving any day. This has been so much fun I can not wait unit the next swap. Start going over to The Simple Woman and watch and wait for this.

Simple Woman's Day Book

For Today...

Outside my Window...it is sunny with a gentle cool breeze.

I am thinking...I need to get the kids going.

I am thankful for...quietness in the morning.

From the kitchen...Oatmeal in the crockpot. The kids love this, they get to add any topping they like. Just like creating an ice cream sundae.

I am creating...my story book, a faithbook. Also working on schedules for school about to start on the 4th of August.

I am going...to continue organizing our home.

I am wearing...slacks, dress shirt and hair up in pony tail.

I am reading...Bible, teacher's manual for homeschool, Close to my Heart catalog.

I am hoping...for a wonderful week at our church VBS program.

I am hearing...the children talking behind me.

Around the house...many activities going on getting ready to leave for VBS.

One of my favorite things...hearing the wind blow the leaves in the trees.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...VBS at Church.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Foodie Friday!

Here is next week's menu. As you will see I have to be creative to get my family to eat healthy. Recipes are below.

Monday
Cajun Pork Chops
Mixed Veg. (Zucchini, broccoli, carrots)
Rice
Toss Salad

Tuesday
Balsamic-Glazed Chicken
Fingerling Potatoes
Cauliflower
Toss Salad

Wednesday
Bubbie Burgers
French Fries
Carrots

Thursday
Grilled veggie Pizza
Salad

Friday
Lemon Grilled Salmon
Rice
Salad

Saturday
Family Reunion I haven't decided what I am taking yet. But I will post the recipe later when I decide.

Sunday
Crock-Pot Chicken and biscuits

Here are the recipes for the above suppers.

Cajun Pork Chops
4-6 pork chops
1 T canola oil
1 T Cajun seasoning (I make my own)
fresh ground pepper to taste

Coat one side of the pork chop with oil and press on the seasoning. Flip over and grind fresh pepper over top.

Place onto very hot grill, Cajun seasoned side down, and sear for 2 minutes. Turn grill down to medium heat and flip meat onto peppered side. Cook until done.

Balsamic-Glazed Chicken
4-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 t pepper
1/4 t salt (I usually omit this, Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce are salty)
4 t dark brown sugar
1/2 t cornstarch
1/4 c chicken broth
1 T balsamic vinegar
1 T soy sauce

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper (if using) Place on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Broil 3-4 inches from the heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Meanwhile, in small sauce pan, combine remaining ingredients until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thick. Serve over chicken.

Bubbie Burgers (my son won't eat meatloaf, so we came up with this way instead)
2 pounds of hamburger
1 egg
bread crumbs
meatloaf seasonings (whatever you use to season meat loaf)

Mix all together and form into patties. Cook on the grill or in a fry pan on the stove.

Grilled Veggie Pizza
5 corn or flour tortillas
Alfredo sauce (which ever you use)
1 head of broccoli steamed but make sure it is still crisp
mozzarella cheese shredded finely

Heat up the grill. Place tortillas on the grill and let them crisp up about 1-2 minutes on each side. Watch them carefully! They burn easily. Lower the temperature of the grill to medium low.

Brush the Alfredo sauce on top of each tortilla add broccoli and top with cheese. Place back on the grill until the cheese is melted. I usually place them on the top rack of the grill. It all depends on your grill.

Lemon Grilled Salmon (This recipe is from a magazine)
2 t fresh dill chopped or 3/4 t dill weed
1/2 t lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 t salt (optional I never use it)
1/3 t garlic powder
1 salmon fillet (1 1/2 - 2 pounds)
1/4 packed brown sugar
3 T chicken broth
3 T oil
3 T soy sauce
3 T finely chopped green onions
1 small lemon sliced thinly
2 onion slices, separated into rings

Sprinkle dill, lemon-pepper, and garlic powder over salmon. Place in large Ziploc bag. Add brown sugar, broth, oil, soy sauce and green onions.

Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning once. Drain and discard marinade.

Place salmon skin side down on grill over medium heat. Place lemon and onion slices over the top. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes. Fish should flake easily with a fork.

Crock Pot Chicken and Biscuits

I do not have a recipe I follow with this one. I cook the chicken in broth all day long. Then remove the chicken (cut chicken up or remove from the bone) and thicken with some flour and water. For the flour and water, a trick I learned is place flour and water in a small canning jar, place the top on and shake. Add to the chicken broth. Let cook for a few more minutes. Add the chicken back to the pot and heat through. Serve over biscuits.

I hope you enjoy these recipes. These are a few from my kids recipe boxes. The salmon one is a new one for us. I will let you all know how that one goes over. Our oldest daughter, myself and my husband love fish, I'm not sure about the other 2. But if you make it fun and colorful they USUALLY will eat it.

Little Miracles

I was sitting here trying to figure out what I wanted to post about today. I happened to look at the calendar and realized that my nephew turned 3 on the 6th of July. Now in normal circumstances that is nothing miraculous. But the way that Dylan entered the world was nothing short of a miracle of God.

Lets rewind 3 years ago this past April, my sister who is in her early 30's was just 5 months pregnant. She started feeling ill and her husband took her to the doctor, they told her it was just the flu and to get a lot of rest. After about 3 days she progressively got worse, her fever shot up to 105 and she was incoherent. They rushed her to the hospital in pretty bad shape. After almost a week of testing in the hospital they finally found out what was wrong with her. She had encephalitis, an infection in her brain caused by the herpes virus that causes cold sores. They tried to battle it with medications but her condition worsened. Her brain started swelling at an alarming rate. They had to rush her into surgery to remove a part of her brain. There was really not much hope of her surviving, at least the doctors didn't think so.

I was not walking with Christ at this time, I was very bitter. My parents were calling everyone telling them to start praying. She survived the surgery, but she still had a long way to go before we would know if she would survive. She was placed in a drug inducted coma for about 3 weeks, it may be more, I just do not remember. My parents and people my sister worked with (she worked at the same hospital she was now in) they wanted to have a prayer service. I went and it was very over whelming to go through this especially not knowing Christ as my Savior I felt so alone. I remember the day my Mom called me and told me she had woke up. I was thrilled but scared at what I encountered when I saw her for the first time. She did remember family members but nothing else. Not much from our childhood, which was difficult for me. We grew up 0n a farm and did so much together. There were to be many months and years of recovery.

Now came the pregnancy, she still was unable to walk or do any daily things for herself like eat. On July 6, 2005 she delivered a healthy baby boy, they had picked out the name Dylan. My sister probably never be the same again. But God used this to bring husband and myself to him. This also touched many of the doctors at the hospital. She still struggles with certain things in daily life, BUT God also used this to bring her to him. She never liked going to church now she loves it and knows what it is to be saved. The top picture is my sister and the one below is Dylan.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...Hazy, Hot and Humid...but a nice breeze

I am thinking...I need to get the laundry done, but its too hot for the dryer and dh hasn't restrung the clothes line yet.

I am thankful for...a wonderful Independence Day with family and friends.

From the kitchen...sparkling counters and sink....I just finished cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom! Lemon fresh

I am creating...an afghan for my son.

I am going...back to the lake on Friday!!! YEAH!

I am wearing...shorts, tshirt, and pony tail....I grew out my hair, now all I do is wear it up.

I am reading...the book of Daniel

I am hoping...for a bountiful harvest from the garden. We were blessed with a lot of peas.

I am hearing...the air conditioner

Around the house...weeds....LOL....paint chips.....we are preparing to paint the house. Finally picked out the colors.....cream (light light yellow, with burgundy trim)

One of my favorite things...is devotionals by the lake

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...keep cleaning one room a day.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... dh and son getting the garden ready for planting a few months ago.

Go on over to The Simple Woman and create a Simple Woman's Daybook. Then link up and visit some of the other bloggers that do the same thing. It is a great way to meet new bloggers with the same interests as you.

Great Blog!

Over at my Summer Swap partner's blog I found out about this great blog, Aunt Kathy's Place that has give a ways every week for the next 9 (8 weeks now) weeks. All you have to do is go to her blog and leave a comment. She loves to hear from new people. This week she is giving away this really cute bag. So stop on by and visit her.

Above is the picture of the current give a way. On her blog she has more pictures. Enjoy and good luck!

Wordless Wednesday

My Summer Swap Partner

I am SOOOOO excited. I just found out that my swap partner for the summer swap which is hosted by the Simple Woman is Shelly. This is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. Between now and the 19th I will be collecting items for my partner that say "summer" to me. I want it to be a blessing to her as well as brighten her day. It is like awating the arrival of Christmas, WAIT it is Christmas in July! Too funny. I will not post what I am collecting for her because she may stop by and see it. Just that I am excited about it. So as soon as I hear that she has received the items I will post the pictures of the items here. I will also share what she swaps with me. The Simple Woman wants to do this type of thing 4 times a year...WOOOHOOO!