housewifery

 "The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life and elevating them to an art."

                                                                       ~William Morris

(Just a pretty photo I found in my past photos.)

The Difference between Bread Flour and All Purpose Flour:

Gluten. There is more gluten protein in the bread flour. But with using cup for cup I have been very successful in using these flours interchangeably. This became necessary for me recently as I was running out of my all- purpose flour, but I had over 20 pounds of bread flour in my pantry. We purchase our organic freshly milled flour from a Mill that has been in operation for over forty years. But it is a drive to get there. I needed flour right then.

The Making of Homemade Baking Powder:

This enables you to have the freshest baking powder at all times. I know I have mentioned the making of this product  at least one other time, but seriously you should at the least try it once.

Simply sift together three times,

1/4 cup cream of tartar

2 Tablespoons baking soda

Store in an airtight jar.

Using Brown Rice for a Sweet Pudding Dessert:

I was wanting to bake a Rice Pudding as a winter dessert a few weeks ago and I also desired to use brown rice, which we always eat, without opening the sealed container of white rice in my pantry. As long as your brown rice is fully cooked, tender and moist, you can use it with the best results.

Making Chicken Bone Broth:

Making chicken bone broth can be as simple and as uncomplicated as you want it to be. Chicken Bone Broth is a healthy and deliciously satisfying food using leftover parts of the chicken which can be used in various dishes. I have read several ways of doing this, but I just stay with my tried and true method that I have been doing for years. I collect all my chicken bones and chicken parts we do not eat, put them a freezer bag and store all in the freezer until the bag is full. One morning I will get up and toss all the bones and pieces into a large pot, cover over with water, put on a lid, and bring this mixture to a boil. At the start of a boil, I turn it down to a simmer for 6- 8 hours, minimum. Afterwards, I strain the bones, pour the liquid into a large jar and place in the refrigerator. The strained bones are at his point placed in a crockpot, slightly covered with water with the addition of approximately 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and left to cook overnight on a low setting. The next morning I strain the bones and place the liquid in the refrigerator beside the other jar. After the fat has risen to the top, I remove from the jars from the refrigerator skim the fat and I take the "bone jelly" to either be poured into ice cubes to freeze, pressure can in jars or use it in a soup. Note: the second simmer from the bones will not be as jellied as the first, but still extremely good to use. Sometimes I will take the whole chicken to make a broth and this is when I add vegetables and spices to the water.

And not to make anyone think my chickens are cannibals, chicken cannibals that is, but my oh my! chickens do love feasting on all that is left! At this point those bones are soft and crumbly between your fingers, nothing left behind in the pen!

Baking Everyday Biscuits:

Because some of my childhood memories involve the ordinary biscuit, the art of biscuit making stands out as being an act that my fulfilling housewifery must attend. My maternal grandmother made a batch of biscuits twice a day for as long as I can remember. Her firstborn, my mother, was born the day the stock market crashed in 1929 at the start of what is known as The Great Depression. My grandmother was young and food choices was scarce. Biscuits were a stable. She told me how they would put wild onions between the slices of a biscuit and that was a treat. As a child we would go to Grandma's house and straight to the kitchen we would go. There on the counter would be the leftover biscuits from breakfast and those biscuits were our "snack" at Grandma's house. I still have a vivid picture in my mind of them sitting on a plate on her kitchen counter all these years later.

Here is Susan Branch's biscuit recipe. While this is quite a bit different from my recipe in that it does not include any butter in the flour mixture, I have enjoyed baking these biscuits periodically because they are quite good. However, I do not add the sugar mentioned in the recipe, and I like to use 3/4 cup of cream and 3/4 cup buttermilk which means you can cut down the amount of baking powder you use.

Vacuums:

Having definite opinions on certain types of vacuums is probably a mainstay of any housewifery skill. I am not partial to those little machines that scurry across your floors and get stuck on pieces of furniture and sometimes end up on a pile of something left on the floor. I want a vacuum I can push across my hardwood floors and carpets, actively engaged.

But the lightweight vacuums of today while they work good, they just do not last. The first Shark vacuum I purchased not that many years ago had to be replaced recently. And of course, there are all new models now. But we finally decided upon one. I should have read the reviews which is something I usually try to do. But this is the one we bought. Overall I give it an eight out of ten. It has excellent suction, which for me is probably the most important feature of any vacuum. It is lightweight and has a large dirt container. The two power levels of hardwood and carpet make it very efficient too. What I do not really like about this vacuum personally and these are small things, nonetheless I will mention them. No light to help you see in tight places and the cord is short and in an awkward place on the vacuum... I find I must hold the cord at all times.

Soaking Oatmeal:

We eat quite a bit of porridge for breakfast. I discovered years ago that the simple night preparation of putting your oats in a bowl with acidic water will neutralize the phytic acid which aids in mineral absorption and digestion.  Here is my recipe for two people:

1 cup of dry oats

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon of yogurt, whey, lemon juice, buttermilk, etc.

The next morning put the soaked oats in a pan, add one cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. We like our porridge with a bit of sweet so I use maple syrup. Cook until done. The cooking time is greatly reduced with soaked oats. 

Then just add the goodies: Butter, fruit, nuts and cinnamon.

Lately, we have been enjoying *Thompson Raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon.

But any pome fresh fruit, dried fruit, berries especially blueberries, or even peaches make this a welcomed morning breakfast. 

an introduction to the world of...

                             Mary Brooks Picken 

 If you have interests in sewing then you might have possibly heard the name of Mary Brooks Picken. Mrs. Depew Vintage has written an informative post about her including a brief history of her life and the recognizably important role she held in the lives of women, sewing and the art of home economics during the early 1900's  through the 1950's. 

I was personally introduced to Mary Brooks Picken though this book by Amy Barickman.

Such an enchanting and engaging book that I love to pull off the library shelf from time to time in order to be inspired and to enter once again into the seasonal entry of any given month. The book was inspired by the monthly newsletters published and distributed to students of the Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Science (1916-1937) in Scranton, Pennsylvania as well as other publications written by Mrs. Picken. The appealing articles in Vintage Notions read to me as a remembrance of subjects studied while in the Home Economics courses of my high school days written with a beautifully flowing vintage flair. There are essays, letters, recipes, instructions with patterns, and encouragements under title headings including Department of Cookery, Department of Sewing, Department of Good Looks, Department of Fashion, and Department of Housekeeping. Amy Barickman adds her own well-written words and vintage advice with tips throughout the book also. She shares several printed pictures of her extensive collection of vintage textiles, linens, embroideries and needlework with just the loveliest of illustrations. Eye candy of the purest kind for one who loves and appreciates such things.  I can not say enough about the  information given and entertaining delight this book provides during any season of the year. Amy Barickman offers a free online copy of Vintage Notions Monthly, other copies are for sale here on her website.

"Isn't it strange that Princes and Kings

And clowns that caper in sawdust rings,

And just plain folk like you and me,

Are builders for Eternity?

To each is given a bag of tools,

A shapeless mass and a book of rules;

And each must make ere life is flown,

As stumbling block or a stepping stone."

                               Mary Brooks Picken

                                     from Thimblefuls of Friendliness               January1924

once again ...and even more frozen whiteness

 There is a wilder solitude in winter 

When every sense is pricked alive and keen.

        --May Sarton ("The House in Winter" A Private Mythology)

It came again this past weekend. We sat by the blazing fire, socked feet resting on the coffee table sighing at its hushed beauty.

These photos were taken the next morning on our 

before-breakfast walk.

bird-watching

 I was pleasantly gifted the book The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan for Christmas. Imagining myself to be a full-fledged amateur bird watcher with my own sort of sketch books recording my experiences with the watching of birds through the years, I was curious to discover how this writer undertook her love and interest in a birdwatching journal. I am halfway through the reading of the book and I am enjoying her illustrations immensely, and while I do not have the upfront talent she has, I believe that everyone can learn to illustrate at the least for their own personal pleasure alone if they invest the time.

One thing I can say about backyard birds, or "my birds" as I lovingly refer to them, is that some of them seem to fuss at me if I am late getting out to them in the morning with seed. While others I can as well sense and imagine are thanking me with joy in their song. Much like humans. Today I put out suet at one feeder and  seeded peanut butter atop an orange at another one. Presently I have three separate feeding places. I am very concerned bout them getting water because of the cold temperatures so I make sure all the containers outside are not frozen throughout the day.

It has been rather cold outside today, though sunny. It was the first time I have been home alone in a few weeks and many things had to be done as I am having my Precepts Bible Study ladies here Friday for lunch as we are starting our study in Matthew. 

 My husband's instructions to me as he was walking out the door were to keep the fire going, he had stacked plenty of firewood.  As you can see from the photo I was successful. 

After my walk down to the creek I came inside to sit with a cup of tea, red rooibos was my choice this afternoon alongside a biscuit with just a smearing of honey. Since I drink my tea with no sweetener I decided eating a little honey was acceptable. My grandfather ate honey every day and he lived a healthy and vibrant life until he died at the age of 91. He just went to bed one day, said he was tired and died within a short period of time. So eating more honey instead of cane sugar might seem a wiser choice.

it's snowing!

 Therefore, my husband and I went outside and walked down to the creek, we simply wanted to be out in the magical world of large snowflakes and wintry beauty. I restocked the bird feeders while I was already bundled up and came back inside to sit by the fire with a mug of hot tea. It is not expected to amount to much and the weather report informs us it will turn to rain and more icy conditions by tomorrow morning. But right now we are loving it to the uttermost!

I made two soups yesterday, a vegetable beef and a sausage and kale. I actually need some more kale to add and we were planning on stopping by the garden to pick some before we walked through the woods but the joy of the moment made us somewhat distracted. I told my husband I have some kale I froze last year that is in the freezer in the shed. But we are thinking about going out again before it is dark to pick a mess.

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.

                                                                             Psalm 147:16

For all my northern blogger friends who experience snow often in the winter, I would love to hear your thoughts on a first snowfall.

recalling last week and entering the new year

A good fire roared and hissed in the grate. I read this line from a light  Christmas mystery I was reading recently before bedtime. And this just happens to be the setting for this post. As a blustering wind is blowing in this afternoon with an expected cold front arriving for the weekend.  Snow? Maybe. I hope so!

I had sauntered the ridge earlier while the sun was shining bright and my woolrich coat, ear band and mitts had to be discarded to the front porch while I continued on with my turtleneck and wool sweater sufficing well. I like that feeling of warmth when I take wintry walks.

Now I am resting by the fire and drinking some holiday blend decaf coffee. In order to detox this beginning of 2025 I am foregoing sugary treats for a spell. It is not as hard as I imagined it to be after the holiday splurge and especially my ongoing delight in an afternoon tea/coffee break. My Christmas cookies are having to be eaten now that the crowds are gone solely by my husband. I threaten to throw what is left to the chickens and my husband tries his hardest to finish them up, but he is loosing ground fast. These cookies were baked last week, no preservatives added and face it the taste and texture is lost greatly after a few days. We do not like waste, but to me feeding the chickens the leftovers is not a total waste.

I am adding a few photos here just to finish off the season. Remember I do blog to keep the memories so I want to try to be true to that intentional purpose too.

My sterling silver was taken out of the drawer for its annual shine. It was my son, Alan, who volunteered to do this job. I do love the shine of polished silver.

The table setting chosen this year was gold and white.  We had eight people joining us for Christmas dinner. The Christmas tree was placed in the dining room and that was enjoyable and festive, but that  also meant some of my African violets having to be removed and put at a window upstairs.

Through the days before Christmas and even on Christmas Day we hiked through the woods and fields with family and friends.

I prefer to decorate as much as possible with fresh greens gathered from the yard and woods.

We have several magnificent magnolia trees I am able to cut and use as well as a large hedge of huge old holly trees across the front border of our yard facing the road. But to find this wild holly tree with berries in the woods was a treasure.

                            And as always Louie was pretending to be the best present of all! This year Charlotte's old bedroom was designated the gift wrapping room. When my children grow up and marry, leaving and cleaving, their bedroom will be called their old bedroom for a time, but I  personally have no problem making the room into something else in the future if needed. 

simple things...of this past week

Car knitting today as I rode along with my husband over the river and though the hills to the hometown of Andy Griffith where Mayberry is personified as much as possible, even to offering sheriff car rides siren included, all for a price. 

These TV Slippers are a revisited knitting project originally popular in the 1960's.  Back in the 1990's I knitted several pairs for some of my friends and family for Christmas gifts.  Jane posted about these slippers and a little lightbulb went off in my brain with happy memories. I went upstairs and easily found the pattern. A bin of my stashed yarn revealed a ball of Brown Sheep wool yarn perfect for knitting a pair. These will be gifted to my granddaughter.

Over at the cottage baking molasses ginger cookies this evening.

The kerosene lamp was found in a little local vintage shop. The "Home Sweet Home" was etched into the glass globe, a good find even to the blue colored vase.

A $20.00 artificial tree purchased at Big Lots. It is really quite festive decorated at the cottage.

"Christmas we must keep. We must have a tree, and sing carols, and light the candle for the  Christ child".

                                      The Book of Stillmeadow   Gladys Taber

second birth

Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings,

Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by,

Born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", 3rd stanza

Charles Wesley, 1739

Born to give them second birth, just as Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:3

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

I am hoping to post several posts of the last few days. 

Rejoice!

dumplings and cookies

"We'll all have chicken 'n dumplings when she comes...."

( 4th stanza, She'll be Coming 'Round the Mountains, folk song)

Here in the south where I have always lived, I've noticed that most people have deep opinions, far and wide, about chicken and dumplings. Sometimes it has to do with the region one grew up in or how a grandma always made them. And it has been my experience that you either love chicken and dumplings or you can just leave them for others to enjoy.

Yet it is equally true that if I want to please my husband with a delicious comfort food all I have to do is put on a pot of chicken and dumplings and he is grinning from ear to ear. How can I resist that?

 My husband and I have had very distinct differences in how we've viewed dumplings in the past. He grew up with chicken pastry, a rolled-out flour dough cut into wide strips and placed into the cooking chicken stew. While I grew up with dumplings, little balls of sticky flour dropped down into the lightly boiling pot of chicken stew.  Through the years though I have successfully made a true dumpling lover out of him. 

                                      Simple Dumplings

1 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup milk

Mix all dry ingredients. Cut in the butter with pastry blender or fingers.

Add the milk. This dough is a bit sticky, you may want to have extra flour for you fingers as you drop the dough into the hot stew. I try to make them no bigger than a teaspoon because the baking powder causes them to expand to nice-sized dumplings.

I was at the cottage the other day to bake these cookies.

Instrumental Christmas music was playing on my iPhone, a Christmas pine-tree scented candle was burning and the cottage's oven baked these cookies to perfection. It was cozy and bright with the twinkly lights I'd placed across the kitchen shelves.

He became flesh and dwelt among us...

From Heav'n above to earth I come to bear good news to every home;

    Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Whereof I now will say and sing.

To you, this night is born a Child of Mary, chosen mother mild;

   This tender Child of lowly birth, Shall be the joy of all the earth.

'Tis Christ our God, who far on high Had heard your sad and bitter cry;

   Himself will your salvation be, Himself from sin will make you free.

These are the tokens ye shall mark, The swaddling clothes and manger dark;

   There shall ye find the young Child laid, By Whom the heav'ns and earth were made.

                                                                   ~ From Heaven Above to Earth I Come 

                                                                                    Martin Luther, 1531

Written for his five year old son, Hans, this Christmas carol was simply called by Luther, "a Christmas child's song concerning the child Jesus" and was sung in the Luther's home at their Christmas Eve festivities. 

I wrote the words as they were written on the sheet music. The tune sounds very familiar to Martin Luther's great hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God".

I sit here on this bleak, though not quite winter day, and I listen to the excellent performance of Handel's Messiah performed by the Queens College of Oxford while addressing my Christmas cards. Chicken and dumplings were made in the mid morning hours and are keeping warm in the crockpot for tonight's supper. A candle of balsam pine glows and makes my house smell just like the evergreens of the forest.

advent beginnings

 God's infallible, inerrant Word will not allow us to trade the glory of the incomparable God for the glory of created things. Indeed, regarding Christmas, the Scriptures summon the world to come and behold a wondrous, glorious display of God's immeasurable love for the world. God revealed in His Word the Advent of his beloved Son-the incarnation of God in Christ who had come to dwell among us. This Immanuel, "God with us"(Matthew 1:23, ESV), broke into a sinful world-lost in dark depravity-that he might cast the saving light of redemption. This is the glory of Christmas

Recapturing the Glory of Christmas

                                           R. Albert Mohler,Jr.

This year I have already been gifted an Advent book that was on my list of things I would like for Christmas. 

In years past Advent was celebrated with my children in various ways with various resources, many times using the same ones year after year.  It was one of the highlights and favorite things to do as a family leading up to Christmas Day.

Last year was the first year I realized we were no longer doing anything special for Advent daily or even weekly. Something was missing and I was the one missing it the most.

Therefore, this book is recapturing a place of an Advent devotional in my daily schedule. I can now do this on my own or with my husband. Either way I want the worship and adoration of celebrating my Savior's birth to be lighted from within and from without.

Two years ago I did a few Christmas posts including some of the stanzas of Christmas carols that might not be as familiar. I truly enjoy reading and even singing the words of the carols so much I thought you might like it too. Once again I am recapturing some of these Christmas hymns. Let me know if you know these stanzas.

King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood,

Lord of lords, in human vesture, in the body and the blood,

He will give to all the faithful his own self for heav'nly food.

                                  ~Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, 2nd stanza

                                           Liturgy of St. James Fifth Century