Marti’s Corner 106

Hi Everyone,

NOTES:

WHAT SHOULD I STORE?

I really like this chart.  This is EXACTLY what I have.

I decided to try making my own buttermilk.  Instructions said, use 1/4 commercial buttermilk and add enough regular milk to make 1 quart.  Then shake, shake, shake and let sit on the counter to “clabber” for 24 hours. Refrigerate. That was three days ago.  I noticed in the fridge that it had separated.

I decided to use it today to make waffles.  After re-shaking, it looked like really sour milk.  Not smooth and thick like buttermilk– instead, watery with little pieces of milk solids.  BUT, the waffles were delicious!!!!  So, mission accomplished.

GARDEN HAPPENINGS:

Want to test the pH of your soil?  Get two samples of soil, in two separate cups or bowls.  Now pour 1/2 c. vinegar into one of the cups.  If the soil bubbles, its pH is alkaline or above 7.  If it doesn’t bubble, add 1/2 c. baking soda and 1/2 c. water and pour in the second sample.  If it bubbles, your soil is acidic.

Along the same lines, evidently tomatoes taste sweeter when grown in alkaline soil.  So, sprinkle baking soda in the soil around them.  (How often?  It doesn’t say.  Does anyone know this trick?)

I was really excited about the carrots on the right.  They are the best I’ve grown.  Then there is the one on the left.  Pretty difficult to peel, but enjoyable to look at!!!

THIS WEEK’S PURCHASE: vegetables 20 cans

Canned vegetables are back down to $.50 at Winco (except tomatoes).  Pick up some corn and beans.  These are great ways to extend meals to feed more people.  Add corn and beans to canned beef stew for a good meal.

MISC. PURCHASE: Dial soap

A week or so ago I talked about a friend who went to the wound center and they told her to wash her wound with Dial soap.  So…I got some.  Your turn.  Just pick up 4-6 bars of Dial soap and stick it in a cupboard outside.

FOOD STORAGE RECIPES:

Cowboy Monkey Cheese

(don’t ask)

I found this on the website:  pantrycookingplus.com

Totally food storage!!

One box Macaroni and Cheese – make as directed

1 can chili – She used Hormel Turkey Chili with no beans

Stir the chili into the prepared mac and cheese.

That’s it!

Picante Chicken

I LOVE to make this dish when I have to feed a lot of people.  I just put boneless skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour a jar of picante sauce over the chicken.  Set it to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.  Then shred the chicken and mix it in with the sauce.  THEN, all you need are some flour tortillas, some lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, avocados and whatever else you’d like in your tortillas.  Everyone makes their own chicken tacos.  

In an emergency, you can substitute canned chicken.  Just heat it up with the picante sauce.  

Some people make and can their own picante sauce.  I think it sounds like a lot of work.  I just prefer to store 4-6 jars of sauce so that I have some when I want it.

French Pancakes   a.k.a. crepes

I LOVE these pancakes.  I only make them a couple of times a year (ALWAYS on Christmas morning).  I got this from my grandmother who used to make them for us every time we visited.  I remember one time that my brothers had a contest to see who could shove an entire crepe into their mouth at one time.  Ugh.  Boys!

Per person:

In a blender

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c. milk

    Blend.  With the blender on, add

• 2 TB sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 c. flour

    Blend.  Then heat a heavy 10″ skillet, pour a thin layer and tilt the pan to spread it around.  Turning the pancakes over is a little bit of a trick.  I use a spatula and a spoon, or two spatulas.  I like butter and syrup on mine.  Put it down the center of the pancake and use a fork to roll up the crepe.  My dad used to roll them up, pile strawberries on top and then finish off with whipped cream.  

Marti Shelley