Cinnamon, Cloves and Ginger

One of the fall smells is coming out of my kitchen today. A dream day, cool enough to light the oven and bake big, soft Old Fashioned Molasses cookies.  The cinnamon, cloves and ginger smell like a scented candle burning as the cookies bake.  Some will have granulated sugar sprinkled on and some will have a light dusting of confectioners sugar.  Either way they won't last long.  Half will go to my daughter since this kind is one of her favorites.  She's our little "gingersnap".  I'm not sure which side of the family her hair color came from since both sides had beautiful auburn/brown hair.  It's nice to look at your children and see a resemblance to family members.  Her quick walk or almost run is my mom.  I remember several people telling me, your mom never walked she would run.  Always something to do and in a hurry to get it done.  Take a while to think, not the obvious traits but just that little something that reminds you of a loved one in your own children and grandchildren. 

Molasses cookies, recipe is Eleanor Staviskys.

Finally the last of the corn was picked and put in the freezer.  It's a messy job but somebody has to do it.  It doesn't take as long as tomatoes or green beans so the day in the kitchen ended early.  I kept a couple ears of corn out to roast in butter,  the beginning of corn chowder, Cook'n by the Creek style.  Add some sweet red pepper, onion, smoked brats sliced, milk and cream.  That has been simmering for about an hour.  Last week I made Naan bread for the first time.  We both are hooked.  Very easy and not as time consuming as regular white bread.  No oven to light.  Once the dough is mixed and rests for an hour it is rolled out to about a quarter inch thick, lightly spread with butter and fried in a hot cast iron fry pan. As the recipe says, smok'n hot.   Maybe 2 minutes on each side or until little bubbles form that get medium brown in color.  Once done you can sprinkle it with coarse salt, garlic powder, spicy seasonings or sugar and cinnamon for a desert bread.  We like it with garlic and salt.  The bread keeps well and reheating makes it like the day you made it.  It is also good to use as a sandwich bread by folding it in half. 

Garlic and coarse salt to go with the soup.  Plain for sandwiches tomorrow.

The cabin has been resting for a few days.  We had a much needed fun trip to visit our 4 grandchildren (and their parents :) It was only for 3 nights, just enough to revive us.  Nothing better than little ones to give a bright perspective on life.  Such innocent, easy to please little people.  Oops started to day dream about the trip.....the cabin, yes.  Dick is busy getting electric wire run, holes drilled and wire pulled through the 2/6's in the cabin.  Then there shall be light to work by when the darkness sets in earlier and earlier each afternoon.  I looked up at the clock last night and thought,  8:30 and it is already dark!  There will also be a little electric heater to take the chill away.  I thought when we built our house I had made the remark, never again.  Never say never.  The only thing I really dread is dry wall.  I can still smell the mud used on the seams and screw holes.  Not looking forward to it but being a small cabin may make it tolerable.  Maybe.....

Looking out the window I see a sure sign hunting season is just around the corner.  There is Dick and Kent target shooting with their bows.  Dick has given in and now uses a crossbow.  Easier on the old shoulder.  The first year he used it was 3 years ago and beginners luck was on his side.  He got a nice 6 point, nice to him....our antler hunting grandsons would have never given it a second glance.  They wait for the big one.  You know the horns are very tasty.  Inside joke with their gramps.  They all practice shooting for weeks making sure they hit the right spot and the buck doesn't get away.  Many long dark nights they trailed a wounded one until they found it.  All part of the excitement of the hunt.  Plus it makes for a great hunting story for our "hunter's supper" in November.