Cabin, Snowflakes and Dumplings

We loaded a lot of lumber on the trailer last week and hauled it away to get planned, edged and tongue and grooved.  The call came today that it is finished.  How exciting since our weather is going to be in the 40s and 50s next week.  The last bit of insulation will be done and we can start putting the boards on the ceiling!  Our long winter's nap is coming to an end.  Lists are mentally being made on what to do, what to do.  The cabin is top priority until the middle of May and then garden will be top of the order.  Once it is planted then back to the cabin until hay season.  I am hoping by the middle of July we can take a break to enjoy the view of the little cabin that already might have a long term guest. 

I was alone today...not really alone.  Quincy was here, snow flakes, chickens, guinea hens and of course Smokey.  Quincy and I sat by the window, I was watching the snowflakes float down and I think he was looking for a squirrel or his favorite guy to get home.  It was very calming and peaceful.  How many snowflakes have I watched in my lifetime with the same feeling.  Once they hit the ground they are no more.  Every time I watch them it is as good as the last time.  Like a snow globe that I don't have to ruin the moment by shaking it again.  The day was perfect to take deep breaths and just shut the world out.  I didn't even have to think of ........what's for supper.  Just me and a few leftovers that will do me just fine.  Beef stew and dumplings and chili.  My pick whenever I want to eat.  Now that is another treat of the day, when I want to.  No hurries, no worries.

Speaking of leftovers.  The beef stew and dumplings was our supper last night.  I had made a roast beef in the pressure cooker last week.  One night it was the roast with whipped potatoes and a few days later hot roast beef sandwiches.  What was leftover went to the freezer. Yesterday I thawed it up, put it in a big pot with carrots, peas, potatoes and green beans that I had cooked.  Then mixed up a half a batch of dumplings  and put on top.  Nice, 3 meals from one roast.  Cook once and just give it a little tweak for 2 more meals.  The dumpling recipe is in Della's Daughter Cookbook. 

Dumpling Recipe:
2 cups flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 TBSP. shortening or lard
milk

Put dry ingredients in a bowl, cut in shortening and then stir enough milk to make a thick batter to drop by spoon full into hot liquid.  Make sure you cover the pot and leave it covered for about 10-12 minutes.  Take the lid off to check if the dumplings are done.  Just take a fork and lift up the top of the dumpling it should be dry with no sticky dough in the middle.  If they aren't done cover it for a few more minutes.  You can use chicken and gravy or beef and gravy.  Add whatever veggies you like or none.  You can also use blackberries, blueberries, peaches, apples or fruit of your choice with sugar and water, bring to boil, drop dumplings on top and sprinkle with sugar.  Cover and cook the same way. 

The beef stew, make sure it is on a low simmer.

This is what the dumpling batter should look like.  If it is
just the two of us I only make half a batch.

Make sure you leave room for the dumplings to cook.

All done, I sprinkle paprika and parsley on before cooking.
Now you see why you must leave room for the dumplings
to cook.  Nice big and fluffy.

Big helping for him, little helping for her.  Plus he
likes butter on his.

Dessert was homemade tapioca pudding.

Today I received a thank you card from a little girl.  It was beautiful, the card was too.  She took the time to tell me her dad is going to make a frame for the picture I gave her.  All written in cursive and so nicely said.  It was wonderful to see the adult in her life showing her "the ropes."  By that I mean she will grow up knowing how to be polite, thankful and giving.