Monday, October 31, 2016

When the Swamp is Filled

The old saying, we won't have a winter until the swamps are filled.  Dick came from the barn and told me Clara Creek is still full.  I'm assuming the swamps are too. Rain has set in for the day and at times a nice steady rain.  We sure have needed days like this.  It takes some stressful thoughts away about the well going dry.  Rainy days and Sundays, perfect!

Today is the first fall meal of the season.  Even though the temperatures are in the high 50s it will be a boiled dinner day with Amber, Jim and Kirk.  When I make boiled dinner it is enough for many and many days of leftovers.  Free meals!   I cooked a Calley Ham in my pressure cooker.  It takes about an hour to be fall off the bone tender and juicy.  Covering it on a platter it sets until the vegetables are done.  First the turnip goes in the broth and simmered until fork tender then it goes in a large bowl.  Cabbage is next to be cooked in the broth, put in the bowl.  Carrots, same thing and finally the potatoes.  Once everything is cooked ham and veggies all go back it the large pot with the broth to set for a few hours.  About 30 minutes before dinner I reheat it.  Years ago I cooked the ham for an hour and then added all the vegetables at once.  What happened was the turnip was just right and everything else was too soft or mushy.  I like doing everything separate avoiding some overcooked veggies.  Homemade buttermilk biscuits and cornbread on the side and for dessert...............warm ginger bread with lemon sauce and whipped cream on top.  That is what's cook'n at Cook'n by the Creek today.  That ginger bread is going to make the house smell like fall for sure.
Ginger bread with lemon sauce and whipped cream.
Dick is getting so use to me making something and taking
a picture before he eats it he decided to fancy it up!


If you are of age you probably know what a Calley Ham is.  It is called a Picnic Ham or pork shoulder.  They are not hams at all.  Hams come from the hind quarters and the Calley or Picnic comes from the front shoulder.  They are tougher and need longer cooking time than a traditional ham.  You can boil it for an hour, then bake it covered in a 360 degree oven for a few hours or until tender.  They are also wonderful when glazed with a brown sugar or maple glaze.  Never did they cost more than 89 cents a pound and 39 cents on sale. Now I am happy to find one for less than $2. a pound.  These hams are wonderful for boiled dinners with their rich flavor and smoky taste.  Makes for a great broth too.  If I plan on making bean soup with no plans for a ham dinner I buy a few ham hocks to simmer for the flavoring and broth, plus there is just enough meat on them for the soup.  Ham hocks are fully cooked with a very smoky flavor.  Great for homemade noodles too!  You can find them in the ham and pork section of the meat department. 

Cabin news!   Electric is all wired in with a few lights set.  Dick is over putting up the porch light this morning. He was quite proud when he announced the electric is on and nothing caught fire!  He did the wiring with a few instructions from our son in law.  Life is so much easier with electric.  What a spoiled bunch we have become but isn't that what life is all about, progress, making life easier and more enjoyable? 
We had to go over and see how cozy it looks with
the lights on at night.

We love this little cabin!
With the leaves gone I can see the cabin from our house.
Look at all the apple still on the tree and on the ground.
Deer are going to be happy this winter.
 
One week from today I will be placing the order for my cookbook, Della's Daughter.  I'm excited, scared and also proud to think my mom gave me the opportunity to come to this point in my life.