A Man and His Hoe

Around Cook'n by the Creek we have to work the good days even if we are not having a good day.  You know at our age the aches and pains just keep multiplying but like we say...."it's gonna hurt to work or set so we better keep moving.  In the end we work through the kinks and moans, by the end of the day we usually are smiling and say....."damn, we did it".  Being outside and especially in the garden gives us the greatest enjoyment.  The garden is first nothing but weeds and leftover dead crops from last year.  With the exception of asparagus and early spring onions.  We have had asparagus for the last two weeks and will hopefully get another 2 weeks of picking.  Last week I used my cast iron skillet with 4 tablespoons of butter melted and added the asparagus turning until tender.  This might be the best way so far.  Next I will be pickling 6 pints.  We tried it last year and everyone liked it.

He loves to play in the dirt and his Amish hat!

Dick is the hoe man.  I am the seed planter, considering I am a foot shorter than him it is easier for me to plant.  Works out great because I have never liked hoeing.  That was my job in my younger years growing up on the Horse Run Farm.  I was never trusted to do the planting so hoe it was.  I look back and realize, I never was asked or had a choice.  Of course it might be where I learned to give those looks that are always showing on my face when I have a silent opinion....not good most of the time.

The peas we planted a few weeks ago are up about 3 inches.  We planted two more rows Friday.  I am pretty sure they will both produce at the same time.  Growing season is all about ground temperatures.  Although we have planted two weeks apart the early planting is struggling with cool temperatures.  Friday we also planted 3 varieties of carrots and beets.  Tuesday and Wednesday we will plant cukes, green beans, corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, winter and summer squash.   Then it is hope we don't get a heavy frost after they come up.

About July we will be picking, shucking and freezing peas.



If you live in our area you have probably noticed the fruit tree blossoms!  They are plentiful on the tame and wild fruit trees.  Our apple trees and blueberry bushes are loaded with blossoms.  We did have a hard frost or two which is usually not good for the fruit crops.  I am hoping it was just the right timing that will not ruin the fruit.  It has been two years since we were able to gather wild apples for our weekend of apple cider pressing.  The family is ready to press and fire up the pizza oven.

How pretty this year!



Our blueberry bushes are loaded with
blossoms.

Wild strawberry blossoms, hoping this year for a few pints to make
"wild strawberry jam", nothing tastes better.

The weekend has been a dreary rain which we need and also provides a couple days rest for us.  We headed to the Amish for horse, chicken and wild bird feed.      Happened upon a lawn sale, great deal on a pair of cross country skis made in Norway.  I love the poles, so old fashioned looking.  The plan for the poles is to use as a wall decoration in the cabin.

 If I am "stuck" inside it usually means kitchen time.  I baked Toll House Cookies and thawed up leftover ham we had for Sunday dinner a few weeks ago.  Even with Amber and family we had  plenty of leftover ham.  I made a batch of ham salad after dinner and the rest of the ham went to the freezer.  Today I cut meat from the bone and made scalloped potatoes, Navy Bean Soup and more ham salad.  That ham cost $17.00 and provided a Sunday dinner with family, 2 batches of ham salad, soup and Sunday dinner for today of scalloped potatoes.  That is a bargain!  I love what I call free meals with leftovers.  About the ham salad, it is the recipe my mom used.  We like it on bread, rolls or crackers.  I use to use the old time hand grinder, now I use my food mill which gives the same consistency.  Just grind the ham, add relish, chopped onion, mustard, mayonnaise, garlic, salt and pepper.  Sometimes I use sweet pickles, dill pickles, hot peppers or horseradish, what ever sounds tasty.

All the talk of food, break time!  My favorite pottery, the cups are a gift from
Bart and Deb from NC.  Dick bought the tea pot at the Creative Arts Center
in Wellsville, NY.  Perfect match for being made 700 miles from each potter.

Drinking with the Birds

At Cook'n By the Creek this morning is was one of those shock and awe times that always amaze me.  I was in charge of chickens and horses which is way "ok" with me. What better way to start the day!   The sun was starting to melt the hard frost we had last night and also provide enough warmth that no coat was needed.  This morning is proof life goes on in nature, bird and animal kingdom.  The chickens had found their not so secret passage from the coop and as they have been doing since winter broke did their morning greetins to us as soon as we cross the bridge.  Why?  Because we never leave the house without a few slices of bread or whatever.  They love their morning and evening snacks.  I know, I am a chicken kinda chick but seriously if you don't crack a smile seeing those hens doing their "waddle run" then ya just have NO heart for chickens. 

I had an added bonus!  Getting closer to the barnyard I spotted something moving in the grass (not a snake in the grass :)  It was a tiny baby Killdeer.  Looking around I spotted 2 more and just a few feet from the babies were the momma and papa.  One was laying down as close to the ground as possible and the other was pretending to be injured with a wave of its wing and a small call.  The babies disappeared in a blink.  They also were buried into the grass laying flat. What a sight to watch.  Nature has so much to offer if we just take the time to "smell the roses" as to speak.

Doing breakfast dishes I had the honor to watch Mr. and Mrs. Baltimore Oriole as we have been for the past 3 days.  Once we noticed them trying to drink from the Hummingbird feeder Dick went to town for fresh oranges and grape jelly.  They are now frequent visitors several times a day.  This is the first time they have come so close to the house.  I am on the back deck writing, enjoying the morning and our feathered friends, hoping to get a close up of the Orioles.  They must learn to share the space with us.  This is our outdoor living space once the weather allows and this morning is perfection at its best.  Every time I pick up the camera they take flight.  Mr. is quite noisy and I believe trying to tell me.....GET!  They keep circling back, the fruit and jelly is just more than they can ignore.  Kinda like the cinnamon jelly beans our friend keeps on his counter.  If I walk by I just have to take a few. 

Trying to be still is like hunting spring gobbler.  I become so aware of my surroundings.  Here in Clara it can be hours before we hear another sign of humans.  This morning is no exception.  Of course I missed a good picture because I had my eyes closed listening to Morning Doves, all the other song birds and an occasional whinny from the horses.  Must be everyone left Clara early this morning because not a vehicle has gone by for quite awhile.  Lawns must have been mowed earlier in the week.  Gotta cut grass when the weather allows.  This is an amazing feeling...like I am the only one on earth.  Times like these are refreshing and cleansing, just me and my thoughts.  Which many of you know I seem to have way to many of.  Well there is a great sound, the cuckoo clock just announced it is 10 am. I have been enjoying my time for 2 hours already and possibly with another cup of coffee a few more.   I have to take advantage of the "around sound".  Deep breathing, relax and be thankful for what is. 

Mrs. O. decided we can enjoy the porch together.  I knew they could not resist a free meal.

The hummers could care less if I am close to their food. 

Well it has happened.  I have drank with many friends but with the feathered ones it is much more quiet and peaceful. Oh, I did perk another small pot of Jamaican Me Crazy.  I think this could possibly be another 2 hours of "drinking with my friends".  Did you happen to notice I wrote that it is perked coffee?  Who says you can't go back.  A few weeks ago I was reading an article about the automatic and Kurig coffee makers.  It didn't sound to enjoyable about the water tanks and nasty sediments in the tanks.  I googled that and discovered the old time percolators are by far the best for cleaning and keeping clean.  Amazon was my next stop on the world wide web.  Yep, they had plenty to chose from and the reviews helped me decide which one.  The first time we "perked" a pot we were hooked!  The coffee is so crisp tasting, I think I remember that taste.  Lucky for me where I buy my Finger Lakes Jamaican Me Crazy does a perk grind.  Perfect, life in my "coffee world" can't get any better than that!  Off I go to enjoy the quiet,  another cup of JMC and our little feathered friends.

There is my new favorite coffee pot!

 

Take time to enjoy the great outdoors, it really does have a lot of wonderful, free things to offer.  Just listen and watch.

The Green Green Grass of Home

1967 a very good year and yes Tom Jones released the song "The Green Green Grass of Home.  We were quite a fortunate generation.  Some of the best bands, singers, flower power, peace, hippies, you name it we were right smack dab in the middle of a revolution.  It was an exciting time to be in our teen years.  I wonder, what would our life have been like had Viet Nam never happened.  What would the marches and protests have been about.   It was a time when it was just time to be a rebel.  Living in the Oswayo Valley area was quiet, no protests, just long hair, hippy clothes and yes maybe a few that smoked a joint.  Seriously I can remember the first time I heard the words, weed, joint, dubby and marijuana.  Which also was probably the first time it was brought to town.  Life was going to change, I think it was a wave of change that started on the West Coast and made its way to the East.  California Dreaming, yep another song and that was the land of anything goes and it did.  Blond hair, tans, Muscle Beach, beaches, surfers and the start of the little bikinis, going braless, flowers and long beads.  As I'm typing this all smiles remembering those hip hugging, bell bottom, embroidery blue jeans.  Darn I liked those jeans.  Of course now, not so much.  Those lean days are gone to just a sweet memory.

In 1965 when I turned 16 my dad allowed me to buy  a new Bridgestone
90.  The 1960s dream come true for me.  Candy Apple Red

Well, that was a step back in time just because I happened to look out to the back fields and see all the green.  Yes, it was that song Tom Jones sang that brought the 1960s back to my thoughts.  The green has now passed the 50 percentage mark and the brown dead grass is quickly fading.  In a few weeks I will be on the John Deere brush hogging the fields.  We will wait until the birds that build their nests on the ground have hatched their young and mama deer are done hiding their tiny ones in the high grass before we cut the fields.  I know for sure somewhere out there a pair of Killdeer have a nest started.  Every time we go to the barn one or both start a warning call and try to play the wounded bird to keep us away from their nest.  They are smart birds considering there also is a pair of Red Tail Hawks tending their nest in the trees up the hill.  They would love to find baby Killdeer to feed their young.  Most of the day the hawks take turns setting in a tree along the field line looking for mice.  When they set there our hens stay in the barn or under a big tree with low branches.  It's a food chain, survival of the fittest.  Nature at its finest.  We also have a couple hen turkeys searching for bugs in the field close to the woods.  Every year a hen or two raise their little ones and when big enough bring them into the field to search for bugs.  It is the cycle of life out there, each month offers a new happening.  Any morning or evening that is warm enough we are on the back deck keeping an eye on the field.  Of course the rifle is close incase a coyote happens through. 

Today we rode to Mansfield to pick up a part for the rototiller and order parts for the tractor.  Unfortunately if you have equipment it needs tended to before it breaks down.  The ride was nice and the sun popped through the clouds now and again.  We stopped for a takeout sandwich at the Brick House Café in Galeton and drove to the Muck to eat and watch for migrating birds.  Then off to the John Deere Dealership.  Oh, to have about $50,000 extra dollars.  He could get a new farm tractor and I could get a new zero turn.  We looked and dreamed, bought the parts for the old faithful and headed home. 

From our woods walk, April Showers brought May Flowers.

The Tulip Tree

I can not remember the first time I heard about the "Tulip Tree" but I am sure I was in the single digits of age.  My mom showed it to me and every time we would get near where it grew (and still does) she would say, there's the "Tulip Tree".  When it had blossoms she would pull over and just stare up at it and point to the beautiful, big, pale yellow flowers.  Today driving by I thought of those words, The Tulip Tree.  Yes, it would be something to blog about.  There is not a time I go by that I don't remember my mom and the Tulip Tree.  Today as I was thinking about how long I have known it was there I wondered, does anyone else know about the Tulip Tree and how long or how did my mom find out about it.  It's also one of the times I wish I  had taken more interest and asked her, how did you know what kind of a tree it is?  Now writing this I am also wondering how did the one lone Tulip Tree happen to grow in this spot?  I have not a clue if others grow in the Oswayo Valley area.  Do you?

This is what the tulips will look like in late spring/early summer.  They are quite visible from the road as you go by even as tall as the tree is.  I was surprised to see Tulip Trees grow abundantly in the wild in northern Virginia near Winchester. 

If you are from our area you also have gone by it hundreds of times.  It is on RT 44 just north of  Shinglehouse in the Dug Road.  The tree grows on the right side of the road heading north towards Ceres.  It is tall and straight, hopefully you will have no trouble spotting it next time you go by.  Maybe someone knows the story behind the tree and how it came to be.  Sure hope so and hope you share the story with me.

The last few days have proved, spring is here and not just by the date it arrived.  We have been making lists and doing some little chores that need to get out of the way before the big chores begin.  Dick has been busy demolishing the old trailer and garage across the road from us.  Last fall we were lucky enough to get the land and buildings for a decent price.  Soon it will be all cleared away and then the work of getting ready for a 20 x 20 ft. camp will be built in August.  Small, 400 sq. ft. but big enough to sleep four.  It will have one bedroom, bath and kitchen/living room combined.  We are hoping for the grand opening to be early spring of 2017.  That might  be cutting it a little tight but I do work better under pressure.  Now to make sure I can get others to work under pressure.

The property was originally owned by Bill and Eugertha Hathaway.  They parceled  off 1&1/3 acres and gave it to their son Monty Hathaway.  He lived there for many years until he sold it and moved to town.  He sold it to a father and son from Allentown, PA for a hunting camp.  Like many they lost interest in coming up or like most families when the kids graduate and off on their own life changes. They camp has been vacant for 16 years with no hunters coming to enjoy the few days of telling stories, playing cards, having good food, drinks and the "male bonding" time.  Life goes on.  Here's hoping our cabin will be full of good times, good food and lots of story telling. 

Soon it will not be such an eye sore.

We had a couple good looking fishermen stop in for lunch today.  I got up this morning thinking, better get some food around just incase.  Loose fried hamburger for "Red and Trudy" style burgers,(if you are from the area you know what I mean) chips, pickled dilly beans and of course a big batch of chocolate chip cookies.  Life is good when the grandkids stop to tell their fishing stories, talk about the OV baseball team win over Coudersport and just have a few laughs together.  Then our oldest grandson came down to help his gramps dig up some dirt and get the lawn ready for rolling and grass seed.  I like the saying, old as dirt.  Today smelling the fresh turned dirt made me think, maybe that is why I like that saying.  The fresh tilled soil smells so fresh, all it needs is seed for the new beginnings of life.  Nothing prettier than see a field freshly plowed. 


We put in a new driveway and now filling in the old, soon grass
will be growing.

The day was perfect for working outside.  My favorite thing, mowing lawn and not so favorite transplanting 4 Peony bushes.  Seriously their roots must reach China!  Once it was all done I headed to the back deck for a cold drink, finish up a doily I have been crocheting and of course just take in the fresh smells and view.  I was surprised to see the moon just over the hill.  It was beautiful and so big.  It made me think, (gahhh, that's all I do is think) we think we are in control but really not at all.  That moon, the sun, planets, stars and meteors they are in control.  It's great big, we are a speck.  Now how is that for odd, weird and out of the normal thinking?  When our boys were in the Army and stationed half way around the world I would look at the moon and say,  it is Bart's or Beau's moon.  It made me feel better to know we could look at the same thing so far away from each other.  I'm sure the moon as consoled many throughout the years.  Nice to see it today against the clear blue sky.
  *The Tulip Tree is the exact place of the accident that killed my mom, August 4, 1966.  Along with good memories of the Tulip Tree is also the sad memory of her death.  The good has finally out weighed the bad.  That tree proves to thrive and give me the opportunity to see it and know what a special meaning it has. I Here is to you Sophia Idella Gross.

Do Chickens Have Tenderloins?

According to the gal working in the meat department, no. 
Getting groceries last week I stopped into Tops for chicken "tenderloins".  While looking over the chicken section a woman that works in the meat department came up and said all in a panic, " the delivery truck is 4 hours late"!  I told her she must have me confused with someone else, thinking that a customer was waiting for something specific.  She continued to rant about the truck being late with the chicken breasts that were on sale.  I laughed and told her I found the chicken tenderloins that I wanted.  Well...............this little city slicker told me I was wasting money on tenderloins because they are cut up chicken breasts.  I looked puzzled and said, really?  There was no convincing her otherwise from the way she was insisting that tenderloins are chicken breasts and I was paying extra money per pound  for them to cut them up.  I asked her, so you cut the breasts up and package them for tenderloins here?  Huh, well no, we get them all ready cut up and packaged.  BINGO!  I couldn't help get that nasty grin on my face, pick up the package of tenderloins and move along.  Sometimes it is just easier to walk away with a grin or for more satisfaction I could have stamped "I think I know everything" on her forehead.  This farm girl knows there are really chicken tenderloins which are very tender and better tasting than chicken breasts.  The tenderloin is attached to the breast but can easily be removed.  I really don't need 20 chicken breasts to get 20 tenderloins so it is easier for me to pay a little extra for a package of tenderloins.  Now you know, chickens have real tenderloins just as pig, beef, deer and other animals.  It is usually close to the spine and is tender because it is a muscle less used.  It is not plentiful in any animal thus giving the added expense to a cut of tenderloin.  Back to that gal, I would love to take this article in and let her read about a chicken tenderloin.  After all if you are going to state what ya know, ya better know for sure!  My favorite saying when in doubt, I'll google that.  Which I did when I got home and smiled all over myself for being right...at least this time.  There are many times I "eat crow".  There's an old saying!

Here's a little video about chicken tenderloins.  Good grief!  Why do I get obsessed with stuff?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fePddbE7GE
What a great thing google and you tube.  Both have pulled me out of several binds since the techy stage of my life.  The techy part is little to none, I muddle through.  From knitting, crocheting, cooking, gardening, refinishing floors and yes chicken tenderloins it has proved its worth to me. 

What am I doing with those tenderloins?  Chicken tacos tonight.  I buy the fresh corn tacos, rub a little olive oil on each side and heat them on the cast iron griddle until they get little golden brown  spots on them.  It's called fill your own taco with as much of what ever.  Tonight is grilled tenderloins, refried beans, rice, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, Mexican Cheese, salsa, chipotle sauce and sour cream.  That's it a meal in a shell.   Coconut/Almond pudding layered with sliced bananas and graham cracker crumbs for dessert and a hot cup of Jamaican Me Crazy to top it off.  The pudding was homemade and I used Coconut/Almond Milk.  It really makes a nice flavored pudding.

Looks messy and soft tacos are but oh so good!

One thing for sure, the daffodils and other spring flowers will be around for quite awhile.  Freezing temps and snow does not seem to bother them.  Once the sun shines they pick right up and look beautiful.  When we go to North Carolina I am always surprised at how fast their spring flowers bloom and die off.  That warm sun and temperatures make their blooms short lived.  About 28 years ago we visited our son while he was stationed in Germany. It was during the Easter Holiday.  The street vendors were in every city and town selling flowers. There were many other types of vendors, the ones I remembered, flowers and beautiful bolts of lace. What a beautiful time to walk the streets.  So old world or what I think old world should be.  Tall buildings with wonderful architecture designs, cobble stone streets that echoed each step.  At that time, I can't speak for now, everyone was out either walking, setting on steps or at tables along the street.  It was like stepping back in time. There were still the signs of war, many building still had damage where bullets had hit.  Quite an experience and memory of an opportunity we didn't let pass.  I guess my point is, if you have an opportunity to do something that may never come again, do it. 

A Well Educated Egg!

Our girls have supplied eggs to many in the Oswayo Valley and even make it to Union Bridge, MD and Worceste, MA a few times a year.  Nothing makes me happier than to hear how everyone likes them.  How about that dark yellow/orange yolk and the white surrounding the yolk is firm and well formed in an oval shape.  No runny whites with our lovely eggs.  We even had the opportunity two years ago to let our Silky hen who had turned very "henny" set on a dozen.  Five hatched and what a great experience.  You might say the excitement around the "hen house" was at its peak.  Even Dick and I were frequent visitors several times a day to see if they hatched and after they did to check on the little chicks.  They stayed under mama for about a week and then it was time to explore the world, they never ventured more than a wings length from their mom.  It was the easiest time ever raising young ones, mama hen did all the work.  We just watched.  Not so when we mail order day old peeps.  It is constantly monitoring the heat lamp and temperature, cleaning the pen daily, checking butts (yes you really have to), feeding, watering, picking fresh greens and even playing with them.  Handling them insures they will be friendly hens. 

Now for the first time our  eggs along with Jackie and Vic Taylors eggs will be going to school!  I had a great message from Emily Weber (a teacher) wanting to buy a few of our eggs.  She has a program at school where the students will be hatching the eggs.  Needless to say, of course Emily, but you are not paying for them.  We will donate for the cause.  She knew we had a beautiful gray Silky rooster because she had given him to us.  That means the eggs should all be fertile.  Don't panic, when you buy our eggs they do not have the start of baby chicks in them.  A mother hen that is "henny"  meaning she wants to set and raise a little clutch of peeps will lay eggs daily and about the time there are 10-12 eggs she will start setting.  Yes, they will all hatch within 3 days of each other, 21 days is the amount of time for the little peeps to greet the world, give or take a 1-3 days.  Fertile eggs are just that, they will not start growing a peep until the mother hen sets to get them up to certain temperature and she will rotate them several times a day.  That is why Jackie and I are able to gather eggs over a two day period, put them in a cool place and rotate them every 12 hours until Emily picks them up in two days.  Rotating keeps the yolk from settling in one spot.  Two dozen in my cool basement, unwashed, rotated and soon off to get an education.  We are all eggcited (thanks for word Jackie)!  Life is grand when new life is brought into the world.   Ummm, unless it is SNAKES!  Then it is far from grand.

The way to tell if an egg is fertile?  Crack it, there is always a tiny white dot on the yolk, if it looks like a little hazy bulls eye it is fertile, if it is just a tiny dot it is not fertile.  I have been checking the dots every time I use eggs, more fertile than not.  Yayyyyyyy

It is a beautiful day in Clara, PA.  The biggest snowflakes are falling down giving the view that wow look outside.  They look like little snowballs.  If this keeps up the ground will soon be covered, again.  Yesterday we woke to about 3 inches but by afternoon much of it had melted.  The hills are still covered.  I know, many are ready for spring and I am too but I can't help love the beauty of snow.  Last Sunday I was so ready for setting on the deck I hauled the furniture out and we enjoyed lunch outside.  As you can see one week later and all that is on the furniture is snow and ice.  Oh well, this too shall pass.  As long as there is fresh snow to gather I think it's time to boil down some maple syrup and drizzle over the snow for a little treat that some call "Jack's Wax".  I call it sticky maple taffy.  For everything there is a reason. 

Just waiting for the next warm day.

Life has been very busy around Cook'n By the Creek.  I am knitting the third pair of socks for either birthday or Christmas gifts.  Once a month we go to Wegmans in Hornell for our favorite treats that only they have.  Along the way in the small college/university town of Alfred is a yarn shop.  I always stop and buy enough yarn for a pair of socks, this seems to keep me on task.  Plus the gal that owns the shop is wonderful with informative conversation about yarn, knitting and life.  My kinda gal.  The other stop is on the way home in Alfred at the Terra Cotta, it always has hot brewed Jamaican Me Crazy, just a nice way to end the day.  Taking a break from knitting is usually time to self teach water color painting.  It is quite a challenge but keeps my mind active and hands busy.  Soon it will be warm enough to take the knitting, painting and quilting to the great outdoors.  The best place in the world to relax, free the mind and enjoy my hobbies.  Of course garden will soon be tilled and ready to plant which means weeding, cultivating, picking and canning.  That was a fast winter when I think of what spring and summer means around here.  We ordered seeds last week that should be here any day.  Some of the order will be shipped later when it is time to plant the sets.  The garden is always worth it.  The shelves in the basement have turned the tide to more empty jars than full.  I plan on a bushel of pears this year, 1/2 a bushel is not enough. 

The barn view from the house.

Tapioca Pudding

Since a gal  was so kind to think of me on her luxurious vacation to the Dominican Republic by buying me a very special bottle of vanilla I had to think of the perfect recipe to try it in.  I knew to get the full bang of the taste test I wouldn't use it in baking the first time.  It was narrowed down to Rice Pudding or Tapioca Pudding.  Those recipes would allow for me to add the vanilla at the end and wouldn't cook or bake away.  Rice Pudding was ruled out because it has cinnamon and nutmeg, I was afraid they would take away from the vanilla.  Tapioca Pudding it is.  As a matter of fact I am also trying a new recipe for it.  Usually I stand at the stove 1-2 hours stirring until the tapioca is done and looks clear.  I found a recipe that uses the crock pot with NO stirring.  It has been cooking about 2 hours and looks like it is close to the next step.  Then it will cook another 45 minutes, ready to put in bowls and refrigerate.  I like either the small tapioca pearls or the large.  The large are fun, they look like fish eyes.  It was one treat when my mom made it that I spent more time playing with the fish eyes...if you are the only kid left at home you find whatever for entertainment.   Back to the vanilla.  I started getting it in Mexico many years ago, like 30 plus years or if I know someone is going it is a request I always ask.  I like the clear vanilla just because I have a few recipes that call for it.  One of these days I am going to try and make my own, looks very simple.  Toni brought me a vanilla with the consistency of oil and it is clear.  This is exciting because I have never used this kind or ever noticed it in my travels.  Speaking of travels, getting fewer and farther between.  These animals present a problem of just taking off on a spur of the moment, 

Here is the recipe I used today and the review on crockpot Tapioca Pudding and D.R. vanilla.

I will NEVER make Tapioca on the stovetop again!  This crockpot recipe is amazing!  Perfect consistency.  All I did was take a peek once in a while.  The vanilla, it is wonderful.  The minute I opened the bottle I knew it had to be good.  Thanks Toni!

Farm eggs make the pudding a beautiful creamy yellow color.
 See the little fish eyes?

Tapioca Pudding:   To celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

In a crockpot put:
6 cups of milk, 3/4 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of tapioca, Cook covered, on high for 2-3 hours or until tapioca is clear. 
Beat 2 eggs and temper with 1 cup of the hot tapioca mixture.  Stir back in the tapioca in the crockpot and cook another 45 minutes covered.
Turn off the crockpot, stir in 2 tsp. vanilla, pour into serving bowls and refrigerate until cold.
I will NEVER make Tapioca on the stovetop again!  This crockpot recipe is amazing!  Perfect consistency.  All I did was take a peek once in a while.  The vanilla, it is wonderful.  The minute I opened the bottle I knew it had to be good.  Thanks Toni!

As I set here sipping Maple Tea I have been thinking of what a great week we had last week.  Our grandson was on spring break from college and it seemed like a spring break to us too!  We were lucky enough to go on a long hike and a short walk with Kent.  The hike was on the back hills and following the pipe line looking for deer sheds.  Before we even started I knew if a shed was found it would only be a bonus to the already loved time for a hike together.  The first time we took Kent on the same walk was when he was 3 years old.  That little guy walked every bit of the way, he didn't want carried.  Even back then he was hungry to learn about everything in the woods.  What I saw on our hike last week, he has gathered more information about those hills and animal habits.  He took us to a spot I had never been, a spring on top of the hill!  It was still partially froze but enough open water for the dogs to quench their thirst.  We had mentioned we should have brought water since not often is there a place to get drinks on top of hills.  Kent told us, I know a place there is water.  I thought, yeah, maybe after we start down out in the valley where a little spring runs.  I was wrong and surprised.  Well, we didn't find any sheds but we saw plenty of signs buck were around where we were looking.  Tucked back in the woods is a cleared spot where the PA Game Commission had planted pine trees.  I learned.....deer like to bed down around them and......buck usually lose their antlers near where they bed down.  Actually between Kent and the husband I learned a few things that day.  Do you know bear awaken by temperature change and not daylight getting longer?  Now ya know. 

That is what a buck does when he rubs a tree to mark his territory.

The secret little watering hole at the top of the hill.

Moss slowly covering a rock.  There are many rocks on top of
the hill.  It looks like an explosion just scattered them every where.

The men looking for sheds and telling stories.   Kent is always interested in what it was
like when Dick was young.  Always carry a pistol, ya never know!

Brown, gray and that beautiful blue sky.  What a color pallet.

The next day Kent rode to Rochester with us.  After my appointment which took all of 45 minutes we headed to our favorite stores, the guys Field and Stream and Dick's Sporting Goods.  They were in disbelief when I said....leave me off at Macy's.  We all got our shopping in and the next stop was at Mendon Ponds.  Even with a light rain it was worth the walk and feeding the birds.  Along a path they fly right down and eat out of your hand.  We went prepared with a bag of sunflower seeds.  The first time I was there our friends took us.  Some know Marcia and the beautiful pictures of scenery, birds and animals she took.  They are to be treasured.  Marcia was so excited the day we went, she loved sharing what she loved.  We are hooked on Mendon Ponds and will be going back.  They have a rescue bird sanctuary called, Wild Wings, it is very close to Honeoye Falls.  Unfortunately both times we have been there is the day it is closed.  One more reason to take a ride to Mendon Ponds.

Because someone does not like birds, gramp had to feed them.

There is a little wild bird setting on his hand eating.

Two different walks, the first on the Clara Hills.  Everything is still brown and gray with a few shades of green mixed in.  The pines, ferns, moss and grass around the springs are the only color to be seen.  Unless you want to include the beautiful blue skies we had last week.  What a great week to enjoy the great outdoors.  The next walk was on a groomed trail, signs telling what kind of tree was what and the do and don't rules of the park.  Both were beautiful in their own special way.  I'm just fond of good old "Wild Woods" of Clara.

The next stop was the Brewery in Honeoye Falls for an early dinner.  Lucky us we were the only ones there (always good to go between lunch and dinner hour).  The gal said, follow me you can set in front of the fireplace since it is such a damp day.  Again, perfect!  Great food, beer and my favorite, coffee.  Dick tried a couple new beers from the Great Lakes Brewing Co., liked the first but the second one not so much. 

The final stop, Wegmans.  For some reason I can not drive past one!  I  love that store, from Williamsport, Hornell, Corning and Erie I stop at them all.

The last few days have been a learning experience for me.  Yes, at 66 years old I am still learning.   I found there are many willing to "Pass it On". 

It's All About Maple

Maple Walnut Brownies

I admit it, extra maple glaze drizzled on my piece.  I just didn't
want to throw the last little bit away.  Shhhh

Maple brownie, maple tea and read a wonderful book that our dear
friends gave us,  People Who Live at the End of Dirt Roads.
 It hits home for us.

Friends are great, near and far.  An "over the hill"  friend posted a recipe for these Maple Brownies on my homepage.  I have a feeling from all the talk of my love for Maple Syrup he knew I would try this.  Which I did and it is now filed away for the cookbook.  The brownies are delicious, not an over sweet brownie but bursting with maple flavor.  The maple glaze adds just enough sweetness.  If you don't like walnuts leave them out.  We prefer the extra crunch they add to a brownie.  So if you are looking for a quick desert this is it.  I bet a big scoop of Maple Walnut Ice Cream and maybe an extra drizzle of Maple Syrup on top would make this a winner for that extra "wow".  The recipe is from the King Arthur Flour site:  I like to share what I make so I doubled the recipe, it turned out fine. 

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups (5 1/4 ounces) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup (5 5/8 ounces) brown sugar
1/3 cup (3 1/4 ounces) maple syrup
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon maple flavor
1/2 cup maple Flav-R-Bites®, optional (never heard of them, left out)
3/4 cup (3 ounces) chopped walnuts

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8" square pan.  I used a 9 x 11 cake pan.

Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder; set aside. Melt the butter and brown sugar together in the microwave or over a burner; remove from the heat and stir in the syrup. Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm. Stir in the eggs one at a time, then the maple flavor. Stir in the dry ingredients, and finally the Flav-R-Bites and walnuts.

Pour into the prepared pan, and bake for 25 minutes, just until the edges pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from the oven, and cool before cutting and glazing. Yield: sixteen 2" brownies.

Maple Glaze

1 cup (4 ounces) glazing sugar or confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream

Whisk everything together, adding more liquid if necessary to make a pourable glaze

Today was all about reading a good book which is my second go around for it.  I like the book that much, it reflects so much of how I grew up and how I feel and think now as I go down the road looking at memories from my past.  It's nice to see other people think as I do, guess there are more wandering minds in this great big country we live in, even in the world.  I have three FB friends that are from Norway, France and Euphratis.  What do we all have in common?  We are housewives, love to cook, the outdoors and of course knit and crochet.  That is how we met on line, posting of recent projects.  One thing led to another and we go back and fourth about the weather, projects or about our life and what is going on in our countries.  I know for sure, we are the same for the love of life.  So often we think of people in other countries different than we are, in my case we are all quite alike.  I would love to meet them personally to see how they live and the beauty of their countries, maybe learn a few of their knitting and crocheting techniques.  With the world in evil times, especially Americans traveling it will not happen.  I will be satisfied with enjoying their pictures and posts. 

Today is boiled dinner day, the last of the season.  We woke up to a light snow on the ground, March 6th.  The week is predicted to be in the 50s and 60s, bring on the change of our eating pattern.  Every change brings excitement for the foods we love.  The forever maple season, wild leeks, trout season and of course asparagus from the garden.  Maple is already in full swing with local producers offering all you can eat pancake breakfast on the weekends.  Last year we went to Hamiltons on Collins Hill in Ulysses.  It was a great breakfast that they also gave samples of their maple products.  Very nice, clean and friendly place.  This is where I buy my maple tea, a product of Canada.  Wild leeks will soon be showing their green, maybe within two weeks.  Then we will be having our "Spring Tonic" as Vernie Howard use to call it.  Vernie was Virg Howards dad.  Let's see how many of Vernie's kids I can name.....Virg, Vince, Hank, Joe, Ella, Aola, Jackie and Yvonne.  If there are more I didn't know them.  When I was 16 and just bought my 90 Bridgestone motorcycle Hank (he was about 32) jumped on the back and said take me for a ride!  Now this guy was well over 6', broad shouldered, good looking and.....drunk!  What a sight, his arms flailing as he was singing as loud as he could.  I was so lucky, made it down Honeoye St, up Academy and literally dropped him off at his dads.  Looking back I feel I was pretty darn good balancing that bike and keeping it upright with Hank on the back.  Good times and this memory just jumped into my thoughts from leeks, spring tonic to Hank Howard, now that is a trip of the memory!

Take time, do the unusual, enjoy the ride and always "pass it on".

We All Love a Treat

A little ice hanging on.  This is the first time in 17 years little
Clara Creek did not freeze over.   

 Every morning that I do the chores I find myself thinking....why don't you come out and visit the hens and horses every morning.  Friday morning was one of those clean, clear, fresh smelling mornings.  A thin layer of snow had fallen overnight and it just added to the fresh beauty here in the valley.  All was quiet with the hens clucking from their coop and a lone Red Tail Hawk calling from it's perch near the edge of the woods.  He/she was either trying to scare up a breakfast or calling for a mate.  Every year since we have lived here a pair have nested and raised their young mid way up the hill behind the barn.  So far none have taken a hen, at least I don't think so.  I  blame a missing hen on coyote or fox.  Last week our oldest hen died, it was old age.  She had been looking her age for quite a while.

Nothing better than having Smokey and Gracie standing at the gate hoping for a treat.  This morning was their lucky day, a carrot.  They remind me of biting into a nice piece of chocolate the way they roll that carrot around in their mouth.  I also had a few old slices of bread for the hens.  Our animals are so use to getting a treat we feel guilty when we don't take them something.  The hens love their treats as much as the horses or even me.  I love my sweets, candy, cookies, pie and cake that is. 

The horses like their hay for the day put in the pasture.  If the wind is blowing, rain or a snowstorm we hay them in the barn.   I believe they actually pout when they can't eat in the wide open space of the field.  They will stand just outside their stalls and only after we leave for the house will they go inside to eat.  Friday, no wind, rain or snow, they were happy horses.  They should be, I say they live at the Barriot (barn+Marriot).  Once they eat their grain it is a race to see who gets what pile of hay.  Smokey is the boss and he gets first dibs on what pile is his.  He actually will eat for a few minutes and then chase Gracie away and start eating hers.  She will go to his and all is ok, it's the same every morning and night.  It takes about 45 minutes to grain, hay, water and take care of the hens.  Just enough time to clear my mind, feel refreshed and ready for the day.  I can't imagine living in a confined area where I could hear neighbors talking and smell their meals cooking.  We did for years but now it just wouldn't be right.

 

There are the girls waiting for their treat.  They will

soon be one year old and already have went above

and beyond the call of duty.  Eggs are plenty from

these Black Australorps.

 

 

Friday night fish tacos.  Fresh guacamole and homemade black bean
and corn salsa topped with chipotle sauce made last August.  A glass of
wine for me and a bottle of beer for the hub.  It's an easy fix and clean up!

The Dam

Lyman Run Dam, the ice fisherman a little dot on the far right.

The weather has been down right frigid and the wind relentless in our little Clara Valley.  Saturday I never left the house and Dick only to do the morning and evening chores.  Sunday it was time to warm up the car and head out for a ride.  I knew where I wanted to go so with warning I said, take a hat and gloves.  Even Quincy was excited to get in the car, he does not like being left which has me believing he has separation anxiety.  If I leave he's ok but let Dick leave even if I'm home with him and he still goes into a "do not move, do nothing" mood.   I can't believe we treat him like a human but we do.  So off we went for a few hours.


We try to share the driving, that way we each have the opportunity to look around for animals and just enjoy the view.  My turn to start out by way of Coudersport, Denton Hill, Galeton and my destination, Lyman Run Dam.  It's beautiful every season of the year but winter is my all time favorite.......NO WORRY, NO RATTLE SNAKES!  I can walk as far as I want and enjoy the view.  In the other seasons my eyes are looking down and slightly ahead on the ground.  Regular snakes are bad enough but a Rattler, good Lord I would probably never be the same if I even lived through the moment.  One summer we took our camper to Lyman Run, a huge and I mean huge Rattler was killed by the bath house.  I had the kids in the car waiting while Dick hooked the camper up and away we went home!  Young and naïve, Dick knew there were rattlers there, I didn't.  We never went back.

 It was so nice Sunday, all white, lake completely frozen, clear blue sky and the sun so bright it let the barren trees cast long blue/gray shadows across the snow.  What a day to enjoy!  On the ice was one lone ice fishermen setting on his little stool waiting for a bite.  We were too far away to see if he was having any luck and I'm glad we were.  After all for this sportsman to be on the ice with air temperature at 5 degrees and probably lower than that I have a feeling he was loving what he was doing.  The beauty, peace and quiet is 50% or more of his enjoyment.  Maybe I'm a dreamer but I would like to think he was setting there reflecting on his young life right up to present day with a big grin on his face.  Looking across the lake and taking in the view made me relax and be so thankful for the day and this beautiful area we live in.  The creation of it all is far beyond imagination.



The spill way.

Dick took the wheel once we left the Dam and took us up through the Susquehannock Forrest that comes out to the junction of Rt. 44 at Cherry Springs.  It is a winding road with some sharp switch backs, beautiful scenery.  We were surprised not to see animal tracks along the road.  Once we got on Rt. 44 north back to Coudersport another surprise.  They have a very nice groomed snowmobile trail along the edge of the road but not one snowmobile track to be seen.  The snow isn't real deep but there is enough to ride the trail.  Maybe because by the time we did get snow the temperatures dipped below zero.  It turned into not such a nice view,  gas and oil drilling, clear cutting the beautiful trees on several hilltops.  Not what I like to see.  I know it creates jobs, I get that but I don't like how much of the forest is being ruined.  I think of pictures from long ago when all the hills were bare from cutting wood for the factories in our area.  Double sword for sure.

Have you ever ate or even heard of mush?  As in cornmeal mush.  We had it a lot on the farm.  There are 2 ways I fix it.  I make a pot of mush which is simply water, cornmeal and a little salt cooked to a thick consistency.  Then either pour it in a greased bread  pan or spread it on a greased cookie sheet.  The loaf goes in the refrigerator overnight and will last about a week in the frig.  Of course that never happens around here because we eat it for breakfast a couple times.  I slice the loaf in 1/4 or 1/3 inch slices, dust flour on it and fry in oil until crispy on each side.  Then drizzle maple syrup over it.  Add a couple fried or scrambled eggs and that is breakfast. To bake I spread it after cooking while it is hot on a greased cookie sheet, bake at 375 until crispy but soft in the middle. Break it up in a bowl with butter, salt, pepper, warm milk over top and of course maple syrup.  You can buy mush already made at the Shop and Save in Coudersport or the little store next to Hess Tire in Andover.  It is as good as homemade.

I like to watch cooking shows (no surprise), read recipes from the internet and go through all my cookbooks from family, friends and the ones I can't resist when I find one for sale.  What made me laugh was the time a chef introduced a fantastic recipe using.......tada...... mush.  Of course he didn't say mush he called it polenta loaf, I say mush!  He showed several ways to serve this wonderful alternative to pasta and potatoes.  He sliced and fried, he sliced and just warmed it or he put a spoonful on the plate hot from the pan.  Then he would add all kinds of sauces, meat or seafood over it.  He even mixed cheese in it or grated it on top.  You would have thought it was the best thing since air conditioning.  So all these years I have been eating and fixing "5 star" food and didn't even know it.


What is nice lightly dusting the mush with flour stops it from holding the
grease.  Place paper towels on a rack to get what ever oil is left on it.
Remember a rack keeps fried food crispy,  draining on a solid surface
allows the hot food to sweat on the bottom.
 

Tuesday breakfast, fried mush drizzled with maple syrup,
scrambled eggs with chipotle chile sauce canned last August and
toasted leek biscuits with hot pepper jelly.  That jelly is the frosting
on quite a lot of things around here.  My friend, Valarie gave me
the recipe a couple years ago.  We make it every fall.  Please don't
think we eat like this every morning, it was miserable weather this
morning and just seemed fitting to have a hardy breakfast.
 

The blog I wrote about "every once in a while",  I have been proven wrong!  Yesterday the hubs decided to make his famous dry rub ribs.  Wow, that is 2 meals in 3 days he has fixed.  Makes me wonder.....what's up!?!  They are delicious so no complaining.

I pulled some leek butter from the freezer we made last April.
It worked great for the biscuits instead of lard and of
course leek butter and hot pepper jelly on top. 

Every Once In a While

Maybe every 6 months the husband mentions he would like to try a new recipe and fix supper.  Well, you don't have to say it twice.  I love setting on the couch working on my "at the moment" project.  Of course if I'm counting stitches I can get a little "bitchy" when he keeps asking me questions about where something is or how he should chop, slice or dice something.  In all fairness what he asks is what I do out of habit or 51 years in the kitchen plus 16  years of watching and learning from my mom.  I do give Dick credit for at least wanting to try "every once in  while". 

A few days ago he started searching recipes he had been saving from Pinterest (yes!  he loves Pinterest)  which is a good thing because he does find some nice projects for around Cook'n by the Creek.  Once he found the one he was looking for he copied it and asked what we had and what he would need to buy.  Absolutely nothing, we had all the ingredients including a pound of Texas Bay x-large shrimp.  I did help him clean the shrimp, it is a nasty job and I like to make sure the vein is out of the shrimp completely.  He shelled and I deveined.  Back to the couch I went.  He even made the Jasmine Rice all by himself, no help or asking how.  The man read the directions, how about it?
The house was smelling might fine about 10 minutes before everything was ready.  From the orange zest (he did zest the orange) to the thyme is was a wonderful combination.  I didn't get the dinner call until it was ready for me to set down and eat, even with a glass of Niagara Wine.  I could get use to this kinda treatment but won't.  Remember this is an "every once in a while" occurrence.  Let's see, we would be in rough shape if I had the "every once in a while" attitude.  Lucky us, I love to cook, bake and eat. 

Dinner prepared by the husband complete with wine and beer.
He did get lucky!  Tonya Peck delivered a surprise that just
happened to top of the meal.  Fresh Cream Puffs, what better
ending another glass of wine and a Cream Puff.  The filling was
delicious.  Request for the recipe sent.

Let me tell ya, the shrimp in the butter sauce was delicious.  So much so that it is in the recipe box for the next time we have shrimp.  I'm also thinking it would be great with Scallops or a white fish such as cod or haddock.  I bet chicken would be could this was too.  Yes, it was that good and I will share it.

Brown Sugar Shrimp with Orange Butter Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 tsp thyme
1 TBSP brown sugar
zest of an orange
1 cloves of garlic minced fine
1-2 pounds of cleaned shrimp
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium skillet heat butter over low heat, add thyme, brown sugar and stir for 5 min.  Remove from heat and stir in orange zest, pour into a bowl and let rest while you prepare the shrimp.  In the same pan add garlic and saute for 1 min or until it is soft.  Add shrimp and cook for 3-5 min.  Strain sauce and pour over shrimp, simmer for 1 minute. 
Serve over rice.

Happy Valentine's Day, if you are in the Northeast extra sweets might help you stay warm or a bottle of wine.  If you are in need of a good one give Niagara a try from Lakewood Winery in Watkins Glen, NY.  It is sold in some liquor stores around the area.

Setting by the Fire

This morning I woke to a star filled sky, just what I like to see.  It soon ended while having coffee and checking out the news around the world and FB friend's news which is also from around the world.  Looking up to see if the hub was going to pour our second cup I realized I couldn't see the neighbor's house.  White outs have been frequent the last couple of days mixed with big white fluffy clouds and clear blue sky.  It is quite a picture to enjoy.  The wind has picked up and now blowing gusts of snow from the Pine Trees, also another beautiful thing to watch.  The birds are chowing on the suet and seed in the bird feeder.  Dick placed 2 Christmas trees under the feeders and the birds love hiding in them and eating seeds that have fallen under them to the ground.  Simple little gestures to keep the critters happy.  The hens are not happy, snow on the ground and they are hoed up in the barn picking around the hay bales and dirt where they can.  This too shall pass, spring is just a blink away.

The day before is a day I look at the weather, if it's going to below the 20 something mark it usually means the oven will be lit for baking.  Yesterday I made some Sour Cream Cookie Dough, placed it covered on the back deck overnight so it would be ready to bake with this morning.  Since there was a half a box of raisins and few a dates left from Christmas baking I made a filling for some of the cookies.  Mom and Gramma Gross baked these frequently and also Eleanor Stavisky.  I use Eleanor's filling recipe.  This is a nice time for me to set at the table, watch the oven, back field, feel the warmth and enjoy the flames from our gas fired stove and write letters or a blog. It's a peaceful morning, just me, the dog and my thoughts.

 A hot cup of Maple Tea and a cookie, ( a sample, wouldn't want to give them away and not be tasty) while writing a letter to my cousin.  Joan lives in Florida now with her husband and twice a year we handwrite letters to each other to catch up on the "Gross Clan".  Email and FB work but there is nothing better than opening an envelope and reading a letter or card.  More time, effort and thought go into it with a personal touch.  Much easier to tuck away in my drawer for later enjoyment, even years down the road.  I still have letters from Dick in college and our sons when the first went into the Army.  Treasures.


One sample wasn't enough, two cookies will do.
Happy Valentine's Day!

One more plan for my "me" day......browsing through our Jung Seed Catalog.  Last night we watched a few garden shows on YouTube and decided to try a couple suggestions from the "Elegant Backyard Gardner".  He is an older man that reminded me of my dad, Uncle Orville and Bill Stavisky.  Great tips that we wrote down and book marked him on our favorites.  We watch a lot of nature, garden, travel and documentaries on YouTube.  Long ago we gave up on Dish and Direct TV.  Way to expensive to get the 3 channels we watch, the other channels were a waste for us.  It is nice to pick what we want to watch with NO commercials.  We also have Netflix which is ok for the price but YouTube has everything we need.  I like the quilting, knitting and crocheting tutorials.  Very nice to get me out of a bind.

Well the last batch of cookies is in the oven.  I have two tips about rolled cookies that Eleanor gave me many years ago and it does make a difference on the last few batches.  Especially if it is a large batch of dough.  When you roll out the first batch and cut with the cookie cutter, put the scrap dough aside and do not use it in the next batch you roll out, always use fresh dough.  In the end when all you have left is the scraps from all the roll outs start using it and in the same manner as you did with fresh dough.  This way minimal flour is being added to each roll out.  Using the left over dough as you cut out each time just makes the dough get thicker, tougher and dry cookies.  I hope that makes sense to you, a little confusing but if need be, message me and I will try to explain it better.  The other tip is keep the dough cold!  Refrigerate over night (when it's below freezing I put my dough outside in a cabinet) once you start rolling the dough put the extra back in the frig.  Cold dough does not suck up the flour on the floured board like warm dough does.  Less flour in cookies, pies and cakes is best and the less you touch the dough the softer the end product. 



Date and nut filled, sugar crystals and strawberry drizzle.

I love the large sugar crystals, they remind me of  when the sun shines on
fresh fallen snow, little diamonds glistening.