Perfect Sunday...

A wonderful morning in Gods Word...

a chilled afternoon watching a good movie with a hot chocolate

and a delicious evening chicken dinner....

with that apple sauce!...

Plus...we have snow on the mountain....

Perfect Sunday!

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

A "Fruitful'" Day....

A strange.. but pretty cloud over the Blue House this morning, 

Is it me or does it look like two dolphins swimming in a blue ocean??

MrD's project for the day 

was to replace the rotton wood surround on the back door

As usual he did a great job... 

although there was one funny moment when he realized 

he had cut the wrong angle on one of the pieces of wood!!!

My project of the day??

Making a big pan of apple sauce 

You can’t have a chicken dinner without apple sauce!!

Plenty to freeze and to perhaps make a pie 

I also finished a little beaded hanging pillow for my Etsy shop

I dont usually do pillows but I was pleased how this one turned out

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Here Comes the Rain...

A wonderfully wet day here at the Blue House

The rain started in the early hours of the morning... 

and unexpectantly lasted most of the day

I just love the sound of a good downpour

It did the garden a power of good

and finally the grass in the new lawn its beginning to grow...

But MrD is not impressed... and is not sure that he likes the quality

We shall have to wait and see

In the mean time.. its on to his next project and a quick trip to the home improvement store 

for supplies for a job he plans to start tomorrow

When we got home.. MrD was on the roof again.. The chimney needed a cover.. but its a funny size so MrD had to adapt one. A bit of welding .. a few more screws.. and it fits perfectly.

My hubby is a genius..

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

In the Kitchen ~ Christmas Jam

The last of this years canning is done…

A beautiful dark rich Christmas Jam .. made with home grown strawberries and blackberries.. apples from a friends tree and fresh cranberries from the farmers market. With all the fragrant spices.. it really smells like Christmas!  It's delicious on toast, scones, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 orange, zested and juiced
2½ cups granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
4 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen) - use a mix of cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a festive flavor
1½ tsp ground cloves
1½ tsp ground nutmeg
1½ tsp ground ginger
1½ tsp allspice (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 packet powdered pectin (optional, for a firmer jam)

• If using fresh fruit, chop the berries and apples into small pieces.
• Add them to a large pot or saucepan. 
• Pour the orange juice over the fruit and add the orange zest
• Over medium heat, bring the fruit, orange juice, and zest to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. 
• Once boiling, reduce the heat 
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fruit softens.
• As the fruit cooks, use a potato masher or fork to mash it to your preferred consistency.
• Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice (if using). 
• Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
• Pour in the sugar and stir constantly until it dissolves and the mixture returns to a boil.
• If you prefer a firmer jam, add the powdered pectin according to the packet instructions 
• Boil for another 1-2 mins

• Stir in the lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
• To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful of jam on a cold plate. 
• Let it cool for a minute, then gently push it with your finger. 
• If it wrinkles slightly and holds its shape, the jam is ready.
• Remove from heat 
• Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars.
• Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or...
• follow proper canning procedures to store it for longer.

Tip: Adjust the spice levels to your taste. You can make it spicier by increasing cinnamon or adding star anise for an extra

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Good Morning....

 Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

A "Littles" Catchup....

Just a quick catchup with our "Littles" across the pond...

Little Tufty is growing so fast... and shes becoming so independent. Here she is carrying her diaper supply to nursery. Its crazy to think that we will have Thanksgiving.. then the Christmas season and  before we know it we will be celebrating her second birthday. Where has the time gone??

Little Miss loves school...but she was struggling with maths...and wasnt enjoying the lessons at all. So I told her what my dad said to me when I was just a little older than her.  

He said. "You love puzzles right? You love games right? You dont like things beating you right? Maths is just lots of puzzles and games... that you can beat... try it.. and it will be fun!" So I did... and I was in the top three in my class. It looks like Little Miss loved puzzles too..

Thank you Dad!

And for Little Mr... hes just rocking his outfit for "Children in Need" on Friday... when the UK raises money for childrens charities around the country. Little Mr is the double of the telethons mascot... Pudsy Bear..

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Whats for Dinner ~ Meal Plan Monday...

Today in the US.. and in many countries around the world.. we remember all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace. Here it is called Veterans Day... in the Uk we called it Remembrance Day.. 

but what ever its called.... we know...

On the 11th hour of the 11th Day on the 11th month. 

When the guns fell silent. We will Remember Them.

Lest We Forget

I had a bit of a prep day in the kitchen...

As well as the weekly bread baking...

I made some Breakfast Muffins for the freezer.

MrD sometimes takes them to work to have for breakfast...

He says they are so good heated in the microwave 

and topped with a spoonful of salsa

I also made lots of little sausages wrapped in bacon... 

they are supposed to be for Thanksgiving..

but the way MrDs eyes lit up when he say them.. 

I think they may disappear before the big day!

When he got home from work.. MrD decided to go for a quick ride..

There may not be many more nice afternoons to do this as the nights are drawing in

When he got back he spent some time with Prince in the front garden. He has bought a long leash for him which he will tether to a hook in the lawn so Prince can spend time with him when hes working in the garage.. and not chase every cat that passes by.

He needs a bit of training with this.. he doesnt like it at all. Mind you we dont know his history of being tied up. But as with everything else... time and patience should see him right

Have a great week everyone... and here's this weeks dinner menu...

Weekly Plan - 11th November 2024

Monday              Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Tuesday              Cheesy Spanish Rice Skillet

Wednesday         Leftover Pork, Au Gratin Potatoes, Veg

Thursday            Leftover Cheesy Spanish Rice Skillet
                             
Friday                 Homemade Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza

Saturday             Grilled Cheese with Gouda, Roasted Mushrooms and Onions 

Sunday                Roast Chicken Dinner

Lest We Forget...

Today is Remembrance Sunday...Growing up in the Uk..I would proudly don my poppy and join others marching in the parade to the cenotaph to lay wreaths and pay our respects to all those who gave their lives protecting our country in the two world wars.. and those conflicts since.

Congratulations to Little Miss who was one of three children chosen to lay a  poppy wreath at her towns cenotaph during todays Remembrance Day Service

She did a great job.. and I was so proud... I got a little emotional... maybe because she is growing up too fast (thats her in the middle)

Little Tufty slept through it all but woke up for a photo op...

It was reminder that her great great great Uncle Edwin Hampson... a Sgt Major in the Royal Garrison Artillery.. who was killed on 14 Apr 1917 in France and Flanders. He is buried in Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

But his name is engraved on the war memorial on the Lychgate of St Marys Church in Ruabon, Wales.. our family village

Lest We Forget

Phoebe x

Chim.. Chim.. Charoo...

As my winter prepping continues so does MrD's .Today it was chimney sweeping and seeing as our chimney sweep son wouldn't buy a plane ticket from England to come do it for us... MrD had to do it.

It turned out to be quite a quick job as the brickwork was in good order...

and the chimney itself didnt have much of a buildup at all

I think he fancied himself as Captain Morgan as he posed on the roof

Its wonderful to have such a handyman hubby... 

so thats another job done til next year

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Cranberry Apple Jam

My prepping is on track.. and this years supply of Cranberry Apple Jam is done.. Its not too sweet.. not too tart.. and absolutely delicious with your Thanksgiving/Christmas Turkey. Its also lovely on toast, bagels or served over cream cheese as a Its a slightly different taste from the Christmas Jam I will be making next week and is so quick and easy.

Both apples and cranberries are naturally high in pectin, so you won't need any additional pectin to help this jam set, as long as you cook it until thick and syrupy. This recipe can be doubled...which I did and I've processed a few jars in the canner so we have plenty to last us through the year..

In

12 oz. pkg. fresh cranberries
2 medium (sweet) apples, peeled and diced
1 1/2 Cups sugar
1 Cup water
2 Tblsp honey
1 Tblsp butter (helps reduce foaming)

• Combine the apples, cranberries, honey, sugar and water in a large pot (use a big one, this jam will bubble)
• Over high heat. bring to a boil
• Add butter
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries pop and the apples soften
• you can use a potato masher if you prefer a smoother jam
• Simmer until the liquid in the pot begins to thicken
• Ladle into sterilized jars, wipe rims, apply lids and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
• Label nicely and store in a dark place or distribute to those you love.
• Any unpopped jars will keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Chicken and Spinach Pie... and some Dried Fruit

Today I did a very easy craft ready for Christmas... with the added bonus of having a sweet smelling kitchen. I dehydrated citrus fruits (Grapefruit, Oranges, Lemons and Limes) to use in Christmas decor come December. So simple to do.

Wash the citrus and slice it into ¼ inch thick rounds.

Place the slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays  

Dry the citrus at 135°F for 4–8 hours

or until it's crisp and brittle.,, and not at all sticky

Once dehydrated, store the citrus in an airtight container in a cool, dark place

until ready for Christmas decorating

They can also be done in the oven at 170°F, and for 3–5 hours, flipping every few hours

A couple of weeks ago I made a couple of pies for the freezer. At the time I said I would post the recipes when I baked them. So here's the first.. Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pie which is super easy to make.. and really delicious. Its ready in under an hour and perfect for the whole family. Serve it with mash or roast potatoes but you can have it with anything you like!

1 puff pastry sheet

1 chicken breast shredded (approx 250g)
1 shallot or small onion
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp butter
1.5 tbsp plain flour
250ml chicken stock
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
100ml double cream (heavy whipping cream)
50g spinach

• Saute onion and garlic in a little oil until slightly soft
• Add butter and  flour and cook for a couple of minutes stirring til smooth 
• Add chicken stock and stir until combined
• Mix in the oregano, tarragon, nutmeg, chili flakes, pepper and salt 
• Add cooked shredded chicken, spinach, and the cream and mix together well

• Set to one side until absolutely cool.. otherwise your pie will have a soggy bottom! 
• Slice one puff pastry sheet in half 
• Top one half with the cooled down filling leaving an 1/2 inch around the edge. 
• Fold the other half of the sheet and make slits down the fold making a pattern which also lets the steam out

• Seal the edges with a fork
• At this point you can freeze the pie for  later date making sure its fully defrosted before baking
• Brush the top with an beaten egg 

• Bake in a preheated oven at 200C/180C(fan) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown
• Enjoy

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x