Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Ham, Green Beans Depression Style, Leeks and Potatoes au Gratin, and Rice Pudding


This meal wasn't very different from having ham and scalloped potatoes, but it was much easier!
The Leeks and Potatoes au Gratin were a snap to make and only baked 15 minutes.
They were real rib stickers...so my boys loved the meal!
We also had leftover Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls from last night and homemade applesauce.
I am sure this is a little more than a typical depression meal, but I think a farm family would have had most of the ingredients on hand.
We really enjoyed it...even the rice pudding!




Here are the recipes...followed by some interesting facts about the Great Depression.





Ham

I thaw a 4-5 pound ham and then slice it fairly thin.
You can rub the top with brown sugar if you want.
Because our hams are smoked, I just leave it as is, add about a cup of water to the baking dish, cover, and then cook at 200 degrees for 3-4 hours.
Check with a thermometer to make sure the ham is above 160 degrees internally before eating.
We use leftovers for sandwiches!




Leeks and Potatoes au Gratin


I substituted cheddar cheese for the Swiss:).





Green Beans Depression Style

This was a very different recipe!
I had my reservations, and am sorry to say this was not popular at the table last night.
In many ways, they tasted like Dilly Beans...so if you love that combination, you will love this dish.
Original recipe HERE.

  • 1 -2 lb green beans {fresh or frozen thawed}
  • lb pork ends {I used the ends of the ham I was baking.}
  • salt
  • cup vinegar
  • ½ onion
  • water to cover

Directions:


  1. 1
    Break beans in half and put in large kettle.
  2. 2
    Add rest of ingredients.
  3. 3
    Bring to full boil.
  4. 4
    Cover half way, turn heat down to simmer, forget it for about 3 hours.
  5. 5
    Scoop out with slotted spoon or serve with broth.






    Rice Pudding
    Recipe from HERE.

    2 1/2 cups whole milk

    1/3 cup long or short grain white rice

    1/8 teaspoon salt
    1/4 cup brown sugar or white sugar
    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/4 cup brown or golden raisins, optional
    Lightly sweetened whipped cream {opt.}

    Rice Pudding: In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan combine the milk, rice, and salt. Place saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium to medium-low and simmer until the rice is tender (about 25 minutes). Stir the milk mixture frequently using a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. When the rice is tender (al dente) remove from heat and add the sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Return to heat and cook until the rice pudding thickens, about 5 to10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the raisins. Spoon the pudding into your serving bowls and cover with plastic wrap. If you want a film or skin on the puddings, allow them to cool before covering with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until serving time, about 1 to 2 hours. 
    If desired, garnish with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
    Makes 2 to 3 servings.
    Note:  Can double the recipe for 4 to 6 servings.


Interesting Facts from the Great Depression
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During the Depression, distressed farms were sometimes sold at “Penny Auction” (forced auctions) in which farmers would assure that a distressed neighbor would be able to buy back his own farm by holding bids down to pennies, nickels, and quarters. They would dissuade those who wanted to make higher bids, sometimes symbolically with dangling nooses at the auction scene.

 By the 1930s, thousands of schools were operating on reduced hours or were closed down entirely. Some three million children had left school, and at least 200,000 took to riding the rails.

On May 6, 1929, Joseph Stalin predicted to a small group of American communists that America would experience a revolutionary crisis and that the American communist party should be ready to assume the leadership of the “impending class struggle in America. 

Scholars estimate that nearly 50% of children during the Great Depression did not have adequate food, shelter, or medical care. Many suffered rickets.

A new look in women’s fashion emerged in the 1930s. In response to the economic crisis, designers created more affordable fashions with longer hemlines, slim waistlines, lower heels, and less makeup. Accessories became more important as they created the impression of a “new” look without having to buy a new dress.

Causes of the Great Depression are widely debated but typically include a weak banking system, overproduction, bursting credit bubble, the fact that farmers and industrial workers had not shared in the prosperity of the 1920s, and a government-held laissez faire policy.


Have a great day!
~Julia


Monday, March 19, 2012

A Hearty Supper Soup with Homemade Croutons and Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls


Our first meal was a hit!
Everyone devoured the delicious soup and homemade rolls.
The Ginger Crisps were a nice dessert and are making a great snack for the kids.
I spent a little time in the kitchen preparing everything, but not much more than I usually do.
I've found that if I want to save money, that is usually the trade off. 
It is time well spent blessing my family:).

Here are the recipes...just in case you are wanting to follow along.
 In an effort to save a bit of time, I hope you don't mind that I am photographing the recipes:).

A Hearty Supper Soup with Homemade Croutons


From: The Many Blessings Cookbook by Jane Watson Hopping.

* I added 1 tsp. of garlic, and 2 TBS. dried parsley to the soup.
I also added our fresh, frozen tomatoes and green beans and used chicken bullion instead of stock.

FromThe Many Blessings Cookbook by Jane Watson Hopping.

Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls

From: The Many Blessings Cookbook by Jane Watson Hopping.

These rolls were so easy to make and have only one rise! 
I'm definitely keeping the recipe handy for nights when we need rolls fast.

Ginger Crisps


From: The Pioneer Lady's Country Kitchen by Jane Watson Hopping.


This meal was definitely a winner!
I had everything on hand and the recipes had simple ingredients.
It was filling and nutritious. 
I love Jane Watson Hopping...her books are filled with sweet stories like this one...


This year we decided we are going to share more of our harvest.
Even in our community, there are people who are hungry and in need right now.
I may not have the funding to help them financially, but I know I can definitely share in the harvest!

Have a great day!

~Julia




Sunday, March 18, 2012

A Depression Era Menu Plan

So here it is, as promised...a dinner meal plan using Great Depression Recipes!


 I planned about 6 days worth of dinners, knowing that we will have one day of leftovers.
During the Great Depression meat was hard to come by for some people, unless you lived on a farm.
 Some of the recipes are meatless, but very filling.
Here is the amazing thing about planning my meals this way...I have virtually nothing on my shopping list this week!
I do freeze, can, and preserve from the garden each year and I'll be using what I have in storage.
We also raise our own pork and have a half of a beef in the freezer.
I am guessing that 75 years ago a farm family would have had much the same in stock:).
They probably had easier access to milk, butter, and cheese, too.
I tried to stay true to my research in how people ate from that period...but I also had to take into consideration my growing boys and husband with hollow legs:). 

This week I will be posting the recipes and letting you know how much we liked...or didn't like...the meals!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Depression Era Menu Plan
{Dinners}

Monday
A Hearty Soup Supper with Homemade Croutons
Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls
Ginger Crisps

Tuesday
Ham
Leeks and Potatoes Au Gratin
Green Beans Depression Style
Rice Pudding

Wednesday
Homemade Mashed Potatoes with Hamburger Gravy
Corn on the Cob
Homemade Rolls
Baked Apples

Thursday
Aunt Mabel's Brown Stew
Leftover Homemade Rolls
Vintage Eggless, Milkless, Butterless Cake

Friday
Corn Chowder
Leftover Ham and Cheese Grilled Sandwiches

Saturday
Aunt Barbara's Famous Chili
Baked Potatoes 

Have a wonderful day!

~Julia

Friday, March 16, 2012

Depression Era Cooking

I am absolutely fascinated by the Depression Era that many of our Grandparents lived through.
Fact is, I think we are living through another one right now.
I know everyone has been touched by our economy in some way. 
And really, that isn't a bad thing.
It certainly makes you focus on what is important in life!

Great Depression 

My husband is amazing and works a full time job, a part-time on call job, plus farms to keep me at home with the children {which is important to us}... and keep everyone fed.
I am truly thankful for all that he does... 
I contribute in any way I can and work hard to manage our home and
we all work on the farm to help things run smoothly!

Food is probably my biggest planning activity, as far as budgeting goes.
I plan out a whole week's worth of dinners and lunches...breakfast is usually a rotation of pancakes, oatmeal, eggs and toast, and granola.

I love how people ate during the Great Depression. 
Simple.
Filling.
From the garden.
And nutritious.

So, this next week, we are eating dinners from the Depression Era.
I thought it would be so fun and a great challenge!
 I am interested to see if planning my week out like this will save money.
What do you think?

Here are some of my sources of inspiration: 

I own all of these books by Jane Watson Hopping....they are SO worth the investment and true treasures.
The Lazy Days of Summer Cookbook: A Celebration of Summer's Bounty 
Jane has many delicious and practical Depression era recipes along with sweet accounts of memories enjoying food with family.

 
Countrytime Recipes has a great collection of simple food fare.

And this sweet lady...
Thumbnail
 
Clara is 96 and recounts her childhood during the Great Depression as she prepares meals on her you Tube series seen HERE.
She is absolutely dear and really has wonderful recipes!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, this weekend, I will post our menu plan for next week.
Maybe you would like to follow along?

Have a great day!
~Julia



Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Whole Wheat Carrot Raisin Scones

These are delicious as well as healthy...and what a delightful Springtime treat!


Carrot Raisin Scones
Yield: 8

2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
{can substitute white flour}
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 TBS. baking powder
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup cold butter in pieces
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 cup + 2 TBS. heavy cream
1 TBS. cinnamon sugar {opt.}

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.
Cut butter in {with a pastry cutter} until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add carrot and raisins to flour mixture. Blend in 1 cup cream and vanilla.
 Add more cream if dry.
Lightly roll into a 7-8 circle.

Cut into 8 wedges and place on baking sheet.
Brush with rest of cream. I lost my pastry brush, so I just drizzled:).


Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.


 Bake for 15-18 minutes...until firm to the touch and golden.


Enjoy!

~Julia


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Because Being a Mother Means Everything

I saw this the other day and had to share it!
I saw in on Clover Lane.

 

My heart is in my home and these precious people God has blessed me with.
Isn't this quote so true?
I think it makes my job even more important...with all of its joys, struggles, imperfections, and rewards.

If I can get it together today {haha}, Lily and I will be back with a special treat to share with you:
Carrot Raisin Scones.
Don't they sound delicious and perfect for Easter?

Blessings,

Julia

Friday, March 9, 2012

Sweet Embroidered Treasures

Recently, my Grandma moved to town and it has been such a treat to have her close by.
The kids and I visit Great Grandma Judy every week and she loves it so much.
Last week, she pulled out some treasures that her Grandmother, Ida Flowers, had embroidered.


She said that Ida was always busy with her hands and such a loving person.
Best of all, I was able to pick out a couple of pieces to keep:).
Ida was my 2nd Great Grandmother, so these things are so precious to me.

I chose this rose table runner with a crocheted lace border.
Look at her handiwork...so precise and pretty.


And I loved this dish towel with the angry roosters.



Maybe they're happy??
Either way, it's cute and fits on our farm...even though we're roosterless:).



Lily was lucky enough to get this lovely pillow case.
She thinks Great, Great, Great Grandma Flowers must have liked... flowers!






I really need to figure out how to crochet lace borders!
Isn't it pretty?


Even though I am afraid to stain the pieces, I'm using them for special times.
After all, they were meant to be used! 

Isn't it fun to have tangible pieces from loved ones long ago?
It makes me feel a little closer to knowing who they were and what they were like.
These were treasures to my Great Great Grandmother and I feel so lucky to be able to use them in our home... just like she did.


Have a great day.

~Julia



Monday, March 5, 2012

The Best Homemade Cleaning Products

Spring cleaning is well under way here!
How about you?
I thought I'd share some of my very best homemade cleaners.


The first one will make you wonder why you ever bought glass cleaner at the store.
This recipe is so amazing...I even cleaned the inside of my car window with it!
There are NO streaks!

*Below each recipe, I will leave you the option of adding essential oils. They just MAKE the product and are lovely additions with antibacterial properties as well.
 Your whole house will smell wonderful!

I use each of these recipes and have LOVED the results.
Even though I have never, ever had a problem....use at your own risk.
Even vinegar is dangerous to the eyes:).

Glass Cleaner
~~~~~~~~~~~
2 cups water
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1 tsp lemon juice
1TBS. cornstarch {don't skip it...it works!}
* 5 drops lemon essential oil {opt.}
Mix well and shake before each use.


Mrs. Meyers Copycat Countertop Spray
{Lemon Verbena}
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 cups water 
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tsp. lemon juice
*3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops lemongrass essential oil
Mix well in a spray bottle.
Great for windows, too.
I also use this on my laminate flooring.
I usually use a wet cloth and spray the mix on, but you could multiply the recipe and use a mop and bucket:).


Glass Top Stove Cleaner
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1/4 cup baking soda
1 TBS. lemon juice
Mix into a paste and rub gently with a washcloth to remove spots.
Follow up with counter top spray for a great shine!
For tough stains, mix paste and let it sit on the spot for a few minutes.


Dishwasher Soap
{courtesy of Homestead Revival}
~~~~~~~~~~~
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup washing soda {not baking soda}
1/4 cup food grade citric acid {in the canning section of the store}
Mix well in a small jar. Use about 1-2 tsp. per load.
The citric acid is what "makes" this detergent.


Wood Cleaner/Polish
~~~~~~~~~~~
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
*5 drops lemon essential oil
Mix well and use a soft cloth to polish.


Laundry Soap
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Click HERE for the tutorial.
3 pints water
1 Bar Fels Naptha soap, grated
1 cup washing soda
1 cup Borax
3 gallon bucket
hot water
Essential Oil {lavender is wonderful}
*Optional* 1 cup of your favorite liquid fabric softener
1/4 cup stain remover

Grate the Fels Naptha soap.

Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved. 
Add Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened and remove from heat. 
Add 1 quart hot water to a bucket that holds at least 3 gallons. 
Add soap mixture and mix really well with a wooden spoon. 
At this point, you can also add the fabric softener and stain remover.
I like to add about 15 drops of essential oil. Yum!
Fill bucket to the top with hot water and mix again. 
 Put the lid on and set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. 
If you are in a hurry...it will work right away...it just won't be thick:).
It becomes a jelly- like substance. I just use a 1/2-1 cup of mixture per load. You can use a funnel and transfer the gel to a recycled pump detergent container. I  like a 3 gallon bucket with a lid. It fits nicely on my dryer. My washing machine is a top load, but this will work for front loaders as well. Just use about 1 TBS. per load.


This, by far, has been the BEST recipe! My kids are NOT easy on their clothing and I have found that this detergent is just as great as store bought. Sometimes, I have to increase the amount if I have an extra dirty load. I also use it as a pre-stain remover!


Bathtub/Toilet Cleaner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
baking soda
vinegar


I just sprinkle the baking soda in the toilet or tub and scrub.
Then follow up with about 1/2 cup white vinegar and scrub again.
Rinse and you have clean, shiny surfaces!



Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Make Your Own Everyday Dish Cloths

In the next couple of weeks, I am really focusing on Spring cleaning.
It is always a little daunting, thinking of all of the work, but I sooo love the end result.
Organizing, cleaning out, giving away...it just makes me feel good!
Usually I "Spring clean" all year and just take a room a month and deep clean.
This year, life was busier and I am back to doing most of it at once.
So, why not make it a pleasant experience and spice things up with some pretty dish cloths?



They are made from old towels and lovely scraps of fabric.
{Do you find you need to replace towels in the Spring, too?}
 I prefer to have absorbent cloths because when I clean...I really clean!
And these are not meant to be kept stain free...they are meant to be used!
I have other pretty towels that I save for drying dishes or my hands after cooking.
I want to emphasize that anyone can make these!
 They are super duper simple, quick, and such a money saver.
{I don't use paper products in the kitchen at all.}

You will need:

old towels
several cotton fabric scraps at least 12x12 inches
you could also use old sheets, flannel shirts, or other cotton clothing for the top {use what you have on hand}

Cut a 12x12 inch square out of the towel and a matching piece of fabric.


Place together.



Sew about 1/2 inch all the way around, leaving the edges raw.


Wash, and the edges will fray nicely.



You have a pretty way to clean!


These cloths also make a nice gift for Moms...maybe even a new Mom with a little one?

If you want to add even more pretty things to your kitchen, you could try making my Everyday Napkins or Ruffled Dish Towel.

Happy Spring cleaning!

~Julia

Monday, February 27, 2012

Lent: An Attitude of Gratitude

Lent is such a special time of the year for us.
It is a time of renewal of both mind and spirit.
My Lenten verse for this season is:
Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed,
and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Ezekiel 18:31
How sweet to think of yourself with a new heart!
All fresh, new and beautiful this Spring.


I know it takes a little work to make improvements a habit in my life.
My focus is on gratitude and to not be ruled by impulses, spending habits, appetite, or desires.
Everything I have belongs to God....everything...so my attitude and how I use these gifts are all part of God's plan for my life.
For Lent I am focusing on the state of the union of my heart and asking the Lord to guide my decisions in regards to money, eating, buying, and giving to others.
I am choosing a heart of gratitude.


No complaining about this or that.
How often have I complained only to hear the same tone and complaints come from my own children?
Too often! Waaay too often!
And where does that complaining get me?
No where but on the path to negativity.

.
via Pinterest 


God has made it plain and simple that we are to be content with what we have.
So, when you overspend, overeat, compare yourself to another, you are not content.
It is kind of like a "what you gave me wasn't good enough" response to the One who gave everything.
This Lent, I am going to work on those things...which are very easy to fail at!



When I catch myself complaining about something this week, I am going to replace it with gratitude...and say it out loud so my family hears it!
When I find myself anxious, I am going to ponder this verse:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths’ (Prov. 3:5-6).”

Anxiousness is both useless and needless.
Trust me, I am a pro at testing that theory out!
Worry doesn't improve a situation one bit. 
It only creates fret and fuming of the heart.

~
via Pinterest




God wants you to be in perfect peace.
...let your requests be known by God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
 will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7


This Lent I pray that we all receive the simple grace to be renewed and to grow in this season.


Have a lovely day:).

~Julia

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Another Sweet Baby Calf

We had another baby calf born a couple of days ago!


Tim, of course, is thrilled it's a little bull calf because he has his 2 steers for 4-H this Fall:).
He decided to name him Meatloaf.


He was huge...about 70 pounds and is quite leggy.


Meatloaf is half Red Angus, 1/4 Charolais, and 1/4 Hereford.
The Charolais breed tends to throw big babies with lots of bone structure.
He is definitely a moose!


We are sure enjoying Tim's first calves:).


Have a happy weekend!

~Julia

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