Thursday, January 20, 2011

Is Winter Over?????

Where is winter? The past couple of days has found me out cleaning rabbit cages and chicken pens in a tee shirt and jeans. This is January and I should be bundle up in a coat and gloves. Kinda disappointed in Old Man Winter this year. I have been working out a breeding schedule for the bunnies so their babies will be ready to go to at Easter time. I never seem to have enough baby bunnies but this year hope to have plenty to sell. The hens are still laying everyday. Usually in the winter they slow down a little but so far we have more than enough for us and our customers. I have 2 extra goats for a little while. A friend is having to move and with work, looking for a place and packing they aren't able to keep a eye on Sissy who is expecting. She is staying here so I can keep an eye on her and her boyfriend Buckwheat came to keep her company. They are part Nigerian Dwarf and part Nubian. Very friendly and loving so I am enjoying having them here. I finally know Blackie (my Nigerian Dwarf) is pregnant for sure. Her udder has filled up with milk and she is not wanting to stay around the other goats. She goes off by herself a lot. Those are a couple of signs that she is getting close to delivery day. I still for some reason have a feeling Hayley will be the first to kid. Don't know why, just a gut feeling so we shall have to wait and see. The duck is still sitting on eggs. Not sure if any will hatch as she is young and first time she has tried to hatch. She keeps moving the eggs around and rearranging her nest. Not just once in a while but all the time. Another wait and see. There is alot of wait and see around the homestead these days. And for someone that has no patience it makes for some long rough days. 
Here is a recipe for Apple Pie that was my mother's recipe. She made this for my daughter Melody who rather have apple pie than birthday cake.  She used a can of store bought pie filling but since I have lots of apples I make my own.

Bonnie's Apple Pie
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 can apple pie filling
Mix sugar, egg, vanilla, and softened cream cheese. Pour into a unbaked pie shell. Pour apple pie filling over top and bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350. Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

My homemade apple pie filling

6 apples (peeled and sliced)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups water
Put everything into a saucepan and cook over medium heat 20 to 25 minutes or until apples are tender. Let this mixture cool before you use it in your pie. It will make enough for 2 pies.

My Pie Crust recipe
1  1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening, cold
3 Tablespoons ice water
Combine flour and salt in medium bowl, cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.
 Sprinkle water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, over flour mixture, tossing lightly with a fork until mixture forms an even dough. Form dough into ball and refrigerate, wrapped in plastic, for 1 hour.
 Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface into circle about 12 to 14 inches round.
 Carefully fold in quarters, lift gently and unfold into 9-inch pie pan.Gently press pastry against bottom and sides of pan. Trim overhang to 1/2 inch, then fold the edge under. Pinch edges to flute.

Now its off to a good book, a cup of hot chocolate, and a nice warm fire. Have a wonderful evening and don't forget to count those blessings!


  • 6 Granny Smith Apples

  • 1 tsp fresh squeezed Lemon Juice

  • 1 Cup White Sugar

  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch

  • 1 1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg

  • 1 1/2 Cups Water


  • 6 Granny Smith Apples

  • 1 tsp fresh squeezed Lemon Juice

  • 1 Cup White Sugar

  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch

  • 1 1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg

  • 1 1/2 Cups Water


  • 6 Granny Smith Apples

  • 1 tsp fresh squeezed Lemon Juice

  • 1 Cup White Sugar

  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch

  • 1 1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg

  • 1 1/2 Cups Water


  • 6 Granny Smith Apples

  • 1 tsp fresh squeezed Lemon Juice

  • 1 Cup White Sugar

  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch

  • 1 1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg

  • 1 1/2 Cups Water

  • 14 comments:

    Meadowsweet Cottage said...

    I'm loving the break from turtlenecks and woolens too. And my Bombshells appreciate the lack of snow during their free range time and show it with lots of eggs. I know winter will be back soon, but for now--sweet warmth!

    Granny said...

    I can't wait to see the new goat babies in their little sweaters. How is H doing since he went back home from his visit? I'll bet his stories kept his parents entertained.

    Anonymous said...

    It's cold here in Ohio, it's only 8 degrees but feels like -7 degrees at 8:21AM.

    Amy

    amelia said...

    I have never been able to make good pastry. I think it's because I don't have patience. I will try yours and see what happens.

    Good luck with all the pregnancies and babies but I'm sure you'll manage just fine!! You're a natural at helping all these little things!

    Denise said...

    We are having the second of two snow storms this week and an "artic" cold blast is coming our way this weekend and Monday is going to only be in the single digits...BRRRR My "girls" have slowed down this past week, most days I get only 1 egg and yesterday none, I'm thinking the dreary, cold weather is the reason. I am hoping they fair well in the coming days....it will be the coldest yet, I have pretty much made their ccop into an igloo with three of the four sides "fortified with snow" and I hope that helps keep them warm. Looking forward to the new arrivals at your farm, hope all goes well for you and your family.

    Anonymous said...

    Hi peggy,
    I am so ready for Spring too.
    Looking forward to see the goats soon. Stay warm.
    Hugs,
    Elizabeth

    Stephanie Appleton said...

    You want some more winter???? you can have some of ours. Been a full blown winter here in WV. Got three inches last night. So. ready. for. spring.

    Lib said...

    It is cold here!!
    Can't wait to see pix of new babies:o)
    The pie sounds delish ,will have to try it,thanks for sharing!
    Blessins',Lib

    Michelle said...

    Hi Peggy,
    Thank you for such a nice message regarding my spice rack! I was so happy to have found your blog a little while ago. I am a wanna be homesteader. I love the self sufficient lifestyle and envy you for doing it! Hope to become great blog friends!
    Michelle

    Mimi Foxmorton said...

    Come on over her, luv! It's 15 below! :)
    xo
    (Heythanks for the diaper tip..I'm trying it next change!)

    Tracy Bruring said...

    Yep we are going from 60's to 20's and back again. Peggy I want to place an order for soap if you are still making it. Are you?

    JoyceAnn said...

    Hi Peggy ~ Sounds like things are pretty busy around the homestead. I'm loving that break from the real cold temps , took the goats for a walk through the woods yesterday.
    I've checked the girls udders , they're bagging up too. I've sent you another e-mail , Thank-you so much for your help.

    That apple pie recipe sounds delish , definitely want to give it a try when I get some fresh apples.

    ~ Be Blessed ~

    DayPhoto said...

    We are cold here, but for some reason today I felt spring is not far off. No reason, we are 18* I have to bundle up to do chores, maybe it's the blue sky and the sunshine, but whatever I have HOPE again.

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

    Betsy Banks Adams said...

    Hi Peggy, Glad to hear from you... I'm surprised that you are having a mild winter. Today is the first day we have had some mild weather in a LONG time. We've had one snow after another this winter. AND--they are saying we will get more Tues/Wed.

    Your Apple pie sounds incredible... My mother used to make a fabulous apple pie.. I have never made a really good one, but I love to eat them with a scoop of nella ice cream... Yum...

    Hugs,
    Betsy