Peach Pie

This pie is delicious and very simple to make.
I just received a bushel basket of peaches and a large box of pears! I will be making and posting things to do with both.

Love this time of year!

Autumn is by far my favorite; I can hardly wait for cool nights, harvest moons, and brilliantly colored leaves!

Pie Crust
2 C. flour (remove 1/3 C. set aside)

1 tsp. salt

1/2 C. shortening

1/2 C. butter

1/3 C. ice water

Preheat oven to 400*.  Mix flour, salt, shortening, and butter with a pastry blender.  Mix the reserved flour with the ice water then stir into the flour/shortening mixture till just combined.

Roll out 2 crusts and line two pie tins.  Pierce crusts with fork. Place in freezer for 20 minutes.  Bake for 10-12 minutes. 

Glaze

2 Tblsp. corn starch

6 Tblsp. Tang

1/2 C. sugar

1 & 1/3 C. water

2 tsp. lemon juice

Boil ingredients together stirring constantly for one minute.  Set aside to cool.

Filling

8 ounces softened cream cheese

1/2 C. powdered sugar

8 ounces thawed Cool Whip

Mix cream cheese and sugar till smooth.  Fold in Cool Whip.  Spread mixture into cooled crusts.

Slice 4 large peaches and arrange on top.  Place 3/4 C. blueberries on top as well.  Drizzle with glaze.


 

Zucchini Brownies

Another Zoo--Keee--Nee post!  I made some brownies with zucchini too!  My sister claims these should not be called brownies as they are more cake-like.  They are nonetheless delicious and your kids will not even know zucchini is in them!

My finicky daughter even eats these.

(loving my cell phone for a camera)

Mystery Brownies

2 C. sugar

1/2 C. baking cocoa 

1 C. oil

3 eggs

1 tsp. water

1/2 C. evaporated milk

1 Tblsp. vanilla

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. baking powder

2 C. grated zucchini

1 tsp. salt

2 & 1/2 C. flour

1 C. chopped nuts

Mix above ingredients together.  Smooth onto a greased jellyroll pan.  Bake 25 minutes at 350*.  Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.

Zucchini Bread

I bought my home a little late to take advantage of this year's growing season.  My Dad let me plant a zucchini plant in his garden and it has been yielding tons!

I absolutely love eating zucchini; even raw!  My kids think I am crazy.

I love zucchini soup, zucchini chimichangas, zucchini muffins, zucchini pancakes, zucchini in my scrambled eggs; you get the idea.

This zucchini recipe is one I have adjusted through the years to make it so it gets done and remains moist throughout.

Zucchini Bread

Mix: 3 eggs, 1 C. oil, 2 tsp. vanilla

Add: 1 C. sugar, 1 C. brown sugar, 2 C. grated zucchini

Stir in 3 C. flour, 1 tsp. soda, 1/4 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/2 C. chopped nuts.

Pour into four small sized greased loaf pans.

Bake 325* for one hour or until done.

Pizza, Red Velvet Cake, and a Sunset

My kids have been asking me to make pizza for a few weeks now.  I finally got around to doing so today.  I love the crust recipe I have; it has garlic powder and oregano in the crust which adds tremendously to the flavor.  Yum.  I made one with pepperoni and olives, and one with ham and pineapple.  I wanted to make one with zucchini and tomatoes, but got ruled out.  They were both delicious!  

To top it off, my oldest boy came over and made red velvet cake.  

We ended the evening with a walk and enjoyed the view.  

Causey Reservoir

                                                                                   The reservoir 

 My kids in the canoe

I am somewhat of a dinosaur by nature and have thus excluded myself from the cell phone club until a few days ago.  I am a tad reclusive and enjoy hitting the hills and not being available at any given moment.  Not to mention the fact that I happen to think people can be most rude with their cell phones when they treat them as if they are the very reason of their existence.  However,  I finally jumped on the band wagon and am now the owner of a cell.  I am still uncertain as to whether texting should be the new form of communication; but am also realizing that it does have its perks.  I enjoy that when I am in the mountains, I cannot get reception and am still left to the sounds of the forest.
As many of you know, I am not a photographer and have been using my son's old camera that has been on its way out with a bad light sensor for quite some time.
Well, the largest cell phone perk is that they have awesome cameras in them!!  I took mine with me to try it out at the Causey Reservoir this weekend and loved how the pictures turned out.  It was a gorgeous day spent with a fun group of friends and two of my kids!

Moist Cornbread

Made some yummy cornbread last night.  It is a very easy recipe and makes the most moist cornbread ever!  Yum!

Cornbread
1 C. flour

1 C. cornmeal

1/4 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg

1/3 C. milk

1/4 C. melted butter

1 C. sour cream

Combine dry ingredients then stir in wet ingredients.  Spread into an 8X8 pan.  Bake at 350* 20 minutes.
Smother with honey butter and devour!

Raspberry Days

Bear Lake is one of my favorite places on earth.  Every August, there is a celebration held there called, "Raspberry Days".  It begins with a parade followed by, a craft fair, fireworks, and my personal favorite, a boat parade; people decorate their boats with lights, wait for dark, and parade them down a section of the lake.  The boats were all decked out and very festive this year; some sailboats even joined the procession.
We stayed at my Grandma's place on the lakefront.  It was fun to spend time with my family!  The weekend included a ride on the ranger up the canyon where we spotted moose, games of cards, rides on the jet skis, paddle board excursions, the traditional purchase of a raspberry shake, and a trip to Bloomington Lake.

The nights were crisp and cool, the days were filled with adventure and fun!  The moon was full and the reflection of the fireworks on the lake was breathtaking.
 

This one was taken at Bloomington Lake. 

Island Park Retreat

My favorite view from the boat house.

 One calm bull moose!

 This was where I spent every evening and morning; talk about peaceful and gorgeous!!

 The cabin we stayed in.

I have always been fond of pines and rivers.  This weekend was spent in Island Park with healthy doses of both!  I was given the opportunity to stay in a cabin with a mid-singles group.  We floated the river, hiked, played games, enjoyed savory dutch oven meals, stayed up too late, and had a blast!!
The clean air and fresh smells were intoxicating!
   

Pioneers!

In a sense, I suppose we are all pioneers of a sort.  This day brings a flood of memories to my mind.  I have read many inspiring stories of the groups of people and individuals who believed and wanted something so much they sacrificed their lives to obtain it.  Freedom from oppression and from those who would strive to take away the rights this great country allows, was what required these brave folks to attempt what they did.  I am in awe of their bravery and all they endured.
It helps put life in perspective to hear of some of their trials and hardships.  We sometimes complain if we are in a place where we can't get cell phone service or if traffic is backed up!  We have and enjoy so many modern conveniences, and we really don't know what life would be without them.

On this day, I am thankful for the simple things life has to offer; things such as toilet paper, toothpaste, refrigerators, microwaves, hot water, comfortable and quick modes of transportation, and last but not least, a soft mattress.
When we do not have to work hard or fight for something, we frequently take those things for granted.  I hope you appreciate those who have come before and fought or sacrificed in some way to make your life what it is today; whether that person is a pioneer, a veteran, or simply your parents; I do hope you take a moment to reflect and feel gratitude for what you do have.

I have been through some experiences as of late that have changed my outlook on life. I have come to the realization that life is very fragile and can change in a single day or moment.  Never compare what you have to that of someone else.  Always be grateful for each moment you are alive.  Never take for granted the rich blessings of life.

Despite the difficulties and challenges we face, we truly do live lives filled with riches.

 

Brothers are the best!

Life can be difficult at times.  One thing that always keeps me encouraged is the fact that I have four amazing brothers!  They are all such good men; they always keep their word, they all know how to work hard without complaint, they are excellent husbands and fathers; they are honest, true, kind, brave, protective, generous, selfless, and honorable gentlemen.

I am not often able to spend a lot of time with my two oldest brothers.  They live further away and the opportunity to see them is not as frequent as I would like.

I was able to spend some time with my two younger brothers and their awesome families last night.  One of them manages the Coldwater Ranch and invited us up to a BBQ.  The food was fantastic!  The company was superb!  We met so many new awesome friends.  The decorations were darling!  My sister-in-laws are all very talented women!
My niece, daughter, and I were able to sneak away for an evening ride.  It was a perfect evening!  The horses we rode are named, Applesauce, Caramel, and Z.

We had a lovely time.  Here are some photos of our ride.

 Perfect ending for a difficult day!

Birthday Celebrations

We celebrated my only sister's 30th birthday today.  I remember the day she was born and how my wishes for a sister were finally realized.  She had a head full of black curly hair and she was absolutely darling(still is)!
I remember her first word was, "goose".  She is still fond of fowls of all varieties.  We took her on a picnic and to feed the ducks; followed by tossing a penny from a bridge for a wish come true.
My sister does not seem any older to me and is just another year wise.  She has learned so much this past year and always amazes me with her talents.  She has taught herself to knit, grown her first garden, and acquired her first chickens and geese.
Here are some pictures of this day she was so generous to share with us.

Bounteous Blessings

Apricots Galore!!  I have a beautiful apricot tree with so many gorgeous apricots on it!!  I have been picking them all morning and it is still loaded; not to mention the box we previously picked for my Mom.

I love to juice them and am going to try making apricot syrup this year.

I think I will make some apricot leather as well.
Eating them fresh is by far my favorite of course; too bad they don't last that way for long.
Hope you are enjoying your Summer!  It has flown by for me and I wish I could pause time.

Soft Caramel

I was stuck inside yesterday as the insulation guys were here filling my attic and sloped areas to hopefully help with the extreme heat my upstairs holds.

My daughter and I decided to try our hand at caramel apples; seeing how we have a Summer apple tree in our yard.

I pulled out my favorite caramel recipe that I generally only make at Christmas time.  It is such a nice easy recipe and caramel connoisseurs tell me is by far their favorite.

It was so hot, the caramel did not want to stick to the apples; we ended up eating both the apples and caramel in pieces together.  It was delicious.
As with all caramel recipes, you need a heavy saucepan.  Medium heat is also required so as not to burn them.  Constant stirring is helpful as well as a good candy thermometer; although the cold water test works fairly well with caramels.

Caramels

1 C. butter

1 C. sugar

1 C. brown sugar

1 C. corn syrup

1 can sweetened condensed milk

dash of salt

Combine ingredients in heavy pan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Keep at a rolling boil and cook until a soft ball forms in cold water or to the 'thread' marking on your candy thermometer.  Pour into buttered 8x8 pan.  Dip apples while still warm or cool and cut into squares and wrap pieces in wax paper.

Collections (including dust)

I am stuck inside all day!  I shouldn't complain as it is due to my own procrastination.  I am required to speak in church tomorrow and left the preparation for today.  I have been working furiously and my talk is finally all put together.
I have needed a few diversions and decided to create an 'album' if you will, of a few of my collections...or rather collecting habits.  I have some very cherished antiques and am crazy about them; mind you, they are just things; people are far more cherished and important to me!  Alas, seeing how I don't have anyone with me today aside from the kitten, I decided to snap a few photographs of a few of my favorite things instead.  Guess I could snap some photos of the kitten, but am currently upset with her for her constant interruptions and clawings at my legs and fingers as I attempt to type.  Not to mention the sharp teeth and scrambling over my keyboard causing havoc with my work or  making something go haywire.  I have three words for her; cute, mischievous, and, curious.  Wait, this post was not supposed to be about her.  On to my dirty old habits.  
Part of my crock collection adorning the shelves in my living room.

This is my favorite shelf holding some pewter.  

An adorable china hutch containing my butter and salt crock collection.

One of my favorite benches.

Can't have enough pewter.  I love this stuff!

Last but not least is an old wind up clock I stole purchased for twenty bucks!  

Crazy quilting

As you know by now, I am not a huge fan of hand sewing.  I have been working on this crazy quilt for my daughter for a very long time.  I really enjoyed piecing it together and do love the finished product of a hand stitched seam.  I figured I had better create a post with a few of the squares and tell you I will post pictures of it completed within the year so I have a deadline for myself.  It is a great project I can grab and take with me when I go somewhere that involves some sitting down time.
I have learned a ton of embroidery stitches, some Russian punch needle, and have meddled in ribbon embroidery as well.  I like the crazy quilt because it is an old style of quilt traditionally done in dark colors.  I chose pastels just to be different and have liked how it is turning out.  The texture and busyness of the quilt are fascinating to me.  I even placed an embroidered spider on one square in keeping with tradition and good fortune.