Amish Cheese House

Last month, Holly, my oldest daughter was going to Choteau to run some errands, so I offered to go along to drive and wrangle Ruby and Alex. Any excuse to spend time with my babies (no matter how old they are). One of the stops was The Amish Cheese House, a fantastic sandwich shop and cheese shop. Actually much more than cheese is sold there, things such as, meats, cheeses, candy, spices, cheese balls, jams, jellies and so on. 

I bought a few items:

• Taco Seasoning (takes two tsp. per 1 # ground beef or turkey)
• Ground Cumin
• Curry Powder
• Whole Black Peppercorns
• Ground Thyme
• Chicken Base for soups, chicken noodles, etc.
• Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix
• Southwest Dip Mix
• Black Raspberry Dip Mix

My Amish Spices

I suggest the cheese balls for entertaining. I bought a delicious dessert cheese ball covered in pecans and had tiny chocolate chips inside, YUM! Great served with a plain cookie and apples.

There is a Amish bakery right next door that has the best baked goods you have ever tasted! I bought caramel breakfast rolls and banana nut bread to take to a family gathering. The two-crust fruit pies looked like they should be sitting on Aunt Bea’s window ledge and there are two sizes, small (2 person) and regular.

AND everything was VERY reasonally priced. If you have a chance to go through Choteau, plan to stop for a sandwich and other goodies. The Amish Cheese House, 101 S Chouteau Avenue, Chouteau, Oklahoma. I highly recommend it because of the natural ingredients, cleanliness, variety and value.

I also bought a small jar of Unker’s Deep Penetrating Pain Relief to rub my sore muscles/joints and the usual chigger bites summer brings. It works! It has natural ingredients and is recommended for arthrtis, colds, coughs, sore throats, burns, bruises, sinus troubles, insect bites and chapped hands and feet.

Unkers Pain Relief

While in Chouteau, we visited a flea market, lunched at a Amish Restuarant and purchased fabric at an outlet shop. A great day with some of my favorite ladies.

Vintage Tupperware & Harvesting

Harvesting Green Bell Peppers

 My set of three “harvesting” items, a vintage Tupperware Cutting Board, a handled red garbage bowl and a washing bowl.  My garden is small so I developed a method for processing small amounts of produce. I first put a small amount of produce in the green bowl and fill it with water to wash the dirt off of the produce. The vintage tupperware piece is fantastic for chopping produce and pouring into small plastic freezer bags. The red garbage bowl is for the bits and pieces from chopping the produce and the contents go in the compost heap.

Diced Green Bell Pepper

My sweetie doesn’t really like green peppers, therefore, I only use about 1/4 cup in various dishes like chili, spaghetti, taco filling, etc.  I pour about a 1/4 cup into a small freezer bag and seal it then put the freezer. When the batch is frozen I put the bags of green pepper into a larger plastic freezer bag. When I need some diced green pepper for a recipe, I just grab a small bag from the freezer. Easy!

A Finished Batch Ready for the Freezer

I process several veggies this way, onions, other peppers and various squash (zucchini for bread, yellow for casseroles). Just adjust this process to fit your garden and family size and likes. A combo of green peppers, red peppers and onions could be processed into one Southwest Seasoning combo for stews, soups, etc. I will share my recipes for Zucchini Bread and Squash Casserole later this month.

(Jiffy Mix) Corn Casserole

Beat Eggs First

Jiffy Mix Corn Casserole

1. 1 Can whole kernal corn, drained
2. 1 can creaned corn2 eggs, beaten
3. 1 box of jiffy corn muffin mix (I use Aldi’s corn muffin mix)
4. 1 stick butter, melted
5. 1 cup sour cream
6. 1 small can of green chilies
7. Salt & Pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use one bowl to mix ingredients. Put eggs into a medium bowl and beat, then add the rest of the ingredients. Bake in a greased casserole dish or a 9×13 inch baking dish for 30 to 40 minutes or until fully cooked in center and well browned.

A Cast of Characters

This easy but delicious side casserole goes great with Grilled Steak or Pork Chops or Chicken. I usually add a green salad with all the extras, like croutons, bacon bits and shredded cheese. In the summer, I add sliced homegrown tomatos to round out the meal.

Ready to Go Into The Oven

A nice ending to the meal, fix a easy jell-o dessert (we often use sugar-free) and pour it into pretty glasses and top off with whipped cream or make a yummy Strawberry Cake.

Easy Jell-o Ideas

1. Cherry Jello with Mini-Marshmallows On Top
2. Orange Jello with Mandarin Oranges 
3. Strawberry Jello/whipping cream whipped in a mixer; pour into the glass and layers will form

Strawberry Cake

• 1 Box White Cake Mix
• 3 T Flour
• 1 Box Strawberry Jello
• 1 Cup Oil
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 Box (10 oz) Frozen Strawberries

Icing:

• 1 Box of Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 Remaining Box of Strawberries
• Dash of Salt
• 1 T Butter

Grease and flour 13 x 9 pan. Combine cake ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Ice the cake when cooled.

 

Jiffy Corn Casserole

I hope you enjoy this recipe and menu ideas!

 

 

Easter Fun & Homegrown Mother’s Day Out

Blue Bird Eggs

Both of my granddaughters go to a church sponsored Mother’s Day Out Program to give their mamas and nanny a break to do errands, work, clean, etc. However, both programs are in a town 20 miles away, which can be a problem, depending on who is doing what, going where and can be a day spent in town trying to find something to do until 3:00 o’clock. We have decided not to enroll the girls in the Summer Program but still give everyone a break. One girl will go to her aunt’s house to spend the day with her cousin and one day both will come to nanny’s house.

So I have made some plans for both girls on the days they are at my house and I thought I would share the plans with my friends.

Fun Things

Homemade Playdough

• 1 cup flour
• 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
• 2 tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup salt
• few drops of food coloring

1. Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat until a dough forms a ball. Stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and put on wax paper and knead until smooth.
4. Will keep for a long time in a plastic container.
5. Make several different colors.

Find cookie cutters, small wooden rolling pin and other items to have fun with the playdough. I have bought both girls a themed (I let them choose the theme; their choice; no fussing, etc.) plastic placemat for rolling out the playdough. Here is another recipe for playdough which would be fun to eat (only when fresh!)

Peanut Butter Playdough

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2/3 to 1 cup non-fat dry milk
• 2 tbsp. honey

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Add enough powdered milk to make playdough dry enough to handle.
3. Shape into balls.
4. Use chocolate chips, raisins, dry cranberries, seasonal sprinkles for decorating.
5. Easter: Stir in chow main noodles for bird’s nest and use small jelly beans for the eggs.

Floppy

 

Fun Food

Using the small refrigerated biscuits.

Mini-Pizzas

• 1 can Refrigerated Biscuits
• 1 jar Pizza Sauce
• Pepperoni Slices
• Mozzarella Cheese

1. Flatten biscuits, either by hand or a small rolling pin.
2. Spread sauce on top.
3. Put a layer of pepperoni.
4. Cover with the cheese.
5. Bake at 425 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Pigs in a Blanket

• 1 10-count refrigerated biscuits
• 5 hot dogs
• 5 slices of cheese

1. Flatten out biscuits.
2. Cut hot dogs and cheese in half.
3. Cut a slit in the hod dog and insert a piece of cheese.
4. Place the hot dog in the middle of the biscuit and then wrap the biscuit around it.
5. Bake at 350 degrees until biscuits are browned.
6. Must haves: ketchup and honey mustard for dipping.

 Peanut Butter n’ Jelly Hot Pockets

• 1 can of large biscuits
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 8 tsp of jelly (your choice)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Flatten biscuits into a round circle.
3. On the center place 1 tbsp of peanut butter and 1 tsp jelly.
4. Fold the biscuit over and use a fork to crimp the edges.
5. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until browned.
6. Let biscuits cool slightly (8to 10 minutes) before eating, we do not want any burned tongues!

Fruit Juice Popsicles

1. Buy a set of  freezer popsicles forms; these can usually be found in the “summer” section of the discount stores or $1 shops.
2. Pour fruit juice into the forms and put in freezer until frozen. Great for a hot afternoon outside, less mess.

Bunny Salad

• 1 can of halved pears
• red hot candies
• raisins
• slivered almonds
• cottage cheese

1. On a small plate put one of the pear halves upside down.
2. Make very small slits for a red hot candy for a nose, raisins for eyes and almonds for ears.
3. Put a small dip of cottage cheese at the large end of the pear for the bunny’s tail.

Just a few of the plans for a fun and active summer for two little girls. I will keep you updated on the exciting home-grown Mother’s Day Out that will be starting in late May! I hope the weather is warmer! It is a cold and sunny April day!

Sweet Baby Bird

An Acre of Oklahoma Spring Weather and Cookin’ Fest

When you live in Oklahoma, March can bring severe thunderstorm warnings  and winter weather warnings all within 24 hours! The forecast for tomorrow is anywhere from 4 to 8 inches of snow. SNOW!

Cold & Wet march Day

Well, that means a stew and chili cookin’ fest for this acre!

Chili & Stew Cookin' Fest

In each pot I put approximately 1 tablespoon of EVOO (Thanks, Rach!) and then chopped 1 large onion and divided it between the pots. I then chopped several big stalks of celery for the stew pot.  Cooked each pot about 5-6 minutes to brown the veggies. Next, I divided 1# of ground turkey and 1# of ground beef (95/05) in the pots and browned. I use a potatoe masher to “mash up” the meat.

Browned Meat & Potatoe Masher

I peeled the potatoes and carrots for the hamburger stew. I cut both veggies into big chunks and put the carrots in to cook first for about 30 minutes; then the potatoes. I also add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can crushed tomatoes, bouillon and a variety of spices (I just look in the spice cabinet and make a few choices, like basil).

Chunky Carrots

 The veggie peelings go into the compost heap.

Compost Heap

In the Chili Pot goes 2 cans of mexican beans, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can of chili ready tomatoes, 1 cube beef bouillon and chili seasonings. I try to have corn chips, crackers and grated sharp cheddar cheese on hand for either Corn Chip Chili Pie or good old Chili with crackers. We like the golden round crackers at our house.

Chili

This is the vintage coffee can that I keep all my bouillon cubes stored in and I buy most of my bouillon from the “Hispanic” section of the grocery store. I like the large soft cubes and the large variety in the section. 

Vintage Coffee Can

Now my family will be well fed for the snowy weekend when we snuggle down in the house until the storm blows over, which will be Sunday. Sunday forecasts 55 for the high, bye, bye snow! Thank goodness!

Saturday SNOW Piling UP!

Well, I hope the weather is warmer where you are but if not, stay warm and safe. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Fargo, ND for they have far worse weather conditions than here in Oklahoma.

Dollar Section at Your Local Grocery Store

In today’s economy it is important to save any where you can, whether on the food budget or home furnishings budget or clothes budget. There are many grocery stores that have a $1 section these days, usually hidden among all the more eye-appealing, marketed, expensive name brands. I have found some fantastic marinades for chicken, fish, beef and pork in the $1 section. No high price marinades/sauces for me. I don’t have to pay $3.98 for a bottle of marinade to make my taste buds leap for joy!

Savory Collection

Presenting The Savory Collection distributed by Private Food Labels, Inc. in Rochester, NY for your pleasure (and pocketbook). There are four that I have found.

1. Asian Grill/Pineapple Teriyaki
2. Southwest Grill/Jalapeno & Lime
3. Lemon Pepper
4. Steakhouse Grill/Bold & Spicy

And other great facts about these sauces are the following:

• Fat Free
• No Cholesterol
• No MSG
• No Whey or Wheat Gluten (for some individuals that is important)

My family enjoys the Asian Grill poured over salmon and baked in a 350* oven for 30 minutes, cover the last 15 minutes of baking time. To complete the menu add oriental rice, green beans and whole wheat dinner rolls.

The Asian, Southwest and Lemon Pepper Grill would be delicious over grilled veggies like small red potatoes, onion, peppers (red, yellow & green), squash (zucchini, yellow) and mushrooms. Impress your friends with a summer cookout of Steakhouse Grilled Steak, Southwest Twice baked Potatoes, Crisp Green Tossed Salad, topped off with Strawberry Shortcake.  Just imagine everyone  sitting out under the shade trees on a summer’s evening sipping Really Cold Coronas with a slice of lime and giving the host or hostess many compliments.

And NO! the Private Label Foods did not bribe me or otherwise entice me to write about their products. However, it would be nice if they felt so inclined! I just really like to find a great product that has a great price to match. Everyone can enjoy tasty meals and still watch the bottom line.

If you find some interesting and tasty items in the $1 section of your grocery store, tell us about them…how you use them….your menu…your special touch.  Share the wealth (that comes from my hippie days)!

Share The Land by Guess Who

Wish I had his hair! Were we really that intense? Did we really believe that we could all live together? Yes, we were and yes, we did.

My, my,  how easily my mind wonders some days! The part about friends sitting under shade trees sipping coronas did it!

Cooking on a Woodstove

Mid-December 2007, NE Oklahoma had the worse ice storm in recorded history. And I thought the worse ice storm was in January 2007???!!! We had no electricity for 9 days, no running water for 3 days. The small town I live by had no electric for 48 hours! All the trees look like a F4 tornado hit; the ice broke many, many branches. The county was declared a national disaster area for the second time in a year. June brought a major flood. Maybe Al is not too far off center in his mission on global warming. Some of the pictures posted here are from that ice storm, while the ice made for beautiful pictures, it was not fun living without modern conveniences.

I cooked on the wood-stove by using the removable crock from my crock-pot. The length of time when cooking on a wood-stove is very close to the length in a crock-pot/slow-cooker. There are many soup recipes, etc. that could be cooked on wood-stove.

Hot Cranberry Apple Punch

• 4 1/2 cups cranberry juice
• 6 cups apple juice
• 1/4 cup+1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon cloves

1. Pour juices into crockpot. Mix in brown sugar and salt.
2. Drop in cinnamon sticks and whole cloves in. Could use cheesecloth to make a spice bag for the spices.
3. Cover and simmer until hot. Move to the back of wood-stove top to keep warm.

Black Bean Soup

• 1/3 cup chopped onions
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 151/2 oz cans of black beans
• 1 cup water
• 1 ham flavored bouillon packet
• 1/2 cup diced, cooked smoked ham
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper flakes

1. Saute onion and garlic in oil in crock-pot.
2. Mash contents of one can of black beans; pour in both cans of beans into crock-pot.
3. Combine rest of ingredients into crock-pot.
4. Cover. Cook until hot.
5. Garnish: Sour Cream or grated  jack cheese.

The heat of the cooking temperature on a wood-stove depends on the intensity of the fire. The middle of the top should be the warmest area for cooking and the back of the top should be the for keeping warm. We keep a tea kettle on the stove with water to add moisture into the air.

Having lived with no electricity twice this year and experienced two very bad ice storms in 2007, we have decided to better prepared for the next time. I wonder how others fared when I think how prepared we were for bad weather, for example: wood-stove, plenty of wood, gas generator, plenty of food, drinking water. However, we want a battery powered weather radio and a propane wall unit in the back of the house for extra warmth.

This weekend the weather will be sunny and in the 70’s, so I am very thankful that the ice melts away quickly here. I would be interested in hearing how others survive severe winter conditions.