Friday, January 18, 2013

AND it starts


The first flakes fall! More like slush at this point. We have had four days of rain, there is mud everywhere, it's messy and it's ugly. 


It never ceases to amaze me how easily nature transforms this place. It will all melt away today but for now it's pristine, on top anyway.
I didn't realize until I was editing the pics that the hummingbird feeder was still up?!

Wherever you are, I hope you are dry, warm, and comfortable..

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Balmy


We are having balmy weather!
I'm thinking with the warm winters we have had the last two year I should prolly invest in some citrus trees?!
Only kidding on that (for now anyway). We are supposed to be 71 degrees today! Very unsettling..

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Bone Broth



Bone Broth

At one point in my life I use to get my broth in cans from the store. That seems like a life time ago.
Now I save all the bones, deer, beef, turkey, and chicken in a bag in the freezer until I have enough to make a batch of bone broth. It's an easy way of adding lots of nutrition to soups or stews, anything you would use broth in. 
I roast my bones in the oven for about an hour at 350 degrees. Put bones in a large pot, I use my crock pot or a big cast iron, cover with water (I use filtered water), add a bit of vinegar. I also add bits and pieces of any veggies I might have. I put several carrots, parsley, and onions in the pot. Let the bones sit for about an hour before turning on the heat. Simmer the brew until the bones become soft, I usually go for three days. You don't want the temp to go above a simmer, I've let mine boil before and the broth comes out with a burned taste.

Bones draining in a colander  
At the end of three days take out the bones and bits and let it drain into a bowl.

Strained broth
Strain the broth through cheesecloth into mason jars. Let cool in the fridge. Remove the fat from the top of the broth. If the broth is too weak I pour it into a large pan and boil it down.

Turkey Pot Pie
I ended up with three quart jars of broth (after reducing) . I used three and a half cups to make the pot pie. The rest went into the freezer. If I am doing deer bones I get a quarts and quarts of broth. In that case I will make all the broth and pressure can it.
Also, a cup of broth on a cold day makes a quick and healthy lunch.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Odds & Ends


I think things are going to dry out around here for the next few days. There is much that I need to do outside and I'd rather not do it knee deep in mud.
First on my list is to get caught up on the wash. I really need to get an inside clothes line put up. I don't have a dryer and we have had so much rain (not a complaint) these last weeks that it has been impossible to get clothes dry on the line outside.
I need to get another rabbit cage built which means laying yards of wire out on the ground. Having only built one, it takes me some time. I'd rather not do it in the rain and mud.
I have two 8x8 coops to get straightened up, new straw put down and fresh stuff in the nest boxes. 
The rabbit cages need cleaning and so do two smallish stalls in the little barn.
I have two roosters that need to be butchered as well as the last turkey. I'd like to, at least, get the roosters done today.
I sometimes think I'm the only one that has to play catch-up do to weather. My Grandmothers favorite saying "Make hay while the sun shines" rings in my head these days.