Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Short hair and zoo days


I cut the boys' hair last night with the clippers.  Malachi loves his; Elijah demanded that I get his hair back long "RIGHT NOW."  He didn't want anyone to see his buzz cut.  Now he is resigned to it, I think.  Malachi looked in the mirror and declared, "I look like Dalton!"(our good friend)  He has been thrilled ever since.

Lydia and I have become very familiar with the zoo.  We have lots of time to explore it while the boys are at zoo camp.  She can say turtle y tortuga.  Also she will say frog and fish, but everything else is "doggie".  She loved petting "doggies" (goats) and looking at everything.  She is really observant.  She even points out the chipmunks running along the edges of the grounds. 

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Baked Granola Bars

I love homemade granola bars.  My sister makes a fabulous stove-top granola bar.  This recipe is a baked bar without nuts (so that Malachi might one day eat them).  It is good and easy, and I love the taste.  They are great for a filling snack or breakfast.

4 1/2 c rolled oats
1 c whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c softened butter
1/2 c almond butter (You can use peanut butter, but
I love the subtle nutty taste the almond gives this.)
3/4 c honey
1 c chocolate chips (preferably dark chocolate)

Mix together the honey and butter, then add everything else.  Press into a greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 325 for 25 minutes.  Let them cool about 10 or 15 minutes before cutting into bars.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Busy Summer

Summer is in full swing here!  Last week, the kids attended Bible School. I was in charge of the crafts, and it was fun.  Then this weekend, good friends came to visit.  That was lots of fun!  We moms left the dads in charge Saturday morning and headed yard-saling and to the farmer's market.  I bought local bacon and tomatoes, which made an excellent BLT!!  I love summer food.  My own tomatoes are looking good, but they are not near ready to eat yet, so I was glad to see some local ones at the farmer's market.  Summer to me tastes primarily of two great foods: tomatoes and cantaloupes.  I am growing both, and I hope they continue to thrive!
The boys enjoyed their first day of zoo camp this morning.  Lydia and I walked around the zoo for 3 hours.  It was hot!  But we stuck mainly to the shade, and since it was morning, it was not as bad as it could have been.
I know this is so short, but I will post a recipe either later tonight or tomorrow. 

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Orange Coconut Muffins

I had fun creating this recipe, and it has been a success.  The kids love these muffins!  The coconut oil gives a nice flavor and sweetness.

1 3/4 c whole wheat flour
1 small orange
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 beaten egg
1 c plain yogurt
1/3 c coconut oil, in liquid form
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c maple syrup

In a large bowl, mix together egg, yogurt, syrup, and vanilla.  Zest orange into bowl.  Then cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice of one half into the bowl.  Add half of the flour and mix in, then add coconut oil.  (I add it here so it stays liquid.)  Then add the rest of the dry ingredients.  You can bake these at 400 for 16-18 minutes (makes about 18 muffins).  Or you can make mini muffins, and bake them at 400 for about 9 minutes.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Gardening

I just got back from my parents' house.  I had a great time visiting with relatives.  Now I'm back home with the kids and trying to get some work done in the garden.  This lettuce looks great.  I think I'll have salad tonight!  My pumpkins have something dining on them. (photo left)   I'm not sure what, and not sure how much damage it will do.  Any suggestions?  (I only do organic gardening.)  And yes, I know the pumpking patch desperately needs weeding.  You should see the main garden! 
More pics:  tomatillos (above) and tomatoes


And before Nathaniel left for Asia, we went to a local farm and picked strawberries.  I made 2 batches of honey-sweetened jam with them, ate tons fresh, and froze more.  I love strawberries.