Thursday, July 26, 2007 -

It's been a while since I posted on here, I have been keeping a new blog for quite some time here:

http://christianhomekeeper.blogspot.com

Sunday, August 27, 2006 - ~Homemaker's Journal~

I decided to post a list of things I keep in my Homemaker's Journal so you can get an idea if you would like to make one of your own.  When my daughter becomes 17, she will receive a copy of my Homemaker's Journal and her Hope chest.  So it really is a treasury of homekeeping tidbits and how-to's.  This is what I have so far:

* Contact List - Master list of friends, family, doctors, important numbers, emergency contacts, etc.

Saturday, August 26, 2006 - ~Recipes for Homemade Pie Crust, Pie filling and Cobbler~

Here is the recipe that we learned and that I used to make my first pie.  Enjoy! 

Pie crust:

1 c Crisco

2 c Flour

1/2 t salt

5 T ice water (keep nearby to add at the end)

Tips:

*Put plastic wrap in measuring cup before adding Crisco for easy cleanup

*When rolling out the pie crust roll it between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper for easy cleanup

In a bowl combine the Crisco, flour and salt and mix with a pastry cutter....I think that is what its called.  I didn't have one so I just used a fork and a whisk.  Mix until it looks like small beads.  Then add the 5T of ice water and mix and form into a ball with your hands.  Now using a rolling pin, roll into a circular pie crust!  That's it, it is that easy!  You will need 2 of these if your pie is going to be covered.  Place the crust into a pie plate, then add your filling and cover with your second pie crust.  Press the edges firmly together and form them.   Cut slits in the top for venting.  If you have one, use pie shield so the edges will not burn. Or you can use tin-foil. Bake at 425-450

*For the filling, just mix in a bowl, 4-5 cups of fruit and add 1t cinnamon, 1 1/2 c sugar and enough cornstarch to make it slightly thick.  I was out of cornstarch so I used a few tablespoons of flour.  But I'm thinking 4t of cornstarch would work for the pie filling.  Heat this in the microwave until warm throughout and then pour into your pie crust that is in the pie plate......cover with the top pie crust and bake at 425-450. 

*For cobbler, you will make the pie crust as shown above except use 2/3 c Crisco and 2c flour, 1/2 t salt and the 5T ice water.  Instead of rolling it into a circular shape, you will do a large square and then make 2 of these and bake them at 425-450.  Once baked, cut them up into several square pieces and let cool.  Then in a bowl put 5c fruit, 1 1/2 c sugar, 2t cornstarch and 1t cinnamon and heat in microwave until boiling.  In a casserole dish......place the cooled pie crust square pieces on the bottom and then pour the fruit mixture on the top, saving a little for the end (1/2 c-1c)........now put the rest of the square pie crust pieces on top and cover with the rest of the fruit mixture.  It's done!  No baking required......you have your cobbler. 

So you see it is very easy! 

Friday, August 25, 2006 - ~My first Homemade Pie and Pie crust!~

We had a class on Thursday at church and learned how to make our own pie crusts, pies, cobblers, etc.  I tried it out tonight and I did it!    I used what I had here.....which was peaches and it turned out really well. 

I never knew it was so easy!  Here is a picture of it after it came out of the oven, the edges did get a little dark but that is because I don't have a pie shield.....I'm going to get one soon though!  It tastes so good and I gave some to the neighbors too LOL. 

Friday, August 25, 2006 - Friday

Getting a lot done today!    Got my daughter's room clean, vacuumed, organized and I went through all her clothes/dresser/closet and organized those and sorted them into their proper drawers and hung up her dresses.  Its so nice in her room now but after babysitting and having 4 kids in her room tomorrow I doubt it will stay that way. 

I have a few more things on my to do list today but we are staying in this evening so I have plenty of time to get things done. 

My mixer just got shipped today, I thought they would ship it when we ordered it and not sure why they waited till this morning, but at least its on the way!  I should get it Monday.  I'm so excited!! 

Ok off to finish my to do list.......

Thursday, August 24, 2006 - Thursday

Today is pretty busy for me with church tonight, but I will manage somehow! This morning at church we have ladies prayer meeting and then the Pastor's wife is going to teach us how to make pie crusts and other household hints.  It should be fun!

Now that I'm getting a mixer in a few days, I need to buy some supplies to make my bread and other baked goods I wanted to make.  So still working on my meals and grocery list. 

I have 3 kids to babysit this Saturday, so I got to get my daugther's room/toys straightened after she demolished her room   I'm trying to teach her to keep it clean but she just isn't grasping that thought yet.  She does take toys to her room though when I tell her to, so we are halfway there I guess LOL. 

If I have time I will post more later! 

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - ~My First Mixer!~

My husband suprised me by getting me a Bosch mixer!  I'm so excited and I also ordered some bread pans and bread bags.  My mixer should be here in about 4 days.  Now all that is left to do is put in my order with Azure Standard.  I got a few of my friends in the area and we are all going to do an order together so we can get free shipping. 

A few other things I have on my "wish list" are a Mill, pressure cooker & canning supplies, and cast iron pans.  I have a list also of things I want to learn to do......in time I hope to accomplish them all!  With Seminary starting soon though, my schedule will be busy. 

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - ~Our New Home~

We just recently moved from Anchorage, Alaska to Graham Washington on July 1st, 2006.  I'm still getting settled and still working on a system for our new home.  I have yet to unpack some books for the bookshelf but they are not a big priority for me right now. 

Yesterday I got to spend some time with my daughter, Katie, she is 2 yrs old.  We went to the playground and then she rode her 3 wheeler around outside for several hours!  It was so nice yesterday with a cool breeze and temps at 65-70.  It did remind me of Alaskan summers and I dearly miss those! 

I also got my freezer and pantry inventories done.  When we first got here and unloaded the Uhaul (after driving 7 FULL days from Alaska).......we were all worn out and just threw whatever in the cart at the grocery store.  So now that we have all the kitchen tools, etc unpacked, I'm finding I have all this food unused and that needs to be used.  My freezer is halfway stocked with meats but could use more vegetables that's for sure!

Today I plan on making my meals and grocery list for September.  I may be trying Azure Standard to purchase most of this.  They sell whole grains and lots of healthy type foods and we are in their delivery area.  But I still have to read on their policies today before I purchase.  Here is their website www.azurestandard.com and I've heard good things about them. 

Also today, I'm catching up on my cleaning.  Today is the bathroom's weekly cleaning.  When I get time I will post my cleaning schedules and what I do Daily, Weekly and Monthly/Seasonally in each room of the house.  The system works great! 

I made my laundry detergent and it should last until Sept 1st or so.  So I need to make another batch or two to last for the month of Sept.  I plan on doing that either this weekend or early next week.

Ok I'm off to finish the house........also need to get in my prayer/Bible reading time today because I took a nap this morning! 

Monday, August 21, 2006 - Monday