Some Tuesday Randomness Here at Purple Pastures.....

This morning Dahlia, the cat that thinks she's a dog, and I took a walk around the yard to snap a few pictures.  I swear this cat doesn't know she's a cat, she runs and plays with the kids and doesn't even care if it's raining out.

 

My tomatoes are doing so well this year without the chickens.  I really felt bad locking the ladies up for the summer, but seriously, it was just too frustrating to put in all that work and have pretty much nothing in the end.  They ruined everything!!  My goal of having enough tomatoes to can at the end of the season just might become a reality.  Now to learn how to can.....

 

 

It seems late to me, but I'm still starting seeds in the greenhouse, I have my second batch of pumpkins and cucumbers going right now.  Some I'll share, others I'll randomly place around the yard just for fun.  If I get enough I'll leave a pumpkin here and there and let it decompose and hopefully the seeds will grow next year.  It's called lazy gardening....

I planted a bucket with basil, lavender and thyme seeds, so far the lavender hasn't germinated.  Not sure what happened, but 2 out of 3 isn't bad, right?

 

 

Behind the greenhouse there's this random spot that gets great sun but was pretty much a bunch of blackberry bushes and rock when we moved in.  I slowly hacked away at the blackberries and moved rocks so I could plant my raspberries.  They seem to be loving it.  It's also where I keep my big compost pile, which by the way has so may things growing in it, potatoes, peas, squash, onions, etc... I'm going to let them all grow and see what happens.

 

 

The peppers in the greenhouse are going crazy!  They clearly love it in there so I'll leave one of each plant and move the rest outside.  It will be interesting to see if the greenhouse peppers do better.

 

 

My citrus trees are doing amazingly well, especially since I thought I was going to have to toss them all.  They were infested with grey citrus scale which led to the mold fungus that spread everywhere.  They were in really sad shape and nothing I did was helping, they were just too infested.  So as a last ditch I put all the citrus out in the winter, I figured the cold would kill all those darn bugs, but knew there was a chance it would also kill the plants.  I was pleasantly surprised to see it did kill the bugs and stopped the fungus.  But it still took a lot of work to clean off all the fungus, I had to wipe down each leaf and branch, but it was worth it.  They all survived and are blooming!  I still get those pesky grey citrus scale, but now I check them regularly and remove them when I see them before they can become a problem again.

 

 

My squash are doing fairly well, some better than others.  I planted quite a few plants in various places to see where they do best.  Gardening in a new place is always a learning experience the first couple years.  I'm still learning.

 

 

 

A kick I'm on this year is using baskets in the garden.  It started when I picked up some really cute ones at a garage sale, got them home and realized I really didn't have a place in the house for them.  Then I saw some of the most beautiful planted baskets at the garden show, the prices were not so beautiful, and I was inspired.  This one is just filled with mint, but I still like how it looks.  There are more randomly placed in the garden that have flowers, herbs, and vegetables, all different.  Instead of paying $50 and up I paid a fraction and did the work myself.

 

This basket has mostly herbs, but also a strawberry and some trailing flowering ivy that I love (not the hanging planter).

 



It's hard to see, but the water bulbs I tossed into the pond are growing, no flowers yet but it's still early.  Some time in the future I would love to redo this pond and make it deeper.  It's currently about 18 inches deep and I would love to go another 12" or so.  But that project is pretty far down on the list.

 

 

And now for my ladies and gentleman.... I so wanted this handsome boy to be a hen, his coloring is amazing (this picture does not do him justice, guess I'll have to get a better one) and he has a wonderful temperament.  He follows me around everywhere and makes the saddest noise when I leave the run (basically their fenced in area).  He lets me pet him, pick him up and is good with the ladies.  Louie doesn't even mind him, which is great.

This is the other rooster we hatched, when I was rehoming the other boys he was on the list to go but I he caught on to what was happening and refused to be caught.  He pretty much avoids me and keeps a low profile, so that has bought him a pass to stay here at Purple Pastures.... for now.

This pretty girl we call Baby, she was the first chick to hatch here and is the sweetest girl.  She will be another blue/green egg layer.  I love them!!!

 

Earlier this year we picked up 9 hens from a woman in town that was getting rid of a bunch.  I really had no intention of getting more, in fact I was going over to look at them for a friend, but saw how pretty they were and had to get some....

This is Ninja, she is such a character, even Mr. Housewife likes her....

 

And then there's Roxy.... she's broody right now and we've decided to let her sit on two silkie eggs.  She is a mean little hen right now, puffing up and trying to look all mean if you come near her.  She was sooooo happy to get her picture taken this morning.....

 

I have a few (ok many) more chickens that will eventually make their appearance on the blog, but for now these cuties will be the stars.

 

What's happening in your garden and yard?

 

Easy Patriotic Trifle

There are some days when I just don't want to put a lot of effort into baking or cooking.  I want fast, easy and delicious results that looks like something I want to present to others.  This super easy layered trifle is just the ticket.  You could get all fancy and make your own pound cake, but why?  Most store bakeries offer freshly made and if yours doesn't stroll the freezer aisle, there's one there that I've used many times that's actually pretty good.

Recipe:

1 store bought pound cake (or you can make one)

3 c. heavy cream

2 tsp. real vanilla

1/2 c. powdered sugar (I'm not into super sweet whipping cream, but feel free to add more)

2 containers of raspberries

2 containers of blueberries

In a mixer add the heavy cream, vanilla and powdered sugar.  Whip until you have a nice stiff whipping cream.  Usually takes around 4-5 minutes on a fairly high speed. 

While this is whipping cut the pound cake into bite size cubes. 

Add one layer of the pound cake, top with 3/4 container of raspberries.  Next add a layer of the whipped cream, spread it evenly. 

Top this with another layer of pound cake, 3/4 container of blueberries and more whipping cream.  For the final layer add the remaining pound cake, and the rest of the berries.  The remaining whipping cream can be used when serving, put a dollop on the top.  I prefer to wait to add the last bit of whipping cream so the berries do not bleed on it.  Totally optional to do it this way.  Also, you can trade out the fruit, but since it's Memorial Day weekend and this combo of berries is wonderful it's what I chose.

Enjoy!!!

Chile Relleno Souffle (Casserole)

Chile rellenos are one of my favorite items to order when we hit a Mexican restaurant.  They are so delicious and kind of a pain to make.  The other day I picked up some poblano peppers with every intention of making actual chile rellenos, but alas, I just didn’t feel like it.  I’ve seen recipes for chile relleno casserole, most used canned chiles and looked kind of, well, gross.  One of the reasons they just didn’t look good to me was the flatness of them, they just looked like creamy eggs with peppers.  So, why not use the same batter I would when I fry them in the oven?  Sure sounded like a good idea to me, and it was.  This puffed up like a soufflé, hence the name, and was every bit as delicious as it was pretty.



I no longer have a barbeque and my stove top is electric so I had to roast the poblanos in the oven.  Super simple, put them in a preheated 400 degree oven.  Turn them every 15 minutes or so until they have blistered on all side, they will also deflate.  Place them in a plastic bag to cool, then when you can skin and de-seed them.
For the Recipe:
1 1/2 c. enchilada sauce, or you can purchase canned
6 poblano chiles, roasted, skinned and de-seeded
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 1/2 c. Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
4 eggs, separated
2 tbsp. flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  To start, I like to prepare the egg mixture so I can just shred cheese while the egg whites are beating.  In a mixer add the egg whites, beat until they form stiff peaks.  In a separate bowl, break up the egg yolks.  Fold the flour and egg yolks into the egg whites, set aside.  In an 8 x 11 baking dish put about 1/2 c. of the enchilada sauce.  Next place a layer of the chiles, followed by a layer of the egg mixture (take care to no spread it too much or you will deflate them), next a generous layer of the Monterey jack cheese.  Repeat chiles, egg, and cheese.


Top with the cheddar cheese and the remainder of the enchilada sauce.



Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Enjoy!!

End of an Era

In one month you will bid preschool farewell and prepare to start "real" school.  On that last day of preschool I will cry.  I will savor those two miles it takes to get you there.  I will look at you a little longer as I watch you get out of the car to head in to your last day.  Then I'll drive off, have another cry, and fill the next three hours with a little this and that before heading back to pick you up.  From that moment on you will be known as kindergarteners, but to me you will still be known as my babies. 

Being your mom has been tough, really tough.  There were times I really didn't think I could do it, where I just looked at you and thought "there is no way I'm going to survive the day".  But I did, and many more just like it.  Outnumbering those days are the ones where I put my head on the pillow knowing I am the luckiest person alive, I am your mom. 

The infant stage was grueling, with endless bottles, diapers, sore arms, tired back, lack of sleep, much of it a blur.  I couldn't wait until you could walk and I wouldn't have to carry you everywhere, until the diapers would come to an end, until you could tell me what was wrong and it wasn't a lopsided game of charades.  Oh my babies, what I wouldn't give for just one day of that, just one.  I want to hold your little bodies, snuggle up to you and just stare at you.  There were two of you and one of me, I know I didn't spend the time I wish I had with each of you, you had to share.  The guilt of that will be with me forever, no matter how many times I hear "you did what you could, there were two".  Yes I know, but my mom heart wanted to have what singleton moms have..... 

Then I got my wish, and you could walk and the words were coming, you were toddlers.  You had places to go and never were they the same as each other.  I was frustrated and humored.  It was as if someone opened the flood gates of growing and independence and there was no stopping it. You two becoming little people right in front of me, almost overnight.  The joy I had getting to really know you through talking to you, was amazing.  You were at different speeds, my baby girl a bit ahead of my little hummingbird, but that was just fine with me.  It was because of that difference I was able to get to see it happen twice and enjoy it again.  Oh the crazy things you two would say, nothing is funnier than hearing your two year old say something they heard you say earlier in the day. 

Preschool came, I survived handing you two over to someone else to care for and teach.  I won't lie, I cried the day each of you went to your first day.  Much like other milestones, you did them on different days.  Oh how you changed in just a few weeks of being there.  You were making friends, getting guidelines that were not from our home, learning to socialize appropriately with other kids and adults.  I remember looking at you thinking, you will never be the same....  and you haven't been. 

Every stage has been a learning experience for all of us.  We adapt and we grow.  This latest preschool stage has been tough for me.  You come home telling me of the ups and downs of making friends, how a certain little girl is mean to you and wouldn't let you play with her, how a certain boy is the love of your life and it's a "true love".  On more than one drive home my mom heart hurt, it also felt as though it would burst from hearing the joy in your voice. 

It's only been a little over five years since you came into my life and I've experienced more love, frustration, joy and happiness in that short time than in the rest of my years on this earth.  Thank you my little lovey lovies.  Together we will forge ahead with all new adventures this new season will bring.  But when I have to turn my head or leave the room for just a second, be patient, my mom heart needs a moment.  My mom heart needs to get back in sync with my mom brain that knows this growing up stuff is a good thing and needs to happen.  I have no doubt you will succeed and thrive in kindergarten, you are talking about it now with such excitement, this helps me a lot.  But I know I will need a few drinks and some support to get through that first day.  Thankfully, I will have it. 

And when I need a few extra minutes with you, to cuddle and feel the soft warmth of your skin and to look at your beautiful faces please give them to me, I'm trying to savor these moments that seems be flying by faster than I thought imaginable.  One day, these will be memories I must think of to get my "fix".  This mom business is tough....

Mother's Day

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, there will be cards made my little hands, jewelry purchased by adoring husbands, flowers, breakfasts in bed, brunches at fancy restaurants, and so much more.  But for some, there will be nothing.  Some really don't mind, but others, they will say they don't mind, but they do. 

The past week I've asked several of my friends that are moms (mostly with non adult children) what they think they will get or have done for them on this oh so magical day and responses varied.  The majority said they will get gifts, breakfast/brunch and cards (the best was a duck).  A few said nothing or they weren't sure, and I could tell it made them a little sad.  So of course I had to dig more into this....

This morning Mr. Housewife is going on a "secret mission" to pick something up for me, sadly not the mini cow I was hoping for.  And though I don't expect a gift I have to say it's kind of nice to be thought of.  It's tough being a mom and an extra day of "thanks" is always nice. 

With younger kids (non driving, non job having) it pretty much falls on the husband/spouse/partner to get the gifts, but that doesn't always happen.  Some have the view of "she's not my mom so not my problem".  On one hand I get that, but on the other, I think it's actually kind of a dick move (yes I said that).  Like I said before, it's tough being a mom, whether you are a stay at home or a working mom, it's challenging.  For a spouse to take the "not my problem" is sad, it doesn't take much for them to say "hey, thanks for being the mom to my kids".  Yes, it's just some random day, and to be honest, they should be thankful everyday that you are the mom to their kids (I do think it goes the other way as well, just focusing on moms this time). 

Honor your mother first, but give the mother of your children a special moment as well, and not some forced "here's your gift, thank goodness I didn't forget".  I almost thing those are worse than forgetting all together.

When my son has a family, I hope he honors the mother of his children as well as me. Give her this cheesy holiday to make her feel extra special. 

Shopping With My Peeps

Without a doubt I absolutely love where I live, however, there is absolutely zero Asian stores in my town.  One of the local grocery stores stocks a fair amount of basic items, but not enough to keep me satiated.  Last night I headed to one of my favorite stores, H-Mart, to stock up on some much needed items.

Many people have told me they get intimidated when they go into Asian stores, they have no clue what things are or if the employees will speak English.  Well.... yes, if you are new to Asian cooking and stores it will seem a tad much, but if after a few trips you will be an old pro.  As for the English, that is hit and miss, more likely a miss.  But don't let that stop you, besides, they are friendly and will try to work with you to figure out your question.

No for last night's shopping trip....

Do you see the price on that ginger?  When I have to buy it at the normal grocery store I have seen it go as high as $7.99/lb. and I will refuse to purchase it.  Even this is a pretty darn good price, normally it hovers around a dollar and change, but still not even close to what the mainstream stores charge.  I should have taken more pictures of the vegetables but it was incredibly busy and it seemed like everything I wanted to take a picture of had people in front of it, so I've taken pictures of some of the produce I brought home. 

You will find more types of greens in an Asian market than you've ever seen in your life, some you probably have never heard of.  Above are the bitter melon, Asian okra, baby bok choy and Japanese eggplants I bought.  You can also find a lot of the same vegetables you would in the "normal" grocery stores, like lettuce, cabbage (many varieties), cucumbers, potatoes, etc... 

Mushrooms, oh the glorious mushrooms.  These king trumpets are one of my favorite, they are a meaty mushroom with a nice flavor.  Not only do they have several fresh varieties of mushrooms but in the dried mushroom aisle you will find even more.

Look at these gorgeous Korean melons.  The fruit is amazing, my kids have been eating so many different fruits since they were babies.  Thing 2 was disappointed when we went to our local grocery store and there were not dragon fruits for her.... my poor girl.

Did somebody say tofu?  Yet another item that you will be amazed at the variety, there's actually way more than just those little cartons you find in your local store.  There's fried, dried, pressed, you name it. 

The freezer section is another treasure.  The dumpling selection will make your head spin, most are pretty darn good too.  Fish cakes in every size, not sure what to do with them, look on the internet and you will find so many recipes.  This stuff is beyond delicious and so versatile.  It can be used in soups, with rice, sautéed, you name it.  Want to have a fun egg roll making party?  You are in luck, wrappers in every size for every type of roll can be found.  There's also quite the selection of meat and seafood.  Soft shelled crabs anyone?  My beloved tocino, so many options!!!

I wanted to be sure to point out one of my favorite short cuts I buy, frozen seafood mixes.  This particular one was 28 ounces for about $8.  It has a mix of shrimp, clams, fish, crabs and a few other goodies.  I use it when I'm making soups, such an easy way to go.

Don't feel like cooking it yourself?  Head to the deli (some of the smaller markets won't have one) and pick up some sushi, kimchi, fried fish, so many different dishes.

Luckily I only have to travel about 30 minutes to get to an Asian store, not sure what in the world I would do if I didn't have that luxury.  Easily half of what I prepare at home is Asian, it's what I was raised on and what my family likes.  People tell me all the time how they think it's too difficult or they can't get the ingredients, but with the internet's expansive recipes on Asian food and the internet, pretty much any ingredient can be found.  But if you are lucky enough to have an Asian market then you need to make a point to visit, and take your time.  Look at all their offerings, ask questions and talk to other shoppers, you will be amazed at some of the tips you can get from them.