Just BEET It!!

It's that time...To just BEET it...

We like Detroit Reds

          I am the first to admit I hated beets as a child. With a purple passion...My dad loved the hateful things. My husband likes Pickled Beets.
    Even after meeting him, I still did not like beets. ( musta been a Ukrainian thing) Finally I broke down and let him force feed me a 'no thank you' bite. And you know something...They were GOOD.
  So now, they are a garden staple every year.
         I grow.
         I Hoe.
         I pluck.
         I can.
         And Can.
         And can some more.
Hubby will eat a few quarts a week...

    Things I have learned~ They stain. And to always make sure I didn't dribble any on the floor to step in. It really was a sad day when I had little red foot prints on the carpet!
   I also know that Kroger Pickling Spice is hands down the BEST pickling spice ever. Not just for beets. But for all your pickling needs. (www.kroger.com just click on cantact and call customer service for help locating the store nearest you)  It has a taste that makes you want to keep on eating. And not nearly as much cloves as McCormicks.
  Unfortunately, it's not a brand that is just carried in ND. (though I did find out I can order it by the case from the local grocery) I have mine sent up from friends in Colo.
   Here is my Hubby's mom's recipe. It is simple, but good!
                                              Best Pickled Beets Ever!
                                Pick, clean and cut tops off of beets.
                                Boil until tender. Put in ice water to cool quickly so skins come off easily.
                                Cut into small pieces.
                                In a large pot mix:
                                              2 Cups Sugar
                                              2 Cups Vinigar
                                              2 Cups Water
                                              Egg size bag of pickling spice
                               Add beats. Simmer until tender or desired tatste

The little soldiers

                               Pack and seal.
                               Water bath can for 30 minutes

Perfect addition to the table! Happy eating!
Katy

                                           
           
 

Make it do, or do without!

Remember the old adage "Use it up,
                                          Wear it Out,
                                          Make it Do,
                                          Or do Without"?
      My grandparents said that. My own parents said it. I even uttered it to my kids. Once.
What were we called? Thrifty. Penny-wise. Tight. Creative....

           Some people have been making do forever...I am one of them. Mine is more a crafty thing. I almost can't pass up a neglected object without thinking "Gee, I can make a......."
     Nowadays there a boodle of fancy names for it. "Green. Up-cycle. Re-cycle. Re-purpose. Salvage.Re-utilize.
      I know it absolutely drives my husband nuts when I drag something home.  I happen to have a pile of projects. In the spare room, in the potting shed, in the barn, in the basement, and sometimes on the kitchen table.
    Currently I have been making Purses and Aprons. I am very lucky to have friends that give me stuff. I have a good amount of Burlap Coffee Bags that I got from my friend Jo Khalifa at MoJo Roast. She is a "Personal Coffee Roaster". Good for me that she gets some killer coffee bags that she passes on!
    This is a Win-Win situation. She buys some of her coffees from the Cafe Feminino project. A portion of those proceeds go to women's causes in coffee producing countries. In turn, I receive the bags and am able to make purses and other items. The money from these not only funds my business, but allows me to give back in return.
    Leftover wood becomes garden trellis's, (usually painted some shocking color) Old jeans become quilts, Any kind of found boxes become planters....and so on.
   For those who know me, they know that found usually involves me tip-toeing cheerfully through some abandoned homestead, willfully plundering...:)  
    As much as I love Flea Markets, I try to stay away....I have found out that's where the Under Stuffed go to get more stuff! Too easy for this girl to get way too much.
   When was the last time you made something? Isn't creating fun?

Katy