Sunday, February 9, 2014

Bacon Roses

So I was browsing Pinterest and came upon a bacon rose bouquet posted by Heather over at United States of Motherhood.  Isn't this just the perfect gift for that special man in your life.  Actually this would also be the perfect gift for me since I am a bacon loving fiend (no lectures please).

Seriously these bacon roses just made my day. Go take a look and give Heather some love!

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Saturday, February 8, 2014

Glazed Grapefruit Cake

Glazed Grapefruit Cake
So I went to Costco... any posts that begins that way is going to get interesting... and I was in the mood for produce. Costco had some great produce, including grapefruit. I would probably have been fine with just one grapefruit.  But I bought the 10 pound bag. I had one for breakfast and it was wonderful.  After I ate one, I looked at the bag.  There were a LOT of grapefruit left in that bag.
what to do with all that grapefruit - make a cake
My hubby just can't be persuaded to eat grapefruit which leaves a whole lot of grapefruit for me. Probably a few more than I can finish before they have "passed their prime".

This got me to thinking of grapefruit recipe options. Which lead me to try making a grapefruit cake.  This recipe is a glorified lemon cake meets not quite a pound cake.

Here is the recipe:

1/2 cup (one stick) butter at room temperature
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
2 eggs at room temperature
zest from 1 grapefruit
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup grapefruit juice, divided
1 cup whole milk at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoon grapefruit juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a loaf pan.

Cream butter and 1 cup of the sugar in a stand mixer.  Once fluffy add the eggs, one at a time, mixing completely between additions.
Grapefruit zest and naked grapefruit
And this is what one grapefruit's worth of zest looks like along with a naked grapefruit

Add the grapefruit zest along with the second egg.
add the grapefruit zest
In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  In another bowl combine 1/4 cup grapefruit juice, milk, and vanilla extract.  Add about 1/3 of the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix to combine.  While mixing add about 1/2 of the milk/juice mixture to the mixing bowl.  Next add about 1/2 of the remaining flour mixture to the mixing bowl and mix to combine.  Mix in the remaining milk/juice mixture to the mixing bowl then the rest of the flour mixture.

Pour batter into greased and floured loaf pan.
cake ready to cook
Bake 50 - 60 minutes until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
ready for syrup and glaze
Make grapefruit syrup by adding the remaining 1/2 cup grapefruit juice and 1/4 sugar to small sauce pan. Heat over low heat until sugar is dissolved.  Set aside.

Once cake is done, remove from oven and let sit in the pan for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan to cooling rack. Pour the grapefruit syrup over the cake.  You can poke small holes in the top of the cake with a skewer if you like before pouring the syrup on the cake.


Once the cake is completely cool make the glaze.  Combine the confectioners sugar and grapefruit juice in a small bowl.  Whisk until completely combined.  Drizzle glaze over top of cake.
Syrup and glaze on grapefruit cake

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Saturday, February 1, 2014

Planning for Spring - Use a Garden Journal

Plan for Spring planting with a garden journal
The Humble Garden Journal
It is hard to think about planning for Spring planting when the garden looks like this.  But eventually, Spring will happen.  And when it does, I need to be prepared.
Bird house in the snow in garden
Several years ago I began to keep a garden journal.  This has become vitally important to my garden planning and planting.  I primarily use this journal to keep track of the edibles in our various gardens, both annual (like tomatoes, greens, and carrots) and perennial (like strawberries, grapes and blueberries).  But sometimes I make note of the landscaping plants if something strikes me as important or something I should remember.
Plan for Spring with a garden journal
My journal is nothing more than a pretty spiral notebook filled with lined paper that I found on clearance. No tabs, categories, or calendars.  Just paper and pen.
Use a journal to remember what happened in your garden each year
In my journal I keep track of everything going on in my garden.  I start with putting the date on top of the page. Then I start to write anything and everything that crosses my mind that day in the garden.  I do not journal every day, but try to get something written down four or five times a month.  Some entries are only a sentence or two and some entries go on for page after page.

Each year I draw maps of where I planted what with detailed lists of the type and variety of seed including who produced the seed. Then throughout the growing season I write down how everything is doing.  This includes information on the dates seeds (or plants) were put in, dates of germination, dates of first true leaves, dates of first flowers/fruits, harvest amounts, and very importantly how the things taste and whether my daughter and husband would eat it.  I also track pest damage and control measures, and soil amendments.  All this information helps me rotate crops, figure out what grows best in each type of garden environment, and determine if I want to grow that variety again or not.
Use the garden journal to keep maps, plants used, and harvest totals
In addition, in my journal I track the dates the first migratory birds arrive, even the ones just passing through to more northern climates. I track the dates the butterflies arrive.  I track when the critters show up: everything from chipmunks, fox, opossum, turkey, deer, and the ever challenging ground hog (we get a different one each year).
Include plant dates, varieties, pests, soil amendments, and harvests
I have enjoyed going back through my garden journal when planning the next Spring's plantings.  It is like winter therapy.  And, it is interesting how many details I forget once winter sets in and we are housebound for six months.  During the growing season I always assume I will remember this or that.  Nope.  I never do. Writing in my journal the details of how the garden performed that year has become an invaluable tool to successful growing.

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Rainbow Loom Bracelet School Valentines With Printables

My daughter loves her Rainbow Loom.  She doesn't use it.  That is why she has me.  Her big idea this year was to make a bracelet for each of the kids in her class this year for Valentine's Day.  And I thought this was a great idea... until I realized *I* would be the one actually making the bracelets.  (I think I see a fine motor skill project in her future).
Band bracelets for school valentines
I made a bunch of fishtail bracelets. The darker ones are for the boys and the lighter glitter ones are for the girls. These were made weeks ago.  But they need a card.  I have seen several very cute ideas out there with various play on the words "rainbow" "loom" and "band".  After poking around I decided to go with "My Heart B'Looms For You."
School Valentine for Rainbow Loom
Here is the card I came up with.  The letters are rainbow colors inside a heart.  I will have my daughter sign her name on the back of each card. I cut these with my Silhouette but you can certainly use scissors.
Rainbow Loom school Valentine
I used a hole punch to punch out the two holes at the side of the card then scissors to cut from the edge of the heart to the hole.
My Heart B'Looms For You school Valentine
 The bracelet slips into these holes pretty well.
Click here to go to my Google Drive where you can download this card in PDF format or the Silhouette Studio file.
School Valentine printable and Silhouette Studio File
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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Baked, Potato Rounds

I wasn't really sure what to call this recipe.  These are sort of a cross between a potato chip and a french fry. They are baked, they are potatoes, and they are round hence Baked Potato Rounds.  Apparently I am not feeling all that creative this morning but there you go.  But whatever it is called, my family loves this recipe!

You will need: 
3-4 medium potatoes
3 Tablespoons coconut oil
Salt

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  While it is heating scrub your potatoes and cut them into slices.  I used a knife but a mandolin is a great tool for this.  You can peel your potatoes if you want, I don't bother.  (Of course these are potatoes we grew in our own garden... I peel store bought potatoes).
Line a rimmed baking pan with foil.  Then coat the foil with the coconut oil.  With the coconut oil the potatoes both bake and "fry" in the pan.  I love coconut oil!  I may have mentioned that.
 Spread your coconut oil rubbed pan with the potato rounds.  Spread them out fairly evenly.
Salt to taste and pop them in the oven.  After about 20 minutes, flip the potatoes over with a spatula.  Don't be too concerned if you don't get them all flipped.  Cook another 20 minutes or so until they are the consistency you like.
We like them just starting to brown.  The darker brown ones around the edges of the pan in the above picture are crisp like potato chips (but if they are cut thick they are hard to bite into).  The rest of the potatoes are just starting to blister on top giving them a crisp outside and a soft fluffy center much like a french fry.

You can use this same technique for potatoes cut into fry shapes or wedges, they just take longer to cook which is why I like to use the potato rounds.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Gripe About Blog Hops

I love blog hops.  They have provided an amazing audience for my blog that I would not have been able to reach otherwise.

But there have been a rash of hosts posting their blog hop hours before their link tool goes live.  Why?

Exactly what purpose does it serve to tell the world your blog hop is live a couple of hours before it really is? Why not schedule your post to go live at the same time as the link tool?  Do these hosts not realize how many potential links ups they are losing because of this asynchronous timing?

Ok My rant is done.  Have a great day!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Winter Coconut Oil & Vitamin E Oil Lotion

The extreme cold we are having has made the air so dry that my hands and feet keep cracking.  Moisturizers help some but what I really need is protection from the drying air and this lotion recipe does the trick.
Coconut oil and vitamin E oil make great lotion
You will need coconut oil and Vitamin E oil.
Vitamin E Oil and Coconut Oil for lotion recipe
You will also need some way to combine them.  I used a immersion (stick) mixer/blender but a stand mixer with a whisk or even a fork will do.
Coconut oil and vitamin e oil recipe supplies
The recipe depends on how thick you want the lotion.  If you want a fairly liquid lotion try 1 cup coconut oil and 1 tablespoon Vitamin E oil.  For a thicker lotion cut the Vitamin E oil to 1 teaspoon.  You may want to start with a teaspoon and decide if you want a thinner lotion before adding more.  I also added some lemon essential oil but the essential oil is optional.  The coconut smells wonderful on its own. The lemon with the coconut smells like a tropical drink which made me think of summer and (since our high today will be below zero) that made me happy.
Coconut Oil and Vitamin E Oil ready to mix
Put the oils together and mix until fully emulsified and you cannot feel  solid coconut oil bits in the lotion.  If you are having trouble getting the solid coconut oil to blend nicely with the Vitamin E oil, warm them a bit. You can put the bottom of the mixing bowl into another bowl of hot water.  Make sure to not get any water into your mixing bowl. The heat from the water will heat the mixing bowl and melt any stubborn coconut oil.
Mix coconut oil and Vitamin E Oil for lotion add essential oil
Add your essential oils if using and mix until incorporated.  With my immersion mixer the whole mixing process was only a few minutes.  Store in an air tight jar.
Coconut and E oil winter oil
Use on your hands and feet as needed.  Remember this is not a moisturizer.  There is nothing in this recipe that will draw moisture to your skin.  This is a moisture barrier to prevent the moisture already in your skin from escaping to the dry air.  Also, since it is made of oil, it can make your skin slippery.  You may want to wear socks on your feet for a little while after applying.  This is a very healing lotion full of wonderful micro nutrients and other goodies that are good for you and your skin.

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Monday, January 20, 2014

Review and Giveaway - Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

I love coconut oil.  There I said it. The secret is out.  I cook with it and create with it.  I love the way it feels, smells, and tastes.  I love that I can substitute it for shortening.  I love that it is a solid at room temperature and has a high smoke point.  I love that it is a naturally occurring, plant based source of saturated fat.  I love that it feels silky smooth on my skin and works great in bath and beauty products.  I could go on and on.

And I really love that the wonderful folks over at Tropical Traditions sent me a 32 oz jar of their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  Now for the required disclosure.  Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. 
Learn More Here

We use a lot of coconut oil in our home.  And I must confess this is not the first time I have used Tropical Traditions' Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  Tropical Traditions' coconut oil is wonderful! It has a wonderful coconut scent, light and clean, not overpowering.  More information about virgin coconut oil can be found here.

Tropical Traditions' Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is smooth and creamy, melting beautifully in my hand. The first thing I did after opening the jar, well, and after enjoying its wonderful aroma, was smooth a little on the back of my chapped hands.  Oh what a relief!  It left my hands smooth and soft; so much better than most of the sticky moisturizers laying around the house.  

I will be using this in my next batch of Coconut Oil Bath Fizzies.  Look for a number of new coconut oil based recipes (both food and bath/body) in the upcoming weeks here at Cats on the Homestead.  For more on How to Use Coconut Oil click here.

Now for the giveaway.  Tropical Traditions is giving away to one of my lovely readers a 32oz jar of their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  You don't want to miss out.  Enter below and good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Patti!

Tropical Traditions will be contacting you by email to gather your shipping information. The coconut oil prize will be coming directly from Tropical Traditions.

Thank you to everyone who entered my first giveaway!  I hope this was a lot of fun for everyone.  Enjoy that coconut oil Patti!

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Sweet Little Heart Card for Silhouette Studio

Here is a sweet little Valentine's Day card I made on my Silhouette.  
Silhouette Studio Valentine's Day card
This is what the Silhouette Studio file looks like.  You can download it from my Google drive here.  Please let me know if you have trouble with downloading.
Silhouette Valentine's Day Card File
Here are the pieces cut out.
Silhouette cut card pieces
 Glue the square piece behind the front of the card.
Silhouette studio card file
Then glue the hearts, as many as you like into place.  I used five hearts in five different colors.  My daughter thought the card needed a bow so I glued one in the center for her.
Silhouette Studio Valentine's Day Card

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Silhouette School

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Growing Wheat Grass for the Cats (and dogs)


With winter's grip firmly upon us, my cats are safely tucked inside until Spring.  Which means my house plants are at risk!  When the cats go outside they spend some time eating grass or nibbling on the catnip patch.  Dogs do exactly the same thing although they seem to spend more time peeing on things (but that is a topic for another day).

But when the cats are locked in the house for 6 months (or more), they go crazy and attack the house plants. And that is a big problem.  Not for the plants; the plants can withstand some nibbling (and major breakage). It is a problem for the cats since MOST houseplants are toxic.
First a note on houseplants.  Most houseplants are under-story tropical (and sub-tropical) plants.  That means they can thrive in the shadows under trees in the tropics.  Which is why they thrive in your home. Your home provides filtered light at a fairly even temperature year round.  The problem is most of these types of plants are poisonous to keep the critters living in those climates from eating them down to nubs. My cats don't know this.  So occasionally they have a taste.  Most of these plants taste so bad that the cats leave them alone after that.  But not my spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum).  


Spider plants are generally considered to be safe.  Which means the cats cannot get enough of my poor spider plants when they are locked inside for winter.

Most other plants that are not toxic will not grow well indoors or have other quirks that make the plant undesirable to grow in my dinning room. I have occasionally put out bowls of chopped spinach and other dark leafy greens which the cats will eat. But the best solution to this problem is to grow wheat grass for the cats to eat.
Grow wheat grass for cats and dogs

As you might suspect, wheat grass is just WHEAT.  Shockingly simple I know.  Since we maintain a large supply of whole grains in our pantry (well the big closet downstairs turned into pantry #2), we can grow a variety of wheat types for the cats to enjoy.

I prefer to grow hard white wheat but my husband always grabs the hard red wheat.  Whatever your choice, here is what you do.
wheat seeds, whole grain wheat

Step 1:

Get a small garden pot.  Any pot will do but make sure it has drainage holes.


Step 2:

Fill the pot with potting mix about 3/4 the way.  Do not fill it with dirt.  Dirt is dead.  Soil is not dead, but it is too heavy for use in a pot (top soil, garden soil, etc.)  You want potting mix.
How much potting mix is needed

Step 3: 

Put wheat berries (which are wheat seeds or whole grain wheat) on top of the potting mix.  Do not cover the wheat with the potting mix.  Just let the wheat berries sit on top.  This also allows you to watch the germination process which I personally think is super cool!  You want one layer of the wheat berries but they can be pack in there pretty tight.
How many wheat berries to use

Step 4:

Moisten the wheat berries.  You do not need to "water" the pot.  You want the wheat berries to stay damp but not wet.  I mist mine with water a couple of times a day.

Step 5:

Wait and watch. The wheat will sprout after just a day or two depending upon how warm your house is.  Keep the wheat berries moist.  Watch the wheat berries swell up with water then watch a little root pop out. The root will grown down into the potting mix.  Next the wheat grass blade will start to grow.  After 3 or 4 days from sprouting the wheat grass will be a couple of inches tall, and big enough to let the cats graze.
Pots of growing wheat grass

Close up of wheat grass in pot

The wheat grass will only stay perky and happy looking for about 2 weeks.
wheat grass growing in pot
Wheat needs full sun to grow and there is just not enough light inside your house, especially in winter. So plan on starting a new pot of wheat grass each week to have a constant supply for your pets.

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