Mums the word

This little beauty was gift from my mom and dad (thanks mom and dad!). It sits just outside our front window so I can see it all day long.

Let us in!

The chickens were hanging out by the back door when I was making dinner the other night. I think if the door was open they would come in.

Sad news

In August, I gave an update on the chickens. Some time has passed and there have been some unfortunate events that have affected our flock. About two months ago we lost two chickens to a raccoon attack. We had left the door to the coop open and the raccoon had access to the hens. Since that night we have been very careful to make sure the coop is secure.

Now we are left with only two hens, one white and one brown. They free range during the day and return to the coop each night where we lock them in (and predators out). My husband and I were both saddened by the loss of the other two chickens, but we are still enjoying the two that are left. We have even started talking about getting some more chicks next Spring.

Easy Paella

What's for dinner? Tonight it is my take on a Spanish Paella cooked entirely in the rice cooker. Aside from only having one pot to clean, an added benefit is that most of the fresh ingredients came directly from our garden.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 hot peppers chopped small

2 large bell peppers (or 3-4 small) roughly chopped

1/4 cup chopped red onion

4 garlic cloves roughly diced

3-4 medium tomatoes diced

3 cups brown rice (these are the small cups that come with the cooker, not a standard measuring cup)

1 packet no sodium chicken flavoring

1-2 pinches saffron

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup frozen corn

1 pound shrimp

sliced green onions

Method

1. Saute the peppers, onions, and garlic in the olive oil directly in the rice cooker for about 10 minutes. Our rice cooker is the fuzzy logic type, so I use the quick cook setting. I have also made it in the standard type where you simply use the cook setting for this step.

2. Once they are softened, add the tomatoes and rice and saute another 3-5 minutes

3. Dissolve the packet of chicken flavor into some water and pour it into the rice cooker.

4. Add additional water to raise the level of liquid to the fill line

5. Sprinkle the paprika and saffron on top and stir

6. Reset the cook setting on the rice cooker and let the rice cook until nearly done.

7. About 5-10 minutes before the setting is complete, add the shrimp, peas, and corn. Just dump them on top. They will proceed to steam for the remainder of the cycle.

8. When the cycle is complete and the shrimp is cooked, add the green onions. Fluff the mixture with a fork and serve.

This is a simple, yet flavorful dish. It also smells wonderful as it is cooking. Enjoy!

Homemade Granola

A couple of weeks ago my husband bought a small container of granola bites. I was shocked at the price tag of $5.99 so I searched for an alternate way to get those tasty morsels. What I found were several recipes for homemade granola. After buying the ingredients, I finally got around to making it. Here is the recipe I used based on the one posted at kissmyspatula.

Ingredients

4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3 tbsp flax seeds

2 tbsp wheat germ

1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup clover honey
1/3 cup unsweetened apple juice

Method
1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Mix the wet in a separate bowl (I used a large glass measuring cup)
3. Stir the two together until the dry ingredients are coated.

4. Pour out onto a large sheet pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees, stirring occasionally with a spatula (every 5-10 minutes)

6. The granola is done when it is an even golden brown (~20 minutes), but your time my vary.

7. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the granola cool completely, stirring occasionally.

8. Store in an airtight container.

The granola had a yummy smell as it was baking. Other than taking some time for stirring, it was a easy process with tasty results.