4.5 pounds fresh pumpkin, seeds discarded, or 4 cups pumpkin puree
Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large shallots (or one small onion + 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
Ground nutmeg for garnish
1. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit.
2. If using fresh pumpkin, brush the flesh side of the pumpkin with olive oil, then bake until easily pierced with a fork, about 1.5 hours. Remove the pumpkin and discard the skin. Puree the pumpkin flesh in a food processor. (I wound up just using my immersion blender in step 4.)
3. In a pot or flame-proof casserole, melt the butter over low heat, then add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, to form a roux, about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking thoroughly to blend.
4. Add the pumpkin puree, stir to mix well, and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the cream. Cook for another 5 minutes. Let cool in saucepan, then refrigerate overnight and reheat in a pot the following day. Dust the top with nutmeg and use any garnishes you want (drizzle with olive oil, roasted red bell pepper, chopped chervil or parsley, Parmesan cheese, and oyster crackers).
Friday, November 4, 2016
Sunday, May 22, 2016
A Lot Has Changed
Hey, invisible readers.
I haven't posted in a long time because I'm just not really a blogger. Or a journal writer. Or much of a writer, unless it's snarky comments on the Facebook. :P
Well, almost a year after my previous post of a delicious recipe using freshly-picked wild strawberries, and we've added another baby into our household. Penelope Rose Clark.
I haven't posted in a long time because I'm just not really a blogger. Or a journal writer. Or much of a writer, unless it's snarky comments on the Facebook. :P
Well, almost a year after my previous post of a delicious recipe using freshly-picked wild strawberries, and we've added another baby into our household. Penelope Rose Clark.
She is such a great addition to our little family. It was a rough pregnancy, with a lot of hip pain struggles, constant nausea, and buying and moving into a new house. The labor was rough, too, but her actual birth was beautiful once she was oxygenated. Not much went as planned, but I stuck out the 30-hour labor with no epidural. I did, however, beg for one 15 minutes before she was born. I had been stuck at 5cm for almost 24 hours, my water had not broken, but she was in no distress.
So, we bought a house! A small, 3-bedroom house that we can finally call ours. John has been doing such great work around here. He's built the chickens their own yard to be safely in, and is almost done fencing in our front yard. Home Depot was out of the hardwire when he went to pick up more, but hopefully they'll replenish their stock soon. We have plants started so we can grow another vegetable garden this year, and John built a BEAUTIFUL U-shaped garden right next to our driveway. I can't wait to see how well our crop does this year!
So, we bought a house! A small, 3-bedroom house that we can finally call ours. John has been doing such great work around here. He's built the chickens their own yard to be safely in, and is almost done fencing in our front yard. Home Depot was out of the hardwire when he went to pick up more, but hopefully they'll replenish their stock soon. We have plants started so we can grow another vegetable garden this year, and John built a BEAUTIFUL U-shaped garden right next to our driveway. I can't wait to see how well our crop does this year!
Okay, Penny is fussing now, so I've got to go snuggle this cute baby. Ali is out with her daddy, running errands.
Ta-ta for now!
Monday, July 13, 2015
Salmonberry or Raspberry Upside-Down Cake
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 pound salmonberries (raspberries work, as well, if you're not in the NW US)
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
Heat oven to 350-F. In a 2-quart saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter and brown sugar over medium-low heat, stirring to combine. Pour into a 9x2-inch round cake pan (I used a 9 3/4 x 3 3/4-inch bundt pan). Tilt the pan to spread the brown sugar mixture evenly. Arrange salmonberries in pan; 1 layer only. Set aside.
Melt remaining 1/2 cup butter. In a medium bowl, combine butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. With a mixer, beat at high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for 15 seconds. Add sour cream and mix until combined.
Pour batter over the top of fruit in the cake pan. Smooth gently. Bake cake until lightly brown and center of the cake is clean when a cake tester is inserted, about 1 hour. Cool on wire rack exactly 5 minutes. Place a cake stand or serving plate onto the cake pan and turn the cake upside-down onto the cake stand. Carefully life the cake pan straight up and away. Let cool 10 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature. Enjoy!
*Salmonberries are raspberry-like but light orange when ripe. Traditionally they were called salmonberries by Alaska natives because they look like salmon eggs. Raspberries would work in this recipe.
**Recipe is from "A Taste of Kodiak" and "Best of the Best from Alaska Cookbook"
***My cake is in the oven as I write this.
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 pound salmonberries (raspberries work, as well, if you're not in the NW US)
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
Heat oven to 350-F. In a 2-quart saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter and brown sugar over medium-low heat, stirring to combine. Pour into a 9x2-inch round cake pan (I used a 9 3/4 x 3 3/4-inch bundt pan). Tilt the pan to spread the brown sugar mixture evenly. Arrange salmonberries in pan; 1 layer only. Set aside.
Melt remaining 1/2 cup butter. In a medium bowl, combine butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. With a mixer, beat at high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for 15 seconds. Add sour cream and mix until combined.
Pour batter over the top of fruit in the cake pan. Smooth gently. Bake cake until lightly brown and center of the cake is clean when a cake tester is inserted, about 1 hour. Cool on wire rack exactly 5 minutes. Place a cake stand or serving plate onto the cake pan and turn the cake upside-down onto the cake stand. Carefully life the cake pan straight up and away. Let cool 10 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature. Enjoy!
*Salmonberries are raspberry-like but light orange when ripe. Traditionally they were called salmonberries by Alaska natives because they look like salmon eggs. Raspberries would work in this recipe.
**Recipe is from "A Taste of Kodiak" and "Best of the Best from Alaska Cookbook"
***My cake is in the oven as I write this.
Crazy Chocolate Cake. Easy. Vegan.
Crazy Chocolate Cake
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
5 heaping tablespoons cocoa
3/4 cup sunflower oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups cold water
Mix all ingredients together. Bake in a greased and floured 9x13-inch pan (or 2 round cake pans) at 350 degrees F/180 degrees C for 35-40 minutes.
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
5 heaping tablespoons cocoa
3/4 cup sunflower oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups cold water
Mix all ingredients together. Bake in a greased and floured 9x13-inch pan (or 2 round cake pans) at 350 degrees F/180 degrees C for 35-40 minutes.
24 Old Wives' Tales Predicting Baby Gender
A great young mom that I know, Kathryn Washington, compiled this list of old wives' tales when she was pregnant. She had 17 predictors for girl, 4 for boy, and 3 inconclusive. And she had a boy.
Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. Prediction outcome:
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.
Prediction outcome:
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle.
Prediction outcome:
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. Prediction outcome:
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.
Prediction outcome:
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.
Prediction outcome:
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #7: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be.
Prediction outcome:
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #8: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl.
Prediction outcome:
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #9: Moodiness and a Little Pecker
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you.
Prediction outcome:
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #10: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.
Prediction outcome:
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #11: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is.
Prediction outcome:
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #12: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. (I've had dreams of it being a boy, even before I got pregnant and also twins! Haha) Prediction outcome: GIRL
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. (I've had dreams of it being a boy, even before I got pregnant and also twins! Haha) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #13: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.
Prediction outcome:
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #14: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
Prediction outcome:
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #15: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.
Prediction outcome:
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #16: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. Prediction outcome:
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #17: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having.
Prediction outcome:
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #18: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.
Prediction outcome: GIRL
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.
Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #19: Areolae
If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl.
Prediction outcome:
If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #20: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. (Love dairy but really didn't want any meat) Prediction outcome:
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. (Love dairy but really didn't want any meat) Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #21: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.
Prediction outcome:
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #22: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.
Prediction outcome:
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #23: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby.
Prediction outcome:
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby.
Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #24: Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. Prediction outcome:
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. Prediction outcome:
TOTAL GIRL:
TOTAL BOY:
TOTAL INCONCLUSIVE:
TOTAL BOY:
TOTAL INCONCLUSIVE:
Sunday, July 12, 2015
It's Been Awhile
Hey, readers!
It's been quite a long time since I've written anything. I never was a stickler for journals or diaries, and since this is similar...yeah...
Well, we no longer live in Germany. We arrived on May 23, 2015 in Alaska, to our permanent state (hopefully). We have chickens, a baby, and a great change of scenery. It is so beautiful here. Our daughter is the light of my life, and she is so silly. Right now, as I write this, she is running around nekkid, playing with her belly button while lunch is on the stove. The chickens just finished some cottage cheese and grapes, and are now moving on to the watermelon. Ginger shared some blueberries with her naked puppy. Camilla is probably sleeping in a closet somewhere.
Life is decent. ;)
It's been quite a long time since I've written anything. I never was a stickler for journals or diaries, and since this is similar...yeah...
Life is decent. ;)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Lasagna Soup
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped (yuck, not used in MY recipe)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32-ounce) container chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 ounces broken whole-wheat lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
8 Whole-wheat bread sticks or grissini (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick sauce-pot or Dutch oven. Add the sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is crumbled and browned, 8 – 10 minutes.
Add the broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended, about 20 minutes. Add the noodles; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and the noodles are tender, 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in mozzarella, basil, and the Parmesan. Serve with the bread sticks, if using. (whole-wheat lasagna noodles take a little longer to cook.)
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