Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]
Dallas News.com ^ | March 14th, 2008 | DEAN FOSDICK

Posted on 03/23/2008 11:36:40 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny

Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick

Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.

At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."

Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.

A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."

[snipped]

She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.

"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."

(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...


TOPICS: Food; Gardening
KEYWORDS: atlasshrugged; atlasshrugs; celiac; celiacs; comingdarkness; difficulttimes; diy; emergencyprep; endtimes; food; foodie; foodies; free; freeperkitchen; freepingforsurvival; garden; gardening; gf; gluten; glutenfree; granny; lastdays; makeyourownmixes; mix; mixes; naturaldisasters; nwarizonagranny; obamanomics; operationthrift; prep; preparedness; prepper; preps; recipe; stinkbait; survival; survivallist; survivalplans; survivaltoday; survivingsocialism; teotwawki; victory; victorygardens; wcgnascarthread; zaq
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 7,721-7,7407,741-7,7607,761-7,780 ... 10,021-10,039 next last
To: nw_arizona_granny; JDoutrider; Joya; jetson; upcountry miss; gardengirl
Everyone, I would like to thank you all for your heartfelt prayers. In April of this year I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma without hope of remission. Today I received the news from my oncologist that the second biopsy, taken three weeks ago, showed no cancer cells!!!!!

I need to thank many FReepers who prayed for me and sent me best wishes. Bless you all! May God richly reward you. I love you all!

7,741 posted on 12/05/2008 3:49:20 PM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Join us on the best FR thread, 7000+ posts: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7740 | View Replies]

To: TenthAmendmentChampion
WOW!!!

That is beyond GREAT news!

The power of Prayer never fails to amaze and delight me!

Another humble Prayer in Thanks for HIS Mercy for You!

7,742 posted on 12/05/2008 4:28:24 PM PST by JDoutrider (Heading to Galt's Gulch... It is time.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7741 | View Replies]

To: TenthAmendmentChampion
Wonderful, wonderful news. Hubby of 60+ years is a 7 year survivor of bladder cancer. Lost his bladder but is leading a normal life with his urostomy. We have our vegetable and flower gardens every year and harvest 8-10 cords of wood from our property each year. At ages 77 and 80 it takes a little longer every year but we enjoy the work and the fruits of our labor.
Again, so happy to hear your good news.
7,743 posted on 12/05/2008 6:13:02 PM PST by upcountry miss
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7741 | View Replies]

To: All; milford421

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2008/081201.aspx

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Washington,

D.C. 20535-0001

FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691

Immediate Release

December 1, 2008

Holiday Season Cyber Scammers Target Victims

The FBI is reminding people this holiday season that cyber
criminals continue to aggressively seek ways to steal money and personal information.
Scammers are using several techniques to fool potential victims including sending
unsolicited e-mails that contain attachments such as electronic greeting cards containing
malware (malicious software), setting up spoofing websites that look
like legitimate commercial sites, and unleashing phishing and vishing attacks where
individuals receive e-mails asking for personal data.

“”These cyber scammers will do whatever they can to steal your money and personal
information this holiday season and are trying many different ways to commit these
crimes. The best way to protect yourself is to report these scams to law enforcement
or the Internet Crime Complaint Center,

IC3,”” said Shawn Henry, Assistant Director, FBI Cyber Division,
Washington, D.C.

In the greeting card scam, the cards, which are also referred to as e-cards or postcards,
are being sent via spam. Like many other Internet fraud schemes, the criminals use
social engineering tactics to entice the victim, claiming the card is from a family
member or friend. Although there have been variations in the spam message and attached
malware, generally the spam directs the recipient to click the link provided in
the e-mail to view the e-card. Upon clicking the link, the recipient is unknowingly
taken to a malicious webpage.

Spoofing scams are when criminals create a false or shadow copy of a real website
or e-mail in a way that misleads the recipient. All network traffic between the
victim’s browser and the shadow page are sent through the spoofer’s machine. This
allows the spoofer to acquire personal information, such as passwords, credit card
numbers, and account numbers.

Even though the e-mail looks like the real thing, complete with authentic logos
and working web links, it’s a fake. The website where you’re told to enter your
account information is also fake. In some instances, really slick spoofers direct
you to the genuine website, then pop up a window over the site that captures your
personal information. The information entered does not go to the legitimate site,
but rather to the spoofer’s account. The information you entered will most likely
be sold to criminals, who’ll use it to ruin your credit and drain your account.

In phishing and vishing attacks, individuals report receiving e-mails or text messages
indicating a problem with their account. They are directed to follow the link provided
in the message to update their account or correct the problem. The link actually
directs the individuals to a fraudulent website that looks legitimate where their
personal information, such as account number and
PIN, is compromised.

Other reported scams have included victims receiving an e-mail message asking them
to complete an online survey. At the end of the survey, they are asked for their
personal account information to allow funds to be credited to the account in appreciation
for completing the survey. Providing this information will allow criminals to compromise
the account.

Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud:

* Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
* Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
* Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files
may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
* Avoid filling out forms in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.
* Always compare the link in the e-mail to the link that you are actually directed
to.
* Log on to the official website, instead of “linking” to it from an unsolicited e-mail.
* Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the e-mail to verify if the e-mail
is genuine.

To receive the latest information about cyber scams please go to the FBI website and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of
the red envelopes. If you have received a scam e-mail, please notify the IC3 by
filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov. For more information
on e-scams, please visit the FBI’s New E-Scams and Warnings webpage. http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm


7,744 posted on 12/05/2008 9:28:48 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7704 | View Replies]

To: All; milford421

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2008/081205-1.aspx

Intelligence Note

Prepared by the Internet Crime
Complaint Center (IC3)

December 5, 2008

Circulation of fraudulent e-mail claiming to be from FBI Assistant Director, Kevin Favreau

Spam, purportedly from the FBI,
continues to be an epidemic. As with past spam attacks, the latest version uses
an FBI official’s name. The current spam e-mail claims to be an official order from
the FBI’s Anti-Terrorist and Monetary Crimes Division. Recipients are told they
have been named the beneficiary of millions of dollars; however, the e-mail claims
the FBI has stopped the transfer of these funds due to suspicion that they are related
to terrorism.

Recipients are also given directions on how to obtain a “Diplomatic Immunity Seal
of Transfer” which must be provided or they will face prosecution. Assistant Director
Favreau is fraudulently listed as the “veteran special agent” who authorized the
“official” order.

Do not respond, these e-mails are a hoax.

The FBI does not send unsolicited e-mails. Consumers should not respond to any unsolicited
e-mails or click on any embedded links, as they may contain viruses or malware.

It is imperative consumers guard their personally identifiable information (PII). Providing your PII
will compromise your identify!

If you have been a victim of Internet crime, please file a complaint at
www.IC3.gov.


7,745 posted on 12/05/2008 9:30:22 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7704 | View Replies]

To: All; milford421

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2008/081205-2.aspx

Intelligence Note

Prepared by the Internet Crime
Complaint Center (IC3)

December 5, 2008

New Technique Utilizing Private Branch Exchange (PBX) Systems To Conduct Vishing Attacks

The FBI
has received information concerning a new technique used to conduct vishingi attacks. The recent attacks were conducted
by hackers exploiting a security vulnerability in Asterisk software. Asterisk is free and widely used software developed to integrate PBXii systems with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP),
digital Internet voice calling services; however, early versions of the Asterisk
software are known to have a vulnerability. The vulnerability can be exploited by
cyber criminals to use the system as an auto dialer, generating thousands of vishing
telephone calls to consumers within one hour.

If a consumer falls victim to this exploit, their personally identifiable information
(PII) will be compromised.
To prevent further loss of consumers’ PII and to reduce the spread of this new technique,
it is imperative businesses, using Asterisk, upgrade their software to a version
that has had the vulnerability fixed.

Further, consumers should not release personal information in response to unsolicited
telephone calls. Providing your PII will compromise your identity!

If you have been a victim of Internet crime, please file a complaint at
www.IC3.gov.

1. Vishing utilizes caller ID spoofing via VoIP to contact potential
victims in order to gain access to their PII by convincing the victim that the criminal
is associated with a legitimate business with a need to know the victim’s PII.
2. PBX Systems are used by companies to allow telephone calls
between VoIP enterprise users on local lines while allowing all users to share a
limited number of external lines.


7,746 posted on 12/05/2008 9:32:29 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7704 | View Replies]

To: JDoutrider

Can’t even rototill until then! Geeesh! You can’t even bury the dead before the thaw! (True!)<<<

On second thought, maybe you had better stay where you are.

People retire and move to a warm climate, are you not going backwards? Trying to laugh, but it is cold...to me...tonight.

There has to be problems with real estate paperwork, it gives them a reason for having a job.

You will do fine, just hang in there and be ready to plant as soon as you get there, LOL, yes, I bought seeds before I moved a couple of times........would again.

Start planning an attached solar greenhouse and then you will be able to make it through the winter.


7,747 posted on 12/05/2008 9:40:37 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7739 | View Replies]

To: TenthAmendmentChampion

oncologist that the second biopsy, taken three weeks ago, showed no cancer cells!!!!!<<<

Have said several prayers of thanks and willingly say more.

What wonderful news, I am so glad, what a load you have had to carry with you, you will be a new person.

You kept coming into my mind, off and on all day, now I know why, you were sending out powerful waves of emotion.

My thanks to God and his healing hands and to all the Freepers who have such strong prayers.


7,748 posted on 12/05/2008 9:44:19 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7741 | View Replies]

To: JDoutrider

Thank you JD, I started a separate thread and it was so heartwarming with everyone stopping by to say hi and leave good wishes. I love you all and I will never forget all the support and prayer that went on here. Praise God for all my FReeper FRiends!


7,749 posted on 12/05/2008 11:18:57 PM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Join us on the best FR thread, 7000+ posts: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7742 | View Replies]

To: upcountry miss; gardengirl; Gabz; JDoutrider; nw_arizona_granny

Thank you UMiss, I pray for long life and happy days for both you and your husband. I am looking beyond 2009 (I honestly did not know if I would live past this year) and rejoicing in God’s goodness. Now I need to learn how to garden - from you and granny and GardenGirl and Gabz, and JDoutrider.


7,750 posted on 12/05/2008 11:22:22 PM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Join us on the best FR thread, 7000+ posts: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7743 | View Replies]

To: nw_arizona_granny

Thank you Granny, you have become very important to me. I am praying for you and Scott. God bless you for all your kindness to me. I’m so glad I met you!


7,751 posted on 12/05/2008 11:24:39 PM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Join us on the best FR thread, 7000+ posts: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7748 | View Replies]

To: All

Many of your readers might be interested in building DIY solar heaters. There are many projects located here:

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/Space_Heating.htm

If you are not the handy type you can also purchase prefab panels from companies like this:

http://ussolarheating.com/

The above came from this link:

http://www.jetsongreen.com/links.html

Yes, it is a green site, and will prove very interesting in the survival mode that many are considering and being forced into.

This site is many links to builders and products, that we might want to consider, not to join ‘them’, but simply because it is a good idea.

Will take time to dig the good info out of all these links.

Last couple nights, I seem to be caught up in links to links...LOL
granny


7,752 posted on 12/05/2008 11:33:40 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7704 | View Replies]

To: TenthAmendmentChampion

(I honestly did not know if I would live past this year) and rejoicing in God’s goodness. Now I need to learn how to garden -<<<

It appears that God has slowed you down and pointed out a new direction, life and goals to you.

Life’s paths often take sharp turns.


7,753 posted on 12/05/2008 11:38:24 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7750 | View Replies]

To: TenthAmendmentChampion

I’m so glad I met you!<<<

Not any more than I am to now call you friend.

Thank you for your prayers, they mean much to me.

Again, I did not check my pings, my days are too short to do it all.

I am joining you in rejoicing.


7,754 posted on 12/05/2008 11:40:28 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7751 | View Replies]

To: All; Calpernia; gardengirl; DAVEY CROCKETT; milford421; Oyarsa

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2143839/posts?page=7

NM Dept. Of Health Recommends Breastfeeding After Infant Dies Of Rare Illness
KFox TV.com ^

Posted on Friday, December 05, 2008 7:47:37 PM by Oyarsa

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A New Mexico infant is dead and another is getting treatment at a hospital for a rare illness called enterobacter sakazakii.


7,755 posted on 12/06/2008 12:16:33 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7754 | View Replies]

To: All

http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/category/546/

Don’t Cut Off the Netting—Yet

When you bring your tree home, carry it into the house and set it up in the stand before removing the netting. It’ll slip right through doors, hallways and stairwells without making a mess. You’ll find it easier to get at the tree stand screws and easier to tell if the tree is straight.
By the experts at The Family Handyman

Washing Hose Security

Hole Punch for Magazines

Duct Tape Wristbands

Click here for more Handy Hints


Great Goofs
Smoker gone bad

Click Image to enlarge.
Last Thanksgiving, my father prepared a turkey in his smoker. He soaked hickory chips and put them in a charcoal grill along with the turkey. The results were fantastic. The next day he cleaned the grill and threw the burned charcoal into the trash can in the workshop. A day later we walked out to the shop. When we opened the door, a huge billow of black smoke and heat poured out. After a few minutes, the air was clear enough for us to get in and open the large garage door. The entire shop was coated in black soot and in the middle of the floor sat a 3-ft. circle of melted plastic and ash—all that was left of his 35-gallon plastic trash can. He now discards his ashes outside—in the fire pit!
by Scott Richey

Going down?

Stovetop lollipop

Troubled troubleshooting

Click here for more Great Goofs


7,756 posted on 12/06/2008 1:24:35 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7754 | View Replies]

To: All

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Spiced-Raisin-Bread/Print

Spiced Raisin Bread

From Quick Cooking

I have two bread machines, and one is often busy baking this soft chewy loaf. The bread’s nutmeg, cloves and orange peel fill my home with a wonderful aroma. Slices are great for peanut butter sandwiches.
SERVINGS
24
CATEGORY
Breads
METHOD
Bread Machine
PREP
15 min.
COOK
180 min.
TOTAL
195 min.
INGREDIENTS

* 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water(70° to 80°)
* 3/4 cup raisins
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
* 3 cups bread flour
* 2-1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

DIRECTIONS

In bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available.
Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour if needed). Yield: Yield: 1 loaf (1-1/2 pounds, 24 slices).

Printed from tasteofhome.com Dec 6, 2008
Copyright Reiman Media Group, Inc © 2008


7,757 posted on 12/06/2008 1:31:44 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7754 | View Replies]

To: All

http://www.localharvest.org/blog/12447/

Blossom’s Wild Herb Lavender Farm
(Columbia Station, Ohio)
Crafty and Herby Recipes from the Garden
[ Member listing ]
04 Dec · Thu 2008

Herbs in an Advent Wreath and associated with Christmas

There are many legends about herbs and the roles they played in the Christmas story.
The wreath circle stands for eternity, the following is an explanation of herbs often found in an advent wreath:

Juniper, cedar and pine protected the Holy Family on their flight from Egypt.

Ivy denotes the trinity.

Lavender represents purity and virtue, lavender is said to have received its lovely scent when it served as the drying rack for the Baby Jesus’ swaddling clothes

Sage stands for immortality.

Horehound is a wish for good health.

Rue is a symbol or virtue and banishes evil.

Thyme another manger herb stands for bravery and strength of Christ.

Rosemary is for remembrance.

The story associated with rosemary is that its flowers changed from white to blue in Mary’s honor.

Bedstraw, is considered a manager herb.

Pennyroyal, is supposed to have bloomed at midnight on Christmas Eve in Christ’s honor.

Costmary, also known as Bible leaf and used as a bookmark the fragrance chases insects, was used by Mary Magdalene to make an ointment for the baby Jesus.

Tansy is associated with immortality.

We carry all the above plants in spring ready to ship to your door.

See more at www.blossomfarm.com

Posted by Blossomfarm @ 02:48 PM CST [ Comments [0] ]

01 Dec · Mon 2008

EASY! Lavender Dream Pillows, it is not too late to MAKE!

You will need:

one 8 by 10 inch soft fabric such as velor, satin or velvet
one cup of rice or flax seed
1/4 to 1/2 cup lavender flower buds (dried)

Fold the material in half with wrong sides together.
Sew two of the long side together and sew one short side. 1/2 inch seam allowance
(The pillow will be 4 by 9 when you are done sewing.)
Turn right side out and you will have a small pillow case.
Fill with bag lavender and your choice of flax or rice.
Turn the edges of the short side down and hem.

Now you can have an enjoyable pillow for relaxtion.
Simply place over your eyes to rest or meditate.

Gayle at www.blossomfarm.com
Posted by Blossomfarm @ 10:59 AM CST [ Comments [0] ]

25 Nov · Tue 2008

Lavender Laundry Softener Recipe - What mom wants for christmas — Not

This is another interesting homemade item to add to you lavender gift basket.

Lavender Laundry Softener

* 32 oz. white vinegar
* 32 oz. baking soda
* 64 oz. distilled or purified water
* ½ oz. lavender essential oil.

Mix the baking soda into the vinegar over a sink
or other contained area, in a large plastic jar. The two materials, when mixed together, will cause a “fizzing” reaction. Add water and essential oil and stir again. *As gifts, dispense into plastic bottles and label with the following directions: Use 1/4 cup per load. Add in rinse cycle.
Posted by Blossomfarm @ 06:33 AM CST [ Comments [1] ]

24 Nov · Mon 2008

Lavender - Lemon Cream Cheese Scones

Now you made the lavender sugar, here is a starter recipe.

* 1/3 cup firm Butter
* 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup Lavender sugar
* 1 tablespoon grated Lemon peel
* 1 teaspoon Royal Velvet Culinary Lavender
* 2 teaspoons Baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon Salt
* 1/3 cup Milk
* 3 ounces soften Cream cheese
* 1 Egg
* Lemon juice and additional lavender sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the margarine into the flour, lavender sugar, lemon peel, baking powder and salt with a pastry blender in a large bowl until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Gradually stir the milk into the cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the cream cheese mixture, lavender and the egg into the flour mixture until the
dough leaves the side of the bowl and forms a ball. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface; gently roll in flour to coat. Knead lightly 10 times. Pat or roll into a 9-inch circle on an ungreased cookie sheet. Brush with lemon juice. Sprinkle with lavender sugar. Cut into 8 wedges, do not separate. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Immediately remove from the cookie sheet; separate the wedges. Serve warm.
Posted by Blossomfarm @ 11:33 AM CST [ Comments [0] ]

22 Nov · Sat 2008

Lavender Sugar a great Gift for yourself

I am making this today to have on hand for the holidays, it will last up to a year. I will be posting recipes in the near future that uses lavender sugar since some folks are shy about eating buds....

LAVENDER SUGAR
Ingredients
3.5 cups sugar
4 tablespoons lavender flowers

I alternate the lavender in the jar and after about a month
you can pass it through a strainer to remove the buds or leave them in.

Strain it for things like whipped cream, cream brulee or sprinkling on berries,
But you can leave the buds in if cooking the sugar for example cookies.
You can also toss the sugar with buds in a food processor to grind it up a bit before using.

Stored in a dark place, mix well again and use as needed. The sugar is good to use for up to one year.

You can substitute confectioner’s sugar rather than granulated sugar. Use in icings and dustings.
Give as Gifts:
Once the lavender sugar is ready to be used, you can pour in decorative glass jars and give as gifts.
Attach cards giving ideas for use as well as provide the recipe is a nice touch, I have many lots and lots of lavender recipes post on my website located at www.blossomfarm.com/recipes_lavender.htm
Posted by Blossomfarm @ 12:12 PM CST [ Comments [0] ]

An attitude of gratitude

By having an attitude of thankfulness shift us from a life full of negativity.
I had an unusal way of being raised, I am thankful everyday to the life that I lead now.
Some of my favorite quotes of thankfulness and gratitude.

Reflect Each Day On All You Have To Be Grateful For And
You Will Receive More To Be Grateful For.
—Chuck Danes

Let’s be grateful for those who give us happiness; they are the charming gardeners who make our soul bloom.
—Marcel Proust

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.
—Buddha

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.
—Meister Eckhart

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.
—Henry Ward Beecher

Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality.
—Alfred Painter

There is as much greatness of mind in acknowledging a good turn, as in doing it.
— Seneca

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
—Winston Churchill

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
— William Authur Ward

And THANK YOU ALL!-— for making the Blossom Farm what it is today!

Posted by Blossomfarm @ 12:04 PM CST [ Comments [1] ]

20 Nov · Thu 2008

Gel Air Fresheners - Great stocking stuffer

This would make great little hostess gift and of course stocking stuffer. I hate to waste good vodka and have made them with rubbing alcohol and it is less expensive.

GEL AIR FRESHENERS
1 packet of unflavored Knox Gelatin
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup vodka of grain alcohol
1- 2 TBSP. fragrance oil
Food coloring as desired. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Allow to cool to room temperature then add the vodka, coloring and scent. Pour into decorative jar (I use 8 ounce canning jar) with tight fitting lid, and refrigerate till set.

Later put a piece of eyelet lace (or comparable breathable fabric) on the top and screw down the ring; if giving as a gift, I would put the canning lid on, then the lace and ring.
Posted by Blossomfarm @ 07:51 PM CST [ Comments [1] ]

18 Nov · Tue 2008

Aromatic Spice Necklace
SPICE NECKLACE
This is a simple necklace and fun to make with kids. You would want to have older children since you will be using a sharp needle. I introduce this last year at a church youth group with mixed ages and caused some bloodshed.
This calls for soaking your spices in very warm water (it is ok for it to cool) for at least 12 hours. The wholes spices recommended are the following:
Allspice
Cinnamon sticks (after soaking cut with pruning shear)
Cardamom pods
Tonka beans
Star Anise
Clove buds
I used dental floss and sharp needles to push through the softened spices.
You can buy nice necklace closures at a local craft store.
This smell wonderful. I do sell bulk spices by the pound so you visit my website if you need a larger amount then you can buy at the local grocery
Posted by Blossomfarm @ 08:00 AM CST [ Comments [1] ]

12 Nov · Wed 2008

Hunter’s Minestrone

This is from Tyler Florence Utilmate this is a wonderful recipe and uses lots and lots of fresh herbs. I have made it numerous times and is always a winner with my picky family. This is a very thick type soup/stew. I used only one can of beans (black beans, there is a cannelloni bean shortage). If you think there will be left overs, I would keep the noodles out until serving or they get all broken up after heating and re-heating. I used hot italian sausage, and served with my Tuscan Lavender Bread Dip on the side.

Hunter’s Minestrone

* 2 quarts chicken stock
* 1 head garlic, halved
* 1/2 pound small rigatoni
* Extra-virgin olive oil
* 8 fresh sage leaves
* 1 sprig fresh rosemary
* 1 sprig fresh thyme
* 3/4 pound loose sweet Italian pork sausage
* 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
* 2 celery ribs, roughly chopped
* 1 onion, roughly chopped
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed plum tomatoes
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 (28-ounce) cans cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
* 1/2 bunch fresh parsley leaves, finely minced
* Coarsely ground black pepper
* 12 slices baguette
* 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Combine the stock and halved garlic head in a big saucepan and simmer for about 15 minutes to give the stock a nice, garlicky taste; strain out the garlic. Keep warm.
Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the rigatoni.

Pour 1/4 cup olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the sage, rosemary and thyme and warm the oil over medium heat to infuse it with the flavor of the herbs, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the sausage with the side of a big spoon until well browned. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion in a food processor. Add to the saucepan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

To the pan with the sausage stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, cannelloni beans, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.

Cook the rigatoni in the boiling water for 6 minutes; it should be slightly underdone. Drain and stir into the simmering soup. Add the parsley, and salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste. Discard the bay leaf and herb sprigs.

To serve, preheat the broiler. Put the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and float a couple of the baguette slices on top.

Posted by Blossomfarm @ 11:02 AM CST [ Comments [0] ]

07 Nov · Fri 2008

Collecting Recipes and not making them.

I love collecting recipes from the newspaper, magazine since 1985. What I find disappointing is when you make a big name TV chef recipe (will not name, names) and you follow directions to the “T” it - taste like cat food. As I make the recipes and if they turn out great I will post them. I hope you will not be disappointed but none the less I have found them interesting. My men (DH and son) in my life are a pain to cook for-—but I still force them to eat it, they know not to comment on the food or they will cook the next day. They are anti-vegetables and if by eight o’clock if they they are cooking a hot dog or pop corn -—dinner was not approved. Of course all my recipes will contain herbs and of course lavender!

Posted by Blossomfarm @ 10:00 AM CST [ Comments [0] ]


7,758 posted on 12/06/2008 1:40:42 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7754 | View Replies]

To: All

Irish Cream Bread-Machine Bread
Yields: 1 servings

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups water very warm
1 package yeast, active dry
1 cup oats
3 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons liqueur irish cream style
Directions

Put ingredients in pan in order listed, Select “white bread” setting on machine and press Start. The bread doesn’t rise much, but the texture is great.
printed from: http://recipes.recipeland.com/recipes/recipe/Irish_Cream_Bread-Machine_Bread_3811
© 2008 www.RecipeLand.com All rights reserved.


7,759 posted on 12/06/2008 6:50:36 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7754 | View Replies]

To: All

Eggnog Bread - ABM
Yields: 16 servings

Ingredients
2 tablespoons sugar
1 package yeast, active dry
2 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2-3/4 cups eggnog at room temp
Directions

Place ingred. in the B/M according to your manufacturers’

directions. Then adjust by adding flour or liquid as needed
printed from: http://recipes.recipeland.com/recipes/recipe/Eggnog_Bread_-_ABM_5611
© 2008 www.RecipeLand.com All rights reserved.


7,760 posted on 12/06/2008 6:52:43 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=7451 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7754 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 7,721-7,7407,741-7,7607,761-7,780 ... 10,021-10,039 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson