Daddy Love

Even if he didn't have that awesome hair, I would still love this man more than chocolate, coffee, and old bookstores combined. Which is saying a lot.

Listening To......Emmylou Harris Light of the Stable

I know it sounds Scroogey, but I'm really not big on Christmas music. I think it's due to the fact that most Christmas music is intricately linked in my mind with crowded, frenzied holiday shopping madness, blaring obnoxiously from box store speakers. Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with that this year (thank you internet and sweet hubby), but the associations are still there.

Emmylou Harris's Christmas album is the exception. This album is exquisite, and for three years it has been the only record we play while we decorate the Christmas tree. I think that probably qualifies as an official "tradition." After the perky opening tune, the rest of the album is slower, calmer, and deeply soulful and reflective. Her voice soars on traditional carols like "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," and "The First Noel," and the eclecticism she is known for as a song collector is revealed in gems like "Angel Eyes" (on which she is joined by Willie Nelson) and the title track "Light of the Stable" (on which she is joined by Neil Young, Dolly Parton, and Linda Rondstadt on harmony vocals).

This is the perfect soundtrack for quiet winter evenings with those you hold dear.

Reading........Family Holiday Favorites

Snow, snow, and more snow! Today we have a temporary break from all the snowy weather and even a bit of sunshine, but things are expected to whiten back up over the next few days. For the most part, I enjoy winter (although I think technically this is still fall, right?), and snow is beautiful and magical of course, but this bitter, bitter cold is trying my patience a bit. It was 4 degrees this morning. In North Carolina, that is too cold. This has been an "enjoy from the window" sort of snow, not a "build a snowman and frolic and play" type of snow, which is sort of a shame for Miss Kate, who is (much like her Mama) itching to be outdoors. Oh well. Being stuck indoors has a few perks. For instance, ample time to snuggle up by the fire with our favorite Christmas picture books.


I'm excited about our new "seasonal" book box. It's actually an old kindling box made by my Grandfather (on my dad's side). He died when I was 8 years old, and although I do remember him, those memories are growing more vague and blurry as time goes by. My dad recently found a collection of these old boxes in my grandfather's toolshed. They were a bit scuffed and dirty, mostly used to store tools and such, but with a quick cleaning and polishing they took on the rustic simplicity that suits our little cabin perfectly. We have one on the porch to use for kindling, and then this one is an ideal size for storing the seasonal books I want us to have ready access to, without having to dig around on the (overcrowded) bookshelf. I love that we are able to have this tangible connection to my grandfather through something he made with his own hands. Bringing it into our home to use on a daily basis brings a bit of his spirit and memory back as well, which is so important throughout the year, but especially resonates at Christmas.

And so, I thought I would share a few of our favorite family Holiday books that fill the book box. I expect this list will grow and change each year, but these are the books in heavy rotation this year.

Our copy of the Little Golden Books Christmas Story was mine when I was a little girl, and I'm sorry to say it is in pretty bad shape, including a last page completely covered with brown crayon which I can only attribute to my toddler self. Or perhaps I'll just blame my little sister (in the way big sisters so often do). But, it's a beautiful book nonetheless, and the simple language and gorgeous, vibrant illustrations really bring this special story to life for us.

Kate and I love Eloise anytime of the year, but the Christmas book is one of our favorites! It's "drinkles and sklinkles of fun!"

This is a new book for us this year, but it's already a favorite. We've been enjoying Elsa Beskow's books for awhile now, and this summer we were first introduced to Peter and Lotta et. al. when Kate fell in love with Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, and Aunt Lavender. This is a delightful Christmas story, full of simple, old fashioned Swedish customs. We love the notion of a Christmas goat!

This is a lovely book for dog lovers, featuring bright, colorful illustrations. It's a sweet story about Olive, a dog who joins Santa's reindeer and uses her special canine talents to save Christmas.

Of course this book is on our list and everyone else's. It's a classic for a reason.....

What are you reading this holiday season?

From the Cabin Kitchen.....Chewy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

I've made three batches of these cookies in the past few days, but there's nary a picture to show for it. They just keep disappearing before I can get to the camera. Perhaps batch #4 will be the lucky ones to achieve cookie stardom. And batch #4 will probably be made tonight, after Mark picks up walnuts and butter from the grocery store after work. I'm not quite willing to brave a grocery store run during the snow and ice with a toddler and a two week old just so I can make some cookies. Even these cookies, which understandably could inspire one to take such desperate measures. But, in single digit temperatures, I can wait. Besides, these are really Mark's cookies. I make them, and he eats them. With coffee, late at night, for breakfast. By the fistful. I have a slew of holiday recipes I'm dying to try out (like Nigella's chocolate orange cake, Molly's peppermint bark, and Deb's Roasted Chestnut Cookies), and yet each time I suggest the mere possibility of something new, he shrugs his shoulders and looks so sad at the possibility of a day without these oatmeal walnut chewies that I can't help but give in. It's funny because my dear one of the picky palate so rarely gets this enthusiastic over anything culinary (except ice cream).

These are humble little cookies, much more at home in a lunch box than a holiday cookie buffet. Even when I do manage to get a photograph of them, it's unlikely to be very impressive (not like this cake on the cover of December's Bon Appetit that Kate is insisting we make...clearly she has a misplaced faith in her mother's cake decorating abilities). In the midst of the holiday cookie extravaganza, these cookies won't do much to excite the eye, but they are divine nonetheless. I've snuck in a few bites myself, and they are indeed chewy, dense, nutty morsels of perfection. I'm happy to report that the gestational diabetes did indeed go away after Andrew's birth, and my blood sugar levels have returned to normal levels. But, even though I have been eating bread again, I'm still staying away from refined sugar as much as possible, which needless to say is something of a challenge during the holidays. I'm not doing nearly as much baking as I usually do, and as this recipe illustrates, when I do bake, I tend to devote my baking energies to the tastes and requests of my nearest and dearest. It's working out well so far. If I were to make these cookies for myself I would jazz them up by tossing in some dried cranberries and chunks of dark chocolate, but Mark would be horrified. Keeping them simple, rustic, and monochromatic works out best for both of us.

Chewy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour *
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup walnuts

*(A note about the flour.....the recipe calls for all-purpose, but I've been sneaking in whole wheat flours wherever I can lately.....This book is definitely on my Christmas list......So, for these cookies I used 1 cup all purpose unbleached flour and 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour.....Shhh, don't tell Mark.......)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well.

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in small bowl. Add slowly to butter/sugar/egg mixture. Mix well.

Stir in oats, walnuts, and coconut.

Drob by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool one minute on cookie sheet. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. Or just start eating.

Important Things

As the laundry and dishes pile up to Everest proportions and I can't remember the last time I washed my hair, these words remind me to focus on what is most important right now:

Song for a Fifth Child

by: Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth

Empty the dustpan, poison the moth

Hang out the washing, make up the bed

Sew on a button and butter the bread

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,

Lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo.

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew

And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo

But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo

Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?

Lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.

Tree Trimming

I'm sure there are things more magical and enchanting than being two years old and decorating your Christmas tree. I just can't think of any right now......

Babymoon, Snow, and Christmas Preparations

We're slowly emerging from the fog of the babymoon. Last week we holed up in the cabin, just the four of us, basking in baby bliss, counting those sweet baby toes, nuzzling those soft baby cheeks, watching in amazement as sibling love blossoms and grows (Miss Kate is absolutely smitten with her brother).....There's still a lot of that going on of course, but Mark went back to the office yesterday, so we're gently settling into our "new normal", figuring out the new rhythmns and routines of our days as a foursome.

A snowstorm moved through Sunday, and actually is only beginning to taper off today. It's been beautiful, although I haven't spent any time outdoors, what with the wee one to tend to. Kate did go for a short winter wonderland walk with her daddy. We've had about four to five inches. The cold is bitter though, so I've taken my job of keeping the home fires burning very seriously. I love our woodstove; nothing is cozier than curling up next to the fire with a hot cup of tea and a babe snuggled to your breast.

This weekend we are revving up the Christmas magic around these parts. Saturday we'll put up the Christmas tree and other decorations. Andrew's arrival means I'm doing this later in the year than usual, but actually I think taking a bit of a break between Thanksgiving and Christmas has been nice, and something we'll probably continue. I've always been one of those who takes the tree down the day after Christmas, and it makes me feel a bit Scroogey. But when it's been up since the day after Thanksgiving, frankly I'm just sick of it and want my house back to normal. So by waiting a bit, I'm hoping to be able to enjoy the tree and the holiday spirit until New Year's at least. We shall see.....

A few other things tickling my fancy of late:

These chocolate dipped homemade marshmallows (more for Kate than me, of course......she's gaga for marshmallows)

Molly's skillet carrots......So simple, but absolutely delicious in a wholesome, savory sort of way (a welcome reprieve from the sugary gluttony that takes over this time of year). These will definitely be made again and again, much like her recipe for braised cabbage that we have at least on a weekly basis throughout the fall and winter. Also, the news that she is working on a new book has me thrilled! A Homemade Life is probably my favorite food memoir ever.

This Advent calendar: Every year I say I'm going to make an advent calendar, and have yet to do it. But this one is so simple, but so beautiful and inspiring, I'm bookmarking it for next year.....

Everybody Likes Sandwiches: A new (to me) food blog to devour. Specifically, I'm loving this post on holiday baking and gift giving.

Welcome Baby Andrew!

Mark, Kate, and I are overjoyed to welcome Andrew Brown Bumgarner into the world and into our hearts. He arrived at 10:57 a.m. on Friday, November 26, 2010. I look forward to sharing our birth story soon! We are truly filled with the spirit of gratitude and thankfulness this holiday weekend.

Gigging......The Early Years

Mark has a hot, new harmonica player. She rocks.

Waiting.....

For the first time since Kate was born, time seems to be slowing down. One of the things that amazed me most about parenthood was the sheer swiftness with which those first weeks, months, and, yes, now I can even say years, flew by. This is obviously not a unique or in any way astounding revelation. It's the sort of thing you always hear people say, but for me, the concept of time whirling by at the speed of light didn't really have any real world relevance until I became a mother myself. But oh boy, does it ever. In the blink of an eye, my tiny, helpless newborn transformed into a sweet, energetic, opinionated toddler with boundless energy and an extensive vocabulary. Whew. Well, now, as I wait for the birth of our second child, I find that the hours have slowed down almost to pre-baby speed. The days creep by, ever so slowly. It's a strange sensation, but I sort of like it. And knowing now how short lived it will be, I'm in a far better position to appreciate this time for the mindful meditation and reflection it offers.

The grouchiness I mentioned last week has passed, thank goodness. I think that probably had far more to do with being sick than with being pregnant. I'm still pretty uncomfortable (which goes without saying, at this point). But thankfully, the worst of the cold/flu ickiness seems to have passed. Giving birth is daunting enough without having to wonder if you'll be coughing and constantly blowing your nose between contractions. I'm not quite 100 %, but much, much better. And in a much better mood too.

Although my due date is technically December 11th, Saturday will mark 37 weeks, and thus, full term. Because Kate sort of snuck up on me at 36 weeks and 6 days, I never found myself in the throes of anticipation with her. I worked, came home, my water broke, I went to the hospital, and she was born the next day. So I'm sort of wondering how these next few weeks will play out. The fact that I have my bag packed and everything is in a far greater state of readiness makes me think I might have to wait a bit this go around, because that's just how things go. We shall see.

In the meantime, I spend my days playing with Kate (cherishing these last moments of one on one time with her), sipping raspberry leaf tea, taking long, slow walks with Sally Rose, reading my childbirth books...again (Birthing From Within is my favorite), watching old movies, knitting (badly I might add, but it's still calming), praying, and of course, waiting......

Dairy Farmer Bling

Finally, a rap video for those of us with more agrarian sensibilities. This made me smile. :)

via Cold Antler Farm

Listening To.......Nora Jane Struthers and the Bootleggers

Mark and Kate have gone to Boone for the day to visit Mark's folks. Due to being so hugely pregnant, plus a little bout with a cold this week (yes indeed, I did jinx myself a few days ago by claiming to have avoided the germfest....sigh) I'm staying home. It's funny how I'll look forward to these rare pockets of solitude, and then, once I find myself actually in them I'm sort of all at odds, not quite knowing what to do with so much free time. Oh, there's plenty to do of course: vacuum, dust, clean out the refrigerator, and all those fun, domestic duties that are much easier to do without the "help" of a two year old. Maybe later.....

Right now, I'm pretty busy, listening to the music of Nora Jane Struthers, an artist I discovered just this morning. Mark brought in a copy of what I thought was this week's Take Five (the entertainment guide in our local paper), and as I leafed through it, an announcement for a Nora Jane Struthers show caught my attention. I think it was her pretty vintage dress and 40s style hair that made me stop and check it out. Anyway, the announcement said, show tonight at the Madison County Arts Council. Hmm. I haven't been out anywhere lately, much less to a concert. By myself. I've never had a problem going to movies and shows by myself, but something about being 36 weeks pregnant leaves you feeling a bit vulnerable and well, it's hard to blend into the crowd, and people fuss over you, which is sometimes downright embarassing, however well intentioned. Still, I had made up my mind that I was going to go anyway. Then I checked the venue website, and it turns out the show was last Saturday. Mark had given me an old paper. What a dirty trick.

Ah well. It's probably better to stay home and curl up with a good book and a cup of tea tonight anyway. And the upside of it is, I've discovered a talented new artist whose music and style I'm absolutely loving. This is Americana music at its best: a rootsy fusion of bluegrass, old time, and folk that is simultaneously all of these things and yet still fresh and unique. Her lyrics weave together the past and the present with a grace and elegance comparable to Gillian Welch. The album is pretty amazing, featuring stellar musicians like Tim O'Brien and Stuart Duncan. Next time she comes to town, I hope I have the current paper! Definitely an artist worth checking out.

Reading.......The Dogs of Bedlam Farm

One of the advantages of no longer being able to sleep at night (racing thoughts, cumbersome bellies that can't get comfortable, and innumerable trips to the bathroom - yes, this baby thinks my bladder is a trampoline!), is being able to indulge in a long overdue book binge. See, there's a silver lining to everything, right?

A few nights ago, I finished up Jon Katz's book, The Dogs of Bedlam Farm, and I loved it. I was thrilled to learn that there is a vast Katz library out there to be savored, page by page. Bring on those night time feedings baby boy! I might pass on the murder thrillers, but the dog books? Yes, please! I've always been a dog lover, but Katz elevates your average dog lover's adoration of our canine companions to a deep, almost spiritual level. The book is a simple memoir, a middle aged suburbanite spending the winter in a farmhouse in Washington County in upstate New York. The writing is clear and to the point, with incidences both bitingly funny and sometimes, deeply sad as well (although as Katz writes in the foreward, no dogs die in this book.....I would have kept reading it anyway, but that claim made me feel much safer in doing so). But the overarching promise of this book is found in the author's insights into how our relationship with dogs reveals so much about our relationship with our fellow humans, the rest of the natural world, and even ourselves. These revelations are so profound and thought provoking that, if you're like me, you'll have an entirely new respect and admiration for the precious pooch you already loved. And, again if you're like me, you'll be trying to convince your husband that it makes perfect sense to get a small herd of sheep and two border collies come spring. Negotiations are pending.

A Temporary Grouch

A little confession: I've turned into something of a grouch. Only a temporary grouch, but a grumpy, easily ruffled one just the same. This particular strain of grouchiness is typically observed in women who are 36 weeks pregnant or more. Easy to identify, this grouchiness is brought on by mental, emotional, and physical strain and manifests itself in fits of weepiness alternated with less frequent but equally intense fits of industry as she attempts to ready herself and her little nest for the soon to be born baby. Washing and folding tiny blue baby clothes will offer a brief reprieve from aforementioned grouchiness and bring a wistful smile to her face and flutters of eager anticipation to her chest. Cherish these moments, as they are likely to be short lived and will abruptly end as her throbbing back brings her back down to the very uncomfortable reality of the present. And then she'll have to go pee. For the 52nd time that day.

Oh dear, what a rant! I don't really mean it of course, just letting off steam. I am getting rather big and cumbersome, but even more than that, I'm just so very eager to meet this little fellow, my patience is running out. All in good time, I'm sure, and I'm trying to remember to breathe deeply and be fully present in these oh so precious moments. Nothing is ever certain of course, but I'd say there's a fair chance this might be our last baby (we both come from two kid households, so it feels normal), and thus this could very well be the last time I'll feel these precious (and powerful!) little jabs and punches that accompany pregnancy. So, rather than whine and carry on, I'm going to make a concentrated effort to enjoy this time of waiting. I will try.

From the Cabin Kitchen.....Old Fashioned Blueberry Molasses Cake

Okay, so it doesn't look like much. Fair enough. You could chalk it up to my lack of skill at culinary photography, but honestly, it's not just the picture. Even in real life, this little cake is not going to be winning any beauty contests, bless her heart. But remember, appearances can be deceiving, and this cake is like the homecoming queen's funnier, smarter best friend. Not beautiful, by any means, but so full of other virtues that this lack of beauty becomes a complete non-issue.

This is another 101 Cookbooks recipe. Yes, I realize that makes the last two of my From the Cabin Kitchen posts direct Heidi knockoffs, so perhaps I should explain why I'm so enthralled with her recipes right now. Well, of course there's the obvious: sharp writing, eclectic recipes, and gorgeous photography. But that can be found elsewhere. What really sets this website apart is the focus on whole foods and natural ingredients, and that has recently become of paramount importance to me. I haven't mentioned this here yet, but a little over a month ago, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I was completely caught off guard, having had no problems at all during my pregnancy with Kate (who had more than her fair share of Nutella, chocolate cake, and peanut butter in utero), but as it sank in, I realized that really, this shouldn't have been so shocking after all. Like most young(ish) folks, I've always taken my good health for granted. However, in the back of my mind, I've always known that Type II Diabetes is rampant on both sides of my family, although it usually doesn't show up until the age of 50 or older (which, until recently, seemed almost as old as 30 seems to a teenager). So, despite the fact that I wasn't considered overweight and actually could get on quite the high horse about the perils and pitfalls of industrialized junk food, it turns out that all those processed/refined flours and sugars found in my "from scratch" cooking and baking routines could do me (and my baby) plenty of harm.

As it turns out, health (and even more so, the health of your baby), as a motivational tool is about a million times more powerful than vanity alone. The desire to wear a size 4 was never strong enough to force me to give up chocolate. But when we're talking about health (and I've witnessed the ravages of diabetes in more than one family member), all of a sudden, that brownie just isn't worth it. I'll admit that the abrupt removal of sugar from my diet was something of a shock. Especially given the kibbutz it put on my autumn baking regimen. No creamy, peanut buttery fudge. No raw apple cake with homemade cinnamon ice cream. No pumpkin bread. No hot chocolate. And yet, I found that after the immediate shock and initial feelings of deprivation, the cravings for sugary sweets gradually went away. Which is not to say that I could pass by a bakery counter with complete nonchalance, but the desire for sweets, unsated, moved to the recesses of my brain, no longer kicking up such a constan ruckus.

As many well-meaning friends and family have reminded me, gestational diabetes typically goes away after the baby is born. But this whole experience has made very clear to me that I can't view this as a "temporary" problem. For one thing, more than 60% of women who have gestational diabetes will go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within the next ten years. Given the genetic factors I already carry, I think it's clear that the lifestyle changes I've made over the past month are far from temporary. And, for that, I'm truly thankful. This has been a dramatic wake up call, but the unexpected silver lining is the realization that I can no longer take my good health for granted. Right now, with a baby inside me completely dependent on the decisions I make, these changes have come relatively easily. But after the baby is born, regardless of what diagnostic tests and blood sugar level numbers say, I know that refined sugar has no place in my diet if I want to be healthy. At one time, that last sentence would have sent me reeling into a deep dark depression, but not anymore. Gestational diabetes has led me to explore the world of natural, whole foods, and, more specifically, natural sweeteners, on a much deeper level than I ever bothered to before. And in all honesty, rather than being depressed, I'm finding myself so excited about all the natural options out there that, frankly, make white sugar just seem plain boring by comparison.

Which brings me back to this cake (whew.....that post grew much longer than I anticipated!) The past few days have kept Kate and I mostly indoors. She's getting over a cold (which so far I've managed to avoid catching....knock on wood), and outside it's a gray, blustery, very November-y sort of day. The old Aimee would have declared this the perfect day to whip up a batch of fudge, but obviously, that is out of the question. Still, I had an overwhelming urge to bake, and I vaguely recalled seeing this recipe several months ago. At the time, I dismissed it, with it's complete lack of sugar and appallingly scant use of butter as "hippie/health freak food likely to taste like syrupy cardboard." Amazing how one's mindset can change in just a few short months, huh? Well, I still had my doubts about it being edible, but decided we might as well give it a whirl. Besides, we're blessed with an abundance of molasses making friends so I've got molasses coming out my ears and relatively few recipes in which to use it. So we donned our aprons and got to work.

This recipe forced me out of my comfort zone on so many levels. Apple cider vinegar? In a cake? Seriously? I'm still not really sure what the purpose of that step was (some sort of buttermilk substitution trick?), but the end result removed any remaining worries. Perhaps it's due to the fact that I haven't had anything overtly sweet in over a month, but I fell head over heels in love with this cake. If it counts for anything, Miss Kate (who has not been abstaining from sugar like her mother.....Halloween sugar bonanza, for starters, ahem) was a big fan as well, quickly demanding a second piece after our first one was gone.

I indulged her, although for me, I limited myself to sharing a few bites of the first piece with her. Right now, even natural sweeteners have to be strictly monitored, because despite their other health benefits, honey and molasses will still cause a spike in blood sugar levels. So portion control is still key, and I told myself that slowly savoring those few precious bites was the very sophisticated, French thing to do. Truth be told, my savage American self would have had no trouble polishing off the entire cake in one sitting.

Rich and dense, infused with both the signature earthy tang of molasses and the sunny bursts of blueberry sweetness, this cake is sort of a love child of early summer and late fall. Rustic, simple, and, yes, even a bit homely, this is the ultimate "everyday cake," which begs no excuse more festive than to brighten up a gray November day. Which is exactly what it did.

*Since I didn't make any real modifications to Heidi's original recipe (I did use half white whole wheat flour and half all purpose flour per her notes), I'm going to direct you over there rather than type the recipe out here. And yes, by all means, if you are not diabetic, please sprinkle some powdered sugar on top! I think I'm going to make my own version of this cake for Thanksgiving dinner (assuming I'm not giving birth at the time) substituting cranberries for the blueberries, adding a pinch of cinnamon, and perhaps even tossing in a few toasted walnuts or pecans for good measure. I'll let you know how it goes.

Happy Halloween!

Saturday night found the fairy princess and I trick-or-treating. Perhaps one of the only disadvantages of rural living is that the lack of "neighborhoods" poses a bit of a Halloween/trick-or-treating challenge. So, Miss Kate and I drove into "town" and made a big loop, hitting up all of our family who live locally. Aside from having to put her fairy wings on and then take them off after each stop, it was a grand success. Sunday we spent the day gathering more black walnuts, lying in the grass soaking in these last, precious, warm-ish days, eating venison chili for dinner, and then enjoying a super scary triple feature movie night: Arsenic and Old Lace, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Boo!

Autumn Color

It came a little later than usual this year, but what beautiful, vibrant color we've had, despite predictions of this being a dull year for foliage. I imagine this week will be the peak of autumn color, and the next few weeks we'll see more leaves on the ground than in the trees. And then there is the muted gray and brown color scheme that runs through November, followed by the bare sparseness of winter proper. But even that brings its own stark beauty to appreciate and enjoy, albeit mostly indoors.

October Weekends

So, what have we been up to these past few gorgeous autumn weekends?

1. Making caramel apples. Messy. Sticky. Oh. So. Good.

2. Having big fun at our local Heritage Festival, complete with Civil War Reenactments, homespun craft/skill demonstrations (molasses making is our favorite!), horse drawn wagon rides, good food, music, and so much more. It's like the best parts of the Mountain State Fair (minus the noisy games and rides).

3. Gathering with our closest friends for the annual cider pressing. We all meet up at the Farmer's Market, and stroll around for awhile, then buy some apples and head over to press up some cider. The kids were old enough to really enjoy it this year, and stayed actively involved, "helping" toss the apples in and of course, Kate was always first in line to test the end result. My friend's dad recently found this banjo/ukelele (now affectionately referred to as the "Banjelele")on the side of the road in a trash heap, and stopped and rescued it. They didn't have any use for it, so generously gave it to us, and Mark's been tinkering around with it, much to Kate's delight (and mine as well).

A beautiful, exciting season!

From the Cabin Kitchen.......Raw Tuscan Kale Salad with Walnuts

Growing up in North Carolina, I'm no stranger to greens. Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and the ever elusive creasy greens were all frequent fare at my mother's table. My mom is an amazing cook, the kind of cook whose best dishes are prepared without the faintest glance at a recipe. Her biscuits are light, fluffy, wondrous really, and certainly no one would want to take her on in a pound cake bake off. Except maybe my sister, who inherited that powerful baking gene (I, unfortunately, did not). However, when it comes to cooking greens, my mother is a helpless victim of her culinary culture. Here in the south, greens get a raw deal. Or to be more accurate, just the opposite of a raw deal, because more often than not, their poor sad fate is to be pressured to death in the pressure cooker until they are soggy, dull, and completely void of any life (or nutrition). It's a cruel end for one of the healthiest foods in existence.

That's not to say that I didn't like them growing up, despite their limp, lifeless appearance. Actually, not knowing any other alternative, I loved them. And, truth be told, even today, when cooked by my mother or grandmother and served with a big pot of beans and some piping hot cornbread, I still like them that way. Although I think it has more to do with the happy, comforting childhood memories associated with them than actual epicurean delight.

But, of course, I don't cook them that way in my own kitchen. For one thing, it's entirely too much work (and I have that nagging, unconquerable fear of the pressure cooker). And, mainly, as we've already determined, to cook them to death robs them of both flavor and nutrition. Usually, I just chop them up and saute them in my cast iron skillet with some olive oil and salt, topped off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a twist of freshly ground pepper. However, this recipe has opened my eyes to the joys of raw greens: specifically, kale.

I don't remember eating kale when I was growing up, although I'm not sure why. It actually didn't enter my cooking repertoire until a few years ago, but now, kale holds the place of honor as my favorite of the greens. This recipe is a perfect showcase for a crunchy, verdant bunch of fresh kale, so readily available at the farmer's market right now. I found the recipe over at 101 cookbooks (still holding strong as my favorite cooking blog of the moment), taken from Melissa Clark's new cookbook: In the Kitchen With a Big Appetite. A salad like this is made to be tweaked to your personal tastes and preferences, so I made a few very minor changes, using Parmesan cheese instead of pecorino (but that was mostly just because it was what I had on hand without running to the store, not any aversion to pecorino, which I'll definitely try next time) and the addition of toasted walnuts to make it a bit heartier. And to indulge the walnut kick I've been on for awhile now. I don't know if it's pregnancy related or not, but I just can't get enough walnuts! With the walnuts, this salad is a perfect light lunch by itself, or perhaps as an accompaniment to a hot bowl of soup for dinner.

Raw Tuscan Kale Salad
Modified from In the Kitchen With a Big Appetite via 101 Cookbooks

• 1 bunch Tuscan kale
• 2 thin slices of country style bread, or two handfuls of good, homemade coarse breadcrumbs
• 1/2 garlic clove
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus a pinch
• 1/4 cup (or a small handful) grated pecorino cheese (or Parmesan if that's what you have on hand), plus additional for garnish
• Freshly squeezed juice of one lemon (scant 1/4 cup)
• 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts

Trim the bottom few inches off kale stems and discard. Slice kale into 3/4 inch ribbons. You should have about 4 or 5 cups. Place in large bowl.

If using bread, toast in oven and then pulse in food processor into coarse crumbs. Toast walnuts at the same time (watch them closely and don't let them burn, ahem...)

Mince garlic and 1/4 tsp. salt into a paste (use either a mortar and pestle or the back of your knife). Add 1/4 cup cheese, lemon juice, pinch of salt, pepper flakes, and freshly ground pepper. Whisk together, then slowly pour in olive oil, whisking continuously to combine. Pour dressing over kale and toss very well (dressing is quite thick and will need to be tossed quite a bit to coat kale thoroughly). Let salad sit for five minutes or so, then serve topped with breadcrumbs, walnuts, additional cheese, and a drizzle of oil.

Autumn Days

Still waiting on the leaves to put on their big, colorful fall production, but it most definitely feels like fall. Cold, blustery winds, crunchy acorns and walnuts underfoot, the first fire in the fireplace....Loving it all so very much......

Catching Up

Well, hello there October! My, but I'm glad to see you. It looks like I inadvertently took a blogging break for most of the month of September. Quite by accident, of course, but somehow the entire month just got away from me. So, September......it was long, it was almost as hot as August (up until the end), and all in all it was something of a rough month for us. I determined at the outset that this blog was not going to be a place to focus on the negative, but suffice it to say, September threw enough minor annoyances and frustrations at us (having to put in a new well, just for an example) that I'm not sorry to see the month end. And even though the first day of autumn technically falls in September, I think October clearly has the strongest claim to the best parts of fall. And so, I heartily welcome the clean slate this new season and new month begin.

Still, September wasn't all bad, and I thought I'd share a few things that I've enjoyed and found inspiration in over the past few weeks when my thoughts and attention were elsewhere.

Reading.....Louisa May Alcott Biography

This new biography of Louisa May Alcott is absolutely fascinating! Like so many girls, Little Women was one of the most important books of my childhood, read over and over again (and I won't even go into how many times I watched the film version with June Allyson as Jo March.....my all time favorite!) I vaguely knew that Alcott also achieved commercial success with her scandalous pulp fiction, but this book really portrays a portrait of Alcott as a vibrant, dynamic, undeniably ambitious writer. One who mastered not only the artistic side of the craft, but taught herself the skills necessary to cross markets and support herself financially with her pen, no small feat then or now. I also didn't realize the degree to which Alcott was so connected to the hub of New England Transcendentalists: Emerson and Thoreau were both intimate acquaintances of her father, Bronson Alcott, who is quite a character study in his own right. This biography was written in conjunction with a PBS Documentary which I am itching to watch, but can't seem to locate. Strangely, Netflix doesn't have it yet (and they usually have everything!)

Watching......Fitzwilly

Have I already told you how much I love Dick Van Dyke? Well, I had never seen this movie before, but Mark spotted it on the Netflix instant play a few weeks ago, so we watched it together and oh my goodness, it's absolutely adorable. What is it about cheesy 60s romantic comedies that makes me so happy? Anyway, the film centers around the character of Fitzwilly, a butler to an eccentric, elderly widow who is actually broke but has no idea because Fitzwilly and the rest of the household staff also form an elaborate con ring, using various clever schemes to steal money to support her lavish lifestyle (and large, unpredictable charitable donations). It's another one of those films that is set during the holidays, but is not really a Christmas movie. In any case, I loved it.

Listening To.......The Wailin' Jennys

I picked this album up randomly at the library, and it has quickly become a new favorite. I think Kate actually may like it even more than I do, as her first request after being buckled into her car seat is to "turn the Wailin' Jennys on!" I love the tight female harmonies and the rootsy blend of earthy instrumentation with those ethereal vocals is exquisite. And, well, the band name alone just rocks.

Browsing....

And a few websites tickling my fancy of late:

101 Cookbooks: Heidi's blog is certainly not new to many of you, and while I've been a casual follower for awhile, I've recently become sort of obsessed with it. I love the photography, and the focus on recipes that use whole, natural ingredients is so incredibly inspiring.

Simple Kids: Just came across this site recently too, and really enjoy the focus on simple living with kids. I especially like the homeschool section. We're still a few years away, but the plan has always been to homeschool, and I'm already trying to get my head in the game so to speak, and there are excellent ideas and suggestions here.

Goldenrods!

Six weeks till frost.....

A Very Happy Birthday

And so, this first day of the last year of my twenties draws to a close. Twenty-nine. Wow. Oh, gracious, how did that happen? I don't really feel old, exactly, but thirty does seem so officially grown up, and now there's no denying that it is just around the corner. Well, there's no need to fall into a big existential crisis over it, so I'm just going to sail through and think about all the beautiful things about my birthday weekend:

1. Big, wet birthday kisses from my best girl.
2. My yearly batch of chocolate frosted birthday cupcakes from one grandmother and a loaf of delicious cranberry bread from the other.
3. Homemade cards proudly made by same best girl. Bunches of them.
4. Homemade chunky monkey ice cream: the best birthday present ever from the dear husband. Before Mark became the reigning king of homemade ice cream, my favorite indulgence was the Ben & Jerry's chunky monkey flavor: banana ice cream with chunks of dark chocolate and walnuts. Mark's version is infinitely superior, and I get so giddy thinking about it, I may have to sneak off to the freezer and grab a spoonful right now.
5. A garden fresh late summer family supper over at my mom and dad's: fried green tomatoes, okra, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, and my mom's fluffiest biscuits served with butter and pure sourwood honey.
6. A pair of adorable new wellies and two books from my parents: Feeding the Whole Family and To Dance With God.
7. Enough Amazon gift cards to indulge a much needed book binge
8. A post-dinner snuggling spree with my dearest ones, coming up right about now.

From the Cabin Kitchen.......Yogurt

I do love me a good to-do list, and the thrill of checking things off has sometimes led me to write down tasks after completion, even if they weren't on the original list....just because. I think it's the Virgo in me. Well, making my own yogurt has been on my list for, um, forever. But it always seemed so complicated. Basically anything involving a thermometer generally intimidates me. So, it was excellent timing when I came across this post that gave me just the encouragement I needed to plunge right in.

Let me just tell you, as is the tendency with the homemade, after you've done this once, there's no turning back. All my fears of the complexity of the process were totally unfounded. Hands on time for making yogurt is about 20 minutes probably, and then the rest of the time is simply incubating and waiting. And the end results are delicious: tangy, with a wild, natural sweetness. Paired with homemade granola (this is loosely the recipe I use), it's an absolutely perfect breakfast. Or snack. Or dessert. Basically my only problem now, is remembering to save enough for the starter yogurt for the next round. Quite a feat of self-discipline.

I followed these directions pretty much verbatim the first time around. I did find however, that I prefer my yogurt a bit on the thicker side, so instead of 8 hours incubation, I've stretched it out to 10 or so.