Spring is finally here!

We have transitioned from cold to warm and even hot, like summer. Mugginess is here too! Our poor unsheared ewelambs pant like crazy in the heat (thank the feckless shearer who decided not to come!).

Our favourite breakfast when it gets warm is oats with a good yogurt. Sort of like muesli, but without flaking the oats. We cook the groats (whole, hulled oat kernels) first and refrigerate them for the week. I love my rubber-bottomed, stainless steel, lidded bowl from Kirkland for this. 

 

I use a kitchen scale to measure our portions, then in winter we heat and add milk and sugar. When it is warm, yogurt is our choice. Hubster likes brown sugar with his yogurt, while I prefer fruit. 

 

We don't find oats boring at all. 

This is a healthy, stick to your ribs breakfast. 

You do have to cook them ahead; we cook them for 2 to 3 hours on low. 

But they require no watching once they're going,

 so it is hardly hard labour! 

And the rewards of a healthy brekkie are well worth that small effort.

Some cute videos of our pups:

Sautéed cucumber

I tried sautéed cucumbers tonight. They were surprisingly good. I used some dried chervil as my herb. Even DH said he would have it again if not every week (he is not a cuke fan, except in pickles).

Liver Fricassee from "More with Less" cookbook

We received a gift of fresh liver from a farmer friend and it has been languishing in my freezer. I decided to try a recipe from this cookbook. It is simple and I found it enjoyable. Let's hope DH likes it as well.

You start with ~1 lb of liver, cover it with boiling water for 5 minutes then drain, dry and slice it. Then you dredge it with 1/4c flour, 1/2t salt & 1/8t pepper (I used seasoned salt & freshly ground pepper). Brown it in fat (bacon recommended and used). I used my cast iron, as you can see. Add 1 onion, chopped and 1 c. cooked tomatoes (I used a can of whole tomatoes), 1/2t poultry seasoning, 1/2t celery salt and 1 c. boiling water. Simmer 45 minutes. I added some fresh garlic and sriracha sauce after tasting. ;oP

Winter returns!

There is a Special Weather Statement in effect for our area, with the potential of freezing rain. Road reports list our highway as ice-covered, so I'm glad I work the late shift in the hopes of the trucks getting out before I have to drive. What I'm seeing is lightly falling fluffy snow, which always makes everything look fresh.

Biscotti

This is not about the cookie you dip in tea or other beverages. This is about a young ewe (female sheep) and a wheelbarrow. You wouldn't think they would have much in common and you'd be correct.

This morning, I noticed the ewes' bedding had become moist and therefore, more hay should be put down for their health and comfort. I brought the wheelbarrow, almost overfull with hay, into their enclosure, discomfiting our guard dogs somewhat, and causing the ewes to run about in a clump. I tipped the wheelbarrow and proceeded to demolish any lumps to prevent problems for the sheep. The wheelbarrow remained in place behind me and was an object of great interest to the ewes once they had calmed down. I heard the scratch of teeth on the metal and knew they were also chewing on the handles but thought it wouldn't be for long so it wasn't worth chasing them away. Then I heard a different sound, and turned around to see what caused it. Lo and behold, there is Biscotti,

Biscotti

our brown ewe with brown goggles outlined in white around her eyes , standing in the wheelbarrow. I chase her out and continue my work. Of course, she now thinks there must be something of great interest there, so in she pops again. I chase her out again. Finally, I clue in and let her find out there is nothing of interest inside the wheelbarrow on her own, and out she pops of her own accord.

Cocoa and friends

Working with critters is a constant surprise and source of amusement.

English muffins

My Assistent ably kneading the dough

before rising...

love my bench scraper!

after rising...

et voila!

I followed this recipe from the kitchn and am very pleased with the results. Next time I will let the starter and dough sit longer for better taste. I had time only today and was eager to try this out.

I had 2 muffins for supper along with my chicken broth which had been sitting simmering all afternoon. Yum!