What's in the dehydrator and the Menu

I dried a few tomatoes yesterday. 

Tonight, I have two bags of hash browns (not shredded) and a harvest of oregano and basil.

What's next?  No idea, at this time.

Menu for the Week:

Sunday - Hamburger Steaks
Monday - Pasta
Tuesday - Stuffed Potatoes
Wednesday - Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day
Thursday - Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Garlic Spread with Bread
Friday - TBD, pizza?

Repurposing a Room

I've spent the last week or so working towards getting our extra bedroom re-organized and re-purposed.  For quite some time, we had a second hand bed in there that took up a lot of room.  Hardly anyone ever used it.  Squished into the remaining areas was a play area for the little kids and a sewing area for me.

First, we removed the bed.  Replacing a full size bed is a new daybed from IKEA.  (I really like the size, look and design.  My only complaint is that it is too difficult to pull out the trundle.  I believe it is a design flaw.)  It took about 3-4 hours to assemble.

It works reasonably well with the dresser that was already in the room.  It is a French Provencal style that I painted a glossy white several years ago.  The pulls on the dresser are a muted gold so I'm using some gold metal lamps in that room.

I cleaned off my sewing table (6 foot folding table) and now I have a convenient place to cut out patterns and whip up a project.  I also have a great place to work on a beading or a small painting project. 

I removed the easel stands from two frames, relocated the hanger and moved photos from the dresser top to the wall.  (Great space saver.)  I'm thinking that I want a vinyl quote for over the bed but I haven't decided yet if I need/want to repaint and what it needs to say.

I still have some work organizing the toy/book shelf and cleaning out both closets.  I may need some assistance with those tasks.  (Hint to DD!)  Photos will be coming soon. 

Eat Mor Chickn! (Soapbox Alert!)

Chick-fil-A is one of my favorite places to eat.  I also admire the fact that Truitt Cathy built this business from a tiny neighborhood restaurant he and his wife ran into a multi-million dollar franchise.  Since day one, the Cathy family has run their business based around their own personal beliefs.

As a result of the business's success, the family and the business have multiple charitable ventures.  The provide scholarships for qualified employees, faith based marriage retreats, camps for kids and most importantly they support multiple foster homes.  (They actually provide a SALARY to the foster parents so they can provide a living arrangements to nurture these foster kids.)

Evil company, right?  Well, you would think so this week.  In case you've not heard, the GLAD community is up in arms over some comments that the current Chick-fil-A president (Dan Cathy) made as part of an interview with a faith-based publication.  Apparently, Mr. Cathy's bible based values (traditional marriage) is an "outrage."  Celebrities are boycotting, the Henson organization has pulled it's business arrangements, and now Chicago politicians are prohibiting Chick-fil-A from expanding in their city.

Now, let's be clear. This is all because they dared to express a view which contradicts the objectives of the gay community.  Their business is anti-discriminatory and they don't refuse to serve gays and they also hire diverse people. 

Get a grip people!  If it comes as a surprise that the Cathy family has bible based values, you've not been paying attention.  If you like to "punish" people because their views are different from your own, boycott Chick-fil-A.  Just be aware, that one day your opinion will become the unacceptable one and people will treat you the same what you are treating this good people and all their employees, suppliers, etc.

Let one thought rule your actions, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!"

I'm done, carry on.

Productive Weekend

I've been absent from blogging for about a week.  It just seemed like I was just working, cooking, eating and sleeping at the time but when I think back, there really was more to it. 

In addition to canning come fresh cherries in syrup, I bought a flat of strawberries last weekend and I made some strawberry jam and put some sliced strawberries in the freezer.  (I'm not super happy with the jam because it is full of foam.  I've been assured that it is safe to eat.  I still want to try some cherry jam but I may wait until it's cooler.)

In the meantime, I've been drying everything I can put my hands on.  Right now, I have a dehydrator full of shredded hash browns (one large bag from frozen) and shredded carrots (5 pounds of fresh).   The hash browns are super simple, just layer out the potatoes and go.  For the carrots, I peeled and shredded and then used my pasta pot to blanch for two minutes.  I poured the potatoes out directly onto the dehydrator trays placed over the sink.  Using the sink sprayer, I cooled off the carrots quickly.  I have five trays of carrots going.  When we have tomatoes that start to go bad or a couple of slices left over after dinner, I stick those into the dryer and add to my jar of tomato bits.  These are great chopped up and added to soups!

There's been a lot of coverage lately on the drought issues we've been having and what the anticipated impact on our food supply/prices.  In an effort to head off any food inflation in the next few months, I've started stocking up on some items. 

Now, on the protein side, I've made some good progress this weekend.  Whole Foods had a sweet deal on some 85/15 ground beef Friday.  I picked up 7.5 pounds and repackaged into 3/4-1.25 pound packages.  I also stopped by my local butcher shop.  They had a deal for 4 pounds of ground sirloin for $13.99 and a coupon for buy one pound, get one free.  All together, I got six pounds of this.  In addition to our dinner Friday night, I put 14 packages of ground beef into the freezer. 

This coming week, I'll be focusing on getting my guest room/sewing room in order and getting a second sundress whipped up for one of the little girls.  It goes together pretty quickly.  I also picked up a piece of lightweight pin whale corduroy for a fall one as well.  (She's balking at having to wear a shirt under it but I think as the weather gets cooler, it will make more sense to her.)

I hope to go get my new daybed next weekend and get that set up. 

This week's menu is still being determined.

Sunday - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes
Monday - Chef Salad, rolls
Tuesday - Pasta
Wednesday - TDB
Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Red Rice

...  all subject to change.

Menu Monday

Sunday - Crockpot Roast with potatoes, carrots and onions
Monday - takeout sandwich
Tuesday - Leftover roast with wholewheat egg noodles
Wednesday - Spaghetti with leftover sauce
Thursday - undetermined
Friday - Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

I'm undecided about Thursday's dinner.  The little kids would love tacos but I'd have to make a trip to the store for meat and tortillas.  I could also make some sort of chicken (grilled, barbequed, etc.) - everything on hand for that but not a favorite of the little ones.  Chicken fingers is also an option but it tends to be expensive, especially if the Publix tenders are not on sale.  Decisions, decisions.

I guess I'll see how the week shakes out and make a decision later.

UPDATE:  I've decided to serve a salad bar on Thursday.  Fresh romaine lettuce, cukes, tomatoes, bell peppers, banana peppers, carrots, boiled eggs, chicken strips, nuts and seeds, croutons, kidney beans, edamame, bacon bits, and whatever else I can find in the fridge!  Add a fresh roll or loaf of bread.