Mama Feoneafey's KitchenWitchen World

Easter Thoughts, a.k.a. Ramblings

2010-04-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

March came in and went out fairly mild in my neck of the woods but others haven't quite been so lucky. I wish them,and all of us Better Days ahead.

Gardens are cleaned; some starting, some ending. Here it is spring and is the time to prepare the path of new beginnings. To fertilize them with our hopes, dreams and intentions. A time to give flight to spirits, hearts and minds.

For others, it is a time to hold close the comforts of home , family and friends . To fortify thier lives with with love and promise of the lights return. To fill thier hearts with what they reap and to hope and dream of they might sow in the new season of growth to come.

But for all, it is a time to make new friends

and to greet and embrace old ones

to let our hearts bloom with love and light

to determine, prepare and take the steps to achieving our goals

to reach out to the light and to each other

to sprout forth on our plotted courses

to brighten

to warm

To be light hearted and gay

Placed on Front door.

Placed on back door . April 1st. ( aka.. April Fool's Day ) Not original maybe, but it got us and others a few laughs which was the whole point right?

to ponder and reflect in order to find the path most direct

to that which makes us happy

and to be filled by that which nourishes us and makes us whole.

So no mater the direction the wheel of your year is turning, may you find in its coming months all that you need, sprinkled with a bit o' what you may want.

Blessings of the light and fertility of life be upon you !
Ma Fey

March 2010 Random acts of Kindness

2010-03-31T10:49:00.001-07:00

Hello every one!

Post Update: me thinks Domestic Witch may possibly reached her goal of 200 random acts
She is at least quite close if you take out the postings of participation notifications.... have you done your random act today????? ( she has a total of 203 comment made to her post at the time of this update.)

as you know I have been participating in

so these are my final random acts that I will post about. I have done many things this month which I choose not to post about for a number of reasons.
As I said in a comment to some one early on in this month , I found it a bit uncomfortable to post about my "good deeds" but that it has also helped me to embrace a part of who I am that I normally take for granted. That statement has proven to be truer than I could have imagined.
I was raised with the belief that we receive what we put out there and that one should never expect anything in return for doing something nice for some one. I do things randomly as I can because it fills my heart with joy to know I put a smile on some ones face. I expect nothing in return because that joy is the blessing I get back. That joy fills my heart with compassion, love, happiness and most of all HOPE. Hope that my good dead will be passed on to someone else . Hope that it helps some on reach out who normally may not think to do so . Hope that a little kindness may can help ease some of the anger and frustrations we feel in our daily lives for any number of reasons. Hope that some ones needs are met, food and shelter and the necessities of life might some how be provided for all and that some how the greater good is served in a positive way through my love and actions . I wish I could put into words all that is in my heart, but I don't seam to be able to .

So here are the last few I will post about for this campaign/giveaway .

took herbal tea, horehound candy and orange spiced sugar to a friend who has a bad cold

redesigned my friend Mom-J's garden for better productivity and organic/companion planting

Sent some bean soup with my Damn-Dande-Dumplin's to a friend and her husband.. she later called and asked for the recipe..

Sent Candy onion plant to My sister in law in Ohio as a surprise ( my husband was going there on business so he was the perfect carrier)

and this morning I was presented with a my last random act...

My neighbor's cat was stuck in our tree soo , i reached up and coaxed her down to where i could reach her and she jumped to me as you can see she is unharmed and happy to be loved on..

though the unharmed part doesn't so much apply to me

Kitty accidentally caught me pretty good with her nail in my neck/collarbone area.
Hopefully a peroxide wash and some honey (to kill bacteria) will keep me from getting an infection, she was pretty scared.. I am not sure how long she had been up there but she was sure happy to have her feet back on the ground again!

Well, May you find with in your abilities and time the chance to be kind to some one today!
Blessing to all !!
Ma Fey

And the Winner of Ma Fey's Groovey Giveaway is....

2010-03-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

First I want to thank every one who entered my 1st Giveaway! this has been fun and exciting. and i so enjoyed hearing from everyone!

O.k. every one.. Good Luck and here we go!

Lights
Bubble machine
Drum Roll

And the envelop ...aka: random generated number please.......

The winner is....

# 1

Erin at I Heart New England!
( And The Crowd Gos Wild ! WOO WHOO!)

Congratulations! Your the lucky winner of the 9 pieces of amethyst and a sweet grass braid !!!

I have sent you and e-mailed , so as soon as I get your snail mail info I will get this out to you Dear!

If you have never been to Erin's blog, I heart New England , you really should visit/follow. She always has wonderful and beautiful things she chats about and shares! There just isn't enough words to express how lovely her blog is!

Please stop over and give her a heart felt congratulations on her win..

And be on the look out for my next giveaway... i think I smell home made soaps and candles in the air ! could those be included in the next giveaway?? only time will tell !

Brightest and warmest of blessings every one !
Ma Fey

Blood Root in bloom and in apothecary

2010-03-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

A wise one once said, " You have to know and understand what kills if you are to know and understand what heals." These are some of the truest words that I as an herbalist have learned.

I am not going to tell you every thing about Blood root in this article. I just want to peek your curiosity.

Blood Root
Sanguinaria canadensis
family: Papaveraceae
Folk/Geographic names: King root, Indian paint, red puccoon, tetterwort, and red root among others.

I was out in the yard and found my Blood root in bloom! It's one of my favorite woodland spring flowers and medicinal herbs.

Before it completely enchants you though , you should know there are some dangers lurking in all that beauty and healing uses......

Blood Root has no Culinary properties and should not be used in foods!

In the wrong hands and in the wrong dose , it will kill some one! One of Blood Roots properties is that it is an emetic, in other words it induces nausea and vomiting.
It is cathartic which means it can and will cause horrific diarrhea which can end in the deadly outcome of rapid dehydration.
It has stimulant effects on both the circulatory system as well as the Uterine system, which is why it should NEVER be handled by Pregnant woman , OR LACTATING/ NURSING Mothers for that matter as it can pass through the milk to the baby and have horrifically tragic results....yes the baby could die!
It will also cause nose bleeds when working with the dry powder. It is a highly toxic herb which should only be used by a well trained practitioner.

If I have scared you , I am not sorry.

Seriously!

Because for all it's beauty and very helpful healing properties, it is like any medication and nothing to take chances with.

Example: It was used pharmaceutically to produce Viadent oral health care products produced by Colgate-Palmolive ( If you have ever used Viadent products or are planning to , I recommend reading this article first : http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/badininsomor.html . It was a well known ethnobotanist with the U.S Department of Agriculture , Dr. James Duke, who's research was vital to the use of Blood Root in the production of these Viadent products. He may have understood the risks ... but seriously underestimated them. As the article I have link to above also states, it was found that the products containing blood root caused a higher rate of oral premalignant cancerous lesions.... aka Leukoplakia.

Even if you are going to grow and work with it for non-medicinal uses you should know and abide by it's dangers.

Blood Root has been reported to be prescribed for warts, polyps of the nasal cavity, topically for skin infections and inflammations, rheumatism, arthritis , gout inflammations , sever stomach and digestive track infections,fevers, as well as (and still is by some homeopathic practitioners) used when a strong expectorant action was needed in respiratory infections.

Among it's other uses you will find :
historically used as Native American body paint
mosquito repellent
Love drawing spells and enchantments
For Protection magick
In cleanings and purifications
and more

I love how sweet it looks with the leaves still folded about it's tiny flower stem as though protecting it from the elements. Those leaves will eventually reach up to about 8 inches across when the flower fades, and sure a beautiful contrast to the full leaves of wild ginger and large heart shaped leaves of blue violets in the summer garden bed border.
Just growing it in the medicinal garden bed will cause no harm.. but you need to be careful if you plan to dig it up and move it about . Handel it with gloves , preferably no porous ones, to help protect your self form any volatile reaction you may have from the juices of the roots and to protect it from bacteria on your hands.

Well now.
There is so much more out there to learn about Blood root. I hope your curiosity is peeked even though this may seam a bit of a negative review for the plant. I truly do love my Blood root Plants and I respect it for all it's uses.

Blissful and Safe Blessings
Ma Fey

If you so choose to try blood root for any of the suggested uses, know you do so at your own risk. You and only you are responsible for your actions and for the results of your actions! Not I nor any one associated with this blog.

Enough said.

Or as Sean Connery said in the movie The Untouchables, " So Endeth the Lesson".

( I LOVE that Movie and that line!!!)

giveaways and goodies and a bit o news

2010-03-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

YYEEEESSS!!! there are PHOTOS for this post now .. Thank you to the Blogger team for fixing the problem so quickly!!!!!!

and the links still work..

If I have missed someone:

First
I sincerely apologize for my over sight.
and
second
Please leave a comment about your giveaway on this post!

Sorry I didn't do one of these last week. Monday was the surgery day and I seamed out of it for most of the week . They found some black spots on my stomach tissue so ... again with the waiting ... 2 weeks from now can't come soon enough!

But on to bigger and WAY better News that we can have fun with Now!

If you haven't checked out these blogs your really should!!! They are alll wonderful blogs and authors with so many talents and wonders they share ! These are all fabulously remarkable places ( as are all the blogs I love to follow) !

So on to this weeks findings:

These are ending this Wednesday, March 31st.

Mrs. B at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom is hostessing a wonderful giveaway for designer Moonstone Jewelry. Wow are there some beautiful things! so hop on over and enter as time is running short! You have until March 31st!

March 2010 is Random Acts of Kindness Month at the Domestic Witch's place and for all your good deeds there is a giveaway . She is hoping to reach a goal of 200 random acts buy Wednesday so hope on over and enter your random acts now! ( I just checked and there are 174 post at the time I am writing this.. she's almost here WOOWHOO! I hope you can help!)

Cheryl is Hosting a wonderful giveaway Over on her blog Healing Woman! you have until March 31st !!! Oh and her recipe for Chef Wayne's "Last Meal" Lasagna is amazing and given in her giveaway post!!!

Cotton Rose's March Giveaway is underway!
Oh and are these some Cute goodies she wants to share or what?!.. winners will be chosen just after Easter, but entries are accepted only until March 31st.

Jen and Ollie at Rablings of a Newbie Pagan is celebrating 50 Lovely followers with a wonderful Greenman themed Giveaway . Her Littleun will be frawing the winer on March 31st ( sorry the text editor for blogger just would not let me line the info up net to her button .... silly blog-text editor thing! so click the picture to go to her Beautiful Blog or clik the underlined text to go strait to her giveaway page)

Then there is Ma Fey's Groovey Giveaway . You have until March 31st at noon to enter !!!!

These are ending this Saturday, April 3rd

Teddy at Octoberfarm has such great taste ! Pop on over to Octoberfarm to enter Jaz and Teddy's newest giveaway!!! Oh and you have GOT to check out the tomato pasta dish she has in this post! My tummy grumbles with hunger every time I look at it! ( I have the ingredients on my list alread for my next market stop!)

And there is still a little time left to enter these wonderful giveaways with up coming ending dates!

Lana at Honeysuckle Lane is hosting a lovely giveaway to celebrate 3 Years Of Blogging!!! No it's not for her beautiful wings in this photo, but you won't be disappointed with her beautiful goodies!

Over to A College Witch's Experiences Her 50th post giveaway is Double Awesome! Willow Silverhorse at A College Witch's Experiences is giveing away some of her Prized Wicca Books.. You have until midnight April 10th to enter this one !!

Good Luck every one!
Blissful Spring Blessings

Ma Fey

Tag ! Your It ! The all Hallows Eve Wish Pumpkin

2010-03-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

I was getting caught up on my blog reading and found that I had been tagged by Jeanne at The Candy Corn Chronicles.

So
I am to show you the 10th photo in my 1st album in my collection of pictures.

sooooo... I went to my 1st photo album in my folder harked All Hallows Even ( was a bit apprehensive about which would be the 10th on in
But
here it is...

It's our 2004 all hallows eve wish pumpkin . we do one every year. Our guest write thier wish on a bay leaf an put it into the pumpkin. at exactly Midnight we put in the red wax heart, herbs and seed, and then seal it shut with red wax. This is then taken out back to the area of the yard now affectionately called "the pumpkin grave yard" and buried. The kids have so much fun and it is such a bubbly feeling when they come the next yer and tell you which of last years wishes came true..LOL .

well ,
I have showen' you mine ,

so to these 5 followers who I chose by closing my eyes and rolling the mouse and click..)

Tag! your it !!!!! Show me yours!!!!!!

MotherMoon as Mother Moons Message

Julie at Julie's Blog

Leviathan at Masters of Metal ( or any of your blogs actually)

Aristanya... Ha! now you'll have to start a blog page...LOL ..

KSALDRIA as Travels Aboard The Blue Selkie

Don't for get to come back and leave a comment and the link addy !!

Memorable Blessings !
Ma Fey

Damn-Dande-Dumplins (a dandelion greens recipe)

2010-03-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

Yup! This is another photo heavy post! Please be patient while it loads and I Thank you for stopping by today ;) . ( There is dairy but no eggs in these noodles)

I am so sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday. Time just simply got away from me.

To me and excluding the baked fruit dumpling ,

a "Dumpling" is something made with a store bought baking mix and dropped into liquid to be "steamed" on top by way of putting a lid on it.
~ and ~

a "Dumplin' " is something mixed from scratch as "by hand as possible" and hand rolled with wood infused and infusing them with love and nurturing , folded in friendship and all the good spice of life all divided into a multitude of blessings.

Yes, that sounds like I prefer one over the other, and I confess that to some extent I do. But, the Dumpling is also a well loved family comfort food and I am not bashing it at all!

These dumplin's are Great! In a good pot of ham and bean soup, in a good, hearty, vegetable soup, and yes, in traditional chicken and dumplin's. This recipe is an adaptation of My Grandma Clara's hand rolled dumpling recipe. As a child I was always intrigued by the things she would do to make such wonderful foods! I was always asking her for recipes and techniques. She really was a magickal cook! I remember her making noodles and watching her strategically tie string to points on the upper doors of her Hooser Kitchen, that had been chosen long ago. I can close my eyes and still see her in her apron, hanging the noodles on the strings and the sun light dancing on her and them from the winda there to her left.

I hope you try them and enjoy them . And you can leave out the dandelion greens and thyme if you choose. They are just as awesome.

I use heavy cream and lemon juice in place of buttermilk. The buttermilk currently sold in the market just doesn't do any thing for the flavor or texture of these dumplins. Short of getting my hands on true buttermilk , this is the closest i have ever gotten to the way these noodles where meant to taste.

You will need:

optionals:
1 heaping cup firmly but not tightly packed spring dandelion greens.
3 to 5 stems of fresh English (common) garden thyme
Konriko's brand Creole Seasoning ( or your favorite brand)

Must haves:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt ( or standered table salt)
3 tablespoons frozen butter ( or lard or vegetable shortening)
1 and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Heavy cream , enough to make 3/4 of a cup including the lemon juice. ( milk is fine too)

Wash and prepare the fresh dandelion greens and fresh thyme as suggested in Dande'Met or a a Lion's Teeth omelet.

Dumplings arn't just about flavor, they are about texture. Don't over work the dough or you will have a tough, flat dumplin!

Blanch the dandelions by putting them in boiling water for 10 second then plunging them into a bowl of ice cold water for 15 seconds . ( Like you would for fresh spinach )

Remove them from the water and place on a clean white towel .

Strip the leaves from the thyme and place on top of the blanched dandelion greens.

Then roll them up in the cloth together and
give 'em a good twist( and maybe a gentle squeeze) in that cloth to remove excess moisture.

open the towel and with a spoon scoop them together and roll them up ( click on the photo for a better view)

Then

Chop the whopschnoddle out of 'em !

Or you can pulse a time or 2 in a food grinder/processor , but I find that it makes them a bit to mushy/liquidy for my tastes.

Let them sit, uncovered, while you prepare the rest of the recipe, so that they dry out just a bit more. ( no one like a slimy dumpling)

Mix together the flour, salt and baking soda with a fork or whisk.

Your butter is best worked with when it has been placed in the freezer about 3 hours. You don't want to handle it to much.
Also, it helps to flour your knife between chops to help keep it from sticking to the blade.

Chop the butter to help incorporate it better.

Using a pastry cutter, or 2 butter knives, or even a few pulses in the food processor if you choose..

Cut the butter into the flour,salt,baking soda mixture.

the size and amount of lil' bit's of butter and flour are what give your dumplin's thier texture. The more uniform the bits - about the diameter of a dried lentil- the lighter and flakyer the dumplin. Larger bits will help you achieve a denser dumplin. A smaller diameter will give you some doughyness to the texture.

Add the dandelion greens-n-thyme to the flour and with a fork, mix them together well, breaking up the bits-o-greens as much as possible with the fork.

Let this rest in the refrigerator about 5 min. in the mean time mix the the cream and lemon juice together and let sit on the counter to sour.

After about 5 minutes use the fork to mix the cream mixture to the flour-greens mixture.

Mix Just until they come together and are sticky.

Flour your well washed hands and form this into a smooth ball

Dump the ball from the bowel onto a well floured, non porous surface.

Roll the dough some place between a hefty 1/8 inch thick and a scat 1/4 inch thick. ( we prefer the scant 1/8th inch thickness).
The use of a long, heavy rolling pin will help achieve the desired thickness in fewer passes.
Don't flip the dough. Instead, run a long flat knife, like a large cake frosting knife, under the dough. Then slightly lift to toss a little flour under it if it starts to stick.

Sprinkle the Creole Seasoning on the dough ( I go light but , you can always add more that photoed here.)

fold 1/3 of the doughs length over on it's self

then fold the opposite 1/3 over on top of that to form a rectangular shape.

sprinkle the top with a bit more of the Creole Seasoning on top of the last fold over

then roll the dough into a log from bottom up. And give it a gentle firming press.

let the dough rest, seam side down, a minute or 3 to let the Creole Seasoning and dough "come together."

Normally I would say to use string or thread to cut this rolled dough, but this time I am going to suggest that you use a sharp knife. The pressure of the slicing will help the dough and the Creole Seasoning make enough contact that they stick to each other.

you can either unroll the noodles and leave them long or slice them in to uniform length pieces.

~ Or ~

Slice each noodle roll into 3 equal portions, which will give a variety of bite sized pieces. Regardless of which way you choose, separate the dumplin' noodles before adding to the pot and dust the noodles lightly with flour to keep them from sticking together.

Now that is the perfect dumplin' thickness (before cooked obviously).

Bring the soup/broth to a rolling boil and drop the noodles in a few at a time, but quickly, stirring in between additions if needed to get them fully into the liquid.

When they are all in reduce the heat to medium- low . Don't cover the pot.

Like I said to night we had them in a vegetable-n-navy bean soup. Just make your best pot of navy beans with some carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, winter squash, okra, zucchini or any combination of vegetables you have on hand or prefer( mine also has ham in it ). You may want it a bit brothier than you usualy like it as the noodles will absorb moister. This is also an excelent way to thicken up a soup that is a bit to brothy for your current desire.

They usually only take about 8 to 10 minuets.. some times depending on weather and humidity, or weather or not they where prepared a head and dried or frozen for later use, they can take up to about 12 to 15 minutes.
At the 8 minute mark , check you noodles for doneness. ( Some times it may take oh, 2 or 3 to be sure ;P )

and check freequently at this point so you don't over cook them

A hearty dumplin' soup needs a hearty bowl.

I topped ours with a bit more of the Creole Seasoning.

SO, how was it???

Like I said, I hope you will try these Damn-Dande-Dumplin's in something. And maybe, if you have time, you will come back and tell me what you had them in and how they were.

Warm spring memories and blessing every one !
Ma Fey

2010's First Greenhouse trip ! WOOWHOO!!

2010-03-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

this post has lots -o- photos! please be patient while it loads.

So while I am off to the garden to do the days chores and harvest more spring greens , I thought I would share my first trip to the greenhouse with you. It opened March 1st and usually I have been up there several times by now, BUT I FINALLY made it there yesterday! (It's been a long strange month I tell ya!)
so here we go !

This photo barely shows an eighth of of the facility, but is the main entrance. It a bit of a drive from the house, but OOO- sooo worth it.

If you are in Indiana, and want to check them out , here is thier web page with all the pertinent info .

I love this large succulent planting in thier cactus house!

Hindu rope plants and peperomias

I Have GOT To have one of these ! Must!! Must!!Must!!!

Gorgeous Geraniums these are!

don't you just love all the colors?

The EASTER LILIES are starting to Bloom!!!!!

I thinkI am planting some of these in the front flower bed this year.. aren't they the cutest?

you have to click on this one at least to see all the beautiful leaf textures and colors...

(begonias)

UGH! I hate when I can't remember the name of a simple plant and it's one I refer to allll the time for shade and light sun gardening.. gerrrrrr .. guess my brain isn't yet ingaged this morning.. needs more coffee..lol

but they sure looked pretty

Oh Du... Coleus ! they are Coleus! ( head smack)

all the flats of wooly thyme reminded me of how much I love thyme!

I wish you could smell them throughthe computer...mmmmmm!

Lemon Thyme is again one of my favorite Thyme varieties! I cook and craft with it a lot!

Look at those Rosemary Plants!!!!

again I wish i could share the smell... oh yes! I walked right up and put my nose in amongst them and rubbed the branches just a bit .... Heaven I tell ya! Heaven!

Terrygone! (tarragon)

I will need plenty before thier all gone!

Aaaaaa! Lavender! I will be needing about a flat of these this yearI think! Yup... a flat or 2 will do to place along my brick walkway..

The tag on the Angel Wing Begonia read SOLD! ... so i walked away wiping the tear from my eye.. sigh.

Look at all the lovely little ferns.... humm, I thinkI need some of those... but alas not this trip.

Isn't this lovely !! It's one of my favorit corners of the greenhouse !

OH ! I love the leaves of these three begonias.
which one shall I take home???

Ok, there are plenty of the little green leaved on so that narrows it down to between the two with pinks in them...

Husband I am going to turn my back while you mix the two up in your hands and I will take the one that is in the hand I call out..

I Choose..ummm...... Both.. O.k., o.k. ......... I choose your right hand!

so which one went home with me????

The little pink heart shaped leaf one! WOOWHOO!

We also brought home some candy onion plants and some Walla Walla Washinton onions.

What a wonderful trip this was. My body was warmed and my spirits lifted .

the sign says, " so many weeds , so little Thyme"

Aint it the truth Baby!!!!!!!
Aint it the truth!

Till later then,
I hope you are all having a Green, Sunny, Grrooovvveey Day filled with blooming blessings!
Oh, and if you haven't already, please Don't forget to enter my gaarooooovey giveaway! (9 pieces of amethyst and a sweet grass braid.. hmmm.. who will be the lucky winner???)

Blessings!!!
Ma Fey

Dande'Met or a Lion's Teeth omelet

2010-03-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

About this post: It is photo heavy, contains photos of raw eggs, and suggest the usage of a meat product. . the 22 photos are small for the post but you should be able to click on the photos to see a larger view. ( if i did things right)

a Dande'Met or an omelet with Lion's Teeth

No silly not teeth from an actual lion ....

The name Dande'Met comes from when my sister and I were kids. Dande is obvious ... dandelion. the 'met is how we use to say omelet. Yup, in our house a cheez'met was our way of saying cheese omelet for a long while.

The Lions Teeth Omelet name again refers to the dandelion's leaves. Taraxacum officinale -Dandelion - means "lion's teeth" which, when turned sideways, you can see how the leaves could look like the toothy smile of a lion.

I love having kids look to see if they can see the lion's teeth in a dandelion leaf and it's amazing how something so simple can hold thier imagination and memories for years . It makes me smile thinking of my own daughter and hot summer days when the dandelions have turned to puffballs ( another common/folk name) and her looking in the back yard for the leaves.

ahh, but I digress.

IF you want some really good info on the properties and health benefits of dandelion Check out Fae Kieran's blog Stories From A Witches Cabinet 3- 2010 Herb of the week: Dandelion article.

Some times it's fun to incorporate some of the old folk, Local lore, or geographic names into recipe names you create or are un-named family recipes. It's a wonderful way to teach them so they are not lost. Now, you could simply call this omelet a Dandelion Omelet, but what's the fun in that? Besides , you may have more luck tempting the kids to try it ....a, or not ... o.k. never mind.

Over the next few weeks as the dandelions are about right to harvest for the flavor wanted, I will post some other recipes to use them in .

They will include but not be limited to the following subjects/titles:

An infusion ( or 2) for bouillabaisse , beverages of the brewed type, a Bundt Cake, teas, a quick bread, salads, meat dishes, a green butter , Priest's Crown Noodles - an ol' hand rolled pasta, ( Priest's Crown is another common/folk name for Dandelion), and more all with the common ingredient , dandelion . Now i don't proclaim to have alll the recipes , nor that there arn't better and worse out there... this is just my collections and i will tell you what i use and what I've not tried (yet).

now that you've been warned,

lets make this 'Met shall we?

Note: Some Heath food stores which carry fresh organic produce carry fresh - sometimes organic- dandelion greens. And when I can lay my hands on them I love to use free range chicken eggs, Gorgonzola-Goat (some prefer cow milk), ricotta, brie, and lots of other cheeses. But usually I just use what I have on hand that day.

let me give you a few notes about harvesting the dandelion and 2 other herb parts you will need for this recipe :

First ,the dandelion leaves:
Really you shouldn't need scissors to harvest dandelion greens tender and light enough for this recipe. At this stage they are still tender and you won't hurt the root, or even the bloom .

The mildest flavor will be found in the "bottom" leaves before it has set it's bloom. look again at the first photo in this post, the bloom has set but isn't open . at this point the flavor starts to pick up a bit and will continue to do so as the plant ages. Some pinch the first blooms back to make the roots larger and the tops fuller for the next harvest season . Others who grow them in the herb and vegetable garden leave the blooms to make dandelion wine.

grab hold of the leave and give them a gentle tug on the first sunny morning after a good rain ( or water the day before harvesting)

You'll want a good hand full ( about a dozen or so ) 3 to 5 inch stems with unblemished leaves.

Second, the Garlic chives

Normally I would tell you to harvest the longer fatter leaves of the garlic chive, but not for this recipe .

You want those tender young fleshy new spring shoots , about 3 or 4 (or more) that are about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in length . Thier flavor will be a bit brighter and not so over powering as the larger shoots.

Third,The Sage

The sage leaves you want for this dish are those little ones on the tips - not the larger ones. You'll want say 5 to 9 depending on how strong you like the flavor of sage in eggs. we us 5 or 6 .

Just "pluck it"
keep hold of them .. they arn't very big....

Ingredients: ( all herbs and greens should be fresh harvested if possible )
Serve 3 - 2 egg servings or 6 - 1 egg servings

Dandelion leaves - 12 to 15 - 3 to 5 inch stems of unblemished
Garlic chives - 3 or 4 greens (or more) that are about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in length
Chives- 7 to 10 greens 3 to 5 inches long ( the tender young greens)
Lemon Thyme- 3 to 7 4 to 5 inch stems
Greek Oregano- 2 leaf heavy stems about 3 to 4 inches long
Sage- 5 to 9 tip leaves
Sweet Basil- 1 large leaf or 1/2 teaspoon dried
Cumin-1/4 teaspoon ground
Saffron- scant pinch
your best 6 egg omelet batter ( i will give you mine further down)
about 3 tablespoons chopped sweet red bell pepper
1 large strip bacon, cooked and chunky- ground in the food processor , or broken up

Washing the greens and herbs .

You will want to wash the dandelion greens and the herbs before you use them.

Do this as you would leeks. But on a smaller scale.

Soak them in a bowl of good COLD water with 3 teaspoons lemon juice added to it . "Swish" them about gently in this water with your fingers to help loosen any dirt that will be stuck to the leaves.

you'll see it in the bottom of the bowl. ( sorry the photo is dark, I forgot to change my settings again )

Remove the herbs and greens from the water ( don't forget those tiny little sage leaves)
and place them on a clean white towel or paper towel to drain. use this time to pick out any blemished leaves or such you may have missed.

Roll the herbs and greens up in the towel and set aside till you are ready for them.

When you have all your ingredients assembled, Begin by prepping the dandelion greens. This is another opportunity to remove any damaged leaves.
For this recipe you only want the leaves not the heavy stem in the center. This can be hard on some one with digestive problems... think celery strings .

The leaves are easily pulled from the stem centers with your fingers or
you can use the point of a sharp knife and slice the leaves of each side.. I
use my fingers.

Place the dandelion leaves in one pile.
Remove the thyme leaves from the stems and start another "herb pile".
Remove the oregano leaves from the stems and give them a ruff chop.
Give both the chives a ruff chop.
If using fresh basil ,chop it or tear it to small pieces that fit uniformly with the size of the other herbs .
To the "herb pile" add the saffron, cumin and any other dry herbs .

Now prep your best omelet recipe.

I use the 6 eggs, about 3 to 4 tablespoons sour cream and about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of heavy cream. ( the measurements are approximate, because I eyeball this part)

Whip the egg mixture well.

whisk in the Herb mix. Then ruff chop about 2/3rds of the dandelion greens and whisk those in .

add fresh cracked black pepper (amount of which is to your usual liking)

whisk this all together well.

In a non stick skillet sprayed with either canola , grape or extra virgin olive oil that has been brought just to smoking over medium heat, pour your omelet batter.

sprinkle in the chopped sweet red pepper and prep as you would normally for an omelet.

Then sprinkle the bacon pieces over the top of the omelet.

wait a bit longer till the omelet is almost set and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. ( fresh grated is best... I was out so I used grated in a jar today)

Now,I am not a fan of raw egg in the middle of my omelet so I flip them to finish them.. of course today, it broke ... at least it all landed in the pan..

You can do this easily enough by loosening the omelet from the pan and sliding it out cooked side down onto a large plate which you hold from the bottom, then turning the skillet over on top of the plated omelet and holding them together flip the whole thing over and place the omelet in the skillet back on the heat and remove the plate. If you don't want to flip your omelet, then skip this step and move on the to next.

Ruffly chop the remaining dandelion leaf and sprinkle over the top of the omelet.

Then top with your chosen cheeses..

If you want you can flip the omelet in half, western style not , instead of the rolled style . OR leave it open like a pie to cut into the desired portion sizes. ( we fold it )

This is awesome to serve for a champagne brunch .. and the mellowness of the flavors is perfect for some one who has never had dandelions and wants to try them for the first time.
using more of the herbs and spices or other ingredients can help to hid the flavor of the dandelion greens if some one wasnt to include them in thier diet with out "tasting them" , just as using less of the other herbs and spices will allow more of those wonderful greens to delight your taste buds...
MMMM so good

I wanted to post 2 dandelion recipes to night but bloger was being buggersome this evening .. sorry .. Hopefully tomarrow will be a better day for blogging..LOL

Happy tummy Blessings every one ..
Ma Fey
Oh, and if you haven't already, please Don't forget to enter my gaarooooovey giveaway!

Roasted Dandelion Root and Ma Fey's Mocha-Momma Coffee

2010-03-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite early spring harvest is Dandelions ... Greens, roots and blossoms.

I love dandelions in my garden bed because they bring up nutrients from deep in the soil which are beneficial to many plants, it is so sad that people spend so much money to eradicate them from lawns.

Early Spring is the best time to harvest them as they are"sweeter," and late fall is also a good harvest time. But in summer leave them be as they are to bitter!!!!
The best way to harvest dandelion roots is with a pitchfork , just after a good rain, as they will be easier to dig in their entirety and this is when they are highest in nutrients as well as having smoother flavor .

To obtain your fresh roots , you have a couple of choices. You can just harvest them from the yard ( and the neighbors to if they will let you) --OR-- choose some dandelions to transplant to a chosen spot in the garden to keep them safe from pollution and pesticides, to harvest later this fall or early next spring.

One of my favorite year long treats is dandelion root coffee ground in Grandma Clara's ol' coffee grinder.
(Yes, I have another Grandmother Besides my Grama Grace..lol)

It will take about one 5-gallon bucket full of roots to make 3 or 4 quarts of roasted Dandelion Root . This will yield approximately 10 gallons of coffee

But for your first time you can start a bit smaller

you will need :

20 or more fair to good sized root, with the greens snapped ( or cut off)

good sharp knife and/or a food processor

the oven warmed to 350 degrees F.

a cool day with low to no humidity

plenty of cold water

strainer

glass bowl

cookie sheet

First wash the roots by hand till as clean as you possibly can get them .( a new soft bristled tooth brush can be quite helpful in this process)

Then cut them into approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch lengths.

Put these in bowl cold water and with your clean hands agitate them a bit till the water becomes cloudy.

Drain them, and repeat this process till the water finally runs clear. ( may take several rinses till the water remains clear)

Strain and lay them in a single layer on top of a clean dish towel or White paper towels for at least an hour ( more is better)

Chop them into smaller pieces with your knife or process them in your food processor. BUT Don’t make them to small, remember that they will shrink down to about a quarter of their size when all the water is evaporated or dried out of them.

Spread these in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.. or not lined.. DO NOT oil or grease or spray the cookie sheet.

Place the cookie sheet in the cooler part of your oven and reduce the heat to 200 degrees F.

Roast these till they turn a dark brown ..

about the color of a coffee bean .

and have a snap crisper than a dry twig..

Let them cool,

then store in an air tight container.

To make 6 cups of coffee you can use one of a multitude of methods. No matter which method you use, you will want to add the same things to this coffee as you would any cup of coffee you plan to enjoy..

1 grind a 50/50 mix of coffee bean and dry roasted dandelion root together in the desired amount for your style coffee maker

Place eight level teaspoons of dry roasted root per six ounces water in the grounds basket of your coffee maker and brew as your would for 6 cups of coffee (48 oz. of water ) .

Place on teaspoon dried root in to a cup of good water and bring just till boiling. Remove from heat and steep 3 to 5 min or so then strain and prep as you would any coffee and enjoy.

Or Try this ( It's one of the best ways to have dandelion root coffee!)

Ma Fey's Mocha-Momma Coffee

this makes about 4 - 6ounce mugs

1 1/2 cups strong , hot , dandelion root coffee
4 teaspoons dark chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon ( divided into 3/4 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon organic sugar

1 heaping teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon hazelnut flavoring
1/2 cup fresh whipped cream

Put 1 teaspoon of the dark chocolate syrup into pedestal mugs ( or other style mug that is 6 ounces in volume - should be 4 mugs)

Fold 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, the nutmeg, and the sugars into whipped cream that is just to the soft peek stage.

Whip the cream a bit more until you have soft peaks once again, but not to long or it will turn to butter.

Place the last 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and the flavoring or extract into coffee, and stir

Pour coffee into cups, stir till the chocolate syrup is completely incorporated.

Top with whipped cream mixture. Serve hot .

1st Harvest Blessings Every one!
Don't forget to enter my gaarooooovey giveaway
Ma Fey

Before my Corn Mother Dolly returns to the Garden,

2010-03-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

I though I would share her with you .

( you can click on the photos for a better look)

She is a corn dolly, aka a representation of the Corn Mother, the Harvest Mother, The Corn Maiden, The Old Woman, The Old Grandmother, The Carline, among other names which the spirit of the corn ( grain or cereal) may be called.

Since coming to our home from the last harvest,
she has supervised many plantings for this spring's garden and on the final day of planting she was returned to the garden to watch the sun set and to be tilled into the first garden furrow of the new planting season.

She was made of corn husks and silk, wheat, dried fairy roses and bits of hydrangea blossoms. Her lovely face was that of an apple plucked strait from the tree, carved and then dried on to a dowel.

and tied with green garden jute at the waist

Later a dried Pink Pearl Apple slice was added because it looked so pretty on her.

Though she returns to her garden home this spring, she will return to our home in August/September when the last grains are harvested. Her face will be a bit different. Her dress and ornamentation will be new . But her spirit will be the same.

till then
here's wishing you a bountiful gardening season .
Ma Fey
and
The Spirit of The Corn Mother Dolly

Don't forget to enter Ma Fey's Groovey Giveaway

Ma Fey's Groovey Giveaway

2010-03-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have decided to host a giveaway of my own ! And I am planing more than one, though most likely not back to back .. though that could happen. But currently they will happen every now and then .

But first, Here's why I chose today to launch my first giveaway...

I noticed on St. Patrick's Day that my beans had started to sprout.

Look how tall the beans are today (6 days later)

I found new growth on my poinsettia.

( the white arrow thingies point to some of the spots)

These sunny little jonquils which started blooming Saturday always make me smile.

I thought I had missed all the crocus in bloom, but to day I found that some apparently waited till I could come out to play . I was blessed to find them today.

I am feeling so good, I even left lots of piles for my hubby to clean up .

OH YEAAA!
Now that's the stuff!
Yes, as a diabetic I should use gloves to clean the garden beds, but I just can't resist the feeling of good healthy soil on my hands and under may nails on the first garden clean up.
It's like holding hands with life for me . No other way to say it .
Even when I am at the weakest this ol' body has ever been,
today,
with dirty hands, wind whipped hair flying all about,
and rosy cheeks that shine like apples,
I feel stronger than I have ever been!

I feel so rich and blessed.
I want to throw open my arms and let loos my heart before it busts with all this jubilation inside
and I want to share.

That's why I chose today to host my first giveaway.

so here I begin
with

Amethyst , I love amethyst!

So into the box I reached ....

and

Photo1

pulled out the first 5 I touched
( with clean dry hands , I Promise!)

Then I decided that wasn't enough.
So,

Photo2

So I reached in and pulled out 4 chunks more.

Photo3

To round them all up
a sweet grass braid
over 25 inches in length
and 2009 harvest

So
one lucky winner,
chosen by random generator (this one)
at noon on March 31st
will receive 9 chunks of amethyst in various sizes (the chunks of amethyst in the photo marked 1,2, and 3 are the amethyst chunks you will get) and the sweet grass braid shown as well.

What do you have to do to enter?

If you are a follower of this blog, leave a comment to this post to let me know you are interested in participating in this giveaway.

Become a follower of this blog if you are not one already and leave a comment. Be sure I can reach you through your email in your profile. If your profile is set to privet or your email is not accessible through your profiel I won't be able to reach you if you are the winner.

You can get one extra entry if you
Blog about this giveaway on your blog and link to this page in your post. Then come back and let me know you did so in a second comment with a link to your blog post.

Sorry my overseas friends, this one is for USA residents only... I hope to expand my horizons as I go along.

My Ostara Morning

2010-03-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

There are no photos for this post, only words , nothing else seamed right.

Ostara, a lesser sabbat,

The balance of dark and light sits once more in the turning of the year’s wheel. The darkness gives way to light and the Mother awakens at the Father’s touch and gives birth. While her appearance was cold these past months, her womb was still warm, and now she blesses us with the life that rested within.

Eoestre, Ishtar, Astarte, Ashtoreth, Isis , Cybele, and all Goddesses of rebirth and

spring , I thank you for the energies lent to once again rejuvenate all living things with strength of the life force we are blessed with.

From the fertilized cosmic egg comes life

from the seed comes growth,

and with them the promise of light, hope, and new beginnings.

God of light reaching to the Mother to awaken the passions and fire of the life force within, I, as do all living things consciously or unconsciously, revel in this time of perfect balance.

I have come to this place and set my circle and called the elements near.

Now I sit in silence listening to the awakening, facing north, with the sun rise to my right and the setting moon to my left.

With eyes closed I see the mergence point of light and darkness and am reminded that life would not exist with out them both.

This is the moment of conception.

This is the beginning of creation.

After many months of the darkness I felt drained, but in this moment, I am filled with all that I need.

I was closed but am opened.

I imagined I would be barren, but find I am fruitful once more.

I reach for the chalice of water before me.

I set the chalice upon the Earth and feel it filing and becoming energized with new strength and blessings of love, and fertility.

I hold it up to the light and feel the water being touched and energized with purification and blessings of the light and with that hope and peace and a balance of renewed life force.

I hold it over my head and pour this upon my body slowly and feel all stagnation, negativity, and poverty left by the winter slumber washed away.

As the water from the chalice, passes over my skin I am awash with new energy, strength, hope, movement, growth, fertility and prosperity.

I reach for the athame and touch its point to the earth and feel the power of her awakening caress it’s blade and bless it with all her energies.

I hold its point up to the light and He too touches it with all the renewed energies of his return.

I bring it to my chest in prayer fashion, with point toward my chin and hilt toward my feet, and feel this new energy blend, rejuvenate, and rejoice with mine.

I sit in silence and count the many blessings of this past year’s time as I prepare the offering of thanks I have brought.

I pray for the healing of the Earth and the many creatures who live above and below.

And finally I come to the seeds of the future path of my life, my hopes, my dreams, and my goals, and with the planting of a few special seeds, who’s plants are representative of those ideas, I let them be known.

They are given a bit of the water from the chalice and touched by the athame; then held in my hand to convey to them my intent.

Then I hold them to the Father to show him what is there, and then with a bit of the intended offering, they are placed in and covered by Earth and given to Mother, in hopes that with her love and my nurturing they will come to fruition in my life.

Once again I sit with my eyes closed and thank the elements of Earth, Air, Fire , Water , as I release their presence which I previously called to surround and protect me in this place, before this journey began.

As I break the circle and release the intent to the universe I give the offerings of thanks to all, which I had brought to share.

As I leave this place the world is brighter, my heart is lighter and I am reassured that the balance of Ostara and the renewed life force I have been blessed with this morning, will be with me for another turning of the years wheel .

Ostara Blessings one and all

Lady Feoneafey

Figgy Sugar

2010-03-19T22:17:00.001-07:00

On of my favorite "secret ingredients " are spiced sugars.

They are made with along the same lines as vanilla sugar.

You know the familiar method in which vanilla beans that have been split in half or have had the seeds removed for a recipe are stuck down into a jar of sugar imparting the oils of the bean to flavor the sugar.

I use the containers the spiced sugar will eventually be stored in to measure the amount of sugar I want to spice.

for this recipe I am using regular white granulated sugar, but in some I use organic.

If your sugar is lumpy you can sift it or crush the limp out of it .

The one I made tonight and am posting here I call my Figgy-Sugar because it contains dried figs, but some think it smells or tastes a bit like root beer.. It definitely makes my root beer hard candy special and unusual, as well as one of my most requested hard candies..

Slice the dried fig into 4 to 5 pieces (depending on the size of the fig.)

Break up about 3 to 4 inches of Cinnamon stick broken into smaller pieces.

add about a teaspoon of whole cloves

Add 3 whole star anise

add about a 4 inch length of vanilla, sliced down the center and cut into about 4 - 1 inch pieces.

( if there is a piece of the bean left, split it down the center and place it in your bottle of home made vanilla extract or in your vanilla sugar jar.)

prep a piece of lemon peal as you would for candid orange peal , removing the pith and cut the sliver into about 4 pieces

add the prepped lemon peal.

Give every thing a good stir .

You can cure this in a glass bowl with plastic cling wrap ( don't use plastic as the sugar will absorb any undetected odors and this will destroy the flavor you are trying to achieve.)

or you can use a zip top plastic storage bag.

give the sugar a good stir or shake every day for at least 6 weeks.

taste the sugar periodically to be sure you are getting a smooth light flavor.

you can always adjust the flavor by adding a bit more of what ever ingredients you want a stronger flavor of .

once you have cured your sugar , pour it out onto a paper plate or plastic cutting mat.

Sift the sugar to separate the spices and fruit pieces

once the sugar is sifted. you will want to remove any excess sugar from the spices and fruit pieces . do this with your fingers, a small basting brush, and or a tooth pick.

pick through the sifter and remove all the spices and fruit pieces and add any lumps of sugar to the spiced sugar. you can run this through a spice grinder or pulse in a food processor to desired texture

You can place some of the spices and very dried fruit peals in to the tops of the jars if there is space to remind for decorative purposes or to remind you what it is spiced with ( i wouldn't place any dried fruits like figs in there as they may still hold moisture which can cause molding. )

These also make a great gifts . I love to add them to gift baskets that contain teas or with a recipe the recipient can use the sugar in.

Sweet Blessings
Ma Fey

Look What I got ! The Windchime came!

2010-03-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

I received the Beautiful wind chime from Decadence Designs that was the gift in the giveaway hosted by Mrs. B at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom! Thank you !Thank you! Thank you Both!

It is ooooh soooo much prettier than in the photo ( and it's gorgeous in the photo)

This is the photo posted for the giveaway .

It's well weighted with the knives and yet so delicate in apearence too.
if the knives klink together they sound so pretty . And the Crystal is WOW!

my photo doesn't do much for it's appearance at all, but I tried.

The crystal in the center cast such beautiful rainbows all over the room ! It's going to be great fun to play catch a rainbow with the kids with the additions it adds.

If you click on the photo you can see a couple faintly on the porch ceiling in the upper left hand corner.

This photo is was taken out side and this will probably be the last time it is ever out of the house. I was so worried something could happen to the crystal in the center..LOL

I know I thought this would hang in the kitchen , but I think I want it in the living room where the "rainbow effect" would be best displayed.

Whats "Catch a rainbow" ?
Friend come over with their children and we have drinks and snacks and wait till the sun is in the exact position to hit the crystals in the windows and watch the rainbows "come out of hiding" then the kids jump to "catch one in thier hand and see how far they can carry it." It's great fun to laugh and giggle at where some of the rainbows land , noses, foreheads, and kitty-cats are all fair game.

Happy Blessings !
Ma Fey

Random acts of Kindness - pst number 4 (I think)

2010-03-18T16:00:00.001-07:00

As you probably already know, I am participating in Domestic Witch's Random Acts of Kindness month..

( yikes! I am glade I have been keeping track of these thing for the posting.. Didn't realize it had been so many days since my last update.. i better stay on top of this hu?)

here are my update: (sorry, but I didn't get pictures of everything I did)

Thursday (11th)
Had the hubby take an apple crunch sweet bread loaf to a friend up the street

Friday(12th)
I had the hubby leave a recently rooted spider plant on the door step of a new neighbor with a note that said "Welcome to the neighborhood !! I look forward to getting to know your family. " But I didn't sign it.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday(13th-15th) i just couldn't get out of the bed so I made up for not completing my daily random acts on Tuesday

Tuesday(16th)
1.
When to a thrift store with Mom-J today , she was looking at a couple of teddy bear statues and I knew she really wanted them but didn't feel she could afford them.. so I tucked them into the cart under some of my other things where she couldn't see them, then later I snuck them into her bag when we were unloading the car.. She was so surprised when she got home and found them.

2.
Took Mom-J to her favorite Hot dog stand ( which she had not realised had opened for the season yet) and bought her lunch.

3.
While at the Hot dog stand, a man pulled up next to us in a big pickup ... I heard him order just a hot dog and root beer soooo, I got the car-hops attention and told her what I was up to and paid for the mans lunch.. she brought me his receipt which I wrote on it.." You have been touched by the Random Act of Kindness Fairy ... Please pass it on. " and then had her give it to him when he was ready to pay. The man tried to get it out of the car-hop who had paid for his lunch but she said she couldn't/wouldn't tell him because it was against the rules! Mom-J and I giggled like goons all the way to our next stop!..

4.
I tipped the car-hop a 5 spot for her effort too !

5.
Went back over to the hot dog stand at the end of our day and I bought hot dogs and1/2 gallon of his second favorite drink root beer!(his first being cheep orange soda..LOL -he's so cute)... for the hubby and surprised him with them when we got home.

6.
At the second thrift store I slipped a 5.00 into the pocket of a jacket that a lady was buying with our her noticing me doing so. (she really looked like she needed a Random Act of Kindness more than I needed any trinkets I might have bought with it )

Wednesday (17th)

Wrapped up a set of crochet topped tea towels with a note to another neighbor who is elderly - (yes even older than us..LOL) - and had my hubby sneak over when all the lights were out at her house and tuck them in between the outside and inside front door .. I didn't sign the card . Just simply wrote a little note that said .. "Just a little something to let you know we are thinking of you. We hope the blessings of spring bring many joys your way each and every day."

Thursday ( today)
Had the hubby slip out the back and set these cute little crochet topped tea towels I did up , into the truck of a friend while he visited with me, with out him knowing we did this.. giggle. .. we left no note or any thing, just the package. He should be good and puzzeled , since he didn't even ralize the hubby left the house for amoment.

well that brings me current .. till tomorrow any way ..
wondering what will I do next.....???
You'll Just have to wait and see ;)

Blessings of light and love one and all !
Ma Fey

giveaways and other fun goodies

2010-03-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be so late on one of my favorite postings.. GIVEAWAYS and other Goodies!

Its been a few strange and busy days around here.. but here we go

Jaz and Teddy Do it again!
Aren't those doilies and that milk glass compote AWESOME? you can win it in Teddy's Treats Giveaway as Octoberfarm!
the winner will be chosen on Saturday, March 20th.

Mrs. B over at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom is hosting another wonderful giveaway!! This time it's for a candle from Auntie Di's De-Lites! the winner will be chosen on March 20,2010 at noon EST!

Cotton Rose's March Giveaway is underway! WooWhoo!These are some Cute goodies she wants to share.. winners will be chosen just after Easter, but entries are accepted only until March 31st.

Beth at Gypsy Fish Journal is having a giveaway for one of her beautiful soldered charms she has created! ( these are beautiful!) she will choose the Lucky winner on March 24th!!

March 2010 is Random Acts of Kindness Month at the Domestic Witch's place and for all your good deeds there is a giveaway .
(ooo I need to get caught up here.. but that's another post in itself..LOL I am having so much fun with this one!)

To celebrate her Fiftieth post Willow Silverhorse at A College Witch's Experiences is giveing away some of her Prized Wicca Books.. You have until midnight April 10th to enter!!

Well I hope I haven't missed any one ..

Lucky Blessings
Ma Fey

Oh Wholy Cows! I got a Second Award.. From 2 Diffrent People

2010-03-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it .. I got a second award .. and 2 different people awarded this one to me...

Willow Silverhorse at A College Witch's Experience and Zedral Z at Witchen' in the Kitchen
I want to thank you both So very Much for this! you both are such wonderful people and have great blogs that I enjoy so very much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you !

Here are the rules:

1) Place the award on your blog or within your post.
2) Pass the award on to twelve Sunny Bloggers -- those whose positivity and creativity inspire others!
3) Link to the nominees in your post.
4) Tell the nominees they've received the award by commenting on their blogs.
5) Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

12 sunny Bloggers.. ( hm again with the choices.. o.k. , only 12 it is then ) In no particular order

1. What I made today
2. Seeking Sanctuary
3.Serendipity
4.KSSNNIKKEL
5. Writers and witches, and word...oh my!
6. Frost Bottom Farm
7. Amused Grace
8. Gypsy Fish Journal
9. musings of a sea witch
10. Random Suds
11. GardenMother
12. The Candy Corn Chronicles

My First Blog award!! WOOWHOOO!

2010-03-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Willow Silverhorse at A College Witch's Experience Has bestowed an award on my little o' blog ! Thank you so very much Lady . I so enjoy your blog .

Here are the rules of the award:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic!
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

hmmm.....Seven Things About Myself hu? well lets see:

1. I have to many books and plants, but Love them all and can always find room for more.
2. I Love the smell of a good used book shop.
3. My favorite place to work was always the green houses
4. I love the feeling of warm spring rain on my face.
5. I drink way to much coffee.
6. I love the sound, smell, and feel of a well tuned motorcycle.
7. I love all Robin Hood and King Arther Movies and books

( Shoot, I can only choose 15?! .. o.k.)

15 bloggers I have recently discovered and are fantastic! ( in no particular order)

1. Cooking Stuff
2. OctoberFarm
3. Quilting in My Pyjamas
4. I Heart New England
5. Farm Girl Cat
6. Cotton Rose
7. The Gaudy Garden
8. Confessions of a Crafty Witch
9. Healing Woman
10. Lizzie's Logic
11. Plants are the Strangest People
12. Plant zone
13. Grannysgarden
14. As Within
15. My thoughts, my life as a military spouse

St. Patrick's Day Traditions, Luck, Lore and FOOD!

2010-03-17T12:38:00.001-07:00

I LOVE ST. Patrick’s Day

Warnning: This is a photo heavy post and I get a bit… umm… weird, pretentious and full of my self inthe first part of this post .. not apologizing .. just warning. So I won’t be offended if you skip to the other stuff. Honest! Also there are some photos of meat cooking , sorry if that bothers you, but there is plenty to read here and that part is easily skipped. I want to apologize for some of the photos, i am currently not able to use my regular monitor and the one i am using currently isn't super clear..

( now , just like dinner, this post is complete as i have added all the photos)

Ok here goes ..

I LOVE ST. Patrick’s Day

No , Not for the Green Beer, nor the parades where they happen, nor for the silly hats and shirts , no not even for all the green water you can find (died or other wise…).. even though all those things help to add to the wonderful energy of the day most certainly.. They are just extra goodied that come with the day if you like those things..

I love the St. Patrick’s Day because in my house it was and is a family day.

The smells of all the foods being readied, and the fresh flowers that come into the house, and the sticking of ones fingers in the cream of pies or frosting of coffee cakes and the snichen’ of a piece of warm soda bread along with all the hustle and bustle reminds me of the times spent in the kitchen with My Grandma Grace and my Mother , and their three days of cooking they would do getting ready for the holiday. There were always loaves of soda bread and jars of winter or early spring canned fruit jellies and jams to be dispersed amongst family members, neighbors and friends. And oh those rare and magical weekends when the morning after St Patrick’s Day fell on a Saturday or Sunday and spending time watching my dad make corned beef hash with pancakes and eggs and quizzing him about everything from what it was like when he was growing up to wont mom be mad you for putting her good cast iron pot on top all of that mess??? Those became even more fun mornings when Grandma Grace and Grandpa Red moved in with us after his first stoke.. he would tell us all kinds of stories about growing up in Ireland and about his parents and brothers and sisters and Irish folk tales ( al though I some times wonder how many were Irish and how many were Grandpa Red’s “folk tales”…)

While I cant go back in time to be with them all again, I can bring their memories a bit more for front in my heart and honor them by Sharing as much as I am able with my family, and friends.. They were strong people who lived through some of the toughest times in history .. This year I hope to teach some of the youngest of our family , the measure of strength in us all through stories of those who went before us and hope that they can take away from those stories the strength , wisdoms, patients, creative ingenuity, generosity, and selflessness they will need to stand strong in honest endurance as they muddle their way through these our the current trying times. ..

Ok sorry got a little on the soap box there.. the whole point is that its another day to spend with family and friends .

On to the good stuffs

Did you Know?:

Erin go braugh' is an incorrect spelling and is essentially meaningless. ‘Erin go brea’ the correct phrase and means ‘Ireland the beautiful’. 'Erin go deo' means ‘Ireland forever’. Other common spellings include "Erin go brah" and "Erin go bragh". The correct spelling of the phrase is 'Éirinn go Brách' or in some dialects of Gaeilge 'Éirinn go Brágh'… ( it is possible that braugh has been misspelled due to phonics… in other words spelling it how it sounds)… 'Éirinn go Brágh' is now commonly used as a patriotic cry meaning 'Ireland forever,' - 'go Brágh' meaning forever.

From an old Gaelic Prayer:

May the blessing of light be upon you,

Light without and within…

And in all your comings and goings,

may you ever have a kindly greetin’

from them you meet along the road.

Grandma Grace's Traditional Corned beef and cabbage

Corned beef replaced the traditional bacon when Irish who immigrated to
America found the bacon to expensive.

Ingredients
• 4½ pound corned beef brisket
• 3 allspice berries
• 1 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 whole bulb garlic, cut crosswise so each clove is cut in half but the bulb stays in tact
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 medium head cabbage, cut into eights
• 1½ pounds small red potatoes
• 1 shot (ounce) true Irish Mist or Irish whiskey (optional)
Cooking Instructions
1. Rinse corned beef under running water. Place in large pot.

2. Tie allspice, bay leaves, mustard seeds, peppercorns, into a piece
of cheese cloth using green floss (or white string) and add to the pot
with the brisket.

if you do not have cheese cloth you can use a coffee filter.

Place the coffee filter into a cup to help form the shape.

place the herbs and spices in to the filter

and then tie them up as you would for cheese cloth

3. Add the whiskey,Pouring it right onto the top of the meat

then add onion and garlic.

and the herb and spice pouch

Add enough water to cover.( I prefer to use Irish mist)

4. Bring to a boil, skim any scum if needed. Reduce to a simmer and
cover. Cook about 3 to 5 hours, or until fork-tender.

Remove and keep
warm. (wrap in aluminum foil )

5. Remove spices and vegetables from cooking water.

Add cabbage and
potatoes. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook about 30
minutes until potatoes are fork tender.

Slice the brisket thin.

Want a real goody, pour a bit of the liquid left from the meat, potatoes, and cabbage on top of your potatoes instead of butter or with the butter!

Irish Blessing
Like the shamrocks of old Ireland
May your joys grow all year through-
and Irish luck and laughter
be a part of all you do!

Did you know …

Eating cabbage or other greens is considered good luck because the green leaves are representative of money. Did you know the Man in the Moon who was allegedly banished to the moon after being caught stealing a cabbage from his neighbor on Christmas Eve; and that cabbage throughout the ages has been a reported cure for hangovers?!?

And for the day after you have GOT to try this with the left over Corned Beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes dinner .. it is to die For!

Grama’s Corned beef Hash

3 Tbsp. olive oil ( more or less)

Left over Corned Beef Brisket , Chopped fine about 3 cups

Left over cooked cabbage, chopped fine about 1 cup

Left over boiled potatoes, cubed small about 2 cups

1/2 medium-small sweet onion, chopped fine

1/2 sweet red pepper, chopped fine

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. flour

1 cup beef bullion

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp cumin powder (Watkins is recommended)

1/2 tsp. dried parsley (Watkins is recommended)

1 tsp. dried oregano (Watkins is recommended)

1/2 tsp. dried lemon thyme

1/2 tsp. Black Pepper ((Watkins is recommended)

1/2 tsp. Sea salt (Watkins is recommended)

1/2 tsp. dried Rosemary (Watkins is recommended)

10 inch cast iron skillet and an 8 inch cast iron skillet, and a study metal spatula

In small dish combine all the spices and salt. Set aside.

Prepare the left over Corned Beef Brisket; working with the brisket cold, remove the

fat form the fatty side. Then slice into the smallest sized cubes you can manage. Next,

with good meat cleaver, chop till fine ( or to desired texture_ my family likes medium-

fine).

Prepare the cabbage, by balling it in your hands as squeezing as much liquid as you

are physically able from the ball . (Work it in your hands over and over to remove as

much of this liquid as humanly possible !) With the cleaver, chop the cooked cabbage till

is resembles a course “paste” place this in a small dish and set aside.

Place chopped meat into a small bowl and set aside

Now, finely cube the potatoes and set them into another small bowl .

Chop the onions, sweet red pepper and finely mince the garlic and place them in

another small bowl together.

Prepare the beef bullion and set it aside. Then measure out the Worcestershire sauce,

and flour into separate small dishes and set them aside.

Place the 10 inch cast iron skillet on the flame ( I use a gas oven ) over medium high

heat. And coat the bottom well with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil ( or more) . let this get

Just to the smoking point and pour in the onion, pepper, garlic mix and stir . Let the

onions just start to turn light golden brown then add the potatoes. Continue to cook till

they start to get a little brown around the edges ( remember to lightly scrap the little bits

from the bottom of the pan .) Next add the macerated cabbage to the potato mixture and

fry them together 3 to 5 min. stirring constantly with the metal spatula. Now add the

chopped corned beef , Worcestershire sauce and the dry spice-salt mixture and stir them into the potato-cabbage mixture well. Press this to the sides of the pan ( in a circle) and

add the beef bullion to the center of the pan and give it a good stir to help remove any

stuck bits , then remove 2 to 3 Tbsp. of the warm liquid and add it to the flour to form a

past the stir the flour past into the liquid in the middle of the pan . Mix this all together

very well with the spatula . Smooth the hash out evenly all over the pan and place the

8 inch cast iron skillet, bottom side down into the pan on top of the hash and give it a

little press. Let this cook for 5 min. CAREFULLY lift the 8 inch pan out and scrap any

thing sticking to it back into the 10 inch pan and give every thing a good stir being sure

to scrap the good stuff from the bottom of the pan and turning the has over on itself.

Replace the 8 inch pan and let set another 5 minutes and give it another good deep

bottom scraping stir. Repeat this process 2 more times. Then leave the 8 inch pan off

and continue to cook the hash till brown and crispy, stirring frequently.

This is best when served when topped with eggs fried over easy and slices of fresh

cantaloupe on the side.

Note: some time you need to add a bit more oil to the pan while frying the potatoes and

cabbage to keep things from sticking to the pan.

The Blessing of Light:

May the blessing of Light be on you,

Light without and light within.

May the blessed sunlight shine on you

and warm your heart till it grows like a great peat fire,

so that the stranger may come

and warm himself at it,

and also a friend

Irish Soda Bread

This recipe has been floating around Grama’s ol wooden recipe box for longer than I can remember. I am not claiming it to be an ol family recipe or a true traditional Irish Soda from “the old country” , just that it is the recipe is traditional in our house ,and admittedly I tend to play around with . But either way it is an important part of our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Pre-heat oven to 375degrees F.

4 cups unbleached flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons course (or regular) sugar ( I use vanilla sugar)

1 and ½ cup raisins ( prefer golden when I can get them)

2 tablespoons caraway seed

1 and ½ cups buttermilk

Sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt and sugar together into a large mixing bowl

Now add other ingredients and blend well.

Shape into 1 round loaf and sprinkle the top with sugar.

Cut a cross into the top of the loaf and bake on lightly sprayed (or greased) baking sheet for 15 minutes at 375 degrees F. Then reduce heat to 350 degrees F. and bake for 45 minutes,

Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

Slice and serve with coffees, teas, and jellies or jams.

An Irish Blessing:

May your thoughts be as glad as the Shamrocks,

May your heart be as light as a song,

May each day bring you bright, happy hours

That stays with ye all the year long!

OH.. And Don’t for get to wear the green! ( or green white and orange )

The phrase "the Wearing of the Green" began when the shamrock became an emblem of rebellion in the 19th century and Queen Victoria made the practice of wearing a shamrock by member's of her regiments punishable by death by hanging.

Irish legend states that green clothes attract faeries and aids crops.

Here is a bit more about St. Patrick’s Day

In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is more of a religious holiday similar to Christmas and Easter, and the saint of the day St. Patrick is a Christian saint who was buried in Northern Ireland on March 17^th . Saint Patrick's Day as a celebration of Irish culture was rarely acknowledged by Northern Irish loyalists, who consider it a festival of the Irish Republicans, but there are new steps being taken to change this view. For instance, currently, during the Belfast parade only the flag of St. Patrick is supposed to be used as a symbol of the day so that it is not seen as a time which is exclusively for Republicans and Nationalists. This policy is to allow both Unionists and Nationalists to celebrate the day together. The Unionists wear orange instead of green on St. Patrick's Day and are often referred to as “orangemen” (orange often but not always represents the Protestants of Northern Ireland.)

St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland is a five-day festival, but for at least one day of the year, March 17^th, both Christians and non-Christians the world over, can celebrate a version of the holiday. And they do so by wearing green and/or orange, eating Irish food and/or green foods and drinks, drinking Irish drinks (usually Guinness or Irish whisky), and attending parades and festivals and more. On St. Patrick’s Day it is said that Every one is (or wants to be) Irish.

As pagans we might look to myth, legend, lore, history and traditions of old to find ways to celebrate, rejuvenate and create the energies of hope and prosperities to come. Others of us my simply look to current traditions to celebrate. But no mater how or why we celebrate, we can all experience the joyous energy of “the luck-o-the-Irish”.

The Legend of the Shamrock (a 3 leafed clover)

Seamrog - a compound of "seamair", or clover, and "og", meaning young or small. ( aka what we now call the shamrock). The traditional Gaelic spelling ,"seamr q" means summer plant. This plant, (but it must be a true shamrock) is said to have mystic, even prophetic powers. It is said the leaves will stand upright to warn of an approaching storm and will lean to the direction of coming danger or wilt away from a person overtaken by an evil spirit.

It is said that the Shamrock, Trifolium dubium, the three-leafed plant was used by St Patrick to convert Ireland from Paganism to Christianity. The reports are that he used it ( in the 5^th century , to teach the principle of the Christian Holy Trinity . He taught that it was a living representative of the “ Three-in-One” ( a.k.a. the Christian Holy Trinity) in that each leaf represents God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, and that each part made up the whole of the plant stem. The first mention of a link between the saint and the holy clover comes in the early 18th century from the diary of a wandering Protestant cleric Named Caleb Threlkeld who wrote: "This plant [white clover] is worn by the people in their hats upon the 17th day of March yearly, which is called St Patrick's Day, it being a current tradition that by this three-leafed grass he emblematically set forth to them the mystery of the Holy Trinity." This is the fist found mention of this legend which came about many years after the Bishop Patrick passed away. No one is saying that is wasn’t possible, just that is was not a proven fact reported during his life time. Regardless the truth of the legend, the shamrock has become the icon of the Nation of Ireland, and you will find sprigs of it proudly pined to the lapels of young and old alike on St. Patrick’s day. ( I would like to note that the official symbol of Ireland is the 12-stringed harp and not the iconic shamrock) . The symbolic meaning of the clover’s trefoil growth would not have been original to the Protestant cleric Caleb Threlkeld nor Saint Patrick. The ancient Celts may also have revered the clover because of the trinity of its leaves too. These people had a myriad of powerful beliefs based on triads, which we see in the triskelion, triquetra, triple spiral, Druid marks, and various knot-work found in so much of the art from their time. The representations of three , depending on how depicted, indicated aspects of goddesses, gods, time, balance and a wealth of other things connected in colorations of 3. But regardless of who saw it first, the myth, lore and legend of the shamrock dose and will always spark the magick of hope, prosperity and rejoicing and the promise of growth, success, good health and spring eternal in our hearts and minds .

Shamrocks upon the lapel all evil will dispel!

( you can use Green, Orange, White thread .. or a twist of all three colors if you choose)

Go out into the grass in your bare feet ( weather permiting) and gather up the longest stemmed shamrocks you can find. This is best done at sun rise before breakfast on St. Patrick's day but any time on that day is fine .

cut a length of the thread 5 to 7 inches long

gather the shamrocks into a a bouquet.

Wrap on end of the thread lightly around your little finger to anchor it

While holding the tiny stems of th ebouquet in your fingers wrap the end of the thread that isn't wraped around your pinky up to 3 times around for the tripple Goddess/God , then once more for prosperity , once more for protection, and once more Ireland . Then one last time for all. ( a total of 7 wraps).

Tie the thread with 3 knots to secure.

Leave the thread long so that this bouquet can be hung in the home for luck all the year long at midnight on St. Patrick's day.

Ware the bouquet over your heart till midnight !

Did you know

The sweet smell of clover is said to induce a feeling of peace and calm with in ones self.

Dr Charles Nelson, a leading Irish botanist and a specialist on shamrock, says that the “Shamrock” only exists on St Patrick's Day. Every other day of the year, it's just young clover

A survey conducted by the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin found that the "shamrock" worn on St Patrick's Day is, in fact, not one plant but four different varieties of trefoil or clover. Varieties used are red clover (Trifolium pratense) and black medick (Medicago lupulina), White clover with no white marks on it’s leaves (Trifolium dubium) which is the traditional, and white clover with white marks on its leaves(Trifolium repens).

The 4 leaf clover:

Celtic druids considered the four-leafed clover to be a lucky charm.

Even today it is said that to find a 4 leaf clover is lucky indeed… to find one on St. Patrick’s Day is apparently luckier still!

The 4 leaf clover is said to grant good fortune in 4 different aspects of life. Happiness,

Hope, Peace and Love. These aspects are represented by the leaves of the clover .Never show another your lucky clover, for the power of the blessings it brings will leave you and go to them. The 4 leaf clovers luck last for just a year and a day, but do not throw it away! Place it your book of shadows or plant journals with information about it’s luck and what luck it brought you, or just a little note or 2 bout it’s legend and lore.

And finaly…:

Luck isn't just something you find -- it's something you create. This Household talisman just might help.

Place a healthy plant in a blue pot. Stand in the center ( or as close as you can get) of your home and face North then locate the farthest (left) corner of your home and place the plant there.

Beneath the plant place three silver (or shiny) coins to boost your financial luck, growth and prosperity level .

(a lush green plant that grows in a vertical direction will also help to lift your spirits, increase your luck, and draw positive energy upwards into your environment . If this is tied to a piece of wood to help its vertical growth, this too will help attract good fortune and increase personal growth in many aspects. If the leaves have a striped pattern to them, this too can help increase the power of this household talisman, as the stripes of the leaves can help the energy flow more freely and smoothly)

The readings of the tarot on St. Patrick’s Day are said to be the truest if the laid in the Celtic Cross fashion.

To dream of clover is said to symbolize attainment, growth, financial gain, success, good health refinement, wellness, satisfaction and contentment

One last bit o' Irish lore
click on the photo to read the legend of the Irish Claddagh

Always remember those who've gone before thee, and give thanks that thier sacrifices and survival brought thee to me !

Happy and prosperous Blessings of of the Weefolk be with thee always !
Ma Fey

Rocks in my...

2010-03-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share with you some of my many Crystals, stones, gems , minerals and such .
Some I use in healing and some I have just because I like them so much.

I have been a rock hound since I was old enough to snatch spoons from Mom's kitchen drawer and go out to dig in the dirt for the pretty ones. ( No wonder she could never find her serving spoons at dinner time... Sorry Mom... between my rock hounding and my first attempts at gardening, it's a wonder we didn't grow up eating with our fingers )

I thought I would start with some of my eggs with Ostara/Easter coming up, and some of the other rocks and such I had out today.

Please note that statement made here are of my personal experiences. If some one try's them it does not mean that they will necessarily work for that some one . These uses should ALWAYS be considered and used in co-operation and under the care and advice of the proper professionals. I nor any one associated with this article can or is responsible for your actions or the out come of your actions should you try these techniques,tips,thoughts,etc.. if you choose to do so, you do so at your own risk. In other words,If you try it, no mater what happens as a result , You can't ( and shouldn't) blame any one.
We are each unique and our life force energies will connect or won't with others.

That said , lets move on .

This is Orange Citrine (a form of quartz).
My personal experience with citrine is with healing. When I have been doing a lot of readings for people, I get "psychic-headaches-with-heat" after a while. I am not running a fever, I am just over heated and have a annoying "headache". That's when I reach for the citrine. Citrine is a naturally cool stone. By gently ( no pressure) placing the stone to the center area of the forehead (aka the third eye area) , the temples and the back of the neck , I can cool and relieve this type of headache for my self with out the use of herbs or other unneeded medications. Maybe this has something to do with it's reported protective powers and it's said ability to "facilitate psychic awareness" -- to quote Scott Cunningham. I have suggested this use to others and they have said it worked.. whether or not it did work for them or they were just being polite and saying it did when it didn't, well... only they and the maker knows for sure!

The strange shadow of a oval shape is how my camera ( no mater what I tried) interpreted the beautiful green rings of this piece of rainbow obsidian. I have three of these eggs, this with the green rings, one with purple and one that looks to be a bit of both colors depending on which "eye" your are looking at. These are some of my favorites. Yes, I know there are those who won't touch the stuff, but I find it fascinating to look at and suffer no ill effects from them what so ever . If I am working with stones in a healing I ALWAYS ask if the person is o.k. with obsidian . It's not nice to violate another's personal beliefs and that would be very counter active to the healing efforts. Besides, I am to old and to tired to be wasting energy like that.

I love this little quartz egg. It's not completely clear . it has some faint inclusions , which make it a nice "thinking" piece. It turns in the hand easy and it small enough to carry in the pocket. I never use it for a worry stone, just one to look upon and focus on what good things have happened lately. when I am done "thinking on it" , I always have a smile. It's size makes it easy to cleans when needed too.

I am not sure what stone the green egg behind it is,( probably altered in appearance in some way), but the beautifully sparkly green is one of my favorite greens on the spring alter and always brightens up any spot it is placed in .. it's one I like a lot .

This is another green stone? egg . I love how it is marbled. again i am sure this was altered in the polishing , it feels coated with something .. but I always see something different when I look at it .

It reminds me to be flexible . To go with the flow so that I too can grow and re bloom in spring.

This little tiny Robin's egg blue stone was a gift from a friend. I use this stone when working with the throat chakra. It is small and can be carried and cleansed easily .

See how tiny that little Robbin's egg blue egg is ? And as you can see there are 2 other stones even smaller. The center one is a lapis and the one to the left in the photo is rose quartz.

I love this shell cluster. It was a gift from the sea during a family trip to Florida and has been a long time guest on the spring alter or a water element alter, or where ever it's needed.

This is a good quick reading piece or mini mind vacation piece...in other words it is easy to "get lost" in all it' s patterns . Some times we all need a mini mind vacation and all the twists, turns, curves and bumps on this piece can let your mind wander far away .

I know it's a fossil but that's about it . I don't even know where I picked it up at, only that I have had it for many, many, many years.

This is the other side of the Fossil

Fossils are said to help one recall ones past and are some times used when working with past life regression.

These are some other little thinking stones. the flat one in the back I have used as a worry stone. It fits nicely in the hand as do each of these in thier own way . Again these are all easily cleansed when needed.

Yes, I have a crystal ball silly ! I'm a respectable gypsy-kitchenwitch after all ! ( Or whatever "label" it is I fall under these days)

The ball is about 4 -5/8 inches in diameter and is hand carved from quartz crystal. This piece has some clear areas and some inclusions. It sits on a quartz base , then both pieces sit on a hand turned solid wooden base with a black cover which is currently in my embroidery hoop. I will show it all together when the cover is finished.

Well , until the next "Rocks in my ..." post ,

May your road never be rocky nor weigh you down ,
even if you Do have some stones you carry around.
Ma Fey

Meet my new love...

2010-03-12T19:41:00.001-08:00

Meat my new love...
I just found her today at a local little thrift shop..
. yes I did .. I got to go thriften' again .. twice in the same week/month/quarter . I feel so lucky that I have been able to go "junken" -- as my friends and I call it -- 2 times this week. Granted it was only one small shop per trip.. but that's o.k. by me .
I had fun and just being out of the house has lifted my spirits tremendously!

This is a
Lefton Vase
Irish collection
produced in 1960's

Bottom reads:
GE O. Z. Lefton Co.
8204

Red Tag reads:
Lefton
Trade Mark
Exclusives
Japan

Pieces with this particular pattern are scarce at best. I have seen a few here or there but never in very good shape.

But this one is in such great shape it even has it's red tag!

And I made it home with her with out nicking her !!

I love the 2 bluebirds ( one above her and one below at her left toe --right side of motif, the little shamrocks and all around her and the little hearts on her skirt... and of Course I am over the moon with the fact she has RED hair and BROWN eyes!!!!!! I love the little fairy mushrooms at her feet and her little shamrock on her apron too.

She will be a perfect addition to my spring alter!
I think I am going to try to grow some Bells of Ireland and dry them to put in this vase for summer and fall too..

Prosperous treasure hunting to you all!!
Ma Fey

Giveaways, Worthy Causes and other fun stuffs

2010-03-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

Jenna at CorgiPants need your help to reach her funding goal of $300 for the St. Jude relay in August!!! read more about how you can help by clicking Here ! ( or click the photo of her corgi to go to the page with all the details!)

( Her Corgi is soooo cute!!!!)

Beth at Gypsy Fish Journal is having a giveaway for one of her beautiful soldered charms she has created! ( these are beautiful!) she will choose the Lucky winner on March 24th!!

Mrs. B over at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom is hosting another wonderful giveaway!! This time it's for a candle from Auntie Di's De-Lites! the winner will be chosen on March 20,2010 at noon EST!

Jaz and Teddy are given away some more awesome treasure over at Octoberfarm and just in time for one of my Favorite holidays ST. Patric's Day !!! the article that contains the giveaway info also has an wicked-cool Mosaic project, yummy bread and a really adorable wreath project in it too so read all the way through and find out what you have to do to enter to win! her drawing is Sunday !!!

Rose at What I Made Today is hosting a giveaway for three Adorable! little spirit cord bookmarks (three people will win one each!) her drawing will be next Wednesday( March 17th, 2010

March 2010 is Random Acts of Kindness Month at the Domestic Witch's place and for all your good deeds there is a giveaway .
(I am having so much fun with this one!)

Nifty fact update: By 11:52pm EST on 3-11-2010 there have been about 100 Random Acts of Kindnesses blogged about on the post for this event! If everyone who received a random act paid it forward just once and so on and so on can you imagine how much happiness could be spread "randomly" in the world in no time? Couldn't we all use a little more random kindness in our lives??

Wow lots of cool stuffs today!
I hope you will all hop over to each of these wonderful blogs and try your Luck!

Lucky Blessing every one !!

Ma Fey

Lots-o-stuffs from baskets to scones, Random Acts of Kindess-3 and a home for a Kitty

2010-03-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

Woooowee! What a ride the last few days have been !

Warning : this is a long article and there are a good number of photos so it might take a bit to load for you. Thank you for being patient.

By last night I was so physically and emotionally exhausted I went to bed at 9 and slept solidly till 9:15 this morning. I know I needed it because I normally don't sleep that much in on night. It is nice to have nothing but normal house hold chores to do today because I am spent!
So lets see if I can put some of all this in some fashion of a perspective ( for my self ) while I share the Good stuff ( and some not so good) with you!

Tuesday we went to see the Surgeon and he wants to do a but load more test between now and the 22 of this month. On that date he will be looking into my "innerds" and taking some biopsies of some "inflamed" and enlarged tissue areas of my stomach, duodenum, colon, and large and small intestines..

Of course that was after the strange day in the kitchen and was on the day i found out i won that wonderful wind chime in Mrs. B's Giveaway

My husband found out he is in line for a promotion to the position he has been working for for a long time ( he is so lucky to have his dream job!) Which comes with a pay raise and health benefits too!! among other perks !

We also learned that day, that a long time friend was tragically killed in a work place accident. He was reaching out to attach his safety harness when he fell through a snow covered sky light that apparently wasn't on the schematics/ blueprints to this place..he fell 45 feet! There is some comfort to know he died instantly and didn't have to suffer further. This came after he fought his way back from a massive heartache. I pray that God and Goddess cradle his family in love, strength, and healing so they can face all they must in the coming days .

and that was just Tuesday

Yesterday (Wednesday) , I started the day In the garden . I wasn't out long , but long enough to stain my nails with sweet Mother Earth by pulling early spring weeds and checking on all the little plants beginning to peek up. It was so quiet which was wonderful . The birds were singing, the sun shinning , the scent of Springs promise filled the gentle breezes that swirled around me. It was just the spiritual and physical energy boost I needed.

Shortly after, we were off to the hospital to begin all this testing, then over to the pharmacy to turn in my normal monthly 16 scripts plus 3 new ones!!! ( thank goodness they are only temporary ...I Hope!)

While we were waiting to get them filled, my Sweet Sweet Hubby took me to a local thrift shop (not something I physically am capable of often.. but as I said yesterday was a very good day physical ) and among the treasures I brought home were....

this Beautiful dish for $3.00 for our Ostara alter
I love the beautiful earthy tone swirls with the pink and green accents and its oval shape.

It's marked Cal tempo "fish fin" and what looks like AW??
If i remember right Cal temp is 1950's vintage but I am not 100% sure.. I just know I was rather smitten and quite happy with the price

I love this sweet little taper candle holder and snuffer set..

$1.00 ( candle wasn't included)

With the spring storm season fast encroaching upon us this will be a sweet little holder to keep in the kitchen encase of a power outage.

Of course it was perfect when I purchased it and some how we nicked it and another piece before we got them home ( they were in the same bag) But I still love it !

See the nick??

there at the bottom of the rim

it's on the bottom of this sweet little soup and rice bowel set

I love these sets, but don't normally find them locally so this was a real find at $3.00

( then we had to go an nick the thing dang it!)

at least these made it home safely

I love the pot-tea cup and sake set

$8.00 and in perfect condition

Then I found this little vase for $0.50

it's' motif doesn't match the pot-tea cup-sake set exactly but it really looks cute with it .

And I found a box of 2 of those little plant watering globes.. For $5.00

Maybe not the best deal on them but I have been wanting to try them to see if they really work so the price was right for me.

This is Random Act of Kindness Moments !As you know I have been taking part in Random act of kindness month over at the Domestic Witch.. sooo

Tuesday
I managed to arrange with my friend a time to meet at her Mother's house and have my husband deliver to her mom my "treat Box".

My Scones looked so pretty... My Friend's Mother is from Great Britten and Knows her Scones... So I had my fingers crossed that mine would pass her intense scrutiny.

I included 3 kinds of teas, some Girl Scout Short Bread Cookies ( mine were a bust and I didn't have time to make a fresh batch) , and some home made "false" Devonshire Cream, using one of my Gramas ol' recipes, some candied orange peel.. and a sweet little card just to let her know she is loved and always thought of!

The Scones where a HIT !!! My friend has been having a dicken's of a time lately trying to find thing her mom can/will eat.. I guess she Gobbled them Down. My Friend Said that this gift really went a long way to Lifting her moms spirits and making her feels special.. I am soo Happy for that .. because that also meant my friend had a wonderful day with her mother!

Wednessday
2nd : while I was at he thrift store I picked 5 random children's book off the shelf and stuck a $1.00 bill in each . ( Sorry, I just wasn't sneaky enough to to take a photo of the books with the dollar bills in them)

ALso Yesterday (Wednesday)
3rd: while I was in the thrift store, ( this is kind of why it was soo hard to get a photo of my effort) there was this adorable little boy , whom apparently thought I was a safe adult to ask questions of, who kept coming up to me and asking little Questions like, " can you tell me what size this is mommy said i have to have a 4, is that a 4? " and asking if i could help him reach things- which i would with a nod of approval from his mother. At one point became curious as to why i walked with the "that thing" ( my walker) . .so I just told him I had a "bad back" and my knees didn't work as well as his probably did.. that is a much easier explanation for a kid to understand... His Mother was so apologetic, and I assured her he was fine and that I was having a good time helping him and answering ALLLLL his little questions... Then I slipped a buck into the pocket of his hoody when he wasn't looking..

I have a "random act" planed for today too . But I will post about that one tomorrow..

So the last of the new is double edged in a couple ways..

remember me saying that we had sent some groceries to a friend and his kitty-cat who's been a little down on his luck lately.. well , yesterday when we got home from all the days activities, he was here waiting for us. I knew something was very wrong by the way he was caring hims self. As soon as we made eye contact , his eyes welled up with HUGE tears, and he let us know that he came home from work to find his kitty had died ... Our friend lives alone and Tomas was his only constant companion .. I know the heartache of loosing long loved critters .. and it broke my heart.. I think my husband and I were sobbing almost as hard as he was.. He was kind enough to help us into the house with our packages. My hubby took him into the living room and I made coffee , and we all sat and talked about Tomas and our memories of him and Our friend Shared some funny stories with us about him. Ok to make a long story short....

I have had 4 kitties here i have been looking for homes for... and one of them .. my Lil' Star just would not leave him alone...
He has always been a bit smitten with her....

He took her home with him last night (photo is of him and her in his apartment )... So Lil'Star Has a New home and our friend has a new companion..

I hope they will have many long years of happiness together.

Many Happy and Loving Blessings every one !
Ma Fey

OMGOSH!!! IT Happend to ME AGAIN!!!! I WON something!!!!

2010-03-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

First I want to say Big THANK YOU to Mrs. B for hosting so many wonderful giveaways and for all the hard work she puts into her blog ; and I want to thank Heather at Decadence Designs For donating this to Mrs. B to giveaway ..

"Well fiddle my faddle and call me fannie !!!!!!! WOOOOOOWHOOOOO!" I yelped at the top of my lungs when I saw a comment I had waiting for me when I logged on to my blog and once again I startled the heck out of every being in the house.... "Oops Sorry. Don't worry Hubby. I know how to get the tea stain out of your shirt...Oh and I am glad you arn't burnt too! ... bUt I WON SOMETHING !!!! AGAIN!!!!!!"

This is twice in as many months that I ( ME) have won a giveaway.. I can't Believe it !!!! and Both times they were something I Dearly Loved!!
I remember saying something about not winning this type of thing to often... guess that just goes to show one should never say never or one may make a big fibbermagee out of one's self hu ?? just like I just did...LOL .. Oh it is sooo worth it though !

I am happy dancen'! Happy Dancen'! HaPpY dAnCen'! all the way over to Mrs.B's to say thank you and to give her my mailing info just as soon as I get finished here!

This is a photo of the item that I was awarded in the giveaway at
Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom which is
Mrs. B 's Blog. And is one of my favorite daily reads and she always comes up with wonderful articles and goodies she gives away . Just recently she posted an article titled "What's been brewing in the art room "
in which she talks about and shows wonderful photos of pages she is preparing for the Ostara section in her Book of Seasons. She has so much talent!

Any way

This excellent wind chime was Created and donated byBy Heather of Decadence Design that link will take you to Decadence Design's Etsy shop there are some really AWEsome things there for sale!!

I love it ! I LOve It ! I LOVE IT ! I promise It will live in the house a suggested and maybe i might consider ( doesn't mean i will do it though )taking it out side on very rare and extremely special occasion, but not if there is a breeze,I Promise!

My New wind chime will live in the same area that this one lives.
which is not on the door it is hanging on for this photo ... it usually resides in my kitchen where it is safe from harm. ( sorry i just couldn't get a nice photo of this one . .. I am so excited i couldn't still my self long enough to get a good photo...LOL)

This one is one my daughter and I picked up a couple years ago at the Wabash Herbfest in Wabash, Indiana.

I have always wanted another along the same lines as this one and to day I WON ONE! Hot Digity! Dog Digity ! What a great day this has turned into !!

OK .. gotta go email Mrs. B ..

Lucky Blessing to EVERY ONE!!!!
Ma Fey

A KitchenWitche's Apron- as I know it .

2010-03-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

It looked as if it was going to be one of "THOose" days in the kitchen today.

Yup!
I should probably have taken my clue card and left when I set my pot holder on fire.

But did I ?

Ohhh No.

I stayed.

I stayed through spilling the
kosher salt , and dumping my extract.

I stayed through spilling my coffee - the whole fresh hot cup- onto my feet.
( I am OK , it only stung -no burn- lucky I was for sure!)

I stayed through grabbing the cookie sheet from the 400 degree F. oven with my bare fingers.

I stayed through dropping the chef knife
(If it were not for my crocks ( shoes) it would have been a toe for sure)

I stayed through running a fork prong between my wedding ring and my finger.
(again no injury per-say, but yet another close call. )

I stayed through dropping one of my last 3 eggs on the floor- thank goodness I only needed 2.

I stayed through burning one batch of scones and the batch of cookies..
( something I have not done since I first started to bake in my own kitchen ... years ago!!!)

Then I stayed to figure out what was off ... why was I apparently so out of kilter .... what was I doing or not doing differently .. and if it wasn't me .. then what was up in this room?????

Sure most would chalk this up to a "bad day" and walk away.
Not me .
As I see it,
I am as responsible for my good or bad days as any influence/excuse one can think of.

Then it dawned on me....
I didn't have my trusty-rusty black apron on... was that it.. could something so mundane be why I felt so out of sorts in my kitchen??

Well, I had run the gambit of all thing it could have possibly been and wasn't any of those.
So, I put it on and
I stayed in the kitchen ...

You see, I am what some would consider a KitchenWitch.. and many of us you talk to will have something to say about the tools and equipment we use in the kitchen. Among those items many will list the apron (not all, but many of us will).

There are all sorts of neet-o-nifty-diddies out there about the meanings and sentiments of the apron and what it represent concerning our foremothers, and the homes and environments they made for loved ones all the while wearing thier tried-n-true favorite apron .

The apron is most certainly all those things and more.

In the energies the apron raises through our psychological correlations of these types of memories, we connect with our foremothers. And through them, we can connect to any or all aspect of the Goddess.
Maiden, Mother, and Crone.

Beyond it's obvious uses , the apron could be considered a wonderful teaching tool when teaching someone how to protect themselves. For some, trying to carry the image of "protective armor" is literally more than they can bare at the beginning point in there self empowerment and sense of a form of self protection.
Using a light weight apron, teach the younger to envision the prettiest lights in all colors and any pattern that connects these colors, that they can imagine. Tell them it can even be random splatters of color, but that the colors must connect. Instruct them that this protection of light can be put on as one would put on a light weight, well fitting apron, but that unlike the apron which only covers a part of them, the light they are putting on covers them like a suit they can not feel, and when they tie up or button up the back , they are wrapping themselves in feather weight light to protect them in the kitchen (or whenever they feel they need it . )

You might even make an apron in a solid color of their choice, then let them decorate it however they wish to help them visualize and sense the connection of the self empowerment and self protection .

The apron carries in it's pockets inspiration disguised as recipes and seasonings and those little utensils you have no place else to put at the moment and some times hidden treasures like sweets and all sorts of stuffs.

Well, true or not about my favorite aprons protective powers ( my beliefs are mine), all the shenanigans in my kitchen stopped after I put it on.

Lets just say there was enough proof in the pudding for me about my connection to wearing my apron when I am in the kitchen!

Light and Blessings and in hopes of a better day tomorrow for all !
Ma Fey

Goodies and an Apron for March Random Acts of Kindess Month , posting No. 2

2010-03-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

March 2010 is Random Acts of Kindness Month at the Domestic Witch's and i am participating, though some what behind on my postings of my activities. so lets do a little catchup..

I am having a Wizzbanger ( that's good) of a time with this !

Friday
Mailed a greeting card to a Friend over in another town , just because I wanted to and I have never done that to her before cause we chitter on the phone usually. ( when I can hear on the blasted thing).

Saturday
I sent over a box of Girl Scout Cookies to a friend where she works . These were a perfect way to just say thank you to her for being a great neighbor and friend to us since the cookies are pressed with ways to say thank you in several different languages and they were very tasty too. ( yest i had to have a second box so i could "be sure" they were "worthy " of my intended sentiment ..LOL ( oh and they were quite tasty to say the least of them)

Sunday ,
I sent a dish of my Peppered Black Current Vermicelli and Chicken ( not the pizza, just a hot dish of the Peppered Black Current vermicelli and chicken -- he has some problems with certain foods) down to a friend who's been having a bit of a ruff spot lately and we included some groceries for him and his kitty-cat. ( I forgot to photo the bag of groceries and the hot plate.. silly me..did it totally anonymously too -giggle)

Monday (today)

( Goddess bless the husband who will put on an apron before coffee and still in his pajamas, so his wife can photo it for her blog!)

I made an apron from a vintage linen place mat, 3 vintage linen napkins, and bias tape

I even managed to fold the napkins so they made pockets with a cover

I pressed it ( from the back side) with water and not starch so that if she needed or wanted to store it for a while, the starch wouldn't damage the fabrics

But then I thought,
it needed a little something more,
so...

I added a packet of Moonflower seeds to the pocket !

Then folded it all neatly and wrapped it in paper and tied it with a bow.

Next I got out a little note card and wrote a simple thank you for being such a nice neighbor type note in it and asked my husband to take it across the street to a neighbor lady we barely know and leave it in her door ... again totally anonymous! tee-he-he

Well I am off to make scones and shortbread cookies to be delivered to a friend's Mother who is a shut in ! I just have to figure out how to get them to her anonymously ... though that part may not be possible.. but we'll see!)

May blessings of Kindness ~ random or Not~ fill you lives !
Ma Fey

Giveaways and Fun Stuffs

2010-03-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

There is still time on this one:

Mrs. B at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom
has a wonderful wind chime by Decadence Design to give away
the winner will be drawn at noon Est. on march 9th ( tomorrow) and announced shortly there after.

Jaz and Teddy are given away some more awesome treasure over at Octoberfarm and just in time for one of my Favorite holidays ST. Patric's Day !!! the article that contains the giveaway info also has an wicked-cool Mosaic project, yummy bread and a really adorable wreath project in it too!

March 2010 is Random Acts of Kindness Month at the Domestic Witch's place and for all your good deeds there is a giveaway .
(I am having so much fun with this one!)

Lucky Blessings every one!
Ma Fey

Peppered Black Currant Vermicelli and Chicken Pizza

2010-03-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Warning this post is photo heavy! please be patient while it loads. Thanks.

Actually you can eat 2 meals on this recipe .
the second ( or first) being the pizza and the other being one of the following serving alternatives

The first:
Make up the Peppered Black Currant Vermicelli and Chicken using chicken breast and thighs instead of tenders. Serve the chicken on a bed of the peppered black currant vermicelli which has been topped with fresh or roasted sweet bell peppers , roasted or fresh sliced tomatoes, a sprinkling of fresh chopped sweet basil and top the whole thing with shredded mozzarella and asiago cheese..

The second:
Slice a loaf of focaccia bread into 4 equal parts. Then slice each part between the top and the bottom to form a rectangular shaped "bun" ( you should have 4 tops and 4 bottoms.) Brush all sides of each top and bottom lightly with olive oil (can be Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and place them open faced on a cookie sheet lined with parchment papper . Cover the sandwich tops ( should be a bit thicker than the bottoms) with the chicken that has been sliced to about 1/4 inch thick . Cover the bottoms with the Peppered Black Currant Vermicelli. Lay fresh, thinly sliced sweet bell pepper, tomatoes and white or yellow onions over the vermicelli side and lay Pancetta over the chicken side . Top both sides with some fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and sliced Provolne cheese . Place under the briler for 3 to 7 minutes to melt and brown cheese or bake in a 425 degree F. oven for for 7 to 13 minutes. remove from the oven . let set 3 to 5 minutes then fold tops onto bottoms and cut in half . Serve

OK, now that you have the alts , lets get to the pizza shall we??

Ingredients :
For The Peppered Black Currant Vermicelli:

4 cups cold water
1 tablespoon Olive oil ( can be extra virgin or virgin)
1 good sized long black pepper
1 scant Tablespoon loose Black Currant Tea leaves (brand-optional)
1 sliver orange peal (preped as in the candied orange peal recipe)
Fresh crack ( in pepper mills) the following with the turns given

Organic Cubeb pepper- full 3 turns
Grains of Paradise- 2 full turns
Pink peppercorns - 4 full turns
Organic Green peppercorns - 3 full turns
Organic Ceylon White Peppercorns- 3 full turns

1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dry Tarragon
1/2 teaspoon dry basil
1 -- 6.3 oz bag vermicelli noodles
6 to 8 thin chicken tenders
For Pizza:
2 to 3 tablespoons sun dried tomato bread dipping oil or olive oil
Your favorit pizza crust ( for a 12 to 14 inch pizza)
5 thin slices each: yellow, orange, and red sweet bell pepper
1/4 cup diced tomatoes ( caned or fresh)
1/4 cup diced red onion ( any onion works here)
1/2 cup mushrooms (Iused can tonight but fresh are awesome too)
3/4 cup Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 - 1/2 cup Grated Mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Into a heavy sauce pan place the water, oil, herbs, spices, tea leaves, orange peal peace, and the long black pepper piece broken in half. Bring this JUST to a boil , then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Add the washed chicken tenders and cover. Simmer another 45 minutes ( use a meat thermometer to be sure the chicken is cooked through out!).

Leave the chicken and spices in the water and add the amount of vermicelli noodles you need ( i use the whole bag so i have enough to make one of the alt recipes and this one) ..

the cooking time for the noodles will be the time recommended on the package.. i cooked my noodles for 7 minutes

Remove the long black pepper pieces and the orange pieces before serving or using the Peppered Black Currant Vermicelli and Chicken.

While the above is cooking, prep the Pizza crust

about the bread dipping oil , I get this inthe bakery/deli section at walmart, But if you can't find it you can infuse olive oil ( type of your choice) with wonderful bits of herbs, sun dried tomatoes, and spices to your likeing and use that.

Place the pizza crust into/on a good pizza pan that has been well sprayed with olive oil (I use a restaurant quality deep dish pizza pan for this. these pans can usually be found at a local restaurant supply shop/store)
Poke holes into the dough.. called docking.. you can do this with a fork.. cover the surface evenly with lots of little holes to keep the crust from bubbling up and displacing your toppings.
Brush the crust with the bread dipping oil

start with the pasta .. ( click to enlarge the photo) Drain about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the pasta . Don't use a lot. and Spread it evenly all over the pizza.
then add the chicken torn to bite sized bits.
then the peppers ( isn't that pretty)

next addd the tomatoes and onions.

then the mushrooms ( speaking of mushrooms this is awesome with fresh spring Morel or morchella mushrooms and Mushroom season is coming!!! WOOWHOO!)

top with the cheeses starting with the Parmesan, then the mozzarella , followed by the cheddar ( and maybe some asiago if you have some?)

Place this into a 425 degree F. oven for 14 to 18 minuted

Bet your wonderen' what I want them pliers hu?
(Insert a almost- wicked Grin, raised right eye brow, the "I know a secret." twinkle in the eye and a semi-evil laugh here. )
Actually you may know this trick.

I use the pliers to hold on to the hot pizza pan .
This only works with the heavy duty deep dish style pizza pans and some times cake pans that have the rolled edge like the pan here. You should be able to find a pan like this at the local restaurant supply store. This is also a very useful tool to take pans on and off open fire cooking when camping .. any way ..

get a good hold of you pan and with a flat large spatula loosen the the pizza from the pan by sliding the spatula between the the pizza and the pan going all the way around the pan .

then use the spatula to guide the pizza out of the pan and the pliers to pull the pan out from under the pizza .

let the pizza sit 3 to 5 minutes before cutting .
isn't that a lovely little crust??

waiting that 3 to 5 minutes for the cheese to set is the hard part...

OK.
Time to cut

mm-ya-oh-yesss..mmm--soryy..hot
Sorry guess i shouldn't tal.. um, type with my hands full hu??

Enjoy!

Bountiful blessings
Ma Fey

Winters Last Pass

2010-03-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

The Sun is shining

The Greenery is poppen'

The Spiders are Hoppen'

The Silver-Thyme is all pink and rosy.

But there is still time to be all warm and cozy .

Time for a moment to slip back to the past

maybe to a time when, as children, we always had a blast!

So, before we spring forward,

Lets all take that one more moment
while winter prepares
for it's last pass.

Not a poet, and i know it, but it's , as always, from the heart.
May the final days of winter find you all safe and warm.
Brightest of Blessings!
Ma Fey

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler- aka-The tureens and casseroles preformed wonderfully part 3

2010-03-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

Warning: this post has several photos in it and may take a bit to load. please be patient.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler..aka-The tureens and casseroles preformed wonderfully part 3

This is part three of the dinner I made in the
casseroles and tureens I won from Jaz and Teddy at Octoberfarm (Jaz is doing another giveaway too!! so stop on over!)

any way the menu was

French Onion Soup with homemade Croutons
Red Pepper Chicken with Saffron Black Bean Rice
and
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler !!!

For my strawberry rhubarb cobbler, I used the alpine strawberries and rhubarb from last springs garden that i had put up in the freezer, but strawberries and rhubarb from the grocery or farmers market will work great in this too. They can be fresh or frozen .

The recipe I am going to give you here is for an 8 inch x 8 inch pan and can adapt to a 9inch x 13 inch pan But the fruits will be a very thin layer so I don't really recommend the 9inch x 13 inch size unless you want " a little fruit" with your cobbler top . I love to serve this warm with just a bit of heavy cram drizzled over the top or along side homemade vanilla or strawberry ice cream . If we choose strawberry ice cream , the whole dish benefits well with a drizzle of hot fudge topping too!
( We also like it with a bit of warmed brandy, or Grand Marnier, or a nice raspberry vodka, or a Blackberry schnapps Liqueur; Elderberry wine or black cherry wine warmed and sweetened just a bit with a wild flower honey or star thistle honey is Oh so nice too!)

Also I tend to mix up my dry cobbler topping and store it so it is at the ready when I want it . I prefer to mix it using vanilla sugar, but any sugar you prefer will do.

Cobbler top dry mix
3 cups flour
3 cups sugar ( I use homemade vanilla sugar)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt (Kosher)

sift all together about 3 times so it is mixed well and store in an air tight container

to use:
use 1 cup cobbler top dry mix
2 Tablespoons melted butter
1 egg, beaten well

mix together ( this will make a dough about the consistency or a little thicker than say, corn bread muffin mix) drop by very scant teaspoons onto the top of the fruit cobbler mixture and bake at 375 degrease F. for 35 to 50 minutes till cooked through and golden brown ( it's OK if the fruit cobbler bubbles up through the topping. )

For the Strawberry and Rhubarb Fruit cobbler mix

1 cup rhubarb pieces ( about 1/2 to 1 inch long)
1 and 1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup organic sugar ( or up to 1 and 1/2 cups for a sweet cobbler , we like ours tart so I use less)
scant 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
scant 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
zest of 1 smallish sized orange ( optional)
1/2 teaspoon strawberry, orange, cherry or other berry liqueur of choice ( I used orange this time)

place all ingredients into a heavy sauce pan over medium heat till berried start to break down ( about 20 to 30 minutes - this will depend on the size of your berries . once they have started to break/cook down take a potato masher to the rhubarb chunks to help them along the way . Once you have reached a consistency you like ( some like it chunky, some not so much )

you are ready to assemble the Cobbler

in a lightly buttered dish ,
place the strawberry Rhubarb mix

Prepare the cobbler topping and top the fruit mixture as directed above.

i tend not to wipe the edges on a cobbler... only because it will inevitably bubble out over the edges so why remove the butter that will keep it from sticking and make the clean up harder?? that's my take on it any way .

Bake this in a 375 degrease F. oven for 45 minutes. use a tooth pick to check for doneness by inserting a clean one into the heart of the topping only, to be sure it is baked through . bake till the topping in completely cooked through.

Serve warm or cold ... and in any combination or meaner suggested above.

sweet-tart Cobbler Blessings every one
Ma Fey

March Random acts of kindness Month

2010-03-02T08:53:00.001-08:00

sorry to interupt the dinner posting --yet again--but i just have to ;P

So i am participating in The Domestic Witch's Random Acts of Kindness Month
and that is what this post is about

I have completed 3 random acts in 2 days

One was yesterday.. I sent my Daughter a cute little inspirational greeting card ( since we talk practically every day we don't really send each other thingies in the mail usually so it's unexpected)

Number 1 ( planed)
Hers is the one with the Puppy that looks like out Little Mia

there are a couple others in this photo that I plan on sending out with goodies over the next couple days

Number 2 ( which really was random)
there is no photo for today's random act of kindness, today i was at the hospital to have some more tests done. Any way , as I was leaving there was an older woman getting out of a car.. she wasn't to steady on her feet and I asked if i could help her in. She kindly accepted my offer, took hold of my walker ( i can't walk with out it) and off we went into the hospital waiting room . I got her to a chair and waited with her ( she seamed a little confused) till the person who drover her came in and was with her. I didn't even wait to be thanked, I just left with a smile on my face because it felt so good to be able to help some one.

Number 3 ( planed)
see these snow men? I love the one with the copper penny smile! the kids next door made them a couple weeks back. I took the photo when i was getting into the car one day because they made me laugh they were sooo cute! ( the actual photo is so much better )

So, this morning I printed up the photo on card stock with a note on the inside that said , " Thank you so much for the smile! I hope this makes you Kids smile too ! sincerly , a Neighbor " then placed a Mc Donalds cash card ( gift card) in the envelope and asked the Hubby to sneek it over to thier mail box.. don't want the kids to know where it came from you know ;P

Kindness is a blessing , one we don't share nearly enough!
Ma Fey

Red Pepper Chicken with Saffron Black bean Rice- aka-The tureens and casseroles preformed wonderfully part 2

2010-03-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

Warning: this post is very photo heavy and may take some time to load

Red Pepper Chicken with Saffron Black bean Rice- aka-The tureens and casseroles preformed wonderfully part 2

As you know i won this lovely set of tureens and casseroles in Jaz and Teddy's giveaway over at Octoberfarm... and as promised I am using them ..

So the menu is

French onion soup with homemade Croutons
Red pepper Chicken with Saffron Back Bean Rice
and
Strawberry Rhubarb cobbler

this post will cover the Red pepper Chicken with Saffron Black bean rice

(I will link the dish titles to thier recipe pages when I get them all posted.)

ingredients list :

for the black beans -these are made the day before and left in the refrigerator to soak over night

1/2 to 1 cup of dry black beans (I usually use 1/2 cup, some like more beans some may like less)
3 cups of water
1 half of a medium onion, quartered ( white or yellow , which ever you prefer)
2 cloves garlic, pealed and scored
3 bay leaves
fresh cracked pepper

For the Rice
1/2 cup Jasmine rice
1/2 Long grain Wild Rice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter ( you can use salted.. we don't usually)
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, pealed and minced
1/2 cup chicken broth (we use low sodium with no MSG added organic , or i make my own)
1 fresh lemon, zested
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads

For the chicken
4 to 6 raw chicken tender strips, cut into about 3 pieces each (I used 4 this time)
2 sweet red bell peppers, sliced into strips and divided int 3 some what equal piles
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon tarragon, dried
1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ( or 3 teaspoons dried)
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh chopped Opal or Sweet basil ( or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1/4 Tablespoon fresh lemon thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried time - lemon or English garden)

note: you can skip cooking up the dry black beans and use 1/2 ( or more) of a 14.5 ounce can of black beans if you like .

Rinse and pick through the beans.

Put these into a heavy pot with the water.
Bring them to a boil . boil 3 minutes then turn them off and let them sit covered for about and hour and a half.

then quarter up on half of the onion , the other can be chopped and placed in a covered container in the refrigerator for later use in the saffron rice.

Peal and Score the cloves of garlic with a sharp knife on all sides ( sorry I just wasn't able to get a decent picture- but you can almost see the score marks)

place the onion , garlic , bay leaves and black pepper in to the pan of water and beans . bring to a boil , boil 3 minutes then reduce heat to simmer.

note: the finished texture of beans is a personal thing, some like them firm and crunchy some like them soft and mushy and we, like others, like them some place in between ..

so I simmer them about 3 to 4 hours ( some times a bit more) to get them almost done -these will have about another 45 min to and hour in the oven to cook yet- so don't over cook them . You may need to add a bit more water now and then over the cooking time.

Let them cool to room temp and place them in the liquid in the refrigerator over night .

the next day , heat them till the beans are warmed through and then drain them well.
(basically your beans are "cooked" three times before they hit the casserole)

remove the garlic, bay leaves and onions .. they will be all kinds of ugly from the beans .

and keep the beans warm.

in a saute or skillet over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons butter and let it heat till it is all foamy and sizzly.. don't let it burn and it shouldn't be browned

Add the rice and stir well till the rice turns opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes.

add the chopped onion and minced garlic and stir continuously till the onions turn translucent.

Add the chicken broth and stir well

add the saffron, ( sorry again i just couldn't get a nice shot) and stir well . turn off the heat .

add the lemon zest, 1/3rd of the red bell pepper and black beans and toss all together.

Leave this in the pan till you are ready to assemble.

( Now i do this on a plate but you can do this in a bowel)

toss together the raw chicken pieces, the herbs and spices and another 1/3rd of the peppers so that all are coated well with the herbs.

Place the warm rice and black bean mixture into a casserole that has been sprayed with olive oil ( or coated with non spray oil)

top this with the raw chicken mixture

lay the remaining 1/3 of the red bell peppers over the top and cover with aluminum foil .

bake at 400 degrease F. for 15 minutes. then Reduce the oven temp to 350 degrease and continue to bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken, rice and beans are cooked through.. ( a fork and a meat thermometer are essential)

plate and serve with some white fruity wine if you like or a nice glass of milk work to.

This is also yummy served with a crisp baby spinach leaf salad topped with pine nut and the juice of the lemon that was zested for this dish.

Ok so thats the second course. next i will post the Strawberry Rhubarb cobbler!~

Tasty Blessings One and all
Ma Fey

I interrupt the dinner menu postings for a much needed "My High Horse" moment

2010-03-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

amendment: i do not mean to imply in any way that this sink is advertised as handicapped accessible.
SO I am researching (dreaming about) a kitchen and bath remodel that we most desperately need and looking for things that will make my kitchen and bath more handy-capable

when I found "That thing" in the photo there to the left...

here is where i found it
http://www.kitchenbathideas.com/bathroom-design/bathroom-vanities/bathroom-vanity-solutions/?sssdmh=dm17.432945&esrc=nwkbi&email=1672640697

my first reactions were

oh cool!!

wait...

While the concept is brilliant .. trust me i love the idea of making small spaces all neat and tidy..
i have a question...

How many more people will leave the bathroom forgetting to wash thier hands because they didn't see a sink? ( or can't get the blasted contraption to open...AUGH!)

And granted the novelty of a pull out sink is cool and all,
but..
you know as well as I do,
what will happen .
Some "dodo bird"
will inevitably turn the d- faucets to see if they work (and the sink will be closed)!
which brings to mind 2 more points... er ... questions .

How the h-does it save me room and what the *! is clean about some nasty bucket sitten under foot waiten to catch it some "dodo bird" water??????

I took a deep breath,

Ok , like i said those where my first reactions/thought.

Surely the faucets recessed right ...

So I read on

OH NO THEY DON'T ! They leave the Faucets to "hint' where the sink might be .

Really? no Really!

So I tells the Ol' Fart that I had our solution! We'd save us the cost of the sink in a drawer and put a fake drawer pull up on the wall there just under the faucets; then we'd just knock out the sink from under the faucet and put us a metal warsh tub under the faucet. Then we could higher us some one to come empty it for us each day...that way we don't have to spend more than an arm to be in high style and we'd save us some money on the flush taxes.

Now i don't mean to offend any one but, really ??

maybe i think it's silly because it's impractical to me and my needs and if that is the case then that is one more argument for this being my opinion and only that.

Yea , Ok. The concept is cool,
but the piratical application needs some more work

and while i am up here being totally off my saddle,

why is it that any product marketed as being for handicapped accessibility needs always costs up to 3 times more than what's sold at the local farm store or hardware store?? and some times even the big home improvement stores are cheaper.. ... it really frustrates me.. it even happens when contracting to have work done.. you say I need to remodel this room with custom build and here's what i want and where , they quote you one "ball park price".. then you say to them that you need to make some modifications to make it handicapped accessible as in shorter counter top heights and less drawers with mainly open shelves over head instead of the traditional cabinets with doors and the price suddenly triples when they hear the word handicapped and throw you some bs line about it being because of the cost to comply with the codes .. It makes me want to pull thier wigs off and hope they arn't wearing wigs!!!!!!

Honestly people! Since when did ones body betraying one, translate to hitting some lottery????? and why hasn't any one informed me where my secret money tree is??

OK .. that's my high horse moment today .. sorry for being a total nidget...
thanks for reading.

Ma Fey

French Onion Soup with Homemade Croutons to start -aka-The tureens and casseroles perfomed Wonderfuly

2010-03-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

Warning: this post is very photo heavy and may take some time to load.

SO,
I have been puffen' my chest about these great tureens and casseroles I won in Jaz and Teddy's giveaway over at October farms !

Well let me tell you they are a joy to have .. and as promised I made

French Onion Soup with home made croutons
Red Pepper Chicken with Saffron- Black bean Rice
and
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
( Pardon the ugly cookie sheet I use to catch any drips.. it's a much easier clean up than trying to climb in the oven and clean the bottom of it up.. oh and the 2 tureens with the soup were slipped in just for a moment for the photo)

I will be posting all the recipes for my dishes
but I am starting with the home made croutons and French Onion Soup

There are several recipes out there for French onion soup and several way to Finish it off before serving.. this is just my ol' recipe ( doubt it's original at all, but it's how I was taught to make it) and two of the ways to finish it off.
I want to say , that I have been making these two things long enough I don't really measure so much as eyeball the amounts.. but I will try to give you a ballpark measurement . Just adjust them to your tastes as needed. also i don't cook with allot of salt and if you like you can add a pinch or two of salt to the soup .. for us there is enough salt in the croutons )

Ingredients :

for the soup
1 1/2 pounds sweet yellow onions ( walla-walla and candy are my favs for this)
1 1/2 sticks butter ( unsalted)
1 tablespoon flour
2 1/2 quarts beef broth ( or Large can)
2 bullion cubs
4 to 6 cups water (I use 4, we like it a bit stronger)
1 medium stalk celery
1 to 3 cloves garlic, (I use 2 unless they are small then I use 3)
4 or 5 baby finger carrots ( or 1 medium carrot)
1 cup heavy cream , divided ( 3/4 cup for the pot and 1/4 for the croutons)
2 to 3 cups Parmesans , Swiss or mozzarella cheese, grated
fresh cracked black pepper . ( you can add a pinch or so of salt if you like , I don't)

For the Croutons
( for these croutons I used fresh bread, but I usually make them from day old bread)

about 6 to 10 slices of bread ( rye, dark rye , pumpernickel, wheat or white ...
i prefer a rye swirl when I can find it ( or am able to make it) but I always use a
rye or pumpernickel when the croutons are for french onion soup)
1/2 to 1 stick of salted butter ( depends on how dry your bread is and how much of it you have)
2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil ( depend on the size of your baking sheet)
Worcestershire sauce
soy sauce
teriyaki sauce
Garlic powder
onion powder
basil
oregano
cumin
tarragon
fresh cracked pepper

Grate the baby carrots ( they are a bit sweeter as you know so I prefer them to regular sized carrots for this )

dice up the celery
mince the garlic
Slice the sweet yellow onions thin!

(OK, I confess .. I used 1 and 1/2 large candy onions from last fall that I had sliced and placed in the freezer just for a pot of french onion soup )

In a warmed large stock pot or in a large saute pan over medium to medium low heat,
place the olive oil and bring it just to smoking. then add the butter and the onions. Cook till the onions are tender and just at translucent, BUT DON'T let them Brown.

note: when you use onions from the freezer, there will be more liquid that if you use fresh, just be patient and cook down the liquid .

the liquid will go from opaque to translucent when they are ready for the next step.

this is when you stir in the garlic... make a little room in the center of the pan by moving the onions to the sides . then add the garlic and let it cook in the liquid about 60 seconds

next add the celery and stir well

then add the carrots and stir well again

Moving every thing off to the sides, add the flour to the center of the pan and gently whisk till blended then stir all together

Now add the bullion cubs, beef broth and water stirring well after each addition.

note: if you started this in a saute pan add 1/2 cup of the beef broth stir well, then transfer to your stock pot and add the rest of the beef broth and water .

simmer this for 30 to 45 minutes.
remove from heat and stir in 3/4 heavy cream.

While the soup is simmering, make up the croutons.

note: if you do not plan on placing under the broiler to brown the cheese , then you can add all the cream at this point and serve over croutons and topped with cheese.

Drizzle olive oil ( about 2 to 3 tablespoons) over the cookie sheet and use a pastry bush to move it around and coat the whole pan evenly.

mix together about a teaspoon of each:
Garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, cumin, tarragon, fresh cracked pepper.

melt
the butter
(I use the microwave)

lay out the bread pieces but or broken into about 1 inch sized pieces ( more or less)

to the melted butter, add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce.

Drizzle 1/2 the butter mixture over the bread
sprinkle about 1/2 the herb-spice mix over the bread . flip them over and repeat with the butter first then the herb mix.

be sure they are all coated well with the oil, butter and herb mixes

be sure they are in a single layer

place them in the top of the oven at 350 degrease F. for 5 to 7 minutes then flip them all over and place them back in the over for another 3 to 6 minutes till they are toasted golden brown.

place some of the croutons in the tureens or serving bowels

drizzle a bit of the heavy cream over them

add a good ladle ( or 2) of the soup to the tureens

And top with shredded cheese.
Now, I like an egg poached in mine, but the husband doesn't so these tureens made it totally possible to serve them to fit individual needs.

To poach an egg in one, move the cheese to the sides and crack an egg into the center just before putting under the broiler to brown the cheese.
This will take a bit longer than one with out the egg.

Place the tureens under the broiler for about
3 to 5 minutes ( 4 to 7 if there is an egg in it)

Don't let the soup boil.

You can top the soup with extra croutons if you like ! (we do)
and some sour cream if you like ( we don't)

oh... this soup is also realllly good with baby portabellas added in just after the beef broth and water. MMM! MMM! MMM!

well that it, for the soup and crouton part of our dinner... up next ( in the next post) Red pepper chicken with saffron and black bean rice..

Tasty Blessings
Ma Fey

Giveaways and other fun stuff

2010-03-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

another awesome giveaway from

October Farm

Teddy's Treats Give away

And
An Awesome Idea and Giveaway for March

Domestic Witch's
Random Acts of Kindness March 2010
A new sort of giveaway .

Don't for get to Keep an eye on Farm Girl Cat's blog for another awesome giveaway to be posted early this week !

Fun Filled and Lucky Blessings Every One!
Ma Fey

Old Fashioned Candied Orange Peels

2010-02-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

Candied Orange Peels

This post is photo heavy.

There was a time ( and it's true some times even now sadly) when IF you were lucky enough to be able to afford Fresh fruit , you could only get them when they were in season. Fall apples from the north , winter citrus from the south , and so on. These were treasured and every bit and bi- product you could use was made and used. There are 3 bi-products that are created from the process of making candied orange peels. 1st is a orange water, 2nd is a flavored sugar and the third is a soft ball stage grainy mixture. I plan to post about thier uses in up coming posts -- aka: as I work with them over the next few s days.

Candied Orange Peel can be used is oh so many ways. You can snack on them as is, dip them in chocolate or a fudge mixture that complements the power punch of bitter/sweet orange flavor. They are beautiful to decorate spring cakes or cup cakes with or chop them and add to herbal teas , coffees, or use them to stir a warmed cup of coke-a-cola. They preform well baked in breads, cakes , muffins, cookies, oatmeal ..... yea the possibilities or so endless. They make interesting tasties to include in goody bags too.

When I want to make a new batch of Candied Orange Peels any one and every one who walks into the house is "offered" and orange , but I get to peel it...I can't eat more than 1/2 one now and then, so either I freeze the juice in cubes or I pawn the fruit - minus the flesh - off on all who come to visit. I immediately prep the peel and slice, then toss them into a self sealing freezer bag. till the bag is full. ( They stay frozen only about 5 days ,maybe 7, but I have never pushed them further than that, and I always taste a couple small once randomly to be sure that they haven't soured or suffered frost bite. )

Preparation isn't that hard. Basically you wash the orange under cold water with a clean terry cloth to be sure you get into the oranges skin grooves. Then you remove the fruit from the peel in nice slices.
Remove the pith( that white layer between the fruit and the orange skin) ... kids can achieve this with a heavy handled table spoon. Then slice them into strips approximately 1/4 inch or less in width.

See those little bubbles that's where all the flavor is ( the a lot of the oils) . Try not to pop them if you can.

This slice could still use a little more pith removed but it was a good shot of the "flavor bubbles" .

The recipe below is for 4 large unblemished Oranges . I tend to make about 3 to 4 time that amount , but I only double it and usually have enough liquid and sugar .

4 skin/peel of large unblemished Oranges pith removed and sliced 1/8th to 1/4 inch thick
4 cups of cold water ( more or less)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup (fine) granulated sugar

Add your peels to a heavy 4 t0 6 quart sauce pan .
and cover them with 4 cups of cold water , or just enough allow them to "float" a bit. ( If using them from the freezer, don't defrost them.)

Bring them just to a boil then reduce heat to med-low and simmer them till they are tender
(15 to 35 min , keep an eye on them !!)

while the peels are cooking
sift together into a large container the 1 cup powdered sugar and the 1 cup (fine) granulated sugar and line your counter with waxed paper .

When the peels are tender, strain them reserving 1 cup of the liquid.

now there are recipes out there that tell you to strain- rinse- cook -repeat up to several times supposedly in an attempt to take out the bitterness....... Why would I want to wash all the nutrients and flavor away like that????

any way

In the sauce pot over medium heat add 2 cups of sugar and let it warm for 2 minutes then stir in the 1 cup of reserved orange liquid give this a good stir .. then add in the orange peels .

Give them a good tossing about in the syrup and keep them moving about till the sugar is dissolved.

simmer this stirring only 1 time at 225 degreas F.

keep simmering till it reaches 238 degrease F ( soft ball stage. ( keep an eye on it, but this can take a while to reach the temp needed)

turn off the heat but leave the pot on the hot burner to buy you some time.

remove the orange peels from the syrup one or 2 at a time and lay them in the powdered sugar-sugar mixture and toss to coat well .

then lay them out on waxed paper in a single layer to dry

cover them with a clean white, light weight towel an let them dry for 24 hours .

The sugar you tossed them in is awesome in a cup of Earl Gray tea... but more about that later

when the orange peels have dried for at least 24 hours place them in a container that can be sealed air tight.

OR .... Dip them in chocolate ( oh and roll them in finely chopped hazel or walnuts...mmmm-yummm!) .
Lay them on waxed paper to harden and enjoy... save some to share!

Store dipped peels in single layer between pieces of waxed or parchment paper in a container that seals air tight

Tasty Blessings !
Ma Fey

Hello , Thank you and I'm still here.

2010-02-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Every one !
That's our littlest critter Mia.
She and our others have been very diligent at cuddling up with Mama and trying to make her feel better.
It's working.
I'm still not up to snuff yet. But am coming around ... Just wanted to thank every one for thier kind thoughts and prayers. We get the test results next week.. sometimes I think waiting to hear is the findings is more annoying than the test they put you through.

I have been able to do some cooking over the last couple days.. though not being able to eat much has kinda put a kink in things.. not being able to taste things as I go means that I am not 100% sure what I am feeding my poor hubby is OK or not. He is surviving it though. I think. I mean I haven't found any unexplained mustard stains on his shirt or any thing...

I did use the tureens and casseroles.. that was fun! I will post about what I made and such through out the week as I go as well as other things i have plans to post.

well till tomorrow then
Bright blessings
Ma fey

A wonderful sweet smile amoung the medical madness

2010-02-18T19:24:00.001-08:00

I haven't been around much. I started haveing some bad stomic trouble about 8 weeks ago. which i have been back and forth to the Dr over ( even lost aprox 18 pound.. not a good way to do it , but i needed to drop a few) . Then, on Valentines day i began to develop a sever pain in the right side. I have no appendix or gallbladder those have been gone for years so i thought maybe it was just a kidney stone but after 4.5 hours at the emergency room , 2 shots of morphine, blood work, and iv, a CT scan and a sonogram.... it's not a stone but a cyst in/on my kidney ..
let me state clearly now, I will NEVER let them EVER give me morphine again , because on top of the excruciating pain I was already in , I spent the rest of yesterday and into the wee hours of the morning this morning "worshiping the porcelain goddess" as it were. This resulted in sending my blood sugar to extremely low numbers and not being able to hold any thing down also meant a hole day with out any of my other meds.. this has just exacerbated all the other problems... I am a mess to say the least.

Yesterday was not all grim though ..

Look what I got yesterday!!!!!

Sugar Babies
Dark Chocolate Raisinets

YUMMMY!! (I can't wait till I feel good enough to open them up and munch them down... i hope it's soon)

Guess what else was in the box .........

THE TUREENS and CASSEROLES!!! I won these in one of Jaz's giveaways over at October Farm

( she's having another giveaway too for a beautiful set of goodies .. so pop on over and check it out )

Any way , these are so much prettier in person even and I adore thier wicker holders too. They are a perfect set for a lovely dinner for 2 ! or soup for 4 with yummy sides!!!! I cant wait till I get better and can use them ! Then I can make up for not being able to make my Hubby his traditional Valentines dinner and serve it in style but first I will make what I promised, just to break them in.

And isn't that note card just the cutest .. I love it
ALL!!!

Thank you so much Jaz for such a wonderful give and the perfect bright spot on a dismal day .. i think there was a reason that the snow fell and delayed them a bit.. i sure needed the cheer they brought to me yesterday!

Well , after seeing the surgeon this morning and preregistering at the hospital for a but load of test for tomorrow and Monday, I am pretty wiped and still not feeling any better than before i went to the ER yesterday, ( but most definitely better this evening than i was yesterday evening) so i am gonna cut this post short..
If i am not around for a few days it's because I am still pretty sick and in a LOT of pain.
I will be on when I can..

Blessings one and all
Ma Fey

Learning something new and My New Blog Button

2010-02-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

I love the challenge of learning something new don't you? I don't think the complications or the simplicities of the task matter to me as much as being able to achieve the intended out come. Some times I am a little slow on the info uptake as I have said before, but once I have hit my head against the proverbial brick wall enough that those lost tidbits get shook back in place and I begin to "get it" I either feel really proud of my self or really stupid I didn't get it before that. Either way doesn't affect my need for self challenge. Keeps my mind, sprit and sole young and bright and alert:P

so for the last 2 days I have been readying an researching how to make a blog button ..hopefully with code for others to grab.. well see what we get...

First I used my favorite photo editing program to edit and add elements to a photo of one of my recent apron creations and saved it on my hard drive.

Next I am posting about it here so that I can obtain a URL for the photo . .. (looking at the photo now I wonder if I shouldn't go back and play with the fonts on the photo to make them a bit larger ...hmm.. well this is the learning phase I can go back and correct my photo when I see what I have before I tell any one to grab it and if this is going to work.

ok so I need two urls the one I want this photo to link to and the one where this photo is located.... guess I can't get one of them till I publish this photo

so bare with me I will up date this if it works or at least with my efforts

Fingers crossed ........
1st try
OK so that is REALLY big.. i need to re size that photo ... brb

second try
Ok that's a little smaller but no html code for others to greab.. hummm
ok off to do more research ..

third try
OK i think the size might be ok.. now where is the code.. geeerrrrrr.
Be back in a bit to fix this
i hope

YESSS!!! YESS!!! YESSSSS!!! HAppy Dance! Happy Dance ! Happy Dance!
( singing to the tune of na-na-na-na-na)
I have a blog Button
with HTML code
you can grab now
if you want it.
I can Share Blog buttons..

For those who figured this out before me this may not seam like such a big deal..
But to me it is because while my hubby is a computer tech ( makes his living at it) I am computer stupid .. so this is a really big deal for me .. I am OH SO HAPPY.. I can't wait to show him what I just did..

( Ok guess I need to cut the pain meds back Just a bit..LOL )

Now i just have to figure out exactly how i did it so i can do it again..:P

Happy Happy Blessings every one!
Ma Fey

this weeks featured Giveaways , Blog Parties and Events

2010-02-15T18:57:00.001-08:00

Some awesome giveaways for the beginning of this week .

Oh Jaz and Teddy you have done it again! look at those lovely mugs and napkins..
October Farm
Teddy's Treats Give away

Keep an eye out for Farm Girl Cat's next Giveaway this week
http://farmgirlcat.blogspot.com/

I pray for the healing and anticipate return of Mrs. B. and the continuation of her February blog party.

Upcoming events:
Now this promises to be both challenging and a Blast too!
Domestic Witch"s
Random Acts of Kindness March 2010
A new sort of giveaway .

Good luck and have fun!

( Can I just say kidney stones are a killer)
be back on as soon as I can ..

Blessings all
Ma Fey