Warm & cozy in from the rain

We were experiencing beautiful weather yesterday morning so I was outside working on the necessary seasonal yard work (this time pruning hedges). Out of nowhere it started pouring down rain and it really hasn't stopped much since. My there is a raw chill in the air! It is suppose to warm up later in the week, hopefully giving us enough time to complete all that must be accomplished before cold weather sets in.

This is a rare day where Christopher has a morning class and an early evening class so he came home to do his design homework on his computer in between the classes. That gave me the idea to have our big meal of the day at lunch so he could enjoy home cooking for a change. I made one of his favorites (Holiday Spaghetti) and served it with broccoli (not one of his favorites but he'll eat it). Hubby and I will have something very simple for dinner.

I also made our favorite Amish Pumpkin Bread with chocolate chips... one large loaf for the freezer and eight mini loaves to be enjoyed now. If I remember, I found that recipe in Country Magazine in the 1980s. Some may remember when an Amish housewife used to write a diary each month which included recipes. This was one of them although I later added the chocolate chips. I use approximately a three to one ratio using whole wheat flour that I grind here at home with a little unbleached white flour. The fiber and the healthy pumpkin makes it a good snack for the guys.

Tomorrow morning I plan to do the same with cranberry bread, making a large loaf for the freezer and the mini loaves for the family to enjoy for awhile. I can bake both bread pans at the same time, just taking the pan that makes eight mini loaves out after twenty minutes and leaving the large loaf pan in for a full hour. I'm hoping to have a few quick breads available in the freezer when needed.

I was telling my daughter recently that using my bookstore money last year to purchase a deep freeze was one of the best investments I've made. I have the medium size (there was a little guy, a huge guy, and a medium Mama Bear size) that works well given the space where it is located. I was able to purchase meat, frozen fruits, veggies, bread, etc. when on sale and freeze them.

This month is extremely tight financially as I have about $40.00 to purchase milk, eggs, and such for the entire month. It's been a real test of my pantry and freezer but so far, I've had what I've needed as long as I keep meals simple. I'll replenish and hopefully even deepen the pantry further when possible.

I found it very interesting this past week when I was listening to a discussion of the economy by a group of experts. It was asked what the average family should invest in who can't afford over $800.00 for gold. The answer? Canned goods! Actually, I was surprised to find all of the men agreeing it would be a good idea to purchase extra food, clothing, etc. for they believed eventually we will see much higher prices and even hinted at shortages (although none would actually say we would see shortages, it was more "wink, wink" situation).

Hmmmm... perhaps mothers and grandmothers do know best? :)

Here is the link where you will find the pumpkin and cranberry bread recipes.

And... here is the link for the Holiday Spaghetti and my mother-in-law's chicken rice casserole recipes.

I do so apologize that I haven't been able to answer e-mails. There is so much to do here at home right now but I should be able to take mouse to hand soon and spend time chatting with you who have written.

Now, to do the dishes... always dishes... and laundry... but that is a good thing, right? I thank God for the food and the clothing.

Picture: Blue Stove; allposters.com