Saturday, October 4, 2008

::30 Days:: Day 11

These are the last of the 2 bushels of apples we bought. I had just enough left to make apple butter today. Part of me is glad that I am finally done with the apples, that none went to waste and every last one was eaten or made into something. Another part of me is sad to see them gone, now I have nothing else to can. Canning is addictive, no, really, it is. I start eyeing different fruits and veggies and wonder what I can do with it. I saw an ad in the local paper from a local orchard, offering up apples specifically for apple butter at $6 a bushel --whoa, cheap!! But there is a catch:: You have to buy at least 10 bushels. Ugh! No thanks. I'm done with peeling apples!


We went hunting for more black walnuts this afternoon. We have a whole wagon full! Middle refused any help at pulling the heavy wagon up the hill, she flexed her muscles and said, "I can do it!" My super girl!


Nothing like homemade biscuits for dinner. I'm not normally a biscuit eater, I prefer rolls, but after tasting these, I've been converted! Too easy to make and so so so good! I double the recipe for leftover biscuits to snack on the next day. They taste great with jam!

2 cups flour

4 tbsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1 stick frozen butter

almost 1 c milk

combine dry ingredients; grate (yes, GRATE) frozen butter on top of flour mixture. Add 1/2 cup of milk to start and combine with hands. Add more milk until not too wet and not too dry. On lightly floured surface, flatten dough about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out biscuits and place on ungreased baking sheet. Cook at 450* for 10-15 minutes, until lightly browned. Makes 12.

I dare you to eat just one!

The apples at the beginning of the post have turned into this:: nearly 10 half pints of apple butter. I cooked it in the crockpot, freeing me to go about my day, hunting for walnuts, making biscuits and nursing the baby, only occasionally stirring. It cooked almost 11 hours-- Thank goodness for crockpots!

** CPS worker came this morning. He wrote in his file that there was nothing abusive or neglectful in our home and behavior and told us that this is his last visit with us. He was a really nice guy and under different circumstances, I could see being good friends with him. He stayed about an hour talking with us and asked the required questions on his paper and often started a question with, "This doesn't apply to you, but I have to ask..." When he left, I felt good, a big contrast from his first visit when I was upset and crying. I hope this will be the end of dealing with CPS, we did everything they asked us to and cooperated fully with them and their requests and I am sure that showed them we were serious about our children and our roles as parents. I'll be watching for copies of the paperwork when the case is officially closed.

9 comments:

DJ Kirkby said...

I am glad you've had a positive experience with them at last and I hope you are still breast feeding? That walk in the woods looked so beautiful. I wish we could have joined you. We don't have frozen butter sticks over here...I have exciting news to tell you about my memoir but I have forgotten your email address, please can you email me at djkirkby@gmail.com

Karen Mayes said...

:o) Yesterday we got the final report in the mail from CPS stating there was no substantial abuse at our home, so there was nothing for CPS to pursue. Finally, the case is CLOSED... I admire people who work for CPS; we need CPS all right, for some children who are in need. However some staff at schools in USA need additional training, so that some INNOCENT families will not suffer.

Apple butter looks DELICIOUS!

jenny said...

Dj-- Oh yes, I am still breastfeeding. The ne pediatrician wants me to stop breastfeeding, and I told him no. Am looking for another doctor. I hope this recent push for formula doesn't reflect a changing trend to formula and see a drop in breastfeeding.

Do they sell butter in sticks over there? 1 stick equals 1/2 a cup, so you can take that amount, roll it into a log and pop it into the freezer overnight.

I'll be right over! :o)


Karen-- I am glad that your dealings with CPS are over, too! I realize that CPS is looking out for the children, but it is frustrating when people like me and yourself get reported and we have done nothing wrong. I feel it wastes CPS's time when they could be focusing on other people that really do need intervention from CPS.

Apple butter IS delicious! :o)

barefoot gardener said...

Looks like a fun day!

I am so glad that things are working out with the CPS. It must feel good to know that they agree that you are doing a fine job with your kids.

Lantana said...

I always liked to throw some cinnamon candies into my applesauce while still hot. Gives the sauce a pretty color! I learned this from my paternal grandmother.

Lantana

mishkazena said...

Yay about the CPS closing your case! That was pretty ridiculous, imo, but I guess the doctor was required by law. He was wrong to try to force you to use the formula since he doesn't know you well. How is the baby doing?

The biscuit recipe looks good. I've never made biscuits before. I've been thinking about making some and now here you are with a good recipe for me to try. Great timing, isn't it? lol

jenny said...

Barefoot-- it does feel like I've been validated. I'm just glad it's all done with and we can go about our lives again.

Lantana-- the recipe book I use for canning also suggested cinnamon candies. I didn't have any on hand and didn't want to run down and get any. Next time I'll try it. I do love cinnamon candies!

Mishka-- Those biscuits are really good. My husband is a biscuit kind of guy and even he says they are the best he's ever had. You ought to see him eating them, he looks like he is really enjoying every bite!

Baby is doing great. His newborn clothes are starting to look a little snug so I know he is growing. Taking him in for a check-up soon, so I'll find out how much he weighs.

Sparx said...

Well done - I knew you'd get through it with flying colours.

Wendy said...

I'm glad you're finally getting somc closure with the CPS case.

Apple season is great, isn't it ;). I love, LOVE apple butter on biscuits. Reminds me of visiting my elderly aunt at her home in northern Georgia where she had a magnolia tree we all climbed. It was my first time eating apple butter and I often wondered why my mom never made it. It was yummy!