Spruce tips, Gardening, Atwater Market & Plant Adventure's*

                  

Morning lovelies, 

It is finally sunny outside again; yaaaaay!

I have so much work to do, the garden needs to be all done & good to go, no later than June 24th.

                   

These are my carrots that I cut the tops off of, placed in my organic, homemade, super nutrient rich fertilizer. That's why they are sprouting tops, they did it almost overnight-that fertilizer is potent stuff! I will be planting these this week, along with some baby red potatoes and some scarlet runner beans; I got them as a gift and can't wait to see them grow.

                   

I found the above idea on Pinterest and have decided to give it a go! I also finally found the earth, (it's organic) I prefer for planting food and my herbs that I could not find near me. We ended up going to Atwater Market in town and had a lovely day. It was packed full of people and I got these:

           

Healthy rosemary, lavender, & sage. I still cannot find white sage but I will continue the hunt. If you have any ideas for white sage, please let me know in the comments-nobody has this where I looked and asked.

We stopped at this place called Aubut, that I have been going to for years; I need to do the dreaded costing for my products but required the pricing on bulk ingredient's. Aubut specializes in bulk for smaller businesses. 

It was fun but sad too. 

Why?

Things have become very expensive, vanilla and chocolate are the most painful, by far. 

Vanilla at Costco went from $7.98 up to $27.69, and at Aubut, it went from $23.00 up to $67.00-yikes! 

Vanilla beans? A pack of 40 used to be $19.99, now it is $78! 

Crying, gimme a minute...

Guess who is going to make their own vanilla extract again? I will post this and a recipe on the new blog when I launch. She's looking mighty pretty btw, there's just a lot of work to do; and I am sorting through which posts to keep from this blog and then transfer with some adjustments. Be warned, there will be some recipe re-posts on the new blog but they be deelish one's and there will be lots of new content. So fun! 

Okay back to crazy town prices.

Chocolate has not fared any better.

A 1.8kg bag of chips used to be $10.99 & has gone up to $18.99. The small bags which used to be over 375 grams at .99 cents-$1.99, have shrunk down to 300 grams and have gone up to $3.99-$4.99! The higher end cacao Barry products have gone way up as well, but it's too depressing to continue talking about.

This is the way of things, as we continue to strip resources, hurt our planet, deal with the domino effects of corruption, and just try to eek out a living as best we can on low wages, food costs rise.  

It is a big part of why I am attempting to source local ingredient's as much as possible in my products. Speaking of which, I got these right down the street!

And they be free!!!!!! Whoohoooooooo!

            

What are they you ask? Why Spruce tips of course! Spruce as in the tree? Yup!

                        

You pick them off Spruce tree's in the spring, it's a very short time frame to grab them. As spring was late, these beauties came out just in time for my decision to use them, in a short-run (limited edition & small batch) jam flavour.

                         

When you pick them, you must gently pull them off the tree. They have a papery husk, are sticky, quite fragrant, and delicate. You cannot pick them all, as the tree needs to use some of this new growth. Be kind to Mother Nature, she needs our love and respect so she can continue to provide for us. This means do not strip the trees bare. 

                         

When I got them home, I immediately proceeded to process them in preparation for jam making. The papery husks need to be removed and you check for buggies, gently rinse, gently pay dry, and use immediately or freeze.

                            

Good news was that I got 4 cups worth! This is a strong ingredient, it's been used medicinally by aboriginal people's for centuries; a little goes a long way. Cannot wait to try out my new recipe with this ingredient!

                    

I managed to score some free herbs from a friends garden and busily planted those along with replanting my lovely berry shrubs.

               

Getting dirty is so much fun, I had to rescue some plants. The days of rain practically drowned a few. All is well now though.

                     

Rocky was so happy, he stayed with us all afternoon and kept my mom company. She decided to come over to the gardening green force side, and help me cut up plants for my mulchy fertilizer "tea". 

                        

We got to drink this delicious, virgin Caesar cocktail mix that we found at Aubut. It tasted so good, is gluten-free, and has no alcohol to aggravate my eczema. I added limed salted rims and all was right with the world!

                        

 It was $2.49. Really good price, it's definitely a treat item for me though, it's got sugar in it.

                        

She was seriously delicious, I drank it as I admired my new herbs...

           

So, now I am off with a seriously jam packed week, pardon the pun-no seriously, I am making and packing jam. Haha.

So, have a lovely and blessed start to the week! Stay positive, hold fast to your dreams and spread love. 

                  

*Repost from my old blog The Kinky Coconut 6/13/2016

Lilac, Gardening and Garage Sale Excursions*

                 

Bonjour monde,

The scent of lilac is filling my kitchen and senses as I write these words. 

Takes me back to childhood, walking to school just before it let out for summer, surrounded by that unmistakeable lilac scent, boughs weighed down by assorted blooms, and picking some on the way home; to give to my mom when the day had ended.

The blooms are late this year because we have had such a cold spring, this week has given way to perfect weather and everything is coming to life. 

                                 

These are my red peppers which have finally begun to sprout, now if only some pesky critter menace would stop digging in my pots; I would be happy. The trials and learning curve for a newbie Gardner is steep! It seems that cinnamon and then some stinky onion spray have not worked their magic, I will not be deterred!

                               

I finally made my Southern Spiced Fried Chicken with a special salty/sweet glaze. It's gluten-free and gets gobbled up, so I had to take pics pretty quickly. This recipe will be available in my cookbook only, but it will be worth the wait. I was surprised by how much extra glaze the fam kept adding to their pieces of chicken; as it was on a whim that I decided to create that finish for the popular chicken recipe. Happy that it went over well and learned my lesson on the double it up next time front.

                              

This one was an extra smothered piece after I had already poured some glaze on it. We were laughing at how much was being used, would you like some chicken with your glaze?

Anywhoodles, I moved forward and am happy to report that all granola batches were an absolute success! I am thinking of posting this recipe at some point, hopefully on a tasty Tuesday soon.

                             

That one is the almond and blueberry cranberry maple granola, boomtastic!

Come back for it because you are going to want it over and over, I think it would also make great DIY gifts. In a Mason jar with a pretty lid, fancy ribbon and nice tags. Yeah, that could work out nicely for the holidays later on this year. 

Hey, it's never to late or early to plan ahead and start buying or making Christmas gifts. 

I plan on doing some serious canning and jam/compote/jelly/pickling this summer and fall. God willing it will all turn out and my friend's and fam will have delicious noms that you just can't buy. 

                         

We went to these city-wide garage sales this past Saturday and scored loads of garden stuff, pots, tomato cages, camping dishware, and all these Mason jars; on the cheap!

My aunt is amazing at bargaining down, I suck at it. It amazes us all that she's so good. She sweetly and jokingly butters up the seller's; they smile and crack jokes with her and she gets more bang for her buck. I am just awkward, unsure, mortified & uncomfortable. I feel like I am being shifty or doing something wrong. 

It may not be the best way but I'll pay the asking price, don't judge me...

My mom scored a dozen Mason jars for 0.25 cents for a whole box! 

Yeah, a dozen jars for 25 cents; which would have been $12.99 plus tax at the store. I must say, people were super happy to be rid of them, us canning folks snag and bag with smiles all around.

I got 6 boxes more for about $10, and I was super happy about my $2 camping set which I had seen retailing for $20+ at the sporting goods store.

                           

 If you have them in your area or even a bit out of town, I highly recommend going to these types of garage sales. People have stuff you need at way better prices, and not all of it is used or even gently used. Some of the sellers were business owners getting rid of last season's stock, overstock puzzles that were never opened or unwrapped, so much baby gear, clothing with tags and store folds. My uncle got 5 Tommy Hilfiger shirts and my aunt paid .50 cents each! 

(Flambant neuf!) Flaming New, as she kept repeating in French. Tops I had seen for $49 & up to $57 in the stores downtown! 

The only downside was that I got a touch of sunstroke, I had sunscreened, wore proper clothes, but forgot a hat and didn't drink as much water as I usually do. Too caught up in the excitement, I paid for it and ended up having to cancel my plans for my birthday on Sunday. I spent most of the day in bed, seriously nauseated, with cold compresses and a pounding headache. I slept a lot and it finally started to clear off a bit in the evening-loads of fluids helped. I am not going to complain though because we had a blasty blast on Saturday and party plans can happen another time.

                             

That's all I got folks, keep checking in and tell me about your garage sale adventures down below in the comments.

Have an awesome day and Abba bless! 

*Repost from my blog The Kinky Coconut 5/25/2016

Kiss My Berries Smoothie*

             

Morning sweet one's!

I am really busy with the new blog, trying to figure out Etsy-if it's really best for my business, as well as the bunch of prep tasks for descriptions & other important stuff. I was away for a few days and I worked a bit but rested more than anything, I needed the country time. I will share some fun stuff from that trip in a later post.

Today is a recipe for this delicious antioxidant, super healthy, tasty and easy smoothie. I used Bao Bab powder to give my body an extra boost, as a super fruit with loads of health benefits; it's ideal. 

If you don't like seeds in your smoothies, feel free to strain it before imbibing this yumminess. 

KISS MY BERRIES SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

1 Cup antioxidant berry mix

1 tsp almond butter

1 tsp coconut oil

1/2 tsp Spirulina powder

1 Scoop hemp protein

1 tsp Bao Bab powder

1 1/2 Cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 packet stevia (this is optional, I had to use it as my berry mix was eye watering tart)

Method:

-Throw all ingredients in blender & mix for 30-60 seconds until smooth.

Enjoy immediately!

           

           

           

Have an awesome day & God bless!

                   

*Repost from my blog The Kikny Coconut 06/08/2016

Seeking Fruit & Adventures in Lilac Jelly Making*

                 

Helloodles Loverlies!

I am on a strawberry and rhubarb hunt, as I need to make compote and some healthy paleo pie. Canning and homesteading kick continue and I am getting calls from family and friends for ripe, ready to pick, perfect timing, come and get em' blooms and fresh food stuffs! 

Be excited! Be, be excited! 

                    

We picked a huge amount of lilac and I have just been told that there is more for me to grab out in the country. It is cooler out there so the lilacs are blooming a bit later-whoohoooooooo! This means more jelly making fun in my future.

                  

I came up with my own recipe and it is fabulous, if I do say so myself. The steeping liquid requires quite a goodly amount of lilac petals but it is well worth the effort. Plus, lilac petals are way easier to remove than dandelion petals.

                     

My first test batch has become very popular and I am now adding this special mélange to my Etsy store roster.

                     

I played with some different flavours and got something truly delicious and an absolute delight for the senses. Lilac and pineapple, such a wonder!

                    

There were two attempts at steeping, I wasn't happy with the first so I created my own recipe and it gave a much more vibrant colour than the yucky pic above and the one below , top right. The bottom pics show the difference.

                     

Rocky slept most of the time, except when he heard the fridge door opening and thought chicken cold cuts were coming his way.

                   

He was so cute while the flowers were steeping because he was super sniffing at the very fragrant air. This was my first batch, for some reason I was very messy when making this as opposed to when I made the dandelion jelly. I had forgotten to line a tray with parchment paper and instead made a globby spill-fest, on a cloth instead of the tray; which was rather sticky by the time I reached the finish line.

                

It jelled beautifully and everyone who has tasted it has been enchanted by its subtle fruity and floral notes.

                 

I thoroughly enjoyed it on my waffles and will be having some more tomorrow, that's if there is any left. The next batch will need to be bigger mason jars, as it seems to be rather popular. I won't be giving the recipe for this because it will be for sale in my soon-to-come Etsy shop but it will be part of my launch giveaway along with the dandelion jelly. For now, just enjoy the prettiness and smile.

                        

And remember:

                      

*Repost from my blog The Kinky Coconut 6/02/2016

Making Time for God in the Flurry of Activity

                         

It's Sunday afternoon and the day has already had so much in it, it's a busy time in my life as so much is going on. I have been blessed with the opportunity to give back to others who have given me much in my life and are in great need at this time. Some people would see it as an added burden in their already hectic lives, personally, I feel very lucky. I am trusted by God and the individual to be of service, other blessings have flown my way to make a small but felt moment of happiness, and there is opportunity for growth on both sides. It's a gift and I am not squandering any of it. 

It feels like there are God given places of turn around in our lives, some we are very sure of because the signs are evident; some we must take on faith. I love when it's a mix of both, I can hear Him, feel Him, and praise Him for always being a loving Heavenly Father. 

Good things are coming and I am gratefully embracing and walking by faith to where Jesus has shown me I need to be. 

Have a lovely & blessed day. 

Remember to share your light, this world needs it so.

                                

There Be Lilac's Out There!*

                   

Morning Folks!

That top pic is not mine but it was so purdy, I hads to shares! Bad grammar aside, I am having some funventure's in homesteading. This week has been busy busy!

Our neighborhood has become a fragrant lilac wonderland and I am taking full advantage. Remember the other day, I had walked and they were just starting to bloom, so I grabbed a few an enjoyed them as I ate my breakfast and read? 

          

Well, it turns out that yesterday, my aunt called to say her tree of lilacs was ready and to come on over and snag as many as I like. I wrangled her and my mom together so I could get as much help as possible to tackle the full and pleasant scented loveliness.

                     

We cut most of the bottom one's we could reach, by the time I remembered to snag a pic. It was hot and sunny, didn't want to repeat sunstroke city, so we worked quickly and I scored big time! 

              

We filled two huge bowls and fit it into a large plastic bag, which I gently closed and placed in the fridge overnight to keep them fresh and happy until I could start processing them today. It promises to be a long task but I saw some pics for lilac jellies on Pinterest, and have decided I must make some! 

                          

It looks so fabulously special, I am hoping for a more purple hue for some pots. Like these:

                        

It's quite the job though to get to the jelly making stage. It means slowly and very gently pulling the petals out of the base, then pouring a steeping liquid of choice, and drawing out the flavour overnight. It is a bit more painstaking but as I am new to canning and jelly/jam making, this is exciting in my mind. 

Today is all about lilac petals and taking care of our little pooch, The Rockstar aka Rocky. He had a bit of vet drama yesterday and was not well for the last 4 days. I am happy to report that he is right as rain and in full recovery mode. Plus he's still a cutie and very loveable-vet says there is no cure for that! 

Oh well, guess we just have to keep him. Heh heh.

Here he is all snuggled in between my legs and nestled in the blankets, as I write this post.

            

Love that cute little punim! 

Mom, why are you disturbing my sleeps?

           

Yeah, tough life alright. He was not too interested in being awake yet, he started drifting back to sleep pretty quickly.

                   

I am back to doing these purple beauties:

           

Hope you liked it, I have a previous dandelion jelly post and recipe for you and there will be some raw vegan one's to come, so keep coming back & don't forget to subscribe! Have a lovely and blessed day, May Abba guide you and keep you. 

                          

* Repost from my blog The Kinky Coconut 5/27/2016

The Best Shrimp Dip Recipe

       

My Mom's Modified Shrimp Dip-awesome with a cape!

This simple recipe is always a fav. at get together's and has become one my mother gets asked to make repeatedly. It does not last, so if you want extra be prepared to double & triple this recipe because you will end up with an empty bowl. You may also add a bit of hot sauce if you like it more spicy.

Alas, my eczema has decided that spiciness shall be no more in my diet, so yam it up for me!This recipe uses Pacific white shrimp, which, from what I have researched is a sustainable seafood, for now. If you should find out differently then please let me know, I like the corrections-just be kind about it. 

The Best Shrimp Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

-300g (About 31-40 individual shrimps)Extra large Pacific white shrimp, deveined, cooked, and peeled.
-1 Red pepper medium small dice
-1 Green or yellow pepper medium small dice
-1 Small bunch of scallion (4-6 stalks)
sliced thin with the white parts and green.
-1 Bunch curly parsley chopped to equal 1/2 of a cup.
-1 Tbsp Lemon zest freshly zested
-1 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
-1-2 tsp Sea salt
-1-2 1/2 Tbsp Curry powder (this depends on your curry strength preference, I like it a lot)
-2-3 Tbps Home made mayo (Can use Hellman's)
-1/4 Cup Plain yogurt

Method:
- When all veg and shrimp ingredients are measured and prepped, toss them all together in the bowl and mix well.

-Add spices and stir through, it will look kind of like shrimp tabbouleh.

-Add mayo and yogurt and stir through. Let sit in fridge covered for 2-3 hours and serve on crackers. I used sesame rice crackers.

I have included pics below because it is easier to visually see the way to cut, chop, zest, etc. The pictures are in order and show how to get the sizes of what you want for this recipe, without fuss.
The peppers are to be cut in strips as shown to achieve the proper dice.
There is also a Chef trick used for parsley, once it has been thoroughly cleaned in cold running water, (make sure no dirt or sand remain or else it will leave grit in your food) Chefs dry it a bit and bunch the parsley all together in a wad, then leave a bit exposed as they chop it; being careful of fingers and hands. Then they put it on the cutting board and chop back and forth until it's finely chopped. Do not hold your finger on top of the blade as you see in the pic when chopping, ever! I was taking pics one handed and had no choice but to hold it that way. 
When zesting, I use a microplane zester but a box zester will do. Just be sure to zest only the yellow skin not the white part known as the pith, it's bitter and not appealing. Only the yellow lemon skin part.
I also happened to of bought shrimps that had the tails on and I know for some people this can be intimidating. Once you have defrosted them, just peel the end of the tail slowly, beginning where there's a natural indentation in the tail shell. When sufficiently peeled you then pinch the tail off by holding the shrimp with one hand as you peel, or by laying it flat on a cutting board and holding with one hand as you pinch and pull away from the shrimp.

You will notice this recipe uses home made mayo, I no longer purchase it because it doesn't taste good to me and I don't like food with ingredients I can't pronounce or with artificial muck. This recipe will follow in another post, I forgot to measure and take pics while I made it for this recipe so when I am out of mayo I will make more and post.
In the mayo pics I switch to a plastic spoon for measuring, the reason for this is because  non-reactive spoons like plastic or wood will not impart flavour to the mayo and do not cause it to spoil as quickly. 
The pictures below are in order, I hope you enjoy this recipe and as always it's gluten free! 

Take care, be well, & love freely...