Salsa - a couple of different ones

Living in the southwest, this is a staple in pretty much every meal. There are tons of recipes out there to choose from. These are just two that I like and that I use the most. They are very different in flavor, but both are equally good.

Tomatillo Salsa

20-25 jalapenos
4-5 Roma tomatoes
4-5 tomatillos
garlic to taste
salt to taste

1) Wash all produce. Remove the husk from the tomatillos. Wash the tomatillos well and wash the husk.
2) Boil the jalapenos, tomatoes, tomatillos and husks. After the water has boiled for a few minutes, remove the leaves and drain the water.
3) Blend the jalapenos, tomatoes and tomatillo in a blender. Add garlic and salt. Chill before serving.

Optional: For some reason, lime tastes really good in this recipe, but add it after the salsa has cooled.



Jalapeno Tomato Salsa

3 jalapenos
1 large can of diced tomatoes (or you can use 2 to 3 fresh tomatoes, diced)
several sprigs of cilantro (I like fresh, but dried will work - 1 tsp.)
1/2 onion, chopped
garlic powder to taste
salt to taste

Blend all in a blender to the consistency you like - I don't like chunks, so I really blend mine. Serve cold with tortilla chips.

Buttermilk Pie

Recipe via Serena Holder - another old family friend

1 unbaked pie shell (see my mom's pie crust recipe for this)
scant 2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1 c. buttermilk
1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine dry ingredients. Melt butter and add to slightly beaten eggs. Add buttermilk. Blend dry ingredients. Add vanilla. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes, then 350 deg. for about 45 minutes, or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean.

Tortillas ala Mom and Nettie Dodson

This recipe comes from my mom and her dear friend Nettie. I can remember as a child sitting at Nettie's home watching her and my mom make these tortillas. She used to cook on an old wood stove and she would roll out her tortillas and toss them onto a cast iron stove lid to cook. My mom also had a stove lid specifically for making tortillas and when I got married - guess what I got as a wedding gift! Yep, a stove lid. Sounds crazy, but they make great tortilla "cookers". If you don't have a cast iron stove lid, then a flat skillet or large skillet will work just as well. Just make sure it's good and hot!

Here we go:

4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt.
1 1/2 c. water
About 2 T. lard (or shortening)

Mix the dry ingredients together, blend with the lard and then add the water. Mix well and break up into golf ball size pieces of dough. Roll out thin and in a circle (yeah, good luck on that one - I still can't do it - mine are more.........oblong!). Anyway, throw one on the lid or skillet and brown on one side, then flip over and do the other side. The cooking is the best part because the tortilla will get all sorts of bubbles on it. As a child, that's the best part.

This recipe says it makes 24, but those are very small tortillas, so you might want to double this recipe. Or, you don't need to double it, but make fewer and bigger tortillas.

Enjoy!

Just Another Day

Well, it's Monday and like most Mondays, I get up and get ready for the day. I usually start by reading the news on the internet. I don't really watch news on TV anymore. It seems to be more half-truths than not.

Being a Christian and a Conservative are both bad today. I read where the Miss USA participant didn't get the crown and they think it's because of her answer to a question. She answered the question, just not the way they wanted it. To her I say "I salute you!". I'm proud to see a young person stand up for their beliefs, even at the cost of your own goal. I pray that my daughter will one day grow up to be unashamed about her beliefs as you are.

Trying to keep away from soft drinks today. Love the stuff tho. But I live mostly on iced tea anyway, but sometimes don't you just crave a good soft drink? Just like a good chocolate chip cookie? Or a good bowl of posole?

So, tried to figure out what to write today and the only things I could come up with was random stuff.

I used to belong to Ravelry, a knitting website. I joined not too longer after my mom died. I took a couple of classes and decided to knit hats for chemo patients. So, I heard about this wonderful site and signed up for an invitation. True, it does have a wealth of information, but....I woke up a few weeks ago and found out I had been banned, along with about 160 others (We all belonged to a group called "the bunker"). Don't really know why. I, and the others from "the bunker" like the young lady who lost the crown, stood our ground for our beliefs. Were some controversial? yes. Were some anti-"whatever", yep. That's ok. I wrote the owner back (and I wasn't exactly sweet, but I wasn't nasty either) and told him that I was fine with it and I could do just as well without him. I honestly don't miss the trolls that came into the conservative groups I belonged to (and I belonged to a lot of them) and cause trouble. The bad thing was, it was the conservatives that got railroaded, not the trolls. Oh, well, life goes on. I hear they are happier without the voices of reason. That's fine, I think most of us are happier without them, too. I think this just makes me realize that this country is turning a different direction. I would never have thought to spew filth at someone for voicing their opinions in like-minded groups. I would never have thought to post disgusting responses to people who ask honest questions or who are seeking advise. Oh well, life is too short for places like that. Actually, I've been doing more knitting than when I was on Ravelry, so that's a good thing.

I see spring is in the air - or in our case - summer. I really hate the heat. With the heat comes weeds. Did I tell you I hate the heat? But, I love having fresh produce! I can hardly wait for homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers. They make such a great salad.

Well, that's about it. Guess I'll post a few pics for you.

This is the sunset as seen from my front porch. Isn't it beautiful. God truly creates wonderful things. This was taken on a trip to the Grand Canyon a few years ago.

Did anyone see Marley and Me?? Well, I've got one very similiar. She's a total goof.

This is a picture of a flower from a plant that was given to me after my mom died. Love the flowers and it usually has 2 blossoms at the same time. I'm surprised I've kept it alive this long.

Local Tea Party

Says it all, doesn't it.

Everyone was gathering in the park after walking to the park from another location.

Well, April 15 has come and gone and what a day it was. I never thought I would get out and walk in a rally against big government and rising taxes. I also never thought that my child would participate in such an event. It is truly amazing when you realize that your freedoms, that most all of us take for granted, are being threatened. There are so many issues that the government is working on that is not being talked about in the mainstream media. Yesterday made me realize that I needed to get more involved in politics and start raising awareness of what our children will be facing if something isn't done.

The tea party, I would say was a smashing success! The flags, the Pledge of Allegience, the friendliness of the participants. Everyone was happy to be able to speak. Many thanks to the people who showed their support by honking their horns, waving, giving us thumbs up. Isn't it great to be an American? Below are some more pictures of the rally.

Now onto another concern of mine. There are two bills currently in Congress that will greatly affect anyone who grows their own garden or has their own livestock. The two bills are HR875 and SB425. They are bills that are intended to protect us from food borne illnesses (food safety bills). The bills are too broad and as an individual, if these bills pass, I will not be able to grown my own produce or have my own livestock! What is wrong with this picture? HR875 has 40 sponsors! It is backed by four large food producers that I will not name. So, please people, if you care about what you eat or don't eat, please call your Congress men and women and Senators and voice your opposition to these bills.

Accomplishment!

Well, I've basically been teaching myself how to knit and I really enjoy it. One of the things that I have been scared to death to try is lace knitting. So, anywho, some very nice people suggested I try knitting the Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl by Susan Pierce Lawrence. I went down and bought my yarn (Merino 5 Superwashed wool by Crystal Palace) and got to work. Well, it took me right at a week, knitting at night only and voila! it is done!

I can't wait to make this again.

Is it just me??

I didn't grow up in an angry household. I didn't grow up in a place where people treated each other poorly. However, I look at my country today and I see so many things that I never saw before.

First off, I am a Christian, before anything else in my life, Jesus comes first. Granted, I am not perfect and there are days that I put myself first, but I always try to put Him first. I am also a Conservative. I don't believe in abortion, I don't believe in gay marriage, I don't believe in women in the clergy, I don't believe in entitlement programs. That being said, I have just gained a lot more "enemies" than friends. I live in a country where freedom is no longer a right, but a luxury. I live in a country that is traveling down a path that I fear we will not be able to change. We're coming to a fork in the road and I'm not sure there will be any turning back.

Since the election, I have become more aware of the people around me. I am a happy person, or try to be most of the time. I volunteer to help when I can. I give food to people just because I worry about them. I donate clothing to people. I help in any way I can and my husband and I try and instill this value in our daughter. But in this country today I see many people that are not asking for help, they are DEMANDING it. They are demanding I pay for their mortgage, they are demanding I pay for their health insurance, they are demanding I pay for their life style, whether I agree or not (think Prop. 8 in California and the stem-cell research issue). I didn't grow up demanding anything from my parents - they instilled in us the knowledge that we had to WORK for what we wanted. As an example, as a teenager, my parents bought their first home (we had always lived in govt. housing due to my dad's job). The house was on 1/2 an acre. My dad decided we needed a fence around the property. We did not have a lot of money, but there were two teens that needed to earn some money, so the deal was done. All summer long by brother and I dug post holes in rock hard ground. There were days we could only dig half an inch and we'd then put water on the hole to soften it up for the next day. Well, we finally got the holes dug with much fighting amongst ourselves (hey, we're were teens!). My parents took us to the bank and gave us the money we had worked so hard for. Twenty five dollars. We each got $25 for all those post holes. Price per hole? .25 each. Slave labor???? Maybe, but we earned every dime and we were excited to get that money. By today's standards, that's not much. But by today's standards, you don't see kids digging post holes for money either. We have become a society of entitlement. It's been caused and encouraged by many parents and our government. No one thinks they need to work for anything anymore. What ever happened to being proud of what you've accomplished? Can you honestly say that you can go to your friends and say you are proud that the government is taking care of your every want? Not needs, but wants?

I also see a country that is full of angry people. I don't think they just showed up, I think they just came out of hiding. I think this President has made many realize that it's ok to demand things from their neighbors, even if they don't deserve it. I see people demanding many things, but at the same time, they have things I don't have (think 60 inch plasma tv, multiple cell phones, new vehicle, etc.). They made the choice for those items. I didn't. I work hard for what I have. I don't live on credit, I may not have a big savings account, but I do have some. I have always tried to live "right". Why am I being punished for other people's poor choices? Now, I understand that things happen and sometimes people do need help because they lost their job or they got behind on their mortage payment because of the lost job, but that is different than someone who decided to roll the dice and play to see how long they can get by on what they don't make.

I see people who want to take away my rights because it makes them uncomfortable. Do I really care? Not really. I know where my home will be at some point and it's not here. But, I also know that I have to live with my neighbors. Just because I don't like your lifestyle or choices, doesn't mean I will treat you poorly because of it. That being said, why do you treat me poorly?

We are no longer governed according to the Constitution, but rather by emotions and desires. What happens when our voices are taken away? Our rights to protect ourselves? Our rights to grow our own food? Think it won't happen? It's happening now. Do you really want your children to live in a country where they are not free? Do you really want to live in a country that has no moral compass? That makes it ok to kill someone because of their belief system? That makes it ok to silence them because of their belief system?

I pray that our country wakes up and take the "right" fork in the road and not the other. I have faith in people and I pray their eyes will be opened to what is happening and take a stand against the anger and intimidation and not be fearful for being Christian, or Conservatives.

That being said, I also see angry people who don't like what is going on in their country and for the first time in their lives they are realizing what they could lose if they don't stand up and fight for it. These people are the silent majority. They don't normally voice their concerns because they figure that as conservatives, we are supposed to sit on our hands and play nice, but I think the days of playing nice are over and we are going to have to stand up for our country and the future of our children and grand children. Also, we as parents and grandparents need to make sure that the values our children have and are being taught are the types of values that make this country great. Hard work, honestly, truth, love, life isn't always fair - deal with it.

I don't envy the people that make 5 million a year. I don't envy anyone what they earned. They earned it. Would it be nice to have that kind of money? Sure, but I DIDN'T EARN IT. I'm ok with that. I pray that there are others like me that feel the same way.

Again life isn't fair, but deal, people.

Mom's Pie Crust

Everyone has special memories of their mom. One of mine is her pies. She made the most beautiful pie crusts. They were truly amazing. Unfortunately, she did not pass that skill onto her daughter, but I do try. That being said, here's my Mom's recipe.

2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c. shortening
6 Tblsp. water

In bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening with pastry cutter (or do like me and use a fork). Sprinkle water a little at a time and mix with a fork. Gather dough into a ball and divide in half and roll each into a circle about 1.5" larger than pie plate. Lay into plate and flute edges.

Makes 2 crusts.

Green Chile Quiche

Another favorite quiche recipe of mine, and living in the chile capitol of the world, I have a lot of chile floating around.

Preheat oven to 300 deg.

3 eggs, beaten
1/4 c. mayo
1/3 c. green chile
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 c. onions, sauteed
1/2 c. swiss cheese (can add more if you want)

Mix all and dump into a prepared crust. Bake at 300 deg. for 30 minutes. If you use a deep dish pie crust (double the recipe), cook for 50-60 minutes at 350 deg.

LaDonna's Favorite Quiche Recipe

Throughout the past couple of years, I have become a lover of quiche. I didn't grow up eating it, it is something I developed a taste for. I like this recipe because it is pretty adaptable to what I have in my freezer or my garden at any given time. I hope you enjoy it.

Preheat oven to 350 Deg.

1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 Tblsp. flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 c. ground sausage, browned
1/2 c. green chile
1 c +/- broccoli (steamed)
sauteed onion, to taste
8 oz. grated swiss cheese

Mix altogether and pour into a pre-made pie crust or make your own crust (I will post my mom's recipe that I use, next).

Variations: I have used the following in lieu of broccoli: 1 c. drained, steamed spinach or you can mix it up by dividing the 1 c. measurement with various other veggies. I like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, swiss chard, yellow squash, to name a few. You can also substitute bacon for the sausage. If you don't like meat, just replace it with more veggies.

This makes a deep-dish quiche.

Enjoy

Bake for 1 hour