I think I am a decent judge of character. I don’t jump to conclusions. I am usually put off by a person with a charismatic personality who seems to be trying too hard.
I am so glad I learned to sew. From the time I can remember, I was fascinated with Mother’s sewing machine, an ancient treadle machine. It sits in my house today. It is still functional. It is the best machine to use for heavy jobs like hemming jeans.
My first dismal attempt was in 4-H. I chose a sewing project, a simple project I was supposed to enter in the fair. One of the initial instructions in the booklet was “Ask an adult for help.”
Let me preface this with, the fact that my mother was definitely not a helicopter parent. My project was MY PROJECT! The project instructions didn’t have any advice for a situation where Mother had a newborn, a severely overburdened budget, and no time or interest in teaching a nine-year-old to sew.
The prize-winning apron the agent showed us was of a heavy fabric like denim with perfect seams. It looked exactly like the one in the project guide, even down to the color. I imagined my perfectly executed project looking exactly like it with a big blue ribbon at the county fair.
As Mother held the colicky baby, I told her, “We need to go to store and buy material for an apron. For 4-H.”
She answered crabbily. “No we don’t. I have a drawer full of material Grandma sent.” She was always crabby when the baby cried.” I’m busy now. I’ll find you some later.” Though I asked three more times that day, I didn’t get fabric for an apron. The second time I asked, she sent me to dist the living room furniture. The third time, she sent me to hang out a load of diapers. I gave it up for the time being.
I am most happy when busy. I have always loved cooking whether it was for family or friends. I also get engrossed in gardening or any outdoor project. It feels best when I get so involved that I am only aware of the feel and smell of the earth, I feel a relationship with the plants I am dealing with. I hate it if I damage an earthworm and hope it regenerates. The fatigue at the end of a working day feels so right.
Before Thanksgiving we visited Cypremort Point State Park on Vermillion Bay in South Louisiana. It is incredibly lovely. The park is pristine and well-maintained with an abundance of amenities. With several pet-friendly cabins and numerous pull-thru camper sites, it is easy to find the perfect spot. The cabins are roomy and well-maintained. The screened in porches. The beach is beautiful. There is a long walking pier extending over the marsh, perfect for nature walks. We saw many birds, turtles, deer, and nutria. Alligator trails were clearly visible. Amazingly, we only saw three pieces of litter in this park. Our visit was a total pleasure. We will return.
I wasn’t able to find mincemeat in the grocery store when I did my holiday grocery shopping, so I ferreted out this recipe for homemade. It could save your holiday if you’re craving a traditional treat. It is good! Mincemeat is a combination of dried fruits, spices, sugar, nuts, distilled spirits, and, traditionally, mutton or beef suet. However, many modern mincemeat recipes do not include actual meat. It is often used as a pastry or pie filling.
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade mincemeat recipe:
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For the spice blend: ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice
For the mincemeat: green apple, raisins, white sugar, dried currants, raisins, butter, chopped almonds, grated orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a cup of brandy
How to Make Mincemeat
Make the spice mix.
Sterilize the jars and lids.
Cook the mincemeat ingredients (excepting brandy) according to the detailed instructions in Steps 3 and 4. If you choose you can replace brandy with orange juice.
Remove from heat and stir in the brandy or orange juice.
How Long Does Mincemeat Last?
In the tightly sealed sterilized jars, the mincemeat should last for up to six weeks in the refrigerator.
Immerse two clean, 12-ounce jars in simmering water until mincemeat is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
To make the mincemeat: Combine apple, sultanas, sugar, currants, raisins, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over low heat and stir gently until butter has melted. Stir in chopped almonds, orange zest, 1 teaspoon mixed spice, and cinnamon.
Bring mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, 5-10 minutes
Remove from heat and set mincemeat aside to cool down for 30 minutes. Stir in brandy. Spoon into sterilized jars.
Nutsrok 