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​~ Blog - Recipes & Extras ~
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LENTIL CASSEROLE - VEGETARIAN & VERSATILE

5/15/2022

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Lentil Casserole

This is the most incredibly versatile vegetarian casserole!

​S
erve it as a meatless alternative on taco night. Simply heat corn tortilla shells and provide a mound of chopped lettuce (I prefer iceberg for this recipe) and a pot of sour cream. Yummy, filling and healthy (includes 7 vegetables/legumes: lentils, tomatoes, celery, carrot, onion, lettuce & arguably corn!)

​It is easy to prepare, economical to stock, good on its own or as a side dish, easy to keep warm for late-comers to the table ... and freezes beautifully.
What you need:

2 c dried green lentils
2 1/2 c water
1 can diced tomatoes (16oz)
1/2 can tomato paste (7&1/2oz)
1 tbsp soy sauce
A dash of cayenne pepper
1 tsp each of: marjoram,
   sage, thyme, basil &       
   oregano
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 diced/crushed garlic clove
1 stalk celery
1 carrot
1 yellow onion

Topping:
​2 tsps parsley (chopped or dried)
grated cheddar cheese
What you do:

Mash the diced tomatoes in their juice. Chop celery, carrot and onion finely.

Combine all ingredients into a large casserole, starting with the lentils and working your way down the list. Give the concoction a good stir.

Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375° for 1 hour. Peel back the foil and see if more water needs to be added and simply pour over.
*Tip: heat the water first in the kettle so you don't risk cracking your dish with cold water.

Re-cover and cook for an additional 1 hour.
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Lentil Casserole ready to go in the oven!
Meanwhile, grate an ample amount of cheddar cheese. Remove foil, spread cheddar cheese over top and heat for 10 minutes (or until melted). 
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2022
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Hearty Hot Pot - Simply satisfying!

1/28/2022

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This meal is incredibly simple to prepare, uses up a lot of the vegetables in your refrigerator, pantry, freezer, cellar or garden and is simply satisfying!

This "build your own" dish can be completely tailored to suit personal tastes, or will clean out your fridge of left-over root or frozen vegetables. I love it because there is no need for equal amounts of vegetables in this Hearty Hot Pot. Odds and ends like a lonely stalk of celery or three mushrooms bouncing along in the bottom of the crisper; they all blend together nicely.
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What you need:

stewing beef (approx 1 dozen
  chunks)

1 cup beef broth
salt & pepper
Any combination of:
potatoes
carrots
parsnips
celery
mushrooms
yellow onion
kernel corn
green peas
What you do:

Peel and slice potatoes, carrots and parsnips. Slice celery and mushrooms. Chop onion finely. Cut beef chunks in half. 

Line the bottom of a medium sized casserole dish with one layer of sliced potatoes. Alternate with layers of beef, carrots, parsnips, celery, mushrooms and potatoes with small handfuls here and there of diced onion, kernel corn and peas. Finally top with a layer of potatoes.

Pour 1 cup of beef broth, mixed with a dash of salt and pepper, overtop. 

Cover and bake at 350° for 1 to 2 hours, or to whenever meat is thoroughly cooked.
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2022
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FABULOUSLY FEMININE

11/7/2021

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Marilyn Monroe
I would love to see a return to femininity; in advertising, films, make-up trends, hairstyles and clothing choices ... especially for teens and young women!

Lately, I've noticed that there really aren't very many feminine clothing options for the teen or young woman of today. There is still an abundance of pretty clothes for little girls and tweens; and even flattering clothing options for a woman of my age. But for teens and young women? Not so much. It's hoodies and joggers or crop tops and yoga pants. Check out popular clothing stores online if you are out of the loop as to what's on offer. You will probably see, as I did, that clothing for the teenage girl/young woman fits pretty much into three camps: 1) active wear; 2) overt sexuality to the point of being comical; or 3) a unisex look ... that leans heavily towards de-emphasizing a woman's natural curves and adopting a more male style of dressing (I suppose, in a misguided attempt at equality or to make women look powerful). But ladies, we already won that fight!
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Marilyn Monroe, Niagara Falls
Clothing should reflect a person's style and also suit the occasion.  I don't feel that young women today are being given this option - in stores or online. They are being cheated out of a great tool for self-expression. A business suit to the office, a peasant skirt and blouse for a walk on a summer's day, a little black dress for evening cocktails or jeans and a sweater for school - all these options should be available and more - without having to shop at an "old lady" store!
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Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jeane Dougherty)
Fortunately, I have seen a very heartening trend. I belong to a vintage clothing group and a number of young 20 somethings are becoming entranced with the wide array of flattering clothing styles available. They are having a great deal of fun ... and taking selfies of the results! They ask a lot of questions because some of them honestly have never seen fitted clothes like this before. One dear girl had zipped a business skirt up the front - she simply didn't know it could zip at the side or the back - depending on where it "fell" on the hips. We've lost a generation here!!
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Then there's the cosmetics. Yikes! The make-up trends today seem to be aiming for extreme exaggerations of female features and have taken on, in my mind, an almost "clown-ish" representation of the feminine. Starting with the over-done fake fingernails, progressing on to extremely heavy "coloured on" eyebrows and thick eye-lining techniques, and ending with bee-stung lips and an almost "plastic" or waxed sheen to the skin and hair.

What a sharp contrast to make-up techniques of previous generations that created a flawless complexion and while yes, highlighting lips, eyes and cheekbones ... still created what would now be considered a very "toned down" version of these features.
The reaction to this, of course, is many teenagers and young women have rejected expressing their feminine side ... since the only femininity presented to them is the overdone "Kardashian" non-reality. Yes, every generation creates their own style. But too often it is really created by heavy marketing of a particular style influenced by the politics of the day. Being feminine is not a sign of weakness. We don't need to look and dress like men to be equal, nor do we need to exaggerate female features to comic proportions. And if that is one's preference of style; that's okay too! Because the old sayings still hold true. "Variety is the spice of life" and "Just be yourself".
PS The absolute hardest part of writing this article was deciding on which photos to use of the always gorgeous Marilyn Monroe!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2021
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Three Cheese Lasagna

7/29/2021

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Is there anyone who doesn't love lasagna? In the immortal words of Garfield the Cat; "I never met a lasagna I didn't like." This incredibly well-stacked lasagna is easy to make and one that hardly anybody will say "no" to!
What you need:

9-12 dry lasagna noodles
ground beef or turkey
salt & pepper
1 beaten egg
1/2 tub ricotta cheese
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
200 ml strained or 1/2
  large tin diced tomatoes
dried minced onion
Italian Seasoning
bay leaf
sliced mushrooms (fresh or
  canned)
shredded and sliced
  mozzarella cheese
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What you do:

Mix together beaten egg, ricotta & Parmesan cheese. Set aside in refrigerator. Grate a small mound of mozzarella cheese and cut about a dozen thick slices as well. Set aside.

Put on a stockpot of water to boil.


Brown desired amount of ground beef or turkey in frying pan. Sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste. Add strained or diced tomatoes, sprinkle very liberally with dried minced onion and Italian Seasoning. Add bay leaf and mushrooms. Stir until heated through.

Add lasagna noodles to boiling water until just soft and flexible (don't overcook). Drain on paper towel.

Building the lasagna:
Choose a deep, rectangular pan for your lasagna. Start with a thin spreading of meat sauce on the bottom of the pan. Cover with a layer of noodles (cut to fit if necessary, saving the trimmings to patch any holes). Then create the first and remaining layers as follows: meat sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, spinach leaves to cover and dot liberally and evenly with ricotta cheese mixture. Cover with another layer of noodles and continue until the top layer. Line the top layer of noodles with the thickly cut slices of mozzarella cheese (a few gaps are okay).

Bake uncovered for 1/2 hour to 40 minutes at 350°. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.

All measurements are approximate since I never measure when I make this lasagna - I just throw it all together! I have also purposely chosen pre-made ingredients for speed; but you could "gourmet" this recipe up with freshly-made noodles, fresh tomatoes, spinach and finely chopped onion. And if you don't have ready-made Italian Seasoning in your cupboard, you can make your own concoction with dried or fresh oregano, basil, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, sage and savory, or any combination of these herbs.
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2021
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Corn Chowder with Potato and Bacon

6/13/2021

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Does it feel like a soup night?
This is a very easy, fast and delicious recipe for a comforting home made soup.
You will need:
3 slices of cooked bacon
butter
1/2 c chopped yellow onion
1 1/2 c chicken or vegetable stock
1 c peeled & cubed potato
1 1/2 c milk
1 Tbsp flour
salt & pepper
3 cups kernel corn (frozen works nicely)
What you do:
Cook the bacon very crisp, drain, crumble and set aside. Heat a small pat of butter and cook finely chopped onion until softened but not browned. Add stock and potato. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, whisk flour and salt & pepper into milk and set aside. Stir in the corn and bacon. Then add the milk mixture. Cook and stir until bubbly and slightly thickened. Serve with crackers or buns and a sharp white cheddar.
Soups are wonderful meal items that can be easily altered to suit your taste and preferences ... and I've altered the original version a good deal! For this recipe, I prefer using frozen kernel corn but it is also great to boil up and strip cobs of corn that would otherwise go to waste. Or tinned corn works as well. Vegetarians can omit the bacon and use vegetable stock. You may also increase/decrease quantities of corn and potato to what you have on hand and substitute leek or other onion varieties. All types of potatoes work in this recipe. Makes a nice solid meal with crackers or buns and a sharp white cheddar. Enjoy!
Bibliography: Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook, 12th ed, Meredith Corporation, 2004
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2021
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March - Suspiciously Like Spring!

3/13/2021

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The weather is warm, the sun is shining, the crocuses are blooming and starting to outshine the snowdrops ... and the birds are singing! All this tells me that it must be Spring. So off comes the winter coat and scarf and on goes a light button-up sweater coat ... worn open. Suddenly, the next day is overcast, cold, drizzly and windy -- and the heavier apparel is required once again. Then the next day is sunny and noticeably warmer! So back and forth it goes until the end of March.
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The best expression for this
changeability of March weather in the Northern Hemisphere is:

"March comes in like a lion
and goes out like a lamb."


Here's to the approaching Spring Equinox ... when hopefully the weather will stabilize and we can tuck away our winter coats for good!

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Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2021
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Chicken Cheddar Casserole

1/20/2021

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This is a wonderfully easy and yummy meal to make for dinner inspired by a soup recipe that I have altered somewhat to turn into a casserole. It uses up left-over cooked chicken and requires few ingredients. Reduce wet ingredients for a "dryer" pasta meal or increase for a "soupy" casserole. Adjust cooking time accordingly. It's all up to you!

What you need:
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup chopped green onion
2 tablespoons butter
1 to 1/2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1/8 cup flour
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 to 1 cup cooked chicken; shredded, cubed or ground
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked pasta
What you do:

Add the carrot and green onion to melted butter and cook slightly in frying pan. Combine and whisk milk, chicken broth, flour, Worchestershire sauce and pepper in a separate bowl. Add to frying pan. Cook and stir over medium heat under thickened and bubbly. Stir in cooked chicken and 1/2 cheese. Pour over cooked and drained pasta in casserole dish. Cover with remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered at 325° for approximately 1/2 hour.

When I made this meal ... I realized I didn't have any carrots. Then I remembered that I still had some out on the front brick patio (mid-January!) in a suspended iron planter. I had grown some in pots, elevated, away from the slugs which had ravaged our garden this year. Anyway - they were just enough to complete this meal. These winter carrots were lovely, fragrant, crisp and sweet.
You can always scrape a meal together somehow!

Bibliography: Fix It Fast Cookbook, Better Homes and Gardens, 1979                                    
                                                                                                                                                                 Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2021

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A Calendar of Yuletide Doings ... COVID Style!

12/4/2020

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Even if Christmas sees us home alone this year, or with limited family or friends, here are some suggestions from the Meadow Sweet Grove fairy folk to make your season bright! Although 2020 might not allow for as much merry-making as is custom with Yule; you can still experience the magic of Christmas:
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Dec 1 - Open your advent calendar
Dec 2 - Send pretty Christmas cards to friends
Dec 3 - Watch classic movies like:  A Christmas Carol or It's a
              Wonderful Life​

Dec 4 - Make a bowl of oranges studded with cloves - they smell
              wonderful


Dec 5 - Trim your cedar or holly tree and leave out the free trimmings for your neighbours ...
              or go on the search for pine cones or free trimmings someone left out for you!
Dec 6 - Decorate your front doorway with cedar boughs, holly & pine cones
Dec 7 - Build a snowman ... if you have snow, or watch Raymond Briggs' The Snowman

Dec 8 - Haul out the Christmas decorations and deck those halls
Dec 9 - Put up and decorate your Christmas Tree (save a few branches from the bottom)
Dec 10 - Make a wreath for the front door from stray branches cut from your Christmas tree
Dec 11 -
Wrap up all those gifts you kindly purchased from Meadow Sweet Grove! Cut up old
                Christmas cards to use for tags
Dec 12 - Make catnip bags for the kitties or homemade treats for the doggies
Dec 13 - Do your grocery shop (online if you can) to gather all the Christmas fixings together for
                 the big day
Dec 14 - Put together a Christmas puzzle with a child, spouse, roommate or by yourself with a
                 glass of wine of course!
Dec 15 - Bake sugar cookies and cut into old-fashioned shapes like trees, stars, & snowmen
Dec 16 - Drop some of those cookies off on a neighbour's doorstep, knock, walk away and wave
                from a safe distance
Dec 17 - Watch funny movies like:  A Christmas Story or Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean
Dec 18 -
Make a cup of fancy hot chocolate
Dec 19 - Clean your little abode from top to bottom while listening to Christmas music
Dec 20 - Walk around the neighbourhood and look at all the Christmas lights           


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Dec 21 - Yule / Create a Winter Solstice Tree for all the little birds and
                 woodland creatures that visit your yard or balcony (click picture
                 to read how!)


Dec 22 - Watch unique cartoon movies like:  Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas or Klaus
Dec 23 - Spend a quiet evening, gazing at the twinkling lights & enchanting ornaments on your
                Christmas tree ... pour your favourite drink!
Dec 24 - Hang up your stocking, sit quietly by a window at midnight, and feel the approach of
                 Santa's sleigh 


Dec 25 - Yule / Christmas - HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
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Tomato & Spinach Casserole

11/11/2020

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My cook top's a bit dirty, but I'm thinking that's likely how any stove looks in a kitchen witch's home? (Wink!)
Here's a tasty vegetarian casserole that works wonderfully as a side dish,
and can be complemented with soup or a meat dish to make a full supper meal.


Ingredients:
2 or 3 large tomatoes
5 oz (6 or 8 good handfuls) of  
  spinach leaves
1 tsp garlic salt
4 tbsps melted butter
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp thyme
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1/4 to 1/2 cup bread crumbs or
  3 prepared, crumbled pappadums
Instructions:
Grease a shallow casserole dish. Slice tomatoes thickly and place in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with garlic salt.

Melt butter over very low heat. Beat the eggs and add cheese, thyme, green onions and 1/2 of the bread crumbs. (For a tasty, wheat-free alternative to bread crumbs, try substituting prepared and crumbled pappadums instead. Add 1/2 to the mixture.) Mix in the melted butter.

Give the spinach a quick cook on low to medium heat in a large saucepan with only a little water clinging to the leaves left over from rinsing.  As soon as leaves wilt, remove from heat. Add the wilted spinach to the egg mixture and spread over tomatoes. Top with remaining bread crumbs or crumbled pappadums.

Bake in 350° oven for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bibliography: Easy, Elegant Entertaining Recipe Book by Irish Sainty, 1984 
                                                                                                                                                               
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
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Quick and Easy Rose Petal and Witch Hazel Toner

9/29/2020

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PictureRosebush in Meadow Sweet Grove


Though we are into Fall now; the roses are still blooming here in the Grove, so I thought I would try my hand at some cheap and cheerful, homemade skin care. Here is my recipe for "Quick and Easy Rose Petal & Witch Hazel Toner":

You will need:
2 handfuls of fresh rose petals
boiling water
1 covered dish
metal tea strainer and funnel
witch hazel
2 same size containers
1 dark glass bottle

Step 1.  Collect two handfuls of perfect petals from your most beautifully scented rose bush.  Rinse lightly with cool water, place in a covered dish and pour boiling water over; just covering petals. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2.  Strain water and petals through a metal tea strainer; to catch petal debris. Press down slightly with a clean spoon to extract rose water.  Pour collected rosewater into a container, using a clean funnel.
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Step 3.  Measure out an equal amount of pure witch hazel to your rosewater.  Pour both the witch hazel and rosewater together into a dark glass bottle, cap tightly and shake gently or rotate bottle to mix. Store in a dark, cool cupboard. Apply to skin with a cotton ball.
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Rosewater is anti-inflammatory and has anti-bacterial qualities and so soothes irritated or acne-prone skin. As a natural astringent; it tones skins and tightens pores as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is also used to hydrate, revitalize and moisture all skin types as it balances the serum of the skin. Witch hazel has similar benefits as it pertains to toning, tightening and cleansing the skin.

And since the beautiful Queen Cleopatra is said to have washed her face in rosewater and indulged in milk baths heavily laced with rose petals; as part of her beauty regime ... I think that is good enough for me to incorporate some rosewater into my daily skin care routine!
Bibliography: Magical Powers of Rosewater for Glowing Skin, Read & Digest, 2020
    Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
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A Victoria Sandwich Makes for a Merry May

5/31/2020

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May was never supposed to be a month of isolation for those who celebrate May Day or Beltane... or just love the official beginning of summer.  It's the Merry, Merry, Month of May! Accompanying that should be all kinds of outdoor May revels like a procession or parade, Morris dancing or weaving ribbons while dancing around the maypole and crowning a Queen of the May. It's time for "strolling through the park one day" and perhaps having your heart stolen away by a pair of roguish eyes. We certainly weren't meant to be sitting inside missing all the lovely May flowers that were brought to us by April showers!

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But as the saying goes "When God closes a door, he opens a window". There is always a way to work the magic of May into your year - no matter what befalls it.  So take that COVID! 

More people are baking and cooking at home during this time, so here's a delightful recipe for that perfect May treat - the Victoria Sandwich.  A variation on the traditional Sponge Cake, the Victoria Sandwich is named for Queen Victoria and we have the Victorians to thank for the addition of butter to the recipe. This formed a more solid, flatter sponge that allowed for the construction of a "built cake", which appealed to their engineering mentality.  This recipe (wording altered) is from the "The Victorian Kitchen" series of books - "The Book of Cakes and Cookies". Enjoy!

What you need:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 cup flour
pinch of salt
grated rind of 1 lemon
jam
icing sugar
May flowers

What you do:
Cream softened butter and sugar together.  Beat eggs into mixture, one at a time until well blended. Sift flour and salt together in a separate bowl. Fold into mixture, together with grated lemon rind until well mixed.

Spoon into two greased baking tins and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees until center of sponge is firm to the touch. Remove and cool on wire racks.  Place jam on one sponge, layer and cover with sifted icing sugar.  May flowers are entirely optional!

Note: Flowers are meant for decoration only - do not consume.
Bibliography:
The Victorian Kitchen Book of Cakes and Cookies, The Bridgewater Book Company Ltd., CLB Publishing, Godalming, Surrey 1995  
      

                                                                                                                                                Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
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Sprinkle your Spring Cleaning with Magic

4/7/2020

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As we're all inside right now in an effort to slow down the spread of Coronavirus; the timing seems very auspicious for a bit of a Spring Clean. This article won't focus on de-cluttering since it is probably unwise or indeed impossible to donate items to charities right now ... and besides, I'm one of those people that keeps everything! However, with all the extra cleaning products that many bought in order to keep their families and homes safe and free from the virus; a deep cleaning is indeed possible for some ... whether or not I will do one; remains to be seen! The zest for cleaning right now is brought about from the hope of eradicating an invisible foe; any and all traces of this terrible virus, that if missed, can cause sickness. Ironically, there is a likening here to one of the goals of magic - which is to replace bad energy with good energy. Both the virus and magic are invisible, but both exist.

I think this year I will focus instead on a simple, slow, yet thorough Spring Cleaning ... liberally sprinkled with magic intended to remove bad energy and replace it with good energy.

Wash it and make it yours: (Element - Water)
Most of us are spending lots of time disinfecting and cleaning groceries and other packages received at our homes at this time. There is a magical, as well as prosaic, premise to this. The Coronavirus is invisible but it can be likened to the "bad energy" that we are doing our very best to remove with disinfectants and lots of soap and water.

This isn't new for me as I buy lots of used and vintage items. I always take the time to wash, repair and mend my new treasures. If I can lather my purchase up with soap and completely immerse it in water ... or put it through a washing machine, I do. For delicate figurines, I often use an old toothbrush and Q-tips to clean into all the little crevices. Clothing is washed and any tiny repairs made. The magic in this process is that by cleaning, repairing or altering an item; I know I have made the item mine. I feel that I have removed all traces of its prior ownership. The dirt (visible) is removed and the vibes and any germs (invisible) are likewise removed.
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Windows, sunlight & prisms: (Element - Air)
A big facet of magic is changing your outlook and improving your circumstances.  One quick and easy way to improve your "outlook" is to clean your windows. Give all of your windows a good clean inside and out; at least those that you can safely reach. This provides an immediate positive change to your ability to "look out" on the world, as there is little as depressing as gorgeous sunshine struggling through a dirty window (and revealing all the smudges). Clean them and let the sun shine in - literally.  If this is heavy work for you; just clean one window a day - with the amount of time we may have to stay isolated, there should be time enough for all of those windows to sparkle!

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If you have some prisms going spare, now is the time to hang them up and lure some good light energy into your home. Don't have a prism and are avoiding the store? Take a look in your jewellery box - many earrings, pendants or crystal bead necklaces reflect the light beautifully. Maybe you have a cut crystal tumbler, wine glass or bowl. Experiment with what you have around the house by holding the item into the sun's rays and see what good vibes you can catch and reflect around your magical home!

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Rugs, incense and a magical journey: (Element - Fire)
If you are fortunate enough to have a Persian rug (or any other richly patterned or pretty rug), first start by giving it a good vacuum. Take that wool beauty outside and beat it with a broom or rug beater if you have one. Then take the time to sit down on your newly cleaned carpet, light some incense or a scented candle (in a fire safe holder of course) and go back in time with one of the "Tales from the Arabian Nights". If you have a small child to read aloud stories of magic - that's a very special bonus.  Afterwards, close your eyes, let your mind wander and see where your travels take you on your very own magic flying carpet. Since we likely won't be boarding a plane for quite some time, you could also use your carpet whenever you want to visit the lands and places you are missing.

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Note:  Make sure you inspect your rug for any indication of moths. If you find any damage, and the rug is expensive or dear; it pays to get a professional assessment. If the rug is not valuable, take it outside and give it an extra deep vacuum, top and bottom. When you return it to your home, sprinkle with lavender and/or place cedar wood liberally on the carpet. Continue this process every few days.

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Clear the air: (Element - Air & Fire)
Don't forgot to open all those doors and windows! Pick a nice sunny and breezy Spring day if you get one. The air in your home gets stagnant and there you have that heavy, negative energy. Just like magic, you can't see poor air, but you can feel its effects. A good airing out of your home with honest-to-goodness fresh air helps to get rid of indoor air pollutants, stale food odours and moisture. This is especially important in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms as well as any shut or closed rooms. Let the carbon dioxide out and the oxygen in! Your living room probably smells heavenly now from that excursion on your magic flying carpet so extend that to the rest of your home by burning incense, scented candles or doing a sage smudging.  (Note: Always use proper fireproof holders when burning any incense or smudges and do not leave candles or other lit items unattended.)

The goal of a Spring Clean is usually to clean every room - top to bottom. To polish furniture, wash curtains and windows, shake out and turn rugs and mattresses, wash floors, clear clutter ... and well, wash and wipe down everything else! This year, I'm focusing on priority cleaning of items and surfaces - to try and keep us safe from the virus and to remove that "bad energy".  At the same time, I'm utilizing some of the magical tricks and tips in this article to infuse as much "good energy" into our home as I can.

Flowers: (Element - Earth)
Last but not least, don't forget to enjoy Mother Nature and bring in some new Spring flowers from your garden or rare walks outside. The beauty of nature and the aroma of flowers are among the top magical additions that are sure to bring good energy into your home.

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Important Note: Nothing in this article should be construed as advice on protecting yourself from COVID19 (the Coronavirus). Follow the advice of your local health authorities.
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
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Make an Offering to Venus, Goddess of Love

2/13/2020

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The Birth of Venus by Alexandre Cabanel (1863)

Venus, the Goddess of Love, is very accustomed to receiving petitions from those hoping to attract a lover.  Valentine's Day seems an appropriate time to appeal to this lovely lady, and Friday just happens to be the day of the week sacred to her.  How fortuitous that this Valentine's Day, 2020, falls on a Friday! So take advantage of this opportune timing and make your appeal that day.

To craft your petition or wish, look no farther than Frankie Avalon! All the components of a successful spell are here. Modify to suit your desire.

1. Address the Lovely Lady:
Hey, Venus, oh, Venus

Venus, if you will

3. The Caveat:
A girl who wants my kisses and my arms
A girl with all the charms of you

Venus, make her fair
A lovely girl with sunlight in her hair
And take the brightest stars up in the skies
And place them in her eyes for me


5. The Offering:
(He's bargaining here a little bit,
but we can take this as the offering!)

Venus, if you do
I promise that I always will be true
I'll give her all the love I have to give
As long as we both shall live

2. Make your Wish:
Please send a little girl for me to thrill



4. Show some Faith:
Venus, goddess of love that you are
Surely the things I ask
Can't be too great a task



6. Releasing the Wish:
Hey, Venus, oh, Venus
Make my wish come true

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A rose would make a nice offering to Venus

Bibliography/Sources:  "Venus" by Frankie Avalon, written by Ed Marshall; The Book of Spells by Nicola de Pulford, 1998    
                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                               Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
 
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Hamburger Soup!

1/25/2020

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Picture

Do you ever have one lonely hamburger left over after a barbecue or hamburger night? That's all you need for this recipe.  Just freeze any left over, cooked hamburger patties and you will be ready to make this meal, anytime you desire.

This recipe is perfect for a rainy night when you want to make a meal without having to run out to the store.  It's great on a budget too, or when you want to clean out the fridge or pantry!  Note that you can make this soup with numerous substitutions ... depending on what you have on hand.

Bonus:  Kids absolutely love this soup.
You will need:
2 c beef broth
2 c chicken broth
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
1/2 c chopped yellow onion
  (or 1 tbsp dried minced onion)
1/2 tin lima beans (drained) *
1/2 tin kernel corn (drained) (or 1 c frozen)
  (or 1 cob boiled)
1/2 tin baked beans
1 tin diced tomatoes OR condensed tomato soup
1 frozen cooked hamburger patty

few leafs of chopped sage (or 1 tsp dried)
small handful of chopped rosemary (or 2 tsps dried)


THRIFTY TIP: Freeze or refrigerate remaining portions of tinned lima beans, corn and baked beans for future use.

*Lima Beans? My kid loves them which is why they are included. But you could substitute any legume you prefer such as kidney or scarlet runner beans.


Recipe for your own baked beans here: comfy-baked-beans.html
What you do:
Heat broth in a dutch oven and add chopped carrots, celery and onion.  Add frozen, cooked hamburger patty to the mixture.  Bring to a boil and simmer.  When the patty and vegetables soften, remove patty and cut into small chunks.  Return to pot. Then add fresh or dried herbs, tinned beans and corn.  Add the tin of drained diced tomatoes or tomato soup (do not add extra water).  Simmer for 15 minutes.

This recipe is not exact! Alter quantities to taste or adjust to availability of ingredients in your garden, fridge or pantry.


Substitutions:
  • 1 cup of ground beef browned and seasoned with salt and pepper in place of a frozen hamburger patty.
  • Beef or chicken bouillon cubes or sachets to make broth in the quantities needed.
  • Left-over tomato soup in place of tinned; just adjust the amount of water/broth needed.
Inspiration: Lesley Silverstone (my lovely mother-in-law)                                                                                                           Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020 / edited 2021

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Decorating for Yule ... Naturally!

12/20/2019

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There are lots of little natural touches you can add to your home to "bring in the green" this Winter Solstice, Yule and Christmas Season!  Here's a few quick and easy ideas:
  • Orange and clove pomanders
  • Trim the corners of your doors with sprigs of holly
  • Make a wreath starting with a wicker frame and add branches from your Christmas tree, some holly, winter berries, pine cones and anything else you can find in your garden or nature walks; add ribbon or bells
  • Fill a crystal or glass bowl with pine cones, bundles of cinnamon sticks and fancy ornaments

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 
2019
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Fish Cakes ... Cheap & Cheerful on a Budget

11/13/2019

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PictureThe Palace Kitchen, Brambley Hedge

Running short of money a couple of days before payday or trying to stick to a budget? Don't have time (or the energy) to run out to the store? If you've got a can of salmon or tuna, and a healthy spice cupboard, you might just have dinner.

This recipe is inspired by "Salmon Chops" from Patricia R. Wagner's "Depression Era Recipes" and I altered it a little bit to suit my taste ... and with what was available in my cupboard!  I often turn to her recipes as they are easy, use few or low cost ingredients, and make a good meal in a pinch. 


The beauty of this recipe is that you likely have most of these items already ... and the ones you don't have are easy to stock up on, and don't spoil by storing.  It pays to keep your pantry stocked up on basic items such as the ones used in this "Salmon Cakes" recipe.  The Depression was a time when people had to make do with what they had, and also what was available.  I like to apply that to today by just living simply ... which usually saves money to boot!
Picture
Salmon Cakes Ready to Chill
You will need:
1 small can salmon or tuna (108g)
2 tsps butter
2 tsps flour
1/2 tsp salt
Dash of cayenne
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp parsley
1 egg
Crushed crackers
Olive oil
Instructions:
After removing the skin and bones; mash the fish and mix it together with the softened butter, flour, salt, a dash of cayenne, the lemon juice and parsley.  Form into cakes and chill on a plate in the refrigerator for about 1/2 hour, but longer if you wish.

When ready to cook, cover the cakes with the well-beaten egg and then coat with crushed cracker crumbs.  Fry in olive oil until brown on both sides.  Do not press down on cakes while frying and flip gently.  Makes 2 salmon cakes.  Serve with a green salad and rice or crusty buns.

*Note: Tinned fish has become quite expensive.  Buy a couple of tins whenever (and only whenever!) it is on sale; to have on hand for this recipe when money is tight.
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2022
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So Many Uses for Homemade Applesauce

10/9/2019

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Picture
If you have an apple tree or two, you know how easy it can be to wind up with an abundance of apples! But there is no such thing as an over-abundance or even a "bad crop of apples"; once you learn the beauty of preserves. (And, actually, especially so if you have a bunch that are going soft or are otherwise scabby or bruised.) After you have given away some apples to neighbours and friends, made apple pies, apple chutney, apple butter, apple muffins, apple cider and apple you-name-it ... and even eaten your "apple a day", if you find yourself with left-over apples, don't discount making up a great big batch of applesauce - even if you can't see yourself eating it! Because here are some of the many uses for applesauce ...

Making applesauce and freezing it is a great way to preserve your apples for enjoyment all Winter long as well as into the Spring. This ensures you and your family can continue to receive the goodness of "an apple a day", without resorting to buying apples at the store, when they are out of season and more expensive.

Here are some of the many uses for applesauce:

1. Makes a healthy addition to kids' school lunch boxes
2. Mix into plain or vanilla yogurt for extra flavour
3. Add to the top of oatmeal & sprinkle with cinnamon 
4. Use to make applesauce cake or muffins
5. Add as a yummy side to pork dishes or sausages
6. Warm and pour over vanilla ice cream
 
​
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Basic recipe for applesauce

Fill the bottom of a mixing bowl with cold water and add a few good squirts of lemon juice or lemon slices.  Peel and core apples and remove any brown bits.  Drop all the good bits, loosely chopped into the lemon water, as you are cutting, to avoid browning.  When you have a good amount, lift out the apples with a slotted spoon and transfer to a pot.  Add a very minute amount of fresh water (if needed) and place over low to medium heat. Using a potato masher, slowly and intermittently stir and press the apples. Return to cutting and add more to the pot.  Once the apples are reduced to a thick mash, tip a small portion at a time into a blender, adding sugar to taste and blend to a fine puree.  You want the applesauce to be thick, not runny, so add more apple mixture as needed.  Sterilize canning jars, rims and seals.  Pour applesauce into jars, leaving an inch of head space for expansion, and seal.  When cool, freeze all portions that will not be used within the next week or so.


Easy to thaw!  Simply remove from freezer the night before and defrost in fridge. Or, place jar in a bowl of warm water until thawed enough to remove. You will probably need to stir your applesauce before serving. Not enough sugar? Simply reheat your applesauce with a little extra bit of sugar to taste.
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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Shabby Chic to Edwardian Charm - A Vintage Rescue

8/26/2019

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Hollyhocks
Summer is flying by and we can already feel Fall in the air!

But last month was hot and dry and my husband decided to take advantage of the weather and finally apply varnish to an old vintage plant stand ... that he had been diligently sanding and preparing for the better part of the year! 

By far the largest part of the job was painstakingly removing the white paint from all the little crevices -- and all without damaging the detailed woodwork.  Lots of delicate sanding was involved but the Grumpy Old Gnome in the Grove stuck with the task.

Here's the backstory ...


Shabby Chic Planter
BEFORE - Vintage plant stand outdoors with last year's tomatoes
This fantastically funky plant stand was gifted to us by my sister-in-law.  It had a great distressed look as someone had once painted it white; with much of the paint flaking off, giving it this awesome distressed look.  The paint was falling off in big chunks so using this piece of furniture inside was not an option.  Instead, we had it first outside on our little covered deck, and then moved it to the top of our front stairs ... last year saw tomatoes growing in it!
Restored Furniture
AFTER - Vintage plant stand completely refurbished and ready for its new indoor life
While I liked the "shabby chic" look of the planter before (and being able to use it outside without guilt) - I think it looks just beautiful as a restored piece and will make a wonderful addition to our front living room!

The next task is to build, or have built, a glass atrium for the top ... so that maybe we can transplant many of our little succulents into it.  I know it would be perfect for growing some kitchen herbs too ... but we have far too many of those in the Grove already!!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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Cool Chef's Salad - Satisfying on a Hot Summer's Day

7/30/2019

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Chef's Salad
Cool Chef's Salad on Royal Worcester, Evesham Vale Plate

It's hot!  But you still need to make dinner.  Here's a full and satisfying (yet cool) meal that works great on a hot summer's day.  Okay, I lied, you do need to boil a couple of eggs ... but other than that, we are completely stove-free preparation here!

Chef's Salad.  Done right, this baby is full of lovely cuts of deli meats, hard-boiled eggs, cheese and lots of veg.  The dressing is really easy to make.  Put the salad in the fridge 20 minutes before serving and it is wonderful!  It is satisfying in itself, but if some are still hungry, just have a couple of crusty buns on hand.  Save a bit of the meat, cheese and lettuce and they can make an accompanying sandwich to go with!

Cool Chef's Salad
Chef's Salad
Cool Chef's Salad on Royal Worcester, Evesham Vale Plate
You will need
(for the salad):

2 hard-boiled eggs
2 cups spinach leaves
2 cups iceberg lettuce
8 cherry tomatoes
1/2 red pepper
1/2 cup Swiss cheese
1 cup deli meats (chicken, turkey or ham)
You will need
(for the dressing):

1/4 cup grape seed oil
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tsps sugar
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 glove garlic
1/2 tsp paprika
pinch salt
pinch of crushed red pepper
pinch of dry mustard

Preparing the salad:

In a large mixing bowl create bed of torn spinach and iceberg lettuce.  Add 1/2 cup of red pepper, chopped to desired size, and halved cherry tomatoes. Chop up deli meats and cheese and thinly slice boiled eggs.  Add on top of mixture.
 
Preparing the dressing:
In a small mixing bowl add grape seed oil and slowly combine vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and extremely finely chopped garlic.  Then add dry ingredients (paprika, salt, crushed red pepper and dry mustard).  Use a fork or small whisk and blend well.  Drizzle over salad and toss lightly.
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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Summer Solstice Signals Summer Stitches

6/22/2019

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Fairy GIF
What does Summer Solstice mean?  Beyond that it is the longest day of the year, in terms of daylight, it means to me that I finally need to dig out the summer clothes!

That's right. I wear my winter clothes as long as possible. I scrape along in T-shirts and jeans and a pair of slip-on Clarks until I realize that ... it ... is ... HOT! Then I find that I can't wear my sandals (because my toes aren't polished and I'm just not that kind of a girl) and all my summer clothes are stored in the basement!  Time to swap out the clothes.

Stonehenge Druid

It's a bit of a task.  I have to look through the light clothes in my old childhood dresser in the basement, see what is viable and then lug them all up 2 flights of stairs to our bedroom.  Because our bedroom has a cove ceiling and a big "pocket" over the staircase - the dresser has been built into the wall.  Then sweaters, long-sleeved shirts and heavier pants get relocated back down in the basement.  But I'm not complaining - I love our little old house, with its small rooms, sloped eaves ... and many, many stairs.  At least I get my exercise!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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What fools these mortals be!

5/30/2019

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Fairy GIF
It is the last day of the merry, merry month of May and the little fairies in the Grove are busy packing up the maypole and ribbons and storing them away for another year.  One day this May, a few callous humans happened to spot the fairies at their dance. They informed the fairies that their dance, although old, was now symbolic of conquest and power and an evil group of people. To this the fairies stared at each other in astonishment (although with a certain amount of sage recognition as well) ... and then burst into laughter at the ignorance of the humans' comments.  They merrily continued their communal dance around the sacred maypole chanting (in the immortal words of their kin Robin Goodfellow) -  "What fools these mortals be!"

Fairy Dance
Fairy Dance, Artist Unknown

Fairies are immortal.  And eternally young. They do what they do and disregard the foolish folly of mortals. They have danced since the beginning of time and have seen holidays come and go, wax and wane. They have seen maypoles torn down and burned in small villages; only to be joyously erected in others. They have seen May Day processions outlawed, only to cover their faces in masks and hold their festivities at night.  And they celebrate in private, in their sacred groves and await the time when their dancing will once again herald the joyous beginning of summer.  It would seem that "so it has been and so it will always be".  Long live May Day!
May Pole Dance Cartoon
Image: Pinterest, Artist Unknown
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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Chapter 7:  Creepy Cinderella ... Gets a Facial !

4/28/2019

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Vintage Doll
Creepy or cute?

Does anyone remember Creepy Cinderella?  She's a vintage doll that my daughter found at a thrift store - in a terrible, neglected condition.  

I spent a fair bit of time cleaning her, but unfortunately got busy on other things (like you do) and never got back to the job.  The hardest part remains - her face and hair.  Since each of these is a really big task ... I think I'll just embrace the face!​

The eyes - BEFORE
The eyes - AFTER

She was so filthy!  The rubber on her face is discoloured, but that can't be helped; however, dirt can be removed .... with hot water, soap and a nail brush! 
Her eyelids are now a lovely clear pink and a little bit of the fog was removed from the glass eyes. 

Vintage Doll
The fine line between clean and dirty! The cheek is clean whereas the chin and neck are still dirty.
The face - BEFORE
The face - AFTER
Now scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed some more, we present a nice clean face!  The water turned black as I scrubbed her face, ears, nose and neck - but the result is so worth it.  What struck me most was how the oily, sticky, shiny appearance of her face disappeared upon washing - caused by deteriorating rubber I guess ?  Not sure.  But the result is a lot less creepy! I think her lipstick needs a little touch-up now though ... my daughter has offered to paint her lips; colour - ruby red maybe?

Interested in Cinderella's transformation story?  You can read the first 6 chapters here which follow her Arrival at the Grove until now:

Chapter 1:
creepy-cinderella-creepydolls-collectordolls-vintagedolls.html
​
Chapter 2:

creepy-cinderella-creepydolls-collectordolls-vintagedolls7928443.html
Chapter 3:
chapter-3-creepy-cinderella-cinderellas-cleaning-commences.html
Chapter 4:
chapter-4-creepy-cinderella-gets-a-shoe-shine-cinderella-creepydolls-vintagerestoration-vintagedolls.html
​
Chapter 5:
chapter-5-creepy-cinderella-saving-a-lost-soul.html
Chapter 6:
​chapter-6-creepy-cinderella-the-dark-side-of-the-year.html
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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Cooking Goodness with Guinness - Beef in Stout

3/29/2019

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Beef in Guinness Stout
"Beef in Stout", Favourite Casserole Recipes, J. Salmon, Ltd.
Picture
Image Source: Wikipedia

Over the years - from the 1990s to early 2000s - every time we visited England, I would always try and pick up a different mini cookbook in the "Favourite" series.  With such titles as "Favourite Teatime Recipes", "Favourite Yorkshire Recipes" and "Favourite Farmhouse Recipes" ... how can you go wrong?  Always in the gift shops at many of the tourist traps (and usually right at the cashier) and only 99p. These little cookbooks were so nice and small and fit easily in the suitcase. Then, one English relative, who had noticed I was collecting these; started mailing new ones to me each Christmas.  I now have a wonderful collection of these mini cookbooks - store in an old vintage tin of course. I haven't seen them for sale on our last few trips so this collection means even more to me now.

This recipe comes from "Favourite Casserole Recipes" and I have altered it slightly (as you do!).  It calls for one can of Guinness ... but make sure you buy more than one, in case you have a fan in your house.  My husband loves this stew and his only complaint is that I don't buy a can of Guinness for him!


You will need:

1 lb stewing steak
   (1/2 small  package)
1 tbsp olive oil
a walnut of butter
1 white onion, diced
2 tbsps flour
2 or 3 carrots, sliced
    length-ways
1 tsp brown sugar
Salt & pepper

1/2 to 3/4 pint Guinness stout (save the rest for hubby or you're in trouble!)

Pouring in the Guinness ... not the sound you might expect!
Beef in Stout
Thickening nicely ...
What you do:

Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan and brown the meat.  Remove meat and set aside. Fry the onions in the pan. Then quickly stir in the flour and seasoning to taste. Return the meat to the pan and add the carrots and sugar. Pour in the stout. Stir well, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours - stirring now and then. Cook until the meat is tender.  

I serve with roast potatoes but it's nice with mash too.  Serve with a green salad ... if you must!

This is a simply sumptuous meal! You will notice the gravy thicken and bubble beautifully.  It is imperative that you keep the heat low to low medium.  This is a very slow cooking meal ... but so easy to prepare and worth the wait.  Comfort food at its best!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2021
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Comfy Baked Beans

2/22/2019

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Picture
Crock Pot o' Beans
Baked Beans & Potatoes
Baked Beans & Potatoes

Mmm, mmm!  Home-made Baked Beans - yummy, comforting and economical!  Make them in a crock pot or open-face in the oven.  A fantastically warm and wonderful dinner with baked potatoes and a salad.  And lots and lots of left-overs for breakfasts, lunches and the freezer!  See recipe below.

You will need:
2 1/2 cups small white beans
1/2 package of bacon
1 can crushed tomatoes (281  oz / 796 ml)
1 cup chopped yellow onion (or 3 tbsp
  dried minced onion)
3/4 cup ketchup
1 cup fancy molasses
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

... start around 10 am to have ready in
​time for the evening meal.  
​
Instructions:
Rinse the beans in cool water and drain.  Then cover the beans with about 3 times the amount of water (approx 6 cups).  Bring to a boil for a couple of minutes.  Remove from heat and let sit covered for 1 hour.  Drain and discard water.

Cover with 3 times the water again.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer for 45 minutes.  Drain, this time retaining 2 cups of the cooking liquid.

Tip: This is easy to achieve if you put a 2 cup Pyrex measuring cup in your sink, under a colander in which you drain the beans.


Chop up the bacon and/or onion.  Then mix drained beans, bacon, onion, tomatoes, ketchup, 3/4 of the molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt and 1/2 the pepper.  Stir gently to mix.  Pour into a casserole dish and then drizzle the remaining molasses and pepper on top. 
Bake covered in a 300° oven for 2 1/2 hours.  Uncover, give it a poke, and bake, uncovered, for an additional 1 to 1 & 1/2 hours.

Seriously enjoy with buttered baked potatoes and a green salad.

GIF Bacon & Eggs
This recipe makes a lot!  So you will have yummy left-overs.  Here's some options:

Breakfast:  Do a traditional English fry-up with bacon, eggs, sausage, fried tomatoes, toast ... and a side of homemade baked beans!

Lunch:  Warm up and put in a thermos for the kids' lunches or enjoy with a bit of buttered toast.

Dinner:  Makes a great side with most Indian and Mexican dishes.  Try  breakfast burritos for dinner!  Load up a soft tortilla shell with warmed baked beans, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and chopped veg of your choice -- like green onions, peppers and tomatoes.  Roll up, sprinkle a bit of left-over cheese and veg on top, place on a baking tray and heat in oven until cheese melts.

Make sure you freeze some:  After 2 or 3 days, if you haven't used all the beans, do make sure you freeze them.  I tend to freeze several portions right away in different sized containers for a single serving or main meal.  Really helps out to have a loaded freezer of left-overs!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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Keep Your Clutter!

1/24/2019

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Bric a Brac
Each of these evokes a beautiful memory
​
​Okay, now that I have just said something so radical that many may be literally falling off their chairs; something that seemingly goes against all current and popular way of thinking ...
​grant me the opportunity to share another viewpoint!

​But first, a sincere apology to those sputtering; "But I feel better when there is no clutter around!" or "My parents' / grandparents' stuff is so out-dated ... I don't want it!"  or "I'll have more time for experiences if I'm free from taking care of dust collectors!" And so on and so forth. Yes, I do hear these protests ... ad nauseam in fact.  It is pounded into my head constantly by posts on social media and by well-meaning individuals who truly believe in a minimalist lifestyle.  I believe their viewpoint resonates with many people for one very simple reason ... that there is indeed good value in clearing out useless clutter! But the keyword here is "useless".

The alternative viewpoint I wish to share is not to be so over zealous that we "Throw the baby out with the bathwater"; and instead to focus on "Sorting the wheat from the chaff".  (I do love old sayings!)

FarmThe Family Farm, c 1962
​

Here's the thing.  I love my "stuff"!  It fills me with great joy to be surrounded by sentimental items.  They jog memories that I thought forgotten.  They provide a warm connection to family, friends and pets who have since passed, to my family history and cultural heritage, and to travels taken.  And these items reflect back to me, a little of who I am, where I've been and what I believe in; thus providing a sense of grounding in a sometimes unstable world.


I wholeheartedly believe that this sense of belonging is something that so many people today are desperately searching for and that I believe, could at least be partially found, in celebrating their own personal (and family) story through that very "clutter" that is so often overlooked, devalued and discarded. 


The definition of clutter has recently evolved to mean basically anything and everything in the home - except for only the most necessary and (usually) neutral items.  Under current attack in the name of "clearing the clutter" are sentimental items, heirlooms and keepsakes.  We are also urged to discard books, records, videos, CDs, DVDs, photos and documents that can be transformed (or re-purchased - Aye, there's the rub!!) into digital form.  It has come to mean vilifying anything and everything that can't be used in the actual moment.  It has come with the illusion that new products are always better.  And it is this new definition of "clutter" that I don't actually see as clutter at all, but in fact, an attack on heritage, disdain for the generations that came before us, and an inability to recognize quality household goods that last and last. It is also a symptom of the "throw away" culture and goes against the goal of sustainability.

Rose Petals Pyrex BowlGetting ready to make Rose Petal Jam - Click image for recipe
Defining heirlooms

An heirloom is defined as "a valuable object that has been owned by a family for many generations".

Value is determined by you; and many generations can also start with you too!  This really comes home when you have a child.  I take great joy in mixing up some baking ingredients in my Mom's old Pyrex bowl set - but what greater joy is there to watch my daughter do the same thing? 

The Beatles Album CoverCan't Buy Me Love ... or my record collection!
Save money by keeping hard copies of books, music, movies & photos

Don't get me wrong - I absolutely LOVE being able to snap digital photos and have access to them immediately; without the need for processing or printing.  And I enjoy scanning old photos and having the tools available to restore them and thus prolong their survival.  But printed photos in themselves, have a story to tell and are still necessary to safeguard your special memories.  I have dozens of photos I need to print and I intend to do so.  Once they are printed, I will be able to view them all by myself.  It is dangerous in my mind, to rely solely on technology that requires power and a provider, in order to view your photos or documents.  The important ones really do need to be backed up on paper.  And a lifetime collection of favourite books, films and music is very expensive to reassemble on your devices.  True, it may save space - in fact considerable space, but the (somewhat) old joke holds true that every time the medium changes ... we all have to buy "The White Album" again!  But it is really no joke.  At even 99¢ a song, that can really add up if you are a serious music lover.  And I had gotten so used to hearing The Beatles on digital recreations, that when my husband ran one of my old albums on his turntable; it literally felt like John, Paul, George and Ringo were singing right in our living room!  I had simply forgotten the fantastic and superior sound of vinyl records and all the feelings evoked by hearing these blokes again, properly ... and re-examining the much worn and loved covers of my 35-40 year old record collection - the best feeling!

Let's not forget the sheer pleasure of holding a real (and much loved) book in your hands, late at night, without the added distraction of "firing up" that electronic technology.  Don't even get me started on how much it would cost to replace my book collection ... and how about cooking recipes from your Mom's, Grandma's or even Great-Grandma's recipe books and cards!  (Sure, you can easily look up new recipes on-line and why not? though I do encourage compilation of these new-found recipes into a book of your own). It's truly a joy and comfort to see the scribbles, notes, clippings and long-ago food splotches in your Mom's much utilized recipe book!  I guarantee you will learn something you didn't know about your family by following the path they took in their kitchen on some long ago day. 

Find new uses for items you would otherwise discard

Another benefit that is often missed with keeping a little "clutter" about, is the amount of money that can be saved by having items on hand that can be reused or repurposed; not to mention that you receive Mother Nature's undying gratitude! This is huge for any one committed to "going green" and once started you begin to see possible reuses in just about everything. Old clothes, linens, containers, craft items, school supplies, cards - this stuff does add up and adds to the clutter.  But what a savings to have these items on hand when a costume is needed for Hallowe'en, school plays or dress-up days!  Old clothes that are in good shape should be donated, but worn out clothes can be made over into a variety of items - like doll or pet blankets, hankies, catnip bags or potpourri pouches!  The rest can be cut into rags and used for all kind of tasks from polishing furniture to cleaning bike chains. Cards can be cut up to make new cards and tags; wrapping paper and tissue can be re-used; brown grocery bags can be turned inside out and re-used to mail parcels; cloth ties on bags and shoelaces can be re-used to tie up tomato plants and popsicle sticks can be re-used as seedling markers. The list becomes endless. A big one for me was sorting through my child's previous year's school supplies. I would compare what we had on hand against next year's school list - often saving a small fortune (and unnecessary waste) by just supplementing missing or worn out school supplies, and not buying a completely new set of everything ... each and every year.  ​

Handmade Teddy Bear"Fisherman Bear"

This little fellow and matching blanket was made out of an old blanket from my childhood.  I had kept it, even though it was worn and torn (literally falling apart) and couldn't be mended anymore.  Inspiration came from my daughter on a rainy day when watching "Little Bear" cartoons.  So with some of the good bits of material, we made my old blanket over into a couple of "new" things my little one could enjoy!

"Little Bear" stories and cartoons by Else Holmelund Minarik / Maurice Sendak
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Find new uses / new owners for inherited items

Dishes inherited from older relatives are sometimes unneeded or unwanted. They are often discarded due to their "dated" patterns.  But the high quality of china of generations past is phenomenal and can not be matched by visiting the box stores of today.  They also provide a tangible link to your family and while I truly believe in creating your own style (and weaving your own magic) into your home - I think such decisions should be made carefully.  Quality lasts - and that saves you money.  It may be that certain pieces of an inherited set can be blended into your existing set - especially such useful items as extra platters and serving dishes (which don't need to match your place setting) and to have on hand as dinner and side plates for large gatherings.  Forget using paper plates for appetizers - hand everyone an eclectic mix of fancy side plates or orphaned saucers.  Or pack up a full set of 2 to 4 basic place settings - all ready to accompany a young person to their first home - the traditional "hand-me-downs" that save money on furnishing that first apartment!

Inherited furniture should also be cherished - if not for the gorgeous style or craftmanship, but because it is often real solid wood; a commodity difficult to find these days. Even the most expensive modern furniture is usually made from MDF, or has it hiding somewhere as part of its structure, and will not stand the test of time.


All of these practices and more make Mother Nature smile, save you money ... and reduce the demand on manufacturing. 

So by all means, de-clutter your home of useless items.  But remember what useless clutter truly is - the old bills, the half-empty make-up jars, the books you won't read, the clothes you won't wear, the unneeded or outgrown items that can't be reused - and low quality items. Those appreciated but unwanted gifts.  All other possessions that you love and cherish, bring back good memories, or can be re-used or re-purposed; to those I quote these old and wise adages that still hold true and will keep your home fresh and un-cluttered:
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
" A place for everything, and everything in its place."

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2021 & 2022
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Disclaimer: Many of the items sold are vintage or pre-loved. Quality of vintage items vary with the manufacturing methods available at the time of production. They are not made to current standards of manufacturing ... and in my opinion, that is usually a good thing! They tend to be higher quality, last longer and include more attention to detail than today's products. However, safety standards do change over time, items do deteriorate with age, and it is up to the customer to decide how they will use each product.
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