Do Not Ask "What's for supper?"

Perhaps me not knowing it, the meals were quite rough.
Perhaps me not knowing it, they'd had quite enough
Of all these creations so weird and so strange.
Things I'd concocted on our far too hot range.
Or perhaps for science they came to the table
To dissect and test my "spoongoozits" and "snables".
More likely they were left starving from last nights
kerflop;
The orange and green mixture that bounced out of the pot.
"Please feed us some sustenance..." with their eyes they come pleading.
"We are your family you are supposed to be feeding!"
"Give us some water and bread and some carrots, we don't want dishes that look like nests of large ferrets!"
So what should I do but return to my cooking. (I'll slip in some sprouted grain when they're not looking.)
Oh they'll eat the fermented cabbage and greens--I'll bake them in cakes and grind in to ice-cream.
I have all these schemes but what should I say when my youngest inquires "Can I help you today?"
I'd love her to help but don't want her to see
All the things that I add, she's likely to flee.
What should I do, I can't turn her away.
I mustn't divulge my secrets, nay nay!
What should I tell her? What should I do?
What would you do if your daughter asked you....

"What's for supper mom?"

Family Pictures

Our tribe attempted family photos here at home yesterday...some of which turned out kinda cute...too bad little missy looks less than impressed with the whole sled idea. Next year we'll plan to have a friend help snap a few shots rather than doing the whole set-the-timer-and-run like mad thing. As you can see, we strategically wore co-ordinating outfits (sort of). Which I'm not sure just why that was such a HUGE battle with our middle child and somewhat our eldest. Though we are going thru a very independent to the extreme stage right now. (Urgggh!) Husband was less than excited to have the camera thrust in his personal space. And wee Becca thought going outside without a jacket on was just bad, bad, bad. So after a day of pleading, coercing, and begging a small handful of people I dearly love to please sit for a photo, I got my wish, even a few smiles and now kids who keep asking "Can we do a few more?" Always and adventure....

Why Sauerkraut?!

Sauerkraut

1 medium cabbage, cored and shredded
1 Tbsp. caraway seeds
1Tbsp. sea salt
4 Tbsp. Whey (if not available, use an addition Tbsp. salt)

In a bowl, mix cabbage with caraway seeds, sea salt and whey. Pound with a wooden pounder or a meat hammer for about 10 minutes to release juices. Place in a quart sized, wide mouthed mason jar and press down firmly with a pounder or meat hammer until juices come to the top of the cabbage. The top of the cabbage should be at least1 inch below the top of the jar. Cover tightly and keep at room temperature for about 3 days before transferring to cold storage. The sauerkraut may be eaten immediately, but improves with age. *

Now, you may be wondering, much as my husband was, why sauerkraut?! Truth be told, my mother in law brought us a HUGE cabbage a while back, I had a recipe and badly needed the space in my fridge where the "big brain" (what my kids called it) lived. After a bit of research into fermented vegetables, here's why I chose this recipe:

"The proliferation of lactobacilli in fermented vegetables enhances their digestibility and increases vitamin levels. These beneficial organisms produce numerous helpful enzymes as well as antibiotic and anti carcinogenic substances. Their main by-product, lactic acid, not only keeps vegetables and fruits in a state of perfect preservation but also promotes the growth of healthy flora throughout the intestine. " *

In short, eat it...it's good for you! (And it actually tastes good, as a side dish, not a meal or by the bowl full. But it is quite tasty!)

* - Recipe and excerpt taken from Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.

Things I have learned lately...

1. Oregano essential oil, though tasty when added to your favorite pasta dish, is not a good companion for honey sweetened raspberry tea. (Oh the things we try when fighting a cold.)

2. Although two two year olds who usually fight and bicker about "who had it first" can appear to be mortal enemies, they still love each other like best friends. Quote from Becca:" Mommy, I just love my Logan..."

3. One should follow that inclination to accomplish a given task, instead of say, watching a movie, so that you don't have to take the trampoline down in the snow and cold...

4. That if you leave a heap of laundry long enough, it will not walk away, but rather wait patiently for you. (Can you guess what I'm doing today while the little ones are napping?!)

That's all for now, but I'm bound to learn something else along the way on this journey. I'll (try to) keep you posted.