The Scouts

This year marks the hundredth year of boy scouting.  This may mean nothing to you.  Here, there is great excitement, as two of the old badges have been brought back for this year only.  Well, Bruce is excited...Alan nominally so.  Pioneering, anyone?

I didn't know when we signed Alan up for Cub Scouts six years ago that the Boy Scouts of America would creep so deeply into our lives.  We now have two scouts of the male variety selling popcorn with the desperate yearning of boys trying to reach the prize level which receives a marshmallow-shooting cross bow.  Come to think of it, that does sound pretty neat.  In past years, we have had the garage full of boxes upon boxes of popcorn waiting for pick-up by the harassed parents of fellow pack mates.  The sale of popcorn funds many scouting events, such as camping and museum visits, as well as supporting a program which sends popcorn to the troops overseas.  Ok, popcorn in the garage is not so bad when you put it that way.

What I love is to see my husband in his scout uniform. He has a great time.  He spent some years as the leader of the pack [That's right, MASTER of the Cubs], and was rewarded with a battery operated self-turning marshmallow roasting fork. He added another patch to his shirt the other night, very pleased with his handiwork.  This is quintessentially my guy: poking around, telling kid jokes, fostering, learning.  He gets every bit as much as the boys do out of the experience.

As for me, Sophia's first Daisy scout meeting is yet to be held...but beware when cookie season rolls around!

If you see a scout, please consider buying some popcorn!

Kate

Sausage and Apple Hand Pies

Well, handy!

Sausage and Apple Hand Pies

Brown one package sweet Italian sausage (casings removed) with one chopped red onion. Add three cups chopped apples.  Cook through.  I added a bit of salt, some savory, and a pinch of fennel seed.  Once this is cooked through, put about an eighth cup flour on, stir it in, then 1/2 cup of cider. Cook until mixture thickens.  Turn off heat, mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.  Let mixture cool.

I used three boxes of prepared pie crusts (6 crusts).  I have a circular cutter, but one could simply quarter them.  Put as much filling on as you can (this varies with the size of your crust), 1/4 cup or more.  Then dab a bit of water around the edges and either lay a second circle (rolled a bit larger) on top or bring the edges together and pinch shut.  Poke a few holes, brush with egg.  You can freeze them at this point or bake for 25-30 min. at 400. 

This is one of my favorite autumn dishes, despite the effort.  I usually make it at least once.  This year's batch, now resting comfortably in the freezer, is for Sophia's birthday picnic.   I'm always hoping that some will remain to send for the children's lunches (or hoard for my own), but this rarely happens. At least I'll get to enjoy them once!  I did run out of filling, so I used up the extra dough by spooning a bit of apple butter on, then layering some ham, sweet potato, and port wine cheese in.  That's for tonight.  yum!

Happy ...whatever!

Kate

Planning...but not for cows

Food.  Luscious blueberries, crisp apples, figs, strawberries, currants, filberts, mushrooms...I've made my wish list for the garden.  We'll have to pay yearly attention to the acid/alkaline levels, but I'm willing to do that in exchange for my own grocery store.  I spent quite a bit at Raintree Nursery the other day...most of the order will arrive next spring. Some will be here late in the month. 

Over the years, I've been getting more and more picky about what I want to feed my family.  Real food.  This morning, I drove up to Bennington to Russ and Lori Bryant's dairy.  It's a trip I make about once a week for raw milk. The first time we had it, my kids didn't like the taste. (Yes, there is a difference) But the next time, I took them to the farm and they met the cows and helped Russ hunt for a dozen eggs.  They petted the myriad farm cats.  Now they whine if I get a bit lazy and buy store milk.  They want milk from their cows, you see. 

I suffered from growing pains horribly as a child, and so does my little Sophia...unless she consumes raw milk every day.  The calcium is far more absorbable.  Raw milk also increases your body's ability to detoxify.  It is a definite motivator.  Cows are not on my wish list, however.  I am happy to support local small farmers when I can...and I don't think the local covenant allows ruminants. Not even the fully functional yet bizarrely tiny toy cows.  Cute little fellas, aren't they?

Comment if you love cows.

Kate