Summer is Winding Down

Where did our summer go?

I think most of our summer was spent dodging raindrops here in Ohio. Our road flooded over more times just this summer than I remember it flooding in the past 13 years I have lived here. Our basement also had some flooding. Not fun.

School starts on the 27th, and we will have a 3rd grader on our hands. 8 going on 18. I always hate to see the school year start, I get so used to having her home all day. She's becoming such a big help with our chores around the farm. She feeds the babies their milk, feeds the horses, helps daddy with fixing fence and water lines. She loves being out there with the animals.

We're still working on 1st cutting of hay. It is getting so late for this, but it's hard to get it done when it rains. I think we'll have quite a few bales, enough to get through the winter, but it would be nice to have 1st cutting done early enough to squeeze in some 2nd cutting.

 

 

 

 

As the summer winds down, we're looking forward to the coming of Fall. Hoping for a little slow down time. Al will be going in for surgery sometime this fall, after hay is made, and when his dr. says he has to go in. We're hoping it is just an out-patient thing. I will be planning on doing the chores while he recovers.

I'll be announcing the winner to the GBP cookbook review tomorrow, and I will be posting a new review/giveaway this coming week, so stop back! :)

Our lilies did really well this year. The extra rain seems to agree with them. :)

 

 

 

Our newest furbaby was added to our family this summer. Miss Bella.

 

 

And despite the crazy wet summer, I did manage to squeeze some time in with my buddy, Rocky.

 

 



101 Stovetop Suppers

A cookbook review and giveaway! Newest cookbook from Gooseberry Patch, 101 Stovetop Suppers.

 This time, I changed it up a bit in how I chose the recipes. My daughter has been enjoying time in the kitchen with me, so I gave her the book and told her to pick out a few that she thought looked good to her. It was fun to see what she picked out.

Her first choice was Skillet Strawberry Jam. Very easy to make, and was by far better than any store bought strawberry jam!

Skillet Strawberry Jam

 

4 c. strawberries, hulled and crushed

1/2  c. sugar

1 T. lemon juice

Optional: 1/4 t. vanilla extract

 

Combine strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a skillet over medium-high heat; mix well.

Cook, stirring often, until strawberries soften and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

Remove from  heat; stir in vanilla, if using. Store in an airtight jar in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Makes about 1-1/2 cups.

 

Her next choice, and it was a favorite right away with my family, was So-Easy Pork Fritters.

I don't fry very often at home. I love fried foods, but I usually bake or slow-cook. So, this gave me a different technique to practice.

 

So-Easy Pork Fritters

 

1 lb. pork tenderloin, sliced 1/2-inch thick

1 egg, beaten

3 T. milk

1 sleeve saltine crackers, finely crushed

3/4 c. all-purpose flour

1 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

oil for frying

 

Flatten pork with a meat mallet; set aside.

Place egg and milk in a small bowl and blend well.

Combine cracker crumbs, flour and seasonings in a separate bowl.

Dip pork slices into egg mixture, then press in crumb mixture until well coated.

Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork slices;

fry until deep golden on both sides and no longer pink in the middle, turning as needed.

Serves 4

 

 

The last pick is for Simple Skillet Peaches. Perfect ending to any meal.

Simple Skillet Peaches

 

6 c. peaches, peeled, pittled and cut into bite size pieces

1/2 c. sugar

1 T. vanilla extract

 

Combine peaches and sugar in a large skillet over medium heat. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until peaches are soft and mixture has thickened, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in extract. Serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes about 6 servings.

 

*This is delicious on cereal, oatmeal, ice cream, cobbler or my favorite on top of angel food cake. Yum!

 

 

Want a free copy of this book?

Leave a comment on this post or on our Facebook page.

With back-to-school coming up, what is your favorite "go-to" stovetop supper for the kids when they get home?

 

Giveaway starts today, August 5 and ends Sunday, August 18th! Good Luck!!

 

*Please make sure I have a way of contacting you, so I can notify you if you win!