"The President's Own" The Marine Band

The family enjoyed an evening out to see the Marine Band, "The President's Own"...they played at our university and it was a wonderful time!

Gunnery Sergeant Kevin Bennear, Soloist and Colonel Michael J. Colburn, Conductor

Sergeant Bennear was the announcer and soloist for the band. He did a medley of Irish songs which was very moving and uplifting.

Sergeant Kevin Bennear

Pickled Peppers

With the long holiday weekend, we have decided to make use of some extra time and can some summer vegetables. We found this awesome recipe from Tasty Kitchen and gave it a try!

Pickled Peppers

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tablespoon each Mustard & Coriander Seeds
• 1 Tablespoon Fennel Seeds
• 1 Tablespoon Peppercorns
• 1 Tablespoon Cumin Seeds
• 1 Tablespoon Thyme
• 2 leaves Bay Leaf, Optional
• 8 cups White Wine Vinegar
• 8 cups Water
• 4 cups Sugar
• ½ cups Salt
• 10 cups Peppers, Or More
• 1 cup Carrot, Peeled, And Thinly Sliced
• 1 cup Red Onion, Thinly Sliced
• Dill Or Other Fresh Herbs (optional)

                                                                                            PREPARATION

1. Toast the dried spices in a sauce pot for about 2 minutes, until they begin to exude their aroma, stirring all the while.
2. Add the liquids, sugar and salt, and bring to a boil.
3. Turn off the heat and let steep for ½ hour.
4. Pack the vegetables into mason jars along with any additional herbs.
5. Pour the liquid over peppers and any desired vegetable counterparts (sliced red onion, garlic, sliced carrots, etc.).
6. Store in the refrigerator for 6 months or process the jars in a hot water bath and store them on the shelf.

Homecoming Football Game

Well, we're off to the Homecoming game at BHS...go DRAGONS!! It is raining and the band cancelled but we still have our hot cocoa and blankets. Crock is full of nice hot soup for our return and lots of apple cider. I will post pics tomorrow from the game. Yay!

Home Remedy

This is a great home remedy for the winter months ahead. 

The quartet of pantry ingredients creates a potent remedy to some of the ails of winter: Sore throat, hacking cough, tight congestion.

Combined, they turn into a curious orange syrup that can cut through the croup. And it tastes really good!

http://nancyvienneau.com/blog/articles/home-remedy/

MAGGIE’S COUGH REMEDY

¼ teaspoon Cayenne

¼ teaspoon Ginger

1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar (an organic one if possible.)

2 Tablespoon Water

1 Tablespoon Honey (use a locally produced raw honey, if possible.)

Dissolve cayenne and ginger in cider vinegar and water. Add honey and shake well. Take 1 Tablespoon as needed for cough.

Note: this doesn’t dissolve perfectly. Always shake well before using.

Healthy Banana Bread

It is getting much cooler here in Maine...you can smell Fall in the air! Love this time of the year, don't you? We started back to school and since I am up so early now I have been doing some baking that I couldn't do in the summer. We have a wonderful recipe for Healthy Banana Bread that substitutes the oil and sugar. Great for the kids before school or even in the afternoon!

Ingredients

2 cups flour (can use wheat flour if desired)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar free applesauce 

3/4 cup honey

2 eggs, beaten

3 mashed overripe bananas

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce and honey. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Feeling Fall in the Air

I can feel fall in the air...it's New England so it will come without warning and soon one day we will wake up to that ultimate moment! I am in the mood to make some colorful runners for the table and have these in mind.

I like this one too, it is made with charm squares.

So, I will be heading to my local fabric shop to look for some wonderful fall fabrics to make my runner. I will
probably end up making both runners and giving one to my daughter for her table....it is hard to choose!

This is a patchwork quilt style

Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend and look forward to your posts about the Fall!! :)

Closing Out Summer

It is hard to believe that summer is coming to a close...we had a good time, going camping..to the beach (about every other day!), and growing our garden..having BBQ's and lots of friends to enjoy the good times. But, it is on to school with the younger set and bringing in the last of the summer harvest to put up. Enjoy all there is to the good life you have my friends...and I look forward to a wonderful FALL!! Oh, my Etsy shop is doing great and I am enjoying it very much...until later :) smiles!