First Attempt at Homemade Ginger Beer (Ale)

 13th -  Soooo - Mister has decided to take on a new project this month.  I absolutely love Ginger Beer and Moscow Mules.  I don't love the prices associated with either so we are going to attempt our own rendition of Ginger Beer.  Since we are calling this the "first attempt," I'm assuming there will be a second attempt as we work through the kinks.  

At any rate, today we begin.  We have some quart jars cleaned and ready for use.  Mister found his fermentation tops (used when he makes kimchi) and thinks they may be helpful.  From there ---- the Ginger begins to be culled.

Christmas Day Tripping Around the Metroplex

 Good Morning!!

Mister and I are out of the house for the day.  As we leave the house, the radio is talking about all the fog in the city and we haven't seen any at home.  In fact, the sun is shining.  However, as we near downtown, the buildings are engulfed in clouds and it is rather thick all around us.  No sun.

A Christmas Star

 Joining up with the rest of humanity --- all watching the Christmas Star come to fruition in 2020 as a last breath of hope for this year.  Yep, that's us.  Nearby Flag Pole Hill is the highest area we can think of without driving forever.  We'll give it a shot.

Early Christmas in Abilene

 Abilene is the destination for today.  Jen's family is heading north for Christmas and we are going to go and deliver their gifts ahead of that.  Last year was quilts so this year we're going with games and electronic stuff.  Cuddle up in last years gift and play this years.  Win, win, right?

When we walk in the door, the first thing that happens is the boys are eager to share one of their gifts.  I get it.  This is truly funny and definitely worth passing on as the creativity used to sell a rather simple product fascinates me.  Just read and giggle.

Temperatures Drop --- Basil Pesto is Made

 The temperatures are dropping in Dallas and Mister's basil plants are enormous.  Now what?  We start by cutting them down and placing as many in the kitchen window as we can to use daily.  The rest goes into two batches of pesto -- one for the freezer and one for dinner.

We thought we'd share our process with y'all - 

To start, you need about 2 cups of basil leaves, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (divided) and 2 cloves of garlic.

Delicata Squash - So Good!

 In my Facebook group, we have a BINGO card that I am trying to mark off.  One of the items is to try a new veggie.  Well, I was a bit worried as I didn't think there were that many I hadn't tried BUT then I remembered the squash family.  There are so many types and I'm still a baby with them.  While at the store, I picked up a Delicata Squash.  Yep, never heard of it before either.  It's cute and fairly small.

Making Peanut Brittle - Holiday Tradition

 Oh so many years ago, a friend by the name of Ying Custer shared her fabulous Peanut Brittle recipe with me.  I have not attempted any other recipe since that time.  Yes, it is just that good and oh so easy.  I also discovered, this year, that I have not shared this on the blog before.  Well, lucky you -- this is your year.

FIRST - If you live in the south like me, check the humidity.  This really works well on dry days.  Today we are 35%.  That works.

SECOND - butter a 9x13 pan or cookie sheet with sides.  Now you are ready to start.

In a heavy pan bring 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of white corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water to boil.  I stir the whole time, but the recipe really doesn't say.