Strawberries!

I got 20 strawberry plants planted.

At the recommendation of Flower Tree Nursery

http://www.flowertreenursery.com/

I added some cottonseed meal to the soil before putting in the plants.  The strawberries are planted in a tiered planter with netting to keep birds out!

Last year, plants did not get planted until June:  too late for here!  Although I did get a couple of strawberries, the heat burned the plants out.

This year the plants are out in April.  I plan on getting shade cloth to put over the netting when the heat comes in June!

Putting the straw on for mulch is new this year also.  This should keep moisture in the ground!

I can taste those strawberries already!

One thing I love about the local nurseries is the personalized service!  The people at these places know their stuff and know the local needs.  Much better than the box stores!

Shop Local!

Broody Hen

This little hen became broody the last couple of weeks.  When the chicks were put outside next to the big coop, she would come to the gate and watch the chicks.  Today I let everyone out to free range:  big chickens and chicks intermingled with no problems.  When it was time for the chickens to go back to the coop, this little hen went in with the chicks.  So far so good.

April Block of the Month blocks

Hexi Stripe and Hexi Tree blocks

The Craftsy.com Block of the Month project for April was very challenging.  There is a lot of hand work on these two blocks!  The theme was using hexagons.

The directions were for the Hexi Stripe block and a Sunny with the chance of Hex, but I changed it out and tried to create a tree on a lake!  Looking at the picture it looks like an Easter tree!  Oh well.

The best thing about the block of the month is learning and trying new techniques.  The block of the month is a free class, but Craftsy offers a lot of other classes.  Check them out!


www.craftsy.com



As I was taking this picture, the cat ran into the picture.  The delay of the picture taking process makes it look like a ghost cat!  Nothing better than a cat approved quilt!

Clam Spaghetti

The first time I had a clam spaghetti was on a back packing trip.  We carried in a couple of cans of clams, some white wine and spaghetti noodles.  After a long day of hiking, clam spaghetti was the best thing I had ever eaten on a back pack trip!

This version is more for in the kitchen!  It is a complete meal as is, but a side salad and some buttered french bread puts it over the top!

Clam Spaghetti

Total time: 21 minutes

Makes 6 servings

4 slices of bacon, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, sliced

1 bag (9 ounces) baby spinach

1 pound thin spaghetti (I used a whole wheat thin spaghetti)

2 cans (6.5 ounces each) minced clams in juice, undrained

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

juice of 1/2 lemon

1) Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling.    Heat bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.  Cook 8 minutes, until crisp.  Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon.

2)  Add olive oil and garlic to the skillet.  Cook 2 minutes, stirring so the garlic doesn't burn.  Stir in the spinach and cook 3 minutes.   Stir in the clams with their juice and pepper flakes into the skillet with the spinach.  Cook 3 minutes.

3)  Meanwhile, add spaghetti to boiling water.  Cook 6 minutes and drain.  Return noodles to the pot.

4)  Add spinach mixture to the pasta along with the lemon juice and the cooked bacon.  Toss to combine.

Carolina Pulled-Pork Sandwiches

Carolina Pulled-Pork Sandwiches

So good!  Cooks in a slow cooker, filling the house with a wonderful smell all day!

Makes:  8 servings.  Prep:  15 minutes
Slow Cook: HIGH for 6 hours, LOW for 8 hours



Pork:
1 boneless pork shoulder roast or picnic roast, skin removed, trimmed (about 3 1/2 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Sauce:
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 Tablespoons spicy brown mustard

8 seedless sandwich buns

1)  Pork:  Rub the pork all over with the salt and paprika.  Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat.  Brown pork on all sides, about 12 minutes.

2)  Sauce:  Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion and cook 5 minutes.  Stir in vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar and mustard.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

3)  Transfer pork to the slow cooker; add sauce.  Cover and cook on HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 8 hours.

4)  Meanwhile, prepare Coleslaw.


5)  Remove pork from slow cooker and allow to cool slightly.  With 2 forks, shred the meat, discarding fat.  Stir pulled pork into sauce in the cooker.  Divide evenly among sandwich buns.  Top with coleslaw or have the slaw on the side.  Also had chips on the side!


Coleslaw


In a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon each:  celery salt and black pepper.  Stir in 1 lb bag of shredded coleslaw mix.  Refrigerate until serving.