TUESDAY TIPS

One thing I have been asked is "How can you afford to eat organic?" Usually my reply is "How can you afford not too!" But seriously it does cost a little more at first... but in the long run not really! I try very hard to be "frugal" and one thing I do notice myself doing is I don't let anything go to waste. If I pay a little more for organic produce I make sure I use every inch of it...so in reality it does cost less.

Tonight is "Clean out the fridge" night...and it is amazing what you can come up with!

#1...Along with the organic,free-range chicken we will be having stuffing...made totally out of leftovers! I had some homemade organic bread and cornbread, organic celery,half a onion, some carrots and a lot of this weeks fresh herbs (from the farmers market)...nothing going to waste!


#2...The ends of the celery and onions along with the stems of the herbs are cooking on the stove and I will freeze them to use as veggie stock. I do put a pinch of sea salt to take the edge off the bitterness. I will strain this before freezing.

#3...A zucchini,leek and half a jar of my canned tomatoes will become a side dish.

#4...Keep those expensive fresh herbs longer by smashing the ends of the stems and putting them in a container of water...and keep in the fridge. Why smash the ends you ask? (This is the florist coming out in me)...woody stems can not absorb water without being feathered....God put bark on stems so they won't become water logged but if you crack the bark your herbs will be able to drink a little water. Just a little tap with the side of the knife is all it will take.

So see you can be frugal and eat organic at the same time. When shopping for organic fruits and veggies go with a plan. Do some research and scan some recipes...write down possibilities. If shopping at Farmer's Markets this is always a good idea because you don't exactly what your going to find.

Have a wonderful day!!

FOODIE FRIDAY

The canning season is winding down and here in Warren Co Pa most foods were a bumper crop. Since moving here to our new home 2 yrs ago we still don't have a garden...that is next spring's project,after all Rome wasn't built in a day ya know!
I have had to...for the first time in 33 years resort to buying my produce. I found it very easy and economical with all the local farmers and farmer's markets. Everything was perfect and most were raised organically which is how we garden...always have always will (we were "hip" back in the day and didn't even know it!)

In the next few weeks I will show you some of the "Fruits of my labor" and fill you in on some handy canning tips and other Foodie Friday adventures.

This week I'm showing you what can be done with a few basic ingredients. I made this soup/chili with the thought of being able to use it in a variety of dishes.

I do my canning sort of unconventional...in other words I do it My Way!
I use a water canner even though some say you should use a pressure cooker,which I have but I simply don't like using it.

In my chili I used:
**I cooked this for 2 hrs in my large stockpot**

2 cups fresh corn right off the cob
5 large carrots
3 green peppers
2 hot peppers
3 large onions
1 cup red kidney beans
2 cups black beans
(the beans were dry and I simply followed the directions on the package. I used Wegmans' dried organic beans)
1/2 bunch fresh parsley chopped
about 3 tlbs chili powder...make sure it is fresh and high quality...it makes a difference!
salt and pepper and what ever other seasonings you like

If you want a thicker chili just add more tomato paste...it's up to you.

Make sure your mason jars are very clean and free of any chips around the top. Using a funnel fill jars with your soup. In the mean time boil your lids and rims in a pot,being very careful when you remove them...they make handy dandy magnets that will take them out. I don't have one but after 33 yrs of canning I kind of have my own system!
Fill jars only to just below the bottom ring,wipe them off and use a linen not terrycloth so you don't leave any fuzzies...when putting the lid and rims on make sure to tighten them as far as they will go.
Put in your canner and fill with water to well above the highest jar...you will be processing these for 3 hrs so keep a eye on it to make sure your water remains over the lids.
You start timing when it comes to a rolling boil...and yes it seems like a long time but hey good things come to those who wait!

When removing the jars be very,very careful...you are dealing with boiling water remember. Use your canning grippers and put the jars on a towel on the back of the cupboard...DO NOT TOUCH FOR AT LEAST 12 HRS! I cover my jars with another towel,but I don't think this is really a must...I just do it because my grandma told me to!

You will soon start to hear the great little pops of the lids sealing!

Now stand back and take a look at your efforts...it really is a satisfying feeling...and you know what is in it!!

ENJOY!

PONDERING

A few years ago I was busy making and selling clothing for babies and toddlers.But with all the CPSIA laws I decided to switch gears and venture into something new. I have been pondering the idea of handcrafted organic(botanical)clothing and spa items.

Seriously...have you seen what they do to fabric and expect us to wear it! It's no wonder there are so many health issues! Some fabrics are like a toxic stew!

I would love to know what ideas and suggestions you would have. I have put up a poll but please feel free to leave a comment if you have more to say.

In the mean time I'm off to search for more organic fabric(I already have some and sewing machine is ready to roll)...but you know the stash can NEVER be to big!

Have a great and wonderful day!

SUNSET BOUQUET

Red is my favorite color and I try to use it whenever I can. Then when I mix it with orange my heart goes a flutter!!!!

If your looking for a bouquet that will stand out in the pictures this one is it! I wrapped the stems in beautiful vintage silk velvet and lace...the contrast is stunning. I don't have much of this wonderful green ribbon, this makes the bouquet even more special.

If you would like more information on this beauty please go to my Etsy shop or contact me.

Have a wonderful day!!

BOTANICO & COMPANY

Welcome! This is my first post on my new blog about our new shop opening.

Botanico & Company will be focusing on anything having to do with special events and home decor,as well as some spa items using the wonderful world of botanicals. I have been a florist for 16 years and have decided to put my knowledge in that field to work via a new Etsy shop (my 2nd).
I can not even begin to tell you how many weddings and special events I have done in the past...lets just say "a lot". The main goal of Botanico is to provide unique and wonderful accessories and must haves for your event.
We will be using everything from fabric,silk flowers and vintage accents and what ever else we think would be something special.

At Botanico special requests are more than welcome. We want to make our customers happy! If you don't see what you have in mind feel free to contact us....we will do what we can to make your event something extra special!

Thank you for stopping by and please come back!