MelangeByLisette

Well, it feels like a furnace outside today! Ironically, this is when we must use heat to preserve our food for winter. I am spraying water around all my critters to help cool the air. We are lucky today because there is a breeze, and that helps evaporative cooling. Evening will be here soon, and as soon as the sun hits the ridge, it starts cooling , it's magical, and one of the reasons we live in the mountains. I saw a large flock of turkeys this morning, headed for the alfalfa field I think. A few days ago they came here through the yard and ate a huge pile of grasshoppers. We have enough grasshoppers to share with the birds...I probably won't eat any grasshoppers myself. I would have to be VERY hungry to do so! One of the biggest negatives of eating bugs are the parasites they carry, and grasshoppers carry tapeworms, as well as other bad things. I used to adore crabs, but when I read years ago that they are basically big old water spiders, well, I lost my taste for them. I love spiders, but not to eat.(EVER!!!) Life really is a food chain, and I am glad we get to be on the top of the pyramid! I ended up with 20 half pint jars of jelly, it came out very well. I also made 3 half pint jars of Morrocan Style Salt Preserved Lemons, and they are exquisite! I have three jars for sale, $20. each. These salt preserved lemons are incredibly versatile, and I add additional zest and thin peels as well as the lemons themselves, which I cut into fairly small pieces. One little chunk will flavor an entire chicken, rubbed on the bird. Just the smell when you open the jar makes my mouth water! It would be outrageous rubbed around the rim of a marguerita glass, or a glass of tomato juice, mmm,mmm! I tried it for the first time in a pot of blackeyed peas, and it was amazing. I also adore split pea soup, and it adds a brilliance and polished flavor to the peas. Just a little dab will do. I am still working on a quart jar from two years ago, so when I decided to sell them I chose much smaller jars. I will be buying some tiny jars this week, just the right size for gift giving! I like to keep mine in the fridge, ready to grab. The jelly was extrordinarily clear this year, pretty as a ruby. I finished a bridal bouquet this morning, and it sure is pretty. The blended tea roses are very time consuming to make, because they are created one petal at a time. It takes several days to sculpt the petals, and my hands have to be totally clean because the ribbons are very pristine white for bridal bouquets. My hope is that they will be treasured for generations to come. Well, it's time to go and check on my critters again, I brought in my chicken, Pagan, to her living room pen. I get concerned when she starts panting from the heat! Everyone, please take care, and check on the elderly, the young, and the animals as often as you can. Good evening from up the Chiliwist, Lisette