getting there

I worked with my letterpress on Sunday.  Since the last time I did, I read the manual.  I found it online and I learned good things.  I also got more tools.  Some I ordered.  Some I had in the house.  The new paper holders that are soft work really well with the Boxcar base I am using.  I got about 30 business cards printed that I am happy with.  I need to cut more paper to print more and I will need to trim these.  Every time I work with the press, I am getting a little better

This is the tool I am using most often for adjustments, a screwdriver.  I have lived in this world where a 32nd of an inch or a 16th of an inch makes a huge difference before.  But that is usually having to do with the placement of blades on boots.  This will require patience but I will get there.  I possibly may take a class too.  But that would require a road trip.  With where my head is, that may be a good thing!

quiet saturday

It has been a quiet day today.  Small Mister and myself ran errands this morning.  We now have six dozen eggs for travels.  And a complete tent that can sleep six people.  I had to go to three stores to pick up all the pieces.  There is another tent of that same size that I like.  If we need another, I may put that on my list.  We are going up to the land and I can see when we have family visit where two tents and the trailer will be needed.  I heard that there was talks of Sasquatch hunting going on.  The boys make me smile.  What else are you supposed to do in the woods but hunt Sasquatch?  I am working on making sure I have anough yarn which means that I card and spin some each day.  Not very exciting but it needs to be done.

I made sure I had some flowers for myself though.  Soon, I will be planting peonies on the mountain.  I cannot wait!  The deer will love me I know.  They like the sweetness.  But that is life with wildlife.

three quarters done

I am three quarters of the way done with Baby Nacho's quilting bit of his quilt.  I might be able to finish this this weekend.  But this weekend is already full of tasks and want to do's.  There is just not enough hours.  There are days I wish my life was closer to the land and creative tasks, like Tasha Tudor's.  Maybe someday.

fried eggplant

Even though I only have one bush, my garden has been producing many eggplants.  Yes, the bush over wintered and it is more then six feet across.  The eggplant have these interesting spiny green tops but taste fabulous.  I actually gave one away to neighbors who were walking past on Sunday.  I think I have them all picked and then I find another.  There are also more flowers.  I may have eggplant most of the summer.

I had two the size in the picture so I decided to fry them.  The Tall Short Person and her Love said they were addictive.  Push the plate far away from me addictive.  I always like them.  And if there are many leftovers, they are a great base for ratatouille!

fried eggplant

olive oil for frying

eggplant, sliced thin, across the fruit

2 eggs

1/2 cup rice flour

1/2 cup brown rice flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons dried oregano or basil, crushed

In a cast iron frying pan, put about a 1/2 inch of olive oil.  Heat over medium heat.

In a shallow pan,  beat the eggs well.  In another shallow pan, mix the flours, salt, pepper, and oregano.

Dredge a slice of eggplant in the egg, both sides.  Dredge the slice in the flour mixture.  Put in the oil,  Fry until brown.  Turn over and fry until brown.  Pull out.  Drain.  Continue cooking this way until all the eggplant is gone.

it is best to try to wait for them to cool down so you do not burn your mouth or fingers.  No one around here seems to be able too!

sourdough waffles

I was reading the Smitten Kitchen blog and she posted a reciped for the essential raised waffles.  I like waffles and they looked interesting.  I, of course, changed them to sourdough and let the fermentation go on for longer then necessary.  We wanted the yeastie beasties to change as much of the gluten as possible.  My Beloved's tummy does better with longer fermentation.

These were tasty.  They were sour enough that using maple syrup was nice.  Most of the time I do not use much syrup anymore.  Like for dutch babies, I use no syrup anymore.

These do take a bit of planning because I start them the morning before.  And for two people, there will be leftover batter.  We put it in a mason jar and put it in the frig.  My Beloved said the waffles were good the next times he cooked them.  But of course, sourdough yeastie beasties are our favorite!

sourdough waffles

Note:  based on Smitten Kitchen's essential raised waffles

sourdough starter

3/4 cup water

1 cup flour

1 cup milk

1/2 cup olive oil (I ran out of butter)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup flour

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

oil for cooking

toppings

24 hours before, mix the starter with 3/4 cup water and 1 cup flour in a medium bowl.  Cover, and let sit for at least 8 hours if not 12.  

Remove a couple tablespoons of starter for next time.  Mix in the rest of the ingredients except the eggs and baking soda.  Cover and let get bubble over night.

In the morning, or afternoon, or whenever, start heating the waffle iron.  Uncover the batter.  Mix in the eggs.  Then, mix in the baking soda.  The batter will grow in reaction to the baking soda, so make sure there is room in the bowl.

Follow the directions for you waffle maker, and cook.

Lovely!