Monday, September 27, 2010

The Homestead




Well, I think we have waited long enough. Rob and I are "unoffical" homeowners. We started looking this summer for a house, just in case we would find the "house of our dreams." Right now, I don't think it quite fits that description, but eventually it might. It is a small farm house in Doon, Iowa with a good sized pasture in the back. We hope to raise chickens and goats and have a garden. There are few more things brewing in the back of our heads, but not everything can happen at once. We are super excited and really can't wait to put our feet down in a place that we own. We are planning to move in October 1.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

New Find


I have found a cute new blog. Bake at 350. It is all about cookies! Once we have my new kitchen set up, I think I will try a few. But for now, my mouth will just water.

http://bakeat350.blogspot.com

Made the Pot Stickers

And they are a tasty treat!
If you have butternut squash hanging around, give this recipe a try.
The recipe is a couple posts down.
Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Things for outside...






Photos from apartmenttherapy.com

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Love...






Photos from apartmenttherapy.com

Monday, September 20, 2010

Because we have so many of these...



I will try these...




Butternut Squash Pot Stickers
Ingredients
Makes 20

1 pound butternut squash, peeled and seeded, flesh cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 scallions, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds
20 wonton wrappers, thawed if frozen
1/4 cup canola oil
Directions
1.Put squash, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until squash is very soft, about 12 minutes; drain. Transfer to a medium bowl; mash with a fork until smooth. Stir in scallions and ginger. Stir together sesame seeds, 1/4 cup water, and remaining 1/2 cup soy sauce in a bowl; set sauce aside.
2.Place 1 scant tablespoon filling in the center of each wrapper; brush edges with water. Bring up corners to make a triangle; press to seal. Place on a baking sheet; freeze until firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
3.Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add 10 potstickers, and cook, shaking pan frequently, until bottoms are golden brown. Turn pot stickers over; very carefully pour in 1/2 cup water, and cover. Steam until most liquid is evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish; cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and pot stickers. Serve with dipping sauce.

Recipes and pictures from:
MarthaStewart.com

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Here are some pumpkins carving ideas that I would love to try. I really like the faux wood grain pumpkin.




Pictures and ideas from marthstewart.com

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Garage Sales

My family had a garage sale at the Sioux Center city-wides this weekend. We set up shop in my grandma's garage, and actually had a really good turnout. My grandma sold the most stuff (she had a ton of kitchen supplies that she was selling out of her camper). We had a great time sitting around and chatting during the down times and trying to sell our stuff while people were there. Whatever stuff I had left, I donated to a local thrift store that sells for domestic abuse prevention.

I also had the chance to go to some sales around town. Walked away with a microwave and a riding lawn mower. We also found a globe, canisters, books, and random neat things.

Anyone else go to any sales? What could you not walk away from?

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Long Weekend


Avery playing baseball.

We toured Schell's Brewery in New Ulm, MN. The whole place was really beautiful, old brick buildings, victorian houses, and of course good beer.

A peacock found at the brewery before we left.

The door to the old brew house.

Monday, September 06, 2010

Things are in the saddle,
And ride mankind.

Ralph Waldo Emerson