Category: Books and Reading

Granny’s Fruitcake

Featured by GrannyDalgas, posted in Books and Reading, In the Kitchen

Happy Holidays , and best wishes for a healthy winter ! I am sharing this video even thought it looks like I might have been a little tipsy , but honestly, it was just nostalgia, and my natural awkwardness. I am not including the recipe for Vegan Fruitcake, because there are so many available in books and online. My substitutions of Coconut Oil for Butter, and Chia Seeds for Eggs, and Molasses for Sugar or Honey however worked very well, and I would recommend . I would reduce the baking time as mentioned at the end.

As the year ends, my hope is to build stronger connections with my family, friends, neighbors and community, and to open my heart, home and garden.

Travel Accoutrements

Featured by GrannyDalgas, posted in Books and Reading, Good Advice, In the Kitchen, Life Stories

We calculated last night our time away from home has been 4 weeks. In this time, our assortment of dish ware has been limited – but I have been pleased with the many good meals we have invented. I brought along a fair amount of garden produce, of which we are just now depleting . Last night we had yummy roasted veggies and leftover carrot cake from the New Morning Bakery. I made enough for this morning’s brunch to take along – which I have just finished eating ! I love our new 3 – tiered stainless steel lunchbox! It has been a revelation in easy on-the-go dining . A bowl for Pa , a bowl for moi, and a bowl for Beau .

Tofu

Featured by GrannyDalgas, posted in Books and Reading, Health and Happiness, In the Kitchen

I am trying to remember when I first tasted tofu, and why I love it so much. I probably tried it first after hearing about it from my sister Ruth, and likely Gary and I first bought at the First Alternative Coop in Corvallis, OR in ’76 or ’77 when I was pregnant with my firstborn. Soon, we were making our own tofu from the basic elements of soybeans, water and nigari , a type of sea-salt used as a coagulant for the soy milk. It seems to have gone through an era of unpopularity which perplexed me. Maybe that reputation is fading, as the need for we humans to eat a more plant based diet grows more and more evident. And the association of soy with good health is surely evidenced by its long historical consumption in Asia. It has been consumed for over 2,000 years in China and at least a thousand in Japan. Those of us who know the tender freshness of just pressed tofu know it as a homey, delicious taste. I liken the difference between store-bought and homemade, to the difference between store-bought and freshly made bread. The use of nigari brings the aroma of the ocean to my senses. The process of making tofu is described best in The Book of Tofu, by William Shurtleff and Akiko Aoyagi My sister Ruth recently posted a pic of her own return to tofu making and I am inspired ( as I am so often by her good example ) to bring out the basic equipment necessary and to spend the early morning hours of a snowy morning to practice one of the best of my cooking skills.

Making Do and Hanging On

by GrannyDalgas, posted in Books and Reading, Gardening Secrets, Health and Happiness, Love and Family

The end of February, 2009 and I can almost smell the garden when I go out the door.  The weather hasn’t stabilized yet, and we could even get snow again tonight, but little greens are growing both in the homemade greenhouse and in the recently constructed coldframe.  I haven’t gone outside yet this morning to check on the baby greens,  but I feel that a little chill won’t hurt them as long as they are under the protection of their covers.  There is something corollary about  the hardening off  of plants, and  the hardships of life that gives strength to the individual.  

cover of book Making Do and Hanging On, by Bruce Foxworthy

I have been reading the book  “”Making Do and Hanging On,” with the subtitle “Growing Up in the Apple Country Through the Great Depression”, by Bruce Foxworthy.  I feel honored to learn about the challenges that the generation that grew up during the 30’s  has to share with us.  The history of Entiat is very young, and Mr. Foxworthy’s family epitomized the kind of people  that lived by principles of hard work and honesty that living in a beautiful but harsh environment required.  I can say that I have met no more friendly and giving people than those from that generation, and from this valley.  As we and our children’s generation are entering our  own hard times ahead, I hope that we can thrive and come out even stronger than before.  In a way, (as I was telling Ruthie last night) I am kind of looking forward to a  Depression.  

You are all invited to attend a program at the Entiat Public Library (or the Entiat Grange if need be)  featuring Bruce Foxworthy on Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 PM.  He stopped by the library the other day to donate a book to the branch and we arranged a date for him to speak.  The next week, Tuesday, April 21st at 7:00 PM we are hosting Carl Allen who performs Woody Guthrie songs of the Depression era, as well as the song Roll On, Columbia – Washington’s State  Song.

What can a mother say?

by GrannyDalgas, posted in Art and Beauty, Books and Reading, Health and Happiness, Love and Family

Ruth Mary Nelson, K.U. Graduation, 1940

My mama was and is a beautiful shining star.  This mother’s day I want to once again share her wisdom with you, my children and loved ones.  I feel a great joy in sensing that she is aware of her beautiful grandchildren and now little great grandchildren.   These words have been directed just as truly to you as to each of us.  The best I can give you is written here.

“My darling children,

If anything should happen to me there are a few things I should like to suggest you think about.

First, you can never know how very greatly God has favored me in giving me not one but five of the most lovely and talented children I have ever seen. I feel very humble and yet very honored that He should consider me the one worthy of being your Mother.  Always honor Him and know that the answer to every problem you may have is to be found in the Bible if you read it wanting to accept His word for what you should do rather than your own.

Try to make all your decisions on information you can assemble and then of your own free will decide the best course of action.  Dream and spend some time alone – reassembling your thoughts, verify your ideals, and establish the best method of achieving what you want of life.

I have great confidence in all of you. You must love others but be self sufficient and able to carry on alone, should the need arise.  Remember – God says, “Lo, I am with you always” You must be able to adjust to any and all situations.

Have compassion for all who are less strong than you – give them some of your strength. Use your talents fully.

Believe that everything works for good if you believe in God. Don’t dwell on sentimentality or reminiscing – it isn’t healthy. Be realistic – if you find it difficult – look to helping little children and you will soon forget anything but the present.

Let the search for beauty and excellence be your goal – in whatever field you putsue. See beauty in nature, in people- don’t let anger or hate corrupt you or make you ugly.

Fear nothing – yet use judgement. Live fully in order to be understanding of others and thereby enjoy their company and help them with their problems.

Try to exercise every day in the sun – a healthy body is most important to success.

Do not be tempted by others to smoke, drink or participate in other vices. Popularity with such persons or groups is only fleeting and cannot injure anyone but yourself.

You have been very ‘spcially endowed, but know that there is an obligation attached to the awarding of your talents. You must use them for good purpose. I am very proud of all of your present accomplishments.

I ask only that God take care of you and that you will know He is ever near and that I, your Mother, love you all as much as is humanly possible.

Love each other, help each other – and remember I would kiss each of you goodnight if I were with you tonight.

Your Mama”

Everything you want to learn from Mom!!

by GrannyDalgas, posted in Art and Beauty, Books and Reading, Gardening Secrets, Health and Happiness, In the Kitchen, Love and Family

Hi! This is Ruthie posting. I am starting a blog for Mom, because she is amazing, talented and very skilled. I’ve learned so much from her, but there are still so many things I still would like to learn more about with and from her. Here are a few: How to make bread, how to grow vegetables and herbs, how to can veggies and fruit, how to stay as healthy as she is, how to make a welcoming home, how to train a baby…. there is so much!!! Please post what you would like to learn from Mom, or what you have already learned!!!