HOMESTEADINGWHAT'S NEW ON THE HOMESTEAD?
In September, we spent a week in Texas visiting with great friends, Bob and Debbie Lusk, and had the opportunity to see other homesteads in a variety of places. It is always a wonderful experience to see how others are living off the land, gardening, and farming. On this trip, though, we had the unique opportunity to visit an authentic old homestead, like stepping back in history. Standing on the same land where history was made, puts things in a unique perspective. Wagon trains, cattle drives, an original log cabin built by hand from materials on-site in the late 1800’s that was being lived in until the 1980’s with no modifications. Stepping back to a time when life was hard, but simple. A time when family was at the center of each person’s life and God and country were spoken about with respect and without reservation. |
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Established in 1884, this homestead was inhabited until the 1980's in its original condition (no water, no electric or any other type utilities). Photos to the left show fireplace in main room and cook stove in kitchen. The only other room was a bedroom in the back, connected to the kitchen and the main living area.
Old plow equipment and wagon wheel
Of course, if your in Texas, you gotta see Longhorns!
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TEXAS STYLE
by Mary A. Lainhart
by Mary A. Lainhart
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While eating our way across the western part of the great state of Texas, we happened to stop in Granbury, TX. A quiet town that looks like it stood still in time. In the center, a big town square, with small shops and an old Opera House around the perimeter. We lazily visited shops, as we worked our way around the square in the heat of the day. We ventured into The Pan Handle, a quaint little shop, filled with gourmet fair trade coffee beans, kitchen tools and gadgets, cookie cutters, etc. But tucked away on the side of the store, was a hidden treasure of homemade pickled goods, jams, jellies and more. Upon speaking with the woman at the front of the store, Sara, about the line of homemade goods, we discovered that she is not only the owner of the store, but is also the creator of the beautiful handcrafted foods. Sara, was a delight to speak with as she enthusiastically told us about her gardening, her homestead, and her store. Many of the displays in the store were also handcrafted by herself. A pioneer woman, for sure, who’s energy lit up the room and was contagious. If you are ever in Granbury, TX, I highly recommend you stop by The Pan Handle for a visit. If you can’t make it there in person, you can visit them on-line at www.the panhandle.com. Sara has kindly shared some of her down home cookin' recipes with Wild Heart Mustangs™. Stay tuned for more recipes Texas style in upcoming issues of Wild Heart Mustangs™.
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The Pan Handle
Sara Miskovic, Owner Sara is a Granbury, TX native who grew up, and still resides on, her family farm. Sara learned to cook at an early age with her mother and grandmother, and has been canning fresh produce from her family's garden all her life. This tradition inspired her to create Olde Homestead Company, a favorite brand of authentically crafted jams, jellies, salsa, pickles, relishes and so much more. Sara, and her husband J., continue to pass these heritage traditions along to their three children.
Beginning by presenting her hand-made products at local fairs and festivals, Olde Homestead Company grew into a full-fledged business. Sara's handcrafted wares caught the eye of local Granbury kitchen specialty shop, The Pan Handle, located on the Historic Granbury Square. These delicious jars of goodness soon became a favorite among patrons of The Pan Handle. When the long-time owner of The Pan Handle wanted to focus on developing a vineyard, Sara purchased her favorite hometown store and is now the proud owner! You can still find her beloved Olde Homestead Company products at The Pan Handle. The Pan Handle also carries over 72 varieties of fair trade coffees, gourmet kitchen tools, gadgets and the largest selection of specialty cookie cutters in North Texas! Stop by in person and say hello (106 North Crockett St.,Granbury, TX), or shop her many gourmet coffees online at www.thepanhandle.com. Feel free to call the store too, 817-579-1518 |
Sara Miskovic, Owner of The Pan Handle and creator of the Olde Homestead line of jams, jellies, pickles, salsa and more.
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FAMILY RECIPES
by Sara Miskovic, Owner
My grandmother made both of these recipes for our family when I was growing up, and my family still makes these two favorites quite often.
CORN PATCH MEATBALLS
In the years after World War II, thrifty recipes that helped housewives "stretch" their meat budget were very popular. This recipe is from 1947.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. drippings (you could substitute with oil or butter) 1/2 to 1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 cup chopped onion 2 12 oz. cans DelMonte Golden Whole Kernel Corn
1 clove garlic, minced 2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup chopped green pepper 3 cups ground leftover cooked meat
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/8 tsp. pepper 1/4 lb. American cheese, cut into 18 cubes
1 1/2 tsp. celery seed
Instructions:
Saute onion, garlic green pepper, seasonings and 1/2 cup of the corn in drippings for 5 minutes. Add half this mixture to the eggs, meat and crumbs; stir till well blended. Shape into balls with a cube of cheese in the center of each. Brown in frying pan, using additional fat. Arrange with the rest of the corn, heated and seasoned. (Or serve with optional sauce below).
Optional Sauce:
3 tbsp. flour
1 can DelMonte tomato sauce
1 cup bouillon
Return the remaining half of the sauteed vegetables to frying pan with flour; blend well. Stir in tomato sauce and boullion. Cook till smooth, stirring occasionally. Serves 6.
2 tbsp. drippings (you could substitute with oil or butter) 1/2 to 1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 cup chopped onion 2 12 oz. cans DelMonte Golden Whole Kernel Corn
1 clove garlic, minced 2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup chopped green pepper 3 cups ground leftover cooked meat
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/8 tsp. pepper 1/4 lb. American cheese, cut into 18 cubes
1 1/2 tsp. celery seed
Instructions:
Saute onion, garlic green pepper, seasonings and 1/2 cup of the corn in drippings for 5 minutes. Add half this mixture to the eggs, meat and crumbs; stir till well blended. Shape into balls with a cube of cheese in the center of each. Brown in frying pan, using additional fat. Arrange with the rest of the corn, heated and seasoned. (Or serve with optional sauce below).
Optional Sauce:
3 tbsp. flour
1 can DelMonte tomato sauce
1 cup bouillon
Return the remaining half of the sauteed vegetables to frying pan with flour; blend well. Stir in tomato sauce and boullion. Cook till smooth, stirring occasionally. Serves 6.
Click on the above photo for a printable version of
Corn Patch Meatballs |
Click on the above photo for a printable version of
Ham and Mashed Potato Pot Pie |
HAM and MASHED POTATO POT PIE
Ingredients:
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped (or substitute frozen chopped carrots)
1 cup frozen peas 2 tsp. tomato bouillon cubes (optional, but recommended)
1 cup frozen corn 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. pepper
2 cups water 1/2 tsp. salt
2 gloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup onion, chopped 2/3 - 1 cup mil (depending on desired thickness of sauce)
1/3 cup butter or margarine 2 cups honey ham, precooked and chopped
1 3/4 cup water 2 cups mashed potatoes
Crust:
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp vegetable shortening
3-4 tbsp cold water (I use 3)
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, combine carrots, peas and corn. Cover with 2 cups of water and boil until vegetables are pretty tender, but not all the way cooked (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and start working on the crust.
In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir. Cut in the shortening with a pastry cutter or two knives until the shortening is in small pieces throughout the flour. Slowly add the water and knead the dough just until combined. For the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Set in the fridge while you finish the filling.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Combine the onion and garlic with the butter (in the same saucepan you used for the veggies) over medium heat until onion and garlic is fragrant and tender. Add in 1 ¾ cup water, 2 tsp of tomato bouillon cubes, pepper and salt. Stir and slowly add in the flour. Add in the milk and add more or less depending on your desired thickness. Stir and then let simmer on low for about 3 minutes. Stir in the veggies and cut up ham.
Once the veggies and ham are coated in the sauce, pour the mixture into a pie pan. Layer 2 cups of mashed potatoes on top.
Pull out the dough from the fridge and roll it out. Top the pie with the crust and cut slits in the center and top.
Crack an egg and discard the yolk (or save for another recipe). Lightly beat the egg with a fork and then brush the egg white over the top of the crust.
Place the pot pie on top of a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake the pot pie in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Remove and let cool before serving.
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped (or substitute frozen chopped carrots)
1 cup frozen peas 2 tsp. tomato bouillon cubes (optional, but recommended)
1 cup frozen corn 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. pepper
2 cups water 1/2 tsp. salt
2 gloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup onion, chopped 2/3 - 1 cup mil (depending on desired thickness of sauce)
1/3 cup butter or margarine 2 cups honey ham, precooked and chopped
1 3/4 cup water 2 cups mashed potatoes
Crust:
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp vegetable shortening
3-4 tbsp cold water (I use 3)
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, combine carrots, peas and corn. Cover with 2 cups of water and boil until vegetables are pretty tender, but not all the way cooked (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and start working on the crust.
In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir. Cut in the shortening with a pastry cutter or two knives until the shortening is in small pieces throughout the flour. Slowly add the water and knead the dough just until combined. For the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Set in the fridge while you finish the filling.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Combine the onion and garlic with the butter (in the same saucepan you used for the veggies) over medium heat until onion and garlic is fragrant and tender. Add in 1 ¾ cup water, 2 tsp of tomato bouillon cubes, pepper and salt. Stir and slowly add in the flour. Add in the milk and add more or less depending on your desired thickness. Stir and then let simmer on low for about 3 minutes. Stir in the veggies and cut up ham.
Once the veggies and ham are coated in the sauce, pour the mixture into a pie pan. Layer 2 cups of mashed potatoes on top.
Pull out the dough from the fridge and roll it out. Top the pie with the crust and cut slits in the center and top.
Crack an egg and discard the yolk (or save for another recipe). Lightly beat the egg with a fork and then brush the egg white over the top of the crust.
Place the pot pie on top of a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake the pot pie in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Remove and let cool before serving.
ESSENTIAL OILSEach month we will share ways on how to safely use essential oils on your equines and your other pets. These are recommendations and not all inclusive uses of essential oils for your animal. Remember, all animals are individuals - so observe their behavior as you use essential oils (or anything) to see how they react to them.
WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS:
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YOUNG LIVING OILS |
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Mary Lainhart is a Young Living OIls independent distributor because after years of her own successful use of them, she's confident of the purity and quality of Young LIving products. The Everyday Oils™ collection is the perfect beginner's kit, containing ten of Young Living's most popular and versatile essential oils. This kit will become a useful part of your day, everyday.
SACRED MOUNTAIN™ ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND
Sacred Mountain™ is a blend of Ylang Ylang and conifer oils that evokes the sense of sanctity found in nature and promotes feelings of strength, empowerment, grounding, and protection when diffused.
Sacred Mountain™ for You
How to Use
Diffuse, inhale directly, or dilute with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex to apply topically.
- Add 2-4 drops to bath water
- Apply to crown of head, back of neck, behind ears, on thymus and wrists.
- Dilute 1:15 with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex for body massage
- Put 4-8 drops on cotton ball and locate on vents
- Add 2 drops to a wet cloth and put in clothes dryer.
Caution: Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place.
Ingredients: Spruce (Picea mariana), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica).
†100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil
How to Use
Diffuse, inhale directly, or dilute with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex to apply topically.
- Add 2-4 drops to bath water
- Apply to crown of head, back of neck, behind ears, on thymus and wrists.
- Dilute 1:15 with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex for body massage
- Put 4-8 drops on cotton ball and locate on vents
- Add 2 drops to a wet cloth and put in clothes dryer.
Caution: Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place.
Ingredients: Spruce (Picea mariana), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica).
†100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil
Dietary Essential Oils
Perfect for adding flavor to your favorite foods or using as dietary supplements, the Vitality™ line of dietary essential oils gives you the freedom to share and explore some of our best-loved essential oils in a variety of nutritious and delicious ways. We invite you to discover Vitality™—for food, for family, for life!
Perfect for adding flavor to your favorite foods or using as dietary supplements, the Vitality™ line of dietary essential oils gives you the freedom to share and explore some of our best-loved essential oils in a variety of nutritious and delicious ways. We invite you to discover Vitality™—for food, for family, for life!
RESOURCES FOR HOMESTEADERSDISCLAIMERThe information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website represents what I have chosen to do to take charge of my own personal health and that of my family. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.
Information found on this website is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health care and dietary decisions based upon your own further research and in partnership with your health care provider. |
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