It is autumn in the country. There is a crisp feeling in the evening air, the stars are clear and bright and the harvest moon is shining. The days are filled with the scenery of changing colours, falling leaves and rhythmic sounds of chirping crickets. On the Prairies, there is a familiar haze on the horizon.
As farmers, we all watch for this haze, evidence of a combine working in the distance, and we usually have to investigate.
What direction is the dust coming from?
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What kind of crop is being harvested?
And you always wonder how the neighbour’s crop is running, knowing that if you asked, you may not get an accurate answer.
It is always interesting to watch what happens when the first combine in the area pulls into a field. It sends every farmer, and his family, into harvest mode within hours.
It is a busy time for families as they settle into the new routines of school and work.
And for me, this year has been life changing. I sent my youngest child to Grade 1. After 13 years of having kids at home in the daytime, it is now quiet. The lyrics of an old Wayne Newton song, How Loud a Sound Silence Can Be, suddenly make sense.
I have heard myself say “please be quiet” and now I long for the noise. We always want what we do not have. Until I get used to daytime freedom, I can’t wait for 4 p.m. when the door swings open and the chaos begins.
My grandfather once told me that a lifetime is a short experience. And this month I finally connected with his statement. It seems like just yesterday that I brought a baby home, and during those times of sleep deprivation and constant mothering, I thought that I would never get any freedom again. Time does fly.
I look forward to my new way of life, but I was told by an elderly friend that if she had to do it over, she would schedule fun with the children. She insisted that if I did not do this, that I would miss out on their lives.
Despite being in the middle of the busiest time of year for a farm family, I have consciously tried to shut down anything that I am doing when the bus arrives. I have been successful at having meals prepared early so I can concentrate only on the kids and not the kitchen. I think I am getting more done, because I have set a deadline for myself.
The menu that I am presenting is one that I remember enjoying on the end gate of a truck while delivering meals to the field with my grandmother. It tastes good at the dining room table also.
This is a traditional meal that has been enjoyed by many generations. It does not get more comforting that the aroma of roasted chicken mixed with cooked seasonal fruits.
Oven-fried chicken
1/4 cup butter 60 mL
3 tablespoons olive 45 mL
or other oil
1/2 cup flour 125 mL
1 teaspoon salt 5 mL
1 teaspoon paprika 5 mL
1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 mL
3 pounds chicken pieces 1.4 kg
(I prefer cut-up chicken with skin)
Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Place butter and oil in a 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) pan, and heat until butter is melted. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Coat chicken pieces with the dry mixture.
Arrange chicken in the pan with the skin side down in the butter mix. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Turn chicken and bake another 30 minutes or until done. This chicken is also good cold, served with potato salad.
Note: This recipe can also be done in a slow cooker. You must brown the chicken before placing it in the cooker or the coating will be soft. It will take eight to 10 hours on low settings and four to five hours on high settings. Turn once during cooking. Makes four servings.
Roasted garden vegetables
6 sliced potatoes
4 sliced carrots
2 sliced parsnips
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped dill 15 mL
greens
1/2 teaspoon salt 2 mL
1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 mL
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt 1 mL
1/4 cup water 60 mL
1 tablespoon butter 15 mL
Spread sliced vegetables in a greased casserole or 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) pan. Sprinkle dill and seasonings over the top and dot with butter. Cover and bake at 400 F (200 C) for 45 to 60 minutes.
This recipe can also be done in a slow cooker for your convenience. Just add 1/2 cup (125 mL) of water to the bottom of the cooker. Cook on low for eight hours or high for four to five hours.
Peachy summer pie
This dessert combines two delicious seasonal fruits. Every year, we wait patiently to enjoy fresh peaches and plums. I have seen it gulped down in the field without using utensils.
double crust pastry
3 cups chopped fresh peaches 750 mL
2 cups sliced purple plums 500 mL
1 tablespoon lemon juice 15 mL
1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1 mL
1 cup sugar 250 mL
1/4 cup minute tapioca 60 mL
1/4 teaspoon salt 1 mL
1 teaspoon cinnamon 5 mL
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 mL
2 tablespoons butter 25 mL
Mix dry ingredients, almond extract, lemon juice and peel to the fruit. Toss to coat. Place in a pie crust and dot with butter.
Whisk egg yolk with one tablespoon (15 mL) of water, brush over pastry rim. Place pastry on top of fruit.
Cut the pastry over hang, seal edges lightly and flute the edge. Brush the egg mixture over the top of the pie and poke air vents in the top. Bake in a 450 F (230 C) oven for 10 minutes and then reduce heat to 350 F (180 C) and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream if desired.
Apple snack cake
A great way to use up abundant apples. The recipe was originally sent in by J.K., of Biggar, Sask., for one of our Christmas contests. It was a keeper. I added some additional spices.
3 cups chopped apples 750 mL
2 cups sugar, divided 500 mL
2 teaspoons cinnamon 10 mL
1 teaspoon nutmeg 5 mL
4 eggs
1 cup oil 250 mL
3 cups flour 750 mL
3 teaspoons baking powder 15 mL
1/2 teaspoon salt 2 mL
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon 125 mLor orange juice
2 teaspoons vanilla 10 mL
Grease and flour a nine inch (22 cm) tube pan. Mix together apples, four teaspoons sugar (20 mL) and the cinnamon and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then gradually beat in remaining sugar and oil.
Combine flour with baking powder and salt, add to beaten egg mixture alternately with juice. Beat in vanilla. Pour one third of the batter in the pan, arrange one third of the apples on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Repeat this procedure and end with a layer of batter. Bake at 350 F (180 C) for 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cat odour
Dear TEAM: I have a problem with cat odour in my home. I have found the spot in the carpet but the cleaners I have do not remove the odour, just mask it for a while. D.P., via email.
Dear D.P.: I have tried this recipe from getridofthings.com and it really seems to work on soiled carpet. Remember to try it in an inconspicuous spot to test it. If the spot is still fresh, begin by blotting up as much of the urine as possible, using paper towels or rags.
Then mix three to one vinegar to water and wet the area. Blot dry using the same method as above and cover the area with baking soda. Mix 3/4 cup (175 mL) of three percent hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon (5 mL) of dish soap. Sprinkle over the baking soda, then work in with a brush or your fingers. Let dry and then vacuum. I let the mix sit for 24 hours.
If the odour is coming from a washable rug, launder as usual, but add about 1/2 cup (125 mL) apple cider vinegar to the wash cycle.
Jodie Mirosovsky is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and one of four columnists comprising TeamResources. Send correspondence in care of this newspaper, Box 2500, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2C4 or contact them at team@producer.com.
