The Veil is Lifted

I adore Halloween time and celebrations. I do not love dressing up in costumes, but I like seeing others and I like the actually creepy decorations as I walk around the neighborhood. Where I live now, rosemary grows prolifically. Traditionally, rosemary is a symbol of remembrance and can be used to cook or bake something and honor those who have lived and have passed on.

In particular, I choose to remember my grandmother Eula. She was the first person in my life from whom I felt unconditional love.

I baked this Rosemary Olive Oil Cake and remembered her presence and quiet beauty and acceptance of myself and my sisters.

It has a beautiful crunchy top and copious amounts of dark chocolate.

The generous and genius Heidi Swanson shared the recipe many moons ago. I give it top marks and it is one of the simplest cakes to make.

Happy Samhain, Hallow’s Eve, and Halloween!

Peace and love,

Kristan

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March Groceries

There’s a small country market approximately 20 minutes from my house, and it’s the closest place I can buy yogurt and half & half in returnable glass. It also happens to have an impressive produce selection. I stocked up on fruit & veg, and also purchased a beautiful jar.

They also have many choices of dried chiles, beans, lentils, grains, and flours. Unfortunately, those are not available in bulk, but I try to talk to them about the possibility of it in the future without coming across as negative.

This was the first time in a year and a half of no waste grocery shopping that someone has said anything to me. A woman in the parking lot asked if I was doing no waste and I was so shocked and excited I didn’t hold the conversation very well. Maybe next time!

I live in Idaho, and not even in the capitol, so it is surprising in a smaller conservative town when one meets like-minded individuals.

Isn’t the jar stunning? It will fit in perfectly with all my other vintage jars. (Almost a candidate for the show Hoarders.)

Peace and love,

Kristan

Sourdough Starter Pancakes

A typical breakfast for me is quick and leaning towards healthy. However, on the weekends, I allow a morning of lounging and enjoying a scrumptious, nutritious, yet high-calorie meal.

These pancakes use up any leftover sourdough starter that I have accumulated after making my weekly bread. I’m planning on doing a more thorough sourdough bread post soon!

The ingredients are ones I typically have on hand and, best of all, can be customized.

This batch was made with homemade cashew-almond milk, eggs from my hens, and other store bought ingredients, all available in bulk.

I use this recipe from my favorite sourdough baker.

This time, I left out the yogurt knowing I’d be topping the pancakes with yogurt later.

There is some sugar in the dough, which gives more leeway to add tart toppings, which is just what I did.

Yogurt, homemade cherry jam, and homemade apple butter were chosen for toppings.

The sourdough starter acts not as a leavening, but as a flavor for these delicious treats.

This is one of my favorite ways to combat food waste.

You’ll need

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1.5 cups sourdough starter / discard
• 1.5 cups flour
• 1 tsp each baking powder, baking soda, and salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil

Mix all ingredients together in 1 bowl to cut down on dishes.

Cook on a hot skillet and enjoy!

Peace and love,

Kristan