Tomato seedlings

The tomato seedlings are progressing nicely. I might plant them in the soil next weekend.

Horse Radish Flower

I read somewhere that they never bloom. Never got around to digging it up this winter. I hope this doens't mean it's at the end of it's growth.

Chinese Chives and Rhubarb

So far we've had one batch od dumplings from the chinese chives. Ning has been asked (by me) to make another batch tomorrow. Takes about a pound, and there are plenty. The rhubarb supplied enough to freeze 1 pound for a future pie, and a pie today as well.

Lris and Lilac

Lilacs are almost past their peak. The Irises are just beginning.

Bulbs blooming everywhere

Back from Vegas.

Flowers blooming like crazy. Above, small irises, tulips, muscari around the cherry tree.

Lilacs continue to bloom. Fragrant and lush. Meanwhile, tomato seedlings are growing quickly. Starting 2nd set of true leaves, about 3 inches tall. Outside temp 40s night, 60s-80s day.

Vegas

This weekend I'm headed to one of the least green places in the countery: Vegas. Taking a class. Look at some sites. Then back to puttering in the yard, as work schedule allows.

Hens (or more accurately, pullets)

 

Rhubarb pie: the proof is in the pie!

rhubarb pie: putting it together

Step 7. This is a variation of an old Betty Crocker recipe, from Pearl Elliots old cookbook. I used 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/3 cup flour, a squeeze of lemon juice. I didnt have any butter, so I used 2 tbsp of canola oil and added a squirt of butter flavoring, which might not be needed but it was in the cabinet.

Step 8. Chopped rhubarb goes into the pie crust. Then some mixed sugar and flour as outinled above. Then some more rhubarb, then some sugar/flour mix. Pour the canola over the top.



Step 9. Seal with the top crust, cover the edge with foil (or, for a true pie fanatic, there will be a reusable crust protector in the cabinet).

Step 10. Into the preheated, 425 degree oven for 15 minutes, then temperature is reduced to 325. It took 50 minutes until the crust was brown and juices bubbled up through the fork slits in the top.

steps to rhubarb pie: canola crust

Step 4. This is Lawrence's canola crust (my Dad). No trans fatty acids, no saturated fats. FOr true 'slow food', you have to make your own crust. Also, it's better and better for you.

It's made from:
3 1/4 cups sifted flour (410 grams of flour)
1/2 teaspoon salt (I use 'lo salt')
3/4 cup canola oil (for savory pie such as a vegetable pie, I use olive oil)
3/8 cup skim milk.

Step 5. I like to use chopsticks to mix it up. Today the consistency was perfect.

Step 6. Roll it out between 2 sheets of wax paper. This is best done using a very old rolling pin (no new stuff here), such as Iva May Alcorn's birds-eye maple rolling pin here. It's also best to use an estate sale pie pan, not the disposable aluminum type.