Cornbread recipe

1 cup whole kernel wheat to yield 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1-1/2 cups whole kernel yellow corn to yield 1-1/2 cups cornmeal (toast the corn first-see below)

1 package active dry yeast

1/3 cup warm water

1/3 cup honey

1 cup lukewarm milk

2 eggs

1/3 cup melted butter

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1/3 cup dry milk powder

TIP: When preparing your own cornmeal, for a sweet, nutty flavor, parch the corn first by placing whole kernels on a baking pan, and bake at 225 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Cool, then grind.

Combine in mixing bowl, the yeast, warm water, and 1 tablespoon of the honey. Let proof for 5 minutes. Add the remaining honey, milk, eggs, and butter. Mix well. Combine the whole wheat flour, cornmeal, salt, and dry milk, stirring until well mixed. Add to liquid ingredients and mix well but do not overmix. Let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. Stir down and pour into a greased and floured 9-inch square pan. Let rise for 10-15 minutes and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm with honey and butter.

Enjoy!!!

Whole Kernel Organic Yellow Corn

I just spoke with our friends at Pacific Grain and Feed, and they have the whole kernel organic yellow corn again! It is now .60 per pound if we order 200#. I am so interested in ordering the corn again. Corn truly is a hot commodity, and we cannot get this from our cannery here in Fresno. If you would like to order, please let me know asap.

I will have the dry pack canner again in January, so we will be able to can our grains soon!

There was a comment to the last blog regarding brown organic rice. Is anyone interested in ordering some? It will not store as long as the white, but if you like brown rice, we can try to find a great deal on it. Let me know!

There was also a request for the hand grain grinders. Special deals are given for larger orders. If you are interested in a grinder, please let me know soon!

How is your winter garden? The San Joaquin Valley's Master Gardeners say that you should continue to stagger your planting of cool weather vegetables, including lettuce, kale, onions, peas, beets, garlic, spinach, turnips, and spinach. We are also reminded to protect our plants from frost. Interestingly, we are advised to apply dormant oil spray to deciduous fruit trees to control overwintering pests, and to spray peach, nectarine and apricot trees with copper fungicides to control shot hole disease on twigs. There is also a whole section on planting bulbs. If you would like to look at this, please contact me.

There are some great classes coming up at Garden of the Sun:

Saturday, November 19 at 9:30 to 11 a.m., Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs. There is a $15.00 charge for this class, and to insure a seat, call 600-7285.

Wednesday, December 7 at 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Pruning Fruit and Nut Trees. There is also a $15.00 charge for this class. If anyone attends, please let me know. I have to work that day and am so interested in pruning my own fruit trees!!!

Berry Orders, and new orders for grain/beans

The berry orders are in! They will be delivered tomorrow and Wendy W. will pick them up and put them in her freezer until we pick them up. Let's try to be timely so that her freezer isn't bogged down!

I have had some questions about ordering grain/beans from our very own hometown Fresno Feed and Grain. There is interest in getting together an order for regular rolled oats and adzuki beans. If we order large quantities, we generally get a better price. Is anyone interested in ordering anything else? If you have questions, go to their website (listed on our blog) and let me know what you are interested in ordering.

I am looking to borrowing the dry pack canner again in January, so let's be ready to get cracking! Make sure you purchase your cans, lids, etc, before we obtain the canner.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Sandy

Water barrels, berries, and dry canner

I spoke with Lauren H this morning. They will be taking orders for water barrels for one more week only! Please let me know asap if you would like to order.

Berry and fruit orders will also only be taken until Wednesday, October 12th. If we get enough orders, we will qualify for a $3.00 per case discount. Please contact me about these asap also. For info on what you can order, go to www.bithellfarms.com

On Tuesday (10/11) I will pick up the dry pack canner and have it available for one week. If you have product that you would like to dry can, please let me know.

Winter idea: I am going to pick up compost this winter from Gallo Winery. They sell the compost by the truckload, and it is very inexpensive. If you are thinking of composting, keep this in mind. I plan on doing this most probably in early January.

If you have any questions on provident living, please contact me.

Water Barrels

The Bishop asked me to post that we have a chance to purchase water barrels for a group price with other wards in our stake. These are the 55 gallon food grade water barrels, and if we get enough orders, they will cost $36.00 each. It is very important for us to store water!!!

If you are interested, please let me know asap.

Thanks!

Dry Pack Canner

Reminder!!!!! I have reserved the dry pack canner from October 11th through the 17th. Please advise if you need to use it. It is SO EASY to use. We can also work together to can a lot of different items.

This would be a GREAT TIME to order more grain like the corn previously ordered. I am available to talk to you about this, to order and to pick up your order. Please, just let me know!

Berries and More!

Wendee W. said that Joel uses the cherries from this vendor for his wonderful pies! I am so willing to order and even split orders. See below for pricing. All Orders must be in by October 10th. If we order enough, we will qualify for a discount. All orders come frozen.

Each order is 14 pounds which comes in a box, except sugared strawberries which come in a bucket.

Following are $39.00 for 14#:

Marion Blackberries

Boysenberries

Strawberries, sliced, with sugar

Strawberries, whole, without sugar

Loganberries

Red Pie Cherries

Peaches, sliced

Apricot Halves

Cranberries

Following are $38.00 for 14#:

Red Rhubarb

Apples, peeled and sliced

Following are $44.00 for 14#:

Red Raspberries

Blueberries

Dark Sweet Cherries

Please let me know if you would like to order. Additionally, let me know if you would like to share an order....

Fall Gardens

It is time to plant your fall/winter garden. According to the Gardener's Companion for the San Joaquin Valley, September is the month to plant broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chinese cabbage, and Kohlrabi. Plant from seeds: carrot, lettus, parsley, pea, radish and spinach. Because we still have hot weather in September, they recommend that you keep your new plantings well watered.

As far as bulbs go, now is the time to buy bulbs. We were supposed to purchase them by Labor Day, and we are supposed to plant by Thanksgiving. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs should be chilled in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting. Do not store these next to your fruit or vegies as gasses from these will promote early sprouting of your bulbs.

See above for information on berry orders.

Frozen Berries

Wendee W. told me today about Bithell Farms in Oregon. She said this is where they get their cherries for Joel's wonderful pies! I would like to start a group so that those who order can have berries/fruit delivered to our stake center. I have written an email to the company to get their new price list; however, if you are interested in checking the website out, please check at www.bithellfarms.com

Wendee says that she and her mom have ordered through them for years, and that the fruit is wonderful.

Give me a call with questions. Orders have to be in fairly soon to meet their October deadline. I am excited!

Gardening, canning, etc!

Sorry for the long break in the action! I actually took quite a few pictures this summer of friends' gardens. This is one idea from the garden of Sherry H. She used cinder blocks to surround her garden, then filled the inside area with good soil. She planted marigolds around the perimeter for insect control. I will try to download more photos with gardening ideas soon.

We had success with the dry canner. We found it very easy to use! I have reserved the canner again for October 11th through the 17th. I will post the prices for the actual cans, lids, etc, soon.

If you have something you are interested in purchasing to dry can, please let me know and it may be possible to put in a group order for better pricing.

Calendar:

Through the University of California Ag Division, classes will be held on the following dates (all classes are held at the Garden of the Sun at 1750 N. Winery in Fresno:

Saturday, September 24,10:00 - 1:30: "Taste of the Harvest". There is a $5 charge, so you will need to register by calling 600-7285 or sending a check to the above address. This class will include a salsa contest, specialty plant sale, informational booths, and a cookbook. They will also have recycled items relating to gardening for sale.

Wednesday, September 28, 9:30 - 11:00: "Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs". There is a $15 charge, so register early. Class will cover the more common landscape tree pest problems and go over newer pests in our area. The insects' appearance, typical damage, and most environmentally friendly way to control will be discussed.

Stay tuned! I am late in getting ready for church.....

Timing

I will be caught up in my daughter's wedding and open house for the next two weeks or so, and will not update the blog during that time. As always, if you would like to order food storage, or have any questions, please give me a call.

Winter Vegetable Garden Class - Saturday

Good Morning! There is a class this Saturday morning (July 30) from 9:30 - noon to help us to plan our winter vegetable gardens. It is Central Valley specific, and is held by the Master Gardeners of Fresno County. The class is free - all we have to do is show up.

I am planning on attending this class, and would love to have others carpool with me. Please give me a call if you would like to attend. I'm sure the class will be full of great information.

Let's get ready for our winter gardens!

Organic Corn Order

I picked up the corn that was ordered from Pacific Grain and Food. This was my first time ordering from them. The warehouse is located on Shaw Avenue just West of Brawley. Interestingly, there is a store where you can purchase small amounts of beans, nuts, etc. I asked if they had a product list, and was advised that the information is on their website at www.pacificgrainandfoods.com. The store employees did say that the website is somewhat outdated, and that if you want to order or check product/price to call the store at 559-276-2936. The website is very informative, giving information on their products and recipes using a lot of different legumes and grains.

If you want to order from this store, take a look at what they offer, and give me a call. I will try to put together an order large enough to get a price break. If you missed the corn order this time and want to order, just give me a call and let me know.

Bishop's garden

These are pictures of our Bishop's and Suzanne's garden. Notice how they contained the garden. Looks great!

Food Storage Deals and Gardening Classes

Emergency Essentials is offering a new One Month Supply of Just-Add-Water Foods for 299.99, regularly 380.86. Also on sale this month is dehydrated diced broccoli for 10.99, regularly 19.00. Order by calling 1-800-999-1863 or on-line at BePrepared.com.

The Master Gardeners of Fresno County are offering the following classes:

1. Recover, Reuse and Re-Imagine: recycling treasures into chic things for the home and garden. Wednesday, July 13, 9:30-12. Cost is $15.00

2. Landscape Lighting: Add drama and value to your yard and home. Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Cost is $15.00

3. Plan your Winter Vegetable Garden: Great class to get started on winter gardening. Saturday, July 30, 9:30-12. Class is FREE.

For classes with fees, you must call and sign-up (456-7285). For free classes, you just show up. Place: Garden of the Sun. 1750 North Winery, Fresno. (South of Clinton, North of McKinley).

I am planning to attend the winter gardening class. If you would like to carpool, please let me know!

Gardening Remedies

Home remedies from Cindy McNatt of the Orange County Register:

1. One tablespoon of dish soap per gallon of water will wipe out a variety of pests including mites, aphids, scales, and thrips. It dissolves their outer shell, eventually killing them. Just fill your hand sprayer with the solution and spray.

2. Weeds in cracks of the sidewalk: Pour boiling hot water on them.

3. Add 1 cup of milk (any kind) to 9 cups of water to kill powdery mildew on plants such as peas, grapes, gourds, melons, roses, and zucchini.

4. Add just enough olive oil to standing water features to form a thin surface layer. This prevents mosquitos from breeding there - actually prevents the larvae from breathing.

5. A 50-50 mix of ammonia and water sprayed on snails, kills them dead.

Any other home remedies you can think of?

Food Storage Ordering

Good Morning:

I just received an email from Amy regarding Shelf Reliance Food Storage 4th of July sale. Please see below to contact her regarding this sale!

Additionally, I am still taking orders for the organic whole kernel yellow corn until mid-July. Please see below for those details.

If you have any gardening information and/or pics that you would like to share, please let me know. I will post them for others to look at.

Shelf Reliance Summer Sales

Good Morning!

Carol's daughter, Amy B., who sells products through Shelf Reliance has given me a list of the summer sales items. They are as follow:

Pineapple Chunks (FD): 33.99

Mangos (FD): 20.39

Colby Cheese (FD): 44.29

Tomato Powder: 29.99

Butter Powder: 20.39

Cheese Blend: 22.79

Chopped Chicken (FD): 33.79

Broccoli Cheese Soup: 33.59

Two Person Survival Pack: 79.10

Consolidator Pantry: 21.49

Harvest 72" shelves: 264.99

Contact Information: 964-7832

A Master Gardener in our Midst?

Two last notes:

We have a master gardener in training in our very own ward, Amber M. I have asked her if we can utilize her for questions about gardening, and she has, very graciously, agreed to do so!

Also, remember, this blog is not an official site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter, and is not sponsored or endorsed by the church.

Thanks!

Gardening ABCs Continued

As the Master Gardener stated, compost is very important for your garden. It helps your soil to retain moisture, reduces weeds, makes your soil more loam-like, and adds nutrients for healthy plants. The Gardener stated that she places approximately 4" to the top of her soil each February or March. If you soil is hard, you can work the compost in, and then place a layer on top of the soil. This will filter down into the soil as time goes by. Our instructor stated that she does not have to fertilize when she composts. Compost will not burn your plants. A friend of mine, Sherry H., uses compost twice each year, and says that this works out really well. She actually has a composter in her back yard which you can turn by a handle, making it easier than having to hoe and shovel around....

If you choose to use fertilizer, here are some notes on what the different ingredients do for you:

Nitrogen encourages leafy growth and green color.

Phosphorus encourages healthy roots

Potassium is good over-all.

Next few blogs will address home remedies for garden ills, and I will post some pics from my gardens and those of a few of my friends.

Remember to order your corn soon! It is a great deal, and we will be able to dry can it in August!

Gardening ABCs

Debbie B., Renee S., and I attended the Master Gardeners of Fresno County class at Garden of the Sun last week. We learned a lot about how to create beautiful gardens, but also how to create functional gardens. I will post a few of the points that I feel will be of most interest.

1. The number one problem gardeners face is over- or under-watering.

2. Soil is the big deal in gardening. If you have clay or hardened soil, you can use containers, above-ground gardens, or you can work good soil or compost into your native soil.

3. Fresno is in Climate Zones 8 and 9. Look for plants that grow best in this area.

4. When using a planting mix, add to your container, then add water and stir. After soil is damp, plant your flowers, vegys, etc. Use a screen or something like this to cover your water holes.

5. Pests: use insecticidal soap for white flies. Spray aphids really hard with water; they will drop off and their suckers stay, but they die. The hot season will also kill aphids. Ants in fruit trees: use vaseline or Tangle Foot around the trunk.

6. Weeds: Use pre-emergent. This will not kill existing plants. Newspaper topped with compost keeps the sunlight out and will kill off the weeds. Do not use color or glossy print paper.

7. Cayenne pepper around gardens will keep cats away.

Huge Tip: Gallo Winery, corner of Olive and Clovis, sells compost year-round at a very low cost. 1,200 pounds will fill a regular pick-up truck and sells for only $14.00. You can bring a smaller pick-up and obtain a half-load. Simply follow the signs to the "Green Facility", park, walk to the "small window", purchase a ticket, and personnel will show you where to pick up your compost. Phone: 458-2565

Hummus - yum yum

Good Morning!

Many of you asked for the hummus recipe that we served at church yesterday. Keep in mind that I have altered the recipe to suit my taste. As you are adding your ingredients, do a taste test yourself and see what works best for you and your family. The hummus yesterday was plain, but you can add things like sun-dried tomato or red pepper - whatever you think sounds good will generally work.

Hummus:

Two 15.5 oz cans of garbanzo beans, drained (Costco)

1-1/2 cups tahini paste [Fresno Deli; Southwest corner of Fresno and Gettysburg]

2/3 cup lemon juice

2 cloves garlic

1/8 cup olive oil

1 heaping Tbls kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 can water (add as needed)

Place all ingredients in food processor; run until smooth. If too stiff, add water until the hummus is the consistency you want.

If you like garlic, add more, especially as the original recipe calls for 4 cloves. If you want to cut down on fat, use only 2 teaspoons of the olive oil. If you want low salt, the recipe actually calls for 1 tablespoon. Again, do what tastes best to you.

Hummus is actually a good protein source, and you can keep all of the ingredients in your short-term storage. The garbanzo beans that I purchased about 6 months ago are good until 2014. Tahini paste stores for approximately one year (per Fresno Deli), but remember after you open the jar, you must refrigerate!

Good Morning! I have heard from quite a few of you. Most have not become followers, which allows you to post comments and ideas of your own. It is simple. Just sign up!

I recently purchased a book entitled "A Gardener's Companion for the San Joaquin Valley". It is presented by the Master Gardeners of Fresno County, and gives information on a month to month basis. For instance, in June a few tips include how to mow your lawn to avoid weeds, what to prune and what to fertilize, and also what to plant. Flowers, shrubs, trees and garden vegetables are all included. The book is available through the Master Gardener Assoc of Fresno County located at 1720 South Maple (by the fairgrounds); phone #456-7285. I believe that I paid around $20-25. It is full of great information!!

Speaking of master gardeners, I am still planning on attending the Gardening ABCs class this Wednesday evening. It starts at 6:30 and ends at 8:00 and the cost is $15.00 per person, payable at the door. I have room for two more in my car. If you are interested, call me on my cell or leave a message on my home phone. I will get back to you on Wednesday afternoon.

Don't forget to let me know if you want to purchase corn. Corn is a hot commodity right now, especially in view of its use for a variety of things, including alternate energy. I found the 25# bags at what I consider a great price. Your food storage should include corn!

Next week I will work on posting pictures of my friend's garden. She has attended many of the lectures in the County and uses the book I mentioned above as one of her gardening favorites. She has a garden bursting with bounty, and has many ideas for those who do not have a lot of room.

Have a great week!

Corn Order

Good morning everyone. I am going to be purchasing organic whole yellow corn to dry pack. It is available in 25 pound sacks at a cost of .75/#. If we order greater than 500#, the cost goes down to .65/#. I would like to have our order amount and monies by July 10th as supplies will become limited as people outside of our group order.

I have reserved the dry pack canner from the cannery for the week of August 23rd so that we can dry pack the corn. I have also reserved the canner in October, and will try to reserve it every two to three months so that members can come and utilize it as needed.

I was advised yesterday that if you are a jasmine rice fan, the best price right now is at FoodMax.

Let me know asap if you would like to order corn.

Gardening ABCs Class

There is a class scheduled through County Extension/University of California entitled Gardening ABCs. The class is at the old Discovery Center, now called (I believe) Garden of the Sun located at 1750 N. Winery. The class cost is $15.00, and the date and time are: Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. You can pay at the door. I am going. If anyone wants to car pool, let me know!

New Blog for Living Providently

Let's try this again. I look forward to your input and ideas as I try to disseminate information to you regarding ways to live providently.

First message.... The cannery is NOT closing. However, in the coming months, the personnel at the cannery will no longer be able to can your food for you. You will need to buy in bulk from the cannery or other source, check out the canner, and then can your food yourself. So, if you want food already canned, get in touch with me asap so that I can order it for you!