Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Prickly Pear Mojito

    A short while ago a friend had given me a Prickly Pear Syrup for making drinks with.  At long last I decided summer was a great time to make a new herb infused cocktail for The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, today we have a Prickly Pear Mojito.  This refreshing herb infused cocktail is a little sweeter than we usually make due to the Prickly Pear syrup but we mix it with a little more lime juice to cut the sweet.

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    The prickly pear cactus, also know as Opuntia cacti, has been used by Native American's for food, medicine and a source of water, as well as needles.  Prickly Pear gets its name from the  spines on the steams as well as the fruit it gives called pears or tunas.  I'm sure you have seen the prickly pear plant before and would recognize it in the wild, or possibly your neighbors yard.  

Prickly Pear Mojito

 1 1/2 tablespoon  Prickly Pear Syrup

6 to 8 spearmint leaves

juice of 1 lime (about 2 ounces)

2 ounces rum

1 to 1/2 cups cubed or crushed ice

2 ounces club soda

In a tall glass, place the mint leaves, lime juice and the cactus syrup.  Muddle the leaves for 20 seconds to release the mint oils using either a muddler or a wooden spoon.  Add the rum, and stir.  Fill the glass until 3/4 full with ice.  Top off with the club soda club soda.  Garnish with mint leaves.

    I really enjoyed this drink and you can make it sweeter with more syrup and less lime juice.  Want more mint flavor, add more leaves and muddle before adding the juice and syrup.  Make it  your own to enjoy with friends.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Back to School Bucket List

 

 

Back to School 2019

     The end of summer is rapidly approaching, and the new school year is about to begin. We want to help prepare you for that not to far in the future date and get ready for a new school year.  I know everyone dreads the first day of school and the end of summer.  No more lazy days hanging with friends and family.  It's time to get back into a routine and a schedule.  Let's make life easier with a few tips and tricks.

 

    First lets check that Summer Bucket list to see if everything was accomplished.  Did you make it to the beach or the mountains?  See friends from afar or travel someplace new?  Even if you did not cross the State line your time away from home made memories.  If you still have a visit planned, be sure to take all the pictures and be in the pictures with the kids.  One day you will want those pictures, and your kids will always think the best of you no matter what. 

 

    Back to school shopping.  I'll tell you a secret, with five kids back to school shopping starts at home.  We use what we have first and then buy new.  With four boys, sometimes we have a little more new than used, but that's okay.  At this point my boys do not really care what they wear so it makes picking up new items to supplement their wardrobe pretty easy. 

 

    Shoes on the other hand are a whole new story.  Each year, we start off with new shoes, especially since they keep growing and their feet just want to catch up.  Sometimes we end up with a second round of shoe purchases mid year, because someone mistreated their shoes or their feet got bigger.  Needless to say they put in a lot of hours in those shoes, and the wear and tear adds up. 

 

    One of our favorite back to school purchases is school supplies.  Only two of the boys work off a list now and the older two have to figure out what works for them and how they study.  By letting them determine what works, will help them while in college.  My daughter has told many stories about how she has supplied her classmates in college with supplies because they were not prepared.  Figure out in High School what works for you and then use that when you go on to higher education.  Teach your kids now how to study and take notes, that will lead them to success.

 

    Another great, back to school bucket list item is the first day of school pictures.  I always try to get one with all the kids at home together before they jet off to their first day.  A group and individual pictures to remember the year and how much they grow over the next nine months. 

 

    Meet the teacher is a great bucket list item to add, especially if you have younger aged children who have never gone to school or will be transitioning to a new school.  Meet the teacher allows them to see other students in their classroom, meet the teacher and find their desk before the first day.  As a parent you have the peace of mind to see your child thrive in a new school year and can be reassured of those who will be leading, teaching and guiding them over the next nine months.  If you are so inclined, have your student make a simple “back to school” gift for their main teacher to start the year off right.  After all teachers start well before students, and finish after students so their summer is even shorter than the one you just had. 

 

    Last but not least would be meal prep.  Those first few days of school are going to be crazy with new schedules and sports practice and bus schedules.  You do not want to have to worry about food on top of that.  If your students are not eating school lunch, pack lunches for the week and store them in the fridge until the next school day.  Have some freezer meals planned for dinner, so that all you have to do is pull it out the night before to heat in the oven or crock pot.  You could even plan breakfast ahead of time.  Overnight oats are a great kick start to the day, and simple to make in a big batch for the whole family. 

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In the Garden ~ Saving Seeds

 

    If you happen to garden a lot like we do one of the expenses you can always expect is the purchase of new seeds. While it can be fun and exciting to look through the online catalog or visit the store where they sell them in bulk, sometimes you want to save the money and save some seeds.  We are not perfect in anyway at saving seeds but we have learned a few tips and tricks over the years.  Ever since our first planting, we have not purchased any new zinnia seeds to sow into our garden.  We only use what we grow and so far it has worked out pretty well for us.

Zinnia Seeds

    Zinnia's I feel like are the easiest seeds to save.  You only have to deal with a little bit of ugly before you can really get down to saving the seeds.  One tip we learned, is to let the flower heads dry on the stalk.  Since learning this we haven't tried another way, such as cutting and then drying.  I will say by doing this we have created some new zinnia colors from where we started.  If you are looking to keep your flowers pure, maybe buy seeds every year, but if you want to create something new, save your seeds and see what sprouts up in the Spring.  The cross pollination during the the growing season, is how we "create" new colors.  Mother Nature is amazing.  We provide the space and nature does the rest.  I love waiting to see what nature will leave us, the next year.

    Mexican Sunflowers are also an easy one to save the seeds from.  The beauty of this one, the flowers bloom in succession so while one is at the end of the life cycle, another one is already blooming and keeping things beautiful.  Once the blooms start they have a pretty long life span, with new blooms and flowers for the whole season.  I also feel like this one spreads the easiest as it starts to loose its seeds.  So watch out if you plant them, catch those seeds early unless you want to find these sunflowers in locations you did not plan.  We sure have and sometimes roll with it while others we move to a new location.  The Mexican Sunflower seeds are small and easily moved by the wind, which makes them able to move to a new location with ease.  They are pretty hardy as well, since we have taken some up and replanted, or they have grown in not the best location.  

    The cone flowers we have planted in the garden, we do not typically save the seeds; rather they mange to spread on their own.  For example, if you want to grow some in a new area, you could start from seeds at the end of the season or wait until the time is right to split the plant and move to a new location.  We started out with three plants, and now have probably around ten.  I think next year, I'm going to move some to another area in the yard away from where the main garden is located to see how they grow.

    Regular sunflowers, are also pretty easy to save the seeds from.  We typically let the heads die on the stalk, cut and then dry them out to save the seeds.  This is a longer process, but makes it so the birds do not eat all of your seeds before you get them.  After all what bird is not looking for free food.  Each year I plan to take pictures of the heads as they bloom, so that I can match their seeds for saving.  While I did manage to do that, I forgot to "attach" them to the stalk so I can know which one goes with which.  After they lose their petals, its a challenge to determine the color.  The only reason why I would want to know what color goes with what head is if I planned to sell the seeds.  Right now it's not that important to me, since I just mix up my planting for the spring anyway.  

    These are just a few of the flowers we have growing that make seeds to replant for the spring months, or try again now for early fall color.  Try saving your seeds and share with friends and family all that you grow. 

Around Town ~ The Candle Co

 

Activate your creative side at The Candle Company, located at 218 Main Street, Ste. C in the Courtyard in downtown Sulphur Springs.  Your home, office or car can smell amazing with your own creation from The Candle Company.  Tevrick is a local Sulphur Springs native who left and came back with a great idea and a way to share his talent with our community.  With The Candle Company locations in Milwaukee and Chicago, he was looking to return to Sulphur Springs and wanted to share his business venture with locals and visitors alike.  I had the opportunity to attend a class with our book club, and we made candles while we discussed this month’s book. 

 

               Not only can you make a candle of your choice you can also use their other services for your business, family reunion or organization for a fundraising event.  The Candle Company has a print on demand service for any type of promotional item your business, or organization might need.  Most products can be ready the next day, and you can allow your creativity to flow when making your customized swag. 

 

               With programs such as Relator gift baskets for home closings with clients, to a 50/50 candle fundraiser, that can have your organizations logo made directly on to the candles, are just a few options besides classes The Candle Company offers.  Bring your ideas to Tevrick and let him help you out, and make your brand stand out.  Everything you order can be customized in house to represent your brand and business.  What a great way to grow your business or raise money for your organization.

 

               With over 100 scents to select from, your vessel size determines the price point.  Parties can be booked online from their website, which is recommended for larger groups.  If you happen to be downtown and walking around, stop in and make a candle as a keepsake of your visit or to commemorate a special occasion. Doordash services are available for out-of-town family and friends, so you never have to worry about not sending a great gift.  Each gifting opportunity can be made especially for the receiver.  Even if you do not want to make your candle during your visit, you can purchase a premade candle to take home and enjoy.

 

               If you choose to make your own, be sure to let it cure for two weeks before burning.  The longer you let it set, the stronger the scent will be when you do decide to burn your creation.  What a great way to have a special night out with friends.  With the large selection of scents, you are sure to find one you cannot wait to go home with. 

 

               Head on down to The Courtyard and stop in to visit with The Candle Company, Tuesday – Wednesday from 10 am – 3 pm, Thursday – Saturday 10 am – 8 pm, or Special Summer hours Sunday from 1 – 5 pm.  They are closed on Monday, so plan your trip today to experience another great “create your own” experience with The Candle Company.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Basil Honey Strawberry Smash

 

Strawberries and watermelon are the fruits of summer. Nothing says summer like a cool refreshing cocktail made from fresh strawberries and beautiful summer basil. With three types of basil growing in our garden our choices are plentiful and tasty. The honey in this drink is hot honey so it adds a kick of spice and a little sweet at the same time.

 

A key point for this drink is to muddle the strawberries, honey and basil until it’s almost liquid. This will help to mix the strawberries, basil and honey with the bourbon better once it is all combined. If you do not happen to have a muddler you can use a wooden spoon to break everything down.

 

Basil Honey Strawberry Smash

 

3-4 fresh or frozen strawberries

4-5 basil leaves

1/2 ounce hot honey

1 1/2 ounces bourbon or whiskey

Ice

 

Muddle together strawberries, basil and honey until liquid. Add in bourbon or whiskey. Mix well and top with ice. Garnish with strawberry and basil. These measurements are for one drink, add more for multiple drinks.

 

             

The hint of spice is just perfect in this drink for those who like an easy extra kick with their cocktail. Make this a mock tail by adding in club soda or sparkling water instead of bourbon. We selected a mix of purple basil and green basil for our drink to mix our basil flavors together.

 

This is a great drink to make as a batch to enjoy with friends on the upcoming holiday. As always enjoy responsibly by having a designated driver. Cheers!

In the Garden ~ Unwanted Pests

 

Photo credit Judy GallagherWikimedia Commons

               Every year as a gardener we are faced with having to do deal with unwanted pests in the garden.  For the most part it is a fairly simple task and we can remediate with house hold methods and scare off anything we do not want or need in the garden.  There are times when we have to work a little harder because the bugs are persistent or cause so much damage that we have to replant.

              

               Sadly, this year is one of those years.  We lost four squash plants to vine boring bugs, that make it hard to come back from without wholly removing the plant from the garden and starting over.  This year I let the bug run it course to see if it would affect any of my other plants or manage to contain itself to just the few it infected.  So far so good, they have managed to stay within the radius of the first infected plants and we are now on the offensive trying to keep them away, as opposed to defense and removal.

 

Image from University of Minnesota

               Here are a few tips to help keep out squash bugs and squash vine borers from your garden naturally.  We do not use chemicals in our garden, but if that is your jive go for it.  One, plant your squash early and in a new location from where you planted it last year.  This will help to establish your plants early and strengthen the stems of your plants to hopefully deter squash vine borers from arriving on the scene.

 

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Secondly, we are a big fan of companion planting.  We like to mix plants together to optimize our growing space as well as help to keep pests away.  Besides planting marigolds around the garden we missed the boat a little and could have done a bit more to help keep our garden performing better.  Nasturtium and radish both make great companions to squash plants. Which isn’t to say we did not plant any, just that we planted in different spot and did not optimize this “protection” from unwanted pests.  As we get ready to plant for the fall, we will add in better companion planting for better growth and protection.

 

Third, there is always the option of wrapping the stems of your plants with aluminum foil or nylon to help prevent squash borers from laying eggs and then entering the plant.  This is a simple solution that could yield great results, especially if you cannot get your plants in early enough to help strengthen the stems. 

 

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Fourth, prevention with growing can come in a couple of different forms and can be non-toxic.  Neem Oil, Diatomaceous Earth (DE), and a dish with soapy water, can all help deter and prevent both bugs from coming near your plants. The Diatomaceous Earth causes the squash bugs to dry out and then die.  The dish with soapy water attracts the moths that lay the squash borer eggs and will drown them to prevent them from laying eggs.  The Neem Oil is just a great, organic product to put all over your garden for general health and pest control.  It can be used by targeting specific areas or all over. 

 

Do not let the bugs take over your garden this year.  There are plenty of ways to prevent loss and keep your garden pesticide free.  After all that’s probably why you grow your own food to begin with.  Companion planting and useful item such as Neem Oil and DE can help keep your garden healthy.  Even with these few options there are still more out there that can be used to help prevent and keep bugs away from eating your food. 

Around Town ~ Tolleson Family Market

 

               This week for Around Town we stopped by the Tolleson Family Market located at 300 Connally street, on the corner of Daivs and Connally Street.  They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  This family-owned business is a great way to gather all your locally owned and sourced products right in the heart of downtown Sulphur Springs. Tolleson Family Market is the perfect spot for “Farm to table all natural goods.” 

              

               Not only do they have house made soap, but there is also an assortment of canned goods, tea, meat and produce.  Jenna works hard to create and curate items from local growers, farmers and artists to fill her shop with one of a kind goods.  They have created partnerships with various farms to fill their shelves with sustainable products and goods. 

 

               Jenna and Cory work with G5 cattle and process the left-over fat to create culinary tallow that is ready for cooking or baking.  I can hardly wait to try it out in our next batch of pastry for our guests.  She also makes tallow soap that can be used as an overall cleaner, for hair, body and face.  No unhealthy products in this soap, it’s all natural and smells amazing.  If you do not want tallow soap, they also carry goat’s milk soap from Red Gate Farms.  You are bound to find a favorite from either batch.

 

               Let’s talk more about the meat and produce that they offer.  G5 cattle supplies the beef and tallow that they sell.  However, they also have pork products from Pasture 1301 and produce from Paris Natural Farms.  Runamuk Farms provides their pasture raised eggs for sale and they even have a mushroom supplier.  I’m so happy I stopped in and found out about this great source of fungi.  Mushrooms are a favorite and we enjoy farm fresh when we can.  Not only do they offer fresh produce but have a wide variety of canned goods that Jenna makes herself.  There are canned items under Miranda’s Kitchen label as well as, premade meals if you need something you can just pop in the oven on those busy nights but still want a homecooked meal.

 

               Jenna also has a line of loose-leaf tea available, which I can attest is wonderful.  We have tried several of her blends and have not found one we do not like.  Each tea blend is carefully created with local ingredients and packaged into resealable pouches.  You will not go wrong with your tea selection from Tolleson Family Market.  I just need to figure out the best way to share it with guests, and I think we could transition away from bags. 

 

               With the help of Amazon publishing, Jenna has a published book series for children that you can pick up in store.  These books are a great addition to any children’s library.  You can even pick up a copy from the Amazon website, if you do not have time to stop into the store. 

 

               Tolleson Family Market does not want to stop there.  They plan to add some fresh made meals in the form of sandwiches and salads, as well as a micro bakery for visitors to enjoy in store or at home.  Currently, while you browse their selection of products you can order a smoothie or bowl that will make your tummy say thank you.  Everything is made with a fresh, healthy ingredients, no syrupy sugar substitutes here, only items that will help fuel your body.

 

               Be sure to stop in early the next time you are in town to grab your loaf of fresh bread from the market, and pair it with some local honey.  There is something for everyone at Tolleson’s and you can walk away happy knowing that you are shopping local, and supporting the farming community in and around Hopkins County.