The Frugal Homestead,,,,,

Greetings,

This thought has been on my mind for several weeks now of changing my blog to "The Frugal Homestead".  With today's economy only getting worse I see a need for people to learn how to be frugal and stretch their budget dollar as far as they can.  Being frugal takes planning and preparation.  It takes making a real effort and not just going willy nilly crazy in the stores.  For those of us with lower incomes it is becoming a necessity to be as frugal as possible.

Many people have lost jobs over the last few years and finding new work is becoming more and more difficult.  Trying to live on a fixed income if you are retired or disabled is also very difficult.  The cost of living is going up rapidly but the income is not.  Many people face the question of whether to buy food or buy medicine.  These are very hard times we live in.  So perhaps, I can help ease the pain at the grocery store when you get to the check out or help with saving on utilities to help stretch the budget.  I have learned a lot of tips over the years that have helped me, perhaps they will help you too?

I might also change the frequency of when I post and not post 6 days a week any more.  But I have not decided that for sure yet.

I would like to share tips, recipes, canning, freezing and drying food types.  I will also share scripture from time to time and perhaps some "how to" pictures and videos.  Becoming as frugal as possible means going back to a lot of the old fashioned ways of doing things.  Cooking from scratch is a major thing.  Do you have any idea how much money is waisted on frozen or boxed goods?  They are OK in a pinch once in a while but really not good for the food budget or your health.  I'll talk about gardening and putting food up for the winter.  Making your own spaghetti sauce from the garden.  Raising and drying herbs both for cooking and medicinal purposes.  And who knows what else I will come up with, LOL.

So my question to you is do you want to see the blog change and go into a new direction or do you want it to stay the same?

Until next time,,,,,Blessings!!

Gutten Appetit,,, a cook book purchased in Arthur,,,,

Greetings!

A few days ago I made a trip to Illinois Amish Country in Arthur, IL.  You might have seen my post with pictures from my trip.  I purchased this cookbook from an Amish shop called Clear View Fabrics and Books.  I have enjoyed going through the book and will share some recipes from time to time.

While I was in Arthur I picked up a couple of pumpkins for baking to make filling for my pumpkin pies and also some pumpkin bread.  That is why I chose the recipe for today, it is for a pumpkin pie.  For some reason none of the pie recipes include a bottom crust but I am assuming they would make the pie with a bottom crust to help hold its shape.  I am also including a recipe for pie crust found in this cookbook.  Hope you enjoy them!!

Arlene's Easy Rolled Pie Crust by Mrs. Louie Jr. (Olive) Peachy

4 c. unsifted flour            1 egg

1 tsp. baking powder           1 T. vinegar

1/2 tsp. salt            1/2 C. cold water

1 1/2 C. shortening

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together.  Cut in shortening.  Add egg, vinegar and cold water.

Pumpkin Pie by Elam and Nina Nissley Family

1 1/2 C. white sugar            2 C. mashed pumpkin

1 1/2 C. brown sugar            4 egg yolks

4 T. flour            4 C. milk

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice            4 egg whites

dash of salt

Mix everything together, except egg whites.  Beat egg whites until stiff and fold in last.  Bake at 350* for 45 minutes to 1 hour.   Yields two 9 inch pies

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A scripture for the day, found in another book I bought while in Arthur called "God's Wisdom for your life"

Luke 6: 20-23 (NLT)

Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, "God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.  God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied.  God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.  What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man.  When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy!  For a great reward awaits you in heaven."

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Thank you dear Lord for these timely and most precious words!!  Yesterday, I was attacked for trying to live the life you have chosen for me, for wanting to follow you.  People have shown their hate and anger towards me because of my close relationship with you.  I pray for them O' God that they might find a close relationship with you and walk in your ways.  In Jesus name, Amen!!

Until next time,,,,,,Blessings!!