The Farm Chicks Sift

Photo - Farm Chicks ' Serena's Web Journal '
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This morning, Serena from The Farm Chicks blog has a very good reminder for all of us. Pay very close attention to how the word sift is stated in a recipe as it does make a difference. How much of a difference, you ask? Well I put on my Home Ec. apron and set out to find out. Let us take a trip to the classroom....
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We are working with 2 cups of all purpose flour. On the left is 2 cups of flour sifted--flour that has been measured out and then sifted. On the right is 2 cups of sifted flour--flour that was sifted and then measured out using the proper method of gently putting it in to the measure with a spoon or offset spatula (what I use) and leveling off.
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Next, we need to see what the difference is and I did that by going back to the one on the left that was sifted after the measure and measured it by the same method as the one on the right and here we have the results..
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There is the two cups measured out the same way that was done above and I would say that there is at least 1/3 of a cup left over. Wow! When you are baking that can really make a lot of difference. So remember...
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2 Cups of flour sifted is - flour measured out, then sifted.
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2 Cups sifted flour is - flour sifted then measured.
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Class dismissed, have a great day.

101 Cookbooks

Honey Balsamic Bean Salad - 101 Cookbooks -

It is summer today and I am in a great mood and full of energy with a list that I have made for myself that is totally unrealistic (typical me) but I am going for it anyway. First up is sharing this wonderful site where Heidi Swanson keeps a recipe journal of, mainly, natural, whole foods and vegetarian recipes. Since I am trying to incorporate all of this into our lives, I was thrilled to find this gem, and as a bonus the photos are definitely easy on the eyes. Please take a look around and let 'The Kitchen' know if you try something and want to share your thoughts. I will direct you to the recipe here.
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Have a great day.

Markets In Italy

A few images in Italy from the latest Saveur Magazine. Full articles on each here.

Hope your weekend is filled with good food and good company.

Black Bean Brownies

This morning, I was checking out daughter's blog and noticed on her menu plan, Black Bean Brownies. I called and asked about the infraction against said goodie. It seems her friend Joy brought these over for scrapbook night and they were a big hit. Hmmm? Well we will just have to find out, so I will direct you over to the Meal Makeover Moms who baked it up (photo above), and you can see about getting more fiber into your family this way. Leave your comments if you give it a try. I will check it out as I am all about any excuse to eat more chocolate!
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Happy C & B

Lola Nova's Farmers Market

These photos were taken on opening day of the Portland Farmers Market. Lola, from the blog, Lola Nova - Whatever Lola Wants, was kind enough to email these. You will want to check out her entire post titled Living Local, where she takes you along on the exciting opening day. This post is near and dear to my heart as Portland is my home town and the children and grandchildren are all in the area. Mr. B. and I were married there.......I could go on and on, more of all that at a later date for today we celebrate our wonderful farmers and the market. I will now leave you to look at the beautiful photos. Thank you Lola for taking the time to share with us.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Anacortes Farmers Market

What a beautiful day for the market (finally).

We bought several of these tomato plants last year and they did very well.

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Yum. Greek food in the oven. No time though as there is plenty to see.
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Notice the green "No Farms No Food" on the sign. We need to take that very seriously as there is less and less of our farmland left. It is just common sense to support our local farmers.
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This dairy is now in some of our local grocery stores in their nice glass bottles just like the ones that used to be delivered right to your back door (dating myself once again).

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I forgot to get some of the horseradish on my way out, oh well, I will make sure to get some next time. I think I will try growing some. Have any of you tried to grow it?

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More beautiful produce.

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I had to stop this lady for a shot of 'the red slippers' with dirt in them. She was on a mission to try to find the vendor that she purchased them from as the plants inside died. Not sure if she was seeking advice or going to give a tongue lashing and I did not stick around to find out.

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All right, I must hurry past this area or I will be in deep trouble!

Hurrying right along. . . . .

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So nice to have so many cheeses available in this area.

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These are some of the places that The Kitchen Calls is hoping to get permission for future field trips. Won't that be great to go behind the scenes and see how it is all made (fingers crossed)

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The market wouldn't be complete without the local artists.

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Beautiful quilt art.

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Here we have little shopper that is taking her charge of filling the families' cart very seriously.

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There are always plenty of dogs to keep the crowd happy.

On duty protecting the food.

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Mr. B. sampling the BBQ sauce to find the hottest one available. And the winner is the Chipotle. I might add it was very good on our hamburgers that I made for lunch.

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Last but not least was an up and coming artist....and quite a good businesswomen. The price was one for $3.00 or two for $5.00. I purchased two and paid an extra $1.00 a piece to have the artist sign it, quite a bargain I felt.

The artist tending her table and probably figuring in her head how much money she can make today.....Good for her!

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I went home and made copies and put them on the line to take photos to share with you.

I just love the fact that all of the animals are getting along so well while they are eating cake!
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This is my very favorite. Notice the moon with a sad face....looks like someone may not like bed time too much...I can relate.

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I hope you enjoyed our visit to our Farmers Market and I am looking forward to seeing some of yours.

Celebrate Our Farmers Markets

Opening day of Portland Farmers Market - Photo by Lola Nova
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This weekend, the second weekend of June, will be the First Annual 'Celebrate Our Farmers Market' with photos. The Kitchen Calls is requesting that we all try to stop by our local markets or markets in places we are visiting and snap a few pics to share with everyone. This is not a contest and doesn't have to be fancy. It will be so great to see markets from all over so please let everyone know that they just need to email their pics to me and the location of and any remarks they have if desired. As you can see above, Lola Nova has sent me hers (the rest I will share next week) so you can send in ones that you already have taken. Next Tuesday, June 15Th, I will post them all so please take part in showing off your Farmers Markets. Have a great weekend.
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Happy C & B

bell' alimento

bell' alimento blog

I just stumbled across this food blog and had to leave it with you before I dash out the door and down the Interstate once again. There's no time for me to really look around right now but you can be sure I will this evening after the never ending yard work at the other house. Have fun browsing and please let me now if you find something that is really great. I will check back with you later today.

Broccoli Salad - Jamie Oliver

Good morning all. There has been a slight change of plans for today's recipe as I see a few bits of blue in the sky and need to work outdoors on my new 'straw bale garden'. Never fear though as I have this Broccoli Salad from Jamie's website. I did not know about this site and am very excited that to have found it as it will be a go to for me and hopefully you also. Have fun looking around and have a great Monday.
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* Happy C & B

Let's Cook with Jamie

Most everyone has seen the energetic, lovable, Jamie Oliver. His passion for cooking and food is undeniable, and I believe quite contagious. So I thought we would dive in to this book that Santa (Mr. B..... shh don't tell that I know) brought me Christmas before last and haven't hardly touched. We will take it into The Kitchen and choose a recipe, make a list, go to the market and get that on to the table. If you have the book and would like to make a suggestion please do. Otherwise The Kitchen will choose and post the recipe. If you choose to also make the dish you can take a snap and email it to me and we will share it and any comments or questions.
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This will be the beginning of some fun projects I have planned, including field trips that I am sure you will enjoy. We will start Monday and go from there.
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If any of you get to a farmers market this weekend and want to share photos, just send them to me and I will post them...how fun!
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Happy C & B

Winner of Cookbook

" Hey Dad, I want to pick the winning recipe", says Frederick.

"I will just give it a good stir first". . . .

" I am having a hard time getting a hold of one...maybe it's because I don't have thumbs, you better do it for me Dad". "I'd be happy to buddy, I will put the bowl on the ground and you can make sure I do it right", says Dad.

"Here we go. Is it this one Frederick"? says Dad. " Yes Dad, that's the one I was trying to get" Frederick says excitedly".
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" And the winner is . . . . "

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Congratulations to number 2 son of Floss at Troc, Broc and Recup'. Your copy of the cookbook Barefoot Contessa Cookbook will be showing up at your home in France shortly. Floss if you will email the details I will get right on it. Enjoy!

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Thanks to all for sending in your entries, it was a fun contest.

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Happy C & B