Busy Weekend

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This past weekend has been busy with company, housework, yard work and dehydrating. 

Potatoes was first on the agenda for the dehydrator as we were given soooo many and we really don't eat that many of them in the summer.  Our diet consists mostly of salads and fresh vegetables during the warmer months with a few bbq's tossed in but in the winter our diet changes quite drastically.  The body needs substance during the long, cold Minnesota winters.  Stews, soups, casseroles and meat and potato meals are the norm.   With dehydrated potatoes, it is easy to toss them into the stews and soups that are usually bubbling away in the crock-pot each day. 

So yesterday was spent peeling, cutting and popping them in the Excalibur......all 50 pounds worth!  The potato chips I mentioned here, did not turn out as planned but I have a few other ideas I will try and will definitely let you know if they turn out....they won't go to waste though as I will use them in the same way as the other dried potatoes.

I find this type of work is very satisfying...I'm not sure if it is the rhythmic peeling and slicing of the potatoes, the friends who kept me company and enjoyed a cup of coffee while I was busy or the comforting idea that slowly, the pantry will be re-stocked.  Whatever the reason, tasks such as these make me happy.

Today is errand day....groceries, banking and of course I have to check out the thrift stores so I better get at it.  The sun is beginning to rise and I still have to go for my morning hike.  Have a great day everyone and remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Comfort Food for a Cold Day

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Yesterday was a cold, rainy, windy, blustery type of day.

Pasie has been fighting a head cold for the last four days so I thought what better time than to make homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for dinner!

The guys love my chicken noodle soup because I made my noodles from scratch and they are sooo easy to make! Luke actually said that my soup is his favorite meal now.

My broth is saved in the freezer until ready to use. I usually cook a whole chicken in the crockpot with the appropriate spices with extra water. After that meal, I save the broth, add some of the leftover chicken and freeze.

My soup is the broth and I add parsley flakes, onion flakes, oregano, sage, salt and pepper to taste. I either add a garden snap beans or corn to the broth. This broth has been in the crockpot all day simmering away. I make the noodles about 1 hour before the meal.

To make the noodles:

In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1 egg and 1/2 egg shell of milk. (I made a double batch) Mix together with a fork until well blended and turn out onto a floured surface.



Knead dough for just a few minutes, making sure all ingredients are well blended.


With a rolling pin....and this is the important part. Roll out dough until very thin. If your dough is too thick the noodles with taste doughy.


Using a knife.....although I use an icing spreader....cut dough into strips...as long as you want them. I make mine about 5 inches long.




As I cut the dough into strips, I add them to the crockpot and give a quick stir. This keeps the strips from sticking together.

Let the noodles simmer for about 1/2 hour.

So simple and yet economical and delicious! My guys fight over the leftovers!

I then made grilled cheese sandwiches to go with the soup. Pasie said his sinuses were already beginning to clear up! Perfect for a cold day.

What does your family like to eat on those cold, blustery days?