I bought myself a new book yesterday; A Home Companion by NZ author Wendyl Nissen. Thought it might kick start reading for me once again. It's a fabulous read for those of us who want to return to a simpler life, growing your own veggies, preserving food, using natural products, you know like our Nanas did. But this isn't one of those heavy reads, no this is a very light, humorous read. It's got some awesome recipes for home made products as well. I'm now keen to make my own moisturiser, washing powder, cleaning paste and bug sprays.
I needed my Mum's food processor for my first try-out recipe. Mum's are great for lending equipment. Oh and could you please get some cream for me too?
One container of cream, a dash of salt, pour it all in and turn it on for a few minutes.
Stop when it forms a thick mass. It actually looks just like butter when it's ready. Scrape all the butter out and form it into a ball in your hands. Yes it's a bit yuck but it seems to stay in the right place.
Squeeze out all the water gently under running water. Pop it in a container and enjoy spread on fresh home made bread.
It doesn't make a huge amount for a 500ml container of cream but it's not bad. And it's all 100% natural! Of course if you happen to have a banker in the family like we do, well you'll get asked how much it cost and is it really worth doing? Well of course it is!! It's not about the money, it's about it being better for us and it's so much fun to make. It only took about 3mins to make. Mind you, I haven't cleaned any of the greasy equipment yet!
And what did the family make of the taste? Well No.3 said it tasted much nicer and hubby said he wouldn't have known it was different if I hadn't said anything. No complaints at all. Sweet success.
Check out how big my darling little pumpkin has grown since I last showed you!! I'm sure you can see her growing. I have plenty more growing as well. Some on the fence too which is a little concerning.
And my tomato plants are so full of green tomatoes that I'm sure they will all be ready on the same day. I'm going to make jars of tomatoes for the winter casseroles, pastas and the like.
And do you want to see my finished compost bin?
It's just perfect! The front panels come out nice and easily. A lid might be in order next. Not sure what it will be made from but I'm sure it will have all the bells and whistles. It's very neat and tidy looking, and to think, one day it will be full of rot.
18 comments:
Oh me Oh my isn't this just the most darling book!
Mr B brought it for me for Christmas and that moves him from Mr B to DARLING Mr B!!!
I took it camping with us for the week - finished it - underlined heaps of stuff and have come home and already purchased a paper brick maker! I can't wait wait wait to start trying out some of her recipes and have an 'idea' for an 'along' .. .. ..
Hey I got that same book for Christmas, I haven't quite finished reading it yet, but I am lovin it!! Funny and informative.I actually bought some of her soap powder to try.
sounds like a great book, its so great being in blogland because you all show my things that i would never have known about, I will go and check this book out looks fun and interesting. Wow your veg patch looks great. Dee x
you made your own butter... how super cool :)
I have to admit I am not a fan of butter and tend to eat that awful artificial whipped margerine stuff.
The compost bin is amazing Sarah, puts ours to shame, I must take some photos of our allotment to show you :)
My sister once made butter accidentally many years ago, when left to whip some cream. I must give it a try, sometimes the benefits out way the costs.
What a super efficient compost bin, I have bin envy.
Jo x
Home-made butter ...mmmm... must be nice
Actually I knew "the recipe" but I've never tried ...
too pretty to be a compost bin! can imagine it being stencilled next! The book looks good.
Ben bought me 'How Green are My Wellies?' which sounds like it might be a British version (or similar) of your book - when I've read it I'll let you know!
You've inspired me to research commercial butter production, to see how it varies from what you did. I learned a lot! I don't think I'll be able to make butter from the cream we can buy here in France - they don't do fresh double cream :(
The compost bin looks way tidier than ours now it's finished! Ours has pallets propped (double) against the front, to stop the dog poking her nose through... Happy composting!
Color me inspired I'm going to hustle over to amazon right now and find this book. They sound simple and easy which I like and need!
I have to share,
My Dad at the lodge made a compost pile in a big drum of fish carcasses and he forgot about it for a couple of years and the kids tipped it over at the lodge not knowing what was in it the smell first of all made your hair stand on end and peeled the paint but what was worse every neighbor dog came and rolled in it....It was a nightmare, kind of funny though too!
I love your compost bin, I have stolen your pikkie (I hope yu don't mind) and sent it my man in hope that he might get the idea, and get building, maybe this weekend?....
Your veggie growing is enviable!!! Our garden is on a steep slope which makes things a little challenging... I am so going to make some butter, saw it being made on TV and it made me want to do it... Love seeing what you are up to xxx
i love love love the wholesomeness of your blog xxx
i am not sure you will recognise me as millie meadowsweet, but you may just possibly remember me from my previous incarnation as skipping in the meadow. yes, i'm back! this time for for keeps (i hope) and its so lovely to see you this new year.
wishing you a very happy, sparkly, healthy 2011
lots of love and hugs xxx
millie (sumea)
My husband would love to try this, he's really into homemade everything for food, we'll do it when we get a cow, glorious!! Love Posie
beautiful
oh what a lovely book. I so love your pumpkin and just look at that compost bin, how awesome. You have been busy the first week of 2011. way to go!! I love it. thanks for the inspiration.
Loving that compost bin Sarah. We don't have one set up here yet. Yours is a beauty. I do have a Bokashi bucket to "compost" my kitchen scraps. It provides wonderful "Bokashi juice" which I feed my plants with. They seem to love it :) You are a clever chicky making your own butter. Well worth the effort. Well done. Thanks for leaving birthday wishes for Jayden :)You are a sweetie. x
He he I just reviewed this book on my blog the other day. I am looking forward to getting serioulsy stuck in to it. Have made the bread and the night cream and toothpowder are next. LOVE the new washing basket BTW so sweet - but everything you make is!
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