Saturday, November 29, 2008

Black Friday~



~
Black Friday is supposedly the biggest shopping day of the year.

I took my cue from Tigger...resident mouser here at Sage Hill Farms...stayed home and lounged around all day doing nothing except what felt comforting.

Shopping isn't my favorite thing to do in the best of circumstances, fighting my way through crazed mobs of people to buy anything is just less than exciting to me.

But...if it feels worth while and you enjoy, then I hope your day was successful.

Are you in need of a cup of good hot tea, it will warm your innards and replace some of the energy you spent elbowing your way around the mall. And... I'll ship it right to your door, I'm even offering a fabulous discount for the holiday season-good through Dec.15Th. ( I'm not a total scrooge!)*smile*

You can find the details and order from the website at:

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

(Under Holiday Specials)

Email me if you have questions.

A Noble November ending to you~

Bea Kunz

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanksgiving Thoughts~



~

Thanksgiving Day is a time to reflect, be grateful, and to share the most wonderful parts of our lives with our family and friends.

This is my only living aunt...my mothers sister. Aunt Ernie is 90, she was confined to a nursing home last year. While this makes me sad as a fact, I'm also grateful that she is still aware and still happy.

Share your love and your time...

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Bea Kunz

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

November-25-2008-A timely gift~



~
We tend to think of the holly bush and berry to be a Christmas appearance, but...they actually are in full berry before Thanksgiving at Sage Hill Farms.

I wait every year to discover the beautiful red laden branches that tells me the seasons are in autumn/winter mode.

The birds will feast as well as the family of Sage Hill Farms this beautiful and gracious season.

Speaking of berries....

(Cranberry Delight)

1 pound fresh ( or frozen ) cranberries
4 small red apples ( unpeeled and seeded )
1 large orange ( unpeeled )

Grind together with food grinder or processor.

Slowly add sugar to taste...no substitute for this dish.

Chill...

Add a sprig of mint to the side of the dish for visual and scent.

Blessings~

Bea Kunz

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Thanksgiving Gratitude~



~
Thanksgiving is meant to be a time to reflect and show our appreciation for the host of all things we have been blessed with.

Showing that gratitude by making your home a place of comfort and beauty for others to enjoy is a good first step .

Simple, colorful, and homey always works for me.

Have a Noble November~share...

Bea Kunz

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Thanksgiving Rituals~


~

Turkey is a staple on many Thanksgiving tables, ours included.

Stuffing made from cornbread, onion, sage, and other goodies according to likes and dislikes. I love apples in my dressing , or oysters, or Cajun sausage. Actually this year I'm doing it with shrimp and baked inside a nice fat pumpkin.

Many of the standard rituals around food have changed a lot over the years.
Mostly because we have become more aware of a healthier eating style, and partly because the choices in foods have changed.

We live in the country and this time of year we have at least one family of wild turkey that keep coming back for bits of leftovers in the garden...bugs, etc.

I wonder if they are aware that their relatives will be the main attraction on many dining tables in just a few days.

Natures balance is awesome.

Today I am thankful for choices~

Bea Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Counting Down The Days.....

One week from today is "Thanksgiving Day."

For those days I will be focusing on things related to this most special day.

My wish is that it will spark in those who do not know and understand the history of why and how "Thanksgiving Day" came to be...the motivation to search and absorb and share.

While we are at a very frightening time in our history, we are also living in a very gracious and abundant time.

I hope you enjoy the week to come. Do share if you are so inclined.

Bea Kunz




~
Following the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress recognized the need to give thanks for delivering the country from war and into independence. Congress issued a proclamation on October 11, 1782:
By the United States in Congress assembled.


PROCLAMATION.

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interposition's of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.

JOHN HANSON, President.

Charles Thomson, Secretary.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Children-Much to Celebrate~




There are different celebrations in the honor of children all around the world.

These are a few that get my attention.

Our children are our future, we must respect and raise them with kindness and understanding .

Good nutrition, a loving heart, a soft voice, and a good sense of humor will bring a child into adulthood with a good grounding.

Celebrate a child today...yours or any child.


Universal Children's Day- Observed on November 20th each year. In 1954, the UN General Assembly recommended that all countries should establish a Universal Children's Day on an "appropriate" day. We are not sure, but perhaps each country did.....at various different dates during the year. The resolution was adopted on November 20, 1954.

International Children's Day- The second Sunday in December. This is a joint initiative between UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It's a day when broadcasters "tune in to kids".

World Children's Day- Always November 20Th. This is a day McDonald's uses as a
fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The first official WCD was held on November 20Th, 2002 and was celebrated around the world as a way to celebrate children and benefit RMHC chapters around the world. This now annual celebration is officially held on November 20Th each year, however fundraising opportunities often extend beyond the day.

Children's Day in Japan- This is a national holiday in Japan celebrated on May 5Th. Started in 1948, Children's Day is a festive day to celebrate your child's life. The holiday is believed to have begun in china where they would hang medicinal herbs to ward off childhood diseases. In Japan it is often celebrated by giving children kites and hanging streamers.

In Japan, the Children's Festival was originally called the "Boy's Festival" while the girls had the "Doll Festival".

Do you know that herbs and essential oils are much better for treating colds and many of the bugs that children tend to pick up this time of year.

Please opt for a more natural remedy that will help build your child's immune system for keeping them healthy.

Bea Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Monday, November 17, 2008

Baking Bread Day-November 17


And so I did. The most beautiful and tasty loaf I've made in some time.

Today is also "hiking day"...and if, you make bread on a regular basis you will need to work the hiking day into your schedule. *smile*

Actually - home baked bread is much healthier and not as fattening as most of the bakery/super market types.

So-give it a try it's a great way to spend a cold autumn day inside.

Sage is an evergreen herb highly aromatic and lends itself to pork lamb, cheese dishes, dishes with apple and of course "bread."

In Italy-an old country health tonic is to eat fresh sage leaves in bread and butter.

I've tried it and can attest to the fact it is delicious and I'm certain just as healthy as promised.

Happy Autumn

Bea Kunz

Holiday Special for my loyal customers....you.

Go to the website and you will find it under "Holiday Special."

Because we appreciate you.
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Celebrate Your Teddy Bear Day~Nov.16



~
What a sweet and comforting idea.

Do you have a Teddy Bear?

I would like for you to meet my family of Teddy Bears, they all have histories and names.

They wait patiently for the grandsons to come for a play day.
Today I surprised them with a day of visiting, going through old memories and photo's.

Snowball, Blackberry( plaid ribbon/feet/ears) Lolly,( green eyes ) Tipper and Baby Bear( red ribbon ) All have been a part of this family for many, many, years.

I enjoyed my special cup of holiday drink while playing in memory land today.

(Recipe)

1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup strong peppermint tea (Sage Hill Farms blend)
1 drop of clove oil (food grade)
The tip of a spoon slightly touched to stevia powder and stirred into the drink.

TIP: Stevia is very sweet and too much will spoil the taste.

CuddleCup...the name was assigned to my sons favorite "Hot Chocolate." drink when they were "wee ones."

TIP: When making your own hot chocolate, add your favorite drop of Essential oil ( food grade )or herb, to the milk...yummy.


Bea Kunz

Saturday, November 15, 2008

November 15-Celebrate Sustainability


America Recycles Day encourages us to recycle, and use products made from recycled material. Recycling is not difficult. It sends less material to the waste stream ,and it results in consuming less of our precious and limited natural resources.


The Boy Scouts of America has the right slogan for this topic: "Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle"


Did You Know? According to a presidential proclamation by President George W. Bush, each person in America produces about four pounds of waste every day!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin of America Recycles Day:
President George W. Bush issued a presidential proclamation declaring November 15, 2004 as America Recycles Day.


We believe the roots of this day goes back a few years before this presidential proclamation to around 1997. The National Recycling Coalition appears to have played a role in its creation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also promotes this day.

Sage Hill Farms is dedicated to recycling on many levels.

One major method we use is composting garden and kitchen waste.

When done properly this process takes waste of fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells,
coffee/tea grounds, leaves, grass clippings, and other garden waste and easily turns it into rich and healthy soil for the gardens next crop.

Herbs and vegetables grown in this medium are healthy and free of chemicals and therefore healthier for the body and mind.

(Holiday Tea Blend is now available at the Sage Hill Farms website.)

Take a tour and let your senses lead the way.

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Happy Holiday Season~
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Friday, November 14, 2008

Indian Pudding and Thanksgiving~

The Holland Tunnel under the Hudson River opened to the public, connecting New York City and New Jersey. (1927)

The minimum draft age was lowered from 21 to 18 (1942)

Today...November 13 is National "Indian Pudding" Day also.

Since Thanksgiving is just a few days away, this is a perfect time to have this dish.

Many people make Indian pudding as a corn based dish.

My grandmother did and she was of Indian heritage.

I only eat white corn since all the yellow corn is now a GM crop.

This is a recipe from 1894...my grandmother made Indian Pudding with corn as a base.

I'm working on a perfected recipe, I'll share when it's done.

2 pints milk
1/2 cup Indian meal
1/2 cup molasses
pinch of salt

Preparation:

Scald one pint of milk; stir into it one-half cup of Indian meal, one-half cup molasses, and a pinch of salt. When this is cold, pour over it, without stirring, one pint of cold milk. Bake in a slow oven about four hours to obtain the color and flavor of the old-fashioned pudding.

MRS. M. B. VOSE.


Happy Autum~

Bea Kunz

Chicken Soup For The Soul Day~

Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is today. It's a celebration about you.


According to the creators of the book series of the same name, Chicken Soup for the Soul Day was created as ".... a celebration of who you are, where you've been, where you're going, and who you will be thankful to when you get there!"


We suggest you take this day as a celebration of the value and healing of chicken soup, especially mom's chicken soup. Chicken soup has long been seen as remedial for colds, flus, and just about anything that ails you. You can't find that healing in a can. You can only find it in mom's homemade chicken soup.

Have a happy Chicken Soup for the Soul Day.

If you have access to farm raised chickens, or even if you must purchase them in standard markets. ( please purchase organic or chicken raised without added hormones, etc.)

The most nutritious part of the chicken is in the bones.

Stew the chicken with the bones, then remove bones and add all the ingredients for your soup. This is the secret ingredients in the healing of mom's chicken soup.

Enjoy~

Bea Kunz

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day-A day to be grateful~

A bit of early history about this day.

I am forever grateful to all the men and women who have served and many who have died, to protect and keep our freedom strong.

My son, (Randy Wayne England) is the latest member of our family to retire after a long and successful career in the United States Navy.

Thank you my son, I'm grateful, honored, and so very proud of you.
~

This holiday originally was called Armistice Day and was first celebrated in 1921. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed it to Veteran's Day in honor of those who served and died from all wars.

On November 11 at 11:11, 1921 the U.S. France and England each buried an unknown soldier in honor of those who died in World War I. This began the annual Armistice Day holiday. The time and day was picked because fighting ceased in WWI in 1918 on November 11 at 11:11. In keeping with this tradition, work stops on this day and time each year for a moment of silence.

A Noble November day~

Bea Kunz

Monday, November 10, 2008

Marines and Flowers ?~November 10th.

USMC Day-is always on November 10Th.

USMC Day celebrates the birth of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps were created during the Revolutionary War.


The Continental Congress of the newly created United States of America, authorized the creation of the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775. It was later renamed the U.S. Marine Corps. It is often abbreviated as USMC.


The Marine Corps has proudly participated in every war that has involved the United States.


If you see a Marine today, thank them for their contributions to protecting our country. Active or retired, they deserve our thanks and appreciation.

* A personal note: My husband's father was an officer in the Marine Corp.
Hubby has a very vivid memory of what it was like growing up under that influence.

He is, as a result of the training....well trained in all areas of life.

He cam make the beds, clean the house, wash the dishes, shop, very good with money, and has a strict idea of right and wrong.
( I thank his father every day! )

Do you know that Chipped Beef on Toast was a standard Marine breakfast...it was called "S.O.S."

This is a scaled down version of the recipe for 300 hundred or more.

(Serves eight or two hungry Marines)

½ pound ground beef (ground chuck for flavor)
1-tablespoon bacon fat (lard/Crisco or butter)
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups whole milk (add more milk if you want it thinner)
1/8-teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
8 slices of dry toast

Using a large skillet (12-14 inches), crumb1e and brown the ground beef with fat and salt. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool slightly. Mix in the flour until all of the meat is covered, using all of the flour. Replace the skillet on the heat and stir in the milk. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens (boil a minimum of one minute).

Serve over the toast. Salt and pepper to taste

* A personal fact: My hubby's father would not touch this dish regardless how it was transformed to make it healthier. ( I tend to agree )


November 10Th is also "FORGET ME NOT" day.

What a great combination. We certainly don't wish to forget our military men and women.

Find a spot in your garden and plant a bed of Forget-Me-Not flowers.
They are so pretty and so hardy against the weather, insects, and disease.


Forget-Me-Nots make a wonderful carpet or ground cover under taller plants or small deciduous trees, and looks best planted in large "pools" or masses of plants.

Sow seeds after all danger of frost. Cover lightly with 1/8" of garden soil. Space them 4-5 inches apart and thin seedlings to 10" apart.

Perennial Forget-Me-Nots can be propagated by separating clumps of established plants.

I know the perfect spot for mine.

Hope you find one too.

Happy Autumn~

Bea Kunz

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Chaos-Do You Know It ?

What exactly is chaos? The name "chaos theory" comes from the fact that the systems that the theory describes are apparently disordered, but chaos theory is really about finding the underlying order in apparently random data.

When was chaos first discovered? The first true experimenter in chaos was a meteorologist, named Edward Lorenz. In 1960, he was working on the problem of weather prediction. He had a computer set up, with a set of twelve equations to model the weather. It didn't predict the weather itself. However this computer program did theoretically predict what the weather might be.


One day in 1961, he wanted to see a particular sequence again. To save time, he started in the middle of the sequence, instead of the beginning. He entered the number off his printout and left to let it run.

When he came back an hour later, the sequence had evolved differently. Instead of the same pattern as before, it diverged from the pattern, ending up wildly different from the original. Eventually he figured out what happened. The computer stored the numbers to six decimal places in its memory. To save paper, he only had it print out three decimal places. In the original sequence, the number was .506127, and he had only typed the first three digits, .506.

By all conventional ideas of the time, it should have worked. He should have gotten a sequence very close to the original sequence. A scientist considers himself lucky if he can get measurements with accuracy to three decimal places. Surely the fourth and fifth, impossible to measure using reasonable methods, can't have a huge effect on the outcome of the experiment. Lorenz proved this idea wrong.

This effect came to be known as the butterfly effect. The amount of difference in the starting points of the two curves is so small that it is comparable to a butterfly flapping its wings.

The flapping of a single butterfly's wing today produces a tiny change in the state of the atmosphere. Over a period of time, what the atmosphere actually does diverges from what it would have done. So, in a month's time, a tornado that would have devastated the Indonesian coast doesn't happen. Or maybe one that wasn't going to happen, does. (Ian Stewart, Does God Play Dice? The Mathematics of Chaos, pg. 141)

This phenomenon, common to chaos theory, is also known as sensitive dependence on initial conditions. Just a small change in the initial conditions can drastically change the long-term behavior of a system.

Now what was I doing ???

Bea Kunz

November 8th~Cook Something Bold Day



~
And so... I made "Oregano" cookies. How is that for bold...they are delicious.
Actually I have been making them awhile.

If you would like the recipe just check the website in a few days.

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Bea kunz

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

America In The Making~

We listen-but do we hear.
We look-but do we see.
We act-but do we think first.
We think-but do we act.
We vote-but do we know what we are voting for.
We pray for guidance-but do wait for the guide to lead us.

The day after, what will go down in history as a turning point in this great nation is more important than the the day of.....

Today is the day the work begins. We all know what we think about , we bring about.
Regardless what our vote was, whether we are satisfied or not......that is history.

We have a new day, with a new President in this place we call "The United States Of America"....let us go forward with good thoughts, malice toward none, patience to allow change, and a contribution to help make that change a reality.

Some historical days in our past on November 5Th.

**In 1603, King James I took the throne in England. An avid Protestant, he began persecuting Catholics in the country. He forbid Catholics from practicing their religion ,and punished Catholics who did not convert to the Protestant church.

The Gunpowder Conspirators were a group of Catholics who sought to take action against the king. They plotted to blow up the British Houses of Parliament. They planned to do so, when the king and his supporters were in the buildings. Their plot was uncovered on November 5, 1605. Thirty six barrels of gunpowder were found in the basement of Parliament. Guy Fawkes, the leader of the conspiracy, was arrested and tortured until he confessed. He was arrested just as he was about to ignite the gunpowder**


1) The United States and Great Britain signed a peace treaty in Paris formally ending the Revolutionary War in 1782.

2) Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States in 1860.

3) Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863.

4) President John F. Kennedy was the youngest man to be elected president of the United States. He was assassinated in Dallas Texas on November 5Th, 1963.

Kennedy was also the first Catholic president of the United States .
349+ years after the Catholics were being persecuting and killed for their religious practices.

So, take note that whatever we think about the now, 50 years ago, 100 years ago, it is all a part of history, the good, the bad, the unthinkable. We can learn from history, only if we invite history into our thoughts, learn from it and chart a path for something better.

Noble November~a fitting title.

Bea Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

November 4th-Then and Now





At the age of 9, over 3,000 years ago, King Tutankhamen became the King of Egypt. He died at the age of 19. He is commonly called "King Tut".
The tomb of Egypt's "child king" was discovered on November 4, 1922. The tomb was discovered nearly intact in Egypt's Valley of Kings.


King Tut's rule lasted a short nine years, from 1333 B.C. to 1324 B.C. The cause of his death is uncertain.

November the 4Th is also election day for the office of President in the United States of America.

Both days are steeped in an abundance of history, well worth the time and effort it takes to research and study.

As a rule the things that make up our daily on the surface lives is far from the whole truth.

This is a wonderful time to do some in depth study,
both of things past and things that we can have a part in creating, which will become history in a short period of time.

Spend a little time with the Egyptian history books. Learn more about King Tut, along with the culture and times of Ancient Egypt.

This study will shed much light on where we are today, as all history is tied together in many different ways.

Two websites to peak your interest~

http://www.inmamaskitchen.com/index.html

http://www.cspinet.org/nutritionpolicy/index.html

Bea Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Monday, November 03, 2008

November 3rd ??? and the winner is....


~
Firstly, it my sons birthday. Russell is the younger of two. He is a family attorney and Law Professor in Alabama.

He is a special moment in my daily life. Happy Birthday Russell!
~
Today is also: Housewife Day, this day recognizes the importance of stay at home wives and moms. Also referred to as "Retro" Housewife Day. These wonderful, caring creatures, build and enrich strong family environments. They help to instill family values and good character.


Housewife is an old term. It hails back to the days when one income could support the family in a manner of comfort. It was also a time when women did not have equal rights. While these days are long gone, women views of working or staying at home, fall on both sides of the fence. The decision to be a "housewife", or stay at home mom, is still preferred by many. Unfortunately, income needs often necessitate going to work. Five stars to each and every one!

Today is also: Sandwich Day...

English history reports that John Montagu was the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Among other things, the 4th Earl of Sandwich was a heavy gambler. Montagu often spent many long hours in London's gambling parlors. In 1762, he created the sandwich, by putting meat between two pieces of bread. This allowed him to remain at the gambling table for long periods of time. Obviously, the sandwich was named after him


Celebrate this special day by enjoying your favorite sandwich.

What is your favorite sandwich?

I have only two...Hot pastrami on rye with German mustard...

And....a summertime sandwich with fresh tomato, thinly sliced sweet onion, fresh basil leaves and fresh made mayonnaise on fresh baked Sourdough bread. Yummy!

My hubby's favorite is your basic PBJ on wheat...I can't go there.

Do share.

Bea Kunz
EatWell-BeWell~

Sunday, November 02, 2008

November 2nd-So Much To Celebrate~



`
Cool stuff...that describes our month of November offerings.

Today is: Cookie Monster's Birthday...he is one "cool" monster in my book.

Daylight Savings Time ends today......Interesting history here.
http://www.daylightsavingstime/history/

Daniel Boone's Birthday..........Talk about a cool guy!
http://www.earlyamerica.com/lives/boone/

And my favorite day of all..."National Deviled Egg Day."

Cookie Monster and Daniel Boone will have their day and we will move on to the next birthday celebration.

Daylight Savings Time will hang around and remind us of the fact that some changes are just to be.

"EGGS" are one of the most healthy foods we have to pick from.

For as long as there has been a love and appreciation of good food, there has been hens laying eggs for human consumption.

Cultures and some religions have long held the egg as a symbol of life.
Early Sanskrit manuscripts tell of a cosmic egg containing a spirit that would be born, die and be reborn.

Today , there is ongoing research as to whether the hen's ability to pass antibodies on to its egg can be useful to humans, such as the treatment of snake bites and the prevention of tooth decay.

Most of us are only concerned with what we can do with the egg in the kitchen.
And the many uses are never-ending.

All the information here is related to "hen eggs" although there are other eggs to pick from.

(Nutritional facts of the egg.)

For a easy source of high quality protein, look to the egg.
The essential amino acids found in the egg are second only to those found in mothers milk.
Eggs contain varying amounts of vitamins A, D, E and each one of the B complex vitamins, including B12.
They are also an excellent source of Iron, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Eggs contain no carbohydrates and about 59 calories each.

Eggs and Cholesterol.....bad rap.

Recent research has shown that the level of saturated fat in the diet, rather than the cholesterol, that has the most impact on blood cholesterol levels.
And while eggs do contain fat, more than half of the fat is the good mono-and polyunsaturated sort.

( Eggs Composition )

Egg Shell...is brittle and porous, the eggs first line of defence. It's mainly calcium carbonate, and the thickness depends on the hens diet.

Shell Membrane...Inner and outer membranes enclose the yolk and the whites, protecting them from bacteria.

Egg White...also called egg albumen. None of the fat and more than half the protein is found here. A very fresh egg will have a cloudy white, in older eggs the carbon dioxide gas has had time to escape through the shell.

Chalaza...These are the ropey strands of white that anchor the yolk in the centre, and are another indication of freshness.

Yolk...The yellow part of the egg makes up about 33% of the eggs liquid weight.
The yolk contains all the fat, slightly less than half the protein, and all the eggs Vitamin A, D, and E.

As in most things, freshness matters.
Pat attention to dates and use accordingly.

(How to boil an egg )

Soft-boiled requires about 4 minutes of boiling. The yolk will be runny and soft.

Medium-boiled needs 5 to 6 minutes of boiling. The yolk is slightly soft and the white is fully set.

Hard-boiled...needs about 8 to 10 minutes of boiling. Both yolk and white will be fully cooked but still soft.

If you over boil hard cooked eggs they will be tough and not very tasty.

Starting the second week of November look for more egg recipes on the Sage Hill Farms website.

Enjoy and share your favorite egg dish with the blog readers here at the Beatitudes.

Bea Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

A recipe to entice you, and hopefully eggs and herbs will be a staple in your menu.

(Scrambled Eggs and Salmon on Brioche.)

4 fresh eggs
4 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons real butter
4 1/2 oz smoked salmon-sliced
2 teaspoons finely chopped dill-can use dried (1 teaspoon )
2 small brioche or 2 small croissants-warmed.

crack the eggs into a bowl, add the cream with some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk well.
Melt butter in your favorite frying pan for eggs. ( I use a black iron skillet.)
When butter sizzles, add eggs and turn heat to low.

With a wooden flat spoon push the mixture around until it starts to set.
Add the salmon and dill.

Continue to move the mixture around gently until the egg is mostly cooked.
Remove from heat while there is still a little liquid left, it will continue to cook until the egg is removed from the pan.

Cut the top off the brioche, scoop out some of the filling, then pile the eggs on top,

Serve while hot.

Makes a great brunch or holiday breakfast.

Enjoy!

Saturday, November 01, 2008

November- A Month Full of Celebrations~

The Christian holiday of All Saint's Day honors and recognizes all of the saints of the christian church, many of which were martyrs. The church sets this day aside to celebrate over 10,000 recognized saints. Historically, All Saints Day was known as Hallomas.

Did you know? All Saints Day and All Souls Day was originally in May. They were moved to November 1st and 2nd to downplay the Pagan holidays of Halloween (All Hallow's Eve) and Dia De Loss Muertos. Religious leaders felt these holidays were too popular at the time to ban outright.

All Saints' Day is a Christian holy day observed by many Western churches on November 1 and by Eastern churches on the first Sunday after Pentecost. The day now honors all saints of the church, even those not known by name.

The first All Saints' Day occurred on May 13, 609 (C.E.) when Pope Boniface IV accepted the Pantheon as a gift from the Emperor Phocas. Boniface dedicated it as the Church of Santa Maria Rotonda in honor of the Blessed Virgin and all martyrs. During Pope Gregory III's reign (731-741), the festival was expanded to include all saints and a chapel in St. Peter's church was dedicated accordingly. Pope Gregory IV officially designated the day in 837.

Roman Catholics are required to attend Mass and to "refrain from unnecessary servile work" on this day.


November is usually the beginning of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday celebration for many.

Keep in mind there are many other wonderful days to celebrate during November and December.

Let's take a look together and follow some of these special days.

I'll see you here tomorrow!

Have a spiritual November 1st day.

Bea Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com



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