My " King Arthur Scone mix " Giveaway!

In honor of my upcoming Tisane blends, King Arthur Flour Company has so generously participated in the first of many giveaways right here on The Unusual Farm Chick site.
I truly love their flours which is all I will use for my Artisan breads. I am so thrilled to share with you the taste of exceptional quality one finds with King Arthur's products.

"Here at King Arthur Flour, we believe “value” still refers to the worth of something, not how cheap it is. So while our flour may cost a little bit more than some of the other brands you see on supermarket shelves, we know it’s a good value, because you get what you pay for: the consistent performance of King Arthur Flour yields exceptional results whenever you invest your time and ingredients in baking.
All flour is not created equal. King Arthur Flour is subject to the most precise specifications in the milling industry, and the resulting purity and consistent performance has made it the trusted flour of baking enthusiasts and professionals for over 200 years. We put that care into our products because we believe you deserve exceptional results, every time you bake.
We believe it’s best to offer pure, natural flour free of unnecessary chemicals that may be hazardous to your health. In particular, we avoid adding any bleaching chemicals – such as benzoyl peroxide, commonly found in acne treatment products – as well as potassium bromate, a suspected carcinogen banned in Europe in California.
What’s more, we back our superior flour with a host of resources developed from our more than two centuries of baking experience."

Pick one from the many delectable choices of scone mix from their site here. (There are so many, it will be hard to choose just one, so take your time and browse around!) Then come back to leave a comment including what Herbal blend Tisane ( tea) you would enjoy sipping to compliment their delicious scones. This extra step where you include what herbal blend would go best with the flavor of Scone, helps me know what you enjoy in your herbal tisanes which just might result in a new blending experiment.

It's that easy!

Be sure to check out their FREE Traveling Baking demo's too! They are coming to the Firestone Country club here in Akron Ohio November 6,2009. I know I will be there to benefit from the knowledge of experienced bakers! Heres a direct link to see if they will be coming close to you*.

The deadline is Midnight on Friday November 6, 2009. One entry per person. Two Winners will be chosen from all commenter's to this post. King Arthur Flour Company will mail your choice of scone mix directly to your home. Be sure your comment/blog link has a current email address so I may contact you for your mailing information. I reserve the right to disqualify anyone who does not fully participate with the comment qualifications.

I will announce the winners chosen from a random generator, on Saturday November 7, 2009.

Be sure to keep watching for the next giveaway. After checking out all those scone mixes, the next giveaway will give you even more reason to give King Arthur's dry mix items a try!

Best of luck to all! And be sure to spread the word to your friends about the Unusual Farm Chick giveaways. So many more prizes and well worth the wait.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Solar pit greenhouse update and tea samples

I swore this day was never going to come. But here I am feeling rather satisfied with myself. Or rather I should say, The Captain, for all his hard labor of love which was put into getting things to this point. Poor guy has concrete burn on his fingertips from not wearing the plastic gloves I insisted he wear under his work pair. He learned after the first time and did finally succumb to my mothering ways. I bandaged up his fingertips after applying Kim's Extra moisturizing lotion all over his hands. (The main ingredient is Aloe Vera).

His hands were so dry and sore, he was amazed there was no "burn" like the other lotions I have put on him. Duh! It's all natural you silly boy! Why do you think Frog lets me put it on her eczema without a fuss?

Anyway, all 4 walls are finished! We have 1 more sunny day which is Monday so I need to get the big window section cleaned up and secure so I can start assembling the A frame roof. Or as The Captain likes to call it, "The bomb shelter"...

He always jokes that when we sell we could advertise it as a solar pit greenhouse -slash- Bomb shelter. I of course do not bother pointing out how that was not possible as one but instead just laugh at his goober comments. He tries. He really does. But I still have a lot of work ahead of me. Example being he suggested we use "tar" to coat the inside of my pit greenhouse( he was thinking waterproofer and heat absorber) since I mentioned painting the North wall black... he was confused by my disgusted look and I had to explain why.

Now as to Tea Samples. I need 4 participants who would be willing to allow me to mail out a few samples of our tea blends next month. We have just 2 tried and true as of this posting but I am working on another for mid day enjoyment so it may be 3 kinds of which I would send 2 samples, each variety. (Enough for 2 cups of tea.) So "Sweet Dreams" blend and the "Panda's Belly" would be a part of the samples for now.

Our Sweet dreams loose Tisane

I need HONEST opinion input. Others who are willing to share what their taste buds speak while sipping them. What comes to mind and if/ how it makes you feel. Your input will help produce a well rounded tea. I have a neighbor friend who is my willing guinea pig but more opinions would be so much better.

These would be loose teas (Tisanes), pre measured into a glassine envelope so all that is needed will be a tea ball or such for preparation. Brewing instructions will be included along with ingredient list and a little info I collected on them. FYI- the Sweet Dreams does not include Chamomile so those with a sensitivity to the plant due to allergies can enjoy a relaxing cup as well as the colicky baby or infant).

My sewing machine is down so I have some tinkering to do before I can finish up a few things. Actually it has been down for a week. I do believe someone small must have played with a few dials and ran the machine. I have thread which just today have successfully removed from the gutting's. Now I am playing with dials to get it back to where it will run smoothly.

So many delays have been in my life as of late. In the end I get over it and move on.

So those who would like to test out the teas, please leave your interest in a comment. I will let Frog pick out 4 if there is more of which show interest.

Speaking of who... Someone just woke up and wants to cuddle so I bid you....

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

To feel the warmth of sun during an indian summer...

To see the leaves have changed to their glorious peak. To see the ladybugs have come out for one last flutter. And to indulge yourself one last brief moment with the sunshine heating your cheeks just day's before the frost will spread it's blanket ...

Oh, how I do LOVE Indian Summers! It's like a special gift from Mother Nature, for those of us who must suffer through the dark and cold days of winter. Frog and I celebrated this special gift by exploring the woods...

and having a picnic by the Lake with sandwiches, sliced Winesap apples (with yummy caramel sauce for dipping) and of course Fruity hot teas. She chattered away about so much the entire time, a fisherman in a boat was passing slowly and commented about how she is full of conversation.



We harvested about 6 cups of wild Rose hips and were ever so tempted by the vast amount of wild grapes...

Maybe we will go back tomorrow for the grapes since we spotted some massive patches of Burdock I so wanted to harvest but alas, no shovel was brought. How could I have not been prepared for digging a wild edible knowing it is the season for burdock root?
We are harvesting a few Jerusalem Artichokes tomorrow along with some horseradish so I can prepare some of the holiday gift giving items (Horseradish sauce).

Oh and I bet you guys thought I bluffing about the solar pit greenhouse. Just so you know it is not just a square hole laying empty up on our hill. I swear! And just to prove it I snapped this quick pic to show what progress has been made (although little as it may appear, it is actually not easy to do if there is no experience in the department), due to the rain and having to wait for things to dry before work can be continued:

One more day to enjoy of this Indian summer and I will not waste another moment left.
1/4 of the garden left to weed off and lightly till plus more herbs to dig up for over wintering in the house or in the Solar pit greenhouse. Now where did I put all those pots...
Sweet Dreams,
~Tammie

A kitchen Apothecary hutch & blending tea's

After searching high and low for a desirable Apothecary Hutch and finding plenty out of the budget, I decided to make my own. I looked everywhere for a buffet hutch that I could transform and that was a bit of an adventure just trying to find one with plain lines at a "thrift store" price. Then...I saw it.
A microwave cart on wheels priced at just $10 in the the local thrift store. I knew it was perfect to add on as I envisioned. The perfect size to fit where the heat vent is and the cabinet counter begins.
I added the hutch top shelves and an old wood window for the door. There is a white wash paint on the hutch and microwave cart which ran out before I could get to the window, so I left the green tone paint for now and will later sand it off adding a dark stain to the whole unit. I just wanted to get it done so I could get all my herbs jars put away.


The total project cost around $14 since all of the wood was from my wood bin and the wash was left over from another project. I bought cabinet hinges and a paint brush.
It may not be the one of my dreams but everyone starts somewhere.

Tea is a big deal in our house. I make our own teas to suit the tastes of our children and what ever may ail them. We have our own sleepy time, a homework time, and a light fruity ice tea blend. We have so much fun experimenting. The kids love to make up the names such as "Panda's Belly time" tea. Her own recipe which is really good. Yes. I was surprised...
So one morning as I laid in sleep/awake limbo, I thought why don't I offer our tea blends along with the Aprons on my Etsy? It would also make a great addition to my Farmer Market season. I am rather over done with baking so much bread and would like to have something I can offer at the Art & Craft shows with my sewing. Most do not allow baked goods and such, since the hosts usually offer up a booth for their fund raising.

Which brings another good reason for the Apothecary hutch. Keeps my Tea items handy in the kitchen and will add such a nice accent with all those clear glass jars showing off their contents in my dark kitchen.

It will be loose tea of which we offer, packaged in tins. I am still at the stage of trying to get the best ingredients I can find to offer our blends in. I have learned that just because someone would be offering say Chamomile in bulk does not mean it will be of a fresh and enjoyable quality. Prices vary for supplies and that too does not indicate a great product.

The Tea blends will be offered in Late November on our Etsy (which we have yet to unveil).
I have a solar pit to work on (Sun will be out tomorrow at a mid 50's F range) and some sewing to squeeze in. I may just have enough time to finish up the last bowl of the infamous sun drying tomato San Marzano's, into the dehydrator before dark. Gotta run- the kettle is whistling!
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

Apple tea recipe,Fall Herb Harvest & Victorian sink find!

I think all that "hitting the ground running" caught up with me. After only sleeping a total of 8 hours in 2 nights before doing the Harvest on the Lake event plus taking care of sick munchkins drained my power and I succumbed to their ailment. I had to miss out on Dussel's since I stand firm no one sick should be preparing food for the public. I soothed my aching body with a rest on the couch and indulged myself with one of my favorite movies, Practical Magic.

The Captain whisked the children off to swim so I could pull myself together long enough for the much promised trip to the Apple Orchard of Stotlers.

Every year we pick apples for winter preserving and tea's. I thought I would share with you how we make a kid approved Apple tea. Almost like drinking a warm, fresh, apple juice!

First you must prepare your apples. I peel, core, and chop the apple into chunks. Not too small but 1/8 or more thick with the size of an average fingernail. These are placed in the dehydrator overnight just like one would for making apple rings. I store these in Jars with a lid. About 16 medium large jars last us through winter and into the coldness of Early Spring.

~Unusual Farm Chick's dried Apple tea~

We use 1 cup dried apples

3 Chamomile Tea bags

add the above to 8 cups boiling water. Let sit 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

To add a touch more sweetness we use Raw local honey to taste.

Here is another version I found online

Turkish Apple Tea

1 cup chopped dried apples
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves

6 cups cold water
Honey (raw & local is best)

Place all the ingredients except the honey into a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat & simmer for 15 minutes.
Strain the hot tea into a teapot. Make sure to gently push on the apples to remove all the liquid.
Sweeten with honey then pour into tea glasses.
~~~

A trip up to the garden for a Fall harvest of Calendula and Comfrey. These are to be dried. The comfrey is for the rabbits winter enjoyment. The calendula is to be dried with the petals put in a jar for later use with the Mortar and pestle while making skin cleaners/masks.

Now I do not have a picture of my new to me Victorian sink but this is so similar, it will do for now. At least until I get it set up inside.

Mine has a straight back and not the raised levels and the front is an "apron front" flat. Not the "lip rim" you see with this one. I think my looks more appealing then this one....

It has the same metal stand and the sink itself is Porcelain. I LOVE it! Perfect for Turkey time cleaning and all those garden veggies instead of traipsing through the kitchen.

It will not be attached to the house in any way except for water supply so when we sell, we can take it with us.

My baby brother Army is getting married! And I get to be a Bridesmaid!

Hey! I have never been in a wedding before so let me enjoy the newness. PLus, Army told me Marine may be/will be asking me to help plan the wedding. Can it get any better? I told him if she has a baby at home in the tub (with me getting to attend)on their future homestead I am so her best Sis for life! LOL.

They want to live the Homesteading life and both are eager to learn and experience what they can. I am making sure to set up my seed supply plentiful each year so they will have plenty to start with in a few years when they get set up. I just save 3 times as much and each spring give away my extra anyway.

I am also setting up Hope chests for my girls- plus one for Miss Marine. Not just any hope chest.

I mean the stuff for homesteading like the glass canning funnels, glass lemon juicer, a vintage style coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, etc.

You know..The kind of stuff they usually make in plastic now. I search the local thrift shops, grabbing them as I see them so I can put them away for all "3" of my girls.

I have Aprons to sew and my goal is to make 3 before the weekend and have 8 up on my etsy by Halloween night.

Happy Fall my friends!

Sweet Dreams,

~Tammie

And we hit the ground running....

As many know, I have been selling my Artisan breads at the local Farm market and was honored to be invited into the home of another Vendor this last weekend, to sell my goods during the North East Ohio Solar home tour. Their home is solar powered which Tom, the Husband, designedthe system himself. She sells All Natural earth friendly Soaps, cleaners, lotions, etc. I hit it off so well with Kim and it may have helped her son and Panda were in the same class last year. I buy her soap for Frog's bad Eczema and her lotion is the only kind which does not sting the patches where she itches so badly. All her recipes are from her Amish/Mennonite roots.

Be sure to *check out her site over here *and see all the amazing cleaners she sells which contain All Natural Ingredients and made with the greatest Quality in mind. I am using her wood polish now and my house has never smelled so nice for so long after using one.

I Look to Kim as a Mentor/Big Sister of sorts when it comes to my new Home based business. She has helped guide me in the right direction and jests as a big sister would over the mistakes I make (like my ugly business cards I settled for after an hour of trying to get the template to work with my comp). She inspires me and fills me with the feeling I CAN succeed.

I believe it is her support which has inspired my latest out reach.

I am running very low on my Long Pie pumpkins and have not found any other growers locally. So the next best thing is Sugar pie pumpkins to use for my Pumpkin Empanadas. Everyone who tastes them LOVES them. I use very little sugar and make my own pumpkin spicing mix with a secret ingredient which I feel sets it apart from the rest of pumpkin pie items.

I use no eggs or milk- all my items are Vegan Friendly. So along with my Artisan breads, I have been offering these Empanadas as a seasonal item.

My search for pie pumpkins brought an epiphany. There is a local long time Family Farm not far from where locals go for their Fall pumpkins and I buy our chicken feed from their new Feed Barn. I came up with a proposal to Mr. Dussell to sell my pumpkin Empanadas using their sugar pie pumpkins which I purchase from them and sell these at their pumpkin tent area a few days a week. I would also let people know at the events I attend during this month that I am at Dussells Farm on those select days and they can order my artisan bread to pick up there along with getting more Empanadas while they browse this Family Farm for their Fall needs.

I brought a loaf of my Sun dried Tomato Spinach basil Italian bread and some Pumpkin Empanadas for them to try and think over my proposal along with my new business card in the bag. Mr. Dussell instantly said Yes! I need to call and speak with the Mrs. just to be sure but I am holding on to to his Yes. LOL.

So now I will be selling my Pumpkin Empanadas on Sundays and Fridays at the Fantastic local Farm Landmark "Dussells Farm! *Check out their site for more of their info*.

They have a great Pumpkin patch tent along with tent maze for children, face painting on the weekends, kettle corn, and of course more pumpkins!...

So if your in the area, be sure to stop in and say hi while you get some very reasonable priced- great quality, Fall decor and pumpkins this month!

I am working on more Upcycled Aprons and hope to have my New Etsy store stocked before the end of the month. I list that site too on my business cards and will be selling my aprons and breads at the School crafts shows during winter.

There is a door by our steps which leads into a small room off the Man cave area/rec room. I will begin prepping that 10x20 space as my custom order pick up office. That way I continue to offer my breads all year to the locals who enjoy my bread and not have to attend any other events to get their loaf each week- some of which require an entry fee.

So The Unusual Farm Chicks are taking off. From growing our own main ingredients for bread and baked good flavorings to utilizing savvy cool clothes into Aprons which can be worn in public without losing style. From grocery shopping, the garden, kitchen and picking the kids up from the bus stop, these Aprons will not be cutting into your fashion sense.

I have this quote in a colored glass dangle sitting on the window shelf above my sink so I read it everyday:

"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it"

~Maya Angelou

Sometimes the things that happen to us are not great things. We all make mistakes or endure bad times. But we should walk away with the things learned in those times and utilize those lessons into making a better future. Letting go, learning to heal and not let it contnue to let it be like a monkey on your back is the only way to to move past it.

I feel I have walked away from so much in my past and am finally looking ahead with those lessons in hand. My life is about the future and present. No longer letting the past change or affect my family and I.

Hopefully you too will learn letting go and being positive makes you the stonger person. It did take me awhile to get here, but that is where the saying people come into your life for a reason. May it be a moment, a day, a month or season. Each brings something to you and it is up to you to learn why.

Happy Fall!

Sweet Dreams,

~Tammie