Stove Top Popcorn

Mmmm, heaven in a bowl on Saturday night. I have been popping my own corn in the cast iron kettle for a couple of months now. When Mr. Ivory and I had some regular microwave popcorn recently we were shocked at our reaction…BLECH! I thought I was being frugal,...

Applesauce from Peels and Cores

Fresh from the OrchardI have my frugal moments and this may have been the pinnacle. I made about 4 pints of applesauce out of the peels and cores left over from making canned apple pie filling . I was very discriminating, however, and meticulous about removing all...

Beginner Canning–Dill Pickles

I had a bumper crop of cucumbers this year from my own garden and the CSA. It was time to make pickles! I had never done it before so I started with a pre-mixed package of kosher dill spices from the local discount store.I bought pint jars and the $7 Canning Tool Set....

Homemade Apple Pie Filling

It’s apple time and I found a recipe that makes truly mouth-watering apple pie filling. It is great to be able to make a crust, pop open a can of homemade pie filling and voila!– homemade apple pie, so superior to store versions. I INTERRUPT THIS POST TO...

Irish Soda Bread

Sometimes I want homemade bread, fast. Real bread you can slice, make into toast, spread butter and jam on, make a sandwich out of. So I make Irish Soda Bread. Very satisfying, a good slicer, and, as I mentioned, fast. It is also a good-looking bread, wholesome and...