From The Shire Kitchen

01/14/2018

Well our posts haven't been this last week what we wanted to do, since we both ended up with the head/chest thing that's going around. The good news is we fought it naturally after Buddy broke down and bought over the counter that just fogged our brains. We pushed water, hot ginger/lemon/cinnamon tea, vitamin C, zinc, B complex and the magical homemade soups. Chicken broth with plenty of herbs (basil, bay leaf, garlic, cayenne) then tomato soup from fresh tomatoes, herb de province, garlic, lemon pepper, coconut milk. We avoided dairy and bread. Today we are feeling almost normal. To those fighting this nasty stuff, be well and take precautions. There was a good post from a nurse giving good suggestions. When I find it I'll share! Take care of each other!!!

01/02/2018

During Buddy's shopping trip he bought leeks, carrots, onions, spinach, ginger . . . pretty much fresh. We brought with us coconut milk, sea salt, chicken bouillon, white miso, curry and gumbo file. He took a hike down the road to pick up some scallops. At this point total grocery bill from just what we have purchased is $24. Now, we have the dip and shrimp that we can have for the next couple of days. However, the pudding did not survive. Buddy finished it off just now! We went exploring and he had a seafood stock resting. Upon returning, he constructed an amazing Seafood chowder (pictured). At this point we are going to be way under our budget and still eating exactly what we want and need! Hopefully you are enjoying us sharing our eats and how we are creating them. More to come of this great little full kitchen we have and the beach. Take care all!!

01/02/2018

Happy New Year to those who follow From the Shire! We left to drive to Florida Saturday the 30th. We stopped to stay overnight in Birmingham and had a great experience at Jim and Nick's BBQ. Buddy, of course, nailed our waiter as a guitar player; and he was. Those who know Buddy, know that the conversation ensued. We brought spices with us and slight kitchen staples. So our meal today was a combined effort. Buddy found a place open for fresh shrimp and clams. Boiled the shrimp with plenty of good herbs and spices, then he steamed the clams. I made a dip from a few of both, with what we had brought and crumbles from Maytag Blue Cheese. The rest of the shrimp was ready to peel and eat. While Buddy was checking what was open to shop, I began a pudding from 2 bananas from our breakfast in Birmingham, arrow root, cane sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder and some orange scones we bought on the road. A small feast can be made from so little!!

12/08/2017

Jean loves all the smells of Christmas, but Buddy has issues if it seems artificial. So, we have been using a small amount of coconut oil with cinnamon, clove and nutmeg in a ramekin placed on a cup warmer. The room smells amazing!! There are so many versions we do. Pine from trees, orange peels, ginger, sassafras . . . on and on. When you can't bake everyday but want those wonderful aromas!!!

12/07/2017

Jean came across this in her recipe suitcase and wanted to share. So easy and OH so good Apple Danish . . .

Dough
2 1/2 cups of flour
Dash of Salt
1 cup of butter
1 egg (yolk only)
Couple of splashes of buttermilk if the dough seems too dry

Filling
6-8 Apples of your choice diced or ran thru a food processor (we used red delicious this last time and they actually baked well)
1 cup of sugar (our preference is coconut or cane sugar)
1 Tsp Vanilla
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove to taste (most will use like a tsp of each but we love the spices so we go all out)

Prep dough and divide. Roll out thin and place on a smaller cookie sheet. Add filling then top with the other rolled thin dough. Whip the egg white till foamy and brush top prior to baking. Bake for about an hour or until golden brown at 350.

Enjoy!!

12/07/2017

OH, something else we ran across and wanted to share. How many times have you chopped onions and nothing seemed to take that wonderful aroma off your hands? or garlic, fishy etc smells? Well, stainless steel to the rescue. If your faucet or sink is stainless steel, just rub your hands and magic happens. Or if you have to have nifty little gadgets check this . . .

12/07/2017

Seems life has kept us busy and away from what we love the most. And one being posting and sharing with all of you. This one goes out to a good friend Poe Tess, who was asking about Jasmine and it's benefits. So here you go . . .

The health benefits of Jasmine Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, cicatrisant, expectorant, galactagogue, emmenagogue, parturient, sedative, and uterine substance.

Jasmine Essential Oil is extracted from the flowers of Jasmine, and it has various scientific names including Jasminum grandiflora (Royal Jasmine) and Jasminum officinale (Common Jasmine). The oil is extracted mainly from the latter variety.

Its main components are benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, indole, benzyl benzoate, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate, cis-jasmone, ceosol, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, methyl anthranilate, p-cresol, nerol, gamma terpineol, nerolidol, isohytol, and phytol. Now who would have thought!!

Check the link . . . https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-jasmine-essential-oil.html
😮

09/16/2017

Another natural way we use to fight inflammation and pain is tart cherry. After adding this to our diet on a regular basis, the benefits were great for both of us.

Compared to where we lived prior to moving to Covington, options and pricing were slightly better. But if you take the time to search the best options locally you can find what works for you. Juice or a supplement purchased from Puritan Pride are our regular go-to's. There's nothing like fresh cherries though!!

Here's a link to good information on tart cherry:

Studies show that the compounds found in tart cherries can deliver anti-inflammatory activity comparable to ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).

09/15/2017

Things have become much calmer for us after Jean's surgeries, Buddy's last hospital stay and our Texas trip. So we wanted to start sharing again in hopes that our info could help our followers as well.

The best share, is from talking with the Doctor and Nurse Practitioner on how Jean has been able to get thru the last couple of years with little pain and not taking any meds. They both wanted to make notes on what she was doing. Basically it was by diet, herbs and supplements. YES, by just watching your intake, you can reduce pain, swelling and keep your energy up!! Wow, that sounds like an advertisement, doesn't!

Collagen, which we have purchased, was one big plus. But if you remember the post on Buddy's "bone soup"; that is typically our source for collagen. Scroll and find how it was prepared or research to find other versions.

Those who know us, probably have heard us talk about how we waste very little. Saving your veggie cuttings and skin is another great way to make your own veggie stock. Perfect source of vitamins that your body needs. Just freeze them in a zip lock or container, and when you have enough, cook them slowly and reap the benefits.

Keep watching for more tips and info on how to be good to your body!!

02/14/2017

Because Valentine's Day is also Jean's birthday, we usually love cooking at home. Here's our menu: New York Strip Steak for Buddy, Calamari for Jean, Chicken Thighs in Tahini for Mom and we'll all enjoy a salad mix with favorites for each of us. Mom is going to be creating chocolate dipped strawberries for her contribution. If you are cooking at home for Valentines Day, let us know and send pictures of your creations. Enjoy!!

02/14/2017

Remember Valentine's Day is about love. It doesn't have to be about couples. It's about expressing and showing love. We do that with our parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors and those we run into each day. The photos attached show great expressions of love in such little things . . .