State Fair, part 2

September 23, 2013September 23, 2013 | run-sew-read

So, it was a gorgeous sunny day at the fair, when clouds suddenly moved in, the skies broke, and rain started coming down in sheets and buckets. We headed for the indoor birthing center. SAM_3122w

We missed the newborn calves; it was the last day of the fair, and those little ones had just been removed for the trip home.

But we saw newborn lambs and piglets.

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One little piglet was really getting around. And he moved fast. He’s a little blur in most of my pictures.

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And the rain continued to fall, so we moved on to the rabbits.

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And goats. SAM_3068w SAM_3069w SAM_3070w

Then we got some hail. So we sat down in a food tent for an early dinner. Ever had a pulled pork parfait? It is an entire dinner in a solo cup, complete with layers of meat, barbeque sauce, beans, and a round scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on top. Tasty.

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Then the rain finally let up, so we walked over to the Midway to see if the rides would be starting back up.

Er, looks like not. For obvious reasons, they closed the rides down for the day. *sob*

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But they gave us a ride voucher good for next year. *cheer*

That night, from the Grandstand, we watched this guy give a fine concert.

Lots of walking, sightseeing, people watching, and running for shelter. And then suddenly, it’s all over and I’m waiting for next year again.

State Fair

September 16, 2013September 16, 2013 | run-sew-read

I look forward to this all year. Our trip to the State Fair.

This year the day started out sunny and warm. After riding a few rides, we went to my personal favorite building. Which appears to be undergoing some issues this year. Hmmm. SAM_3053w

Inside are lots of things I love.

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The Duct Tape Creations.

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Lots of quilts! Except they aren’t displayed so they can be seen and admired. Very frustrating.

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But this one was prominently displayed. Sort of. Anyway, I admired it.

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Back outside, we stopped more than once to let the train pass.

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Then on to the produce building.

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This year the largest pumpkin weighed in at 492.6 lbs. Whew!

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Then we headed out to take in some more rides.

Then we thought we heard thunder. And looking up, yes there was a cloud coming. Then it got closer and darker. SAM_3131w

And then it was pouring. So with rain jackets on, we made a beeline for another of our very favorite buildings.

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Stay tuned…

Sour milk

August 18, 2013August 18, 2013 | run-sew-read

There was a power outage while I was away for a few days this week, and I came home to sour milk in the fridge. There was about a quart (litre) that went bad. So I went in search of recipes that use sour milk. I made this spice cake. The middle didn’t fall as much as it looks in the picture. But the advice on the recipe to use a bundt pan is probably good.

IMG_4046a The amount of flour is not specified in the recipe. I used 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour, and then added 1 to 1/2 cup of white flour on top of that. The texture came out light and moist.

After eating one piece, IMG_4050a IMG_4052a

The rest went into the freezer for later snacking and packing in lunches. IMG_4053a

Then I made a double batch of these pancakes. IMG_4061a I added an additional 1/3 cup of powdered milk to the batter to give them an extra calcium boost. I meant to add a bit of whole wheat flour, but forgot. Argh.

After taste testing one, I packed the rest away in the freezer. IMG_4063a A double-batch produced 14 pancakes total, so I know mine were twice the size anticipated in the recipe. I used a 1/4 cup measure to pour the batter onto the griddle.

I still have approximately 1 cup of the sour milk to use up. According to numerous sites, I should pour it at the base of my rose bush.

My milk had not yet separated, so I didn’t try making cottage cheese. I’ll save this recipe for the next batch of sour milk. There will be another batch, this I know.

Quick–Use Up That Spinach

August 1, 2013August 7, 2013 | run-sew-read

Too much spinach gets thrown out at my house. I like to use fresh spinach in salads and anywhere that lettuce would normally be used. Examples: I add fresh diced spinach to crab salad, and sprinkle some on a burrito along with diced tomato, shredded cheese and chopped green onion. I do the pack-ahead Mason jar salads. They are great!

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But even eating a salad a day, I can’t use up the bag of spinach from the grocery store before it starts getting wilted and smelly. I have a life-long intense dislike for canned spinach, so buying canned is not an option. So, today I did what I needed to do a long time ago; I went in search of ways to use fresh spinach when it is starting to go bad.

But first, found a bit of knowledge on spinach shelf life: http://www.eatbydate.com/vegetables/fresh-vegetables/spinach/ According to this source, shelf life is about 5 days, if you want it completely fresh. I try to make my package last 2 weeks, and by the end of that time, what’s left in the bag is pretty rank.

Lots of helpful spinach ideas came up on my search. Here are some I particularly liked:

Freeze it for pizza or quiche. http://healthyconfidentyou.com/2013/02/18/what-to-do-with-spinach-that-is-going-soggy/

Make Spinach Pesto; toss with fettuccine, or mix into Alfredo Sauce. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/655245

Puree and freeze in ice cube trays for adding to smoothies. http://rowdystroudy.blogspot.com/2012/08/good-things-and-green-smoothie-tip.html

More freezing advice. http://runeatrepeat.com/2012/07/31/just-the-tip-tuesdayfrozen-spinach/

And more good ideas for using spinach. http://eatathomecooks.com/2011/03/ingredient-spotlight-spinach.html

[Update; Suggestion from Redhenrun.wordpress.com: Yotam Ottolenghi’s Skillet-Baked Eggs with Spinach, Yogurt, and Spiced Butter. http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/03/yotam-ottolenghis-skillet-baked-eggs-with-spinach-yogurt-and-spiced-butter-recipe.html ]

And here are the nutritional facts about fresh (raw) spinach, per the USDA:

Nutrient	Unit	Value per 100.0g	cup 30g	bunch 340g	leaf 10g	package (10 oz) 284g
Proximates
Water	g	91.40	27.42	310.76	9.14	259.58
Energy	kcal	23	7	78	2	65
Protein	g	2.86	0.86	9.72	0.29	8.12
Total lipid (fat)	g	0.39	0.12	1.33	0.04	1.11
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	3.63	1.09	12.34	0.36	10.31
Fiber, total dietary	g	2.2	0.7	7.5	0.2	6.2
Sugars, total	g	0.42	0.13	1.43	0.04	1.19
Minerals
Calcium, Ca	mg	99	30	337	10	281
Iron, Fe	mg	2.71	0.81	9.21	0.27	7.70
Magnesium, Mg	mg	79	24	269	8	224
Phosphorus, P	mg	49	15	167	5	139
Potassium, K	mg	558	167	1897	56	1585
Sodium, Na	mg	79	24	269	8	224
Zinc, Zn	mg	0.53	0.16	1.80	0.05	1.51
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	mg	28.1	8.4	95.5	2.8	79.8
Thiamin	mg	0.078	0.023	0.265	0.008	0.222
Riboflavin	mg	0.189	0.057	0.643	0.019	0.537
Niacin	mg	0.724	0.217	2.462	0.072	2.056
Vitamin B-6	mg	0.195	0.058	0.663	0.020	0.554
Folate, DFE	µg	194	58	660	19	551
Vitamin B-12	µg	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Vitamin A, RAE	µg	469	141	1595	47	1332
Vitamin A, IU	IU	9377	2813	31882	938	26631
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	mg	2.03	0.61	6.90	0.20	5.77
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)	µg	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Vitamin D	IU	0	0	0	0	0
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	µg	482.9	144.9	1641.9	48.3	1371.4
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated	g	0.063	0.019	0.214	0.006	0.179
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	g	0.010	0.003	0.034	0.001	0.028
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	g	0.165	0.050	0.561	0.016	0.469
Cholesterol	mg	0	0	0	0	0
Other
Caffeine	mg	0	0	0	0	0

Data Source

According to USDA charts, it takes 14-15 leaves of fresh spinach at 10g each to meet my entire recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. Source

Jogging for Groceries

July 30, 2013August 7, 2013 | run-sew-read

My grocery hike last week spurred me into action. I’ve always wanted to combine my run with a trip to the grocery store. But then how do you get the groceries home? I’ve never seen a ‘grocery jogger’, like a baby jogger. But then the thought struck me, why not just use a baby jogger? So I went looking for one that is inexpensive, doesn’t look like a stroller, and is convertible to a bike trailer. Found and ordered this one.

Grocery jogger On the trip to the store, it was obvious that people thought I had a baby in there. That felt a little awkward. Also, the front wheel wobbled badly when I jogged. It was fine when I walked.

At the store, I pulled the front cover back, and used the carrier as my grocery cart. I got a few curious looks, but no negative reactions. The produce lady loved it, and so did another lady who walked by as I was talking to the produce lady.

On the way home from the store, the front wheel didn’t wobble at all. The carrier obviously needs the weight in order to operate properly as a jogger.

Distance each way is 1.35 miles. Total trip time was 80 minutes, with a full load of groceries, including a 16 pound bag of dog food.

IMG_3872a One concern I have is with the way the front wheel sticks out. It could be a tripping hazard for someone at the store. I tried to maneuver the cart so the front wheel was never sticking out in the aisle. The front wheel extension is on a hinge, and can fold back underneath the cart for storage. So, I’m going to try to fashion a front wheel position that doesn’t stick out so far, for use at the store. Stay tuned…