Whoops! How to whip cream in a Mason jar

When I started this little Sunday afternoon project I had big plans of making my own homemade butter.  I researched blogs, books, and called family members to get some ideas on how to make my own butter.  It seemed so simple I wasn't sure why I haven't made my own butter before!  All you need is a mason jar, whipping cream, and salt. Easy right?!  Well I guess I was still in a weekend state of mind because I made one tiny error... I bought heavy whipping cream!  Apparently there is a difference when making butter.

  

So I learned something new!  How to make whipping cream.  

1 pint heavy whipping cream

2 Tbsp powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Pour heavy whipping cream into a mason jar and shake for fifteen minutes. (Just consider it your daily arm workout)

After shaking for fifteen minutes your cream will look like the picture above.  Light and fluffy.  Slowly stir in vanilla and sugar.  Store in the refrigerator.

Even though it was completely by accident I think the cream turned out great!  I have used it in coffee as well as a dessert topping.  It makes a great topping to my apple crisp! (click here for the recipe)

I think I will give butter another try but in the meantime I am enjoying my homemade whipping cream.  Just in time for Thanksgiving pumpkin pie!

A Scouts 5 Essentials for Day Hiking

Growing up a scout and spending every spare afternoon and weekend backpacking it is no big task to head into the woods for a  hike.  However, when my wife asked me to teach her "outdoor stuff"  I thought I would take an opportunity to take things back to the basics. Usually I would head right into weekend long backpacking trips, but considering that my wife grew up "camping" in a cabin with electricity and running water taking it back to the basics was probably the best place to start.  One thing I know about my wife is that when she wants to do something she wants to do it big.  Our conversation started while drinking coffee together one morning when she told me, very matter of fact, that we should hike the Appalachian Trail.  Considering this came from the same person who asked me "do you punch a black bear or a grizzly bear to scare it?" I thought it was best to start out slow with some light day hiking.

Getting ready for a hike

  So here are five Essentials for a day hike:

1. A Map - The first thing you will want to put into your day bag is a map of the area or trail if it is available.  Some places will not have maps available due to the high usage of the area.  It may be that sign post have been erected that will point you in the right direction.  Other areas might employ a method known as trail blazing.  In this method small symbols are used to mark the direction of the trail generally these are color coded if there is more than one trail.  They are easy to miss and generally used in areas where there is high traffic but the trails are mostly natural material.  If a map is unavailable than be sure to familiarize yourself with the trail you are using before beginning.  If your still in doubt use your phone and take a picture of the map at the beginning of the trail head.
2.  Water - Water is easy to overlook if you are taking a jaunt into the woods.  If you have plastic bottles fill them and take them with you.  Another good idea is to take water purification tablets.  This will ensure that if you run out of water then you can make stream water safe to drink.  Humans can survive up to three weeks without food but only three to four days without water. Why deprive yourself on your hike?  Water makes for a safe hike and will make it much more enjoyable.
3.  Rain gear - You may already know what the weather is going to be, but better safe than sorry.  Nothing ruins a hike more than rain.  Take at the very least a raincoat.  The weather is a fickle thing and the weather reports are more often wrong than right.  I highly recommend taking a rain coat as well as suggest rain pants if you have them.  the coat will keep you mostly dry but the water dripping of that will soak your lower half in record time if you don't' have pants.  Most rain gear now a day's are easy to store, they make them fold neatly into a pocket with a reversible zipper.  Umbrellas are bulky and can get old if you are carrying them.  
4. First aid kit - You should never go far from home without one. I personally keep one in my car and Ashley's car.  This is a "just in case" safety measure. These don't have to be big and just a few basic supplies will go a long way. I generally use an old band-aid tin or you can even fit a small first aid kit in an Altoids tin.  These are small,light weight and can generally carry everything you need.
5. Snacks -This directly relates to how far you are hiking.   If you are like me I like a little snack now and then when I am hiking.  Something easy to open and eat.  It is nice to have a little pick me up during the hike. The longer you are hiking the more you will want to bring.  If you are out all day say 10+ miles plan on bringing lunch and at least two other snacks.  Trail mix and Nutri grain bars are easy to eat and not a lot of weight. Just be sure to pack out your trash. 

With these five essentials a day hike can be a very fun experience.

Oh and if you do run across a bear (black or grizzly) on your hiking adventure don't punch it in the nose.  It generally isn't a good idea to punch any kind of bear.

Happy Hiking

-Travis

A Different Kind of Trail Mix

One of the endearing things I found about my husband was that he is an adventure seeker. Hiking, climbing, swimming, backpacking, you know, very manly activities.  Watching animals in the wild, never knowing what is down the trail, beautiful scenery, living off what you can carry on your back (even if for a short time.)  Ahh the great outdoors!  Who wouldn't enjoy such adventure?  Me.  That's who.  I know, I know what's not to love? But, I seriously cannot get excited about wandering through the woods, sleeping on the ground, and possibly being eaten by a bear.  Okay maybe that last one was a little dramatic. However, this fall I am determined to fall in love with the great outdoors... slowly.  So this weekend begins my courtship with the great outdoors, just a quick day hike through the mountains of Tennessee.  My contribution is, of course, food. Whereas I cannot start a fire with flint and steel I can make a mean trail mix.

The best trail mix you will ever have

The Best Trail Mix Ever

1 c. wasabi peas

1 c. shelled pistachios

1 c. roasted peanuts

1/2 c. roasted almonds

1 c. sesame sticks

1/2 c. pecans

1/2 c. cashews

I bought my ingredients at Publix.  They have a great selection of organic ingredients.  I dumped all the ingredients in a gallon size bag and shook it up.  Tomorrow is the big hike!  Stay tuned for updates and play by play pics on Instagram.

Dirt Pudding Cups

With Halloween over and Christmas being forced onto us already I thought I would hold onto fall a little while longer.  Apple cider, roasted pumpkin, and spooky desserts are still making appearance in our house at least until mid November.  I am always looking for easy desserts that I can whip together for a last minute get together, and chocolate dirt cups are a big hit.

You can buy the pudding already made (I did since I was pressed for time) or make it yourself, crunch up some chocolate cookies, and slither in some gummy worms. This makes an easy, quick, and cute dessert for any spooky (or fun) occasion. 

Baked Apple Crisp for Two!

Every fall we make a little trip down to Hazel Green, Alabama to visit Scott's Orchard. We have such a blast, they sell apples, cider, pumpkins, and apple cider vinegar.  I usually buy way more apples that I could ever eat and I am then scrounging for ideas on how to save my apples before they rot.  This recipe is delicious and easy to make.  

Apple Filling

2 Apples of your choice (I used yellow & granny smith)

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Crisp Topping

1/4 c. self rising flour

2 tbsp quick oats

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp white sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp butter

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Apples will bake for 10-15 minutes.  

Crisp Topping:  mix self rising flour, oats, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon.  Cut butter into cubes and slowly cut into dry mix till a crumble consistency.  Set aside.

Apple Filling:  Peel and chop 2 apples .  Add apples, butter, sugar, and cinnamon into a sauce pan and simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until tender

Chop the top of two apples and scoop out the core using a spoon in order to add in the filling.

Fill apples with  apple filling and sprinkle crumb filling over the top and bake!

This recipe makes two stuffed apples.  Ice cream, whipped cream or caramel sauce make the perfect topping. 

Coconut Oil Popcorn

Popcorn is it's own food group in our house.  Movie nights, afternoon snacks, and Sunday night dinner's popcorn is a staple.  In a recent attempt to eat more pure, I went on a search for a good health homemade popcorn option.  Below is a recipe that I worked up for our us.  Warning! It makes a ton of popcorn but the recipe can be cut.

Coconut Oil Popcorn

2 Tbsp coconut oil

1 c. popcorn kernels

Heat coconut oil in a large skillet to melt and slowly add kernels.  Keep temperature on medium high until kernels start to pop.  Do not leave unattended!  Because my recipe make so much popcorn I start scooping out popped corn to make room for more.  Salt or season as you like and enjoy!

Make your own Taco Seasoning!

Every family has their go to meal.  Something that is easy and tasty.  Our go to meal is practically anything with a Mexican flavor.  With that being said we buy taco seasoning like it is going out of style.  I can generally buy a package of taco seasoning for about $0.48 which isn't that expensive but with the quantity and the amount of preservatives it was about time to find my own recipe.

Taco Seasoning

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp onion salt

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp chili powder

Shake all ingredients together in an airtight container for easy access.  1 tbsp is equivalent to a package of taco seasoning or add to your preference.