Mexican Rice Recipe

Mexican rice topped with cheese and chicken 

Mexican Rice

2 T vegetable oil (I use olive oil)
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. chili powder
1 T ground cumin
1 cup uncooked short grain white rice
1 3/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup tomato paste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is translucent. Stir in chili powder and cumin, and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the rice, chicken broth, and tomato paste, and bring to a boil. Transfer to a 1 quart casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil or a lid. 

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender. Let rest for 3-5 mins. before serving.   

This rice is delicious, and can be served in  many different ways. Lately I have been having it with a small amount of  tri tip roast, chopped into small cubes. The spices and chicken broth in the rice make it flavorful and exciting. It's a wonderful basic to have in the refrigerator. I was not a fan of white rice as a child, but am very enthusiastic about it now. Rice is inexpensive, especially if you buy it in bulk. It has become one of my staples. It's also delicious with vegetables or a salad. I hope you enjoy it.

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Living Like Little House On The Praire

As a child, my favorite series of books were The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. In them, she details her life as a young girl and woman traveling by covered wagon with her family. She grew up in different parts of the USA, and worked  as a schoolteacher when she was a teenager. She and  her husband, Almanzo, eventually settled  in Missouri. There she was at last able to garden, raise Leghorns, grow apples, and enjoy a grounded life. Although her husband still desired to go West, she refused to move. He built them a beautiful home there, and they lived a happy and peaceful life in the country.  The house is now a popular museum. 

I am currently reading a (new to me) book by her called Writings To Young Women From Laura Ingalls Wilder. This one is on wisdom and virtues. It is a series of articles that she wrote around 1920 for newspapers and periodicals, and was edited by Stephen W Hines. There are three books in the collection, and I have all of them. I gave them to my mother before she died. She kept them on display in my old bedroom. They fit in perfectly with her decor.

When I read Laura's words, it inspires me to live like they did in those old times. I am eager to observe and care for  my pumpkins, artichokes, beets, and other vegetables. I gather fresh green leaves from the lettuce patch, and soak them in filtered water to make a daily salad. I season the meat for dinner and tuck a few potatoes in with it to make dual use of the gas for cooking. Nothing is wasted, including time. It's amazing how time consuming social networking can be. When I pretend that I'm living a hundred years ago, it helps me to stay in the moment and to not check my ipad constantly.  I feel more focused and relaxed, and it's easier to get the things on my list accomplished. 

I pick a fresh orange off of my Navel Orange tree and slice it into quarters. The juice is flavorful and delicious. The peels are either used to flavor white vinegar for a cleaning solution or they will be dried for a winter fruit tea.

Instead of getting caught up in technology and pressure to communicate, I sit out on the porch in the fresh air and sunshine, reading or knitting. This time of year I am having that third cup of coffee per day again.  

Laura stresses the importance of being calm, practicing self control, and not reacting to those who are antagonistic. People had many of the same struggles in their relationships in those days as they do now. She came from a loving home, and had an excellent example of kind and patient behavior.  I just love reading her books. Her spirit lives through them forever.  

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Chicken Fried Steak and Mashed Potatoes

This afternoon I made one of my favorite meals: chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes. I bought the grass fed beef on special at Sprouts. Round steak is one of the tougher cuts of meat, so I tenderized it  using a wooden mallet. I hammered at the meat on both sides to flatten the pieces. After that, I soaked them in citrus juice for an hour and fifteen minutes. I used lime juice, since I had bought fourteen limes for a dollar last week at Valley Produce. I made a glass of limeade to have with lunch using the leftover juice.

After letting the meat soak, I pan fried it in olive oil. First you dip the pieces into the flour, and then season them  with salt and pepper. They fried up quickly,  needing just  five minutes on each side.

I served them with whipped potatoes. To make them, just boil  some russet potatoes in water with an onion cut into quarters. After draining them in a colander, add  some milk, and beat them on high with an electric mixer. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste  My mom always used white pepper, but I was out of it, so I substituted black pepper. This is a delicious, tasty, satisfying, and frugal meal. It's amazing how citrus changes the consistency of the meat. It was tender and easy to chew. You can also use apple cider vinegar. I am a huge meat and potatoes fan. The leftover drippings make an excellent country gravy.

I have been working on my knitted shawl each day. This is another La La Simple Shawl, designed by Laura Linneman.  It is a free pattern on Ravelry.

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Enjoying Beeswax and Honey

roses and salvia

As I'm writing this post, I'm enjoying a fragrant cup of fruit tea sweetened with raw, wild, organic honey. What is it about honey that is so compelling? I adore it. I have my new beeswax candle burning. It gives a soft, warm glow to my little cottage. The color is so natural and soothing. It reminds me of the different shades of brown and tan that my homemade goat's milk soaps are. They don't need any artificial colors, The temperature of the milk predicts what shade they will be. Sometimes it gives them a carmelized, marbled effect. I have a preference for the natural yarns, as well. Something about the colors of nature is so appealing. Black from a llama or alpaca is different that the look of black dye. It's all there, if we observe and absorb.

white geraniums

I have been using a cream that I bought at Costco a few years ago. It's called Egyptian Magic. It had been sitting in my medicine cabinet, unused. Something made me want to try it again, and to read the label. "How interesting," I thought, the ingredients are almost all from bees! They are: olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly extract, and bee propolus. It's a thick salve that feels a bit oily. It absorbs well into the skin, though. I use it on my face, hands, and fee.  It complements the homemade soaps that I shower with nicely.

the artistically landscaped parking lot at Bennett Honey Farm

It's funny that after being stung by two bees recently I am suddenly becoming very interested in using products made with beeswax and honey.  I find it interesting. A couple of weeks ago I felt the pain of the stingers, and now I am reaping the benefits of what bees can produce. The dark and light of it is very spiritual. I always loved the make-up and lotions made by Burt's Bees. I still use his lipsticks and lip crayons. Everything with these ingredients feels so nourishing on the skin.

shea butter goat's milk soap

I added some more photos from my trip to the honey farm yesterday. Someone put a lot of thought and care into their garden. It's so healthy and welcoming. 

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A Sunday Drive To A Honey Farm

Yesterday afternoon  I drove out to a honey farm that is between Piru and Fillmore, in Southern California. I have been making an effort to use the new freeways and connectors in our area. I soaked in the beautiful scenery, and it didn't take me long to get there. I watched for the signs. You make a right turn about a mile after the Arco station, near the palm trees.  

I loved all of the flowers that they were growing. It was inspiring to see so much in bloom in late October.

I bought a large beeswax candle, some strawberry lemonade honey taffy, and a bag of mint chocolate truffles.They are made with just honey, chocolate, and mint. They gave me some samples, which I used in my hibiscus tea last night. The quality is excellent.

There is an area where you can sit and relax outside. It's peaceful and shaded.  I headed back home and stopped at an antique store on the way. It was such a pretty drive, and the sky and mountains were gorgeous! 

It's amazing how getting out in a new environment can lift your spirits. It really makes me appreciate how beautiful California is. I feel so fortunate to have settled here. I adore the mountains and the ocean.

If you stay on this road, it takes you to Santa Barbara. I think that's where I will visit next time. How was your weekend? 

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A Visit To A Yarn Shop

While visiting  the Bay Area over my birthday, I decided to take a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I continued driving north on the 101 freeway, and exited in Healdsburg. I had been there a couple of times to visit my friend who has a home on Russian River. I was enchanted with how the downtown area had changed. When we were kids, it used to be just a grocery store and a gas station. Now it is an artsy, hip, upscale area. There are all kinds of quaint shops and restaurants.

I had taken Lula with me in the car. She's an excellent traveler. We walked around the square, and stopped at a bakery. They had a beautiful outdoor patio with a heater, and they allowed dogs. I ordered some French onion soup and bread. The waiter brought Lula a  bowl of water in a stainless steel bowl, on a tray. It was so sweet. He also gave her some homemade bacon dog treats from the bakery. They were shaped in small ovals, like cookies. Lula gobbled them up, eagerly. I was so impressed that I bought a bag of them. I also picked out a small lemon tart to take home and share with my dad. 

As I was heading back to my car, I thought to myself, "I wonder where the yarn shop is?" My friend had told me that they had one, and that the ladies there sit and knit. It turns out that I had parked right in front of it when I pulled into the parking spot! I didn't notice, because I had my focus on Lula, and was busy getting her on her leash.

I stopped in and chatted with the ladies who work there. They complimented me on the vest that I was wearing. It's the sweater vest that I knit for my mom. I bought a birch shawl pin for it. They encouraged me to come back again and to bring my knitting. I'm sure I will!

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A Hot Lunch

Today I made a batch of Mexican rice and cooked it in my Le Creuset pot, in the oven. My mom gave each of her four kids a starter set of the Le Creuset pots and pans for Christmas one year. It was the best gift that I have ever received!

I heated up part of a chicken breast from a pack of four that I had boiled the other day. Chicken breasts are so useful! You can have them in salads, on a tortilla with cheese, marinated with vegetables, or on pizza. I used a bit of leftover broth to heat up my rice for lunch. Something about a hot, homemade  lunch is so satisfying.  I figured that using the broth was healthier than heating it up in butter. I do love butter, though. It makes everything taste so delicious.

I finished crocheting another pot holder. These make great hot pads, too. You can also chain forty-five stitches and make coasters. I like the double thickness. They are heat proof and practical. It's kind of a relief to be doing a mindless and simple project again. I still need to get back to my Carbeth sweater and finish it. It's sitting in my knitting bag, waiting patiently. It makes me feel guilty just thinking about it. I don't want to become one of those "startitis knitters" with eight different projects on their needles. No offense to anyone, it just stresses me out  not to complete things. 

Shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil for today's batch of soap

The weather is getting colder at night. I wear my plaid Lanz flannel nightgown, which I love. I may invest in a pair of flannel sheets, as well. I've been using the alpaca and wool throw that  I knit several years ago. It's perfect to put on my lap while enjoying an early morning cup of coffee and crocheting.  

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Crocheting Christmas Pot Holders

The other day I picked up some red, green, and variegated Christmas yarn at Walmart. It's their kitchen cotton in worsted weight. I was there buying soap supplies. I make these hand crocheted pot holders every year as gifts. My family and neighbors love them. They are an easy and quick project. The pattern is here on my blog somewhere. I will have to find it and post a link.

Today I had my toilet fixed. It hadn't been flushing properly. The plumber said that the water level was low, and that the flapper was damaged from the hard water. He rebuilt the toilet for me, and did a beautiful job.  It's  working perfectly now. The suction is amazing.  It is such a load off of my mind to have it flushing properly again. I love home maintenance. It's so rewarding.

When he wrote up the invoice, he gave me a 10% discount. I was a little sad that I look like a senior at age 54, but really appreciated the 10% off of the bill. That saved me $25.00! I am determined to be happy and grateful about getting older. I think trying to look young is a waste of energy. I need to start getting used to being seen as a senior citizen. It's wild...everyone looks so young to me now. It's an interesting shift in perception. How do you feel about getting older and becoming, (or being,) a senior?  

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A Vintage 1940's Chair For $25.00

Yesterday my neighbor around the corner was having a garage sale, so I stopped by to see what she was selling. She had a couple of gorgeous antique lamps, but I really don't have the space for them. She was sitting on this royal looking chair, and I commented on it. It's such a special piece. The label says Grand Rapids Quality. She told me that they were a high end furniture store back in the 1940's, and that it still had the plastic on it when she bought it. It looks like new, and is very comfortable. I think the color scheme is divine. I love the detail, especially the little tacks all along the edge.

She sold it to me because she has two of them, and doesn't have enough space in her living room. Initially I walked away from the chair, because I didn't either.  I decided to make room. Deals like this don't come around that often, so I donated a small table, my television, VCR, and DVD player to the Salvation Army. The house feels so much better. It's a petite cottage, and I don't want it to feel cluttered or claustrophobic. My mom taught me that a small house needs small furniture. The chair looks like it was made to be here. What a gift.  She also told me that antiques go together. They don't have to match.

I made a loaf of cranberry orange bread the other day. The recipe uses orange juice, which makes the bread very moist. It only has a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in it. My neighbor stopped by yesterday for a visit, and we each enjoyed a slice together on the front porch. The garden was lush and green from the recent rain.

It was starting  to get chilly, so we came inside where it was warm. I was glad that I had been doing my cleaning projects each day. I had just oiled the vintage furniture and antiques. They look so much better now. The wood seems to really absorb the oil.  

I made another batch of Shea Butter Goat's Milk Soap last week. I am stocking up for holiday orders. I think the next ones I do I will scent with cranberry fragrance oil. I love that aroma.

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Mom's Beautiful Bathroom

One thing that my mother did very well was to remodel rooms to still fit the period of the house. This is the master bathroom. I love the shade of green that  she chose, and the tile and wallpaper. It still fits into the style of homes from that time.  That little room in back used to be connected with a window, and we would have to climb through it. She always thought that it would make a good nursery.

I love this tub and the decor. My mother could even make grab bars look elegant. I love the towels, the candles, and the seashells. The faucet handles are a nice touch, too.

My father always referred to this room as The Solarium. He said it would be a good place for a sick person to recover. I always found that amusing. There used to be a bed in there. The shutters let in the light nicely. I think it would make a sweet knitting or sewing room, don't you?

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My Mom:An Extraordinary Homemaker

My mom and I share the same birthday. She died three years ago. She had an amazing gift for the home, and I wanted to share some photos with you. They show her remarkable talent and attention to detail. She was such an artist. She just knew in her mind when shopping how things would look in a room. I just love these old antiques.

I grew up in an old house, and so did my parents. I love the charm and character of older homes, and the styles of those times. When traveling, I prefer the boutique hotels to those that are new and modern.  My mother understood the art of placement. She kept everything so clean and orderly. I never saw our house get messy or dirty, ever. We were taught from a young age to put things away and to have respect for our things. It was expected.

My mother believed that you shouldn't change the windows and doors of older homes. She felt that once people started remodeling, the houses lost the touches and details that made them special. She had a real eye for decor.  She understood the spirit of a house. She could have been a set designer. She told me that she would have done well in real estate. I think so, too.

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A Birthday Celebration

I just returned home after celebrating our birthdays with my dad. He just turned eighty-eight, and I am now fifty-four. This photo was taken at the Fish Market. We went there for dinner, something new.  It's exciting to try new places. It was a delicious meal, and we sat at a table overlooking the water. I am very tired tonight, but will post more photos tomorrow. It was a delightful visit. Lula was a hit.

The sweater in this photo is one that I made for my mom five years ago. I wear all of her hand knits now. We were born on the same day. There were lots of coincidences during the trip. I felt like she was helping me from the other side.

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Cleaning Your Windows With Bar Soap

my view from my desk

Today I cleaned my front window with a bar of homemade soap. I used to use white vinegar and water, but I wasn't really happy with the results. The windows looked far better after using dish soap, which I learned about from the book, How Clean Is Your House. My mother even noticed the difference when she came to visit me. She commented on how much cleaner an antique mirror that I had looked. I told her that I had switched to using dish soap and distilled water. We have hard water where I live. It leaves a film on things, and makes cleaning much more challenging. It creates a smeared look. It's depressing to see after working hard at cleaning your home. It makes the laundry dingy, too. Soft water pumps are illegal here.  Still, I try.  

Today I discovered my first baby Cinderella pumpkin. Once that flower opens, (which is a female,) I can pollinate it with a male blossom. I am hoping there is enough time for a pumpkin to develop. We shall see. I remember seeing them growing very late in the season at another house, years ago. It was in November.

green Algerian tangerines

  

tangerine turning orange

I have been making more headway on my deep cleaning. Sometimes it feels overwhelming, so I just do a few hours a day. I am amazed at how fast professional housekeepers work. I may update my windows, as these slats are very hard to clean. I have to remove each one individually. The more I clean, the more I find things that are dirty. (and I live alone.) I can't imagine how I'd feel with a husband and kids. I remember my mother cleaning like a maniac, all day long. Now I see why. It makes me feel kind of sad for her. She tried so hard to be the perfect housekeeper. How exhausting...

The garden is coming along well. When I see the weather in other parts of the world, and in the rest of the USA, I feel very fortunate. Gardening takes a lot of time and energy, but the results are worth it. I love how healthy the stalks of this zucchini plant are.

 
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Watching The Sky At Dusk

The sun has been going down much earlier, now that it's October. I love to sit out on the porch at dusk and observe the colors of the sky.  They shift and change shape, like a movie.  It's such a beautiful and active scene. I find that I can take the most artistic photos at that hour. The one above is of my neighbor's house.  I took it the other night  when we were expecting a storm, but we didn't get any rain. I used to live there when I was thirty-three.  At that time it was a very old and simple cabin. I used to look at my current house from the window and think, "I wish I could buy that little cottage and live there by myself. It could be so cute."  My neighbor  and her husband built the home in the photo  from the ground up; I think it's very impressive.  

I am still harvesting zucchinis from the garden. I love how green they are. I've been boiling them in a small amount of water, and then serving them with butter, salt, and pepper. Yesterday I made an old fashioned casserole with tortillas, green chiles, cheddar cheese, and a couple of cans of cream soup. The recipe isn't very healthy, but I love the taste.   I got the recipe from one of my neighbors. It was popular during the 1950's. It seems that I like everything that was in style during that time. I sent the recipe to my mom, and she used to make it, too. My father and brothers loved it.  It reminds me of her. You layer everything, like a lasagna.

yesterday's hike

I am slowly adjusting to the Birkenstock sandals. Instead of wearing them for such a long time, I  just put them on for a couple of hours each day. It's made a huge difference. Thank you to those of you who commented about them. I appreciate your input. I did some more research, and plan to give myself two weeks to break them in slowly. My feet feel relieved today. As a dancer, I tend to push my body, and had I done that with these shoes, it would have been torture for my feet. I have a feeling that these will become my favorite shoes, in time. 

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A Beautiful Hike

Yesterday I took Lula hiking at Vasquez Rocks. It's such a gorgeous setting. The weather was perfect. We started on the Pacific Coast Trail, and then switched over to the equestrian trail.

The sky was a bright shade of  blue, and  it was crystal clear. I let Lula run off the leash. She was overjoyed to be free. There weren't many hikers on the trail.  Everyone that we encountered was very friendly. I've got to take Lula hiking more often; the trails in this area are some of the finest in California. The Pacific Crest Trail has  been filmed in the movies. It was the setting for Wild, starring Reese Witherpoon. 

Today I went shopping and bought a few things that I needed.  I found a pair of brown clogs at Ross. They are good quality  leather and  feel extremely comfortable.  I love clogs because you can  slip them on easily. I also bought my first pair of Birkenstocks' sandals. I found them at T.J. Maxx. They only had one pair, and they were exactly my size. They were expensive, but the reviews say that they last for years and years. Everyone raves about how comfortable they are. My ballet teacher used to wear them. As a teenager, I hated the way they looked, but this pair is a very cute, casual style.

I wore them for several hours at home today. I'm sorry to say that my feet are killing me. I feel like I have been walking on marbles. Hopefully it's temporary. I think the cork has to form to match the shape of your bones. I can't believe how my feet feel now. They are practically throbbing. It's ironic. Fortunately I have plenty of other shoes that are broken in and fit well.  I hope that these become as comfortable as everyone says that they will.  Supposedly it takes a week.  Do any of you have Birkenstocks? How do you like them? They are very sturdy and well made. I love to buy quality shoes and clothing that last for years and years.

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Cleaning A Dirty Window That Was Infested With Termites

the bedroom window, sans the dirt

Today I finally tackled my dreaded bedroom window. I was afraid to look behind the blind that used to cover it. It is a VERY neglected space. I have this bad habit of doing the housekeeping chores that I enjoy, (like vacuuming, washing dishes, and sweeping the porch,) repeatedly. (even if they don't need doing.) I tend to skip the things that I hate to do. I put them off, sometimes for months. It's a terrible habit. I should clean what's dirty. I know, it's obvious.

Cinderella Pumpkin vine meandering through the front cottage garden

I pulled up the pink window blind, removed the screws, and threw it away.  It was too far gone to clean it. I've had it there for twenty years, and I didn't take care of it. Oh well.  I cleaned the window with white vinegar water and an old rag. I vacuumed up the termites and the dust, then cleaned the windowsill with homemade liquid soap and water. I replaced the freshly washed curtains, and voila! What a difference. I can't believe I waited so long to address this mess. It's a huge load of of my mind.  It is now a functional window. I also sprayed some ant and roach killer in the crevices where the termites were. I will see if they return. If they do, I will look into getting some orange oil for treatment.    

storm clouds and a pretty evening sky tonight

Dealing with the housekeeping chores that I have avoided has been very liberating. I'm just glad that I don't have a huge house.  After finishing the window,  I pulled out the dresser, removed all of the drawers, and cleaned the inside and outside of it. I vacuumed underneath it and got out all of the dust, dog hair, and dirt that had collected on the carpet. It only took a few minutes. I don't know why I wait so long to do these things. It always feels like such a huge project in my mind, and then when I actually do it, it's easy.  I think I will just continue to do one unenjoyable housekeeping project per day. That way it's doable, and I feel like I'm making headway.  My mother would be very pleased. She never let her house get this way. How is your housekeeping going?

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The Healing Power of Rest

   This morning I woke up feeling like a new person.  Thank you for all of your comments and concern. Now that I am healthy again I realize that yesterday I had some nausea and probably a fever. All of that from a simple bee sting! I don't own a thermometer,  but now I think that's what it was. It also made me weak. I am normally a very strong person, physically. I had trouble unscrewing lids and even turning on a vintage light switch. It's so rare that I get sick, so I usually don't realize it at the time. I go into denial.  Once I feel better, I get a clearer view. I guess I have a sensitivity to bee stings. The first one was no problem, it was the second one that hit me hard. Body chemistry is so related to energy and health. I'm going to buy a thermometer to keep in the medicine cabinet. A good night's sleep really let my body  do its healing work. I am back to taking long walks with Lula and will do yoga tonight.

This morning I planted five artichoke plants. I still have to find space for one more, and plant the six pack of beets that I bought at the nursery. I fed the zucchini plants and the pumpkins some fresh compost. They are looking very healthy and lush. They love this weather. It doesn't stress them, like the heat does. I am training the chickens to take turns eating worms. They are so intelligent, and they really listen. I love watching them; they are so funny.

I started knitting another shawl. I'm using the remaining Scheepjes Whirl yarn from the last one that I made. Working with these shades of pink is so enjoyable. I love the La La Simple Shawl pattern, so I'm doing it again. This one will be for my little neighbor down the street.  I  think the color will be just gorgeous on her. She's so pretty.

I sauteed some fresh spinach in olive oil and garlic for lunch. I had it with leftover cauliflower cheese casserole.  Having a hot meal always makes me feel satisfied and nourished. It's still warm enough to eat outside on the porch in the afternoon. Dinner is now indoors, at the breakfast nook.  How is the weather where you live?  I hope everyone is staying healthy.

Thank you for your comments. They add so much energy and talent to the blog. Please comment in English. I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.