Well hello, deer!

Part of sustainability, in our opinion, is knowing how to cook the food you grow yourself. I (Teresa) love to cook! I have honed my skills over 14 years of marriage, and, not to brag, but I think I'm pretty good. So, after many years of insistence from my husband, I am writing a cookbook, tentatively titled "Simple Southern Cooking." (Feel free to make suggestions). It includes traditional Southern dishes with a modern twist and easier prep. So, tonight I will share with you one of my recipes. Hope you make it and enjoy it!

Deer Roast In The Slow Cooker

1 (2-5 lb) deer roast (can also use beef)

2 T olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1 c red wine

5 beef bouillon cubes

5 c water

1 1/2 t thyme

1 1/2 t rosemary

Combine all ingredients into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Serve with Candied Carrots and Creamy Mashed potatoes (recipes are in the book).

It ain't all home grown

You may be asking yourself: "What if I can't get a certain food to grow in my yard?"

Well, this happened to us this year. We planted strawberries and harvested a grand total of 3. But, we love strawberries. So, we keep a fresh produce budget for when we see a good deal on a large amount of unprocessed fruits and veggies. We were at a nearby produce stand, Greg's Produce Barn (great food, great person who owns it), and they had 8 pounds of strawberries for $10!!!! What a deal! So, we bought 8 pounds and came home and canned them into jam. This is our lovely 9 year old daughter, Selah, mashing the berries. You couldn't find a better person for the job. She works willingly and cheerfully at whatever task she is given. She is such a blessing. 

You know what else is a blessing? Smearing homemade jam on toast in the morning! 

Train up a child...

The Bible says that if we train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it. We believe that this begins at birth, so from as young as they are able to, we  have our children working alongside us, helping and learning. It's not just about how to hang drywall or cook, but rather, how to run a home, and be obedient, and enjoy time together that does not revolve around games or play or electronics. So, mothers and fathers, do not squander the time. God tells us to number our days, and we shouldn't waste a minute that we can redeem for Him.