I tried shopping local .. ground report

                      

   Shopping local ( That's downtown Prague, Ok ) has been busy in the little town before thanksgiving and now the other stores are busy but not crazy stupid busy like in the past. We are spoiled with Amazon and others bringing it to us.
   Speaking of Amazon.... I saw a Amazon delivery truck in town the other day ... like UPS or FED X. Then the commercials show their own planes and all kinds of things. These big world guys I wish I could figure out a way to do without. It has made it difficult for the small town folks to compete and those big guys are so powerful they are actually dominating and controlling too much of our everyday lives politically and health wise. So I will keep trying to "Shop Local" If we could all manage not being so spoiled and lazy some of those big world guys may not be able to make a mess of things like they are now. If wishes were feathers we would all be tickled now wouldn't we?
   Went to Atwoods to check out farm toys for a little boy under 2.Naturally I looked at the metal John Deer tractors. Didn't see anything with size on them for less that $40. So I passed on that one. Atwoods used to have several isles of toys of all kinds just about floor to ceiling! Now I think there were 4 short rows with toys in there maybe 3 deep? They used to have all kinds of fun whistles and animal sounds that sound off when you tip them over. I saw cheap stuff but believe me it  - was - cheap not even worth taking home to me for a boy. Didn't find any boy John Deere clothing either. So ok I'm going to go look on Amazon and do it that way.
Sometimes it's hard to support local.
     Atwood's Candy used to be almost as good a supply as the toys. They still had some decent variety but wasn't like walk in and say WOW! look at this and this and this!
     So either the internet is taking their customers, which I can't see that, I tried several times yesterday and their website was totally down and out of commission. I just checked and still out. This is what it says.  They are missing out on some money I would say.
Error 403 Forbidden
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Guru Mediation:
Details: cache-mci5930-MCI 1606589588 1947010197

    After that I tried Tractor Supply for toys....We live so far out you have to check the net to see about things. They were the most difficult to navigate! The other day I was looking for a rocker there and no store in ark or Oklahoma had one in stock or would ship even though the picture was there. I had to find it online somewhere out of state.

    Then there was the car lot this morning.... one of those if you have the right number you win something ( i got $5) not one person working there was wearing a mask... which is ok with me... I did though. My sales person was a Paratrooper Vet with his challenge coin ( he showed me). Italian from New York 12 yrs ago. Spoke 5 languages he said he has so many shots from going around the world he hasn't been sick in 30 yrs LOL

    Thanksgiving recipes were a challenge for me in one recipe.... the Mother In law green jello I use the colored mini marshmallow because it just tastes better than plain. Tried local walmart and a local grocery. None was to be found! I guess the company cut back on those for some reason? I got lucky and dug around the cabinet and found a gallon slider bag full. A little stiff but fine after I put them in the recipe. Tasted good too!  BUT..... I just found a huge huge bag of those tiny itty bitty marshmallow charms like you see in cocoa of all places.... Atwood's! LOL

Oh yes!
I also noticed the local bank here in town is offering "gifts" to open accounts at the bank. I didn't pay attention to the value of the gifts but I think they were decent.
Doesn't look good to me. Seems they are wanting more deposits to be able to loan out more money and rake in the interest. Lots and lots of remodeling and building going on around here. Contractors are booked until Spring in some cases and in others at least several months to even get them to squeeze in a little job. Guess how I know? 

  Ok got to finish up the kitchen so I can start the Christmas terror !

Love
Ranchmama

HAPPY 2020 PANDEMIC THANKSGIVING !

                                         

https://blog.cheapism.com/cheap-healthy-holiday-recipe-ideas/#slide=4

Well here is hoping you are smiling and as cheerful as this picture from a blog on this Pandemic Thanksgiving! As I said in another post this years traditions are having to be adjusted for many people. Some are staying home not having any company at all and doing nothing. I just can't "do nothing" ! Some folks it is business as usual with family filling the house or with just a few that are in their bubble.
    I have something in mind for hubby and I. The problem is I have had a few messed up Blood Pressure days with extremely high readings and trying to get it under control. Finally had to resort to call the doctor to get meds but things are better at the moment thank goodness. So although I had plans... they have been delayed until the day of Thanksgiving! I MEAN I HAVE COOKED NOTHING!!!! Well I do at least have my recipes together and picked up some needed things from walmart on Wednesday to cook with. I plan on hopefully getting everything done today and having a great supper tonight about 5pm. If I get enough cooking done I plan on sharing some to go boxes I have with family and a friend or three.
   Funny ... I made the Boston Cream Pie the other day for the first time. It was ok but as usual for me still a blah cake. LOL What I did find after making the cake mess was the original recipe made by the famous hotel in Boston. They actually had it posted on their website! So now I have to do it again sometime with the orignal true recipe. I figure if it has been served there for years and years at a high price then they must have that recipe down pat and I can have a terrific recipe to ad to my collection. There is a interesting history with this recipe but won't go into now.
    Well anyway... I shared about 1/4 of the cake with Nikki and hubby then another 1/4 with her grandma and grandpa I have been teasing about fattening him up to get his strength back. I called a few days later and asked how the cake went over. She said great! They had never had one before. There daughter lives nearby and helps them a lot. I asked if Christy got to have some. She said , "Not a bite!" I told the grandma I guess that's what she gets for not being handy! There was 3 large pieces so I know there was enough. I laughed so hard because that was a lot of cake for 2 older folks. I talked to their daughter and she didn't even have a clue they had a dessert to share! We both laughed that they enjoyed it. It was like they weren't going to let on they had something good in the house.
   Here is my meal plan, now how much of that will actually get done is another story! LOL Seems like I forgot rolls so plain ol sandwich bread will have to do since I don't have rolls in the freezer.  I am sure I am forgetting something but here it is. I hope I can make it through all this in one day. Several people act like no big deal if they skip this pandemic holiday but we have enough just plain ol nasty blah careful days! So I am going to do at least SOMETHING to make this day seem like a special day!

 

Love

Ranchmama

• Baked and seasoned chicken breasts with chicken flavored gravy / sauce (depending on your idea of what you call the stuff) country folks just call it chicken gravy! LOL

                    

• Mashed potatoes for the hubby

                     

•  Maple Glazed Carrots with Cinnamon  for me

https://www.aspicyperspective.com/quick-maple-glazed-carrots-with-cinnamon/

                      

• Crock-Pot Sweet Potato Casserole  ( Except I will just do mine on top of the stove)

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a56583/crock-pot-sweet-potato-casserole-recipe/

                        

• Mother In - laws Green Jello  this is something hubby loves his mom would make. Green jello, mini colored marshmallow (I couldn't find colored ones at walmart or another store!) apples, crushed pineapple, are the main ingredients. I have the recipes somewhere on the blog.I love this stuff but with alpha gal allergy the marshmallow and gelatin makes me not breathe so I just have to skip it.
  

                    

• Egg Custard pie... haven't had one in years so going to try this new recipe and new pie crust. If I use a shortening crust and coconut or soy milk I can dig into this! ( not like I need to but it's a holiday!)
  

                Amelia's Egg Custard Pie pg. 39 Southern Pie Book
                 

• Coconut Custard pie ... same here if I use coconut milk this is all mine but I will share with some folks I know that like this kind of pie like Nikki's grandpa. 
  

                

• Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake --- Just to have pumpkin for the holiday

https://www.pauladeen.com/recipe/pumpkin-gooey-butter-cake-2/

                 

• Libby's Pumpkin Roll ..... This I have not mastered and since this is all last minute I have a feeling this one won't make it to the table tonight.

                

Holiday Traditions

       

 Holiday Traditions are getting blown out of the water this year for many people. A pandemic just changes everything up! We will for sure remember this holiday season!

   Have you noticed we have a new tradition? Instead of have a nice day.... we get STAY SAFE! Nice thought I guess but it is a little sad also.
   If you are having a gathering and would like to try at least a few safety things here are a few I thought of.
   You can do like they do everywhere else and test for temp with no touch temp gun.
   Have hand wipes or sanitizer gel handy for everyone to use.
   Hand wipes can be placed at the end of the buffet to clean off cooties from everyone handling the food spoons etc.
   You could just put them close the table for everyone to use before eating.
   (I use unscented baby wipes and pour rubbing alcohol in them for us to use. )
   If the temperatures outside is really good where your at have a thanksgiving picnic!
   You could also open up the doors or windows all through the house before and after everyone and let fresh air in to get rid of some cooties.
    If you have air filters in the room or in the heating and cooling change them before and after everyone is there.
    You may want to consider paper towels in the restroom with a handy basket instead of hand towels to share cooties on.
    I Love real plates and silverware . This year throw away may be better for most of us. Just toss the cooties out!
    Humidifiers -- They say with higher humidity the virus can not travel as far or hang in the air as much so you may want to put some humidifiers in different ends of the house or put a pot of water on the stove somewhere.
   Hugs are usually standard and really when your crowded in a room you wonder if no hugs really matter. Still no hugs won't hurt either.
  Take home boxes.... I like the Styrofoam boxes at dollar general to have stacked somewhere for folks to fix and take home.
   Take home boxes for shut ins even if not doing a party is a nice thing.
   I think I am going to try to deliver desserts to folks. Mask up and stand back!
      Our immediate family is going to pass on getting together. Arkansas daughter is scared of passing Covid on to me since she is a college professor and is around students much of the day so far until they close for the holidays. She is all masked up and windshield on her head and all that good stuff. She is also taking plaquenil for her lupus that many doctors feel can cure a person that comes down with covid. They say no in other places but ... whatever.... follow the money. LOL  Hubby and I both take it for arthritis and I am finding out that is is helping me cut back on my asthma medicine also. YEA! Still she is tired also so I think we will pass on the family get together and wait for Christmas.
    The Oklahoma family folks are also passing pretty much. Some don't want to take a chance and others have people that have been exposed to covid or are not very cautious about wearing protective gear. Then you have the older folks that just need to steer clear of everyone anyway!
     I was just going to make some desserts and take them to the folks that were having a dinner but even that is out the window now with no one actually taking the cooking plunge!
    I am trying to get brave and just do something here. I hate cooking turkey! It takes forever to thaw out and I don't have enough room in the fridge anyway! GRRRRrrrrr. If I use a big ice chest that is one heck of a job keeping up with the cooling temps to keep it safe. I don't know what I will wind up doing on the meat part.
   I will still try and master a pumpkin roll this year. Hubby likes a green jello his mama liked to make. It is a process of course with all the apples, pineapple, marshmallows, jello, mayo and who knows what I am forgetting. Still it goes back to ... no room in the fridge again!I either need a new one or a second one in the garage.
 
Try to have a decent holiday this thanksgiving and lets hope the politics get fixed up soon.

Love
Ranchmama

Baking Recipes Today

  

    I have a new baking toy today! It is a stainless steel turntable you put your cakes on top of it and it makes it easier to ice and decorate. Fun as can be and the bearings in it are soooo smooooth! Now this doesn't mean I will do a professional job on my decorating and icing but it will for sure improve some aspects of it for me. If nothing else it is fun!

     I was talking to a friend on the phone the other day about the holidays being all messed up. I told him I am still going to bake though! He laughed because he knows how I love to bake. He said he wasn't surprised at all about that!
     I have been having my kind of fun today. It is a dreary cloudy day acting like it wants to rain. I am so happy to finally get my kitchen put back together enough I can bake again. It isn't perfect and I don't know if it will ever be. I decided I just can't stand it anymore! I have to bake something!
   I had a Basic 1-2-3-4 Cake by Paula Deen I wanted to try. Just a plain vanilla but I'm still looking for a good recipe I can work with. A home made cake isn't the same flavor and texture as a store bought box cake. This cake was good enough but I wish it was a little more lighter and moister. Seems like I had one recently I tried as a muffin I need to go look at again and see if that is a good cake when baked that was good.
https://www.pauladeen.com/recipe/basic-1-2-3-4-cake/

There was also a 7-Minute Frosting By Paula
https://www.pauladeen.com/recipe/7-minute-frosting/

   I had to do this one different. I didn't have a hand mixer so I just whipped the egg whites in my big stand mixer and heated all the other stuff up enough to dissolve sugar ( Which I didn't do enough just buy a little bit) then slowly poured it over the whipped egg whites in the mixer as I mixed it. Hubby likes everything to turn to candy and although this is really sticky I told him it isn't going to dry out anytime soon! I did scoop out some of the left over an placed gobs on parchment paper on the  cookie sheet to let the oven light dry them out. I really need to get my fluffy icing swirling down better than what I did today. It was fun to play with though. LOL

Pastry Cream for Boston Cream Pie
https://thebakingpan.com/recipes/cakes/boston-cream-pie/

     Now the other recipe I wanted to make was a Boston cream pie today. I had the vanilla cake recipe I wanted to try that made 3 layers baked. So I made one single layer with 7 minute vanilla frosting for hubby and the other 2 layers I turned into a Boston cream pie.

  

    I had 3 different recipes I got to try all in one shot. The cream in the Boston cream is called a pastry cream which to me is just a really thick box pudding but this is all from scratch. The pastry cream is cooled in the fridge. The cake was done. I just had to make the chocolate ganache and put it all together when the cream cooled off.  
   There were several different recipes for the Pastry Cream but I picked this one because I could use ingredients my Alpha gal could deal with. The others had all kinds of cream and butters in it which I am sure is good but I do like to breathe so I skipped those. LOL The cream was thick enough but weird almost like a gelatin to me when I put it on the cake.
    I messed up on the chocolate ganache. It was lumpy instead of smooth when I poured it. I used coconut milk instead of cream. I was wondering if the water in the coconut milk would mess it up and it did enough to not be pretty. Next time I will just stick with margarine or butter crisco and see if that works good enough. I can still breathe if I used them.
   I just don't get it about a Boston Cream Pie! It is just a plain vanilla cake with vanilla pudding in the middle and a chocolate drippy icing on top. Every one I have ever tried the only thing that saves it is the chocolate on top! The cream is just a plain no nothing cream in general even if you use all the butter and half and half or heavy cream in the world in it! Now if it was a chocolate cake with a caramel or peanut butter flavored cream and chocolate or carmel on top I could see that would taste good! Would that still be considered a Boston Cream Pie? Well another day and another kitchen mess to clean up ! LOL

Love
Ranchmama
( Oh Yes, ... hubby liked his plain cake and loved the almost marshmallow like frosting and even went back for seconds that he doesn't normally do!)