Kat Blue

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since Mar 23, 2018
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Recent posts by Kat Blue



They say you eat with your eyes first. The title and the cover are just the beginning--like the appetizer that is drawing us into the whole multi-course meal!

So looking forward to reading, trying, failing and succeeding at the methods and recipes in Kate's book.

In our part of the world, we had a freeze event a few months back. As a kid from a more northern climate, and in a larger family then than what folks grow these days, we were taught many skills without knowing we were being taught. Skills such as canning (water bath, oven, preserves), freezing, cooking indoors and out, foraging the forests for roots for teas, berries for our beloved jellies to top our toast in frigid winters, gardening and "prepping" when prepping wasn't a word or concept but a normal way of life...during the warmer season. All these things pour into my life now. But, off-grid? Not yet there, except for that trial event a few months back...back to that.

The skills from the kid-phase came in handy for that week-long freeze (yes, only a week without water and power). We had water (collected from the roof, pre-freeze and during thaw), cooking capacity (propane stove), and plenty in store (frozen meats and veggies and canned food from hunter, fisher, farmer, grower, gatherer, preserver lifestyle). As a result, we had great meals and nothing to complain about. But, I say with a twinkle in my eye and an eager growl from my belly, why stop at a trial event?

"A Year in an Off-Grid Kitchen" is luring us into elevating the experience and we welcome the read and the recipes with gusto! Thanks, Kate, for inviting us to the table--we look forward to days, weeks, months and years of dining with you--and to sharing with, and passing what we learn on to, our grandkiddos as we gather in the kitchen where more than cooking happens - it is where families make and trade memories, recipes, skills and resources.
3 years ago
Last night, no crack in egg, only peeping and tapping. Mama no longer willing to sit on nest, no hatchmates. Knew chick death was certain without intervention. Brought egg inside house. Placed on towels on bottom of shower enclosure. Added red heat lamp, and a humidifer (i use it for cold/flu season) in the stall. Rested open umbrella 30 or so inches above the bottom to 1) control heat and humidity from escaping while 2) the slight tilt of the umbrella would create a small, natural circulation of air. Added prayers and hope. Welcomed fully hatched Finley 18 hours later. Been raising, hatching chickens naturally, no incubators, for 8 years. Never had this experience, but happy this worked out in emergency with resources we all probably have at home. Will get Finley a few same age companions in a day or so. I tell those who ask, farming/homesteading is the most rewarding, yet heartbreaking at times, commitment one can make. It will make the weakest strong, and the strongest weak, each in the best of ways.
6 years ago