Good read!
Article by for Sunset Magazine
I really like #10 – Increase Gratitude: “…spend more time mingling with and appreciating the flora and fauna…”
https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/garden-basics/growing-gardens#non-toxic-garden-resolution
Keep hummingbird feeders clean to prevent mold and fungus, which can be fatal to hummingbirds. Refill feeders frequently so there is always an adequate supply of nectar for overwintering hummingbirds. Do not prune shrubs or trees near feeding areas in fall so hummingbirds have plenty of sheltered places to perch and rest between feedings. Bring feeders indoors to warm/ defrost and rotate out with other feeders.
Below are some methods to keep the nectar from freezing:
Photo by: Dan David Cook
Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
Preheat oven 425° F
Ingredients:
2/3 cup organic white sugar, or raw brown sugar
3 tablespoons tapioca flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 – 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 – 9” pie crust
FOR FILLING:
MIX sugar, tapioca flour, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin, 1/2 cup almond milk, water and vanilla extract until combined.
POUR into unbaked pie crust.
BAKE in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes.
Reduce temperature to 350° F; Bake an additional 35 to 45 minutes until center is set. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Quick Cinnamon Bread (egg-free)
Makes: 1 oiled loaf pan
Preheat oven 350 F
Ingredients:
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 Flax Egg = 1 Tablespoon ground flax seed soaked in 2 Tbl water
1 cup buttermilk,
2 cups flour [ white or whole wheat]
1 teaspoon baking soda
Note: You can make a quick homemade buttermilk by adding 1Tablespoon vinegar, or lemon juice to one cup of milk, then letting it sit a bit to curdle.
Cinnamon mixture:
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Make “flax” egg: Add 1Tablespoon ground flax to 2 Tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes.
Make Cinnamon Mixture: In a small dish combine 2 teaspoons Cinnamon with 1/3 cup sugar.
In a mixing bowl: Combine 2 cups flour with 1 teaspoon baking soda.
In a separate bowl, cream together ½ cup butter, 1 cup sugar, and flax egg mixture.
Slowly add flour mixture to creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir only until blended, do not over mix.
Method:
Place half the batter into your oiled loaf pan.
Sprinkle 3/4 of the cinnamon/sugar mixture on this first layer of batter.
Add the remaining batter to the loaf pan, and then top with remaining cinnamon sugar.
Swirl cinnamon throughout the dough by inserting a table knife into the batter, then twisting and turning the knife throughout the batter.
Bake 350F for 45-50 min,
Test bread with a clean toothpick.
When the toothpick it comes out of the batter clean, it’s done.
Cool before removing from pan.
ENJOY!
A good time was had by all yesterday at Ashland Garden Club’s annual holiday party.
A big thanks goes to the Rum Tum School of Music’s ukulele group ‘SOUP Sensations’ for their rousing sing-a-long entertainment.
In addition, all wreaths were sold making this a successful fundraising event, too!
