Sunday 18 February 2007

B&B Barnstormin

What does not kill me, makes me stronger.
Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols, 1888
German philosopher (1844 - 1900)

I thought of this quote this morning as I slowly made my way out from under the covers attempting to arise and shien with minimal pain induced in the arm. Simple things that you do without thinking now require scheduling on my Ical. I 'n the quest to find ways of doing things that will cause the least amount of screaming, I find myself vascillating between "what an unprecedented opportunity for creativity " to down right frustration and tears.

Dan went down to get the horses today since it's still pretty icy (though warm) while I managed a comfort food breakfast of Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes - easy on the arm. - Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. courtesy of Epicurious 

# 1/2 cup buckwheat flour (available at natural foods stores)
# 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
# 2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
# 2 teaspoons sugar
# 1 teaspoon salt
# 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
# 2 large eggs
# 1 cup milk
# 1 1/2 cups blueberries, preferably wild, picked over and, if large, halved
# Non-fat spray vegetable oil (such as Pam) for the griddle
# pure maple or blueberry syrup as an accompaniment

In a food processor blend together the flours, the baking powder, the sugar, and the salt, add the butter, and blend the mixture until it resembles fine meal. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs and the milk, add the flour mixture, and whisk the batter until it is combined well. Let the batter stand for 5 minutes and stir in the blueberries.

Preheat the oven to 200°F. Heat a griddle over moderate heat until it is hot enough to make drops of water scatter over its surface and brush it with the oil. Spoon the batter onto the griddle to form 3-inch rounds and cook the pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden. Transfer the pancakes as they are cooked to a heatproof platter and keep them warm in the oven. Serve the pancakes with the syrup.

Makes about twenty-four 3-inch pancakes.

So with today's assembled multitude of shooting clinic participants; decided a little levity might ease the pain. I know that whenever we have shooting clinic participants coming; it conjures up pictures of what they must be like as some descend in their Cabelas hunting clothes ready voice an octave lower, for effect tatoos for a day at the range . Also reminds me of sometimes when guests show up at the door; you see them through your filters and they end out by never being the "same folks" upon departure... It almost always happens that these folks are the kindest, most funnest and a classic case of "kiss your pictures goodbye"

But one cant help think...

Here with the lighter side of what you hope doesnt happen. Eever notice how phrases either take on new meaning and or come back to haunt you?

How many times have you heard that saying? Born in a barn? We'd hear that sometimeswhen we came in the door!

What ever happened to manners? Okay, I'm not as strict as my mom was,,but come on - there's a limit to everything!

First what's with the walking around the house with a toothbrush in your mouth? I thought we keep the bathroom habits in the bathroom,, or am I old-fashioned and not with it'?,and that goes for sticking fingers in ears, then staring at fingers,.. or picking your nose........and you want me to shake your hand??? I don't think so!

Sorry, I'm on a roll here! Can you not lift your food with a fork without scratching the plate each time? its like nails on a chalkboard........Aghh!

When the fork leaves your mouth, does it have to scrape against your teeth, and drive me up the flippin wall?? Come on, we all know people like that.....your teeth is not a scraper, puleeze!

And it is not amusing to watch someone eat and smack their lips with each bite ..why do you do it??? Did your mom not teach you manners? I know you enjoy my cooking,,,and in certain countries its a compliment to eat with your mouth open,... but not here ... not in the US of A! We have a law against that. People who eat with their mouths open are welcome to eat in the dog dish!

But since these boys are far more civilized, here' some of my favorite cookies ... since I'm on a PB jag and what guy doesnt like pb I like to make this recipe when I want something sweet in a hurry. Vegans and non-vegans alike love these!

No Bake Peanut butter Chocolate Oat Cookies
Ingredients (use vegan versions):

1/2 cup margarine (Earth Balance) 
2 cups sugar (white or brown)
1/2 cup soymilk
4 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick cooking oats

Directions:

1. In a large pot, bring margarine, sugar, milk and cocoa to a boil. Stirring constantly, let boil for 1-2 minutes until mixture is completely melted. Do not over boil.

2. Take mixture off heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until completely melted. Stir in oats.

3. Drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto cookie sheets lined with wax or parchment paper and allow to cool. When cool, turn cookies over to dry the bottoms.

4. Store in an airtight plastic container in the refrigerator.

NOTE: Freeze cookies between sheets of waxed paper in sealed container. Use as needed for breakfast on-the-run or as a nutritious snack.

Off to Butte later for much needed innkeeping fixings... good thing I have plenty of time today; blocked out the better part of the afternoon on the Ical. Set Nietsche mode on.