I can't believe they NEVER told me!

With ALL the MANY cooking shows we watch, I can't believe my go-to people (like Rachael Ray, Guy Fieri, Giada, Bobby Flay, everyone on Top Chef/Top Chef Masters, Iron Chef, Chopped....you get the point) Have never once, not once, told me that all my pain and tears while cutting an onion could be avoided by simply chewing gum...No, they never mentioned it. I had to learn from a yellow paper placemat at MONICAL's Pizza in Danville, IL!!

I read it while dinning there, and thought nothing of it except "Suuuuure, another no-tear onion trick." But, while getting Sunday lunch ready for the crockpot this morning, my eyes started burning and tearing up. Before I knew it my vision was blurry, and I was certain a finger was going to get amputated, because I was getting that onion cut...right. then.

So, I set the knife down, squeeze my eyes into the sleeve of my shirt, and absently wish the onion would just magically cut itself and jump into the crockpot. Then, I look over and see my pack of Trident sitting at the other end of the counter. *LIGHTBULB* I recall the placemat, and figure it can't hurt to test the theory...BOOM-BADDA-BING-WHAM-BAM-THANKYAMAM! Burning. Tears. Instantly Gone!

Thank you Monicals - No more Wives' Tales "Tear-Free" Onion-Cutting spells for me!

Winter Corn

What I love most about the Farmer's Market is all the great Sweet Corn. It's been a rough year for corn, so the options have been more limited. LAST Saturday morning, we hit up the Market and grabbed a bag full. Last year Grandpa West (Great Gpa to K) gave us a cooler full of frozen corn on the cob. It was delicious. This year- we're freezing our own.
I found some sites that say to Blanche the corn first, but Grandpa West didn't do this, so we didn't either. The bags are big and bulky (Thankful for the spacious deep freeze) - We just:
1) husked the corn,
2) tossed them in a Freezer Bag,
3) and froze.

The seal popped open on one bag and now I have a frozen pond in my freezer..booo! I think we're hitting up a neighboring Farmer's Market tomorrow .. and maybe the Orchard.

Peachy King!

Fresh Peaches have arrived.

 I'm pretty sure it is a group my grandma is involved with that sold these lovely peaches by the case. (I suspect her and not my mom since she suckered Chris into buying an entire 25lbs when he doesn't even like peaches.)

Regardless, We have a plan for them. Chris is hoping to make a few small jars of Jam with part, and today I boiled, cooled, peeled, sliced, and bagged most of the peaches. This way they will stay sweet and delicious all winter long. Chris can make his Peach Cobbler to take into the office, and I can enjoy some homemade Peach Ice Cream! (Is it weird that I crave Ice Cream in the winter?)

Freezing Fresh Peaches is a pretty simple process. Every 2 bags took 7 peaches to fill. Some were big, some were small, and granted you could more than what I did in the bags, but (as mentioned) we are not huge peach eaters in this house. (Although, I do enjoy a fresh one from the Farmers Market when were walking through.)

To Freeze your fresh Peaches:

1) Make Your Solution.
Heat 6 cups of water, and slowly dissolve 2 cups of sugar into it.
Remove from heat.

2) Prep Your Peaches.
Boil a pot of water.
Wash Peaches well in cold water.
Gently place Peaches in boiling water for 40 seconds.
Remove from pot and place in bowl of ice water for 5 minutes.

3) Peel Your Peaches.
The skin should pretty much slide right off.

4) Slice Your Peaches.
Removing the pits, Cut however you desire.

5) Protect Your Peaches.
Lightly coat the peeled and sliced peaches with lemon juice to keep them from turning dark.

6) Bag for Freezing
Add your solution to the peaches.
Mix well.
Label the freezer bag with date and PEACHES.
Fill bag as desired for usage, but no more than half full.
Remove air from bag.

7) Freeze Your Peaches.
Place in Freezer.

WhaLah! Thanks Mom and Grandma.

Frozen Pizza Time

I had planned on making a Freezer Meal Day... but only got a partial batch of Pizza Dough rolled out. I don't remember what happened, but something came up, and I never got back to the kitchen. Anyway- I thought the pizza looked ultra-delish, so I really just wanted to show it off to you! MMM..mmm..mmm... Makes you want one right?