Do you miss me?

I hope you have noticed that I am missing. Do not fret. This next month is SUPER CRAZY for me. Work and moving have me neglecting my creative endeavors. So sad. Fear not, I have recipes from my recent book club to share with fantastic pictures of the final dishes. 

Also, when you move, you purge. I have soooooo much stuff collected for an out of this world blog candy spree. Pretty sure we are talking more than one chance to win some goodies. The Light the Night walk is coming up in October. I will use some of the most prized blog candy items (hint PTI CHA stamp set) to raise some money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My parents are both survivors and I do this walk every year. More about that coming soon. 

Just a reminder that I am still around, just a little behind on blogging and creating. Things will stay pretty slow until late September. I leave you with this thought. When I walk in the mornings, the acorns are crunchy under my feet. A true sign that fall is just around the corner!

 Happy Day!

Canning Week and a review

It is Canning Week over at A latte with Ott, A and From A Mess Hall Bistro I decided to join in on the fun. As you know, I have had a great summer of jams, preserves and slow cooker butters. I am not brave enough to try actually canning vegetables. One day, I will try. I hope to get some figs in before the summer disappears, just have to find a source. I did want to share with you my latest discovery. Awhile back, my mom gave me a coupon for Ball jars and supplies. I decided to splurge and bought the new Home Canning Discovery Kit. Obviously, I have already discovered home canning, but I was so excited about the possibility of using less water and making smaller batch creations. The kit includes a recipe booklet and jars so you can get started right after you open the box.

I used this on the last batch of Peach Butter I made. I posted about it here. I LOVE it! Less water, shorter time to bring to boil, less space on my stove. The benefits are numerous. I typically only produce in half-pints, so I can put 5 in the basket at a time. This would not be ideal if you have just harvested your garden and need to get everything processed and in a jar quickly. What I do think will happen, is I can be more adventurous with my recipes and try new things because I am working in smaller batches. I could use a slightly larger stock pot, but what I have works for now. I'll keep looking at the thrift store until I find a deal. So, if you are considering trying canning or already have all the other supplies, I suggest this as a great first step or as a way to try something new. You can order them on-line here.

Thanks for stopping by Asleep on the Couch. Head over and check out Canning Week. I'd love to hear from you so leave a comment or ask a question. 

Happy Day!

Peachy goodness

A few weeks ago, I had the good fortune to drive through middle Georgia on my way home from Calloway Gardens.  If you did not know, this is where the concept of Georgia Peach was born. Middle Georgia counties produce the sweetest, juiciest, most delicious peaches in the whole wide world. Argue if you like, but I will not change my opinion. I stopped at Taylor Orchards to grab a bag of peaches and some homemade peach ice cream. OK, I stopped for the ice cream and happened to pick up a bag of peaches. I should have gotten two bags. Ultimately, they ended up in a batch of peach butter. I did save one to enjoy just plain and simple. SO Delicious! 

I used the slow cooker like I did for the blueberry butter I made earlier this summer. Here is the recipe:

15 good size peaches

1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1 cup Sugar

1 cup Splenda Blend

1 cup Honey

Blanch and peel the peaches, cut peaches into smaller chunks. Fill slow cooker and set it on low. Add spices and sweeteners. Cover the slow cooker but keep the lid raised by placing a spoon on the rim. The cooking process takes form 6 to 12 hours. When it butter reaches the desired consistency then you are done. You can use a whisk, potato masher or hand-held blender to smooth out the butter. Process in a water bath and let cool. 

My house smelled great while this was cooking. Yankee Candle should make this into a candle scent. Everybody is getting butters and preserves for the holidays! Just need to work on my cute packaging. 

Happy Day!