Saturday, September 22, 2012

Autumn's Bounty

I love Autumn and the only negative thing I have to say about my favorite season is, "Damn fruit flies!"  I hate the wretched things!  

While at the Farmers' Market this morning, one of my favorite vendors and I got to talking about all the wonderful fruit and veggies that are available at this time of year.  I told her that as soon as I get home and wash everything, the first thing I do is put everything into the refrigerator because of the fruit flies. 

Well, lo and behold, what did she show me?

A "Flies Demise" plant.



It evidently emits the same aroma as fresh fruit which attracts not only fruit flies but also regular house flies and wasps.  The insects fly into the opening at the top of each stem and get trapped inside by little "hairs" where they die.  

Gross, but interesting, huh?



Of course one had to come home with me because I H-A-T-E fruit flies!  

I'll keep you informed as to whether it works or not.



Even though we had a horribly hot and dry summer, our tomato plants just keep on producing.  We've given a slew away and it wasn't until I read this post on Candace's blog that I knew what I was going to do with some of our bumper crop...roasted tomato sauce.


I started as soon as I returned from our Farmers' Market this morning where I purchased some fresh and organically grown garlic and basil.  I was going to make the sauce yesterday but when I went to the supermarket to buy some garlic, the stuff that they were selling was from China!!! 

What the heck is up with that???  No way was I going to buy garlic from China when our local farmers grow it by the truckload!

Let me tell you folks, if you want the tastiest, freshest and E-A-S-I-E-S-T recipe for home made roasted tomato sauce, then read on.

First, I quartered the tomatoes and spread them out on a couple of pizza pans lined with parchment paper.  You can use cookie sheets but mine are in the freezer with blackberries on them.  And get this...no blanching to remove the skin or need to scoop out the seeds!  With this recipe you use the whole enchilada tomato!



Next, I added a bunch of garlic cloves and placed them here and there amongst the tomatoes, added some freshly ground black pepper and then drizzled olive oil over the top.

I then popped both trays into a heated 325 F oven and roasted the lot for two hours.  The aroma throughout the house was yum-a-licious!

While the tomatoes were roasting, I prepared 5 pint sized canning jars and did a little stitching at the kitchen table while Ollie kept me company.



Two hours later I took them out of the oven...



and allowed them to cool.

I added one tray at a time to my food processor along with a handful of fresh basil...



and pulsed the lot for about 15-20 seconds.



Mr. Painted Quilt and I shared what was left after filling five jars...and licked the spoon and bowl clean too!



I think some kind of pasta dish will be on the menu some time this week.

Thanks, Candace!  Not only did she send me the tomato seeds which I started indoors over the winter, but she also inspired me with this recipe which of course I'm going to call "Candace's Roasted Tomato Sauce".



This has been a real light bulb week for Ollie.

He now asks to go outside when he has to do his "thing" by whining at our back door.  Before we had to carry him in and out because he seemed to be afraid to cross over the threshold for some reason.  We decided to take him in and out using the leash on a couple of occasions and I think that's what made him realize that nothing was going to either bite or hurt him and now he does it by himself and without hesitation.

He and Frankie are becoming closer with each passing day.


Best buddies.
They share Ollie's bed every morning as we sip our coffee waiting for daybreak.





I think we need a larger bed, Mom!
Ollie will be four months old on the 6th of October and I can honestly say that the initial puppy stage has passed.  Yay!  He goes to the vet on Monday for his last set of puppy shots and the doggie beauty shop for the first time on Friday.



My Comfort & Joy flimsy (see last post) has arrived at my friend Alice's place in Ontario to be quilted and I don't know if I can contain my excitement while waiting to see what she does with it.  



While Ollie sitting, I've also been making progress on Red Brolly's The Wish quilt.  I've completed six stitcheries so far and am working on the seventh.







And guess who fell asleep while keeping me company as I was stitching?


Shhhhh.  Baby sleeping.
On a personal note, I go for my second follow up CT scan on Wednesday.  

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.


84 comments:

tink's mom said...

What a pair they are. So cute and yes in need of a bigger bed. Will keep you in my prayers this week. Almost forgot, the quilt top is wonderful.

Ginette said...

I can't wait to see what mom quilts on your comfort and joy quilt either!! You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers... sending good vibes and hugs your way.

WoolenSails said...

You have been busy and I think Ollie says it all, lol.
Thoughts and prayers will be coming your way for good results.

Debbie

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I am so anxious to hear if your fruit fly remedy works Kaaren!!! I dispise those annoying little pests. What nummy looking tomato sauce - I may need to try some. And your Wishes embroidery is so beautiful!!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

P.S. Healthy thoughts and prayers.

Ranch Wife said...

How cute are those two?! Putting in my two cents for a bigger bed too, although I'm betting they'll still be curled up close. Your roasted tomatoes look wonderful - I'll have to wait until next year because our tomatoes were pitiful this year. Your redwork blocks are so pretty and sending extra prayers for a stellar report on Monday!

Sheila said...

The tomato sauce looks so yummy, did you process this in a water bath after the roasting? The quilt is gorgeous and so are the stitcheries. I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Gra said...

What a great post and beautiful pictures!! I am sending my very best and positive thoughts to you.

Angie said...

Those roasted tomatoes/sauce sound sooooo yummy!! These pictures of Ollie and the kitty are just adorable. He really is the CUTEST little thing. :) I love your Comfort and Joy quilt!! Sending hugs and prayers for your dr.s appt.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Keeping good thoughts for you! Great pet photos...how cute is that.

Darlene D said...

Well that is an interesting plant! Can't wait to hear your opinion of how it works! Please keep us posted. That tomato sauce looks yummy! I think I will try that one!

Joy said...

Ooooh that sauce looks delish Kaaren!! Might try that when the price comes down here - tomatoes are SO expensive at the moment, and we don't have a veggie patch.
Good luck with your scan ... praying that all goes well for you.
Hugs,
Joy :o)
PS ... just love the Ollie and Frankie pics, those two are just adorable ;o)!!

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Hoping for good results!! Our little Weslie Westie always shared a bed with our Roxy Rat Terrier, they were sisters of another kind!

Joan said...

I enjoyed your post and love the pictures. Ollie and Frankie are very cute. You are making great progress on your stitcheries. Lovely! I am only on the fourth one. I'll be sending positive thoughts and prayers your way on Wednesday. Take care! X0

Darlene D said...

PS I'll be praying for a clear scan and peace in your heart!

Trish said...

Can't wait to hear if the plant works.. Can't get enough photos of Ollie. Love the photos with the Frankie! Wishing you nothing but great results with the CT. Enjoy your sauce. It looks yummie!

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

Oh its a variety of carniverous pitcher plant. We have pitcher plants and venus fly traps growing wild in the boggy areas of NC. I continue to pray for you.

Dianne Mitzel said...

Good luck on your CT. As a cancer survivor, I know that waiting period is so hard. Your baby is adorable, I have followed your blog, and know how much you love your pets. Our little Boston has nasal cancer. We gave her radiation, and she is fine now, but showing signs of the tumor growing. Now, I can't imagine ever having another dog. But, seeing how you have been blessed with such an angel, makes me wonder if someday we will..they are truly little gifts from God..

Darlene said...

Your roasted tomato sause looks delish. Yum!

I'm so happy to hear that Mr Ollie is learning and doing like a Big Boy. :-)

You know I will have you in my thoughts and prayers - always!!!

Mary said...

I think I need one of those plants too. Thanks for sharing the Roasted Tomato sauce tip. I just picked a bunch of them today. Last time I tried to roast some I forgot to put anything under them. The parchment paper sounds like a great idea. You will be in my Prayers!

Me and My Stitches said...

Awww...Ollie and Frankie are so sweet! I love that they are buddies already. The tomato sauce looks so great, but our tomatoes were real duds this year. They didn't seem to like the heat. Hugs and prayers and nothing but positive thoughts to you for next week!

Donna~~ said...

Will have to give your (Candice's) tomato sauce recipe a try--it looks good! I am amazed at all the lovely things you accomplish--no wonder poor Ollie fell asleep! So cute that he and Frankie share the same bed. You will be in my thoughts and prayers on Weds--if not before! :)

Unknown said...

I so love your blog. I have followed since just before your move. I have shed tears and laughed and smiled a lot and been inspired by your life as well as your talents! I so enjoy hearing about Ollie and Frankie. My best to you, Kaaren and to Mr. Painted Quilt, too!

Lesley said...

Will certainly have you in my thoughts when you go for your follow up CT scan! Love your stitcheries... just so sweet and perfectly stitched! Ollie and Frankie sure look content together...a very comforting household, I'd say! The tomato sauce looks yummy, and I sure hope that plant works! Loved your post...thanks for sharing!

Sandy said...

Prayers for a good outcome on your CT Scan! Ollie is sooo cute...what a joy for you and hubby. You have accomplished a lot of stitching...even with the doggie sitting.

Kris said...

Where to start?? First - GREAT post!!! You are definitely in my prayers!!! When we were kids we called that plant a Venus Fly Trap and they worked back in the day, but they are gross!! Just put it someplace where you don't have to look!! LOL!! Oh, my heck, that Ollie is getting cuter and cuter every day!! And the two sleeping together - priceless!! Sauce sounds yummie and I love your Wish blocks!! Can't wait to see your Comfort and Joy finished!! Did I get to everything?? Whew!! xoxoxox

Susannah said...

Oh, that little Ollie is the most darling little dog I have ever seen! It is amazing how Frankie and Ollie get along. So cute!

Your quilt is gorgeous...really spectacular!

Yes, absolutely...you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Be strong.

Barbara said...

I just got home from visiting my parents who had a fruit fly problem. My cousin set out a glass with some apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish washing soap. Within a day and a half the bottom of the glass was covered with drowned fruit flies. It was amazing!

Now, if only she had a solution to keep the spiders out of the bathtub.

gracie said...

Oh the tomato sauce sounds delicious. Frankie and Ollie are so adorable together. Karen, we will keep you in our thoughts....

Kathryn said...

What a nice update. Good food, good pets, and I hope good health. I love that your cat and dog can share a bed. Best wishes for this week's test. Kathie L in Allentown

Betsy said...

I have some extra tomatoes as well. Will give this recipe a try, sounds wonderful! Definitely will say a prayer for Wed.

Carrie P. said...

I just posted some tomatoes on my blog too. I roasted them like Candace.
Your quilt is so pretty.
The photo of the two friends is adorable.
Pray all is well when you have your check up.

Chris said...

You sure pack a lot into one post, Kaaren lol. I absolutely adore Frankie and Ollie. Please keep showing them as they grow up together.
I'm curious to know if your tomato sauce is thick after it's cooked for a meal. Certainly will be in my pantry next year. Our second planting season will be starting in another month.
Nice work with Bronwyn's patterns. I've just begun to trace them.
Will be keeping you in my thoughts for later this week.

Janet said...

Ollie and Frankie are best buddies - they are so cute together! How sweet of Ollie to stay close by when you are stitching. Thanks for sharing the great roasted tomato recipe. I get warn out thinking of all the things you do; however, with the cool weather coming I'm starting to get an urge to be more quilt creative than yard gardening. Take care; I wish you the best and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

ann said...

Ollie is growing So cute he is. I will say a special for you Blessing your ct scan

Pam in IL said...

The tomatoes look scrumptious! Do you have to process them in a hot water bath to preserve the tomatoes?

Love the pics of the two sharing the bed - just so cute.

Your stitching is coming along great too.

Thoughts and prayers for you as well.

sandi s said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

sunny said...

Kaaren, you will be in my prayers! So glad that Ollie and Frankie have become best buds. That sauce sounds fabulous. Do you think it could be frozen instead of canned?

Bev said...

Golly little Ollie is cute! I can't wait to see what he looks like after his day at the spa! You'll do great with the cat scan but you are on my prayer list anyway..we could all use that! Your quilt is gorgeous...as usual! Have a great rest of the weekend! Cheery wave from Bev

mary mahoo said...

You'll be in my thoughts & prayers Kaaren. The waiting is so hard. I need one of those plants!

Lilian Pilar said...

Hola Kaaren!!!!
estarás en mis oraciones....
me encanta ver a tu perrito allí acompañando junto a tu gatito.... ya son mas amigos y eso es estupendo.

Un Gran abrazo, tus trabajos una maravilla

Besos Lily

Lilian Pilar said...

....Me olvidaba una salsa mmmm deliciosa....

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

WOW! You have been one busy person, can you send me some of your energy?

The quilt is beautiful, stitcheries awesome, I can almost smell roasted tomatoes here and Ollie is over the top!

Prayers for CT scan

Anonymous said...

First and foremost....fingers and toes crossed....hugs!

It's fun to see what you've been working on while Ollie sleeps. I want your pets! They are just too cute and if they were mine it's doubtful much of anything would get finished.

barcord said...

Hi Kaaren. I will be praying for you especially this week. Check-up scans can be a bit scary. The tomato sauce .....well, I can almost smell it. Will give it a try. Ollie and Frankie look very cute as they cuddle together. Its great that they became good friends. To finish, remember, the words of the Lord Jesus.
John 14:27....Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. Blessings, B xx

Siobhán said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you this week!

LOVELY stuff you've been working on! My mouth is watering at the tomatoes--I love anything tomato! I hope the fruit fly remedy works. We used to get them a lot in the US, not so much here, but some of my neighbors get them more than we do. ? I'm not sure why but I won't question it! LOL I used to have to hang up those fruit fly strips which were always gross but seemed to be the only thing that worked.

LOVE the pics of Ollie & Frankie together--so sweet!

JudyCinNC said...

A bountiful posting - and so rich in flavor and pleasant things to feast upon. Healthy and prayful thoughts coming your way. What floss are you using for the Wish stitchery? It looks varigated and I love the way it is stitching up. Ollie must have a new bed big enough to hold Frankie afterall. Judy C sends hugs

Anneke said...

Love all you're showing and writing about :-)

Good luck next Wednesday!

moosecraft said...

Little Ollie is growing pretty quick! I do think he and Frankie need a bigger bed! lol! Love all the stitcheries and the sauce sounds amazing! Prayers for a clean CT scan!

Needled Mom said...

I will be keeping you in my prayers, Kaaren.

The tomato sauce sounds delicious. It is a great use of those adundant tomatoes.

Loved seeing the pictures of the two little ones together. So cute!! I am glad the puppy stage seems to be over. Whew.

SueB said...

That sauce sounds yummy, wishing you the best on Wedensday. What a pair that you have in Ollie and Frankie. Ollie sure has grown .

Maxine said...

I love seeing dogs and cats getting along with each other. Wow, you are a busy lady. I must try making the tomato sauce. How long will it keep in prepared jars? Freezer space is rather limited at my house. My prayers are always with you.

Heartsdesire said...

Boy do I need one of those fruit fly plants. They're so tiny, and I never know where I'm going to find them (my glass of wine). How sweet that Frankie and Ollie are getting along so well. It's really heart warming to see them together in one bed. Great sauce recipe, and so easy. I'm going to try it this week. Prayers and fingers crossed for excellent results on Wednesday.

Candace said...

OMG - we need to get one of those plants, Kaaren! Talk about "organic" pest control ;>) I'm so glad you like the tomato sauce (and the tomatoes!) - I just want to make more and more! Little Ollie is just too cute for words and I love how close he and Frankie have gotten. Can't wait to see your quilt all finished!
Cheers!

khoeppner said...

I love reading your blog, Kaaren. We have an Ollie as well, but ours is a big fat kitty and we love him dearly. He is our emmpty nest kitty. Prayers are on the way for your CT scan, hope everything is O.K. I love your quilt, can't wait to see it done.

Kakers said...

Wow! You sure are productive! Makes me feel lazy using canned tomato sauce and paste for my pizza sauce. ~Katy

Teresa F. said...

You sure have been busy. Your roasted tomatoes look wonderful. It a shame internet doesn't have smell sensors.
I love your quilt top and the embroidery is really fabulous.
Ollie never ceases to amaze me. Who would say that he and Frankie would be so close friends, they do need a bigger bed though.
I'm keeping you in my prayers. Positive thinking!
Hugs,
Teresa

Anne-Marie said...

I read your post on Saturday....went away and made your tomato recipe...it's now Sunday, and my-oh-my....tomato sauce heaven! Thanks so much...this will be a favourite in this little corner of England...haaa!
All your projects are comin' along so well....beautifully done!
Ollie is growin' like a weed....sweeeet!
I got my "all clear" from my breast cancer this week....you, my lady, are definitely in my prayers....have faith!

MoeWest said...

Thanks for the recipe, it sounds amazing. What I use for fruit flies is a small glass with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. It works for me. I loved the cute Frankie and Ollie pictures. Ollie is getting so big! Your stitcheries for The Wish quilt look lovely. Best of luck on Wednesday.

Unknown said...

Ollie is growing so fast and cuter each day.

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Your pictures of those beautiful little fur faces sharing a bed are just too cute for words!
My friend used to breed birds. Her solution to fruit flies is to pour fruity wine in a shallow dish or plate and add a couple drops of dish detergent. Place the dish near where the flies are. They are drawn to the fruity wine but end up drowning in it because the soap changes the surface tension of the wine and the bugs fall in when they try to land on the surface to drink. Her story anyways! It works well!
Good luck on Wednesday! It will be clear.

Marie said...

Love all your beautiful work and Ollie is growing so fast! Prayers are coming your way. Hugs, Marie

Kathy MacKie said...

Prayers and hugs for sure. Always lick the spoon!

Dee said...

Good luck with the scan.
Tomatoes down under are so expensive, locally they are $10 + a kilo and I have heard of them selling for $13+. It is the start of spring so one would expect the prices to drop a little. It will be many months before ours produce enough to make that sauce with my garlic and basil.

Steven said...

The recipe sounds delicious. Wish we'd had better weather in Alaska this summer. Nearly no tomatoes. Frankie and Ollie can come visit anytime. Will send every single warm and positive vibe and thought on Wednesday.

Michelle in NH said...

Kaaren, Franky & Ollie's antics are so much fun to follow. My mother's answer to fruit flies was to rinse ALL fruit & vegetable briefly with hot tap water: NO FRUIT FLIES! You're in my thoughts & prayers.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Oh Kaaren, I just love visiting with you. That Ollie and Frankie sharing snuggled together made me smile. Love your porjects too. I'll send positive thoughts your way this week. Hugs!

Libby said...

Thanks for the roasted tomatoe sauce recipe ~ am going to try it. Just love little Ollie. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for good results.

Karin på Ösäter said...

Ollie is so so cute!!
You are often in my thoughts and I keep my fingers crossed that you don´t need more visits to the doctor.

Hugs from Sweden in autumn colour

Karin på Ösäter
http://karinpaosater.blogg.se/

Ter'e said...

So much to comment on!!!!
I could almost smell that roasted tomato and basil. MMMM YUM.
I hate fruit flies, but I HATE ants worse!!!!!!
Ollie is just so precious. I can't believe how big he is getting. He's rapidly catching up with Charley. So so darling. I wish I could kiss his little nose!!!!!
As for Wednesday.......you are always in my prayers. My heart and my mind is thinking nothing but good thoughts for you. But then, you know that.
You are my little love..........

Ter'e said...

What???? Another message you say?????

I have never tasted rubarb pie! I have never tasted ruhbarb anything. Can you help a girl along and tell us just how you make your FAMOUS RUHBARB PIE????? You cook - we'll watch and lust!

TY!!!!!!!!!!

Phyllis said...

Hello. I too live in Nova Scotia on the southwestern shore. However, our daughter and her husband live in Coldbrook. We were visiting this summer and I had my husband stop at the Wednesday Farmers' Market just in case you were there with Ollie. Didn't see you but the vegetables were fantastic. I really enjoy your blog. My husband was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma four years ago. We were back to Halifax for his bi-annual checkup and gratefully no return as yet. Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma returns - the nature of the beast - but we are happy for the reprieve. I will most certainly be praying for the best of results for you.
I can't imagine Ollie needing any improvement at a salon. He looks great.
Please continue with your blog. I look forward to it.

Phyllis said...

Hello. I too live in Nova Scotia on the southwestern shore. However, our daughter and her husband live in Coldbrook. We were visiting this summer and I had my husband stop at the Wednesday Farmers' Market just in case you were there with Ollie. Didn't see you but the vegetables were fantastic. I really enjoy your blog. My husband was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma four years ago. We were back to Halifax for his bi-annual checkup and gratefully no return as yet. Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma returns - the nature of the beast - but we are happy for the reprieve. I will most certainly be praying for the best of results for you.
I can't imagine Ollie needing any improvement at a salon. He looks great.
Please continue with your blog. I look forward to it.

Sandra Henderson said...

Keeping you in my prayers Kaaren.
I love the photos. So sweet how they animals love each other. Do you have any eggs yet? They are so cute and teeny, tiny at first from the pullets. When it gets cold, you can put a light out there and it helps them to stay warm. THat is what we did. A big light bulb.
I love that plant. Looks so neat. Almost like an orchid. Sorry to be behind in comments, but I really enjoy your blog and think of you... XO

Denise in PA said...

The photos of Ollie and Frankie together are so adorable! Looking forward to seeing Ollie after his first haircut! I'm sending prayers for your scan. Hugs

edyB said...

First of all ~ good thoughts sent your way for the CT scan tomorrow!
Loved this post ~ sweet critters, yummy tomatoes, love the flimsy, good luck with the fruit flies (so pesky) and keep stitching on the Wish Quilt. I'm following along and saving the patterns for future stitching.
Hugs!

suz said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers on Wednesday. Thanks for sharing the roasted tomato sauce - sounds yummy! Love the photos of Ollie and Frankie - it's so great they are getting along so well.

Karen L. said...

Great post; great tomato recipe; great dog and cat friendship; great potty training; great quilt (love it); great redwork blocks. But most importantly, may you have a great report back from your doctor visit. Lots of prayers coming your way and all fingers and toes crossed for a clean bill of health for you.

Linda said...

Kaaren never mind those damn flies ,DAMN that you have to go through more scans....I'm always thinking about you and your ups and downs. Ollie is too cute and so is Frankie. Max takes over fergus bed most of the time and remember he is the lab.

Gmama Jane said...

Praying for a clean CT scan!!
Blessings
Gmama jane

Maria said...

Ollie and Frankie look very happy together..
What a great way to use your tomatoes Kaaren.
Your Red Brolly stitcheries are lovely..
Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

annie said...

the sauce sounds wonderful, love your stitching & little Ollie! Will continue to pray for your health! blessings!!

roccagal said...

the quilt is lovely and so are the pets-Ollie and Frankie are such a darling pair!
I will say a few extra prayers for you my friend!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I'm playing catch-up from my trip to Texas. I wish I had Candace's recipe while my tomatoes were in full production. It's the end of the season here. Great plant. Sort of like a Venus Fly Trap. I used to had one many long years ago. Ollie is way too cute. Wishing you all best and am thinking good thoughts for you.