More Photos by Rachel

Just a couple more photos from Elizabeth Morton Wildlife Refuge. Because they're pretty.

Onion Rings

Onion rings are popular around here, and really very easy to make. Plus they're just plain delicious! Mmmmm, fried food...

Ingredients:

a few large onions
1-2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of salt
2 eggs
vegetable oil
basic seasoning

Other things you'll need:

slotted spoon
2 bowls
large pot (we used a Dutch oven)

Begin by pouring vegetable oil into your pot (so that it's about 2-4 inches deep depending on how many rings you'll be making.) Heat on high for a few minutes, then medium. While the oil is heating:

Peel and cut your onions equatorially. Make sure each slice is between 1-2 centimeters thick; you're going to have to pull each layer apart. This way you'll get lots and lots of rings per onion you use.



After preparing the onions, put about 1 cup of flour (we just play it by ear!) and however much seasoning (salt, pepper, spices, etc) and sift thoroughly. In the other bowl, crack two eggs and mix until it is the same color all the way through.





By now your oil should be hot enough. If you want to test it, wet your hand and fling a drop or two of water into the pot. If it spits, it's definitely ready. (Watch out so you don't get burned.)

Dip an onion ring into the eggs first, coating completely. Then roll gently in the flour mixture and place carefully into the oil. You can do this with your hand if you're brave, or just place the ring on a slotted metal spoon. Repeat.



Cook the rings in the oil until the outer coating is golden-brown. The good thing about these is that the onions don't have to be cooked before eating, like potatoes or meat. Let your finished product sit and cool on folded paper towels until ready to serve. Enjoy!



photos credit to Rachel

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If you have the time, please check out my daughter's photography blog. :) Thanks!

The Red House And Beyond

Summer (so far)

Emma

(She had grass on her head, if you couldn't tell!)

Emma lost her tooth! + Another note to the Tooth Fairy

Yesterday morning, Emma lost her first tooth, much to my parents' dismay, I'm sure. She was very excited and promptly put it under her pillow in hopes that the Tooth Fairy would pay her a visit while she was sleeping.

Well, the Tooth Fairy was a bit lazy and didn't actually collect the tooth until after Emma had gotten out of bed. (oops!) But she did receive a dollar, so all is well....Or so we thought.

Then, Emma presented us with a picture she had drawn, and we were dumbfounded to tell the truth. Here it is:



In case you couldn't read it, she wrote: "Dear Tooth Fairy, I don't want money! I want my tooth!!!!! Thank you!" Complete with smiley faces and hearts. At the bottom, she illustrated a beautiful fairy, and her pet dog and cat.

Well, I explained to her that after the Tooth Fairy takes your tooth, you usually can't get it back. She was a little sad at this, but sprung right back into her typical cheerful mood when I reminded her that she still has plenty of teeth to lose, and next time she can keep the tooth if she likes.

A photo coming soon of Emma with the space in her teeth. (:

-Rachel

Ben takes fencing classes

He loves them! And he is so focused and determined...








Right now, it's only foil fencing. But who knows, maybe he'll move on to epee or saber one day, if he works hard and stays interested.

Vegetarian Chili

Add: beans and tomatoes,



Chili peppers,



Truffle oil,



Various spices like paprika and cumin,



Hominy (if you like it).



Chop up the peppers and some mushrooms, carrots, and onion,



Saute it a little,



Add the beans,



Stir in the tomatoes slowly at first,



Then a little faster.



Simmer over a medium flame for a long as you like, until the chili is warmed through. Enjoy!

Potato Chips

They were yummy!

This is why we keep our annoying cats...

It's all for moments like this.

Photoshoot