These were taken from the porch on the east side of the house, like yesterday's rainy shots.
Yesterday was a busy morning. I milked as usual. Brought the tomatoes down from the barn that were ripening and canned them, just 3 pints. I also rendered a package of the ground fat from the hogs we ordered. It goes so fast on top of the range that I can't imagine doing it all day in a crock pot.
I got a little over half a coffee can. The partial jar is what was left after I re-rendered the cracklings. I kept it separate because it will have a slightly stronger taste than the first rendering.
While the fat was rendering, I made a pumpkin pie from Long Island Cheese pumpkin that I canned two years ago. I wanted to try a nutrient dense pie so I added an extra egg and 1/2 cup of heavy cream (thank you, Willow). I used the recipe in my favorite new cook book Joy of Cooking. I like the blend of spices and the combination of brown and white sugar. I had the pie crust in the freezer so it was easy to do.
The reason I was looking for more calories is my FIL has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and begins radiation this Wednesday. After a few treatments, his esophagus may be very tender and the food will have to be mild and probably soft.
I will make them one today or tomorrow and we will take it in to them. The doctor cautioned him to keep eating and not just skip because of discomfort. I am thinking egg custards, puddings, etc. but we will just see how things develop.
The new mixer didn't come yesterday; supposed to be here today. I need to make bread but want to wait and do it with the new mixer. I read somewhere bread is softer made by hand..........drat! I hope they are wrong. People selling the mixers sure don't say that.
