November Comfort Foods

Here in Nebraska we get to enjoy all the sweaty humid bone-melting heat of a deep South summer, and winters not unlike those of our Canuck neighbors to the north, and if we're very very lucky, some nice weather come springs and autumns. It rarely is moderate, either blowing a gale or still; basements flooding, or a drought; AC on to bring it down to 80 in the house, or furnaces blazing away.

It is now beginning to get chilly and that means comfort food, Nebraska style. When our kids were in the local parochial school system, they'd come home several times a year saying they'd had "chili and cinnamon rolls", not a combination I would have ever thought of for sure. To me a cinnamon roll is Sunday brunch or maybe Saturday special breakfast treat, but in my PNW-raised world, it was confined rather rigidly to the breakfast menu. Just about everyone I know who went to school (public or parocial) in Nebraska says the same thing. The meal of chili and cinnamon rolls isn't just something we all have because we like it. It's also a reminder of childhood and simpler times. It is comfort food!

Swoof's Chili

1 eye of round roast (any cut will do, longer cooking negates the need for a tender piece of meat from the start) -

cut into small cubes

1 large onion - chopped

2 yellow chili peppers - diced

2 fresno peppers - diced

1 large bell pepper - diced

2 tbsp cumin

4 cloves garlic - minced

2 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp salt

1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce - chopped

1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

2 large cans of diced tomatoes

1/2 bottle of good beer, preferably brown ale or a decent lager like Sam Adams

Saute all peppers and onions over medium heat in a little oil while browning the beef in a separate pan. Add beef, chipotle peppers and sauce, beer and tomatoes to pepper and onions and add seasonings. Bring to boil and then simmer for awhile. Put it all in a crockpot and cook it as long as you'd like. The beef gets more tender the longer you cook it. You may add a can of pinto or kidney beans if you wish. (Beans optional.)

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Apparently the Miller & Paines cinnamon roll recipe is still a secret, so here's a little touch of why finding it would be a good thing.

And, from Moms Who Think, 2 great cinnamon roll recipes, ready to go!

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Freezing!

It is -11 F here in lovely Lincoln, Nebraska this morning. That's a bit on the chilly side. Hope you are warm, wherever you are.

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Peregrine Falcons Nesting On Nebraska Capitol Again

I have posted with great interest the story of the red-tailed hawk soaring over the US Capitol during the inauguration of President Barack Obama, and explored the symbolism and meaning thereof in this post from January of this year.

My own adopted state of Nebraska, where my family has lived since 1984, has a pair of peregrine falcons nesting and raising a brood on top of the state capital! Not only that, but there is a webcam where you can watch the little buggers hatch and grow up. They are now 21 days old and look like round fuzzy footballs with raptor eyes and talons.

In Nordic tradition, the Falcon represents the huntsman and is associated with the Germanic sky-gods Wodan as well as Frigg and the trickster Loki. In European culture the Falcon is considered a war symbol. The Japanese Ainu thought that it was a helper of humanity. The ancient Egyptians saw them as representations of gods. They were spirit messengers to the Native American Cree, guardian spirits to the Inca, and a symbol of someone on a quest to medieval Europeans.

Essentially, the Falcon represents visionary power, wisdom, and guardianship. This powerful bird awakens visionary power, and leads to one's life purpose. The Falcon carries with it a message of transition and change.

The fact that this Peregrine chose to show itself is a powerful message to Nebraskans. This is a call for us to pay attention to mission, function, actions.
The fact that they repeatedly nest on our Capitol building is a call to live up to a clear vision of the highest possible manifestation of democracy.
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A Big Thank You

Thank you to our Nebraska Congressional Representatives, Adrian Smith, Jeff Fortenberry and Lee Terry, all of whom voted NO on the nefarious "bailout" plan yesterday. It was good to see liberals and conservatives uniting for the good of the country.

Thanks to all the Reps who voted as the people wanted. Pols were running 300 to one against the "bailout". Steel yourselves, folks, I'm sure there are smooth-talkers coming to twist your arms while in recess for Rosh Hashanah.

Mellencamp's classic heartland rock Rain On the Scarecrow. Apropos.

Tuesday

Footbridge on UNL East Campus, near our home

It's a quiet grey day here in Nebraska, and my hubby is off work, our youngest daughter isn't off to her new school yet, and our grandaughter is here just for the day. What a joy it is to have family peacefully busy together! We just got through with an hour or so of beading, making earrings, bookmarks and a bracelet. What fun. Even the two year old was able to help, and she loved it.

God is good.

Nebraska

My beloved adopted home, Nebraska. Video by Lisa Hannah.
Enjoy!!

Agreed: Cede to Feed on Weeds

One of the reasons I have grown to love my adopted state of Nebraska is Roger Welsch. Written when the author was running for local office (County Weed Control Commissioner) here in SE Nebraska on a pro-weed ticket, this is a unique little book. No more herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizer, no more sweaty lawn care... just put some oil and vinegar dressing on that pesky lawn and open it to the neighbors as an all-you-can-eat salad bar! WEED 'EM AND REAP is a light-hearted but informative introduction to the free bounty of wild foods in lawns and woods, prairies and pastures. Even if you have no intentions of brewing up a crock of dandelion wine or tossing a salad of sour dock and purslane, you will enjoy reading Roger Welsch's adventures in the wild world of weedery. We're betting it won't be long before you will be watching roadsides and byways for your own treasure trove of blackberries, morel mushrooms, wild asparagus, or elderberries

Follow Roger as he gathers and prepares wild fare, and soon you, too, will be able to amaze your friends & family by serving up a salad, stew, vegetable, drink, or dessert made from ingredients found within shouting distance of your camp or from the back alleys of your suburb. This fun yet practical guide teaches more about morels, cattails, and smut (the edible fungus kind) than you ever thought possible. There's also information on making wines, jams, and jellies, and even gathering and enjoying acorns the Native American way.