Sewer Line....

We have been having problems with our sewer line since we moved into this house in June 2012.  It was time to take care of the problem because it was getting clogged a lot.  It's no fun when you can't use water in your house.  The dishes and clothes pile up.

Maple Oat Nut Scone....

From Pioneer Women's Cookbook

Ingredients

•  SCONES
• 2-3/4 cups All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Regular Oats, Ground In A Food Processor Or Blender
• 1/3 cup Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 2 sticks (1 Cup) Cold Butter, Cut Into Cubes
• 1/2 cup Pecans, Finely Chopped
• 3/4 cups Heavy Cream (more If Needed)
• 1 whole Egg
• 1 teaspoon Maple Extract
•  Icing
• 5 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Whole Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Strong Coffee
• 2 teaspoons Maple Extract

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine flour, ground oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
Add butter pieces and use a pastry cutter to work the butter and dry ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Whisk together the cream, egg, and 1 teaspoon maple extract. Pour into flour mixture, stirring gently, until it all comes together. (Mixture will not come together in one cohesive ball; it should be in a few large clumps with some crumbs in the bowl.) If it is overly crumbly and will not come together at all, add a couple of tablespoons of extra cream and work it in.

Turn the dough out onto a cutting board or floured surface and use your hands to press into a 6-to-8-inch circle about 3/4 inch thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges (or you can cut into smaller wedges to get more.) Transfer to a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment and bake for 20-24 minutes, or until poufy and set and just barely golden. (Shouldn't have much color on them at all.) Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Combine all the icing ingredients. Make sure it's thick but still pourable. Drizzle a very generous amount on each one, then sprinkle on a few more chopped pecans. Allow the icing to set completely, then serve.

(Scones will keep nice and fresh for days in a plastic zipper bag.)

Making applesauce 
I was able to borrow this kitchen Aid Mixer and use the fruit strainer attachment.  It works like a dream. I am now hooked and really want a Kitchen Aid Mixer. We used it to mix up meat balls earlier this week and Anna and I thought it was the best. Thanks Grandma Kara Kostman for letting us borrow it. I think when I am done canning today I will have 20 quarts of applesauce:)

The Kids Loving There Dogs.....

We just love your beagles.  We are a dog loving family and the kids fight or are sad if they don't sleep with them.  The dogs also always fine the blankets to snuggle on.  These are pictures that the kids too of one another.  Practicing there picture taking skills:)

Canning Tomatoes.....
This year my garden has been booming with lots of tomatoes.  I have been picking and picking and canning a lot.  Noah like to help me pick tomatoes.  I am so glad he like to help because I need the help.