Oct 27, 2015

Give me an A!

Give me a B!  So much easier to alphabetize than motificate.  But I will start the other bottom side this evening anyway.
 
Your recent comments have been so uplifting and so sweet and I thank you for that.   I replied to Kimi that if crabs had lips, they would certainly be smiling.  And I am!  So maybe the claws are loosening a bit.  Here's something else that made me smile.

I found more elderberries in the freezer and couldn't resist.  Such a unique flavor and brings back memories of the "old days".  It's hard to even find elderberry jelly anymore.  I guess because of the tedious cleaning process of those tiny little balls. 
 
To us, well worth the effort.  I have enough for one more pie and hopefully we will find some bushes along the roads next summer.  This is not the hard blue berry that is found on some brush.  They are very dark and shiny clusters.  Used for centuries as a folk remedy (respiratory illness and wounds), the juice was used to treat a flu epidemic (Panama) in 1995.
When making the pie, I took out my Tupperware bins that hold sugar and flour and once again they are tacky.  Seems this happens after decades of use but they are still the best for storage.  Since they are old enough to not have a recycle code, I do not want them in the trash.  So I found a method that works for me to remove that stickiness on the exterior.  Last time I did this was almost 10 years ago so the remedy lasts for some time.  Baking soda loaded onto a rag for a good scrub.  Dawn will clean it before or after the soda scrub but never removes the tacky feel for any length of time.  I have used this simple and inexpensive powder to remove the brown buildup on glass casserole dishes and also shine the crap out of chrome appliances.  My friend was downsizing and throwing away all her Pyrex because of that baked on brown, and I used a toothbrush, scrubby, and knife tip for seams, today they are like brand new.  Thank you Arm&Hammer.  Then I got the bug to clean the stainless pot/pan bottoms with Bar Keeper's Friend, and on to the flatware I went.  My arthritis needed Advil but everything shines.
 
I think I'll be able to handle a needle tonight while watching Jurassic World.  And finishing off the pie.  Usually I'm not careful and munch while stitching, but I won't take a chance with those dark berries.  Maybe I should kill off the pie now, just to get it out of the way.  Ya think?
 
Have a good one!
Thanks for visiting.
 
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15 comments:

Maggee said...

I used vinegar and baking soda to clean the oven and it sparkles! Just don't know what to use on my dining room table... hugs!

Anonymous said...

Better safe than sorry! Eat up!

Cricket-bug Corner said...

Pie looks wonderful -never tasted those berries! Great tips for cleaning!

Halland House Gifts said...

I am not very familiar with elderberries, but your's looked a lot like the pokeberries I am very familiar with. Of course, this immediately resulted in a research mission. I'm not sufficiently schooled on the similarities and differences. Very fun post. :-)

kelley said...

how I love elderberry jam...we used to have a large bush between our property and next door neighbors when I was growing up...as the youngest it was my job to pick the berries...that bush is long gone but the memories are sweet....

got rid of all the old Tupperware ages ago...who knows what chemicals it contains...love the Bar Keepers Helper too

Jacqueline said...

So glad that your mood is improving. I recommend pie first.

Ginny said...

Oh my gosh! I think we have elderberries growing at the edge of our woods! I was out there, cutting back some thorny vines, and ended up with my arms stained purple from another plant. Looking at your photo, well, I think they very well might be elderberries. I'll have to see if there are any leaves that the frost didn't touch, and/or find someone who can positively identify the plants for me. Enjoy your pie!!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Oh, that pie sounds so good!!!
Hugs :)
Lauren

Krissy B. said...

I have never tasted Elderberry pie but my mother spoke of it and loved it. My hubby picked 54 quarts of wild blueberries this year and I eat them for breakfast every morning, Had a long day at work and a not so fun evening so you my friend give me a smile & chuckle before bed. I hope you ate the pie first. Krissy B.

C M Designs said...

I remember my Grandmother making elderberry pies and jelly. Have never tasted them myself.
Always eat dessert first ! Your pie looks so yummy. By the way, Happy National Chocolate day !

You sound so much more "up" than you have in the past. I hope the "gray clouds" will blow over for you be gone for good.
Thanks for sharing the tips for cleaning. I know that baking soda is good for lots of things.
Thinking of you.
Charlotte in Va.

Three Sheep Studio said...

Marley, that pie looks amazing !!
Brings back memories of my Grandma and how she would make several pies at a time. I remember seeing them all lined up, cooling.
Rose

Vickie said...

Ha! I just had a huge slice of raspberry angel food cake for breakfast! :D

Karen said...

Yum...I love berry pies! I have never tried elderberry. Have seen it growing in the wild but didn't know it was edible! Learning something new is fun!

Primitive Stars said...

Yummy, look so good. Made a strawberry pie this afternoon. Blessings Francine....

village folk art said...

Ooooh YUM. We grow wild tumble weeds ... not good for anything.
My oven cleans itself when set for cleaning. Wish I could set a button to clean the house.
Love ya and thanks for the comment on my blog.

Peace to all,
Barb

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