Blossom's Wild Herb Lavender Farm

Within the next month we will be offering an easy to make Succulent Wreath, but for now, here are the fun instructions.
1.  Submerge wreath in water for an hour or until all air bubbles escape.
2.  Place wreath on waterproof table with hanger at 12 o'clock.
3.  At 12 o'clock stick pencil in wreath and with your thumb gently open wide enough to fit in Sempervivum plug, avoid breaking fishing wire.
4.  Gently place Sempervivum in whole.

5.  Repeat with another whole about 4 inch down creating a mini triangle with the sempervivums.
6.  Repeat the process  around 8 o'clock 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock.
7.  You are now ready to move on to the 9 Sedum's in Kit. Place sedums in between Sempervivums in a triangle format.
8 . You can add succulent cuttings at any time to fill in hole if you choose.
9.  Keep your wreath flat for about two weeks before hanging it. The succulents need this time so their little roots can anchored into the wreath.
10.  While it’s horizontal, use your wreath as a centerpiece or table decoration by the front door or on the patio – just be sure to keep it protected from rain.   Do not water until wreath is dry, you will surely rot the plants if too much affection is given.
*Putting a focal element off-center, at 5 or 7 o’clock, creates more visual interest.

Thank you for supporting our American FAMILY Farm!

Blessing, Gayle Zimmerman

Every year at Christmas my Mom would make potato candy for my father, his father was from Norway and his Mother was of Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. So I believe this is from my grandmothers side of the family. 

My son was doing a report at school and need to bring in a treat.  So with a little help from me he proceeded with caution and prepared his extra credit. He was quite pleasantly surprised at the results. My mom would also would use leftover mash potatoes when she had them. Enjoy!

1 medium boiled potato, chilled
*Do not cut in a bunch of chunks it will get watery
1/2 vanilla extract *My addition
1 or 2 boxes confectioners sugar
Creamy peanut butter 

Mash the cold potato with a fork on a bowl making sure you do not have any lumps or skin add vanilla extract and start adding powdered sugar. The mixture will be runny, so keep adding sugar till you get a doughy consistency. When dough is firm, roll out into a circle about ¼- to ½-inch thick. Spread with peanut butter,
leaving a ¼-inch edge. Roll up, jelly-roll style, Refridgerate for an hour (easier cutting) and slice into ½-inch slices, allow to air dry for an hour then package and store in the fidge.

And as always, thank you for supporting our family farm!

Gayle

Believe it or not after all the years of growing basil, I have never tasted pesto. I had planted about two 50 foot rows of basil plants and was planning to make basil vinegar for sale...... but since sales have been down, I decided not to waste anymore vinegar -- until I sell one bottle.

So with about two bushel of herb, I decided to make a small batch. I think I always shied away from pesto, due to the large amount of oil and nuts.

I cut this out of the local Chronicle Telegram based in Elyria Ohio, and uses less oil and nuts then other recipes I had researched.

2 solid cups basil leaves
2 clove garlic (I use 3 since I love garlic).
1/4 cup toasted walnuts
salt and pepper to taste
Whirl in food processor then add
about 6 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Enjoy!!!
Thank you for supporting an
AMERICAN FAMILY FARM!  Gayle

Ps. I will be posting pixs, I accidently deleted them.... Planning to make more for the freezer...

•  Allspice
•  Cinnamon sticks (after soaking cut with pruning shear)
•  Cardamom pods
•  Tonka beans
•  Star Anise
•  Clove buds

 I used dental floss and sharp needles to push through the softened spices.  You can buy nice necklace closures at a local craft store EVEN WALMART.

This smells wonderful.   I do sell bulk spices by the pound so you visit my website if you need a larger amount then you can buy at the local grocery.