"The alcohol will kill it."

Last year's harvest became Apricot Brandy and Apple Brandy

Last year I blogged about our first attempt at apple brandy.  Sunday I had a scratchy throat, so Chris offered me some of his completed apple brandy, telling me the alcohol would kill whatever was ailing me.  I must say, it is good.  We tried it after the recommended amount of time (included in the instructions in the original post), and were disappointed with the flavor.  But, time and patience have paid off, and it's mighty tasty now.  Tasty, but not healing, a 101.7 degree temperature arrived the next day.  Oh well, we'll just enjoy the brandy, healthy or not!

Building Family Connections - The local foods way!

Our little family, shucking peas together.

Previously I've written that local eating builds community.  It also builds family.  While Chris was on vacation early this summer we harvested peas for dinner.  Then we spent time together as a family, with baby Clara, shucking the peas.  I have fond memories of sharing this same activity with my grandmother at her kitchen table while I was growing up.  A task some see as tedious, but one she enjoyed.  Together we'd sit and talk and unintentionally build our relationship, one that caused me to name our daughter after her.  No TV, not even the radio, just our own voices for entertainment.

It's about time to plant a fall garden, which will hopefully survive better than our summer garden, considering the days shouldn't continually be in the 100's.  Use this excellent planting guide to know when and what to plant for fall harvest, and then share the harvest with your family (they don't have to be blood, or live with you, to be considered family!)

A Beautiful New Local Producer Category!

Fresh flowers from Chisholm Creek Flowers.

This blog and website are about loving local food, and since some flowers are edible, I'm adding a new category to the Wichita Area Local Producers List - Flowers!  I took this beautiful picture at the Old Town Farmers' Market, and told the grower that I am sure he has the most beautiful farm around.  Can you imagine, a flower farm?  

While flowers are edible, the ones that aren't are also a great way to build into our local economy, just as local food purchases do.  You can ask what types of growing aids were used (chemicals) if you're interested, and know the history of the flower.  Try doing that at your local floral department.  Here's to sharing birthday's, anniversaries, mother's day, valentine's day and many other special days with locally grown beauties!

And remember...the Wichita Area Local Producers List is a community created list.  If you know of other local flower producers, let me know and I'll add their contact info to the list.