Home made "Solar Oven"

Solar Oven by Jadence Welte

A Solar Oven is something you cook in using the sun's power. I first saw a Solar Oven at the Homestead Expo last August held in Marshfield, MO. It was an interesting item and an interesting idea. So, a few days later, after we were home, my siblings and me decided to make our own. Malex, Matthan, Mirren and I gathered material. We collected a cardboard box, plastic wrap, and foil covered cardboard that was reflective. We also gathered marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. We assembled the "oven" with the foil facing up to reflect the sun and the plastic wrap over it to keep in the heat. It worked! We were able to melt the marshmallow and chocolate enough to get S'mores to enjoy.

The end...until the next adventure!😉
 

Emily Dickinson

                                                                  

Emily Dickinson

By

Matyus Welte

For school I was assigned to write about Emily Dickinson, which I find very difficult to do because I don’t like her work or much that I have read or heard about her character. I personally find it interesting that a lot of the well known poets were, in their own time at least, considered insane. Emily, much similarly, was considered different in her time, being a recluse that didn’t emerge from her room as an adult. Emily locked herself in her room and refused to see anyone. Her sister discovered her poems after Emily’s death and pursued having them published. Despite Emily’s peculiarities, she wrote words that in today’s society are considered “beautiful” or “fascinating”.

If you want to read about Emily Dickinson or read some of her poems to form your own opinion look for these books at your local library. 

“Becoming Emily: The Life of Emily Dickinson” by Krystyna Poray Goddu

“On Wings of Words: The extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson” by Jennifer Berne

“Emily Dickinson” by S.L. Berry

“Poetry for Young People Emily Dickinson” by Frances Schoonmaker

BEST HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP EVER!!!!

We traded jalapeno peppers to a friend for several pounds of her rare heritage tomatoes. There were all kinds of varieties. Brandy Wine, black truffles, green zebra and I don't even know what else! Our family is very fond of tomato soup and I thought it would be nice to can some homemade soup for the long winter months when the taste of summer would be a distant memory. 

I happened up on this "Fresh Tomato Roasted Garden soup" and decided to try it. It was so good, 

I dream of it! 

First step is to wash about 10lbs of tomatoes, cut out stem and slice in half. Put them in a large Dutch oven or stainless steel bowl. Quarter two large onions and add to the bowl. Chop two to three garlic cloves and add them to the bowl. Add 2 tablespoons salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, one cup of torn fresh basil and parsley. Swirl in two to three tablespoons of olive oil before placing in 400 degree preheated oven and roasting for 45 minutes. After removing from the oven, I ran the roasted veggies through my food processor to break into little chunks. In a large stock pot I put two store bought cans of tomato paste and two large (28 oz) cans of pureed tomatoes. I added my chunks to the pan and cooked on low for 15 to 20 minutes. If eating fresh, add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of cream, as well as, 2 teaspoons of stevia (or sugar). Stir well and serve. 

If canning do not add milk and sweetener until you heat it up later. Wash quart jars well in hot water and soap. Fill jars with hot soup until 1/2 inches head space. Place flat on on jar that has been boiled in hot water for 5 minutes and tighten ring to finger tight. Place filled jars in a water canner and process with 1 inch of water over the top of jars for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool, check lids for seal before placing in pantry.