Country Girl In the Making

This summer I have really been learning alot about canning food. On a recent trip to my sister-in-laws house my mother-in-law and I helped her work up her corn while she took care of my beautiful new niece. I learned how to make and can creamed corn and whole kernel corn. We worked up about three bushels of corn that day. It was so good I thought I would share how they make it and put it in the freezer.

Freezer Creamed Corn
1. Wash and desilk corn.

2. Use a sharp knife to cut the very tips of the kernels off the cob.

3. Once you have done this go back over the cob with the knife to "milk" or scrape of the remaining corn close to the cob. Be prepared...there will be corn on the ceiling after this step if your anything like me.

4. Once you have a large bowl of corn microwave the corn for 5 minutes and then stir. Repeat this step three more times, stirring after each 5 minute stint in the microwave. Now all you have to do is let it cool. For a looooong time! Even when you think it's cool, stir the corn because their will be pockets of warm spots in the corn and it needs to be cool to the touch throughout or it will sour when you put it in the freezer.

5. Once you have let the corn cool place about two and a half cups of corn in a quart size freezer bag and place in the freezer.

When you are ready to eat your corn all you will need to add is a touch of salt and pepper. The corn comes out so buttery and creamy there is no need for butter unless your really feeling sinful!

If you are going to make whole kernel corn blanch the cobs in boiling water 3 to four minutes and then let them cool enough to handle. Then you just take your corn and cut close to the cob the first time and do not scrape the cob.

While we were there my sister-in-law made the best blueberry jam. I tell you I am blessed to know so many talented women. I love how I have learned so much about sewing and farming this summer. They are good skills to know.

Between Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, my mama's sewing skills, and a good corn crop they've about turned me into real country girl.

Farmers Market Fun

  

So last Saturday I was able to make it to Market Square to the farmers market and to The French Market restaurant. If you don't mind waiting a few minutes you can get the best... and I do mean best... crepe ever! The restaurant was featured in the May issue of Southern Living. I dragged my friend Samantha with me and we had the best time. It's one of my favorite places to visit. Here are some pics that show some of the sights.  I remember coming to the World's Fair when I was a little girl. Okay I know I am old. Funny that my family would live all over the world and end up here.
     

Some of you might not know that I am totally a city girl at heart. I love the idea of being able to walk everywhere to get the things you need. This is one of my favorite places to live in Knoxville. No grass to keep up with and just a few plants to water. I will have a big yard at my Charleston house. Hey....a girl can dream!

The babies playing in the fountain at Market Square.

A shot of Market Square and the clock tower downtown. Lots of crafts and vegetables to look at.

The line for the food truck for Cruz farms. They were selling raw milk and it was crazy busy. I would have tried it but it was just too hot for milk!

The sign for the Cruz Farm Raw Milk truck. I thought this sign was too cute and all of the girls were dressed up in cute dresses, aprons, handkerchiefs and boots.

My best friend Sam chillin on the patio while we waited for our crepes at The French Market.

The crepes at The French Market. Featured in Southern Living. If you haven't been. You need to go. The crepe batter is flown in from France.

A pillow from a boutique in Market Square. I die. Must make and soon! This pillow was like 45 dollars.  I totally think I can do this!

 I just love going downtown. I feel lucky that there is so much to do right here around us. It is just finding the time to do them that's the problem. Get out and explore what East Tennessee has to offer and buy local whenever you can.  Please forgive the random photots below. I had to share them.

Random picture of a quilt I laid out for my mom. There was just to many colors and it was driving her crazy so she had me help her. I am really excited because I have a bundle of fabric just like this waiting for me to sew up!

Last but not least a random photo of Sophie showing off her mad swimming skills.  She loves the water!