Since food for thought Thursdays has cancelled, I've decided to continue on with my usual from the past posts on food, etc. Today it's about oranges and lemons.
Oranges, lemons make a pretty picture. Our trees have given us quite a bit of fruit, and after giving a lot to friends and to a center that I donate too, there are still some left for drying, juicing, etc. This is a yearly thing and you probably saw it last year as well. Here the oranges sit in a bowl after slicing.
Lemons too get sliced and ready to dry.
This stackable dehydrator that my dear dad gave me long ago gets used every year, and my dad is right there with me, letting me know that he is glad I utilize the gift he gave me. It's a Ronco brand and it heats evenly so that the fruit dries faster. At least it seems that way. I dry Habaneros in here too, and then when dry, I crumble the Habaneros in my spice grinder for later use.
Here the oranges and lemons are dry. I'll let them sit out for a bit and then jar them for later reconstitution.
They can be eaten as is or used in cooking or other and even as decorations. Sometimes before drying I sprinkle sugar and cayenne on the oranges and they are great this way.
On another note regarding Mission Van Gogh. Remember last year when I mentioned I would be painting a portrait of Van Gogh's self-portraits? Click here: http://glorv1.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-mission-for-next-year.html
When commitments are made, excitement kicks in and getting started is at the top of the list. So I did get started immediately and just couldn't paint just one painting a month. Just to let you know that I'm done with all twelve. I have posted number one and this Friday will post number 2. With this mission completed, I now have to look for another mission with the wood I have sitting outside. So I'm signing off to go finish reading a great book that Cheryl mentioned. I downloaded it and have been enjoying it for a day now. It's quite interesting with a lot about Diego and Frida.
It's called "La The Lacuna." Thanks Cheryl. In fact, I'm on my way to bed to read. Ta Ta!
Take care, have a wonderful day and thanks for popping in.
oh wow your lemons and oranges look so refreshing! How lucky you are to live with such bounty all the time. We are preparing for winter to return here in the mid west in the morning with snow/rain mix. yuck.
ReplyDeletehave you ever dried banana chips? I just love them and they are not very good for you purchased from the store here. all fried up in some bad oil. but they are delish. I've thought of getting one of those rigs, nice to see you use yours.
I can't believe you've finished all 12 paintings! that is great! can't wait to see them all.
I love sucking on orange slices!!! Wish I had a tree in my back yard...of course that would mean I lived in a much warmer climate. Instead I am getting ready for a major snow storm tonight. Our first for this winter :0)
ReplyDeleteLove your food posts, those citrus fruits look great! Valerie
ReplyDeleteYummy! I ♥ dry oranges :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll love Lucuna...read it last year for book club. I have a couple of commitments that need to be completed and shipped off. I've completed my clock for Xico, Inc.'s yearly dinner and auction and another little treat for an exchange for Mixed Media Artists...finishing that today, then it's painting more retablos...got another order Monday night, so I know your excitement level when it comes to "commitments." Love those kind!! LOL
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
abrazos,
Georgina
Haven't been blogging much lately. I have missed your tree's and garden! They are just beautiful.
ReplyDelete