The week after the county fair was over was a time for relaxation and to reflect on the summer that was almost concluded. No special projects to do except the gardening that had been neglected for a while and perhaps sweet corn to freeze. Fieldwork was pretty much done until the harvest of soybeans and corn, school had not started yet so a bit of shopping to do for it, and no pressing deadlines to accomplish. It was like vacation time if that was on the agenda. We probably didn’t go anywhere but any plans for the day could be changed in a moment’s notice. Two weeks later we would be governed by the clock and day as to what our activity would be.
The pear tree isn’t producing very much this year and what fruit there is much too high and not ready for picking. The tree didn’t seem to flower as well and with all the added rain and wind there isn’t much to pick. I used to can at least 20 pints every year with extras to give away and although I don’t need that much anymore I would like a few to eat fresh. The fruit is crisp and very sweet. Oh well, maybe next year and or perhaps the tree just needed a rest.
Hopefully, your entries at the fair did well. Each fair is different as to how they award the ribbon placings. Some give everyone a ribbon others such as Murray County only give to the top three exhibits in each class. So far in open class, we don’t have conference judging such as they do for 4-H. For the last three years, I have declared early that I wouldn’t be exhibiting, however when entry day came it just wasn’t fair time without something to bring although I have brought much less than in former years. Our pear tree isn’t producing very much this year and what fruit there is, is much too high and not ready for picking. The tree didn’t seem to flower as well and with all the added rain and wind there isn’t much to pick. Oh well, maybe next year. During the winter months (or in the summer) actually all year round I do a lot of handiwork of crocheting, embroidery and also some sewing projects so when the fair comes around I can find enough to make a few entries. No quilting although I have done a bit some years ago. Maybe it is time to complete those projects I started. We can be truly grateful for the support of our county fair and the events that took place during this past week. I saw more handicap walkers and canes this year and surely appreciated the handicap parking and shuttles to assistance for anyone that needed it. The food lines were long, the new fish tanks were awesome, more vendors, new puppies in the FFA barn, the list goes on and on. Murray County has the best fair around the area when one considers the number of entries, participation, and events held during the second week in August every year.
Lasagna Roll-Ups
10 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 package (19-1/2 ounces) Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce, divided
1-3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in cream cheese and 1/3 cup spaghetti sauce.
Drain the noodles; spread 1/4 cup meat mixture on each noodle. sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons cheese; carefully roll-up.
Spread 2/3 cup spaghetti sauce into an ungreased 13x9inch baking dish. Place roll-ups seam side down over sauce. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Cover and bake at 350º for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Makes: 10 servings
Coleslaw
1 cup vinegar
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1 cup salad oil
6-8 cups shredded cabbage
2 carrots, shredded
1 onion, shredded
1 green onion, shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
Heat vinegar and sugar in saucepan until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Combine gelatin and oil, beat with wire whisk, then add to cooled vinegar mixture. Pour over vegetables and salt in bowl. Toss to coat, then refrigerate, covered for 24 hours. Note: May be stored in refrigerator to 2-3 weeks.
Chewy Good Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats nuts
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups dried cherries
1 cup white baking chips
1 cup chopped macadamia
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, honey, and vanilla. In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, gradually beat into creamed mixtures. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350º for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on pans for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool. Makes 3 1/2 dozen
