Rachael Eliker's Blog, page 31
June 19, 2018
Homemade Donut Holes
A few weeks ago, Jack was selected as Rolls Royce's first ever Pioneer Spotlight recipient. Basically, it highlights employees who use innovative methods to further Rolls Royce's technological advances. In this case, Jack has been working with virtual reality/augmented reality programs to help train technicians who work on a specific engine (it really is pretty cool, if you ever get a chance to see it, and this coming from someone who gets motion sickness with every other type of virtual real...
June 14, 2018
Parmesan Couscous
The first time I had couscous was when I lived in Montreal--that eclectic city holds a lot of firsts for me! So, instead of buying the little boxes with the flavor packets, I decided to buy bulk couscous and make the seasoning from scratch. Tastes delicious, the kids LOVE it (even if it is a bit of a mess to eat...the dog doesn't mind cleaning it up), it's a super fast side dish, and if you add feta, sundried tomatoes, veggies, or chicken, it can be part of a complete meal!Ingredients:
1 cup d...
June 13, 2018
Out of Commission
So much clover. So many bees.Most nights, we try to do a family project together, whether it's pulling a few weeds, scooping up some algae, checking the animals, or watering the garden. There's always something to do. One of the ongoing projects we've had for a while is to finish planting a bundle of Indiana native shrubs and trees we bought from the Department of Natural resources. Some have gone up front to form a hedge, a few hazelnuts have been planted along the west fenceline (the "Nutel...
June 12, 2018
Generals. Sharks. Horses.
Captain Jack.Before I had my own mini-adventure at girl's camp, wrangling snakes and all, Jack had his own adventure out in North Carolina. He'd been called out on a last minute trip to show his virtual reality project to some high ranking General and other military personnel. After his demo, Jack and his coworker had time to head out onto the ocean...for shark fishing.
His first black tip shark catch.They chummed the water and threw their lines in. Within ten minutes, Jack had one on his hook...
June 10, 2018
Girl's Camp Sample
It's not often that I get away but once in a while, I find myself on a solo adventure. This time, it was girl's camp with the youth I serve with at church.
Making friends while making cards.Though I'd planned on showing up earlier in the week and for longer, I wasn't able to arrive until about 12 hours before camp ended (Jack had a last minute work trip that kind of sucked up the whole week...). So, by the time I showed up, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, everyone else had been hot, sweaty, and...
June 4, 2018
Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Bars
Claire chose to make these for family night treat and I was happy to oblige. Not only were they quick and full of peanut butter (one of my favorites!), I didn't even have to turn on the oven to make them. They remind me of the new Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cups and were such a yummy treat!Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup Reese's Pieces plus 2 Tablespoons
3/4 cup milk or semi-...
June 3, 2018
Animals Abound
Hercules taking a forest walk with us.It's no question that animals abound at our house--we have two horses, three cats, a dog, a cow and her two bull calves, nine hens and a rooster, and who knows how many fish, turtles, and snakes in the pond and raccoons, skunks, foxes, mice, possums, birds, and bats in the barns and forests. Sometimes though, I'm not sure quite how to categorize the kids...animals or children?The cats sit at the edge of the pond, eyeing the fish...
...and the children are...
June 2, 2018
Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
One of my all-time favorite treats are popcorn balls and since it's been several years since we've made any (I have no idea why!!), we added making them to our summer fun list. We added food coloring and sprinkles--because food coloring and sprinkles make everything more fun! However you make it, this recipe is so buttery, chewy, caramel-y, marshmallow-y, and simple, that these are definitely going to be made more often.Ingredients:
16 cups popped popcorn, lightly salted (optional)
1 cup butter...
June 1, 2018
Bull Calf
Finally! A bull calf was born!Last night, we were playing around outside and checking the animals and still wondering when on earth Dolly was going to finally have her calf. I took one look at her udder and said if she didn't pop that night, I'd be surprised.Called it!
Found him when he was just an hour or two old! I went to the kitchen to get breakfast started and looked out the window and spotted a tiny brown lump laying beside Dolly. So, we went out to say hello.
He's was just bor...
May 31, 2018
Strawberry Shortcake Scones
Strawberries are in season around here and we stocked up! This is the first time we've made these scones and they are deeeeeelicious. Moist, fruity, sweet, easy enough for kids to make, and super satisfying!Ingredients:
2 cups flour1 Tablespoon baking powder3 Tablespoons sugar1/2 teaspoon salt6 Tablespoons chilled butter, cubed12 strawberries, hulled and diced3/4 cup half and half or milk (we used skim and they were still perfect)
Icing
2 cups powdered sugar4 ounces cream cheese2 Tablespoons hal...
