New Chicken Coop

Plans, Plans, & More Plans!


Before it got too cold we had to build a new chicken coop. We decided to move them to the garden area, and give Liberace & Charli their place. Poor Charli had gone broody, refusing to lay eggs or come out of her house. Don't blame her, the "house" was a big round tub with a hole cut out for the door. Not warm at all. Liberace would come out in the morning with frost on his feathers! So I told hubby we had to put their "house" inside the larger coop that was where the big chickens were. Which meant building a new coop.


The large coop was more of a shed size anyway, so now Liberace & Charli have their "house" inside on the right and all the chicken & horse feed, and my garden tools are on the left. Perfect use of all that space! It took Charli barely a week before she was laying eggs again, and she runs around in the pen all day. No more brooding! woohoo!


The Banties are still happy in their place. But now we have an empty pen. I'm planning on getting a few more chickens in the Spring that will live in that space. Maybe another breed of Banty since the space is rather small.


So, here are the coops & the chicken pens as they are now:

My favorite place to sit (when it's not too hot or too cold!)

 And the chickens:

Doe sitting in her favorite spot

Banties

Liberace (Showgirl: Silkie x Turken)

 Charli (Silkie)

In the Spring I'll start another garden but in a different location further down from the chickens, on the other side of the compost pile. That's if we don't sell the place in the mean time! Either way, lots to do once Spring rolls around!

Hoodoo’s Botanical Necklace

Hoodoo’s Botanical Necklace

This is a multipurpose, magickal Hoodoo necklace designed to attract good influences and positive spirits into the life of the wearer. Many aspects of the necklace are flexible: it is unisex, it can be worn inside or outside the shirt (depending on its purpose and the wearer’s skin sensitivities), and you can adjust the recipe and use ingredients you have on hand. Begin this project at dusk on a Sunday of the waxing moon.

½ c whole allspice ½ c Florida Water

¼ c whole star anise ½ c rose water

¼ c black cardamom pods ½ c orange blossom water

¼ T musk seed ½ c lavender water

    (Abelmoschus moschatus) Awl, or large needle

1 accent root (see note) 36” waxed linen string

¼ c fresh cranberries

Begin by focusing on your special intentions. Combine the sweet waters, and add the allspice, anise, cardamom, musk seed, and accent root. Let soak over night, outdoors if possible. Write a note on regular paper that states your intentions and place it next to the soaking ingredients (hold it down with a river rock or pebble if necessary).

The next day, blot the soaked spices and root with a towel as you continue to focus on your intentions. Arrange the spices, root, and the cranberries on a beading tray (or similar) in a pleasing, balanced arrangement. The accent root should be in the center in order to hang low on the chest like a pendant. Place the small, smooth seeds and spices near the closure at the neck.

Hold both of your hands over the necklace design and visualize positive energy flowing out through your hands. Close your eyes; breathe deeply as you cast a positive charge over the necklace. Make a double knot on one end of the string; make sure at least 2” are free behind the knot.

Thread the awl with the string. Pierce the softened spices, root, and cranberries one at a time and slide them onto the string. When done, tie another double knot at the opposite end in the same manner. Bring both sides together and double-knot it again to make a permanent closure for the necklace.

Hold the necklace in your two hands and breathe your healing energy over it while you close your eyes and focus on your intentions. Use your dominant hand to hang the necklace up on a nail to dry. Let dry 2 weeks.

Note: You might need to drill a hole through the root with a small drill bit. Also, when selecting an accent root, consider using the following: Adam and Eve root (to attract love), angelica root (protective shield specifically helpful to mothers and children, and also for health and divination), devil’s shoestring (protective shield from evil influences and a luck magnet), John the Conqueror root (protection and strength for multiple purposes), or lucky hand root (multiple purposes, including love, luck, prosperity, and protection).

Source: Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones by Stephanie Rose Bird

Wildcrafting: Chicory

Chicory


Latin: Cichorium intybus


Other Names: 
Blue-Sailors
Coffeeweed
Cornflower
Succory
Wild Cherry
Wild Succory


Magickal Attributes: 
Blockages removed, Favors, Frigidity, Frugality, Hexing, Invisibility, Promotes positive outlook, Removing obstacles, Road opening


Medicinal & Other Uses: 
Appetite stimulant, Astringent, Beer, Blood purifier, Bruises, Calcium, Chicory Coffee, Constipation, Copper, Culinary, Cuts, Eye health, Gallstones, Gastroenteritis, Hepatoprotection, High fiber supplement, Hormone balancing, Intestinal worms, Laxative, Magnesium, Phosphorous, PMS symptom reducer, Potassium, Sedative, Sinus problems, Tonic, Vitamin A, B, B Complex, E, C, Weight loss, Zinc


Deities: 
N/A


Gender: M
Planet: Sun
Element: Air


************
Harvest Time: 
Leaves: March & November. Leaves are too bitter during the interim months.


Roots: Early Spring & Autumn


Garden Uses: 
Decorative herb


Culinary Uses: 
Coffee: 1½ tsp per cup of water


Use the roots to make a caffeine-free coffee-like beverage: scrub, chop, & toast in the oven at 350ºF 1 hour, or until dark brown, brittle, & aromatic, stirring occasionally. Grind in a spice grinder or blender, and use like regular coffee.


Other Uses: 
Washes: Strong tea for skin irritations, including fungal problems such as athlete’s foot.


Tonic: PMS reducer, balancing the hormones and lessening PMS symptoms.


Effective in jaundice, liver enlargements, gout & rheumatic complaints, 


Fresh gathered plant used in a decoction of the plant is recommended for stones.


************
Parts & Their Uses
Blood purifier
Diuretic
Hepatoprotection (prevent liver damage)
High in Vitamins & Minerals
Hormone balancer
Laxative
Sedative
Tonic


Flowers:
Flowers are delicate and bruise easily, so gathering must be done with care.


Flowers may be gathered to make a light blue dye.


Harvest for a tonic and treatment for gallstones, gastroenteritis, sinus problems, cuts, & bruises.


Drying Flowers:
Gather and hand upside down to dry.


Leaves:
Salad greens.


Roots:
Tonic for PMS.


Whole Plant:
Boiled plants for compresses for skin irritation, swelling, boils, & mild inflammation.


Tea can be used as a soothing eyewash.


Tinctures:
Fresh or dried herb infused in alcohol.


Oils:
Fresh plant parts infused in safflower or olive oil for several weeks. Can be used in foods while cooking


Infusions:
Fresh herb 1:1 in 25% alcohol


Infusion Recipe: 
Chicory Coffee: pour boiling water on 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoons of dried Chicory, steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Combines well with cinnamon & dandelion root.


Decoction: add 1 oz of the root to a pint of boiling water


Syrup of Succory is an excellent laxative for children, as it acts without irritation.


An infusion of the herb is useful for skin eruptions connected with gout.

Wildcrafting: Goldenrod

Goldenrod




Latin: Solidago spp.


Other Names: Aaron’s Rod, Blue Mountain Tea, Goldruthe, Gonea Tea, Solidago, Sweet Goldenrod, Sweet Scented Goldenrod, Verg d’Or, Wound Weed, Woundwort


Magickal Attributes: Divination, Encouragement, Find lost/hidden objects, Luck, Money, Prosperity, Wealth


Medicinal & Other Uses: Aquaretic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Arthritis, Allergies, Asthma, Bladder infections, Blood pressure, Cancer, Colds, Diabetes, Eczema, Flu, Gout, Hemorrhoids, Inflammation, Internal bleeding, Kidney stones, Laryngitis, Liver (enlarged), Muscle spasm relief, Rheumatic disorders, Sore throat, Tuberculosis, Urinary tract health, Wounds, Yellow dye


Deities: Venus


Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Water


************
Harvest Time: Autumn


Garden Uses: Ornamental


Goldenrod is the antithesis to ragweed which usually grows in the same area. Ragweed causes allergies, Goldenrod counteracts it. Allow Goldenrod to flourish and, if possible, reduce the amount of ragweed.


Culinary Uses: N/A


Other Uses: 
Yellow dye


************
Parts & Their Uses


Flowers: Dyes, Crafts: Dried arrangements, Wreaths


Drying Flowers: Gather, bundle, hang upside down in cool, dry place.


Leaves: Infusions: Teas, Tinctures


Roots: N/A


Whole Plant: Above ground portions only.


Tinctures:
Gargle: Make the tea described above, and gargle 3 times daily
Fluid extract (1:1) in 25 % ethanol: Take 0.5 - 2 mL, 2 - 3 times daily
Tincture (1:5) in 45 % ethanol: Take 2 - 4 mL, 2 - 3 times daily


Oils: N/A


Infusions: Hot tea or tinctures will aid in problems with asthma.


Infusion Recipe: Place 2 - 3 tsp of dried herb in one cup of hot water and let stand for 10 -15 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times daily. Add honey if needed.

Wildcrafting: Plantain

Plantain
Latin: Plantago major or Plantago lancelota 

 

Broad Leaf Plantain

Lance Leaf Plantain

Other Names: 
“Life Medicine”: Along-the-Road, Band Aid Plant, Beside Cart Grass, Broad Leaf Plantain, Buckthorn Plantain, Common Plantain, Cuckoo’s Bread, Devil’s Shoestring, Dog’s Ribs, Dooryard Plantain, English Plantain, Englishman’s Foot, Greater Plantain, Hock Cockle, Indian Plantago, Kemp, Lance Leaf Plantain, Narrow Leaf of Patrick, Leaf Plantain, Patrick’s Dock, Pig’s Ear, Ribwort Ripple Grass, Ripple’s Grass, Round Leaf Plantain, Rubgrass, St. Patrick’s Leaf, Slanlus, Snakebite, Snakeweed, Waybread, Waybroad, Weybroed, White Man’s Foot


Magickal Attributes: 
Healing, Protection, Repel negative energy, Snake repelling, Strength


Medicinal & Other Uses: 
Appetite suppressant, Astringent, Anti-toxic, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-histamine, Bladder infections, Blisters, Blood glucose reduction, Bronchitis, Cholesterol, Cuts, Demulcent, Diarrhea, Diuretic, Expectorant, Headaches, Poison neutralizer, Riboflavin, Scratches, Stings, Styptic, Ulcers, Vitamin B1, Weariness, Wounds


Deities: 
N/A


Gender: F
Planet: Venus
Element: Earth


************
Harvest Time: 
Fresh herb collected when coming to flower.
Leaves dried, gathered before flowering.
Root gathered in autumn and dried.


Garden Uses: 
Important butterfly food.
Ornamental garden decoration.


Culinary Uses: 
Pot Herb, Salads


Other Uses: 
Appetite suppressant, Anti-toxic, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-histamine, Asthma, Astringent, Aversion to Tobacco, Bladder problems, Blisters, Blood sugar control, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cholesterol, Coughs, Cuts, Cystitis, Demulcent, Diarrhea, Diuretic, Dysentary, Emphysema, Expectorant, Fever, Gastritis, Hay Fever, Headaches, Hermorrhage, Hemorrhoids, Hypertension, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Peptic ulcers, Poison neutralizer, Rheumatism, Riboflavin, Scratches, Sinusitis, Stings, Styptic, Ulcers, Vitamin B1, Weariness, Wounds


The seeds and refined colloid are used in laxative preparations. 


It is a great idea when using Plantain externally to also use it internally as well for the same condition.


************
Parts & Their Uses


Flowers:
N/A


Drying:
Harvest and place flat to dry.


Leaves:
Use fresh leaf whenever possible.


Boil 2 oz. dried leaf in ½ quart water.


Dried herb 2-4 grams - 3x’s/ day


Apply freely to cuts, slow healing wounds stings, splinters and hemorrhoids.


Use topically for bee stings, removal of splinters, pus, bites, burns, nettles sting, eczema, skin disorders, diaper rash, vaginal irritation, leg ulcers, abscesses, bleeding & hemorrhoids. 


"Medicinal"  herb tea:  For colds and flu use 1 tbls. dry or fresh whole Plantain (seed, root, and leaves) to 1 cup boiling water, steep 10 min. strain, sweeten. Drink through the day.


Stings - chew one leaf and apply to sting immediately. The pain will disappear almost instantly and the poultice will draw out the poison.


Roots:
Decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay fever. It also causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in stop smoking preparations. 


Whole Plant:
Succus: (fresh juice) 10m l-3 times per day for inflamed mucous Membranes in cystitis, diarrhea, and lung infections. *Dilute juice and gargle for sore throats, gum and mouth inflammations. 1-2 teaspoons up to 3 times per day for gastric ulcers 


Powder: ¼ to ½ t (Adult dosage: all 3-4 x’s daily)


Healing salve: In large non-metallic pan place 1lb. of entire Plantain plant chopped, and 1 cup lard, cover, cook down on low heat till all is mushy and green. Strain while hot, cool and use for burns, insect bites, rashes, and all sores. Note: used as night cream for wrinkles.


Tinctures:
2-3 ml. 3 tx’s/ day for heavy mucus


1- 60 drops 3x’s/ day


1:5 in 45% alcohol, 2-4 ml


This herb has approval status by the German Commission E. 


Recommended daily dosages are as follows: 


3 - 6 g of the herb. 


½ to 2 t (Adult dosage: all 3-4 x’s daily)


Oils:
Infuse plant parts in safflower or olive oil for several weeks. Use topically for skin abrasions, wounds, & stings.


Infusions:
1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-4 ml


Infusion Recipe: 
A Simple Cough Syrup
1 T licorice root 
1 T marshmallow root
 1 T plantain leaf 
1 tsp thyme leaf
1 pint water
4 T honey
4 oz vegetable glycerin
10 drops anise essential oil (optional)

Prepare a triple-strength tea by simmering the herbs in water for 10 minutes, then steeping for 20 minutes. Strain the tea, and then stir in honey and glycerin while the tea is still warm. Add optional essential oil. Bottle and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for months in the refrigerator. Take 1 tablespoon at a time.

Infusion: 3 to 4 T (Adult dosage: all 3-4 x’s daily)

The Old Man's Bones

Today I went out to see how well the bones were being stripped by the bugs - and hopefully not the animals. Well, all the bones were there except one. Not happy about that. It was a nice big bone too - the right thigh bone. But at least all the others were there.


I spent a couple of hours in horrendous heat peeling of the skin so I can take the bones. Some of his teeth had fallen out so I quickly gathered those before they got lost. The skull still has some skin on it that will be a bit difficult to remove, but not impossible. I was able to get most of the rib bones and the spinal vertebrae. The pelvis had been chewed on a bit, but not too bad. Two of the legs still had too much skin on them to fight with in all that heat.


So, I have a large barrel full of bones to soak and strip of sinew & skin. A bit of lye in the water should do the trick. 


The skull will be placed on an altar to honor him. The rib bones will make a very cool windchime, and the top vertebrae that connects the neck to the head will be used as the clapper weight (or what ever its called).


The hooves will be trimmed, filed, and shined. They'll make interesting paperweights. I'm sure not too many people have those! LOL


Hubby calls me "gruesome". Yeah, I guess he's right (even after a shower my hands still stink a bit). But bones are just too cool to let just rot into the ground! Wish I could've saved The Old Man's hide as well. Might try a section anyway - need to do some research as to how to go about it though.


Other than horrendous heat, nothing else is new. It got up to 113 degrees with the heat index today! Not cool! Then it rained and instantly brought it down to 85 degrees with the heat index. Definitely more tolerable!


Time to join the dogs & hubby outside. 


Blessings!

Almost Instant Cure for Bites & Stings

If you get bit by a bug or stung by a bee, take a Broad Leaf Plantain (Plantago major) leaf, chew it up and stick that mess on the sting or bite. The pain goes away within seconds.

By the time you go in the house, gather all the other stuff and get started you're in a bad mood, the pain can be excruciating, and you fumble around because it hurts so much. When you could've already had the problem solved and on your way doing what ever
you were doing.

I know. I did this. I'm mildly allergic to stings, and ALWAYS have the sting/bite area swell up for days or weeks. Well, I walked barefoot (usually do) and got stung by a bee or something - didn't see it, but I SURE felt it! I immediately picked a Plantain leaf, chewed it up and stuck the mess on the sting, which was on the knuckle of my little toe (gods, what a sucky place to get stung!) Within 5 seconds the pain was gone. And it STAYED gone. No residual stinging later, etc.. No swelling. Nothing. Awesome!

Wish I'd known this last year when I was stung on the hand by a wasp. It swelled up and lasted over a month. And that was AFTER sucking out the venom with a syringe.

Oh, it also makes an EXCELLENT "lettuce" in salads and really, really good on homemade hamburgers! And is far more nutritious as well.

Chicken Coops

Finally! The chicken coops are completed. Well, mostly. There are still a few minor things to do - but have to wait for some more funds for that to happen! But, at least the chickens are occupying their new abodes and seem to be happy about it.


This is the large one:

Here are some of the chickens:


Liberace & Charlie:

Charlie is a black Silkie and Liberace is a Showgirl, which is a Naked Neck Turken x Silkie. 


These are some of the others:

These lovelies are our ladies. Liberace should make some interesting chicks with these! LOL


This is our other rooster, Rooster Cogburn:

I can't wait for his tail feathers to come in, he'll be gorgeous!


Here is the smaller coop for the Banties:

So, that's finally (well, almost) the end of that whole project. The rest is "little" stuff. Now I can finally clean out the garden shed and get it set up properly as a garden shed rather than a messy substitute chicken cage. Ahhh, to have things "right" again! Lovin' it!


Blessings!

Our National Anthem - the way it SHOULD be sung!

I'm a Witch. I'm a rootworker. I'm a wife, mother & grandmother. But I am also a PATRIOT - and this will give you goosebumps! Sung by children!


http://www.allproudamericans.com/The-Cactus-Cuties-Sing-The-National-Anthem.html

Goddess Bless America! And these beautiful little girls.
I just had to share. I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I do.


Blessings!

Living a Witch, Rootworker's Life

Living a Witch, Rootworker's Life

A rootworker spends a great deal of time working with plants, and herbs. Gardening is a favorite pastime, walking in the woods finding odd things - of both plant and animal form - to use for amulets, in ritual works, in crafts, or just to set on the window sill are also favorites.

We watch the passing seasons, enjoying the always changing view. Never the same from one day to the next. Personally, my favorite "watch" is to observe the sun rising in the morning sky, each day being slightly moved from the day before. I've marked my fence with colored metal stars for the location where the sun rises on the Sabbats. It was a year long project that was so fun to do! So now I have 8 pretty 5" stars across the top of the fence on the east side of the property.

I collect zoological items from dead animals in the woods, or found (fresh) roadkill. The furs, feathers, feet, teeth, etc. are blessed and the creature honored for their life and the giving thereof. I've been told my home looks like a museum because I have so many "interesting" things! :D

Using the plants & zoological items in rootwork is also important. Each having their own energy to lend to the work. A rootworker will perform works for just about any situation, its up to the person requesting the work to worry about the morals or ethics of what they want to accomplish. A Witch is not responsible for the actions and choices of others.

Many misconceptions exist about Witches, which were spread and propagandized by those who fear the unknown. Rather than learning from those who are Witches, they prefer instead, to listen to and continue to spread all the misinformation. If you want to fix your car, you don't take it to the grocery store. You take it to the auto repair shop. The same adage can be applied to those who need to learn to speak educably on a subject they know nothing about, in this instance that being Witches and Witchcraft. They absolutely must speak with those who live and practice the Craft. They need to read that which a Witch reads and learn from the sources a Witch learns from. This will not "convert" them, but it will allow them to hold a fair conversation with others regarding the subject.

So, if someone wishes to hold an intelligent conversation with me, I welcome the opportunity!

Blessings!

Defining Rootwork & Who or What a Rootworker Is

Defining Rootwork and Who or What a Rootworker Is

While a description may be relatively easy, as defined below, the actuality of who a rootworker is, can be very difficult. First, we'll start with the historical and (relatively) clinical definition:

Rootwork:
This African-American Folk Magick system (also referred to as Hoodoo or JuJu) is a traditional magick system that originated in the southern United States. It is a mystical art founded in botanical knowledge passed on hereditarily through the family, but it may also be practiced by solitaries. The goal of rootwork is to allow people access to spiritual forces to influence their daily lives. Rootwork is an informal system that draws its influences from Appalachian, traditional African practices, Native American folklore and some elements of Christian, Jewish and European folk practices. It is not a religion and it is not to be confused with Voodoo, or more correctly, Vodun.

Rootworker:
One who practices rootwork, a form of American Folk Magic. Other names, depending on geographical area, include: Uncle, Auntie, Granny, Witch Doctor, Granny Woman, or Witch.

Historically, she is the "old hag" of northern & western Europe, the "granny witch" of the Appalachia's, the "conjurer" of the Hoodoo in the southern United States. There are various "types" who practice specific works according to geographic location. The conjurer's work is influenced mainly by the French, Haitian, and southern Black slaves. Melding into a style all their own. The granny witch of the Appalachia's has strong European (English, Welsh, Scots, Germanic) influences, including that of the Black slaves that lived among them after they were freed. The herbs & roots they use are all very much the same, but in many instances their application may be different or in some cases other plants may be used.

For example, the Louisiana Voodoo doll is shaped from moss from the trees (maybe 2 crossed twigs for arms & legs), herbs may be wrapped inside with pretty fabric, and then tied. The Appalachia dollbaby is a cloth, generically human shaped doll that is stuffed with what ever is available; fiberfill stuffing, herbs, scrap material, etc.. These are very general descriptions, but the basic idea is obvious....each has their own style.

Ok, with that out of the way - WHO or WHAT is a rootworker?

The rootworker is a rare find. They are usually not one to advertise their presence. With the internet, there are younger rootworkers now online, but the old "down in the holler" Granny Witch certainly won't be! She lives a fairly solitary life, maybe married, often widowed. She works in her garden, gathers specific roots & plant parts in the woods, collects "odd" things while on her walks; stones, feathers, bones, bark, flowers, what ever catches her eye. Each having a purpose, whether known or unknown at that moment.

A rootworker blends potions for medicinal purposes, as well as for spiritual works. She may be called upon for matters of the heart or matters of the stomach. Regardless of which, she'll always have something to help you out with. You may be given an amulet to carry with you, or a potion to drink, or a dust or powder to sprinkle around for what ever purpose necessary. Make sure to be respectful and to pay for her services. This may be monetary if she so asks, or it may be an action returned in kind.

If you find one nearby, don't be afraid to speak with her. Develop a rapport and a relationship. She may just decide you're worth teaching. And what she knows will be far greater than what you'll find only in books! Practical knowledge beats book knowledge every time.

Blessings!

Getting Ready for the Harvest

I know its early, but yesterday I spent 5 hours weeding the garden. The sun was warm and the breeze was cool. Perfect day to spend in the garden! Yes, I'd let the weeds get out of hand. It won't happen again. I don't care how nice a day it was, 5 hours was waaaaaay too long! But I still had an great time getting Lugh's garden in order. He blessed me by finally showing me what to do with an old iron spoke wheel that I'd found buried in the woods last year. And the idea came from a completely outside source - very cool, and obviously meant to be!


Part of my gardening yesterday involved getting the cucumbers up on their trellis. Actually its a section of cattle fencing. Nice sturdy stuff! I always have tons of cucumbers and can't eat them all. So I went on a search for recipes, which I'll share here for anyone else who may always find themselves inundated with those wonderful cukes!


*Please note, these are not my recipes, I've had them for a while and have no idea where I got them - online, family, friends, etc..


************
Cucumber Recipes

PICKLES:
Bread and Butter Pickles
1 ga Thin sliced cucumbers
6 Medium onions
3 cl Garlic
1/3 c Canning salt
2 tb Whole mustard seed
1 1/2 ts Celery seed
3 c White vinegar
5 c Sugar
1 1/2 ts Tumeric


Mix thin sliced cucumbers and onions and garlic with salt. 
Cover with ice and let sit for 3 hours. 
Then drain and add remaining ingredients. 
Bring to a boil and can in sterile pint jars. 


***
Cold Cucumber Pickles
7 c Sliced -- unpeeled Cucumbers
1 c Onion
1 c Green pepper
1 c Vinegar
1 tb Salt
1 tb Celery salt
2 c Sugar


Mix all together cold and store in covered container in refrigerator. 
Will keep for months.


***
Crisp Cucumber Pickle (Diabetic Pickles)
6 firm cucumbers
1 1/2 tbsp. liquid sweetener
2 c. white vinegar
1/4 c. salt
1/4 c. water
2 tbsp. mixed pickling spice


Wash and dry cucumbers; cut into strips to fit half-pint jars. 
Place in large bowl; sprinkle with salt and let stand overnight. 
Rinse and drain well several times. 
Combine sweetener, water and vinegar in a large kettle; bring to a boil. 
Add pickling spice tied in a cheesecloth bag. 
Add cucumbers. 
Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Pack cucumbers into hot sterilized half-pint jars.
Heat liquid again to boiling; pour over pickles in hot jars.
Seal at once.
Process for 10 minutes in simmering water to cover jars. 
Makes 6 half-pints.


***
Crock Cucumber Pickles
1 ga White vinegar
1 c Sugar
1 c Salt
1 c Dry mustard
Sm to med. whole cucumbers


Make a paste of sugar, salt and mustard and stir into vinegar. 
Drop in washed cucumbers. 
Stir every time you add cucumbers. 
Put a plate on top to keep cucumbers in the brine.


***
RELISHES:
Country-Style Cucumbers
2 large waxed cucumbers
1 small red onion
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon snipped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
Tabasco sauce or pepper -- to taste


Peel waxed cucumbers, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and slice thinly. 
Or wash and thinly slice small unwaxed cucumbers without peeling. 
Peel and thinly slice onion, separate into rings, combine in mixing bowl with cucumbers. 
Bring vinegar, water and sugar boil, stir in dill weed and pour over cucumbers. 
Toss well, cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight, to blend flavors. 
Serve as a side salad or a relish.


***
SALADS & DRESSINGS:
Avocado and Cucumber Salad
2 lg Cucumbers
Salt
2 Avocadoes
1/4 c Vegetable oil
1 Lemon
1 sm Garlic clove, pressed
Black pepper
Large lettuce leaves


Peel the cucumbers, cut them in half lengthwise, & core with a melon cutter, discarding the pulp & the seeds. 
Slice thinly & place in a bowl. 
Salt the slices & refrigerate for an hour. 
Cut the avocadoes in half along the narrow side & remove the seed. 
Peel & dice. 
Combine with cucumber. 
Mix the oil with the lemon, garlic, pepper & additional salt if needed. 
Stir together with the avocado & cucumber & store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. 
Serve cold on the lettuce leaves. 


***
Cool Cucumber Pasta
8 oz Tube pasta
1 tb Vegetable oil
2 md Cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 md Onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 c Sugar
1 c Water
3/4 c Vinegar
1 tb Prepared mustard
1 tb Dried parsley flakes
1 ts Salt
1 ts Pepper
1/2 ts Garlic salt


Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water.
Place in a large bowl; stir in oil, cucumbers and onion. 
Combine remaining ingredients; pour over salad and toss. 
Cover and chill for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. 
Serve with a slotted spoon. 
Yield: 8-10 servings.


***
Creaming Cucumber Dressing
1 c Lowfat yogurt
1/3 c Finely chopped cucumber; peeled and seeded
1/4 c Lowfat mayonnaise
2 tb Chopped green onions
2 tb Fresh lemon juice
1/4 ts Salt
1/4 ts Dried whole dillweed
1/8 ts Pepper


Combine all ingredients in a bowl; stir well. 
Cover and chill. 
Can be served over mixed salad greens. 
Makes 1 3/4 cups. 


Cucumber and Onion In Sour Cream
1/2 c Sour cream
1 tb Sugar
1 tb Vinegar
1/2 ts Salt
2 md Cucumbers; thinly sliced
2 sm Onions; thinly sliced


Combine sour cream, sugar, vinegar, and salt; add cucumbers and onion, tossing gently. 
Cover and chill 24 hours, stirring occasionally.


***
SIDE DISHES:
Cheese-filled Cucumber Slices
1 lg. cucumber (about 9 1/2 oz.)
1/2 oz. Swiss or Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 tbsp. chopped scallion (green onion)
1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill or 1/4 tsp. dill weed
1 tbsp. whipped cream cheese
Dash each salt and white pepper


Cut off ends of cucumber. 
Using tines of a fork, score peel of cucumber. 
Cut cucumber in half crosswise and using a melon baller or small spoon, remove and discard seeds from both halves; set aside. 
In small mixing bowl thoroughly combine remaining ingredients. 
Spoon half of the cheese mixture into cored section of each cucumber half. 
Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. 
To serve, remove plastic wrap and carefully slice each cucumber half into 6 equal slices. 
Makes 2 servings, 6 slices each.


***
Cold Cucumbers with Garlic
1 lb Cucumbers
2 ts Salt
2 ts Sugar
1 tb White rice vinegar
1 1/2 tb Peanut oil
1 tb Coarsely chopped garlic


SLICE THE CUCUMBERS in half lengthways. 
Using a spoon, remove the seeds. 
Cut the cucumber halves into 3-by-1/2-inch pieces. 
Combine the cucumber pieces with salt and allow to sit in a colander set inside a bowl for 10 minutes. 
Rinse them in cold water, blot them dry and toss with the sugar and vinegar. 
Heat a wok or large frying pan until it is hot and add the oil and garlic. 
Stir-fry for 15 seconds until it is lightly brown. 
Mix with the cucumbers and serve.


***
Cool Cucumber Dip
1 c Lowfat cottage cheese
1/2 md Cucumber; remove peel and cut into pieces
4 Radishes
2 Scallions with green tops
1 tb Fresh lemon juice or lime juice
1/4 ts Dried dill
1 ts Seasoned salt
1 ds Hot pepper sauce


In the container of a blender combine cottage cheese, cucumber, radishes, scallions, lemon or lime juice, dill, seasoned salt and hot pepper sauce. 
Process until smooth. 
Cover and chill. 
Makes about 1 1/2 cups. 


***
Cream Cheese Stuffed Cucumbers
3 md English cucumbers, scrubbed
1 pk (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c Pimiento stuffed olives, chopped (optional)
1/4 c Chopped chives


Remove ends from cucumbers and cut in half lengthwise. 
Using a melon baller or grapefruit spoon, remove seeds from both halves. 
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, olives, and chives. 
Blend until well mixed. 
Stuff each cucumber half with cheese mixture and reassemble halves, pressing together gently. 
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Cut into 1/4 inch slices to serve. 


***
Cucumber "noodles" with Tomato Salsa
2 lb (about 2 large) seedless
Cucumbers
1 tb Salt


For the salsa:
1 lb Plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1/4 c Thinly sliced scallion
1 lg Garlic clove, minced
1 Pickled jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 tb White-wine vinegar
1/4 ts Sugar


With a sharp knife cut cucumbers lengthwise into 1/8 inch thick "noodles" about 1/2 inch wide. In a bowl toss with salt and let stand for 10 min. 
Make the salsa while cucumber noodles are standing: stir together the salsa ingredients. 
Serves 6.


SOUPS:
Cream of Cucumber Soup
2 c. peeled and coarsely chopped cucumbers
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. light cream
1/4 c. chopped chives
1/4 c. chopped celery leaves
3 sprigs of parsley
3 tbsp. soft butter
2 tbsp. of flour


Cover the container and blend in mixer until smooth. 
Season with salt and pepper. 
Serve either hot or cold. 
If served hot, garnish with a very small amount of dill weed. 
If served cold, garnish with finely chopped cucumbers and a bit of grated lemon rind. 
Serves 4 to 6.


***
Cream of Cucumber Soup
3 (8 inch) cucumbers
2 tbsp. butter
1/4 c. chopped shallots or scallions
4 c. clear chicken broth
1 tsp. wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. dried dillweed or tarragon
3 tbsp. quick-cooking farina cereal
Salt & white pepper
1 c. sour cream
1 tbsp. dillweed or parsley for garnish


Peel cucumbers, cut 12 to 14 paper thin slices and reserve in bowl for decoration later. 
Chop rest into 1/2 inch chunks, about 3 cups in all. 
Melt butter in heavy saucepan, stir in shallots. 
Cook 1 minute. 
Add cucumber, chicken broth, vinegar and dill. Bring to boil. 
Stir in farina gradually. 
Boil slowly, uncovered, 20 minutes until farina is tender. 
Puree in blender. 
Thin with milk. 
Season with salt and pepper. 
TO SERVE COLD: Add salt and beat in sour cream. Top with cucumber slices and dill or parsley. 
TO SERVE HOT: Bring soup to simmer and beat in sour cream just before serving. Top with cucumber slices and dill. May be frozen before adding sour cream.


***
Cucumber and Red Onion Soup
5 c Cucumbers
3 c Red onions
6 c Sour cream
2 tb Salt
3 tb Sugar
1/2 c Fresh dill weed- chopped
1/2 c Lemon juice


Peel and slice cucumbers as thin as you can. 
Peel and slice red onions thin as you can. (It's easier if you cut the onion in half and slice cut side down).
Use a deep 1 gallon bowl or crock. 
Alternate layers of cukes and onions with sprinkles of the salt and sugar between each layer.
This will draw out the juices that make it soup. 
Pile sour cream on top. 
DO NOT STIR. 
Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours or more. 
To serve, add the fresh dill weed and lemon juice and stir it up. Add more lemon juice or sugar to taste. 
Cool and refreshing, this is just perfect when it is too hot to cook, and cucumbers are running wild.