My absolutely insane life

The other day I was gone with my girls shopping, and when I came home I was happily surprised with a new pantry with so much more space.  I had previously had stuff in my laundry room on shelves (which isn’t super conducive when you are short and the shelves are high), and I had a small closet in the basement where I felt like I crammed food in.  This space was one where hubby used to have a shelf that he could “build” stuff on, but he never used.  This space ended up being a large closet where everyone threw all misc stuff into.  So we had suitcases in there, Christmas ornaments, and so much more.  He cleared it all out, and bought shelves and bam…..a new pantry.  The funny part is all the stuff I had crammed into the tiny closet looked like so much food, but when it is spread out on these shelves it looks like nothing.  I am so happy with this space especially since it has two large sliding doors, so easy to get into and easy to move around. Today’s project…..move the food from the l

As I am exploring using my freeze dryer more and more to make meals for hubby to take with him when he travels……chili was one that came to mind.  I wasn’t sure how good it would be, but figured I would give it a try.  I made a large pot of chili (also made a smaller pot of low protein chili for my daughter), and was shocked that this large pot actually filled four whole trays and then there was even some left over for me to eat.  It went into the freezer to freeze for 48 hrs and then into the freeze dryer.  I don’t remember exactly how long it took, but I do know it was over 30 hours to process.  When all done I put some of them in glass jars figuring it would be easiest for hubby when rehydrating.  All he has to do is add hot water, and instant (healthy) meal.  

 As I am trying to find healthier and healthier options for my family I decided to try making my own pasta.  My plan is to make whole wheat pasta with vegetable juice, but for this first run I just did whole wheat because I didn’t have any vegetable juice in the house.  There definitely is a learning curve with this, especially when it comes to trying to decide how long to let them go before cutting them.  I think next time I will wait until they are all made and then cut to try and eliminate some shorter ones and some longer ones.  

  The other day I decided to try and freeze dry rotisserie chickens.  Wasn’t really sure how they would turn out, but decided to try anyhow.  I have to say, I am pretty impressed with the results.  I ended up with four quarts of meat from three chickens.  I haven’t rehydrated any, but did try it while it was in its freeze dried state, and it had a very nice flavor.  

 The kids started school today, and I have some serious mixed emotions about it.  Part of me is so sad to see them getting on their buses and heading off to school because it means I am all alone now.  With hubby gone and working and the kids gone at school it is just me…..all alone all day long.   This morning I woke up at 5:30 am, showered and got ready.  By 6 am I was in the kitchen prepping breakfast for the kids, and before I knew it they were off and waiting for the bus.  Didn’t get official first day of school photos because one kiddo was way too crabby (did snag photos from the ring LOL).   The kids left, and I cleaned and now am sitting here twiddling my fingers.  I think I will make some homemade bread…..only consolation to the whole thing is hubby is on his way home right now.