Today, I cleaned the wood stove. Another use for wood ash is to clean the windows on the doors. Yes, my neighbor keyed me into this one. I was using a harsh chemical, but I now I use the ash. It works pretty good.
After cleaning, I fired that baby up and attempted to make pancakes from scratch on the wood stove. The dogs got the first batch as they were a little burnt, but the second batch were great. I used maple syrup made by my neighbors. Nice to know where your food is sourced.
My chili is simmering. I just tasted and it’s very good. It is all ready for my visitors.
I have friends coming for a visit. They are staying for a few days to do some skiing. They are driving and bringing some fresh fish for tonight’s seafood feast. I told them I was cooking from scratch and healthy organic as a New Year’s Resolution. They are bringing food and such for us to cook during their entire stay.
Like @coffe girl, I use old towels and such in lieu of paper towels. I have cut down my paper towel useage to about a roll every 1-2 weeks. I use napkins at the table and when they get a little used (stained), I use them, too.
I have found some great buys on napkins at thrift stores and Pier One. This year’s holiday napkins were a Pier One clearance buy at 50 cents plus another 20% off for 40 cents! Sometimes, I also make my napkins if I can find some suitable fabric. The holiday napkins were not from scratch, but I made the napkin rings using some small pines glued to plain wooden napkin rings I picked up at the thrift store.