RECIPE: Grilled Squash

Simple and quick side dish for grilled meats.

INGREDIENTS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Cracked Black Pepper
Dried Basil
Garlic Powder

Cut squash in half lengthwise. Brush the inside if each half with olive oil. Lightly sprinkle basil and garlic powder. Salt and pepper to taste. Grill for appx. 5-10 minutes,  til tender.

***Accompanying Grilled Potatoes Recipe HERE.

HERBAL MEDICINE: Carrie's Cold & Flu Upper Respiratory Concoction

I swear by this "concoction" if used at the first sign of illness. The ingredients contain natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and decongestant  properties. 

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. Broth 

2 Cloves Fresh Garlic, whole (no substitutions)

1 Sprig Fresh Oregano (or 1/4 tsp dried)

1/8 tsp. Cayenne Powder

Pour boiling broth over other ingredients, cover and steep for about 10 minutes. Sip broth, be sure to EAT THE GARLIC cloves. Oregano leaves are edible as well.

RX: 3 times daily at the first onset of symptoms up to three days. See a doctor if illness persists more than three days or immediately in case of high grade fever.

*Any flavor broth can be used, homemade or with powdered. I prefer Knorr Tomato with Chicken.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:

GARLIC: Antibiotic, antiseptic (internal and external), antimicrobial, antioxidant. When garlic is chewed or crushed, the compound Alliin combines the enzyme Allinase, and a powerful antibiotic chemical Allicin is formed. Allicin boosts production of white blood cells, strengthening the immune system. Garlic is also kills the bacteria which causes stomach ulcers, treats intestinal worms, and can aid in healing mild skin infections when juice is applied topically.

OREGANO: Antiseptic (internal and external), antibacterial, fungicide, disinfectant, antioxidant. Oregano contains Carvacol and Thymol, which have antibacterial, antiseptic and fungicidal properties. It soothes sore throat, can aid in cough suppression, and when served in a steamy broth, can open sinus passages. Oregano contains a plethora of vital nutrients, too, such as Vitamins B3 and B6, Potassium, Zinc, Iron, and Protein!

CAYENNE: External and internal pain reliever, antibacterial, decongestant. Capsaicin in the active ingredient in Cayenne. When used to treat upper respiratory symptoms, it helps alleviate headache, open sinus passages, and soothes sore throat. Topical ointments made from Cayenne are used for natural treatment of joint and muscle pain, too. Cayenne can also prevent and heal ulcers by killing off the bacteria that causes them.

***All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.***

175th Lenawee Co. Fair

2014 marked the 175th Anniversary of the Lenawee County Fair! A local celebration of family, friends and farm, there's a little something for everyone!

Yesterday, we went to the Lenawee County Fair. This is the second year we've gone. It was overcast but fairly warm, especially in the barns! The Fair usually starts on a Monday and ends on Saturday each year near the end of July.

There is a little something for everyone. For example- a Midway with rides and games for the kids, live music at the Band Shell, tractor pulls, car shows, baked and home canned goods displays, arts and crafts displays, and our favorite - barnyard animals! 

4-H Club is responsible for a majority of the animals, crafts and goods for exhibit at the Fair. Anything from crafts, to wood working, to fine arts, to baking, to canning... These kids do a great job on their contest entries. Better than many adults can produce!

Speaking of the animals, the Fair is a great place to check out various breeds of farm animals you might consider for your homestead- horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, rabbits and other small animals and birds. We were able to talk with some of the exhibitors and even got some advice about how to tell what sex our guineas are!

Each night there are different entertainment attractions at the Grand Stand like the Antique Tractor Show and the NTPA Tractor and Truck Pull, and different musical guests at the Band Shell. We did not attend any of the special events, but have heard great things about them.

If you have the opportunity to visit the Fair in 2015, it's well worth the small entrance fee of $3 for children under 9/$5 for teens and adults. All-You-Can-Ride Midway bracelets are $20 each.

There is more information available at the Official Lenawee County Fair Website