Organizing my Spice cubboard by "Shopping at Home"

This still is not perfect but better than it was. I know what spices that I am out of and now have everything where it can be found easier. I used containers that I already have and did not purchase anything new to organize the spices.

After pricing containers and shelves, I found that it could really add up to quite a bit of $$$- the cute little tins that are perfect for storing spices are about $3.00 each.

I decided to use mason jars or canning jars that I had that were just taking up space in my storage room. I cut out paper circles for under the lids and then used my label maker to add the name of the spice to the top of the lid. The jars are great for spices purchased in bulk and for being able to reach a measuring spoon inside when cooking.

I thought about painting the jar lids with chalk board paint and then writing the contents of the jar with chalk. - I may try this with some other pantry items.

I grouped everything in either alphabetical order or according to use such as baking, spicy, sweet...

Some container ideas could be loaf pans or shallow baskets.

I found that labeling the top of the lid made it easier to see the spice quickly in my deep cabinet.

Adding Color with Fiestaware

With all this winter - white all over- color, I decided to add some colorful new pieces of fiesta ware to my collection of all white.

Making Butter and Baking Oatmeal Bread

Add 4 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 teaspoon course sea salt to a mixing bowl and whip.

The basic butter-making process involves taking whipped cream past the breaking point until it separates into butter and buttermilk. All this involves is a lot of whipping with a stand mixer. ( I first tried the blender - it works much better in the mixer. ) keep mixing the whipping cream on medium speed until the it reaches the soft peak stage, then firm peaks, and finally it will began to clump.

Keep on mixing and then suddenly the clump will release its buttermilk. The buttermilk will be in the bottom of the mixing bowl. Strain the buttermilk into a measuring cup for later use. What is left is a pale yellow clump- BUTTER.

We are going to use our Homemade butter mixed with herbs on homemade oatmeal bread.

This was a fun experiment for the boys.


Oatmeal Bread
This recipe comes from an old cookbook

2 pkgs active dry yeast
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup molasses
1/3 cup shortening
1 Tablespoon salt
5 1/2 to 6 cups sifted enriched flour
2 beaten eggs

Soften yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups boiling water, oatmeal, molasses, shortening, and salt. Cool to lukewarm. Add the yeast mixture and Stir in about 2 cups flour, and eggs, beat well. Add remaining flour to make a soft dough. ( Dough will be a little sticky). Grease top, cover tightly and place in a draft free place for 1 to 2 hours. Turn out on a well floured surface and shape into 2 loaves. Place in greased loaf pans and let rise, covered in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours. Bake in moderate oven ( 375 degrees ) for 40 to 50 minutes.