I had to run into Charlottesville today to do a whole bunch of errands- no Christmas shopping, thank you very much- and I was exhausted when I headed back to the farm. Ex. Haust. Ed. But something came over me when I pulled into the driveway and saw the flock in their pastures and the dogs wagging their tales. The barn looked so pretty in the afternoon sun. And I realized I was feeling something very deeply, something unfamiliar.
It took me a few minutes to realize that I what I was feeling was a combination of peace and happiness. Happiness at the sight of my farm. And absolute, blissful peace. After living in complete chaos for four years, I have truly come home.
Yesterday was so amazingly easy. It seems like forever since I’ve said that about a holiday. But everyone was happy and laid back and just glad of each other’s company. There was none of the usual hurry-up-and-wait that I’ve come to associated with family get togethers, no screaming, no drama, no pouting, no how-come-no-one-understands-the-true-meaning-of-Thanksgiving-but-me. It was easy and lovely and exactly what I want every holiday to be.
I have chosen to change the course of my life, to live in a different way. And I can now say without any doubt that I have chosen correctly.
Now, about those recipes I promised you. When my friend Kris invited us over for Thanksgiving, she said she had all the basics covered and said I should bring my own Thanksgiving favorite along. After much thought, I decided on Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce.
This recipe is really a non-recipe, cause it’s so easy to throw together.
Tump a bunch of cranberries in a big pot.
Add some sugar. I used 3 pounds of cranberries and about a cup and a half of sugar. I don’t like it to be too sweet, so add more if you prefer it that way.
Pour in a couple of glugs of orange juice.
I like spicy, so I added five jalapenos to the sauce. If you’re only looking for a little kick you can cut it back to two. Dice them up, taking care not to touch anything until you’ve washed your hands with soap after handling.
Don’t ask me how I know this…
Throw you peppers into the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring every now and then.
The cranberry sauce is finished when it’s the way you like it. I like to stop cooking while some of the berries are still whole, because it looks pretty that way. You can keep cooking it down until all the berries have burst and it’s super-thick. Either way, it makes an amazing condiment on your Thanksgiving Day leftover sandwiches.
Don’t wait till next Thanksgiving to try this- you can still get cranberries in the grocery store and they freeze really well.
Tomorrow- mini pies!
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
I made spicy cranberry sauce too!! Did you see my post about jalepenos in the stuffing…mmmmm.
Thanksgiving is the best holiday of all.
Thanks for sharing your life and flock with all of us.
-Perry-
Yes, peace. . . ahhh.
Susie, I’m with you on the feeling of “rightness;” of “contentment.” For the past five years there was this large elephant in the room, taking up too much of my emotional space. Like you, my Thanksgiving had just the right mix of relaxation and happiness; a truly thankful day without one conflict. Joy.
mmmmm!
but just remember all you learned and take with you from those chaotic 4 years! The paths we take to get us to where we are, and where we find happiness!
No water other than a couple glugs of oj? I can see how this would be SUPER thick. I used 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water and two pounds of cranberries to make my basic sauce.
Oh, i’m stupid. I forgot to say that I’m so happy that you had a relazxing thanksgiving and that you’re finding peace and happiness. you deserve it!
That sounds interesting!
What size jugs of orange juice? quarts, pints? Thank you for your help!
ok, I read the directions wrong – glugs not jugs.
So going by “glogs” are we talking more like a half cup or less of orange juice? A couple of splashes?
I would have edited my original post but I cannot do it on the blog – sorry
Isn’t it amazing how nice it feels to know that nobody is gonna yell at you? Sometimes the road is muddy, filled with potholes and crooked, but getting ‘home’ is well worth it. Congratulations!
What glorious news – that with all the changes, you are in that beautiful place. I love those hills/mountains! I can feel the peace from here.
I just love you Susie G.! Happy Thanksgiving.
No worries Karen! It’s about half a cup of OJ. Try it, you’ll love.
It was peaceful at this end of the holiday too! So glad you and Erin could make it – and that we got to spend some more time with Paige. Okay, I’m off to finish off the pecan mini pies before anyone else in the house notices. . .
Kris
I like to do ginger and cayenne pepper. That way, the heat is a little more hidden, and people are like “wow, what’s in this?” It’s supposed to be a meat relish, so it’s just fun. I also do dried cherries or apples, orange zest, nuts, etc. It’s a fun thing to just kind of vary from year to year. This year I made it with dried apricots and apples…. still spicy, but with other textures.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the amount of orange needed.
As for the first part of your blog it sounds like you found “home”. Not just a building for you and your animals, but “home” – a place you enjoy being in and around. Congratulations on the good find and realizing you have it!
Delicious! Can’t wait til next year to make this… Oh, wait, right, I don’t have to!
Your farm is so lovely in that light.
Good that you can be happy.
Gosh! I keep coming back to your site because I just love the life you found at the farm. I envy you and very happy that you had the courage to get off of the city wild life roller coaster. I know it must be hard work but it’s work you love and those animals are so precious. Thank you for sharing.
Been meaning to say it for awhile now, but welcome to the area!
We are about 25 minutes east of C-ville in Fluvanna county. It’s neat to read a blog that’s so close to home. C-ville can be a pretty amazing place and I hope it’s good to you guys.