Buttercup...

Today is a sad day at my house. My beloved chicken friend 'Buttercup' died. A Coyote I believe murdered her. He is now on my hit list. I don't think my pellet gun will do much damage to him.

I never thought a chicken could be such a pet. She was a 3 year old, Plymouth Rock. She was my own groupie. She would run to me when I called her or she met me at the door of the house when I came home. She ate out of my hand and never bit me once. She laid beautiful big eggs and never went broody. She laid those eggs for me. I always thanked her, and she seemed to understand. I can't pull myself together quite yet. I wail when I cry, an all and out wail. And I today am crying for every loved one I have ever lost. Does everyone do that? Is that normal behavior?  If you are on the fence about getting chickens, please get them. They will make you happy. They are very sociable, talk to them as your little friends and feed them special treats, and they will adore you like no other.

 The best brother buried my little friend for me, and made her this grave maker. I know there must be chickens in heaven. And she is surely there.

Cheers to Buttercup !!

Bird Seed and Bird Feeder...

Bird seed and bird feeder is a real stretch here...this is really a recipe for bird, chicken and squirrel treat. I started out buying bird food and filling a clay pot every day for the wild birds. My chickens and the squirrels were feeding in the dish more than the birds. This led me to think I needed to make my own combination of food for the little darlings, since I was eating the chicken eggs. (you are what you eat?) I started gathering my supply's at Trader Joes. They have the best prices for sunflower seeds. Then went to Grocery outlet for dried fruit. After that stopped at the Mexican store for dried corn. It is the one that is used by Hispanics for soup. It has a puffiness about it and is a little softer. the squirrels love it.

Mix together, dried corn, sunflower seeds both shelled and unshelled, (not salted) dried bananas, dried cranberries and chicken scratch, I tossed in all the old frozen nuts out of my freezer, pecans, walnuts and almonds...make any combination you like. Have fun with this!

I store mine in a bag out in the shed with the feral kitten food, and chicken feed......and Uncle Franks chair....

I made the super pretty feeder for the new buffet line. I found a pretty painted happy plate and a really pretty margarita glass. I super glued the glass to the plate.

The treat dish is ready! Put water in the margarita glass...just in case they need a drink...

the little tiny birds found it first...they like the water glass, this one was sitting on the rim until I disturbed him.

The jay was taking notes....probably calling his jay friends...don't look at the moss.

but all three chickens came running when I called them...why did I go to all this trouble?

 

For these two goof ball eddies....Elsa and Jack...

 

It is for their viewing pleasure!

When I am at work they sunbath and watch the world outside the window...they have a picture window view of the feeder....

the wonderful life of two much loved cats!

 

Cheers to Happy !!

 

 

Flourless Chocolate Banana Torte...

Seriously fudgy and great! This recipe goes together so fast. One hint, is you have to use very ripe bananas, they add the sweetness. Healthy never looked this good!!!

Flourless Chocolate Banana Torte
3 large eggs, separated
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup agave
¼ cup corn oil
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
½ cup cocoa powder

1. In a blender, whip egg yolks, agave and salt on medium for 1-2 minutes
2. Add oil and mashed banana and blend for another minute or two
3. Blend in cocoa powder
4. In a bowl, whip egg whites to stiff peaks
5. Gently fold contents of blender into bowl with egg whites
6. Grease a 9-inch spring form pan and pour batter into pan
7. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes

The ingredients are gathered!

Put the egg yolks, agave, salt in the blender, blend and then add oil and cocoa...blend..

place the egg whites in a bowl and whip until frothy...fold the blender ingredients into the frothy egg whites...

place in prepared pan and bake

out of the oven...

place on a cake plate...

I made a ganache to pour over the top...just candy bar 70% or more, melt and add a couple of tablespoons of cream...melt and pour over top of cake

Serve with fresh whip cream....So fudgy and good!!!!!

Cheers to Happy  !!