Book Review ~ Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House

Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson

I bought this book several years ago and I have had it in mind to review for a while. Since I'm focusing on getting my home in order for the holidays this week, I thought there was no better time. Home Comforts is the best book on the subject of keeping house that I’ve ever read. I tend to be a sucker for old housekeeping books and magazines but the information contained in them is not always relevant. Home Comforts is relevant, whether you’re an apartment dweller or have a tiny suburban cottage or a sprawling country manor. After reading this book, the first thing I adopted into my daily routine was what Cheryl calls “The Broken Window Theory”. She has an excellent example of this theory in life and draws a parallel of this to life inside the home. Here is a quote from the book:

“This theory says a neighborhood causes people who are predisposed to antisocial conduct to feel more inclined to commit various crimes and misdemeanors. If there is one broken window and it isn’t fixed, this suggests to malefactors that no one is in charge – that there therefore it is safe to write graffiti on the walls, litter, and break other windows.”

She goes on to explain how this applies to the home and I will show how it happens in my home. The day begins with a neat and tidy dining room and a table that is cleared off. I set down my coffee cup when I am done with it. Then someone else comes in and sets the book their reading down on the table. Then someone else adds a sweatshirt, then a purse, and then a flute case and so on. By the end of the day the table is covered with things that do not belong there. It all started with a broken window, or in this case, my coffee cup. The entire room is now out of order, is cluttered and soon, so is the entire house. So the solution is to be aware of the problem and not allow for broken windows. We have a plan, we TRY really hard to make sure everything lands in its proper place to begin with. That cuts down on a lot of problems. It also means that when it is time for me to clean, that is exactly what gets done. I do not spend my time putting things away. When things do get out of hand, I am also famous for rounding up the family and insisting that all broken windows be fixed (yes, they thought me crazy at first, now they know exactly what needs doing).

There are people who have the opinion that this book is a bit over the top and Cheryl does admits that she is meticulous. I like that she is meticulous. This is what I am aspiring to. The ideal. Not necessarily the reality. I also like that she spells out HOW TO, and then I get to decide what fits into our lifestyle and my way of doing things.

All that to say, Home Comforts is a great book and a wonderful resource that no home should be without.

In Honor of our Veterans

I just wanted to say THANK-YOU to all who have served our country (my dear Dad as well as other family members included). Please remember our brave men and women in uniform and the families of those who paid the ultimate price in your prayers.



In Flanders Fields

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918), Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Peking Pork Chops ~ Crockpot Wednesday

Joining in at Dining with Debbie for Crockpot Wednesday. Thanks for hosting Debbie!



This recipe is an oldie but goodie at our house, for the crockpot. Since I’m trying to get my deep, preholiday cleaning done this week, I’ve been utilizing my crockpot to help get the meals onto the table. This recipe was originally shared by Lynda McCormick at AOL’s What’s For Dinner board. Any recipe from Lynda is a winner and if my memory serves me correctly, this was also featured in a Gooseberry Patch cookbook. I served basmati rice (cooked in the rice cooker) and an Asian slaw on the side. Very yummy supper!

Peking Pork Chops

6 pork loin chops, (1 inch) thick cut
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger, or 2 tsp freshly grated
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup (Chinese ketchup is best in this recipe)
fresh garlic (2-4 cloves) crushed
salt and pepper, to taste

Trim excess fat from pork chops, brown in a skillet with 1-2 tsp oil and place in crockpot. Mix brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, salt and pepper in small bowl and pour over meat. Cover, turn to low and cook 4 to 6 hours, or until tender. Season with salt and pepper, if needed. Serves 6.

Cleaning for the Holidays!

This last weekend I started my late fall/holiday cleaning. Each year, I try to do a really deep clean and have my carpets done just before the holidays so I am ready for entertaining. Fall/Holiday cleaning looks very similar to spring cleaning except that the spring is when I tend to paint, replace and spruce up as well as clean. Fall/Holiday cleaning is all about the deep clean and getting the house ready to rearrange for the putting up of the trees (yes, there is an S at the end of trees….I put up a few).

With that in mind, I thought I’d post a few tips that help me to reduce stress, to save time, and make the holidays merrier. Oh, and I end up with a clean house too!

Start NOW!
There's so much to do between now and the end of the holidays season - decorating, entertaining, gifts buying and/or making, baking and candy making, programs and special activities, Christmas cards and correspondence. How and where do you make time for all the cleaning that needs to get done? It really is pretty simple, if you take the right approach. Begin your holiday cleaning before the seasonal rush. This lessens stress, and gives you time to tackle bigger projects, such as polishing the silverware, having carpets cleaned or rearranging furniture.

Making a list, and checking it twice
Start by making a list of all the things that need to be cleaned. Divide chores by room and make an estimate of how long each task should take. Some tasks like changing linens in the guest bedroom will not take long and can be squeezed in between your regular activities, other tasks may require setting aside an hour or an afternoon to get them accomplished. Tick off each item as you complete them. You’ll feel like you are making headway.

A little here, and a little there
Don’t put off your cleaning because you don’t have large chunks of time to devote to cleaning. Start small. Set aside 30-45 minutes each day (even if you have to do it in 15 minutes increments). Schedule your time at a fixed time each day and keep to your schedule. Once you’ve completed a task, be sure that everyone is on the same page in keeping things sparkling so you’re not having to redo the same things again and again.

Calling all cars, we need backup here
You're not the only one who will be enjoying the holidays, so you shouldn't be the only one cleaning for them either. Set aside a specific time each week for cleaning and divide up chores so others (kids, hubby, etc.) can pitch in. Many hands make light work.

Keep it simple, sweetheart
Reduce clutter and organize while your cleaning. Less to clean always makes cleaning easier. Organizing clutter is easier when you employee shelf organizers, shoe racks, plastic totes, or under-the-bed storage to help organize clutter.

Are we having fun yet?
Cleaning doesn't have to be all work. Pay a visit to your local public library first….check out books on tape or some new music to get you motivated and keep you entertained while you work. Another idea, download a podcast or 2 of your favorite radio programs and get your IPOD into the action. Don’t forget to reward yourself. A long steamy bath, a bar of GOOD chocolate or a gingerbread latte is great motivation for me to get done with a project.

I'm going to link this to Mosiac Monday (a day late this week) over at Mary's Little Red House. Please stop by and visit all the other wonderful mosaics.

Holiday Hostess Gifts

Now is when I start thinking about all the holiday get-togethers that will be upon us before too long. This year we are invited to our Pastor’s for Thanksgiving as well as a few other dinner parties and such that I would like to bring a small token gift to the gracious hostess. Typically, gift giving for me consists of something I’ve made. An apron, tee towel and/or some sort of goodie from the kitchen. This year, I’ve collected some old bottles and jars as I’ve antiqued and junked and plan to make Homemade Vanilla, Vanilla Sugar, Cranberry Vinegar and Cranberry-Mustard. These are all very easy to make but some require time to develop their flavor so the time is right to get started.



Homemade Vanilla

1/2-pint Vodka
4 whole vanilla beans
Seal tight bottle or container
Decorative bottle or jar

Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut a lengthwise slit down the middle of each vanilla bean. Cut vanilla beans into 1/2-3/4 inch pieces. Pour vodka into your container. Add vanilla beans to container and shake. Wait and shake. It will take 30-days for the vanilla extract to mature. Once each day, vigorously shake the container for 30-seconds. Once the 30-day cycle has finished, strain the liquid through a colander or coffee filter and place in decorative bottle. Makes 8-ounces. Bourbon vanilla can be made by switching out the vodka for bourbon.



Vanilla Sugar

1 vanilla bean, whole or scraped
2 cups granulated sugar

If vanilla bean is whole, slice down side of bean with back of knife and scrape seeds into airtight container with the sugar. Bury bean in sugar and seal tightly with lid. Let sit for 1 to 2 weeks. Use as you would regular, granulated sugar.



Cranberry Vinegar

2 cups good red wine vinegar
½ cup fresh cranberries
1 Tbsp sugar

Place vinegar, cranberries and sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil; immediately lower flame. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes, until fruit is tender. Cool. Pour into sterilized jar. Store in cool, dark place for at least 4 days.
Pour vinegar through strainer, removing cranberries. Pour gently into decorative glass jar or vinegar cruet for serving. Makes about 2 cups.

Horseradish-Cranberry Mustard

2 16-ounce cans whole cranberry sauce
1/2 16-ounce can jellied cranberry sauce (or more, to taste)
1 5-ounce jar cream style horseradish
1 2-ounce can Colman’s Mustard
1 Tbsp freshly ground pepper

Combine all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. (If you prefer a slightly sweeter mixture, use more of the jellied cranberry sauce.) Pulse until thoroughly combined and whole cranberries are slightly crushed. Use as a condiment with turkey or ham. The flavors improve over time, so make this at least one week in advance. There will be plenty to share with friends and family. Keeps in the refrigerator for at least one month.



Cranberry Chutney

1 3/4 pounds tart apples, chopped
2 1/4 pounds cranberries
2 cups light brown sugar
1 1/4 cups cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon pepper flakes
1/2 pound dark raisins

Place all ingredients in saucepan and cook 25 to 30 minutes.



Posting to Foodie Friday at Michael's Designs by Gollum. Thanks for hosting, Michael!

Tasty Tuesday/Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday/Tuesdays at the Table

I'm sharing today at Tasty Tuesday , Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday and Tuesdays at the Table. Thank you Jen, Lisa and Cole for hosting these lovely events each week. Check out ALL the great recipes posted.

This recipe came from a poster from an AOL message board, What’s For Dinner, that I used to frequent. The original poster was Teri (don’t have her last name) and we have enjoyed this recipe many, many times in the last 10 years or so. I served with Cheesy Grits and a big Romaine Salad and Homemade Ranch-Style Dressing.



Sticky Bones

1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
4 pounds beef short ribs

Combine all ingredients, except beef short ribs, in small saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered, for 15 minutes. Place ribs in a single layer on a jelly roll pan. Pour hot sauce over ribs and marinate for 1 hour. Drain the sauce, reserve for basting. Bake ribs, uncovered, in oven at 325°F for 1 hour, basting occasionally with reserved marinade. Makes 6 servings.