Desktop update

Slowly but surely (my middle name !) another  iteration of the desk/ office to consolidate and get rid of unused old items. The hutch extension to the top of the desk was removed.  Wiring, although still looking cluttered (not visible) was consolidated, that being every little piece of equipment requires either mains voltage or low voltage power supply unit plus the routing of the audio cables. The monitor screen was reduced from two to one as  a VGA type switcher was employed to allow broadcast TV, computer or a combination of both computer with TV in a picture in picture. When not in other use an IPad can be used as a secondary source of streaming/ internet as a second screen. The turntable does not get much use now that audio streaming is available and may be moved from the desktop. The bulky desk lamp was replaced with a single 1 watt round cob led that can be easily placed due to it’s small size and small low voltage wiring requirement. The lower sliding shelve of the desk normally used for the keyboard was replaced with sturdy preformed Formica countertop cut to length to provide addition workspace for paperwork, hobby crafting etc. a rear lip was added to prevent paperwork from falling off the shelve.The lower receiver under the desk is used for a sub woofer amplification but currently disconnected due to the proliferation of low frequencies in the house and within city limits.The monitor now sits atop the preamp better ergonomics as far as height. .

More sharing with you my space. Items  in the background to dispose of ,there’s a piano back there! hopefully I will not get ads and email recommending “organizing my life websites” to follow. 😝

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Basic schematic less the power supply connections

Schematic of the components less the power supply connections

 

A throwback item from  yesteryear

“Mark sense lead”

Throwback documentation

 

 

 

Bread and Jam

While at the market, some fresh cherries were purchased  so after eating several and using some to augment the bottle of rumtopf in the  fridge, the remainder was processed for some fresh cherry jam . With minimal additives, only an apple to lend some pectin and sugar to taste, the mixture was steamed then  processed and  boiled till the proper consistency was achieved. Since toast is made often a great accompaniment.

STEAMING THE FRUIT

AFTER THE STEAMING THE FRUIT WAS PROCESSED BY THE FOOD MILL

(the waste is in the dish) 

BOILING AND REDUCTION OF THE PROCESSED FRUIT

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

SOURDOUGH BREAD

The bread making continues, this time a yeast less loaf, high hydration dough mixture literately poured into a heated crock with a bit of an assist from a spatula. About one cup of sourdough starter, and in a separate container, a cup of flour and water, both set out in the morning. I think  there is enough wild yeast floating around the kitchen area as the mixture of the  flour and water  practically started ferment by itself in short order. Both containers left loosely covered during the day. When the temps recede at later evening it’s time to bake when the mixes have been combined, more flour added, and given another proofing to a very wet bubbling mass of sour dough. Baked by the covered/uncovered crock method.

 

The bottom of the bread.

Now the best method I have found is to heat the crock as usual and then just before adding the dough use an oil from a spray can to coat the crock.

TOAST TEST

Broiled, crunchy with soft crumb, very moist bread. Won’t last long enough to spoil !

 

 

Carasau bread

caraseau bread
https://riseofthesourdoughpreacher.wordpress.com/2017/11/10/maroggias-mill-cookbook-pane-carasau-il-ricettario-del-mulino-di-maroggia-pane-carasau/

Baked during the previous Holiday season.

A light crispy bread, similar to a toasted pita bread.

Almond butter crackers

An easy to bake sweet cracker, various recipes exist that can be modified by the type of sugar, butter and nuts. Some recommend vanilla extract be added.

• Club brand crackers, plain
• 3/4 of a stick of butter and margarine
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• sliced almonds

Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the crackers to cover the cookie sheet with no gaps. The amount  of crackers and size of cookie sheet varies from each recipe.

Bring the butter/margarine and sugar to a boil, similar to making a simple syrup. Boil for several minutes.

Spoon the syrup over the crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with almonds.

We tried several iterations of this recipe, the best result was to get the syrup to just a slightly thick consistency and  apply it with a silicone basting brush. As for baking the crackers, closely watch till they turn a golden brown.

Makes a nice addition to a cup of coffee or tea, or an after dinner sweet.

One version (not pictured) was made with the addition of unsweetened chocolate to the syrup, using a double layer of crackers, applying course chop walnuts topping.

 

 

 

 

 

Hydroponic update

WTF

I was considering transplanting some of the tomato plants, someone beat me to it apparently .

a different lasagna

Started with 2 eggplants, sliced thin and salted and drained. Possibly doing some kind of roll-ups but opted to a lasagna. what was different was the use of shredded turnip as a component in addition to the use of the eggplant, broccoli, with a tomato cream sauce.

The prep, eggplant draining, the shredded turnip (looks like shredded mozzarella) broccoli, and the noodle dough.

Started the layering, broccoli was briefly steamed.

All set up for a later bake, one 8 x 8 inch pan and another round pan to the freezer.

Serving time later in the day.

Better than expected. The tomato sauce balanced everything out when baked. It was a combination of canned whole tomatoes, processed in the food processor, seasonings, a hint of red pepper flakes, oregano, rosemary, a dash of turmeric and a splash of heavy cream. The noodle was minimal and thinly rolled out. Good flavor and just enough heat in the sauce to accent the turnip.

 

 

Citrus beverage

Similar to a previous post, a easy combination of fruit for cold beverage. Zest all the fruit, grate ginger root, squeeze the fruit and combine all with simple sugar, refrigerate. Amounts per your preference.

Hydroponics 2018

Here we go, off to a good start for the season, same setup as last season, DWC outside . This year 2 different varieties, RoniF1 and Sakura F1,  both from High Mowing Organics. The Roni is a slicing tomato and the Sakura is a hybrid cherry. After the winter looking forward to fresh tomatoes.