Basic Cookery

I studied cooking in Home Economics classes when I was a teenager. My mother also gave me freedom in her kitchen. I would look through her cookbook and bake special treats when the pantry ran low.  While Mom did most of the cooking, I was happy cleaning and cooking whenever I got the chance.

In my first home, I enjoyed making meals for my husband.  I still remember our first trip to the local supermarket.  We were so excited to pick out our own groceries, together.  I made his breakfast, packed his lunch, and made his dinner each night.  With a small household, and a decent income from his job, we didn't have much to worry about financially.

As more and more children came into the home, I had to learn to make many things from scratch, with the ingredients I had on hand.  I remember going to the local library and finding all kinds of old cookbooks.  I borrowed them, and found recipes that would work well for my family.   Many of these recipes (like breads and stews) were made so many times that I memorized them.  If I really loved a borrowed cookbook, I would save up and buy my own copy.

Frugal, or thrifty, cooking is a valuable skill for the housewife.  People often share recipes, which is good.  However, many families have different tastes.  Some have allergies.  We also live in different climates and have a different cultural basis for what we eat.   In the Boston area, fresh lobster and clam chowder is common, whereas, they may not be staple menu items in a little town in Idaho.    Restaurants in Florida serve the most delicious fresh orange juice you could ever taste!  They are known for their oranges and have them in abundance.   We have to make use of what is available and low cost, in our area.  It is important to learn how to adjust recipes to work in our own kitchens.

It is a common cliché for mothers to save money by serving "rice and beans."   This might work for many, but not in my house.  One cannot always save money by doing what the masses suggest.  We have to remember to serve foods that our own family will enjoy.  Cooking basic foods from scratch will save money.  Serving carefully portioned- sized- meals and storing leftovers will also save money.  

To learn basic cooking skills my favorite book is The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook.  It boasts 1,400 recipes!  The pictures are stunning and are set up almost encyclopedia - like.   My children used to love to look at all the pictures and say, "Let's make this one!"   You will learn to make easy breads, muffins, meats, and all kinds of dinners and desserts.  Once you learn the basics of these foundational recipes, you can start adjusting ingredients to meet the needs of your family. 

Basic cooking also means you have freedom from the supermarket sales ads.  Certainly buy hamburger or chicken only when they are priced reasonably.  But you can make so many different things with them. The store will recommend processed foods to go with the meats. Cooking from scratch means we don't need those items. You will no longer be a slave to what is on sale.

 When we buy hamburger in a "family sized" package, I take it home and divide it up into smaller portions.  I then put each meal's serving in a gallon Ziploc bag and freeze it.   Even though we have a lot of people in this house, I only cook with that small amount of meat. It is the ingredients that go with it, that make the meal stretch - the vegetables, the bread, etc.   I love the older cookbooks from the 1960's that have old menus that go along with the recipes. This was from a time when portion sizes were much smaller than those of today.  The fun in the dinners had a lot to do with the beverages, the way the vegetables were prepared, and the lovely way in which it was all presented. 

Nourishment was key, and homemade was the most nourishing of all.

I realize we mothers have days of being exhausted and can't do as much as we would like.  But when you are in the habit of cutting and washing vegetables for stew, or whipping up a quick batch of muffins, making food from scratch can be a valuable part of the daily routine.  When all my children were little, I had lots of helpers.  We set to work at the big kitchen table.  I had children rolling out dough, or peeling vegetables.   The bigger children were at the counter or stove stirring sauces, or handling the hot foods, while the safe work was done at the table. Meal preparation was a happy, pleasant way to pass the time with small children.   To them, it was playing!  It got the work done, and the children enjoyed it.  They also loved taking turns serving the food and giggling and visiting at the table.

These days,  I have a barstool in my kitchen. I often sit near the counter to wash dishes, or to make biscuits.  I also have my kitchen radio nearby to hear CDs of gospel music or sermons.  Often my grandbaby is in the highchair watching me work. He plays with bowls and lids and has a wonderful time.  The kitchen can be a happy place to be, making frugal cooking a pleasant part of life.


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

Remembering my Childhood - When Television was Special.

The beauty of a formal morning table - Breakfast at Home.

Mother's work - The Pleasant Task of Cleaning.



Order My Books:


For Home-keeping Inspiration, - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 

A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, -  "Early Morning Revival Challenge" 






An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Mother's Courage

In Wartime, as sons went off to join the army, Mother's heart would break.  She would watch her boys walk down the lane in their uniforms, and she would pray for them. 

During some wars, in some countries, terrible things have happened.  Family members were taken by enemies, or by soldiers.  I have read about wives and mothers weeping as cruel people took away the family.

How do Mothers have enough courage to go on each day?

There are happier leavings. . . . Children grow up and move into their own homes.  Another family is established, another home.  Mother feels content to see her grown children at peace and being blessed.  Yet, she misses that empty spot at the table. She misses those late night talks of all the news as young adults came home from their outings. 

Still, there is an emptiness in the heart and soul when family leaves.  How do these mothers go on?

Somehow she must keep her routine. She must keep praying at the appointed hour of family worship.  She must make the meals, and sweep the floors.  Despite her worries and her sadness, she must continue to keep making a home.

Someday, those precious ones will walk back down the lane to see their old Mother.  There will be a happy reunion.  Someday, that lane may be heaven, or it may be the old homestead, but there will be a time of reunion and all will be well again.

Mothers must have faith and courage that God is in control, no matter how bleak things look, or how many burdens we wallow in.   Mother must continue to have a happy peace in her soul, knowing that faith is stronger than anything we see before us. 

Mother's Courage will soar, as she focuses on her daily routine in the sweet little home, and in her humble efforts at homemaking. 

Her faithful prayers will soothe the lives and hearts of the missing ones. . . For Mother to stay behind at home, keeping it nice, waiting for the return of the family - . . .  this is brave and noble courage. 


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

The True work of a Homemaker - The Mission House.

The Comfort of Home - The Light in the Window.

Please Be One of These - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.



Order My Books:


For Home-keeping Inspiration, - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 

A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, -  "Early Morning Revival Challenge" 






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The Foundation of Cleaning

Very early in the morning, I cleaned the main rooms in this large old house.  I swept the floor, scrubbed the sink, counters, and stove.  I washed dishes, cleaned canisters, and made the parlour look nice.  This is the heavy sort of cleaning one does as the foundation of other cleaning. It is the deep down work that makes the rest of the day's work easier.

I will often rearrange the interior of the refrigerator to keep some order.  Things should be in their place - the milk goes here; the ketchup goes there.  This makes everything easy to find and not strewn about.  An orderly fridge makes one pleasant.  

The sun is just rising on the front grounds. The windows are open.  I will soon sweep the porch and tidy up the outdoors! (gentle smiles)  Cleaning is pleasant work when it is done with skill, purpose, and a little quiet.  (No one is under foot at this hour.)

Soon the family will waken.  I will hear the baby's morning cry in just a few hours.  He will want his breakfast and lots of attention.  He will want to walk the gardens with grandmother.  The children will make most of the meals, and I will enjoy some leisure in the afternoon.

For right now, I will rest content, with a cup of tea, because I have already accomplished a delightful mission in the home - I have done the day's foundation of cleaning.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Very Precious - Sweet Hours at Home.

She Seeks not Fame - The Behind-the-Scenes Mother.

When Mister and I had children, we took one of these - A Vow of Poverty.



Order My Books:


For Home-keeping Inspiration, - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 

A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, -  "Early Morning Revival Challenge" 






An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Mister's Cadillac

Mister has a pastel - purple Cadillac, with leather seats.  He bought it used several years ago.  It had problems, and has never run right.  For the past few years it was off the road, hidden away in a carport, here at the Estate.  On occasion, in the warmer months, he would take it out and wash it, let it run, and perhaps drive on our driveway. He loves that car!  I used to see him, out the second story window, and tease him saying, "Are you hugging that car again?" 

With our current car crisis, Mister decided a broken down Cadillac is better than no car at all.  It is now on the road. (His old van died last week.)  The car is very pretty to look at. It is luxurious to ride in, but doesn't run well.

The other night, Mister took John (16) and I out in the evening.  We did the grocery shopping.  I felt like royalty riding in that beautiful car.   We drove out of the long driveway of our old Estate.  I thought to myself, no one would ever believe we were poor.  But perhaps I have to get my thinking straight.  What exactly is "poor?"

Many around us have debts.  I often see a brand new car pull into the driveway to pick up one of my children.  I say, "That was bought with car payments!"  Well, of course I am judging, but I can't imagine anyone having thousands of dollars to pay cash for these new cars!    I see people buying brand new clothes all the time.  But I don't see them using cash. They have those little cards that let them buy on "time."   Many, in our community, and around this country, are far more poor than our family, because they are burdened with consumer debts.  We often joke that we are "too poor to get into debt!"

So, I am thinking. . . Mister's Cadillac is paid for. . . We have a small mortgage on our House.  . . We have no other debt.   Yet throughout the year, we have major financial problems - like when the hot water heater had to be replaced.  We had no money at the time.  Earlier this year, our washing machine gave out and had to be replaced. It took every last dime we had saved to replace it with the cheapest model Sears had in stock.  Are we poor? 

When we got to the supermarket the other night, we felt like we were rich in that beautiful car.  We bought 2 carriages full of groceries, knowing we wouldn't be going back out for quite some time.  We never know when the car will work or not, and we must stock up.   That Cadillac has an enormous trunk and easily held all our shopping bags.  We were able to ride home in comfortable, leather luxury.  

As we drove down the road, we prayed. We all prayed, "Lord, please help us get home."  Because that car could die at any time, just like my car did late one afternoon in June of this year. 

We are rich in some ways, but poor in others.  We live on a financial roller coaster, but this is the way it was for many people before the credit card industry came along and convinced shoppers what a privilege it would be to have everything "now," rather than going without.

To answer the question:  Yes, we are poor.  Right now, my biggest worry is finding a way to fix our wood pellet stove (for $300), and buying enough wood pellets to keep us warm this coming winter.  But somehow, someway, we are getting through it. Just like the Pioneer mothers and Depression-Era mothers.   We have a history of poor families who made it through life with joy and gratefulness as our example.  And even though at times our financial poverty has us crippled with worry or sadness, in the end, God provides.
 
Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

The beginning of this year's financial troubles - Hard Times.

Tour the Grounds to see Mister's Purple Cadillac - Our Vermont Estate.

The Joy of Having a sweet grandbaby at Home - Singing Comfort to Baby.





Order My Books:


For Home-keeping Inspiration, - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 

A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, -  "Early Morning Revival Challenge" 






An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

The Other Side of Motherhood

We live in a generation where everything seems to happen instantly. People can often make things work fast, or right away. Things are forced to happen "on time," in many cases. This takes away our patience, and even our attention span.  Sadly, over the last few decades, this has trickled down to the expectations of mothers.

We do our best to raise our children to be good, moral citizens.  We want them to produce the fruit from our years of hard work in teaching and training them.  We expect them to make the right choices and the right decisions.  This shows us their maturity and wisdom.  Yet, it isn't really about us.  It is about God's timing and God's will.

In the old days, Mothers knew to wait out the seasons and the phases.  They knew there was a point to stand back and let young ones make decisions. They knew to let the children face consequences; in order to learn the lessons and to grow and mature. 

This became very clear to me the other night.  Some of my older children came up with an idea.  I was tired and said I couldn't help.  But I was there to observe as the events unfolded. I knew what the result would be. I was excited about the lesson they were going to learn.  This time, no matter how tempted I was to interfere, or make their lives easier (thinking they had endured enough and had done enough), I backed off and let it all happen without me.  I did not give advice.  I did not take over the burden.  I had tea, went to bed early, enjoyed a quiet night, and I prayed for them.  The following morning, the results were in.  They learned the lesson!  They got the advice from the experience, instead of from my words!!  It worked!   I was delighted!

Many years ago, I read something about Mrs. John R. Rice (the wife of an evangelist and mother of six children).  She talked about her  children having meaningful work in the home.   She said chores taught them important lessons.  One day, one of her girls was very tired from a hard day at school and work.  But it was her night to wash the dishes and clean the kitchen.  Mrs. Rice was so tempted to go in there and say, "You go rest. You did enough today."  But she stayed back.  She said she wouldn't dare take away that lesson!    Her wisdom astounds me. 

Mothers, in this generation,  have spent much of our years interfering with God's lessons for our children. We have gone in there and tried to "help" or "ease" things.    This is part of control.  This is part of impatience!

When we observe the lives of godly grandmothers, we see a peaceful patience, and a knowing compassion for the young.  They don't give up easily on the youth of today!  They know there are phases, and trials, and mistakes that must happen to bring forth a mature adult.

Lately, I have seen my grown children come out of some tough years.  I have seen a "light" of maturity and peace coming from their lives and actions.  There are difficult teen years and young adult years for most (if not all) children.  But once they pass over that rugged hill and rough patch, they will emerge as an incredible blessing to their mothers.

The other side of motherhood, is from the grandmothers.  We look back over the years and see how quickly it all really happened.  We see patterns and lessons and trials.  But none of those "moments," or phases, lasted too long.   Some took hours, some months, and yes, some took years, but the children made it through.   We mothers of today, must stand back and have great patience and faith.  We must trust our prayers to reach the Master, and know that it will be okay in the end.

Blessings
Mrs. White



From the Archives:


This works Beautifully - Prayers Which Cannot Be Uttered.

When it gets Difficult - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.

The Message we let into our homes - Choose Your Propaganda.



Order My Books:


For Home-keeping Inspiration, - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 

A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, -  "Early Morning Revival Challenge" 






An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Keeping House

There is a sweet, freshness to the Vermont air.  I have all the windows open.  I love the sound of chirping birds, and the rushing of the river out back.   Each day, I have been doing some little project around the house.  Yesterday, I tidied up my dressing room.   Today,  I will work on the porch and  rooms on the first floor, of this 14 room house.   We may be having company this weekend so I want to freshen up the rooms.  I will have one of my teenagers sweep the porches and do a little weeding of the front grounds.

I have been doing my homemaking in the morning, at a leisurely pace, and then spending my afternoons resting with a book or an old movie.  Throughout my day, I take care of the family, especially grandbaby, who delights us all with his presence.

Amy (18) has been making most of our meals. She has been a great help, and is a wonderful mother to my little grandson.   They have been our houseguests for a long time, while her husband is away.  It has been a precious blessing!

I love to have a house full of people. I love to watch all the things they like to do, here at the estate.  Some sit by a fire, near the tent, toasting marshmallows and chatting.  Others play basketball, croquet, or toss around a football.   In the late afternoon, my boys (16 and 20) can be found in one of the rooms watching a movie.    Amy and I love to call the family together at the dinner hour. 

My work at home, as a housewife and mother, is to provide a pleasant place of comfort for our family and guests.   In order to do this, I have to keep myself pleasant and well rested, by not taking on any activities or outside projects that wear out my mind and strength.  I am grateful for Mister for making this happy home possible, by his work out in the world.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Taking care of our Home - Cleaning the Museum.

We need this all year round - Mothers with Christmas Courage.

Contentment, and Creating our own kind of Riches  - An Elegant Home Despite Poverty.





For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 



Did you get a copy of my new book, "Early Morning Revival Challenge?" 



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Early Morning Revival Challenge

"Inspired by the life, writings, and journals
of John Wesley (1700's), the author has created
a 90 - day Bible study challenge. .

The program consists of four, easy to follow, daily
assignments. Readers are expected to rise earlier
in the morning than normal; Spend 20 minutes in
prayer, Bible reading, writing in a journal, and
reading quotes from Ministers from long ago. . .

The study is simple to follow, but will take a
tremendous amount of discipline to stay consistent to the very end. . .

If you are up for a challenge and ready for a revival, this book is just what you need!"

 -  This is the description from the back cover of my new book, "Early Morning Revival Challenge."

6" x 9"
List Price: $12.99

The Legacy of Home Press
ISBN-13: 978-0615861050
ISBN-10: 0615861059
Early Morning Revival Challenge

By Mrs. Sharon White

This is a slim, 72 page, paperback book.  The interior has an "antique" look with "cream" colored paper, rather than the traditional "white."  The cover has a photograph of our Vermont Estate Grounds, and looks very peaceful.  I spent hours searching through my home library, to glean a selection of inspiring quotes from Ministers from the 1600's, 1700's and the 1800's.  These include Richard Baxter, Thomas Boston, John Wesley, Samuel Rutherford, John Bunyan, and more (one for each day of the challenge).  The book includes a complete bibliography of quotes, so you can see exactly where they came from.

I intend to start this challenge myself, in just a few days.  I have also ordered a copy for my youngest homeschool student (age 16).  I believe this will be an excellent addition to his studies.  The discipline of reading 2 chapters in the Bible each day (from Psalms and Proverbs), writing in a journal, and praying, before the day begins will be a blessing to both of us!



Blessings
Mrs. White



From the Archives:

Lessons from my Boston Aunt - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

Please Don't Be One of These -  Bossy Wives.

Remember This for Your Homeschool - Education Must Not Be Rushed.





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Depending on Mister

I went out this evening. Mister took me to the supermarket. It felt like I was going into "town" and it felt like an ordeal. I didn't want to leave home, and was weary, but I knew my husband would take care of me.  I have been worn out and still recovering from recent ailments.   I felt very dependent and was so grateful to be taken care of by my family.   There is a sweet meekness when one cannot do very much for oneself.

Over the last month, as I have been without my car, I have thought, maybe there is something I should do to come up with money?  This is a normal, foolish thought.  Immediately, I remembered that the Lord is in control.  He has a plan. He is working behind-the-scenes. I will stay back and in my sweet place, where my dear husband has kindly kept me.  He is the provider, I am the housewife. (I shall not be moved.)   I cannot tell you how many times a "sickness" or a "trial" has come my way to slow me down (and get me out of the way), so the Lord could do some great work. In this case, I have learned that being home all the time, and depending entirely on Mister for any errands or outside needs, has been the most wonderful blessing of my entire marriage.

It has created a stronger trust and faith in God.  It has made my faith soar.  It has taken away MY will, and taught me what it really means for HIS will to be done.

I am a grateful housewife, and find great joy and peace in keeping the home.   This means to stay home.  No matter what I think is best, no matter what I think I have to do, staying home is the greatest blessing for a housewife. 

There is a beautiful quote by Elizabeth Prentiss (1800's), which describes it best:

"As for her, like most women, she had but one ambition. To be a good wife and a good mother, and to be beloved by her husband and children, was all she asked. [She was] a busy, affectionate, cheerful little housewife, whose voice would never be heard in the streets, but whose memory would always live in a few faithful hearts."





Blessings,
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Do You Have This? - Amazing Dedication (to Motherhood and Home).


It is not a Burden - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking.


Remembering My Mother-in-Law - Classic Old Fashioned Housewife.



For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 




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Recovering at Home

I am getting my strength back. I am amazed at how quickly I am getting better. Around this time last year, I was bedridden for almost a month!  I thought I was in for a rough time.  I am so grateful to be able to recover without any worries of errands or missing events. It has turned into a blessing to be without a car.

Yesterday, official word came in that our car is not fixable.  I am now permanently without a vehicle.  Mister has managed to get his old Cadillac running. He hopes to work on it, for those little errands he will take me on.  But mostly, I am home.

There have been many trials here at home in the last couple of months.  I have gotten run down.  The family has stepped in and taken on much of the housekeeping, though they don't "love" the work as much as I do. (gentle smiles)

As I have been ordered on bed rest by my children and husband, they have not seen me sneak into a room, here and there, to put away an item, straighten a chair, polish a counter, etc.  Then I head back to my bed to watch old movies and wait for one of the children to bring me hot tea in a pretty cup.  I was on total bed rest for the first day, then was able to start moving again.  I do take it slow and I will continue to rest as much as possible.

One of the hardest things for mothers is to rest when there is a baby in the house!  Grandbaby needs to be hugged, and rocked, and walked in the carriage.  He needs his tours of the property and humble gardens.  He needs someone to sing hymns and comfort him.  One can only rest around baby's needs!  Grandmothers find it very hard to resist taking care of a little one!  Perhaps having him here, has helped me to get better so much faster?

Have you toured our property yet?  You can see part of the grounds and Mister's Cadillac.  Just look on the right sidebar of the blog for the link.  While we live in financial poverty, we are very blessed here at home.

Blessings
Mrs. White



I was delighted to see a lovely review of my book, "For the Love of Christian Homemaking," by Mrs. June Fuentes at "A Wise Woman Builds Her Home!"





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