Reflection and Family and Consumer Sciences questions for us to ponder.

It has been a busy year for me.  

I have not been very active in the education FACS/FCS ( I will use FACS in my writing) world but I keep my nose in just deep enough to know what is going on catch a glimpse of FACS through former co-workers and friends that continue to work in the field.

I would like to note that the two Facebook pages started by young FACS educators have been a break though in our field.  These two pages:  Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/FCSteachers/  ( a closed group ) and Share the FACS https://www.facebook.com/groups/153174388072065/ ( a closed group ) have helped countless individuals through personal struggles, classroom conflicts and educational crisis.  They have also been an outlet for FACS teachers to share their successes and feel good about the work that they do in their field.

I know that AAFCS has dedicated time and energy to be a part of this work on Facebook and is willing to work with all educators even if they are not members.  Although this is wonderful, I hope that those of you that are not members take the time to look at joining the group because strength in numbers and advocacy is what we need in our profession.  

I also hope that as a FACS group we can collectively find a way to compensate the young lady that started this Family and Consumer Sciences group:  Sarah Jill, she has worked so hard to keep the group updated and accessible for everyone. (Over 3,600 members)  If you have an educational idea that you would like to share send it to fbfcsgroup@gmail.com.  She will review the information and put it on the groups page. 

 The page access for members only is:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gTEErODZ1COvCg2ps9PCus3UKq6f2D9fYKSNu8XEcc0/edit 


Let us give Sarah Jill a round of applause for her effort and work in administering the FACS group.

My second piece of this reflection is the constant wonder as to why FACS professionals in education have such a difficult time getting the attention of the general public and business as a group.  In reality the restaurant association has been by far the best and really only advocate for the group through their competition in Pro Start.  (And thank you to them!)

FCCLA and FACS have been such a driving force in leadership through out the nation.  Please continue to share the good that you do, share the importance of the skills that you teach.  Share that these skills are not just for personal use (although very important) but for our future designers in housing and fashion, our future child care providers and social workers, our future nutritionists and chefs, our future family counselors and insurance agents.....the list goes on.....but make your very valuable field known and share.  

It has been 21 years since the name changed from "Home Economics" to "Family and Consumer Sciences" in the United States.  Yet we still get the question, "What happened to Home Economics"? So please make sure that you let your people know what happened to our field and how we have changed.  Here is a quote from AAFCS about our name change, use it.

"In 1994, home economics-related organizations and programs decided to change the name of the home economics field to family and consumer sciences to more accurately reflect the complexity of the field. Evolving with the cultural norms, home economics was repositioned as family and consumer sciences to better serve the needs of individuals and families. Today, family and consumer sciences continues to evolve and provides an even broader foundation of essential research-based knowledge and skills to help today’s generation of families be better prepared to live, work, and succeed in an increasingly complex and diverse society."

Lastly, I would like to congratulate the AAFCS board and office on their promotion of Family and Consumer Sciences  through the "Dine In" campaign.  It was again a great success and we hope to see it continue to grow through out the years because of our FACS team effort!

With love and reflection,
Your retired but not out of touch FACS teacher.
Jane

P.S. Have a great BREAK!

Mashed Potatoes a day before the big celebration.

One thing that I noticed when I was teaching was that not everything has a real recipe.

Before we were reliant on the Internet I had assigned my students to find recipes for the classic Northern Thanksgiving.  The students assigned to mashed potatoes were stumped.  They could not find a recipe for Mashed potatoes.

It seems so logical to people that have been cooking alongside their parents their entire life.  But, if you do not have that experience and you do not have access to T.V. shows that show basics, you could be stumped.  And truly even with Internet searches sometimes the simple are hard to find because the "pros"  often need to put a twist on things for those that have done it all.

So here are some basics for mashed potatoes a day or two ahead of time.

Wash 5 pounds of russet potatoes.  Cut brown spots off.  You can leave the skin on.

Chop the potatoes into less than one inch cubs.

Chop an onion and put it in with the potatoes.

Place all in a 6 or 8 quarts kettle (dutch oven)  Cover with water.

Bring the water to a boil and cook until you can stick a knife into the potatoes with a smooth stroke.

Drain in a colander when cooked.

To Mash:

I like to use a mixer because I always have a large crew.  You can use a hand masher too.

If you have a kitchen aid use the wire whip.

Mash with out anything added until the potatoes are somewhat smooth.  If you add ingredients too soon you potatoes could become pasty.

Once smooth add:

1 1/2 teaspoon salt.
1 teaspoon pepper.
1 teaspoon garlic powder.

First add 1/ 2 cup butter (1 stick)  mix for a minute.

Then add 3/4 cup half and half.  (an alternate is 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup milk)

Mix until somewhat smooth but not too long.  (You don't want paste)

You can add other seasonings such as nutmeg, Italian seasonings, etc.  Add what you and your family love.  If you like additional butter, cream or milk add more.  Be creative.  Heck you can even pipe them out of a decorator bag, freeze them and heat them up.  They look fancy, fancy and you will impress the guests.

No matter what you do, it is not difficult,  but there is a slight science to the potatoes.

If you notice from my photos there are a few lumps and you can see the skins.  I like the skins because they have some good nutrients in them.  I used to get complaints from family members but they have grown accustomed to my ways over time.

Place the potatoes in a crock pot crock.  And refrigerate.

The next day start them rather early to make sure to are warm through and through, stirring periodically.

With love from your retired FACS teacher,
Jane

Thanksgiving: I Am thankful I have time but planning ahead helps.

Every year many have anxiety of getting ready for holiday entertaining.  I like to plan a head and use my freezer.  One of those plan ahead items can be your pie crust.

I use a simple crust recipe.  Many rave about it but it is not the ingredients but the method of assembly. 

This recipe makes 4 crusts.  See pictures below for freezing and you tube for blending.

4 cups flour
1 1/3 cups butter or shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
10 to 16 tablespoons water

Using a pastry blender  (key) cut the fat into the flour until it is pea size chunks.

Then add about 10 tablespoons water using a tablespoon.  Using a pastry blender again incorporate the water.  If you need more add more. The pie crust should stick together when squished with your fingers.   It should be somewhat moist but not sticky.

Divide into four chunks.

Flour surface.  Roll.  Fold crust in fourths.  Tuck excess under.  Flute.

To freeze:  place wax or parchment paper in crusts, wrap in plastic.

If you want to garnish your pie with cutouts.  Cut from leftover dough and place on wax or parchment at the top of your crusts.

Let the cut outs thaw before pulled off and use a pancake turner to take them off of the paper.

Have a great holiday and plan ahead.

This works because the pastry blender coats the flour with fat.  When water is added it only absorbs into the exposed flour which creates the flaky crust. 

Link to making a pie crust with pastry blender:  This is apple but it is good for all pie crust.
I have switched to butter because it is a more natural fat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqgjR-tWsLk

faze two and three for apple pie:

2:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4WFkcZB7M

3:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiPuz25T2EQ

Have a great holiday and plan ahead.

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

Fall brings a close to many things for me personally but a few new beginnings too.

I have had an interesting fall.

My husband and his brothers share the love for traveling on motorcycles.  This fall we traveled with two brothers to visit another two brothers.  Yes, there are 5 of them in all.  We traveled from Minnesota to Virginia.  It was a wild adventure and while riding on our many day trips near our nations capital I was often with just the guys.  Thank goodness for my sister in law who made and served us breakfast and supper each day along with a little girl time.

But as much fun, beauty and history as I had while traveling my father's youngest brother died from his 5 year battle with cancer, due to agent orange.  He did not want to leave and he fought harder than anyone I have ever seen battling cancer.  He expressed himself so beautifully in his writing while going through his struggles.  Although I have not had a great deal of contact with him and his family in the last few years his writing made me realize that we all should embrace each moment with a zest like there is no tomorrow.

My husband and I visited him this winter, for just a day, but I am so happy that we got to spend time with him and his wife before he left us.  While in Virginia we took a plane to Florida and said good-bye with our family to celebrate his life.

Upon return from our trip I took on a job in a grocery store as a bakery clerk.  Many have asked why. Frankly, I am not sure, but I had been going a bit crazy just sewing in my house with no one to talk to.  Although I really enjoy the work it is much more physical than I had realized and hope that I can maintain my schedule.  Also, being a FACS professional and having taught culinary arts and commercial cooking and baking, I fear, I know too much.  How does a person that managed a classroom, a little bakery and a shop really learn to keep her mouth shut? The answer, "IT is impossible."  And so you see, my experience, and big mouth, are a bit of a hindrance.  We shall see how the next few weeks go.  I am hoping to go to work and just enjoy my interaction with others.  But, no matter what the outcome, what a great behind the scenes experience in a high volume store that still bakes everything from scratch.

Four of the brothers and me ready for a day out in Virginia

Four of the brothers in Blue ridge mountains in a national park

My uncles family saying "goodbye"

With love from your retired FACS teacher,
Jane

A letter to "The Chew" please notice Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers.

Because I have been retired from teaching since 2013, I watch T.V. while I sew.

I switch back and forth from favorites depending on who is on the show and what they are discussing. I watch "The Chew" often because they seem to be bringing back cooking in homes and the concept of "from scratch" in families lives.  

As a former Family and Consumer Sciences teacher (formerly know as Home Economics) cooking "from scratch" has never gone out for me personally.   In the last few years Family and Consumer Sciences has been in the news as there have been several articles across the nation in regards to "Bring back Home Economics".  Each time one of these articles come out the American Association of  Family and Consumer Sciences makes every effort they can to get the support of the media to share the continued education of food preparation through out the United States immersed in FACS programs.  The topic rarely gets the focus that it should.  Although the "Let's Move" program is great and vital, so is food and nutrition education.

Recently while watching "The Chew" I noticed them sharing ANOTHER NEW PROGRAM to help children learn how to cook using fresh ingredients.  It was fantastic!

But......I have a question, "Why is impossible for television media outlets to share what has existed for over 100 years in a positive light?"  "Why is it so difficult to showcase Family and Consumer Science Educators that have done fantastic work in the schools that they teach?"

Look at Karen Smith's class in Monticello, MN. She plants and grows food with her junior high students. She shows them how to prepare these foods.  Along with that she invites local farmers into her classroom to talk about their crops and teaches them how to use those products.

Look at Sara Martinez' class in the inner ring school, North St. Paul, MN (district 622) she teaches a Healthy Living course. That class  alternates with every other day with physical education.  Along with that students learn the importance of cooking with fresh products, eating at home and much more.

Dear Chew producers please look at Family and Consumer Sciences educators programs through out the United States. Please look at the good that they do and help us promote and share FACS work. These educators touch so many lives in a positive light and often give hope to those that couldn't find a calling until they worked with food.  These programs are nutrition based, culinary based and technique based and they are doing great things but often go unnoticed.  Please help your viewers notice!

With Love from your retired FACS teacher,
Jane

 

Women Unite! Let us change the installation of the giant bathroom toilet paper dispensers.

I have been thinking about this for several years and never discuss it because I always have hope that someone will fix this horrible issue.  Not a world problem but half of our population has this issue.

Ever since public restrooms have gone from regular paper dispensers to the giant ones I have said, "Men have done this and they don't get it."  They are installed TO LOW! 

In my imagination I see instructions that say mount blank inches from the floor.  Then the installers look at each other and say, "hummm measure from the bottom or top to the floor?  Let's go with top.   So, everytime we ladies need a piece of toilet tissue, we have to crouch over to the height of a 3 year old. 

Industry experts in public bathroom design, PLEASE hear me when I say, "this is so annoying." I can't believe I am the only female out there wishing for someone to change the toilet paper dispenser instructions so that it easier to access for those that use it everytime they sit.  

We don't stand so please listen or maybe sit down and check it out sometime.   It is wrong!

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

Downsizing and Weddings.....These two things are related for me. And = reuse and recycle.

My children are 26 and 27.  They are in the middle of the bunch on my husbands side and they are pretty much all the same age on my side.

We are in the "family wedding" mode on my husbands side.  There were two last November and one this month and a couple of family friends had children marry this year too.  I have often struggled with gifts.  We don't know what to do sometimes.  Registrations often seem impersonal but on the other had young folks might not have similar taste to us.

I am a bowl and pitcher junkie.  I love pottery and dishes of any kind.  I can not resist the utilitarian beauty of pottery.  This year while we were discussing downsizing my husband reminded me that I purchased a couple of items on our motorcycle trip.  He also pointed out the purchasing more was not in line with down sizing.  So generous of him.  (NOT)  So o.k., I know I may have a materialism issue in a couple of areas. (Fabric, pottery, glassware, dishware....)  I am a Libra, balanced, I see both sides of everything.  Sometimes it makes me down right crazy.

So I took a look at and in my cupboards and really had a hard time just giving things to charities.  Then I got a brain storm.  I picked out a special bowl for each niece or nephew getting married, purchased handmade tongs or special salad utensils, packaged them together and gave them for wedding gifts.  At first I didn't tell them because I was nervous that they thought I was being cheap.    Now I think I am pretty smart.  I tell them where the bowl came from and what it means to us.  I tell them about the adventure we had when we purchased the bowl and I wish them love and adventures too.

So you see, I am not cheap; I am sharing my love for travel, happiness and adventure with our next generation.  And well, my husband thinks I still have too many bowls.

With love from your retired FACS teacher,

Jane

People you don't really know can impact your life.

Lap quilt made with Kaffe Fasset fabrics.  Still available.

One of the quilt top that Tammy has purchased and donated.

As those of you that read my blog know, I sew quilts, pillowcases and quilt tops to keep myself busy and pretty much pay for my habit (I mean hobby) of sewing.

This past year my business has grown but not spectacularly. This is not a complaint but a statement.  Sewing feels good.  I love creating items and sharing them with others.  Hopefully once in a while the quilt becomes a family memory or a heartfelt item for a new baby, an elderly grandparent or a person struggling with an illness.

I always say that selling something on ETSY is a bit of a miracle.  There are approximately 60,000 baby quilts listed just on ETSY.  Compare that with the entire Internet and I say a BIG loud "THANK YOU"  to those that have purchased pillowcases, blankets and miscellaneous other items.

Today I want to talk about two people that have impacted my life through my ETSY sales.  One, a wonder woman who wants to be able to create and sew but just can't find her sewing genetic code.  The second about a man in Texas, that I felt in my heart, needed conversation.

Number one, Tammy, is from a Midwest/Southern state.  She belongs to a group at her church that takes blanket request for people going through cancer treatments.  The group that she is a part of are amazing.  They make quilts and tie them for these people.  They pray for them and give them hope for life and a cure for their dreaded disease.  Tammy first ordered a couple of quilt tops and then later came back and purchased a couple of more.  If you don't know what a quilt top is; it is the top of a pieced together quilt that needs to be put with backing and a fabric back.  Tammy and I started conversing and she told me what she was doing.  We got to talking and I mentioned that my brother had a brain tumor and talked about what he had gone through this year.  In talking I mentioned that I was going on a motorcycle trip in her area and wondered if she had any recommended places to visit. She had great suggestions and even offered up her home to us, total strangers.  We did not visit but she still touches my heart often with updates and prayers cards, letting me know where the quilt tops that I sew, and she purchases go.  She is a remarkable person and I appreciate the love and generosity she gives through her quilt gifts.  (Even though her husband doesn't like when she goes over budget. Smile!)

The second person has left a bit a of sadness in my heart.  I started communicating with him last year.  He wanted a couple of bright batik pillow cases.  He asked many questions but was very excited about his purchase.  I knew he was on a budget and I tried to keep things low as he had to wait till certain times to make his purchases.  We sent many messages back and forth and I felt that he might have been lonely.  I didn't want to talk too much but I knew in my heart that sometimes people just need to talk.  Last month he asked me to make a couple of quilts with Kaffe Fasset fabrics because again he just loved the bright colors.  He told me he would have to wait until fall to purchase the quilts but he had hoped I could get started on them.  He messaged me a couple of time a week for updates.  At first it was annoying but then I thought, "hey he is excited about my stuff", so I started sending updates on my own.  For six days I didn't get any response from him and I thought, I wonder what happened?  Maybe he is on vacation, maybe someone in his family is sick.  On the seventh day after my message was sent I received a message from his sister on his account.  It only said that he had passed away.  My heart sank.  I new this was true.  My husband searched the Internet for proof because we are occasionally doubters.  We found his name on a funeral home website with no information or clues as to what happened.  I can't stop thinking about him and pray that he is up in heaven filled with bright colors and happiness.

To those of you that have purchased items from me (and there are more), touched my life, and given me a reason to create with fabric and yarn.....I thank you.  This creating thing is not really about money.  It is about love of design, creating and sharing my little old gift with fiber.

With love from your retired FACS teacher,
Jane

AAFCS conference has ended and things are looking ......interesting.

I did not attend the AAFCS conference this year.  Mostly because I told myself I was going to take the year off.  Now is the time that I should be getting back into things as the conference marks the year.

I gave myself a break because I had left the classroom and I felt myself feeling less connected.  Sometimes we work so hard at something that we feel like we spread ourselves thin and do not do an adequate job at all that we try. 

Personally I hope that my ramblings about FACS do a bit of good and maybe sometimes get things moving and people thinking. 

Here are some of my random thoughts:

1.  One thing that I loved about the conference was the daily, regular use of social media by the staff of AAFCS. I think that this communication really let people, at the conference and those members not attending, see what was happening during that time. 

2.  I was very happy to see teams working on the promotion of the FACS day for 2016.  I can not wait to see the promotions for next year.  A wonderful solute to our profession.

3.  I have been squawking about the shortage of Family and Consumer Sciences teachers for quite some time and I hope that those of you the are in the classroom are promoting your profession and the work that you do in your community.  There are so many young people that are talented, energetic and full of ideas to better the FACS profession.

4.  I absolutely love the Facebook pages for Family and Consumer Sciences.  If you have not joined them and you are in the FACS profession please look them up.  They are so inspirational and helpful to each and everyone involved.  These are both groups and you need to be sponsored by someone in the group to be accepted into it.  One is "Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers" the other is "Share the FACS."

Happy trails.  Please enjoy your summer, take some time for yourself to find peace and relaxation. 

Personally I am becoming very good with the relaxation thing!  I highly recommend it!

With Love, from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

After a million years of sewing I finally figured out thread quality makes a difference!

The other day I was sewing through several layers of fabric.   My machine had a mind of its own.  It skipped stitches, then would sew fine, skip again and then the thread would break.  I cursed my machine,  rethreaded it on the top, the bottom and repeated that crazy business several times.   I was beyond irritated.  

As a last resort I changed the thread from the inexpensive garbage that I occasionally  use because I can't stand the price of notions these days, to some higher quality product.

Well of course every educated seamstress knows the problem stopped and joy filled my heart as the project continued in peace with success because of the quality thread. I learned a good lesson in my old age and experience.

I also purchased a large quantity of quality thread the next week.

Moral of the story, the thread you use while sewing really matters.

And...keep sewing in your curriculum because it is a strong STEM component.

With love from your retired FACS teacher.

Jane

Why should you join and or support the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

I have been retired from teaching for a couple of years.  I keep in touch with my field because I love what it stands for and good that it creates in our communities, schools and homes.
Family and Consumer Sciences was 100 years old in 2009.  It began with roots of Science in the home.  It has gone through many transitions of highs and lows.

In the past few years the national organization has struggled with membership and keeping it.  During that time obesity prevention has become a national issue and many who have not realized that "Home Ec" has never died but changed its name have called for "Home Ec" to come back.

This call for bringing back Home Ec and what I will now refer to as FACS has caused a shortage of FACS teachers in almost every state.  So, while many professional have been fighting to keep their jobs at the same time we have had a shortage due to bringing back FACS.

It is hard to understand how these two things can be happening at one time but it is and it is ironic.

FACs teachers have so much going on in organizing and helping others that they sometimes forget to help themselves.

Two young women that have just recently entered the field of FACS have started two separate Facebook pages dedicated to Family and Consumer Sciences.  These Facebook pages have made it possible for educators to work together and help each other, console each other and share cooperatively about their field.  There are countless testimonies about how wonderful these Facebook tools have enriched and inspired FACs educators.

If you are one of the many educators that have been apart of these Facebook pages and are not a member of AAFCS please think about joining this organization.  Imagine going to a conference and working with others just like you to better your field and share.  Take time to understand the organization and what it has to offer FACs professionals like you.  Be aware of your professional group and participate in its body of work.

Below you will find a link to AAFCS

http://www.aafcs.org/

here is a link to the membership page of AAFCS:
http://www.aafcs.org/Membership/index.asp

As group of educators Family and Consumer Sciences has been through many ups and downs and ins and outs.  It is important that we support each other and the organization's leadership as a group with strength.  If you are a member of AAFCS please remember to keep it up to date and participate by volunteering and working with your national, state and local group.  If you are not a member please consider being a part of the organization and support its work.

The history is rich and the future is promising.

With love from your retired FACS teacher.

Jane

Are you interested in my pieced quilt tops? Prices have been reduced! and a very serious note...for FACS, CTE funding!

For those of you that have looked at my quilt tops.  I have reduced the prices on etsy (by at least $10.00 on larger quilt tops).  Gotta move them!  :-)

Here is a link.....

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilHansDesigns?section_id=14218282&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

On a very serious note it is important for each member of society that cares about the common sense and career education for our children please write your U.S. Legislature members about keeping the CTE (Career and Technical Education) funded appropriately.  FACS falls under this category.  Every year we seem to go through this and our funding is not holding steady. 

If we want to continue to education children in the areas of FACS, Tech Ed, Agriculture and Business we must keep this funding alive.  Please assist us with our letter campaign.  The following is a letter from our FACS director requesting continued support.

"As you may know, Perkins is the principal source of dedicated federal funding for CTE (includes family and consumer sciences), which builds the capacity of secondary and postsecondary institutions to offer CTE programs that are academically rigorous and aligned to the needs of business and industry. However, funding has not kept pace with growing demand. Current Perkins funding is more than $140 million below FY 2010 levels. 

 

Currently, there are letters circulating to House and Senate appropriations committees, which ask for a restoration of Basic State Grant funding to the pre-sequestration level of $1.123 billion.

The deadline for Members of Congress to sign in the House is Monday, March 23, and in the Senate is Wednesday, March 25! We need as many Members of Congress as possible to sign these letters to help ensure that the appropriations committees recognize the importance of funding CTE.

Please take a few minutes now to help us in this effort by contacting your Senators and Representative using the tools in the CTE Action Center!

Sincerely,

 

Carolyn Jackson, CFCS

AAFCS Executive Director"

 

Please help the CTE programs in your area!

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

 

 

My Salted Oatmeal Caramel Apple pie for "Pi Day" and some pie hints.

I know we are in a time of obesity prevention but there are certain times that we can tie education components together and "Pi" day might be one of those times.

Math is so very embedded in the food, clothing and housing components of Family and Consumer Sciences, I think that it is o.k. to have fun with it occasionally.

Here is the recipe for my Salted Oatmeal Caramel Apple pie "PI"

I would like to note that last year I did some demo's for pie crust on You tube.  I have since changed my recipe from shortening to butter.  I really do believe that although this much fat is really not good for anyone a source that is not hydrogenated will be slightly better.  I used shortening because it had the least amount of moister in it.  Butter works well too and actually has more flavor even though some say flavor in crust is a no, no.

This is a recipe for 4 crusts.  I like to make single crusts ahead of time so that I have them on hand.  I put wax or parchment paper between them, in pie pans and freeze them.  These work for my emergency quiche meal.  If you do not have many pie pans I often find them at the dollar store.  If I bring these somewhere or donate them I don't care if I get the pan back and they are nice and sturdy.  (I often donate pies to church for their annual farmer's market.)

Also remember that when you make a pastry to always use a pastry blender for a flaky crisp crust.  As you are adding water make sure that you feel your crust.  Two things are key to great crust, the pastry blender and the correct amount of water.  Do not be afraid to adjust the moisture from this recipe.  Believe it or not sometimes flour brands can make a difference. 

Single crust pie

1/3 cup Butter
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 t salt
use pastry blender to blend into pea size chunks

4-7 Table spoons water (add using pastry blender until moist enough to hold dough together)  Your crust should be moist enough to pinch together.  Do not over mix as this will develop the gluten  (protein in wheat) and make it tough and chewy. 

Shape into ball, roll out so that dough is one inch larger than pan, fold into 1/4s, place in pan, tuck excess dough so crust is the same shape as the pan, Flute.


Pie crust for 4 single crusts

1 1/3 cup butter
4 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 t salt
use pastry blender to blend into pea size chunks

16-20 Tablespoons water (add using pastry blender until moist enough to hold dough together) Your crust should be moist enough to pinch together.  Do not over mix as this will develop the gluten  (protein in wheat) and make it tough and chewy.

Shape into four balls.  Roll out crusts so that is one inch larger than pan and place in pie pans, fold excess dough under to be somewhat round like the pan, flute, stack with parchment or wax paper wrap in freezer wrap of tight container.  (Keep one out for this tasty pie)

Fruit portion of pie

6-7 apples (I use half Granny Smith and Half Gala)
2/3 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cup oatmeal
2 Tablespoons flour (to thicken the fruit)
1 t cinnamon
1/8 t all spice
1 t salt

Cut slice and peal the apples (I use an apple corer and slicer and then peel them).

Place half of your slices in the pan and half in a bowl.

Mix topping in a separate bowl.

Melt the butter in a medium size bowl (1 minute in microwave)
Add the brown sugar and mix until all is moist, then add the oatmeal, flour & seasonings.  Mix until all is moist from the butter.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup of mixture onto apples in the pie pan, place the remaining apples in the pie pan and then put the remaining mixture over the apples.  You may have to press down the first scoops to fill the cracks but make sure the top layer has a crumbly look.  Place your pan on a jelly roll pan in case of boiling over.  (Saves the bottom of you oven!)

Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees
turn down heat and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees

Note:  you can used purchased pie crust but there is nothing so tasty as a home made crust and NO Preservatives!  And yes I do notice my oven is not heating evenly.  ;-)

 

With love from your retired FACS teacher,

Happy PI day! Jane

Family and Consumer Sciences professionals are lucky when it comes to home updates. Right?????

I sometimes believe that because there are so many components to Family and Consumer Sciences I can not focus on one thing.

I have been trying to devote my day to building and assembling items to sell on Etsy.  I say if I am going to make it my career I need to do this during the day.  The problem is, well, I have not been selling much because Etsy is saturated with the products that I have been building. 

Not only that, our home is 12 years old in July and it is time to change and update a few things.  I have been trying to focus on filling in wall holes and repainting but let us be honest that is just not fun. 

We have done some fun things around the house.  We added a built in wine rack with a cabinet below it in our dining room.  I purchase fabric for new master bedroom window treatment....someone needs to sew them.

We purchased new outside lights and they are on the front of the house but the lights for the back of the house are sitting in the garage.  Whoops.

We have purchased new faucets for two of our bathrooms and yes they are installed but the shower head upgrade is still in the box. 

Contemplating the kitchen that I love!  Should we upgrade the counter tops?  So debatable, some say stone counters are not that sanitary but others say you can't sell your house with out them.  Oh what to do, what to do, what to do?

I think I will get back to sewing.  Here are some of this weeks completed projects.  :-)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/225816927/baby-or-lap-quilt-top-in-primary-colors?ref=shop_home_active_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/225569287/john-deere-themed-baby-or-lap-quilt-top?ref=shop_home_active_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/225014993/quilt-top-for-baby-toddler-or-lap-quilt?ref=shop_home_active_5

https://www.etsy.com/listing/225942077/frozen-olaf-themed-pillowcase-with?ref=listing-shop-header-0

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

Taking time to write politicians is important when fighting a cause.

It has been a while since I have written a blog and a really long time since I have written a blog fully dedicated to just Family and Consumer Sciences. 

My Dad is 83 and has been involved with politics for some 60 years.  We try to take him to Denny's (his choice) at least once a month and he is often reflective on his work and personal history.  Talking to him reminded me that even though I am no longer a FACS teacher and no long a substitute teacher I need to keep fighting for the profession that I have been so passionate about for a good chunk of my life.

Several months ago when I was thinking about people in the news talking about food and nutrition and starting up "new" programs to promote healthy eating and food preparation through our government it stoked my passion flame and I started writing a letter to my states senators and my representative.  I also sent a condensed version to the President as words are limited on his website.

I feel that our organization has gotten a little spark from the recent publicity and articles written about bringing back Home Economics.  I also think that the organization's "Dine In" campaign was wonderful and I personally hope that the tradition continues. 

This year I went William Sonoma for the "Beekman Boys" book signing on dine in day as they were in support of the "Dine In" campaign.  Here is a picture from "twitter" of fellow AAFCS member Kathy Norquist, the Beekman boys and myself that night.

 

And....back to politics.....I would like to encourage each of you to write your local and national politicians about what you do and the importance of using your course in obesity prevention.

The following is my letter example:  Please feel free to use content from the letter in your own letter.  Remember many letters on one specific topic tend to get noticed!

"Dear Mr. President, First Lady:

I would like to address the issue of “Obesity Prevention” & its relationship to Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS/FCS), formerly known as “Home Economics.”

One of the things that disturbs me is the fact that our First Lady, the Heart Association, & local politicians are focusing on only exercise when it came to Obesity prevention.  Five years ago I attended a hearing in MN. Al Franken spoke & talked about what he was doing on this subject. He talked about his daughter’s (a chef) program in DC to teach children how to cook. Of course we were not allowed to comment & me, being an outspoken person, ran after Senator Franklin & waited for him while he was in the restroom.

I talked to his aid about programs that our nation has in place, such as FACS, that teaches children how to make healthy foods From scratch! They appeared to be interested, I wrote them, & never received a response. 

What I want to know is, why is this nation so against supporting things that already exist?

Like society, FACS has changed with time. In fact, many chefs get their start from the FACS program that is very much a part of the STEM movement. Although this field is immersed in math and Science (see history of Home Ec beginnings) it must always prove itself.

Schools that continue to promote the Food Nutrition should be given a supplemental funding. The let’s move program should use this already in place program to promote proper cooking & eating agendas. Processed food that our nation digests is a huge problem.

Before I left North High School I developed a Class called Healthy living. This course alternated, every other day, with Physical Education. The class focuses on many things but eating & cooking healthy food is one of the main teaching points. Students are also required to plan & make a meal for their family which we hope encourages family cooking.

As a FACS educator I saw family life, cooking skills, ethics & kindness, astute consumerism & parenting dwindle. These are all programs that FACS addresses in depth. These educators are often in fear of losing their positions & are annually on the chopping block as they are deemed not important.

I hope that you, as leaders, take a look at the good the FACS Educators of our nation do. I hope that you consider giving schools that house these programs a reward for having them & giving them EXTRA FUNDING for addressing the obesity issue with hands on experience that children often do not get in their homes.   "

 

FACS associates and friends of FACS, I hope you find time in your life to fight for the passion of Family and Consumer Sciences.  If FACS has touched you or someone in your life take the time to push the FACS agenda. You might be a student, a parent, a teacher, former teacher or administrator but you know the work that Family and Consumer Sciences educators do is wonderful, and often underrated, so please help the cause.

Take care and have a Grand Spring,

With love from your retired FACS teacher,

Jane

 

P.S. we had the motorcycle out today for a short drive as it was in the 40's today.....oh it felt good, even in the cold.

 

 

 

Time keeps ticking and I like to make quilt tops.

It has been two weeks since my brother's surgery.  I am happy to report that his tumor was removed and it was reported benign.  He has a long road ahead for recovery with his vision and healing the feeling of being jack hammered in his head.  He had 33 staples and a lovely design on his bald head to remind him of 2015.

I have been back at home sewing and creating items for my ETSY shop.  I have been focusing on quilt tops for people who love to quilt but dislike piecing.  (Which would be the opposite of me.)

Here are some links to some of my recent favorites.

A southwestern influence.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/223125272/quilt-top-for-with-americanasouthwest?

Retro fabric.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/212569320/quilt-top-for-twin-lap-or-family-room-a?ref=related-3

Browns, blues, reds, and cream
https://www.etsy.com/listing/197962370/quilt-top-in-woven-browns-steal-blues?ref=related-7

reds and turquoise
https://www.etsy.com/listing/215544336/quilt-top-lap-throw-or-baby-four?ref=related-5

outdoor theme
https://www.etsy.com/listing/182882142/large-lap-or-toddler-bed-quilt-top-in?ref=related-6

brights and white
https://www.etsy.com/listing/222450668/pieced-quilt-top-in-brights-and-white?ref=shop_home_active_6

Take care, Jane

Life changes in a blink of the eye

I haven't been blogging much as I have been pondering and finding direction in my new stage of life but today I share just because I have a little anxiety and some nerves.

Two weeks ago my brother called.  There was a huge flair of emotion in his voice and he was having trouble getting words out.

I asked him what was wrong and there was still silence.  I was so scared.  I honestly didn't know what could have happened.

He was on his way to the Mayo clinic and the results of his visit were a brain tumor.  Although doctors are fairly sure that it is benign this is a life change no one expects in their early 50's.

He will have surgery tomorrow and although I have faith in the Lord to guide his medical teams the what ifs loom in the back of one's mind.

Family and Consumer Sciences and the teaching that the professionals in our field help all ages cope and deal with these life zings and I am very grateful for each of the components in my field. 

I hope that the few of you that follow my sporadic posts will keep my brother in your prayers for good health and well being.

Very sincerely,

Your retired FACS teacher, Jane

Flowers for a Scottish theme

If you are interested in flowers for a Scottish event in Minnesota.   Contact me.