The second batch of mozzarella has also ended up down the drain, another sloppy curdled mess. Why did I ever think this was a good idea?
]]>Not that this day is a huge deal in my life. I know the day signifies a major milestone for our country but aside from the hubby getting a day off from work and the excitment of fireworks I don't often ponder the meaning of Independence Day like I would Thanksgiving or Christmas or Easter.
This day does bring back memories though. Two years ago I was quite preggers. My due date was still over a week away but with concern over my high blood pressure and trips to the OB every few days I got the impression I'd be in the hospital with a baby before my "official" due date. I was put on bedrest near the end of June and was not able to go to the Rockeis fireworks game with Andy on the 3rd. He went and met some friends there. Unfortunately he did not get to enjoy the and of the game or the fireworks after. I was laying on the couch watching TV and began to see stars. A scary thing that could indicate preeclampsia. So after calling Andy he rushed home to take me down to the hospital. Thankfully everything checked out fine and they sent me home.
After yet another trip to the OB, I was scheduled for an induction. So we went in the Saturday after the 4th that year and Stephan came a little over 24 hours later. When it gets to be this time of year, that is probably the memory that I will most likely think about. The day the perfect little boy came into my life. And to think I so wanted him to be a girl ... maybe next time.
]]>Well, apparently my Whole Foods DOES have non ultra-pasteurized milk, and in many varieties. Damn it! I just went grocery shopping and I saw it all over the place. I honestly don't know how I missed it before, other than that I haven't bought milk on a regular basis in at least 5 or 6 years and just didn't look at the gallon jugs (we drink soy milk and nut milks). Most of the cartons appear to be UP (which is what I was looking at before), while the jugs all appeared to be not only regular-temp pasteurized, but also non-homogenized. Bonus! I picked up a gallon of Organic Valley for $3.89, a vastly better deal than my powdered milk debacle.
Off to attempt another batch of mozzarella...
]]>Well. My first cheese making endeavor has ended in dismal failure.
Since I haven't yet been able to find any milk that's not been ultra-pasteurized--milk is now commonly pasteurized at super high temperatures so that it can sit on the shelves for eternity, never mind that it tastes like shit--I decided to follow the instructions for using powdered milk. I reconstituted the milk last night and let it sit for 12 hours as directed. I then replaced one pint of the milk with one pint of whipping cream. I followed all the instructions to the letter.
What should have been beautiful mozzarella turned into some sort of white nasty slop that went down the drain about five minutes ago. Utterly, utterly frustrating. Is it the humidity? (it doesn't mention humidity as a problem, but who knows?) Was it the powdered milk? Was it the fact that I used Kroger brand even though she said Carnation brand worked well? (my store's Carnation brand was all expired) Was it the UP cream, which supposedly is okay to use? Did I dissolve the rennet in water that was too warm? Who the fuck knows. I threw out about $6 worth of milk and cream and will have to start all over again, hoping to figure out what exactly the problem is before I waste yet more money.
]]>If you could do anything you want tomorrow, what would it be?
Submitted by Becca-Pink.
Sign a full-price-offered contract on our house!
(A girl can dream, eh?)
The sun came out, but rain is due, so I compromised a bit in location (they aren't where they normally go). I placed the flags with the appropriate level of respect, and they look pleased.
How are you celebrating the 4th of July?
We have absolutely nothing planned today, and it feels WONDERFUL 
!
After going at break-neck speed for two weeks or more trying to get the
house ready, it is nice to be able to take a kick-back day.
Hubby and I are updating our budget as I visit here. Later I will fire up the grill and throw on some steaks and corn-on-the-cob. I will whip up some brownies or cookies for our holiday dessert. The kids would like to go see fireworks, but I am hoping to convince everyone to just stay home.
Tomorrow it's back to work - weekly house cleaning to keep the house
spic-n-span for potential buyers and going through some boxes that I
don't want to take with us 
!
6:24 AM.