Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[RaZ]

There were several predictions for snowfall here and they were all different and mostly understated. It blew in from the south and only amounted to about 2 or 3 inches. The winds weren't as bad as predicted either so very little drifting this morning. It was bright enough with the white snow glare that I had to wear sunglasses on the way into work.

I have to say that my county road crew is the best I've ever seen. I'm the only house on a dead end dirt road and get my road plowed after every snow. Usually it is the day after but this morning the road was plowed before I left for work.

The drive home was a whole different world. Icy roads, high winds, horizontal snow and white-out conditions so bad that I couldn't see the end of my hood. I had to stop completely a few times because visibility was zero. The ditches along side the roads are nothing you would want to slide in to. Some can make a bus disappear. It took an hour for me to make a 15 minute drive.

The wind is coming from the SW so far but is expected to swing around to the NW overnight and that is likely to bring in the lake effect snow. It's supposed to be a rough weekend. I think I'll be keeping the poultry inside.

 

[Folly's place]

Glad you made it home!
Our birds wanted to stay inside today, so I just kept the coop door closed. Windy and blowing snow, not a lot, but COLD!
It's finally winter, and nice to be inside. Made marmalade today, love the stuff, and takes time to put together. Done!
Also yogurt, in the Instant pot that came at Christmas. Easy.
Mary

 

[Sally PB]

Oh, man, I love my Instant Pot! I got the 6 quart one and liked it so well I bought the 8 quart one when I saw it on sale. I use that one to make bone broth and cook beans.

I have a great IP recipe for rice pudding. Hubby won't eat it -- hates rice -- so I have to make it when I have other "help" to eat it.

IPs also make the best caramel sauce...

I have to take back what I said about the girls taking a "snow day" yesterday. I got one egg at the end of the day, and one the first thing this morning.

Hubby is going to "practice" driving the Falcon plow later today. And go cross country skiing, which he hasn't been able to do yet this season. I think I'll just stay inside. And go check on the chickens a few times too.

 

[aart]

Only got 1 egg yesterday, but 4 the day before.
They stayed in all day...wind was just too wicked.

Already got 2 eggs this morning, thinks another hen is back in lay.

 

[1muttsfan]

Very sharp north wind here since yesterday afternoon, blowing up a ground blizzard at times. I think we got around 7", but it's hard to tell for sure. 9 degrees this am. Pop door, which faces north, is closed for the day.

Mary, how do you make yogurt in an IP? Do you have a favorite recipe? I generally favor the sharper taste of greek yogurt, but would love to try making some.

IP's also cook sweet potatoes better than any other way - moist and flavorful.

 

[Folly's place]

Our DS gave me the ten quart Crock Pot version, and it was way too big, and had a 'non-stick' pot. Hate them! I returned it for the Instant Pot 8 quart version, with it's stainless steel pot, and love it.
Mary

 

[Sally PB]

Oh yeah, the stainless steel pot was the selling point for me on the Instant Pot.

I've never made yogurt in the IP. I make it in quart jars, and make a gallon at a time. Then I drain it to make it "greek." It ends up being about 4 pints. It's so thick when I get done, a spoon will stand up in it. And I can then turn the jar upside down, and nothing falls out.

@1muttsfan, I'll get you the recipe if you want.

 

[Folly's place]

It's really easy in the IP. I do boil the milk first, and then set the timer for the yogurt at twelve hours. Overnight and done!
It comes out not as dense as the Greek type, but I'm not draining it. The whey is fine with me, might as well eat it in the yogurt rather than throwing it out, or finding another use for it.
Mary

 

[Sally PB]

Eating super thick yogurt got me "off" ice cream. I have a ton of uses for whey, from baking bread to watering blueberries to mixing a mash for the chickens.

I might try making yogurt in the IP next time. I'm out of my ice cream substitute.

 

[1muttsfan]

I would love any recipes. I just like the thicker texture and more sour flavor of the Greek better, but I'm not all that terribly picky.