Made from Scratch Book Review

Made from Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life by Jenna Woginrich was sitting on the shelf at the library and seemed like another interesting read about how to live a more frugal life.

I didn't even read the chapters before checking it out of the library so I was obviously not even sure what it was about.  After reading the table of contents, I wasn't even sure if this was for me but since I already had it, I figured that I should go ahead and try it.  Check out the table of contents:

• Chickens
• Grow Your Own Meal
• Beekeeping
• The Country Kitchen
• Old Stuff
• DIY Wardrobe
• Working House Dogs
• Angora Rabbits: Portable Livestock
• Homemade Mountain Music
• Outside the Farm
• Want More?

The author has chickens, bees, rabbits and work dogs all in her rented apartment.  None of these things are on my list of to dos or ever even want to try but I still found the book fascinating.  I really do want to lead a more organic life but I am not going vegetarian (like the author) or having a small farm (like the author).   However, I couldn't stop reading the book and checking out the next thing that the author was doing in order to have a more "handmade life."

The book gives great instructions on each of the topics and suggests starting by getting to know other farmers through farmer's markets, hiking groups and other local farms.  The best ideas are the easiest and sometimes we just need a reminder to be more of a part of a community.  There are instructions on how to order chickens or bees online.  There are interesting details on gardening and tips on how to make homemade greenhouses to start from seeds inside during the winter.  There are interesting tips of thrift stores and buying used which the author uses everyday to get quality, older goods.  Although I am not signing up for learning the banjo, I might start a garden or knit a scarf to make me feel like my actions are making a difference.  The recent power outage makes you realize how much we rely on grocery stores and other people for our living.

The author also shares a bunch of recipes through the chapters including a family recipe that she always associates with fall.  I hope to try it this fall as well... hope you check it out to see if it might be a new recipe for your family's cookbook.

Jackapple Cake

3 large apples, peeled and diced *

1 1/2 c sugar

1 tsp baking powder

2 to 3 tsp cinnamon

1/4 c honey, heated

1/4 c cider

1/2 stick butter, softened

3 eggs

1 c vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 c flour

Topping

1/3 stick butter, melted

1/4 c sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

* Braeburn or Gala, if you use a smaller variety, like Fuji, you'll need to use four.  Do not use Red Delicious.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix the apples with the sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and warm honey.  Set the mixture in the fridge for 2 hours.  When the apples have absorbed all the sugar and spice flavors, add the wet ingredients (cider, butter, eggs, oil, vanilla) and mix well.  Add the flour, 1/2 c at a time, and mix well after each addition.  Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 9 inch cake pan.

To make the topping, combine the butter, sugar, and cinnamon into an easily spreadable paste.  Use a pastry brush to slather it over the batter, making a sugar crust that will bake into the top of the cake.  Bake for 30-40 minutes.  check after 25 minutes.  When a knife or toothpick comes out clean, it's done.

I hope that you check this book out at your local library or bookstore.  I think that even if you aren't interested in this lifestyle, you will be interested in this book.  I know that I was :)  Let me know what you think!!