The Popcorn Tree

The true name for this tree is the Chinese Tallow.  (Triadica Sebifera).  This tree native to Asia. was first brought into this country by Ben Franklin!  Who knew?  Not me. 

Ben Franklin wrote a letter in 1772 to Noble Wimberly Jones of the Georgia Colony. In the letter he wrote, "I send also a few seeds of the Chinese Tallow Tree, which will I believe grow and thrive with you. Tis a most useful plant."

Mama had one of these trees and we always loved to watch the bees, birds, and butterflies enjoy it, but the main attraction was to see the popcorn!  That's what she/we called it anyway.  It does look like popcorn doesn't it?  

So, Mama's tree had a baby to pop up beneath it.  Gwen and I dug and dug to remove it.  Finally, we did get it up with a good root. I brought it home planted it here and that's the story behind this beauty.  It now has much sentimental value to me since Mama is now gone. I don't want to cut it down even though there are reasons I probably should.

To get right down to it this tree is invasive to South Carolina and has many bad traits which I'll share with you today.  Well, the good and the bad I'll share.

Product Book Review: The Prepper's Guide To Surviving PANDEMICS, BIOTERRORISM, AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE By William W. Forgey, MD

I know, I know we are all so tired of hearing about this mess and wish/pray to God it would go away but it is still here.  We all have to deal with it in our own way.  

Doc Forgey is a very knowledgeable man and I could go on and on with his affiliations/organizations but you can read some of them here if you wish.  

It amazes me how some can do so much in their lifetime.  He definitely is one that amazes me in this way! He not only has done but continues to do many things.

Today I'm reviewing his latest book The Prepper's Guide To Surviving PANDEMICS, BIOTERRORISM, AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE.  This book covers so much ground in a little space that it too is amazing. Hit the link to see more about it and the chapters included in the book.

I like the fact that he discusses what he knows.  He does so with facts and not taking any one side.  He states things fairly. You be the judge with the information given as we all should be. Information on any subject is a good thing to have in any circumstance.  

New Pressure and Water Bath Canners

 

Do you can?  I still do!  

Today's topic is canning in the new electric appliances.

Join me as I show the products purchased this year for my home canning.

You can't beat the traditional Presto Home Canner.  I've had one for many years but sometimes you have to try and use other methods.

New Products:  Ball Electric Water Ball Canner, Presto Digital Canner, Instant Pot Max for canning.

One Pound Loaf Bread Made In The Zojirushi Mini Breadmaker

 

Do you love the smell of fresh bread baking?  Oh my goodness I do!  Today I'm sharing a small breadmaker bread that I've adapted from a King Arthur recipe.  I like their white sandwich bread recipe but this week I've added some  King Arthur Whole Wheat flour to the mixture and I love this light-textured wheat bread! 

Sharing the recipe that I tweaked slightly by adding half whole wheat to half all-purpose flour to the mixture.  Recipe and links in the post.