Hops cone development

When we last reported on our hops plants about four weeks ago, the bines were almost at their full length, and the cones had just started to appear.  What a difference a few weeks makes!  The cones are developing nicely, and although they are smaller than I expected, many of them are approaching full size.

This gives you a little perspective on size.  Next time I'll try to remember to include a ruler in the photo.

This shot better illustrates just how many cones are developing on the Cascade bines.  Unfortunately, the Willamette bines are showing a distinct paucity of cones, although plenty of foliage.  I don't know if that reflects a difference in each variety's time to bear fruit, or is a reflection of the general health of the bine.  When I planted the rhizomes, the Cascades were noticeably more robust.

It appears that we will at least have a good harvest of Cascade this year, and maybe next year will be more fruitful for the Willamette.

Corn in the backyard 2011, week 12

August 7

Last week growing degree days = 221
Historical average growing degree days = 175

Growing degree days since planting = 2151
Historical average since planting = 1858

We collected about the same number of growing degree units this week as we did the week before, which was significantly higher than average in both cases.  Even though we didn't have any appreciable rain, the corn has shown little sign of stress, and appears to be maturing normally.  The stalk drying continued slowly this week, but still has a long way to go before this season is over.

Here's a closer view of the two stalks we've been watching.  The ears are still looking good and should be continuing to build healthy kernels.  By the measure of growing degree units, these ears should have about another month before the black layer develops.  We'll stay on top of that and everything else happening in the field this summer.  Thanks for visiting!

Homemade caramel sauce taste testing

When one has the desire to make caramel sauce, but isn't sure which recipe to use, what does one do?  In our case, we made two recipes and performed a taste test.  Competing head to head was the Pioneer Woman's Easy Caramel Sauce versus Kitten's Easy Caramel Sauce from Kittencal's Kitchen.  The recipes themselves can be found on the respective websites, so we won't repeat them here, but simply report our impressions.

Here's a shot of three of our four judges studiously comparing each sample, spoonful by spoonful by spoonful.  It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it!

Pioneer Woman's sauce has a rich, inviting appearance and a creamy, smooth texture.  We were a bit startled by the amount of vanilla specified in the recipe, so we only used 2/3 of the 1 tablespoon recommended.  We realize that means we really didn't test the Pioneer Woman's recipe, but we felt justified in our decision when the final product had a strong vanilla flavor, even after reducing that ingredient.  Brown sugar was also easily identified,  and although sweeter than its competition, this sauce was hard to stop eating.

Kitten's caramel sauce had a less intense appearance that reminded me of the caramel candies my aunt used to make for her nieces and nephews.  This sauce was also smooth and creamy, and we found its flavor more balanced and subtle than the flavor of its foe.  This sauce was also addictive, and was easy to consume by the spoonful.  The majority of the judges preferred this sauce when tasted by itself.

How often does one eat caramel sauce by itself without ice cream as a carrier food?  Okay, maybe that's not a good question.  Nonetheless, I thought comparing the sauces on ice cream might be a more valid test of the true worth of each one.  When applied liberally to vanilla ice cream, Kitten's sauce continues to outshine its competitor.  Pioneer Woman's sauce seemed to be easily lost in the ice cream, not contributing as much to the sundae.  Kitten's sauce complimented the ice cream well, and added a complexity to the total package as one would expect a good ice cream topping to do.

We have enjoyed several blog posts and recipes from the Pioneer Woman in the past, and we think she has a very tasty caramel sauce, but her recipe came in second in this comparison.  Kittencal has a better balanced sauce, in our opinion, one that stands well on its own, and enhances any bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Corn in the backyard 2011, week 11

July 31

Height = 101 inches

Last week growing degree days = 222

Historical average growing degree days = 176

Growing degree days since planting = 1930

Historical average since planting = 1683

Another hot week for the corn field, although not quite as hot as the week before.  We've been blessed with a bit of rain, so that has probably helped the corn endure the heat without signs of significant stress.  Farmer Wagenbach informed us earlier that this hybrid needs about 2755 growing degree units to reach the black layer phase, so it looks like we've got over 800 more growing degree days before we can expect the corn to be that mature.  In the meantime, we'll look for other signs of maturity, such as those shown in the picture below.

The silks have darkened indicating they've done their duty in the pollination cycle, and now the plant needs to grow healthy kernels on its ears so they can reach maturity in a timely fashion.  A few of the plants are showing the very earliest signs of stalk drying, which is not surprising for this time of year.  Stay tuned, 'cause it looks like we're on the home stretch!

The most comfortable chickens in the county

Just down the road from our house live the most comfortable chickens in the county.  They don't settle for chicken wire walls or plywood roofs, they live in splendor!  Wall-to-wall carpet, individual beds, a kitchen, and bathroom, and above all: air conditioning!  (Although by the position of the windows, it appears the air conditioning was turned off when I took the photo).

PETA should have no complaints here as, sadly, these chickens have a more substantial residence than about 80% of the world's humans.  It's apparent the owners that provide for these pampered poultry cherish these tender birds, and wish to provide them with all the advantages a bird might need to succeed in the world today.  I wonder how they taste?