...for discerning weeders December, 2012
SOLON DIXON FIELD TRIP
Inside this issue:
Field Trip Pics
2
Spider Legend
3
Walk on the Wild 3 Side Unlikely Star
4
Help Wanted
5
Weed of the
6
Month Calendar
7
Book Review
7
Puzzles
7
12 Days
8
Vanilla
9
Last Word
10
DON’T FORGET! You have to log your hours onto the VMS system!
On November 15th, several Master Gardeners along with Larry and Sheila visited the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center just south of Andalusia, Alabama. This Center is part of Auburn University’s forestry education and natural resources program and is also the site of many studies and research projects related to herbicides, fire, wildlife, and forest management. At one time the Dixon family owned 300,000 acres and 5 mills. Over two-thirds of the acreage was located in other countries such as Argentina and New Zealand. In 1978, Solon Dixon and his wife gifted $500,000 and 5300 acres to Auburn University. Thirty-five hundred acres are actual working forests, and other geologic features of the property include a large lime sinkhole, spring-fed creeks, upland pine and hardwood, bottomland hardwood, and cypress-tupelo swamps. Joel Martin, director of the Center, gave us a slide presentation then took us on a 1½-mile circular tour of the property. His family lives on this beautiful property along with a couple of other staff members. Joel explained that the Center is self-sustaining via the harvesting of timber, hunting leases, and user groups who can eat, sleep, and meet in the Center’s facilities. The Center logged 5600 user hours last year. The lime sinkhole was very interesting and presently contains water. Joel noted that it had not drained in the 6 or 7 seven years that he had been there, but others on property have witnessed the abrupt draining. So far only speculation surrounds the possible triggers that cause the water to drain. Many of us likened it to the dune lakes in south Walton County that abruptly break through and drain into the Gulf. Joel also told of how, coming from South 1
by C. Rose
Carolina, he looked forward to finding Indian arrowheads and other artifacts. But so far, all he has sifted out of the spring-fed creeks were sharks teeth! Most instructive was the information about how critical prescribed burns and the use of herbicides were to the health of the forest in general and the timber in particular. Timber is managed in 25-40 acre stands and harvested on a rotational basis, which requires much expertise on the part of the staff. Of particular interest was that the prescription for fire is determined by what you want to leave vs. what you want to eliminate. When speaking about the use and types of herbicides, Joel noted that he would rather walk under the spray of their herbicides than walk across a golf course 3 days after it had been treated. Longleaf and loblolly pines predominate the property, and we heard about the different requirements of each regarding thinning, burning, and harvesting. For me this was a very interesting and enjoyable field trip as it brought back memories of my Father and his conversations from years past. He was a forester in his early career and even traveled to Brazil to survey and cruise timber in the early 1950s, perhaps on property that belonged to the Dixon family (Joel thought Brazil may have been one of the countries where the Dixon family owned property). If you have an opportunity in the future to visit this beautiful property and Educational Center, take it! In the meantime, if you would like to read more about the important work being done at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, please go to this link: http://sdfec.auburn.edu/ See some of the wonderful pictures on next page!
FIELD TRIP
Wow! What a variety of fungi! There were wonderful field trips in 2012! Look forward to even more great opportunities in 2013. Don’t forget! If you are out and about, send us your photos!!!! Many thanks to M. Koser for these great pictures!
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THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIDER A folk legend from Germany and the Ukraine Once upon a time, long ago, a gentle mother was busily cleaning the house for the most wonderful day of the year....The day on which the Christ child came to bless the house. Not a speck of dust was left. Even the spiders had been banished from their cozy corner in the ceiling to avoid the housewife’s busy cleaning. They finally fled to the farthest corner of the attic. T’was Christmas eve at last! The tree was decorated and waiting for the children to see it. But the poor spiders were frantic, for they could not see the tree, nor be present for the Christ child’s visit. But the oldest and wisest spider suggested that perhaps they could peep through the crack in the door to see him. Silently they crept out of their attic, down the stairs, and across the floor to wait in the crack in the threshold. Suddenly, the door opened a wee bit and quickly the spiders scurried into the room. They must see the tree closely, since their eyes weren’t accustomed to the brightness of the room...so they crept all over the tree, up and down, over every branch and twig and saw every one of the pretty things. At last they satisfied themselves completely of the Christmas tree’s beauty. But alas!! Everywhere they went they had left their webs, and when the little Christ child came to bless the house he was dismayed. He loved the little spiders, for they were God’s creatures too, but he knew the mother, who had trimmed the tree for the little children, wouldn’t feel the same. So He touched the webs and they all turned to sparkling, shimmering, silver and gold! Ever since that time, we have hung tinsel on our Christmas trees, and according to the legend, it has been a custom to include a spider among the decorations on the tree.
A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
by L. Meyers
This is a great time for bird watchers, here are just a few feathered activities to enjoy.
National Audubon Society—the 113th Christmas Bird Count will take place from December 14, 2012 through January 5, 2013. You can find out about this event and much more by visiting the Choctawhatchee Audubon Society Facebook page.
This is the best time for watching waterfowl on wetlands, lakes, and prairies. Great horned owls and barred owls are courting. Listen for them. The barred owl makes its home in mature trees of woodlands and swamps across the eastern half of the United States. Related to the spotted owl and the great horned owl, the barred owl is in the order Strigiformes and the subfamily Striginae. Owls in this group have a rounded facial disk and large ear openings. These birds of prey are relatively large in size. The length of the bird is about 1 1/2 to 2 feet, and weights are about 22 oz. for males and 28 oz. for females. Wingspan is from 40-50 inches and body length ranges from 17-24 inches. The barred owl is named for the feather patterns, which are barred with the alternating colors of white and brown, located on its head, chest and back. This owl is a resident species. Therefore, it does not migrate. Although many species of owls are nocturnal, the barred owl is sometimes active during the day. The life span of these owls has been known to exceed 10 years in the wild. Captive birds have been known to live as long as 23 years. EDIS Publication WEC156
Look for Goldfinches at north Florida feeders. Yellow-rumped warblers will show up at feeders if it is cold enough. In north Florida, bald eagles start hatching about Christmas day.
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THE UNLIKELY STARS OF A CHRISTMAS LEGEND One of my fondest memories at Christmas time is of my mother's beautifully decorated Christmas trees. After all the lights and ornaments were hung, she painstakingly added one strand of silver tinsel at a time to each pine needle it seemed. Hours later we would all admire her sparkling masterpiece and her patience. I had never heard of “The Legend of the Christmas Spider” until this year when Marg introduced me to it and she thought spiders would be an interesting topic for this month's newsletter. Now I'm going to be really honest, this is not an easy article for me to write. I know spiders are very beneficial, but the girl in me has a hard time thinking about them, let alone trying to write about the topic at Christmas! (“I will admit as a child though, I did love ʻCharlotte's Web.') So I'll muster up my Yankee gumption and also respect my German heritage and give this my best shot. Where I draw the line is if there's a spider on my Christmas tree it's going to have crawl there itself, and I don't want to know. Spiders are everywhere, with over 40,000 species in the world. Many have adapted to living indoors, and can no longer even survive outside (“that's comforting”). In their natural environment (in or out) spiders are important predators and serve a vital function in controlling insect populations. Due to their shy habits, most of us are unaware of how many spiders actually exist in our environment. According to UF a single acre of grassy field can contain up to two million spiders. Spiders are arachnids, related to mites, ticks, and scorpions, which differ from insects in their body morphology in three important ways: (1) Spiders have only two body regions (cephalothorax and abdomen) rather than three. (2) Spiders have eight walking limbs rather than six. (3) Spiders never develop wings, unlike many insects. All spiders predigest their prey (insects and other arthropods) by injecting or covering the prey with digestive fluids, after which they consume the liquefied meal (“oh yum, whipped cream anyone?”). Because spiders feed entirely on living insects or other animals, they are highly adapted to capture and subdue living prey. Some, such as jumping spiders or wolf spiders actively search for or stalk their prey. Others, such as the trap-door spiders, hide and wait for hapless arthropods to pass too closely. Perhaps the best known spiders are called orb weavers, who build ornate webs that trap flying insects. Most web-spinning spiders build and abandon several webs per year. The webs are produced by glands on the spider’s abdomen. The silk is a liquid protein that is shaped into various configurations by the spider’s appendages as it is excreted. Silk is used to construct webs, safety lines, shelters, and egg sacs. A special type of silk is sometimes used as a parachute by spiderlings ready to go out on their own, or for adults to travel on a long distance adventure. Almost all spiders found in Florida are harmless to humans, and most species do not attempt to bite unless they are provoked. Spiders usually remain hidden and do not “hunt” for humans to bite. Although all spider species possess venom-
by L. Meyers
injecting fangs, only a tiny minority are able to pierce human skin and inject venom into the tissue. Among this minority, only a few pose any threat to human health. It is important to save any biting spider so it can be identified later (“even if it’s just crushed remains”). Without a specimen for positive identification, spider bites are often improperly treated, and in many cases other medical conditions are mistaken for spider bites. Most spider bites are not dangerous, but medical care and advice should be sought in any case of a suspected spider bite. Venomous Spiders Widows - Four species of widow spiders occur in Florida: the southern black widow, the northern black widow, the red widow, and the brown widow. These species are rather large spiders, about 1 1/2 inches long with the legs extended. To catch prey, widow spiders weave a strong web of irregular strands. The web is often found in rock formations or wood piles. Strands of black widow web were used to form the crosshairs of gun sights during World War II due to the strength and durability of the silk material. (“OK so they helped win the war, I still don’t like them.”) The southern black widow is the most widespread widow spider in Florida. This widow is shiny jet-black with a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen and another red spot at the tip end of the abdomen. It is usually found outdoors in protected places such as in hollows of stumps, discarded building materials, rodent burrows, storm sewers, and under park benches and tables. Around houses, the southern black widow is found in garages, storage sheds, crawl spaces under buildings, furniture, ventilators, and rainspouts. Like most spiders, the widow spiders are shy and will not bite unless aggravated. All four species have strong, neurotoxic venom based on a protein called latrotoxin, which is common to all widow species. The southern black widow is involved in most venomous spider-bite cases in Florida. The bite of the black widow is not always felt, but usually feels like a pinprick. The initial pain disappears rapidly, leaving a local swelling where two tiny, red spots appear. Muscular cramps in the shoulder, thigh, and back usually begin within 15 minutes to three hours. In severe cases, pain spreads to the abdomen, the blood pressure rises, and there is nausea, profuse sweating, and difficulty in breathing. Death may result from the venom, depending on the victim’s physical condition, age, and location of the bite. However, death seldom occurs if a physician is consulted and treatment is prompt. If you suspect that a widow spider has bitten you, capture the specimen for identification and immediately consult a physician. Brown Recluse—The brown recluse spider is not an established species in Florida, but physicians have diagnosed its bites. Despite these diagnoses, it has been estimated that up to 80% of suspected brown recluse bites are actually misdiagnosed cases of Staphylococcus inflection. The brown recluse spider is continued on next page 4
UNLIKELY STARS
continued
recognized by having a dark violin-shaped mark located behind the eyes. There are three pairs of eyes on this species, while most spiders possess four pairs. The brown recluse is a medium-sized spider about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Unlike the widow spiders, the brown recluse possesses venom based on a protein called Loxosceles toxin, which directly affects contacted tissues rather than the nervous system. The venom can cause tissue necrosis similar to that observed with many infectious bacteria. Persons bitten by the brown recluse usually do not feel pain for two to three hours, although a sensitive person may feel pain immediately. A blister arises around the area of the bite. The local pain becomes intense, with the wound sloughing tissue often down to the bone. Healing takes place slowly and may take six to eight weeks. If the bite of a brown recluse spider is suspected, again collect the spider and consult a physician immediately. The absence of brown recluse specimens thought to be responsible for the “bites” makes it impossible to definitively determine the prevalence of the species. Whether or not the brown recluse occurs in Florida is a matter of considerable debate. The brown recluse spider’s natural habitat is along the Mississippi River valley, especially in northwestern Arkansas and southern Missouri. Because it can live in old boxes and furniture, it is easily transported by humans. Specimens of brown recluse spiders have been found in Florida, but there is no indication that it is able to survive and reproduce in Florida’s environment. Tarantulas - The term “tarantula” refers to about 300 species of spider, some of which can weigh 2 to 3 ounces and have a 10inch leg span. Tarantulas do not occur naturally in Florida; however, some people keep tarantulas as pets. At least one species of
the genus Avicularia can be found in southern Florida, although it is not known if these sightings represent escaped specimens from captive populations or spiders imported accidentally in banana shipments. Most tarantulas commonly seen as pets are placid by nature, and few if any possess a strongly venomous bite. Tarantulas rely on their size to overwhelm prey and do not utilize particularly potent venom. However, the size of their fangs can lead to painful bites solely from mechanical tissue damage. A tarantula can be kept as a house pet. A terrarium (a dry aquarium) with an appropriate substrate can house a single specimen, but a quality tarantula-keeping manual should be consulted prior to purchasing a specimen, as many species have widely differing environmental requirements. Regular, thorough vacuuming behind furniture and stored articles, under baseboard heaters, and in closets will help eliminate spiders and their webs. Repair torn screens and broken windows, and ensure that doors are able to close tightly without gaps. Avoid storing shoes, clothing, or bedding at ground level where spiders could become entrapped. Outside, caulk holes and crevices in foundations or walls and eliminate piles of debris, lumber, and rocks, as much as is possible. Cut or eliminate long grass growing near foundations. Wear protective clothing when working outside in areas that might harbor spiders and inspect items that you pick up. Always check articles that you bring into the home from outside storage sheds to make sure you don't bring in spiders or their egg sacs. Consider chemical control only when necessary. Sources of information: EDIS Publication #ENY201, IPM for Spiders in Schools
HELP WANTED! Hopefully everyone got the e-mail about next year’s educational programs for our monthly meetings. If you have an idea for a program you’d like to have presented, please let Stacey T. know ASAP. If you’re working on a program and want the opportunity for a practice run—those are welcome too!
going! Take one Friday a month—give a few hours!
The new Master Gardener class will be starting on January 28th. Hospitality is provided for the first meeting by the veteran Master Gardeners in the past and we would like to continue that tradition. Please contact Marg S. if you are interestThe nursery will be propagating and work- ed in bringing refreshments for that first class. ing on more plants for 2013. Seriously folks, you don’t have to give up every sinJoan L. has been designated (and gragle Friday but help is desperately needed! ciously accepted) the challenge of being Thanks to the nursery’s hard work we our Historian. If you have any pictures, were able to supply the new Extension articles, etc., stashed away—bring them to landscape with great specimens AND we the monthly meeting OR leave them at the were able to sell plants as well. This proMaster Gardener office. vided the funds to keep our organization 5
As always, The Compost Pile is eager to get articles, ideas and photos from our members. YOU are the ones who make this publication a good one. Submissions are due before the 25th of each month. If you noticed, there has been a change to the way we are listing names in the newsletter. Since the publication will be available to the general public, full names are not being listed to help protect our members’. It is unfortunate but in this day and age we are doing all we can to help prevent potential identity theft issues.
WEED OF THE MONTH Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) Bittercress is an annual weed that usually shows up in flower beds or container plantings in summer. It is found throughout the northern half of the US as well as the southeast, thriving in moist to wet soils.
Weed description: It is most often a summer annual, and occasionally a winter annual weed of landscapes, containergrown plants, and greenhouses. Seedlings: The cotyledons or first leaves are found and occur on petioles. The cotyledons and first true leaves have hairs. Subsequent leaves have alternately arranged leaflets.
by J. Gillis Identifying Characteristics: The long narrow siliques and round leaflets are arranged alternately and are both characteristics that help in the identification of hairy bittercress. Bittercress seedlings often germinate in large numbers. The first true leaves are simple, while subsequent leaves are generally pinnately compound. Bittercress has unique foliage. The leaflets on the foliage have a club shape, even on small seedlings. A single bittercress plant may form a small clump 4 to 8 inches tall and wide. When many bittercress grow in a small area, it can appear as a thick mat of foliage and seed-pods. The seed pods, Siliques, each have about 30 seeds and each bittercress plant can generate up to 5000 seeds! As if bittercress weren’t bad enough by itself, it is also a refuge for aphids!
Bittercress are generally easy to control with preemergence herbicides. However, because one weed can generate so many seed, failure to use or properly time herbicide applications Stems: Erect and branched at the base, stems may be as can result in rapid infestation. This is why bittercress tends to much as 12 inches tall. be more problematic in nurseries and greenhouses (where herbicides are not used). The best control after it sprouts is Roots: A taproot. vigilant application of a non -selective herbicide Leaves: Leaves consist of 2 to 4 pairs of leaflets that are arranged alternately along the central leaf stem. Individual leaf- (Roundup, Earth-tone lets are found in outline. Each leaf occurs on a petiole that is Weed Control, etc.). You usually distinctly hairy. Lower leaves may be hairy but not as may also get control with distinctly hairy as the upper leaves. Upper leaves are smaller any of the numerous broadleaf weed herbicides. than the lower basal leaves. Flowers: Occur in clusters at the ends of the flowering stems. Individual flowers are small (2-3mm) and consist of 4 white petals.
www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/ weed_id/carhi.htm
http://oregonstate.edu/ dept/nursery-weeds/ Fruit or seed: The seed pod is a long (3/4 to 1 1/4 inches), weedspeciespage/ and narrow capsule with many seeds, known as a Silique. bittercress/ When the capsules dry out or mature in a week or two, the slightest touch will cause them to burst open explosively scat- bittercress_page.html tering seed far and wide...as much as 10 feet from the parent http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/hairyplant! bittercress-identification/
One of our Master Gardeners shared a couple of photos. One of the last blanket flower of the season with a bug in the center. The other was titled ‘Occupy Thanksgiving’. Those do appear to be some pretty tasty protestors! Don’t forget to share your photos!
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PUZZLE
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Alice, Bob, Cathy and Dan gathered together to exchange Christmas presents. Each of them brought two gifts. Alice wrapped her gifts in green wrappers. Bob wrapped his gifts in yellow wrappers. Cathy wrapped her gifts in blue wrappers. Dan wrapped his gifts in red wrappers. They drew lots to determine which gifts they are supposed to receive. Each received two gifts in wrappers of different colors, and no one received a gift that they had brought. Alice did not receive a gift in a yellow wrapper. Cathy did not receive any gift wrapped in red. Bob did not receive any gifts wrapped in blue. From whom did Alice, Bob, Cathy and Dan each receive gifts from?
December 5th General Meeting Shalimar Baptist Church December 8th Christmas Party! 11 am Shalimar Baptist Church
Cryptogram
January 9th General Meeting Crestview Extension Office
TLQYE AQ YLVN DWH IABN DKN ESKNIM YCN JDELO L W T K N H L N W Y E A Q D Y K S I M V N K K M O C K L E Y V D E.
January Arbor Day Celebration Date and Location to be announced January 28th Master Gardener Training Crestview Extension Office
Cryptogram: Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. Alice received gifts from Cathy and Dan. Bob received gifts from Alice and Dan. Cathy received gifts from Alice and Bob. Dan received gifts from Bob and Cathy. ANSWERS:
BOOK REVIEW
by M. Stewart This time I’m cheating. I’m listing the reviews from others regarding this book because it’s one that I want to get. Hint, hint Santa. The Gardener’s Gripe Book by Abby Adams
According to Publishers Weekly— “A very funny down-to-earth gardener takes a swipe at gardening pretense and vows to "tell no lies." With Will Rogers-style good will and common sense, pet peeves grow into a belly-laugh of a book. The well-organized myriad of topics includes: a respectable and entertaining history of gardening ("From Eve to Martha Stewart"); the wrongfully maligned lawn and its environmentally-correct alternatives (e.g., meadows-in-cans-"It is better to tear your money into little pieces and scatter them to the wind"); dirt (a soil analysis
by an extension agent is like an astrologer saying "you have 3 planets in your 6th house, when all you want to know is whether or not you should get married"). Equally amusing are ventings on vegetables, perennials, "tree$" and garden enemies (don't miss the repellent recipe calling for Japanese beetles in the blender-"this is the fun part"). Longer chapters are spliced with essays such as "Gourmet Gardeners" who "clip recipes from gardening magazines (this is equivalent to gleaning medical advice from Vanity Fair") and "Smell" ("'Aromatic' herbs mostly aren't"; paperwhites and hyacinths are "olfactory offenders"). A welcome, resounding reveille for gardeners who have dwelt too long with glossy pictures and impossible expert advice. ” After laughing my way through the ‘look inside’ feature provided by Amazon...I definitely want this book! Have you read something neat? Perhaps nothing to do with gardening? Know of a book that you’d recommend? Let us know!
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THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... the Controversy..and the Cost
by K. Harper
Controversy about the Twelve Days of Christmas? Isn't that just the sweet, goofy Christmas carol we've all come to know and love? Well, maybe it is and maybe it isn't, depending on what you choose to believe. The very first item to address is the idea that the song has to do with the twelve days leading up to Christmas, a concept that has led many a starry-eyed child to believe she really should be receiving a gift per day from mid-December until Christmas. Not so, according to most historians. While some minor variations exist as to exact dates, these have to do with traditions that vary from culture to culture and church to church. It is generally accepted that The Twelve Days of Christmas refer to the period between Christmas Day and January 6th, which is often known as The Epiphany. As to the true meaning of the song, many religious historians attach a great deal of symbolism to the twelve gifts as well as to the gift-giver and receiver. These symbols evoke passion among those who wish to believe that the song has a much deeper meaning than simply being a light-hearted song about gift-giving or, worse, the crass commercialism that has come to be associated with Christmas. The song is on the one hand believed to be a type of catechism dating back to the period from 1558 to 1829 when Catholics were prohibited from any practice of their faith by law - private or public. Parents are said to have used this song to quietly teach their children about Catholicism at a time when a lot of folks were being separated from their heads for the crime of being Catholic. The 'partridge in a pear tree' is said to symbolize the crucifixion. The other gifts likewise symbolize elements of the faith as follows: 2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments 3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues 4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists 5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation 7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments 8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes 9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit 10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments 11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles 12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed On the other hand, we come to Snopes.com, that great de-bunker of all the cool/ interesting stuff we see in our world that we might really want to believe. You can read Snopes' comments on this subject and decide for yourself what you'd prefer to believe. (And it's OK with me if you want to conclude that sometimes Snopes is written by fuddy-duddies with no imagination...): http://www.snopes.com/holidays/ christmas/music/12days.asp So having punctured (or at least badly damaged) the story of the Twelve Days of Christmas, what about all those reporters who like to write articles totaling up what the 12 gifts would cost using today's dollar? Well, it seems that reporters had other things to do with their time this year. The election, one would assume, gave them more important topics to write about. I did however find a year to year comparison of the cost that was finally updated (as of 11/26/12) to include 2012. So here is one current cost estimate of providing your true love with all those birds, lords, ladies, pipers, drummers and golden rings. Hint: it's darned pricey: http://content.pncmc.com/live/pnc/microsite/CPI/ index.html#byyear I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and blessings in the 12 days following! Ed. Note: We finally located the total cost. According to Time NewsFeed the “true cost of Christmas� jumped into six figures for the first time.....$107,300.24
From all of us at The Compost Pile to all of you Have a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
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EXTRACTING VANILLA
by A. Donatelli
While researching herbs and concoctions I came across my old I use Gray Goose Vodka because that’s what I have in the Vanilla Extract recipe. I thought some of you could be interhouse for a nice Dirty Martini! ested in the recipe and a little info on the main ingredient, Va- 1 pint jar nilla beans. Directions: Years ago, I was co-owner in a baking business. We mostly did Cut your vanilla pods in every type of cake imaginable which is probably why I’m not half (length wise) and fond of cake today. One day after my business partner, Barb scrape out the seeds, continued to loudly complained about the cost of vanilla excalled Caviar. Slice pods tract (she was driving me crazy), I asked her if she knew where into 2 to 3 inch pieces… Vanilla came from? She told me, of course, it was the bark of a the more slices on the tree that is found in South America—no big deal! WHAT? I pod, the more flavor is thought it came from a rare Orchid…like a maybe the seed pod released. Small pieces do not clump as much and stay subor bean? She thought I was nuts…I thought she was nuts. We merged in the vodka. dropped the subject and continued decorating cakes. Place all of the caviar and sliced pods in the sterilized pint jar. I can’t imagine life without the internet these days but since Fill the jar with vodka, leaving a half inch of space at the top of Commodore computers were just hitting the civilian market at the jar then seal with the lid. that time in my life, I went to the only source I had, the public library to see who was correct. There wasn’t much information Allow this mixture to six for at least 4-6 weeks and up to 6 but I did find out Vanilla IS the seed pod of an orchid that remonths. I find that I liked the flavor more at the 3 month quired a special pollination technique. mark but, it will continue to improve with time. The color of the extract should be a lovely, rich, amber color. Shake the jar Fast forward to today, the real answer, easily found on the in- every day the first week, then once a week for 4 weeks. ternet is….. If you want to give your extract away as a gift, you may want to Most of vanilla comes strain it and put into a nice long neck bottle. from a vine orchid, Vanilla planifolia which is Homemade Kahlua Recipe native to Mexico. It is a Ingredients: vanilla pod and not a 4 cups water bean and the vine is 1 1/2 cup instant coffee crystals slow growing, needing a 4 1/2 cups 100 proof vodka structure to grow on. A 8 cups sugar single flower is pro2 vanilla beans duced once the plant 6 12.5 oz. bottles with caps has matured (or reaches the top of the structure) and only when it pendulates down does it bloom, which last 24 hours. Directions: As natural pollination was ‘hit or miss’, hand pollination was Mix water, sugar and coffee crystals in a saucepan. Heat and used to assure a pod would form and that technique is still stir until sugar and coffee are dissolved. Remove from heat used today. Approximately 1000 blooms can be hand pollinat- and cool to room temperature. Add vodka. Stir to combine. ed a day…and that is why it is so expensive! Pour mixture into 6, 12.5 oz. bottles. Cut each vanilla I could go on and on about the different vanilla orchids used around the world but I don’t want to put you to sleep so here are the recipes.
bean into thirds and drop into each bottle. Cap. After 2-3 weeks strain, remove beans and rebottle.
Vanilla Extract Recipe
Source for Madagascar Vanilla beans: http:// www.beanilla.com/madagascar-vanilla-beans
Ingredients: 16 Vanilla pods (beans…whatever), Grade B (extract grade) I use Madagascar Vanilla Beans 2 cups of 40% vodka (70-80 proof)
Makes the perfect gift!
Source for homemade Kahlua: http://www.beanilla.com/ blog/homemade-kahlua-recipe 9
M. Stewart—Editor S. Farrell, K. Harper and L. Meyers—Co-Editors
Have pictures or an idea for an article? Send it in! Articles and pictures are always welcome.
Your member site: www.ocmgamembers.org
The Foundation for the Gator Nation.....An equal opportunity institution.
LAST WORD There is a war going on in my house. My husband has his office chair. A very nice, chair. He likes his chair. So does our cat, Gizmo. Gizmo likes the chair after hubby has been sitting in it. The chair is warm...the cat is shedding... Gizmo will lay near my husband’s desk, innocent and then husband will get up, check to see if the mail has arrived and in that short span of time—he has a furry occupant in his chair. What follows is the cat being removed (usually carried to another location...but I’m the one who spoils them...yeah right). Hubby has now taken to putting a towel on his chair upon rising. Result? Gizmo won’t get on the chair and just gives him bad looks. I figure it will only take a day or two before Gizmo works at removing the offending towel when she can. It’s happened before. What will probably call a temporary halt to the hostilities will be the putting up of the Christmas tree. From the time the tree comes into the house, both cats are alert and focused. I have become fairly agile in decorating a tree that has two felines ensconced beneath it. Neither one tries to climb the tree. They leave the ornaments alone (thank goodness). But for the duration of the holidays that is THEIR tree. Failure to turn on the tree lights within a reasonable time of getting out of bed (current record is 10 minutes) results in constant meowing and irritating behavior until said lights are activated.
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M. Stewart I haven’t figured out what it is— perhaps it’s warmer or perhaps I just have weird cats. Who knows. What I know is that wrapped packages will not have ribbons or bows attached since the one cat considers it a personal challenge to remove AND EAT any and all ribbon that is under the tree. I also know that the pretty tree skirt will be rearranged to suit furry nap times. But in spite of all this, it’s wonderful to have the fire going, the lights lit and hear purring from under the tree. Also hearing the purring from a happy hubby who is enjoying his cat-less chair for the season. From our household to yours, may you have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year!
I want to thank everyone for the opportunity of being your President in 2012. I sincerely hope that we can get more participation in 2013. Our new Board is comprised of awesome folks and they deserve your support. There will be activities and opportunities in 2013 that will only be successful if folks actively participate! Don’t sit on the sidelines! There is plenty for everyone to be able to contribute!