Gotta Love Those Peppers

Anaheim Peppers
Ancho or Poblano Peppers
After a brutal summer with scores of days with over 100 degree temperatures, you wouldn't expect that there would be anything left in the vegetable garden. And you'd be right. Except for peppers. On days when just living was more than some plants could manage, they stood steadfast, leaves limp in the blistering sun. We continued to water even though there were few fruits during those days. But now branches are hanging heavy with peppers.  Cooler temperatures and rain have made a big difference!

Glossy Ancho (or Poblano) peppers are the most beautiful pepper in the garden with their shiny, dark green skin. They taste as good as they look with a rather mild flavor this year. My favorites, the Anaheims are growing long and starting to thicken and fill out. They are usually fairly mild, but sometimes they pack a little heat. There are banana and jalapeno peppers, too. There may even be some Habanero peppers which are so hot, they scare me. 

Jalapeno Peppers
Banana Peppers

Bell Peppers

 Until about ten years ago, the only peppers we had in our garden were bell peppers and I didn't particularly like them. Usually I served them raw, but they had a rather bitter undertone. I could still taste it when they were cooked in recipes. Not too bad,  just not all that good. 

Now we have a variety and I enjoy them all (except I do retain a healthy respect for those hot, hot Habaneros). One reason is that I have discovered .....Roasting! Roasting takes care of any bitterness. When you roast a pepper, you char the skin so that you can remove it. Let me show you how.

Anaheim and Ancho Peppers are on the grill for roasting.

 To roast peppers, you need a heat source. Here I have fired up the gas grill. You can see flames which far less than ideal if you are grilling meat, but with peppers, this is not a problem. I have learned that it is best to wash the peppers, but leave them whole for roasting. I rotated these peppers over the flame until they were charred. Alternatives to a grill are the broiler in the oven, the flame of a gas stove and I have used a dry cast iron skillet on an electric stove. Keep turning the peppers until all sides are charred. There is a fine line between charring and burning. Basically you want to char the skin, not the flesh underneath. 
Most of these are ready to remove from the grill. Those in the lower left corner need to roast a little longer.
 You'll hear the peppers pop a little as the air inside the pepper expands and sometimes the skin begins to split. You'll be smelling the distinct scent of roasting peppers. Keep all of the peppers on the grill until they are all ready before taking the next step.
Pop your peppers into a paper bag.
 Now grab those peppers and place them into a paper bag. Work quickly. When they are all inside, close the bag and roll the top down. Those peppers will be doing some steaming! Leave them until they are cool enough to handle.

Split the pepper and remove the seeds.

The skin should peel off easily.

When they are cool, remove from the bag, split the pepper and remove the seeds. Flip over the pepper and remove the skin. The skin is very thin. It reminds me a little of peeling skin after a sunburn which I had a strange fascination with as a child. It's a little messy and takes some time. Sometimes there is an area of skin that isn't charred and won't peel. Don't worry about it. Just take off what comes off easily. If you are roasting very hot peppers, you may want to wear gloves. Beware of touching your eyes or skin because of the burning sensation. It doesn't hurt the skin, it just feels very hot! This is only with the very hot peppers.

Roasted Ancho and Anaheim peppers.
You can use them right away or freeze them for later use. I usually freeze in a single layer and then, when frozen, place them into a freezer bag.

What do you do with roasted peppers? Include them in scrambled eggs. Add them to casseroles. Top a sandwich or hamburger with one. Marinate them. Make an awesome dip. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Roasted Pepper Dip
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 
1/2 cup roasted peppers, diced
1/4 cup mayonaise
Optional: 1/2 cup caramelized onions 

Mix together. Serve warm or at room temperature with crackers.

Roasted Pepper Crustless Quiche
10 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups cottage cheese
1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup roasted peppers, chopped or if you prefer, leave whole and place on top of quiche

Beat eggs, add flour. Add remaining ingredients, except peppers if you are placing on top. Pour into a sprayed 9X13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes. 

I often halve this recipe and bake in an 8 inch baking dish.

Eva Becker Schroeder: The Early Years 1894-1913



John and Eva Becker Schroeder: Homesteading in Montana 1913-1922

They called it their "honeymoon" trip". But that was always said with an ironic smile. When my grandmother married John Schroeder on September 2, 1913 he had already filed a claim on a homestead twenty miles from Chinook, Montana.

There were also four other families from their South Dakota community, including John's parents, making the move. After several weeks of preparation, John and the menfolk loaded the livestock and boarded an immigrant car of a train headed for Zurich, Montana. John and Eva had four horses, three cows, one pig, a dozen chickens and a dog. 

Several days later, Eva, the other women, the children and Grandpa Schroeder boarded another train headed for the same destination. Even so, they arrived first, since there were frequent stops with the livestock car to exercise animals. So much for their honeymoon!

John and Eva Becker Schroeder: The Great Depression 1922-1934

The stock market crash that heralded the Great Depression was still years away. But when John and Eva Schroeder left Montana in 1922 and returned to South Dakota, they were already facing difficult times. The droughts and crop failures on their Montana homestead left them with few possessions. They were starting over.

They returned to their childhood home of Marion, South Dakota. For several years John worked in town, first at a blacksmith shop and then at a creamery. They also had a business on the side selling chicken feed and sunflower seeds. They managed to save up some money and rent a farm nearby, but had to move after a year when the landlord rented the farm to a relative. Now they had another daughter, Lillian (in 1924). 

John and Eva Becker Schroeder: Minnesota Years 1934-1959

The cool green of northern Minnesota refreshed the soul. Towering forests of pine surrounded the Schroeder's new farmyard. Behind the house meandered the St. Louis River. "Here you don't have to pray for rain," the neighbors told them.

The railroad agent had been right about the gardens. Every year they raised a big vegetable garden and harvested hay from their meadow.
Back row: Wanda, Ed, Emma and Olivia; Front: Lillian, Eva, Leroy, John and Loyd.

Eva Becker Schroeder: Growing Old 1960-1996


A Dozen Egg Whites: Angel Food Cake

An egg is a beautiful thing. Smooth ovals in shades of browns, beiges and whites contain a wholesome array of essential vitamins and minerals. It is a protein powerhouse. In the hands of an experienced cook, they are useful in dishes savory as well as sweet. In the hands of an inexperienced cook, you can't go wrong with scrambled eggs! 

You Don't Forget Your Wedding Gifts

Aunt Clarice arranged the gifts at the wedding.