Cheese!

With lots of milk in my fridge, I was running out of jars on my shelf.  I solved both problems by making 2 batches of mozzarella!  I had success both batches, although the first was a little lacking on salt, so I upped it for the second batch.  I really like this recipe because it is so simple!  This morning, I've got the leftover whey on the stove, to attempt whey ricotta.  Looks like a lasagna night!

Grapes

It has been 4 years since I planted my 2 grape plants.  One died the first summer and the other hung on with just barely perceptible growth for 3 years.  Last year, it just took off and now surrounds about half of my garden perimeter (remind me to ask DH to make me some kind of arbor for it to shade my sprouts!).

Friends, family, neighbors and pretty much anyone who came over noticed and complimented on my beautiful grape vine and I was pretty happy to have it so explosively green and taking over the view at the end of my driveway.  I didn't dare hope for anything more out of it, but to my delight, about a month or so ago, teeny tiny bunches of grapes began to appear!  I was shocked, and the kids were thrilled.  People then began asking what kind of grapes they were.  Turns out it's been so long and I'd given up hope years ago and I have no idea.  I assumed some green variety, until last week when we had another surprise and they started to turn purple!

I am impatient and keep sneaking the most purple ones for a taste, and they are about 50% sour still.  Within a week or so I will cover them with netting to try to keep the birds away.  I can't wait for my harvest!  :D