Goat treats
Can goats eat fresh pumpkin seeds? Also I made some fig jam I don’t like and it has figs, pectin and sugar in it. They would love to lick it. They always beg for snacks
Ann Hazelett
Litchfield Park, Arizona
Yes, goats LOVE fresh pumpkin seeds…and whole pumpkins. Pumpkin seeds are thought to be a natural wormer as well. You can also treat your goats with that fig jam you don’t like. Or find a friend who does enjoy your jam. — Jackie
Would like to try Hopi Pale Grey
Do the Hopi Grey Squash grow here in the south (Tampa)? If you think they may, are you offering the seeds for sale? I would like to try them if possible.
Judith Almand
Brandon, Florida
Yes, Hopi Pale Grey squash will grow in the south. We’ll be offering seeds for sale this winter. Stay tuned to the blog for further info as we work out details of our mini-seed business. — Jackie
Canning enchilada sauce
Quick questions: Can this be canned and if so, for how long? I figure it will need to be pressure canned. It is a recipe for enchilada sauce: 3T flour, 4T chili powder, 1T cumin, 1T garlic powder, T oil, 16oz tomato sauce, 16oz water. Heat to boil, then simmer for 20m. I plan on putting the sauce in half-pints, but would prefer to can if at all possible. What do you think?
Lisa Basso
Saint Paul, Minnesota
I’d suggest leaving out the flour as it is not recommended to can recipes containing much of it. However, the rest would can up easily in a boiling water bath. I’d also add 1/2 Tbsp bottled lemon juice to each 1/2 pint jar, just to be safe. It won’t affect the flavor. Process your pints or half-pints for 35 minutes and you’ll be fine. — Jackie
Storing powdered milk
How long can you store powdered milk? There are so many mixed reviews, it is difficult to distinguish fact from fancy. I would like to get some to keep on hand, but don’t want to risk botulism, or any other creeping crud that might be an issue. I wouldn’t be using it regularly, just if there would be an extended time where I wouldn’t be able to get milk, (i.e. a weather event such as a massive snowstorm, an extended power outage, or a zombie apocalypse.) Any thoughts?
Daniel Reed
Glenville, West Virginia
Regular store powdered milk will store in its original box for about 5 years with no loss of flavor. After that it may pick up off flavors but still be okay for cooking/baking. For best storage flavor, long-term, you can either routinely rotate your stored milk or buy canned instant milk from such companies as Emergency Essentials. This will stay fresh-tasting for 35 years or longer!
You’re on the right track in picking up some storage foods. The end of the world may never come but I’ll bet you a blizzard, power outage, or other event will make you real happy that you took the common sense approach to being prepared. Grandma never knew about zombies but totally believed in staying “stocked up.” — Jackie
Good thing I don’t have goats. All pumpkin seeds get eaten by me. Also discovered that the big seeds from winter squash are yummy too. Glad they’re good for me. Just clean, soak overnight in hot salt water and toast til dry. If you start them in a hot oven then lower the temp they sometimes pop open and are easier to eat.
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