The Ozarks

The Ozarks are home to a great variety of trees, one of the things that adds to the beauty of these hills. Late fall, after the leaves have turned and fallen after their brief  and glorious show, is the time for the persimmon to shine. Often the fruit hangs on long after the leaves are gone, little orange  gems ~that the squirrels, birds and raccoons gather in  a hurry. These persimmons are smaller and sweeter (if the are FULLY RIPE) than the kind you can buy in the grocery story from various Asian sources. And are wonderful in breads and cakes, IF you have  a bit of patience to work them up. This is our favorite recipes to use up the harvest.

                               Persimmon fruitcake
1/2 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup honey (OR sorghum)

3 eggs

1 cup raisins

1 cup nuts

1/2 cup dried fruit of your choice (pineapple tidbits or apricots are really good)

1 cup persimmon pulp

2 T. lemon juice

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

Mash persimmons flat with a fork seperate one cup pulp from seeds.

Cream honey, butter, and eggs together. add raisins, dried fruit and nuts.

sift dry ingredients into wet, stir just till combined.

Bake in two greased loaf pans at 325* for about an hour, test at 50 minutes, a knife inserted near center should come out clean. Cool five minutes in pan then remove to cooling rack and let cool completly. Wrap in plastic wrap and keep in the fridge at least over night, flavor gets better after a couple of days.

If you aren't familiar  with our indigenous Persimmon or want to read more about it there is a good article here.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/persimmons-zmaz70sozgoe.aspx#axzz2lrJOeGg3
 

Featured this week

An "exotic" little store in our hometown, where you'll find a variety of gift items and a full service

beauty shop all in one.

 at EXOTIC CUTS AND GIFTS you'll find~

 

 Rada knives, glass cutting boards, Antiques, handcrafted quilts, potholders, aprons,

totebags, homemade soap, knitted and crocheted items, greeting cards 

hand-hammered copper jewelry, metal wall décor,

Arkansas Razorback and John Deere items!

With new items added almost weekly, this could be your one stop beauty/gift shop.

Located in downtown Leslie at 420 Main street, or visit on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exotic-Cuts-and-Gifts/124931750870693








No reason not to shop locally!

The Ozarks

I wasn't born in the Ozarks.......

but I got here as quick as I could!

 

We've heard many who ascribe to this adage. Do you feel this way?  Maybe you were born here but had to leave for work or other reasons, yet it's still close to your heart. Or maybe you just visited once and have fond memories of these hills you'll never forget. Whatever the reason for your feelings I think you'd admit the Ozarks are as unique as the people that live in these hills.

The artisans ,whose individual studios are located here, are as varied as the weather, flora and fauna that are found 'round these parts.

(as you will see in the weeks to come) 

Featured this week

A hidden treasure near our hometown.
 A 4,000 acre ranch/retreat!
Bring your own horse and enjoy the beautiful Ozarks.
(you never know what you'll find the around the next bend)

https://www.facebook.com/pinegrovetrails

we're now on facebook!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jonquil-Junction-Unique-handcrafted-items/810022969023972

Like us to follow local events, places and craft items for sale.