It is also PECAN Season...

I have a pecan tree in my backyard and this is only the second year we have gotten any substantial amount of pecans from it.  We also have some local pecan orchards in the area but I love having my own little tree.  It is a lovely tree!

I am a shorter individual but I grow tall children because of my tall husband.  It is nice to recruit the help of long legs and arms to help me get the higher fruit.  This is my middle boy... 6'3"

My husband and youngest got in on the action a little, too.  We gathered about enough to make a pecan pie for the holidays with a few leftover for some oatmeal or a banana bread.

Here is one of the traditional pecan pie recipes I have used over the years.

Pecan Pie

(I have also used walnuts for this one)

3 eggs

1 cup white sugar

1 cup white corn syrup 

(Karo or the like)

1 rounded TBSP flour 

(or gf flour)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp water

pinch of salt

3 TBSP butter, melted

1 cups pecan halves 

or chopped pecans

1 unbaked pie crust 

(store bought or homemade)

Mix eggs, sugar, syrup, flour, vanilla, water, salt, and butter together.  Pour into unbaked pie crust that has been lined fully with pecan halves or bits.  The pecans will float to the top once it starts to bake.  Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until set at 350 degrees F.

(from the Yoder Community Recipes, Yoder, Kansas)

More Hill Country Travels

Bella Vista Ranch

This little ranch is tucked nicely into the Wimberley, Texas community.  They grow olive trees in an orchard and a small vegetable and flower garden.  They also have a grape vineyard.

See those little olives?

They produce fresh first press virgin olive oil and infuse it with a variety of herbs and garlic.  They also produce balsamic vinegar varieties, bath and body products, jellies, jams, etc...

They sell trees, too.

This particular shot is a bed of asparagus plants they were growing along the fence area.

A lovely hibiscus plant...

As you go into the tasting area they will let you try the different infused oils and such.  They have a nice fragrance and a little bite at the end which is a bit peppery.

Here is one of their product shelves.

Their soaps are pretty pricey but they are lovely!  They have three wonderful fragrances and they are so nice to your skin.  I wish I knew how to make soap!  I may have to learn this skill soon.

Here is a shot of the vineyard.

Another shot of the vineyard.

My little tree that I brought home... now we will be babying it until next March and then it goes into the ground.  They are drought resistant, self pollinating and grow well in the sandy soil of the desert.

I brought a little treasure home with me, too...

If you get to Wimberley I highly recommend that make a trip out to this orchard and vineyard for one of their tours and sample the oil and wine.

Check out the website link at the top for more details and pictures of this lovely place.