From Beyond My Kitchen Window

Massaged Kale Salad With Mango...

2012-02-20T16:22:00.001-04:30

Kale salad with mango and pepitas is the epitome of healthy eating on a plate. Kale has 260% of vitamin A and 170% of vitamin C per serving. Vitamin and antioxidant rich mango as well as toasted pumpkin seeds add yet another healthy boost of goodness. I have made this salad several times and enjoy how all the textures and flavors blend together nicely The three minute massage seems to dissolve away all the bitterness in the kale. This delicious recipe is courtesy of food network.

Ingredients

1 bunch kale (black kale is especially good), stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons honey
Freshly ground black pepper
1 mango, diced small (about 1 cup)
Small handful toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), about 2 rounded tablespoons

Directions

In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little kosher salt. Massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside while you make the dressing.

In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stream in the 1/4 cup of oil while whisking until a dressing forms, and you like how it tastes.

Pour the dressing over the kale, and add the mango and pepitas. Toss and serve.

Biggest Loser Oatmeal Pancakes

2012-02-13T06:48:00.000-04:30

For a low calorie pancake these were really delicious. Throw it all into a blender and you're ready to to put them on the griddle. I will definitely be making these again. Here's the recipe.

6 egg whites ( I used egg whites from the carton)
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup cottage cheese ( I used low fat)
2 tsp. sugar ( I used my cranberry bog honey)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon

Into the blender it all goes, blend and pour by the 1/4 cup full onto a hot griddle or cast iron pan. Wait for the bubbles to appear and flip. To save some calories I did not pour the maple syrup over the pancakes, but instead poured a few tablespoons in a tiny dish to dip each fork full in.

No Knead Bread....

2012-01-27T22:04:00.000-04:30

Baking home made bread is something I wish I had more time for. I would love nothing more than to make all our own bread. Working full time makes the desire for fresh baked bread very difficult. You can imagine how thrilled I was when this turned out to be so easy, even for a workday.
I found this recipe on a blog and bookmarked the web site she had sited for the recipe. I'm embarrassed to say I don't remember what blog it was from. Don't let the lengthy instructions scare you. They couldn't be any easier. The recipe comes right from the King Arthur web site.

Ingredients

3 cups lukewarm water
6 1/2 to 7 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons instant yeast

Directions

*The flour/liquid ratio is important in this recipe. If you measure flour by sprinkling it into your measuring cup, then gently sweeping off the excess, use 7 1/2 cups. If you measure flour by dipping your cup into the canister, then sweeping off the excess, use 6 1/2 cups. Most accurate of all, and guaranteed to give you the best results, if you measure flour by weight, use 32 ounces.

1) Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, or a large (6-quart), food-safe plastic bucket. For first-timers, "lukewarm" means about 105°F, but don't stress over getting the temperatures exact here. Comfortably warm is fine; "OUCH, that's hot!" is not. Yeast is a living thing; treat it nicely.

2) Mix and stir everything together to make a very sticky, rough dough. If you have a stand mixer, beat at medium speed with the beater blade for 30 to 60 seconds. If you don't have a mixer, just stir-stir-stir with a big spoon or dough whisk till everything is combined.

3) Next, you're going to let the dough rise. If you've made the dough in a plastic bucket, you're all set — just let it stay there, covering the bucket with a lid or plastic wrap; a shower cap actually works well here. If you've made the dough in a bowl that's not at least 6-quart capacity, transfer it to a large bowl; it's going to rise a lot. There's no need to grease the bowl, though you can if you like; it makes it a bit easier to get the dough out when it's time to bake bread.

4) Cover the bowl or bucket, and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 hours. Then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or for up to about 7 days. (If you're pressed for time, skip the room-temperature rise, and stick it right into the fridge). The longer you keep it in the fridge, the tangier it'll get; if you chill it for 7 days, it will taste like sourdough. Over the course of the first day or so, it'll rise, then fall. That's OK; that's what it's supposed to do.

5) When you're ready to make bread, sprinkle the top of the dough with flour; this will make it easier to grab a hunk. Grease your hands, and pull off about 1/4 to 1/3 of the dough — a 14-ounce to 19-ounce piece, if you have a scale. It'll be about the size of a softball, or a large grapefruit.

6) Plop the sticky dough onto a floured work surface, and round it into a ball, or a longer log. Don't fuss around trying to make it perfect; just do the best you can.

7) Place the dough on a piece of parchment (if you're going to use a baking stone); or onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Sift a light coating of flour over the top; this will help keep the dough moist as it rests before baking.

8) Let the dough rise for about 45 to 60 minutes. It won't appear to rise upwards that much; rather, it'll seem to settle and expand. Preheat your oven (and baking stone, if you're using one) to 450°F while the dough rests. Place a shallow metal or cast iron pan (not glass, Pyrex, or ceramic) on the lowest oven rack, and have 1 cup of hot water ready to go.

9) When you're ready to bake, take a sharp knife and slash the bread 2 or 3 times, making a cut about 1/2" deep. The bread may deflate a bit; that's OK, it'll pick right up in the hot oven.

10) Place the bread in the oven, and carefully pour the 1 cup hot water into the shallow pan on the rack beneath. It'll bubble and steam; close the oven door quickly.

11) Bake the bread for 25 to 35 minutes, until it's a deep, golden brown.

12) Remove the bread from the oven, and cool it on a rack. Store leftover bread in a plastic bag at room temperature.

13) Yield: 3 or 4 loaves, depending on size.

One of my sons wondered what bakery it came from. How is that for a compliment? The crust was crispy and the inside had enough holes to make it similar to a Tuscan Bread, The next batch of dough will stay in the fridge for three days to see if it will taste more like a sour dough.

Shin Bone Soup....

2012-01-22T17:21:00.000-04:30

After reading Dom's (Belleau Kitchen) post awhile back about his grandmother's soup, I decided to do a post on my own grandmothers soup. Growing up my mother made this soup (which was her mother's recipe) all winter long. This traditions is still going strong at my home. I have been making this simple and delicious soup for more than twenty five years. My kids have always liked the fact that every Halloween before they went trick or treating they could count on having big steaming bowls of this old fashioned family favorite. Having never measured ingredients when making this soup, I made an effort to measure and write everything down this time around. Here's the recipe.

2 large beef shin bone
1 large onion, diced
5 stalks of celery, chopped
5 carrots chopped
3 bay leaves
3 heaping tbsp. beef base
1 cup uncooked white rice
15 oz. can tomato sauce
7 quarts of water water
3/4 of a box of elbow macaroni

Into a large soup pot, add the shin bones, bay leaves, beef base and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Shin bone meat is delicious, but tough and it takes a long time in the soup pot to get it tender.

Next add onion, celery, carrots, tomato sauce, rice and simmer for another hour.

Just before serving remove shin bones from the pot and chop up the beef from the bones. Put chopped beef back in the soup pot. I also mash the marrow from the bones into the pot. The beef marrow adds a ton of flavor to the soup.

Cook the elbows separately and add them to your own individual bowl of soup. Season with salt, pepper, fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!!

Hot and Sour Soup...

2012-01-16T16:22:00.000-04:30

We are under the weather at my house. Coughing, running noses, sore throats. I would love to buy a hazmat suit with a respirator mask to protect myself from the contagious germs that are contaminating the air through out the house. Gross! Good old chicken soup was made earlier in the week and made everyone feel some what better. Last night on the menu was Chinese Hot and Sour Soup. It was thrown together in a flash. It tasted just as good, if not better than the local Chinese restaurant we frequent. We went through a box of tissues after we finished it.(slight exaggeration) I took a little from one recipe and borrowed more from another. Here's the recipe. It is guaranteed to help the sniffles!!

4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
3 cups fresh sliced mushrooms of your choice
1 small can bamboo shoots
3 tbsp. grated fresh ginger
3 cloves minced garlic
3 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 small bag fresh sprouts
1 lb. chicken breast sliced into thin strips
1 1/2 tbsp. sesame oil
4 green onions
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
4 tbsp. red wine vinegar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
2 eggs beaten

In a 5 quart pot, combine the first 9 ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Place the chicken strips in a bowl and toss with the sesame oil. In a separate bowl mix the vinegar and cornstarch together. Set aside.
Increase in heat under the pot to medium high and bring up to a good boil. Add the chicken strips, return to a boil again, then stream in the beaten eggs slowly so that it makes long strands of egg in the soup. Add vinegar and cornstarch, stirring occasionally. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes more until you are sure the chicken is cooked. Add cilantro and green onions to the pot. Quick stir and your ready to serve.

Winter Fun...

2012-01-05T18:01:00.001-04:30

My niece Katie and I were at it again. We made these adorable snowman cookies in hopes of persuading a little of the white stuff to come our way. The cookie recipe is an old trusted fail proof rolled sugar cookie recipe that has never let me down. You can find the recipe here .

Happy New Year....

2012-01-01T02:44:00.001-04:30

May all the simple gifts in your life bring you happiness this New Year.

Christmas Blessings.....

2011-12-22T08:19:00.002-04:30

From my house to yours. May you carry the joyous feeling of the Christmas season all through the coming year. Happy Holidays Dear Friends!!!

I heard the bells, on Christmas Day
-By Henry Longfellow

I heard the bells, on Christmas Day,
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Brussel Sprout Beauty....

2011-12-17T17:05:00.003-04:30

Fruit and vegetables have always been a theme in my Christmas decorating. Each year I decorate the mantel with pineapples, oranges, apples, artichokes and grapes along with cedar and pine roping. This year I'm adding these beauties.

I'm curious if anyone else likes to decorate for the holidays with fruit and vegetables. If you do, which fruit and vegetables do you prefer and how do you use them?

Grapefruit, Avocado and Feta Salad.......

2011-12-05T06:58:00.002-04:30

I have been on a mad eating frenzy that can only rival that of a hungry Great White Shark feeding off the coast of Seal Island, South Africa. Not a pleasant sight to be sure. Suffice it to say I have been eating anything and everything since Thanksgiving. If it wasn't nailed down I was eating it. It's a good thing my arms are attached to my body or I'd be typing this post with a pen in my mouth.

I've decided to give myself an intervention. I will be eating salads from now until Christmas. If I can make them as delicious as this one, I will be more than happy to give up the junk food. I devoured this salad just as hungry sharks usually do.

Pink grapefruit, avocado and feta cheese are the stars in this healthy salad. I supremed my grapefruit in a bowl and then sliced the avocado and placed it in with the grapefruit sections and juice.(the acid in the grapefruit juice keeps the avocado from turning brown) I took a large handful of baby greens and wild arugula and put the grapefruit, feta and avocado on top. I added a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to the juice along with Fleur de Sel and pepper then poured it over the the whole thing. I will absolutely make this again. Maybe next time I will add a thin slice of red onion. YUM!

Do I, Sniff Sniff.....Smell Treats....

2011-12-03T18:43:00.002-04:30

Good nose Bella. Yes, you do smell something. You smell the aroma of biscuits wafting from the kitchen. I made you a batch of Christmas treats.. Now stop your drooling , sit like a pretty girl and I'll give you one.

Bella did have one and loved it.. Earlier she sat on the rug by the backdoor and waited for them to cool down enough to test one. I know she enjoyed it because when I gave her the second treat she flew into the living room to wolf it down on my good rug.

I toyed around with the portions from the original recipe and they came out better than I expected. Here's the recipe.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Treats

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
5 tbsp. peanut butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup oats

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a stand mixer, mix together all the above ingredients. Dough should be stiff but workable. Roll out to 1/2 inches and use what ever cookie cutter you prefer. Bake 30 minutes and cool on a wire rack. I cut out 60 treats with my bone cookie cutter.

Come Bella, I'll give you just one more.

Christmas Sugar....

2011-11-30T18:16:00.001-04:30

Every year around this time I sprinkle red and green decorating sugar into the sugar bowl. I love how just a spoonful can bring holiday cheer to my morning coffee. Its a simple little tradition, but one I look forward to each Christmas season .

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies.....

2011-11-26T23:52:00.001-04:30

I purchased another three pound bag of cranberries from the local bog and I'm working my way through them slowly but surely. To make these delicious cookies I took some of the ingredients from one recipe and then a little more from another. I'm thrilled they came out so well. They turned out chewy and delicious. Here's the recipe. Enjoy!
Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp.vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups flour
1 tbsp. orange zest
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix in the vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt, stir in oats, raisins, cranberries, orange zest,walnuts and white chocolate chips.

Drop by heaping teaspoons two inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. Cool the cookies on a wire rack.

Cranberry Salsa......

2011-11-13T09:05:00.001-04:30

With cranberry season in full swing, New Englander's will use these tart gems in just about any recipe they can. This is not your ordinary salsa and you are absolutely right, the color is a little different, but the flavor is spot on. This was a cinch to make and a great success at my mother's birthday party this weekend. Here is the recipe.

12 ounces fresh cranberries
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch scallions
2 jalapenos pepper
juice of two limes
2 tbsp. Grand Marnier
1/2 cup sugar (I used cranberry honey produced by the bees at my local bog)

Throw it all in the food processor, blend and let sit over night in the fridge so that the flavor will deepen. Serve with tortilla chips.

Pomegranate.... Simple Pleasures...

2011-11-11T08:02:00.000-04:30

Pomegranate seeds are a fall favorite for sure, I'll eat the seeds from one half and save the seeds from the other half to sprinkle on salads.

Cranberry Nut Pie

2011-11-06T08:35:00.000-04:30

What a delicious pie! Perfect for the holidays and a wonderful use of my local cranberries from the bog in Carlisle. I doctored up the ingredients slightly by adding a bottom crust and adding a tiny cap full of my orange oil ( King Arthur Store) to the batter. Here's the recipe from Ocean Spray Recipes!
INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup butter

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9 inch pie plate. ( I used a bottom crust so I didn't grease the plate)
Layer cranberries on bottom of the crust or pie plate. Sprinkle with brown sugar and walnuts. Beat egg in a medium bowl until thick. Gradually add sugar, beating until thoroughly blended. Stir in flour and melted butter, blend well. This is where I added the orange oil. Orange zest would be perfect in the batter as well. Pour over cranberries.
Bake 45 minutes. Cut into wedges. YUM!

Cranberry Apple Marsala....

2011-11-03T11:36:00.001-04:30

The cranberries are exceptional this year. There is such a distinct flavor difference between the bagged super market cranberries and the locally grown berries. It's almost as if they had a little bit of a sparkle to them. Anyway, with three pounds to use I went straight to the cranberry experts, Ocean Spray Cranberry. This recipe sounded delicious and easy. I did however make quite a few modifications to the Ocean Spray recipe. I used floured pork instead of plain chicken, fresh cranberries rather than dried, apple cider because I forgot to buy apple jelly and then took it upon myself to add the mustard and raw sugar. Everyone loved it.

INGREDIENTS

4 boneless, center cut pork chops sliced in half as if your were making cutlets. So tip to tail..
1 cup flour
salt and pepper
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup Marsala wine
1/3 cup apple cider
2 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1 tbsp. raw sugar
3 apples, peeled and cut into 1/4 slices (any variety will do)
1 cup fresh cranberries

DIRECTIONS

Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge the pork cutlets lightly in the flour. Melt the butter along with the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the pork and cook 3 or 4 minutes per side. Remove to a warm platter in the oven to keep warm. I put my oven on 190 degrees.
Stir in wine, cider, mustard, apples, raw sugar and fresh cranberries. Bring to a boil all the while scraping any brown bits of the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat and return pork to the pan for 2 or 3 minutes to finish cooking. Here is my version. Enjoy!

I was so busy taking the photo I forgot to pour the delicious sauce over the top. That's the best part!!

Carlisle Cranberries....

2011-11-02T00:29:00.000-04:30

These ruby beauties are local cranberries from the bog ten minutes up the road from my house. They are bigger, fresher and tastier than the fresh variety you find at the supermarket and I LOVE THEM. I have a few new recipes I want to try out so stayed tuned. Until then have, here are some facts about these antioxidant rich yummies.

The first cranberry crop was harvested in 1816 in my home state of Massachusetts.
The cranberry was made the official state berry of Massachusetts in 1994.
Cranberry juice contains a chemical that block pathogens that cause tooth decay.
Honeybees are often used to pollinate cranberry crops, and are in fact more valuable in the performance of this task than they are in the production of honey.
Cranberries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, flavonoids, phenols and other substances that help protect against health problems like urinary tract infections, and chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
A six quart pail has been used as the standard picking measurement since 1870.
There are roughly 200 cranberries used in a can of cranberry sauce.
A twelve ounce bag yields 3 cups whole or 2 1/2 cups chopped cranberries.

I better get making my list for the market tomorrow . There is one particular recipe I'm dying to try.

Happy Halloween ... From Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

2011-10-31T10:36:00.002-04:30

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord Massachusetts isn't the least bit frightening. I have visited several times and find the historical graves rather interesting. Here in this modest grave rests the famous Harvard graduate, American author, philosopher and poet Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). Many of you will remember him for his book Walden or from some of his famous quotes. "Be true to your work, your word, and your friends."
Buried nearby on Authors ridge is Thoreau's friend Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) another Harvard graduate was a prominent member of the Transcendentalist Movement. Emerson's final resting place is more ornate than the other authors on the ridge, yet still rather simple by today's standards. Most of Emerson famous essays were written for the 1500 lectures he gave. "Do not go where the path may lead, instead go where there is no path and leave a trail." I have always loved that quote.

Is there a girl out there who hasn't read Little Women written by Louisa May Alcott ? (1832-1888) The novel is based loosely on her life with her sisters in their home in Concord MA.. Louisa was also a feminist and was the first women to vote in a school election in Concord. Her father was Bronson Alcott another famous member of the Transcendentalist Club and who was also the founder of the Utopian Fruitlands in Harvard Ma. You might remember from an earlier post, I visit there quite often. Louisa has so many notable quotes it is hard to choose just one, so I will choose two that have been meaningful to me. "Stay is a charming word in a friends vocabulary." the other "Far away in the sunshine are my aspirations, I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) is another famous author and friend of Emerson and Thoreau. The Scarlett Letter and The House of Seven Gables are two of the more notable books written by Hawthorne. I can remember reading The Scarlett Letter in high school and my heart aching for Hester Prynne. Great book!! One more inspirational quote. "Happiness is like a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

I hope you have enjoyed your Halloween visit to Authors Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

Baked Apple Oatmeal.....

2011-10-27T16:15:00.001-04:30

There is a reason I only buy Macintosh scented candles and if you've ever walked through an apple orchard when its harvest time, you'll understand why that is. The fragrance of the orchard is intoxicating. I made my annual fall trek to the orchards with Kerry the lovely, my oldest sons girlfriend. Kerry was kind enough to come home from school for the weekend and accompany me to Brookdale Farms. This is our third season going together and do we ever have fun. We always pick huge bags of apples so there is always plenty to eat and plenty to bake with. Soooo....instead of baking up a dessert storm, I thought for a change of pace, I might try this baked breakfast masterpiece. This delicious, filling oatmeal treat is why I love to cook. You can take the most ordinary ingredients throw it all in a casserole and the results are extraordinary. Baked Apple Oatmeal is very close to a deconstructed Apple Crisp, but healthier.

If you are a fan of oatmeal you will absolutely love this easy to make breakfast delight. Oatmeal, brown sugar, dried cranberries, nuts, apples and cinnamon baked along with a few cups of milk. Wow!!!

Baked Apple Oatmeal is from a lovely blog I follow called rita-may-recipes.blogspot.com . Pop over and visit Rita's blog for her recipe. You will be so glad you did!! Thank you Rita, it exceeded my expectations.

Pumpkin Muffins....

2011-10-16T19:30:00.000-04:30

This is one of the easiest recipes you will ever make. You need one box of spice cake mix and one 15 oz. can of plain pumpkin. Mix together the dry spice cake mix with the canned pumpkin. No oil, no eggs, no water. Just the dry cake mix and the canned pumpkin. Scoop into a muffin tin and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. I sprinkled diced walnuts and raw sugar on top. Could it get any easier? These muffins are super moist and packed with flavor. Makes one dozen spiced pumpkin muffins. Recipe courtesy of my sister Ann.

In Pursuit of Happiness..... .

2011-10-09T22:26:00.001-04:30

I love this old red New England barn.
I want to work on the farm that owns this barn.
I want the farm to have a large flock of chickens.
I want to be in charge of gathering the eggs from the chickens.
I want to experience all the growing seasons first hand and up close.
I want to go to work early while there is morning dew still clinging to the vegetables plants.
I want to hear the rattle and clunk of the old farm tractor as it heads up the road.

I want to lovingly arrange all the fresh produce in wooden bins for the customers who come to visit.
I want to marvel at the magic of the farmers bounty.

I want to walk through the orchard and smell the sweet fragrance of the apples.

Next summer if there is a farm stand position I think I might just apply. Talk about being in heaven!!!

"Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness."

Letter from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington (1787

'Rouge Vif d'Etampes...

2011-09-28T15:31:00.001-04:30

'Rouge Vif d'Etampes, is just a fancy pants French name for Cinderella pumpkins. I made a yummy pumpkin soup with one of these beauties. I sliced the pumpkin in half, scooped out the seeds and stringy center and roasted it in the oven for 1 1/2 hrs at 400 degrees. When the pumpkin was almost done roasting I chopped an onion and simmered it in four cups of chicken broth. I then added the baked pumpkin flesh along with cayenne pepper, ground marjoram and four ounces of light cream cheese to the broth and onions.

I then took my immersion blender and went to town whirring it until it was as smooth as silk. Salt and pepper to taste and diced fresh chives for garnish. Delicious!!!

Fig Jam....

2011-09-21T15:41:00.001-04:30

Does anyone out there know why my fig jam is such a cheery rose color? I was under the impression that fig jam was going to be an earthy brown color. The jam itself is delicious in a fruity sort of way, but lacks the color that I thought fig jam would be. I'm thinking Fig Newton brown. Anyway, I happily spread some on grilled Tuscan Bread with Gorgonzola Cheese and it was perfectly yummy!!

Here's the recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens You Can Can canning cookbook.

2 3/4 pounds of fresh Black Mission Figs.(30 to 35)
3/4 cup bottled lemon juice
1/3 cup water
1 1.75 pkg. powered fruit pectin
7 cups sugar

Rinse figs. Remove stems from figs, halve or quarter. Place 1/3 in food processor. Blend until almost smooth. Transfer fruit to large bowl. Repeat with remaining figs. Measure 5 cups fig pulp.
In an 8 qt. heavy pot stir together the fig pulp, lemon juice, water and pectin. Heat over high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Add sugar all at once. Return to full rolling boil; boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; skim off foam with a metal spoon.
Immediately ladle jam into hot sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving a 1/4 inch head space. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids. Process filled jars in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes( start timing when water returns to a boil). Remove jars from canner; cool on wire racks.

I only had 2 pounds of figs so I played with the amounts of lemon juice, water, pectin and sugar. It came out great.

Here is just two of the six jars I made of my funny color fig jam. Pretty color though, don't you think?

Mums The Word.....

2011-09-18T06:50:00.002-04:30

Chrysanthemum is the buzz word in September for sure. No matter where you go there are mounds of magnificent mums.

Some farms display their mums in varying degrees of the same color. I'll take one of each please.

Other farms plop the pots down where ever there is space on the ground. To me it doesn't matter where the farmers place them or how perfectly color coordinated the rows are. They are a spectacular way to welcome us into fall.

This is the color I chose this year. Do you have a favorite chrysanthemum
color that you prefer?

Thrift Store Score...

2011-09-12T06:26:00.000-04:30

Extra Extra !!!! Read all about it. Guess what everybody. I finally found something at the corner thrift store. Seven crystal dessert glasses that actually ping when you clink them. Week after week. Month after month I would trudge in there looking for something, anything that tickled my fancy. I spied these beauties on a dusty shelf in the corner. Just four dollars for the seven of them. Yippee!! A fellow blogger Cathy from Acorn Hollow put the bee in my bonnet about thrift stores. Cathy is an expert when it comes to thrifting.. The items Cathy finds are remarkable and she usually posts about them. I hope it isn't another six months before I score another great deal.

Until Next Year....

2011-09-05T17:59:00.002-04:30

   Summer's commitment to the vegetable garden is coming to an end This most generous of
       the growing seasons has performed it's duties well. The hot summer's sun grew vegetables that
       were healthy, colorful and delicious. Summer's mission was accomplished. The gifts were

plentiful and deeply appreciated.

What shall we do without your tender, sweet, golden kernels? Perhaps one more bowl of roasted corn and shrimp chowder before your tall willowy stalks are wired to the lamp post .

Good-bye toasted tomato sandwiches with sweet basil and mayonnaise. I will miss our noontime soirees. So long Insalata Caprese Salad. I will never forget how you extended the invitation to others to share the spotlight on your platter.

          Oh, and then there is you my dear zucchini friend. Who knew how delicious you could be
          sliced and sauteed with tomato sauce and scrambled eggs. The sweet bread that you so
          generously sacrificed yourself for has made so many people so very happy. Your ability to
transform yourself from savory to sweet is in a word magical. Until next year my summer
          friends......

Just Peachy...

2011-08-31T21:28:00.003-04:30

Although I love the farms I frequent in Hollis, NH. and relished the small bag of peaches

I purchased a few weeks ago, I just couldn't justify buying a whole peck of peaches

there.$$$ While chatting with Mary from Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes she came

across Carlson Orchards in Harvard, MA. on line and I decided to give it a try. The ride

wasn't too long and I arrived at the orchard in about 25 minutes. Carlson's peaches turned

out to be eighty cents a pound cheaper than my favorite NH farm. They also had quite

a variety to choose from and I settled on the Early-Glow variety.

We ate our fill of these delicious, juicy, native peaches and with the rest I made Peach Preserves

and Peach Salsa.( click for recipes) Canning really isn't very difficult it's just very time

consuming. There's a lot of sterilizing going on with all the jars and utensils, but once

you get through all the tedious tasks the end result is very rewarding. Both recipes

turned out fantastic. Much better than my strawberry jam disaster.

Belleau Kitchen's Chicken

2011-08-23T02:19:00.003-04:30

The weather was gorgeous yesterday. I had all my doors and windows opened wide and a cool breeze was blowing throughout the house. It was one of those summer days when you can actually use the oven and not heat up the entire house..
Dom at Belleau Kitchen, Chicken Risotto dish was delicious. The dish is simple to assemble and the ingredients readily available at the market. Chicken thigh, chicken drumsticks, onions, carrots, mushrooms, peas, wine and vegetable stock.
It smelled so good while it was baking, I was asked several times if supper was almost ready.

Click on Dom's name (above) for the recipe to this tasty dish. You will be very pleased you did. Thank you Dom we loved it!

Summer Gifts......

2011-08-20T07:43:00.004-04:30

For me, fresh summer produce is like receiving a gift that you've been pinning for for a long time. Here's one of the recipes I use when the gifts start arriving.

Ina's Gazapacho....

2 hothouse cucumbers, halved and seeded but not peeled ( I use Lebanese Cukes)
3 red bell peppers, cored and seeded
8 plum tomatoes
2 red onions ( I use only one)
6 garlic cloves, minced
46 oz. tomato ( I use between 4 and 5 cups)
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Roughly chop the cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and red onion into 1 inch cubes. Put each vegetable separately into a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until coarsely chopped. Do not overprocess.
After each vegetable is processed, combine them in a large bowl and add the garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving. The longer the gazpacho sits the better it tastes. I serve mine with goat cheese, croutons and a little extra olive oil on top.

Lemon Brownies...

2011-08-11T22:34:00.002-04:30

I found this recipe on a lovely blog called Mountain Breaths. Mountain Breaths found the recipe on one of my other favorite blogs There's Always Thyme To Cook. I went back to my bookmarks and sure enough there it was bookmarked and saved from when There's Always Thyme To Cook posted it in April. I say thank you to both blogs, the lemon brownies were out of this world delicious. Here's the recipe!!!

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature
4 eggs
juice from 1/2 lemon
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
additional lemon zest for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees: Line the bottom of a 9x13x2 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with Pam. In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, and salt: add butter. Stir together eggs, juice from 1/2 lemon and zest from 1 lemon. Stir into batter and pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until set, use a toothpick to check. Remove from oven and cool on a rack. When brownies are cool prepare glaze by stirring the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp. lemon juice together and then spread over the cooled brownies. Once again I added a few drops of my pure lemon oil from King Arthur's Bakery.

Zucchini bread

2011-08-09T13:12:00.004-04:30

Everyone has their own recipe for Zucchini Bread. This is the recipe I use. These little loaves are very moist and amazingly light.

Mix together:

3 cups flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. salt

Mix together:

3 eggs
1 cup oil
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
3 tsp. vanilla extract

Add both mixes together along with 2 cups grated zucchini and 1 cup chopped walnuts degrees. Bake at 350 degrees . Mini loaf pans 35-45 minutes. Large loaf pans 60-75 minutes

Mediterranean Delights....

2011-08-03T14:46:00.012-04:30

I won't be going to the Mediterranean anytime soon, but I do enjoy eating as if I'm there. Fresh native tomato, grilled eggplant and mozzarella napoleons. I used the rosemary as a skewer to keep it stacked and pretty and then sprinkled them with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and shredded sweet basil.

Delicious Greek marinated chicken breast. Yum! The marinade is simple and easy. I use one bottle of Christy's Greek Salad Dressing, chopped fresh Greek oregano, two cloves minced garlic and a few tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Marinate all day,throw it on the grill and you're done. A Mediterranean inspired meal you will love.

If you have a minute please pop-over to my niece Katie's blog.Kate's Happening. Katie is brand new to blogging and would love some new visitors. Thanks so much friends.

Grilled Peaches With Vanilla Ice Cream....

2011-07-30T20:31:00.009-04:30

This afternoon I took a ride to one of my favorite farms in Hollis, New Hampshire. What ever the season, Brookdale Farm always has the best and sweetest fruit available. Today the native peaches were calling my name. I came home and made this dessert before I even patted my dog Bella. It's really that quick.

This is so simple it borders on the ridiculous. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pit. Spray flesh side of the peach with butter flavored Pam and place flesh side down on the grill. Grill about 3 minutes or until the peach loses a little of its firmness. Remove the peach from the grill and immediately place a little piece of chocolate in the middle
.

Scoop up some vanilla ice cream, plop on top and enjoy!!

Fresh Tomato Pasta...

2011-07-29T08:31:00.003-04:30

This is just the freshest, most delicious summer pasta you can make. Combining a little of Ina's recipe and a little of Giada's recipe sent this easy, light pasta over the top. Here are the ingredients.

3 pints of cherry tomatoes ( I used regular and heirloom cherry tomatoes)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves minced garlic
18 basil leaves, sliced thin. (Save a little for garnishing or just add another extra hand full)
salt and pepper to taste
Pancetta diced and fried, to equal about six slices of cooked bacon that has been diced.
2 large hand fulls of arugula ( I just reach into the bag and grabbed one hand full, then another)
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1lb. angel hair pasta, cooked and drained well. I saved some of the cooking water and added a little to the pasta, tomatoes and cheese. Maybe between 1/4 of a cup to about 1/2 cup.

Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil,salt and pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 4 hours. Just before your 4 hour waiting time is up cook your pasta according to directions or al dente. Drain your pasta and mix with tomatoes in the large bowl. Add the arugula, cheese and pancetta. Top with extra basil and cheese. You are going to love this dish!!!

Eggplant Goodness.....

2011-07-23T13:34:00.002-04:30

What do you think, aren't these eggplants just gorgeous? They are fresh from the farm and ready to be whipped up into something delicious. I have a day or two to decide on how I'm going to cook these beauties.
It has been my experience that bloggers are some of the most creative individuals, so please put on your chef hats my friends and pour out some yummy ideas for me. Any and all ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

After a very long week my computer is back from the shop and in great shape. It might take me awhile to catch up with everyone. It's amazing how much I missed reading and commenting on everyone's blog.

Out Of Commission..

2011-07-15T22:30:00.000-04:30

My computer is broken. It's getting dropped off at the shop tomorrow. I hope to get it back on Monday. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. Have a wonderful weekend!

Time for Lemon Thyme Cookies...

2011-07-11T19:58:00.005-04:30

I only make these cookies in the summer time when my lemon thyme is in abundance. These delicious cookies are crisp on the edges and soft in the middle. Here is the recipe !!

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 cup softened butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3 tbsp. lemon thyme

Directions...

Sift together flour and cream of tartar
Cream butter and sugar in separate bowl
Add eggs, mix well
Blend in the flour until incorporated
Fold in lemon thyme
Chill for 2 hours then roll into balls the size of walnuts
Bake on a silpat sheet for 10 to 12 minutes

I made a quick sugar glaze to spread on top with powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon oil from my King Arthur outing.

Summer Herbs And Baked Eggs....

2011-07-05T17:13:00.016-04:30

Who doesn't love fresh summer herbs? I know we are crazy about them around my house. One of the ways we like to use them are in Ina Garten's baked eggs.

Ingredients for Herbed- Baked Eggs

1/2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
2 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 extra large eggs
3 tbsp. light cream
2 tbsp. butter
salt and pepper

Preheat broiler for 5 minutes and place the oven rack 6 inches below the heat.
Combine the herbs and cheese set aside. Crack 2 eggs into 2 small bowls without breaking the yolks. You won't be baking them in these bowls.
Place 2 individual gratin dishes on a baking sheet. Place 1 1/2 tbsp. cream and 1 tbsp. butter into gratin dishes. Place under broiler for 3 minutes. Quickly, but carefully pour the eggs into each dish. Sprinkle evenly with the herb mixture, salt and pepper. Place back under the broiler for 5 minutes until whites are almost cooked. There will be herb mixture left over. This recipe is for 4 servings. Just refrigerate the rest for another time. My daughter and I like to add baby spinach to the cream and butter when it comes out of the broiler before the eggs go in.

Enjoy!!

Happy Independence Day...

2011-07-02T22:52:00.002-04:30

God Bless The Red, White and Blue.

No Blue Ribbons For Me.....

2011-07-01T21:56:00.003-04:30

HELP!!! I am in need of some canning advice. I researched many different strawberry preserve recipes. Deciding on one that had won twelve blue ribbons seemed like an intelligent idea. It appeared to be very straight forward and I followed this award winning strawberry preserve recipe to the letter. Unfortunately my preserves did not set up. There will be no blue ribbons awarded for my batch of strawberry preserves. What I have now are eight half pints of strawberry syrup. Has anyone ever had this problem and if you have, how did you remedy it?

Until that time when someone is kind enough to offer up a solution to my soupy preserves problem, you will find me drizzling it over ice cream or pouring it on a short stack of pancakes. Oh, and by the way there is one more important piece of information I forgot to mention. Although it may look like strawberry soup, drinking it straight from the jar makes your chin and neck really sticky. LOL!!! Not really the solution I was seeking, for either my preserves or my waistline. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Summer Scenery.....

2011-06-29T07:48:00.002-04:30

Our family's personal piece of the planet is small , but we do our best to bring a little beauty to it. Enjoy the show !

Strawberry Fruit Salsa a la Jeanne.....

2011-06-21T19:07:00.003-04:30

Strawberries are in an abundance right now at our house. Saturday afternoon we made a visit to the local strawberry farm. The fields were filled with families picking basket after basket of berries that were so sweet and juicy, we went back for seconds on Sunday. Here is a delicious strawberry recipe that my sister-in-law Jeanne gave me many years ago.

2 Kiwi peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and diced
8 oz. raspberries
1 lb. strawberries diced
1 cup blueberries
3 Tbsp. strawberry preserves
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 pkg. flour tortillas, cut into triangles
butter cooking spray
cinnamon sugar

The first thing I do is dice the apples then squirt lemon juice over them. Then I gently mix in the remaining fruit. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes while the cinnamon tortillas are baking. Here is how I do that. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lay tortillas in a single row on a sheet pan. Spray generously with the butter spray, sprinkle all over with cinnamon sugar then spray again. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Serve with the Strawberry and Mixed Fruit salsa.

Celebrate Strawberries With Strawberry Scones

2011-06-20T20:06:00.002-04:30

Did you know the first strawberry festival was held in my home state of Massachusetts in the year 1858. Now a days strawberry season is celebrated all over America. Here is a delicious strawberry scone recipe that I'm sure would be delicious in any century.

2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp. cold butter, cut unto small pieces
grated lemon rind from one medium lemon
1 cup native fresh strawberries
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp. milk or cream
1 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 to 4 tbsp. confectionery sugar

preheat oven to 425 degrees F
In the bowl of a food processor, put in the dry ingredients. Whirl until combined. Next cut in butter and process until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Stir in strawberries, yogurt, and lemon rind.
Turn onto a floured board and knead until just combined. Do not over work or the scones will be tough.
Press into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut with a biscuit cutter. Makes about 10 good size scones.
Place on a greased sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Mix glaze and brush on the warm scones.

So Good!

A New Dream Is Born....

2011-06-15T22:10:00.002-04:30

For the life of me I can't understand why my husband didn't purchase this ocean front fixer upper for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Come on, aren't I worth it. What's a few million dollars between two people who have shared half a life time together.

Please gaze out over the jagged rocks for just a moment and take a look at this gorgeous view. Now close your eyes, take a deep breath, relax and let the cool ocean breeze blow all your troubles away.

The quaint seacoast town of Rye located in neighboring New Hampshire is where I would land if I could. Less than a hour away and you are transported into that elevated state of mind that only living near the ocean can provide.

Never again would there be a need to buy a gift or bring home a bouquet of flowers. The gift itself would be the spectacular view of the sea.
I've also come to the conclusion that I need to dream about something. Dreaming is fun and it keeps my mind occupied while my children are preparing ever so slowly to leave the nest. Now friends, wouldn't you agree that my dream of having a chicken coop would have been a whole lot cheaper.

My Visit To Camelot

2011-06-07T06:20:00.002-04:30

The closer we got to the King Arthur Flour The Baker's Store in Norwich Vermont the heavier my foot got on the gas pedal. Mary Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes, my sister Ann and I made the one hour and forty-five minute drive this past Saturday. We had a ball. I bought three loaves of bread. Mmmm delicious, a honey wheat, whole wheat and a baguette.

There were shelves upon shelves of everything you could use for baking, dough making and decorating cakes and cookies.

I couldn't wait to purchase the pure citrus oils. A few drops in frosting and cake batters brings the flavor of your baked goods to a whole other level.

As soon as school is out I am going to make my grilled pizza with this specialty pizza dough. Just a little teaspoon or two of the pizza dough flavor in the dough gives the pizza an authentic pizzeria flavor.

I hope I have enough sanding sugar.

Both the honey wheat and whole wheat made excellent toast. We dipped the baguette immediately in extra virgin olive oil and herbs when I got home. Slurp, drip, all gone. Some other things I bought but didn't post about are Boiled Cider, Dutch Cocoa, Cappuccino Chips, Fiori di Sicilia, and a gigantic cooling rack for my cakes and cookies. We decided to go back in the fall when the foliage turns. Woo Hoo, I can't wait!!!

Belleau Kitchen Dessert Challenge

2011-05-29T21:00:00.004-04:30

These challenges of Dom's Belleau Kitchen are so much fun. We had to once again go to our bookcase and pull out all our dessert cook books. Then randomly choose a book (I closed my eyes) and plucked The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Dessert Cookbook out of the pile. I need to be honest here. The first page I opened to had so many decorations on the cake I knew my skill level for decorating cakes was not anywhere near that level. I flipped again and opened to The Berries and Custard In Coconut Shell Tart. Off to the specialty kitchen to buy a tart pan. I have only made one tart in my life and I had to borrow the pan from my sister. Tarts are not in my comfort level either, but at least I knew it wouldn't look like a kindergartner made it. Here's the recipe with a few fruit changes.

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup shredded coconut
6 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 large lemon
6 tbsp. butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream
2 1/2 pints raspberries
1 pint blueberries

Prepare Coconut Pastry dough, measure flour, coconut, butter, sugar, and egg yolk. With fingertips, mix together just until blended.
Press dough onto bottom and up sides of 10-inch tart pan. With fork, prick tart shell in many places to prevent puffing and shrinkage during baking.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line tart shell with foil: bake 10 min. Remove foil; again prick dough. Bake tart shell 10 to 15 minutes until golden.
While tart shell is baking, prepare Lemon-Custard Filling. From the lemon grate 1 tsp. and squeeze 2 tbsp. juice; set aside. In heavy 2 qt. sauce pan over medium- low heat, heat butter, sugar, and cornstarch, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils; boil 1 min.
In small bowl with fork, beat egg yolks; stir in small amount of hot sugar mixture. Slowly pour egg yolk mixture back into sugar mixture in pan, stirring rapidly to prevent lumping.
Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats spoon, about 170-175 degrees. Remove from heat.
Stir lemon peel and lemon juice into custard; cover custard and refrigerate about one hour.
In small bowl with mixer at medium speed, beat cream until stiff peaks form. With rubber spatula fold whipped cream into custard.
Evenly spoon Lemon Custard Filling into cooled shell.
Topped with berries.

I used blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and mangoes.

Lily of the Valley....

2011-05-22T21:40:00.009-04:30

Legend has it that lily of the valley are what became of the tears shed by Eve after she was expelled from the Garden of Eden. I don't know if I believe this legend to be true or not, but there sure is something heavenly about them.
Lily of the valley are also the birth flower of May, which happens to be the month I was born in. Needless to say I have a great affection for these delicate fragrant beauties.
Used often in bridal bouquets their flower meaning states that they represent happiness, humility, sweetness, chastity and purity.
Regardless of the legend or flower meaning, I love looking over the railing of my deck and seeing their sweet fragile beauty.

Simple Pleasures, Simply Delicious...

2011-05-19T18:48:00.005-04:30

What a delicious afternoon snack. No fussy ingredients needed for this simple pleasure. Just fresh mango and strawberries. Fruit, one of Mother Nature's best gifts.

Lilac Lane...

2011-05-15T00:04:00.003-04:30

Are you wondering about the title of my post? Maybe you're a tad curious to know what a lilac lane is. Well, I actually don't have a lilac lane of my own, but my Great Aunt Ethel did. It was located smack dab between her property and that of her long time neighbor of many, many years. A nice elderly gentleman named Sam. Sam would come to visit with my great aunt in her yard through the lilac bushes which separated both their backyards. Although Ethel and Sam were just good friends, Aunt Ethel would affectionately call the foot worn path through the heart shape arches of the bushes "lilac lane."

Aunt Ethel's lilac bushes were fragrant, mature and lush with purple flowers. They were seasons old and left to be how Mother Nature intended them to be. Tall, wide and wild with the aroma of their perfume. My lone little lilac bush is but three years old. These photos are of the first flowers I have enjoyed from my pretty purple bosket. Although modest in its size, I was more than thrilled to see my own aromatic harbinger of spring finally bloom.

As you can see, I hardly have enough flowers on my small shrub to make my lilac the perennial show stopper that lilacs have become famous for. There isn't even enough for a small centerpiece. I just can't for-see my just barely established shrub propagating into my very own lilac lane. But next year if I am lucky enough to be blessed with more flowers, I will lovingly cut a nostalgic bouquet, place it thoughtfully in a crystal vase and for a moment think of my Great Aunt Ethel and her "lilac lane."

Early Supper...

2011-05-05T16:40:00.006-04:30

This is what I had for my supper tonight. The only problem being it was about three hours before my actual dinner hour. YIKES!!! Once I thought about making this I just couldn't wait. That means around nine o'clock tonight I am going to be starving. Anyway, here's what I did.

Drizzled Extra Virgin Oil on Tuscan bread. Grilled the bread until it was crisp and brown. Spread with Mascarpone Cheese that was whipped with fresh strawberries, honey and light cream. I then spread it on the grilled bread added a little more honey on top along with some diced walnuts. Sooo delicious.

Belleau Kitchen Challenge....

2011-04-30T20:32:00.005-04:30

This was another fun challenge from my friend Dom over at Belleau Kitchen.
The challenge involved going back to your very first cookbook. I think I got this one right and hopefully if my memory serves me correctly the first cookbook I ever owned is titled Doin The Charleston. It's a little paperback book that showcases all the the grandest restaurants in Charleston South Carolina. Here is the recipe I chose.
Hot Spinach Salad

1 lb. raw spinach
5 strips of cooked bacon
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
1/2 tsp. dry English mustard
1/2 tsp. sugar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 cup hard cooked egg chopped
1 cup blue cheese

After washing the spinach put it in a wooden bowl and place in a warm oven, along with the serving plates. Cook the bacon until crispy, then pour off most of the bacon grease. Add the olive oil and heat. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, tarragon vinegar, dry mustard, sugar and lemon juice stirring until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat. Add chopped egg and blue cheese and mix. Pour hot mixture over warm spinach and toss. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle over the salad. Serve immediately. This salad was very good, but I also knew my husband would want something a little more substantial so I added grilled shrimp and grape tomatoes. Thanks Dom this was a lot of fun.

Royal Wedding Fun.....

2011-04-28T21:46:00.003-04:30

What kind of person dresses their best friend up as a princess? Why would someone want to embarrass their most devoted and trusted confidant? Well, because there is love in the airwaves and we are going to celebrate the Royal Wedding in style. Everyone deserves to be a princess/prince today so let's have some fun.

What is your Royal Wedding name? It's really very easy. You first begin with either Lord or Lady. Next you take the first name of one of your grandparents. Followed by your surname which is the name of your first pet, doubled barreled with the name of the street you grew up on. Let's do it, it will be lots of fun. Please comment back and post your Royal Wedding name.
Respectfully Royal,
Lady Sarah Rowdy Suttle

Bacon Maple Cupcakes....

2011-04-27T22:38:00.005-04:30

The beginning of April wasn't one of the most appealing months this year. To me it had that November feeling. Naked trees and dull gray skies. The knolls, fields and lawns still had that worn down pressed hay look.
To make up for the gray ugliness of early April, Mother Nature has blessed us with maple syrup. Delicious Grade A Amber Maple Syrup.

This mouth watering delicious recipe uses two of my most favorite ingredients. Enjoy!!

Bacon Maple Cupcakes
Ingredients
* 4 1/2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
* 1/2 tablespoon bacon drippings (left in the fridge to become solid)
* 1 egg
* 5 tablespoons brown sugar
* 4 tablespoons maple syrup
* 1 1/4 cups self rising flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* pinch kosher salt
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 cup of minced bacon, cooked and drained
What you’ll do–
* 1) Cook some bacon in a fry pan (about 6 thick strips). Reserve the drippings and place in the fridge to solidify. Mince 1/4 of a cup of the bacon.
* 2) Beat the the butter and solidified bacon fat until light and creamy. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup and beat until combined.
* 3) Add the egg and beat until incorporated.
* 4) Sift the flour, salt, baking soda and powder together.
* 5) Add some of the flour and mix, then some of the milk, then continue to alternate the dry and wet ingredients, ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in the bacon. Taste and add more maple syrup, flour, or milk if needed for desired taste. Keep in mind the maple frosting is very sweet, and to add in very small increments for alterations as maple syrup in large amounts can break a cake batter.
* 6) Scoop into cupcake papers and bake at 350 F for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Rotate the pan after the first 15 minutes for even baking.
Maple Syrup Frosting
Ingredients
* 4 tablespoons of butter.
* 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
* 1 cup of powdered sugar.
* turbinado sugar (optional, but recommended)
* coarse grain sea salt (optional, but recommended).
What You’ll Do –
* Combine the syrup and butter until combined. Add the sugar, a bit at a time, and whip at high speeds until combined. Pipe or spread onto cupcakes. Sprinkle on sea salt and turbinado sugar for decoration and added flavor.
*Top with crumbled bacon.

Happy Easter....

2011-04-22T12:40:00.002-04:30

My niece Katie and I made these sweet bunny and chick Easter cookies the other day. We think they are quite lovely if we do say so ourselves. It was the first time we had decorated with Royal Icing and let me just say it is not as easy as it appears to be on the You Tube tutorials. We used my sugar cookie recipe that I posted on in December (remember my frosting fiasco) and as for the Royal Icing recipe we went to the Sweetopia website.

We had so much fun decorating these adorable confections that our next project will be nautical inspired cookies for the Fourth of July cookout hosted by Katie's mother who just happens to be my sister. Katie lives seconds from the ocean so lobsters and sailboats along with some patriotic flags seem to fit into the theme of Fourth of July and the ocean at the end of their street.

There's No Crying In Baseball......

2011-04-20T22:26:00.006-04:30

Guess what friends! There is crying in baseball. There's lots of crying in baseball. Especially when you're a Red Sox fan and your team has had the worse start in the clubs storied history. Things are looking up though, well sort of and I try to remain hopeful. I have stopped switching channels during the games and have put a plug on the bad language I seemed to mutter through my clinched teeth. Still there are times I just can't bear to watch. During these stressful times I will pop in one of my favorite baseball movies. Here's my list....swing batter batter swing!

Fever Pitch (2005) Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon. A very familiar story for obsessed Red Sox fans.
Field of Dreams (1989)Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones. If you build it he will come.
A League of Their Own (1992) Geena Davis, Tom Hanks and Madonna. Women's Baseball League during WWII. There's no crying in baseball. I love that line.
The Natural (1984) Robert Redford, Glenn Close. A baseball player who has unnatural baseball talents.
Bull Durham (1988) Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon. Will he make it to the "SHOW."
For the Love of the Game (1999) Kevin Costner, Kelly Preston. An aging pitcher gives up much to play the game.
The Rookie (2002) Dennis Quaid. A high school baseball coach makes it to the major leagues after his team wins the championship.
Angels In the Outfield (1994) Danny Glover, Tony Danza and Christopher Lloyd. A young fan prays for a miracle.
Sandlot (1993) James Earl Jones. Just about being a kid and loving baseball.
Major League ( 1989) Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen and Rene Russo. Raunchy and very funny.

Please, Why Not, How Come, It's Not Fair.....

2011-04-08T21:22:00.001-04:30

What's wrong with me. Haven't I learned anything these past twenty five years. I should be absolutely brilliant at begging and pleading. I could be the CEO of all begdom. After all, I've had years of experience listening to my kids beg and plead for one thing or another. The tool shed is out friends. Sadly, the tool shed will not become my sweet little hen house.

"Come on" I was told. " Where would we put the lawn fertilizer, beach chairs, umbrellas and flower pots"? Oh, I know where to put them alright. Believe me when I tell you I know exactly where they could go, but because I like to keep things civilized and polite I will keep that location to myself.

So I will proceed to plan two . A lovely little coop I fell in love with on this wonderful blog The Bok Flock. The coop is really quite charming and size wise just perfect for my small yard. Until the time that I have my own charming little coop complete with hens, I will continue to purchase my eggs from local backyard chicken keepers.

Honey Bee Good Muffins....

2011-04-02T16:37:00.002-04:30

I like to use local honey in as many recipes as I can. This muffin recipe uses half a cup. Mmmm yummy. I did make a few changes though. First I added 2 teaspoons of grated orange zest to the batter and then additional walnuts and raw sugar to the top of the muffins before I baked them.

Here is the recipe. Bee careful you don't eat to many.

Honey Muffins

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins ( I used golden raisins )
2 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. grated orange peel
1 cup shredded carrots

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder,cinnamon, salt, nuts and raisins. In small bowl, mix eggs, orange juice, oil, honey, vanilla, and orange peel. Stir the liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, Stir in carrots. Spoon batter into muffin-pan cups.. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Makes between 15 and 18 muffins.

Bunny Love...

2011-03-28T20:37:00.002-04:30

Funny things happen when you collect rabbits. They multiply very rapidly into many shapes and sizes.

Sometimes they sit quietly. Blending into the background on plain white plates.

At other times they gather busily together.

Sometimes you might find them resting in a painting.

These two happy characters morphed into salt and pepper shakers.

She sits all alone in a sea of flowers.

Belleau Kitchen Challenge.....

2011-03-27T19:36:00.001-04:30

Dom's belleaukitchen challenge was really fun and easy. You had to go to your bookcase pick a shelf and then pick the 18th cookbook on that shelf. I made out like a bandit when I made the count to 18. Lucky for me it was a Martha Stewart Cupcake Cookbook. I decide on the Red Velvet Cupcakes. They were delicious and here is the recipe.
Ingredients

2 1/2 cups cake flour( not self-rising) sifted
2 tbsp. unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp. red gel paste food color
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. distilled white vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard miffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together cake flour, cocoa, and salt.
With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whisk together sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Mix in food color and vanilla.
Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of buttermilk, and whisking well after each. Stir together the baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl(it will foam); add mixture to the batter, and mix on medium speed 10 seconds.
Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing the cupcakes.
Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Sarabeth's Round Two....Rugelach

2011-03-20T07:57:00.320-04:30

We had so much fun doing the last Sarabeth post that we decided to do it again. Kary from My Farmhouse Kitchen, Mary from Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes as well as few other fun bloggers ( not sure who they are at this time ) are posting a recipe from Sarabeth's Bakery Cookbook. I chose to make Rugelach. Here is the recipe!
Ingredients:

2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
8 oz. softened cream cheese
2 tbsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raspberry or apricot preserves
confectioners' sugar, for serving

Filling

1/4 cup finely diced walnuts
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cocoa powder
1/2 ground cinnamon

Beat the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a heavy mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until evenly combined, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom. Beat in sugar, vanilla, and salt. Reduce the speed to low. Add 1 1/4 cups of the flour and mix until incorporated, then repeat with the remaining 1 cup of flour. Do not over mix.
Turn the dough onto a lightly flour work surface. Flour your hands well and gently knead to be sure that the ingredients are evenly distributed, about 10 seconds. Divide the dough into thirds. Shape each portion into a 1 inch thick disk and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled and firm, about 2 hours.
To make the filling, combine the walnuts, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa and cinnamon a small bowl set aside.
Position racks in the center and top third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper.
Working with one disk of dough at a time, unwrap and place on a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle the top of the dough with flour, and roll out into a 13 inch- diameter circle. using a small offset metal spatula, spread with about 2 tbsp. of the preserves, leaving a 2 inch diameter space in the center of the dough, and a 1 inch border around the edge. Sprinkle the jam with about 2 tbsp. of the filling mixture. Using a sharp pizza wheel or large knife, cut the dough into quarters, then cut into 3 wedges, to give a total of 12 wedges. One at a time, starting at the wide end, fold the corners in about 1/4 inch and then roll up. Do not roll the rugelach too tightly or the jam will ooze out. Keep the outside of each cookie free of the jam and filling, or they'll tend to burn. Wipe your fingers clean after making each rugelach, or you will transfer the sticky interior of the last cookie to the exterior of the next one. Place each rugelach on the pans about 1 inch apart, with the point of each facing down. Curve the ends of the rugelach slightly toward the point to make a crescent. Repeat this process with the other disks of dough.
Bake until lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Cool completely on the pans. Just before serving sift with the confectioners' sugar.

Colcannon

2011-03-10T19:36:00.002-04:30

Wait until you taste this simple traditional Irish dish.

2 lbs. potatoes mashed
1 stick butter
1 cup whole milk
1/2 head of cabbage
6 scallions diced
salt and pepper
2 cups cooked chopped ham

Cook the potatoes and drain well. Mash until smooth then add butter ,milk, salt and pepper.
Cut the cabbage into long thin strips and cook until tender in a pot of salted boiling water. 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well.
Mix the mashed potatoes, ham and cabbage together along with the diced scallions. Serve immediately.

Irish Soda Bread...

2011-03-01T18:39:00.004-04:30

Top of the morning to you!! This delicious soda bread recipe comes from my sister Ann who has been making this for years. It comes together quickly and is a nice treat for St. Patrick's Day.

Irish Soda Bread

3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups raisins
2 eggs beaten
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp. melted butter

Mix all the dry ingredients together ( including the raisins ) I used half dark and half golden raisins. Then mix in wet ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hrs or until cake tester comes out dry.

Bella's Birthday Biscuits....

2011-02-25T19:17:00.001-04:30

My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am. Author unknown.

A special home made birthday treat baked for my most trusted and faithful friend. The biscuits are called Bonnie's Banana Cookies from the Baking For Your Dog Cookbook. Here is the recipe.

2 carrots
1 banana
7 oz.(200g) all purpose flour
3 1/2 oz.(100g) fine rolled oats
1 1/2 fl. oz.(50ml) sunflower oil
water as required

Grate the carrots finely and mash the banana with a fork. Mix to make a dough with the flour, rolled oats, and oil. If necessary, add a little water.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees(180c). Line a baking sheet with baking parchment.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick and cut squares. ( I used a dog bone cookie cutter). Place on the sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes. Turn off the heat and let cool overnight in the oven. Store in a paper or linen bag. The cookies will keep for about 3 weeks. Recipe makes around 30 cookies.

A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, big or small, young or old. He doesn't care if you're not smart, not popular, not a good joke teller, not the best athlete, nor the best looking person. To your dog, you are the greatest, the smartest, the nicest human being who was ever born. You are his friend and protector. Louis Sabin

Baked and ready to eat. Come Bella Come!!!

Something To Wine About......

2011-02-24T09:36:00.001-04:30

When I find something that is of good value I love to share it with others. I stumbled across Cupcake Vineyards Wine quite by accident one weekend while at our neighborhood liquor store. I had popped in and was looking for a wine I had read a review about in a magazine. I soon realized I didn't have my debit card and could not buy the wine that I had originally intended to. Though I searched through my wallet and pocketbook, I could come up with only ten dollars and some change. Hmmm what to do?

Up and down the store aisles I went looking for a wine for ten dollars or less. Perhaps it was the attractive label that called to me to pick up the bottle.( Yellow, blue and white are all my favorite colors ). The price was certainly right. Whatever the reason was I'm thrilled I purchased it. The first bottle I bought was a Sauvignon Blanc. It had that tangy and tart characteristic so popular with a Sauvignon Blanc. Malbec same thing, full bodied and plumy. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot all excellent wine for the money. We haven't had a bottle yet that wasn't. Remember this is not a forty dollar bottle of wine, but I believe you won't be disappointed.

Do you have a favorite wine that is a good value for your dollar?

Giada's Espresso Chocolate Mousse with Orange Mascarpone Whipped Cream

2011-02-20T13:08:00.003-04:30

It does seems like I might be on a little espresso roll. First the coffee cake now the mousse, but this mousse is easy, creamy and filled with deep chocolate flavor. Here is the recipe.

Mousse

1/2 cup whole milk
3 tbsp. granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. instant espresso powder
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
3 large egg whites

Orange Mascarpone Whipped Cream

1/4 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tbsp. confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. grated orange zest

To make the mousse, in a small saucepan stir the milk together with the sugar and and the espresso powder over medium heat until the milk is hot, but not boiling, and the sugar is dissolved.

Place the chocolate chips in a blender. Pour the hot milk over the chips. Run the blender on high until combined, just a few seconds, then add the egg whites and run the blender on high until light, about 1 minute. Transfer the mousse to for 4 small serving cups. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours.

To make the mascarpone whipped cream, in the bowl of an electric mixer stir together the mascarpone and the orange juice until smooth. Add the cream, confectioners' sugar and orange zest. Whip until the cream forms soft peaks, about 1 minute. Spoon a dollop onto each mousse.

Note: I changed the whipped cream recipe a little. I used Grand Marnier instead of orange juice and agave nectar instead of confectioners' sugar.

Sweet.....Espresso Cake From Sarabeth

2011-02-13T18:30:00.002-04:30

Kary from My Farmhouse Kitchen and Mary from Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes as well as myself received Sarabeth's Bakery Cookbook for Christmas. ( My book was a gift from Mary.) We thought it would be fun if we all chose something we wanted to bake and then post on it for Valentine's Day. I of course, went for the easiest thing I could find in the book. This is what I chose.

This cake is everything a good home made cake should be. Moist, delicious and easy to make. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup hot brewed coffee
3 tbsp. instant espresso
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups superfine sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs, at room temperature, separated

Coffee Glaze

2 tbsp. hot brewed coffee
1/2 tsp. instant espresso powder
1 tbsp. whole milk
2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Butter and flour the inside of a 10-to-12-cup fluted tube pan and tap out the excess flour.
Combine the brewed coffee and espresso powder in a glass measuring cup; let cool.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together into a medium bowl. Beat the butter in the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in the sugar, then add the vanilla, and beat until very light in color and texture, scraping occasionally, about 4 minutes. One at a time, beat in the yolks. Reduce the mixer speed to low. In thirds, starting with the flour mixture, alternating with two equals additions of the cooled coffee, beat in the flour mixture, beating until smooth after each addition.
Whip the egg whites in a grease-free medium bowl with a hand held electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Using a silicone spatula, stir about one-fourth of the whites into the batter, then gently fold in the remaining whites. Scrape the batter into a prepared pan. Smooth the top with the spatula.
Bake until the top of the cake springs back when gently pressed with your fingers, and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Invert and unmold the cake onto the rack set over a half-sheet pan. Cool completely.
To make the glaze, mix the brewed coffee and espresso powder in a small saucepan to dissolve the espresso. Stir in the milk. Add the confectioners sugar and whisk until smooth. Place over low heat and whisk constantly until the glaze thins slightly and is warm to the touch.
Transfer the glaze to a glass measuring cup. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it flow into the indentations in the cake, and also down the hole in the center in the cake. Cool completely.

For The Storm Forlorn

2011-02-01T15:39:00.003-04:30

To all of you who have had enough. This bouquet of spring tulips are for you.

And this bowl of juicy strawberries.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.
-Proverb from Guinea-

Popcorn And A Movie......

2011-01-23T22:03:00.001-04:30

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I decided to make a list of some of my favorite romantic movies for my daughter. I love her to death but we have very different tastes in movies. My all time favorite love story is Gone With The Wind. We watched it together and she couldn't wait until it ended. Maybe she'll look at this list and decide she would like to watch a couple of them with her dear mom. What are some of the romantic movies that you have enjoyed over the years?

Gone With The Wind (1939)" Frankly my dear I don't give a damn."
You Got Mail (1998) Watch it every time it's on.
Camelot (1967) The pain in Richard Harris's eyes is heart wrenching.
The Bridges of Madison County (1995) When her hand is on the car door handle my heart aches for her.
Out Of Africa (1995) Gorgeous, breathtaking scene stealing scenery. Great costumes too.
City of Angels (1998) Meg Ryan tear jerker.
An Affair to Remember (1957) The end of the movie when Cary Grant goes to her apartment. Make sure you have tissues.
Legends of the Fall (1995) Brad Pitt :) Need I say more.
Something's Gotta Give (2003) I'm in love with the beach house.
The Way We Were (1973) Robert Redford in Navy dress whites. Wow!
The Notebook (2004) I watch it when ever I need a good cry. Very cathartic.
Romancing the Stone (1984) Lots of fun action along with romance.
On Golden Pond (1981) Their love lasted a lifetime.
Pretty Woman (1990) Modern day Cinderella story.
Beauty and the Beast (1991) My all time favorite Disney movie. A love story with a lesson.
A Star is Born (1976) When Barbra Streisand wipes Kris Kristofferson's face at the car crash.

Egg-ceptional Cookbook...

2011-01-18T18:34:00.001-04:30

I remember the very first dozen of farm fresh eggs I received. My sister Ann had just made the big move from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. Her new neighbors at that time were lucky enough to be raising chickens. Because they were exceptionally friendly and welcoming the new neighbors gifted her with many of their hen's fresh eggs. Being the kind and generous sister that Ann always is, on her next trip down from New Hampshire a dozen of her neighbor's farm fresh eggs came along with her. I thought I had died and gone to heaven

Their unique individual sizes and shapes as well as their distinct shades of brown and blue drew me in like a moth to a flame. They were in a word gorgeous. I immediately had to cook one up. Could there some how be butter in these farm eggs? How could they possibly have gotten butter inside an egg? I had never had an egg that tasted anything like this.

And so my love affair with farm eggs began. My hen love affair came much later when I heard the author of this wonderful book The Farmstead Egg Cookbook by Terry Golson speak. One Sunday afternoon late last winter I went to a lecture on chicken keeping. Terry Golson was one of the scheduled guest speakers. The enthusiastic way she spoke about her hens and the pleasure she received from chicken keeping spread quickly to me. I was beginning to feel this strange need to read as much as I could about chickens. Could all this chicken keeping talk be contagious?

I bought her thoughtfully written cookbook that day and read it from cover to cover in one evening. Not only are there many delicious recipes with gorgeous pictures, but it's also peppered with stunning photos of her hens. ( The hen above is from the Topsfield Fair this past fall.) Terry also has a web site called chicken keeping. It was here on her web site that my obsession began in earnest. Go here to learn more about Terry Golson. If you are at all interested in keeping chickens Terry's web site is a must. Even if chicken keeping is not on your radar at the moment, her web cam for the hens and goats is loads of fun.

Tzatziki Dip

2011-01-16T14:25:00.002-04:30

Lots of fresh vegetables are on the menu at my house lately. They fill you up, are a nutritious and healthy snack and relatively inexpensive to buy. ( Plus I've joined Weight Watchers. ) So this afternoon while the New England Patriots are beating the Jets I will dipping these beautiful vegetables in a tangy low fat tzatziki.

The tzatziki I made this morning is with fat free Greek yogurt. You could use full fat yogurt and it would probably be a tad tastier. This tzatziki is delicious on lamb burgers too. The only change I make when I use it on the lamb burgers is the addition of chopped mint. Here's the recipe.

2 cups plain Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic crushed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup dill weed chopped fine
1 large English cucumber peeled, seeded and grated
1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Strain the yogurt in a sieve lined with paper towels for at least 3 hours. Squeeze the excess liquid from the grated cucumbers. Add the cucumbers and remaining ingredients to the yogurt. Chill for 2 hours and serve.

Frosty Mittens....

2011-01-12T18:52:00.002-04:30

Another Nor'Easter hit us big today. Dropping inches upon inches of blowing snow. As a matter of fact almost two feet of it. The snow blower has been cranking and sputtering all morning. The shovels are bending with the weight of the fresh falling snow. Just take a look at my frozen mittens. Frozen from hours of back breaking, muscle cramping shoveling. Shoveling while brutal winds from the northeast whip against my face like little needles.

Oh, did I say whipping against my face? I'm so sorry I meant to say my husbands face. These frozen mittens are from playing with the dog. I am going to bring in this short stack of wood for a fire though. As soon as my frosty mittens thaw out and dry.

WANTED.....A FEW GOOD HENS

2011-01-09T21:18:00.007-04:30

Tell me what you think friends. Wouldn't our old tool shed make an adorable chicken coop? (Please say yes.) There would be a fresh coating of new yellow paint for the faded siding. The weathered white trim would welcome some new paint too and the geraniums that would be planted lovingly in the window boxes would be the reddest of reds. There would be an old worn rusty hook hung by the door with a wire basket on it for gathering the fresh layed eggs. Maybe there would even be a small sign on the door that would read HAPPY HENS LIVE HERE.

Time would be passed sitting on this old tractor seat that is buried up on the hill. Time spent sitting and guarding my hens while they scratch and peck for worms and bugs in the backyard. They would have pretty names like Violet, Clara and Dora. I would affectionately call them my girls. They would be well cared for, protected and loved. They would be my happy hens.

My girls would lay the freshest and best eggs on the street. Shhhh, (we won't mention that they would be the only girls on the street.) My girl's eggs would be free. Given only to people who value and appreciate there worth. I would know the feeling of satisfaction from a job well done and a dream fulfilled. Hmm, sounds like my dream has found some roots.

"There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality, and then there are those who turn one into the other."
Douglas H. Everett

Red Sox Fever....

2011-01-04T20:27:00.004-04:30

In 41 days on February 14th, Boston Red Sox pitchers and catchers will report to Ft. Meyers FL. for spring training. Position players will report shortly after that on February 18th. I'm already planning my Opening Day menu to be served on April 1st. when according to the official Major League Baseball site the Boston Red Sox will play the Rangers in Texas.

We will start out our game day meal with steamed Fenway franks topped with diced yellow onion and spicy brown Gulden's mustard, sweet potatoes fries with chipotle aioli dipping sauce, good old Boston baked beans, and then to round off the meal, homemade chocolate chip cookies stuffed with vanilla bean ice cream. The anticipation to start the season is strong.......... GO SOX!!!!

Happy New Year Dear Friends...

2010-12-30T18:41:00.002-04:30

Happy New Year Wish

My Happy New Year wish for you,

Is for your best year yet,

A year where life is peaceful,

And what you want ,you get.

A year in which you cherish

The past year's memories,

And live your life each new day,

Full of bright expectancies.

I wish for you a holiday

With happiness galore;

And when it's done, I wish you

Happy New Year, and many more.

By Joanna Fuchs

Frosting Fiasco....

2010-12-29T14:42:00.005-04:30

Ok, just so you know I will be looking to take a basic cake decorating class in the near future. Frosting cookies is obviously not my forte. But believe me when I tell you that these cookies are delicious. They rise beautifully and are tender and light.

Sugar Cookies
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake about 8 to 10 minutes.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract. I use half vanilla and half almond.
2 tsp. cream of tartar
3 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
4 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar well. Add eggs and beat until fluffy and light. Add extract( vanilla or almond) and dry ingredients. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll as thin or as thick as you like. Cool and decorate.

Winter Has Arrived...

2010-12-27T13:08:00.011-04:30

Now this is what I've been waiting for. A true New England Nor'Easter. The storm started yesterday afternoon and continued through out the night. I looked out my window to see snow swirling and drifting across my front lawn, the plows with their roaring engines on the roads, and the howling wind whipping the falling snow in all sorts of directions.

It was quite a sight to see and I couldn't have been happier to finally receive the heavy snow fall that I have been dreaming of this winter. Its been so cold without any snow for so long that I couldn't wait to run down to the bottom of my driveway and take a picture of this winter wonderland, (to document that we actually got snow this winter!)

The howling wind proved to be stronger than I thought! I brought Bella outside and discovered my snow covered garage. It almost looks as if someone splattered white paint on a picture. The extremely strong wind blew the snow so hard that it actually stuck to the side of my garage. It's beautiful and I hope that it will stay like this for a long time!

Oh how my little girl loves the snow! Jumping, running and playing in the snow, winter has proved to be one of Bella's favorite seasons. I watched this morning as my oldest son played with Bella in our front yard. Improvising on fun, he used a snow shovel to hurl snow in the air while Bella jumped straight up off the ground all the while trying to eat the falling snow. It was hilarious watching her little legs hop through the snow as fast as she could while trying to catch my son. Quickly snapping this picture of her anticipating my sons next move has become my most favorite picture of Bella!

My Favorite Christmas Cookie...

2010-12-19T23:53:00.002-04:30

These little snowy cookies look like they could be a relative to the happy snowman living on this cookie dish. Please try these buttery Greek Christmas Cookies. I know you will love them!!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 18 minutes.

1/2 cup confectionery sugar
1 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
3/4 cup ground walnut
2 1/4 cup flour

Blend butter and sugar well. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll into 1 inch balls and bake on cookie sheet. When cookies are cooled, roll in confectionery sugar.

Some Christmas Cheer..

2010-12-15T18:53:00.002-04:30

Sip this delicious cocktail when you get home from Christmas shopping.
Cranberry Christmas Cocktail

5 ounces cranberry juice
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces ginger ale
1 tsp. lemon juice

Put all of the above in a cocktail shaker. Shake until the shaker becomes cold to the touch. Pour into a glass that has been rimmed in Christmas sugar. Enjoy!

Where Is The Snow....

2010-12-10T21:59:00.003-04:30

Tonight it is freezing out and there is absolutely no chance of a snowfall, not even one single tiny white flake. Tomorrow according to the weather reports it is suppose to be forty-five degrees and on Sunday it will reach fifty-four. I am becoming desperate for snow.

My house could really use a soft blanket of snow, maybe some frosty icicles hanging from the roof. WE ARE READY!! The snow shovels are piled neatly in the shed. The snow blower is all set to go and waiting patiently in our garage. I am in a heighten state of anticipation for anything remotely white falling from the sky. I will keep you posted on any weather updates. Please keep your fingers crossed.

Let's Get Cracking....

2010-12-05T11:12:00.168-04:30

Ok I've had a week off and my decorating needs to get kicked up a notch or two. In other words I need to get the lead out and start decorating. My collection of nutcrackers almost always finds a home on top of my corner cabinet.

One of my white pitchers with some peppermint candy canes inside and a winter scene trivet that belonged to my mother. These simple decorations will find a place in the kitchen.

The boxwood tree is slightly decorated. I think it needs some glittery silver ribbon . Maybe a bow on top and a couple of bows intertwined here or there should dress it up.

Our wreaths are hung on all the outside windows. The spotlight is going in shortly. Once the ground freezes its just too hard to place. Next, the tree is coming in, lights are going on and ornaments hung. I'll do my mantel next.

Christmas Count Down

2010-11-27T20:24:00.007-04:30

I'm exhausted from cooking and cleaning for Thanksgiving and did not want to start on the Christmas decorating yet. This weekend was more about relaxing than anything else. A few pine branches in the wood basket was just a start.

A few years back at an after Christmas sale I bought these adorable red sparkling berries. They fit nicely on top of my lamps and add a festive look. Again, not a lot of effort. I'm still relaxing.

A little egg white and granulated sugar make ordinary fruit a little fancy. But enough for one day. I'll do a little more tomorrow.

Cranberry Nut Bread

2010-11-16T20:20:00.005-04:30

We love our cranberries here in New England and will bake and cook with them all through the holidays and beyond. Cranberry Nut Bread is a fall favorite. It is quick, simple and delicious. Try it and I'm sure it will become one of your fall favorite's too. Here is the recipe.

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 egg well beaten
1 1/2 cups cranberries coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9 by 12 inch loaf pan. Mix together flour,sugar,baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, oil, orange peel and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely. This is an Ocean Spray Cranberry recipe. Go here for more cranberry recipes.http://www.oceanspray.com

Congratulations to Postcards From the P.P. on winning the Dedham Pottery flower vase. Please email me and let me know where I should ship your thank you gift.

Veteran's Day..... Lest We Forget

2010-11-10T07:27:00.001-04:30

In Flanders Field

by John MacRae

In Flanders field the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Cranberry and Orange Chutney

2010-11-06T17:27:00.004-04:30

My sister-in-law made this delicious chutney years ago as Christmas gifts for the family. If memory serves me well, I believe she also made beer bread to go along with the chutney. We all loved it and I have been making it every year since. This cranberry and orange concoction is delicious served with your Thanksgiving Day meal and then spread on your left over turkey sandwiches. I think it screams holiday! Here is the recipe. Enjoy!!

3 small oranges, seeded, coarsely chopped, peel and all
4 cups cranberries
1 cup chopped tart apple, not peeled
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup orange juice or apple cider
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp. cider vinegar
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ground clove
1/2 cup bourbon (optional) I always use it

Mix all the above ingredients in a heavy pan, simmer until cranberries pop. About 20 minutes. The mixture should look like jam.

Dedham Pottery Give Away

2010-11-05T06:08:00.005-04:30

Blogging was just a word that I heard people say, but had never really experienced myself. That is until one afternoon in late June when I happened to google something and I came upon what I now know as a blog. How interesting this person's life was, how delicious her recipes looked and how clever her craft ideas seemed to be. Well one blog led to another and another and so the story goes.

It took me all summer long to get up enough courage to create From Beyond My Kitchen Window. I'm still not sure if my blog is as clever or as tastefully assembled as some others, but I have enjoyed every minute of trying to make my blog a reflection of who I am , what I enjoy cooking and where I like to go on a Saturday afternoon.

Thank you to all the wonderful people who share their amazing ideas and lives through their blogs. Blogging is a great vehicle to meet caring, kind, giving and supportive individuals who for an hour or two a week through their computers invite you into their lives. So this give away is just a small token of gratitude for all of the kind comments and supportive words you have written on my blog.

A few weekends ago a friend and I went to the Potting Shed to buy a thank you gift for the give away. Dedham Pottery is something I have loved for over twenty-five years. Each piece is hand made and takes about a week to finish. I hope that whoever is lucky enough to win the flower vase will enjoy it as much as I do. To read about the history of Dedham Pottery go here.www.harelooms.com

If you are already a follower your name will be entered in the drawing twice. If you are not yet a follower but would like a chance just to win, you can join and your name will be be entered once. The drawing will take place next weekend. Good Luck and Thank You!!!

When Life Gives You Lemons......

2010-10-27T18:57:00.006-04:30

You make Ina's Lemon Bars of course,

FOR THE CRUST

1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

FOR THE FILLING

6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup all purpose flour

Confectioners sugar, for dusting
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

For the crust, cream the butter and the sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixed fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2 inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2 inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners sugar.

Fruitlands Musuem

2010-10-22T23:48:00.007-04:30

Fruitlands Museum in Harvard Massachusetts is set on 210 acres of woodlands, pine barrens , swampland and meadows. Situated on the property are several small building which house some very unique exhibits. There is an Art gallery as well as an Indian Gallery, Shaker Gallery, and The Fruitlands Farmhouse.

Included on the property is a small thoughtful gift shop and restaurant which is a treat to visit after you finish your tour. The grounds are also used for weddings which are celebrated in a large

snow white tent overlooking stunning farmland vistas.

Artfully placed throughout the trails are Massachusetts sculptor Joseph Wheelwright's Tree Sculptures.

The sculpture pictured above is called Pine Man and is twenty five feet tall.

The below photo is of a figure called oddly enough, Cherry Figure. It stands in at thirty feet tall.

If only you could experience these nature inspired masterpieces in person.

Smoke Jumper is one of my favorites because of it's soulful eyes.

Another view of this breathtaking tree sculpture .

Here is one of the smaller trees in the exhibit, it is called Shiva.

Again another view of Shiva. If you look close enough you can see it's face.

This ominous looking figure has the misfortune of being named Predator Tree.

There is the oddest granite sculpture located just outside the Art Gallery. This different piece is called Fox Face. I really can't decide if I like it or not. Do you have an opinion on this unique piece?

Hopefully you have enjoyed my photo gallery of this talented sculptor's work. Sadly, the exhibit ends at the end of October. I have been lucky enough to see these wonders quite often. One of my sons works part time at the restaurant and I visit The Fruitlands Museum whenever I get the chance.

Ina's Maple Oatmeal Scones

2010-10-13T09:57:00.010-04:30

After my visit to Parker's over the weekend I knew I just had to make something with maple syrup.There are a few cookbooks that I always seem to go to when I need a recipe and Ina Garten's cookbooks most often fit that bill. Here are her delicious and easy maple -oatmeal scones.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup quick cooking oats, plus more for sprinkling
2 tbsp. baking powder
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 pound cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup cold buttermilk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
4 extra large eggs, slightly beaten
1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk or water, for egg wash

Glaze

1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flours, oats, baking powder, sugar,and salt. Blend the cold butter in at the lowest speed and mix until the butter is in pea sized pieces. Combine the buttermilk, maple syrup, and eggs and add quickly to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough may be sticky.

Dump the dough out onto a well floured surface and be sure it is combined. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4 to 1 inch thick. You should see lumps of butter in the dough. Cut into 3 inch rounds with a plain or fluted cutter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are crisp and the insides are done.

To make the glaze, combine the confectioners sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. When the scones are done, cool for 5 minutes and drizzle each scone with 1 tablespoon of glaze. then sprinkle some uncooked oats on the top, for garnish. The warmer the scones are when you glaze them, the thinner the glaze will be.

As you can tell by my photo above they really are good size scones. The recipe states it makes 14 large scones, I made 16 scones out of this batch.

Parker's Maple Barn

2010-10-11T17:26:00.007-04:30

This past weekend we took a short trip up to New Hampshire to one of my favorite places to have breakfast. Located in Mason New Hampshire, you can read all about Parker's Maple Barn Restaurant here. They have a great gift shop with loads of their very own maple syrup and maple products.

The restaurant was packed so I felt awkward about taking out my camera and snapping pictures while everyone was eating their breakfast. Unfortunately, there are no photos of the inside to this quaint little restaurant. I did however manage to snap a few of the outside area .

We assumed that the license plate must belong to the owner of Parker's. After all it is a genuine working maple sugar farm.

Parker's is usually packed and the wait can be up to one and a half hours. We were lucky this weekend though and got in and seated in about twenty minutes. But for times when we are not so lucky and the wait is longer we can go to The Outpost and purchase a maple donut and a cup of hot coffee while we wait. The small Outpost building happens to be right next to the sugar house pictured below .

After you get your donut and coffee there is this sweet little covered bridge with benches inside to sit and wait for your name to be called over the loud speaker.

We however did not have a seat in the bridge this time but instead went directly to the gift shop to stock up on maple syrup and other maple products that struck our fancy

The gift shop was fun, our breakfast was delicious and as usual the ride up was well worth it.

The Boston Public Library

2010-10-02T01:15:00.394-04:30

If you are ever in Boston and get the chance to visit the Boston Public Library please do so, you won't be disappointed. While we were in town attending the New England Dessert Showcase, we took the opportunity to take the short walk to the corner of Boylston and Dartmouth in Copley Square where the historic Boston Public Library sits.

This grand historic library is very much a library of firsts. The Boston Public Library was the first publicly supported municipal library, the first library open to the public, and the first to let the public borrow books.

The photo taken above shows a closer look at the lights of the outside entrance. Aren't they unusual looking? Bottom photo is of the main inside entrance viewed from the front stairs looking down.

This regal lion seems as though he is guarding the marble stairs to the reading rooms above or perhaps he is keeping watch over the 1.7 million rare books and manuscripts housed here.

Gazing down the middle aisle of the reading room gave me the shivers. So beautiful, I wish my amateur photography had captured the reading rooms true beauty. Look at all the green lamps glowing.

Here is a closer view of the photo on my sidebar of the

statue in the courtyard. She has such a look of pure joy on her face.

What a treat it would be to spend a leisurely afternoon in the warm fall sun sitting in the courtyard with a cup of steamy coffee and a good book. Simple pleasures.

Pumpkin Fudge

2010-10-01T20:34:00.005-04:30

This pumpkin fudge is delicious. The only change that I made to the recipe is with the sugar. Instead of using the recommended two cups of sugar, I use only one and a half cups. Two cups seems a little too sweet for me.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 tsp.pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup marshmallow cream
1 cup white chocolate
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

In medium saucepan, mix together first five ingredients. Cook over medium heat until mixture has risen and fallen in the pan. About 8 to 10 minutes.
Drop a little of the mixture into a small saucer of cold water. If mixture forms a ball it is ready for next step.
Add marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
Stir in nuts and vanilla.
Pour into greased 8-by-8 inch pan. Cool for 30 minutes. Cut into bite size pieces and enjoy.

Pumpkins on Parade

2010-09-22T21:44:00.006-04:30

Traveling around New England you see farm after farm selling mountains upon mountains of pumpkins. All of them unique yet all of them beckoning you to stop in for a closer look.

There are crates of pumpkins still dusty from the field

Vintage buckboard wagons piled high with the day's harvest.

Around New England in autumn , orange is the new pink!

Unless of course its white.

Baskets brimming with pumpkins waiting to decorate the mantle, front porch, back steps or even baked into a delicious dessert.

Where ever you live , whatever farm road you travel down, or neighborhood you pass through on your way home from work.
Make sure you stop in for a closer look and treat yourself to a pumpkin. Its always best to buy local. Happy Fall !!!!

The New England Dessert Showcase

2010-09-20T15:58:00.043-04:30

What a fabulous time we had at The New England Dessert Showcase . The event was held at the prestigious Westin Copley Place in Boston. The Showcase featured some of the very finest designer desserts, chocolates, ice cream, cupcakes, fruit tarts and all of it irresistibly delicious.

Chocolate mousse with fresh mango and ginger.

The caption speaks for itself.

The Boston Cream Pie was over fifteen feet in diameter and weighed in at over three tons. Do you think it's big enough?

These cupcakes were soooo delicious!!!

These delicate pink and white cakes on lollipop sticks had just the right amount of sweetness.
It was a day filled with yummy desserts, full stomachs and lots of fun !

An Apple A Day.........

2010-09-14T15:03:00.150-04:30

Here are some fun facts about the humble apple:

The Pilgrims planted the first apple tree in the Bay Colony, now known as Massachusetts.
One medium apple is roughly 81 calories.
Apples are fat, sodium and cholesterol free.
The average person eats 65 apples per year.
The more apples a person eats the lower the risk is of developing lung cancer .
Apples and apple juice are two of the best sources of the mineral boron, which may promote bone health.
Because of apples high fiber content, the fruit's natural sugars are slowly released into the blood stream, helping maintain steady blood sugar levels
Apple trees can live for over 100 years .
More children prefer Honey Crisp apples than any other variety.
Granny Smith apples are the most popular variety worldwide.
It takes two pounds of apples to make an apple pie.

Does an apple a day keep the doctor away? That's a question I don't have an answer to, but I do know apples are good for you, taste delicious and are fun to pick!!!

A is for..........

2010-09-12T19:09:00.005-04:30

Do you think I have enough apples to make an apple pie? My guess is yes. There is another question that needs to be answered though. How do I showcase these fall beauties while they wait to be eaten.

There is the always elegant simple white bowl.

The very old fashioned Grandma's bowl.

The grab an apple from the basket by the gate (bowl).

Glamor them up in some BLING bowl.

Well, there seemed to be more than plenty of apples to make my pie and the best place to showcase them was baked right inside .

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T11:05:00.016-04:30

What is it about Labor Day that makes us believe summer is over? The feeling of fall that creeps into our psyche and tells us to rip up the geraniums and plant some mums. Perhaps that is why I had my first and last Margarita of the summer today. I don't know if it was because I was saluting the end of summer, or toasting the thought of the approaching fall.

For whatever the reason it was nice to sit out on the deck sipping a little and munching on chips and salsa. Tomorrow though, I think I might just take a trip to the nursery and buy some mums. Got to go now, the geraniums are calling out to me. Not to worry , it will be quick. They'll never know what hit them.

Red Pepper Jelly

2010-09-03T15:49:00.243-04:30

I am new to preserving, but I think I have everything I need to get started!

Only a professional master chef could chop peppers with such precision!

Soooo, that is why I use this contraption!!! LOL!!!

Not too bad for my very first try. I got the recipe from www.allrecipes.com

Let's Give It A Try

2010-09-01T20:54:00.002-04:30

Today I start my much stressed about blog. I have lots of ideas, recipes, and hopefully a little redecorating. Thanks for stopping by, the next post will be much more interesting I promise.