Flour Power

Closing down my blog...

2010-07-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Due to personal issues I am closing my blog.

I have been lucky to have met some wonderful people & I wish you all the best.

Thanks for following along with me this past year.

Watermelon fun...Mosaic Monday...Outdoor Wednesday...

2010-07-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

"On your mark, get set, go!"

Those were the words of the judges at the watermelon eating contest on the 4th of July here on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Each child was given a 1/4 of a watermelon to consume.

After a few minutes some of the children were holding their stomachs while others kept up a frantic pace of eating their juicy watermelon, pits and all!

I have a feeling some of these children will never want to take a bite of watermelon for the remainder of the summer season.

(click on photo to enlarge)

Do you have fun memories of participating in a juicy and refreshing watermelon eating contest when you were a child on a hot summers day?

Inquiring minds want to know.

For more Mosaic Monday please visit our hostess Mary @ dear little red house HERE.

Please visit our hostess Susan @ asoutherndaydreamer Here for more Outdoor Wednesday fun.

Attention Izod your mascot is missing...

2010-07-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Last night I was on the phone with Sue @ RueMouffetard and I glanced out of my front door and this is what caught my eye.

A baby alligator complete with razor sharp teeth.

I told Sue to hang on because I wanted to get my camera and take a photo. Don't all good bloggers stop and grab their camera in a mini crisis? Then it occurred to me that perhaps the Mama or Papa alligator could be hanging around teaching their little offspring how to terrorize the neighborhood. I quickly hot tailed it back into the house and locked the door. Like a gator can really open a door?

A few minutes later I see my neighbor just sashaying down the block ever so slowly. I bravely opened my door and told her there was an alligator headed in her direction. She took off like a streak of lightening screaming in a high pitched voice with her brand new Hover-Round. I think she burned the motor out on that one as it was smoking and she left burnt tire tracks on the pavement. That alligator achieved in a few seconds what her physical therapist was trying to achieve in years. She jumped out of her chair and was not only walking but she was running . I witnessed a true miracle*( see note below) Hallelujah!

Needless to say I am kicking myself this morning for not capturing that alligator. I could have made a beautiful pair of shoes (think he was only big enough for one shoe).

Or a purse.

I should have soaked that alligator in some buttermilk and dipped him ever so lightly in FLOUR and fried him for dinner. Rumor has it alligator tastes like chicken so who would be the wiser when I served him/her at a blog luncheon. You are all invited.

I could have become a millionaire with an alligator food stand on every corner in every major city across gator territory. I could have made fried gator, baked gator, marinara gator, gator casserole, gator creole, gator grits, gator pickled claws, gator tots and last but not least gator cupcakes. I could have had my own Alligator segment on the Cooking Network and become fat and famous. To quote from a famous movie, "I could have become a contender" competing with my hero Bobby Flay doing an allligator throw down.

Who needs an alligator cupcake mold when I have real alligators to pull apart here on Hilton Head Island.

If you would like to purchase an alligator pull apart baking pan go here.

Don't you just want to whip up a batch of alligator cupcakes to scare the heck out of the grands to get back at the parents by having the kids stay up all night saying there are gators in the closets and under the beds?

Do you have any tried and true ALLIGATOR cupcake recipes?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Lemon Raspberry Angel Food Cupcakes

cupcake ingredients

1 (16-oz.) package DUNCAN HINES Angel Food Cake Mix
24 paper baking cups
3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1 1/2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (16-oz.) package powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons lemon zest
GARNISH
Fresh raspberries

Preparation

Prepare Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 325°. Prepare angel food cake batter according to package directions. Place paper baking cups into 2 (12-cup) muffin pans. Spoon batter into cups.
Bake at 325° for 22 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 30 minutes).
Make a small hole in tops of cupcakes with a knife or end of a wooden spoon. Pipe or spoon about 1 tsp. raspberry jam into centers of cupcakes.
Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; add lemon juice, beating just until blended. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until blended; stir in lemon zest.
Spread Cream Cheese Frosting on tops of cupcakes. Garnish, if desired.

Please visit our hostess Michele at Foodie Friday here for more recipes.

* Just kidding. My neighbor was actually walking but I thought we could all use a little humor today but she was running like her pants were on fire!
*green gator photo on public photo site.

Hilton Head Island celebrates 4th of July with a parade...

2010-07-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

(click on photo )

Kids of all ages celebrate the 4th of July here on Hilton Head by participating in the annual parade. This year "Mr. Vundervants" was excited to decorate his bike. Of course we had to hype the event up in our house with "Mr. Vundervants" for a full week. We all crossed our fingers that he would actually participate when the big day arrived.

First we decorated his bike helmet with pipe cleaners and stars.

Next we took coffee filters and had "Mr. Vundervants" paint them with markers and spray them with water. We took pipe cleaners and some tape and made them into flowers and attached them to the bike.

The result was one happy "Mr. Vundervants" participating in his first parade!

We will celebrate the 4th of July by spending the day on the beach and having a BBQ. Later tonight we will view the fireworks with "Mr. Vundervants" if we can keep him awake that long. We have been experiencing temperatures in the mid 80s here all weekend with NO humidity so this 4th of July has been perfect. I hope you all have a perfect 4th of July celebration with family and friends.

Please visit littleredhouse HERE for more Mosaic Monday.

Please visit Susan @asoutherndaydreamer HERE for more Outdoor Wednesday.

Ina scores again with Peach & Blueberry Crumbles...Foodie Friday...

2010-07-02T04:48:00.000-07:00

When little Oliver came to visit I made Ina's Peach and Blueberry crumbles recipe. I did not have any ramekins so I baked it in a 8x8 Pyrex pan. As a thank you gift the following week I received 8 of these Martha Stewart ramekins from Oliver and his Mom.

These ramekins enhance the presentation of this recipe. The best thing about this recipe is that you can make them in the morning, store them unbaked in your refrigerator, and bake them just before your guests arrive. We enjoyed them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The recipe can be found in BAREFOOT CONTESSA AT HOME cookbook or you can find this recipe HERE

If you would like to find more tried and true recipes please visit our hostess Michele at Foodie Friday HERE.

* Reminder to myself: don't even think
about getting on the scale the next day!

Dog Day Afternoon on Hilton Head Island, S.C...Wordless Wednesday...

2010-06-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Summer Solstice with "Mr. Vundervants"...

2010-06-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

~Summer time and the living is easy~

Ina's Tri-berry Muffins...hide your scales...foodie friday

2010-06-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Since berries are so abundant this time of year

and I was given a box of fresh fruit from this little cutie pie

I decided to whip up some muffins from the Barefoot Contessa At Home cookbook.

These muffins are amazing. Why? When the recipe calls for 2 sticks of butter what's not to like.

These super moist muffins were gobbled up in record breaking time. Ina does not list the calories in her recipe book, but trust me when I say that these little gems can do some major damage to your scale. Life is short so splurge and eat one and give the rest to friends. If you are looking for a tried and true recipe give this sweet and tart muffin a try.

~AWESOME~

Ina's tri-berry muffins (adapted)

3 c flour all purpose flour

1 Tb baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 Tb ground cinnamon

1 1/4 c milk

2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1 c fresh blueberries

1/2 c fresh raspberries

1/2 c diced fresh strawberries

1 1/2 c sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line or grease muffin cups.
Sift dry ingredients in a large bowl.
In another bowl combine milk, eggs and melted butter. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into the well, and stir until just combined. There will be lumps but don't overmix!
Now add the berries and sugar and stir gently. (yes, this is how it is written)
Fill muffin cups.
Bake for 20-25 min or until a toothpick comes out clean and tops are nicely browned.

Makes 12-12-6 muffins.

Be sure to visit Foodie Friday Here hosted by Michelle of designsbygollum.

THE VINTAGE TABLE...Tablescape Thursday...

2010-06-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

I WON!

Thank you to the sunny side of the porch HERE for hosting this wonderful giveaway contest. Please go and take a peak at her wonderful blog. I was the lucky winner of a copy of THE VINTAGE TABLE Personal TREASURES and Standout SETTINGS by Jacqueline deMontravel and the Editors of ROMANTIC HOMES MAGAZINE.

Ladies let me tell you to start your holiday shopping now for your friends and family who love to tablescape. This book is amazing EYE CANDY. The photography will inspire you to create a table setting that is fun and unforgettable. Treat yourself to a copy because you deserve it. You all know that I prefer to read cookbooks but I honestly can't stop reading this book. Yes, it is that good!

Here are some photos I snapped of the book to entice you all to buy a copy today!

Brunch anyone?

Dishing on Summer!

Hot reds in the kitchen!

Dinnerware tools to create a table!

Summer past to present tablescaping!

Blues clues to mix and match!

History of Kitchen Collectibles!

For more tried and true TST this week please visit our hostess Susan betweennapsontheporch HERE.

Lost in translation...

2010-06-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

I'm wilting on Hilton Head Island...

2010-06-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

H E L P
Heat index possibly 110* today.
Don't send chocolate!

Mosaic Monday ... beach baby...

2010-06-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

This past week my daughters friend joined us on Hilton Head with little Oliver for some sun, surf & sand. Oliver was not a big fan of the ocean but enjoyed playing with water in the beach bucket. As all babies do he had a few tastes of the yucky sand. Due to the heat index it was way too hot to keep a baby on the beach for a long period of time. As you can see in one of the collage photos little Oliver was quickly headed for a nap and we were all headed back to the air conditioned house for a nap ourselves.

For more Mosaic Monday photos please visit our hostess Mary at the little red house HERE.

I'm in dry dock ...Mystery of the Hives...

2010-06-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Just like this fishing vessel I am in dry dock here on Hilton Head, S.C. No playing in the water for me today.

For those of you who read my post about Cobia Fish I want to tell you what happened to me after I ate the fish. I ended up in the ER at 4AM with a case of Acute Hives that were so bad I could not sit down on my " buttocks" to quote Forest Gump. The itching was worse then watching a flea on a dog and I had the urge to howl at the moon! I even had hives on my ears and on the back of my head as well as most of my trunk and under my arms.. I was covered in a giant ball of red skin that seemed to pop out of nowhere and attach itself onto the next hive creating a giant blob. Not a pretty sight.

I called my Dr. who suggested the regular procedure of some benedryl. It seemed to take the itch away for about 2 hours but there were so many new hives there was no way I could keep up with this so I decided after 24 hours the ER was the best place for me as my hands were getting numb and my upper lip felt like it was swelling. It really scared me. Hubby said can you wait until morning? I told him to turn on the lights and take a look at me. The look on his face confirmed that I had indeed turned into a character in a horror movie.

The Dr. in the ER said he could not say for sure if it was the Cobia fish, a fish bite on my foot (not jelly most likely not sting ray as he could not see a barb), or the new flavor of sun chips I was eating , or an exposure to a chemical as I was playing in the garden or a bee bite. I am allergic to bees and would have blown up like a blow fish within 5 minutes so I know it was not a bee. It is a mystery?

Lots of meds in the ER and 4 prescriptions later I am feeling better. The hives are receding and thankfully less itching. As you can tell from writing this I can now sit on my Buttocks once again. Of course I am having a reaction to one of the meds as I awoke this AM with a beet red face. I not sure which med is causing this problem? It is a never ending battle. So here I sit in dry dock contemplating the great mysteries of life!

I am not sure if it is the Cobia fish but I wanted to say to those of you who have shell fish allergies you may not want to eat the Cobia even though it is Not a shell fish. I am allergic to crab and lobster but not to shrimp or other shell fish which is strange.

I was given an epi pen to carry with me at all times and was told to inject myself and go directly to the ER at the first sign of my next hive episode. I pray this is the last of the hives for me ever again!

Foodie Friday... Grilled Cobia Fish...

2010-06-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

This week I wrote about buying local fish here on Hilton Head Island, S.C. HERE. I returned to the fish market and purchased a pound of Cobia fish which served three adults.

I grilled the Cobia and we agreed that the Cobia was meaty and delicious and had a nice mild flavor. It is not a flaky fish like Talapia, I would definitely purchase Cobia again when it is in season. Ask your local fish market if they carry Cobia and try it. You will not be disappointed.

Recipe can be found HERE.

For more Foodie Friday recipes please visit our host Michelle at designsbygollum HERE.

Fresh local seafood on Hilton Head Island...

2010-06-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

It sure does not get any fresher then shrimp boats pulling up to the docks here on Hilton Head to unload their catch of the day. This is the beginning of shrimp season here in South Carolina. Shrimp season runs here until the water turns cold in the winter.

If you are visiting Hilton Head make a stop at Benny Hudsons Seafood and speak with Tanya (above photo) who will give you the heads up on what fish are running at the present time.

Right now Grouper and Snapper and Cobia are running (outside) off shore toward the golf shore.

Cobia is served grilled or poached. Chefs Jaimie Oliver and Mario Batali once had the "Battle of the Cobia" on Iron Chef America in Januray 2008.

Local bass are running inside the perimeter but I really want to try the Cobia this week.

Anyone have a tired and true Cobia recipe to share with me?

Please remember to buy locally whenever you can to support your local fishermen.

I am linking to Watery Wednesday HERE
&
I am linking to Outdoor Wednesday HERE

Color magic on a hot summers day!

2010-06-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Annie once gave me some words to live by:

"There is not that much in life you can really control,
but you sure can control the color or your hair."

To view more Mosaic Mondays please visit Mary at the little red house here.

TRAGEDY coming to your area soon thanks to BP...

2010-06-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

I am so upset at what is happening on the coast with the oil. Today the CEO of BP put out a commercial on TV saying that this would not cost taxpayers a nickle. Is he willing to buy our homes that are on the coast surrounded by oil or pay the fishermen who now have no jobs etc.?

Why doesn't BP fire this CEO and also make him say publicly that he was wrong. Not to have a solution to this problem before they started drilling?

My bet would be he walks away with a golden parachute and lives on a beautiful beach that is not surrounded with oil and we are left using our parachutes to clean up the BP mess for generations to come.

Vote Vets has a wonderful commercial on TV now that you may want to take a peak at HERE

Outdoor Wednesday...bird watching...

2010-05-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a pair of homemade binoculars (working on the pronunciation)
to keep "Mr. Vundervants" busy.

Waiting patiently for a blue bird or a robin to appear.

Not a bird in sight on this sun filled 70* day.

"Mr. Vundervants" is not impressed and thinks all this bird watching is definitely for the birds!

For more Outdoor Wednesday please visit our hostess Susan HERE.
asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

A bit of humor to make you SMILE...

2010-05-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a joke my husband passed onto me and I would like to share it with all my blogging friends because everyone can use a bit of humor to make them SMILE.

Last night, my kids and I were sitting in the living room and I said to them,

"I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle.

If that ever happens, just pull the plug."

They got up, unplugged the Computer, and threw out my wine .

They are SO on my s*** list!

I'm back...Hilton Head...Outdoor Wednesday...Watery Wednesday...

2010-05-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

I am back to blogging again on the my new computer. I was able to save some files and some photos thankfully. It is amazing how we all have come to depend upon our computers.

We took a quick trip down to the beach house to get it ready for the summer months. We had some friends come down to join us for the weekend and the weather was glorious. I had my first walk of the 2010 season to wiggle my toes in the warm sand and to dip my toes in the blue waters of the Atlantic ocean. Lots of folks in the water but it was a bit too cold for me to take the full body plunge just yet. Our little area of the beach was quiet and calm before the tourist season officially begins on Memorial day.

There are many trees along the dock draped with Spanish moss that twist and turn toward the ocean as they grow. I love to ride my bike to the docks after dinner and enjoy the sunset views.

Here I am with my friend Joyce this weekend. Yes we are the "Two Joyce's". It gets very confusing when our husbands call out our names. It sounds like stereo with both of us answering. We met a few years ago on a tour to Italy with our husbands. Joyce is a fun and easy house guest and loves the beach as much as I do. I think that Joyce was a mermaid in a previous life as she jumps right into the ocean no matter what the temperature. She makes the most delicious chocolate covered pretzels but we ate them all before I remembered to take a photo.

I invite you to follow along with me this summer as I share more Hilton Head Island, S.C. photos as well as the surrounding areas of this magical island.

I am linking HERE at a southerndaydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

I am linking up to Watery Wednesday HERE

Where have I been...Computer Crash...

2010-04-22T10:16:00.001-07:00

FYI:

My computer has been on life support for a few days.

The computer doctors are having a conference to determine if and when to pull the plug.

Waiting to see who is having a computer sale this week in case the computer has to go to computer

HEAVEN .

Borrowing hubby's computer at the moment.

Daughter F I N A L L Y moved into her new home so I have been helping out with the move and taking care of Mr. Vundervants.

Lot's of before and after photos of the house to share when my computer is up and about.

Miss y'all!

Big Wheels turning...Mosaic Monday...

2010-04-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy all these vintage wheels and steering wheels in the above mosaic.

If you missed my previous post of the The Allure of the Automobile at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta please go HERE.

To view more Mosaic posts please visit our hostess Mary HERE.

Join me for a quick spin at the High Museum of Art...

2010-04-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hunter's Mushroom Soup...Foodie Friday...

2010-04-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

While visiting the Czech Republic we ordered some amazing Hunter's Mushroom Soup for lunch. It comes served in a cute little bread bowl.

Hunter's Mushroom Soup

¾ pound mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
¼ cup flour
5 cups water
1 chicken or beef bouillon cube
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
¾ cup cooking wine (or substitute water)
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
Add the bacon pieces and fry until crispy.
Add the mushrooms and onion and fry until tender, about 4 minutes.
Add the flour and stir until the flour begins to brown.
Add the water and bring to a boil, then add the bouillon cube.
Stir until dissolved.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add cream, salt, pepper, and cooking wine (or water).
Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Please visit DesignsbyGollum for some more amazing Foodie Friday recipes HERE.

Peeps Trifle..Quick and Easy...Foodie Friday...

2010-04-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Stressed for time this holiday?

Take your favorite trifle recipe and add some Peeps.
No baking required.
It could not get any easier.

Happy Easter!

For more Foodie Friday treats visit Designsbygollum HERE.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival...Outdoor Wednesday...

2010-03-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to experience the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this month so join me for a quick peak at some amazing flowers and topiary.

Please visit our hostess Susan HERE to view more Outdoor Wednesday photos.

Goffy Hat Tricks...Mosaic Monday...

2010-03-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

click on mosaic photo to enlarge

Our little "Mr. Vundervant's" had so much fun acting goffy with his Mickey Mouse ears in front of the giant Goffy topiary at Epcot this month.

Please visit Mary HERE at the little red house for more fun mosaics.

Le Cordon Bleu... culinary delight for the Atlanta bloggers...

2010-03-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Lunch at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta was beyond expectations. It was FABULOUS! From the time I called for a reservation for lunch, was offered a tour from the professional Ms. Flynn ( lead chef instructor) at the student run restaurant LUMIERE , until the last morsel of the incredible dessert was tasted this school lived up to it's outstanding reputation.

Ms. Flynn greeted us with a welcoming smile. Our guided tour was hosted by a professional and personable student. We learned about the different courses, requirements for graduation and some cooking techniques. Norman was very patient and knowledgeable answering our many questions. He informed us that he would also be our waiter at Lumiere. It is nice to know that Le Cordon Bleu gives their students a well rounded education which encompasses every aspect of the restaurant experience. We wish Norman the best as he heads up to Alaska to begin his career.

Classrooms were neat and clean. It looks like someone was preparing to teach a pastry class.. I would love to participate in this class and play with all the FLOUR and butter using one of those professional mixers. I did notice that quiet a few ingredients were being weighed in the pastry class. I sure would need a big scale just for myself after tasting all those amazing desserts.
.

Students in this class were getting ready to learn some basic knife skills. Today's assignment was to learn to chop and cut onions, carrots and potatoes uniformly to insure even cooking.

It was test day in many classrooms. Students had to cut carrots into different sizes and were being graded on precision and uniformity. Practice leads to perfection in this classroom. Another class was preparing a complete meal. Students were in the library reading recipes in books, on line and in the latest gourmet magazines. Some were involved in a pastry class and some were leaning how to sous vide. My favorite thing were the hats!

click on photo to enlarge

Time to head into lunch. Now this is one of the best kept secrets for lunch and dinner in Atlanta. Shh! Let's only tell our discerning gourmet friends about Lumiere. We can't wait to return again as the menu changes seasonally.

Stepping into Lumiere we are greeted with a visually pleasing environment in which to being our dining experience.

I love the fact that while you are relaxing with friends you can see into the pristine kitchen and watch the chefs work their magic incorporating fresh ingredients while using state of the art grills/ovens. The delicious smells coming from the kitchen were intoxicating. There are classes in wine pairing so your waiter is knowledgeable in helping to choose a wine to compliment your food choice.

click on photo to enlarge

Baby lamb chops over butternut squash with french green beans served with a delicious fig demi glaze, a brown sugar/Bourbon marinated steak and a chocolate dessert were just a few of our luncheon choices.

click on photo to enlarge

Sandie of the Chatty Crone HERE and Denise are enjoying soup and salad. We all agreed the biscuits were the best ever. There was one biscuit left and it was amazing that we did not dual over the lone biscuit. We certainly did not want to start a riot and have the food police called in like at last months luncheon HERE.

Please visit Sue at Rue Mouffetard HERE for more photos and information about this luncheon

Rose from a Santamakersjourney HERE and Sue drive off into the sunset, or in this case the Atlanta traffic, contemplating where we should all lunch next month because nothing can ever top today's PERFECT lunch at Le Cordon Bleu.

Thanks to Ms. Flynn and Norman and all the chefs and future chefs who made our day a pleasant experience!

I am linking this post to Foodie Friday hosted by DesignbyGollum HERE.

Wordless Wednesday...Philly Flower Show...part V...

2010-03-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

Philly Flower Show Part IV...Cruise...

2010-03-23T00:02:00.000-07:00

You're invited to sail with me on the SS Johnny Depp.

Don't you just think he is the cutest pirate ever?

No packing required but don't forget to bring your sea legs/wooden leg
&
your favorite talking parrot.

Come Aboard with your passport.

Lot's of colorful flowers to welcome us.

Champagne for everyone!
Johnny prefers Captain Jack Rum.
Whatever!
It all makes walking the plank that more interesting.

Can you tell where we are headed?

Caribbean?

Now that would be too fast a trip considering Johnny's on board.

For fun with Johnny a girl wants to take a slow boat to

CHINA!

Please come back tomorrow as the Philly Flower Passport to the World tour continues.
I know that this post is cheesy but when you are babysitting a toddler this is the best you can handle some days when you are multi-tasking!

Philly Flower Show Part III...Holland and Tulips...

2010-03-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

Grab your passport and let's travel over the bridge to Holland.
(click on photos to see detail)

Park your bike and let us walk around the town.

Don't you just love this bicycle basket filled with tulips?

Let's walk around tulpenmanie.

A gorgeous window full of sunny yellow tulips.

What is your favorite type of tulip?

My favorite is a pink parrot tulip.

Please come back and join me as we journey to another country later this week.

Philly Flower Show Part II...Africa...

2010-03-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Let's continue our tour of the Philly Flower show Passport to the World.

Let's visit AFRICA.
(click on each photo to enlarge to see the flower detail)

Beautiful orchids to adorn a giant giraffe.

You can see the size of
this giraffe compared to the size of the spectators in the convention hall.

Local villagers adorned with colorful flowers.

This guy must be the chief or the local medicine man.
He reminds me of my dentist.
Scary!

Hold onto your passport as we travel to another county this week to view more flowers.

Irish Soda Bread...Pub Crawl / St. Patrick's Day Celebration..

2010-03-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Top of the morning to you my Irish friends & a very Happy St. Patrick's day!

Thank you to our Irish hostess Kathleen at Cuisine Kathleen for hosting the 2nd Pub Crawl to celebrate St. Patrick's day. Please visit Kathleen HERE to view more green posts.

A stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral is always first on my crawl list when I am in NY. The alter is adorned with a painting of St. Patrick. Time to say a prayer for New York's finest police and fire fighters who risk their lives each and every day to keep us safe.

Off we crawl right out of the front doors onto Fifth Avenue to enjoy the St. Patrick's day parade.

Time to crawl over to a local pub for a few shots of good Irish whiskey, washed down with some Irish Guinness to take the chill off of the windy and cold March day.

Let's crawl on down to DC to have a look at the green fountain at the White House.

Now we all know that there is a whole lot of Blarney talk going on down there. Those folks up on capital hill sure have the gift of the gab. Sure seems that is all they are doing these days and not addressing the issue of high unemployment rates. Wouldn't you enjoy catching the leprechauns who are making your pot of gold disappear in DC?

All that Blarney talk certainly makes me want to have a shot or two along with two extra strength Excedrin to clear my head before I continue to crawl onto the next location.

Next we crawl on down to Disney to celebrate with Mickey who likes to be called his Irish nickname of "MICK". We find a totally exhausted Mother of a toddler who was tempted to be wearin the green in the form of a very silly Irish hat with ears while doing the Irish jig on Main Street USA. In this case the jig was more in the form of running after the toddler all day!

What better way to end the pub crawl but to crawl home and have some Irish coffee to warm your body and heart.

Let' s share a late night treat of some homemade Irish soda bread too before we crawl into bed and get some sleep and dream about the Emerald Isle!

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoon granulated sugar (I use 1/3 cup because I like it sweeter)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1 cup raisins
3 tablespoons caraway seeds
2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a large cookie sheet. I use an ungreased silpat mat.

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Add raisins and caraway seeds and toss lightly.

Add buttermilk and toss mixture with a fork until all dry ingredients are moistened. Dough will be very soft.

Form dough into a ball and lightly knead on a floured board for about 30 seconds or until dough is smooth.

Divide dough into two equal portions and shape into balls.

Place them on the cookie sheet and, with a sharp knife, cut an X on top of each loaf about 1/4 inch deep.

Bake for 50 minutes, or until crusty and golden.

Yield: 2 loaves or 4 small loaves.

Go raibh mile maith agat!
(May you have 1,000 good things, many thanks)

Philladelphia Flower Show...Passports to the World...

2010-03-13T00:09:00.000-08:00

Where can one go in March and be assured that the temperature will be a constant 60 degrees? To the International Flower Show at Philadelphia. Each year thousands of people attend this amazing event. A staff of 600 people are required to produce this incredible show.

Let's begin with a trip to an Indian wedding scene where culture, tradition and custom all come together for an unforgettable day for the the bride and groom and their families.

Lots and lots of Roses.

A life size elephant with the most amazing eyebrows.

The blanket is made from tiny flowers.

Water lilies and a flowery walk set the mood for the perfect wedding.

The feast has been prepared for the happy couple

*Earlier main wedding function use to take place on a mandap, which is normally decorated with flowers. Flowers have always been a part of Indian wedding decorations. So there is an extensive use of flowers of different kinds like roses, jasmine, and many more. Decorative tents or "shamianas" are often rented for Indian weddings celebrations. The full wedding place is decorated with elaborate carpets to line the tent. Gold and red are the colors associated with Indian wedding decoration so most of the Decor is of these two colors. The tents are lighted with Indian inspired lanterns and candles. Exotic incense stick is burn in the room to create a refreshing and pure atmosphere.

* To read more information go to Iloveindia.com HERE.

Blog break with Richard Geer...a girl can dream...

2010-03-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

I am taking a few days off to catch up with family and friends but just wanted to leave you with some eye candy to keep you company while I am away from my computer.
Isn't he the cutest?
I will be back next week with some amazing photos full of color to remind you that Spring is just around the corner.
Who is your cutest movie star?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Bake for the troops...

2010-03-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to remind everyone out there that there is still time to go to BakingGals.com and sign up for another round of cookie baking for our troops stationed over seas. If you would like to join please head over HERE.

It is simple. You join up and then join a sub group where you will be given the name and address of an American hero. You bake some cookies and pack them up. Mail them from the post office in a flat rate box for a military discount. Fill out a customs form and when they arrive they will be sure to make a platoon of young men and women SMILE to think they are remembered for all their hard works and sacrifices.

Dog day afternoon...where in the world is Gordon Ramsey...

2010-02-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

It was suppose to be a fun day with lunch at a local culinary school with bloggers Sue at Rue-mouffetard and Rose from Santamakersjourney. Please see Sue's post HERE as no one can tell a story like Sue. She will make you laugh for sure.

It quickly turned into a dog day afternoon starting with Sue innocently taking a photo and being reprimanded by the manager of the dining room in the cooking school.

A picture is worth 1,000 words or in this case 1,000 dog howls!
This was my lunch.

I know what you are thinking. Pretty unappetizing presentation to say the least. Turning over just one of the burnt carrots and doing a minuscule sprinkling of garnish could not disguise this so called STEW. A complete and utter disaster. I bet Julia Child would turn over in her grave if she saw this atrocity. After being brave enough to consume a few bites of old shoe leather I had a strange sensation that I was growing a tale and had acquired a few fleas on my back. When I awoke this morning I had an obsession to to run after cars and drive with my head out of the car window.

Sue and Rose convinced me to call over the manager and send it back. The manager just asked if I would like something else and never said this should not have come to the table. How are students to learn if there is no communication? I watched as the plate was returned to the kitchen and the chef did not bat an eye. His lips never moved. No constructive criticism to the students. This does not surprise me as he had to have approved the presentation of the dish before it left the kitchen. Such a waste of the students time and money. How will they ever learn in such an environment?

After we leave Sue and Rose make a trip to the ladies room and I take out my little camera and start taking photos of empty classroom kitchens. I figure this is OK since the manager told Sue all one had to do is take photos without students or when students are present to ask their permission. Sounds fair to me. I snap away and am very impressed how spotless the entire facility is.

Sue is asking others for permission to take more photos and we are headed back to the elevator to leave and then it happens...

Sandra Lee and Betty Crocker and Rose are questioned by the Food Police!

We are confronted by not one security person but by two security officers.

The big guy asks Rose:

"What is the nature of your business here?"

Sweet quiet Rose offers no information. He says something about photos and I ask him if he thinks I am from a magazine with my little pocket camera. How ridiculous! I wonder if he thinks I am from the Board of Health? Sue comes around the corner and says we are just 3 crazy housewives having lunch. We have a sneaky suspicion that the totally unprofessional restaurant manager, who completely ignored us after the so called stew was politely returned, called in the Food Police. Luckily, the elevator doors opened and away we went NEVER to return to this gastronomical nightmare again.

MY THEORY:

I think the reason why they have such a large amount of security in the building is that they are holding Gordon Ramsey (my hero) hostage. He probably was also served the Beef Stew. They realize once he is let out and he talks about how dreadful his experience was the entire school will be TOAST!

Olympic Gold Medal Comfort Food...Foodie Friday...

2010-02-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

I am freezing just watching all these amazing Olympic skiers fly down those snowy Canadian mountains. They are all such talented athletes and I applaud each and every one. They definitely eat their Wheaties. I wanted a big dish of comfort food to warm me up while watching TV this week. I found this recipe on the back of a box of Kroger elbow macaroni and thought I would be as brave as those Olympian athletes and take a chance on this recipe. I was able to put this together in record breaking time so it is certainly worthy of a GOLD medal.

Hot Tuna Salad

1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 can tuna (6 1/8 oz) drained
2 hard cooked eggs, chopped (I personally did not use the eggs)
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups celery, sliced diagonally
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Prepare macaroni according to package directions; drain.
toss together with remaining ingredients and place in a 2-quart dish.
Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes.
Serve hot.
Refrigerate any leftovers.
Makes 3 to 4 servings.

For more Foodie Friday recipes please visit our hostess designsbygollum HERE

Remember I won the above Le Creuset pan from April Harris at the
21st century housewife HERE.
Go on over and visit April at her wonderful blog.

Sharks and Toasters...

2010-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

click on photo

This past Saturday bloggers were invited guests of Creaxion at the Georgia Aquarium to view a special exhibit Planet Shark- Predator or Prey. The exhibit was creative, fascinating and informative. Full scale shark models, a display of real shark jaws, and a frozen in time 10 foot Mako shark are just some of the items that will amaze all who attend.

The most important information you will learn from this exhibit is that sharks are needed to maintain the eco system and honestly you and I have more of a chance of being killed by a faulty toaster then a shark.

Did you know that it is illegal in most international waters to take a shark for it's fin? Trust me, I have no intention of making shark soup for my cooking light group. Many countries find this soup a delicacy. This is when the tides turn and the sharks become the prey.

The largest whale shark found in the Indian ocean was 41 ft. 6 inches. Yikees!

The Longnose sawshark has teeth on it's nose. I bet he shreds a whole lot of Kleenex.

The largest shortfin mako ever caught was one off the coast of Massachusetts that weighed 1,221 pounds. What makes this so unique is that this is the fastest swimming shark with an aerodynamic body.

A Great White was caught in the waters of Cuba in 1945 and was 20 ft. 11 inches long. Look out boat people.

I found the safety information very helpful and wanted to share some of the tips with you.

Safety information

Sharks are often found in the presence of whales and dolphins as they eat the same foods so it is not a good idea to swim in these feeding areas.

Shiny objects such as jewelry can attract a shark. So leave your items at home.

Do not swim at dawn or dusk as that is prime feeding time for sharks.

Do not swim by those who are fishing.

Scott has sent along a combo pass savings for you to use on your visit to the Georgia Aquarium to see this amazing world class shark exhibit.

Thank you Scott.

No-Knead Oatmeal Bread...Foodie Friday...

2010-02-19T05:26:00.000-08:00

It's party time today for Foodie Friday and I am bringing a hot loaf of bread to the celebration. I was originally planning to bring Chinese Food to continue with my Chinese New Year theme but had to put that recipe on hold. My imaginary sue chef did not show up so "Mr. Vundervants" had to step up to the plate and help. I did not think that my little sous chef was up to all that chopping since he can barely handle a spoon and fork at his young age! His kitchen gadget of choice is a sippy cup!

This delicious bread recipe comes from Kathleen's Bake Shop Cookbook . I have made this easy oatmeal bread for years. The best is that it is No-Knead. You still need to allow a few hours from start to finish but mostly it is time just waiting for the dough to rise twice.

Punching down the dough is the most fun for my little sue chef.

Allow for time to wash your hands after you punch down the dough.

"Mr. Vundervants" hates to have have his hands dirty.
He said this was "YUCKY".

No-Knead Oatmeal Bread

1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
3 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons butter
1 package dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
6 cups all purpose flour

In a large bowl stir together sugar, salt and oats.
Add boiling water and butter; let stand until lukewarm.

If you would like to participate or view more recipes please visit our hostess HERE

Sprinkle yeast into 1/4 up warm water and stir until dissolved.
Add yeast mixture to oat mixture.
Stir in flour 1 cup at a time.
Dough will be sticky.

Transfer to a greased bowl, cover blow with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in bulk.
Life and drop into bowl three to four times.

Grease two 9- by 5 by 3-inch loaf pans and divide dough into two equal portions.
Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in bulk.

Bake in a preheated over at 450 F. for 10 minutes.
Lower oven to 350 F. and bake for anothher 45 minutes, or until bread sounds hollow when tapped withe your finder.

Remove bread immediately from pans and cool on wire racks. Yields 2 loaves.

If you would like to participate or view more recipes please visit our hostess at designsbygollum HERE. Michele it certainly has been so much participating each week in your amazing Foodie Fridays and I look forward to continue participating in the fun. Thank You!

Fortune Cookies...Barney's windows...

2010-02-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

This is such a fun and creative window at Barney's in Las Vegas
to welcome in the Chinese New Year.

It sure would be good fortune to have a zero balance on one's credit bill at Barney's!

History of the Fortune Cookie

The idea of fortune cookies was introduced by Makoto Hagiwara at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, as a refreshment to be taken while strolling the tea garden. The Hagiwara family was not business oriented, and there was never a patent taken out on the fortune cookie in any form (name, rights, cookie itself, or otherwise). This confection is said to be based off of a Japanese food known as tsujiura senbei, which is associated with New Year festivities at Shinto Shrines.

The tsujiura senbei, several generations old, is not sweet like the fortune cookies that were designed to fit American tastes. The novel idea of receiving a fortune in a light senbei cookie is not widely known in Japan. The tsujiura senbei contains a tsujiura (a writing that tells one's fortunes) inside a senbei (Japanese crackers). This senbei is traditionally found in Kyoto.

The origins of the Fortune Cookie as we know it today were laid down by the Chinese 49'ers who worked on the building of the great American railways through the Sierra Nevada into California.

Work was very hard and pleasures were few in isolated camps, those hard workers had only biscuits with happy messages inside, to exchange at the Moon festival instead of traditional cakes with happy messages, and thus the Fortune Cookie was born. This became something of a cottage industry and as the Chinese settled in San Francisco after the railway and the Gold boom the custom continued. Today it is almost impossible to have a Chinese meal in America and Canada without finishing with a Fortune Cookie.

After WWII, a number of Americanized Chinese restaurants copied the idea. Fortune cookies became very popular, served as a dessert after every meal at many restaurants. In addition to a fortune, fortune cookies may also contain lucky numbers (used by some as lottery numbers) and a Chinese phrase with translation.

Although they are served almost exclusively in Chinese restaurants abroad, fortune cookies are almost unknown in China. Places that serve them call them "Genuine American Fortune Cookies."

Outdoor Wednesday...Chinese New Year...

2010-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

To continue with the Chinese New Year celebration I wanted to share the photos that I snapped at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It is outdoor Wednesday but I thought since the weather has been so cold and snowy I could stretch the meaning of outdoors today and take you for a stroll to show you some colorful flowers that are indoors.

As you enter the lobby of the Bellagio Hotel guests are greeted with an amazing display of fresh flowers to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The Bellagio Hotel has a conservatory that changes with the seasons and holidays.
No trip to Las Vegas is complete to me unless I visit the dancing fountains and the conservatory.

I was not disappointed this year when I saw this massive statue of the most powerful God of wealth and fortune who welcomes you into the conservatory.

This folk figure is dressed in the opulent costume of a high official.

Traditionally, his image adorns doors and walls of Chinese homes, bringing prosperity throughout the year.

Yards and yards of beautiful intricate and colorful fabrics are incorporated into the costume of the God of wealth and fortune.

We are greeted by the tiger which represents just one of the zodiac signs.

This mechanical tiger head swivels delighting the young and the old alike.

Bamboo and pretty red and gold bridges adorn the conservatory.

A baby panda bear takes a nap among the colorful flowers.

Pretty lanterns and pagodas welcome us to sit and relax before we journey onto the next part of Chinese New Year tomorrow.

I am sharing these photos at at a southern daydreamer HERE.
Thank you Susan for hosting this fun weekly event and allowing me to fudge the meaning of outdoors this week.

Chinese New Year...Sesame Balls...

2010-02-16T00:02:00.000-08:00

These delicious sesame balls of glutinous rice flour, are filled with sweet red bean paste and rolled in sesame seeds. They are especially popular during the Chinese New Year. What makes sesame balls special is the way they expand during deep-frying. I have to warn you to be careful frying these in hot oil and turn the balls carefully to retain their shape. According to Chinese tradition, this symbolizes the way your luck may expand throughout the New Year.

There are lots of recipes for this treat in cookbooks and they seem to differ slightly. I am still searching for the perfect recipe. If you have the perfect family recipe I would love for you to share it with me.

Chinese New Year...Year of the Tiger...Mosaic Monday

2010-02-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

Click on photo

This Mosaic was assembled from snap shots that I took this month at the
Palazzo Hotel-Resort- Casino in Las Vegas.

I invite you to follow along on my blog all this week as I celebrate the Chinese New Year, the year of the Tiger, with photos, information, and Chinese recipes.

Please visit our hostess Mary at the dear little red house for more Mosaic Monday posts HERE.

Valentine Atlanta Bloggers Tea...Mosaic Monday,Tablescape Thursday, Foodie Friday...

2010-02-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

click on photo to view detail

This past Friday I had so much fun hosting a Valentine tea for all my wonderful blogger friends in the Atlanta area. There was enough delicious food to feed an army of bloggers. New and old bloggers spent the afternoon eating and chatting about their blogging experiences. Your ears were probably ringing since we all agreed that bloggers are the best ever! If you would enjoy an in-depth review of the tea and seeing more photos and the faces of those bloggers who attended please visit Sue at Rue-Mouffetard HERE.

I also want to say thank you to all the bloggers who attended for your help in bringing amazing treats to share and some amazing hostess gifts which were appreciated. You are all the best!

Mosaic Monday is hosted by Mary at little red house HERE. Please share in the fun by adding a mosaic of your own or stopping by and viewing this weeks mosaics.

Please visit Between naps on the porch HE RE Tablescape Thursday.

Please visit designs by Gollum HERE for Foodie Friday.

Please visit bargain hunting with Laurie HERE for the Valentine Party.

Focaccia with Olives and Rosemary...Foodie Friday...

2010-02-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

Focaccia With Olives and Rosemary

This is one of favorite Focaccia recipes. It is a big hit with everyone who tastes this and I never have any to take home. They always request a copy of the recipe. I originally made this for my Cooking Light Cooking group. I have to say that the recipe is quick to prepare but you must allow 3 1/2 hours. The dough needs to rise not once but 3 times.

I have made the following changes to this recipe:

I sprinkle a little Kosher/sea salt on the top.
Blend the reosemary and the olives into the dough so that it does not fall off.
Make sure you use ALL the olive oil in this recipe.
Depending upon your oven temperature you may have to bake this 3-4 minutes less.

The recipe can be found HERE at Epicurious.

To see more delicious recipes please visit our hostess designs by gollum HERE

Vegas...Elvis and Michael Jackson sighting...Outdoor Wednesday...

2010-02-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

Click on photo

And you thought they were gone forever?

Elvis may have left the building but not the streets in
Las Vegas.

Michael Jackson doing his moon walk shuffle on the strip.

The beat goes on!

Sorry to say the National Inquirer was not interested in buying my authentic photo!

For more outdoor Wednesday photos please visit our hostess Susan HERE
at a southern daydreamer.

Vegas here I come...

2010-01-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

I am rolling up my quarters because I am the last of the big time spenders. I am headed out to Vegas to see if I can win enough money to pay for my taxes.
Ain't that the truth?
Gone are the days of winning a few extra dollars to splurge on a new pair of shoes for the baby which now cost so much they would surely break the bank.
I confess that I find Vegas such a religious experience.
I pray to God every time I pull that slot handle.
Oh, if I spot Elvis you can bet that I will post his photo here next week after I sell the photo to the
National Inquirer.

Things that I see that drive me nuts...

2010-01-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

I just read this on someones blog (sorry I forget which blog) that Oprah had a show on what not to do in the car while driving. I honestly can't figure out why so many people drive with one hand and talk on the phone. When I see them texting I really get upset. What in the world is so important that it can't wait for you to turn off your car and then talk or text? I especially go bonkers with the parents who are talking on the phone on the highway and have kids in the car seat. A total disrespect for lives. What are they thinking?

Texting and driving is = to having 8 drinks and driving.

Talking on the cell is = to having 4 drinks and driving.

Am I the only person who thinks this behavior is selfish and insane?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Soup Exchange...Mosaic Monday...

2010-01-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

click on photo

Today is Mosaic Monday hosted HERE by Mary at little red house blogspot. So head on over for more fun photos.

My daughter hosted a soup exchange including homemade breads Sunday afternoon. Each guest was asked to bring three one quart containers of homemade soup of their choice along with a copy of the recipe. One quart for sampling and two for exchange.

After all the tasty soups were sampled each guest picked a number to determine the order in which they would pick a soup to bring home. The last person to pick in the first round was then the first person to pick in the second round. It worked out well for everyone leaving with two different and delicious quarts of homemade soup. The general consensus is that they will definitely do another soup exchange next winter.

Missing socks and belly fat ...

2010-01-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

Why is it that you can never find the one sock of the pair that is lost?

The lost sock never finds the way back no matter how many times you look in the washer, between the sheets, under the bed and on the closet floor.

Poof!
Vanished!
Gone forever into the great sock dimension of all time never to return again!

Why is it that belly fat ALWAYS seems to find it's way back?

No matter how many times you try your best to loose belly fat it finds a way back before you even cut the tags off of your new bathing suit.

It seems to have a GPS system using my belly button to track me as the location site.
I guess I better wait to sign up for those belly dancing lessons.
Do you have the same problems?

Inquiring minds want to know.

"It's complicated"...movie review...

2010-01-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

"It's complicated" staring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin & Steve Martin forms a love triangle that will make you laugh from beginning until the end.

There is the most incredible bakery set along with chocolate croissants and other muffins and pastries to tempt your pallet.

For those who like to decorate you will be treated to an incredible home.

Gardeners will be delighted to view the most amazing garden.

So if you are looking for a comedy to view over this holiday weekend I would suggest you treat a loved one or a good friend along with a bag of popcorn and enjoy this fun movie.

While researching the movie I came across a wonderful blog Cinema Style that describes the sets and has many wonderful set photos. HERE

*WARNING this movie will have you craving chocolate croissants!

Crockpot Porkchops with Sauerkraut and Apples...Foodie Friday...

2010-01-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

My daughter and her husband and Mr. Vundervants are living in our building temporarily until they find a new home to purchase. It certainly has it's perks living so close to Mom & Dad. One of the perks is that you can buy a new cookbook at Cosco and bring it up to Mom's and Mom can be enticed to try a new recipe and cook your dinner. It is ironic that I own the crockpot and now she owns the cookbook. Why do I think my crockpot will be packing up and going to her new home? I certainly do not mind cooking and helping her out while she is teaching special education. The trade off is that I get to see Mr. Vundervants when they come to pick up their dinner. Not that Mr. Vundervants eats any foods other then chicken nuggets or Mac n Cheese. Vegetables are a green item that he thinks only dinosaurs eat.

Pork Chops with Sauerkraut and Apples sounded like a delicious recipe with a brown sugar base and Dijon mustard with sauteed onions. I found the recipe quick and easy and on a scale of 1-10 I would rate it 8. This dish is a comfort type food and best if served with mashed potatoes to soak up all the juices. If you like a meat and fruit combo taste then this is a recipe you may enjoy on a cold winters day. I thought the left overs were even better.

The book contains more then 400 recipes which is a bargain at Cosco for $14.99. My only complaint is the ingredient list is printed in green and the size of the print is small. I wear eyeglasses and found this a bit difficult to read.

Pork Chops with Sauerkraut and Apples

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick but I think you can use a little less)
4 Braeburn apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup light brown sugar
6 one inch loin pork chops (I squeezed 7 chops into the pot)
2 medium sweet onions cut into half moons
One 1-pound bag sauerkraut, rinsed and drained (I used sauerkraut in a jar)
1/2 cup apple juice

Pour half the butter into the insert of a 5-7 quart slow cooker.
Add apples and toss to coat.
Stir the mustard & sugar together in a small bowl and dot the apples with 1/4 cup of the mustard mixture.

Brush the pork chops with remaining mustard mixture & place pork chops over the apples.
Heat remaining butter in a large skillet over medium high heat and add the onions and saute until they begin to turn golden, about 15 minutes.

Add sauerkraut to the onions and stir to combine.
Spread the sauerkraut mixture over the pork and pour in the apple juice.
Cover and cook on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hrs on low for 6-8 hours, until pork is tender and cooked through.

Serve the pork chops with the apples and sauerkraut over mashed potatoes to soak up all the juices.

Makes 6 servings

If you would like to see some more wonderful recipes please visit our hostess designsbygollum HERE

Why am I dancing in my kitchen?

2010-01-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

Why am I doing the happy dance in my kitchen this afternoon?

It certainly is not over the color of my hair which I detest or the big gray/white roots that need a coloring desperately.

It certainly is not the fact that it is still FREEZING here in Atlanta and my heating bill is going to be sky high and I will probably have a stroke from lack of global warming.

It certainly is not about the fact that my nose still has issues with the very young Dr. Doogie Howser ENT.

I am doing the happy dance because I won a giveaway from April Harris at her wonderful blog

21st century housewife HERE.

An oval baking dish by Le Creuset sponsored by Cookware.com HERE.

Now go and have a look at Aprils blog for some fun reading and then onto cookware. com and for some fun shopping.

Now what do you think I should bake in this first?

Perhaps a treat for my hair colorist, or my electric meter reader, or some baby food for Dr. Doogie Howser?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Let The Music Play...Mosaic Monday...

2010-01-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

M U S I C
It's in the genes they say.
You're either born with an ear for music or not. Obviously Mr. Vundervants has the talent and love of music like his Poppi and Mom.

Of course my neighbors in our building probably do not agree because what I thought were hearing aids in their ears turns out to be ear plugs!

For more Mosaic Monday photos please visit Mary HERE

Quick & Easy...Spicy Chicken Soup in a Crock Pot...Foodie Friday.

2010-01-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I often try new recipes posted on other blogger's sites.
This easy Spicy Chicken Soup recipe that can be made in a crock-pot was posted by:

Barbara @ barbarabakes.com Here

Recipe can be found HERE

Barbara has a passion for baking and cooking and I have made several recipes that she has posted in the past. All were delicious. This week with the Artic blast of wind chills of -3 here in Atlanta I wanted a bowl of steaming hot soup so I tried this recipe. I found it so flavorful. I now know why Barbara's friends all ask her to share this recipe. This will be a repeat recipe in our home from now on. Make this soup today and your friends will be asking for the recipe too. The only change I made was to add less chili powder to satisfy my families taste. You can always add more chili powder individually. I made this in a large oval crock pot and it filled to the brim. I was lucky to remember to take a quick a photo of the last bowl...I am telling you it was that good!

If you would like to see more shared recipes please visit our wonderful hostess at:
designsbygollum.blogspot./com

Global warming....bring it on...

2010-01-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Global warming?

Bring it on Al Gore!

I am freezing and need a trip to Miami even if I gained the dreaded holiday weight and my
bathing suit no longer fits.

Honestly I can cope with buying a larger size bathing suit.

I can't cope with these frigid temperatures.

I just need to feel the warmth of the sun on my face and wiggle my toes in the hot sand!

Now the weather person is saying an Artic flash all the way to Miami by this weekend?

Come on Mother Nature get a hot flash!

Anyone else ready to jump on a flight to Miami today?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Outdoor Wednesday...Leonardo da Vinci

2010-01-06T01:09:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we took a tour at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta to see some of the works of Leonardo da Vinci which is on exhibit until Feb. 21st.

The Sforza horse was commissioned for this special exhibit at the High Museum. If you click on the photo you will see me in my pink hat and scarf standing next to this 26 foot massive statue. Ah, I look so teeny tiny next to this magnificent animal.

If you would like to see read & see more information about the Sforza horse please go HERE.

To see other Outdoor Wednesday please visit our wonderful Hostess Susan HERE.

Snow in Georgia...

2010-01-03T05:05:00.000-08:00

Snow in South Georgia?

Not a snowball's chance in Hell!

Temperatures were at the freezing mark of mid 30s this morning so it could be snow.

Let's take a closer look and see what this is.

C O T T O N

A sea of cotton for as far as the eye can see.

A beautiful site.

I had to stop the car and take a few photos to share with you.

I was sad to see the Land For Sale sign.

With so many synthetic fibers and the shmata/textile/garment trade now being manufactured in other countries this sign did not surprise me. It makes me sad to think that farmers have to sell their land resulting in less jobs in the USA.
The fabric of our lives is changing and I hope it is not too late to do something about it.

Georgia ranks 3rd in the production of cotton.

If you would like to know more about cotton in Georgia please go HERE.

Let's ring in the New Year...

2010-01-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

Happy & Healthy New Year
to all my wonderful blog friends!

What is on your wish list this holiday season?

2009-12-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

What is on your wish list this holiday?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Governors Mansion Tour Part III...

2009-12-16T05:08:00.000-08:00

As promised here are the final photos of the Governors mansion holiday tour.

Teddy Bears and Trains set a magical tone for the holiday.

Timeless elegance!

Fresh Fruit and greenery set the tone for the day in the breakfast room.

The bakers were busy baking variates of delicious cookies for each guest.

Recipe can be found at the end of this post.

Gold ornaments and magnificent silver candelabras with attention to detail proudly displayed.

Americana artwork to celebrate the season as you exited the tour.

Butterscotch Meltaways

Ingredients
1 cup butter
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup coconut
1 1/4 cup flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
Red & green candied cherries
Sugar

Directions
Preheat convection oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter & confectioners sugar, add yolk, vanilla and coconut. Sift dry ingredients and add to mixture, just incorporating. Stir in butterscotch chips. Scoop mixture onto sheet pan. Dip the bottom of a drinking glass in sugar, then press cookie down. Put half of a candied cherry on each. Bake 10 - 12 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden.

I am linking this post to the following 3 hostesses.
All named Susan!
Please visit them for more wonderful posts.

Susan on Wednesday

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com Here

&
Susan on Thursday
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com HERE
&
Susan on Monday
http://thoughtsfromovertherainbow.blogspot.com HERE
&
Foodie Friday
http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com HERE

ER... but where was George Clooney?

2009-12-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

Well it all started at 3PM yesterday afternoon when we decided we needed to make a trip to the emergency room.

The sign outside the ER says children are not allowed to enter during the flu season, unless of course they are sick , and also pregnant women. Only one person is allowed to accompany each patient. Masks and hand sanitizer are in full supply for all that enter. It is obvious that the dreaded H1N1 has made its ugly appearance in our city.

There was lots of coughing and honking going on and we sure hope we did not bring any of those mean little germs home with us.
Yikees!

The place was packed. Valet parking was full and the regular parking deck was bursting at the seams. The ambulance docks were full to capacity and they were waiting in line to unload their patients. The place was hopping and bopping. It seemed to be the most happening place in town!

I put on a mask and took a seat in an empty area that had a TV. I mean how lucky could we be to have part of the waiting room all to ourselves. People would walk in and take one look at me with the mask and run. I did not think I looked all that bad in the mask. As I look at the photo now I wonder if they were running from my poor choice of bra! Little did I know that there was the following sign posted right as you walked into this part of the waiting room.

The clock was ticking and the hours were flying and we were going no place. For entertainment they play Brahms Lullaby over the loud speaker each time a baby is born in the hospital and those babies seemed to be flying out of the womb up on the maternity ward. Well, that is one way to stimulate the economy! I could write a book about all the symptoms and bathrobes that were marching in and out of this ER. At 6 PM a representative came out to apologize for the long wait and to assure everyone that they would be seen in a timely manner. I guess he has never read the meaning of the word emergency.

Since I already had the pleasure of meeting with an ENT teenage mutant Dr. last week, who Sue from RueMouffatard.blogspot referred to as Doogie Howser, M.D. (am I getting older or are these doctors getting younger?)

I was sort of hoping to see George Clooney come through the doors to usher us back into the patient area. Now George Clooney could raise anyone's blood pressure. No such luck! Instead we were greeted by a nice female doctor who was sweet and kind and very knowledgeable.

Was the wait worth it? You betcha because this story has a happy ending. Minor health issues with a follow up doctors appointment for the patient. We were in the car on the way home by 10PM. Only 7 hours from start to finish. Makes us wonder just what is going to happen if we have government run health care in the future. If that happens we will be sure to bring a tent to camp out for days instead of hours.

* We are thankful for all the wonderful nurses and doctors who serve in the ER each and every day!

** except for the two photos I took I have no idea who took the other 3 photos but they deserve credit whoever they are.

Happy Hanukkah...Part II Governors holiday mansion tour...

2009-12-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Hanukkah from the Governors Mansion in Georgia.

There was a wonderful display of Jewish art work in the Governors mansion made by the students at the Epstein School here in Atlanta ages preK thru 8th grade.

Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar (which is November-December on the Gregorian calendar). In Hebrew, the word "Hanukkah" means "dedication."

The holiday commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews' 165 B.C.E. victory over the Hellenist Syrians. Antiochus, the Greek King of Syria, outlawed Jewish rituals and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods.

In 168 B.C.E. the Jews' holy Temple was seized and dedicated to the worship of Zeus.

Some Jews were afraid of the Greek soldiers and obeyed them, but most were angry and decided to fight back.

The fighting began in Modiin, a village not far from Jerusalem. A Greek officer and soldiers assembled the villagers, asking them to bow to an idol and eat the flesh of a pig, activities forbidden to Jews. The officer asked Mattathias, a Jewish High Priest, to take part in the ceremony. He refused, and another villager stepped forward and offered to do it instead. Mattathias became outraged, took out his sword and killed the man, then killed the officer. His five sons and the other villagers then attacked and killed the soldiers. Mattathias' family went into hiding in the nearby mountains, where many other Jews who wanted to fight the Greeks joined them. They attacked the Greek soldiers whenever possible.

Judah Maccabee and his soldiers went to the holy Temple, and were saddened that many things were missing or broken, including the golden menorah. They cleaned and repaired the Temple, and when they were finished, they decided to have a big dedication ceremony. For the celebration, the Maccabees wanted to light the menorah. They looked everywhere for oil, and found a small flask that contained only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. This gave them enough time to obtain new oil to keep the menorah lit. Today Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting candles in a menorah every night, thus commemorating the eight-day miracle.

* the above information was provided by History.com

Stay tuned for Part III later this week.

Georgia's Governors Mansion holiday house...

2009-12-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

Governor and Mrs. Sonny Perdue of Atlanta Georgia invite ya'll in for a holiday tour.

Every year I drive past the Georgia Governors Mansion and see this :

I can never understand why my friends tell me to stop and take a holiday tour. The big plastic blow ups on the front lawn are not exactly enticing. Yesterday I decided to swing into the mansion and to see what all the hoopla is about.

Security is strict unlike the fiasco at the White House last week with non-invite social climbing wanna be couple. The tours are FREE, they encourage you to bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots and you need to show your ID to join in the fun.

Come along and take the tour with me.
No need to dress up.
Stay in your PJ's.
Grab a cup of Hot Cocoa and feast your eyes.
Don't forget to click on the photos to see the details.

I opened the front door and immediately entered a world of fantasy.
Each room has a different tree theme.
The theme is different each year.

This lovely angel greets you as you enter the main hallway under the crystal chandelier by the spiral staircase. Live holiday music was playing softly in an adjoining room. The smell of fresh greenery was delightful.

Let's turn right into the main dining room where the theme is Candy Land.

Wonder if you have to pay taxes on this Candy Land House?

Candy land color balls and lots of candy canes go right up to the ceiling on the tree.

Candles and colorful gum drop trees and red bows on chairs just like the game board.

Nutcrackers standing at attention on top of the mantel to guard the table surrounded by candy gumdrop wreaths. I wanted to lick those wreaths!

Talk about a fun Tablescape!

Let's turn up the lights so we can read the cute little candy cane menu.

Gold chargers and lots of gold rimmed plates with lots and lots of crystal stemware and such pretty silverware to adorn the table fit for the Governor and his guests.
This table folds into a small table and the leaves are held underneath and the table just keeps on expanding. There are many helpful volunteers to answer any questions you may have.

What's a meal without a candy land shoppe sitting on the sideboard to make a meal complete?

I hope you enjoyed the Candy Land tour. I have more photos of rooms to share so please stop by later in the week for part II. Please take time and play candy land with someone you love this holiday season. Better yet donate a game to Toys For Tots in your area. Even the Governor had a Toys For Toys display and tree.

I am linking this post to the following 3 hostesses.
All named Susan!
Please visit them for more wonderful posts.

Susan on Wednesday

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com Here

&
Susan on Thursday
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com HERE
If you can think of any other holiday links please let me know.
&
Susan on Monday
http://thoughtsfromovertherainbow.com HERE

Rolo Turtles...

2009-12-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

After my fiasco in the kitchen this week with my KA mixer I thought I should take the Sandra Lee approach to baking in my kitchen today. Take a small waffle shaped pretzel, place a Rolo candy on top with a nut and bake at 350 for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and push the nut down being careful not to burn your finger. Walla! A chocolate turtle. Pop one in your mouth after cooling. Simple and delicious! This is a wonderful treat that your children can help with. If nuts are an issue you can top each candy with a red or green M&M instead.

Mangia!

Heidi wrote the most wonderful heartfelt Christmas story at her blog heidi-heartandhome.blogspot. You can find the story Here. Please visit Heidi today to see her wonderful blog. You will not be disappointed to follow along Heidi's blog.

Italian Evil Eye...Foodie Friday...

2009-12-03T17:20:00.000-08:00

Did you ever hear of the Italian evil eye? Someone put the hex on me and my baking today and gave me major agita (heartburn). It all started when I needed to boil some water and the handle came off of the pot on the stove with the boiling water. Lucky for me I was not burned and only had to mop up boiling water on the stove and counter.

You would think that I would be wise enough to see this as a sign from above warning me not to go into the kitchen and start another project. Not listening to my natural instincts I started the next project of baking oatmeal bread. I put the dough hook on my KitchenAid mixer and hear a very loud clunk and clatter noise. I knew right away it was not St. Nick and his reindeers on my roof. To my horror my KA mixer is doing a violent shimmy across my kitchen counter. I stop the KA and look into the bowl and know that there has to be some sort of metal inside all that bread dough. I reach into the sticky bread dough and pull out the KA round logo button which should sit at the top of my mixer. There is a little knob to keep it tightly in place and I guess it was loose and fell into the mixing bowl. DUH!

I phoned KA service center for help. Now the service center gal tells me to put a dime in one hand and a screw driver in the other hand. Is she kidding me? Do you all happen to keep a dime within reach and a screw driver next to your KA? So I run around finding the requested items. The dime is to be dropped into the clean mixing bowl. Did she not hear me say at the beginning of the call that my bowl was full of dough? So after I cleaned the bowl she patiently proceeded to guide me in making the proper adjustments to my bowl for balance. My dough hook is pretty beat up so I will be ordering a new one. She also had me turn my mixer over to see if all the little feet were attached. At that point I almost dropped the mixer and broke it and almost chipped the granite. They may want to remind you just how heavy that mixer is as I had forgotten. Thankfully it all worked out. I just have to order a new dough hook.

Do you believe that things happen in threes? I sure do. I have told my husband that when he flies back into town tonight he will have to serve me dinner. I am not taking any chances and going back into my kitchen unless he is prepared to watch me have my third disaster of the day. Oh and he needs to stop for some bread preferable one that has no metal parts in it!

You can find the bread recipe HERE but since I never finished the bread I have no idea how it tastes but the recipe did sound so good.

Have you ever had an off day in the kitchen?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Santa has it all over black Friday...

2009-11-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

Santa certainly has it all over black Friday. That is the way it appears at Phipps Mall here in Atlanta, Ga. The holiday frenzy starts mid year with Mothers shopping for the perfect outfit for their little ones to wear for the annual photo with Santa. Here in Atlanta it is a tradition to come to Phipps and have your child photographed with the same Santa every year. The Santa area looks like a modern day movie set with a high price tag.

On Oct.8, 2009 precisely at 12:01 AM the online reservations begin. Weeks before you can find notices on iphones and taped to magnets on refrigerators to reminder Moms and Dads not to miss the opening day of Santa photo registration. Reservations sell out each and every year in record time. I refer to this as a Willy Wonka type of magic ticket lottery. This year my daughter stayed up until midnight along with most of the Moms in Atlanta for a reservation for our little "Mr. Vundervants". Personally I think this is nutty. I mean why just not go to another Mall and see another Santa for FREE?

Let me give you a little history here about little "Mr. Vundervants". For the past two years he has been all dressed in his finest. We blah blah blah about the nice man in the red suit for the entire week prior to our visit. We all take turns reading Santa books and talk the whole nine yards. He then takes one look at Santa and cries. So why would this year be any different? "Mr. Vundervants" has certainly showed off his muscle mass by holding onto his Mom with a death grip that could rival any weight lifter on steroids.

After prying him off of Moms black and blue arms he was placed gingerly upon Santa's knee. Instead of playing jingle bells they should have been playing Cry Me A River. The tears were flowing readily.

The offering of a candy cane from Santa did nothing to make the tears stop flowing. He was up and out of there faster then Prancer and Dancer.

Thank heavens Christmas only comes but once a year!
Do you have an Santa photo memories?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Happy Thanksgiving... save dessert for last...

2009-11-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

Color Carnival at the Atlanta zoo with the birds...

2009-11-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

Click on each photo to view larger

If you would enjoy viewing more colorful photos please visit

Color Carnival HERE

Crusts...are really easy as pie...foodie friday

2009-11-20T11:50:00.001-08:00

I baked pies all week to give to my neighbors. I decided a few years ago that I would bake in the Fall for friends and neighbors which would give me more time to spend with my own family during December. So many people ask me my pie secrets and honestly I do not have any that are out of the norm. I thought I would share the following information with you from allrecipes.com HERE concerning a perfect pie crust. I hope you find it helpful in baking your holiday pies.

Happy Thanksgiving

For more recipes please visit: designsbygollum.blogspot

Elephants don't forget but I sure do...

2009-11-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

Do you find yourself forgetting things? It happens to me all the time. Lately my memory seems to have taken a hiatus. Honestly I do not remember where it went or when it is suppose to return.

I recently purchased a large and bright writstlet to help me find my keys. It has helped me save time trying to remember where I put those keys. Of course I am clueless as to what half these keys actually open.

Do you often write a list of items you need to purchase at the grocery store on those yellow Posty notes and then forget to take the list with you? I now staple the list to the handle of my purse.

I purchased eco green shopping bags to help save the environment. I arrive at the store and either leave the bags at home or in the car. I now hang the bags on the inside of my front door so I do not forget to take them. I drive away hopefully remembering which store has the sale that day.

The coupons I was to bring to the grocery store are usually sitting home all organized on my kitchen counter. I bet if the check out counter service people had a dollar for every time they hear me say I forgot my coupons they could probably retire by now.

Finding the car when I come out of the store is another issue entirely!

Birthday cards are written in time because I write the information down on my calender but I have no clue as to where I put the stamps.

I often forget what I ate for breakfast. When I remember that I am dieting I write it all down to keep track of my calories and dieting points. Some times it is good to forget especially if you eat a piece of cake for breakfast.

Often I forget if I have taken my pills or not. Problem solved. I purchased a little weekly pill box but just where in the world did I put that gizmo?

When someone has changed their blog header photo that just really throws me for a loop. This must be a brand new blogger, although the content sounds familiar. Hum? Don't worry I will never change my header photo as I forgot how to do that too.

Have you opened your pantry or fridge and wondered what in the world you were looking for?
Admit that you have done this more often then you would like to remember.

If you happen to see a lady in Wally World, wearing a dress with a million yellow posty papers stapled to her purse, carrying an eco friendly shopping bag, waiting in line at the pharmacy it is probably me. I am there to pick up my memory pills. Stop and introduce yourself. Don't expect me to remember your name because I am lucky if I can remember my own name these days!

What are some of the things you forget?

Inquiring senior moment minds want to know.

What's your favorite movie...November Writers Challenge...

2009-11-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

I came across Lori's blog family trees may contain nuts and her writers challenge. I enjoyed reading last months challenge and thought I would just jump in and participate in this months theme:

What's your favorite movie?

I fell in love with Cinama Paradiso. It captures the essence of the movie experience in a small Italian town. This is unlike so many small towns in the USA where the movie was the social event on the weekend after a long week of hard work. I hope that when you view this movie it will also bring back some fond memories for you.

My Dad would often share his movie experiences with me. As a young boy he looked forward to the movies with his two brothers. They were each given a nickle. I think the movie was a few pennies and they would have a penny left over for candy. They would line up early in the morning for a good seat. Upon arrival into the theater there would be a piano player playing and the audience was asked to sing along. My Dad said he mostly saw silent black and white cowboy and Indian movies accompanied by piano music. In later years sound was included with the films. Afterwards, everyone would discuss the movie and return home to look forward to the next weeks show.

My Dad use to take me to the movies and I remember the RKO in our town very vividly. The little ticket booth was on the side and you entered onto a long red carpet. The smell of popcorn would hit you as soon as you walked into the lobby. Talk about a Pavlov's dog experience. My mouth would water just waiting to bite into those buttery popped corn kernels. The candy case seemed to stretch on for miles with amazing treats. My Dad would always buy the ice cream bon bons and then give me the box. I use to blow into the end of the box which made a sound like a whistle. The stage in the movie theater was gilded with gold flowers and cherubs. Those long red velvet drapes magically slid open at the beginning of every movie and closed gracefully as the house lights came up. The seats were soft and squeaky. It was so magical to be transported to different countries and see lovely dressed ladies upon that big screen.

Gone are the days of the small town movie theaters. Today there are giant mega movie complexes selling mega sized sodas and chips and hot dogs. No matter what, when the lights go down and the big screen comes up it is still a magical moment.

*Movie contains subtitles
Please go to YouTube to listen to the amazing music score and view movie clips.

Apple Crumb Pie...Foodie Friday

2009-11-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is my all time favorite baking pan to use in Autumn. I purchased this baking dish the first time I was visiting California many years ago. It was my first time ever shopping in a Crate & Barrel in the Stanford Mall. I remember being so impressed by an outside type of Mall with colorful flowers and trees and an outside escalator. Gosh I sound like I had been locked up for years. I was in my glory walking, well running really, up and down the aisles of Crate & Barrel. Pots and pans and kitchen gizmo's gadgets make me so happy. When I spotted this ceramic apple dish I was so excited. I could think of a dozen recipes to bake in this dish. My husband is the type of guy who if I like something he has to buy it for me on the spot. So we purchased the dish. It is quite heavy. We never thought to even have it shipped home. We toted the apple dish from hotel to hotel and from car to car and from airport to airport. Every Autumn I take this dish out of my cabinet and have the most fun baking in it. It brings back fun memories of California and also all the wonderful people who have shared a dessert with us.

Today I wanted to try a new recipe for apple crumb pie. You can find the recipe HERE at allrecipes.com . My house smells wonderful and I bet there will not be any crumbs left on anyone's plate.

If you would like to see more recipes or share your recipe please visit: designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

Happy 3rd Birthday Mr. Vundervants...

2009-11-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

You rock our world little guy!

A salute to Snickerdoodles and our American Heroes...Transcending generations & oceans...foodie Friday...

2009-11-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

Snickerdoodles seem to be one of the cookies that transcends generations. This little cookie has been around forever and is so versatile in taste and texture. It is crisp with just a hint of cinnamon. It appeals to both the elderly and the young. It will continue to delight the pallet long after trends in cookies have come and gone. A classic treat and one that I am sure delights the Cookie Monster in all of us.

Years ago Snickerdoodles were made with Crisco and now some recipes call for butter. Here is my little secret. I make mine with butter flavored Crisco sticks. Why? I need a cookie that I can ship to soldiers in Iraq that will not melt, turn rancid in the extreme heat of 100* weather or crumble. These cookies travel well across oceans in mail trucks, military planes, across a desert and reach the hands of many of US finest men and women who are keeping us safe each and every day.

Packages can average about 2 to 4 weeks depending upon where a military unit is stationed and some times even longer. There seems to be no rhyme or reason. So keeping a home baked good fresh is definitely a challenge. Holiday times can be longer due to the volume of mail. It is important that holiday mail be posted by mid-November.

For the above reasons , I have found that the soldiers have responded in a positive way to the Snickerdoodle cookie. I also add a little question and answer sheet with each box with a self addressed envelope (no return postage needed as military postage is free during deployment). I ask the soldier to check off answers to some of my questions to the condition of the box upon arrival. The overwhelming result is always to send more and 99% of the time they check the cookies arrived fresh and also intact. Recently one soldier wrote to me and said:

" I need your cookies to remind me of home and so that I personally do not crumble".

Perhaps you can find it in your heart to send a letter or a care package to a soldier. There are many wonderful sites out there for you to join during the entire year. I personally am a member of the following sites and have found them to be extremely helpful and supportive of our soldiers.

anysoldier.com

militarymoms.net

adoptaplatoon.org

booksforsoldiers.com

RECIPE can be found HERE

For more foodie recipes and facts please head on over to designsbygollum.blogspot

Halloween Quilts...part III...

2009-10-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

I just wanted to share with you some cute Halloween quilts from the quilt show.

Don't you just love the fun faces and the vibrant colors?

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-10-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

Stone Mountain Georgia GA.Train Ride...Mosaic Monday...

2009-10-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

This is our third time to Stone Mountain Georgia with the little guy so that he can enjoy the train ride and the pumpkin festival. The leaves were just starting to change a bit here and the weather was warm and sunny. There were lots of colorful pumpkins to add some Fall color.

For the past few months our family has been on potty training detail with the little guy. We have all trained each other to promptly get ourselves up every 20 minutes and usher the little prince onto his throne. I have to say that with a whole lot of effort the little prince has finally figured it out. Now if we can only get him to pronounce the word underpants instead of
"VUNDERVANTS".

Today, while taking his photo in the pumpkin patch, for some strange reason he sat on the pumpkins and put on his potty face. We certainly hope he gives up his potty face by the time he poses for his wedding photos in the future!

To view more Mosaic Monday photos please visit our gracious host Mary @ Little Red House HERE.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies....Foodie Friday...

2009-10-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

Please visit our hostess designsbygollum.blogspot.com/ for more delicious seasonal recipes.

To continue on my post from yesterday I wanted to share with you what I baked for the witches All Hollow Eve tea party.

PUMPKIN WHOOPIE PIES

I was looking for a new pumpkin recipe and came across one at Martha Stewart. I wanted to share the recipe this week so that you can bake these moist and tasty treats for Halloween. Matt Lewis was a guest on Martha's show. Matt is one of the owners of Baked Bakery in Brooklyn and also in Charleston, S.C. Please visit Martha Stewart HERE to find the printed recipe along with a step by step video in two parts.

The recipe calls for making 12 whoopie pies. I opted to make them smaller as they are very rich. Do not hold back on the amount of spices the recipe calls for. It sounds like a lot of spice but honestly these little cookies really punch your taste buds with tons of pumpkin flavor. The texture is moist and a cross between a cake and a muffin. It is important for you to leave the finished cookies in the fridge for a few hours so that the flavors can meld together. They even had a bit more flavor the next day. After that I can't say because these little pumpkin whoopie pies never made it past a day in a half at our house.

MANGIA!

*Oh, instead of the witches giving these two thumbs up they gave these two warts up*

Beware of flying monkeys...a fractured tablescape...

2009-10-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

Come in my pretties and park your magic brooms.

You must be tired from flying around the full moon all night.
I invite you to pull up a chair and share a cup of bat wings bubbly brew with me.
Let's pass the cauldron and drink to friendship on this All Hollows Eve.

Let's vote for the Queen of Halloween.
My vote is for the one with the most warts on her nose.
Who are you voting for deary?

Let's turn down the lights and light the candles.
Witches like to help keep the environment green.
Al Gore are you reading this?

Let's start by doing a few tricks before we have our treats.
Let's all twitch ours noses and set the table.

Now that was fast and fun!

Being a witch does have benefits.

What's a witches table without a cute little baby witch?

Way back before witches had GPS systems on their brooms, they had to use the
Field Guide to Monsters to conjure up a meeting with an old beau with a little eye of newt thrown in for good measure.

Every witch has to have some cute Boyds bear decorations on their tables especially a black cat.

I think this little dog has cast his own spell on all the witches
with his photo nestled among the tablescape.

Delicious pumpkin bread is no longer mixed in a a cauldron. Witches are very savvy and use kitchen aid mixers. The recipe can be found HERE. I wrapped the pumpkin breads in tea towels decorated with a big spider ring around the middle for everyone to take home. Honestly you can't expect a witch to live on frogs and toads alone!

Thank you for coming my dearies.

Please remember to beware of those pesky flying monkeys!

Now fly on home but make a stop at Susan's to view other enchanting tablescapes.

*plates are from HomeGoods $2.99 each. Since I can't remember what I ate for breakfast today please do not ask me where the rest of the items came from because I honestly don't remember!

Atlanta botanical gardens scarecrows...outdoor wednesday...

2009-10-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Take a walk with me along the paths in the children's garden at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

I took these photos last fall with my little instant camera.
Click on all photos to see the details.
Each scarecrow has a different theme and some are quite humorous like the crows feet.

Jello...it's not just for kids anymore ...

2009-10-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

While at Wally World I came across a little package of instant pumpkin flavored Jello pudding.
This was a totally new Jello flavor for me.
I made it with skim milk to cut the calories and fat.

DELICIOUS!

I need to go back and stock up as this is probably a seasonal item.

Two NY Theater reviews...

2009-10-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

While visiting NY city this month we decided to take some time for ourselves and take in some Broadway shows.

We headed over to 1/2 price tickets in the heart of Times Square. Every day at certain times they sell half price tickets to the shows. You must go early to get the pick of the most popular plays and musicals. We were hoping to see James Gandolfini in God of Carnage but the tickets were sold out. So we walked over to the theater it was playing in and the only matinee tickets they had for sale were $191 each. Ouch! As much as we enjoy James Gandolfini and the other talented cast members we decided to pass. Unlike Tony Soprano we do not have extra bundles of cash hidden around our home and yard. We will keep it on our list for when we win the lottery.

We ran back and scored two center fourth row seats for Oleanna. The play stars talented Julia Stiles and Bill Pullman. There is no intermission as it is 3 short acts. The actors are very talented but the play itself was very weak. I was like a fidgeting two year old. I wanted out of my seat and I think most people around me felt the same way. The highlight of the show was a very loud ringing cell phone not a prop but rather in the audience. A lady in our row forgot to turn off her cell phone. By the time she fished that cell phone out of her over stuffed purse people were all in a tizzy except the two professional actors who kept plugging along the repetitive lines of the play. I wanted to stand up and applaud her for finding her cell phone and for adding some excitement to my boredom . I had to laugh as I think she actually woke up more then half of the audience. The actress kept repeating the line "I don't understand please tell me what does this mean?" I wanted to stand up and yell back... yes please tell me what all this nonsense means. Please put me out of my misery! To make matters worse, after the show they had a commentator come onto the stage and conduct a question and answer period with the audience to get opinions about "what it all means". It was like being at a book discussion group except in this case I would have put the book down after the first chapter. I kept raising my hand because I wanted to know if it all meant we were going to get our money back.

The next day we went to see the musical Next To Normal. It had good reviews and the title intrigued me. What if I told you it was about a bipolar suicidal housewife, a manic depressive daughter, a guilt ridden husband and a son who is not who he seems to be all singing their hearts out would you take me seriously? Probably not, but honestly it was a totally amazing experience. The talented cast was so alive with voices so pure. The musicians were wonderful and the sets were visually stimulating. It all came together in perfect harmony. I was glued to my seat. One moment I was laughing and the next I was in tears. The young actor in the role of the son was so handsome that my eyes were like a tick on a dog. Ah, if I was only younger I would have stayed at the stage door for hours for an autograph and a photo with him. Needless to say I can't wait to see this again. Thumbs up for a creative script and delightful music!

Have you seen any new shows lately?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Here comes the bride...the battle of the buldge...

2009-10-11T04:45:00.000-07:00

I was MIA as I was in NY for a wedding. My college roommate's beautiful daughter was married on Saturday night on Long Island.

I had been dieting since May for this wedding so that I could fit into my long black dress for this black tie affair. To prepare for battle, or in this case to wear my long black dress, I had to suit up first underneath. Your know what I mean? I had to dive way back into my lingerie drawer for what I call my super gal secrets to help defeat the battle of the bulge. With the help of a whole lot of Spanx and tummy control panels, I was finally able to zip that dress with an inch to spare. Spanx says that when you put them on you want to sing. Well, I certainly sang in a high pitched voice as all my fat rolls were pushed up into my vocal cords. I went from being an alto to a soprano in five seconds flat. I could now sing like a canary and not a fat lady. I also took a giant extra strength Tylenol because all the fat cells pushing up towards my brain cells gave me one huge headache. Gosh for a while there I thought I was having a stroke. I danced the night away with ease without a fat bulge any place in sight unless you count my eyes which were now popping out of my head.

It sure was hard to wiggle out of all that spandex when it was time to use the little girls room. You can certainly get a work out just trying to pull all those garments down, not to mention how hard it was to pull them all back up. Talk about a work out. Why is it that those pantyhose never want to go back up? I finally pulled and wiggled and twisted just like Chubby Checker until I had every single garment back into place. I stepped up to the mirror and guess what I saw? My neck and face were void of wrinkles. All those under garments pushed all my fat rolls into my neck and face and made me look 10 years younger. Wow those Spanx items sure have it all over botox for a whole lot less money. Not a wrinkle to be found. It was a miracle!

My dangling carrot for dieting was to allow myself a piece of wedding cake. I have to say that when you give up cake for a few months they say after the first bite you will be satisfied. Not true! I ate my piece and a few bites of my husbands cake and only then was I was satisfied. It was so intoxicating. After that I remember nothing because the sugar high hit me like a ton of bricks and I was delirious. So delirious that I was hallucinating that I was a sausage in a casing. I ran back to the little girls room one more time and took off all the Spanx and stuffed them into my purse. I have one word to describe the feeling "Relief". Yes, I surendered to the battle of the bulge but just until the next wedding comes around!

Do you have any battle of the bulge secrets?
Inquiring minds want to know.

* I have to say that I really do like Spanx a whole lot better then other products on the market.

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-09-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Flu shot...

2009-09-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

I pulled up my big girl undies this morning and decided to bite the bullet and get my flu shot.

You have no idea how I was pacing and fretting and sweating and working myself up into a complete and utter frenzy!

I felt fine and then the itching started in my arm.

"Oh not a good thing" the nurse said.

She said to go home and take some benedryl.

To think I actually paid money to make myself sick!

* I like to give credit where credit is due.
The photo was a free photo online as I don't have a clothes line.

Quits part 2...

2009-09-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

As promised here are more photos from the quilt show.
Please click on photos to see the detail.

ALL the quilts in the show were works of art and a labor of love.
ALL the participants were winners in my eyes!
I applaud your patience and talent.

The little train that could!

This covered bridge quilt was just amazing!

A partridge in a pear tree!

Today's special is catfish!

Lily pads and coy fish pond reminds me of Hawaii!

I wonder how long it took this quilter to hand quilt this amazing quilt?

Barn party!

It's a small world!

Love the purple with the mixed media!

The early bird catches the worm!

Birds of a feather!

Mixed media with beads!

Van Gogh Black and white quilt!
Incredible!

Lady Liberty!

Java King!
Elvis may have left the building but I think he may be hanging out at your local coffee house!

That's all for today folks!
Remember to scroll back to see Part 1 and also visit Sue at Rue-Mouffetard for more amazing quilt photos.

Farm Chick's Camp Bars are oh so good...

2009-09-25T00:04:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love all the wonderful recipes each Foodie Friday? For more wonderful recipes please visit designsbygollum.blogspot.

The farm chicks have hit one out of the ballpark with their kitchen cookbook. It has wonderful photos, intersting stories and delicious recipes. Put this book on your holiday shopping list for all your friends and family who enjoy cooking and baking. The Camp Bars are totally awesome!

What recipes have you made from this cookbook?

Inquiring minds want to know.

MANGIA!

Quilts...celebrating color and fabric...

2009-09-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

Please click on all photos to see the stitching detail.

What do two bloggers that normally play with wooden spoons do on cloudy September day? Celebrate color by attending the Cobb County quilt fair in Marietta, Georgia. Now I really can't speak for Sue of rue-mouffetard but I am so totally allergic to needles and thread.

As we entered the civic center I started to twitch a bit. So much fabric and thread and sewing machines and pattern books. My head was spinning and I was totally clueless. I was out of my comfort zone. Not a sack of flour to be found only bolts of colorful fabric.

We immediately met a gal who asked if we would like to put on a white glove. Since I only identify white gloves with Michael Jackson I was wondering if Sue and I were going to be asked to be in a dancing video. Sue and I have not tapped danced in years. What a relief to find out the glove is used to turn the quilt to see the stitches on the opposite side. So take a seat and tap your feet and take a ride on the magical quilt tour.

It was like opening a new box of crayons.
Color everywhere!

This cute mini girl quilt was just one of the ones that was offered in the silent auction.

Such a fun and modern take on a tea theme.

Peaches for Peachtree street in Atlanta.

This was a very large quilt and I found it very refreshing and fun to view
with little buttons sewed on to give it an extra bit of character.

This is just a small portion of this quilt with a China theme.
Amazing!

If I could have one quilt from the day this would be the one.

It was a large quilt with an ocean theme and made me feel so cool and relaxed.

Cute sewing baskets for sale with the perfect place to hang your spools of thread.

Small quilts of varying shapes and sizes for the silent auction.

Every little boy would love to snuggle under this pirate quilt and dream about treasures!

Garden of colors.

Rain showers!

How ironic that the Civic Center held quilts last week and this week
is holding cots for those who lost their homes in the floods

here in Georgia.
Please pray for the flood victims.

If you would like to see more quilts please visit Sue as she has not one but two quilt posts on her blog this week. I will be sharing more quilt
photos soon.

Sue
Sue & I had fun dualing with our cameras!

It's a rainy night in Georgia...

2009-09-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a winner...

2009-09-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

I was the lucky recipient of this Gooseberry cookbook from Barb of Bella Vista's giveaway. I can't wait to bake a new Autumn recipe. Pumpkin and Sausage Penne sounds wonderful for family gatherings and so does Pumpkin Bread Pudding. All the recipes sound delicious and easy. I will be playing with FLOUR for sure this week and I promise to post back with photos and a review of the recipe I try. Thank you again Barb for this delightful giveaway.

Autumn Press Cookies...Foodie Friday

2009-09-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

What does a person do when their A/C is not working and the repairmen are here for the next four hours? Bake of course and think cool thoughts. I bake for the troops. Since temperatures are still so hot in Iraq (120*), and these cookies are perishable in the heat, I am sending these to Afghanistan where the weather in the mountains is a bit cooler. Later this month I will post just how you can help our troops feel closer to home.

Snowflakes

1 cup shortening
1 3-oz. package of cream cheese
1 cup of sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream shortening and cream cheese. Gradually add sugar and continue creaming.
Beat in egg yolk, vanilla and orange rind.
Sift flour with salt and cinnamon.
Add to creamed mixture.
Fill cookie press.
Shape cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Decorate with colored sugar.
Bake 350 for 12-15 minutes.
Cool on wire rack.

For more FF recipes please go HERE

Mangia!