salsa

Today is my day off and so with that in mind, I decided to make salsa. Gordon is so very happy!!! While he was having breakfast with the guys, I picked, washed and peeled the tomatoes. I had him stop at the grocery store to get some pint jars! I have used up all my pints making hot pepper jelly! Yes, I do work at the store and yes, I forgot to pick up more jars, so Gordon got them for me and away we go with making salsa! Blessings!

"the cake"

I have had 3 requests for the "Chocolate Zucchini Cake" recipe, so since Kurt is here I made him one for his birthday bash tonight! It looks so yummy!! Recipe: 3/4 cup of oil, 1 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 cups grated zucchini, 1 1/2 cups of flour, 5 Tablespoons of cocoa, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. of cinnamon. Mix in mixer, add topping to raw batter( 3 Tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2cup of choc.chips(I add more and with this cake I used the chips that are dark choc and mint). Bake in greased 9 x13 pan at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes. It's so good! Blessings!!!

garage sale

Well, our plans changed yesterday and Kurt/ grandgirls came up for the weekend! So, the 3 girls and I went garage sale shopping. I gave them new purses(used from a friend, thank you Mary) and some money, they were set! They got stuffed animals and some little dolls! I, on the other hand, bought some old tablecloths! I love old cloths because they remind me of my childhood, the dinners with friends and family my parents would have! I also managed to get to our local farmers market for some beautiful flowers! Blessings! PS I will post tomorrow the "zucchini cake"

with pics!!!

birthday

Our son turns 35 today! I have been asking myself for 2 weeks "how did that happen???" I feel for the most part only 35,(quit laughing), so how is it that I have a child who is 35?? Time does march by so fast! We will be seeing him this weekend at the Anoka Gamefair, where I am planning on bringing a cake and the rest of his gifts with us! His favorite cake is "Chocolate Zucchini cake" with the crunchy topping! He also loves carrot cake, but since it's summer and zucchini is around, that's what I am making! Happy Birthday, Kurt! We love you and are so proud of you! You are a great son! Blessings!!

savory bread

I saw this beautiful loaf of cheese and savory bread in Dorie's cookbook. I said to Gordon "isn't that a pretty picture of this bread?" He said"sure", not really paying attention(like normal), so I decided to make it tonight!

(Top photo is mine. It looks close and smells heavenly! Sorry that my photos isn't so clear, but the other on is from the book!)


It has a very distinct flavor because of the cheddar cheese I used, it's both grated and cubed! Recipe: 1 3/4 cups of flour, 3 eggs, 1/3 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 1 cup of grated white cheddar or Gruyere cheese, 2 oz. of white cheddar or Gruyere, 1/4 cup of fresh chives/ Mix eggs, milk, and oil, add the flour, baking powder. I, at this point had the cheese grated and cubed in another bowl(huge one) and added the batter to this bowl for easy mixing. Bake at 350 for 35 to 45 minutes, I bake mine for 40. I also used a tin foil pan a little smaller than a regular size loaf. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing! Enjoy with a cup of tea, fruit and more cheese! Blessings!

cooking with Dorie

So, this week's cooking with Dorie Greenspan is from page 342 in "Around my French Table". It's slow roasted tomatoes, which I made on Sunday before I joined the group! So the picture is from the book!

They were so wonderful! A very unique taste, I like to add them to spaghetti noodles with some basil leaves cut up and parm cheese! I will make them again and take photos! YUM! Blessings!

cookbook

I bought myself a new cookbook! Are you surprised?? Why??? You all know I love me some cookbooks! Anyway, it's a beautiful book and then I joined the website which features recipes out of the book that I can cook along with the group! WOW, what fun!!! So, check it out by Dorie Greenspan "Around my French Table."

I will post when I cook with the book and do a short review of the recipe! Blessings!