Book Club

Company at my home tonight! This book was so good! What is even better is enjoying the company of my closest pals once a month. We keep saying we need to get together more than that, however; time, time, time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin into the future. Wow, did i just date myself or what??? On the appetizer menu tonight:

Cheese and Crackers
Bacon Wrapped Water chestnuts
Crab dip w/Crackers
Deviled Eggs (thanks to my dad, he makes the best!)
Franks RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip (new recipe, i LOVE Franks)
Lemon Bars w/fresh Raspberries & dusted w/ powdered sugar
Beer, Wine, and Strawberry Sangria's (thanks Amber, you're a life saver!)

Our club is pretty laid back. If you don't read the book you are still allowed to come. Basically, its an excuse to get together and do the girlfriend thing. I know i can count on any one of these women at anytime. All i have to do is pick up the phone. They would be there. Period. I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing group of women.

Hippity Hoppity

Easter's on his way! Jelly Bean anyone???

Eat Your Carrots

I don't know why, but it started last spring. I fell for carrots. I love them fresh from the garden, and cooked with a little butter and brown sugar; yummo! And they are just the cutest thing to decorate with!

I found this little candy dish at my local Hallmark store and had to have it. After all, its not like there are a bazillion "carrot" things out there to collect and decorate with. It makes the thrill of the hunt even sweeter when i find something. Help yourself to some bunny treats!

Here are a few other finds. The platter i just like to display on it's side in my hutch. The gardener teapot guy is actually a set i purchased many years ago in a small shop in Montana. i will have to show you Mr. Gardener teapot guy's better half sometime.

One of Those Days...

Today i got up and cleaned the kitchen, fed the dogs and cat. Then i vacuumed, dusted, swept, and took out the garbage. I then cleaned the bathroom, ran errands, paid bills and stopped at the store for dinner supplies. Finally got around to a couple loads of laundry. It's going to get to 50 degrees here today! So, i dutifully hung the towels out on the line. There is absolutely NOTHING, and i mean NOTHING like the fresh scent of items dried outside. I do have a huge sense of accomplishment, however i get the feeling when everyone arrives home tonight i will hear "So, what did you do today?"

Beautiful Flowers

When i got home from my business trip on Thursday evening this brilliant little bouquet greeted me. It was from my wonderful daughter. What a bright spot to a long day! Thank you, thank you! I love flowers! Any flowers, any shape, size, or color! I used to have favorites. I would see pink peonies and think "They are the best!". Then i would find variegated geraniums and respond "Oh, i really like those!". Then what to my wondering eyes should appear? Springtime Lilacs!! Now, those are the bees knees! But what about beautiful roses? Yes, i love them all.

Aren't they lovely? What are your favorite flowers?

Dinner's Ready!

I made the best new recipe last night! Talk about absolutely yummyoscrupdillyitious. Yes, that is a word in my vocabulary. As i am not very experienced with cooking salmon, you can imagine my great delight when the Mr. and i sat down to eat and it was ever so good! I paired it with a simple macaroni salad and wa-la! The kids ate, but without much comment (as 2 teenagers, they could have cared less that they were eating the best ever Seared Salmon with Balsamic Glaze). I will share the recipe with you below.

One note: not sure if i was supposed to be drinking a Merlot with this or not. However; i had it, and i like it, therefore i drank it. Second note: i would double the glaze in the recipe below, soooo yummy! Third (and i promise last) note: Don't overcook the salmon or it will be dry!

Seared Salmon with Balsamic Glaze

1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
1/4 c. orange juice
2 Tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 skin on salmon fillets
2 Tablespoons butter
salt and pepper

Whisk vinegar, honey and orange juice together, set aside. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper and cook skin side up without moving till sell browned about 4-5 min. Flip salmon skin side down and cook till all but the very center is opaque, approx 2-3 min. Transfer to platter and cover with foil. Wipe pan out with paper towel and lower heat. Carefully pour balsamic mixture into pan. Simmer until thick and syrupy, about 5 min. Whisk in butter and pour over salmon. Enjoy with whatever wine you like or have on hand!!!

Book Nook

Here are just a few of my favorite books. I love books. I mean LUUUVVV them! i like to buy most at Amazon, but from the "used" section to save money (of course, why would you pay more if you don't have too???) As you can see, a couple of my girls are vigilantly guarding them. My absolute faves? Anything by Tracy Porter, and anything by Mary Jane Butters. Get them if you don't have them, they are WONDERFUL!