April 23, 2011

Orange Poppy Scones

Have you already figured out what to make for Easter? I still haven’t a clue! What I DO know is that I’ll be taking a few of these flaky Orange Poppy Scones out of the freezer early tomorrow morning & popping them into the oven so we can start our Easter day off RIGHT! These buttery scones are infiltrated with the most addictive poppy seed crunch and are delicately perfumed by fresh, bright orange zest. Doesn’t that just scream EASTER??!! Yeah, that’s what I thought. I’m glad I saved a few for the special occasion. Way to go, me.

Now…tell me what you’re making for Easter. I need ideas. Like…QUICK.

Photography, Uncategorized

April 22, 2011

365- Week 15

A food related photo everyday until 2012. Here’s week 15:

111/365 During nap time today.

recipes, Uncategorized

April 21, 2011

Berry Studded Baked Oatmeal

I already have 3 food related posts in my queue, but somehow I feel this great sense of urgency to share with you what I ate for breakfast this morning! Those posts will have to wait because you have breakfast to make this coming weekend and you’lll WANT to make this, no doubt. Let me start by saying that I almost NEVER make oatmeal and I’m not really sure why! My husband, who is a total oatmeal lover, gets the short end of the stick on this one. He’s been away for work for the past few days and I thought it would be nice to welcome him back with something warm, sweet & tasty for breakfast this morning. You know…to make him realize how good he’s got it at home! And yes…he already KNOWS this! After he finished the big bowl I served him, he said “This was excellent. I really loved it!” And that, my friends is reason enough to make this. Your favorite oatmeal loving person will be happy and that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you make something JUST right for someone special? That’s nothing BUT love!

So, what does it taste like? Think rice pudding meets bread pudding meets berry cobbler meets oatmeal mixed with tart berries and sweet gooey bananas. Also, can we say how EASY it is? Line fruit on the bottom of a baking dish, add oats, then milk, top with more fruits & nuts and bake. I think this is going to be one of those recipes that becomes an improvisational staple at my house. Just thinking of the potential flavor combos has me excited! Ooh! What about crystallized ginger, honey & almonds? What about something savory with bacon, maple syrup & bananas?! I told you I was excited…
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around the home, recipes, Uncategorized

April 19, 2011

#5. Have a Nacho Party!

You know what’s dangerous? Figuring out that it’s super EASY to make your own Nacho Cheese Sauce. This kind of information can be really helpful if you want to host a Nacho Party! Knowing how to make your own nacho cheese is not helpful when you plan on wearing a bathing suit soon. If you find yourself making a batch and suddenly you’re sitting on the couch watching Housewives shows on Bravo with nothing but the pot & a spoon, STOP YOURSELF! This activity, although incredibly tempting, is exactly why you are not currently bathing suit ready, Tracy.

There are only three people who know how long ago this Nacho Party happened. Hey 3 people, let’s not tell the internet how behind I am in posting this! If you can keep the date tight lipped, I’ll feed you more nachos. From what I remember, you three DEMOLISHED your nachos, which only leads me to believe you do not want me to revoke your nacho privileges. How’s that for a threat??

BTW, we can cross off another thing from my 31 comes before 32 list #5. Have a Nacho Party!! And hot DANG they were good! If you find yourself with any leftover cheese (not possible!) pour some over a baked potato and add some steamed broccoli on top!
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around the home, Uncategorized

April 18, 2011

#29. Grow some lettuce!

Working on another item from my 31 comes before 32 list! #29. GROW SOME LETTUCE!

So here’s what I’ve got growing in our galvanized steel trough! Herbs & lettuce! I already know I’m going to add some basil to the mix. I’m thinking of ripping out the parsley because it’s not doing well since I transported it. Still trying to figure out if I’m going to grown some tomatoes this year…..hmm.
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out & about, Uncategorized, wine

April 17, 2011

Our Sunday Adventure!

We wanted to do something different today…something that would take up a large chunk of the day and take advantage of the beautiful weather we’ve been having in the Bay Area. Casey suggested we go to Roaring Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The last time he went was on a field trip as a kid! Cooper and I were totally down to ride a steam engine train! Here’s what we saw:
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