The Moon (St.Thomas & St. John)

My Friends

The day before Audrey and her parents left, we went to Lepak's house for a mini Enge reunion. We all sat outside enjoying the fall evening under the stars and filling our bellies with yummy food! (Still need pictures of Audrey's parents)
Chowing down!

The folks

Mom and I

Cloud 9

Today Audrey left to go back to Washington to finish up school. She has been living at our house for the past month. We all had an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G time! Her parents came the last week to be at our convention for the weekend and to get acquainted. What a lovely family so far!

Almond Apple Tart

While my little nanny boy was napping, I was looking through cookbooks and came across a good looking recipe. This recipe actually calls for pears and not apples, but with so many locally farmed apples around the house, I decided to try apples instead. Dad and mom are taking the tart to Jarvis and Audrey's (visiting for a month) for dessert tonight. I'll be able to know how good the new recipe went over depending on if they bring any back! Enjoy this easy tart!

Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
3/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar, divided
3 tablespoons flour
4 cups thinly sliced apples (about 4)
3 tablespoons sliced almonds

Roll out pastry into a 10 inch circle. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar and flour; add apples and toss to coat. Place in center of pastry; spread to within 2 inches of edges. Fold edges up and slightly crimp. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes or until apples are tender. Sprinkle with almonds and bake another 5 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting into wedges.

The Colors of Fall

Dear Wisconsin,
You are such a fun-filled, breath taking state. I call this my land, and so my memories will be kept alive. I am going to miss you terribly, but I will be back! You will forever remain in my heart.
Love, a very loyal Wisconsinite

OOoohh.... Just the beginning of Fall!

I am in love with my new Dana Buchman's! My lucky day shopping with mom; the one who encourages me to save, but to try shoes on....and then buys them for me :)

Blake and Betty's Wedding

Yesterday we went to another pretty Milwaukee field wedding. The shock and reality of my own wedding coming up in less than a month is definitely taking place. If you don't see any butterflies outside, it's because they are all in my stomach! People continue to ask me if I'm nervous.....of course I'm not nervous! Why be nervous if this is something I feel so sure about?! I am anxious though and can't wait to marry my best friend!

Ceremony setting

the pretty tent



the kiss
Anders and Joyce

Curtis and Eliza's Wedding

The beautiful couple at their beautiful wedding. Congratulations Curtis and Eliza!

Ceremony setting at Howard and Sharon Jensen's house

the beautiful, fun and festive tent

Eliza and her dad

Eliza's mom

Howard and Sharon Jensen

and of course....the kiss!

Getting In The Fall Mood

(This is the only recipe I have not tried on my blog. It sounds good and looks festive! If anyone tries it, be sure to let me know!)
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Dumplings:
2 cups flour
2 tea baking powder
1 tea salt
2/3 cup chilled butter
1/2 2% milk
4 medium baking apples such as Rome, Ida Red or Cortland
6 tab sugar, divided
1 1/2 tab cinnamon
1/2 tea nutmeg
1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 tea cinnamon
1/3 tea nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375. To prepare dumplings, combine flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter. Pour in milk and stir to form a dough. Add more flour if needed to make dough less sticky. Do not overwork. Divide dough in half. Roll out one half on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into two 6 inch squares. Cut off top and bottoms of each apple to flatten. Rinse in cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix together 4 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place 1 apple in center of each dough square. Fill cores with cranberries and a little sugar mixture. Generously sprinkle half the remaining sugar mixture on apples. Moisten the edges of pastry square with a finger dipped in cool water and bring corners together at the top of the apple. Press edges together to seal and pinch together any tears in the dough around the apple. Repeat with remaining dough and apples. Place all four dumplings in a baking dish, 1 inch apart, and decorate with cut outs made from leftover dough. Combine syrup ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then remove from heat to cool slightly. Pour around dumplings and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake 45 minutes until apples are tender and pastry is nicely browned. If pastry is browning too quickly, place foil over the top for the final 10-15 minutes of baking.
Per serving: 0 calories, 0gm fat, 0mg chol, 8g prot :)

Our Little Southern Belle

I was in South Carolina visiting a very fine, happy family! Amber and I had enjoyed many shopping trips in Columbia, visiting papa on the job site, walking down the road to the lake, and of course, baking up a storm everyday! Sierra is a little doll, and I can hardly wait to see her again in a month! Thanks again Amber and Loren for everything!

Lucky Auntie Rachel holding Sierra, the southern belle


always have to snap a picture of a few of Loren and Amber's chickens


Sierra always sleeps with her arms up like her mama


She makes the cutest facial expressions. Very amusing to me! She laughs and smiles a lot in her sleep. (Must be thinking of auntie :))


happy family (chief is missing)


Lesa and Evy adore Sierra


Chief.... aka:the watchdog


She just loves her bath, but usually falls right asleep


All bundled up and smelling mighty fine


I love them all!!!

a sweet tooth

I have been playing nanny, housekeeper and of course chef and loving every minute of it! Everyday it seems like I've been making something chocolate to cure Amber's sweet tooth. She asked for mocha torte; a recipe that has been in the family forever. Every chocolate and coffee craving person will die for a bite of this moist, melt in your mouth cake.


Mocha Torte

Ingredients:
4 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
4 T cold stong coffee
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
4 egg whites, beaten

Beat egg whites till stiff. Put aside. Mix yolks and sugar and beat. Add the coffee and beat some more. Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in egg whites. Grease 2 8" round cake pans. Bake at 350 for 14 minutes. When done baking, place cakes on cookie sheet to completely cool. Slice each layer in half.

Filling and frosting:
1/2 cup butter
3 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon instant dry coffee
1 T cocoa powder
8 oz cool whip

Beat the butter and egg yolks. Sift together remaining dry ingredients and beat in. Fold in cool whip.

Spread in between layers and on top of cake. Serve immediately and savor each bite of this delicious cake!

Visit from Grandpa and Grandma

Pretty Black-eyed Susans

One of the many sunflowers that the squirrels planted

Grandpa and Grandma Jelinek

Cloud 9

I just took a short trip to Idaho to get some last-minute wedding details wrapped up. One big accomplishment was engagement photos, courtesy of Cody's sister, Jessica. She did such an amazing job considering the weather so thanks again Jess!

This guy has got me walking on the moon!

Chocolate Chip Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

What do you know....I'm back in the kitchen baking. Oops, I know I'm not supposed to be baking till AFTER the wedding, but relatives are here and need something sweet to eat with their blackened coffee. I added a twist to the original chocolate chip oatmeal cookies by throwing in some cherries.

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
* 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
* 1/3 cup granulated sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup quick-cooking oats (not instant)
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 1/2 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp cinnamon
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 tsp vanilla
* 1 3/4 cup chocolate chips
* 1 cup mar. cherries, diced

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375°F

2. In large bowl, beat butter and both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg until creamy. Add the vanilla.

3. In medium bowl, mix flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir into butter mixture. Add the milk. Stir in milk chocolate chips and cherries.

4. Drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. (if you're like me and like to serve them soft, take them out when they are still a little bit doughy and leave sitting on the hot sheet a few minutes)

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Sunday

Pictures before union meeting with my Grandpa and Grandma Jelinek and Uncle Stan. I love them here!!

The Outdoors

The 2-week live-in landscaper (Uncle Stan)

Grandpa and Grandma picking dad's blueberries

Mom picking gammis to make jam



this hideous tree is obviously where the deer feed

the front walkway

bottle rockets

words

I have to say I am especially excited to make a house a home no matter where we end up living. Painting walls, decorating and moving furniture around add personal touches to a room. Some things I can't wait to finally do!

Estee Lauder

So I've learned that swiping a credit card (uh uhhh...or mom's) for a total of $$$ is totally worth it! Our skin is the largest organ on our body and also the most noticeable so why not pamper our skin? My friend Robin, the manager at Estee Lauder in Macy's, got me acquainted with products that leave your skin feeling fresh. Go see for yourself :)


This product is magic......that's why it has 20 patents on it!

Sunday Afternoon

Today I came home from gospel meeting and was in the mood for baking. Roxy requested that it be something with chocolate. Mom is telling me to stop baking (I think until after the wedding) so I think I won't be posting anymore recipes for awhile :(

Brownies
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
With these cake-like brownies, you can whip up a frosting or just sprinkle powdered sugar on top for decoration.

Preparation:
Grease and flour a 9x13x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350°.
In a mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa. Add dry mixture to the first mixture, stirring until blended. Spread in prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pan on rack.

Blueberry Pie

This morning Roxy and I went out to the backyard and picked blueberries. The dogs also kept us company..... had no idea dogs loved blueberries until Bink and Riley started eating them off the branches! We already have enough to make 2 pies and there's more to come so I decided to make a fresh blueberry pie for tomorrow.

Fresh Blueberry Pie (Susie Ramsden's Recipe)

4 cups blueberries (divided)
5 T water (divided)
juice of 1 lemon
3/4 cup sugar
3 T cornstarch
1 9" baked pie crust (I made a graham cracker crust instead)
whipped cream
mint leaves

Measure 1 cup blueberries, 2 Tablespoons water, lemon juice, and sugar into a pan. Heat to boiling and stir 3 minutes. Blend cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water till smooth. Stir into the blueberry mixture and bring to a boil. Heat and stir till thick and clear. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 3 cups of blueberries. Pour into cooled pie crust. Chill till set. Serve with whipped cream and garnish with extra blueberries and mint leaves.

Honeymoon: Check

Our tickets are purchased!! After spending hours deciding what country to travel to, we finally decided on St.Thomas. THEN, after spending hours online looking at resorts, we instantly knew it was going to be the Fisherman's Reef&Morning Star Marriott. Hopefully these pictures aren't cropped to perfection..... I'll have to find out for myself and take my own pictures.




The closest town is a quick 15 minute ferry ride to Frenchtown, where they only speak Creole.

Seasons

One of my favorite seasons in Wisconsin is the Firefly season! I especially love the evenings when the fireflies come out and shine their lights. It's literally like glitter glistening in the backyard.

We call her "Little Purcy"

Mom and Dad are in South Carolina visiting Loren, Amber and "little Purcy." She's a fireball with smokin red hair! WHOOOO HOOOOO!! I hope she doesn't keep growing so when I make it there, I can still hold a small, warm bundle!

Wedding Details

What I love about weddings............DETAILS! It's the slightest 'details' that makes weddings feel so personal. The "big" stuff is finally complete which included tent rental, catering, bridesmaids dresses ordered and my wedding gown ordered.

The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them.

"the best things in life aren't things"





It started as an ordinary day..... or so I thought! We left Boise at 6:30 am and headed up to McCall. It was such a beautiful drive up listening to U2 and watching the steam rise from the river. We had breakfast at the Pancake House before walking around Lake Cascade. Then of course, we broke the rules and walked out on a private dock. So still, calm and peaceful then WHAM.....Cody drops down on one knee and pops the question! (an abundance of emotions going on right now) Afterward, we walked to the rock shop. Sorry ladies....... I think I've got the biggest rock :) A few hours later I for once, HAPPILY headed back to Wisconsin to plan a wedding!

I'm an Aunt!!

Such good news!! I can't wait to meet my sweet southern Bella, Sierra Mae Purcell. (19 in and weighs 7lbs and 3oz)

Proud Papa

she has "lips of an angel"

and of course.....Proud mama

"awwwww...."

Dressing Anthro Style

One of the most unique stores out there is Anthropologie. It also happens to be my favorite :)

a day off...

Today I didn't have to work, so when I woke up I got right down to it all. I came downstairs and made chocolate chip cookies (partly because I felt bad about destroying the cookies I made the other day but mostly because I love to start the day with something in the oven) and sour cream coffee cake. With that done, Roxy and I took a 7 mile "hilly" bike ride. This month I'm splurging and buying me a mountain bike. Not that there are any mountains in Wisconsin, but there are lots of beautiful beach trails, lake trails, and forest trails.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake (very MOIST!)

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 cups flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup raisins
Topping:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 TBSP flour
1 tsp cinnamon
2 TBSP butter

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Sift flour again with baking powder, soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Sprinkle raisins over the top and stir in. spread mixture in a greased baking pan (13x9x2... I like to use a cheesecake pan). Sprinkle with topping, made as follows: Combine the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon; mix together; cut in butter until the consistency of corn meal. Bake at 350F (or 325F for a glass pan) about 30 minutes until test done. Serve either warm or cold.

Cookie Craving

So yesterday night Roxy made a deal with me; I make her cookies and she cleans the kitchen. Deal! I instantly start flipping through new cookbooks to find a recipe. Hmm, no chocolate chips in the house, but we do have cocoa powder. The recipe is for Chewy Chocolate Cookies. The recipe was quite simple and fast, but Roxy's kitchen cooking skills is maybe rubbing off on me a bit because instead of putting 2 1/2 cups of confectioners sugar in, I put 2 1/2 cups of white sugar. Lets put it this way, the cookies made for a good laugh and sad to say, nobody's cookie craving was satisfied.

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

4 egg whites
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee/espresso granules
1 Tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 350F. In a bowl, mix the eggs whites with an electric mixer until frothy. Sift together flour, cocoa, sugar and instant coffee. Add the dry mixture to the egg white. Mix and then add the water. Place wax paper on each baking pan and grease. Place spoonfuls of cookie mix on baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake 12-15 minutes.

Spritz

Sexy Little Things Noir™ Eau de Parfum

At once elegant and provocative, it's an enchanting blend of sparkling nectarine, sultry amber and exotic cattelaya orchid. Domestic.
Fragrance type: fruity floral

Summer Reads

I've read all of my favorite author's books so I'm always anxious to discover new authors. I find it difficult and hate the task of finding new authors that I really appreciate. I'm not picky about a lot of things, but the amount of time I put into a book makes me a picky book finder! My all-time favorite readers are bone-chilling books with a (slight) twist of romance (and only when someone is in the house with me :) What do I consider a good book? A book that keeps me up till the sun starts rising.... a book that goes on breaks with me at work....a book that stays in my purse just in case the lady at the register in front of me is doing a return....a book that takes rides with me in my car because this particular stoplight on the intersection of HWY 60 and N.Port Washington Rd takes a minimum of 5 minutes before turning green....a book that goes to the beach with me.....a book that goes to the bathroom with me.... HAHAHa only kidding!!

Cold Feet
Just when you think you know someone...
Seattle police suspect Madison Lieberman's father was the serial killer they call the "Sandpoint Strangler." Madison refuses to believe it. Her father is now dead, and all she wants is the chance to create a new life for herself and her six-year-old child. Then she discovers something in the crawl space beneath her parents' house. Something that makes her question her father's innocence. Or the innocence of someone else who's equally close to her...
**Christy-READ THIS BOOK :) :)**

The boys...

Before I left for work, my little nanny boy came over to play with the dogs. Afterward, we dropped Bink off at the groomers, went through McDonald's drive-thru for a happy meal and had lunch at the park. What a happy day! (that's of course before I got pulled over by a deputy!)

Quick Summer Pasta

Being Italian, my eyes are always on the look-out for new pasta dishes. The herbs I have growing in the pots are overflowing so I'm bound to start using them! I love this recipe because the ingredients are always on hand at our house.

Penne with Eggplant, Thyme and Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
6 ounces dried penne pasta
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 pound white eggplant (trimmed and cut into bite sized pieces)
2 Tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (fresh basil, parsley, oregano is also great)
2 Tablespoons crumbled goat cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Meanwhile, heat oil in skillet and add eggplant, tomatoes and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, until eggplant is browned, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and salt; cook and stir until eggplant is almost cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add wine and herbs; reduce heat and simmer until only a few tablespoons of liquid remain, about 10 minutes. Add pasta to skillet with eggplant mixtures; cook 2 minutes. Spoon into pasta bowls and top with goat cheese.

Lemonz

ONE of the things I miss most about living with Julie, is snitching the edges of leftover lemon bar on the pan. A great recipe for all of those citrus/lemonz lovers!!
Lemon Bars

Ingredients:
* 2 sticks (8 ounces) butter
* 2 cups flour
* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
* 4 beaten eggs
* 2 cups sugar
* 4 tablespoons flour
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
* sifted confectioners' sugar

Preparation:
Heat oven to 325°. Blend butter, 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar. Pat into ungreased 13x9x2-inch pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. For filling, blend together eggs, sugar, 4 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, and lemon peel. Pour over first layer. Return to oven and bake at 325° for 20 minutes. Loosen around edges, cut into bars and sift confectioners' sugar over the top while warm.

Beer Bread

This morning I tried another new recipe. Very easy and quick, but you're going to want to send someone else to get the groceries. My little nanny boy says "Rachel, can I have some more booze bread?"


INGREDIENTS:
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
3 cups self-rising flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and flour. Add beer and mix with a spoon, about 20-30 seconds. Very important not to overmix! Dough will be sticky. Pour into a 9 x 5 inch greased loaf pan. Pour the melted butter over the dough and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. The top will be crunchy, and the insides will be soft. Serve topped with butter or cheese spread. You can also add seasoning. Accompany with soup or any hearty meal.

Ballard Designs

Great ideas for the home.... the home that I don't have :) -also a website-

Roxy in the Kitchen

Below are pictures of what happens when you find Roxy in the kitchen. Should be chocolate chip cookies; what they are.... see through chocolate pancakes! The next day we had some company over at our house, and one of the guests asked her for the recipe. HAhaha that definitely drew laughter from me! It's actually quite simple, leave out 2 cups of flour :) Dad told her to throw them out for the birds, but they wouldn't even eat them. Not everyone is cut out for the kitchen: THAT IS A FACT!

Memorial Day in Chicago

My aunt asked Roxy and I to go to Chicago with her for a short get-away vacation. We entered the hotel and were immediately waited on hand and foot by butlers and maids. Because we don't normally get this kind of treatment, we soaked it all in and lived the good life for a short time! We stayed at the Talbott Hotel downtown; just a block away from Sears Tower. The first night we walked a round town, shopped, and hailed a cab to an Italian Restaurant. When we got back to our room, our bed was fluffed and the down comforter was pulled back with chocolates on the bed and robes hanging on the door. After sleeping in, we did more shopping and walking before heading back home. Thanks to Aunt Peggy, we had a marvelous Memorial Day in Chicago!



Roxy and I at our hotel



the hotel lobby

My sister and I got our own room!



the view from our hotel room on the top floor

Sears Tower

5/16/2009

Today my sister, Roxy, graduated from Concordia University with her Nursing/Spanish degree. Her first year she completed at UWM Milwaukee then transferred to Concordia where they had a better nursing program. Rox decided to stay home for just one more year instead of moving to Newport Beach, CA because her little sister is home now :)
Yesterday we threw a graduation party for her at our house. Thanks everyone for coming and making her day a special one!!

Concordia University

University beach reserved for students








Bink showing-off his dribbling skills

I thought this was cute :)

Graduation Party

More good smelly things...

Dear Amber,
I don't want to hear anymore complaining about having no personalized pictures.
Love, Rach

Double Chocolate Cheesecake Layered Cake

Roxy's college graduation is this weekend so I'm responsible for the party desserts. Hhmmm......this could get fun!

2 8 oz packages softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup sugar
2 eggs
1 brownie mix 9x13 inch size
1 chocolate cake mix
Favorite Chocolate Frosting Recipe, prepared (tripled)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place cream cheese and sugar into a stand or electric mixer bowl. Beat until softened. Beat in the eggs until smooth. Pour into a wax paper lined and greased 9 inch springformpan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until middle is set and not jiggly. Remove and let cool completely. Refrigerate overnight or for 2-3 hours. Carefully remove sides and transfer to wax paper (I used a giant spatula to help, it's ok if it breaks a little, just piece it together and freeze cheesecake for 30 minutes to firm).

2. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and divide evenly into a wax paper lined and greased 9 inch cake pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center. Let cool completely then carefully turn over onto wax paper; set aside.

3. Prepare cake mix according to package directions and pour into 2 wax paper lined 9 inch cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center. Let cool completely then carefully turn over onto wax paper; set aside.

4. Place one of the chocolate cake layers onto a cake stand. Spread with a thin layer of chocolate frosting then layer with the brownie. Spread brownie with a thin layer of frosting then top with cheesecake layer. Spread with a thin layer of frosting then layer with remaining chocolate cake layer. Spread entire cake with remaining chocolate frosting. Chill until ready to serve.

S.I.M.P.L.Y B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L

The Flower House

The power of flowers........Beautiful!

Sculpture Lighting

-Sculpture lighting by Bruce Munro-

Temperature Sensitive Glass Tile

Long story short: "Textured glass tiles that alter in color with changes in temperature." So a square foot will run you about $150.
No end of fun.

Majestic-Gemstones

Wowed by natural beauty! For those of you that know me, I am a rockhound.... so you could just imagine my reaction when I came across this company's gallery!! You know that song "dream on... dream on..."

Clean and Green Planter Wall Tiles

Unique ceramic tiles that other than presenting a neat and clean design, add meaning to your home décor. Dubbed “Planter Wall Tiles,” the wall tiles are finished with recycled materials and create an innovative space to grow your indoor plants and herbs. Presented by Maruja Fuentes-

Birds and Blooms

pink magnolia tree.... one of my favorites




My Mother's Day gift to mom

I planted pots of herbs (italian parsley, mint, basil, thyme, dill and oregano)

Vintage Creation

Before I jumped back into the pharmacy, I promise I wasn't just doing nothing all day. Downstairs I set up a little craftroom/studio to do my work. Check out my website www.thehomemademarket.blogspot.com

Mother's Scones

This morning I decided to be a Julie and make scones! Just like Allyson's Kitchen! The great thing about scones, is that you can throw anything in the batter. I added fresh lemon juice and lemon zest and a handful of craisins.

Scones:

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
11 Tablespoons butter, cold
1 cup heavy cream
*optional*
zest of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lemon
handful of craisins

Vanilla Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 Tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 375F. To prepare scones, whisk together flour, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl until well combined. Add butter. Using a pastry blender, blend butter into dry ingredients. Add cream; stir until blended. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until a smooth dough is formed. Pat into a square and 1 inch thick. Cut dough into 16 triangles. Arrange 1 inch apart on silicone mat. Bake until lightly browned; about 15-20 minutes. To prepare icing, mix powdered sugar, vanilla and water until smooth. Drizzle over warm scones and serve.