Get Ready for Summer Entertaining

Pool parties, picnics, backyard barbecues...

Colorful Summer Entertaining by spiralstyle on polyvore.com

...colorful serveware and tabletop accoutrements are available at Target.  I can't wait to start entertaining outside.  

Best Wishes Libby

We wish you the best Libby, as you train for your career as a Leader Dog for the Blind.

It's hard to believe you are all grown up and ready for a job.

Seems like just yesterday you were a tiny pup.   

Put all that playful energy to good use, 

and become a faithful, helping, loving companion for someone who needs you more than we do.  (but they can't love you more)  XXOO

Monday Musings

How was your weekend?  

Although it was rather cool, I did do a few spring-like things.  Hubby and I went to a Farmers Market on Saturday.  There were lots of flowers, vegetable and herbs for planting but I'm holding back for another week or two.  I need to get my deck power washed and sealed before I bring out the furniture and planters.  I did prepare the soil for planting my vegetable garden.  I'll plant seeds on Tuesday after the downpour that is predicted for Monday.

It is rhubarb season and I had to have some.

I used a portion of the rhubarb for Buttermilk Rhubarb Bread.  I made this tea bread last week and hubby requested more.  That is quite an endorsement from someone who doesn't love rhubarb.  This is a one bowl, mix it with a spoon recipe.  Chopped rhubarb is mixed into the bread batter and the tart, raw fruit becomes juicy and sweet with the brown sugar and cinnamon in the batter.  

Buttermilk Rhubarb Bread

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup oil

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 cup flour

1 cup diced rhubarb

1/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a prepared loaf pan.

Topping

2 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon butter

Mix these ingredients together with your fingers and use to top the batter.

Place loaf pan in a preheated 325 degree F oven for about 55 minutes or until tester comes out clean.

Remove from oven and allow to cool before removing from pan.

Enjoy!

If you really love rhubarb, here is the most simple recipe...just two ingredients, rhubarb and sugar.  Watch the video for the technique of making this delicious compote. 

Playing with Camera + app

May has brought some spring weather to Michigan.  On April 30 I was walking the dog with gloves and a scarf.  Today it's flip flops.

my photo with iphone and camera +

I was playing with my new iphone app, Camera +.  I love the "tap tap tap" way of setting the focus, light and white balance.  Your photo goes to a "light box" and you can then edit, add effects and borders.  Send the photo to your camera roll and/or share your photo in an email or to a social network site.  

This video explains how to use the app.  (How about her choice of dress??)

I really enjoy this app and highly recommend giving it a try.  Watch the video first or check out  the website here.

Happy Weekend. Send me a photo!

Book Suggestion: The Expats

It has been a while since I've read a book that I don't want to can't put down.  In fact, as soon as I finish telling you about this book, I am going to go back to reading.  Hubby may need to make dinner tonight.

The book is, The Expats by Chris Pavone

Amazon

A young couple relocates to Europe with their two young children.  Kate, the wife, quits her job when she moves and her husband, Dexter, takes on a high-paying new job.  If you read any reviews of the book, you'll know that Kate is former CIA, so I'm not really giving anything away.  Kate has lots of time on her hands with a husband that works late hours and travels quite a bit and with her children in school.  She does the usual "expat" things like lunch with the other expat wives, works out at the gym and explores her new surrounding.  Still bored, her imagination is in overdrive and her espionage skills lead her to believe that some new acquaintances are not who they say they are and that maybe even her husband has a secret life.  Kate begins to dig deeper and layers of deception are uncovered. 

Some reviews say that relationships aren't developed adequately and that Kate thinks like a man rather than a woman.  I may tend to agree but I don't care, Chris Pavone is telling a great story...and I'm going back to finish it right now.

Savory Dutch Baby

Just before Easter, Dutch Baby with Lemon Sugar was a featured post on My Carolina Kitchen.  Ever since then I've been anxious to try a savory version of the oven baked pancake.  

This meal couldn't be easier and can be on the table in 30 minutes.  It is a perfect breakfast/brunch dish, a lovely lunch dish and equally at fitting for dinner.

 The batter is similar to popovers: eggs with milk and flour, but it is baked in a skillet. 

I topped my Dutch Baby with some sauteed mushrooms.  A simple side salad or some cherry tomatoes on the side makes this a completely satisfying meal.  A delicious comfort food and 

Savory Dutch Baby

From The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook by Sharon Kramis & Julie Kramis Hearne

Makes 2 servings

3 tablespoons butter

4 extra large eggs

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup grated cheese

1/2 cup chopped ham

-Preheat oven to 425F.  To make Dutch Baby, melt the butter in a 12 inch cast iron or non-stick skillet over low heat.  Mix the eggs, flour, and milk in a blender on medium speed until just blended, 5 to 10 seconds.  Pour the batter into the skillet with the melted butter and top with the cheese and ham.

-  Place the skillet in the oven and bake until the top puffs up and is lightly golden, 20-25 minutes.

- When the Dutch Baby is done, cut into six wedges and serve immediately.

Zipbuds: Award Winning Gadget

I was running on my treadmill watching the Today Show and saw a segment of ideas for Mother's Day.  Zipbuds was one of the suggestions for honoring mom.  

Zipbuds 

The patented zipper cabling prevents tangling while providing strength and delivers great

sound.  The package includes 3 custom fitted ear tips.  Zipbuds are available in 4 colors and are compatible with iphone, ipad, ipod and android or other media using a 3.5 mm headphone input. 

Zipbuds were named Travel + Leisure Design Award 2012 for "best personal gadget". 

I could have used these babies while I was on the treadmill.  At $19.99, Zipbuds are a great investment.