Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Spring Visitors

Spring has brought many visitors to our yard...here are some of our guests..Jopining the fun at Outdoor Wednesdays.







Gone with a Handsomer Man and Steak!



I was hoping THAT would catch your attention. In honor of Michael Lee West's newest novel, Gone with a Handsomer Man, I am joining in the Blog fun and making a couple the heroine's recipes this week. The heroine, Teeny Templeton, is a  pastry chef, who is accused of killing her ex-finace. Her recipe for  Expresso Steak Rub sounded delicious and that was my first pick. I added Teeny's dry rub to 2 T-Bone Steaks and my husband, "Chef Jeff" grilled the steaks while I prepared green beans to accompany those spicy, sweet steaks. Teeny should bottle and market it her rub, yummm! However, she has graciously shared the recipes with us: try it!
Expresso Steak Rub
3 tablespoons espresso beans, freshly ground
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ginger
2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika

Mix together all ingredients. Brush steaks with extra virgin olive oil and dredge in rub. Grill to your favorite temperature. (My fav is med apx 8 min. each side)
Yield: Coats two steaks

I am posting with Foodie Friday
In case you missed it, here is Michael Lee West's newest book, where you'll find Teeny's adventure.
On Monday, a friend was coming over so I decided to bake Teeny's recipe for Lavender Shortbread.

I used a cut out after the round was baked, but still warm, then sprinked with baking sugar and lavender jimmies

Jasmine tea complimented the flavorful lavender shortbread cookies

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Outdoor Wednesday!4/20/11

Here in the Midwest, Spring is slowly opening her eyes this year. That hasn't stopped the return of our glorious creatures to our area.




Have a peaceful , joyous week!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Apothocary Jars for gift giving

I have been collecting Apothecary jars and cloches for a while. This week I began assembling them to give as Mother's Day gifts. First layering the glass bottoms with a dark sand, next a whiter sand..then I added minitures. This is so simple and yet a fresh look for Spring. I am still looking for the right brown gingham ribbon to attach to the handles with the lime satin ribbon that I have from Christmas time.




Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Outdoor Wednesday 4/13/11


Outdoor Wednesday found a mix of micro climates. Within 3 days, the ground had experienced extreme temps from 40 to 79 to a frost. The bulbs and flowers prevailed.

Our first budding bush: Pussywillows.They are always bud full ad accomodating a Cardinal Family.