Pretty Pinks in Mid Winter

This Christmas I didn't have much time to bake.   Soooooo last week while blogging I came across some decadent cookies and I can't recall where they were.  Its never too late to bake cookies...even if they are called Cranberry Noels.  Valentine's IS coming and why couldn't they be called Cranberry Amour. Maybe I could have used heart cookie cutters.

I kept them in my pretty thrifted enamel container on a paper doily.   I do adore my enamel containers. 
The recipe is Martha Stewart's Cranberry  Noels.  Its an easy to make cookie filled with cranberries and pecans with that nice buttery flavor and is so yummy especially with coffee.

This weekend was cold at 0F but we still didn't get any snow and that continues to be so seasonally unusual.  The last of my pretty amarillus bloomed.  The day I blogged that I hadn't had one for a long time my son Richard came over with one for me.  They are so beautiful.

I wanted something pretty for my handmade votives and tealights and over Christmas I thrifted for this brand new Partylite wall sconce.  It was just what I wished for and only $5.00.

Its glows so nicely beside the picture Geoff painted for me when he was just a young teenager.

Pretty pinks in mid winter make me think of the oncoming spring. 
Its been a lovely time....enjoy.... Judi xoxo

Summer Picnic Recipes - Picked Onions, Banana Bread and Homemade Lemonade

My eldest son Geoff burned his foot pretty badly a week ago and he's had to stay off work.  He was camping and while preparing breakfast he stepped onto the firepit from the night before.   One of those quick things that can help ruin some vacation time. 

I was heading over to Geoff's place yesterday because I'm on vacation.   First thing in the morning I baked 4 small, delicious Walnut Banana Bread to which I added dried cranberries.

I made Homemade Lemonade by squeezing juice from 4 lemons and adding some simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water that has been heated and stirred and then cooled) and topped with water, lemon slices and some springs of mint.  That was ready for our "picnic" as well. 

The day before I made a quick and very delicious pickled onions.   The recipe follows.  On the weekend Marc and I will try the  pickled onions on grilled meatloaf sandwiches.  I put the pickled onions into a jar and Geoff and I ate it with grilled turkey sausage ring.  

If you are like onions and pickles here is the easy peasie yummy recipe:

Pickled Onions

1 small red onion, sliced very thin

1 small regular onion, sliced very thin

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp. celery seed

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Put the onions into a ziploc bag.  In a bowl mix all the rest of the ingredients very well.  Pour over the onions.  Allow them to sit for 3 hours on the counter before using.  Store in the fridge when ready.

 Here are the goodies ready to be packed to take with me.

On the way I picked up a couple of side salads and we were set.  We had a nice visit just the 2 of us.  The weather was HOT and the lunch was yummy.

I hope you manage to stay cool and comfortable.  Judi xoxo 

Feeling Better....Guess What I Made?

I woke up sick on Sunday morning and went back to work yesterday, Wednesday. I rarely get sick and was surprised with this. I didn't know anyone who was sick around me. It came quickly and fortunately is leaving quickly. So last night I was ready to do "something".

Are you like me where you see or try something somewhere and it stays on your mind and then you have to make it or do it or pick it up for yourself? Well. I think because I'm much like that I keep myself busy. :o)

A couple of weeks ago we stayed with friends and they served something yummy with breakfast. That has been on my mind...until last night.

I found a recipe or two and changed one of them up a little. Some of the items I used are pictured here. It'll be all set for trying tomorrow....and I'll share with you. Hope it was worth it.

Hope your day today is all set and as great as can be....Judi xoxo