The Art of Simple Food

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Eat locally and sustainably

Eat seasonally

Shop at farmer's market

Plant a garden

Conserve, compost, recycle

Cook simply, engaging all your senses

Cook together

Eat together

Remember food is precious

Mom's Birthday Brunch

It was mom's 55th birthday this weekend, so Cam and I had everyone over for breakfast on Saturday morning. The weather was perfect for eating on the porch too!

Sarah brought my mom beautiful flowers from her yard!

The "yummy cake" cupcakes spelled Happy Birthday!

The Menu:

Coffee & Iced Coffee

Mimosas

Myer Lemon Cranberry Scones

Creme Fraiche

Chili Egg Puff

Yeast Rolls

Whole Lotta Nuts Granola

Fresh berries

Yogurt

"Yummy Cake" cupcakes

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of Earth Day

Check out the Peapod!

Shown to me by my much more organic, green and hip sister!

And an idea from my other concious and thoughtful sister:

give out glass bottles to coworkers in in hopes that we can switch from plastic to glass when consuming water, and reuse or recycle. Pellegrino bottles are great to reuse and they're quite durable. Also, they make great vases for flowers!!

Succulants Galore!

Succulents on my table

Succulents in my window

Succulents on the wall

Succulent in a cup

Earth Day

American Workers "We're gonna have a good time"

In the rain and mud...

Through the perfection of the master worker...

The new raised bed is born!

Full of tomato plants, red & green peppers, dill, cilantro,

chives, oregano, sage, tarragon, thyme & rosemary

And my beautiful new flower bed : Lamb's Ear, Zinnias, Lavender,

Black Eyed Susans, and some other beautiful flowers!

Scout will keep the squirrels away ...

or maybe we need some fox urine??

Whole Lotta Nuts!

Whole Lotta Nuts Granola

Courtesy of Emeril Lagasse

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1/4 cup hulled green pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pine nuts
1/2 cup crushed pecans or walnuts
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
1/2 cup dried cranberries or blueberries (or combination)

In a large bowl stir together oats, almonds, coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pecans, cinnamon and salt. In a small saucepan melt butter with honey over low heat, stirring. Add vanilla and pour butter mixture over oat mixture and stir until combined well.

On a large baking sheet, spread the granola evenly in a thin layer. Bake, stirring every 5 minutes to keep from sticking or burning, until golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes. (Do not overcook; the granola will crisp more when cooled.) Cool the granola on the pan on top of the stove and stir in dried fruits.

Granola may be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Serve at room temperature in a bowl with milk, or as a snack.

Yield: About 6 cups

In Times of Uncertanty

Cam and I survived a stressful week last week. Both our companies laid off emoplyees for the 3rd consecutive time this year. We are so grateful to still be employed, at this point.

Here are some inspiring and hopeful things that people shared with us during the stressful time:

"When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better"

"Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, that you might be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." from the book of Joshua

We need each other!

We are living in an uncertain time with the job market, amongst other things, but one thing that we can all rest assure in is God's perfect plan for our lives and that no matter what happens, he really does know best!

God is faithful no matter what!