White Beans and Tomatoes

This is a great dish and can be served either as a side or as a vegetarian main dish.  The nutrition information is for 8 side dish servings, main dish would be 4 servings.

  2 Tbl Olive Oil                                                                         -Drained And Rinsed

  2 Tsp Garlic, Minced                                                               1 1/2 Cups Tomato, Chopped

  40 Oz Great Northern Beans,                                                   2 Tsp Dried Basil

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for about 3 minutes.  Stir in remaining ingredients and cook for 10 minutes.

Per Serving: 198 Cal (18% from Fat, 21% from Protein, 61% from Carb); 11 g Protein; 4 g Tot Fat; 1 g Sat Fat; 3 g Mono Fat; 31  g Carb; 7 g Fiber; 1 g Sugar; 83 mg Calcium; 2 mg Iron; 7 mg Sodium

Corn Casserole

This is a very nice casserole to spotlight corn.  You can use fresh corn or frozen.  It is a very moist casserole that can be served as a side dish or alone.  If you do not have white pepper, you can use black pepper.

3 cups corn
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup Ritz cracker crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients except butter and crackers together and pour into a 1 1/2 quart ungreased casserole dish.    Melt butter and pour over cracker crumbs.  Sprinkle on casserole.  Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until set.

Watermelon Sorbet

If you have lots of watermelon, make this tasty fruit sorbet.  You can also freeze the pureed watermelon and then use it to make this dessert in the middle of winter. 

  3 Cups Watermelon, Pureed                                                    1 Cup Sugar

  3 Tbl Lime Juice                                                                      3 Tbl Sugar

  2 Tbl Vodka                                                                           

Mix Watermelon Puree, lime juice, vodka and sugar in a food processor until blended.  Refrigerate mixture at least 4 hours to overnight.  Pour chilled mixture into the bowl of an ice cream maker and process per manufacturer's directions.  Transfer to an airtight container, press plastic wrap on top and put lid on container.  Freeze for 3 to 4 hours before serving.

Got Fresh Peaches? Try this salad.

Grilling peaches brings out their sweetness and the balsamic mustard dressing adds acid that balances it out nicely.  Serve alone as a side dish or top it with the Peach Glazed Chicken, posted August 1.  Serves 2.

4 cups Dark Greens (Romaine, Arugula, etc)
2 large peaches
1 tbl horseradish mustard
1 tbl balsamic vinegar
1 tbl extra virgin olive oil

Shred lettuce and divide between bowls.  Stir together mustard, vinegar and olive oil and refrigerate.  Heat grill.  Cut peaches in half and remove stone.  Spray peach halves with olive oil and grill about 3 minutes per side until juicy but not mushy.  Add to salad bowls.

Waterfall Afghan

This afghan is made with 48 ounces of bulky yarn such as Homespun and a size K crochet hook.  This works very quickly.

Chain 105.

Row 1:  Single Crochet in second chain from hook and in each chain across.  Chain 2, turn (chain 2 counts as first DC throughout.)

Row 2:  DC in each chain across, chain 2, turn.

Row 3:  DC in two DC, *Front Post Triple crochet around next 2 DB, DC in next 3 DC*, repeat from * 6 times.  #Front Post Triple crochet around next 5 DC, DC in next 3 DC# Repeat from # 3 times.  Repeat from * to * 7 times.  Chain 2, turn.

Row 4:  DC in two DC, *Back Post Triple crochet around next 2 DB, DC in next 3 DC*, repeat from * 6 times.  #Back Post Triple crochet around next 5 DC, DC in next 3 DC# Repeat from # 3 times.  Repeat from * to * 7 times.  Chain 2, turn.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until piece measures about 54 inches (or your desired length).  SC around entire afghan and finish off.

Kebab's for Two

Allowing the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes allows some of the juice from the peaches to coat the shrimp - they tasted like they had a spicy peach glaze.  With the marinaded slaw, this was a wonderful light summer supper.

  1/2 Tbl Light Brown Sugar                                                       Pinch Salt

  1/2 Tsp Ancho Chili Powder                                                    Pinch Pepper

  1/2 Tsp Hot Paprika                                                                 10 Ounce Shrimp

  1/4 Tsp Cumin                                                                         2 Medium Peaches, cut into 1-inch

  1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper                                                          -chunks

Shell and devein shrimp.  Set aside.  Cut the peaches into 1 inch pieces and put in a large covered bowl.  In a small bowl, stir together the spices.  Pour over the peaches, top with the shrimp and stir or shake to coat evenly.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Heat grill to high heat.  Thread shrimp, peaches, and onion alternately onto skewers.  Grill 2 minutes per side or until browned  and shrimp just become opaque throughout, turning once.

Vegetable Slaw

This made a wonderful side dish for the spicy shrimp and peach kebabs we had for dinner.  The tangy flavor of the vinegar was a nice offset for the sweet peach and chili spice on the kebabs.  When I took the lid off of the bowl, Hubby said "This smells like Issac's pickled vegetables"   To make it extra easy, 3 cups cucumbers is three large and I used a half bag of pre-shredded carrots and a half bag of pre-shredded cabbage.

  3 Cups Cucumber, Diced                                                         3/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

  1 1/2 Cups Red Cabbage, Shredded                                         3 Tbl Sugar

  1 1/2 Cups Carrots, Shredded                                                  1 1/2 Tsp Celery Seed

Put prepared vegetables in a colander and allow to drain for an hour and a half.  Put into a bowl.  Stir together remaining ingredients, add to the vegetables and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Peach Melba Coconut Macroon Pie

This recipe is a Peach Melba Pit with a Coconut Macaroon Top - two of my favorite things.  Failure to allow the peaches to drain will cause the bottom pie crust to be soggy.

  9 Inch Refrigerated Pie Crust      

                                                      

  Filling                                                                                    Topping

  3.5 Cups Peach Slices                                                              2 Tbl Butter

  1.5 Cups Raspberries                                                               2 Cups Flaked Coconut

  1/2 Tsp Almond Extract                                                            5 Ounce Evaporated Milk

  1 1/2 Cup Sugar                                                                       1 Large Egg

  1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour                                                         1/3 Cup Sugar

  1 Tsp Cinnamon                                                                       1/4 Tsp Almond Extract

  1/4 Tsp Nutmeg

  1 Tbl Butter

 

Combine peeled and sliced peaches with sugar and put in a colander over a large bowl or the sink to allow some of the juice to  run off - 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Heat oven to 450 degrees.  Line a 9 inch deep dish pie plate with the crust, set aside.

Combine peach/sugar mixture and remaining filling ingredients except 1 Tbl butter, pour into the crust, dot with butter and bake  for 15 minutes.

While that bakes, combine topping ingredients.  When 15 minutes have passed, remove pie from oven and pour the topping over  the hot filling.  Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake about 45 minutes until the coconut is toasted.  Cool completely and cut.  Store in the refrigerator.

Author Will Adams

Recently, I started going to the library and picking out audio books for Hubby to listen to while he travels for work.  While choosing titles, I stumbled on a CD set of The Alexander Cipher by Will Adams.  The book looked so good, that I found the hardcover that the library had in addition to it's sequel, The Exodus Quest and borrowed them all.  My husband and I greatly enjoyed the Alexander Cipher (Hubby almost continued to drive a few days just to move along, but resisted the urge).  I am enjoying the Exodus Quest, as well. 

Combining archaeology, mystery and great storytelling, these stories travel through Egypt and the surrounding countryside to bring us the adventures of Daniel Knox, underwater archaeologist.  Trouble seems to find Mr. Knox wherever he goes, as does a rather unsavory set of characters.  The official website of Will Adams, http://www.willadams.co.uk/index.html, has the following:

From the lost tomb of Alexander the Great to the mysteries of the heretic pharaoh Akhenaten, from the labyrinth of Minoan Crete to the reefs of Madagascar, underwater archaeologist Daniel Knox has an undeniable talent for throwing light on some of the darkest corners of history. Unfortunately, he also has the knack for upsetting some of the world's most dangerous people...

So find any of the books and start the adventure.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This is one of Hubby's favorite summer dishes.  There are quite a few nights that this is what he wants for dinner.  While tomatoes are in season, I make double batches and freeze half in 1 cup containers so he can enjoy it all year.  If you cannot find nice corn, you may substitute a 10 - 12 ounce bag of frozen sweet corn.

  30 Oz Black Beans                                                                  1/4 C Cilantro

  6 Ears Corn                                                                              2 Tsp Cumin

  6 Roma Tomatoes                                                                    Salt, To Taste

  4 Clove Garlic, Minced                                                            Pepper, To Taste

  2 Limes, Juiced                                                                        Frank's Red Hot, To Taste

  1/4 C Olive Oil                                                                       

Lightly steam corn and remove it from the cob into a large bowl.  Seed and chop the tomatoes, add to the bowl.  Add all remaining ingredients and mix together.  Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving. 

Personal Security

Everyone is connected today - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, most of us have the option of posting every detail about our lives.  We don't think twice about posting pictures while we are on vacation, listing our schedules or commenting that we are out to dinner.  I have done all of these things, but I try and take a few steps to keep my family safe and questions I think about before posting and some things I choose not to do.

1.  Is anyone at home when I am posting that I am out and about? 
2.  I choose not to use four square to pinpoint where I am.
3.  I do not post my work schedule before I leave the house.
4.  I do not post pictures from vacation until I am home from said vacation.

Because we are all connected, it is easy, if not disturbingly simple, to get information.  Just because you only post something to your friends on Facebook does not mean they are the only ones that see it.  What if someone else is tagged in your photo?  Then they see it and all of their friends see it.  If you have a land line, go to Google and enter it.  You might be surprised what you see.  No land line?  Go to Yahoo! people search and search for your name.  I recently tried this with family who I only believe to have a cell phone and I was able to find their street, city and state.  Be safe.  Think before you post.

Blueberry Lime Iced Tea

When brewing this tea, steep for at least 5 minutes - you want a very strong brew.  DO NOT squeeze the tea bags.  Squeezing causes the bitterness inherent in tea to be released into your beverage.  Fresh or Frozen blueberries can be used for this drink.  Adjust the sugar to your liking and enjoy!

  1 1/2 Cups Blueberries                                                            6 Cups Boiling Water

  1/4 Cup Lime Juice                                                                 6 Tea Bags

  1/2 Cup Sugar                                                                         

Put blueberries and lime juice in a small pot on the stove and bring to a boil.  Boil for about 5 minutes until berries are soft.  Pour into a food mill and process until well juiced.  Mix juice with sugar in a pitcher.  While berries cook, boil water in the microwave.  When water is just boiling, remove from microwave and add tea bags.  Steep for 5 minutes and pour over juice/sugar mixture.  Stir well,  chill and serve over ice.

Chunky Bars

I recently made these to help an office day go by a little more smoothly.  Make them as called for, or try different combinations.  Replace the chocolate chips with dried banana chips, peanut chips in the batter with peanuts and the vanilla with banana extract for Chunky Monkey Bars.

  2 Cup All Purpose Flour                                                          1/3 Cup Jif

  1 Tsp Baking Soda                                                                  1 1/4 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

  1/2 Tsp Salt                                                                            1 1/4 Cups Pretzels

  3/4 Cup Butter                                                                         Topping

  1 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar                                                           1/2 Cup Peanut Butter Chips

  2 Large Egg                                                                            1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips

  1 Tbl Vanilla                                                                           

Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9 x 13 pan with non stick foil.  In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt, set aside.  Use a mixer to beat the sugar and sugar at medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and peanut butter.  On low speed, beat in dry ingredients just until incorporated. Stir in 1 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 1/4 cups pretzel pieces.  Spread batter evenly in pan. Sprinkle peanut butter chips, 1/4 chocolate chips and 1/4 cup chopped pretzels.  Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.

Peanut Butter Fudge

Good afternoon, community!  It is here - the recipe that can be combined with yesterday's to make a third dessert.  Either of them can be enjoyed alone, but they can be combined to a wonderful, chocolate-peanut dreaminess.  I 'got' the recipe from a friend (read - copied it out of her recipe box while I was watching her kids).  Why did she not want to share it?  Because too many times people did not follow the recipe.  Their change?  Peanut butter.

Please note, the recipe says JIF, not peanut butter, JIF.  If you choose to use other peanut butter, please note that other peanut butters I have used to cook with do not do as nice of a job.  You really can taste the difference.  For more Jif product information, please see their website at http://www.jif.com/

To combine this recipe with the brownies posted yesterday:  Cool the brownies completely.  If the edges of the brownies are taller than the center, trim them a bit.  Butter the top edge of the baking pan (it is okay if some gets on the brownies).  Set the pan aside.  Make the fudge as directed below and pour on top of the brownies.  Allow to cool completely.  Cut into 1 inch pieces and enjoy.

  4 C Sugar                                                                                13 Oz Marshmallow Cream

  1 C Evaporated Milk                                                                18 Oz Jif

  1 Tbl Corn Syrup                                                                    

Butter a 9 x 13 cake pan and set aside.  Mix sugar, evaporated milk and corn syrup in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir until it comes to a rolling boil. (a rolling boil does not stop when stirred)  Boil 4 minutes, stirring the whole time.  Turn heat to low until you get the marshmallow cream and peanut butter added to the pot.  Turn off heat and stir until mixed and then pour into pan.  Refrigerate until firm and cut into pieces.

Dark and Milk Chocolate Brownies

For a recent birthday, I made my friend a chocolate/peanut butter dessert.  Either layer of the dessert can be enjoyed separately, so you are going to get them in two posts.  These brownies are dense and wonderful.  When mixing the cocoa/butter mixture and the eggs, if you butter has not cooled much, you may want to temper the chocolate into the eggs to prevent the eggs from cooking.  To temper, just take a small amount of the chocolate on the fork you whipped the egg with and whip it into the egg.  Once incorporated, pour that into the chocolate mixture and stir in the egg.  Do this for each egg and you won't get scrambled egg in your brownies.

As a stand along dessert, the nutrition information is for a pan cut into 24 brownies.

  1 Cup Butter                                                                           1 Tsp Salt

  1 1/2 Cups Sugar                                                                     1 Tsp Baking Powder

  3/4 Cup Brown Sugar                                                              1 1/2 Cups Flour

  4 Large Eggs                                                                           2 Cups Milk Chocolate Chips

  1 1/4 Cups Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder                                       

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a 9 x 13 pan, set aside.

Measure cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl, set aside.  Melt butter in a sauce pot.  Add the sugars and stir over medium heat until sugar is fully melted.  Pour over cocoa and stir thoroughly.  Add slightly beaten eggs, one at a time, stirring thoroughly between each one.  When full combined, stir in baking powder, salt and flour.  Stir until just combined and fold in the chocolate chips.  Pour into the pan and bake for 35 - 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Per Serving: 279 Cal (42% from Fat, 6% from Protein, 52% from Carb); 4 g Protein; 13 g Tot Fat; 7 g Sat Fat; 4 g Mono Fat; 37 g

 Carb; 1 g Fiber; 27 g Sugar; 52 mg Calcium; 3 mg Iron; 200 mg Sodium

Leftover Zucchini?

Now you have made the Zucchini Casserole and have part of a zucchini left over?  What to do?  I found myself in this spot recently and made these cookies.  The first time I made these, during the baking process, I put a dozen in the oven and could not figure out why the dough was so runny.  Then I found my flour mixture on the counter.  The cookies had not baked long, so I took them out of the oven and added them to the cookie mixture before I added the flour - that is where the idea to melt chocolate comes from.  I wish all of my mistakes came out so well. 

The coconut masks the zucchini texture.  If you don't like coconut, use oatmeal instead.

  1 1/3 Cups all-purpose flour                                                    2 large eggs

  2/3 Cup Whole Wheat Flour                                                    1 1/2 Cups Zucchini, Shredded

  1 Tsp baking soda                                                                    1 Cup Coconut

  1 Cup Shortening                                                                     2 Cups semisweet chocolate chips

  3/4 Cup light brown sugar                                                        1 Tbl Butter

  1 Tsp vanilla extract                                                               

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, combine the shortening (crisco) and sugar and mix until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until the eggs are incorporated completely. Add the shredded zucchini and mix until evenly combined.  Put 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips with 1 Tbl butter in the microwave and melt.  Stir into the cookie mixture until incorporated.    Slowly add the flour mixture until fully combined.   Add coconut and remaining chocolate chips.  Drop the cookie dough with a cookie scoop onto the baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden. Remove the cookies from the pan and cool completely on wire racks.  Should make 76 cookies, 2 cookies per serving.

Per Serving: 147 Cal (55% from Fat, 4% from Protein, 41% from Carb); 2 g Protein; 9 g Tot Fat; 4 g Sat Fat; 4 g Mono Fat; 16 g  Carb; 1 g Fiber; 9 g Sugar; 11 mg Calcium; 1 mg Iron; 43 mg Sodium

Amish Country Races

Are you looking for an event to get motivated?  The Amish Country Races on 11/4 may be the ticket for you.  If a half marathon is your speed, even walking, then you can participate - there is a 4 hour time limit, but walking is still an option.  Not ready for a half marathon?  There are also options for a 5K and a fun run.  Go to USRA website for more information and a registration link.

Zucchini Casserole

I had zucchini to use and didn't want bread, I wanted a main dish.  I made this with chicken, but it is just as good without.  You can also replace the quinoa with rice.  Finally, Fire Roasted Tomatoes are made by Hunt's.  Alternately, you can use regular canned diced tomatoes or 2.5 cups fresh diced tomatoes, but the fire roasting gives a very nice flavor.

Yield: 6 Servings

  1/2 Cup Quinoa                                                                      1 Tsp Garlic Powder

  2/3 Cup water                                                                        1/2 Tsp basil

  2 Tbl vegetable oil                                                                  1/2 Tsp Hot Hungarian Paprika

  10 Ounce Chicken Breast, Cubed                                            1/2 Tsp dried oregano

  2 Cups zucchini, Cubed                                                           14.5 Ounce Fire Roasted Tomatoes

  1 Clove garlic, minced                                                             2 Cup Low Fat Cheddar, Shredded

  1 Tsp Onion Powder                                                               

Combine the quinoa and water and cook according to package directions.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a shallow 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.

Heat half the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken until no longer pink.  Remove from skillet, add remaining oil and cook zucchini and garlic 5 minutes, or until tender. Return the chicken to the pan.  Add the spices and then mix in the quinoa, tomatoes, and 1 cup cheese. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.  Bake uncovered 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Per Serving: 248 Cal (34% from Fat, 40% from Protein, 26% from Carb); 24 g Protein; 9 g Tot Fat; 3 g Sat Fat; 2 g Mono Fat; 16  g Carb; 3 g Fiber; 3 g Sugar; 207 mg Calcium; 2 mg Iron; 464 mg Sodium

Butterfly Green

When your friend tells you that her two year old has decided that her baby sister is to be named Butterfly Green, the name has an impact.  While the family was deciding what to name their baby, the moniker BG stuck, so I needed a crochet butterfly afghan pattern.  To my dismay, I was unable to find anything but granny squares and I do not do well with making things the same size and I loathe sewing things together, so I decided to try my hand at making my own.  The pattern makes quite a large blanket, but it was just what the doctor ordered.  The pattern is below.  Please note, this was my first attempt to write a pattern, so if you find an issue, just let me know.  Find Red Heart Yarn at http://www.shopredheart.com/

Butterfly Green Pattern

Color A (Pink) = Background (3 Red Heart Super Saver Skeins)

Color B (Honeydew) = Butterfly  (2 Red Heart Super Saver Skeins)

Size H crochet hook

DC = Double Crochet

Ch = Chain

St = Stitch

When change color is indicated, double crochet that stitch with a strand of both colors – this will give a nice border to the butterfly and keep the stitches from pulling.

With color A, chain 184, turn

Row 1:  Double crochet in the third chain from hook (skipped st count as first DC) and in each chain across, 183 DC.  Chain 2, turn (two chains count as first DC now and throughout).

Row 2:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, skip a stitch, DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC,  repeat from * 2 times.  Chain 2, turn.

Row 3:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 6 times, changing to color B in last DC.  DC in next 10 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 7 times, changing to color B in last DC.  DC in next 10 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 6 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 4:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, changing to color B in last DC. DC in next 14 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, changing to color B in last DC.  DC in next 14 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

    

Row 5:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, changing to color B in last DC. DC in next 18 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, changing to color B in last DC.  DC in next 18 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 6:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, changing to color B in last DC. DC in next 22 stitches, add color A to last DC, chain 1 with color A only, DC in next DC with both colors and then removing color A.  DC with color B in next 22 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 7:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, changing to color B in last DC. DC in next 50 stitches, changing to color A in last DC,  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Rows 8 and 9 - Repeat Row 7

Row 10:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, chain 1, skip a st, DC with both colors, drop color A, DC in next 46 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  With color A, ch 1, skip a Dc and DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 11:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 42 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  Ch 1, skip 1 DC and Dc in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 12:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 38 stitches, changing color with last stitch. Ch 1, skip 1 DC and Dc in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 13:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 34 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  Ch 1, skip 1 DC and Dc in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 14:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 38 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 15:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A.  DC in next 42 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 16:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 46 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 17:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, DC in next DC) 1 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 50 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 18:  DC in next 2 DC,  * ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 54 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) once, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 19:  DC in next 2 DC,  *add color B, DC 1, drop color A, color, DC in next 56 DC, changing color in last stitch, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 20:  DC in next 2 DC,  *change color, DC in next 22 DC, add color A to next DC, keep color B attached, with color A only, chain 1, skip one, and DC 1, keep color A attached and DC with color B only for 5 DC.  With color A only, DC 1, ch 1, add color B, skip a st and DC 1 and remove color A.  DC in next 23 stitches, changing colors in last DC,  DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 21:  DC in next 2 DC, *DC in next stitch to change color,  DC in next 21 stitches, changing color in last DC, ch 1, skip 1 and DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next DC, changing color with the DC. DC in next 21 stitches, changing to color A in last DC, DC in next 3 DC*, (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 22:  DC in next 2 DC, * Chain 1, skip 1, DC in next DC with both colors, drop color A.  DC in next 18 stitches, changing color with last stitch, ch 1, skip 1 and DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next DC, changing color with the DC. DC in next 18 stitches, changing color with last stitch. Ch 1, DC,  DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 23:    DC in next 14 stitches, changing color with last stitch, ch 1, skip 1 and DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 9 times, ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next DC, changing color with the DC. DC in next 14 stitches, changing color with last stitch, ch 1, skip 1,DC in next stitch.  Ch 1, DC in next DC, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 24:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, ch 1, skip a DC and DC in the next one changing color in DC. DC in next 10 stitches, changing color with last stitch, Ch 1, skip a stitch, DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC)  11 times, ch 1, skip a DC and DC in next stitch, changing color in DC. DC in next 10 stitches, changing color with last stitch. Ch 1, skip a stitch and DC in next stitch, (Ch 1, DC in next DC) 2 times,  DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 25:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, ch 1, skip a DC and DC in next stitch, changing color in DC. DC in next 6 stitches, changing color with last stitch, Ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next stitch, (Chain 1, DC in next DC)  13 times, Ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next stitch, changing color in DC. DC in next 6 stitches, changing color with last stitch. Ch 1, DC*,  DC in next 2 DC, (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 26:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, skip a stitch, DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC,  repeat from * 2 times.  Chain 2, turn.

Row 27:  Double crochet in next 2DC and each ch and DC across, 183 DC.

Row 28:  Chain 2, turn.  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, skip a stitch, DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC,  repeat from * 2 times.  Chain 2, turn.

Row 29:  DC in next 2 DC, *(Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 6 times, changing to color B in last DC.  DC in next 10 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 7 times, changing to color B in last DC.  DC in next 10 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 6 times, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 30:  DC in next 2 DC, *(Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, changing to color B in last DC. DC in next 14 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, changing to color B in last DC.  DC in next 14 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, DC in next 2 DC.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

    

Row 31:  DC in next 2 DC, *(Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, changing to color B in last DC. DC in next 18 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, changing to color B in last DC.  DC in next 18 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, DC in next 2 stitches*, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 32:  DC in next 2 DC, *(Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, changing to color B in last DC. DC in next 22 stitches, add color A to last DC, chain 1 with color A only, DC in next DC with both colors and then removing color A.  DC with color B in next 22 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 33:  DC in next 2 DC, *(Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, changing to color B in last DC. DC in next 50 stitches, changing to color A in last DC,  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Rows 34 and 35 - Repeat Row 33

Row 36:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, chain 1, skip a st, DC with both colors, drop color A, DC in next 46 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  With color A, ch 1, skip a Dc and DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, DC in next 2 stitches.  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 37:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 42 stitches, changing to color A with last stitch.  Ch 1, skip 1 DC and Dc in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, DC in next 2 stitches,  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 38:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 38 stitches, changing color with last stitch. Ch 1, skip 1 DC and Dc in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, DC in next 2 stitches*, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 39:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 34 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  Ch 1, skip 1 DC and Dc in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 40:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 38 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 41:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A.  DC in next 42 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 4 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 42:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 46 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 43:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 1 times, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 50 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, DC in next 2 stitches*,  (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 44:  DC in next 2 DC,  * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, ch 1, skip 1, add color B and DC 1, drop color A. DC in next 54 stitches, changing color with last stitch.  (Chain 1, DC in next DC) once, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 45:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, add color B, DC 1, drop color A, color, DC in next 56 DC, changing color in last stitch, DC in next 2 stitches, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 46:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, change color, DC in next 22 DC, add color A to next DC, keep color B attached, with color A only, chain 1, skip one, and DC 1, keep color A attached and DC with color B only for 5 DC.  With color A only, DC 1, ch 1, add color B, skip a st and DC 1 and remove color A.  DC in next 23 stitches, changing colors in last DC,  DC in next 2 DC, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 47:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, DC in next stitch to change color,  DC in next 21 stitches, changing color in last DC, ch 1, skip 1 and DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next DC, changing color with the DC. DC in next 21 stitches, changing to color A in last DC, DC in next 3 DC, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 48:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC*, Chain 1, skip 1, DC in next DC with both colors, drop color A.  DC in next 18 stitches, changing color with last stitch, ch 1, skip 1 and DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 5 times, ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next DC, changing color with the DC. DC in next 18 stitches, changing color with last stitch. Ch 1, DC,  DC in next 2 DC, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 49:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC,* Chain 1, DC in next DC once, ch 1, skip 1 and DC with both colors in next DC, drop color A.  DC in next 14 stitches, changing color with last stitch, ch 1, skip 1 and DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 9 times, ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next DC, changing color with the DC. DC in next 14 stitches, changing color with last stitch, ch 1, skip 1,DC in next stitch.  Ch 1, DC in next DC, DC in next 2 DC, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 50:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC,* (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 2 times, ch 1, skip a DC and DC in the next one changing color in DC. DC in next 10 stitches, changing color with last stitch, Ch 1, skip a stitch, DC in next DC, (Chain 1, DC in next DC)  11 times, ch 1, skip a DC and DC in next stitch, changing color in DC. DC in next 10 stitches, changing color with last stitch. Ch 1, skip a stitch and DC in next stitch, (Ch 1, DC in next DC) 2 times,  DC in next 2 DC,  repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 51:  DC in next 2 DC, * (Chain 1,  DC in next DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC,* (Chain 1, DC in next DC) 3 times, ch 1, skip a DC and DC in next stitch, changing color in DC. DC in next 6 stitches, changing color with last stitch, Ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next stitch, (Chain 1, DC in next DC)  13 times, Ch 1, skip a DC, DC in next stitch, changing color in DC. DC in next 6 stitches, changing color with last stitch. Ch 1, DC,  DC in next 2 DC, repeat from * to *, chain 2, turn.

Row 52:  DC in next 2 DC,  *(Chain 1, skip a stitch, DC) 29 times, DC in next 2 DC,  repeat from * 2 times.  Chain 2, turn.

Row 53:  Double crochet in next 2DC and each ch and DC across, 183 DC.  Chain 2, turn.

Repeat rows 2 through 27 once - finish off.

Edging, round 1:  Attach color B to bottom of afghan and *SC 183 stitches, 3 sc in the corner, 2 sc in each row, 3 Ch in corner*, repeat from * to *, connect with slip st to first sc.

Edging, Round 2:  Ch 2, HDC in next sc and each sc around.  Attach to beginning Ch with slip stitch.

Lemon Sponge Cake with Lemon Frosting

If you like lemons, this is a wonderful cake.  If you don't like lemons, well, then you are out of luck with this cake.  The nutrition information is assuming 20 slices.

  Cake                                                                                       

  12 Egg Yolks                                                                           Frosting

  2 Cups Sugar                                                                           1.5 Cups Butter

  1 Cup Hot Water                                                                      2 Lb Confectioner's Sugar

  1/2 Tsp Salt                                                                              1/4 Cup Water

  4 Tsp Baking Powder                                                               1/4 Cup Lemon Juice

  2 Tsp Lemon Extract

3 Cups Cake Flour                                                                    

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.  Beat the egg yolks until light and fluffy, gradually add sugar.  While still beating, slowly pour in hot water - VERY SLOWLY.  Add lemon extract.  Add flour mixture and beat thoroughly.  Pour into an angel food cake pan and bake for about an hour until toothpick comes out clean.  Remove  from oven and cool completely.  Beat butter, water and lemon juice and 1 pound of the confectioner's sugar until smooth.  Add remaining sugar 1/4 cup at a time until frosting is spreadable.  Frost cooled cake with frosting and, if desired, decorate with lemon slices.

Per Serving: 508 Cal (32% from Fat, 4% from Protein, 64% from Carb); 6 g Protein; 18 g Tot Fat; 10 g Sat Fat; 5 g Mono Fat; 82  g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 65 g Sugar; 79 mg Calcium; 2 mg Iron; 312 mg Sodium

Cleaned and Stained?

Yes, it is an oxymoron, but it is just what we received when we hired Pro Deck Seal.  They came out, cleaned our decks and our gas tank and then they sealed the decks and I painted our gas tank.  Now the decks are beautifully waterproofed and we don't have to do it.  So if you need something cleaned or stained, call Pro Deck Seal at 717-732-8032 or visit their website at www.prodeckseal.com

4 B's

4 B's - Breakfast, Brunch, Burrito and Bruschetta - not necessarily three things you would put together, but they combine well.


Pick a Tomato - any Tomato - I use Roma.  Dice the tomato and set aside.  I try and have quarter cup of tomato per person.

Pick a Pepper - any pepper will do.  To date, I have used Bell Pepper and Hot Hungarian Pepper.  For Bell, I try and match the amount of pepper to the amount of Tomato.  For hotter varieties, be as brave or as cautious as you like.  I used a tablespoon of Hot Hungarian when I made this.  You can combine them, as well.  Dice the pepper and mix with the tomato.

Top the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste as well as one of the following combinations:

Burrito (bet you thought I forgot) - Cilantro and Cumin to taste

Bruschetta - Basil, Oregano and Thyme to taste.

Put in a hot skillet and cook until peppers just begin to soften.

Beat 2 eggs per person and pour over the vegetable mixture and stir until egg is cooked.

Burrito:  Serve in a warmed Tortilla with cheese, sour cream, or other toppings of your choice.

Bruschetta:  Toast a piece of crusty bread and pour the mixture on top.  Eat with a knife and fork or, for those that don't mind a little mess, pick it up.

Enjoy!

Ginger Chicken Stir Fry

If you are looking for a stir fry that is a little different, then this is for you.  It uses fresh cabbage and is served with a whole wheat pasta tossed with sesame seeds and oil.  Just the ticket for a hot summer day - or for someone who is carb loading for a big event.

  1/2 Lb Thin Whole Wheat Spaghetti                                        1 Tbl Fresh Ginger, peeled and

  2 Tbl Vegetable Oil                                                                  -grated

  3/4 Lb Chicken Breast, Cubed                                                1 Tsp Black Pepper

  4 Cups Cabbage, Shredded                                                     2 Tbl Light Soy Sauce

  1 Cup Mushroom, Chopped                                                    1 Tbl sesame oil

  6 Cloves garlic, finely chopped                                                1 Tbl toasted sesame seeds

Cook pasta to package directions, drain and pour into a large bowl.  Combine soy sauce and sesame oil and pour over the spaghetti.  Toss to coat and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking,  heat the oil over high heat until rippling. Add the chicken and stir-fry until almost cooked.  Add the cabbage, mushrooms, garlic and ginger and stir-fry until chicken is fully cooked.

Pour the stir fry over the spaghetti and toss, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Per Serving: 414 Cal (26% from Fat, 29% from Protein, 46% from Carb); 31 g Protein; 12 g Tot Fat; 2 g Sat Fat; 3 g Mono Fat;  49 g Carb; 3 g Fiber; 4 g Sugar; 79 mg Calcium; 4 mg Iron; 580 mg Sodium

Shin Pain Help

The more and faster I walk, the more I have had issues with my shins.  For about the first mile they are on fire, then the pain goes away.  There have been a couple of times that i have just given up and gone home, but those were the worst two days.  Warming up then stretching help some, but that nagging first mile pain was still there.  Then I found Zensah compression sleeves for my lower legs.  They are wonderful.  I can walk comfortably now.  The sleeve helps keep the muscles warm while giving a bit of extra support.  They were just what I needed.  I purchased mine through REI.com.  I opt to purchase my apparel there because it is a consumer cooperative with great benefits both for me as a customer but also for the stewardship to others that they believe in.  Read more at REI Stewardship

Peach Glazed Chicken

The glaze on this chicken helps sear in the juices.  Serve it with a salad with peaches and raspberries for a light summer meal.

1 Lb Chicken Breast Tenders                                                     1/2 Cup Peach Jam

1 Tbl Horseradish Mustard                                                     

Brush grill with oil and heat grill.  While heating, mix jam and mustard.  Brush chicken with jam and put on grill, jam side down, brush the top of the chicken.  Turn and brush periodically with jam mixture until chicken is no longer pink.