My most recent needlepoint piece, a Pillow

I have found an alternative way to post photos on my blog. I'm not sure if I should be doing it this way but I am going to try this. For those of you viewing my blog for the first time, I have for several months now not been able to post on my blog because of what I think to  be an automatic security update on my computer. Since I haven't found how to fix this issue I have now tried to circumvent the issue. I even started a new blog elsewhere but was not happy with it so I have continued to try to work on trying to work on the issues preventing me to blog on my original blog since I do love blogging here. Having said all of that, read on to my most recent blog post.

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One of my favorite hobby's is needlepoint. It is therapy for me not to mention that I always need to have something to do with my hands even while watching TV in the evening. I had been working on this particular piece for a very long time. Needlepoint can often be very time consuming. I was so pleased when I finally completed the needlepoint of  this piece. I had intended it to be a gift for my daughter but OOPS, I liked it so much that I decided to keep it for myself.

 I was thrilled at what I had made when I had it made into a pillow. I simply couldn't part with it. So much of the enjoyment for me is deciding how to put it together with trim, outer fringe and of course, a fabric to back it with. It can sometimes be a daunting task but I was very pleased with my choices. It kind of reminded me of a piece that you might find in a MacKenzie-Child's collection. I do collect MacKenzie-Child's pieces so this worked so well.

This photo really does not do it justice, the fringe around the outer edge is a lime green. Since I wanted to make the pillow a little bit larger I decided to outline the needlepoint piece with a cording that picks up the colors of the piece itself, a red and green. The fabric is a black and white houndstooth and the same fabric was used on the back. I am very pleased with the finished look and there is always a feeling of accomplishment when you come to the end of a project.

Do any of you do some kind of needlework. If so you do know that feeling of accomplishment. Thank you for visiting my blog. I have been so unsure if I would be able to continue blogging.

I will soon be sharing more of this room since I have been busy doing some redecorating in this room as well. A few changes here and there always lifts ones spirits. Change is a "good thing". 

Carolyn 

Haven't been blogging!

I have not posted on my blog since late November . I have been unable to upload any photos to add to a post . It has been very frustrating and at this point I am not sure what I should do . I have discovered however , that numerous other bloggers are experiencing the same situation . Initially I thought that my computer had done an automatic update and had changed some of my settings but so far I can't find a solution . After learning that other bloggers are experiencing the same issue and have checked everything that google has suggested I am now of the opinion that the issue lies with google but I cannot be 100% sure of that . I may be forced to close my blog and look for another venue for my blog . Any suggestions would be appreciated . Thank You, Carolyn

Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip with Crab

I prepared this appetizer last evening for a party that we co-hosted with six other couples. This was the first time I had prepared this appetizer and thought it to be excellent. It is not something one would prepare often since it is very rich but for the holidays I think it would make for an excellent appetizer.

Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip with Crab

1 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
4 green onions, sliced thinly
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 1/4 cups (5-ounces) shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 (14-ounce) can medium-size artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 pound fresh jumbo lump crabmeat, carefully picked for shells
Crackers and/or assorted fresh vegetables

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together first 6 ingredients and 1 cup pepper Jack cheese. Fold in spinach and artichokes. Fold in jumbo lump crabmeat. Spoon into a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pepper Jack cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until center is hot and edges are bubbly.  Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve with crackers and/or assorted vegetables.

Note: This recipe is very good even if you leave out the crab. If you do you should only use 1 cup of Parmesan and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.

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This went together so quickly. The most time consuming thing was picking through the crab meat but it is soooooooooo worth it. This appetizer is outstanding.

 

 

 

I failed to get a picture after it came out of the oven but I did let it get lightly browned on the top. I served it with toast rounds.

 

 

 

My serving piece is a very old anchor hocking piece that belonged to my mother. I have used it often and what makes it so unusual is that it has a lid and it's own trivet.

 

 

 

If you are looking for a killer appetizer for the holidays this one fits the bill. However, I am very fortunate to live near the Gulf coast of Florida and fresh crab is readily available. It is worth the effort to find fresh crab. This is an amazing recipe and one I will use again and again for special occasions.

 





I hope you will try this recipe and if you do I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

This Little One is growing

I never want to push the growing and ever changes of a new baby but want to savor each and every moment. This little one was so tiny when she was born. She was taken three weeks early and as that is not so unusual, babies come in the world who do very well so much earlier that their expected due date. This one is our seventh grand child and as a grandmother is getting older, I worried more about this one. She is healthy, beautiful, has two loving parents, a big sister who adores her and  extended family of aunts, uncles and her other loving grand parents, Nana and Grand Papa.

She is now two months old, cooing and smiling when coheresed and just a fun age. Mommy is still sleep deprived but that goes with the territory. My most recent grand daughter and probably my last grand. It's been a wild ride at times but one I would never miss. I cherish each and every moment with each of my grand children. I just feel so very blessed to have this time with my grand children. My own mother died at an early age and she did not have the advantage of really getting to know and enjoying each grand child that she had. I hope I have learned from that in that time is marching on and I cherish each and every moment that I have with them. Who knows what tomorrow brings. Live today as if there is no tomorrow.

More photos of Little Turner

A few weeks ago we welcomed our newest grand child . She is our seventh and probably our last . We are so thrilled to have Turner Elizabeth , the second little girl for my daughter and son in law . Turner has a two year old "BIG" sister too .

 

This particular day was a family celebration , Grand Dad's birthday . The whole family came to share in the celebration . He particularly enjoyed holding Little Turner . The name Turner is a family name , my mother in laws maiden name . I thought it would be hard to get used to the name for a little girl but I have found that it fits .

 



She is so tiny , only six pounds when she was born but is now up to seven pounds . She was born three weeks early and she is such a good baby . She just eats and sleeps and has brought so much JOY to all of our lives .

 

When they are at our home I rarely get to hold Little Turner . "BIG" sister gets most of my attention and she should be wearing a sign saying , "Watch me closely" . As I said , she is two . As you can see , she is singing and clapping while our dog is howling . Makes for  never a dull moment .

 

Grandchildren

by Earline Brasher

 

Sometimes I really do wonder ,
Why they are called grand ?
Then I know A Loving Grandmother ,
Can always fully understand .
You get that important phone call ,
You have waited for so long ,
Excitement really kicks in ,
As you arrive and rush down the hall .
You see that precious baby ,
Gender really doesn't matter at all ,
It brings back many memories ,
Of when your children were so small .
You congratulate the parents ,
As you see mother and baby are o.k. ,
You know without a doubt ,
This was done in own God's way .
Many sacrifices made along the way ,
Are very much worthwhile ,
When you see that sweet little face ,
And that bright cheery smile .
Time rocks on as they grow and grow ,
Then comes their future , rushing too and fro ,
They will always be our babies ,
If anyone should ask ,
They are all very Special ,
From the first one to the last !!!!

Simple but Delicious Appetizers

A few months ago I had a wine and appetizer function at my home on a Sunday afternoon . I prepared a lot of simply delicious appetizers and wanted to share some of the recipes .

It was a beautiful day and the appetizers were served in my dining room buffet style . I always open the French doors that leads out to the screened porch when the weather is just right and it also leads to my patio for a lovely garden experience . This was one of those delightful days when I could do that . Right now with our heat and humidity that is not possible but soon hopefully when the autumn breezes begin I will once again be able to utilize entertaining in this way .

 

I love having the option of this flow for entertaining . As you can see I have appetizer plates ready to fill with some scrumptious appetizers .

 

 

This is one of my favorites and one that even my grand children just love . I am careful not to put too much horseradish when serving to the grand's . I love the fact that this recipe does not use tahini but horseradish instead . It is a delicious hummus and my all time favorite .

 

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

 

1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

3 ounces reduced fat cream cheese

1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, minced

1/4 cup sliced green onion (white and pale green parts only), sliced thin

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth . Check taste and add additional salt , pepper and horseradish, to taste .

 

My Notes: I almost always add more sun-dried tomatoes and if the consistency needs to be moistened I add some of the olive oil from the sun-dried tomatoes . I usually do have to add additional salt . 

 

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Another favorite appetizer of mine is Ina Garten's Roasted Shrimp . We are so fortunate here in our area close to the Gulf of Mexico to have plentiful shrimp year round and I dearly love them . This is the recipe that appears in Ina Garten's book , Barefoot Contessa, Back to Basics .

 

 

 

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

 

For the shrimp

 

2 pounds (12 to 15 count) shrimp (I use extra large)

1 tablespoon good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

For the sauce

 

1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce

1/2 cup Heinz ketchup

3 tablespoons prepared horseradish

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees .

 

Peel and devein the shrimp , leaving the tails on . Place them on a sheet pan with the olive oil , salt , and pepper and spread them in one layer . Roast for 8 to 10 minutes , just until pink and firm and cooked through . Set aside to cool .

 

For the sauce, combine the chili sauce , ketchup , horseradish , lemon juice , Worcestershire sauce , and Tabasco . Serve as a dip with the shrimp .

 

My Notes: I always use a salt that is not as fine as kosher but is a sea salt when using on seafood . It is a French Herbed Salt. I use to be able to get it here locally but now I have to order it on Amazon and I do order it , I am never without it . It is wonderful .

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This company also makes a Gardener's Salt that I am never without . I use it when salting pasta and most vegetables that I prepare . The dried herbs work perfectly with veggies as does the Fisherman's Salt , it works perfectly with any seafood . The dried herbs in the Fisherman's Salt are Marjoram , Fennel , Thyme , Savory , and Sage . It is a delightful mix of herbs with the Sea Sal t. Another thing I wanted to mention, using the chili sauce makes this sauce a little different and this is my go to recipe all the time for seafood .

 

The other appetizer I would like to share with you is a recipe that was originally posted on a food message board by a dear friend . I have made this recipe many times and I am always asked for the recipe . It is delightful and very addictive not to mention that it makes for a pretty presentation .

 

 

 

Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salsa

 

1 pound package frozen niblet corn, thawed

3 tablespoons oil, (canola or olive oil)

1 tablespoon kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon cumin powder

6 tablespoons fresh lime juice

5 tablespoons oil

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 cup cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup chopped red onion

3 plum tomatoes, chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed

2 large ripened avocados, chopped

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss corn with 3 tablespoons oil on a baking sheet . Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown stirring frequently . Cool completely .

 

Combine salt, cumin, lime juice, oil and vinegar . Shake well in a jar .

 

In a large bowl, combine the rest of the chopped ingredients . Add beans and corn. Add avocado, and dressing last and toss gently . 

 

Refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Serve the same day you make it .

 

Serves 16 easily!

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I did serve other appetizers but these three were my favorites that I wanted to share . I also love having the option to open my French doors in my dining room which leads to the screened porch and serve wine and champagne from there .

 

The screened porch then opens up to my patio and garden area which makes for a lovely place to entertain when the weather is co-operative .

I am sharing this post at Michael Lees blogging party, Foodie Friday . You can see other wonderful recipes shared by clicking HERE . I hope you enjoy your weekend and I hope you will try some of these delicious but yet simple appetizers .





Wordless Wednesday~pic of four of my grand daughters

Our newest Grand Baby

Yesterday our daughter , our youngest , gifted us with a new Grand Baby . This is our seventh , my daughter's second . She also has a little girl that is two years old and she now has a baby sister . They wanted to be surprised and it was definitely a surprise because everyone thought it would be a little boy . She is healthy and gorgeous and that is the ONLY thing that matters . My daughter had to have a C-section and they took the baby three weeks before the actual due date because mommy had developed some health issues but everyone is just fine , mommy and baby .

Please welcome our newest grand baby , Turner Elizabeth . The name Turner is a family name , it was my mother in laws maiden name .

 

I'm sure you know that other pictures will follow soon . The two year old is staying with me . This morning she is at her play group but before I pick her up this afternoon I am headed up to the hospital to take some more pictures .

 

I hope each of you have a wonderful weekend .

 

Carolyn

Reprise~South of the Border Squash

Recently I saw on one of my favorite blogs, Lindaraxa , a recipe using Summer Squash , Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole .  I thought it would be a good time to reprint  this recipe that has been a family favorite of ours for years using yellow squash . I most often prepare this recipe during the holidays but there is no reason not to prepare it anytime especially when yellow squash is so plentiful during the summer . It is a most unusual recipe for yellow squash and men just love it even if they don't usually eat yellow squash .

South of the Border Squash Casserole
 Serves 6


1 cup chopped onion
2 to 2 1/2 pounds yellow squash, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 4-ounce can chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1 egg
1 cup cottage cheese, small curd
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese


Preheat oven to 375 degrees . Butter a 9x13 inch pan or 2-quart casserole dish . In a skillet , sauté onion and squash in butter until tender . Stir in chilies , flour , salt and pepper . Pour into casserole . Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese on top . Stir together the egg , cottage cheese , and parsley . Spread this mixture over the Monterey Jack cheese .
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese . Bake for 25 to 30 minutes .

My Notes : The cottage cheese mixture is a little difficult to spread but be patient , it will spread over the entire pan . Depending on the oven it sometimes needs to be cooked a little longer . A nice light browning on the top .

I use a 12-inch sauté pan to sauté the squash and onions .

 

It goes together very quickly and can be put together the day before to this point and ready to pop in the oven when needed . I always use parsley from my herb garden and it gives a nice green color to the dish and also a special freshness .

 

 

 

Try this one , I am quite certain you will come to love it as well . A different take on most Yellow Squash casserole's .

 

I am sharing this recipe at Michael Lee's blogging party, Foodie Friday . You can see other shared recipes by clicking HERE .

 

 

Enjoy your weekend !

 

Penne Alla Betsy

We are so fortunate living close to the Gulf Coast that we always have delicious fresh caught shrimp year round . I do love shrimp and when I saw on Ree Drummond 's program, The Pioneer Woman when she prepared this dish I thought it sounded really good . I do love a good pasta dish as well so I knew it had to be good with two of my favorites , shrimp and pasta .

Ree named this recipe Penne Alla Betsy because the recipe was given to her by a dear friend . She printed the recipe in her first cookbook .

Penne Alla Betsy

1 pound penne pasta
1 pound large shrimp
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
One 14.5-ounce tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
Milk for thinning
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
6 basil leaves, cut in chiffonade
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil . Cook the penne until al dente (firm yet tender) . Drain and set aside .

Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp and rinsing them under cold water .

In a small skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the butter and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil . When the pan is hot, add the shrimp . Stir and cook on both sides until it is just starting to turn opaque, about 2 minutes . Remove to a plate and allow to cool slightly .

Next , finely chop the onion. In a large skillet over medium heat add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil . Add the garlic and onion . Stir to combine and cook , stirring occasionally , until the onion is translucent , about 3 minutes . Pour the wine into the pan . Stir and allow it to evaporate, about 45 seconds . Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low . Pour in the cream and stir well to combine ; reduce the heat to simmer .

Add the shrimp to the sauce and stir gently to combine .

My Notes : I added to the sauce about 3/4 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese . Also , after adding the shrimp and pasta I placed the entire mixture into a 13 X 9 serving dish , topped it with a little more Parmesan cheese and placed it in a 350 degree oven just until it browned a little on top . I also think the white wine is essential to this dish . I did not cook the onion and garlic at the same time but let the onion cook for a little while first and then added the garlic for the last couple of minutes so as not to let the garlic burn . I cooked the dish all in the same sauce pan , a 10-inch deep saucepan . I wanted to have the flavor from cooking the shrimp that I thought would add so much to it and it did .

 

I thought this was an amazingly delicious dish and one I will prepare over and over again .

 

 

If I were to rewrite this recipe with just a couple of minor changes I would simply call it Shrimp and Pasta with Béchamel Sauce . It was sooooooooo yummy .

 

 

 Pared with a simple Mixed Green Salad it made for an excellent summer dinner . It isn't exactly light in calories but it does not taste so very heavy and another plus was that it went together effortlessly but yet delicious .







I hope you will try this recipe , you won't be disappointed .

I am linking this post to Foodie Friday, you can click HERE to see other wonderful recipes shared .