Some Time in the Kitchen

When I began the kitchen renovation, in particular the backsplash installation, I lost the paper towel holder which was affixed to the wall where the backsplash is now.  Since then, the roll of paper towels has set on the counter and has been moved from place to place depending on what I was working on in the kitchen at the time.  During the summer months, I have a fan which sits on the kitchen counter.  This, of course, plays havoc with the paper towels.  I could not take this another day.  So I picked up this handy device.

The Perfect Tear Paper Towel Holder.  I was desperate for some some sort of apparatus which could coral the paper towels.

I wanted less of this.

And more of this.  Isn't that nice and neat.  The roll of paper towels fits securely on this holder.  You simply unscrew the top, slide the roll of paper towels over the holder and screw the top back on.  The large dowel in the center has flexible metal arms attached which hold the roll securely in place.  You simply unwind as many paper towels as you chose and tear them off.  A perfect tear, every time.  This handy item can be had for $18.47 from your local Wal*Mart.

*          *          *

Once I had the paper towel problem under control, it was time for a little breakfast.  I decided poached eggs would be nice.  So I used my microwave egg poacher.

  

You must get one of these.  They are perfect for making one, two or three poached eggs.  I spray inside the white bottom portion with butter flavored Pam.  Place my egg or eggs inside with a little salt and pepper.  Microwave on high for 45 seconds.  Remove from the microwave and turn out onto a small plate.  Slide the egg(s) back in the egg poacher, this time upside down.  Sprinkle the top with your favorite cheese blend and microwave for another 45 seconds.  And what do you get.

Why, the perfect poached eggs.  I used a four cheese blend on mine and that is a slice of julienned pepperoni on top.  Absolute perfection!

Of course, what goes better with a beautiful creation like this, than a glass of bubbly.

How much fun is this.  Pinot Grigio Sparkling Champagne.  I couldn't resist.

We spent some more time in the kitchen this past weekend at Crest Avenue.  We made Chunky Macaroni Salad, a recipe of our own creation.  And we made Spinach & Cheddar Souffle.  Come back for more information on both of those dishes, the preparation process and the recipes under the Food and Recipe tab.

Some Time in the Kitchen

When I began the kitchen renovation, in particular the backsplash installation, I lost the paper towel holder which was affixed to the wall where the backsplash is now.  Since then, the roll of paper towels has set on the counter and has been moved from place to place depending on what I was working on in the kitchen at the time.  During the summer months, I have a fan which sits on the kitchen counter.  This, of course, plays havoc with the paper towels.  I could not take this another day.  So I picked up this handy device.

The Perfect Tear Paper Towel Holder.  I was desperate for some some sort of apparatus which could coral the paper towels.

I wanted less of this.

And more of this.  Isn't that nice and neat.  The roll of paper towels fits securely on this holder.  You simply unscrew the top, slide the roll of paper towels over the holder and screw the top back on.  The large dowel in the center has flexible metal arms attached which hold the roll securely in place.  You simply unwind as many paper towels as you chose and tear them off.  A perfect tear, every time.  This handy item can be had for $18.47 from your local Wal*Mart.

*          *          *

Once I had the paper towel problem under control, it was time for a little breakfast.  I decided poached eggs would be nice.  So I used my microwave egg poacher.

  

You must get one of these.  They are perfect for making one, two or three poached eggs.  I spray inside the white bottom portion with butter flavored Pam.  Place my egg or eggs inside with a little salt and pepper.  Microwave on high for 45 seconds.  Remove from the microwave and turn out onto a small plate.  Slide the egg(s) back in the egg poacher, this time upside down.  Sprinkle the top with your favorite cheese blend and microwave for another 45 seconds.  And what do you get.

Why, the perfect poached eggs.  I used a four cheese blend on mine and that is a slice of julienned pepperoni on top.  Absolute perfection!

Of course, what goes better with a beautiful creation like this, than a glass of bubbly.

How much fun is this.  Pinot Grigio Sparkling Champagne.  I couldn't resist.

We spent some more time in the kitchen this past weekend at Crest Avenue.  We made Chunky Macaroni Salad, a recipe of our own creation.  And we made Spinach & Cheddar Souffle.  Come back for more information on both of those dishes, the preparation process and the recipes under the Food and Recipe tab.

My Friend Bette Hands Over Her China

During a recent visit to my friend Bette's house in Gettysburg, she informed me that she had a set of china that she was no longer using and she wondered if I might be interested.  I told her I was and the set showed up this week.  It is a set of Christmas china.  I already have a set of Lenox Christmas china, but you can never have too much china.  This set includes coffee service for 15, including the sugar and creamer and coffee urn.  Additionally There are four dinner plates.

The box arrived very carefully packed.  I really like the holly design on these plates and saucers.

And what a nice design on the back of each plate with the manufacturer's name, the name of the design and the year.

Really beautiful.  I was kind of getting in the mood for Christmas as I was unpacking the boxes.

And here we have a table full of china.  You can see the coffee urn in the foreground at the bottom of the picture, the creamer next to the dinner plates and that is the sugar holder in the upper right hand corner.

This set will mix and match nicely with my existing set of china if I choose to do that.  Or I could use this set on its own if serving just tea and/or coffee.  Either way, it is a beautiful set and will be a nice addition to my collection.  I have to order storage containers which I will do this week.  Actually, all of the china needs to moved together in one place and we will be talking about that in the upcoming weeks.

My Friend Bette Hands Over Her China

During a recent visit to my friend Bette's house in Gettysburg, she informed me that she had a set of china that she was no longer using and she wondered if I might be interested.  I told her I was and the set showed up this week.  It is a set of Christmas china.  I already have a set of Lenox Christmas china, but you can never have too much china.  This set includes coffee service for 15, including the sugar and creamer and coffee urn.  Additionally There are four dinner plates.

The box arrived very carefully packed.  I really like the holly design on these plates and saucers.

And what a nice design on the back of each plate with the manufacturer's name, the name of the design and the year.

Really beautiful.  I was kind of getting in the mood for Christmas as I was unpacking the boxes.

And here we have a table full of china.  You can see the coffee urn in the foreground at the bottom of the picture, the creamer next to the dinner plates and that is the sugar holder in the upper right hand corner.

This set will mix and match nicely with my existing set of china if I choose to do that.  Or I could use this set on its own if serving just tea and/or coffee.  Either way, it is a beautiful set and will be a nice addition to my collection.  I have to order storage containers which I will do this week.  Actually, all of the china needs to moved together in one place and we will be talking about that in the upcoming weeks.

A Healthy Lunch From the Trip to Aldi

On Monday, I posted a picture of the bowl full of delicious veggies I picked up at Aldi over the weekend.  Today I will share with you what we made out of them.

I was planning a healthy lunch for today, so I got into the bowl and put this together.

What we have here is a pint of cherry tomatoes, half of a large cucumber, large diced, sweet red and orange pepper, finely diced, and a sprinkling of Mexican Blend cheese - all set atop a bed of chopped romaine lettuce leaves.  In the small container to the upper right, is tuna salad.  You can put together tuna salad in a flash.  This is a 5 oz. can of chunk light tuna in oil (in water will work also), sea salt and white pepper, to taste (a dash of onion salt would add some nice flavor as well), juice of half a small lemon and two tablespoons of mayonnaise.  Mix it up and voila, you have tuna salad.  Literally, less than 5 minutes to make this delicious tuna salad.  So simple.  So delicious. The only clean up is to rinse out the small bowl used to combine everything and put away in the cabinet.  In the bottom container are cubes of cheddar and colby cheese.  I bought these already cubed but you could easily buy your favorite semi-soft cheese in a block and cut it into cubes.

I made this the night before and placed it, sealed, in the refrigerator.  This is what is looked like when I opened it today for lunch.  The salad was not at all wilted.  So this can easily make it overnight for lunch the next day.

No need for salad dressing.  Save the calories and take a spoon of tuna and then top it off with some of your salad.  A delicious way to enjoy your lunch - guilt free!  I enjoyed this with a glass of iced tea.  You may not think this will fill you up, but just try it for one day.  I think you will find your appetite fully satisfied.  If you crave something sweet afterward, you could add a Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip cookie.  But "a" Chips Ahoy.  Not a bag.  Especially for us diabetics.  Oh, and something else.  I read today that cheese has actually been shown to help regulate blood sugar.  I have to do some more research on this, but if it is true, that makes me happy.

Tomorrow we'll try a different salad made from the salad bowl.  Come back for more on that.

A Healthy Lunch From the Trip to Aldi

On Monday, I posted a picture of the bowl full of delicious veggies I picked up at Aldi over the weekend.  Today I will share with you what we made out of them.

I was planning a healthy lunch for today, so I got into the bowl and put this together.

What we have here is a pint of cherry tomatoes, half of a large cucumber, large diced, sweet red and orange pepper, finely diced, and a sprinkling of Mexican Blend cheese - all set atop a bed of chopped romaine lettuce leaves.  In the small container to the upper right, is tuna salad.  You can put together tuna salad in a flash.  This is a 5 oz. can of chunk light tuna in oil (in water will work also), sea salt and white pepper, to taste (a dash of onion salt would add some nice flavor as well), juice of half a small lemon and two tablespoons of mayonnaise.  Mix it up and voila, you have tuna salad.  Literally, less than 5 minutes to make this delicious tuna salad.  So simple.  So delicious. The only clean up is to rinse out the small bowl used to combine everything and put away in the cabinet.  In the bottom container are cubes of cheddar and colby cheese.  I bought these already cubed but you could easily buy your favorite semi-soft cheese in a block and cut it into cubes.

I made this the night before and placed it, sealed, in the refrigerator.  This is what is looked like when I opened it today for lunch.  The salad was not at all wilted.  So this can easily make it overnight for lunch the next day.

No need for salad dressing.  Save the calories and take a spoon of tuna and then top it off with some of your salad.  A delicious way to enjoy your lunch - guilt free!  I enjoyed this with a glass of iced tea.  You may not think this will fill you up, but just try it for one day.  I think you will find your appetite fully satisfied.  If you crave something sweet afterward, you could add a Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip cookie.  But "a" Chips Ahoy.  Not a bag.  Especially for us diabetics.  Oh, and something else.  I read today that cheese has actually been shown to help regulate blood sugar.  I have to do some more research on this, but if it is true, that makes me happy.

Tomorrow we'll try a different salad made from the salad bowl.  Come back for more on that.

Bear With Me

I promise you I am not having a breakdown. There is something wrong with my blogger account. I keep getting a message that says "Error on Page" when I try to post something. I have tried multiple ways to work around this and nothing seems to be doing the job. Hopefully I can get this fixed in the next 24 hours.

AN UPDATE!!!  The problem was that I was still using Internet Explorer 8.

Google and eBlogger discontinued supporting this version last November.  The actual date that it would no longer work was unknown, but I think we now know that date is/was July 8, 2013.

Bear With Me

I promise you I am not having a breakdown. There is something wrong with my blogger account. I keep getting a message that says "Error on Page" when I try to post something. I have tried multiple ways to work around this and nothing seems to be doing the job. Hopefully I can get this fixed in the next 24 hours.

AN UPDATE!!!  The problem was that I was still using Internet Explorer 8.

Google and eBlogger discontinued supporting this version last November.  The actual date that it would no longer work was unknown, but I think we now know that date is/was July 8, 2013.

One Banana, Two Banana, Three Banana, Four

Or maybe it was one potato, two potato, three potato, four. If you were a child in the 50’s or 60’s you know what I am talking about. But today, we are going to talk about bananas. Specifically, banana trees. I have one banana tree at Crest Avenue. It was a purchase from a local nursery about three years ago. I have had very good luck with it. I keep the area just above and around the corm covered during the winter months with a large planter and with a thick layer of mulch. This evidently protects it enough from our cold winter weather to allow it to re-bloom every year. I took this picture early this spring.

I took these pictures this morning.

It is an amazing plant.  Every day it seems another beautiful banana leaf unfurls.  I want to get more of these but have been concerned about them making it through the winter.  Last week what shows up in my mailbox?  A new catalog of plants from Burgess Seed & Plant Co.  And what do I find on page 12?  Cold Hardy Bananas!  The description states they can be planted in Zones 4 - 10 without needing to be lifted in the fall.  They suggest heavy mulching and, as we know already, that works.  They are product No. N3317; $7.99 each or 2/$14.99.  I will be ordering four.  What a find and a great price!

*          *          *

On another outdoor project, I found the gargoyle!  I ordered this gargoyle shortly after I moved into Crest Avenue.  I never found the perfect place for him, so he was relegated to the basement storage area.  Finally, I decided he should make his presence known on the front of the house.

I particularly like the way it looks like he has crawled up out of the fern planter.  His purpose is to ward off evil spirits and keep us from harm.

There is more garden talk on the way, so make sure and stop by again.

One Banana, Two Banana, Three Banana, Four

Or maybe it was one potato, two potato, three potato, four. If you were a child in the 50’s or 60’s you know what I am talking about. But today, we are going to talk about bananas. Specifically, banana trees. I have one banana tree at Crest Avenue. It was a purchase from a local nursery about three years ago. I have had very good luck with it. I keep the area just above and around the corm covered during the winter months with a large planter and with a thick layer of mulch. This evidently protects it enough from our cold winter weather to allow it to re-bloom every year. I took this picture early this spring.

I took these pictures this morning.

It is an amazing plant.  Every day it seems another beautiful banana leaf unfurls.  I want to get more of these but have been concerned about them making it through the winter.  Last week what shows up in my mailbox?  A new catalog of plants from Burgess Seed & Plant Co.  And what do I find on page 12?  Cold Hardy Bananas!  The description states they can be planted in Zones 4 - 10 without needing to be lifted in the fall.  They suggest heavy mulching and, as we know already, that works.  They are product No. N3317; $7.99 each or 2/$14.99.  I will be ordering four.  What a find and a great price!

*          *          *

On another outdoor project, I found the gargoyle!  I ordered this gargoyle shortly after I moved into Crest Avenue.  I never found the perfect place for him, so he was relegated to the basement storage area.  Finally, I decided he should make his presence known on the front of the house.

I particularly like the way it looks like he has crawled up out of the fern planter.  His purpose is to ward off evil spirits and keep us from harm.

There is more garden talk on the way, so make sure and stop by again.

Back to Work

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday.  We had a very subdued weekend compared to previous years.  We did not throw a big bash nor did we attend one.  And that was OK with us.  Some years you want a quieter celebration and that is exactly what we did this year.



Fresh Veggies from the Market

One day of the holiday weekend, we ran over to Aldi.  They have the most wonderful produce department.  I picked up lots of fresh fruits and veggies so that we can enjoy fresh summer salads this week.  I'll share some of my creations as the week progresses.

Back to Work

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday.  We had a very subdued weekend compared to previous years.  We did not throw a big bash nor did we attend one.  And that was OK with us.  Some years you want a quieter celebration and that is exactly what we did this year.



Fresh Veggies from the Market

One day of the holiday weekend, we ran over to Aldi.  They have the most wonderful produce department.  I picked up lots of fresh fruits and veggies so that we can enjoy fresh summer salads this week.  I'll share some of my creations as the week progresses.

Cake Decorating

I am always looking for new and inventive products and ideas.  One of my recent finds is this most interesting subscription to Cake Decorating from DeAgostini.  I was intrigued when I first saw this so I thought I would give it a try.

When you sign up, you receive a package in the mail with your starter kit.




This is how your binder arrives, wrapped in tissue paper.  A nice touch.



And here is the binder you will use to store each issue of Cake Decorating.



A nice "Welcome" note.




The binder utilizes these little pins rather than the traditional three-ring binder to hold each issue in place.  You break these off and slide one through the top and bottom of the plastic structure at the top and bottom of the spine and then slip your isues underneath the pins to hold them in place.  Honestly, I'm a little skeptical that this is going to work once the binder is full.  If I find that it does not, I will simply buy a three-ring binder and move each issue to that binder and place tabs between them.  It's not a big deal either way.  I am less concerned with the design or usefulness of the binder and more concerned with the information and knowledge imparted in each issue.




On the inside of each binder cover there is valuable information.  This side gives a Portion Guide and Cake Covering Guide.



Lastly, these are the free gifts you get with your intial order.  Letter Embossers, Piping Bags, Butterfly Cutters.

All in all, I was impressed.  The three issues I received were very informative.  The quality of the products is good.  It appears at first glance to be a well thought out system that will be a real asset to your kitchen.

So, the way it works is you sign up and order your initial starter kit for $19.95 + $7.95 shipping and handling for a total initial investment of $27.90.  Then, for $3.99 per month, you receive 3 additional issues of Cake Decorating which you will add to your binder.  At three months you get a free gift.  Then again at 6 months and again at 9 months.  You also will have the ability to view issues online.  They also have a Facebook page which you can visit to read reviews, which seem very positive.  It's called "Cake Talk on Facebook."  I think it will be fun to experiment with this.  Everybody wants to bring something to the party that is unique and beautiful and with this kit, you can be that star at your next event.  I will share with you some of what I try over the coming weeks and months.  In the meantime, if you are interested, check out their site at www.mycakedecorating.com.  The Facebook page is www.facebook.com/mycakedecousa.  And the Pinterest page is www.pinterest.com/cakedecousa. 

Cake Decorating

I am always looking for new and inventive products and ideas.  One of my recent finds is this most interesting subscription to Cake Decorating from DeAgostini.  I was intrigued when I first saw this so I thought I would give it a try.

When you sign up, you receive a package in the mail with your starter kit.




This is how your binder arrives, wrapped in tissue paper.  A nice touch.



And here is the binder you will use to store each issue of Cake Decorating.



A nice "Welcome" note.




The binder utilizes these little pins rather than the traditional three-ring binder to hold each issue in place.  You break these off and slide one through the top and bottom of the plastic structure at the top and bottom of the spine and then slip your isues underneath the pins to hold them in place.  Honestly, I'm a little skeptical that this is going to work once the binder is full.  If I find that it does not, I will simply buy a three-ring binder and move each issue to that binder and place tabs between them.  It's not a big deal either way.  I am less concerned with the design or usefulness of the binder and more concerned with the information and knowledge imparted in each issue.




On the inside of each binder cover there is valuable information.  This side gives a Portion Guide and Cake Covering Guide.



Lastly, these are the free gifts you get with your intial order.  Letter Embossers, Piping Bags, Butterfly Cutters.

All in all, I was impressed.  The three issues I received were very informative.  The quality of the products is good.  It appears at first glance to be a well thought out system that will be a real asset to your kitchen.

So, the way it works is you sign up and order your initial starter kit for $19.95 + $7.95 shipping and handling for a total initial investment of $27.90.  Then, for $3.99 per month, you receive 3 additional issues of Cake Decorating which you will add to your binder.  At three months you get a free gift.  Then again at 6 months and again at 9 months.  You also will have the ability to view issues online.  They also have a Facebook page which you can visit to read reviews, which seem very positive.  It's called "Cake Talk on Facebook."  I think it will be fun to experiment with this.  Everybody wants to bring something to the party that is unique and beautiful and with this kit, you can be that star at your next event.  I will share with you some of what I try over the coming weeks and months.  In the meantime, if you are interested, check out their site at www.mycakedecorating.com.  The Facebook page is www.facebook.com/mycakedecousa.  And the Pinterest page is www.pinterest.com/cakedecousa.