Cheese Crutons

I don't remember where I first saw this idea, so I can't give credit where it's due, but I LOVE these fried chesse 'crutons' and wanted to share the 'recipe'....You'll need: grated cheese. And a hot pan (I use my electric griddle).

When the pan is dancing-water hot, sprinkle a scant tablespoon of cheese in little piles. Let it sizzle for a few minutes, and when it starts to brown and look less wet, use a spatula to peel it up in a flat disc. Turn it over and use a fork or other utinsil to make a 'bowtie' in the middle by pinching the center together. Let it sizzle another minute and then set it aside on a papertowel until you're ready to eat them. I usually make about twice as many as I think I will want, because I end up eating about 50% of them while I'm cooking them. :)

Finished! (finally....)

I started this quilt 2 years ago.  It was meant for my then-two year old daughter, just the right size to fit on her toddler bed.  I lost interest in it as I was determined to hand stitch it and it was taking a VERY long time.  I put it away and forgot about it. 

I remembered it a few weeks ago and decided to finish it for her for Christmas.  It no longer will fit her bed, but I am sure she will love it.  

It's a very simple block pattern, but it was my first real quilt.  The piecing was done by machine, but every where I could find to quilt it was done by hand.  There's quite a bit.  :)

More Fall

Only 2 of my cottonwood trees have decided it's fall. The others are stubbornly holding onto their lush green leaves. The two that have changed are beautiful, though, and I hope the other soon follow so I can have the full 'Fall' effect. Right now, it looks a bit odd. ;)



The lemon tree I planted last Spring has gone crazy and there are TONS of lemons. I'm really excited to have them, although there are few things I use lemons for. I'll be picking up some new lemon recipes, I'm sure.

My 3.5 year old tangelo tree has finally put out some fruit, and while it looks to be on the small side, I think it will be edible and is on track to be ripe in a month or so.

It's so nice to see some trees giving back (in fruit or shade or whatever) after all the work, money and care that's gone into them!

(and a sidenote: it was a record high for yesterday's date; 87* in town, and about 85* here. 84* predicted for today.....ugh.)

Finally! Fall leaves!

It seems like it has taken longer this year, but finally the leaves are starting to turn.  I'll be sad when the trees are bare, but I'll enjoy the cool weather and beautiful colors for now.  :)

My fall 'garden'

Well, I had high hopes for my lettuces and spinach this fall.  Last year, I couldn't pick it fast enough, and had to give away bags of it to my neighbors every other day.  

This year, my chickens (at least, they are the most likely suspects) have completely mocked my gardening attempts.  My 4' fence, the 3' tall raised beds, and Mr. Scarecrow have done nothing to prevent my lettuce from being eaten.  I am extremely sad, especially when I saw my MIL's garden yesterday.  It is beautiful.  :(  Something will have to be done. 

Candied Pumpkin Seeds

My favorite Halloween treat:

Seeds from one med.-lrg. pumpkin

4 Tbsp. sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/2 Tbsp cooking oil

1. Preheat oven to 250*. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread seeds in an even layer on the parchment paper. Bake until dry, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour. Let cool.

2. In a medium bowl, combine 2 Tbsp. sugar, the salt, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne.

3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add pumpkin seeds and remaining 2 Tbsp. sugar. Cook until sugar melts and pumpkin seeds begin to caramelize; about 45-60 seconds.

4. Transfer the seeds to the bowl with spices, and stir well to coat. Let cool. Store in an air-tight container, up to 1 week. (but ours are never around more then a day!)

Stay of Execution

Well, because of DH's hectic work schedule this week, we weren't able to get Pancake into the butcher.  So, she's escaped execution for now.  It will probably be a month before we can get her in, though, due to the Fair ending soon.  :(

Why is my air conditioner still on?  It's rediculous; I am ready to be done with the heat!  It is still warmer outside then in during most of the day, and so the air kicks on to cool it down.  I'm grateful to have it, but I can't believe that the week of Halloween we still have a/c blowing!

Something is eating my lettuce just as fast as it comes up.  I'm not sure what it is; I haven't seen anything in the garden that looked suspicious.  It's left the spinach alone, thank goodness, but I am sad to see my romaine and buttercrunch suffering.  A couple more weeks and I should be able to have enough spinach for a salad!