May 9: Container Garden Part 4: Seeds and Containers

Last week, upon returning home from the coffee shop, I found this envelope taped to our door. It was running hyacinth seeds from my neighbor, the same one who left the Red Sox button there, if you remember that funny story.

I decided I needed to add the seeds to my container garden, but I had used every extra container I could think of to plant the previous installments of the container garden, flowers, herbs, greens. After thinking about it for a little and digging through my craft closet, I decided to use some cans that previously held beans and chick peas.

I yarn wrapped a few of the cans and covered a few in fabric. For the fabric cans, I simply cut a piece of fabric, using pinking shears, glued the one end to the can with hot glue, wrapped the fabric around the can, and glued the other end with hot glue as well.

This is my first seed planting experience in a while, fingers crossed it goes well, and I can show off pictures of these beauties later in the summer, perhaps even with a humming bird at them.

May 8: Red Wine and Cheese Bread

I know, it sounds interesting doesn't it? That is why I had to try this recipe from my favorite bread book, Healthy Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. I had the wine and had the cheese, so why not, I thought. As the book says,  "The flavors of red wine and cheese make such a natural combination, and they're often served with a nice crust bread. So, why not put them both in the bread?"

The basic premise is, use red wine as a substitute for half the water in your dough and add some shredded cheddar cheese to the dough as well.

The dough and the baked bread have a purplish red tint to them; that is fun. And, it turned out taste pretty yummy. We enjoyed it with broccoli and cheese soup from the crock-pot.

By the time I remembered to take a pic, this is all that was left.

May 7: Container Garden Part 3: Greens

I finally got around to planting the last of my container garden. I have always liked planting veggies we can eat, and in the past have grown tomatoes, broccoli, green pepper, summer squash, and beans. Due to our limited space and sun, this year I went with just greens (and herbs, and flowers), romaine lettuce, red lettuce, and swiss chard.

I have been on the look out at Good Will/Dollar Store/ side of the road for some containers big/deep enough for these guys, but I didn't find much. Finally I gave up and bought two long window box type planters at Home Depot.

I did however snag this red dishpan tub at Good Will right before I went to Home Depot, so that saved me a little. The swiss chard is quite happy making the dishpan their new home.

Now, grow babies, grow because I can't wait to eat you.

May 5: Graduation Garlands

One of my favorite people is graduating with her Master's Degree in just a few weekends. To celebrate, I made these garlands by printing images on book pages.

The first one is images, a diploma, a graduation cap, books, a laptop, people (she majored in social work), and the logos of the schools she attended. I hung it up to try and get a good picture, but the ceiling fan and the sunlight from the windows did not help my cause.

The second and third garlands spell out congrats and her name. These I did on half a book page. I gave up on hanging them for now and took the picture on the rug.

Once I printed the images or letters on the book pages, I stitched them together using my sewing machine and a zigzag stitch across the top the pages, leaving just a little space between them. I left long string of thread on the ends to help with hanging.




I think these will be a fun festive touch for her celebration weekend. Congrats Christa!

May 4: Garlic Scape and Basil Pesto

Yum! That's what I have to say first.

Second, I love pesto; it has long been one of my favorites. I also love garlic, so no surprise I love, love, love garlic scape and basil pesto. Ok, I think I used the word love enough.

Garlic scapes are a sign of spring; look for them at your farmer's market, that's where I always snag mine. And, today I harvested my basil plants for the first time. Ok, most of that work was done by a farmer from the market too because I bought the plants started from him. Therefore, tonight seemed like the perfect night for enjoying this treat. It is super simple to make; the food processor does all the work. I don't use exact measurements but will do my best to approximate and explain.


What you need:
- small bunch of garlic scapes
- handful of basil leaves
- handful of almonds
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup parm. cheese
- 1/4 -1/2 cup olive oil
-food processor

What to do:
- wash and roughly chop garlic scapes
- wash basil and remove leaves
- put basil, garlic scapes and about 1/4 cup olive oil in food processor, process until finely chopped
- add almonds and parm. cheese to food processor, process until desired consistency, you will probably also need to add more olive oil

The pesto can be put on just about anything. Pasta is an easy choice. Chicken or fish topped with it are delicious. Try a pesto burger or spread it on toast. And, I may be dipping some crackers in it as I write this. Today J got a crown on his tooth, so I think a soft meal of pasta and pesto will be perfect for dinner tonight.

Enjoy!

May 3: May Day (a few days late)

I learned something about my new city today, they celebrate May Day, May 1, by hanging baskets of flowers. Lots of businesses and homes downtown hang arrangements on their doors to welcome spring.

A costumer at the coffee shop today asked me if I had walked around to see them; after she enlightened me about the tradition, I decided I would ride my bike downtown this afternoon and take a look. Here are a few of my favorites (It was hard to pick; I didn't think I should post all 30 pics I took).

May 1: Coconut Chocolate Chip Bars

Three times in three weeks these have been made and shared (no I did not eat them all by myself, although I probably could have) at our house.

This recipe, handed down from J's mom, is one of his favorites. And, because today was a long day and I am tired, here is the recipe in photos.

c is cup, T is tablespoon, tsp. is teaspoon

sorry this one is a little hard to read, basically, mix, poor in pan, bake

P.S. I sometimes add extra coconut and almost always have to cook a little longer.