Jul 13, 2014

Classic Pesto - 4 ingredients!



Basil, basil everywhere!
It's one of my very favorite herbs in the garden! It grows so quickly, you can easily start a second crop just six weeks after planting the first!



Classic Pesto

2 cups fresh basil, lightly packed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 5 oz.)
½ to cup olive oil
1 to 2 cloves garlic (optional)

Whirl basil, Parmesan, ½ cup of the oil and, if using, garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth; add more oil, if needed.
Pesto can be used immediately, frozen or refrigerated with *special care.

*recipe may be refrigerated for an extended period of time, IF a thin layer of olive oil is covering the top!  

Each time I use a little, I pour another thin layer of oil on top before returning it to the frig! 


Pesto can be used in a variety of ways; as a sauce, spread, dip, even a marinade. Add a bit to your morning eggs or lunchtime soups to kick up the favor! 
But be cautious, a little goes a long way!
Enjoy!






How do you use your pesto?

check out my Easy Basil Butter here.


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Jul 8, 2014

Peeling Farm Fresh Eggs






Having backyard chickens has been such a blessing, I highly recommend it for everyone, if zoning laws permit!

I was recently talking with some other "farm wives" about the joy of having an unending supply of fresh eggs on hand, but they were telling me how they had to BUY eggs at the grocery store for their hard-boiled egg dishes because fresh eggs can't be peeled.  eek! say it isn't so!!

We've always hard-boiled & peeled our fresh eggs, and you CAN too! 


here's how~

steam them!  
Place your fresh eggs in steam basket/colander over boiling water. (not letting the boiling water touch them!) Let them steam for 20 minutes. 

Remove steamer from heat and immerse in icy cold water to stop the cooking process, about 2 minutes.  Remove from water.
DO NOT let them soak in the water.




Now gently tap the egg to start a crack and the shell should quite literally slide off your hard boiled egg!



Perfection!



Time to make some deviled eggs!



Do you have chickens in your backyard?
Have you ever considered it?



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Jul 4, 2014

Jul 1, 2014

Recycle - wooden block flag - Americana Decor

Hello July!

Summer is in full swing this week,
with it's hot, hazy & humid weather.

As much as I enjoy this season for
gardening, I do not enjoy the heat!
So, for the next two months you will
find me cowering in the air-conditioned
house!

wooden block flag

If you're hiding in the cool air too, 
here's a quick & easy project to make!

A wooden block flag!

You'll need some wood scraps & paint!
I used 2x4's, a 4x4 block and Krylon spray paint.

Or have the kiddos join in 
with their brushes & paint!


wood scraps


These wooden scraps would have
gone into the kindling box for the 
winter if I hadn't rescued them!


wooden block flag 


I made extra white blocks 
to change it up a bit
throughout the seasons!

interchangeable blocks, wooden flag


I have so much fun seeing the 
potential in a piece of "trash" 
and turning it into a treasure!

Do you re-purpose your trash??





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