Please vote!

Happy Fall! This is my favorite time of year. Perhaps its the sounds of the crickets slowly fading away, the evening's hint of crispness or the squirrels mad frenzy harvesting their "finds". I love watching the geese gather and fly south from my top deck that overlooks the Long Island Sound.

I find it enticing to create a fall "to do" list encompassing indoor baking, knitting and all things meant for cozy days to outdoor get-the-garden-ready-for-winter projects. I've tucked my herbs that thrived outdoors in my summer garden into pots that now keep me company at work.

Contributing to my blog more frequently is a must on my fall list and introducing new topics, photography, recipes and projects a must. With that in mind, please see the link below.

Wittches's Submission in Converse 3 Artists 1 Song - "Warrior" Remix Contest

My son Michael, has put in countless hours getting his career as a music engineer off the ground. He's worked on several projects for many artists. Please listen and vote for his work at the link above.

Enjoy the golden days that lie ahead, the autumn air and changing light....

Good Morning! This summer has been absolutely delightful, full of mini travel excursions, new recipes, new classes to take and lots of photos! I've felt terribly guilty not having contributed to this blog sooner. Here's a snapshot of what I've been up to this summer in pictures....enjoy!

I'm up early every day and for me its a most magical time. My home affords a view of the wide expanse of the Long Island Sound looking north. Across the water the lights of Connecticut twinkle until the sun starts its ascent on the eastern horizon. Its at this moment that ribbons of yellow, orange and pink swirl across the sky and a melodious chorus of bird calls treat early risers like myself.

We gathered family and friends to celebrate spring's delightful return. Here are some recipes we used for our Easter weekend. Murderous Carrot Burgers: 1.5 cups finely chopped fresh carrots (washed, skin on, ends cut off) 2 cups crushed cornflakes (crush first then measure) 3 eggs beaten 1/4 cup finely chopped celery 1 tbsp. finely chopped onion 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. sugar ground black pepper to taste 2 tbsp. vegetable oil Directions: Using food processor, finely chop carrots then place in saucepan with just enough water to cover carrots. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, drain all the water from carrots. In a large bowl, combine drained carrots, chopped cornflakes, eggs, celery, onion, salt, sugar and pepper. Mix well, allow to set for 5 minutes. Shape in to at least 6 carrot burgers. Fry method: heat oil in skillet over medium heat, cook burgers for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Panini Grill: coat grill pan and cook burgers as above. Serve on whole grain buns or kaiser rolls. Topping suggestions: baby arugula, melted goat cheese, dijon mustard, hot sauce....whatever you like!

Asparagus Pizza: 1 frozen(thawed) or fresh pizza dough 1 bunch of asparagus trimmed to about 6-7 inches long, reserve tender part of ends and chop 1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella sliced 2 tbs. olive oil ground black pepper Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees, place pizza pan or baking sheet in oven. On lightly floured surface, gently work the pizza dough out with your hands and knuckles until it is about 12" in diameter. Remove heated pan from oven, lightly dust pan with flour, carefully slide dough onto pan. Sprinkle olive oil over dough and spread with fingers. Place asparagus around the dough with tips pointing out and ends meeting in the center of pie. Sprinkle remaining chopped pieces of asparagus around pie and place mozzarella over asparagus. Top with pepper to taste. Bake in oven 12-15 minutes. Cool for about 5 minutes and cut with pizza cutter.

And finally, as promised...my famous dessert pizza! 1 frozen(thawed) or fresh pizza dough Jar of Nutella 1 tbsp. olive oil options: chopped hazelnuts, fresh strawberries, bananas, dark and/or milk chocolate chips Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees, place pizza pan or baking sheet in oven. On lightly floured surface, gently work the pizza dough out with your hands and knuckles until it is about 12" in diameter. Sprinkle olive oil over dough and spread with fingers. Remove heated pan from oven, lightly dust pan with flour, carefully slide dough onto pan. Bake dough for about 10 minutes watching carefully, and at first sign that dough is beginning to form a bubble, remove from oven and make a fine slice in dough releasing air. Return to oven but continue to watch dough while baking. Remove dough from oven when done and place on cool surface. Using offset metal spatula or spreader, spread generous amount of Nutella over dough. Place desired toppings over Nutella, cut, serve and enjoy!

And there you have it, a few simple, somewhat healthy, fresh recipes to enjoy this week. Coming next, herb gardens, fairy gardens and terrariums.

Farewell to March

Spring has arrived with lively bursts of pastel colors in the trees. A beautiful sight to see against the background of green buds. Take time to enjoy nature's art show before the leaves pop.

I recently read an article posted on GOOD.is on why creative people need multiple outlets...so true!
http://www.good.is/post/one-is-not-enough-why-creative-people-need-multiple-outlets
Juggling a full time HS Librarian position that I love, getting outdoors as often as possible, getting together with friends and family and finding time to "create" each day poses an interesting challenge.

My goal is to have this blog highlight some of my interests and if they spark some excitement for you, feel free to follow the links to what I post.

Follow me on Pinterest to see what else I'm doing! Have a great weekend and get out to appreciate those blooming trees before the blossoms are swept away.

Pinterest

I've discovered the fun of posting all interesting things on Pinterest. Using the button provided you will be able to link directly to my page to view boards.

Give it a try and I'll be adding more in the next few days.

Have a great weekend!

Mid-winter stroll

Yesterday was a beautiful day, perfect to be outdoors. We decided to explore Bailey's Arboretum and discovered a refuge for enchanting owls and red-tailed hawks. One can sniff the air and sense anticipation of warmer days to come. Walking through winter gardens, seeing trellises, benches and gazebos is an invitation to come back when it is warm enough to sit and listen.
Returning home warm up with a cup of hot strawberry and black currant tea and a light sandwich. Cucumbers sliced thin layered with cream cheese on multi-grain bread is a perfect mid-afternoon snack.

King Arthur Flour – Baking Banter

King Arthur Flour – Baking Banter