Thursday, September 30, 2010

Grape Harvest


We’ve just finished harvesting the grapes.  Like most everything else in the garden, they took a very long time to ripen because of the cool summer weather.  We tried to leave them on the vine as long as we could so they would sweeten up, but when the raccoons (or maybe opossums) started eating them, we knew they were ready and should pick the rest.  

Monday, September 27, 2010

Daring Bakers' Challenge: Decorated Sugar Cookies


The September 2010 Daring Baker’s challenge was hosted by Mandy of What the Fruitcake?!  Mandy challenged everyone to make Decorated Sugar Cookies based on recipes from Peggy Porchen and the Joy of Baking.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Tofu Apple Salad


A chicken apple salad caught my attention in a deli case the other day and it looked really good to me.  A perfect fall lunch, especially now that apples are in season.   I don’t eat chickens, but I thought to myself, I can make that and substitute baked tofu for the chicken.  So, that’s what I did.  This is a very quick and easy recipe, especially if you buy the tofu already baked.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Apple Harvest



We have a Gala apple tree.  It’s grows, espaliered on the side of our garage.  It’s an excellent method for growing trees in small spaces, training them to grow on wires, like grapes.  

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Oatmeal Carmelitas


Yesterday was our annual, end of summer block party.  It’s one of two yearly events where everyone on the street gets together for a little food, drink and conversation.  At the end of every summer we meet in the cul de sac for a potluck BBQ.  My contribution this years was oatmeal carmelitas.  It’s my go to dessert recipe for big gatherings.  Everyone loves them and they travel well.  

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Our New Neighbor



We have a new neighbor.  I must apologize, I was introduced and I’ve forgotten his name.  I know he was named after a character, I think, from a Star Wars movie, so we just call him “Baby Star Wars”.  He’s very friendly and always comes over for a visit in the evenings when we’re watering the garden.