Picnic Paradise

 Picnics can be as simple, or as grand as you wish; but either way they are a humble way to spend an afternoon, with the people you love.

     It might technically be spring for six more days, but in my world summer time is definitely here.  The sun has been shining for at least a week now, most children have left academic study behind them, and the smell of freshly cut grass perfumes the air outside. 

     In my backyard the green tomatoes are growing plump, the strawberries are turning red, and the english lavender is in full, fragrant bloom. I get to watch the cute, fuzzy bumble bees, that I love so much, bob through air as the delicate butterflies with white wings float amongst them.  It is so serene.

     We have been indulging ourselves with getting outside as much as possible lately.  This (of course) means bringing food outside, hooray for picnics!  I have a few items that I love to bring on picnics, the foods require no silverware, and we don't use plates.

The Perfect Peasant Picnic 

1. Large blanket
2. Basket
3. Napkins
4. Apple slices**
5. Carrots chopped into 2-bite sections**
6. Fresh squeezed lemonade in jars (make sure lids are on tight!)
7. Sliced cheese
8. Sliced summer sausage
9. Artisan loaf of bread (many like baguette)   

**Pack in a no spill container with ice to keep fresh, it is okay if the ice melts a little, it will make the produce crisp.

Raspberry-Orange Summer Tea Cake 
Raspberry dotted buttermilk cake, with a raspberry-orange cream cheese filling!
 

A slice of this delicate tea cake will make any warm sunny day seem even brighter! Some like it warm, some like it completely cooled, I like it both ways myself.  I always serve this light fluffy cake with morning tea or coffee. This cake is moist, and slightly creamy; perfect for a Sunday morning treat!

Ingredients:

Cake:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup evaporated cane juice (organic sugar)
1/2 cup butter, softened 

1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup fresh raspberries

Filling:

4 ounces cream cheese, frozen

1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel
1/2 cup fresh raspberries

*garnish: a sprinkle of powered sugar and a few extra raspberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease the bottom of a 9x1-1/2-inch round cake pan. Line bottom of pan with parchment. Grease and lightly flour parchment; set aside. 

For cake, in a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl beat sugar and the butter with a mixer on medium to high until combined. Add the egg and the vanilla. Beat on low to medium for 1 minute. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to sugar mixture, beating just until combined after each addition; set aside.

For cream cheese filling, freeze cream cheese so it easily crumbles.  Add orange peel and 1/2 cup raspberries to the crumbled cream cheese, in a small bowl. Gently combine.

Spoon half the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading to edges. Sprinkle filling over batter, spreading to edges. Dollop remaining batter on filling, carefully spreading to edges of pan.  Make sure the inside filling is completely covered.

Bake for 20 minutes or until puffed. Gently press remaining 1 cup raspberries into cake. Bake 25 to 30 minutes more or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. 

Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen edges of cake from pan; remove from pan. Serve warm, or completely cooled. 

Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with additional raspberries.



*Recipe Adapted from BHG with the help of my mum; photo courtesy of atthepicketfence.com

Browned Butter Butterscoth Blondies!

I recently created an account on the wonderful site Etsy.com, and decided to sell, besides my paintings, jar mixes!

I LOVE jar mixes, especially to give as gifts and for holidays.  And as you know Mother's Day will be here before we know it!  I think mixes are really fun and easy for the recipient; all they have to do is pour the contents of the jar in a bowl, with a few wet ingredients of their own, stir together, bake, and voila, done!


They are cute too (if I do say so myself), with fabric tops and a decorated instruction card to boot.

Right now I am selling one of  my all time favorite jar mixes, I call them Brown Butter Butterscotch Blondies. Oh they are just heavenly!  They are chewy, sweet, with a hint of salty, dense, rich, buttery, delicious goodness...and the dough is to die for.  I like to bake mine until they are almost all the way done, but not quite, then I refrigerate them so they get a bit firmer.  Anyway, in the jar I use all natural ingredients, that are both high quality and delectable.  I would never sell anything I didn't feel comfortable putting in my own body.

 I wish shipping was cheaper, but that's what I get for selling something so heavy; but if you think about it, the amount of goodies this jar makes combined with the price you pay for them, is nothing compared to if you bought the same amount at a bakery, even with shipping.

Made with the toffee shown above, organic walnuts, natural butterscotch and white chocolate chips too!

So you can take a gander at my site (yay!) by putting this address in your search bar: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaynaKerr
Or there is a link at the bottom of my blog by my followers.  Thanks for taking a peek, it means a lot!

A Simple Life Still Needs Vacation

My young life has been filled with roller coaster like events.  Many twists and turns, and ups and downs.  For some, a life full of turbulent rides might sound exciting and fun, but I prefer my roller coasters rides to take place exclusively in theme parks.  For as long as I can remember, I have just wanted my life to be a quiet silver ship sailing across clam, cool waters.

As I become steadily older, my life has increasingly become more and more stable.  My relationships have become more concrete, I have become more financially sound, and my education plans are almost complete. 

My successes continued when two days ago, my new fiance slipped a beautiful diamond ring on my finger.  We are now being swept up in a whirlwind of wedding and (most importantly) honeymoon possibilities.
 

Growing up poor was hard, we didn't really go on family vacations.  I never thought I would be planning such an exciting trip for my 'soon-to-be' little family.  Because I have always wanted a "normal" life, I consider going on vacation a staple in the American way of living.  That being said, I also feel many go overboard with vacation, spend too much, and become greedy.  Vacations can be experienced in moderation with a small budget, and still be amazing.

There are always ways to save on the grandest of trips.  Take cruises for example:

• Book through a discount website
• Travel during off season
• Stay in a small inside room instead of one with a veranda (You can get a view all day by going to various decks)
• Choose to do zero, one, or two excursions, you can always just go exploring!
• Don't drink on your cruise, alcohol is not needed for an excellent time.
•  Save the food from the ship (it's usually included in sailing fair) for the port days.  Just pack it away, and take it with you.
• Give people post cards as souvenirs, or a refrigerator magnet and a picture of you on your trip.  You will save a ton if you can go easy with the trinkets you are bound to find. 
• And for yourself find a few meaningful souvenirs, not everything in the gift shop

There are many more things you can do to save, you just have to brainstorm, and research your options.  I love vacations and can't wait for my honeymoon, but I will be looking for ways to save until we leave for our much needed get away.

God is Good

God has been so good to me, and even when life gets hard, I have faith that everything happens for a reason.  He is uplifting and good; just as I attempt to be.  I will continue to do so to better myself, others in my life, and to honor him.

Thank you God, for my life.

Do You Miss BBQ Season?

I am just so anxious for summer to start already!  I miss the days of sandals, sun dresses, ice tea, and watermelon.  As much as I actually like the rain, I do have a great longing to relax outdoors this time of year.  But spring weather is just so unpredictable in Oregon, one minute it is sunny and bright, the next, there is a full on gale bashing outside. 

One of the best things about summer: sitting outside for meals.  Enjoying the great outdoors while munching--nothing beats it...except for maybe Disneyland :)

Broccoli & Onion Turkey Burger

Easter Morning Of Old

       Can you believe Easter is almost here again?!  Last Easter Jacob and I did something new.  We woke up bright and early, made a simple-as-it-gets breakfast, that we proceeded to nibble on while soaking up the early light.

       We took turns telling each other how thankful we were for one another, and then spent some time in prayer.  Thinking back, it was so lovely.  Perhaps simplifying Easter morning is the way to go...

Raspberries, Raw Almonds, Raw Cashews, Dark Chocolate Bits, and Tea!

  Happy Easter!

Sliver Bells and Cockle Shells

       Welcome to early April! Here in Oregon it has been pouring buckets day in and day out.  I must say, there is something simply enchanting about the way rain drops sound as they pitter-patter outside; especially when you are cozy inside.  I love watching the rain, listening to it, the clean earthy scent of it. I love the way it replenishes and refreshes the world anew.  I suppose it's a good thing I am an Oregonian!

        This spring I have decided (for the first time), to seriously plant a vegetable garden. The rainy season does wonders for the home gardener, so what a perfect month to start!  A few weeks ago, with the help of Jacob, I started all my seeds, and amazingly (to our surprise) they grew!  In the next few days into the ground they will all go, and hopefully in a few months time we will have a bountiful array of garden edibles to enjoy all season long.

Sprouts!

       There are so many benefits to gardening, and I encourage everyone to give it a try.  Even if it's just one small potted plant in your bedroom, I feel gardening improves the mind and spirit naturally. It is so nice to take care of something, watch it grow, and have satisfaction when it succeeds.  It is also especially rewarding when your efforts result in a source of fresh, healthy produce, or pretty flowers.  Gardening can ease stress, keep you limber, and even improve your mood.  Get back to nature this spring, and try planting a garden of your own.  

Soul Searching Sunday: Winter's Spring

It is just marvelous outside today.  After more than a month of down-pouring rain, God has blessed us with sunshine and warmth.  The grass is lushly soft, the air is crisp yet bright, and everything just seems to sparkle in the sun; even the stores are starting to sell their first flowers.  This is a nice break from the gray skies I have become so accustom to.  I have doubt the weather will stay like this for long, so for now I am headed outdoors to enjoy a bit of the winter's spring air.

January Blueberries

When I think of January I think of blue.  Cold, dreary, sometimes rainy, blue.  I do not think of the blue in January as having anything to do with summertime fruit; yet today at the grocery store I found blueberries that were somewhat affordable, so I took them home.

I commenced to use the yummy berries in a dreamy coffee-cake (or in my case, tea-cake).  It was perfect served warm on a cold day like today.  I sat with my favorite person, we ate with candles lit and heater ablaze, as the cold clashed and swirled outside.

A little more than slightly sweet, moist, dense, tasty cake.

As always, when attempting to whip up something scrumptious, use the highest quality products possible, as well as the most nutritious!


My January Blues Cake

1/2C butter (I used unsalted)
3/4C sugar in the raw
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 egg white (whip until soft peeks form)
1/3C organic milk
1/2C plain creamy Greek yogurt (I used Lucerne nonfat)

1 1/2C whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2C fresh blueberries (lightly coat with flour)

Method:

Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla, 2 eggs, prepared egg white, and milk.  Evenly mix in yogurt.  Separately combine flour, baking powder, salt, then add to the wet ingredients.  By hand, stir in prepared blueberries.  Bake in a greased and floured loaf pan, or 8 inch round at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, or until cake is done.

*Note To Baker*: to increase nutrition of cake, add mashed banana or apple sauce instead of butter.  It is very good topped with powdered sugar, lemon curd, whipped cream or glaze.

Soup's On!

Most of the happy memories I can recall from growing up, took place either during my wild animal days where I practically lived outside, or when I was in a kitchen.

My parents owned several restaurants all through my adolescence, and if I wasn't romping around outside, I was a poised spectator in their restaurant. 

There was no fooling around once I was inside, it was a business after all.  I remember watching food being flipped through the air and caught again; returning gracefully to its frying pan.  I remember the flambe, the flames that shot high in the air were spectacular.  I remember the chefs doing all of their cooking (even their tricks) with calmly stern faces, and how, unlike them, I couldn't help but to smile at the show.

Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup for a chilly January night (recipe to come...)

What I did not smile about was the giant pile of dishes I had to wash while they created these masterpieces.  I washed and washed and washed, sometimes into the night. 

Although I was never formally taught how to cook, I picked up a lot about food, and the relationships between them, from my countless days of watching and listening in the restaurant.

I still unhappily wash dishes, but I now get to make masterpieces of my own too...and I cook with a smile on my face.    
 

~ An Afterthought ~

My dad is the best soup maker there is, but being his daughter my soup is pretty darn delicious too :)  The recipe for my Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup is to come, stay tuned.

January

     January is an exciting month.  Although the December holidays are over, January marks a new season of determination.  People are compelled by thoughts of new beginnings, and are ready to take on the new year with high hopes.

~Stay Cozy~

Even though this "new season" has begun, January's air is still as chilling as peppermint, just as much, or even more so than it was in December. That being known, some of our wonderful winter activities can continue.  Skiing, stew slurping, and snuggling are some of my favorites, as well as staying cozy warm and comfortable. Happy January everyone, and good luck with your new year.

Santa's Favorite Christmas Crunch Cookies!

This is a re-posted idea I did this year for my family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you Blue-Eyed Bakers!  I love this idea and think it's an excellent, economical gift that appeals to most people. Cookie mix in a Christmas jar! It's not a new idea but it's something that a lot of people just don't seem to take the time to do.  If you just take a little time, this gift is a fun item to add to anyone's Christmas present bag.  It gives your gift an extra something that people really appreciate and love.  Making these jars is definitely worth your while, and here is how I made mine:
 

P.S. Don't forget the carrots for the reindeer!

Layer Ingredients in a 1 quart jar in this order:

For the jar:
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup Rice Krispies
1/2 cup red and green M&M’s ( I used green and red colored white chocolate)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

***NOTE: I mixed the white chocolate chips in with the red and green white chocolate, and layered that at the top.  I feel it looks better.

To make the cookies recipients will add:

Jar contents plus:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

***NOTE: Cookie mix might seem a little dry at first, but keep working the dough and they turn out just fine.

Directions:
In a jar layer the "jar ingredients" in the order listed.  Using a spoon or something with a flat bottom  pack each layer down as much as possible before adding the next.

To decorate, and finish off the jars you will need to: take Christmas fabric and cut out fabric rounds just slightly bigger than the jar lids. Place and position prepared fabric round on top of the lid, and screw the band over top of it. The band should be screwed on tightly.  Next attach a recipe card, with directions, to a piece of Christmas ribbon, using an ornament hook ( you can also put a jingle-bell on the hook).  Lastly, tie the ribbon around the jar making it into a bow.  

To make the cookies, preheat oven to 350.  Beat together the butter, vanilla extract and egg in a large bowl. Add the contents of the jar and stir until well mixed (dough will be crumbly). Drop rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and golden.  Enjoy with a large glass of milk or hot cocoa.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful, Especially If You Are Sleeping Outside...

Imagine being homeless at this time of year...

The weather outside is frightful, especially if you are sleeping outside.  I can't fathom being so cold for so long.  And hungry, hunger is also something they face on a daily basis. Imagine all winter long feeling the tightness of hunger pains, being chilled to the bone, and feeling isolated, day in and day out.

Family is such a huge focus during the holiday season, and to know that most of them are estranged from their own is heart wrenching.  Everyone longs to be with people, no matter who they are, it is part of what makes us human beings.  People want to belong.  In our society the homeless are like the "misfit toys" in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  No one wants them, they go through life being ignored, ridiculed, and looked down upon by the masses. 

Let them know they are not alone, we are all people, we all connected.  Have a heart this holiday and show them you care.  There are many, many ways to do this: share a friendly chat, offer your support, give a gift, volunteer at homeless facilities, etc.

My favorite idea is to keep a couple dozen, ready-made gift bags in the car to give to each homeless person you see.  Here is a list of what I would suggest including in the bags:

Cute Reusable Gift Bag

My Gift Bag Supply List:

Hand Warmers
A pair of Sturdy Gloves
Pack of Thick Winter Socks
Healthy Packaged Food
Toiletries: Soaps, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Lotion, Chapstick, etc.
Hand Written Card, That Tells Them They Are Important


...God be with them this season...

   

It's That Time of Year

Sweaters, pea coats, fireplace stoked

scarves, gloves, windows 

cloaked

rain drops fall, the wind does call:

"Winter is coming, let it be know to all!"

The Start Of November

Apple Pie!

Ingredients

• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie (below)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

 

 

Ingredients for CRUST:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1 tbsp. pieces, very cold
• 1/4-1/2 cup cold water 

 

 
 Directions for CRUST:

1. Put the flour, salt and sugar into a food processor and pulse once or twice.
2. Add the butter and process until the mixture looks grainy.
3. Then slowly, while pulsing, add the water until you can form the dough by pressing it between your fingers.
4. Decant the loose dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.
2. Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
3. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.

The Good Toys

For Boats: Halved Walnut shells, dot of hot glue or wax, flat toothpicks, fabric (cut out to make a flag.)

Toys do not have to be fancy.  In my experience, the simple toys are usually the most fun.  They promote the use of one's own imagination.  Moreover, homemade toys (especially those that the children help make) mean more to them as time passes. Artificially colored, technology infused, electronic noise making toys, simply do not appeal to me.  What is appealing, are toys made from the heart.

I have a hand sewn bunny-rabbit that wears a red and white lace dress, with matching bloomers. A long time family friend poured her heart and soul into making it for me. She stitched the entire outfit, and animal just for me.  Although I did not help make it, that homemade bunny-rabbit is one of my most cherished possessions.

We should be aware that the "latest and greatest" gadget consumed toys are not the best.  They are often overly expensive, and not worth the money.   When children make toys that they can keep and use; it results in proud memories that can last a lifetime. Toys adorned with love and warmth, are a wonderful alternative to plastic toys that come out of a cold, factory-made box.        

Falling For Autumn

 

Welcome Autumn, I have missed you. I have missed the warm colors that are your beauty, the crisp chill that lingers about you; but most of all, I have missed the excitement and cheer you bring to the start of our holiday season. 

Don't Forget The Animals

 I love my two cats as much as children. Sometimes, however, I forget to spoil them for long periods of time.  This is very much regretful, especially because they bring me so much joy, and show me so much love.  Unlike children cats (usually) do not remind, or hint, that they would like, or deserve a treat.  So here is a friendly reminder, on behalf of your beloved pet, that perhaps they deserve a little something special as soon as possible!

HAM IT UP CAT (or dog) TREATS:
 

• 1 jar (2-1/2ounces) strained ham baby food

• 5/8 cup wheat germ

• 5/8 cup non-fat milk powder

• 1 egg, beaten

Directions:

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Mix baby food, wheat germ, milk powder, and egg in medium bowl. Drop by 1/2 teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.
 
MAKES 2-1/2 to 3 dozen
 
*NOTE: Beef or chicken baby food may be substituted for ham baby food.

Love Thy Food

It is worth taking the time to make meals completely from scratch.  Practice putting love into the food you make, it really does make all the difference.