Sunday, April 24, 2011

Eggs, Eggs, Everywhere!!

By the end of the day, you may find yourself staring at a few leftover eggs. If you're looking for alternatives to prevent deviled eggs overload, here are a few images I gathered via a Google round up that offer a few other ways to polish off that stash of eggs.

Salad


Asparagus


Egg Salad Sandwiches


Peel & Eat


Happy Easter!!

Sheila Denise

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Farmers Markets & Roadside Stands



Good Morning!!

As I was scurrying about this week, I passed the Georgia State Farmers Market and made a note to stop by and browse. It's been a few months since I've dropped in, so I need to make up for lost time. Since, it can be difficult to keep up with what's available when, I thought I'd share the Georgia schedule of crops and harvest dates. Keep in mind, these dates are typical. Take some time and research the markets in your area, pay them a visit and support your local and state farmers as well as the other vendors you may encounter at these great markets. And don't forget the unexpected roadside stands--some of the best tomatoes I've ever eaten came from a roadside stand in the middle of NOWHERE!! Keep those eyes open, you may be surprised by some of the items you'll discover.

Enjoy your Saturday!!

CROP

DATES

Apples

July 25-November 21

Asparagus

March 15-June 20

Beans - Lima

May 15-October 20

Beans: Pole & Snap

May 10-Nov. 5

Blackberries - Atlanta Area

June 1-July 30

Blackberries - Southern GA

May 15-June 15

Blueberries - Atlanta Area

June 15-August 15

Blueberries - Southern GA

June 1-Aug. 5

Cabbage

May 15-September 25

Cantaloupes

June 1-August 20

Christmas Trees

November-December

Collards

October 1-June 20

Corn - Sweet

May 15-July 1

Cucumbers

May 1-July 20

Eggplant

June 15-October 20

Grapes - Bunch

June 20-October 1

Lettuce

March 15-May 20

Muscadines

July 1-November 1

Nectarines

May 8-August 25

Okra

May 20-October 1

Onions - Dry

May 1-June 25

Onions - Green

Jan. 1-June 1

Onions - Vidalia®

April 20-June 10

Peaches

May 8-August 25

Peanuts

August 15-November 1

Pears

August 1-November 1

Peas - English

Jan. 15-April 1

Peas - Field

May 15-October 1

Pecans

September 1-Dec. 15

Pepper - Sweet

June 1-September 1

Plums

July 1-August 25

Potatoes - Irish

May 15-September 15

Potatoes - Sweet

July 15-November 20

Pumpkins

September 15-November 15

Squash

May 20-October 1

Strawberries - Atlanta Area & N. GA

April 5 -June 10

Strawberries - Southern GA

March 1- May 10

Tomatoes

May 25-October 15

Turnips - Bunched

Jan. 1-April 15

Turnips - Greens

October 1-March 15

Watermelons

June 25-September 1


Sheila Denise

Credits:
Photo: The Healthiest Habits
Crop Schedule: PickYourOwn.org



Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Thursday Treasure - When & Where You Least Expect It



There is something quite elegant about this simple white-on-white shot. A while back, I was browsing the web for white dish inspiration, I spotted this photo on Country Living Magazine's website. I immediately added it to my "I Love This" file and went along my merry little way.

Fast forward to yesterday. I was out and about and decided to check out Value Village thrift store. I find it's always best to thrift with an open mind to eliminate any form of disappointment, and that's exactly what I did today. My first stop is always housewares and you're going to LOVE what I found!! I'll show you the receipt, then I'll share the goodies I secured.



As you can see, there's a $3.03 SPLURGE purchase listed there, but when you see the item, you'll completely forgive me for spending so much cash! LOL

These were 40 cents each.





These were 20 cents each and are the perfect inside joke for a friend. I presented them to him today and we laughed hysterically for several minutes non-stop!



And now on to that "major" $3.03 purchase....







I couldn't bear to leave in on the shelf!! I'm sure you understand. Yes, the white dish saga continues...and continues...and continues.

Don't you just LOVE finding great treasures when you least expect it?

Happy Thursday!!

Sheila Denise

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Temptation Tuesday - Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese



A few days ago, I was reminded of how delicious vanilla bean butter is and that thought led to another and here we are. It had been quite a while since I've enjoyed vanilla bean butter or vanilla bean cream cheese, so I decided to do something about it. I elected cream cheese because I already eat enough "regular" butter that I'll likely spiral out of control if I added vanilla beans. Brace yourself for this very difficult recipe.

In addition to a bowl, a spoon and a knife, here's what you'll need:

1 8 ounce block of Cream Cheese, softened
(I left it on the counter overnight)


1 Vanilla Pod


With a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean, lengthwise.

With the knife, scrape the length of the pod to reveal those beautiful flecks.


Mix with the cream cheese.


Find a giant Pistachio muffin from Ingles Supermarket (or any muffin, bagel, etc.).






Smear it with a bit of vanilla cream cheese and enjoy.




Now about this muffin...it was quite tasty without the cream cheese, but it was OMG delicious with it. There were an ample amount of pistachios and the texture and taste was fantastic. If there's an Ingles near you, swing by and pick up a muffin. In addition to Pistachio, the other flavors spotted are: Strawberry, Lemon Poppy Seed, Cran-Orange, Butter Rum, Blueberry and Bran. Oh and they also have giant cinnamon rolls. I'm plotting to try them all, one delicious bite at a time.



If you're wondering what to do with the empty vanilla pod...stick it in a jar of sugar and the vanilla essence will make you very, very happy.



Sheila Denise

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thursday Treasure - Goodwill Find



It's your resident thrifter checking in. I scored a deal at Goodwill last week and it will be used a TON during our warm weather days. As I've stated before, thrifting is one of my favorite pastimes. I love finding a deal on things I can utilize for years to come and this fits the bill perfectly! Notice the HUGE price I paid.

Here's my latest score...



Isn't it just darling?? I'm looking forward to serving mini desserts in these.




This will also be handy for condiments.



I'm very happy this Thursday evening.

Sheila Denise

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Temptation Tuesday - National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day



Whew!! Happy Tuesday!! I wasn't sure I'd get home early enough tonight to check in with you, but I did and I'm happy that I'm able to share today's special holiday with you.



Today is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. Yes, that oh so easy to make, but oh so delicious to eat sandwich has it's very own holiday. As a lover of cheese, ANY cheese, this ranks among one of my favorite holidays. I managed to miss lunch and haven't had dinner yet, so I'm pretty sure I know what I'm eating tonight, along with a bowl of tomato soup. Now that I think I about it, I almost always have tomato soup with my grilled cheese sandwiches. I'll have to expand my horizons a bit...next time. I realize today's post is rather late, but you can enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich any time, any day.



When making your favorite grilled cheese sandwich, what are your must-haves...favorite bread, special cheese(s), particular toasting method, etc.??

Enjoy your evening.

Sheila Denise

Photo Credits:
#1: Cheese Yes Please
#2: Kraft Foods
#3: A Cup of Jo