Temptation Tuesday - A Big Sale on Berries

Have you even gone a bit overboard and placed yourself in a WTH dilemma? Well, Ms. TSE just committed that crime yesterday. I went absolutely BONKERS while at the market. I was sooooo tempted by the 99 cents sign that I forgot I was shopping for one. Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries were on sale, so silly me went crazy. Sometimes, I question my sanity, but then I quickly snap out of that foolishness. Ha!!

What's a girl to do with a TON of berries?? Here are a few things I did today:

Oatmeal (with almost more fruit than oatmeal):

I haven't had this dip in a few years, but it's always nice to go back to something tried and true. I was reminded of this dip while blog stalking.

Strawberries with Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream) Brown Sugar Dip:

I invited a few friends over last minute and we enjoyed a quick dessert served with Talenti Tahitian Vanilla Bean Gelato. OMG!! They were so good and the perfect size for sharing to keep the four of us from going completely overboard.

Blueberry-Blackberry Galettes:

I made this "shortcut" version last week with Simply Lemonade, but I'll do the real thing this week.

Blackberry Lemonade:

Up next on the agenda:

~Mixed Berries Shortcakes

~Mixed Berries Green Smoothie

~Greek Yogurt with Berries

~Jelly/Jam/Preserves

As much as I've gone on and on about overbuying berries, I've really enjoyed playing with them and planning my week around them. I happily welcome any suggestions you may have to help me with my berry dilemma.

What's your most recent temptation?

Sheila Denise

I'm A Winner!!

Can you believe I said this to myself TWICE last week? Well I did! I entered two blog giveaways and won BOTH! Now the best part of it all is they were both delivered on Friday along with one of my favorite magazines, Southern Living.

The first notification email came from the goddess of EVERYTHING--tablescapes, soirees, weddings, dessert tables, crafts, and who know what else. I "met" Sandra Downie a few months ago and instantly became a fan. This lady is awesome, so make sure you visit her site and blog, The White Library.

My second email came from the wonderful Jamie of My Baking Addiction. I was one of five winners of an Edgeware Zester. I must say that this little doozie is amazing! Now Jamie's blog crammed full of food porn, so run on over and take a look. When you click on the above link, it will take you to one of the most touching posts Jamie has done. Read it carefully and do as Jamie asks...take care of yourself.

If you haven't seen the March issue of Southern Living, you're in for a real treat. I was immediately drawn into the cover photo and KNEW I had to bake the featured pound cake. After all, I was the proud owner of Driscoll's coupons so it was meant to be. You'll see more on the cake in another post, because today, it's all about ME and my winnings. LOL I honestly felt like I had won the lottery! I had $25 in free berries, a nifty new zester and a favorite magazine! What more could a girl ask for? Well I can think of a few things, but you get my drift.

Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake

How was your weekend?

Sheila Denise

Fruit Tart - Blackberry Version

A local supermarket has been stocked with the most delicious blackberries for the past few weeks and I've been eating them like crazy. This morning, I decided to try something other than eating them straight, in smoothies or with my daily Greek yogurt. During my search, I stumbled upon a blackberry tart recipe on a blog called Eclectic Recipes. Just the sight of those luscious, juicy berries piled atop a cream cheesy bed with a shortcakey crust had me eager to recreate this lovely vision. I also loved the fact that Greek yogurt was incorporated into the recipe.

So I got to work and as I progressed, I KNEW I'd have a slice before I could assemble the berries on it. I was even more convinced to do so when I tasted the cream cheese mixture. Oh Em Gee!!! This tart is delicious!!!

Angelia, of Eclectic Recipes, entered this recipe into the Publix Berry Recipe Contest, which ended yesterday. If the judges taste buds are working...this one should be a winner!! Best wishes Angelia...you have my vote!

Just one note, the recipe includes salt and sugar; however, they aren't mentioned during the process, but I pulsed them with the flour and nuts. I'm sending this entry to Angelia, so she'll correct me if I'm mistaken. Also, I added a couple of tablespoons of sour cream and used pecans instead of walnuts, simply because I didn't have walnuts.

Oh yeah...please excuse my pitiful looking mint--it was here and I needed to add a bit of color. I'll have fresher mint next time, I hope.

If you're looking for a simple and delicious dessert, add this one to your arsenal. Thanks Angelia!!

Sheila Denise