Two Men & a Little Farm Just May Have Something Here

I want an herb garden.
Not one in a window sill, but a big one outside.
I don't want it to be an eyesore but a thing of beauty.

My wheels are turning, trying to come up with an idea, when I see this  

From Two Men and a Little Farm
blogspot here -

http://twomenandalittlefarm.blogspot.com/2011/05/wagon-wheel-herb-garden.html

Brilliant!  Two Men, I salute you!
(for instructions, please see their link above)

Now, to find a wagon wheel.

Everything's Peachy Keen!

Looking into my pantry with bewilderment, I found a cake mix and some canned peaches.  Along with a few other ingredients, I came up with this great dessert.  Who says you have to have a recipe?

Peachy Keen Bars 

Printable Recipe

1 pkg	dry cake mix-white, yellor or french vanilla
1/3 c	butter, room temperature
2 lg	eggs, divided
29 oz	can light peach slices, drained
8 oz	cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 c	sugar
1 tsp	pure vanilla extract

1

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9x13” pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2

 In a large bowl combine cake mix, butter and 1 egg; mix with fork just until crumbly.
Set aside 1 ½ c. crumbs for topping.

3

 Press the remaining crumbs on bottom of prepared pan; Bake 10 minutes.

4

 Cut peach slices into 1” pieces; Spoon onto partially-baked crust.

5

 In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg and vanilla extract; beat with mixer until creamy.
Spread over top of peaches.

6

 Sprinkle with reserved crumbs; Bake 30 minutes.

7

 Chill at least 30 minutes before serving; Serves 12.
Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Hold Hands and Stick Together!

"And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world it is best to hold hands and stick together. "  Robert Fulghum

This is a quote from a brilliant man.    

 http://www.robertfulghum.com/
It brings to mind what we all need to do on a daily basis.  No matter how little time we have and how much we have to do, we really need to try to be nice.  To others.  To ourselves. 

Mr. Fulghum also had a nugget of wisdom when he said, "You may never have proof of your importance but you are more important than you think. There are always those who couldn’t do without you. The rub is that you don’t always know who."

...so be nice to yourself-on a daily basis!   Find time to relax and eat a snow cone, if that's what you want.
Sneak in a moment or two to watch a new movie in a theater, alone, and cry if you want.

Remember, if you don't make you happy, nobody else can! 

Stay amused, stay amazed, and above all, stay in touch with yourself . . .
Robert Fulghum  
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Easy 7-ingredient White Chocolate Blondies

With limited ingredients in my kitchen since I just got home from out of town, my husband was craving something sweet after dinner tonight.  I browsed the internet for a recipe that used the ingredients I had on hand, and this is what I came up with.

7 simple ingredients.  I owe the credit to The Baker's Sheet (http://thebakerssheet.com).  Click HERE for the original link to the recipe.

White Chocolate Chip Blondies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Lightly butter a 9 x 13-inch pan and line with parchment paper, allowing enough overhang on the long side to lift the blondies from the pan.
2. Place the butter and 1 cup chocolate chips in a small saucepan over the lowest possible heat and cook until almost all the chocolate has melted. Off heat, stir until smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
3. Place the sugar, eggs, and vanilla in the bowl of a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whip until lemon-colored and thick.
4. Replace the whisk attachment with the paddle and add the flour, salt, and remaining 1 cup chocolate chips and beat on the lowest speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the cooled chocolate mixture, and beat until just combined.
   
5. Pour into the prepared pan, smooth with a knife, and transfer to the oven. Bake until the top is just beginning to brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes. Be careful not to over bake. Cool in the pan slightly and then cut into 24 bars

Adapted from: Relish

Location, Location, Location

It all started on the railroad back in the early 1850's.  The Texas Pacific Railroad was headed north past Fort Worth  and ended up in what is now called Keller, Texas.  It quickly became a railroad stop, and the foreman of the railroad, Mr. John C. Keller, named our town.

Photo courtesy of http://www.cityofkeller.com

It used to be known as the town of Athol, and I for one am glad he changed the name-thanks, Mr. Keller.  Back in the day being in close proximity to the Trinity River made for a great living-the farmers could farm the vast and open land, and there was plenty of room for the ranchers' cattle.  

You know what they say-location, location, location.

Photo courtesy of http://www.cityofkeller.com

Now a "small" town of over 40,000 people, nestled between the old cowtown of Fort Worth and what has become the "Beverly Hills" of the South, appropriately named Southlake, Keller offers great food, excellent entertainment, exemplary shcools, beautiful homes and friendly neighbors.  Did I mention the shopping?  

My husband, James, grew up on the other side of the tracks in Dallas, about a 45 minute drive (without traffic, that is!)  We both grew up in Dallas county and knew that we needed a slower pace of life when we moved to Keller about 15 years ago.  

The original Keller Main Street is filled with antique stores bursting at the seams in old houses and extinct filling stations.  Restaurants, Pie Shops and Tea Rooms keep the quaint feeling that Keller has and always will have.  

I had my eye on a very old Shell filling station on Keller Main Street and had plans for 10 years to buy it, keeping the original building and opening up a little restaurant with homemade pies and cobblers.  You know the kind, right? 
Well, my dream was crushed when one day I noticed somebody had bought it and was refurbishing it.  I shuddered to think what it would be turned into.  A quick oil change place or a car stereo store.  Ugh.

When it was finished and the signs went up, I saw that at least they kept the general structure and feeling of the building, and it was indeed a food place.  
So, we gave it a try, my husband and I.  

To our surprise, the owner was a childhood friend and classmate of my husband's from Dallas!  I couldn't be angry at him, and I shared my 10-year dream with him. He just smiled.  
His name is Jimmy.  

Now the location is known as Bronson Rock Burgers, and it's a hit.  Not just a hit, but a HUGE hit!  I'm happy for my building and my friend, Jimmy.  

Photo courtesy of DFW.com/Joyce Marshall

photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/BronsonRockRestaurantandBar

The establishment now has an outdoor concert stage, a Margarita Bar, a "Red Room" for special occasions, inside and outside dining, and offers Keller neighbors a place to go, eat, hang out and have a drink or two if they'd like.  Just a place to relax.  It's a great addition to a sleepy little town.  

Now, let's talk food.  Bar food, but just not ANY bar food.  They have Wood-Fired Angus burgers and freshly-cut fries, hand-dipped onion rings, crawfish, and my favorite-the best barbecue wings I've ever had.  Seriously.  I'm not even a wing-eater, but I love these.  

They also have one of the best grilled chicken salads in the area-with fresh romaine lettuce, spring greens and other veggies.  

So, if you want to eat healthy, they have something for everyone.  

I love their homemade Ranch Dressing so I went home and tried my hand at it.  See what you think.

Paula's Ranch Dressing

Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip-too sweet for this)

1/2 cup sour cream (not lite)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder 

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons white vinegar

2 drops worcestershire sauce

4 Tablespoons (one small handful) fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley

1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Mix the first 3 ingredients in a large bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients; mix well and let sit at least 2 hours.  

Will keep in refrigerator for 1 week, but it won't last that long.  You'll be eating it on salads, with celery sticks, carrots and anything else you can get your hands on.

HERE is their site if you'd like to pay it a virtual visit, and HERE is their facebook page.  

So, if you're ever in the neighborhood, let me know, and I'll meet you up at the Rock in Keller-we'll have a beer and split an order of wings.  Uh, maybe not.  We'll get 2 orders!

Click HERE for the link for information about the exciting 

International Food Bloggers Convention this year in Seattle!

Yes, I just signed up, and I'm so excited to hear Dorie Greenspan as the keynote speaker.  

For more information about Dorie:  http://doriegreenspan.com/about.html

Dorie has written 10 cookbooks over the last 20 years and won 6 James Beard and IACP Awards for them-including "Cookbook of the Year!" - TWICE!

She's smart, she's fun, and what a treat it will be to get insight into her world.




From famous photographers to renowned cookbook authors, cooking demonstrations and tips on making money doing what we love, this convention is at the top of my list.

We have the world at our fingertips with Food Blogging, and all of these guest speakers will teach us how to make the most out of what we know and love-Food!

So, book early, get a spot on the list and join me in Seattle in September.

Jackie Robinson Day celebration begins on April 15

"I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... all I ask is that you respect me as a human being."  ~ Jackie Robinson

Both the Dodgers and all of Major League Baseball will commemorate the 66^th anniversary of Hall of Fame Dodger Jackie Robinson.  This year's celebration with the Dodgers will be a little different.  

Prior to the 7:10 game against San Diego, a HUGE celebration will be going on, and the icing on the cake, so to speak, will be the private screening of the Warner Bros. feature film "42."  This film is a true blue tribute to Mr. Robinson's life in baseball and life in general.  Click on this LINK to see the movie trailer-it's a must see.

This annual remembrance of such an iconic baseball hero throughout the Major League is the ultimate compliment to Mr. Robinson, as well as to his wife, Rachel Robinson and their daughter Sharon.  

Jackie Robinson was the first and only player whose uniform number (42) was retired by Major League Baseball (April 15, 1997).

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

"My family and I are honored to be part of the Los Angeles Dodgers' celebration honoring Jackie on Monday," said Rachel. "Remembering Jackie and what he has meant not only to baseball and the Dodgers but also to remember and celebrate the impact he had and continues to have on society is very special. We look forward to joining Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, the Dodgers and their fans in what will be a very memorable tribute to Jackie's legacy."

In addition to the April 15th Jackie Robinson day with baseball players nationwide donning his uniform number, and the opening of the feature film 42, in May the last glove that Jackie Robinson used in the 1955/1956 World Series will go up for auction.

This glove will most amazingly bring around $1,000,000.00 or more at auction this May.  It's considered one of the rarest pieces of memorabilia.

Robinson will be remembered for his courage as a civil rights leader, as he faced hateful fans who yelled racial slurs and spit on him.  He faced intentionally wayward pitches that would hit him in the head and even faced death threats-all because of the color of his skin.  He was a spiritual man with deep convictions and always showed restraint and courage when most would crumble or fight back.

We salute you, Mr. Robinson, and remember your grace and love that set an example to us today and forever.  You lived by your words when you said,

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."

Fort Worth Fish Tacos

We LOVE fish tacos, and the best are homemade.

 So, grab a cold beer and make some wonderful fish tacos!   Click HERE to see my original recipe on the  #1 place for recipes.

Ingredients 8 (3 oz.) boneless fish fillets, such as cod, crappie, tilapia or any firm white boneless fish fillets 2 t. salt 2 t. hot sauce 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 6 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped, divided 1/2 cups mayonnaise 5 ounces plain Greek yogurt 4 small limes, cut into wedges, divided 1 cup flour 1 t. salt 1 t. garlic powder Dash cayenne pepper 1/4 t. black pepper 1 cup dark beer 3 cups approximately of peanut oil or canola oil for frying 8 to 10 small flour tortillas 1 bag of ready-to-serve shredded cabbage or ¼ head of cabbage, shredded fine 1 jar ready-made salsa

Steps  Place fish on plate and sprinkle with salt and hot sauce; cover and refrigerate a few minutes while making cilantro cream sauce. In a small bowl or large measuring cup, combine cream cheese, 2 T. cilantro, mayonnaise, yogurt and 1 T. of fresh lime juice; mix well, cover and refrigerate while making beer batter for fish. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, pepper and beer; mix well with a whisk. In a large frying pan heat oil on medium high heat just until hot but not smoking. Remove fish from refrigerator; dip in beer batter and fry 3 at a time, turning when golden (approximately 2 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness); drain and keep warm. Repeat until all fish is cooked; cover and keep warm. Heat flour tortillas and cover to keep warm. Remove cilantro cream sauce from refrigerator to serve. Assemble tacos by placing a fish fillet on a warm tortilla, top with cabbage, then cream sauce, salsa, the remaining cilantro and a squeeze of the remaining lime wedges. Serves 8

The Luck O The Irish!

It's almost St. Patty's Day, and I tested some Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes from Allrecipes.  They made the cut, so I'll be celebrating with these for dessert.  HERE is the link to the original recipe, created by "Diana."  

You might be surprised that both the cupcake AND the frosting have Guinness beer in them.  It makes the cupcake very moist, and the frosting?  Well, I wouldn't have believed it, had I not made it myself.  Cream cheese goodness with a distinct taste you almost can't put your finger on!

So, click on this link, for the recipe and celebrate in style!

Grandparents Have Rights Too

As a "Nana" for almost five years, I speak from the heart.  A heart I never even knew existed until I had my grandson.  Not until now did I see the injustice in society concerning grandparents and their grandchildren.

Simply put, when a parent denies their child time with his or her grandparents for personal gain or problems, it is immoral, wrong and just plain MEAN.  Face it, if us grandparents do nothing to deserve this, and the child does nothing to deserve this, to me it's child abuse.  There, I've said it.

I've started a facebook page that expresses my opinions and has photos and poems showing what us grandparents feel like when a grandchild disappears from our lives for no reason that concerns us.  If the mother has a problem with the dad, then don't punish us, the grandparents.  And PLEASE don't even think about punishing the child-that's child abuse in the simplest form, in my humble yet outspoken opinion.

Click HERE for the link to my facebook page and feel free to post thoughts, prayers, photos or anything if you're a grandparent, a grandchild or just a bystander watching this type of injustice.