tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68555592400915879712024-03-13T09:52:33.201-04:00My Little BungalowMy Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.comBlogger537125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-43107455965522240552021-01-01T21:00:00.025-05:002021-01-01T21:33:24.133-05:00Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ulFuQYSgFA/X--YNfF40MI/AAAAAAAAIls/7j8Ek0Is8Z4a8FxNwyeZ8FqrwMnNmHpHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4ce7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ulFuQYSgFA/X--YNfF40MI/AAAAAAAAIls/7j8Ek0Is8Z4a8FxNwyeZ8FqrwMnNmHpHACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/fullsizeoutput_4ce7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">Hello friends, and happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are ready for 2021. Our Christmas was quiet and restful, and New Year's was the same. Which is just fine with me! </span><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">During the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it's tradition for many people to bake up a storm: cookies, cakes and other treats. While I love to bake, for some reason I tend not to do a whole lot of baking before Christmas, but usually get the urge to bake the week <i>after</i> Christmas. So to kick off the new year, I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies today. I searched my blog for a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe and realized I haven't posted one yet (the chocolate chip cookies I've posted have other ingredients in them, such as dried cranberries or coconut). Well, that's about to change.</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">I made this recipe with a gluten-free flour substitute. If you don't follow a gluten-free diet, use the same amount of all-purpose flour in place of the gluten-free flour. The nuts I use are pecans because they are my husband's favorite nut in baked goods. Feel free to substitute another nut such as walnuts or even almonds. If you don't care for nuts, it's fine to leave them out.</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13pt; text-align: left;"><b>Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><b>Ingredients</b><br />2-1/4 cups gluten-free flour* or all-purpose flour (see note below)<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />3/4 teaspoon fine salt<br />2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter at room temperature<br />1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />3/4 cup packed light brown sugar<br />2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract<br />2 large eggs<br />2 cups (12-ounce package) semisweet chocolate chips (Nestle Tollhouse Morsels are labeled gluten free)<br />3/4 cup chopped pecans</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><b>Directions</b><br />1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugars until pale and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add vanilla and eggs and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">2) Drop dough in 2-tablespoon-size balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies are golden around edges but centers are still soft, about 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool on sheets 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">*Note: There are a few brands of gluten-free flour blends I use. All contain xanthan gum and can be substituted for all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.cup4cup.com" target="_blank">Cup4Cup</a> Multipurpose Flour (cornstarch, white rice flour, brown rice flour, milk powder, tapioca flour, potato starch, xanthan gum)</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">King Arthur Flour </span><a href="https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/gluten-free-measure-for-measure-flour-1-lb" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">Measure for Measure</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> (rice flour, whole grain brown rice flour, whole sorghum flour, tapioca starch, cellulose, xanthan gum, vitamin and mineral blend)</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Bob's Red Mill <a href="https://www.bobsredmill.com/shop/flours-and-meals/gluten-free-1-to-1-baking-flour.html" target="_blank">Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour</a> (sweet white rice flour, whole grain brown rice flour, potato starch, whole grain sorghum flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OTg7FqVppc/X--dYykpCgI/AAAAAAAAIl4/LhHo-CvUnYk_zzmWYKaj5JWo0Bc7DV6gQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4cdf.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1942" data-original-width="2048" height="606" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OTg7FqVppc/X--dYykpCgI/AAAAAAAAIl4/LhHo-CvUnYk_zzmWYKaj5JWo0Bc7DV6gQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h606/fullsizeoutput_4cdf.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-10229674256013520582020-12-21T07:00:00.001-05:002020-12-21T07:00:07.944-05:00A Classic Beef Stew Recipe<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d7R0a3S-2U/X-AAYIeqOmI/AAAAAAAAIk0/0x70DgFn_mEAqLBLfxRnLNzhe96MWyiEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4ca1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1598" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d7R0a3S-2U/X-AAYIeqOmI/AAAAAAAAIk0/0x70DgFn_mEAqLBLfxRnLNzhe96MWyiEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h640/fullsizeoutput_4ca1.jpeg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">Beef stew is perhaps one of the best winter comfort foods, wouldn't you say? This recipe is a variation on Martha Stewart's recipe for classic beef stew. Make an extra large portion and give some to a neighbor or friend to let them know you are thinking of them. </span><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Beef Stew</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Ingredients</b><br />3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1" to 2" pieces<br />Flour*, for dusting<br />3 tablespoons olive oil<br />8 ounces frozen pearl onions*, thawed and patted dry<br />2 tablespoons tomato paste<br />1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce<br />3/4 cup red wine*<br />2 cups low-sodium beef stock<br />1 can (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes, undrained<br />5 carrots, peeled and cut into 1" to 1-1/2" pieces<br />4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" to 1-1/2" cubes<br />1 cup frozen peas<br /><br /><b>Directions</b><br />1) Season beef with salt and pepper, then dust with flour, shaking off excess if needed. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Add some of the beef in a single layer and cook, turning to brown on most sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate a repeat with more beef, adding more oil if needed. Repeat until all beef has been browned.<br /><br />2) Preheat oven to 350 F. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the Dutch oven, still over medium-high heat, and add pearl onions, cooking until golden, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until caramelized, about 1 minute. Add Worcestershire sauce and red wine and boil for 2 to 3 minutes.<br /><br />3) Return beef and its juices to the pot and add the beef stock and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Cover pot, transfer to oven and cook 1 hour. Remove pot from oven and add the carrots and potatoes; stir to combine. Cover and continue cooking in oven for another hour, until beef is fork tender and vegetables are easily pierced with the tip of a knife. Stir in frozen peas, cover and continue to cook in oven another 10 to 15 minutes. Serve stew in shallow bowls with a sprinkling of fresh parsley on top, accompanied by a crusty French bread.<br /><br />Store cooled stew in the refrigerator 2 to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.<br /><br /><b>*Notes:</b><br />- Beef chuck is ideal for this stew because of its marbeling; the fat melts during cooking and makes for a delicious sauce.<br /><br/>To save time, prep the carrots and potatoes while the beef is cooking in the oven for the first hour.<br /><br />- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour; I use King Arthur's Measure for Measure gluten-free flour.<br /><br />- Red wine: use a dry Cabernet Sauvignon or a more full-bodied red blend; I use Cocobon Dark red blend, which is our house wine.<br /><br />- The pearl onions I use are Birds Eye. They come in a 14 oz. bag and I just eyeball the quantity – a little more than half the bag for this amount of beef. Be sure to start the thawing process well in advance. If they aren't thawed in time, you can put them in a colander and run some lukewarm water over them, then pat well with paper towels to remove excess water.</span></div>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-87821035527491778802020-12-10T07:00:00.035-05:002020-12-10T07:00:04.519-05:00Stunning Poinsettias<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">Hi friends. Happy December! Tis the season to decorate for Christmas. We have our tree up and all the little decorations throughout the house. Last weekend we drove up to the nursery where we purchase our poinsettia plants. They have a stunning array of poinsettia varieties and it is nearly impossible to choose. I love so many of them! I snapped several photos to share with you. Even if you're not a fan of poinsettias, I think you'll agree these are amazing plants.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">But first, how about some poinsettia trivia? Did you know December 12 is National Poinsettia Day? How many poinsettia plants are sold in a year? Over 34 million! The states that grow the most poinsettias are California at number one, followed by North Carolina and Texas. Poinsettias are native to southern Mexico and bloom in December. The leaves that turn colors are called bracts. The flowers are actually the small clusters of buds in the center of the plant. In the wild, a poinsettia plant can grow to 12 feet tall. It is actually a small tropical tree in the Euphorbia family.*<p>Now on with the show! The first two poinsettias are marbled varieties: Sparkling Punch with its lovely two-toned pink bracts, and Superba Marble with cream and pink marbling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28kEbbBekwQ/X9GeZvVGltI/AAAAAAAAIh4/nrbdaqPebbIyE2IySQARPZXAilqgONP8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c6c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28kEbbBekwQ/X9GeZvVGltI/AAAAAAAAIh4/nrbdaqPebbIyE2IySQARPZXAilqgONP8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c6c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9N7GqAL-SK8/X9GtkNJdcjI/AAAAAAAAIkk/5iUU4VUj6IcNCEkDiiNWwSzcaVkjZAmLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c6e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9N7GqAL-SK8/X9GtkNJdcjI/AAAAAAAAIkk/5iUU4VUj6IcNCEkDiiNWwSzcaVkjZAmLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c6e.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></span></div>Now for the speckled varieties: Superba New Glitter followed by Sonora White Glitter. These are dramatic, and I appreciate them for their uniqueness, but they're not what I choose for the house. My husband likes the speckled poinsettias a lot, but I had to overrule him on this one. Can you tell the difference between the two below? Take a look at the shape of the bracts.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yn777UEWHX8/X9GfzqArxRI/AAAAAAAAIiI/8q75B2RO5AwjfdyyGX4sOmb58NObKDNRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yn777UEWHX8/X9GfzqArxRI/AAAAAAAAIiI/8q75B2RO5AwjfdyyGX4sOmb58NObKDNRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0927.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FULef5UKTdk/X9Gf9nwOI7I/AAAAAAAAIiQ/V96IEZVywFMvFrgjKN0QJXOTvbW5hWNvACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c82.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1722" data-original-width="2048" height="538" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FULef5UKTdk/X9Gf9nwOI7I/AAAAAAAAIiQ/V96IEZVywFMvFrgjKN0QJXOTvbW5hWNvACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h538/fullsizeoutput_4c82.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This year a variety called Skystar caught our eye. It has vivid bluish-red bracts with the occasional white dot, which looks like someone splattered bleach on them. My husband really liked this variety, so we bought one for the living room.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wprFz-djY8/X9GjVlHl12I/AAAAAAAAIig/p26aMyhFCNAn7BsFF0Ubey2NQDYd0_gDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c81.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1743" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wprFz-djY8/X9GjVlHl12I/AAAAAAAAIig/p26aMyhFCNAn7BsFF0Ubey2NQDYd0_gDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w544-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c81.jpeg" width="544" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Then we have the pinks. These are some of my favorites! From the paler Princettia Pink to the bolder Princettia Hot Pink, to the boldest Princettia Queen Pink (in that order below), these varieties are stunning.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gmQCBPqkkk/X9Gj4Fq5HxI/AAAAAAAAIio/rZVkdCg3AT0SQ2lw6fdqvuoK2c38aU4mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c7b.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1584" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gmQCBPqkkk/X9Gj4Fq5HxI/AAAAAAAAIio/rZVkdCg3AT0SQ2lw6fdqvuoK2c38aU4mQCLcBGAsYHQ/w496-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c7b.jpeg" width="496" /></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuDNG-upG4I/X9GkHUZ9rHI/AAAAAAAAIis/7UGJGAqQvksaKd8O3M4zDfS56A33QEQdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c78.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuDNG-upG4I/X9GkHUZ9rHI/AAAAAAAAIis/7UGJGAqQvksaKd8O3M4zDfS56A33QEQdQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c78.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hJVW3esifk/X9GkTG62kQI/AAAAAAAAIi0/PMgY0SpMvvcesNrjBPQ4E6l7t9GUUrghACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0893.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hJVW3esifk/X9GkTG62kQI/AAAAAAAAIi0/PMgY0SpMvvcesNrjBPQ4E6l7t9GUUrghACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0893.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">Maren is a lovely salmony-pink variety – not quite red and not quite pink, but somewhere in between. I bought one of these beauties and it sits on my dresser in the bedroom.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2AynEkDw9Y/X9GlWKDs-CI/AAAAAAAAIjI/eWNaB_JUs4sAM0ML2TOFFutCOW09zEYVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/61C166B8-8963-4595-B155-2708BE49F61F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2AynEkDw9Y/X9GlWKDs-CI/AAAAAAAAIjI/eWNaB_JUs4sAM0ML2TOFFutCOW09zEYVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/61C166B8-8963-4595-B155-2708BE49F61F.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Viking Cinnamon is a pink with a slightly brownish cast, and below that is Autumn Leaves with its uniquely colored and shaped pinkish-orange bracts. I should have bought Autumn Leaves for our </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">dining room</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. It would complement the terra cotta colored walls.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jA6dEv1MTM/X9GlxqRdQ-I/AAAAAAAAIjQ/L6HPwN9yOt4PqHEsk9rr9kua9RCmGYfFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c84.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="2048" height="608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jA6dEv1MTM/X9GlxqRdQ-I/AAAAAAAAIjQ/L6HPwN9yOt4PqHEsk9rr9kua9RCmGYfFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h608/fullsizeoutput_4c84.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oouOCVbUn2g/X9GmBXIgrKI/AAAAAAAAIjg/8ZDCu_osCU0u42psQiPyjs535-Ah3lnyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c72.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oouOCVbUn2g/X9GmBXIgrKI/AAAAAAAAIjg/8ZDCu_osCU0u42psQiPyjs535-Ah3lnyACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c72.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Then we come to a very fun plant. While it has the red color of your typical poinsettia, the shape of the bracts is what makes Christmas Mouse special. It is named for the rounded bracts which resemble – you guessed it – mouse ears. So sweet!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrdsMby51E0/X9GnDADPxdI/AAAAAAAAIjo/9sMDYgQ-Cg0iACofKRjEHZdsiE3fMzB2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c76.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="2048" height="608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrdsMby51E0/X9GnDADPxdI/AAAAAAAAIjo/9sMDYgQ-Cg0iACofKRjEHZdsiE3fMzB2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h608/fullsizeoutput_4c76.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Last, but certainly not least, are the white poinsettias. Many of </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> white plants were sold out, so they are very popular. The first one pictured is Whitestar, and the second is White Wonder. Can you tell the difference? I can't, to be honest. Maybe the color?</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFWnM85dQb4/X9GngXR8uGI/AAAAAAAAIjw/MzfbrV3NO7EohngRuU3QUiR33RnMYJuYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c7f.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="2048" height="562" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFWnM85dQb4/X9GngXR8uGI/AAAAAAAAIjw/MzfbrV3NO7EohngRuU3QUiR33RnMYJuYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h562/fullsizeoutput_4c7f.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8kP-yoZPNA/X9GnpJxenMI/AAAAAAAAIj0/yWEbP5r9ajERqBuqKEWkA3CvQRr4vbkmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c7c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1924" data-original-width="2048" height="602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8kP-yoZPNA/X9GnpJxenMI/AAAAAAAAIj0/yWEbP5r9ajERqBuqKEWkA3CvQRr4vbkmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h602/fullsizeoutput_4c7c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Next is J'adore White Pearl, which is less yellow than the first two, with a hint of pink.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alRl09qsLsw/X9GoBk7HAXI/AAAAAAAAIkA/zEWSsdPymkQEnrtZy9o4j7yNYMGhiG3TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c86.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1739" data-original-width="2048" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alRl09qsLsw/X9GoBk7HAXI/AAAAAAAAIkA/zEWSsdPymkQEnrtZy9o4j7yNYMGhiG3TgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h544/fullsizeoutput_4c86.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And rounding up the bunch is my favorite: Princettia White, the variety with the brightest white bracts. It is compact and precious. I bought one of these and it graces our coffee table.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYP2zwCU0qk/X9Goazrj6RI/AAAAAAAAIkI/UMat39hsEF4mAsJVeZmn4dpll5XLjt2DwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c7d.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYP2zwCU0qk/X9Goazrj6RI/AAAAAAAAIkI/UMat39hsEF4mAsJVeZmn4dpll5XLjt2DwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c7d.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c11h2bNtRhY/X9GosC9_ctI/AAAAAAAAIkQ/AiweANjQ7UAkT5GV2v0gkZ1n9-om_F4fQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c65.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1557" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c11h2bNtRhY/X9GosC9_ctI/AAAAAAAAIkQ/AiweANjQ7UAkT5GV2v0gkZ1n9-om_F4fQCLcBGAsYHQ/w486-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c65.jpeg" width="486" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I feel so fortunate to live close to a nursery that offers such an amazing variety of poinsettia plants. Which of these would you say is your favorite? Are you a fan of poinsettias? If yes, why, and if no, why not? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. Thank you for visiting My Little Bungalow. Come back soon!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEr0cPazx-Q/X9GpCLjWJVI/AAAAAAAAIkY/T-Zy3W6NzsUOrY4N6sIIrEFgsqJwCs0qACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c88.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEr0cPazx-Q/X9GpCLjWJVI/AAAAAAAAIkY/T-Zy3W6NzsUOrY4N6sIIrEFgsqJwCs0qACLcBGAsYHQ/w315-h400/fullsizeoutput_4c88.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">*Trivia from the University of Vermont Extension Dept. of Plant and Soil Science</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><p></p></span></div>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-88265918976823057742020-11-27T06:30:00.001-05:002020-11-27T09:32:01.198-05:00Getting Cozy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TXBkBzx948/X768N69wO1I/AAAAAAAAIfc/r7g_MZ-E16Mv5r8WdPEDq_xuKJfvQfpKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c23.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1357" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TXBkBzx948/X768N69wO1I/AAAAAAAAIfc/r7g_MZ-E16Mv5r8WdPEDq_xuKJfvQfpKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c23.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">When the temperatures drop, it's time to pull out the faux fur blankets, pillows and faux sheepskins to make the house cozy and get that <a href="https://mylittlebungalow.blogspot.com/2018/11/hygge.html?q=hygge" target="_blank">hygge</a> vibe going. The machine washable blanket above is one I purchased at West Elm some years ago for our dogs to cuddle up on. Our beagle, Ella, who passed away last summer, loved it, but Henry, our only dog now, is hot natured and not interested in fur blankets. So we use it for afternoon napping or layering on our bed at night.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j23zkZfeDX8/X76-6F1fGgI/AAAAAAAAIfo/m_XjDyaoVpQskFFz9WHe1Wzpwd8Tw-ANgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c1e.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j23zkZfeDX8/X76-6F1fGgI/AAAAAAAAIfo/m_XjDyaoVpQskFFz9WHe1Wzpwd8Tw-ANgCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c1e.jpeg" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">My favorite reading chair has a new pillow. The white rectangular pillow above is from the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia collection at Target and affordable at just $19.99. It provides the right amount of lumbar support for when I sit here to read. Plus, it coordinates perfectly with my existing pillows! The Ikea faux sheepskin adds a little extra coziness too. Want to read up on the Danish hygge lifestyle that has become so popular in the US? This <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/a41187/what-is-hygge-things-to-know-about-the-danish-lifestyle-trend/" target="_blank">Country Living article</a> is a good read. </span><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">Speaking of reading, I've been very slack this year, falling far short of my reading goal. But I recently finished <i>The Alice Network</i>, an historical fiction novel by Kate Quinn, and I enjoyed it very much. I loaned it to my mother-in-law and she liked it too. A friend is now borrowing it. I don't often purchase books, preferring to borrow from the library, but once in a while I'll buy a book and loan it out to others. Another book I'm almost finished reading is Orwell's <i>1984</i>. It's heavy and I've had a hard time with it, maybe because it's so prophetic. What books have you read this year?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sM7Y3AzL7po/X766uwrI1xI/AAAAAAAAIfQ/sjoGg7OFWOMO0TfESyvoeukeJiFopwn2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/alice%2Bnetwork.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sM7Y3AzL7po/X766uwrI1xI/AAAAAAAAIfQ/sjoGg7OFWOMO0TfESyvoeukeJiFopwn2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alice%2Bnetwork.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">Another way I like to make the house feel cozy is by burning candles, though I have to admit I do this year-round, not just in the fall and winter. I'm a candle addict, I admit it. I have so many candles and keep adding more! My favorite brand is <a href="https://www.secandleco.com" target="_blank">Southern Elegance Candle Company</a>, which is a woman-owned small business based in NC, so I love to support them. The candles come in many wonderful scents and are made of soy-blend wax with metal-free cotton wicks. They burn beautifully and come in a variety of containers, from tins to Mason jars. If you prefer not to burn candles, they also sell diffusers and wax melts, but I have not tried those products. The candle scents I have purchased include Sweet Potato and Brown Sugar (burning as I write this post), Caramel Latte, Pumpkin Souffle, Orange Spice, Brightleaf and Carolina Pine. I'll start burning the pine candle when the Christmas tree goes up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxyL2rfb4Ug/X77E7-55HZI/AAAAAAAAIf0/EMZqy0bILhEdbka8dWfv86KERooS8MS8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c26.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxyL2rfb4Ug/X77E7-55HZI/AAAAAAAAIf0/EMZqy0bILhEdbka8dWfv86KERooS8MS8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c26.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">Southern Elegance offers great promotions and sales. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to stay in the know! I recently took advantage of a promotion with purchase and received four free 2-ounce sample tins. It was a surprise as to which scents I would receive. Three of them were new to me: Creme Brûlée, Bourbon and Butterscotch and Winter Cranberry. The cranberry is the only holiday collection scent I don't love – it's a bit too fruity for me. I prefer spicy scents like cinnamon and warm scents like vanilla, plus earthy scents like pine and tobacco. I highly recommend Southern Elegance candles – and I am not even receiving any compensation for this post! I just love their products so much.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">I hope your Thanksgiving was happy and that your holiday season will be full of peace, love and good health. Thank you for visiting My Little Bungalow. I'm grateful for your loyalty.</span></div><p></p>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-24216940475730107262020-11-17T21:00:00.001-05:002020-11-25T13:56:48.726-05:00Bourbon Pecan Pie<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXuJIvepxlQ/X7R1odG5JiI/AAAAAAAAIeU/u14qRrGJklk5botL7IaWnyxxhY5qMeoQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c11.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="2048" height="584" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXuJIvepxlQ/X7R1odG5JiI/AAAAAAAAIeU/u14qRrGJklk5botL7IaWnyxxhY5qMeoQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h584/fullsizeoutput_4c11.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">Hello there. Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? How time flies. I'm sure for many people this year, Thanksgiving will look quite different due to the pandemic. There might be fewer people around the table and traveling to see family may not be possible. Our plans are the same as last year: we'll take a meal to my husband's mother's house (she lives just 25 minutes away), since she is not well enough to come to our home. I miss hosting Thanksgiving dinner, but I realize the holiday is about being together and sharing good food no matter where it takes place. </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">A couple of weekends ago I made this bourbon pecan pie and boy was it delicious! My husband said it's the best pecan pie he's ever had, even better than one he always orders at our favorite restaurant. I was so pleased to hear that!</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">This pie will definitely be making an appearance at this year's Thanksgiving meal. I thought I'd share the recipe with you (slightly altered from the original). No matter where you are this Thanksgiving, I hope you have a happy and safe holiday. 2020 has been quite a year, but we can always find things we are thankful for. Counting our blessings might just be more important this year than ever.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13pt; text-align: left;"><b>Bourbon Pecan Pie</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><b>Ingredients</b><br />1 unbaked pie crust*<br />4 eggs, lightly beaten<br />3/4 cup granulated sugar*<br />1/2 cup light corn syrup<br />1/2 cup dark corn syrup<br />1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted<br />4 tablespoons bourbon<br />1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />3/4 teaspoon salt*<br />1 cup coarsely chopped pecans<br />1/2 cup pecan halves</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><b>Directions</b><br />1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix together eggs, sugar, corn syrups, butter, bourbon, vanilla extract and salt until well blended.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">2) Spread the chopped pecans on the bottom of the pie crust and pour the egg mixture over them. Place the pecan halves on top of egg mixture, forming a circle inside the edge of the pie crust.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">3) Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until just set around the edges but still slightly loose in the center. Place on a rack to cool slightly. If desired, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">* Notes: You can make your own pie crust dough, or use a frozen crust (follow package instructions). I use a gluten-free frozen pie crust and let it thaw before filling and baking it. </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">The amount of sugar and salt have been reduced from the original recipe.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-UGNjX29ng/X7R7cEAhQeI/AAAAAAAAIeg/oJIetu8u-tY38gzX5hBujClSEXxQTI-DwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c15.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-UGNjX29ng/X7R7cEAhQeI/AAAAAAAAIeg/oJIetu8u-tY38gzX5hBujClSEXxQTI-DwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c15.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span></span><p></p><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryISgT0-ANE/X76o1MEomNI/AAAAAAAAIew/rQzGs2_9F1sHRa94dZau_JpfCEWq-MsGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4c1c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryISgT0-ANE/X76o1MEomNI/AAAAAAAAIew/rQzGs2_9F1sHRa94dZau_JpfCEWq-MsGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/fullsizeoutput_4c1c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span></span></div>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-24963077455688540722020-10-05T20:30:00.003-04:002020-11-17T20:22:49.001-05:00Simple Autumn Dessert: Maple Pudding with Walnuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDI-8a67cq0/X3u3WEWE48I/AAAAAAAAIds/AiwPBdJaSMQoUArAq2UK-UoDn6dtavdvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDI-8a67cq0/X3u3WEWE48I/AAAAAAAAIds/AiwPBdJaSMQoUArAq2UK-UoDn6dtavdvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_9936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">I played a little game with my husband the other day by asking him which flavor profile he'd pick out of three options for a dessert I would make. I named apple, maple and chocolate (which is always his last choice – crazy, right?). He chose maple. Then I called out three more: pumpkin, maple, coconut. He picked maple, which really surprised me – I thought he'd pick coconut. A couple more times with different flavors, but always including maple; each time he chose maple. So, maple it was! </span><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><span>I set out to find a new dessert recipe with maple as the main flavor, and landed on this very yummy and easy-to-prepare maple pudding with walnuts. The recipe calls for toasting the walnuts and then mixing them with maple syrup to serve as a topping, but I took a shortcut by not toasting the walnuts and then drizzling a small amount of maple syrup over the top. Delicious!</span> </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Maple Pudding with Walnuts</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">3 extra large egg yolks*<br />3 tablespoons cornstarch<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />2 cups 1% milk<br />3/4 cup pure maple syrup (do not use imitation syrup)<br />2 tablespoons unsalted butter<br />walnut pieces</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Directions</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">1) In a medium saucepan, off heat, whisk egg yolks with the cornstarch and salt until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk, then maple syrup. </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">2) While whisking, bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking the entire time. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and combined.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">3) Transfer pudding to a medium, heat-proof bowl (strain if mixture is lumpy). Let cool slightly. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the pudding and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Spoon into serving dishes and top with a few walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup. </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">* Reserve egg whites for making an <a href="https://mylittlebungalow.blogspot.com/2011/02/egg-white-omelet.html?q=omelet" target="_blank">egg white omelet</a>. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSd4yk7gkyQ/X3u3-tG1HQI/AAAAAAAAId0/Y0PpGjySmNwkflS7FzQtgAaVz5gH4q-RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_4bb4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSd4yk7gkyQ/X3u3-tG1HQI/AAAAAAAAId0/Y0PpGjySmNwkflS7FzQtgAaVz5gH4q-RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_4bb4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-79638063040363775302020-09-07T13:00:00.008-04:002020-09-07T13:00:06.877-04:00Dahlias: Planning for Next Year's Garden<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Our dahlia garden is still producing some beautiful blooms, and should continue into the fall. Because dahlias are my favorite flower, and I've long wanted to select particular colors and types, I've been looking online at dahlia suppliers. Until now, my husband has always purchased tubers at big box garden stores (Home Depot mostly). Sometimes he buys a bag of a particular variety, but often he will buy a bag of mixed variety. It ends up being a surprise as to which type we got, which is kind of fun. And, we've had mostly good luck with these tubers being healthy and productive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Even so, this year I decided to purchase some new tubers from a grower in Oregon called </span><a href="https://www.dahlias.com" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">Swan Island Dahlias</a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">. They are currently offering 10% off orders placed by September 30, 2020. All orders will ship in Spring 2021. Here are the varieties I purchased. All are described as excellent cut flowers, which is important to me when choosing dahlias since I love to cut them and enjoy them indoors. We also enjoy giving them to friends and neighbors.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The first one I selected is L'Ancresse because I am craving more white dahlias. L'Ancresse is described by the grower as one of the best white ball dahlias they have ever grown. It produces 4" flowers which, depending on the weather, can have some lavender blush to them.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="990" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9-lzie2JZU/X1ZgpXJ5QjI/AAAAAAAAIcY/1I2WomF6uak6sCxE3AEI_BP2gygKZfqgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h313/L%2527ancresse.png" width="625" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="365" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2WJ4p1fau0/X1ZgtmbXOoI/AAAAAAAAIcc/A0820uO2WFg9QpmY62i1gJDDuRQcesqUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w375-h500/L%2527ancresse%2Bgrouping.png" width="375" /></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The next one I selected is Amber Queen because we have not had any pompon dahlias yet in our garden, and I think they are sweet and look nice in arrangements. Amber Queen is a 2" golden bronze flower, described as an early and prolific bloomer.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="994" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgsA1szAMbQ/X1ZhUsdCi3I/AAAAAAAAIco/1R38UNUCuwA0O_gYk-lAeZsStNKPJNeggCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h313/Amber%2BQueen.png" width="625" /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The next flower, Lights Out, looks like the same deep, dark red dahlia we have in our garden now. It is such a unique and dramatic flower, we would like to add another one to our garden. The two images below are both photos of Lights Out. This makes me think even more it's the same flower as ours, because when I photograph it, the color can appear either a deep red or almost black, depending on the light.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="986" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnmxWLqfgaY/X1Zhk4D03lI/AAAAAAAAIcw/skncxfEuFREa3nxaREGurTnKodqY7q8FACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h314/Lights%2BOut.png" width="625" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="484" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFheiK46GKo/X1ZhsCGq7aI/AAAAAAAAIc0/_fL9w0T1fdcHo-8BiC1qmtkbqUeWg7NywCLcBGAsYHQ/w255-h256/Lights%2BOut%2Bdarker.png" width="255" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The last flower I selected is Chilson's Pride, a 4" pink bloom with a white center that is slightly fimbriated, or fringed (I had to look that up!). Chilson's Pride is described as a staff favorite. It produces nice stems and grows to about 5' tall.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="975" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dS8jmZ4e5Y/X1ZiAx5l_WI/AAAAAAAAIdA/Vdarg111MuwS9Tw-M9cskMx1Rm-4hfpuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h311/Chilson%2527s%2BPride.png" width="625" /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br />All images are screen shots from the <a href="https://www.dahlias.com" target="_blank">Swan Island Dahlias</a> website. Visit them online to see all the beautiful dahlias they sell or to request a catalog. They also have a useful <a href="https://www.dahlias.com/help-center" target="_blank">Help Center</a>, which includes information on how to grow dahlias, including fertilizing, staking, pinching and more!</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 9pt;">Please note: All opinions are my own. I did not receive any product in exchange for this post. <br /></span><p></p></div>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-2253657688748174012020-08-24T06:00:00.000-04:002020-08-24T06:00:04.503-04:00More Dahlias<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I've been posting a lot of dahlia photos on Instagram (@claudia_mylittlebungalow) as well as other flower photos, nature photos, hummingbird videos. I hope you check them out on Instagram!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I was going through the cabinet in our mudroom the other day, doing some organizing and looking for things that could be given to charity, and I found this cute set of four mini vases in a wooden holder that a friend gave me one year for Christmas. I put evergreen clippings in the vases that year for a cute holiday arrangement. This year, I found the perfect use for it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How cute is this! I love how this display looks with four flowers of the same color. These purple-pink dahlias are so vivid. This particular variety went through an almost dormant period during the summer, but the plant is now perking up and producing more blooms.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This flower holder would look amazing with all white dahlias, too, don't you think? Our white dahlia plant only produces a flower at a time. Next spring I'm going to ask Paul to plant more white dahlias since I love them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What's blooming in your garden?</span></span><br />
<br />My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-46752607409493688122020-08-22T09:30:00.000-04:002020-08-22T12:43:06.076-04:00Chickpea-Tuna Salad with Roasted Red Pepper and Feta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I made this salad based on a recipe I saw in a magazine, but added a few of my own ingredients and omitted some that were in the recipe. It turned out great, so I want to share it with you. However, you won't see any measurements because I just eyeballed everything. I like to throw together simple salads this way. You can't really go wrong as long as you add ingredients a little at a time and taste as you go. You can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it away.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This salad would also be delicious with cherry tomatoes (instead of or in addition to) the roasted red pepper. Or try adding diced raw zucchini or chopped Kalamata olives. The options are limitless!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Chickpea-Tuna Salad with Roasted Red Pepper and Feta</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Rinse and drain one 15 oz. can of chickpeas and put them in a medium bowl. Add one 5 oz. can of solid white albacore tuna, drained. Add some chopped roasted red pepper (from a jar), a couple of dashes of cumin powder, chopped fresh basil leaves, chopped fresh parsley, a generous drizzle of olive oil, the juice of half a lemon, some capers, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss. Add salt and pepper to taste.</span></div>
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My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-80526272318915467292020-07-31T07:00:00.000-04:002020-07-31T08:33:38.162-04:00Almond-Zucchini Cake<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Hey, friends. How are you? I hope you are healthy and emotionally well during a time when so many people are having a hard time, from financial concerns to health issues to stresses of all sorts. This is a tough time for all, that's for sure. I hope that by visiting My Little Bungalow you find some respite from everyday worries. I pray for your good health, safety and peace and that of all in our country.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In an effort to keep things light and positive, I'd like to share with you this very delicious gluten-free cake recipe, which I strongly encourage you to make even if you're not gluten-free. I found the recipe in an old issue of Everyday Food. Below is a slightly altered version.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I will note that I had some difficulty finding one of the ingredients – the potato starch – in several grocery stores I visited. I finally found it at Whole Foods, but you could order it online directly from <a href="https://www.bobsredmill.com/potato-starch.html" target="_blank">Bob's Red Mill</a>. I was leery of substituting another ingredient for the potato starch, especially the first time making the recipe. It's a bit pricey, but if you are gluten-free, you'll find other uses for it, such as thickening gravies and soups. It can also be used as a substitute for corn starch in many baking recipes. I added a few more notes below the recipe directions that might be helpful. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Almond-Zucchini Cake</b><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Ingredients, cake</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1-1/2 cups almond flour (almond meal), spooned and leveled</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons potato starch, spooned and leveled</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder (labeled gluten-free)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">3 large eggs at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1/2 cup packed light brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1 cup finely grated zucchini, squeezed of excess liquid</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Ingredients, frosting</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1/3 cup confectioner's sugar</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1) Preheat oven to 350. Butter a cake pan (8" round by 2" deep). Line bottom with parchment paper and butter the paper. In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, potato starch, baking powder and salt. Set aside.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2) Set a large, heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, but don't allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water. Add the eggs and whisk by hand until foamy, about 1 minute. Add brown sugar and continue to whisk by hand until mixture is fluffy and sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes (this is a good arm exercise!). Remove bowl from pot, wipe any moisture off the bowl and, using a mixer, beat the egg-sugar mixture on high until pale, thick and cool to the touch, about 7 to 10 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">3) Using a spatula, gently fold in the melted butter, dry ingredients, vanilla and zucchini. Pour into prepared pan and bake, rotating pan halfway through, until cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cake cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Invert onto a serving platter and remove parchment paper.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">4) Make the frosting: With mixer, beat together butter, vanilla and cream cheese on medium-high until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar and beat until combined. Spread on top of cake. Cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, up to 2 days.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Notes:</b> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It's important to use a fine grater to grate the zucchini. It shouldn't be shredded. I had to use my microplane zester to get the right size. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">To rid the zucchini of excess liquid, I used a double thickness of paper towels and squeezed out as much liquid as possible. This makes the zucchini clump together, so in step 3, I broke it up into smaller pieces before folding it into the batter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In step 2, I used the bowl from my KitchenAid stand mixer to whisk the eggs and sugar over simmering water. Because of the shape of the bowl, it sat crookedly over the pot, but worked just fine.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-43740730276985908552020-07-27T07:00:00.000-04:002020-07-27T07:00:00.655-04:00Bungalow Update: New Appliances<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A lot of updates have taken place at our little bungalow over the past year. Last summer we bought two new major appliances, then we had a new roof put on the house and then in December we replaced our gas furnace and air conditioning system, which is one of the best things we've done! Our old HVAC system dated back to 1993, so it was 27 years old. When it was new, the furnace was about 80% efficient, so you can imagine how much less efficient it was almost 30 years later. This past winter we were so much warmer in our house, and this summer our new AC unit, which is also a high efficiency model, is keeping us nice and cool during these 90+ degree days. We've also seen a significant difference in our gas and electric bills each month compared to last year, which is a plus!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One of the major appliances we purchased last summer was a new refrigerator. Our 21-year-old, almond-colored Amana refrigerator began getting warmer, even when the temperature setting was at its coldest. Because I am an appliance junkie, I was actually pretty excited to go shopping for a new refrigerator. If you love appliances too, you know what I mean.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I have always loved browsing appliance stores. I feel like a kid in a toy store, oohing and aahing over the fancy ranges, the glass-fronted wine fridges, the dishwashers. Over the years, we have purchased nearly all of our appliances from a small, locally-owned store, and when we went to choose a fridge, I was thrilled that they sell Fisher & Paykel (a New Zealand company; their refrigerators are made in California). I've admired their products ever since I saw their dishwasher drawers years ago.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The salesman suggested we look at KitchenAid, but I found the interior features of the Fisher & Paykel to be more substantial (the drawers, for example, are more sturdy and glide more smoothly). I also prefer the contemporary design of Fisher & Paykel with its squared-off handles and flat front. We chose a model without the door water dispenser because a few years ago we installed a reverse osmosis water filtration system at our kitchen sink (one of the best investments we've made). I also prefer the cleaner look of a refrigerator without a water dispenser in the door.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Many brands of high-end refrigerators are too tall and/or too wide to fit in our kitchen. Because of our limited amount of space – both in height and width – I was relieved to learn that Fisher & Paykel has units that fit our space while still providing a good amount of storage space. We chose <a href="https://www.fisherpaykel.com/us/cooling/refrigeration/contemporary-refrigeration/freestanding-french-door-refrigerator-freezer-36in-20.1-cu-ft-ice-rf201adjsx5-25799.html" target="_blank">this French door model</a>. It measures just shy of 36" wide and 71" tall with a total capacity of 20.1 cubic feet (14.6 cu ft in the fridge and 5.5 cu ft in the freezer). </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We placed our order and patiently waited the 6 to 8 weeks for the unit to arrive. It felt like a <i>really</i> long time. I was so excited to get our new refrigerator! On installation day, the technician said it was odd that the refrigerator didn't have an ice maker. My heart sank. I told him that we most definitely did want an ice maker. It turned out the salesman made a mistake and ordered a model without an ice maker. Apparently he did not realize that the model we wanted – the one <i>without</i> the water dispenser in the door but <i>with</i> an ice maker in the freezer, was a new model not yet released. The bigger issue was that Fisher & Paykel could not say exactly when the new model would be available!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Long story short, the store manager agreed (rather reluctantly) to let us keep the wrong fridge until the new model was available. Since the error was made by his sales associate, I was surprised that he even hesitated about letting us keep the fridge until the correct model was available. I think he realized he had to after the delivery guy told him our old fridge was in pieces in the back of his truck ready to be taken to the dump. The manager knew he couldn't leave us without a refrigerator.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We ended up waiting another two months before the correct refrigerator arrived. I am so glad we held out for the model we really wanted. Having an ice maker is definitely worth it and not that much more expensive. Plus, I was able to negotiate a deal with the store manager for the inconvenience it caused. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It's been about a year now, and I love our Fisher & Paykel refrigerator. It works great and it's <i>so pretty</i>. Every time I open the doors or pull open the drawer, I feel happy. I love having the produce up higher where it's easily seen. I throw away fewer veggies now, which is great! The freezer drawer is also great. It has a top sliding rack with two bins and a deep cubby below that, so it's easy to organize. It holds a decent amount, but we do rely on a small chest freezer in the basement where we store a lot of frozen foods, including all the berries we pick in each summer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Oh, and while we were at the appliance store choosing our new refrigerator last summer, we also purchased a Fisher & Paykel washing machine to replace our 20-plus-year-old Whirlpool washer, which was still working but having some issues</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. The F&P washing machine was in stock at the store so we were able to have it delivered immediately. It's a top-loading machine with a central agitator, which we wanted – I believe they don't make them anymore, which is another reason we wanted to get it while it was still available. The washing machine has lots of bells and whistles. It took a little getting used to, I really like it (more than my husband does, to be honest. He would prefer something simpler).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Back in 2015, we replaced our old Whirlpool dryer with a Speed Queen dryer from the same appliance store. I </span><a href="https://mylittlebungalow.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-new-dryer-and-shelving-unit.html?q=dryer" style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 14.666666984558105px;" target="_blank">posted about it here</a><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">. We still love it. It dries so efficiently that I usually keep it on the middle heat setting. Towels and other heavy items dry in no time. Known for their commercial grade products, Speed Queen is made in the U.S. and has one of the best warranties out there. I'd recommend a Speed Queen dryer without hesitation. In fact, I'm not really sure why we didn't purchase a Speed Queen washing machine. There was a reason, I just can't remember what it was.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So those are the major expenses we've had over the past year – quite a lot! But we did get our money's worth out of it all: the roof, the HVAC system, the washing machine and refrigerator. When you stay in your home for as long as we have, these major items eventually have to be replaced. It's all part of home ownership!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">This is not a sponsored post.</span></div>
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My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-77411475208345727042020-07-12T10:33:00.000-04:002020-07-12T10:36:49.901-04:00Dahlias<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Hello, my friends. I hope you are enjoying the summer despite the many stressful things that are happening in our world. I am working hard to stay positive and enjoy the little things ... like our gorgeous dahlia garden! I want to share some photos with you. The plants are so healthy and happy this year. They do require a lot of maintenance, though, to keep them in good shape during our very hot summers, but we are committed – especially my husband. He works so hard, staking and watering the plants! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Those of you who follow along with me on Instagram @claudia_mylittlebungalow have likely seen many of these photos. For those of you on Instagram who aren't following me, I hope you will. Please enjoy these photos. I hope they inspire you to plant some dahlia tubers in your garden next spring.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-22684790310477137542020-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:002020-07-01T06:26:14.207-04:00Homemade Banana Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Ice cream and summertime go hand-in-hand. But homemade ice cream takes it a whole new level. Paul and I received an ice cream maker almost 25 years ago as a wedding present, and many summers went by without me ever using it. Lately, though, I've been having fun trying some new recipes. In May I posted a recipe for <a href="https://mylittlebungalow.blogspot.com/2020/05/homemade-strawberry-frozen-yogurt.html" target="_blank">frozen strawberry yogurt</a>. Today I want to share this recipe for a delicious and very easy-to-make banana ice cream.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Banana Ice Cream</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">3 very ripe bananas</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1 cup heavy cream*</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1 cup milk*</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2 large eggs</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In a blender container or food processor, puree the bananas and cream until smooth. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla and sugar and process just until combined.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Pour into the cylinder of an electric ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's instructions.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">*Note: I used heavy cream, but the original recipe called for whipping cream. What is the difference? The fat content. While researching this, I learned that the FDA maintains label standards for both types of cream. Heavy cream must contain at least 36% or more milk fat, while whipping cream contains 30–35% milk fat. Either can be used in this recipe. Likewise, I used reduced-fat milk (1%), but whole milk can be used instead. The final texture will vary based on which cream and milk product you use.</span>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Some other ice cream/sorbet recipes I've featured here on My Little Bungalow include <a href="https://mylittlebungalow.blogspot.com/2011/07/ice-cream-anyone.html" target="_blank">peach ice cream</a>, <a href="https://mylittlebungalow.blogspot.com/2016/06/homemade-blackberry-lemon-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">blackberry-lemon ice cream</a> and <a href="https://mylittlebungalow.blogspot.com/2019/11/apple-cider-cranberry-sorbet.html" target="_blank">apple cider-cranberry sorbet</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-63236539937523912672020-06-26T06:00:00.000-04:002020-06-26T07:20:04.943-04:00The Kentucky Mule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are a whiskey or bourbon drinker, you might enjoy a Kentucky mule. Most people have heard of the Moscow mule, which dates back to the 1940's and features vodka, but you may not be familiar with the Kentucky mule, made with Kentucky bourbon (or Tennessee whiskey, if you prefer). Confused about bourbon vs. whiskey? I can never remember and always have to look it up. Here's a great explanation on <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/bourbon-vs-whiskey/" target="_blank">Taste of Home</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love the taste of bourbon and whiskey (my dad would be proud). I also <i>love</i> non-alcoholic ginger beer (which I discovered one year when I gave up alcohol for Lent). The combination of the two, plus tangy lime and bright mint, makes this cocktail one of my summer favorites. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a recipe I came up with recently using mint simple syrup, which is easy to make. I love flavored syrups for cocktails and plan to make thyme and a rosemary versions this summer with herbs from our garden. </span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kentucky Mule</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Serves 2</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 ounces whiskey or bourbon (I used Jack Daniels Old No. 7)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 teaspoons mint simple syrup</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shake well and strain into two chilled, ice-filled highball glasses or copper mule mugs. Top off each drink with ginger beer and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can make this drink directly in the glass. Stir the whiskey, lime and syrup well, then add the ginger beer and stir gently. </span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mint simple syrup recipe</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup fresh mint leaves. With heat on medium, stir until sugar melts. Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes. Strain, discard mint leaves and let the syrup cool. Store in a jar in the refrigerator.</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">About the mule mug</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't have copper mugs, so I used a highball glass, which is perfectly fine. At first I thought the copper mug was for mostly for aesthetics, but then I read <a href="https://www.homewetbar.com/blog/moscow-mule-mugs-copper-mugs-better/" target="_blank">this article</a> on HomeWetBar.com and I am now tempted to buy a couple of copper mugs. They not only add a nice style to the serving of the cocktail, they also keep it well chilled and may even enhance the flavor of the drink and the carbonation from the ginger beer. There is something to the notion that the type of drink ware you use for a cocktail can heighten the experience of drinking it. Margarita glasses, for example, aren't necessary for margaritas, but they make them feel extra special.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a Williams-Sonoma rewards coupon, but it will only cover the purchase one mug. I might get one and, if I like it, order another when I receive my next coupon. These mugs are available from many sources, including Target and Amazon, at varying price levels. There are many different shapes and styles. There are also copper cups without handles. I do know you'll need some good coasters, because it looks like these mugs sweat quite a bit. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you use copper mule mugs, kindly leave a comment and let me know what you think of them. Do they really enhance the cocktail? Let me know your thoughts!</span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg_wV2dbDNs/XvTDgwlDYII/AAAAAAAAIVA/XUyPGO2E0jIOMkKOZUBezfG5yeXyFegtACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4ad6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="473" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg_wV2dbDNs/XvTDgwlDYII/AAAAAAAAIVA/XUyPGO2E0jIOMkKOZUBezfG5yeXyFegtACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/fullsizeoutput_4ad6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/copper-moscow-mule-mug/?pkey=s%7Cmule%20mug%7C7" target="_blank">Williams-Sonoma copper mule mugs</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-81282156326871687082020-06-24T06:00:00.000-04:002020-06-25T10:45:21.194-04:00The Strawberry Margarita<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCJ-wjJ6Fm0/XvLV8uK1dJI/AAAAAAAAIT4/6Sv4teCrRkgrdKHMZcC30lPC6DnPH39YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCJ-wjJ6Fm0/XvLV8uK1dJI/AAAAAAAAIT4/6Sv4teCrRkgrdKHMZcC30lPC6DnPH39YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_7972.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How about one more strawberry recipe before the month of June is over. I made strawberry margaritas a few weeks ago and they were delicious. This cocktail would be perfect for indulging in over the Independence Day weekend, don't you think? I wonder if there will be fireworks this year. I do hope so! It just isn't July 4th without fireworks.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This recipe works nicely with silver or reposado (gold) tequila. My brand preference is 1800 Tequila.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Strawberry Margaritas</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 tablespoons powdered sugar</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scant 1/4 cup fresh lime juice</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1-1/2 ounces good-quality tequila</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1-1/4 ounces Cointreau or triple sec</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup chopped frozen strawberries</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 cups crushed ice or ice cubes </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a blender container, combine all ingredients and process on high until smooth. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or a slice of lime.</span></span></span><br />
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<br />My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-2995806875713337922020-06-20T20:00:00.000-04:002020-06-20T20:00:01.688-04:00Sautéed Beet Greens, and a New Look for the Blog!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>A New Look!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello, and welcome to the new look of My Little Bungalow. I didn't set out today to completely change the look of my blog. But when I noticed all the options, or gadgets, in the right-hand navigation were missing, I had to attempt to correct the problem. That led to a frustrating hour+ session at the computer this afternoon (during a thunderstorm no less). Eventually I came to the realization that I had to change to a new template in order to maintain the features that had gone missing, which included my list of archived posts, my introduction, and list of other blogs to enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those who have been following my blog for the past 10 years (and a huge thanks to you!), may know I'd been using the same layout – a template called Simple – since the beginning. I am the type of person who resists change. I've been married to the same man (happily) for almost 25 years, I've</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> lived in the same house (happily) for 22 years and</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> have worked for the same employer (happily) for 20 years. I don't get bored easily. I find comfort in stability. However, once change is upon me, I usually adjust quickly. At first I wasn't sure about this new blog look, but I quickly embraced it. And I hope you will find it pleasing as well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is the series of different views you can choose from by clicking on the options along the top navigation bar: </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Classic, mosaic, snapshot and more. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A navigation bar along the right side of the classic view offers quick access to the options that had gone missing in the former layout.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear your feedback on this new look. What do you like or not like? Is it easy to use? Does it work well on mobile devices? I am eager to hear what you think!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Farmer's Market Bounty</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On this transitional day from spring into summer, I decided to visit my favorite farmer's market in the morning. I found it to be quite a different experience. Mask-wearers were plentiful, vendors were well spaced out, and there was staff on hand to direct foot traffic through one-way "lanes." At first I hated it (again, that change thing) ... but then I found it to be somewhat better because it was so much less congested than previously.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I bought cucumber and dill (with which I plan to make a cucumber salad with yogurt base), some red beets, beautiful bunches of chives and mint, peaches, an almond croissant and a slice of <span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">quiche</span> for Paul, a container of <span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">chèvre, a bar of goat milk soap, a jar of white kimchi and a jar of red kraut, both by my favorite local producer. Are you familiar with the health benefits of fermented foods? I should do a post about that!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Usually when I buy fresh beets I discard the stems and leaves. This time, the leaves looked pretty nice so I looked up how to cook beet greens and found a recipe that uses garlic and fresh ginger. An article stated that beet greens and stems are similar to Swiss chard, which I love. I cooked the beet greens and stems for dinner this evening and loved them! We had them with chicken and corn on the cob. Below is the recipe. If you've never cooked beet greens, I encourage you to give them a try. They are chock <span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">full of nutrition, too!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sautéed Beet Greens </b>Serves 2</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tablespoon unrefined virgin coconut oil (or olive oil)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 small garlic clove, sliced thinly</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup beet green stems, thinly sliced</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 cups beet greens, torn</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and ginger and cook, <span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">stirring, 1 to 2 minutes. Add stems and a sprinkling of salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Add beet green leaves and 2 tablespoons water and cook, stirring, until tender, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> </span></span>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-56973233270168581312020-06-16T23:00:00.000-04:002020-06-24T21:07:22.743-04:00Coconut-Buttermilk Pound Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This may look like a quick bread, but it's a pound cake – and it's totally worth making! I made it gluten-free by using the same measure of King Arthur gluten-free flour, but the recipe is not a gluten-free recipe, so by all means prepare it with regular flour if you choose. The sweetened, toasted coconut is mixed into the cake as well as sprinkled on top of the simple buttermilk glaze. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I gave a few slices to a friend who also follows a gluten-free diet and she agreed that this cake is pretty darn fantastic. It is going to become one of my go-to recipes for sure.</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coconut-Buttermilk Pound Cake</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients, cake:</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12 tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 cups flour (regular or gluten-free measure-for-measure)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon fine salt (not coarse salt)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup granulated sugar</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 large eggs</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup buttermilk</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1-1/2 cups sweetened coconut, toasted</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ingredients, glaze:</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup confectioners' (powdered) sugar</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 tablespoons buttermilk</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Directions:</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9" x 5" loaf pan by buttering the bottom and sides, and sprinkling with some flour, tapping out the excess. Set aside.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To toast the coconut, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and place in oven at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Note: it might take less or more time for the coconut to get nicely toasted (for me, it takes about 12 minutes). Ovens vary, so be sure to check every 5 minutes or so to prevent the coconut from burning. The coconut around the sides of the pan will darker sooner, so be sure to stir the coconut from time to time for even browning. Remove from oven and set aside 1/4 cup of toasted coconut for the topping. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Next, in a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, for several minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. In this step, you cannot overmix the butter and sugar, so be sure to get it nice and fluffy (can take 5 minutes or more). Add the vanilla and beat. Then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down the bowl after each addition. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">With mixer on low, add a third of the flour mixture followed by half the buttermilk, another third of the flour followed by the remaining half of the buttermilk, and ending with the remaining flour, beating until combined. By hand, fold in 1-1/4 cups of toasted coconut. Be sure to reserve the remaining 1/4 cup coconut for the topping!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Set pan on a wire rack and let cool for 1 hour. Remove cake from pan and let cool completely before glazing.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>To make glaze:</b> Whisk together the confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons buttermilk until smooth. Drizzle over the cake and sprinkle with remaining coconut. Store tightly covered.</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Adapted from Everyday Food</span></span></span></div>
My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-10789447161338867692020-06-11T14:30:00.000-04:002020-06-20T14:17:25.343-04:00The Garden in June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Here's how the garden is shaping up in mid-June. It's still spring, even though it feels like summer. The astilbe are blooming. These plants are much happier now that the maple tree my husband planted last year is providing some much needed shade. Our back yard used to be heavily shaded by a very large oak tree in the yard behind ours. Then that tree was taken down and now our yard is mostly sun, which caused a good deal of stress for our hosta plants and these astilbe. I almost gave up on them. Knowing we needed a tree in our yard (for some shade and some privacy) we bought a maple and it is growing quickly!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The dahlias are starting to bloom! Below is the first one to open. All the plants are looking very nice this year. We (and when I say "we" I mean my husband) cut back the middle stalk of the larger plants, which we heard will keep dahlias from getting too tall. You can find lots of information on the web about how to grow and care for dahlias. Martha Stewart's website has <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/2140193/how-plant-care-for-dahlias" target="_blank">this article</a>, and there are many others from garden suppliers such as <a href="https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/8-Tips-For-Growing-Better-Dahlias" target="_blank">this</a>, and <a href="https://www.threeacrefarm.net/blog/2018/4/4/beginners-guide-to-growing-dahlias" target="_blank">this article</a> from Three Acre Farm, which includes some helpful videos. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Most sites will advise to dig up dahlia tubers to overwinter indoors – a very labor intensive process. We leave our tubers in the ground year-round because of our milder southern winters. Over the years we've lost a few tubers to cold or rot, but each spring my husband plants new ones to replace any that may not make it. I'd say we have had more success leaving them in the ground than not. Some of our dahlia tubers have been in the ground ever since my husband started planting them – and come back year after year!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The dahlia below is a new variety my husband planted this spring. So unusual! It didn't last very long after being cut. I'm not sure if the curly petals are normal if they are a deformity, but we think it's pretty cool looking.</span></div>
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My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-22655762021139771212020-06-02T06:00:00.000-04:002020-06-02T06:00:06.696-04:00Strawberry Cobbler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1TiGHA0NvM/XtWxfIjby2I/AAAAAAAAIP8/FbdDXcAbrxI-mDv0Vv0fiaFn7YXQTeXFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4a70.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1515" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1TiGHA0NvM/XtWxfIjby2I/AAAAAAAAIP8/FbdDXcAbrxI-mDv0Vv0fiaFn7YXQTeXFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/fullsizeoutput_4a70.jpeg" width="606" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We made a second trip to the strawberry farm and I made a delicious <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/1113122/strawberry-cobbler" target="_blank">strawberry cobbler</a> on Sunday afternoon. The recipe is a Martha Stewart Living Everyday Food recipe (the best!). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The recipe is not a gluten-free recipe, but I made it so by using Gluten-free <a href="https://shop.kingarthurflour.com/items/gluten-free-measure-for-measure-flour-3-lb" target="_blank">Measure for Measure Flour</a> by King Arthur Flour, which is an excellent product. Simply use the same amount of gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. The biscuits have a wonderful texture and flavor and the strawberries are juicy and delicious! Of course, you can use all-purpose flour if you don't follow a gluten-free diet.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If you love strawberries, be sure to give this recipe a try.</span><br />
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My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-23816245702622524232020-05-30T09:00:00.000-04:002020-05-30T09:02:56.780-04:00The Perfect Summer Appetizer: Stuffed Jalapeños<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I made stuffed jalapeños for the first time on Memorial Day and now I'm hooked. They are <i>so</i> delicious and <i>so</i> easy to make!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Last winter, I purchased prepared, ready-to-bake jalapeño poppers from the grocery store. Each jalapeño was wrapped with bacon, and while they were very tasty, it was a bit too much bacon (I know, some of you are saying "But you can <i>never</i> have too much bacon!"). The other flavors were overwhelmed by it. I have a similar, but more subtle, idea: add some cooked, crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture. Wouldn't that be fantastic? The next time I make this recipe, I will try that. I'm sure you could use turkey bacon, if you wish. If you want to go a little lighter with this recipe, you might try using reduced fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese. If you like things really spicy, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The funny thing about jalapeños is that you don't really know how hot they're going to be until you bite into them. If there's a trick to being able to tell how spicy a jalapeño will be, let me know! I've made this recipe twice now, and both times most of the jalapeños were on the milder side. But every now and then there's one that is pretty hot!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Stuffed Jalapeños</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">coarse salt and freshly ground pepper</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">12 large jalapeños, halved lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed, stems on or off (I like to keep them on)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">- With a small spoon, fill each jalapeño half with roughly 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">- Transfer peppers to baking sheet. Bake until cheese is browned, about 10 minutes, turning sheet halfway through cooking time. Remove from oven, let cool slightly and serve warm.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Gin & Tonic</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">These jalapeños would go great with margaritas, but we enjoyed them with gin & tonics. And while on the subject of <a href="https://fever-tree.com/en_US/cocktails/gin-and-tonic" target="_blank">gin & tonic</a>, I must say that the best tonic I've ever had, hands-down, is by Fever-Tree. Their saying is, "If 3/4 of your drink is the mixer, mix with the best." So true! To learn more about the history of quinine and tonic – as well as the gin & tonic – check out this Fever-Tree <a href="https://fever-tree.com/en_US/article/quinine-and-coronavirus" target="_blank">webpage</a>, complete with video. It's very interesting! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I've tasted a few Fever-Tree products and they're all great. I've had the Premium Indian Tonic Water, the Elderflower Tonic Water and the Sparkling Pink Grapefruit (not a tonic). I haven't yet tried their ginger beer, but I love ginger in my food and drinks, so I plan to buy the ginger beer and make some drinks with it. Maybe this weekend! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What drinks are you mixing and sipping these days?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">This is not a sponsored post.</span>
My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-25312062086781988672020-05-22T08:00:00.000-04:002020-05-22T08:00:00.182-04:00Homemade Strawberry Frozen Yogurt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know what the weather has been like where you live, but here in the Southeast it has certainly been an unusual May. The weather has been unseasonably cool for this time of year. I don't recall ever turning on the heat in May, but we sure had to this week.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In our area, strawberry fields begin producing fruit in May, and the season is typically over by mid-June. This year, the fields are bursting with beautiful red fruit. Due to the pandemic, however, our favorite farms aren't allowing people to pick their own berries. So my husband placed an order for three gallons of pre-picked berries (at $12 per flat) and we picked them up (drive-through service) last Saturday. It was a gorgeous day, which, under normal circumstances, would have been an ideal day for picking our own berries. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul and I divided the work of cleaning roughly 2-1/2 gallons of strawberries, which we store in a small chest freezer downstairs (we use frozen strawberries year-round to make smoothies). This amount won't be enough to last until next May, so we'll head back to the farm for more berries. I'm worried about what all the rain we've had this week will do to the strawberry crops. We may have to wait a while for the sun to come out and ripen more fruit.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last weekend, a friend shared with me a recipe for strawberry frozen yogurt from the blog <a href="https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/strawberry-frozen-yogurt/" target="_blank">Two Peas and Their Pod</a>. The recipe requires only four ingredients: fresh strawberries, sugar, Greek yogurt and lemon juice. It's <i>very</i> simple to make and <i>very</i> delicious! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last Sunday, I made the yogurt following the recipe almost exactly. The one thing I did differently was to increase the amount of strawberries. Because these berries are so sweet on their own, I felt the yogurt was a bit too sweet, so I made a second batch last night with half the amount of sugar and twice the lemon juice. Those changes made the yogurt a little tart and tangy, which I love. It's still a sweet, refreshing treat, without being too sweet. If you try this recipe, I suggest adjusting the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your berries and to suit your taste buds.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Strawberry Frozen Yogurt</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the recipe, visit <a href="https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/strawberry-frozen-yogurt/" target="_blank">Two Peas and Their Pod</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you would like to make the adjustments that I made, simply:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- increase the amount of strawberries to approximately 1-1/4 pounds</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- decrease the amount of sugar to 1/3 cup</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- use 2% Greek yogurt, rather than 0% (I use <a href="https://usa.fage/" target="_blank">Fage</a> brand)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- increase the amount of fresh lemon juice to 2 teaspoons</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can also try cutting the sugar to 1/3 cup and using only 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't let strawberry season pass you by without making this delicious frozen yogurt!</span></span></span><br />
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<br />My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-10926693046584298482020-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:002020-04-29T06:00:05.085-04:00Best-ever Chocolate Chip Pecan Banana Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you like banana bread? Do you like it with chocolate chips? And maybe some nuts thrown in? Then you'll love this recipe. I found it on Instragram, a Martha Stewart recipe, which I adapted because I didn't have buttermilk. I also added nuts for my nutty husband (he requests them in every baked good I make and pouts if I don't use nuts). Certainly leave out the nuts if you don't like them or are allergic!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Martha's recipe calls for freezing, then thawing, the overripe bananas before mashing them, which creates a syrupy, thick juice. You may want to try that if you have time. My overripe bananas were refrigerated, but not frozen.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One other tip: If you don't have cardamom you can certainly make it without, but I find the cardamom gives this bread a very unique flavor. I wouldn't omit it. This might just be the tastiest banana bread recipe ever.</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chocolate Chip Pecan Banana Bread</span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 cups flour or gluten-free flour substitute (I used King Arthur Gluten Free <a href="https://shop.kingarthurflour.com/items/gluten-free-measure-for-measure-flour-3-lb" target="_blank">Measure for Measure</a> flour)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup granulated sugar</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon Kosher salt</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 teaspoons baking powder</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 stick unsalted butter, melted</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1-1/2 cups)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 large eggs at room temperature</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/3 cup sour cream mixed with 1 tablespoon milk</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Directions</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9x5" loaf pan with better and dust with flour, tapping out excess (note: I skipped this step, but my bread wouldn't come out of the pan, so I recommend dusting with flour). </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour through cinnamon). In another large bowl, whisk together melted butter, mashed bananas, eggs, sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Pour banana mixture into flour mixture and stir until mostly combined, but some dry ingredients remain. Add the chocolate chips and nuts and combine, stirring just until evenly distributed and no dry ingredients remain, but do not overmix. Pour batter into pan.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes in pan set on a wire rack. Transfer bread to the rack and let cool completely. Or, as we did, savor a piece while still warm. It's great for dessert and wonderfully decadent with coffee at breakfast. Enjoy, friends.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-424737818162718522020-04-25T13:00:00.000-04:002020-06-24T08:02:45.687-04:00A Home Tour ... From Last Year<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Due to the current pandemic situation, my favorite annual home tour, which is always held the first weekend in May, has been postponed. Better postponed than cancelled, right? As I was preparing a new post today, it occurred to me that I never shared with you some images from last year's tour. So what do you say we take a look around!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first house didn't have a particularly great exterior, but it sure had a beautiful interior. Check out the master bath (I love that tub and the black-over-white walls). The next photo is of the kitchen eat-in area. I really liked the kitchen overall. Great built-in storage. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the homes on the tour participated in a sidewalk/driveway stenciling promotion. The designs were made using a stencil and power washer. Here are a couple of examples. Some stencils let you cover a large area with pattern. Others are meant to add a decoration here and there. While I'd seen stenciling used to advertise businesses, I'd never seen it used as decoration before. I love this idea. The design is temporary and will fade over time. Is this something you would try at your home?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next house was a 1926 Craftsman-style home with beautiful landscaping. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inside, I loved every room. The dining room featured a beautiful dining table, dramatic walls and trendy chandelier (normally I don't care for this style light fixture, but in this room it looked great). I'm a huge fan of black and white in decorating and in art, so the room's stark contrast of white paneling and black walls really appealed to me. The paint color is Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The casual dining area is off the family room. I really liked the
patterned cushion on the bench, the light fixture, the dining table ... all of it! And check out the tall wooden exterior door with a single, large glass panel. The photo doesn't show just how gorgeous it is. There were two sets of these beautiful doors leading from the family room out to
the back yard. They looked old to me, though possibly not original to the home since the family room was an add-on by a previous owner. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The third house – a 1928 bungalow – was probably my favorite. The adorable exterior, pretty front garden and interior decorating were all my style. The original living room at the front of the home was light and neutral with a painted brick fireplace. The bathroom had toile wallpaper and an antique claw foot tub. The family room at the back of the house, an addition, was gorgeous with its high ceilings and adobe-like fireplace – the photo does not do it justice. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were several more homes on the tour, but these were the best. I hope you enjoyed the tour!</span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-72650548845633095292020-04-13T06:00:00.000-04:002020-04-13T06:00:07.985-04:00Flourless Chocolate Cookies with Coconut and Almonds<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello, it's me. Sorry for being absent from the blog since late December. I think I needed a short break. I started feeling the need to blog again in late January/early February but wasn't sure what to write about. Then COVID-19 began impacting the world, and in March things changed dramatically here in the U.S. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's hard to know what to say during this time. </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am grateful every day that I have a job and able to work from home. My husband, who is employed in an essential industry, is still able to go to work. Every day I hope he will remain healthy. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like millions of others, I am praying for the health and safety of everyone around the world. Praying for a vaccine and treatments to combat this awful virus. I pray for businesses large and small and for all who have lost their jobs and are struggling financially and emotionally. I pray those who are sick or have lost loved ones to the virus. I pray for the health and safety of health care workers and first responders who carry on in their efforts to protect us. </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope important lessons will be learned so this period in history will not be for naught. </span></span></span>And finally, on this Easter Sunday, I pray that those who don't know Christ will be touched by the Holy Spirit and will find healing, hope and love through Him.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's what I've been up to this past weekend. I took Good Friday off from work, as I do every year, and watched Bishop Barron perform Mass through his <a href="https://www.wordonfire.org/" target="_blank">Word on Fire</a> site. I spent some time in the kitchen making the chocolate cookies featured in this post (yes, they are as delicious as they look). </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saturday felt like a completely normal day, with hardly any thoughts of the pandemic. I made a big batch of <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/318100/big-batch-vegetable-soup" target="_blank">this vegetable soup</a> and we ended the day enjoying a bowl of it by the fire in the back yard. I posted photos and video on Instagram: @claudia_mylittlebungalow. On Sunday I fixed an asparagus and leek quiche with a salad for brunch, and watched Mass online.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have a bit of free time on your hands these days – and I'm guessing you do – I highly recommend making these decadent cookies. They are a chocolate lover's dream and flourless – perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet, or not.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stay healthy, stay well and stay positive! See you again soon.</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flourless Chocolate Cookies with Coconut and Almonds</span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I used a scant measure)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup roughly chopped toasted almonds</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 large egg whites at room temperature</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Directions</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) Position oven racks in middle and lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) In a large bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, cocoa and salt until well blended. Add chocolate chips, coconut and almonds and stir to combine. Add egg whites and stir just until combined; don't overmix.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Drop dough by rounded tablespoons, about 2 inches apart, onto lined baking sheets. Bake until tops are dry and cracked, about 15 to 18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool completely on wire racks.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Notes</b> </span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found that baking the cookies for the longer amount of time allowed them to be removed from the sheets with less sticking. </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To toast the almonds, I chopped them first, then put them on a baking sheet and put them into the preheated 325 degree oven for about 6 minutes.</span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rotating the sheets means to turn each sheet 180 degrees, so the cookies on the back side of the oven are moved to the front side of the oven. I looked this up online because I'm never sure if it means to turn the sheets or to move the sheets from one rack to another.</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></li>
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My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6855559240091587971.post-67219089259624537292019-12-30T13:00:00.000-05:002019-12-30T13:00:04.579-05:00Chocolate-covered Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being sick over the Christmas holiday sucks. I'm just gonna say it. I know it could have been worse (I have a cold, not the flu). I tried last week not to feel sorry for myself, but it was challenging at times. My sister-in-law was sick too, but she had it worse – bronchitis with a terrible cough. Late Monday afternoon, while at work, I started feeling really cold and my throat was scratchy. Then I woke up Christmas eve day and knew I was sick. Not wanting to infect anyone else, and with two of us sick, the family decided to cancel our plans for Christmas brunch at our house. I wasn't able to attend church, either, which bummed me out (I love our Christmas service and the singing of carols). I continued to feel kinda crummy the rest of the week until Saturday, when I began to feel less crummy. I'm happy to say that today, Monday, I feel pretty darn good! And I'm still on vacation until Thursday, so I have time to do some of the things I love, like creating new blog posts!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did push myself to do some cooking last week. I made an interesting tomato, chickpea & coconut soup that I found on the <a href="https://www.loveandlemons.com/tomato-chickpea-coconut-soup/" target="_blank">Love & Lemons website</a> – I highly recommend it. On Saturday, I made a curry with sweet potatoes, green beans and turkey. I'll be posting that recipe on the blog soon. It's excellent!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wanting to get in some holiday baking, I chose these very yummy chocolate-covered peanut butter rice crispy bars. I found the recipe on the blog <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chocolate-covered-brown-butter-krispie-treats/" target="_blank">Half Baked Harvest</a>. I read the reviews <i>after</i> I made the bars (I know, that's backwards) ... and like many others' results, my bars came out crumbly. Not too bad, but definitely a little messy to eat. That's okay, though, because the bars are so finger-licking good, my husband and I don't mind a little mess. I'm more of a chocolate fan than Paul is. He said last night he thinks these bars would be great without the chocolate on top. I think the chocolate is what holds them together.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of notes:</span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The recipe calls for brown rice krispies (cereal). I used regular, inexpensive, store-brand crispy rice cereal.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The recipe calls for 8 to 12 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, and weighed out 10 ounces using my handy <a href="https://mylittlebungalow.blogspot.com/2015/02/kitchen-scale.html" target="_blank">kitchen scale</a>. Once I got to the step where you pour the chocolate over the cereal mixture, I realized more chocolate was needed. So I quickly melted more chips but didn't measure. I'd use 12 ounces to be safe. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I began to "spread" the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture, that's when the panic set it. Bits of cereal separated from the bars (which I had firmly pressed into the pan as instructed) and incorporated into the chocolate. There was nothing I could think of to prevent this. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next time, I will thoroughly chill the cereal mixture <i>before</i> pouring/spreading the melted chocolate over. That may help.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I topped the bars with Snyder's of Hanover gluten-free mini pretzels. This makes the recipe gluten free. You can use regular pretzels, or omit them.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't noticed any difference in how the bars hold together whether stored in the fridge or on the counter.</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can find the recipe at <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chocolate-covered-brown-butter-krispie-treats/" target="_blank">Half Baked Harvest</a>. I suggest giving them a try. Let me know if you do.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you, as always, for visiting My Little Bungalow. I hope you have a very happy, safe and healthy New Year! See you in 2020.</span></span></span><br />
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My Little Bungalowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661291354573889109noreply@blogger.com0