Oh Goodness

Delicious!
Don't just take my word for it. Make it. I changed a few things, I used frozen berries, cause that is what I had on hand, added a little sugar and cinnamon to the crust. Also, in my oven it only took about 20 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
Oh, and I didn't have any cornstarch, so I just did without. Cooked the berries in water and sugar 'til a little of the water evaporated.
Now for the recipe!

BERRY COBBLER

3/4 c. water
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. sugar
3 c. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches

In saucepan combine water, cornstarch, and sugar. Bring to boil. Cook 1 minute. Add berries and remove from heat. Pour into 9 or 10 inch pie plate. Top with cobbler.

Topping

1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/3 c. milk
3 tbsp. oil

Combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix milk and oil; add to flour. Work to ball and drop over berries. Bake at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Fall and Camping

The weather has been perfect. After a sweltering summer, the cooler weather has been truly a blessing! So off we go camping. Let me clarify, that neither of us have really been camping. Slowly, but surely we are getting the hang of it.

And there is nothing better than a steak over an open fire and a great bottle or maybe two of wine.
Another thing that we really enjoy is taking nice green peppers that have a little bit of kick, and grilling them as well(that is what the picture is). After almost burning the outside, let the peppers sit in a plastic bag or covered bowl to sweat. The outside of the pepper will easily come off and you can then slice them up with a little olive oil, garlic, maybe some chili pepper flakes, then serve over your steak! Delicious!

What are your great camping stories?

Pretzels!

Oh so yummy! These are pretty close to the real thing, German bretzel. I really didn't think that I could pull these off. I am only beginning to learn how to bake, so I felt that these were a challenge. Oh my! Delicious. And I have it, on good authority(from several Germans!) that they are good! the only difference that I am aware of is that instead of boiling in lye and water(which can make you ill if not done right) I boil in baking soda and water. I would really like to learn how to do it the old fashioned way, but that may take some practice. I also haven't gotten the hang of how to make the perfect pretzel shape. Oh well, I can't be perfect :)
Here is the recipe, give it a go and let me know how yours turn out!


1 package of Active dry yeast
1 c Warm water
2 1/2 To 3 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tblsp of Salad oil
1 Tblsp of Sugar
6 Tblsp of Baking soda in 6 cups water
Coarse salt (un-ground sea salt works great)

In a bowl , dissolve yeast in water. Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour,
the oil, and sugar. Beat for about 3 minutes to make a smooth batter.
Gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth and satiny
(about 5 minutes) adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Place dough in a greased bowl; turn over to grease top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until double (about 1 hour).

Punch down dough, turn out onto a floured board, and divide into 12
pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball by gently kneading. Then roll
each into a smooth rope about 18 inches long, and twist into a pretzel
shape. Place slightly apart on a greased baking sheet turning
loose ends underneath. Let rise, uncovered, in a warm, draft free area
until puffy (about 25 minutes).

Meanwhile, in a 3-quart stainless steel or enameled pan (not aluminum)
bring soda water to a boil; adjust water to keep water boiling gently.
With a slotted spatula, lower 1 pretzel at a time into pan. Let simmer
for 10 seconds on each side, then lift from water, drain briefly on
spatula, and return to baking sheet. Let dry briefly, then sprinkle
with coarse salt and let stand, uncovered, until all have simmered.

Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until
golden brown. Transfer to racks; serve warm with butter, mustard or
even cream cheese. Or let cool completely, wrap airtight, and freeze.
To reheat, place frozen on ungreased baking sheets and bake in a
preheated 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until hot.
Makes 1 dozen pretzels.

Dinner and Love

Eating, for me, is one of the most important things in life. Not eating for nourishment sake, but for the sake of enjoyment, love, fellowship, community.
Almost every night we cook, laugh, eat, love. Sometimes it is just the two of us, many times there are great friends and wonderful conversations.

What I want to make perfectly clear, is that it is less about what is on the plate, than who is sitting next to you. Take away Chinese food, Mac n' Cheese, or a five course feast, whatever it is, do it with love, eat it with love. Enjoy.

Forget about all of the things that have to be done first thing in the morning, forget about the crabby co-worker or upset customer. Remember, that food is meant to be enjoyed.
So, what is for dinner tonight?

We had yummy salmon with fresh green beans. Usually, I prefer the salmon on the grill. But tonight is was just easier to pop it in the oven. Still tasty.

Next time you fix salmon try this.
Mix together, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, fresh ground black pepper, white pepper, wasabi paste and chopped garlic. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes, but not longer than 45 minutes. Throw it on the grill and eat!

How do you like your fish?

Yummy!

While "working" today, I came across a great recipe for bread sticks that I just had to try. A fellow Etsian was kind enough to let me share the recipe with you!

By the way, she has a great shop that you should check out here. KarenElizDesigns

I must admit, that I am not much of a baker, probably not enough patience. We don't even own any teaspoon or tablespoon measuring thingys. But I was able to whip these out without a problem! Try them yourself and let me know how it goes.

1 pkg. active dry yeast
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup warm water
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1 cup shredded old cheddar

Combine yeast and warm water in a measuring cup and let
stand 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, stir together flour
and spices. Add 3 tbsp of the oil. Stir the yeast mixture
into the flour mixture to make a shaggy dough. Mix in the
cheese with your hands. Knead for 5 minutes, then let rise for
1 1/2 hours. Punch down the dough, then divide it into 32 pieces.
Roll each piece into a long, skinny stick approximately 12 inches long.
Place the sticks on a cookie sheet, brush them with the rest of the
olive oil, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.

Too Early!

I know, I know, I know. It is much too early to be thinking about Christmas. However, I found the sweetest little red cardinals the other day and I have been singing Christmas carols ever since! I figured the best way to get it out of my system was to make a little bit of holiday cheer, maybe that would stop the Jingle Bells ringing in my ear. It didn't work, now all I want is a Christmas tree!

Interview!

Last night, I got a very great request to be interview for a fantastic blog! What an honor!
Check it out here...

http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=3248