Tangent Gardening "Extras"

Urban Gardening in unnatural heat... Why Not?

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Luscious Orbs of Delight!


     Well, after such a long hiatus, enjoying time seeing my daughter go to Prom... and other things... I am back at trying to get my blogging on... So, here I am...  

PEACHES!!!!

     These delightful orbs of fuzz are the first for me to harvest this year.  From May through August, will be the special time to enjoy... We have nip and pinched ones that needed to be and it was hard, but thinking how wonderfully huge the rest will be didn't make me feel bad at all.

Florida Prince










     To ensure you bite into a juicy, sweet peach when you get home, look for these qualities when selecting peaches:
  • An even background color of golden yellow for yellow peaches, and creamy yellow for white flesh peaches. Note that the red blush characteristic of some peaches does not indicate ripeness.
  • A well-defined crease.
  • A slight give to the flesh—neither rock-hard nor mushy.
  • Avoid fruit with green around the stem (they aren’t fully ripe) or that have shriveled skin (they’re old).
  • Most importantly, find fruit that smells how you hope it will taste.
     ***Note: Peaches bruise easily, so don’t use your fingertips to check for firmness. Instead, hold the peach in your whole hand.

http://localfoods.about.com/od/summer/tp/AllAboutPeaches.htm


Strawberry Anticipation....

     I think I have glorious little berries coming to my awaiting culinary needs!

                                          

I have come come across a few cocktails that these babies will be used in!



Cocktail Tangent Time

So a non-alcohol cocktail works for those days that you worked to hard and just do not want to pass out... ;)

 

 

 Strawberry Crush

Strawberry Crush - Cocktail
The Strawberry Crush Cocktail
Type: Non-Alcoholic
Served: On the Rocks
Difficulty: Medium
Flavor Profile: Fruity/Citrus-forward, Sweet

About the Strawberry Crush Cocktail

Forget crush, this has turned into a full-blown love affair.

Ingredients in the Strawberry Crush Cocktail

  • 3 to 4 Fresh strawberries, cut in half
  • 3 Fresh mint sprigs
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 1 oz Simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)
  • Ginger beer
Garnish: Strawberry and mint sprig
Glass: Collins

How to make the Strawberry Crush Cocktail

In a shaker, muddle the strawberries, mint, lime juice and simple syrup to a juicy pulp. Pour (unstrained) into a tall Collins glass. Fill with crushed ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with an additional strawberry and mint sprig.

http://liquor.com/recipes/strawberry-crush/

 
How about a slight detour from Appetizers too.....
Tangent  Dessert
 
Easy Peach Cobbler

Recipe adapted from Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen by Trisha Yearwood (c) Clarkson Potter 2008
Serves: 8 servings
 
Ingredients   
 
Two 15-ounce cans sliced peaches in syrup
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
Homemade Whipped Cream, recipe follows
 
Cook's Note: If you don't have self-rising flour, substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Drain 1 can of peaches; reserve the syrup from the other. Place the butter in a 9- by 12-inch oven proof baking dish. Heat the butter on the stove or in the oven until it's melted. In a medium bowl, mix the flour and sugar. Stir in the milk and the reserved syrup. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Arrange the peaches over the batter. Bake for 1 hour. The cobbler is done when the batter rises around the peaches and the crust is thick and golden brown. Serve warm with fresh whipped cream
Homemade Whipped Cream:

2 cups whipping cream, chilled in the fridge
4 tablespoons sugar

Chill a large metal mixing bowl and the wire beater attachment in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Pour the chilled cream and sugar into the cold mixing bowl and beat until it forms soft peaks, about 5 minutes. The mixture should hold its shape when dropped from a spoon. Don't over-beat or you'll have sweetened butter! Yield: 4 cups.



         Haven't tried these recipes yet, Please let me know your results... 

Happy eats and gardening!

 

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Spring Progress... Sorta!

    
     So now that spring is bearing down upon us, I thought that I would be rushing out and digging in... getting dirty.. But, the temperature soared to the 90's... Geeze, Well, that's okay... I guess being a little warm is good..

    We woke up bright and early, to make an errand to the hardware store...

List

sand, planters for corn, and soil....

     We finished up the little courtyard with paving stones, now to get some idea of what to do next...We still have finishing touches to add... This is a start though...
Money, has become a factor this go around... Vet bills,  other bills that became a surprise this winter... So, compromising things is an important aspect...

I have ideas though..

      Any thoughts from "you" the reader?



     I still need to plant my patio corn ... I have found the 24in pot that I need for the corn...  Also I wonder how heavy the pots will become in the end? I thought that I would place the pots in the garden to give the plot an architecture look... I think that it will look amazing...


     Another feature that I would like to add is a sink so that I can wash the dirt off the veggies, I have a cart/sink  I can put where I want.. It has a hose attachment.. just the proper placement is in question... I think by the compost is appropriate... Thoughts?


     I did start a little clean up today... and well let's just say, Man! I have my work cut out for me... But, that's the beauty of it isn't it? 
     The feeling of accomplishment when it's all said and done! The cocktails and appetizers, enjoying the beauty in progress... Yep! That's the triumph...



      I haven't paid much attention to the blackberry bush this go around.  I think that there is something going on with it though, not in a good way...
     Hubby mentioned that there might be a fungus happening and that worries me... So research is a must...





     Look at how great the strawberries are... I can't wait to see if we get some juicy yummy berries! I had seen some painted rocks on-line that look like strawberries, I think that will be of help to keep the birds away.. I know it will be quite cute around the plants too...

Cocktail Tangent Time~



Cinnamon Cherry Cocktail
      This cherry soda based cocktail is the adult version of a Shirley Temple. And if you’re daring enough to use the licorice as a straw, you may even feel like a kid.

2 ounces Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
1 can cherry cola (or diet)
1 teaspoon Rose’s Grenadine
2 cherry licorice vines

http://www.bevmotastingroom.com/drinks/fireball-whiskey-cocktails/

Appetizer Tangent Time~
    
     After having one of these, you might want to have something to nibble on... I must say for me, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey is dangerous...



     I will be acting out all kinds of antics after a couple of these drinks, so to soak it all up...
 I found that this summer yum should conquer the need of the nibble attack....


Roasted Roma Tomatoes on Toast Photo by: James Carrier

Roasted Roma Tomatoes on Toast

Make the lemon cheese and olive-oil toast while the tomatoes roast. Or roast the tomatoes (through step 3) and make the lemon cheese up to 2 days ahead; cover separately and chill. Bring to room temperature to serve.
Sunset JUNE 2003
  • Yield: Makes 8 appetizer, 4 main-dish servings

Ingredients

  • 8 Roma tomatoes (equal size, 1 1/2 lb. total), rinsed and cored
  • 1 onion (about 8 oz.), peeled and finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • Lemon cheese (recipe follows)
  • Olive-oil toast (recipe follows)
  • About 2 cups arugula leaves, stemmed, rinsed, and drained
  • Salt

Preparation

1. Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Lay halves cut side up in a single layer in an 8- by 12-inch oval or rectangular casserole (rim should be at least 1/2 in. higher than tomatoes).

2. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan, combine onion, vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often. Pour over tomatoes.

3. Roast in a 400° oven (convection not recommended) until tomatoes are dark brown and sauce is browned and thickened (bubbles will be large and shiny), about 1 1/4 hours; baste tomatoes with sauce and onions about every 15 minutes at first, then more frequently as mixture begins to thicken, to avoid scorching. Use hot, warm, or at room temperature.

4. Spread lemon cheese equally on oiled sides of the olive-oil toast slices. Set on plates and cover equally with arugula leaves. Spoon tomatoes and juices equally onto toast slices. Add salt to taste.

*Lemon Cheese: In a food processor or bowl, combine 1/3 cup cream cheese (at room temperature), 1/3 cup packed fresh chèvre (goat cheese), 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel. Whirl or beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until blended.

*Olive-oil toast. Lay 8 slices of rustic white bread such as sourdough or ciabatta (about 3 by 4 in., cut about 1/2 in. thick) in a single layer in a shallow 10- by 15-inch pan. Bake in a 375° oven until lightly browned on the bottom, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn slices over and brush equally with about 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Continue baking until golden brown and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes longer. Use warm, or let cool on a rack.

http://www.myrecipes.com/menus/summer-appetizers-10000001627864/ 
  
So Happy Gardening...

Careful on the fireball drinks they bite back... Ha ha ha ha!


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Spring Break... Finally....

     Well, spring being in two weeks or so, I can't say Spring Finally, but it is "Break", thank goodness...
I have been waiting for this much needed break...

      Regrettably, I have not ventured out into my garden at all, unlike last year January. I had all things on schedule... The soil was amended and plants were started, compost used up... Things expanded... but this year not so much...

Why?

     The predictable question asked in some concerned minds! Don't be too concerned, cuz...
 It has been very wet and cold, and my "chicken butt" didn't even try...

     I did however get some seedlings started, I will soon want them in the ground to just take off and be gorgeous...


Black Cherry tomatoe

Cilantro

cucumber

     My ever loving Hubby started the pavements in the front last weekend.



     Unfortunately, It rained again, so that was put off this weekend  for the finish,
until next weekend when it is nice and dry, and well... probably hot... I can't really believe how the weather has been across the nation.
     This winter has been perfectly harsh for most. I hope that those having met that challenge will have a great harvest year...

     My Peach tree looks amazing, and now, I am not sure if it is the time to pinch some off so others well get bigger or what.. Some of them seem to have a few peck marks or something, I hope I don't have to battle the birds... gosh!
peach

peach

I have new growth on the lime tree too.. So it seems to be well...

key lime

      My grape vine, well I'm worried! I think it has new growth on it, but with all the temperature fluctuations...

      I'm not so sure it is happy like the others...

grape vine

      My Fig tree is coming around, I was certain that it was damaged from the frost... But the picture says it all! That goes for the pomegranate bush too... Wahoo!!! 

Fig

fig

pomegranate














So as it stands

I have to figure out a Cocktail and appetizer!   Hmmm!!!


What is a springing yummy drink and nibble...


I got it  How about This...

 Easy Pitcher Cocktail Recipe:  

 Strawberry Basil Margaritas

2011_07_21-strawberry_basil_margarita_4jpg.jpgStrawberry Basil Margaritas makes 1 pitcher, or about 8 servings
1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate
10 strawberries (or 12 if you're using smaller ones from the farmer's market or your backyard.)
8 basil leaves
2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila (gold or silver)

Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher.
Add 2 1/2 cans of water and 1 1/2 (18 ounces, or 2 1/4 cups) cans of tequila (or a bit less, if you don't want your drinks to be quite as strong).
Hull the strawberries, slice lengthwise, and add to the pitcher.

Crumple the basil a little in your hands (this will help the basil flavor release into the drink) and add it to the pitcher, too.
Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours.

When you remove the pitcher from the fridge, your margaritas will be a lovely pale pink color. Now all you have to do is serve them and wait for the compliments to pour in.
http://www.thekitchn.com/pitcher-perfect-supereasy-stra-151952



Ham and Fresh Basil Pinwheels
 
recipe image
Rated: rating
Submitted By: Teri Denlinger
Photo By: Rock_lobster
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Ready In: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Servings: 24
"Italian standbys--like fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes--roll up here with ham, cheese and red-leaf lettuce. You simply refrigerate and slice when ready to serve."
Ingredients:
6 (10 inch) flour tortillas
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,
softened
12 slices ham
4 ounces fresh basil
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
12 leaves red leaf lettuce - rinsed
Directions:
1. Spread each tortilla lightly with cream cheese. Arrange two ham slices across the middle of each tortilla. Add a layer of fresh basil, then a layer of tomatoes. Do not place ingredients too close to tortilla edges. Add lettuce; use enough leaf lettuce to cover across the center of each tortilla, with some of the frilly leaf edge hanging over.
2. Starting at one end, tightly roll up each tortilla. Stick toothpicks in four evenly spaced spots of tortilla roll. Place tortilla rolls in a dish, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours to chill.
3. Slice each roll into four evenly sized sandwiches, and serve as soon as possible.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2013 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 3/10/2013
http://www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Ham-And-Fresh-Basil-Pinwheels-Allrecipes


Happy Gardening!




Sunday, February 10, 2013

Brilliant Intentions....

Intentions - The definition .....

1. An act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result. 

2. purpose or attitude toward the effect of one's actions or conduct: a bungler with good intentions.
     
     The thought that putting seed  to ground, and the assumption of it growing; to have an incredible garden to show off with all the trimmings makes the visualization almost complete....
     Now that I have tackled some challenges, I need to have some for-thought as to how I use the product... I have done things to see if I would succeed... I made jelly, mustard, wonderful recipes, dried herbs, gave plants as gifts... Trying to Start a purposeful Cocktail Garden for unique social food and drink,


      Expanding the thinking now seems fitting..
   
      One of my favorite books created an effective grocery store in her back yard.... Well, I'm sure that everybody will be screaming "DUH" that's why you have a garden, silly! 

     
      Not only do I want to have a Cocktail Garden, but to be able to use my garden all year long, it seems to be an incredibly huge task... I know people do this with no challenge and its not a big deal.. 
      Living in desert conditions and having a very small backyard, (not even a 1/4 of an acre,  More like, 1/8 of an 1/8 of an acre). This is a Giant task to be reckoned with... 
     Can it be done? Of course.... But the dedication is a different story...When people have forty hr work weeks, errands on the side and countless other responsibilities, the last thing to come home to is manual labor...

     There I said it... LAZY!  
      Is it? Or is being exhausted from the days' antics the reason... Whatever the path results from, I just know I have a challenge to step up to....
     

     Well the question is and has been asked already! WHY?    Why do You Garden?  I asked it... Yep!... Mr. Nitty Gritty Dirt Man, an incredible blogger, http://nittygrittydirtman.wordpress.com/ even had a contest to win a most fabulous ever book "wanting that book by the way" asked the question!... By the way, He received incredible answers for it! 
     Maybe I still haven't learned why yet! Well, honestly I know I haven't learned yet! When I wrote my response on his blog, I probably didn't reach down deep enough to have a good answer as I thought I had...   
Here is my response!

     "This is the same question I had posted a while back, so many answers and thoughts, YOU can’t just have one… I really reached within, inside and tried to dig for what could be the right or comforted thought… But I have no answer, unless gardening really is to challenge myself.. I think a lot of non-gardening people think that to work a garden is to be a hard worker and time consuming, although that may be correct for it could come easy to some, but what if the gardener feels the power of being nurturing, and competitive all rolled up at the same time… Make that seedling function no matter how many seeds it takes, and each time you become more understanding and educated and wiser… I’m not sure how The question, “Why do you garden?” is so important. But it just is… There is no better question than to ask yourself each and every season, Right?"
  
       SERIOUSLY,

     I thought is was a good answer... But,  I really still need to reach and learn...
  
     So "The God Father" term " Take it to the Mattress," Is true,

Got to fight!  fight! fight!.... as the chant, repeats in my head!


Seedling Check-In

    My Seedlings are beginning to sprout, well just the Lemon, & Armenian Cucumbers and Black Cherry Tomato...

They Look amazing though, I can't wait!

Black Cherry Tomatoes

Cucumbers


    We are having another real cold time again, it is on the verge of a freeze for the next three nights... compared to all of the weather that is going on else where, this really isn't anything to worry about... but, I do have to prolong my work in the garden as well... darn it!

     So with that at hand,

     Here is another thought to Cocktail hour! My favorite time! 

Would Non-Alcoholic drinks be welcomed also? Just a thought?


Cocktails

Barracuda


http://hamptonroadshappyhour.com/barracuda

Ingredients
 
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Triple Sec
3 oz. 7-Up
Lime wheel, Blackberries, Pomegranate seeds to garnish (or whatever you have)
 
 
Directions
 
Combine the three spirits in an ice filled cocktail shaker.  Cover, shake well, and pour into a Rocks glass.  Add the 7-Up, gently stir, garnish accordinly, and get ready to feel the bite of your delicious Barracuda!  Cheers!



Appetizers

Shrimp Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp Mojo de Ajo
http://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/appetizer-recipes-00400000052549/page34.html
 
Try these shrimp that are smothered in a Mojo de Ajo sauce made from Guajillo peppers that boast a tangy taste with a kick of heat.
  • Yield: Makes 8 servings
  • Prep time:20 Minutes
  • Stand/soak:30 Minutes
  • Grill:4 Minutes

Preparation

1. Peel shrimp, leaving tails on; devein, if desired. Combine shrimp and Mojo de Ajo, tossing to coat. Let stand 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in water 30 minutes.
3. Remove shrimp from Mojo de Ajo, discarding marinade. Thread 1 shrimp onto each skewer.
4. Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or just until shrimp turn pink. Garnish, if desired. 

Shrimp Mojo De Ajo

Guajillo [gwah-HEE-yoh] chiles are dried peppers with a bright tangy taste and kick of heat. Find them at grocery stores and super-centers alongside other Hispanic ingredients. Cook the chiles in hot oil for just seconds to mellow out the flavor and for easy crumbling. Don't let the 3/4 cup minced garlic scare you away. The flavor smooths out as it cooks.

Cook Time:
Prep Time:
Cool: 5 Minutes
Stand: 5 Minutes


Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 whole guajillo chiles*
  • 3/4 cup bottled minced garlic
  • 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice $
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Preparation

  1.  Heat oil in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium heat to 350°. Using tongs, submerge 1 chile into oil, and cook 5 seconds; remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool 5 minutes or until completely cool. Repeat with remaining 2 chiles. Remove and discard stems. Process remaining portion of chiles in food processor 30 seconds to 1 minute or until crumbled into small flakes.
  2.  Cook garlic in hot oil in same saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. Let stand 5 minutes.
  3.  Stir in chile flakes, lime juice, and salt. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 5 days. Allow mixture to come to room temperature before using.
*2 Tbsp. sweet paprika may be substituted. Omit Step 1 proceed with recipe as directed, stirring in paprika with lime juice and salt in Step 3.
 
 
   

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Spinning My Wheels!


      January Mess........



     Now that January is out, I really need to get my be-hind out in that garden and start cleaning and planting, I actually should have been doing this in January... So back to January? mmmm, not really!...



     After loosing just about everything, which was okay,  I now can create something more amazing...

So with a nip still in the air,  my body beckons me to stay indoors. So what better way than to start off by being inside and begin gardening...



Indoor Seed Starts

I trotted out to the shed and grabbed some supplies...

Seed Starting Mix

Peat Pots

A plastic container to give the seeds a green house effect..


The Seeds

     To begin with, I will get the container nice and clean...

I will Start with.......

Tomato ----   Black Cherry... Heirloom Yields clusters of round1 in deep red with a black hue

Cucumber ---- Lemon.... The size and color of a lemon, Heirloom good for pickling

Eggplant---- Early Midnight Hybrid.... Large and the earliest, 10oz fruits on a 3' plant...

Cucumber---- Armenian... Grows 2-3' long, (can't wait for this one) really it's a type of melon!

Hot Pepper---- Hungarian Wax... Tapered and long kinda hot fruits...

Pepper (bell)---- Grand Bell Mix.... Different looking colors

Jalapeno ----Red

**These are some tips to help be more successful than I had in the past...

*Moisture and watering — Plants should never be over-watered. Allow drying time between watering, and don't allow seedlings to wilt.

*Fertilization—Seedlings will need some fertilization. Those in artificial mixes without fertilizer need prompt and regular fertilization. Use a soluble house plant fertilizer such as 15-30-15. Young, tender seedlings are easily damaged by too much fertilizer. Apply fertilizer at about half of the recommended strength a few days after seedlings have germinated. After that, fertilize at 2-week intervals with the dilution recommended by the manufacturer.




 So this is the beginning,  What do you think?

       On my way or what?


Now for the Clean up! 

     I am going to yank out  all the dead stuff and rake out the  areas...
Hubby added a bunch of leaf material from the front clean up...

     I will make a plan to put "what" where...

     I will also wait to any pruning until around end of Feb. beginning of Mar. because of possible frost.. I am pretty sure we are safe now,but  that was what I thought before the Freak Freeze...


     Also, I think I want to see what my compost looks like, a nice add to the soil!!!!!



 Cocktail Garden Time 

Michelada

Michelada

INGREDIENTS
  • Salt, for rimming the glasses
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 2 medium limes), rinds reserved
  • Ice
  • 1 1/2 cups light Mexican beer, such as Corona
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco
  • 1 teaspoon Maggi or soy sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Place enough salt in a wide, shallow dish to cover the bottom. Rub the rims of two glasses with the reserved lime rinds and dip the glasses into the salt. Fill the glasses with ice and set aside.
  2. Place the lime juice, beer, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and Maggi or soy sauce in a pitcher and mix to combine. Pour into the prepared glasses, top with a few grinds of pepper, and serve.
http://www.chow.com/recipes/10662-michelada

Appetizer

Texas - Queso Dip

Texas Queso Dip

INGREDIENTS
  • 4 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces)
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Monterrey Jack cheese (about 6 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup minced white onion (about 1 small onion)
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced mild green chiles, juices reserved
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Place cheeses in a large bowl, sprinkle with cornstarch, and toss to coat. Transfer cheese mixture to a large saucepan and add milk. Set over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is smooth and melted, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Stir in onion and chiles with reserved juices until well combined. To serve, transfer dip to a slow cooker set on low or keep in the saucepan at a simmer for up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with tortilla chips and cut-up raw carrots, jicama, celery, and radishes.
 http://www.chow.com/recipes/11365-texas-queso-dip



Happy Gardening!!!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

And, Let There Be Rain?

Saturday Rains!

   Well, This is one reason why I want to be in the garden today, I thought this hummingbird was very happy to model for the camera! He posed for me in summer... He is spectacular huh?

Here I am, Where have you been?


Winking for the camera!

Where's my close up shot ?


This is my best side!

     One favorite flower of the hummingbird, is this one, "Penta".. I like using these flowers, but they really don't last...
     When the heat comes in the beginning of March and April, gone like dried out pages of a book...




      Since after I lost a fair amount of my bushes "Orange Jubilee's" that hummers love, I put out my feeder for a replacement... I usually have one out for them but, realizing that the "Orange Jubilee", was providing for them, I thought nature was better...

      So "the family" of hummingbirds made sure the feeder was the best restaurant on their route...

Just in case, for those that really don't know the simple syrup recipe for Hummers....

4 parts water
1 part sugar
Stir to dissolve sugar...

No food coloring, or preservatives... no need...

Store in the fridge,
probably about a week no more,  
and wash throughly the feeder everytime, so to not spread disease...


SEEDS, SEEDS, SEEDS,.....

I have ordered my seeds,  From Burpees...  
www.burpee.com


Corn, On Deck Hybrid
The first-ever sweet corn you can grow in a container.
Item Number: 61000A - 1 Pkt. (50 seeds)





 
Carrot, Kaleidoscope Mix
Our exclusive blend of wild colors!
Item Number: 53050A - 1 Pkt. (1000 seeds)






Borage
Young leaves used in salads and lemonade.
Item Number: 61481A - 1 Pkt. (200 seeds)





 61481A
Sunflower, Teddy Bear
Soft, fluffy, cushion-like flowers on shorter
 bushy plants.
Item Number: 35378A - 1 Pkt. (150 seeds)






Cucumber, Lemon
HEIRLOOM. Lemon yellow cucumbers are tender
 and sweet, excellent for salads and pickling.
Item Number: 53561A - 1 Pkt. (50 seeds)






Cucumber, Armenian
Highly ribbed oriental.
Item Number: 62505A - 1 Pkt. (100 seeds)






Tomato, Black Cherry
Plentiful clusters of juicy-sweet deep-red tomatoes
with a blackish hue.
Item Number: 64705A - 1 Pkt.(30 Seeds)






Pepper, Hot, Hungarian Wax
A Mexican favorite that's four to five times hotter
than jalapeño: distinctive pungent flavor.
Item Number: 52944A - 1 Pkt. (100 seeds)






Eggplant, Early Midnight Hybrid
Early, nearly seedless fruits are a gourmet treat
 inside and out.
Item Number: 62400A - 1 Pk.t (30 Seeds)






Nasturtium, Alaska Mix
Colorful, edible nasturtiums tolerate poor soils and
heat or cold.
Item Number: 46920A - 1 Pkt. (50 seeds)







     The excitement is unbearable, I can't wait to plant that corn in a container...

Corn, On Deck Hybrid 
container corn

 If this works for me... The possibilities... Finally! 

Cocktail Garden Time
So the search  is continuing for and cocktails appetizers ...


MIDNIGHT MARGARITAS

Midnight Margarita

Ingredients:

For Each Serving
2 oz Dark Rum
1 oz  Blue Curacao
½oz Grenadine
4 oz Lime Mix, see below

Lime Mix: Blend Together 1 Cup Lime Juice & 1 Cup Sugar Until Sugar Is Dissolved.

Keep Refrigerated Until Use.

Directions:

Fill a shaker with ice cubes, add all the ingredients and shake until well blended. Strain into a margarita glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
Helpful Tips:
You must use the exact ratios to result in this deliciously dark margarita that is perfect for any celebration...

What goes with Midnight Margaritas You may ask?

How About

Atomic Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers
 Appetizer...

Atomic Buffalo Jalapeno Poppers
recipesquickneasy.com


Ingredients
  • 10 jalapeno peppers
  • 10 bacon slices, cut in half
  • 10 mini sausages or smokies (or 20 if they are very small)
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup grated monterey jack
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 2 shallots, minced
Instructions
  1. Slice the jalapenos lengthwise. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and membrane. If using bell peppers, quarter them after they are seeded.
  2. Mix the cream cheese, monterey jack, chipotle powder and minced shallots. Fill the hollowed out portion of the peppers with the cheese mixture.
  3. Place the smokie on top of the cream cheese. Wrap the half slice of bacon around the jalapeno. If the bacon is not staying tightly wrapped, it may be necessary to use a toothpick to hold it in place.
  4. Smoke the ABTs in the smoker, set at 225F, for 2-3 hours, or until the bacon is browned
Notes
*To cook on the grill: Cook on a medium heat grill until the jalapeno is tender and the bacon is browned. Keep the lid covered while cooking. 
* To cook in the oven: Bake the ABT’s in the oven, set at 425F, for 20-30 minutes or until the bacon is browned.




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