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...
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| Black Cherry tomatoe |
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| Cilantro |
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| 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!
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| peach |
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| peach |
I have new growth on the lime tree too.. So it seems to be well...
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| 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...
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| 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!!!
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| Fig |
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| fig |
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| 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
Strawberry 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.
Ham and Fresh Basil Pinwheels
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Submitted By: Teri Denlinger
Photo By: Rock_lobster
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"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
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4 ounces fresh basil
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
12 leaves red leaf lettuce - rinsed
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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 |
Happy Gardening!
