COLORS OF THE SOUTH

June is our month in Florida that provides us with frequent rains and hot humid weather. I actually look forward to these rains. (most days) It provides us with extra water along with our sprinkler system to maintain our vegetation, and gives everything a big boost of growth and color.

SUMMER PICNIC DISHES AND DESSERTS

Warm weather is on its way for many of us. In Texas our grills are cooking up some super special goodness already!  I'm always searching for tasty side dishes to pair with our protein. Whether we are having red meat, turkey, chicken or fish, a side dish is a must. Of course no picnic is complete with dessert, so I've included a couple of those in today's blog too.

I found a recipe, that cuts the fat used in a typical potato salad and tastes delish. It couldn't have been any easier to prepare. And it was hubby approved!

It's called Loaded Baked Potato Salad, but it's not baked! I think you get the idea...it tastes like a baked potato, and there's some nice surprises inside; like a packet of dry ranch dressing stirred into the cooked potatoes. 

Click on this link for the recipe:  http://www.countrycleaver.com/2011/07/loaded-baked-potato-salad.html

No picnic is complete without deviled eggs. Let's face it, deviled eggs have come a long way. Even cocktail parties aren't complete without them. The ingredients in this recipe will truly surprise you. 

I was given this recipe from Beth a fellow blogger that I chatted with online last year when I first started blogging. She was so gracious and so helpful with all of my questions. At the time, I was getting ready to host a cocktail party, and she gave me some recipes and some very helpful hints. One of the recipes was what I call-- Beth's Deviled Eggs.

I ended up serving them at our cocktail party and friends loved them! And now they are great for picnic season.They are a bit sweet, but still savory. Who would have thought applesauce and currants along with some other goodies would be in deviled eggs. My girls love them. It's the only way they will eat deviled eggs now.

Here is the recipe:

BETH'S DEVILED EGGS

• one dozen eggs

Scoop out cooked yolks and place in a small bowl. 

Add to mashed yolks:

• 2 tbsp. mayo
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. curry powder ( I use a bit less)
• 3 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
• 3-4 tbsp. dried sweet currants 
• 3 tbsp. chunky applesauce

You may add more mayo or applesauce to taste if the yolks are not wet enough. Pipe into

each egg. 

***I have never done this, but Beth also recommended adding a dollop of apple, garlic or ginger chutney on top. She used Stonewall Kitchen. 

Finally, dust the entire plate with shaved almonds and more chives or fresh lemon thyme.

Every picnic has to have the essential dessert. Something a little sweet. I have two very different ideas for you. The first an easy Sorbet dessert. 

Raspberry Sorbet in Lemon Cups

• Lemons
• Raspberry sorbet (or your favorite flavor)

Hollow out the lemon using a melon baller. Scoop your favorite Sorbet

into each half, freeze and serve. So easy and so pretty!

I have one more different sweet treat for you. They are just like Rice Krispie Bars, but  with a twist......you use Ruffles potato chips instead of the cereal! They have a nice sweet/salty taste that I think will surprise your taste buds.

Ruffles Marshmallow Krispie Treats

You may find the recipe here:  http://www.laurenslatest.com/ruffles-marshmallow-krispie-treats/

I hope you enjoy this group of recipes, and you're able to use them at your picnics or summer dinners.

Have a wonderful weekend.

         

Kathleen

                                                                     

                                                                                                      

                                                   

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BLACKBERRY-PEACH COBBLER with PRALINE PECAN STREUSEL

Summertime is cobbler time at my house! What could be easier and more delicious than using fresh fruits of the season combined with a light crumbly streusel topping.
Cobbler takes very little time to prepare.......it takes longer to peel the fruit than to assemble the entire cobbler.

Today's recipe combines the fresh taste of blackberries and the sweetness of peaches with an end result that is sooooo delish, especially warm! For an added touch, some enjoy a cold scoop of French Vanilla ice cream or whip cream on top......I love it just as it is!

TLB'S BACKYARD STYLE!

It's been so warm here since Summer hit us officially. Is it hot where you live too? I've been working on photo shoots of the patio and front of the house and today it's sweltering. 

This year I mentioned changing up the color combinations and type of flowers that I am using in patio pots. Remember my "Fiesta Colors?" Well, they are in full bloom and providing just the right color I envisioned on the patios. A little Miracle Grow and WOW color explosion!

Take a look and tell me what you think. This is our top patio off the family room. I love outdoor spaces.

Below is part of the lower patio where we added a small flower bed corner this year. We planted Butterfly bushes, Plume grass (slowly growing in the back) and golden Marigolds. No hummingbirds yet. Last year they loved the Lantana...I may have to get some yet this year. They are such a beautiful delicate bird and so fun to watch.

Loungers are ready for this weekend!

Last weeks DIY Grilling Cart is ready for some BBQ'ing!

I'm so pleased with the gorgeous colors. Just what I had envisioned. What do you think? What colors are you using this year?

(Below) This year I added a new cozy vignette for two to our patio. Both patios are so large I decided to start by anchoring the area with an outdoor rug. A new purchase this year is the small table from World Market. By adding just the two chairs and an umbrella it keeps the vignette small and cozy. Just about the size of the tables on the sidewalks in Paris!  

The palms, flowers and lime green lantern give it a bit of color and texture. The red seat cushions are a nice strong add to the look. I took my cue from the red petunias that I just love!

(Below) Under the market umbrella is a place to escape the sun. Notice the DIY napkin/silverware caddy from the blog two weeks ago? The Frontgate round rug is a new add this year also. I love the round shape. It's such a large space, the rug helps to anchor the dining area on the patio.

The lime tablescape blends with all of the green surroundings creating a soft, airy setting.

Thanks for taking a tour of our patios. I hope you enjoyed your visit! Please feel free to leave us a comment.

Have a wonderful day!

Kathleen

P.S. Thanks so much for stopping by. We would love to hear from you!

LIGHT, BRIGHT & CHEERY!

After attending my first COUNTRY LIVING FAIR I couldn't wait to get home and unload my goodies that I had purchased. Today I'm sharing with you one of my most beautiful purchases from Betsy Olmsted of Print & Repeat Design. (www.betsyolmsted.com)

I was like a kid in a candy shop. I wanted to buy everything that Betsy had displayed but settled on a Vintage Dresser Scarf. At the time I had a million places to display it, however, because it is so beautiful I wanted to display it where everyone could admire it too.

I decided the sofa table needed a new look. Starting with Betsy's work I added a soft flowing fern in my soup tureen. I had a dark brown wooden candlestick nearby that caught my eye and the golden candle in it that blended nicely with the golds in her design. Finally, some colorful books with a great red spine and an artichoke filled with wine corks that ironically had stained ends that were a burgundy color. The corks added a nice texture without taking away from the beautiful dresser scarf.

Here are my results-

Thanks for joining me today....it's amazing how one small change of something bright and light can bring such cheer to a room. I hope I have inspired you to look around to see what you can add to do the same in your home.....think, light, bright (like sunshine in the Summer) and cheery!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

Kathleen

***Thanks for stopping by. See you on  WEDNESDAY!