SWEET & SAVORY STRAWBERRY TEA SANDWICH

There is something so special when it comes to serving tea sandwiches. From afternoon tea to children's parties to evening cocktails, the possibilities are endless.  Sweet or savory, they are equally delicious.

In today's blog I chose a recipe that I ran across a few weeks ago using strawberries. Since it's strawberry season, I thought this recipe might provide a new twist on serving "something strawberry." Most everyone loves strawberries and these little tea sandwiches are not only easy to prepare they have just the right touch of sweet and savory to be a hit for all ages.

DIY MAY DAY GIFT

Welcome to Monday friends!

In only a couple of short weeks May 1st will be here. This day is referred to as May Day and in some places considered the first day of Spring. Some of the May Day traditions are the crowning of a May queen or sometimes King. That person was to oversee all of the day's activities that would take place. Children and adults of all ages fill May baskets with candy or flowers and leave them secretly on neighbor's porches. What a sweet gesture of kindness!

One year I bought small baskets and filled them with flowers tying them on the door knobs of all of my neighbors. This year I changed it up a bit.

I made a quick trip to the Dollar General store and purchased these cute floral buckets and a spool of the pink polka dot ribbon. Then I headed to Costco and purchased a 6-pack of herbs that included Basil for $9.99. I left the Basil intact with soil and planted it gently into the floral bucket. Then I secured the handle of the bucket to the door knob with the ribbon and tied in a knot. I added a bow because when I wrap gifts, I always include a pretty bow on top!! Who doesn't like a gift with a beautiful bow??

Cost:

$1.66 Basil plant
$1.00 decorative bucket with handle
$1.00 1-spool ribbon (there is plenty of ribbon left for more pots)
Total cost for TLB's May Day Gift--less than $4.00

This DIY is so easy and inexpensive.You can personalize it with any plant you like. These little buckets would be great filled with cookies or candy also.

You'll be the hit of the neighborhood! Your friends will love the fact that you are thinking of them with something so pretty, fun and useful!

Happy May Day!

                      Kathleen

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HERBALICIOUS HERBS!

Welcome to Herbalicious Wednesday!

One of the many things I love about living in a warm climate is the fresh produce and plants. Who doesn't love the freshness of herbs year round?  

I recently made a trip to our local hardware store to purchase clay pots for the purpose of planting fresh herbs.Lowe's and Home Depot have beautiful plants right now that were great for my small pots too!

I decided to buy some to keep on our patio table for easy clipping at meal time. After spraying the pots with Krylon Pumpkin Orange gloss paint, I filled them with Sweet Basil, Cilantro, and Parsley plants. All three of these fresh herbs are what I seem to use the most when cooking.

Nothing is easier than keeping fresh herbs at your fingertips or patio table as I did!  There are so many different types of  Basil plants available today; Thai basil has a sweet anise flavor, Holy basil has a clove-like flavor, Lemon basil is great for infusing vinegars and using in seafood dishes. There are many more varieties available that are so delicious it's a must to give them a try.

Another herb, Cilantro, is one of the most popular Mediterranean herbs. It's commonly used in savory dishes. Of course my thoughts turn to a delish salsa too! Parsley both Italian and and flat leaf are known for their healing properties. Italian parsley is less bitter and more fragrant than others. Parsley is wonderful in soups and tomato sauces and so much more.

It's very inexpensive to plant small herb plants, but the dividends are high when comes to the freshness they provide for your meals. Why not give a few of your favorite plants a try. Whether it's a windowsill in the North or your patio in South I'm sure you will love the fresh taste that herbs provide to your dishes!

                                                        HAPPY PLANTING!

                                             Kathleen

***See you on Foodie Friday! Thanks so much for stopping by!! 

END THE SUMMER DINNER DILEMMA

Good Morning Monday!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We enjoyed the company of our southern friends. It's always good catching up with old friends and this is the first time they have ventured to our northern home. 

Dinner, dinner what's for dinner? How many times have you asked yourself that question? The grill is wonderful and I love to grill everything, but sometimes I like a nice cold salad! I've been having a lot of fun trying new summer salad recipes. 

Today's blog recipe is Chicken Caprese Tortellini Salad. It can be served for lunch of dinner. We had it for dinner with fresh fruit.....such an easy meal packed full of protein! Yes, it was hubby approved!

Look how delish this looks and it's best served the 2nd day!
You may find the recipe here:
http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2014/07/chicken-caprese-tortellini-salad.html


The next time you need a go to recipe on a hot summer day, give this recipe a try!

Have a beautiful SUMMER day!

Kathleen

***Thanks for stopping by!

FRESH BASIL PESTO

Welcome back from the weekend my friends! Hope you all had a great relaxing time. We had a wonderful time visiting with our youngest daughter in Chicago. It's always nice to spend time with the girls and in Chicago we are never lacking for something to do.

Last Monday I used my huge pot of Basil for a centerpiece at Summer Dinner Tablescape. This week, the Basil is gone, but never fear, it was made into something so good you'll want to cut your Basil down too!

I made a Fresh Basil Pesto. It's full of all of the yummy things you think of when you taste a really delicious pesto; grated Parmesan-Reggiano, pine nuts and garlic. The fact that it's so easy to make assures me of always having a stash on hand for those last minute meals.

***Recipe may be found at:  http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/

THANK YOU!

There are so many easy ways to use pesto....add it to pasta, serve it on baquettes, and I love it with veggies. Whatever way you enjoy pesto, get busy and make it today...what could be easier?

Hope you enjoyed today's blog! See you back on Wednesday with my Powder Room DIY project.

Have a wonderful day!

Kathleen

SUMMER DINNER TABLESCAPE

I love summer dinners on the patio. The backyard is full of beautiful fragrances; grass, flowers, and trees. We also have birds, squirrels and deer that flit in and out.

 Here I am putting this tablescape together and up saunters Bambi! How lucky are we to live in the middle of all of this beauty? Don't you love their little spots?

To add to the relaxed feel of the dinner I chose a blue and cream gingham fabric for the tablecloth and grabbed my thriving Basil plant and a baby fern as my centerpiece. I couldn't resist using my Mint plant for just a little more green. WOW---they smell wonderful!

**I also think it's time for a BIG Basil harvest. I am thinking Basil Pesto--yum!

Gotta love the casual feel when it all comes together!

I bought these moss balls in Florida at Stein Mart and brought them all the way back to NJ in my suitcase.......my husband just looks at me and shakes his head. I fell in love the large gray pot at Home Depot and it gave my basil a home. The artichoke pot is from Home Goods. The wicker glass bottom tray was a great find at Homegoods a few months ago.

I used a simple white napkin tied with twine at each placesetting.

Now all I need is a laid back menu to serve at this table for "4."  Please stop back on FOODIE FRIDAY where I will share the menu served at this SUMMER DINNER!

Have a wonderful Monday and thanks so much for stopping by!

Kathleen

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