Special Tea Cookies

It's tea time again. Recently made these for a special event at our parish. It was an extraordinary event and a beautiful time with our ladies. We are so blessed to have them all.

If you remember I had made these before, sort of, so these were the inspiration . But since it was a tea event, naturally I wanted to incorporate, you guessed it tea.  So I decided I wanted to add my favorite flavors, Lavender and Earl Grey.

There's quite a few pictures that will follow the jump.

Coffee Hour Buffet

The time has come again. Each year I like to host coffee hour in February. There are many reasons why the early part of February is important to me and I see this as a special offering.  I try each year to have some great standby's like bagels and try some new things too.

Last year, I posted what the contenders for the Coffee Hour were and then Lent was upon us and I never posted what I actually made. Go figure.  Here are some pics from last year. I didn't get a chance to take another picture once the plastic was off, as it was time to serve.

Cake balls

Here and Now

Hello there...I'm back.

Well- truly I never left, I've been writing posts several times a day (in my head) and they are really good ones. You the kind that make you giggle as you read them. I'm giggling at least.  The challenge is finding time to put down. The break was necessary and good.

Thank you for checking in, here is a little preview of what has been happening and what is ahead.

What have I done with my window boxes for the season?

It looks gorge and cost less than $5.

We had our annual St Nick Party, loads of fun!

Red, White and Blue Danishes

Getting ready for July 4th.

Last year we were headed for a celebration breakfast, 

before the parade. Obviously I wanted to bring something yummy for the potluck.

So decided to make a version of the Strawberry Danish.

The fruits used were fresh raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Take a peek, they were super yumm.

What are you planning?

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Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Boogieboardcottage
Ishouldbemoppingthefloor
SavvySouthernStyle
igottacreate

Ole! 5 for 5th of May

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Need some recipes for a fun dinner tonight?
Here are some that have been shared here at the Fields and will be easy to whip up!

Guatemalan Black Beans

Bean Corn Salad

Shrimp or without Shrimp Peach Mango Salsa Tacos

Super Healthy Mayan Salad

Plantains-Yummm

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Share the Day Saturday- Chocolate Cake

Share the Day Saturday

Today's recipe is one shared by another Prez, you may remember her from this recipe, which she shared in the Lenten Series of Recipes last year. Anyway, what can I truly say about her, this odd compliment of the day probably says it best. You can enjoy more of these if you follow me on Pinterest.

Source

Here is the beautiful cake she made using this recipe. Doesn't it look awesome!

Share the Day Saturday-Mushroom Barley Soup

40 Days-40 Days Lenten Recipes 

Today is a guest post from someone who is an awesome cook and a great friend. She shared here as one of last year's Lenten Guest posts. It was delish and has become a favorite around here, I look forward to trying this one too! Thanks for sharing sweets!

Thai-Inspired Spring Rolls

40 Days-40 Days of Lenten Recipes

Ok, admission here. 

I am not a fan of Chinese take-out. 

There I said it!

I don't love Chinese food.

I am a fan of Thai and Vietnamese, a BIG fan. 

It's the flavors that attract me, you can have something that's simple or with flavors that are much more complex, and sometimes really HOT! I remember a time, I took a family member out to my favorite Thai place and the challenge was on of who could handle the hottest dish.  We had tears rolling out of eyes not only from food but because we were laughing so hard. Good times.

These spring rolls are easy, flavorful and healthy for you.  They are not hot, but are so good they could be considered "hot." They are a "go- to" snack and admittedly can be filling enough to be dinner.  

Check out here, my rolling technique needs help, still tasty.
With these I was in a rush and overfilled them.

Rice paper makes a huge difference. Won ton wrappers and eggroll papers are too thick. It does make a difference.  Rice paper is thin and actually comes dried and is so thin it needs to be rehydrated. All you need to do, is fill a shallow dish with warm water and place the rice sheet in it for about 10-15 seconds. Carefully lift it out and start layering your veggies. You can use any combination you like and get creative.  

Ingredients

Rice paper

Bag of shredded broccoli coleslaw mix

Julienned carrots

Bean sprouts

Sliced julienned cucumbers

small pieces of fresh basil

Optional: small pieces of tofu or shrimp)

Peanut Sauce ( buy it  or this is a good recipe)

I rolled these tighter, you can see the difference.

These are fresh and light and yummy.

Not just Lenten yummy but anytime of the year.

What do you think?

What's your fave cuisine from the Far East?

Chinese, Thai, Korean or Vietnamese?

Am I missing something?

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Sharing the Day with

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

I Should be Mopping the Floor

Coastal Charm

Aprils Homemaking

Inside Bru Crew Life

Savvy Southern Style

I Gotta Create

Time for Season

BoogieboardCottage

Raspberry Lavender Almond Smoothie

40 Days-40 Days of Lenten Recipes 

Have a few raspberries, we bought some recently and they are so sweet!

If you haven't figured out from past posts some of my favorite flavors include lavender and almond.

I've been trying to eat and make recipes for my family that are cleaner, 

less processed and just plain healthier. 

This includes using almond and coconut milk more. 

Lent is a super time to operationalize some of the those thoughts and plans I've had.

I cannot tell you how good this tasted!

Ingredients

Mix in a blender

6-8 fresh raspberries

1 cup earl grey lavender tea

1/2 cup almond milk

1 tsp agave nectar

Blend and pour over ice.

Here's a link to all of last year's 40 Days Recipes

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Sharing the Day with

Jennifer Rizzo
Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Inside BruCrew Life
Feeding Big
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
I Gotta Create
Tatertots and Jello
Sparkles and a Stove

Cozy Little House

Endive-an Entree or a side dish?

40 days - 40 Lenten Recipes

It's late but it's here.  Endive. In some places it's called Chicory. A leafy green vegetable that when you cook it becomes sweet and soft.  It has a pleasant taste and texture and all you need to do is squeeze the juice of one lemon and a little olive oil over it.  Absolutely delicious, served with a little bread and if you have a little feta cheese.  I'm hoping to grow it in the garden this summer. The planning has started.

Tip: When you are preparing the endive, wash it at least 3-4 times. I usually either use a large bowl or fill the sink and keep washing it. If you don't, you may feel the grit of the dirt. Not good.

Washed well, very good.

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40 Days-40 Lenten Recipes 2014 Edition-Almond Apple Tart

Already needing something sweet? Fresh fruit not cutting it?
To be honest, I'm a baker at heart. What can I say?
I had to find a way to make a crust, and I did...

40 Days-40 Lenten Recipes 2014 Edition: Hot and Sour Soup

Ingredients

8-10 Bella mushrooms, sliced

1-8 oz bamboo shoots, drained and sliced

2-4 cloves garlic, minced

8 ox extra-firm tofu, cubed

4 tsp ground ginger

4 cups water

1/2 cube of vegetable bouillon

3 Tb soy sauce

1-2 Tb chili pepper flakes

2 Tb rice wine vinegar

Mix water, bouillon and garlic together and bring to a boil. Add remainder except tofu, stir and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Just before serving add tofu.

Note: There's no tofu in the above picture, it was good even without it. Sorry for all the steam rising from the hot soup, I had to take a picture fast...it was gone in a blink. 

Here's a link to 40 Days-40 Lenten Recipes 2013

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40 Days-40 Lenten Recipes 2014 Edition: Sesame Koulouri/Greek Pretzels

This is a satisfying way to start the day, or a treat after school. If you can make bread, you can make these. They don't take as long as bread, they traditionally are called Koulouria, and are delicious on their own or with some jam.

40 Days-40 Lenten Recipes: The Recap

Last year, I had a challenge for myself of not only keeping the fast, but also blogging daily for 40 days of recipes, to help share the day.  It was a challenge, I will admit, not being a daily blogger, it was tough! When I mean tough, think how exhausted Julie Powell of "Julie and Julia" was, lying on the couch. She worked, she cooked, she blogged. For me, add trying to make church services, a child and a few other important demands on my time.

Kudos to all those who post daily. You are all superwomen! For me, I am so excited that this year there is help on the horizon. The help is that of my beautiful and sweet guest writers, who will be with us to share the Lenten day. Not only recipes will be shared this year, but also Lenten crafts, activities and family time.  The purpose of this series, is not about the food, it's about helping make it easier to focus on the real things we need to focus on.  If you are new to fasting, walk before you run. If wish to join us, there is still time. Email me at preseleni(at)gmail(dot)com, to share some ways to make help this be a blessed Lenten season. Kali Sarakosti!

The remainder of this post is photo heavy, be prepared.

It will link to all 40 recipes of Lent 2013, to see recipe/posting, click on the name of the recipe.
If you like what you see, please leave a comment, don't be shy, I love reading them.

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Would you like to Guest Post for 40 Days-40 Lenten Recipes 2014 Challenge?

Last year I challenged myself to complete posting daily and offer to you all, 40 recipes for Lent.  

My hope was that it would help that ever present question, "what are we going to eat?" and I am always trying to answer that question. In fact, it is the question that led me to discover blogs in first place. Admittedly this season always brings with it, a sense of excitement and renewal. I am looking forward to Lent this year and returning to cleaner whole eating.  This year's lenten offering to you all, will focus on easy and healthy recipes and few other surprises.

Drum roll...offering 5 guest post openings . 
Would you like to be that guest?

If you would like to be a guest, please email me.  To be considered, please submit either a tutorial or recipe with at least one clear picture of the finished food item or activity.  If submitting a recipe it must be vegetarian or vegan to be considered. 

40 days Recap will be posted soon!
So send me an email and come over to Share the Day!

10 Contenders for the Valentine Brunch Menu

The Planning of Coffee Hour Continues...

Well I have scoured my pinterest and my cookbooks and finally it is coming down to time.  I have to get everything made by Friday this week as I have an event on Saturday and as usual, I will be short on time. So getting it done between now and then, will be a definite challenge. 

Contenders to make it to the table include,

these two savory dishes Ham and Cheese Spirals and Tomato Basil Quiche.

I love making these.

Good for a buffet or just a snack.

This tomato basil quiche is from Tartelette, does it not look so delish?

Now onto the Sweets!

Tallyho!

How does your Sunday Start?

How does your Sunday start?
Last year on the Sunday closest to Valentine's Day,
 I had the pleasure to host coffee hour for our Fellowship hour at church.

Sweets for the Sweets!

We had Cake balls, Quiche, Cupcakes, Brownies, Pepperoni/Salami Slices and cheese with crackers and Tarama with bread, Cheesecake cookies, Greek Sugar Cookies, Spanakopita, Fresh Fruit and 

Granola Vanilla Berry Yogurt Parfaits.

I tried to make sure we had a little something for everyone, those who wanted something healthier, those who don't mind indulging, something for the kids, something for those who need some protein, and of course, coffee. Someone else made that for me. Many hands helped,  our community is wonderful and always ready to lend a hand to anyone.

I have this pretty valentine fabric, it's one of my favorites, you can see it in the middle,
I placed cooking pans from the pantry upside-down in order to make some raised platforms.
Heights make a difference, in being able to reach something and in general prettiness.
You can see them in the fall buffet too, remember?

I'm starting to plan, I signed up for this weekend again.
What should I make, hmmm?

Holiday Moments

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Rustic Breakfast Stromboli

So here the breakfast stromboli from our Fall Breakfast Brunch, it got raves and many asked me to share the recipe, so here it is!

Wanting to make something hardy and yummy. 

I thought about it and I this totally fit the bill, it's filled with protein and all the components of a healthy breakfast rolled into one. A rustic breakfast stromboli. What makes it rustic? Well, the handmade dough, of course. What makes it breakfast, ham, cheese and eggs, of course.

Fall Breakfast Buffet Menu

When planning an event when you need to feed a crowd, 

the place to start is to know the location and resources available. 

For this function, there are two sets of stairs, no elevator and no kitchen but lots of tables. 

How did we overcome this, you may ask?

Four ways is the answer. 

1. Have fantastic help,
many hands make everything more fun,
and more beautiful.

2. Plan the menu 

(nothing that needs to be reheated/cooked at the site)

3. Coolers/ Pack smart

4. My favorite-this year we were blessed with a clergy kid extraordinaire,

 who joined us and did tons of running up and down those two sets of stairs. 

God Bless Her!

This year's Menu included:

Coffee, creme, etc.

Apple Cider

Bougatsa (creme-filled fillo pastry-sweet and delicious)

Assorted Fresh Fruit including,

Grapes, Watermelon/Melon, Pineapple, Figs, Blueberries and Strawberries, Apples

Yogurt and Granola

Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Nutmeg on the side

Pumpkin Cake

Apple Strudel

Blueberry Cake

Pumpkin muffins

Cornbread

Apple Crisp

Sesame Anisette Biscotti

Cheese Plate and Rolled Deli Meats

Bagels and Cream Cheese and Jams

Rustic Breakfast Stromboli 

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

When planning a menu, try to consider dietary restrictions and a balance of sweet and savory.

The little leaf toothpicks doubled as decor and we had written on them if something was gluten-free, or had nuts, etc. you get the idea. 

Some of the decor you will end up seeing back on my mantle, reveal will be soon. You may recognize a few pieces already from last year, like the Three Little Sweater Pumpkins and this year's Glitter Gourds before they were dressed for a party.

Still loving me some burlap.

Do you think we missed anything?

What should we add to the menu for next year?

                                 

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Sharing with these lovely parties.

 Jennifer Rizzo , FarmHousePorch, Feeding Big, Mandy's Recipe Box, Dedicated House, Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom