Iris and jonquil: a study in contrasts

"Happiness ain't a thing in itself

It's only a contrast..."

-- Mark Twain

Mexican Chocolate Pound Cake

When Mother Nature kept dishing out her seemingly endless snowy white confection this winter, I decided to go with the flow and to whip up a "snow-covered" dessert of my own!

You can find the recipe for this Southern Living Mexican Chocolate Pound Cake HERE. I assure you that the taste will dissolve any thoughts of the weather outside!

And the birds said, "Thank you very much!" :)

It's been a snowy winter in our area. The other day, when snowflakes began to fall once again, I noticed a group of tiny birds scrambling to find food. Since the ground was mostly already covered with the white beauty, I wanted to help them out. So I ran to my pantry and grabbed the first thing I could find-- some dry oatmeal-- to scatter outside. The cold drove me right back in, and I didn't give it another thought.

Hours later I happened to glance out to that area again. I captured the view in the photo above. Those thoughtful little birds left a thank you: a SMILE created by their feet and a sprig from an ornamental grass! 

:)

Small bathroom improvements give spa-like feel

Recently we made some small improvements in our master bath. Our old faucets were ready for retirement.

The new trough style faucets have a waterfall effect. It's so refreshing watching the water as it flows through the spout.

I also switched out the previous frosted glass sconces for clear bubble glass.

These give the appearance of water droplets.... like from a splashing waterfall.

So, what's better than a waterfall?

Well, of course! TWO waterfalls!

Ah! Spa ~ without a major renovation.

Peach sauce over salmon

Recently I went on a search for a tasty topping for grilled salmon. After locating several recipes online, I decided to come up with a fusion of my own. My goal was to add flavor without overpowering the salmon.

This peach sauce is so simple-- only 3 ingredients needed. Remember my frozen peaches? I was happy I had them on-hand. I was preparing a 2-serving portion, so I used 1/2 peach, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/8 teaspoon curry powder. Adjust ingredients accordingly for your serving amount.

Place peaches, honey, and curry in small saucepan over medium low heat. 

Continue simmering for approximately 10 minutes or until peaches have broken down.

Spoon over grilled or broiled salmon that has been seasoned with salt and black pepper before cooking.

Another tasty way to enjoy your favorite peaches! 

What? A whiff of RADISH?

I have to confess that I have been keeping a secret-- holding out on you! 

Summer is nearing an end, but we don't have to say good-bye to the scent of fresh radishes! Scent of radishes, you say? 

Months ago I discovered Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Radish. It is a pungent, fresh scent. I am at a loss to describe this aroma. And it is impossible to imagine its full fragrance until you give a good squirt into some hot dishwater. :)

Believe it or not, it can honestly make a mundane task like a refreshing walk in the garden!

I think Mrs. Meyers should hire me~ I love this stuff so much I gave a short speech about it to some ladies in Target the other week~ singing its praises! I guess one would call it "under the influence of radish aroma!"  :)

How to have fresh peach cobbler in winter

A fresh peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream is tasty in the summertime when peaches are easily available. But, that same delicious treat turns into a delicacy when served in the middle of winter! 

I love to save up some of my juicy, colorful fresh South Carolina peaches to use when the seasons change.  Here's my simple, easy method.

Start with your favorite peaches.

Place waxed paper on cookie sheet. Peel and slice and arrange fruit on waxed paper.

Sprinkle Fruit Fresh produce protector over peaches.

Leave sheet of peaches in freezer for several hours so they freeze in individual slices.

Remove from freezer and place in carton. 

You are all ready-- winter, spring, summer, or fall-- whenever your peach cobbler craving sets in!