Talked into Martha Mondays (ok twist my arm)

Okay I wasn't really talked into it she just mentioned if I was going to do it. I think it sounds like fun and it's something I could do. Now the posting about it part is probably good for me to get used to all this writing!
I'm joining Robyn at Robyn's Nest and Belle from Muse in the Kitchen
in playing Martha Mondays:

Martha Mondays

Please join me! Martha Mondays is a group of bloggers, Martha fans, home cooks, crafters, and people who want to cook or craft more who have joined together to cook or craft the same Martha dish or project. To get things started, I’ll choose a Martha recipe or craft (which must be from a current issue of Living or Everyday Food, The Martha Stewart Show or available on her site) and post a link (or page number in the mag if it’s not up on her site yet — if you don’t have the recipe or instructions for that week, just email me and I’ll send them to you – posting them on the web is a violation of Martha’s copyright). Everyone will then make the the dish or craft on the next Monday and post photos, comments or blog it within the following week. The idea is we will all be doing one project together on the same day, so there will be a kind of solidarity in this – plus we’ll get to see how everyone’s dish or craft turned out.


It should be interesting, we'll see how it goes. I'm just getting used to Blogging! Sheesh!

My Little Pineapple

Just harvested today. Had it for lunch!

I planted the top of a pineapple that we bought at the store. I just cut it off and stuck it in the ground outside. It's was not in full sun and it survived, with little attention given it. I had heard that it takes about 4 years before it will produce a fruit. Well it took at least that. I planted another one in a pot next to it with a philodendron and that one ended up with a fruit last year about a year before this one. I wasn't sure if it would fruit again, but I left it in the planter and the plant did get a new center and is still growing. On this plant a new center pushed its way up and was tipping my little pineapple over, enough so the top was starting to tilt.

It's fun when you first notice the little top of the fruit popping through. This photo was taken in March.

I never realized that the fruit had these little purple flowers on them, at this stage.


Here it is! Four years and some later here it is, it's so tiny, but tasty. If you ever get the chance to eat "vine" ripened pineapple it's Delicious! The new top of the one from the pot last year was so pretty I planted that one in a pot too. I'll have to wait to see if either mother plant with fruit again or it the new fruit top will. I know it's quicker in the planter, and if you are in a cooler climate you could move it inside for the winter. Anyone else have some interesting fruit or plants that you like to watch? (or not) This one was a little neglected.

Wordless Wednesday

Banyan Tree at John Ringling Cad d' Zan Mansion




You can see why they call it a Strangler Fig.

Artichoke with Tarragon Dijon dipping sauce

Artichokes are always a treat. I buy them when they look good in the stores. Every once in awhile you run across a good looking artichoke at a good price. They are simple to prepare. Just cut off the stem and cut off the top. Then with kitchen shears, snip the sharp tips off the remaining leaves. Rub the cut edges with lemon. I like to steam mine in my spaghetti cooker/steamer. So after the artichoke is washed and trimmed just put it upright in steamer basket, and steam for 30-45 minutes. The leaves should pull out easy and the stem (bottom) tender.

Serve with melted butter with lemon and /or I made a tarragon, Dijon mayo to dip it in. If you don't eat all the heart use it in a salad or hot artichoke spinach dip. Yum. Do you have a dipping sauce you like with your artichokes?

Playing with Summer Nail Colors

Maranda and I were playing around with some summer colors for our nails. We've had them all summer so they are not brand new today. I've worn the Orly on my toenails for awhile and really like how long it lasts.

Maranda is wearing Piggy Polish in Dancing With Daisies. She liked the name. Of course the picture doesn't do it justice. This was taken outside in the shade, with flash. It has an iridescence that I can't photograph well.

Maranda's nails used to be so long. I really have to teach her how to file them properly, instead of just clipping them off. She has such long fingers, toes and legs. One of her past teachers said she should be a hand model. hehe

Mom and daughter toes!

This is Orly in Terracotta, I love the bright coral color which is perfect for me for summer nails and toenails. The cream polish has staying power. We will definitely work on our swatching skills, or lack there of. Thanks for bearing with us.

What are some of your favorite colors for toenails in the summer?

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

I originally got something like this at the Granary in their deli area. All I had was a list of ingredients, but I liked it because it had lemon juice instead of vinegar. It was a really nice pasta salad so I added a few other ingredients and tweaked it a bit the way I liked it. I do make a similar salad using Quinoa I sometimes add tomatoes to that. So feel free to do the same thing add what you like.

It's nice for a light summer lunch or a side dish. Again I had to measure when I made it, usually I just dump. So here it goes.

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

1 C orzo (uncooked) cooked per package directions

1/4 C Greek Olive Oil (you don't have to use Greek olive oil, but you should try it. it's great).

2 T lemon juice (I didn't have a lemon on hand so I used limes, lemons better)

1 1/2 tsp marjoram (you can use oregano, but I have a lb of organic marjoram so I use it)

1/2 tsp mint

1 clove garlic minced (or granulated garlic)

1/2 cup spinach leaves chiffonade

1 2.25oz can sliced black olives (or 2oz Greek olives, sliced)

4 oz Feta Cheese

sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Set cooked orzo aside and let it cool some. In another bowl whisk olive oil, lemon juice and herbs. Toss with remaining ingredients, end with salt and pepper. Let cool in refrigerator for about 2 hours.

Quick, easy and tasty!

Wordless Wednesday

Flamingo Party



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