It's Springtime !!!!!!!!!!

I know the spring (vernal) equinox actually occurred on Friday but today was the first day it really seemed like spring to me. I spent Thursday and Friday piled up on the couch with some sort of a bronchial flu. I am just beginning to enjoy this beautiful time of year.

I love it all, the daffodils, the tulips, the yellow bells (forsythia) and the japonica, even the tiny bit of green grass we are beginning to see. I can't wait to smell fresh cut grass, although Ronnie assures me he is in no hurry whatsoever. We have a love of all things that grow, even a few weeds around the house that we think are to pretty to cut down. We are thrilled to have a few wild trillium that are just beginning to bloom, I will post a photo for you soon.

Yesterday we hung our hummingbird feeder. Last year we saw our first hummingbird on April 1st. Our finch feeder has been out for a while but so far no finches. We had lots last year, but I don't remember the date they came. I did see a beautiful blue bird yesterday morning. He was faster than me so no picture.

Tonight we celebrated spring by grilling on the deck.

Morning Glory Burgers (recipe February 10)
Chili and Cole Slaw
Baked Sweet Onions
Roasted Potatoes
Caramel Pecan Rolls*

This recipe is so easy it feels like cheating.

Caramel Pecan Rolls

1 - 11 oz. can of refrigerated bread sticks (Pillsbury)
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup whipping (heavy) cream
1 tsp. melted unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 tsp. salt
5 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. cinnamon

Mix brown sugar,whipping cream and butter in the bottom of an 8 inch round cake pan. Mix salt and pecans and sprinkle over top.
Unroll the bread sticks and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll back up and cut at peroration. Place on top of the brown sugar and cream mixture.
Bake at 350* approximately 25 minutes.
Invert into a serving plate and serve warm.

These are really good for breakfast too with a cold glass of milk, (or coffee I suppose).

So, Until tomorrow...........
S~~~

Poker Night

Poker night Saturday night, lots of fun and I didn't even win. Dean and Ronnie were the big winners.
Last Thursday we decided at the last minute to have a poker party. We have had informal games before but this was the first time we planned the party around poker, more accurately, Texas Hold Em.
Some simple furniture rearrangement, snacks, drinks, cards and chips were all we needed. We started with 9 at the table and 4 hours later it was down to head to head play. Snacks were simple standbys. The sausage pinwheels were a hit and so easy to make.

Seven Layer Taco Salad w/ Fritos Scoops
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Sausage Pinwheels*
Wasabi Almonds
Milk Chocolate Brownies w/ Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting
Several pitchers of Seabreeze


Sausage Pinwheels

1/2 lb. breakfast sausage
I used Jimmy Dean because it has the least fat content and you don't want these to be greasy.
1 package refrigerated crescent rolls

Take sausage out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before starting to assemble the pinwheels, it is much easier to spread.
Roll crescent rolls into squares. Press together seams. Spread the sausage thinly and evenly over rolls. Roll up jelly roll fashion and place in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes. (These may be frozen for several days at this point). After these have chilled slice into 1/4 inch slices.
Place on a foil lined baking sheet and bake 20 minutes at 350 or until the bread is golden and the sausage is cooked through.
These are great for breakfast too.

So, until tomorrow..............
S~~~

Super Sunday

Superbowl Sunday.................
Well, at least no one can say it was a boring game.
We went to Granite Falls this afternoon for a Superbowl party at Dean and Susan's. It was a great party with LOTS of good food and a chance to spend a beautiful day with friends.

Since we were leaving in the early afternoon for Caldwell County I decided to fix brunch late this morning. We had eggs benedict and grapefruit halves. Breakfast isn't my favorite meal and I don't want it often, but this was the perfect meal for today.
I know everyone already knows how to make eggs benedict but I thought I would share a slightly different version.

Southern Style Eggs Benedict

2 biscuits (your choice, I use the Pillsbury frozen ones)
4 slices bacon (I bake my bacon instead of frying, you can also use turkey bacon)
4 - eggs
4 cups of water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. white vinegar
1 - packet Knorr Hollandaise Sauce mix
Paprika

Bake biscuits according to directions. Cook bacon. Prepare Hollandaise sauce as directed on package.
Poach eggs by dropping eggs into simmering water that you have added the salt and vinegar. Cook eggs 3-4 minutes covered, depending on the level of doneness you prefer.

Slice biscuits and arrange halves on plate. Break bacon in half and divide between the biscuits. Remove poached eggs from water with a slotted spoon and place over bacon. Spoon Hollandaise sauce over eggs and sprinkle with paprika.

Enjoy.

So, Until Tomorrow...................
S~~~