Spicing up the old!

We have taken a couple of trips before the farming began in full force. I want to share with you what we've been up too.

First we went to New Orleans to just get away. We love the history and Food of New Orleans. I know some just see the evil there but since I have lived and worked among the less fortunate I just those involved in the evil as souls that God loves. Really my heart breaks at some of the things you see walking down the streets of New Orleans.

While there I literally got addicted to one of the candy shops, "Mister Apple"! If you have never visited this wonderful shop you have to do so the next time you are in town. Honey took me three times and each time I bought something, I even bought apples and brought them home with me for later. If I was ever featured on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" I think this is what it would be. So PLEASE just go to Mister Apple and try it! Of the few I tried this was my favorite, I think they call it the "Deluxe Chocolate".

Since returning home we have started farming in full force. I've been hone a lone or until late at night a lot and have not been in the mood to cook anything new. Here are some of the things that I have cooked and just spiced them up a little.

 The other morning I was craving the "Cream Cheese Pancakes" that I have made several times before. This time I spread several with peanut butter and topped them with honey. Mmmm I can't express how good they were I could have easily eaten another batch but I would not allow myself to cook more.

I made my "Salmon with A Yellow Pepper Jelly Glaze" last night but used Pineapple preserves. Oh man it was great! NO leftovers of this.

Since this is Honey's birthday week I also made some "Shortbread Cookies" from a Bob's Red Mill mix that I had on hand. I didn't really feel we would enjoy these by themselves but I had some fresh fruit so I made a big bowl of fruit with a powdered sugar glaze and then topped it with whipped cream to serve along with the cookies. It was great and the cookies are good right by themselves, with a cup of coffee of course!

Don't be afraid to branch out in your cooking, try new things, you'll be amazed at what you come up with.

That's about all for now, I just wanted you to know that I'm still alive and kicking!

 Thanks for stopping by y'all and please come again soon!

Not much interesting cooking going on here at the time although we are doing pretty well on our diets. I wish the pounds would just fall off and it would be over with but it just doesn't happen that way. I continually struggle on what to cook different to make our meals more interesting.

This week so far I have cooked my "Salmon with Yellow Pepper Jelly Glaze" and I toned the glaze down a little to make it low calorie. Instead of the usual rice I served it with steamed vegetables.

I love this time of year the temperatures have been wonderful and my yard is continually blooming. Honey and I are planning to re-landscape the yard maybe this fall but for now I am enjoying it just like it is.

I was recently able to meet up with a friend in Jackson and swap some books with her. Swapping with Eve is like having your own personal library as she is a book collector/fanatic. I have also talked her into signing up with Goodreads so that we will know what books we each own and to make swapping easier. With the arthritis problems I am having I spend more time reading than I use too. I love being able to pull up the books I have read, the books I want to read and the books I own at the touch of a button. I also love being able to buy books for only a couple of dollars! This depends on how many books you buy at one time. I try to buy at least three and usually spend around $3 per book. In fact I like it so well that I have limited myself, if my books shelves are full I swap some out before ordering more. If only Eve would let me swap her books..... If you have books that you would like to get rid of contact me I'd be glad to get rid of them for you!!!

They also have Goodreads for iphones. Read about Goodreads on their blog. 

So join Goodreads with me and we can discuss books! You can find the widget listing some of the books I have read on the right side of my page.

Thanks for stopping by y'all please come again soon!

Salmon with a Yellow Pepper Jelly Glaze

Let's get something straight I don't claim to be a chef but I enjoy cooking. The only one who I want to sell my cooking too is my family. If they like it then I'm happy.

Yesterday I was wanting salmon, I went to the freezer to get some out and on the way thought about Honey doesn't like salmon, except at "Hometown" and they have quit serving it there. But I wanted it so bad and since I had never cooked it for Honey I decided to get some out and give it a try.

While the salmon was thawing I thought of a dozen ways to prepare it then while reading my twitter I ran across this "Quick and easy salmon recipes". I took that as a sign I was on the right track. Honey loved it by the way and that made me smile!

So if you're interested here is how I prepared my salmon. I didn't measure the ingredients so I am telling you what I think I used, adjust to your own taste.

 

 Salmon with a Yellow Pepper Jelly Glaze

• 2 salmon steaks
• 1 large yellow bell pepper
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1 tbsp. jelly of your choice (I used Muscadine Jelly)
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• salt and pepper to taste

Spray a non-stick frying pan with butter flavored Crisco non-stick spray. Pan fry salmon 4 to 5 minutes on each side. While cooking cut up 1 large yellow bell pepper into strips. When you can flake the salmon with a fork set to the side. Add 1 tablespoon of real butter to fry pan when melted add bell peppers let cook while you mix 1 teaspoon of corn starch, 1/3 cup of chicken broth or stock and jelly. Add mixture to pan and cook on low just until starts to thicken. Add salmon steak back to the pan and let simmer on low until hot through and through.  I paired it with a mix vegetable, brown rice medley. Enjoy!!!