A little of this, a little of that

I have come to realize that this blogging thing is certainly something that will not get done daily, or maybe even weekly.  I figure, when I have something to write about or share, I will.  And hopefully it will be worth the read. 

The last few weeks seems to have gone by in a blur.  We have gone on a few mini drives, mainly to beat the heat.  Did a little baking, which less be real, is all I ever do.  Also finally got my garden in but that one is for another day.  (Everything is just starting to grow, for those that started from seeds, or is too small to generate much conversation.)

May is here, school is winding down for my son, and summer is fast approaching.  Starting to think of what will fill the long warm days ahead. April was longer than normal, but here are a few pics of Ojai, a lovely valley in Ventura County.

 I lived there when I was younger, really only a few years, and yet every time I visit, I am struck by such a feeling of comfort and peace.

 Everything is in bloom, and if you have ever been there, the smell of orange blossoms hang in the air as you drive through and you can't help of breath it all in and smile.

After coming home from Ojai we went to a few fruit stands and a tray of fresh strawberries ended up coming home with us.  How dd that happen.  So of course I had to make Fresh Strawberry Pie.  

A bit of background.  Back in November I went through a pie crust phase.  Trying to find the one that would turn out the best for what Steve likes.  (Elijah isn't much of a pie eater.  Steve, absolutely loves Marie Calendar's.) 

I came across this recipe awhile ago for a very close duplicate to a Marie Callender's Pie Crust. Marie Callender's Pie Crust 

This has butter and shortening as well as a mixture of Cake ad All Purpose Flour.  A few more ingredients than others I have come across, but worth the time.

Don't be afraid of the vinegar if you have never used that in a crust before.  I have a few variations on this and the vinegar tends to be a common theme in German styles as well. 

The key for me is chilling and patience!  Chill the ingredients, chill before rolling, chill after rolling and in the pie pan, chill, chill, chill.  Makes all the difference.  Nothing like flash baking your crust and if slumps down and is not useable.

I then made a simple syrup with corn starch and mixed in my fresh berries and topped with whipped cream.  So yummy!  I had left over crust and made Elijah a min Vanilla Pudding pie and Steve a mini Chocolate Pudding pie too.  I went a little crazy, I am secure enough to admit it.

Coming next, Mini German Pancakes.  Stay tuned... 

Lazy Sunday and Weekly Menu

Happy Sunday, and for those living in SoCal it is a clean and fresh after a great day of rain.  Yesterday we stayed inside since the weather was crazy with heavy winds and rain throughout the day. 

So today after being couped up Steve and I went for a short drive out to Ventura and back, stopped at a few fruit stands and enjoyed the scenery.

This is the historic Faulkner House barn.  Love it!  It was closed today but has beautiful gardens and a historic Victorian home on the property. 

This week we are going pretty stream lined with our food.    Last night we got a jump start and Steve made homemade pinto beans, I made Tortilla Soup and Sweet Corn Bread. 

Sunday: Grilled Chicken with a citrus and jalapeno marinade, grilled veggies, penne in cream sauce (a double dish from a few weeks ago, made 2 and froze one) and fresh strawberries/oranges

Monday: Gouda and tomato panini with tortilla soup
Tuesday: Pork burritos with homemade pinto beans and spanish rice
Wednesday: Chicken pesto ravioli, homemade french or soda bread (I haven't decided) and fresh spinach
Thursday: Broccoli Beef and thai noodles



Last week I made the Tempura chicken recipe and again it was a hit.  Definitely adding to my regular list of items.

Have a great week