Pizza from your garden!

My daughter sent me this recipe for homemade pizza crust. We like to make pizza with our basil leaves and small tomatoes and a little bit of Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese. The basil is growing great this year, I bought the cherry tomatoes for this pizza. I did plant cherry tomatoes this year however I have never had much luck producing tomatoes; although I'm very good at growing the plant. If you have any recommendations please let me know.

Here are the photos of the pizza. Hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do!

Ingredients:

1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast

½  teaspoon white sugar

½  cup lukewarm water

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 egg, beaten

Directions:

Stir yeast and sugar into lukewarm water, using a fork. Let stand in warm place until a creamy layer forms on top of the water, about 10 minutes.

Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Mix olive oil into four and stir for 2 minutes. Pour yeast mixture and beaten egg into flour mixture and stir to make a stiff dough. Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and knead until springy and smooth, about 8 minutes. Place dough into a floured bowl and cover with a piece of plastic wrap wiped with a thin film of olive oil.

Let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down and roll out to desired shape.  

Lucky says have a safe and happy Fourth of July!!

Rhubarb Crisp

I was on a rhubarb kick a few years ago and I planted three rhubarb plants. Two have taken off and produce an amazing amount of rhubarb for us. One little plant just barely survives year after year. I have transplanted it, but still it's not happy. Here is a photo of my rhubarb, iris and hollyhock patch! My grandmas Iris plants did very well this year

I wanted to share this easy recipe for rhubarb crisp. It's easy and delicious!

Total time: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 45 min.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups sliced fresh rhubarb
2 cups sliced peeled apples or sliced strawberries
1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Ice Cream Optional (but delicious!)

Directions:
1.  In a large bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add rhubarb and apples or strawberries; toss to coat. Spoon into an 8-in. square baking dish.
2.  In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, butter, flour and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until bubbly and fruit is tender. Serve warm with ice cream if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

Enjoy!

Lacy Wrap

This lacy wrap pattern was found on Patternworks, I used the same yarn they recommended. It is a very easy pattern and I really like the way it turned out. I also purchased the removable buttons from Patternworks. The buttons have a removable screw and can be put on any scarf or sweater. They make a nice finishing touch. This wrap definitely requires a little something extra. 

My daughter models it so nicely!

Convertible Cowl

Whenever I go get my tires rotated or checked, I end up at the yarn shop while I wait; this always leads to purchasing something. I know that I could just go to the yarn shop without this excuse, but I really don't need anymore projects! Last fall while waiting, I went into the yarn shop and I saw this cowl displayed. They usually have the pattern displayed with the sample, but this time I had to ask about the pattern. Turns out, it was on Ravelry. I went home and purchased the pattern. I love the idea of changing it by buttoning it differently. I already had both the yarn and the buttons, and they just seemed to work together for this versatile pattern. Below are some process pictures of the cowl and the final product.

I am always drawn to anything green! I should look that up and see what that means.

Here is the link to the pattern: 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/convertible-cowl-11

  

Here is the cowl completed! 

I think it turned out great, I would recommend this pattern! 

Back Roads of Montana

We have had the most beautiful spring weather here in Montana. We decided to go for a drive and ended up on a dirt road. We had spectacular views of the mountains. I have attached a few photos from our drive to share with you.

Lucky loves to go on rides! 

Welcome Lucky!

I have been looking for a new dog for over a year now, after our little Pomeranian Ivy died. She was 10 years old and diagnosed with a tumor, it was a very sad ending. It took me a long time to decide to get another dog. I checked the humane society website daily, I looked at an adorable litter of puppies from the shelter and two year old pug who needed a home, but neither seemed to be the dog that fit. I was not sure that adopting a puppy and working would work for me at this time. I kept looking. I even told everyone at work I was looking for the right dog.  

Two weeks ago a friend from work sent me a text to get down to the local shelter, saying that "There is a cute dog that would be perfect." The old owner turned him in because they traveled too much. I saw the photo, filled out my paperwork, and was the first person at the door when they opened. I was not the only one; there were a total of at least 26 others as well as several calls about this dog. I went in on Friday and saw Lucky, who was very nervous but very friendly. He is a 5 year old white Schnauzer. I left that day thinking that I would not even stand a chance with so many people interested in him. 

My daughter and I were driving by the shelter on Saturday and I said, "Lets go see Lucky. I just want you to see him." We took him out to the greeting area. He was busy marking his territory, but when I called him, he came running and jumped on my lap. I asked them when they would be deciding on who got to adopt him and she said "I just decided and it’s you!" They offered a weeklong "babysitting" trial period which we could see if he liked his new environment and we could check out his behavior to see if we fit. After two days, we knew we wanted to adopt him.

Lucky is now formally adopted, well actually it's more a "re-homing" situation. I feel very fortunate to have this dog in my life.  He has been in our home for two weeks. I'm very glad I waited to find the perfect fit and give this dog a forever home. 

"Sláinte!" (Health!/Cheers!)

In 2008 I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Ireland with my Dad and my two girls, it was a trip that I will cherish forever. We saw amazing scenery, met the nicest people, ate wonderful Irish food and stayed in some truly amazing places. We were on a tour bus with a very entertaining tour guide and nice group of people. Our tour included the basics, touring routes, accommodation, and sightseeing in Dublin, Galway (including Connemara & Clare) Killarney, Waterford and Kilkenny. We enjoyed home cooked Irish breakfasts every morning, and true Irish hospitality.

Along with my great memories I brought back several souvenirs which I enjoy decorating with all year long, but especially in March. I always stop to look at Irish decorations and can't help adding to my collection. I have found some nice treasures at Cavanaugh's County Celtic shop in Butte Montana, the people are so friendly and they have a shop full of treasures. Below are some of my Irish decorations including the Belleek and Linens from Ireland.

If I ever get another opportunity to go back to Ireland I will jump at the chance. I can honestly say it was the best trip I've ever had.