Cabbages

Planted cabbage and a Chinese Napa type cabbage yesterday. However, I just came in from putting row cover over them since we may have a few frosty nights for the next few days. The planting season has just begun.

Pictures to come in the near future.

Pansies

Ahh the pansies have been planted in the flower boxes. They are so cute and they make me feel so good. The beginning of the planting season has started and next week is Natorp's Nursery opening for the season. I can hardly wait!!

Last Year Hot and This Year Snow

On March 25th last year we were at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical gardens taking pictures of their tulips. See one photo from last year. Nice.

This year we are waiting for the Spring snow to arrive and the tulips are not anywhere near what the above look like. Perhaps in about 4 weeks we will see them pop up.

I just put my lettuce seedlings under the lights and they are doing well. The garlic is looking good too, but boy have they been taking a beating from the cold or snow. However, that may make them tasty.

TWD:Baking With Julia- Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies

The host for the Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies was Peggy of Galettista. Go to her blog for the recipe.

I thought these cookies were great and would make them again.. I did make a few changes. Definitely use parchment paper which makes  removing the cookies from the tray a breeze. I also used only 1 tablespoon of instant coffee, but it was espresso.

One other tip. I froze half the dough in a log form to be used later.

Margaret Roach & A Way To Garden Blog and Podcasts

As many of you know, I am a fan of gardening podcasts and found a new one that is pretty spectacular. Margaret Roach who has a blog, A Way to Garden is chock full of information. Plus you can download her podcasts that are equally informative.
Here is a little bit about her:


She has  been writing about gardening for 25 years; in her  previous lives  was garden editor at “Newsday” (one of the country’s largest dailies) and then for Martha Stewart, where she  was the first garden editor of “Living” and later editorial director of the magazines, books and internet.

Tuesdays With Dorie: Baking With Julia-Croissants

The host for the croissants is  Amanda of Girl+Food=Love. Please visit her site for the recipe.

I found that making croissants was not that difficult, but they are time consuming. The plus is that the dough can be frozen and then thawed in the refrigerator the night before the final 4 hour rise and then baking period.

 There are multiple folds and roll outs that need to be done. The only roll out that was a challenge was the final roll out, That was a work out. It takes time and patience to roll out the dough at this stage to the final thickness.
 

This is the final rise before baking. I let these croissants rise for about 4 hours.

An entire tray during the final rise.

 The final product. Don't they look delicious?

Yes they were delicious. I froze the leftovers for later.

Croissants and Primose

If you have never made fresh croissants, you have to plan for these bakery goodies over almost a 3 day stretch. What is helpful is the fact that after day 2, you can freeze the dough. I am on day 3 and they are now rising in the oven for 4 hours. For the most part they are not that difficult--so far. They are just time consuming. Stay tuned for the photos that will be posted this Tuesday when the Tuesdays With Dorie: Baking With Julia crowd posts their big reveal.

On another note, my primose is blooming little yellow flowers. So Spring is near.