TWD:Baking With Julia-Madeleines

 Katie and Amy Thisdell of Counter Dog are the hosts for this months TWD:BWJ recipe for Madeleines. Visit their blog to take a look at their creation and for the recipe.

This is a rather easy recipe to work with, but the only challenge I had was that it was difficult  getting the Madeleines out of the pan. I had never had that problem before. I used Pam spray on the Madeleine pans, but that was not helpful for easy removal. Otherwise they tasted great.

Top Hat Blueberry Bush

I purchased a top hat blueberry bush which can be planted in a large container. Our soil is not acidic and planting this bush in a container will make it easier to manage: making sure it maintains an acidic soil base. Plus I hope I can keep it away from the deer since it will be be located on our brick patio.

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.