Recipe ~ Orange Sweet Rolls

Aren't these beautiful!  And I made them - from scratch!  I bake with yeast one time a year - I make my Grandma's Italian Easter Bread.  I'll admit, baking with yeast is intimidating to me.  I never know if the water is too hot, too cold and if my yeast will proof.  But when I came across this recipe on Sally's Baking Addiction, I couldn't resist trying!  

If you love sweets or baking, her site is a great source of recipes and baking advice.  Her posts not only give the recipe, but step by step instructions and pictures (which help a LOT).  I've made several of her cookie and bar recipes and they always turn out great.

Here's a link to Sally's recipe =>  Orange Sweet Rolls  (and her pictures are much prettier!)  I'll be making these again for breakfast this weekend.

Amethyst Bracelet

Here's a pretty bracelet just listed in my ETSY shop.  Amethysts and jewel-toned colored pearls dangle from a sterling silver chain.  So fun to wear! 

Labor Day Recipes ~ Cucumber Dill Sandwiches

I think this is my all time favorite appetizer recipes.  I posted this recipe a while ago.  These are another easy recipe and I guarantee you'll get asked for the recipe!  

Cocktail Cucumber Sandwiches
1 package cocktail bread, either pumpernickle or rye
8 oz cream cheese (I use light)
2T sour cream (light here too)
1 package Good Seasons Dry Italian Dressing Mix
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced thin (I like to use a seedless cucumber)
Dried dillweed

Combine cream cheese, sour cream and dressing mix. Refrigerate at least an hour or overnight. Spread mixture on each slice of bread and top with 1 or 2 slices of cucumber. Sprinkle with dillweed.

I usually make the cream cheese mixture the day before and then assemble the sandwiches a couple hours before the party. Assembling them too far in advance results in the bread getting a bit soggy.

Labor Day Recipes ~ Chili Dip

Here is another easy appetizer recipe.  I usually make it with a can of meat-free chili beans so my vegetarian friends and family can it it.  I found this on the Pinapple Grass blog a while back.  This blog has lots of recipe ideas and is fun to browse.

I never seem to catch a picture of this when I make it, but Tara has one on her blog.  Make sure you double this recipe - it will get devoured!

Here's a link to the recipe =>  Recipe

Labor Day Recipes ~ Caprese Skewers

With Labor Day around the corner I thought this week would be a great time to share some recipes that would be perfect for any type of get-together celebrating the end of summer.

These little caprese skewers couldn't be any easier!  You'll need:
Mozzarella cheese (I use fresh)
Any type of cherry or grape tomatoes
Your favorite Italian salad dressing
Fresh basil, cut into thin slices
Toothpicks

Cut the mozzarella into cubes about the size of your tomatoes. Marinate in the dressing for 30-60 minutes.  Cut your tomatoes in half (unless they are already very small).  Skewer a tomato and cheese cube on a toothpick.  After arranging on your serving platter, sprinkle with the basil.

Delicious!

Garden Bounty!

I stopped by my garden at the city hall on my way home from work today... my plan was to pick a tomato or 2 for dinner.  Good think I had a bag in my car!

Getting back into the swing of things + new earrings

Seems like forever since I've posted.  It's amazing how time flies.  But I'm back now after taking a short break.  Hope everyone is doing well!

Here are some new earrings I'm listing today in my ETSY shop.