Apple Orchard Visit

I often take 1/2 days off to spend time with my parents.  Today we decided to relax and enjoy the sunny afternoon at a local apple orchard.  It was a perfect fall day - a bit crisp but nice and warm in the sun.  

It's fun to sample a variety of apples  - dad likes that they have free samples :)  Our favorite was the honeycrisp.

And so many pumpkins!

Happy Fall!

New Yellow-Ribbon Themed Charms

Just listed in my ETSY shop -- a couple charms/pendants in a yellow ribbon theme.  I think these are perfect for anyone with loved ones serving our country.

End of Summer

Have a safe holiday weekend!

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