Drying Herbs

My parsley was overtaking my herb pot!

It's obviously very happy with its growing conditions.

However, it was definately time to cut it back

before it overtook the other herbs in the pot.

Now I know that hanging herbs is the recommended way to dry them

and I have done that in previous years

but I seem to have the most success with the herbs

making it into my cupboard when I dry them in the oven.

First I wash the herbs and remove any damaged leaves

and then I lay a single layer on parchment paper on a cookie sheet.

I then put my oven racks to the top

and set my oven to the lowest possible temperature

(which is 150F on my oven).

and leave the oven door open an inch or two.

I set my timer and turn my herbs every half hour.

They are done when the leaves are crunchy and dry.

I let them cool and then crumble them into a jar

and voila - the herbs are all done!

I usually pick my herbs when I go out to water my pots

first thing in the morning.

And have them drying in the oven

while I prepare breakfast

and get everyone out the door for the day.

I have found this system works best for me

and once you have home grown herbs

you will never want to go back.

Aren't these little herb jars the cutest?

It was a Christmas present from my parents :)

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

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Light Blueberry Donuts

I bought some donut pans at half price

and couldn't wait to try them

and since I had some blueberries in the fridge

I thought this recipe sounded perfect for breakfast.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 egg

1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt

1 Tbsp canola oil

1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Sugar Topping

1/4 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 375F.  Spray a doughnut pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine all dry ingredeints in a mixing bowl.

Combine all wet ingredeints except for blueberries into a separate mixing bowl.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined,

then gently fold in the blueberries.

For mini donuts, drop one Tbsp of batter into each donut form.

Use two Tbsp for traditional-size donuts.

(Next time I make these I would fill them a little less)

Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Place the sugar into a resealable bag.

Place a donut at a time in the bag and shake well to coat.

Transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool.

Makes 10 regular size donuts or 20 mini donuts.

These are best eaten fresh which is not hard to do :)

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

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Lightly Lavender

I have been enjoying my little pansies outside so much

that I decided to bring a few inside to enjoy.

My daughter picked out these plants

and I think she picked a wonderful color.

I had these little lavender candles in storage.

I thought they complemented the pansies nicely

and I was happy to find somewhere to use them.

My mom gave me these wonderful little napkin rings.

And this set with purple pansies were also a gift.

I love pulling things from around the house

to create a pretty table.

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

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Another Deck

You probably remember this little corner I showed you

where I like to sit and have a morning coffee.

Well, I thought I would show you the rest of the deck.

We have french doors off our dining room area

which lead onto this deck. 

In this corner I have a temporary greenhouse.

It has been so cool and rainy here that I have

been housing some plants here until it warms up

enough to put them out into the garden.

On a warm summer day this deck

provides a nice cool shady spot to enjoy our evening meal.

This bright little table cloth I found at a thrift store.

All I had to do was cut a little hole in the middle.

These little tealight holders my hubby picked up for me.

They have little hearts on the top :)

and they are made of cast iron and are quite heavy.

They are great for holding down the tablecloth

when the breeze picks up.

This is my favorite newest addition.

I found it at a local garden center on clearance.

I hope as the summer progresses that the flowers will fill up

and overflow this watering can.

And last but not least, my friendly little owl,

who peeks out at you as you come to our back door :)

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

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Italian Bubble Loaf

This bread is super delicious

and a great alternative to garlic bread.

Ingredients

1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted

1 egg

2 Tbsp oil

1-1/4 cups milk

3-1/2 cups flour

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 pkg active dry yeast

Topping

1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic salt

Combine all ingredients in order listed in bread machine.

Set to dough cycle and mix.

Once mixed place dough in greased bowl;

cover loosely with plastic wrap and cloth towel.

Let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size

about 45-60 minutes.

Punch down dough several times to remove all air bubbles.

Divide dough into 16 equal pieces; shape into balls.

dip each into melted margarine.

Place half of balls in ungreased 12-cup Bundt pan,

forming 1 layer.

Combine topping ingredients;

sprinkle half over layer of balls.

Form second layer with remaining balls.

Pour any remaining margarine over balls.

Sprinkle with remaining topping.

Cover; let rised in warm place until light and doubled in size,

about 30-45 minutes.

Heat oven to 375F.  Uncover dough.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown

and loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan.

Serve warm and enjoy :)

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Sunday, July 1, 2012

Outside my window... The sun is shining, the sky is blue and there is a slight breeze.

I am thinking... Of everything I need to pack for our afternoon picnic in the park.

I am thankful for... Our wonderful country that we live in.

From the kitchen...
~Today:  BBQ Pork Chops, Parmesean Potatoes, Buns, Macaroni Tomato Salad, Broccoli, Tossed Salad, Canada Day Cupcakes
~Monday: BBQ Sausages, Oven Baked Veggies, Buns, Garlic Green Beans, Tossed Salad, Banana Cream Pie
~Tuesday: Chicken Penne Florentine Bake, Broccoli, Ceasar Salad, Black & White Donuts
~Wednesday:  Creamy Tomato Meatballs & Rice, Peas, Turnip, Salad, Cupcakes
~Thursday: Spicy Beef & Vegetables (Crockpot), Pasta, Asian Salad, Banana Cream Pie
~Friday: Citrus Salmon w/Broccoli, Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce, Salad, Buns, Black & White Donuts
~Saturday: Leftover Smorg

I am wearing... Black Capris and a red shirt.

I am creating... Wreath for my garden gate.

I am reading... A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George

I am praying for... Our country's leaders.

Pondering these words... I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind. ~John Diefenbaker~ (From the Canadian Bill of Rights, July 1, 1960)

I am still hoping... To go camping.

I am hearing... Birds singing, the announcer and motocross bikes (this weekend is the Western Canadian Amateur Motocross Championships and the track is only a 5 minute drive from our home)

Around the house... Getting ready for a BBQ

One of my favorite things... Celebrating Canada Day!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Today:  A picnic in the park and fireworks in the evening
Monday:  Our town parade, afternoon festivities and evening fireworks
Tuesday:  Recover from Sunday & Monday :)
Wednesday:  Hopefully work in the garden - weather permitting
Thursday:  House & Garden work
Friday:  Shopping and errands, daughter's allergy shot
Saturday:  All day garden tour!!!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Happy Canada Day!

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Thank you Peggy for the The Simple Woman's Daybook {follow links to read more}.