Farm Share Food

We decided to sign up for a farm share this summer. I thought it would be easier for me to do a pick up rather than waddling to the farmer's market during the last stretch of my pregnancy.  And I also like that it forces us to try new veggies that I probably would never pick out on my own. 

Last week we received arugula, scallions, french breakfast radishes, bok choi, and a variety of lettuces. And then our refrigerator decided to die on us.  So I'm functioning with two mini fridges while we wait for the delivery of our new one which I am very excited about, I've never had a fancy appliance (ice maker included!).  

I know we owe you pictures of the baby's room and the things Country Mouse and I have made for her, I promise we will share soon! But for now, here are pictures and links to recipes I used for our first farm share as well as a few of where and what goes one while we eat (doggies wanting to play ball!)....  

Rosie's Bok Choi Salad - added radishes

Grilled Shrimp and Arugula inspired by this salad from the Cafe at Nordstroms, I used this recipe for the croutons

Dinner at W.A. Frost

Did you have a nice long weekend? We celebrated by going out to eat at W. A. Frost in St. Paul. This was my first time and I loved it! It can be a little spendy, but they have a special where you can have a salad, entree, and dessert for $30. We started with the Tapas Trio for an appetizer, a tasty little variety with shrimp, pork and salmon. Then I had the goat cheese and berry salad, salmon, and almond tort with peppermint green tea ice cream for dessert. Mmmm, I wish I was having this meal now. Unfortunately I forgot the camera, so I don't have food pictures, but the presentation was delicious as well :) The patio is definitely where you want to be on a warm summer night and I highly recommend it if you're in the area. Just be sure to make reservations so you can get yourself a patio seat!

The rest of the weekend was spent sewing and photographing for the shop. I have so many things to list and pictures to take! I will do my best to get more goodies in the shop this week. I'll also share a little before and after project that Country Mouse and I did last time we got together. Hope you enjoyed your weekend!

images by: y entonces (first and last), studioloraine (second and third)

Happy Friday!

I've got lots planned for the weekend! We are finishing up a few projects at the other house just in time for the open house on Sunday. And then I need to clean our current home that has been neglected due to the work on our old house. I can't function when the clutter starts to build up, so I am really looking forward to getting organized again.

The husband has requested new work clothes (when you have to wear red and khaki everyday, red does start to fade). I do not enjoy shopping for red, there are so many red shirts that are actually orange it's frustrating!

And I made plans to have breakfast with one of my friends that I have not seen in...well...I can't even remember. It might have been close to a year. A little overdue! So I thought I would leave you with a yummy looking breakfast (or dessert) by Eliza who has delicious food blog. You can see more of her fabulous photos here.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

photo from: notes from my food diary

A Finnish Breakfast

I think breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. It might have something to with the fact that I usually don't have to think real hard to decide what to make. During the work week I eat two waffles every morning (they must be Eggos, no other will do). That's been my habit ever since I was a little kid. I even remember the day that my mom stopped cutting up my waffles for me and made me do it myself. I know, it's strange, I can't help it. It's a serious tragedy if we are out of waffles. My husband knows better than to eat the last one. So there's a little bit of my quirky side for you.

Anyway, I had promised to share my great aunt's Finnish Pancake - Pannu Kakku (sounds something like PAN-nu KOK-ku, but I'm no expert even though I am half Finnish) recipe we made this weekend. She had given me the recipe as part of my wedding shower gift over a year and a half ago so it was about time I made this.

Pannu Kakku
1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
1 Cup Flour
2 large eggs
2 T sugar 1/4 Cup butter

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Add butter to 9 x 13 pan and melt in oven. Mix other ingredients together and pour into pan. Bake until puffy and brown (about 25 minutes). Sprinkle some sugar on top. Serve with fruit topping, cinnamon sugar, syrup, whatever you think is tasty on a pancake!

She writes that my grandma and great grandma used to make this with fresh milk from the farm. Isn't it fun to look at some of the old recipes and pictures and imagine them back in the day? This is a really easy breakfast meal. And especially tasty with fresh fruit. I think it would be delicious with some baked cinnamon apples from the Apple Festival that we try to get to every year. Let me know what you serve with it if you decide to try it out.

School is Out for the Summer

When I was in school, I used to be so happy when it came to an end and I was free for the summer. Well, I don't feel that way now. Remember when I told you about the blogging course I was taking? Our last official day was Monday and I am a bit sad that it is over. It went by so fast! I learned an incredible amount and still need time for it all to sink in. But for now I'd like to share some of the amazing new blogs I discovered via the course.


1. Fresh365 - This is my new online recipe book! Even if you don't cook, visit her blog for the fabulous food photos. I tried the Orange Ginger Dressing with arugula greens and mandarin oranges. Mmmm...so good. I am going to try it as a marinade next. Another yummy one is the Brie Quesadillas with Mango and Walnuts. Lately I had been in somewhat of a rut in the kitchen, planning the same old boring meals and struggling to think of something new and tasty. Do you ever feel that way? Her blog has inspired me to cook with some new ingredients and experiment a little.

2. Studio G is motivating me to get our landscaping plans in order for the summer. Her blog is fantastic resource and inspiration for those of you who love the beauty of the outdoors. She even has little baby keets! The greenhouses are open and I can't wait to apply some of her expertise to my yard. It is badly in need of some love after this winter and the dogs chasing after each other like maniacs. I am in need of some dog friendly landscaping and hearty plants.

3. jennifer squires has some of the most impressive fine art photography of flowers I have seen. You may have come across her Etsy Shop or maybe this lovely photo. Just perfect for perfect for Mother's Day, dont you think? She truly has the ability to capture the beauty that is everyday life.

And I also want to thank my small group members for their helpful comments:

• 1rightungsblog - a lovely design blog written in German with impressive images
  
• jillianfrances - has a fabulous blog and Etsy shop where she shares her creativity and jewelry process
• hardaker and pope - based in the UK and have the most gorgeous fabric and wallcoverings in their online store
  

There are sooo many more! Like I said, I am still letting it all sink in so there may be more that I write about. Enjoy these ones in the meantime.

images: 1.Fresh365, 2.CityChic, 3.jennifer squires