Spring Plants

I always buy my urn arrangement from a little family owned and operated greenhouse near Guelph called Vissers. They have really nice healthy plants and they are in good soil and containers so they don't dry out. I really like how this one looks and it does really well in the shade. I was happy that I bought my heavy cement urn at Sam's Club before it went under. It's a little unique and it suits my house just fine.

Friend of Lindor Spotlight

I am dedicating this post to my friend,  Lori. Not only is she a wonderful person, but she is beyond generous, not just for the Lindor Crop but on a regular basis. Always willing to share her materials, offer design advice and generally be a good listener.  This time, she has gone above and beyond, seeking out the most adorable ribbon and accessories to make this a very CUTE addition(s) to the raffle table. You'll want to put tickets in just to get ahold of the ribbon. But, you'll have to wait for the big day to get a clear view of what's inside.
 Thank you Lori. You are very special!

Orange Dreamsicle Cake

I think its funny when my friends start cutting out recipes for me to try. Corrina found this recipe and thought I should give it a shot and report back to her so this weekend, I thought I would make it. (glad I did since its been so hot ever since). This recipe starts with a basic lemon cake mix and then you just add in a few things. Of course, everything tastes great with cream cheese frosting. I took this dessert to a dinner party and the verdict was light, refreshing and delicious so I guess its a keeper!

Here's the recipe:

Orange Dreamsicle Cake

1 lemon cake mix
1 3 oz. box of orange jello
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
3/4 cup water
Zest of 1 orange

Frosting
1/2 cup butter
1 lb. icing sugar
8 oz cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Mix first ingredients together and place in a 9x13 pan sprayed with Pam. Bake 25 minutes or until cake pricked with a toothpick comes out clean. Prepare glaze by whisking 1/2 cup orange juice with 3 TBSP of icing sugar. Prick cooled cake allover with toothpick and spoon glaze onto cake. You want the glaze to absorb into the cake. Make the frosting with remaining icing sugar and spread over completely cooled cake. Enjoy!

Maya is FIVE years old tomorrow!

My beautiful labradoodle is five years old tomorrow. Here's a look back at her first weeks in her new home with my adorable nephews. She was the cutest puppy. Her nose was black back then and she didn't bark at all for 6 months. Now, I think she's making up for it.

This past weekend, was so beautiful. We spent lots of time outdoors working on the gardens. Why is it that the dogs are never far away from where you want to work??? Maya especially loves laying in the cool dirt(manure). Check out the beard. Not good for the housework.

And I can't leave without another beautiful picture of my photogenic Lindor. Always close at hand likely hoping for a break in the action for some ball throwing.

Happy Birthday, Maya. You're a good doggie!

Here Kitty, Kitty

Isn't this the most unusual colouring that you have ever seen in a kitty? Piper has a completely white body and tiger striped ears, tail and patches on the hind legs....

And a unique personality to match. Very friendly and interesting to play with. Kind of like a dog, but not quite. I like kittys but I think I'll stick with my canines for now. Piper is enjoying resting on the beautiful afghan that her owners won in last year's Lindor raffle.

Rhubarb squares

My family has been making these delicious squares for years. It's getting a little late in the season but there is still time to stick some rhubarb in the freezer so you can make these in the months ahead.

They have a delicious shortbread base covered with a tangy rhubarb filling with a light, meringue on top. Yummmeee!

Rhubarb Squares

1 cup flour
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/3 cup butter
2 1/4 cups rhubarb
1 cup white sugar
2 Tbsp. light cream
3 egg yolks
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
3 egg whites
6 Tbsp. white sugar

Combine flour, br. sugar and butter. Bake in 9 x 9 pan for 20 min at 325. Cook rhubarb, sugar, cream, egg yolks and nutmeg. Stir until thick. Pour over base. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Add 6 Tbsp sugar, Cover squares with meringue and brown in 325 oven, 10 to 12 minutes or until brown.
Enjoy

Three Months OLD

I was able to go to another puppy class to see how the babies are doing. The class was held outside which offers some special challenges but I was pleased to see that the K puppies did great! They have come so far in just a couple weeks.

The best part about NSD is the VOLUNTEERS! I can tell that all of these puppy raisers already love their dogs and are working really hard to train them. We all love talking about our pets and sharing their successes. It's so nice to know that these puppies have all gone to really good homes.

I guess class was a little long for this guy.

I hope you get a chance to see these beauties too. I have invited them all to stop by the Fundraiser so make sure you bring your cameras.

Friend of Lindor Spotlight

Lindor sure has a lot of supporters!  My friend Keri is a great person to have on board. She is not only preparing a special treat for each guest at the Crop but is also baking some of THESE....

Cadbury Caramilk cookies!!! When the Bake Sale opens at 3, there is practically a stampede to get these beauties off the bake table. And its no wonder, they are so delish and so painstaking to make yourself. I know because I just rolled a bunch myself. Don't worry though, Keri is making many dozens to bring to the Crop so we hope no one will be disappointed.

She also picked me up a bunch of these sweet ladybug bags and designed another card to be given away using this fab ladybug ribbon from Miss Lori. I'm going to make a few extras of this card because I KNOW it will be a popular one. Everyone will be getting a card in their goodie bag. Cross your fingers if you want Card #12. I'm going to keep you in suspense until the big day to see the cards but I'm sure you'll be happy with the selection.

Why we love Labs!

These labs are so smart, they can CAMOFLAGUE themselves when they're laying on the couch.
Black on black, brown on brown. My friend and fellow lab lover has TWO of these smartypants.... Velvet and Libby. Aren't they great?

Another cake

I did a lot of baking this weekend for several events.... Carrot cake, 2 types of cookies, Lemon Poppyseed cake, Rhubarb squares and another decorated cake possibly for the Cake Raffle at Lindor's crop. This one is white cake.
What do you think?

My favourite Mac and Cheese

I have been making this highly caloric but delish Mac and Cheese for years. It's especially good with medium or old cheddar, more flavourful but still rich and creamy. And of course, everything tastes better with a buttery crumb topping.  Perfect comfort food!

I think you're supposed to take the photo before you scoop out a large serving. A food blogger I'll never be. Here's the recipe....

My Favourite Mac and Cheese

2 cups macaroni (uncooked)

4 cups of milk

¼ cup butter

8 TBSP flour

½ tsp. dried mustard (can omit)

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

2 ½ cups grated cheese

Topping

2 Tbsp butter

4 Tbsp bread crumbs

4 Tbsp grated cheese

I don’t measure, just mix up my own topping proportions.

Cook macaroni in boiling water until tender. Drain.

Scald milk in heavy saucepan. Don’t burn! LOL

Melt butter, separately. Stir in flour and seasonings.

Add milk gradually, then add the mixture to the milk.

Stir over medium heat until mixture thickens then add cheese and stir.

Remove from heat. Add macaroni. Place in greased casserole and cover with topping.

Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes until topping is browned.