Cheers!

I have been gone for so long, but now I'm back. New. Year's. Resolution.

Tip the glass!
Donna

Gluten-free Lasagna

Hello,

It was time to harvest my little heirloom tomatoes...

So... I took out my trusty tomato knife and made gluten-free lasagna.

I never really follow a recipe- it changes depending on the season and what I am in the mood for.

The tomatoes were sauted with garlic, onions in EVOO, then fresh chopped basil and oregano were added.

I cooked and rinsed about 1/3 lb. of hot bulk pork sausage, then added fennel seeds.

This was stirred into the tomatoes.

To 16 ounces of low-fat ricotta I added one egg, and about 5 ounces of fresh cooked and chopped spinach.

I boiled my gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Lastly, I layered the sauce, noodles, and cheese.  Besides the ricotta, the cheeses I used were mozzerella "pearls" and parmesan.

The lasagna was covered and baked for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F.

The cover was removed then baked for 10 more minutes to brown the cheese.  This is a lighter version of lasagna as the tomato sauce is not a heavy marinara.

Serve with gluten-free toasted garlic bread, a salad,
 and pour a glass of cab sav.

Donna

A Victorian Terrarium

Hello,

                                                                                

I bought a new plant from Trader Joe's for my Victorian Terrarium. 

It is called Nematanthus, or commonly the "goldfish plant." If you look closely at the little flowers they do resemble goldfish. 

It is very sweet.

~Donna~

Pickled Green Tomatoes

Hello,

The veggies in my garden are coming fast and furious. 

So it was time to take out my trusty tomato knife, and make some refrigerator pickled green tomatoes... YUMMY!
 I love this knife because it slices through very ripened tomatoes like butter.  I use it all of the time and I like the fact that it has its name on it.
 Quarter the green tomatoes, place in a large jar with garlic and jalapeno slices.  Cover with organic white vinegar and dissolve enough sea salt to pickle.  Refrigerate them for a few days and then use.  They can be refrigerated for up to 6 weeks.  They are really good in Bloody Marys and I'll share my own recipe sometime soon!

~Donna~

Window and Flower Box

Hello,

I thought I would post a picture of one of my beautiful windows and flower boxes. This is the reward for living in a very old house... lots of character.

~Donna~

Trinkets...

Hello,

I have a thing about salt shakers and cellars.  Here is a peek at my small collection of both sterling silver and lead crystal.

I also enjoy cooking with different salts from around the world. I became interested in this after reading the book,

Salt: A World History, by Mark Kurlansky. 

 It was a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.

~Donna~

Come Touring With Me...

Hello,

This is the trail that I bike almost everyday.  It is in the Horicon Marsh, which is the largest cattail marsh in the United States, and a federal wildlife refuge.  Today I brought along my camera.

First, we pass by fields and fields of wild flowers...mostly black-eyed Susans and purple rudbeckia.

Then, we are in the marsh following along side the Main Dike Road.

After peddling about 3 miles or so, we are in the heart of the marsh and you never know what birds you will see-

Today I saw a pelican, a sandhill crane, and a blue heron!

Trifecta!

Lastly, it is time to return to the beginning of the trail...

I always see lots of monarchs- they love Joe Pye Weed!

The marsh is an amazing place to tour on my bike.

              I am so very fortunate to have this in my backyard...

don't you agree?

~Donna~