Sugar Free Purple Cole Slaw

Have you ever been in an organic food store and saw something so beautiful you just had to buy it?  That happened to me not long ago.  Check out these gorgeous vegetables!   

Beets and purple cabbage...

Hmmm...  I guess I was in a purple mood?  ;-) 

So I got them home and had the crazy idea to make sugar free cole slaw since beets are so sugary sweet.  The experiment began with shredding the beet and pouring a little vinegar over it. 

The cabbage was shredded and tossed in with golden raisins and sunflower seeds.  Mayo was added and everything was stirred.  Talk about tasty! 

What pretty colors! 

I did not do a good job recording exactly what was added...  Here's my best guess.

About half of one gorgeous organic beet
About one quarter of one beautiful purple cabbage
One cup golden raisins
One cup sunflower seeds
One fourth cup white vinegar
One cup of mayo

Shred the beet and let it hang out in the vinegar.  Shred the cabbage.  Toss it and everything else into the bowl.  Stir.  Gobble.  Added bonus:  purple tongue!   

Thanks for sharing in the joy of organic vegetables!  ;-)  -Marci

Early Spring Blossoms

Will you please join me for a stroll through the garden? 



Variegated Solomon's Seal...

Wood hyacinths...

Snapdragons...

Old fashioned lilacs...

Thanks for stopping by...  ;-)  -Marci

Tire Swing

I have to share Handsome Husband's latest project! It's wonderful fun! 

He used a couple of tractor tires...

Some chain and some bolts...

And a grand, old, oak tree.

Then he and his favorite five year old tested it. 

This tire swing works great! 

It's packed with joy!  ;-)  Marci

Muskogee Azalea Festival

Muskogee is just a couple of hours away in Oklahoma. Each Spring the city hosts an azalea festival. A few years ago, my dear friend, Susan, felt we needed to go. Susan is a favorite traveling buddy as she never meets a stranger and speaks to everyone. Be prepared to make new friends if Susan is nearby!

For maps and more information, check out their website. www.muskogeeazaleafestival.com

There is more than one way to get to Honor Heights Park. We stopped at Dairy Queen for directions. After serving our ice cream, the cashier advised we follow the signs to the hospital. Continue past the hospital, then down the hill to the park. This might be considered the scenic route. The homes in the neighborhood near the hospital have many azaleas planted themselves. They only whet the appetite for more.

The hill past the hospital is somewhat steep. The drop down into the park is gorgeous! White dogwood blooms are handsome against the bright azaleas. There are ponds scattered throughout the park with spectacular plantings all around them.

Susan introduced herself to one of the park attendants, as is her nature. He told us the azaleas were only opened to about 40% at the time we were there. Susan was grateful it was only 40%, saying she did not think her heart could stand the beauty if they were open more! 

If you haven't been to the Muskogee Azalea Festival, grab some of your favorite travelling buddies.  This would be a perfect weekend to go! 

Maybe I'll see you there!  ;-)  -Marci

Barkin' Barleys with Leftovers

'Got dogs?  'Got leftovers? 

Barkin' Barley Bars are a great way to use left overs.  Click here for the original recipe or keep reading for a different twist. 

I like to use my crock pot.  After my family has devoured the meal, there's that stuff at the bottom.  'Not sure what to call "that stuff".  I just toss the barley into the crock pot and proceed from there.  When I do it that way, I usually don't need to add the broth. 

 
1 cup barley
3 cups broth
3 eggs
1 cup of meaty or cheesey leftovers

Place the barley in the broth and cook on low heat until the barley has absorbed all the liquid.  This usually takes around 30 minutes.  Stir in eggs and leftovers.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for about thirty minutes.  Once cooled, cut into bars. 

Voila'. Your furry babies are spoiled once again! 

 

You know how they LOVE to be spoiled! 

 

;-)  -Marci