tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32994915498591550652024-03-13T22:46:45.674-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and GardeningMelanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-4185216235289055142017-08-19T15:34:00.001-07:002017-08-19T15:34:57.641-07:00Cooking Chili in Our Special Ed Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, no, no 3 Alarm Chili! Let's stick with templado.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZYjLVIiJKo/WZioOLuYPGI/AAAAAAAA0A0/KmQBAqpDe0UyTfCzYa6XtvbmTSRq3PZ8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1379%2B-%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1444" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZYjLVIiJKo/WZioOLuYPGI/AAAAAAAA0A0/KmQBAqpDe0UyTfCzYa6XtvbmTSRq3PZ8gCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_1379%2B-%2BEdited.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supremely versatile cooking tool.</td></tr>
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It is high school football season here in SoCal, and our Special Day Class is going to cook some chili--not the fancy, competitive kind found in Chili Cook Offs--no, just pretty straight forward chili. At least until we get our STEM garden going and we have our own veggies and herbs.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wgHv33JnIQ/WZisIOlIu_I/AAAAAAAA0BA/cejiHhkUlMgv2ItkmatAnkfaVUgoVXpIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1380%2B-%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wgHv33JnIQ/WZisIOlIu_I/AAAAAAAA0BA/cejiHhkUlMgv2ItkmatAnkfaVUgoVXpIwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_1380%2B-%2BEdited.jpg" width="129" /></a><br />
Although we are considered a Life Skills class(Moderately/Severely Handicapped for Grade 9 and 10), we don't have access to a kitchen. So we will use a slow cooker and rice maker.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWV-prMVMlk/WZivlWUDC0I/AAAAAAAA0BQ/ddqOXoQuLpIc9_xYtA_REjKLUeUhZWPUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/51k3n91rfJL._SY355_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWV-prMVMlk/WZivlWUDC0I/AAAAAAAA0BQ/ddqOXoQuLpIc9_xYtA_REjKLUeUhZWPUQCEwYBhgL/s200/51k3n91rfJL._SY355_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Woo-hoo, we're getting a new ricemaker!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1Fa89zQRUw/WZihZvXdg5I/AAAAAAAA0AM/oXJP92uayCgLO7TM0tr6C0rKWEOZV3LUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1Fa89zQRUw/WZihZvXdg5I/AAAAAAAA0AM/oXJP92uayCgLO7TM0tr6C0rKWEOZV3LUgCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_1362.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">I put rice on the lesson plan because my experience living at </span><span style="text-align: center;">Hickam AFB, Hawaii, gave us a marvelous chili experience (with Zippy's Chili being a fast food franchise and the chili was always over rice.)</span><br />
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We will check the weight measurement of beans and tomatoes. We will measure the rice and liquid. We will discuss temperature and time.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6sf-hgHVLE/WZiiJxWCkOI/AAAAAAAA0AY/HZm1nmhXxDQvpeKAuwtjDfwuKXmNtHEAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6sf-hgHVLE/WZiiJxWCkOI/AAAAAAAA0AY/HZm1nmhXxDQvpeKAuwtjDfwuKXmNtHEAACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_1366.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zYWn09AzjI/WZiim41tlCI/AAAAAAAA0Ag/oEdoIwSiVv8QLkMA0rXfF5XWSqIFa_fEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1363%2B-%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zYWn09AzjI/WZiim41tlCI/AAAAAAAA0Ag/oEdoIwSiVv8QLkMA0rXfF5XWSqIFa_fEQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_1363%2B-%2BEdited.jpg" width="150" /></a>We will discuss courtesy and custom while eating.<br />
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<br />
Then we will plan the space for laying out and eating in our classroom. Checking number of diners, and what each will need to eat. Time, again will be a consideration--actually, we will discuss these topics integrated throughout our academics for a few days prior to the event.<br />
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How to handle food while cooking, serving and eating? Wash hands. Don't forget the cleanup. Hygiene and sanitation.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SO1E6jRbGQM/WZix7wzbevI/AAAAAAAA0BY/edLk2JERE1UjxBsEx7BqSpapkTuJEg_NQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1375%2B-%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SO1E6jRbGQM/WZix7wzbevI/AAAAAAAA0BY/edLk2JERE1UjxBsEx7BqSpapkTuJEg_NQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_1375%2B-%2BEdited.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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We will follow the recipe on the seasoning packet, except for the little red onions from my own backyard herb/veggie garden. The students are starting their own Recipe Books, and will are also going to copy this recipe. I am hoping they will report back on chili discussions at home!<br />
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Will report back on our cooking project!<br />
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I am developing complete lesson plans for PDF on this series of activities for Cooking Chili in a Special Ed Class, and will make these available on my website. Will let you know when they are available!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet little red onions from the Melanie Link Taylor Teaching Garden--including evidence of seeds--to be included in our classroom chili.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-39235102913681950402015-09-19T13:08:00.001-07:002015-09-19T13:08:22.306-07:00Nature, My Garden and Me: Plant Bulbs Now For Joyful Color in Winter!<a href="http://mztnature.blogspot.com/2015/09/plant-bulbs-now-for-joyful-color-in.html?spref=bl">Nature, My Garden and Me: Plant Bulbs Now For Joyful Color in Winter!</a>: Daffodils (February) We can all use some Screaming Yellow Daffodils during the dreary winter. Flowers outside in the winter? I...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-8236316132417010992015-04-24T21:07:00.001-07:002015-04-24T21:07:12.184-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Snacking During The Game<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2015/04/snacking-during-game.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Snacking During The Game</a>: No, I wasn't actually at the game. In the background, that's my large picture of the most beautiful baseball field ever, home of...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-49900345600571194452015-04-24T21:03:00.001-07:002015-04-24T21:03:38.765-07:00Snacking During The Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sfqsrTHL34/UcsZ785eDBI/AAAAAAAAZsI/6sZegJsnY4s/s1600/panini+s+f+giants+005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sfqsrTHL34/UcsZ785eDBI/AAAAAAAAZsI/6sZegJsnY4s/s640/panini+s+f+giants+005.JPG" height="640" width="380" /></a></div>
No, I wasn't actually <i>at </i>the
game. In the background, that's my large picture of the most beautiful
baseball field ever, home of the San Francisco Giants. The Giants played
the Dodgers in LA, and it was televised. I don't mind the Dodgers,
which is highly unusual for a Giants' fan, because their announcer, Vin
Scully, is remarkable in accuracy and positivity.<br />
<br />
Here are the rare treats we had.<br />
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<b>Grilled Beef Panini</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prior to cheese.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB6FuHdZSAM/Ucsei5RnO6I/AAAAAAAAZso/kR7_L_1Y3w4/s1600/6+23+13+192.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB6FuHdZSAM/Ucsei5RnO6I/AAAAAAAAZso/kR7_L_1Y3w4/s200/6+23+13+192.JPG" height="200" width="111" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My humble grill.</td></tr>
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Using the George Foreman Grill, I placed<br />
1. sliced sourdough bread slathered with jalapeno ranch dressing, top and bottom<br />
2. sliced tomatoes<br />
3. barbequed thin-slice beef (chuck steak) dappled with mustard<br />
4. grated mild cheddar cheese<br />
The thinly sliced chuck steak was grilled and saved from the day before.<br />
<br />
<b> Quacamole Dip</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVM98CPSycE/Ucsiqnl1ihI/AAAAAAAAZs4/hPadhsymBqE/s1600/6+26+13+avocado+005.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVM98CPSycE/Ucsiqnl1ihI/AAAAAAAAZs4/hPadhsymBqE/s200/6+26+13+avocado+005.JPG" height="200" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avacadoes--smooth texture.</td></tr>
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Pringles Potato Chips because they are so uniform and perfect. (See photo at top.) And avocado is so creamy good and nutricious.<br />
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Mash together:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTUouDwV3v4/Ucsi6Ek-biI/AAAAAAAAZtA/HNc5EEY8Y6w/s1600/6+26+13+avocado+010.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTUouDwV3v4/Ucsi6Ek-biI/AAAAAAAAZtA/HNc5EEY8Y6w/s200/6+26+13+avocado+010.JPG" height="114" width="200" /></a>2 ripe avacadoes<br />
2 tbs sour cream<br />
Quacamole dip mix (until I create my own)<br />
<br />
We
also had gourmet Hank's Root Beer purchased at a locally run shop,
Overland Meat and Deli here in Apple Valley, CAL. Buy local.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utOw7FWiOzw/UcsloNdlIAI/AAAAAAAAZtQ/a0tQLmx_6hU/s1600/5+25+13+190.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utOw7FWiOzw/UcsloNdlIAI/AAAAAAAAZtQ/a0tQLmx_6hU/s320/5+25+13+190.JPG" height="293" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to shop local here.</td></tr>
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<br />Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-84972523792875857452013-08-28T18:23:00.004-07:002013-08-28T18:23:48.480-07:00MzTeachuh's Soup Ebook is Out!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/MzTeachuhs-Soup-Seasons-Family-ebook/dp/B00EUF51UK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377731110&sr=1-1&keywords=mzteachuh%27s+soup+for+all+seasons" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqCyfsH8iLQ/Uh6CSneNhnI/AAAAAAAAbiw/zb2Pb319tu0/s320/soup+for+all+seasons.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<b>http://www.amazon.com/MzTeachuhs-Soup-Seasons-Family-ebook/dp/B00EUF51UK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377731110&sr=1-1&keywords=mzteachuh%27s+soup+for+all+seasons</b></span></td></tr>
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Hope you all buy and enjoy this! It's only 99 cents! Such a deal.Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-69969322967859488572013-07-22T13:37:00.004-07:002013-07-22T14:06:52.586-07:00Flower of the Week: Cosmos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmHw9U8hTts/Ue2RTWB5TsI/AAAAAAAAaog/ZhP59TNgj5s/s1600/7+22+13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmHw9U8hTts/Ue2RTWB5TsI/AAAAAAAAaog/ZhP59TNgj5s/s400/7+22+13+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This summer I purchased packets of wildflower seeds--and cosmos was included. I have also purchased cosmos in flats, and even gallon containers with larger plants. Here are the basic three colors, white, pink, red. and occasionally, some combinations of colors.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SatlW7SzQRE/Ue2VugwNPVI/AAAAAAAAapA/RedivcN5L30/s1600/cosmos+pink+markings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SatlW7SzQRE/Ue2VugwNPVI/AAAAAAAAapA/RedivcN5L30/s320/cosmos+pink+markings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
This blossom was a surprise one beautiful summer's morning. But it is unusual, cosmos generally has a solid color, even if a blend of red and white creating some tint of pink or purple. This white blossom looks like a child got creative with a Crayola marker.<br />
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Bees love these flowers, butterflies, too. Cosmos is often included in seed packets for Butterfly Gardens. They have long delicate stems and the flowers poke out their faces like a curious kid. They are easy to grow.<br />
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<br />
This flower is indigenous to Mexico, also called the Mexican aster.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZCnxYHAjHw/Ue2XrmOYHpI/AAAAAAAAapQ/7I46EAnXRdU/s1600/cosmos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZCnxYHAjHw/Ue2XrmOYHpI/AAAAAAAAapQ/7I46EAnXRdU/s200/cosmos.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Here is a post I put up using the name Cosmos as a play on words linking to a William Blake poem.<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>The Cosmos in a Cosmos</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><a href="http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/06/cosmos-in-cosmos.html?spref=bl">http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/06/cosmos-in-cosmos.html?spref=bl</a></b></span><br />
<br />Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-42825256548908337572013-07-14T16:44:00.002-07:002013-07-14T16:44:51.247-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Meatless Monday: Dutch Baby Souffle<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/meatless-monday-dutch-baby-souffle.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Meatless Monday: Dutch Baby Souffle</a>: A Dutch Baby In The Oven? Sounds Like Hansel and Gretel This recipe is also called German Pancake. I think it goes ...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-10163759313408599552013-07-14T16:44:00.000-07:002013-07-14T16:44:17.880-07:00Meatless Monday: Dutch Baby Souffle<h1 class="title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-size: small;">A Dutch Baby In The Oven? Sounds Like Hansel and Gretel</span>
</h1>
This recipe is also called German Pancake. I think it goes way back to
colonial America when the Germans emigrated, mainly to Pennsylvania, and
were facetiously called "The Pennsylvania Dutch," because the Dutch had
first come to New Amsterdam (New York.)<br />
History lesson aside, this is quick, easy and fun. My sister-in-law gave me this recipe in the '70s, I think, probably from a <u>Sunset Magazine</u>. The recipe has changed somewhat over the years.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Dutch Baby</b><br />
preheat oven to 400 degrees<br />
place 10 inch frying pan with 3 tbs butter in oven to melt<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFi4h4OqREs/UJBcUKbuDEI/AAAAAAAALMc/aj7GIowhCHo/s1600/dutch+baby+002.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFi4h4OqREs/UJBcUKbuDEI/AAAAAAAALMc/aj7GIowhCHo/s200/dutch+baby+002.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my tiny measuring cup.</td></tr>
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in the mean time, mix these ingredients:<br />
3 or 4 whole eggs<br />
3/4 c white flour<br />
3/4 c milk<br />
pinch salt<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ir6E0MP0pT8/UJBcpyHPxPI/AAAAAAAALMk/RTIo4aT70FY/s1600/dutch+baby+003.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ir6E0MP0pT8/UJBcpyHPxPI/AAAAAAAALMk/RTIo4aT70FY/s200/dutch+baby+003.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It poofed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Make sure melted butter is all over the inside of the frying pan. I use
our cast iron one. Pour mixture into the pan, place in center of
preheated oven. Set timer for 18 minutes. We have a window in the oven,
so the kids would always be excited to view the Dutch Baby 'poof' after
about 12 minutes. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtixXArzEgo/UJBdmzQMYmI/AAAAAAAALMs/oYfvO_hJriQ/s1600/dutch+baby+008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtixXArzEgo/UJBdmzQMYmI/AAAAAAAALMs/oYfvO_hJriQ/s200/dutch+baby+008.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a cup of coffee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We serve powdered sugar over it, but being made of eggs, it is versatile
and cheese or mushrooms, or whatever your fancy dictates would be good
over this souffle. You can put mushroom to fancy it up for dinner. Serves four.Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-52343158134609398452013-07-13T13:01:00.001-07:002013-07-13T13:01:20.319-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Flower of the Week: Viola 7/12/13<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/flower-of-week-viola-71213.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Flower of the Week: Viola 7/12/13</a>: Cheerful faces, like a Kindergarten class, greet you in the morning. For such a delicate looking flower, violas are very resilient. Thi...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-69493668063837503692013-07-13T13:00:00.002-07:002014-07-09T10:06:01.578-07:00Flower of the Week: Viola 7/12/13<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EX17MDSQlG0/UeGtkSQFwMI/AAAAAAAAaWI/miDiFugb70M/s1600/6+24+13+violas+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EX17MDSQlG0/UeGtkSQFwMI/AAAAAAAAaWI/miDiFugb70M/s400/6+24+13+violas+010.JPG" height="177" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheerful faces, like a Kindergarten class, greet you in the morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For such a delicate looking flower, violas are very resilient. This hanging container has been in my garden since last Fall, blooming through the snow, and freezing temperatures (granted, the flowers were semi-sheltered.) Now, in the summer with over 100 F temps., they still flourish. Keep them watered, they love life!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT6tT6XXsN8/UeGv8IIa_QI/AAAAAAAAaWY/16mC4pKZSBs/s1600/5+25+13+202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT6tT6XXsN8/UeGv8IIa_QI/AAAAAAAAaWY/16mC4pKZSBs/s200/5+25+13+202.JPG" height="200" width="111" /></a><br />
<br />
And violas are edible! They have a faint radishy taste.<br />
<br />
I <span style="font-size: small;">sprinkled </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing over this salad. We liked it quite well, and, of course, it is beautiful.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, Viola is the name of Shakespeare's heroine from <u>Twelfth Night.</u></span></span>Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-15594440162639697562013-07-08T13:56:00.001-07:002013-07-08T13:56:13.769-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Gossamer Wings On My Mint!<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/gossamer-wings-on-my-mint.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Gossamer Wings On My Mint!</a>: A Butterfly Garden has been one of my goals this summer--and I was more successful then expected. This year I have been more closely obs...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-59911815167091135202013-07-08T13:55:00.000-07:002015-06-13T10:33:53.888-07:00Gossamer Wings On My Mint!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPyZiqJlzB4/Udskyl3PzCI/AAAAAAAAaJg/_gAmura9szI/s1600/7+6+13+butterfly+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPyZiqJlzB4/Udskyl3PzCI/AAAAAAAAaJg/_gAmura9szI/s400/7+6+13+butterfly+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A Butterfly Garden has been one of my goals this summer--and I was more successful then expected. This year I have been more closely observing what I had thought were moths (I previously hadn't paid much attention to these tiny winged critters because I didn't think they were butterflies. What an elitist I was!)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhfqEiVaaSw/Udsis4XHY1I/AAAAAAAAaJU/8TTYweYgvuM/s1600/7+6+13+butterfly+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhfqEiVaaSw/Udsis4XHY1I/AAAAAAAAaJU/8TTYweYgvuM/s320/7+6+13+butterfly+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st"> ...his fairy errand like the light and glittering <i>gossamer</i> before the breeze.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now that I'm looking more closely, have been finding the most interesting butterflies.<br />
<br />
This is a Edwards' Hairstreak<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> Satyrium edwardsii. </i>Not supposed to be this far west. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His backside has camouflage--a faux eye and antennae that rub together to deceive predators. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He is considered a 'gossamer-winged' true butterfly; the caterpillar depend on eating ants, which could be why they like my yard here in the desert.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This butterfly isn't even on the flowers I specially planted for the Butterfly Garden--he's really enjoying the flowering mint which is one of the easiest plants to grow. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He's even compared to Puck in Midsummer Night's Dream:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="st"> "...his fairy errand like the light and glittering <i>gossamer</i> before the breeze."</span> <span class="field-content"></span></div>
Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-49786832410207340842013-07-07T13:46:00.004-07:002013-07-07T13:46:49.144-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Meatless Monday: Tia Melanie's Cheesy Mexican Omel...<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/meatless-monday-tia-melanies-cheesy.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Meatless Monday: Tia Melanie's Cheesy Mexican Omel...</a>: Cheesy Mexican Omelot This tastes so good, you don't even notice there is no meat. Living in southern California has advantages. Not...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-20136106768899714792013-07-07T13:46:00.002-07:002013-07-07T13:46:18.031-07:00Meatless Monday: Tia Melanie's Cheesy Mexican Omelet <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxct6zAC4Ug/UJx1kVmQzXI/AAAAAAAAMjw/ZPbPlPmgvG4/s400/omelet+004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesy Mexican Omelot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>This tastes so good, you don't even notice there is no meat. Living in southern California has advantages. Not just mountains,
deserts, beaches and Disneyland, but authentic Mexican food. This is a<i> very</i>
basic recipe for an omelet. I tweeked it a bit to fit our tastes here
at home, but I think it is representative of SoCal cooking. Although it
is not spicy, I must tell. I'm pretty much a gringo when it comes to
that.</b><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"> Tia Melanie's Cheesy Mexican Omelet</span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klSx-JSoc9k/UJx0YmxhW7I/AAAAAAAAMjg/gLPvHzOfqC4/s1600/omelet+001.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klSx-JSoc9k/UJx0YmxhW7I/AAAAAAAAMjg/gLPvHzOfqC4/s200/omelet+001.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cheese starts melting.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>5 eggs, well beaten 1/2 c. picante sauce, divided</b><br />
<b>12 tsb butter 2 tsb milk</b><br />
<b>1/8 tsp salt & pepper 2 dashes (or 4 pinches) cumin</b><br />
<b>3 tbs fresh parsley </b><br />
<b>1 or 1 1/2 c shredded Mexican cheeses</b><br />
<b>(Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla and Asadero Cheeses)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xc6lZtiP1Sk/UJx1Ht8JhQI/AAAAAAAAMjo/jJ_jTNmq2lI/s1600/omelet+003.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xc6lZtiP1Sk/UJx1Ht8JhQI/AAAAAAAAMjo/jJ_jTNmq2lI/s200/omelet+003.JPG" width="120" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It's fluffy.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combine eggs, milk, 3 tbs picante sauce, salt,
pepper, cumin; mix well. Melt butter in ten inch omelet pan. Heat until
just hot enough to sizzle a drop of water. Pour in egg mixture all at
once.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>As mix starts to cook, gently lift edges of
omelet with a fork and tilt pan to allow uncooked egg mix to run
underneath cooked part. When mix is set and no longer runs, sprinkle
cheese on the omelet, cover pan and remove from heat. Fold omelet in
half and place on warm platter. Top with remaining picante sauce. Serves
3 or 4.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Fairly easy to make, and muy delicioso. Lots of good protein, too. </b>Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-22692109402754865102013-07-06T10:23:00.002-07:002013-07-06T10:31:56.193-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Flower of the Week: Gladiola<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/flower-of-week-gladiola.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Flower of the Week: Gladiola</a>: Such ethereal beauty from an easy to grow flower. Gladiola are grown from bulbs planted in the autumn. By planting it forward, we have ...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-44967732580639978212013-07-06T10:23:00.000-07:002013-07-06T10:32:22.578-07:00Flower of the Week: Gladiola<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hB9SZkA31D8/UdhRKRm22NI/AAAAAAAAaFA/eDBXLV_ih2w/s1600/flower+gladiola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hB9SZkA31D8/UdhRKRm22NI/AAAAAAAAaFA/eDBXLV_ih2w/s640/flower+gladiola.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such ethereal beauty from an easy to grow flower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gladiola are grown from bulbs planted in the autumn. By planting it forward, we have all the expectation of summer blossoms. Gladiola come in many, many colors and are easy to raise. These would be a great kid's project of choosing, planting, anticipating and then being the proud gardener. How fun to plant a row for Grandma in her garden, or in the sideyard. And kids (and all the family) can look forward to the next summer's blooms as the bulbs will continue to produce flowers annually.Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-69262972350501242952013-07-02T11:46:00.001-07:002013-07-02T11:46:35.442-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Having A Peachy Morning<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/having-peachy-morning.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Having A Peachy Morning</a>: Peaches: in the jam, on Auntie Melanie's oatmeal, and in the smoothy with an orange. This had been on my 'To Do List' for a ...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-4894223009210754182013-07-02T11:45:00.001-07:002013-07-02T11:59:05.407-07:00Having A Peachy Morning<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOOybgTb-iU/UdMVioXI_NI/AAAAAAAAZ8I/s3Z8GFgQiVs/s1600/7+27+13+peaches+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOOybgTb-iU/UdMVioXI_NI/AAAAAAAAZ8I/s3Z8GFgQiVs/s640/7+27+13+peaches+005.JPG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaches: in the jam, on Auntie Melanie's oatmeal, and in the smoothy with an orange.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This had been on my 'To Do List' for a very long time. Make freezer jam!<br />
<br />
Now I have twelve little jars of various jams in my freezer lined up<br />
like Napoleon's Army attacking Moscow.<br />
From fresh fruit, Strawberry-Peach, Raspberry,<br />
Blueberry-Apple with a Cinnamon Kick, and Mixed Berry (including Blackberries.)<br />
<br />
And this morning was the first taste test!<br />
<br />
I chose Strawberry-Peach first, which kind of leans toward peach in taste and color.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVa5JUMU98Y/UdMWQOZQg5I/AAAAAAAAZ8Q/LdiGaNC0dBI/s1600/7+2+13+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVa5JUMU98Y/UdMWQOZQg5I/AAAAAAAAZ8Q/LdiGaNC0dBI/s320/7+2+13+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think they are so pretty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Continuing with a peachy theme, cut peaches on the oatmeal, and cut the rest of the peach into the smoothy with a small orange cut up (skin and membrane, too) and apple juice to blend it up.<br />
Step outside into the morning to enjoy it with sunshine and birdsong. <br />
<br />
The jam tasted sweet, and peachy with a hint of strawberries. Peaches to strawberries in the mix was about 3:1.<br />
<br />
Here is the freezer jam recipe:<br />
<br />
Recipe for Homemade Freezer Jam<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
1 2/3 c. cut fruit (mix and match fruit at you discretion)<br />
2/3 white sugar<br />
1 small package (or 3 1/2 tbs) Instant Pectin (some say specifically for freezer jam)<br />
1/2 c water <br />
2 8 oz sterilized jelly jars<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gy91a07JXuk/UdMae7biNkI/AAAAAAAAZ8g/ChZ5D_SDgkE/s1600/7+27+13+peaches+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gy91a07JXuk/UdMae7biNkI/AAAAAAAAZ8g/ChZ5D_SDgkE/s320/7+27+13+peaches+006.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Stir sugar and instant pectin together in medium size bowl. Wash fruit and dice small, you may wish to mash with potato masher. Put fruit with water in sauce pan and simmer for five minutes, pour fruit over sugar and pectin mixture stirring constantly for 5 minutes.mixture on. Ladle jam into jars, allowing 1/2 inch of space between jam and top of jar. Let stand 30 minutes. Use or freeze for later. To use later, thaw jam in the refrigerator and use within 3/4 weeks. Keep refrigerated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-46389125323511411852013-07-01T19:15:00.002-07:002013-07-01T19:15:41.452-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Red, White and Blue Flowers for the Fourth Garden<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-white-and-blue-flowers-for-fourth.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Red, White and Blue Flowers for the Fourth Garden</a>: Lobelia, red verbena, and alyssum. Summertime and the living' is gardening. Color bowls are simple but pretty. Here are some Fo...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-20373157554774344452013-07-01T19:15:00.000-07:002013-07-01T19:24:59.985-07:00Red, White and Blue Flowers for the Fourth Garden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaGz8z1Mo54/UdI0H5AFVpI/AAAAAAAAZ7A/GzR01Kdt_f4/s720/flowers+banner+red+white+and+blue+verbena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaGz8z1Mo54/UdI0H5AFVpI/AAAAAAAAZ7A/GzR01Kdt_f4/s400/flowers+banner+red+white+and+blue+verbena.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobelia, red verbena, and alyssum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]">Summertime and the living' is gardening. Color bowls are simple but pretty. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0Q20FflLkc/UdIul_bcz-I/AAAAAAAAZ6g/Kd6Nfts6kqY/s960/flowers+red+white+blue++pentas+lanceolata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0Q20FflLkc/UdIul_bcz-I/AAAAAAAAZ6g/Kd6Nfts6kqY/s320/flowers+red+white+blue++pentas+lanceolata.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red pentas lanceolata, red dianthus, white alysum, blue lobelia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYY1tvSIaik/UdIwEa9dqFI/AAAAAAAAZ6w/T_joxI-xz3U/s960/flowers+petunia+red+white+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYY1tvSIaik/UdIwEa9dqFI/AAAAAAAAZ6w/T_joxI-xz3U/s320/flowers+petunia+red+white+blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurrah for the red, white and purple.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]"></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]"></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]">Hanging basket of petunia, red, white and blue. Sometimes you can find them striped. Very perky.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjBaSZkioIw/UdI0k2_KOSI/AAAAAAAAZ7I/xriOa9_rI1s/s960/flowers+red+white+and+blue+teacup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjBaSZkioIw/UdI0k2_KOSI/AAAAAAAAZ7I/xriOa9_rI1s/s320/flowers+red+white+and+blue+teacup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]"> Local garden shops have variety of cute containers. This for cafe ole fans. Here are lobelia (you can suspect they are my favorite for the patriotic blue), red verbena and white alyssum.</span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]"></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[8160596].[2]{comment4294073349202_2848032}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]"></span></span></span>Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-49292737186886172772013-07-01T10:45:00.001-07:002013-07-01T10:45:00.945-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Who Is This In My Garden?<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/who-is-this-in-my-garden.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Who Is This In My Garden?</a>: Can you help me identify this butterfly? He is about the size of a nickel. We live in the Mojave Desert in SoCal.Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-55563643825748064502013-07-01T10:44:00.000-07:002013-07-01T13:01:24.458-07:00Who Is This In My Garden?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JSGepLDoHw/UdG_eCMG3vI/AAAAAAAAZ6A/Qw1MNhGlLj8/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JSGepLDoHw/UdG_eCMG3vI/AAAAAAAAZ6A/Qw1MNhGlLj8/s400/030.JPG" width="383" /></a></div>
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Can you help me identify this butterfly? He is about the size of a nickel. We live in the Mojave Desert in SoCal.<br />
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P.S. I figured it out. What a wonderful thing the internet is. this is a Marine Blue Butterfly. Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-31741170955117499912013-06-30T19:25:00.002-07:002013-06-30T19:25:55.875-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Meatless Monday: Bean and Cheese Burritos<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/06/meatless-monday-bean-and-cheese-burritos.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Meatless Monday: Bean and Cheese Burritos</a>: Bean and Cheese Burrito You can create these filling, healthy burritos in minutes. The beans and cheese have protein, the salsa is a d...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-14822764070729113952013-06-30T19:25:00.000-07:002013-07-01T07:34:18.509-07:00Meatless Monday: Bean and Cheese Burritos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bean and Cheese Burrito</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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You can create these filling, healthy burritos in minutes. The beans and cheese have protein, the salsa is a dramatic addition.<br />
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In the summer, I just use the microwave.<br />
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I put refried beans, cheese and tomatoes in a large flour tortilla. If you have good luck, you may have a muy consada tortilla (very happy.)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0TbAMrkmmw/UdDkZemMTbI/AAAAAAAAZ4s/Hbwy_v-ZQgw/s1600/6+30+13+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0TbAMrkmmw/UdDkZemMTbI/AAAAAAAAZ4s/Hbwy_v-ZQgw/s200/6+30+13+006.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Rolling the burrito is a skill. I tuck the long ends, roll from one side to the other, kind of like baby bunting. Then I put salsa, and cheese on top. I cook them two at a time on a dinner plate in the microwave on medium for four minutes. Cooking times vary with microwaves, so keep an eye on it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks kind of like a blueberry burrito, but those are black beans.</td></tr>
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I chose to make mine with black beans. Everything else is the same. It was surprisingly filling and delicious.<br />
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Mexican food is very versatile and hearty.<br />
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<br />Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299491549859155065.post-37289720980034907032013-06-29T10:22:00.001-07:002013-06-29T10:22:24.617-07:00MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Barbeque or Cookout?<a href="http://tayloreducational.blogspot.com/2013/06/barbeque-or-cookout.html?spref=bl">MzTeachuh's Enjoying Cooking and Gardening: Barbeque or Cookout?</a>: So, you call it barbeque or cookout? We've always called it barbeque. Maybe its a western thing. Mesquite wood, secret re...Melanie Link Taylor, M.A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023815648439302019noreply@blogger.com0