My Herb Garden

Ta-da! I now have fresh herbs right outside my kitchen door! I planted cilantro, mint, basil, parsley, and something else that I'm not sure of. I love my washtub that's the base- a $4.50 flea market find! I wasn't sure about mixing terra cotta pots with the washtub and watering can, but I think it looks right cute! What 'cha think?

My cousins, Boone, Eli, and Ryland, came to town last week! They are triplets about to turn 5! Elaine, Teresa, and I had such a fun time spending the evening with them. We watched Alvin and the Chipmunks and ate ice cream. They were on their best behavior and were rewarded with paratrooper toys that we played with until Angie and Doc came to get them. We don't get to see them very often so it was a real treat to spend some time with them. You can see from the picture that Sam was the most excited! :)

Spring Break

When my computer decides to act right, I will post pictures of some of the fun things I did this week. Stay tuned!

My go-to dish

I made my favorite appetizer for a school meeting on Wednesday. It's so good and always gets rave reviews. But the best part- it is so EASY! It is an unusual combination of flavors, but I think that's what makes it so good! My friend, Jan, made it for our tailgate one time. I use the recipe out of one of Paula Deen's cookbooks. It is said that Jimmy Carter brought this recipe to the White House- a southern favorite. Here goes!

Strawberry Cheese Ring

Ingredients
16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
cayenne pepper
1 cup strawberry preserves

Directions
1Combine all the ingrdients except preserves in a food processor or electic mixer.
2Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
3Scoop mixture onto a platter.
4Use your hands to mold mixture into a ring formation.
5Spread strawberry preserves in the center of ring.
6Serve with buttery crackers