Nature and Life Notes

Snowy Day

Here are some photographs from our snowfall yesterday. The photo above includes a white throat sparrow, dark eyed junco, goldfinch and female cardinal – four different birds all sitting on same branch in the snow. While the temperature is in the single digits today, hopefully warmer weather and spring will be here soon. Snow fell…

Pork Roast and Apples

Boneless pork roasts make a wonderful dinner anytime of the year. Use your favorite marinade to to add extra flavor to the roast. Here is one of my favorite marinades or you can mix a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped garlic, onion and a little sugar. This recipe includes sliced apples for a…

Tumblr Anyone?

Tumblr is another blogging platform that is easy to use to post photos, videos, quotes and to share favorite websites. I am using Tumblr as another way of sharing and viewing nature photos. If you have a Tumblr account, let me know and I will follow you. I am always interesting in seeing great photos….

Sunrise

A colorful morning as we wait for another snowstorm. I am ready for butterflies, flowers and warm weather!

Winter’s Joy

We are having a cold winter with some snow but the snow is not as deep as last winter. One of the joys of the winter is watching the birds at the feeders. Their color and constant motion add beauty to the cold winter. For feeding we use five main types of food – black…

Trust

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ~Matthew 6:26

Apple Brownies

I love the small and taste of any type of baked apple goodies. This is a variation on apple cake which is thinner like a brownie. If you want a more butterscotch flavor, substitute the two cups of dark brown sugar for the light brown and white sugar. Apple Brownies 1 cup chopped pecans 1…

Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup

Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup 5 1/2 tablespoons butter, divided 1 1/3 cups chopped carrots 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped yellow onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth 3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed potatoes 3 cups chopped broccoli florets 1/4 tsp dried thyme Salt and freshly ground black pepper 6…

His Eye is on the Sparrow

“I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” ~Civilla D. Martin

Oatmeal Jam Squares

This is an easy recipe for making a quick dessert. Use your favorite jam or jelly for the filling. I had an excess of blackberry jam so that is what I used. Would also be very good with raspberry jam (my favorite!). Oatmeal Jam Squares 1 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour…

Cider Date Nut Quick No Knead Bread

I am enjoying using the quicker version of the wonderful no-knead bread baked in cast iron at high temperature which yields a bakery style crusty bread. The “quicker” version uses more yeast and starts with warm liquid. Here is another version using apple cider for part of the liquid, dried apples, dates and nuts –…

Chili Con Carne (No Beans)

There is nothing like chili on a cold winter night. Here is a version with no beans that is easy to make and will warm a snowy evening. 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (coarse grind) 1/2 cup green peppers, chopped 1/2 to 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped 1/2 cup onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2…

Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake

I had an excess of Greek yogurt in the refrigerator so went looking for a coffee cake using yogurt rather than sour cream. This makes a moist cake with a sweet cinnamon center and topping. Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake 3/4 cup butter, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 1/2…

Seeking Early

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” – Proverbs 8:17

Quick Multi-Grain No Knead Bread

Here is another variation of a quicker version of no-knead bread. This bread uses whole wheat flour, oats and flax seeds to make a chewy bread with a wonderful crusty outside. Quick Multi-Grain No-Knead Bread 1 ⅓ cups warm water 2 ¼ teaspoons granulated yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar 1 1/2 cups all-purpose…

Raspberry Streusel Bars

I look forward to summer when I can pick my own fresh raspberries. Until then, I will take advantage of the California berries that are available in the grocery stores. I have posted several different raspberry bar recipes. Here is another version using jam and fresh raspberries and topped with a steusel topping. Enjoy! Raspberry…

Dutch Crunch Bread (Rolls)

These are as great as they look! I saw this recipe online and and immediately wanted to try the recipe as it reminded me of rolls we got many years ago when living in a different area. In some areas, this is also called “tiger rolls”. The unique crust is formed by coating the balls…

Chewy Cherry Almond Bars

Use your favorite preserves to make a chewy bar full of oats and almonds. Enjoy! Chewy Cherry Almond Bars 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups packed brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 egg 1 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups regular rolled oats 1/2 cup sliced almonds 1 12 ounce jar…

Quick Cranberry-Nut No-Knead Bread

Here is another adaptation of the no-knead bread that is quicker that the traditional method where the dough rises overnight. The “quicker” versions use more yeast and start with warm water for the sponge. The bread is like the traditional bakery bread with a crusty outside and soft, tender interior. Yum! Quick Cranberry-Nut No-Knead Bread…

Apple Cider Oatmeal Pancakes

The oatmeal adds a rich texture and the cider and cinnamon flavor can’t be beat! The recipe is easy – just mix everything together and drop on a hot griddle. Great for a weekend breakfast when you have a little more time. Enjoy! Apple Cider Oatmeal Pancakes 1 cup flour 1 cup rolled oats 2…