Friday, May 21, 2010

Recipe for a Fun Spring Day

I'm so glad my Mum and I were able to head to Niagara-on-the-Lake yesterday for our postponed "birthday trip" (her birthday, not mine.) The weather was perfect and because it's early in the season, there were no crowds - just a nice amount of people on the street for a change. In fact, when we first got there, it was almost like we had the whole village to ourselves!




















We had fun window shopping. I was extremely tempted to purchase one of these "vintage-style" tea towels but at $7.00 a piece, I couldn't bring myself to do it. They were lots of fun though! My favourite read: "I do believe it's important to eat 3 square meals a day - that's why chocolates come in a box!" 


I did buy a new pair of sunglasses - Yeah for purple sunglasses!








We had lunch at the Shaw Cafe (chicken salad with walnuts, blue cheese, and poached pear for me, turkey club on a ciabatta bun for my Mum). It was so peaceful to sit on the patio listening to the fountain in their courtyard and enjoy the sunshine. Felt like a mini-European holiday! 


















The town is beautifully maintained and we enjoyed the flowers so much.
















Especially this amazing Japanese Tree Peony in front of someone's house.

















Here's a close-up:

Today is a bit mundane after such a wonderful day, but I have had fun making two batches of rhubarb freezer jam. Here's the recipe for anyone interested:

6 cups of finely chopped rhubarb
3 cups of sugar
1 package of strawberry or raspberry Jello
enough water to cook the rhubarb

Mix the rhubarb and sugar and cook in a heavy-bottom pot with just enough water so it won't scald on the bottom. Bring it to the boil and then let it boil for at least 15 minutes. Take off of the heat and add the dry Jello powder stirring well to incorporate. Fill glass or plastic containers. Let cool then refrigerate or freeze.

I also discovered the most AMAZING scone recipe today sort of by accident. I wanted something delicious to bring to my husband for a snack this afternoon that would highlight some of the freshly-made rhubarb jam. So I decided to make scones and couldn't find my usual recipe so I googled one and tried it.

They tasted every bit as good as they look!  Here's the recipe:

Whisk together 2 c. all purpose flour, 1/4 c sugar, 2 tsp baking powder & 1/4 tsp salt.  Cut in 1/3 cup of cold butter (I used vegetable shortening). In separate bowl, beat together 1 egg, 1/2 c milk, 1 tsp. vanilla. Add to the flour/shortening mix. Mix just until incorporated. Make scone size balls and pat them into flat round shape. Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet at 375 for 18 minutes. The recipe made 8 really good size scones for me. The recipe said to knead and roll out the dough but I've always found that tends to make them a little tougher so I favour the "pat into a glob" technique instead. Although if you followed the original instructions, the scones would probably turn out much smoother on top then mine did. As you can see from the picture, mine look a little bumpety on top.  :)

7 comments:

  1. Looks like a fun day for you and your mom. Cool sunglasses.

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  2. That jam sounds tasty! Your blog is so cute! I am a new follower!

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  3. Happpy Birthday to your Mum! Your day at Niagra on the Lake seemed perfect. Loved the jam recipe, so thanks for sharing it and for visiting my blog. But are you following me?

    I'm following you now, so come back and click my follow button so we can be friends.
    Smile. http://hauplight.blogspot.com/

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  4. Yes Haupi, I'm following you. I love those idea for a garden and my mind is swirling for ideas of how to incorporate them somewhere. Can't wait to give it a try! :)

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  5. Hello Ro,

    Thank-you so much fellow Canuck for stopping by my Journal.
    I thoroughly enjoyed those beautiful pictures you posted.
    Had several inoculations today so arms very sore and heading to bed.

    Blessings,

    ALBERTA Lori (in the rain, rain, rain) but you know May 24th. no matter what the campers get out.

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  6. Thanks Lori. It's threatening to rain here in Ontario too but you're right - the campers will get out regardless! Happy Victoria Day Weekend to you. Hope you have a bit of a rest.

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  7. Yay for new rhubarb recipes. I saw the photo of scone-n-jam and was instantly transported back in time....I need a proper tea, and soon !

    xoxo dc

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