Butternut Squash Ravioli- with Basil Craisin Topping

Butternut Squash Ravioli-
with Basil Craisin Topping

It's been so hot, so humid and so uncomfortable these past 3 days. Yup, we are in a heat wave.  Last night cheeseburgers on the grill sounded like a really great idea!  Topped with a slice of a local fresh tomato sounded even better!  Looking online at the weather I saw that our local weathermen warned us of a severe thunderstorm coming to our area.  Suddenly, the sky looked not so pleasant and there was a strong breeze.  Plans to enjoy that cheeseburger were put on hold and quickly a pot of water was placed on the stove to boil.  Luckily, I had a package of fresh Butternut Squash Ravioli in the fridge!  I boil it for 5 minutes rather than the 4 minutes that are recommended.  While suddenly the thunder and lightning was all around us, it took so little time to get dinner on the table along with a fresh fruit salad.  We sat down to eat.  Before we could take that first bite, our power went out.  About 8 hours later it was restored.

I add dried Basil, Craisins and Olive Oil for a great taste to the prepared Butternut Squash Ravioli.  Click here for recipe.   

It's always a great idea to have a package of quick to prepare Ravioli in the fridge.  You just never know when it will come to the rescue.  That cheeseburger with a slice of local fresh tomato?  Oh, it's on the menu for tonight!

We will Enjoy!
Yummy!
   

The Beauty of Summer!

A closer look brings a great surprise!

We are enjoying the colorful Zinnias in our yard.  They were planted from seeds saved from last year's beautiful flowers.  It's amazing how many seeds one can harvest from one flower!  In the spring the seeds were planted.  They took a bit longer to sprout and grow this year, due to the rainfall we had in this area.  However, once they started growing the flowers have added so much color to our yard.

This Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly flew in one afternoon.  Moving slowly and not too close I was able to snap a photo! A beautiful sight!

Enjoy!

~Peach Freezer Jam~

Peach Freezer Jam

Summer is definitely the time when it seems like all of the local fruits and veggies ripen at the same time.  The juicy blueberries are still available and now local peaches are too!  Ripened local peaches = it's time to prepare Peach Freezer Jam!  That was on my agenda on Monday.  Tuesday afternoon the Peach Freezer Jam was placed in our freezer. 

I use CERTO liquid fruit pectin when prepping this type, too.  The Directions are located inside the box.

(File Photo)

Even though I've been using this product and prepping Freezer Jams for about 40 years, I still reread the Directions every time.  Just in case there are any changes going on.  

The fruit needs to be prepped, first.  The skins of the peaches need to be removed.  An earlier Blog Post I wrote (click here) has more of the details.   

After placing these containers in our freezer I can say, "Mission Accomplished!" 

We will be Enjoying them!
Yummy!             

Blueberry Season

~Local Fresh Blueberries~

It's been that time of year! Time to purchase the local fresh Blueberries!  One morning about a week ago my tradition continued.  

The tradition is freezing Blueberries and Blueberry Freezer Jam!  I wrote the linked highlighted Post exactly two years ago.   

The fresh local blueberries were purchased and in the afternoon they were prepped for our freezer.  Yes, some were saved for munching, for the Jam and also for Blueberry Pancakes!  There was even some to add to cereal to enjoy at breakfast.  Yum and double yum!!

I did write the words "about a week ago".  This past year+ I have been cooking/ baking a lot!  Like so many of you have been.  Well, that led to me not blogging as much.        

Last year I did not prepare the Freezer Jams.  There were some containers left from the previous year and they tasted delicious!  However, this year they are finding their place in our freezer.  If blueberries grow in your area have you purchased them to freeze?  Or to prepare Freezer Jam?  They are so delicious! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!