July 4th Fruit Kabobs

Are you going to a July 4th picnic or family gathering??  I saw these ideas for fresh fruit kabobs and loved them.  I think any kids in your family will too. All you need are strawberries, blue berries, water melon, bananas, wooden skewers and a star shaped cookie cutter.  How simple!   

Happy Munching!

~ Connie

Garden Report

 

I thought perhaps it was time for a garden update.  Back in March I posted about starting my seedlings but I have not mentioned gardening since then.  We had some weather challenges here in Iowa this Spring, but I did finally get the seedlings hardened off and planted in the garden by the end of May.  That is about 2 weeks behind my goal of mid May but we have had decent rain in June and things are looking pretty good. The tomatoes and peppers are liking the upper 80s weather we have been having lately. 

We planted 4 varieties of tomatoes, green beans, yellow onions, bell peppers, a jalapeno pepper, one summer squash, a zucchini and 3 cucumbers.  I also have an established asparagus patch and an herb garden.  In another few weeks I am sure we will have fresh veggies and plenty for freezing and canning.

Sweet corn should be ready around here just after the Fourth of July so I will be hitting up the stands and freezing that soon too.  I typically get 12-14 dozen ears and prep that for my freezer.  Nothing is better than Iowa sweet corn in the middle of winter! 😄  I will add some posts soon all about my canning and freezing of summer veggies.

Come weed any time!

~Connie

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

 

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Preheat oven to 350.  Spread 8 oz. softened cream cheese in a shallow ungreased baking dish

Layer with 1 and 1/2 c cooked diced or shredded chicken. Mix together 1/2 c buffalo wing sauce and 1/2 c ranch dressing, pour over chicken layer.  Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.  Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes.  Serve with crackers or french bread slices or pita chips.

Enjoy the yum!

Summer entertaining

I don't know about you but sometimes for me the thought of entertaining family and friends can feel a little overwhelming.  I have been trying this year to have the kids out once a month, but that sometimes is challenging with everyone's family schedules.  I keep trying though.  I have settled on Saturday of the last weekend of the month.  It's casual and the menu is basic with a make ahead or crockpot main dish. The important things are the family visiting,  a craft or game time for the grandkids and laughter for all.

Find time to make special memories with those you love.

In June the family meal is instead a double baby shower for my daughter and daughter-in-law!  Can't wait for these new little ones to join the bunch.

~Connie

Black Raspberry Muffins

 

Our acres have numerous berry patches, with the birds spreading them to even more areas each summer.  The first we enjoy are the black raspberries in mid to late June.  So in honor of the upcoming berry picking I thought I would share a yummy muffin recipe for your breakfast and snacking pleasure.

Black Raspberry Muffins

2 large eggs

1/2 c vegetable oil

3/4 c sugar

3/4 c buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 c flour

1 and 1/2 c black raspberries

Streusel Topping

1/4 c flour

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 375 and butter a muffin tin or use liners.  Prepare streusel topping. Combine ingredients until crumbly and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs, oil, sugar, buttermilk and extract.  Whisk in baking powder, soda and salt.  Fold in flour. When flour is well incorporated then fold in berries.

Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and add streusel topping.  Bake in preheated oven for 25-27 minutes.  Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Hope you enjoy these with your morning coffee.  I know I will.

~Connie

Summer Outfit Formulas

Well, the weather of mid west summer is here in central Iowa. 😓 Can you tell I am not especially a fan of hot summer weather??!  I don't really love myself in shorts anymore. Yes, I have one of those milestone birthdays coming up this year! 😕 But I certainly don't want to roast in jeans every time I have to head into town for errands.  So I have been working out some summer outfit formulas that can be my quick go to outfits this summer.

Formula #1 - A Jean Skirt and Top

 (This works for every top I would normally wear with jeans, so there are numerous combos in my closet.  So quick to grab and go too!)

Formula #2 - A Khaki Skirt and Top 

(Again this basic skirt works with most any summer top in my closet.  Another quick grab and go!)

Two other formulas that I wear often are a grey sport skort that goes with most tops I own and a couple of easy breezy tee shirt dresses.  Hope this info helps you create some go to outfit formulas of your own. 😉 Stay cool!

~Connie

Crockpot BBQ Ribs

 

My crockpot is a go to in the summer, as it doesn't heat up my whole kitchen in the hot weather.  This recipe for pork ribs is super simple and a summer favorite of mine and all the BBQ fans in the family.

BBQ Pork Ribs in the Crockpot  

2 pounds lean spare ribs 

1 cup beef broth

1/2 cup water

2 Tbsp maple syrup

2 Tbsp honey

3 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp BBQ sauce

1/2 tsp dry mustard

Broil ribs 10 minutes per side to brown or grill briefly to sear.

Cool and cut apart ribs into serving size pieces for the crockpot.

Whisk together all other ingredients and pour over ribs in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.  Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Enjoy!

NEW DESIGNS! Cards by PRAIRIE CHICK

I've been in kind of a funk this week... worrying about my widowed mother and in laws who have health issues. BUT since worries don't change anything I am trying to focus on making and sending fun cards! I have added some new designs, so if you are looking for cute mail to send to loved ones, please check out my handmade cards.

You can find my Etsy shop here - PrairieChickStudio

~ Connie