Friday, August 21, 2015

Another Great Porch

This looks like a great place to gather and enjoy the outdoors without being in direct sun. Porches are nice in the evenings too, aren't they? Thankfully, our bug season is over and you can enjoy being outside once again without getting eaten alive. Have a great weekend. via

Wonderful Round Wood Stacker

This would be great on a covered porch. Shop here.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Spectacular Fall Topiary - Wales

A beautiful scene in the UK. I don't think we have this tree/shrub in the US. Isn't it spectacular? via

Zucchini Crescent Pie - Yum!

Is your garden overflowing with zucchini? Try this recipe and be glad.
This was a Pillsbury Bake Off winner in 1980 and the recipe is still going strong. One baker makes these changes: 
Try 1/2 teaspoon of herbs de Provence instead of the oregano and basil. It simplifies the recipe ever so slightly and adds a little flavor boost.
Substitute Parmesan for the mozzarella for a more savory pie.
Use whatever mustard you keep on hand - Dijon and even whole-ground mustard.
Feel free to make your own pie crust if you have a fail-proof recipe.

Original recipe:
2 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter
4 cups thinly sliced zucchini
1 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 LAND O LAKES® Eggs, well beaten
2 cups shredded Muenster or mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
2 teaspoons yellow mustard

Heat oven to 375°F. In 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and onions; cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in parsley flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil and oregano.
In large bowl, mix eggs and cheese. Add cooked vegetable mixture; stir gently to mix.
Separate dough into 8 triangles. Place in ungreased 10-inch glass pie plate, 12x8-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish or 11-inch quiche pan; press over bottom and up sides to form crust. Firmly press perforations to seal. Spread crust with mustard. Pour egg mixture evenly into crust-lined pie plate.
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. If necessary, cover edge of crust with strips of foil during last 10 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Outdoor Dining in Tuscany

Wouldn't this be a delightful place to enjoy a meal? It takes a while, but you really can create some shade where there was none. via

Nantucket Staircase and Entrance Hall

Shall we go upstairs or down? This is a Nantucket house on Howard Street. via

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Delightful Bedroom Wing

This stone wing is fabulous. I'll bet these people can't wait to wake up every morning and bound outside to greet the day. The rest of the house appears to be on a small scale and I'm sure it's very nice too. via

Simple Plantings

Simply beautiful too. via