My Favorite Summer Sandwich

I've noticed there are lots of avocados in the produce departments now so I thought I'd share this with you.  I love making a sandwich with sliced avocado, cream cheese, and bacon on  multi-grain bread.

Also, there's a little restaurant in my area that serves the best bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich.  She adds fresh basil leaves and you wouldn't believe what a wonderful addition the basil is.

Do you have a favorite summer sandwich you'd like to share?

We have severe storms and high winds heading toward our area so I guess I'll finish this and get out the flashlights.  All three corgi girls have to get on my bed when it storms and it gets pretty crowded.  The temperature in Central Virginia was over 100 today and broke a record.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the upcoming holiday.

Flea Market Find

Now that the weather is warmer, the Saturday flea market that love is back! Last weekend I found some real bargains. This hammered aluminum condiment set was $4. A few weeks ago I shared pictures of some of the pieces I've collected over the years and this pattern matches several of them.

I took this picture of a chess set at an estate a few days ago. I love the salt and pepper shaker players. What a clever idea! Last Christmas I made angels out of shakers similar to these so when I look at this picture, I see lots of angels. I didn't buy the game, I just took the picture to share with you.

And last, I went out with a friend last night and this is what I saw when I came home and opened the front door. These are my two black kitties who are not supposed to be in that chair. Do they look guilty or what?



Happy Fall!

One of my favorite things about fall is "cool weather" foods. This past weekend I made a five-quart dutch oven of homemade vegetable soup.  My soup never tastes the same because I use different ingredients each time I make it (which means whatever I have on hand).  My mother always added a can of tomato soup and a few drops of Worcestershire Sauce to her soup broth, so I like to add these two items also. 

Sweet potato pies are another of my favorites.  I can't wait to bake this recipe as soon as I pick up fresh potatoes.

Sweet Potato Pie

2 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed

4 eggs

1 stick margarine

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 teas. each of:  vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon

1 large can Pet evaporated milk

2 pie crust shells

Bake 1 hour at 325.  Makes two pies

Optional:  Add one cup coconut

Cold Oven Pound Cake

I've been using this pound cake recipe for many years.  It originally came from a lady who grew up on Tangier Island, a tiny island just off the coast of Virginia.   This sandcastle cake I baked  today is a gift for my young  neighbor who always helps with my corgi girls.

Cold Oven Pound Cake

Cream 2 sticks margarine or butter and 1/2 cup vegetable oil (Wesson) and 3 cups sugar gradually until grains disappear.  Add 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 cup milk, blend.  Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating until dissolved; add 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 t. salt, 1 t. lemon and 1 t. vanilla or 2 t. vanilla.

Pour into a well greased (I use Bakers Joy spray with flour) tube pan; put in a cold oven.  Turn oven on 325 degrees and bake for 1 hour - raise temperature to 350 and bake 30 minutes longer.  Do Not open oven at all until cake is done (1 1/2 hours).

Cranberry Salad

I've used this fresh cranberry salad recipe for many years and it's wonderful!  Try it with your Thanksgiving dinner.

Coming up in about two weeks I will be posting my 100th blog and I think it's time I have a giveaway.  The first person to comment on that day or become a follower will get a personalized gift.  Can't tell you the exact date but it will be December.  What fun!