GARDENS ARE SUMMER READY and RECIPES FROM ESTELLE'S KITCHEN

 
Good Morning Kindred Spirits....
I so hope this finds you living your best life....
Let it be noted, that we have been successful and productive
in preparing and planting ALL of the containers with new
potting soil, new plants and seeds for the coming summer and fall seasons.
You know, last year I really did very little in the way of gardening...
and I found it did not bring us the joy it would have if I had only put 
in the efforts I should have...lesson learned.



This year, we chose the following plants and seeds to cultivate....
Rose of Sharon
Sun Patients
Marigolds
Zinnias
Fox Tail Fern
Lantana
Morning Glory
Nasturtiums
Wisteria
Four O' Clocks

I just happened upon this butterfly in the side yard
and it was one of those little gifts of the day you never expect.....

Gardening can be a rather expensive investment these days,
but the reward of beauty and enjoyment is so worth it....
The weather has been sheer perfection the past weeks,
so it's important to get outdoors and just soak in some sun rays
and connect with nature.....

There is no better way than to enjoy the spring....

A light lunch on the patio is one of our favorite things to do.....

And, another fun fact, is to plant seeds and watch

what transforms as you watch them grow....

My Rose of Sharon this year, will be  mix of pinks....

I love planting Nasturtium....not sure why...I just love them

This will be the look in the front planter.....
really looking forward to this

Lastly, our big job, is to power wash 
oy vey....this is probably going to take us a week.....
but, it's going to get done...and I am so ready.....
what did y'all choose for your gardens this year?

IT'S GONNA BE GOOD Y'ALL

Here is a delicious breakfast idea..
two eggs, brioche bread, smoked gouda cheese,
iceberg lettuce, avocado and cherry tomatoes...
makes a fabulous breakfast sandwich

the well known Italian Penicillin Chicken soup.....
a homemade broth of stock, celery, carrots and onions....
with pastina pasta and fresh parmesan.....

And, when is the last time you baked a delicious

Butterscotch Pie with a beautiful meringue?

Life can be good when you make the most of your days.....

IT'S ITALIAN DINNER TONIGHT AT ESTELLE'S

Hello Loves....
how in the world are y'all doing today?
I don't know about you, but I love
finding delicious recipes, that have few ingredients
and are worthy of serving to the Queen herself!!!
Most everyone loves Italian cuisine and I have
added two recipes to my collection that
you will definitely want to try!
With today's high grocery prices,
these are easy on the budget!

...welcome back to Estelle's!
I have got two fabulous recipes to share with you today...
if you are like me, you could eat pasta everyday.....and this
recipe is so easy to prepare with few ingredients....
I chose to use Angel Hair pasta in this recipe and it was just about perfect.....

You can use chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe...
I prefer using chicken thighs in most recipes because
they are most always tender and flavorful.....

Recipe link is provided below

Oh that glorious dollop of Ricotta and Marinara sauce....divine....

LASAGNA CHICKEN BAKE

ITALIAN RICOTTA CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE

This cake is company worthy....
it can be served for breakfast, a snack or a light dessert.....

Recipe link is provided here

ITALIAN CHOCOLATE CHIP RICOTTA CAKE

BIRTHDAY DINNER FOR HIM and THE TOTAL ECLIPSE

Good Morning Kindred Spirits....
I hope this finds you feeling good and happy...
we celebrated a family birthday this week
of one of our kiddos...and
it was a fun-filled event....
a concert with his brother and friends,
an evening in Arlington attending a
Texas Ranger baseball game and then
a special dinner with Mom and Dad!
 

Memories from Maine....

a day in Cape Elizabeth

Love this one of a zen moment on the beach.....

I thought it might be nice to share our menu for this special celebration...

it was casual, and so delicious....

preparing a special dinner for your family can be considered your

love language......

THE MENU

Million Dollar Dip
Shrimp Tacos with Citrus Slaw
Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake



This is a really good appetizer dip
made with ranch seasoning, sour cream, cream cheese,
shredded cheddar and crispy bacon.....men love this....

Even better topped with some strawberry jam....

The maine course was grilled shrimp....the Barefoot Contessa way...

I decided to crisp up the flour tortillas for these tacos
and this really kicked it up a notch...I plan on doing this next time too....

The slaw had a fresh citrus dressing made with orange juice, fresh lime juice,
a bit of sour cream and jalapenos....

so fresh and tangy.....

These shrimp tacos tasted so fresh and light....

I also prepared a Strawberry Cheesecake layered with angel food cake....

I think he may have really enjoyed his special dinner.....

Now, it was outdoors to experience the Total Eclipse.....

I mean to tell you, this was a awesome experience....
it was magical, spiritual and awe inspiring.....
total nighttime darkness and silence.....



to me, it was God speaking to us all.....

BEST BREAKFAST QUICHE

Good Morning Loves....
I have received a request to share the recipe for the Quiche....

 

This is my go-to recipe which I have served so often, I have lost count....

This is a very versatile recipe..
I sometimes make this with spinach

It is so simple to prepare with few ingredients 
and turns out perfectly every time

Try serving your juice on a pretty platter

Grapefruit juice for a morning wake-up sleepy heads.....
It's all in the details....

4 Eggs, slightly beaten
3 cups grated Swiss and Cheddar Cheese
1 stalk of green onion, diced
8 ounces of frozen broccoli cuts
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1 store bought pie shell

In a pie plate, prepare the room temperature pie crust.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place the grated cheeses, broccoli, onion in the pie shell.
Mix eggs, cream and Parmesan together and pour
over the ingredients.
Bake for 1 hour.

Hope y'all enjoy this recipe!
See ya' soon.....

EASTER BRUNCH 2024

We were blessed with a beautiful Easter Sunday
here in the great state of Texas...
we so hope that your gathering was lovely as well....
here are the highlights of our delightful family Easter....
and we certainly missed a few family members....

I have always felt that Peter Rabbit should be featured
somewhere on the table at Easter...it's tradition in my home....
a well loved story since childhood.....

Adding vintage glassware will always delight your guests....
I found these beautiful highball glasses on Amazon.....
perfect for special celebrations.....

We can add a touch of BUBBLES to the Limeade or Grapefruit juice.....

Another tradition...Brach's Jelly Beans....

Tulips seems to be a favorite of mine at Easter...

It brings me such joy to bring out special serving pieces on holidays....



It was a casual late afternoon brunch....



Lucy was front and center, as always...waiting for a treat
before the guests arrived....



The menu was carefully planned and I must say....
everything was absolutely delicious...
My Midnight Broccoli Quiche

A delightful combination of broccoli, green onions,
swiss and cheddar cheese and heavy cream

Roasted new potatoes....

Ham all hot and seasoned from the crockpot

Homemade Blueberry Muffins

There is nothing that speaks to Spring, than a wreath made with lemons

Sweet little bunnies....for a centerpiece

Russell Stover bunnies are simply a tradition

Lemon Cream Cheese Puff Pastry

Family

The darling and me....

Down in Midland, the grandchildren
created a lovely Easter dinner with 
Abbie setting a beautiful table...
grilled steaks, mashed potatoes, green beans and
hashbrown casserole....so proud of them!

The Atlanta family is enjoying spring break in Puerto Rico

They were married in Puerto Rico, so it certainly was
a lovely idea to return for a week of rest and relaxation