Our New Addition to our Family

In the last few months, Gracie, now 2 1/2 has been expressing herself like a dog, barking, whinning, licking, etc.  This is a normal for a two and a half year old to emulate animals!  She just loves dogs..... all animals for that matter!  Every time she see's a dog she wants to pet it and give it a hug, so she is learning that this is not possible every time she comes in contact with a dog.  Maybe this came from watching Disneys 101 Dalmations over and over and over again!

We found this little guy and thought that it might be good for her to have a companion.  She just loves him and is learning how to take care of him.  

Highlands Ace came into Gracie's life, the day after Thanksgiving 2013. 

Seven weeks old on November 29.

Salmon Cakes/Patties with Mango Salsa ~ Paleo Style

I had a friend that shared her recipe book with me, I found several good tasting recipes in this book.  I will share this one with you, that my family really enjoyed.

2 - 6 ounce cans of wild salmon, drained

2 eggs, beaten

3 tablespoons minced shallots

1 - 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

2 tablespoons green onions (Scallions), minced

1 teaspoon savory spice blend (see the blend below)

2 teaspoons gluten-free mustard (optional)

1 - 2 teaspoons coconut flour (optional)

1/4 cup coconut oil or butter

Combine the salmon, eggs, shallots, garlic, green onions, savory spice blend, and mustard (optional0 in a small mixing bowl.  If the consistency is runny, sift the coconut flour over the mixture, and combine well.

In a large pan over medium heat, melt enough coconut oil to create a layer about 1/4 inch thick.  Form the salmon mixture into 4 equally sized patties, and place them in the pan, all at once or 2 at a time.  Allow the patties to brown on one side before flipping, and cook all the way through.

Serve warm or as leftovers.

Savory Spice Blend



1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
½ tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt


For the Mango Salsa Recipe.... I posted this back on November 5, 2011

Grilled Chicken with Spicy Peach Glaze

I was searching through some recipes on the Food Network site for something new to make for the family and found a couple recipes, and of cource I want to pass them along to all of you!

I'm serving this Grilled Chicken with Spicy Peach Sauce this week and will be serving it with Zucchini Gratin which I will post next week for you also.  This Spicy Peach Glazed Chicken is a Bobby Flay recipe.

Yields 8 servings

Easy

Ingredients

Spicy Peach Glaze:

2 cups peach preserves or jam

1 Tablespoon finely chopped garlic

3 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons soy sauce

1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

1 small jalapeno, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground Pepper

8 Frenched chicken breasts

4 ripe peaches, cut in half & pitted

Directions

Combine Spicy Peach Glaze ingredients in a medium bowl and season with salt & pepper to taste, Reserve 1/2 cup for later.

Preheat grill.  Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Place skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until golden brown.  Turn over and continue cooking for 5 to 6 minutes.

Brush both side with the peach glaze and continue cooking an additional 4 to 5 minutes. 

Place peach halves, cut side down on the grill and grill for 2 minutes.  Turn over and brush with the reserved 1/2 cup of peach glaze, grill for 3 to 4 minutes until peaches are soft.

Taking Gracie to Tom's Farm in Corona, California

 

Our trip to Tom's Farm in Corona, California with Gracie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gracie trying to feed the goat, but she is being very cautious....  last time they went to the petting zoo a little goat nibbled on her finger trying to get his goodies she was trying to feed him.  

 

Gracie and Papa, and Nana waiting for the train ride at the farm.  Her excitement was just so refreshing to see.  Of course she wanted to ride it again, but we talk her into the magic show, she loved that too! 

 

Her first time riding a carousel and she loved it.... she didn't want to get off.   We had to ride several times!

         

There was such a fascination about riding the horses and looking at herself in the mirrors as she went round and round.  She got a big smile every time she saw herself in the mirrors as she passed by one of them as you see in the middle picture.   

 

 

At this young age (these pics - amost 2 years old) she is already showing a interest in horses more than most other animals!  But I still think that dogs are her number one.    

Peter Rabbit Rag Quilts

I've made several of these baby rag quilts now and I think I might have it down to a fine art.  It doesn't take long to make one at all now!

Here is pictures of the front side and back side, this one is three layers of flannel squares.  I did the middle layer in tan for a nice contrast in color and to make a warmer blanket.  When I started making this one I didn't know whether Gracie was a boy or girl.... but I didn't think that a little lavender would hurt any little boy or that a little blue would hurt any little girl for that matter!  I didn't choose a pink color because I'm partial to purples.

This quilt was made with 6 inch flannel squares, and is about 35 inches in length and width. Flannel squares colors used was sage green, tan, medium blue and lavender and cream.

This cream colored rag quilt is Gracie's (Linus Blanket), she takes this one everywhere!  It gets dirty fast because of the color and it has held up well for sometimes getting a washing twice a week!  This one is two layers thick and both sides are the same color.  This rag quilt was made with 8 inches flannel squares, and is about 35 inches in length and width also.  It also is just a little lighter in weight and makes a nice summertime blanket.

Here is pictures of the front side and back side of this baby rag quilt, this one has two layers of flannel squares.   It has a nice contast in color since the back side is different colors than the front side.  

This quilt was made with 8 inch flannel squares, and is about 49 inches in length and width. Flannel squares colors used was cream, medium tan, light tan.  

If any one is interested in peter rabbit embroideried quilt squares so you can make your own baby blanket, just let me know and I could do a custom order for you.... I can make the embroideried squares and put them in my etsy shop as a custom order for you.    You can contact me thru my blogger profile here on my blog, which is an email or contact me thru my web page here in my profile which take you to my etsy shop.

I would love to help you create a special memory for someone special in your life!