Out of Hibernation

Has it really been that long?

I have missed my dear blog friends,
but alas, I have not been hibernating...

(although winter doesn't want to end around here)

(the squirrels don't seem to mind)








My routine for the past weeks has been this.....

lots of this....

as well as this....

My elderly MIL had been staying with us...
(she now is residing with a friend)


Lack of privacy and time have kept me from pursuing one of my greatest pleasures...


But enough with the excuses. 

;)




This post is probably a month overdue...
(sorry dear Dzintra!)


Our latest Donna Hay cook-up was from the glorious Christmas issue....

Please visit HERE to see Dzintra's gorgeous meal!






Our menu consisted of 
"Dill and Horseradish Patties 
with Beetroot Tzatziki"
p. 39
(recipe called for beef... I used salmon)

This was probably the yummiest DH meal we've eaten so far...
(it may be because we are crazy about Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine)
The recipe calls for store-bought tzatziki, but I made my own...
so easy, and you can control the garlic level.
The beets added a nice crunch and beautiful color, and the cucumber/parsley accompaniment was a fresh taste of spring....




For dessert, I took a risk, and attempted to make
"Honeycomb"
p. 146

This has always been one of my favorite sweets, and with only four ingredients, 
how difficult could it be?
(ha)



bubbling up nicely...

gorgeous, caramel color...
just right....

Wish I had a pretty picture to show you of the final product...

The joke was on me...

haha

Unfortunately it went very wrong and never hardened....
totally my fault...
I don't think I boiled the mixture long enough.

I'll try again another time!


To make-up for the candy fiasco, I made some simple and addictively delicious
"hedgehogs"...
(Russian translation sounds far cuter)
:)

This is a treat my paternal Grandmother had on hand at all times 
(supposedly the recipe came from a family friend)

Easy, delicious, and healthy...


1 c. of chopped walnuts
1 c. of raisins
1 egg
1/4 c. sugar
2 T. of flour 

Mix and drop by spoonfuls on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

It wasn't "Honeycomb", but it satisfied our sweet tooth...
and brought back sweet memories...
:)



I'm also playing with color...

here's a teeny preview...

at least flowers are blooming on canvas...

 ;)


I hope all is wonderful with you, and I'm so looking forward to visiting!


Love and Blessings
xoxo