Secret Ingredient

My family used to spend many summer's at a cabin in the woods of the San Bernardino Mountains. It burned down a few years ago from one of Southern California's many recent wildfires.
So sad.
But at the same time, I still have so many memories of that place.
One of my favorite things to do while there was to play Boobie Trap! It was a spring loaded game that would snap at you if you pulled up the wrong peg.
Well, the other night I made yummy cheesy polenta with a tomato basil sauce spooned over it (sorry, not my own recipe). On the side I made these:


It looked so much like the game of Boobie Trap! I just HAD to take a picture.
It's zucchini. Thickly sliced. I laid them flat in a broiler pan and brushed each round with a teeny tiny bit of olive oil.
(Now here is where I tell you my secret ingredient for zucchini...you may steal it if you wish...my children gobble this stuff up!)
I sprinkle on some kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and...nutmeg! SO delish!
I actually mixed the spices up together first in a small bowl, and then lightly sprinkled over with my fingers.
Then I broiled them till they were nicely caramelized.
Try it!

Summer of Fun

In all my busy-ness and craziness lately, I decided to add some more!
First and foremost let me mention that things have calmed down a bit for me recently.
I got released from my calling in the ward YW presidency :(
And called to be the Beehive adviser :)
I also finished my nutrition class (uh, with an A!)
And am not planning on starting another class until the kiddos are back in school.
For the pure and simple reason that I want to just PLAY! ALL! SUMMER! LONG!
This year is the first year that Evan can really participate in many fun crafts and things.
And might be one of the last years that Allyson would really want to.
Plus, last summer was so ridiculous, that we just want to play this year.
SO! I have come up with LOTS of plans for my "Summer of Fun" with the kids.
Now, if you know me or know my kids (or both), you know that we thrive on schedules.
So despite the fun and games we will enjoy, there will still be routine and still be structure, don't you fret!
I doubt you want details of THAT though.
But, if you are interested in WHAT we are doing...
Here is a link to my calendar, where the major activities are posted.
Although, nothing is set in stone! I'll being changing a few things, I just know it.
And if you have suggestions...suggest away!
If you are interested in joining in our fun...
Just let me know what days you would like to join us!
We'd LOVE the company and friends!

A Revelation

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!
I always have.
But I just realized that as much as I love chocolate...
I prefer fruit for dessert.
Cobblers.
Crisps.
With ice cream of course.
Just delightful!
The other night I made an apple-blueberry crisp.
Nice and hot.
Gooey and crispy.
Sorry no pictures...but I do have a recipe.

Apple-Blueberry Crisp

3 cups chopped granny smith apples
1 cup fresh blueberries
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
6 Tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 375*. Grease an 8x8 pan (bottom and sides) with shortening. Put the apples in the pan and sprinkle the blueberries on top. In a separate bowl mix the sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and nutmeg. Then cut in the butter. Sprinkle the topping over the fruit. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

The Produce Section

We hit a great sale on produce today at Pros Ranch Market. What a fabulous place!!! My mom would have a heyday there!
5 1/2 pound of bananas
Almost 3 pounds of oranges
Just over 2 pounds of pears
Almost 5 pounds of tomatoes
Almost 7 pounds of zucchini
Almost 5 pounds of apples
10 pounds of potatoes
Almost 40 pounds of produce!! And we only spent $14!!
Oh, and the bluecorn tortillas, can't wait to try them.