Mixed Berry Crumble Bars

Mixed Berry Crumble Bars

3 cups 1:1 gluten free flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
zest of one lemon
1-1/2 cups cold unsalted butter, grated, reserve 1/2 cup
1 egg beaten slightly

4-1/2 cups mixed berries of your choice
(I used blueberries and guava)

4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
juice of one lemon
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt

Yeah, a guava isn't a berry but it was what I had on  hand.
Grease a 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Preheat oven to 375 F.
 Mix first group of ingredients in order, reserving 1/2 cup of butter.
Butter could be cubed and cut in with a pastry cutter.

Mix second group of ingredients and stir well.

Pour half of flour mixture into greased baking dish
and press it all down firmly. Add berry mixture on top.
Spread berry mixture evenly over pressed flour. 
Mix reserved half cup butter with remaining flour mixture.

Mixture will be crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture over the berries.
Bake for 45 minutes till top gets slightly browned.
Let cool, then cut into squares.
Quite sweet and oh so delicious!

Changing Vegetables to Flowering Plants

 

Changing Vegetables to Flowering Plants

Eastern Redbud (above)

Autumn Joy Sedum

Hazy Aster Dark Pink

We've used the same planting plan for this next bin.
The redbud tree is in the middle and 
a sedum and aster on either side of the tree.
All of the plants we are choosing are cold hardy.
This bin takes less water once established.

Our impetus for changing from vegetables
is for a more permanent landscape
which also requires less care and watering
and improves the overall look of our gardens.
I must say the change is rather impressive
to the whole look of the garden.

Buckwheat Cereal

Buckwheat Cereal

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup buckwheat groats
pinch of salt

berries of your choice
bit of milk

In a small saucepan heat water till boiling,
then add buckwheat groats and salt, 
simmer covered for 15 minutes, watch closely.
Let sit for 5 minutes, then place in a bowl and fluff.

Add a bit of milk and berries of your choice.
If desired, add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup.
Very tasty and nutritious too.

Finally Found a Camper

Finally Found a Camper

We've been looking for what seems like eons for a camper
with no leaks or water damage and in good condition.
Yesterday we finally found one, yippee!
It's a Jayco Baja, very well made and light weight.
We were lucky to find it in the next town over,
and the price was very reasonable.

The interior is small but has everything we need.
A walk around queen bed, dinette, cook top,
fridge, microwave, heat and air, TV, stereo,
and a bathroom. It even has an electric awning.

Amazingly the owner put on new tires and packed the bearings.
We're both looking forward to taking a shake down trip.
Then when the weather gets cool we'll go to the beach
for a long needed vacation and to celebrate.