A Tuscan-Inspired Day

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Here is a glimpse at an arrangement I put together today. The request was for the the blooms to capture a Tuscan feel. The sun's affable rays came lovingly shown into the shop, and for a moment I thought that I was 'Under the Tuscan Sun.'

If only I lived in the house that Frances did. 

Oh, and had her face. 

Happy Friday! 

One for my Husband: Irish Soda Bread (2 ways!)

Pin It Now! My husband has a great name.

Tim Malloy. 

It's sturdy. It's timeless. And also quite Irish.

This time of year brings out the pride of those having Irish ancestry, especially in Philadelphia. Beer and mustaches are dyed green for the feast day of St. Patrick. The St. Patty's Day Parade is also a time of great celebration in the streets of Philadelphia.

Great. But, what does this have to do with my husband?

Very often people will comment on how Irish his name is, the comments reach a height during the month of March. This is most likely because his name is undistinguishable from the name of an old catholic gang from the 1920s in Glasgow, "Timalloy" or Tim Malloys, associated with the Celtic Football Club. This term is now used as a nickname for the fans of that football club, often shortened as "Tims."

I did not grow up in a house full of Irish Soda Bread and other great Irish treats around the 17th of March, particularly because I am not of Irish heritage (ah, makes sense, right?). And, being of Irish descent, my husband did. So, this time of year, I always try to make a little something for him to enjoy and this Irish Soda Bread was it!

This one is for my husband! Éirinn go brách, Tim Malloy!! :)


Irish Soda Bread (2 Ways)
Yields 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:
3.5 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup raisins, optional
1 and 1/4 to 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk //or// a dairy-free version: 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups soy milk or almond milk + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and grease a cast-iron skillet.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients. *If doing the dairy-free version: combine the vinegar and soy milk, and allow it to stand for 3-5 minutes to curdle.
3. Slowly add the milk, stirring until a dough forms. It may take between 1 and 1 and 1/2 cups, depending upon the humidity.
4. Knead the dough for about 10 seconds, form into a ball and place into the prepared skillet.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes.


207 calories   |   1g fat    |    6g protein

A Spring-like Day in the Flower Shop

Pin It Now! The door of the shop is open to let in the soft March breeze. It is so difficult to imagine that we aren't already in the bosom of spring. The flower shop emits a sweet scent that makes the mind wander off to a far away place. I open my eyes and realize that there is no other place that I would rather be.

A young sparrow hops in to say hello and see which flowers we have in stock.

The memory of this kind of day is one that I keep in my back pocket to pull out on a rainy and gloomy day.

Avocado Brownies

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Recently, my husband had to travel for work. I must admit, I am not a fan of this aspect of his job. I got married for a reason other than doing twice the laundry; having a hunk in your presence consistently is quite enjoyable, even if folding his underwear is tiresome.

After he left for the airport, I found myself at the intersection of melancholy and excitement, initially unsure of where to go. Until I remembered that I could watch a marathon of incredibly sappy girly movies. And stuff my face while doing it, all while wearing stained sweats and yesterday's makeup.

 {{{Bliss}}}

I had my movies lined up and an overall disheveled appearance. The remaining piece to the puzzle was the face stuffant.

-In comes avocado brownies-

I have been on a bit of an avocado kick lately and these delectable treats found a place in my heart.

They also got some great reviews from friends!


...Steer clear of eating a lot of these and later stepping on the scale. I'd say it's inadvisable. I speak from experience. Just share them with your friends.


Avocado Brownies
Adapted from About.com
Yields: 10 to 12 servings

Ingredients:
1 avocado, mashed
2 cups All-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk- cow's, almond, or soy
1/3 cup water
2/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line all sides of a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Sift the dry ingredients into a medium sized bowl.
3. Combine the avocado, vanilla, milk, water, and chocolate chips. Add to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix until well-combined and pour into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean!

Remember Me?

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Hello? Is this mic on? 

Oh good, it is… Hey! Hi! Remember me?

I know, I know, it’s been a while.  I assure you that my absence has been with reason. I have heard about some of the rumors circulating, and wish to address them. I promise that none of them are true.

- I was not abducted by a mob of bandit ninjas.

- My husband and I didn’t flee to Colombia, because we are running from my husband's past of being a former bandit ninja.

- Nor did I become a lounge singer in Atlantic City.

All of those things are great in their own right, and would make for a fabulous novel, but simply did not occur (although the last one would be awesome).  You see the truth is that I got a new job. It’s great!! I work in a flower shop in my neighborhood! Beautiful things and wonderful scents endlessly surround me. I lead a tough life; it’s often difficult to get out of bed in the morning, but I am somehow managing.

I jest. In fact, I have never been quite so happy! It has taken some time to fully adjust to my new schedule and commute (walking three blocks is quite taxing, I assure you), so I have consequently allowed my blogging to slack.

But, never fear! I am back and here to talk to you about something that has been on my mind.

AVOCADOES.

Avocadoes are simply delicious. Slice them up and put them into a sandwich or wrap.  Or mash them up and serve with chips. Or just simply look at ‘em.

Well, that’s what I did recently. I stared at a halved avocado and realized what a true beauty the vegetable is! She’s a beaut! Green and yellow and just... so... purty.

It just has a perfect shape! Thin up top and thicker on the bottom. Not quite sure where I have seen that before. Oddly close to a pear shape, which is what I see when I look into the mirror.  Oh yes, I recognize it now!

Therefore I have resigned myself to make into existence the “avocado shape.”  And I’m going to be the first to personify this, as it is so much more than a shape, but a state of mind. 

Imagine what it would have done for JLo's career if she had claimed to be avocado shaped and not pear shaped. 

She would have been a star, I tell ya!