Seed Gift's, Secret Pal's and a Yummy Quiche

Seed Gift's, Secret Pal's and a Yummy QuicheI love to give gifts, especially gifts for or from the garden!  There is something special in a wild flower bouquet just because.... or a small start from a perennial plant for a special friend.  I have several perennials in my gardens that are from friends and each time I venture through I think of them, and I do believe this is the point. Each Spring most local stores have the 10 for $1.00 seed packs, I like to stock up on them and include in gift baskets, birthday cards or any other little garden type gift.  Store them in an air tight container and keep in the freezer, it will add to their longevity.

Have you ever had or been a Secret Pal?  I have been on both the receiving and giving end, it is so much fun!  Here are a few tips on how to be one!
*First pick someone who you think could really use some cheering up or someone you think it would just be really fun to surprise.
*Decide how long you want to do it- 3months, 6 months, the longest should be a year.
*Decide on a theme- this makes it easier when deciding on gifts. Once you decide on the person, that should make the theme easier because you will more than likely know what they like. Make a list with the twelve gifts you want to give fitting each one to the month.
*Premake your monthly cards- I used the pictures out of one of those mini calenders you can get for a buck or two, cut the pictures down to fit on a piece of card stock- 4"x6" works really well- also they are already themed to the months!  I glue the picture down for the front of the card and then write or stamp what I want in each one, put it with the envelope and you're ready to roll every month.
*Watch at thrift stores for gifts- you would be shocked what you can find.  Typically most of the bigger thrift shops have a section that is jam packed with Brand New items, still in the wrappers with price tags!
*You can even preplan you gift 'container'. Choose if you want to go with simple yet cute gift bags- which can also be picked up at thrift stores- or cute baskets or even nesting boxes.  The options are endless.
.... so choose that special person and gift away, after all, 'it is better to give then to receive'...Here is a really yummy Quiche for a special brunch you may be planning or just a really special breakfast...
"Michigan Winter Farmer's Market Quiche"
1 deep dish pie shell                                            2 cups Grassfields Organic Monterrey Cheese (or similar), shredded
1 pound Garden Gate Hot Italian Sausage          1/4 cup chopped bell pepper from Willow Ridge Farm
3 Garden Gate eggs, slightly beaten                   1/2 tsp each Pink Himalayan Salt and Black Pepper from James Creek Sutlery
1 3/4 cup Milk                                                     1 container of Jar Head Salsa     
1/2 cup sour cream                                              Lettuce from Springbrook Garden's, shredded          
1.  Prebake unpricked pie crust on a preheated cookie sheet in a 450 degree oven for about 5-6 minutes.  Reduce temperature to 325 degrees.
2.  Remove casing from sausage, brown in skillet, breaking up the meat until crumbly and cook thoroughly.  Drain well.
3. In a bowl combine eggs, milk, cooked sausage, cheese and peppers.  Turn into partially baked pastry shell. Bake at 325 degrees on the preheated cookie sheet for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from center.  Let stand about 10 minutes to set before serving.
Serve topped with sour cream, salsa and shredded lettuce for a super yummy treat!  Enjoy
Happy Day,
Jean