"Any garden demands as much of its maker as he has to give. but I do not need to tell you, if you are a gardener, that no other undertaking will give as great a return for the amount of effort put into it." Elizabeth Lawrence, 1904-1985, Gardening For Love.
I absolutely cherish the moments that I get to be in the garden with our children. It is quality time that I feel will make a lasting impression on their lives and hopefully create memories for them of special moments with mom teaching them about how God makes all this great stuff happen! I love to see them planting seeds, transplanting a tomato plant in the garden, tilling up the good earth and feeling that soft, rich soil squish between their toes! My children love to feel that they have their own little space in the garden, to grow the things that interest them, to experiment and to harvest what they tended. It can be a challenge sometimes to include them. It is often just easier to do it ourselves and just getting it done. It will usually add on some minutes, well maybe even hours, with the little helpers involved! But what memories you will make, what happiness will beam in their eyes when they pull out that carrot from the seed 'they' planted. That smile, that gleam in the eye is worth more than all the saved minutes of just doing it our self. I love everything about gardening... yes even the back wrenching weeding & hoeing, the sun burnt back of my neck and the stiff arms... I love gardening!
Here are some fun ideas to incorporate your children into your gardening 'thyme' :-) !
Gardening With Your Children~
*Be sure to have child size tools for the little folks. You can purchase such items at just about any store that sells gardening supplies. Make them responsible for their tools- to put them back, keep them clean, and be careful when using. Add a name plaque where their tools belong in the potting shed or garage, make them feel special.
*Keeping them interested is another challenge, especially with the ones that aren't that interested. Allow them to choose what they would like to grow. Some suggestions would be giant sunflowers, pumpkins, decorative gourds or root crops. Radishes and lettuce are quick growers and can be 'encouraging' to the one that needs a little boost in interest. They are also available in multiple colors and sizes and can really encourage interest. If you choose a root crop I would suggest using some fun Heirloom things. Carrots for instance offer a multitude of shapes and colors, from Cosmic Purple to Lunar White and every shade of orange in between. Potatoes are also a fun crop. You can purchase red, white and even blue potatoes. Watch their eyes light up when they dig those potatoes.
*If you don't have a spot for a garden, let them Container Garden. You can use anything~ some fun things for the little people would be a wagon planted with some pansies, an old shoe with some Hen's & Chicks or any type of pot. They can plant herbs, flowers or veggies. Go back to my blog on Container Gardens in the archives to get more great ideas.
*Also in the archives you will find the blog with the Sunflower House so your child/ren can create a secret room or play house.
*Plant a cucumber plant; once the plant starts to form flowers it will not take long for it to start changing into a cucumber; once the cucumber is still small enough to fit into the hole of a 20oz. or so plastic bottle, carefully insert the cucumber into the hole. Make sure the bottle is clear; once the cucumber 'fills' the bottle, pluck it off the plant and carefully cut the bottle off! Presto, a bottle shaped cucumber. This would work with many types of veggies, try out a few and use different containers to make multiple shapes.
*If you grow a pumpkin plant, once the pumpkin is about 6 inches across, carefully scratch the child's name and a silly face into the skin being careful not to puncture. Over time as it grows, the drawing will grow right along with it!
*With a stick, trace the child's name into the soil in a planting area; sprinkle lettuce, radish or carrot seed in the name. Watch it grow!
*Be sure to take tons of pictures of your child in the garden and even photograph the planting, growing and harvesting process so those precious memories will not be forgotten.
Veggies On The Grill
As I have mentioned often, we love to grill and it is grilling season. I will probably be giving lots of grill time recipe's so if you don't have a grill, now's the time to get one!
4-6 large red skin potatoes from The Garden Gate Farm, washed & cut into chunks with skins on
1 yellow onion from Garden Gate, cut into slivers
1 clove of garlic from Garden Gate, minced
1 cup spinach leaves from Garden Gate, washed & trimmed into bite size pieces
1 cup of Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes from Garden Gate
1 medium yellow squash from Garden Gate, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 tsp. Matt's Mix Seasoning Salt
1/4 cup fresh Thyme from The Garden Gate
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
3 Tbsp. butter, diced
piece of foil wrap large enough to hold all ingredients and be folded over and sealed on top and sides.
1. In foil place all veggies; sprinkle evenly over top with seasoning and herb; drizzle Olive oil over top; put dobs of butter evenly dispersed over all.
2. Fold over the foil across the top and sides so it doesn't leak.
3. Place on top rack of grill and let cook about 45minutes to an hour.
This goes great with any type of meat, so grill some awesome T-bones from Garden Gate to go along with it, and let your taste buds be taken to an all new level!
Happy Day,
Jean
Showing posts with label Garden Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Garden Party. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
'Guinea Pig' Meals, Seed Packet Magnets, Sheets for Tablecloths & Springtime Salad, Salad Dressings and Homemade Croutons!
"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; They are sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul."
Luther BurbankMeals are important at our house~ they are a time where we all sit together and talk about the days events, big news, mishaps or anything else that happens to pop up. Meal times can get a bit on the noisy side, but they are special together times that everyone gets to give their two cents worth. Last night at the supper table, Taylor said she wanted to do 'Guinea Pig' Suppers every night next week~ Neil said, 'no way'; Kyle said, 'yeah, cool'; Ethan said, 'uh-uh'; I said, 'OK, but I have to say yes first before anything is approved'; Neil said, 'That sounds better'; and then my sweet little 10 year old Ryan said, 'Where are we going to get the guinea pig meat?', quite seriously. So you may be saying, what is a guinea pig meal? Well they are fun & easy. All you do is try a new recipe that you think looks good that you have never tried, really not that scary. Anyway, I thought that this was cute!
*The other day I was at a friends house and they gave me a tour of their new 'little' greenhouse. It was cute- her daughter had saved several of her seed packets to keep for a handy reference. I saw them as something much different- cute Fridge Magnets for home & gifts of course! I am sure most of us gardeners are guilty of buying that 'extra' pack of seed just because of the package, the photo of the flower, herb or veggie- "Oh," we say, "I have to have that ....." . We all love a pretty picture- as they say, 'a picture says a thousands words'... So often I purchase a seed packet just because of the package. Seed companies would be smart if they all put more energy into the packaging! I have already used them as name cards at a tea party, pasted on the front of a homemade card and to make Fridge Magnets. It is so easy and they are the cutest gift to quick throw into a card you are going to send someone! Here's how~ You will need a laminator or self laminating sheets, a roll of self sticking magnet and of course your empty seed packets. Simply laminate the pack and then stick on the magnet! So cute, so simple and so fast!
*Some people collect shoes, purses, books, I collect table clothes. No matter what thrift shop I go to, the first place I hit is the linens department; I stand back and look down the rack so I can pick out the fabrics that catch my eyes~ plaids and floral's are always first on my list. After I find a few things it's off to the sheets~ yes the sheets! Sheets make wonderful outdoor entertaining table clothes; they cover picnic tables beautifully! I also have used quilts for a unique touch on a special occasion! Be creative, it's your table!
Everyone loves the first yummy things out of the garden in spring, lettuces, greens, spinach, radishes, scallions and the list can go on & on. Here is a variation to the everyday salad using some of Garden Gates awesome Bacon, lettuces, greens and radishes!
Garden Gate Farms Special Springtime Salad
1 bag mixed Greens from Garden Gate Farm, about a pound
1 bag baby lettuces from Garden Gate Farm, about a pound
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried Cranberries or cherries or mix of both
1 bunch Radishes from Garden Gate, washed, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 pound Garden Gate Bacon, crisply cooked & crumbled
1/ pound blue cheese or feta cheese (without juice), crumbled
Poppy Seed Salad Dressing- see recipe below
Homemade Croutons- see recipe below
1. Wash & snip greens & lettuces into bite size pieces; arrange in a large salad bowl or on a large serving platter.
2. Layer each of the remaining ingredients, except dressing, on top of lettuce/greens.
3. Serve with dressing on side.
This is a large batch and will feed 12 to 15 hungry folks!
Yummy Poppy Seed Dressing
1/2 cup raw organic sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. mustard
1/3 cup real lemon juice
1 tsp. grated red onion
3.4 cup Olive Oil
1 Tbsp. poppy seed
1/8 tsp. pepper
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate and serve chilled.
Homemade Croutons
1/4 cup butter
1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
1/4 tsp. each salt & pepper
1/3 cup grated Fresh Parmesan cheese
6 slices french or sour dough bread, day old is fine, crusts trimmed* (don't throw away)
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter foams; Add garlic and cook about 1 minute; add bread cubes and toss to coat with butter.
2. Season with salt & pepper. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees fro about 15 minutes, tossing once in between, until lightly golden.
3. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese and toss until cheese melts.
Makes about 4-6 cups.
*Don't throw away those crusts- put them in a freezer zip lock bag or freezer plastic container and freeze for up to 3 months. Use them for your next batch of homemade dressing!
Happy Day,
Jean
Luther BurbankMeals are important at our house~ they are a time where we all sit together and talk about the days events, big news, mishaps or anything else that happens to pop up. Meal times can get a bit on the noisy side, but they are special together times that everyone gets to give their two cents worth. Last night at the supper table, Taylor said she wanted to do 'Guinea Pig' Suppers every night next week~ Neil said, 'no way'; Kyle said, 'yeah, cool'; Ethan said, 'uh-uh'; I said, 'OK, but I have to say yes first before anything is approved'; Neil said, 'That sounds better'; and then my sweet little 10 year old Ryan said, 'Where are we going to get the guinea pig meat?', quite seriously. So you may be saying, what is a guinea pig meal? Well they are fun & easy. All you do is try a new recipe that you think looks good that you have never tried, really not that scary. Anyway, I thought that this was cute!
*The other day I was at a friends house and they gave me a tour of their new 'little' greenhouse. It was cute- her daughter had saved several of her seed packets to keep for a handy reference. I saw them as something much different- cute Fridge Magnets for home & gifts of course! I am sure most of us gardeners are guilty of buying that 'extra' pack of seed just because of the package, the photo of the flower, herb or veggie- "Oh," we say, "I have to have that ....." . We all love a pretty picture- as they say, 'a picture says a thousands words'... So often I purchase a seed packet just because of the package. Seed companies would be smart if they all put more energy into the packaging! I have already used them as name cards at a tea party, pasted on the front of a homemade card and to make Fridge Magnets. It is so easy and they are the cutest gift to quick throw into a card you are going to send someone! Here's how~ You will need a laminator or self laminating sheets, a roll of self sticking magnet and of course your empty seed packets. Simply laminate the pack and then stick on the magnet! So cute, so simple and so fast!
*Some people collect shoes, purses, books, I collect table clothes. No matter what thrift shop I go to, the first place I hit is the linens department; I stand back and look down the rack so I can pick out the fabrics that catch my eyes~ plaids and floral's are always first on my list. After I find a few things it's off to the sheets~ yes the sheets! Sheets make wonderful outdoor entertaining table clothes; they cover picnic tables beautifully! I also have used quilts for a unique touch on a special occasion! Be creative, it's your table!
Everyone loves the first yummy things out of the garden in spring, lettuces, greens, spinach, radishes, scallions and the list can go on & on. Here is a variation to the everyday salad using some of Garden Gates awesome Bacon, lettuces, greens and radishes!
Garden Gate Farms Special Springtime Salad
1 bag mixed Greens from Garden Gate Farm, about a pound
1 bag baby lettuces from Garden Gate Farm, about a pound
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried Cranberries or cherries or mix of both
1 bunch Radishes from Garden Gate, washed, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 pound Garden Gate Bacon, crisply cooked & crumbled
1/ pound blue cheese or feta cheese (without juice), crumbled
Poppy Seed Salad Dressing- see recipe below
Homemade Croutons- see recipe below
1. Wash & snip greens & lettuces into bite size pieces; arrange in a large salad bowl or on a large serving platter.
2. Layer each of the remaining ingredients, except dressing, on top of lettuce/greens.
3. Serve with dressing on side.
This is a large batch and will feed 12 to 15 hungry folks!
Yummy Poppy Seed Dressing
1/2 cup raw organic sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. mustard
1/3 cup real lemon juice
1 tsp. grated red onion
3.4 cup Olive Oil
1 Tbsp. poppy seed
1/8 tsp. pepper
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate and serve chilled.
Homemade Croutons
1/4 cup butter
1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
1/4 tsp. each salt & pepper
1/3 cup grated Fresh Parmesan cheese
6 slices french or sour dough bread, day old is fine, crusts trimmed* (don't throw away)
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter foams; Add garlic and cook about 1 minute; add bread cubes and toss to coat with butter.
2. Season with salt & pepper. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees fro about 15 minutes, tossing once in between, until lightly golden.
3. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese and toss until cheese melts.
Makes about 4-6 cups.
*Don't throw away those crusts- put them in a freezer zip lock bag or freezer plastic container and freeze for up to 3 months. Use them for your next batch of homemade dressing!
Happy Day,
Jean
Friday, April 13, 2012
More Garden Themes, Beautiful Ice Cubes, Two Super Meatless Sandwich's!
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson
More Garden Themes, Beautiful Ice Cubes, Two Super Meatless Sandwich's!
Today was magnificent! The sun was shining and the warmth it gave was strength for the soul. We worked outside all day~ Neil cleaned out the very messy garage; Taylor washed all the windows in & out; I got flower & raised beds cleaned up with some help, my front porch swept & tidied up and my potting shed all cleaned out~ that was a job. It seems every fall when 'stuff' is getting picked up and put away, it all goes into 'my' shed! Kyle was helping me and he very innocently say's, "You do this every spring mom." I'm like, no kidding! But that's OK, I love getting in there and finding all the 'clearance' garden stuff I stashed away last fall in anticipation for the next summer. After school Kyle and Ethan were outside with Evan helping him fill his bird feeders~ they are so sweet to their baby brother! It paid off, Evan's boo~jays were there shortly after. As I was meandering through the flower beds and cleaning, of course I am thinking what needs to be replaced, added and thinned out. Gardening is a job, but when it is your passion it is so worth while. Today is going to be the last for ideas on Garden Themes, so I thought we would end with a few I was saving for last.
Many people think flowers are just for looking at, cutting for arrangements or giving as gifts~ have you ever thought about eating some? Edible flower's are much more common in the many gardening magazines the last few years. I love to include pansies and nasturtiums in my salads, they don't just add beauty but they really are yummy~ Nasturtiums add a 'peppery' flavor. Here are a more edibles, try planting them in your kitchen garden, in pots or in your veggie garden. Especially nasturtiums, they should go with your tomato plants!
*All herbs of course, scented geraniums, viola, violets, pansies, nasturtiums, dandelion petals & leafs, hibiscus, johnny jump ups, rose petals, snapdragons, day lily and calendula petals. There are many more and if you are interested in finding more out on edible plants, a good book is, "Edible Wild Plants~ A North American Field Guide, by Thomas S. Elias & Peter A. Dikeman. As with all plants, be sure to read about them before ingesting because some need to be had in moderation and some do not go well with certain medications.
*Tea Gardens are always fun simply because of what you can plan with them, who doesn't love a Tea Party? Creating a Tea Garden is very special, it is beautiful and practical. Here are some easy to grow plants that make superb teas and blends.
*Lemon Balm, Raspberry leaves, Mints including but not limited to: Spearmint, Pineapple, Apple, Balsam, Orange, Peppermint; Sage, Rose & Chamomile. This is a very small list but some of the most common to give you a start.
*Beautiful Ice Cubes~ If you are having some friends over or are planning any type of party here is a very easy yet elegant idea to spruce up your beverages. First boil enough water to fill 4 ice cube trays. After the water is boiled pour into ice cube trays and drop in 2 Johnny Jump Up's or Viola's into each insert. Freeze. Pop out when ready to use and hear the 'ahhs'. The boiling of water makes it so the water is crystal clear.
We don't always need meat on our sandwiches, despite what my husband thinks :-) ! Some days you just want it light & simple. Here are two yummy treats that are sure to please!
Farm Fresh eggs are a farmer's market delight, especially when you get them from The Garden Gate!
Egg Salad on Sour Dough
4 eggs from Garden Gate, hard boiled, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup red onion from Garden Gate, finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise, divided
1 tsp salt
1/2 stick butter, softened
1 loaf of Sour Dough Bread
1. Using a fork, mash eggs, stir in onion, seasoning and 1/2 the mayo.
2. Cut the loaf in slices, about 8 will do. Cut the crust* off. Spread the butter evenly on 4 of the slices and the remaining mayo on the other 4 slices.
3. Spoon on egg mixture evenly between 4 slices; top with other.
What to do with radishes other than throw them on a salad or dip in salt and crunch! Radishes have more uses than that. Here is a fun treat to change things up. Serve with your favorite soup and a fresh fruit salad, Superb!
Spicy Radish Sandwiches
10 radishes from Garden Gate, washed, trimmed and thinly slice
4 Tbsp. butter, softened
3 Tbsp. fresh chives from Garden Gate, chopped and divided
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed
3/4 tsp. fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1/4 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. each salt & pepper 1 baguette, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1. Mix butter, 2 Tbsp. of the chives, sesame seed, ginger and oil in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
2. Spread mixture over one side of each baguette slice. Top with radishes, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with remaining chives.
Yum!
Happy Day,
Jean
More Garden Themes, Beautiful Ice Cubes, Two Super Meatless Sandwich's!
Today was magnificent! The sun was shining and the warmth it gave was strength for the soul. We worked outside all day~ Neil cleaned out the very messy garage; Taylor washed all the windows in & out; I got flower & raised beds cleaned up with some help, my front porch swept & tidied up and my potting shed all cleaned out~ that was a job. It seems every fall when 'stuff' is getting picked up and put away, it all goes into 'my' shed! Kyle was helping me and he very innocently say's, "You do this every spring mom." I'm like, no kidding! But that's OK, I love getting in there and finding all the 'clearance' garden stuff I stashed away last fall in anticipation for the next summer. After school Kyle and Ethan were outside with Evan helping him fill his bird feeders~ they are so sweet to their baby brother! It paid off, Evan's boo~jays were there shortly after. As I was meandering through the flower beds and cleaning, of course I am thinking what needs to be replaced, added and thinned out. Gardening is a job, but when it is your passion it is so worth while. Today is going to be the last for ideas on Garden Themes, so I thought we would end with a few I was saving for last.
Many people think flowers are just for looking at, cutting for arrangements or giving as gifts~ have you ever thought about eating some? Edible flower's are much more common in the many gardening magazines the last few years. I love to include pansies and nasturtiums in my salads, they don't just add beauty but they really are yummy~ Nasturtiums add a 'peppery' flavor. Here are a more edibles, try planting them in your kitchen garden, in pots or in your veggie garden. Especially nasturtiums, they should go with your tomato plants!
*All herbs of course, scented geraniums, viola, violets, pansies, nasturtiums, dandelion petals & leafs, hibiscus, johnny jump ups, rose petals, snapdragons, day lily and calendula petals. There are many more and if you are interested in finding more out on edible plants, a good book is, "Edible Wild Plants~ A North American Field Guide, by Thomas S. Elias & Peter A. Dikeman. As with all plants, be sure to read about them before ingesting because some need to be had in moderation and some do not go well with certain medications.
*Tea Gardens are always fun simply because of what you can plan with them, who doesn't love a Tea Party? Creating a Tea Garden is very special, it is beautiful and practical. Here are some easy to grow plants that make superb teas and blends.
*Lemon Balm, Raspberry leaves, Mints including but not limited to: Spearmint, Pineapple, Apple, Balsam, Orange, Peppermint; Sage, Rose & Chamomile. This is a very small list but some of the most common to give you a start.
*Beautiful Ice Cubes~ If you are having some friends over or are planning any type of party here is a very easy yet elegant idea to spruce up your beverages. First boil enough water to fill 4 ice cube trays. After the water is boiled pour into ice cube trays and drop in 2 Johnny Jump Up's or Viola's into each insert. Freeze. Pop out when ready to use and hear the 'ahhs'. The boiling of water makes it so the water is crystal clear.
We don't always need meat on our sandwiches, despite what my husband thinks :-) ! Some days you just want it light & simple. Here are two yummy treats that are sure to please!
Farm Fresh eggs are a farmer's market delight, especially when you get them from The Garden Gate!
Egg Salad on Sour Dough
4 eggs from Garden Gate, hard boiled, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup red onion from Garden Gate, finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise, divided
1 tsp salt
1/2 stick butter, softened
1 loaf of Sour Dough Bread
1. Using a fork, mash eggs, stir in onion, seasoning and 1/2 the mayo.
2. Cut the loaf in slices, about 8 will do. Cut the crust* off. Spread the butter evenly on 4 of the slices and the remaining mayo on the other 4 slices.
3. Spoon on egg mixture evenly between 4 slices; top with other.
What to do with radishes other than throw them on a salad or dip in salt and crunch! Radishes have more uses than that. Here is a fun treat to change things up. Serve with your favorite soup and a fresh fruit salad, Superb!
Spicy Radish Sandwiches
10 radishes from Garden Gate, washed, trimmed and thinly slice
4 Tbsp. butter, softened
3 Tbsp. fresh chives from Garden Gate, chopped and divided
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed
3/4 tsp. fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1/4 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. each salt & pepper 1 baguette, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1. Mix butter, 2 Tbsp. of the chives, sesame seed, ginger and oil in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
2. Spread mixture over one side of each baguette slice. Top with radishes, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with remaining chives.
Yum!
Happy Day,
Jean
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Birthday Parties Garden Style with Pretty Posy Favors & Pepper Steak Made Great!
I don't think it is any big surprise when I say that being in the garden is very special for me. All my life we had a garden and it just is part of who I am. The wonders of nature in the garden are by far too many to number. I often say how special it is for me to be in the garden with my children, the experiences that I am able to share with them is priceless. When they see their first woolly bear caterpillar, or pill bug or even better the first Praying Mantis, now that is a wonder for sure! The garden is a special place for so many things, so what about hosting a birthday party~ not just for an adult but also a child. Here are some 'Child' Friendly Garden Birthday Party idea's & tips...
*Help your child make home made garden themed Invitations. How about a standard 4 x 5 1/2 piece of card stock. Pick up those wonderful 10 for $1 seed packs and put the seed pack on the front for the 'picture'.
*The Menu! Let your child have fun! Depending on the age of the child let them help create the menu! A very cute 'Sandwich' idea is to start with sub buns for your sandwich. Cut each section about 4" and make as you want. Set the sandwiches up down the center of the table in a wiggly way to look like a caterpillar. Even cuter, put chocholate cookie crumbs under it to make it appear as though it is crawling through the dirt~ too cute! You can use any color licorice to lay on the table slightly under the sections to represent the 'many' legs; using toothpicks, put round gummies or black olives for two eyes. Two stick pretzels can be the antenna's; use any other soft candies on toothpicks to poke along the tops of the sandwiches to represent 'polka-dot' backs. The ideas are endless, use your imagination.
*Watermelons aren't just yummy, they can be beautiful centerpieces as well. Most of us have seen how melons can be cut to represent a handled basket, hollowed out and then filled with a beautiful & delicious fruit salad. The long oval shaped melons work best.
*Punch is the funnest drink for a party! Try making 'real' lemonade! It is very simple- use 3 parts water to 1 part lemon juice, add 1 cup of sugar for every 4 cups of liquid! Cut lemon's & limes in slices and let them swirl around to make it extra special. If you have a 'color' theme to your party, add a few drops of food coloring to make your lemonade your color! You can use any large container to hold your punch! Use jelly jars for your glasses with umbrella straws!
*Of course the Cake, or how about Cupcakes! How much more fun, then these can actually turn into a Game! Have a cupcake decorating activity! Let each guest decorate their own cupcakes- so much more special!
*Party Games~ how about 'Pin the Bumblebee on the Daisy', play a game of bingo with flower pictures~ use small rubber stamps or stickers that would fit on a 1" square and use for your Bingo instead of letters! How about a Scavenger hunt looking for all Garden stuff!
*Posy Pots! here is a great favor! Here is what you will need!
Organic Potting mix, 1 Quart Zip Lock baggies, Sunflower or Marigold seeds, pretty card stock , tulle, raffia, and a small clay pot. Fill the baggie with enough potting mix to fill the pot then place filled bag inside the pot. Take the card stock and make a small packet to put 2-3 seeds in, seal. Place seed packet on top of dirt bag in pot. Gather tulle around the outside of the pot, and tie with raffia. Cut out a 4" x 4" piece of card stock for a gift tag and using a rubber stamp or sticker of the type of flower seed you chose, place it on the square, punch a hole in the corner, write planting instructions on back and attach to raffia bow. Such fun for everyone!
Many people often wonder what they can do with Round Stead other than stew meat, here is a great way to make a typically tough piece of meat great!
Pepper Steak
2 lbs. beef round steak sliced into 1/2 inch strips from Garden Gate
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 garlic gloves, pressed and divided
2 green pepper, cut into thin strips
1 large Portabello mushroom
2 medium onions coarsely chopped from Garden Gate
2 tsp Seasoning Salt
1 cup beef broth
1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp curry powder
Chicken broth as needed
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown steak strips with oil and half the garlic.
2. Add peppers and onions; cook until tender. Stir in mushrooms, Matt's Mix and remaining garlic. Stir in beef broth. Reduce heat to low an simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with curry powder and continue simmering one hour.
4. Add chicken broth as needed to prevent sticking and over browning.
Happy Day,
Jean
*Help your child make home made garden themed Invitations. How about a standard 4 x 5 1/2 piece of card stock. Pick up those wonderful 10 for $1 seed packs and put the seed pack on the front for the 'picture'.
*The Menu! Let your child have fun! Depending on the age of the child let them help create the menu! A very cute 'Sandwich' idea is to start with sub buns for your sandwich. Cut each section about 4" and make as you want. Set the sandwiches up down the center of the table in a wiggly way to look like a caterpillar. Even cuter, put chocholate cookie crumbs under it to make it appear as though it is crawling through the dirt~ too cute! You can use any color licorice to lay on the table slightly under the sections to represent the 'many' legs; using toothpicks, put round gummies or black olives for two eyes. Two stick pretzels can be the antenna's; use any other soft candies on toothpicks to poke along the tops of the sandwiches to represent 'polka-dot' backs. The ideas are endless, use your imagination.
*Watermelons aren't just yummy, they can be beautiful centerpieces as well. Most of us have seen how melons can be cut to represent a handled basket, hollowed out and then filled with a beautiful & delicious fruit salad. The long oval shaped melons work best.
*Punch is the funnest drink for a party! Try making 'real' lemonade! It is very simple- use 3 parts water to 1 part lemon juice, add 1 cup of sugar for every 4 cups of liquid! Cut lemon's & limes in slices and let them swirl around to make it extra special. If you have a 'color' theme to your party, add a few drops of food coloring to make your lemonade your color! You can use any large container to hold your punch! Use jelly jars for your glasses with umbrella straws!
*Of course the Cake, or how about Cupcakes! How much more fun, then these can actually turn into a Game! Have a cupcake decorating activity! Let each guest decorate their own cupcakes- so much more special!
*Party Games~ how about 'Pin the Bumblebee on the Daisy', play a game of bingo with flower pictures~ use small rubber stamps or stickers that would fit on a 1" square and use for your Bingo instead of letters! How about a Scavenger hunt looking for all Garden stuff!
*Posy Pots! here is a great favor! Here is what you will need!
Organic Potting mix, 1 Quart Zip Lock baggies, Sunflower or Marigold seeds, pretty card stock , tulle, raffia, and a small clay pot. Fill the baggie with enough potting mix to fill the pot then place filled bag inside the pot. Take the card stock and make a small packet to put 2-3 seeds in, seal. Place seed packet on top of dirt bag in pot. Gather tulle around the outside of the pot, and tie with raffia. Cut out a 4" x 4" piece of card stock for a gift tag and using a rubber stamp or sticker of the type of flower seed you chose, place it on the square, punch a hole in the corner, write planting instructions on back and attach to raffia bow. Such fun for everyone!
Many people often wonder what they can do with Round Stead other than stew meat, here is a great way to make a typically tough piece of meat great!
Pepper Steak
2 lbs. beef round steak sliced into 1/2 inch strips from Garden Gate
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 garlic gloves, pressed and divided
2 green pepper, cut into thin strips
1 large Portabello mushroom
2 medium onions coarsely chopped from Garden Gate
2 tsp Seasoning Salt
1 cup beef broth
1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp curry powder
Chicken broth as needed
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown steak strips with oil and half the garlic.
2. Add peppers and onions; cook until tender. Stir in mushrooms, Matt's Mix and remaining garlic. Stir in beef broth. Reduce heat to low an simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with curry powder and continue simmering one hour.
4. Add chicken broth as needed to prevent sticking and over browning.
Happy Day,
Jean
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