Over The Top Asparagus!

 With all the fresh asparagus at the Farmer's Market, you must try this recipe.

The presentation would be wonderful for a ladies luncheon or a dinner party...but it is also perfect for the family dinner!

2 dozen spears of fresh asparagus

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

6 slices low sodium bacon, chopped

8 -12 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

4 tablespoons honey balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1  1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoons garlic powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Thoroughly wash and dry asparagus and lay out on a foil lined baking sheet.  Sprinkle with the tablespoon of olive oil.  Roll the asparagus around a bit to make sure all surfaces are covered with oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake for about 11-13 minutes.

While the asparagus is roasting, cook the chopped bacon over low-medium heat until crispy.  Drain on paper towels and set aside.

When the asparagus is finished, place on a glass platter and top with sliced strawberries, bacon, and crumbled feta.

Quickly whisk together the balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp. olive oil, mustard and garlic powder and pour over the asparagus mixture.

Serve and enjoy~

Hibiscus Beauties!

 The Hibiscus are so beautiful this year, I just couldn't resist sharing their beauty with you!

 There have been more blooms this year than ever before and we are enjoying them and remembering the dear friend who gave them to us!!!

Blueberry Almond Mini Bundt Cakes

 These tasty morsels are perfect for gifting!!!

 If you like a moist "cake" you will love this recipe and the bonus...you will yield approximately 30 bundts!

 I have just one mini bundt pan (Wilton) and be prepared that baking and filling the pan multiple times (3) will take some time.  But remember, the result is awesome!

 Blueberry Almond Mini Bundt Cakes:

1 box white cake mix

1 small package instant white chocolate pudding mix

4 large eggs

2/3 cup oil

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon Madagascar Vanilla

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 generous teaspoon nutmeg

1  1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Orange Glaze:

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon milk

1  1/2 cups powdered sugar to start and more to make the consistency you desire

Sliced almonds, toasted, for garnish

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease or spray (baking) the mini bundt pan

Sift cake mix and instant pudding mix into a small bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl combine eggs, oil, milk, sour cream, vanilla extract, almond extract and nutmeg until smooth.

Stir in the cake mix and pudding mix.

Fold in the blueberries.

Fill the each mini bundt about 2/3 full and bake about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and allow to cool about 8 minutes or so and then invert bundts onto a wire rack for additional cooling.  Repeat with remaining batter.

Glaze:

Sift the powdered sugar into bowl and add the remaining glaze ingredients (adjust powdered sugar if you want thicker glaze or add milk for a pourable glaze.  Immediately garnish with the sliced almonds.

Not a weigh watcher recipe but surely a nice treat occasionally...Gifting the mini bundts was my choice!!!

Enjoy~

Ben's Grilling Apron

 Every griller needs an apron and why not make it a homemade one?  Actually, this apron was made for those special occasions when Ben is in public (like church coffee hours, etc.).  I used a simple apron pattern and appliqued a colorful duck on it!  I have made several aprons using this particular pattern over the years...school teachers, fathers and friends have been the recipients.  Of course the applique's are endless and I hope this has inspired you to get the sewing machine out and get creative!

High Fiber, Low Carb, Whole Wheat Chicken Wrap

 Are you watching carbs?  If so, these Tortilla's are a pretty good choice.  When counting carbs, you can deduct the grams of dietary fiber from the total carbohydrate grams to get the net carb count.  That is the carb lesson of the day!!!

 I prepared three small chicken tenders by quickly frying in a tiny bit of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, really only takes a few minutes.  Set them aside to cool just a bit.

 Now the choices are many for the filling...I chose the following:

Romaine, cut as desired

Chicken Tenders, cut into pieces

Green Onions, sliced

1/2 Granny Smith Apple, cut in matchstick pieces

Dried Cranberries, amount desired

Fresh Blueberries, for taste and color

1 Tablespoon Light Hellmann's (no joke)

Six Lugs Cherry Viniagrette, just a small amount

 I did season the chicken with a little Caribbean Citrus Salt-Free Seasoning by Mrs. Dash

Very Tasty if I do say so myself!

Enjoy~

Maggie's First Fishing Trip

 Grandpa took Maggie, Courtney, and I fishing and what a fun time we all had.  It was Maggie's first experience on Grandpa's boat and she is ready to go again!

 You are probably wondering if we caught any fish and the answer to that is a resounding no!  But don't be fooled, you don't need to catch fish to have a fantastic boat ride!

 The weather was strange...cloudy for awhile, then sunny, then rain, and finally rather windy!  But there again, with good company and a great attitude you can always have fun!

 The magic of a child is priceless and we love this little girl to pieces!  

I will also add, that I love Courtney and Ben! We had such a blast!!!

Olsen-Sayles Distinction

 The Olsen-Sayles staff is humbled once again at being voted best gift shop in Benzie County for 2013.  To receive this distinction from the people of Benzie County means so much to us and we thank each of you for casting your vote for Olsen-Sayles!  

 It is our pleasure to serve you all and we look forward to your continued support!

Thanks so much to our loyal following!