This and That

 

 

 

There have been workers at my house for the past week, so my routine is a little out of normal, but we do have something pretty to show for it. I'm giving you a sneak peek of our master bath remodel and the tile and new shower head now installed. We will be waiting a few weeks for the custom glass door before we can use it, but in the meantime, I will be starting to paint both the walls and the cabinets. Since we are doing this for resale, everything with be kept very neutral. I think when everything is done (paint, lighting, faucets and shower) it's going to look really good and will be a nice selling point when the house goes on the market.

 

 

I have been in a reading slump lately, but have high hopes for the book I started yesterday. The reviews are very good and I am enjoying the main character's (a pastry chef) view of small town life in Vermont. The desserts she creates for her job at a local inn are described in mouth watering detail and I'm interested to see where the story will go.

 

Our tailgate group has been sending lots of emails and our menu is set for Friday's MSU football game. We are grilling burgers and brats and my contribution will be Loaded Potato Skins, 7 Layer Mexican Dip and Oreo Brownies. The weather is going to be perfect (75 and sunny) and I can't wait to be sitting in my chair enjoying my first cocktail.

Happy Wednesday!

 

It's Tailgate Season

 

 

For us, this week is like Christmas and Birthdays all rolled up in one. It's the start of college football season and as season ticket holders for Michigan State we will be spending a lot of time on campus in the next few months. We have a big tailgate group and I'm sure by tomorrow there will be an email going around detailing what everyone with be bringing. I will need to go through my tailgating supplies and also purchase more MSU paper products to get us through the weeks ahead.

Also, I like to look through Pinterest and find a few new recipes to try. There will be early morning tailgates that will call for breakfast items, as well the later game times that will need some savory treats. I pinned a few of both and look forward to serving these to our group. We always have quite a spread and I can't wait.

 

Bacon Cheesburger Meatballs

 

Easy Potato Skins

 

Bacon Brown Sugar Smokies

 

French Toast Roll Ups

 

Maple Bacon Pancake Bites

 

Happy Monday!

 

Summer Plum Bars

 

 

 

There have been some ripe, juicy plums in my fruit bowl for a few days just crying out for use in baking. I just love using fresh summer fruit to bake something sweet. It was also a rainy day, another one of my triggers for getting in the kitchen. Is there anything more cozy, as summer winds down, than an afternoon in the kitchen, with dark skies, rain falling outside and something delicious in the oven?

These bars are so easy to put together; just the basic ingredients, but the tartness of the plums make the flavor something special. I think the slices of the plums and their vibrant color make these bars look so pretty on a plate and a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds that final special touch. I must admit, I couldn't wait to enjoy one with an afternoon cup of tea.

 

Summer Plum Bars

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar (I used Truvia equivilent)

3/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup vegatable oil

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 small or 1 large plum, sliced

Powdered sugar

Spray 8x8 pan with cooking spray. Whisk flour and baking soda together in a small bowl. In a large bowl use a mixer to beat eggs and sugar on medium high speed until pale and fluffy (3 minutes). Add oil and vanilla and beat on medium high another 2 minutes. Add flour mixture in 2 stages and mix on low until just combined. Fold in sliced plums and spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool completely then sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Happy Thursday!

 

{Linking with these friends}

French Country Cottage

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My Side of 50

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Craftberry Bush

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