This 'n That Thursdays: PBS Nature Video - "The World's Most Wanted Animal"

Last week I watched an utterly fascinating PBS Nature documentary called "The World's Most Wanted Animal".  The subject was pangolins (a unique mammal that I have been interested in for years) and their plight which is rapidly endangering them with extinction.  There is a huge Asian market for pangolins, both for their meat, considered a rare and exotic delicacy, and for their scales, the ingestion of which is (wrongly) purported to fight cancer and other human ailments.  Efforts are underway to highlight and curtail the illegal trafficking of these shy, nonaggressive animals, whose only defense against predation is the very scales for which they are prized.  You can watch the trailer above, and currently this Nature episode can be viewed on the PBS website here.

The Nature documentary follows the efforts of one woman to save African pangolins.  The episode follows her both in Africa at her rehabilitation center and on a trip she takes to Asia to meet other pangolin rescuers as well as to get a first-hand look at the black market dealings that threaten the existence of both Asian and African pangolin species.  We are introduced to a young pangolin named Honey Bun that this woman, Maria Diekmann, was forced to raise when its traumatized mother abandoned it at the rehabilitation center after she and her baby were rescued from an abusive situation.  Raising the baby pangolin is extremely difficult as Honey Bun must forage for ants, her preferred food, every day to survive and her caretakers must accompany her on her journeys as she searches for sustenance, often walking miles every day.

While raising the young pangolin is hard, Maria tells us that she has been rewarded by learning so much more information about this African pangolin species than was ever known in the past.  Honey Bun is so accustomed to humans that it is possible to film her everyday activities, and we get to see her bipedal locomotion as she forages, the ways in which her unique morphology allows her to consume ants while avoiding their painful stings, her attempts at digging a burrow, and even her antics at the rehabilitation center, where she lives in the house with Maria, as young pangolins are very tightly bonded to their mothers for months to years before they strike out on their own.

It is heartbreaking to see the black market footage but those portions of the show are kept to a minimum.  The documentary tries to balance out the alarming statistics about the pangolin trade (these scaly mammals really are the most trafficked wildlife at this time) with the efforts of pangolin supporters to protect and save these animals.  In the documentary, Maria heads to southeast Asia to visit the Save Vietnam's Wildlife rehabilitation center.  She accompanies the rescuers as they release newly healthy Asian pangolins back into the wild.

Maria continues her journey to a meeting with a popular young actress in China who has made it her mission to raise Chinese awareness about the plight of pangolins.  The actress, known as Angelababy, is hoping that her mostly young fans will pay attention to her message and help end the demand, which would go a long way to restoring pangolin populations in both Asia and Africa.  Recently Angelababy has teamed with WildAid and The Nature Conservancy to produce a public service announcement asking the people of China to stop the marketing of pangolins - you can watch that video on YouTube below (it is short but to the point):

I hope you will watch the Nature documentary (once again, you can see the entire episode here), and that you will make others aware of these gentle creatures who desperately need our protection.  For more information about pangolins and how to help, check out any or all of the following links:

African Wildlife Foundation - Pangolin

IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group

People for Pangolins

Save Pangolins

Save Vietnam's Wildlife

The Nature Conservancy - Saving Pangolins

WildAid - Pangolins

World Pangolin Day

World Wildlife Fund - Pangolin

I am planning to purchase copies of the Nature episode about the pangolin's plight here to give as gifts for Christmas, because the more people who become aware of this little-known mammal the more likely they will be inclined to add their voices (and dollars) to the effort to save them.  I already donate to some of the conservation organizations listed, and intend to add the ones targeting pangolin rescue specifically to my list.  Let's all do what we can to help save pangolins from an unnecessary extinction threat!

From The Rainforest Site - Project Peril: Help Save the Pangolin

             

Wish List Wednesdays: 'Purple Hat' Painting by Diane Britton Dunham

I originally saw the artwork shown above on the Critter Sitter's Blog, and fell in love with it!  I was happy to discover that prints of 'Purple Hat' by artist Diane Britton Dunham are available from Fine Art America.  Price will vary depending upon size and framing options chosen, but a 12.75x16-inch archival matte paper print in a simple black frame with no mat, like the image above, is $125.22 plus shipping and handling charges.  You can also purchase a signed unframed canvas or waterpaper copy from the artist's website ($150-$500 depending upon size).  This is a work of art that I think we really need to add to our home!
             

Weekend Wardrobe: Adding More Colors to a Classic but Fun Navy and White Basic 4x4 Wardrobe

Are you getting tired of seeing this same wardrobe once again?  Don't worry, I only have one more post using this collection, and then I will move on to other ideas!  I thought it might be nice to add a couple more colors to this wardrobe, just in case the wearer gets a bit bored with so much blue and white all the time.  First, let's take a closer look at one of the tops:

If you look really closely, you will see that, against that navy background, there are a few more subtle hues in the geometric print:

The line patterns are done in turquoise blue, mint green, white, pale pink, and pale yellow.  I chose the pale yellow as my first color addition to this basic wardrobe.  Here are the pieces I selected:

Clockwise from top left: Sophia Webster Evie Butterfly Leather Shoulder Bag in Pale Lemon-Yellow; Land's End Women's Mid Rise Chino Crop Pants in Lemon Chill; Sperry Top-Sider Women's Drift Hale Boat Shoe in Yellow; Land's End Women's Pima Cotton Polo Shirt in Lemon Chill (available in tall only).

I put together a sample outfit combining some of the yellow apparel with a few of the navy pieces:

For a second color, I chose the olive green from the scarf shown below:

Here are the items in olive green I picked to add to the basic wardrobe:

Clockwise from top left: Land's End Women's Long Sleeve Denim Jacket in Smokey Olive; Land's End Women's Mid Rise Boyfriend Chino Pants in Smokey Olive (available in petite only); Land's End Women's Rib Trim V-Neck Tank in Smokey Olive; Land's End Women's Comfort Mary Jane Shoes in Fatigue Olive.

And this is the sample outfit I created by combining olive green with shades of navy and blue from the original basic collection:

Of course, pale yellow and olive also complement each other beautifully, as the outfit below exemplifies:

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And so concludes the series of posts about my version of a classic but fun navy and white basic 4x4 wardrobe for warm weather!  Next week I may create a post describing my recent purchases for my summer wardrobe, or I may decide that topic is a bit premature and do something totally different - we shall see!

                

Foodie Fridays: 3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Coconut Macaroons

I was looking for a recipe for a relatively healthy quick treat, and found the perfect one on the Nest and Glow website called 3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Coconut Macaroons.  My version came out with much more banana flavor than I expect from a macaroon, but I still loved the taste.  The image for the original recipe does not show as much coconut texture as mine have, probably because the coconut I used was not as finely shredded.  I whirled my coconut in a food processor before using to give it a slightly finer texture so that they would hold together better, but I actually prefer macaroons with more texture so I was happy with the end result.  I happened to have some dipping chocolate in my pantry so I used it here, but you could make a more low-carb version of the chocolate dipping sauce if you follow the directions in the original recipe.

If you are really paying attention you will notice that my recipe also has more than three ingredients!  The bananas I used were very large so my batter was a little too wet to form into balls.  Coconut flour has amazing absorptive powers so I added a spoonful, resulting in a much more moldable batter.  Add coconut flour if you need a thickener, or a little water if your batter is too dry (if your batter is too dry the macaroons will be crumbly after baking, so do not thicken it too much).  These little treats are so easy to make and quite satisfying as a quick snack any time of day!

3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Coconut Macaroons

2 medium-sized ripe bananas
1 1/4 C. finely shredded unsweetened coconut
1 T. coconut flour, if needed
1 C. chocolate chips*

Mash the bananas thoroughly with a fork in a large bowl.  Stir in the coconut (use your hand if you like, but I used my fork).  Roll the batter into one-inch balls.  Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and flatten slightly if needed (mine needed very little flattening).  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool.  Remove to a plate and line the cookie sheet with a new piece of parchment or waxed paper.

When the macaroons are cool, place the chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds.  Remove from the microwave and stir.  Microwave again for 30 seconds and stir.  Continue this process if necessary until most of the chocolate chips are melted (mine needed an additional 15 seconds after the two 30-second bouts).  Do not allow the chocolate to burn!  Stir vigorously to melt the rest of the chocolate.  Dip each macaroon sideways into the melted chocolate and place on the prepared cookie sheet.  Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.  Remove from the cookie sheet and store in a covered container in the fridge for up to three days.  These macaroons can also be frozen for up to three months and thawed at room temperature before serving.  Makes 12-16 macaroons.

*I used a product called Baker's Real Milk Chocolate Dipping Chocolate because I happened to have it in my pantry and it was convenient.  You will probably have leftover chocolate, which can be refrigerated and reheated later for dipping any other treat your heart desires (like strawberries!).
               

This 'n That Thursdays: 2018 Garden Picks of the Year, Part 4b

From Balcony Garden Web

For my last 2018 garden picks of the year post, I present the six All-America Selections choices for National Edible-Vegetable Winners!  Like all AAS winners, they are new for the season, tested the previous season by volunteer horticulture professionals, and judged to be the superior performers in impartial trials.  Now let's get started:

Sweet American Dream Corn

Corn is not my favorite food, but when I do eat it I prefer sweet, tender bicolor corn.  If I had the perfect spot for a big vegetable garden I would definitely give AAS 2018 Edible-Vegetable National Winner Sweet American Dream Corn a try.  According to the trial judges, the flavor and performance of this variety topped that of their previous bicolor corn winner!  Excellent germination, slightly earlier maturation, and super sweet, tender kernels from vigorous, healthy plants that performed well in a variety of growing locations make this sweet corn variety an excellent choice for the home vegetable garden.

Pak Choi Asian Delight F1

The only Asian vegetable I have ever grown before is Japanese eggplant, but if I had a big garden plot for vegetables I would give Asian Delight F1 Pak Choi a try.  AAS trials found that this AAS 2018 Edible-Vegetable National Winner was significantly slower to bolt than any other pak choi (aka bok choy) variety, which means that it has the potential for much greater yield.  The small to mid-size heads have sweet, tender white ribs and dark green, textured leaves.

Red Ember F1 Cayenne Pepper

I am not a fan of hot peppers, but for those who are, AAS 2018 Edible-Vegetable National Winner Red Ember F1 Cayenne Pepper is a variety to try.  Vigorous plants produce abundant fruits that mature early, with a taste that is sweet and moderately spicy.  This hot pepper can be grown in the garden or in containers, and would be a versatile ingredient in many recipes.

Roulette F1 Habanero Pepper

The unique feature of AAS 2018 Edible-Vegetable National Winner Roulette F1 Habanero Pepper is its lack of spicy heat, which means that this is a pepper I would seriously consider growing.  Abundant ruits mature early, are relatively uniform in size, and have more of a citrusy rather than spicy flavor.  These peppers work well for garden plots or containers.  I will be on the lookout for this habanero pepper variety in my local garden supply stores!

Cocktail Red Racer F1 Tomato

If you are looking for a tomato variety that is neither too big nor too small, will grow in the garden or in a container, and produces early, uniformly-sized clusters of fruits that have good acid/sweet flavor balance, than look no further than the AAS 2018 Edible-Vegetable National Winner Cocktail Red Racer F1 Tomato.  Plants are compact and determinate (bush-type), and if you prefer to start your own seeds they are available in organic or conventional options.

Valentine F1 Tomato

The final AAS 2018 Edible-Vegetable National Winner selected is the Valentine F1 Tomato, a grape tomato variety with deep red coloring and very sweet flavor.  The heat-resistant vines are suitable for gardens or containers, but are indeterminate and must be staked.  Plants are vigorous and prolific.  The fruits mature early, and resist cracking and flavor loss.  Grape tomatoes are my favorite, so I would be happy to give this variety a try!

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In addition to the national Edible-Vegetable Winners, there are three regional winners in this category as well (Mexican Sunrise F1 Hungarian Pepper suitable for the Southeast and Mountain/ Southwest regions; Mexican Sunset F1 Hungarian Pepper suitable for the Southeast; and Chef's Choice Red F1 Tomato suitable for the Southeast and West/Northwest regions).  If you live in these areas you might want to check out the top picks chosen for your region.

I am busily planting what I can in my limited garden spaces, but we have been getting so much rain lately that I am afraid I will lose some of my new plants to rot!  I hope we get to see the sun again soon, but the weather forecast is not promising.  May you have more fortuitous gardening weather in your location, and if you need rain I will do my best to will some of ours in your direction!
             

Wish List Wednesdays: Cactus Sippers Mason Jar Glasses

I found the cutest set of glassware at HomeGoods the other day for a phenomenal price, so they are not on my wish list, but for those who may be interested take a look at these green 15-ounce Cactus Sippers Mason Jar Glasses (set of four for $31.00 on Amazon).  I wish I had found them before Cinco de Mayo, but now you know what glassware I will be using for my table next year!  They will be perfect for serving lemonade or limeade.  I love the fact that they come with lids that have holes for straws.  I got mine for the bargain price of $7.99 for the set because the straws were missing, but I can supply my own straws!

Weekend Wardrobe: Accessories for Classic but Fun Navy and White Basic 4x4 Wardrobe

Last week's navy and white basic 4x4 wardrobe shown above is just begging for some fun accessories, so today I have added them (although it once again took me a while to track down the links for my reformatted images!).  Let's start with some lovely printed scarves in shades of blue and white featuring birds, boats, and bold geometric designs:

Clockwise from top left: Hermes Thalassa Silk Jersey Scarf in Navy; White Bird Print Scarf in Navy; Tory Burch Octagon Linen Oblong Scarf in Light Chambray; Pistil Mojave Scarf in Indigo.

I would happily pair that boat-themed scarf with the city scene navy skirt!

A few outer layers are next, for chilly mornings and evenings or frigid air-conditioned buildings:

Clockwise from top left: Banana Republic Soft Jersey Open Cardigan in Navy; Joules Golightly Waterproof Jacket in Navy Raining Dogs; Patagonia Women's Bajadas Hoody in Valley Flora: Classic Navy/Birch White; Boden Elizabeth Ponte Blazer in Navy.

A longer cardigan seemed like a good idea, plus a navy blazer for a more structured look (only the wearer need know that the lining has a fun cherry print!).  The short jacket with a botanical print echoes the floral theme of two of the blouses.  And how could I resist a raincoat with dogs as the print design?

Time to add some handbags, and a belt for the pants with belt loops:

Clockwise from top left: Michael Kors Striped Large East West Tote in Washed Denim; L.L. Bean Signature Women's Leather 3/4" Belt in Navy; Sea Bags Navy True North Wristlet; Talbots Pieced Pebbled Denim Crossbody Bag in Extra Dark/Dark/Light.

The tote and crossbody bags bring in more shades of blue, and I thought the compass design on the wristlet would pair well with the boat scarf.

Now for some shoes suitable for warm weather wear:

Clcokwise from top left: Talbots Sueded Denim Ryan Loafers in Dark Denim/Indigo Blue; Talbots Sadie Wave Slide Sandals in Indigo Blue; Talbots Denim Superga Sneakers in Navy; Talbots Burnished Leather Cassidy Loafers in India Ink; Center: Joules Wellibob Short Rain Boots in French Navy Chic Dogs.

I have a preference for simple and comfortable shoes, but of course anyone who loves heels could easily find suitable selections in white, navy, and/or other shades of blue, like some of these options from Talbots here.  As for the rain boots, they have a doggie print similar to that of the rain coat described earlier, so how could I resist?

Last but not least, let's add some jewelry to the accessories mix - I really had fun selecting these bold pieces!

Clockwise from top left: Voss & Kompani Navy Silver Mesh Cuff; Rue B Abstract Statement Necklace in Metallic Grey/Denim Blue/Navy; Chico's Reversible Blue Gem Pendant Necklace in Silver; Lema J 1.5" Navy Polished Pearl Cuff with Silver Liner; Chico's Blue Wood Bead Coil Bracelet in Smokey Blue; Baltic Domini Cyaneous Bubble Statement Necklace with Bird Pendant.

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Even if you just stick to a blue and white color palette, the wardrobe possibilities are seemingly endless.  However, what if you want to expand your color choices?  For this wardrobe and accessories collection, a couple of the items have touches of other colors.  Next week I will add a few more apparel pieces in two other colors to show how easily this basic wardrobe can be expanded.
             

Foodie Fridays: Lemon Curd Chia Seed Pudding with Blueberries

It has been a while since I last made a chia seed pudding for breakfast, but when I saw the recipe for Lemon Curd Chia Parfaits on the How Sweet Eats blog, I knew I had to try it.  I love lemon curd, so finding a new way to eat this sweet treat made me very happy!  Chia seed pudding is relatively healthy, and the addition of antioxidant-rich blueberries makes me feel less guilty about eating a dish that is very dessert-like for breakfast.  I would even serve smaller portions of this recipe as a dessert because it is that good!  The creamy crunch of the chia seed pudding is enhanced by the crunchy sweetness of the berries, but the sweet tartness of the lemon curd is what makes this recipe a winner for me.

You can vary the amount of lemon curd in the recipe according to your taste preferences - halve the amount if you want to decrease the amount of sugar, or go all-out decadent and add a little more if you are having this pudding for dessert.  Use any milk you like for the liquid.  My favorite at the moment is Califia Farms Toasted Coconut Almondmilk, but any other plant or animal milk is fine.  If you want to add more crunch to this dish, top it with some chopped nuts or coconut.  You could even use a different fruit if you like (raspberries would work well).  The best aspect of a chia seed pudding is that it is infinitely adaptable to whatever flavors you want to try (check out the Nest and Glow post here for even more variations).

Lemon Curd Chia Seed Pudding with Blueberries

3 T. chia seeds
1 C. almond milk (or any preferred milk)
1/4 tsp. vanilla
2 T. lemon curd (store-bought is fine, or make your own)
1/4-1/3 C. fresh blueberries

Combine the chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla in a small bowl or large glass and stir with a fork.  Allow to sit for a minute, and then stir again.  Wait a few minutes more, stir thoroughly one more time, and then cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight.

Spoon about 2 teaspoons of lemon curd into the bottom of a large glass.  Top with half of the chia pudding.  Add 2 more teaspoons of lemon curd and top with half of the blueberries.  Spoon in the remaining chia pudding, followed by the last of the lemon curd and the rest of the berries.  Serves 1.
               

This 'n That Thursdays: 2018 Garden Picks of the Year, Part 4a

AAS Display Garden (from All-America Selections)

Today's post is the first of a two-part series describing the 2018 garden picks of the year from All-America Selections (AAS).  Every year AAS, a non-profit North American plant trailing organization, tests brand new garden plant varieties and chooses the top performers as their AAS Winners.  Six flowering annuals were selected for 2018, so let's take a look, shall we?

Canna South Pacific Orange F1

Vivid orange flowers and bright green foliage characterize Canna South Pacific Orange F1, a 2018 AAS National Flower Winner, as does increased basal branching and a prolonged blooming period.  This tall upright annual prefers full sun, is attractive to pollinators, and can be grown as a container or landscape plant.

Cuphea Floriglory Diana

Cuphea Floriglory Diana is the 2018 AAS National Ornamental Vegetative Winner.  Commonly known as Mexican heather, this drought-tolerant mounded annual has dark green foliage and abundant intensely magenta flowers.  Compact in size, the plant prefers full sun and works well in mass plantings or in containers.

Gypsophila Gypsy White Improved

Gypsophila Gypsy White Improved is another 2018 AAS National Flower Winner.  Also known as baby's breath, this plant is the non-invasive species Gypsophila muralis (not the invasive Gypsophila paniculata).  More abundant large semi-double white flowers, better branching and growth habit, a prolonged blooming period, and better heat tolerance make this variety a big improvement over its predecessors.  With afternoon shade and sufficient watering during the hottest days, this mounding annual is perfect for containers or flower beds.

Marigold Super Hero Spry

Yet another 2018 AAS National Flower Winner is Marigold Super Hero Spry, a bushy, compact, mounded annual with vibrant bicolor flowers of maroon red and golden yellow.  This early-blooming French marigold does well in full sun, is drought tolerant, requires no deadheading, and can be grown in containers or the garden.

Ornamental Pepper Onyx Red

I think that Ornamental Pepper Onyx Red is my favorite of the 2018 AAS National Flower Winner selections!  Tiny black leaves and multitudes of round bright red fruits on a compact but well-branched plant make this ornamental pepper stand out in any garden setting.  Full sun and warmer temperatures are preferred by this drought-tolerant annual.  Growth is vigorous but the bushy and compact growth habit is maintained.  I will definitely be looking for this one at my local garden centers!

Zinnia Queeny Lime Orange

The final 2018 AAS National Flower Winner is Zinnia Queeny Lime Orange, and it is stunning.  Very large bicolor blooms in gradations of lime, yellow, peach, and salmon with a dark orange center characterize this zinnia variety.  The plant itself is a tall, upright, drought-tolerant annual which prefers full sun.  It is an outstanding choice for a cutting flower garden.

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Now that you have seen the exciting new flowering annual picks from AAS, I'm sure all of the vegetable gardeners out there are looking forward to the new vegetable varieties selected for 2018, so stay tuned for next week's final 2018 garden picks of the year post!
               

Wish List Wednesdays: Totally Tikka Riverwalk Dessert Plates

Cinco de Mayo may be over, but to me summer is the time for fun and colorful table settings, and the Totally Tikka Riverwalk Full Fiesta Dessert Plate (on sale for $24.95, currently on backorder) from Lenox is perfect for any warm-weather table setting.  These dishwasher-safe 8-inch china plates have a casual design in vibrant hues, with a gold rim that elevates them just enough to work in slightly more formal tablescapes as well.  You can buy the plates individually, or as part of a set of four different but similar designs (Totally Tikka Riverwalk 4-Piece Dessert Plate Set, on sale for $99.95).  Summer is practically here, and it's time to have some table setting fun!

                

Weekend Wardrobe: Classic but Fun Navy and White Basic 4x4 Wardrobe

From Julianna Kunstler

This post took me a little longer to complete than usual because I lost most of my links when my computer reformatted all of the saved images, but I finally managed to pull everything together.  I thought I would focus on navy and white today, which is a classic color combination for summer.  Like the image above, a couple of the tops have hints of other shades of blue as well, and next week's accessories will put more emphasis on some lighter blue hues.

I put together a wardrobe that is not quite as casual as most of the wardrobes I create, but which still has some fun elements included.  Several of the tops and one skirt have unique prints that add interest to the collection.  These pieces would be great for someone who works in a situation where some formality is required but where there is still room for a personality to shine through!

Here is the first set of four, where a traditional column of color in navy can be created:

Clcokwise from top left: Boden Favourite Crew Cardigan in Navy; Banana Republic Life in Motion Parker Tunic Fit Silk Sleeveless Shirt in Navy Stripe; Boden The City Shirt in Navy; Banana Republic Ryan Slim Straight-Fit Bi-Stretch Pants in Navy.

For the second set of four, the look is slightly more casual:

Clockwise from top left: Boden Lightweight Printed Crew Neck in Blues Swallow Swoop;  Duluth Trading Co. Women's No-Yank Short Sleeve V-Neck T Shirt in White; Boden Annora Blouse in Ecru Meadow; Banana Republic Devon Legging-Fit Bi-Stretch Pants in Navy; 

The third set of four starts with a basic pencil skirt which can be paired with any of the three more casual tops:

Clockwise from top left: Uniqlo Niko Luoma SPRZ NY Printed Short-Sleeve T-Shirt in Navy; Boden Katie Top in White; Banana Republic Leopard Print Pleated Drapey Tank in Navy (no longer available); Boden Richmond Pencil Skirt in Navy.

The final set of four is composed of apparel for a very relaxed sort of work day, with a pair of white jeans and a fun navy print skirt plus two basic tops:

Clockwise from top left: Banana Republic Stretch-Cotton Shell in White; Duluth Trading Co. Women's No-Yank Short Sleeve V-Neck T Shirt in Storm Blue; Banana Republic Skinny Stain-Resistant Ankle Jeans in Lily Wash; Boden Fun Embroidered Skirt in Navy.

And here is the basic 4x4 wardrobe:

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I love the addition of the different print items, but so far this wardrobe is more functional than fun.  Next week I will add the accessories, which will include a wider range of blue shades and hopefully punch up the fun factor as well!
             

Foodie Fridays: White Bean and Kale Soup

A couple of weeks ago some friends gave us a gift of vegetables from their impressive garden, as a thank you for providing them with some well-rotted horse manure to enrich said garden (our property has fertilizer in abundance, but no sunny locations large enough to support a decent vegetable garden).  We got leaf lettuce and kale, and I decided to use the latter in a soup.  Our weather is just now starting to get hot, but the mornings and evenings are comfortably cool, so soup is still a meal option.  The recipe I found for White Bean and Kale Soup is simple but oh so very good, and fresh kale is infinitely better than store-bought!

My secret ingredient in this soup was the rind left over from a delightful manchego-type cheese coated in dried rosemary (from La Tienda here).  Rosemary is a great complement to cannellini beans, and the addition of this rind made the soup absolutely delicious.  If you have some Parmesan rind use that instead and perhaps add some dried or fresh rosemary for additional flavor.  Soup season will not last much longer here, but I am glad I got to make this soup with fresh kale and enjoy it while I still had the chance!

White Bean and Kale Soup

2 T. olive oil
1 shallot or small onion, diced
1 C. diced carrots
2 cans (15 oz. each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 C. vegetable or chicken broth
2 C. water
4 C. kale, stems removed and torn into 1-inch pieces
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan or other hard cheese rind (optional)*

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat.  Add the onions and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Mash one can of beans in a small bowl.  Add the mashed beans, broth, and water to the saucepan.  Bring to a boil.

Stir in the remaining can of beans plus the kale pieces.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Reduce the heat, partially cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the kale is tender.  Add the cheese rind if using and simmer until the rind is soft and disintegrates into the soup.  Season with additional salt and pepper if needed and serve.  Serves 4.
             

This 'n That Thursdays: 2018 Garden Picks of the year, Part 3

From Proven Winners

Well, I thought that this would be my last 2018 garden picks of the year post, but I realized I had forgotten one more garden organization's selections, so there will be two more of these posts after this week.  Today, let's take a look at the 2018 National Plant of the Year choices from Proven Winners, a North American plant propagating company.  This year there are three featured flowering plants - an annual, a perennial, and a landscape plant:

From Four Star Greenhouse

The 2018 Annual of the Year is Supertunia Bordeaux Petunia.  Supertunia petunias are known for their profuse flowering, vigorous growth, masses of blooms from spring to frost, and the fact that they need no deadheading (removal of spent flowers).  Supertunia Bordeaux has two-toned purple flowers that look lovely in containers or in landscape plantings.

From Proven Winners

For their 2018 Perennial of the Year, Proven Winners chose Primo 'Black Pearl' Heuchera.  Also known as coral bells, heucheras have pretty light pink flowers on upright stalks, but they are primarily known for their impressive foliage colors, and this variety is no exception.  Glossy jet-black ruffled leaves are densely packed on this compact mounding plant.  It grows exceptionally well in containers as well as flower beds.

From Proven Winners

The Proven Winners 2018 Landscape Plant of the Year is Spilled Wine Weigela.  Weigelas are dense, rounded, deciduous shrubs with bright pink flowers.  Spilled Wine Weigela is a compact variety that only grows to about 2-3 feet in height.  It has deep wine red leaves and masses of magenta pink flowers.  It is not preferred by deer, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and looks great planted en masse in large or small landscaping beds.

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Proven Winners has added four new shrub categories to their 2019 National Plant of the Year program - a landscape shrub, a rose, a hydrangea, and a flowering shrub.  You can read about them here (I will feature them in posts next year).  Next week I will begin a two-part post for the All America Selections 2018 winners, starting with the flowering plant choices and (finally!) ending this gardening series with the 2018 vegetable picks.  I hope everyone who loves gardening is able to get out and start planting by now!
           

On the Homefront: Seeing Spots (and Donkeys!) Cinco de Mayo Celebration Table

Pier 1 Fiesta Donkey Salad Plate Set of 4

Originally my Cinco de Mayo table was going to be all about seeing spots, but then I found the Pier 1 Fiesta Donkey Salad Plates shown above, so of course donkeys had to be added to the mix!  While unfortunately no longer available online, you may still be able to find this super cute dinnerware at your local Pier 1 as I did.  My table already had a lot of color, and these plates just added to the fun.  The result is a happy, chaotic, and cheerful setting for a colorful fiesta celebration.  (Unfortunately my limited photography skills resulted in unusually dark images for some reason, but you get the idea.)

Blue cotton placemat; spotted dinner plate (made in Portugal; from HomeGoods a couple of years ago); Pier 1 Fiesta Donkey Salad Plate; brown bowl with multi-colored spots rim (set of 4 found in a local secondhand store); medium blue dessert plate (from Publix years ago); colorful spotted napkin; Tripoli Sand Flatware by Cambridge Silversmiths (from HomeGoods a few years ago); Color Dots Wine Glass (from Pier 1 a few years ago); clear water glass.

The other three settings:

At the head of the table sits my colorful donkey piñata cookie jar (found
many years ago at Target, I think), surrounded by green glass cactus
candlestick holders (from Pier 1 ages ago) and Dalmatians Cinco and
Mayo in colorful sombreros and serapes.

A colorfully striped tray (from Pier 1 last year) will hold the fixings for
sangria, my drink of choice with Mexican food.

A big red bowl for tortilla chips, and two smaller yellow bowls for
lots of guacamole!

Years ago when I lived on St. John, some friends and I would occasionally take in a movie at the theater on St. Thomas.  We would have dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant first (the eponymous parrot is probably long gone, but I wonder if El Papagayo is still there?).  We always ordered the same meal - plates of cheese nachos with bowls of guacamole, and pitchers of the best sangria ever!  I know most people think of beer as the beverage of choice with Mexican food, but for me it will always be sangria.  My menu was inspired by this fond memory of fun with friends, but with the addition of main dish tacos and a dessert to round out the fiesta feast.

For the sangria, I always use a bottled version and add a little orange juice, plus some fruit (berries and citrus slices are good) and possibly seltzer (my husband found an unsweetened lemon-lime seltzer from Kroger that would be perfect).  I like Cruz Garcia Real Sangria Red from Spain because it is relatively easy to find and tastes quite good.  For the dessert, I buy refrigerated individual flan servings because I am terrible at caramelizing sugar so I don't even try to make my own, but if you have better luck than I do then by all means serve homemade!

Colorful Cinco de Mayo Menu:

Sangria (or Beer)

Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

My Sister's Guacamole

Chipotle Shrimp and Veggies Soft Tacos

Caramel Flan

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Diego the Dalmatian wins the prize for silliest costume ever!

The past couple of weeks have been unusually busy around here, so as usual I am a little late getting this tablescape posted, but I hope everyone enjoyed a great Cinco de Mayo and/or Kentucky Derby day celebration!