musings, mutterings, and creative muddle. . .





Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Tweets and Sweets


I really hate how our elm trees drop their leaves so much earlier than other trees - makes for icky bird baths and a messy yard!  Not to mention their 'fruits' all over the yard.  I'm glad the squirrels are around to help keep those picked up.





My fountain / bird bath on the back porch simply didn't want to 'spout' water any more.

 I emptied the bowl, cleaned out the water pump, wiped everything down, filled it back up with water, plugged it in and. . . Nothing.  Seriously???  Nothing?  Sigh. . . Repeat. Except, this time, I focused on the tube from the end of the birdies mouth to the pump.  Success!!  A can of air came in handy getting all the algae out.  Yech!

I also learned that you can put the tiniest bit of bleach into your fountains (I used about a tablespoon for my 2-1/2 gallon bowl) to help keep the algae from growing.  Hopefully that will help.  I'll keep you posted.  Oh, I don't think the bleach thing is a good idea in fountains that birdies use. 

And now, the focal point of our entire weekend. . . Son-o's 'pseudo-Birthday' dinner:

Grilled Pork Loin, Brussels Sprouts Divine, Fresh Tomatoes with Feta, Moscato wine, and one Tasty-Awesome Turtle Cheesecake!  Oh man!  What a GREAT Birthday Dinner:-)


I used my usual cheesecake recipe and added a few chocolate chips (toss them with some flour to help keep them from sinking during baking).  Once it was cooled, I topped it with chopped walnuts and some of my homemade caramel sauce - delish!  More than delicious - Extra Special YUMMY Goodness!



Caramel Sauce

1/2 c packed brown sugar (light for sweeter, dark for stronger flavor)
1 Tbsp corn starch
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup milk (use 1/2 and 1/2 or cream for a richer sauce)
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp vanilla

In a heavy saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth.  Stir in cream and corn syrup.  Cook over medium-high heat until bubbly, stirring frequently (mixture may appear curdled).  Cook and stir for 2 more minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in butter and vanilla.  Can serve warm or cool over ice cream, cheesecake. . .

Have a Birthday kind of day ~

Robin Z

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