Saturday, May 28, 2011

Vanilla Roasted Berries


I'm posting this so I can find the recipe. It looks delicious and I love berries-a win/win! This is from a very pretty blog called "Poppytalk".
Vanilla Roasted Berries
(adapted from Ina Garten)
1 pint blackberries
1 pint strawberries
3 tablespoons vanilla sugar (or more if you like things sweet)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat oven to 350F. Place berries evenly on a parchment paper-covered cookie sheet. Sprinkle with vanilla sugar, salt and pepper and balsamic vinegar. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Cool slightly until the juices thicken, about 5 minutes. Serve warm over ice cream, yogurt or whatever your heart desires.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

mothers


I saw this New Yorker cover on another blog and had to share it with you. I think it is both beautiful and sad as it illustrates the different ways women might feel about motherhood. To my mother, and all those that mother: Thank you! What a beautiful gift women have been given from God; the desire to love, teach, and nurture anyone in need. Sometimes, though, the importance of this gift is being drowned out by the lure of the worldly. The saddest part is that sometimes women are the ones calling out against motherhood the loudest. As sisters, we should be helping and encouraging each other to be our individual best. We need to appreciate the contribution that each of us makes to our world, be it the playroom, or classroom, or boardroom, or courtroom, or backyard. As to why we should never forget why we have the urge to "mother" those around us I found these words beautiful-
"Don't be lured away from the plan of God to the ways of the world where motherhood is belittled, femininity is decried, and the divinely established role of a wife and mother is mocked. Let the world go its way. You follow the plan of the Lord for the greatest measure of true, eternal achievement, and the fullness of happiness." - Richard G. Scott
Mother Theresa wisely spoke that "If you judge people you have no time to love them". Thomas S. Monson said "Life is perfect for none of us. Instead of being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life". Isn't that what true mothering is?

Blueberries!


I couldn't believe my eyes-there were ripe blueberries on my blueberry bush. Call me crazy for being excited, but fruit usually doesn't grow that easily for me. So here are the first 12 berries of the season, and they are happy to see you!
(You caught me. I ate 3 on my way to find the camera.)