Wow was it hot today! Especially for a March 11. We clocked the thermometer at a warm 93 degrees in the back yard. Too warm and nice to be inside, so we fixed our Sunday dinner outside. We had baked acorn squash, grilled asparagus and broccoli and the main entree was honey-mustard glazed pork tenderloin. Man was that good!
Today’s gourmet meal consisted of homemade gnocchi (Italian-style potato dumplings) and meatballs simmered in a simple marinara sauce. This was our first attempt at making gnocchi and (if I do say so myself) they were wonderful. The ground chicken and turkey meatballs, however, came from the frozen foods section of the supermarket. Although the meatballs were OK, we’re sure we could do better — and will next time using freshly ground beef and sweet pork sausage. I’ll probably add this meal to our recipe pages when we make the entire meal from fresh ingredients.
The gnocchi are made by first baking a couple of potatoes (about a pound’s worth). When the potatoes cool down, scoop out the potato and discard the skins. Mash the potatoes and mix with an egg and flour. To make the individual gnocchi, roll about a heaping tablespoon in your hands (use flour so the potato doesn’t stick to your hands). When the gnocchi are ready, drop them into boiling water. When the gnocchi float to the top, they are done. Scoop them out using a slotted spoon into serving bowls. Ladle the meatballs and sauce over the gnocchi and garnish with a little Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Click on the image for a larger view.
Last spring we had several flowers from what I thought was a Saint Louie Louie daffodil. Actually, it is probably a Sugarbird Daffodil. This year, we’re getting at least two of them, as you can see. Click on the photo for a larger image of these two daffodils.
The chrysanthemum is the floral emblem of the imperial family of Japan. Known to have been cultivated in China as far back as the 1400s BC, it first made its way to Japan sometime in the 900s, and was adopted as the emperor’s official seal. Crown Prince Akihito assumed the Chrysanthemum Throne, the world’s oldest monarchy, after the death of his father, Hirohito, on January 7, 1989.
These mums are now showing on our patio. I just LOVE springtime! Click the image to enlarge.
Artwork depicting the sun is very common worldwide. For agricultural people, the warming rays of the sun held great importance. Petroglyphs of the sunburst have often been found wherever ancient peoples lived. The Chumash and Yokut tribes here in California are no exception with petroglyph sites dotting the map.
In recent times the sunburst has often been used to decorate clocks and weather instruments. Sculptures of the sunburst have been around from ancient times to the present as it continues to be a popular subject for artists.
Over the weekend I mounted this nice sunburst replica over a planter on a fence in the patio.
Don’t let its delicate appearance fool you. This exotic, graceful orchid is among the most hardy of houseplants. Phalaenopsis orchids are commonly referred to as “Moth Orchids” and are considered among the easiest of the orchid family to care for as well as the most recognizable. The long-lasting flowers bloom perfectly for up to three months. The flowering intervals vary with each plant, and you may be treated to a bloom as often as twice a year. Phalaenopsis have become one of the most popular variety of orchids because of their low maintenance and delicate balance of poise and elegance.
We picked up this beauty yesterday at our local garden center. There are three blooms and more on the way. Click the picture for a larger view.
