A Porch Kind of Weekend - Breakfast & Dinner alfresco

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9P1o2x6NBQH52jQkU1OUAF-6OsM3GH-0vqwTulQNWX_K7YZOkM_bYgAlq9r-rdrR0OJwwnsp3IEQPT5cWF4Z7Roxex705YA28oo-SqtezeH3wiJd_wUXn6dznabUd_JEj9PBS1bkefD8/s1600/IMG_9349.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9P1o2x6NBQH52jQkU1OUAF-6OsM3GH-0vqwTulQNWX_K7YZOkM_bYgAlq9r-rdrR0OJwwnsp3IEQPT5cWF4Z7Roxex705YA28oo-SqtezeH3wiJd_wUXn6dznabUd_JEj9PBS1bkefD8/s640/IMG_9349.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>It officially feels like spring - thank goodness.  We took advantage of every peep of the sunshine this weekend having almost all of our meals outside on the porch.<br /><br />When <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-before-house-tour-be-kind-dont.html">we bought the house the cozy little side porch</a> was a huge motivation for us.  Like home buyers do, I had visions of us drinking our morning coffee out there and sipping on wine in the evenings - and this weekend we fulfilled that and more.  Unfortunately, I think to often people don't make an effort to live out their 'perfect life' visions.   <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zeiv-sUBXq_a7D4TAYXslYPYVC6g9i2GH20KA8_KUWw3iGEwg3ykFZwO7dXjsLJo27tgLCb3IIRThbC785xEdToXlk6HoJ54mqUHfoJPYczOhPAGfaSJO6DWHQG4Q3gsIVZuINCtGBQ/s1600/IMG_9350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zeiv-sUBXq_a7D4TAYXslYPYVC6g9i2GH20KA8_KUWw3iGEwg3ykFZwO7dXjsLJo27tgLCb3IIRThbC785xEdToXlk6HoJ54mqUHfoJPYczOhPAGfaSJO6DWHQG4Q3gsIVZuINCtGBQ/s640/IMG_9350.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Emma and I spent the end of last week gathering various flowers, herbs and pots to plant outside.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBMJZWo867UWXOMuQtUnc_7byFyzDrBF9CqGxrJU4MwErmEU7cvrB8Nu5hxjC7X1zdJ3gCJb5osqrNqze4Jw5ZWCvscQ0VRB7_JJMou7FoAvcaYFQnHAL5URAWe2Z2n6-JOvejlprGAU/s1600/IMG_9346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBMJZWo867UWXOMuQtUnc_7byFyzDrBF9CqGxrJU4MwErmEU7cvrB8Nu5hxjC7X1zdJ3gCJb5osqrNqze4Jw5ZWCvscQ0VRB7_JJMou7FoAvcaYFQnHAL5URAWe2Z2n6-JOvejlprGAU/s640/IMG_9346.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />These fern lavender were the best find of the weekend.  They smell great and will bloom like this all Spring/Summer.  Aren't they whimsical? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMNfz9b8ZnLhQSQ2fWzszQsduBYO2CK7YzP0jhlJq-GtiZ5mX7PyTb9L2EL3JlzWPiICKP_SeI8bS6jVWkEg2ULCRgi5t43pLCf7-qi4uXdlV2WASj3ES-JtosskO6zaY0CFSuLKVE-8/s1600/IMG_9371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMNfz9b8ZnLhQSQ2fWzszQsduBYO2CK7YzP0jhlJq-GtiZ5mX7PyTb9L2EL3JlzWPiICKP_SeI8bS6jVWkEg2ULCRgi5t43pLCf7-qi4uXdlV2WASj3ES-JtosskO6zaY0CFSuLKVE-8/s640/IMG_9371.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Our porch weekend started with a little get together with homemade pizza + friends + kids + dogs on Saturday night.  So, when we woke up on Sunday morning we were searching for something to eat with our coffee... 10 minutes later Cinnamon (pizza) Bread was ready.  Recipe coming soon.  It was sooo good and silly easy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8iu694oDVrm2dA4FSzavDY8_z4RWR1az1MksFPZmn42iUy8moScHCtgpONmtrJd9LHF8abqEPFy7dUsS0nwqX_6xMXilTtOJVqly9T6Ugx3JlsX5rwVB_TGlg6eokICWhvX56HUPQVM/s1600/IMG_9354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8iu694oDVrm2dA4FSzavDY8_z4RWR1az1MksFPZmn42iUy8moScHCtgpONmtrJd9LHF8abqEPFy7dUsS0nwqX_6xMXilTtOJVqly9T6Ugx3JlsX5rwVB_TGlg6eokICWhvX56HUPQVM/s640/IMG_9354.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I planted a couple of strawberry plants in pots on the porch, too.  Because the strawberry plants were fairly minimal, I added some of these muscari that had already bloomed in our yard.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWmGG_DGPD39gUXRFN4z_HBRBCAn0TFf_LstL8b1ci3VvuGD5mG0uN_8mBHOLDxFH6pZkiP-_nZeb9aaTsY9xVrwiAD9pxfCc2cCmZKBxhHoR2eAnYCEygEa07kaZ_PDFWiJMCYN9QKE/s1600/IMG_9355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWmGG_DGPD39gUXRFN4z_HBRBCAn0TFf_LstL8b1ci3VvuGD5mG0uN_8mBHOLDxFH6pZkiP-_nZeb9aaTsY9xVrwiAD9pxfCc2cCmZKBxhHoR2eAnYCEygEa07kaZ_PDFWiJMCYN9QKE/s640/IMG_9355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love how they are peeking above the strawberry plants.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqsd94e1hqfW5ljz5DolHYaY8F5POCsl20MiXpsyObtKUYyiFAC3whZawI3g4Jg4_0Q4qlJvSlQt4npuUap2S-O5lUfSeS90IafuaU572kKJbSaAfYRgEjPFBFAyQIaZPjpjaGy4BDzE/s1600/IMG_9383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqsd94e1hqfW5ljz5DolHYaY8F5POCsl20MiXpsyObtKUYyiFAC3whZawI3g4Jg4_0Q4qlJvSlQt4npuUap2S-O5lUfSeS90IafuaU572kKJbSaAfYRgEjPFBFAyQIaZPjpjaGy4BDzE/s640/IMG_9383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got these G. Wolff & Co. pots this year at a fabulous local nursery called Red Cedar.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39k9soN7LZ2DU6sz43YZ3teAsD5aZjgNUnMB76k_z_N9xPxriJmvgsGdcvC9cpb9I6q_TrGGOZ_333AJPIrY-CkHosuuhadQsYoBDcawYn2lKfVuHv7TCgxwR34AozYfsMqVVt92DRKA/s1600/IMG_9384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39k9soN7LZ2DU6sz43YZ3teAsD5aZjgNUnMB76k_z_N9xPxriJmvgsGdcvC9cpb9I6q_TrGGOZ_333AJPIrY-CkHosuuhadQsYoBDcawYn2lKfVuHv7TCgxwR34AozYfsMqVVt92DRKA/s640/IMG_9384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I had purchased these pots there three years ago.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0k9oub9rMusr0_07kvPxubxiDLt57gTCmNNetwQHzn09qEWV7BaQWKgSpW5Cs7ukAFZbTYY25-htPxLW5TmwZ2TxTe2iN-tlLGtdXDXUwfU5jQA0WjwIpm6SerwfVyN2FH-CvWceHzY4/s1600/IMG_9389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0k9oub9rMusr0_07kvPxubxiDLt57gTCmNNetwQHzn09qEWV7BaQWKgSpW5Cs7ukAFZbTYY25-htPxLW5TmwZ2TxTe2iN-tlLGtdXDXUwfU5jQA0WjwIpm6SerwfVyN2FH-CvWceHzY4/s640/IMG_9389.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />While I was fixing cinnamon bread and snapping photos, backyard wagon rides began.  Bunny ears and all.<br /><br />After some yard work and many more wagon rides...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeuPp6gcrdasPZAGjsgPBPfA5lQANEgZM8XBjhf5YIljyv5-axXCqmQ7_SK6PiKFlWPCAYSwlGiUyeeO7mcl1OOA9Xnk_9cvYpiBnEHc0IJbfOTy8YphkVN2-CgxnIdBIHPODjIQ7SNE/s1600/IMG_9423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeuPp6gcrdasPZAGjsgPBPfA5lQANEgZM8XBjhf5YIljyv5-axXCqmQ7_SK6PiKFlWPCAYSwlGiUyeeO7mcl1OOA9Xnk_9cvYpiBnEHc0IJbfOTy8YphkVN2-CgxnIdBIHPODjIQ7SNE/s640/IMG_9423.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Dinner was served.  On the porch. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXj5uB5zd4U7VzM-c9dKQVXKEgqyD3zacIhYcXiqdY9mx54-mI7U5r2xiGrEy5K3NnSP2Wp1t83nXZQZOle-Y-wUs9Gx-gQpFmOuvvaZpRLvA1lkWqwEr8tRFDmk523PsM8bIGTpeLZ0/s1600/IMG_9418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXj5uB5zd4U7VzM-c9dKQVXKEgqyD3zacIhYcXiqdY9mx54-mI7U5r2xiGrEy5K3NnSP2Wp1t83nXZQZOle-Y-wUs9Gx-gQpFmOuvvaZpRLvA1lkWqwEr8tRFDmk523PsM8bIGTpeLZ0/s640/IMG_9418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Seared Steaks with a Sweet Shallot & Wine Sauce (inspired by the Barefoot Contessa's, of course).  Recipes coming later this week!

A Porch Kind of Weekend - Breakfast & Dinner alfresco

It officially feels like spring - thank goodness.  We took advantage of every peep of the sunshine this weekend having almost all of our m...

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House Guests for the Weekend | Check List for Hosting House Guests

I love to have house guests.  We have guests coming to visit 5 out of the next 7 weekends - one of the good things about living far away.  We enjoy making our home comfortable and hosting friends and family it is one of the great ways to share it... not to mention it gives me an excuse to cook up a storm. <br /><br />Entertaining houses guests isn't too much unlike having friends for dinner - you have to spiff up the house (hopefully not too much...), prepare food of all kinds, and consider all of the things that will make your guests feel right at home... or better yet - on vacation.<br /><br />I put together this handy list to keep me organized, so I can have fun, too :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dZBqODzItf_wAX4bpaEpqkISBsO9R3bplu_bFnRFturpIEMlrOti105ZJmeACppNtII7Me1X9TNQ-i1WOi3NkwXQXZOGQ8wOETdHJCmKdLKxvigmgSjaiJ-Bf3aVgRPqmSaDZXchRSss/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dZBqODzItf_wAX4bpaEpqkISBsO9R3bplu_bFnRFturpIEMlrOti105ZJmeACppNtII7Me1X9TNQ-i1WOi3NkwXQXZOGQ8wOETdHJCmKdLKxvigmgSjaiJ-Bf3aVgRPqmSaDZXchRSss/s640/IMG_0631.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Guest Bedroom (<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/guest-bedroom-our-new-home-in-concord.html">click here for more details on how I put together the Guest Room</a>):<br />-Clean Sheets, Pillow Cases & Duvet<br />-Clean Towels<br />-Fresh Flower(s) (or live plant)<br />-Candle & Matches<br />-Fan<br />-Outlets (Open and easily found for chargers)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiAgatP6REMaJakOGZ_WCR7sr2qbuFoiDt9GNiAALSwLp-esY9JrYcMciJDzO7wx-A8bdzDg96aKnRg7wcqsqE1ZT5nNfRswUiM2DrEzUKC3sTxbfBBSxe1dpHcd65kgIDPfyK5JEkrKY/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiAgatP6REMaJakOGZ_WCR7sr2qbuFoiDt9GNiAALSwLp-esY9JrYcMciJDzO7wx-A8bdzDg96aKnRg7wcqsqE1ZT5nNfRswUiM2DrEzUKC3sTxbfBBSxe1dpHcd65kgIDPfyK5JEkrKY/s640/IMG_0807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN8_4FevuL1qagjsNKwDuc0eRxOWf_YWLlaUBpmm5a0c4g_fNMulx13SM8U5P7mJ15-zhgHJt5rERVkK9nTjHhf-ZsWOhhv0exhhjd_WBDvjdkuZgJCfYH1MlLxfekQ12M3bBOe5wR2_-/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN8_4FevuL1qagjsNKwDuc0eRxOWf_YWLlaUBpmm5a0c4g_fNMulx13SM8U5P7mJ15-zhgHJt5rERVkK9nTjHhf-ZsWOhhv0exhhjd_WBDvjdkuZgJCfYH1MlLxfekQ12M3bBOe5wR2_-/s640/IMG_0809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Guest Bathroom :<br />-Special Shampoo, Soap & Lotion<br />-Clean Towels<br />-Extra Toothbrush & Toothpaste<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEililSI5nsbfNOG5YXIBci-GmPyAgpGYTD0bhqar4S3-jFXC9p31qHv1oJssahWysEktg6tmsUglPEoCqNl3-IwJho5xm1oJtJS0qV5jeriuVxYtNoV33-Orr4lc9wE1stZHX4PvreBNTV6/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEililSI5nsbfNOG5YXIBci-GmPyAgpGYTD0bhqar4S3-jFXC9p31qHv1oJssahWysEktg6tmsUglPEoCqNl3-IwJho5xm1oJtJS0qV5jeriuVxYtNoV33-Orr4lc9wE1stZHX4PvreBNTV6/s640/IMG_0635.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />Having a <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/03/east-hampton-weekend-mill-house-inn-new.html">stocked cookie jar</a> is essential - right?  Ok, not essential, but definitely appreciated.  Get the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/peanut-butter-oatmeal-chocolate-chip.html">recipe for these Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Cookies Here</a>.<br /><br />Kitchen :<br />-<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/morning-fruit-tray-for-breakfast.html">Fresh Fruit (Divided Fruit & Berry Platter)</a><br />-<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/peanut-butter-oatmeal-chocolate-chip.html">Sweet Treats (Oatmeal, Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Cookies)</a><br />-Chilled Water<br />-Wine with glasses out - help yourself!<br />-Cold Beer<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitejju-xL1_0poh87XC9SRr94K2svGg599EBIlGeSGkoqywpgrNE4Fl0BMvmh8zTvKabh0hwMRigLfP_1mVviuBsJ7mUl26vWWJZpFKc5iZy54_L6V2C1misdR0DvLgO1B0HnS-gc_Wzy7/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitejju-xL1_0poh87XC9SRr94K2svGg599EBIlGeSGkoqywpgrNE4Fl0BMvmh8zTvKabh0hwMRigLfP_1mVviuBsJ7mUl26vWWJZpFKc5iZy54_L6V2C1misdR0DvLgO1B0HnS-gc_Wzy7/s640/IMG_0666.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I got the idea for this <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/morning-fruit-tray-for-breakfast.html">divided fruit platter</a> from our <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/03/east-hampton-weekend-mill-house-inn-new.html">B&B stay in East Hampton</a>.  It is so easy to get out every morning and replenish as the weekend goes on... it is also a great centerpiece for the morning table.

House Guests for the Weekend | Check List for Hosting House Guests

I love to have house guests.  We have guests coming to visit 5 out of the next 7 weekends - one of the good things about living far away.  W...

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Morning Fruit Tray for Breakfast | Weekend Guests

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitejju-xL1_0poh87XC9SRr94K2svGg599EBIlGeSGkoqywpgrNE4Fl0BMvmh8zTvKabh0hwMRigLfP_1mVviuBsJ7mUl26vWWJZpFKc5iZy54_L6V2C1misdR0DvLgO1B0HnS-gc_Wzy7/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitejju-xL1_0poh87XC9SRr94K2svGg599EBIlGeSGkoqywpgrNE4Fl0BMvmh8zTvKabh0hwMRigLfP_1mVviuBsJ7mUl26vWWJZpFKc5iZy54_L6V2C1misdR0DvLgO1B0HnS-gc_Wzy7/s640/IMG_0666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I am preparing our house for visiting friends and family for the weekend.  For breakfast, I decided to make a fruit platter similar to the one we enjoyed at the East Hampton B&B.  I love the 'help yourself' style of the tray - I'll keep it in the refrigerator all weekend long so we can get it out in the morning, or anyone can grab some fresh fruit for a healthy snack.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6KO6YKow7MMXEwmwj5DliZC5xDoo-kz-asEYg82YcJ0swuUzLqpTPmSio4CrIJ56LmoGNdTIs-vNkKnEMwW04dLlECmQ6GVZMz7VB3Lj2tdZnxsR2adYCbM8BTZK7-yFgGlW5MoVKcwd/s1600/IMG_7071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6KO6YKow7MMXEwmwj5DliZC5xDoo-kz-asEYg82YcJ0swuUzLqpTPmSio4CrIJ56LmoGNdTIs-vNkKnEMwW04dLlECmQ6GVZMz7VB3Lj2tdZnxsR2adYCbM8BTZK7-yFgGlW5MoVKcwd/s320/IMG_7071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I would love to have a beautiful copper platter like this for my platter, but after looking around my house, I put together my own platter with this gray painted wooden box with bowls.<br /><br />You might think, why not just put everything in one bowl?  After one day of breakfast the fruit will begin to stain each other - the pineapple will have blue blackberry juice on it, and the bananas will be brown.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSRAMHnxgJae2IQM-eCyqFmm6tvrEJfZoSIF5fj0PKG9rjo1GSuiSbEx_3eHu7GiR4WOHagqfwLoYNL_kneWGpNtbGbHjom72ro-iH3rJ0nq844zL_Wmuy0QF0JY21Mf2jeNtfFp8rUwK/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSRAMHnxgJae2IQM-eCyqFmm6tvrEJfZoSIF5fj0PKG9rjo1GSuiSbEx_3eHu7GiR4WOHagqfwLoYNL_kneWGpNtbGbHjom72ro-iH3rJ0nq844zL_Wmuy0QF0JY21Mf2jeNtfFp8rUwK/s640/IMG_0642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I had to mix and match the bowls a little bit for it to work in the box.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilY57yURqE8r6vfmYzeG_w5dVZoUhnBbsYhDyS-rEtIxHbjUPdL1eyESTphNxQxMRxc4CN2K9zg48TBzLv2-NibNDtXBFVoRZZ8AUaVp7IXnJy2MKkLRkG4Vmt_rLXQi8147jcjL4moha6/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilY57yURqE8r6vfmYzeG_w5dVZoUhnBbsYhDyS-rEtIxHbjUPdL1eyESTphNxQxMRxc4CN2K9zg48TBzLv2-NibNDtXBFVoRZZ8AUaVp7IXnJy2MKkLRkG4Vmt_rLXQi8147jcjL4moha6/s640/IMG_0641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love fresh pineapple.  It is so different from pineapple stored in juice.  It is actually a completely different flavor and texture.  I start by chopping off the top and bottom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEhMymkHjKgQyI1ayz9q1mz5lFJSBbwHWnwIDZmdkuD6u3vk2EUW1kcpf_cbK9ioTsuEDnSRowPWvTFi0eEv3v2PJz_iXhSnPtmqgmEz8b1lkFhOsS3t_B1pAQOOu15gkbRsubRhffzWZ/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEhMymkHjKgQyI1ayz9q1mz5lFJSBbwHWnwIDZmdkuD6u3vk2EUW1kcpf_cbK9ioTsuEDnSRowPWvTFi0eEv3v2PJz_iXhSnPtmqgmEz8b1lkFhOsS3t_B1pAQOOu15gkbRsubRhffzWZ/s640/IMG_0646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next, cut down the sides from top to bottom to get the scales (skin?  rind?) off.  Then, I cut it in half, then quarters vertically.  I cut the core out, then slice it into chunks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SoVuitNgLSo67b8r5TjrPTq0nsCWp7t6m2glj6r7KegcPz1Dvt9tBWgfFDwhv8uuaOaEkxCj6cDp8W_pHU1MsLs6oGs8JZL9Yx4b6wSiYbJIu2GdzfdmBrJjnlF5pYV60qK3pz1YM-qe/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SoVuitNgLSo67b8r5TjrPTq0nsCWp7t6m2glj6r7KegcPz1Dvt9tBWgfFDwhv8uuaOaEkxCj6cDp8W_pHU1MsLs6oGs8JZL9Yx4b6wSiYbJIu2GdzfdmBrJjnlF5pYV60qK3pz1YM-qe/s640/IMG_0682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

Morning Fruit Tray for Breakfast | Weekend Guests

I am preparing our house for visiting friends and family for the weekend.  For breakfast, I decided to make a fruit platter similar to the o...

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Peanut Butter Oatmeal & Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe | Weekend Food

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gxk_w_8VmOvYwwWlLC2bg2ULFRwp5-uyVSTt9DNFit8nBvqcnTDTQXhh6HzLc12gcjuPWGu_rIQT-8DhdRgbyN6bHHaIWdB4uX_GiypqcJJfnhr_WUQdad6xeReCqBSJEcFdX4XO_C7n/s1600/IMG_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gxk_w_8VmOvYwwWlLC2bg2ULFRwp5-uyVSTt9DNFit8nBvqcnTDTQXhh6HzLc12gcjuPWGu_rIQT-8DhdRgbyN6bHHaIWdB4uX_GiypqcJJfnhr_WUQdad6xeReCqBSJEcFdX4XO_C7n/s640/IMG_0592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>When I ask Mike what kind of cookies he'd like me to make, the response is always the same : <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/05/perfect-chocolate-chip-cookie-challenge.html">chocolate chip</a>.  Being a creature of habit myself, I can appreciate the comfort that the classic cookie provides. But sometimes, just sometimes, I want to experiment a little, I want to step outside of our Toll House (or <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/05/perfect-chocolate-chip-cookie-challenge.html">America's Test Kitchen</a>...) box.<br /><br />The result?  I bring you the cookie that combines all.  Peanut Butter, Oatmeal & Chocolate Chip Cookies. Oh my gosh, are they good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4KGk0AtIQq_UpV9unp0iIatSPFEtYv6zQFJ07eOXAv70YppokMt33dVWd_Z55Fd-FM9-x1fMbwKRMm7EKGWKZzrzIvoo4Hz_FxqiRPbfX2I_hU8yJBnPhHuLMMfhAMv732X-TULmBzAf/s1600/IMG_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4KGk0AtIQq_UpV9unp0iIatSPFEtYv6zQFJ07eOXAv70YppokMt33dVWd_Z55Fd-FM9-x1fMbwKRMm7EKGWKZzrzIvoo4Hz_FxqiRPbfX2I_hU8yJBnPhHuLMMfhAMv732X-TULmBzAf/s640/IMG_0591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mike will say, "Oatmeal?  Peanut Butter?  Why would you mess up a perfectly good cookie?" <br /><br />He will try one.  (Did I mention we've been through this a couple of times - he didn't even like tomatoes when we started dating.  Tomatoes!)  He will rave about them and helplessly consume a dozen in 2 days.  The cookie jar will be empty.  He will still request <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/05/perfect-chocolate-chip-cookie-challenge.html">chocolate chip cookies</a> next time I ask.  And I will make these, or try something new. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEililSI5nsbfNOG5YXIBci-GmPyAgpGYTD0bhqar4S3-jFXC9p31qHv1oJssahWysEktg6tmsUglPEoCqNl3-IwJho5xm1oJtJS0qV5jeriuVxYtNoV33-Orr4lc9wE1stZHX4PvreBNTV6/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEililSI5nsbfNOG5YXIBci-GmPyAgpGYTD0bhqar4S3-jFXC9p31qHv1oJssahWysEktg6tmsUglPEoCqNl3-IwJho5xm1oJtJS0qV5jeriuVxYtNoV33-Orr4lc9wE1stZHX4PvreBNTV6/s640/IMG_0635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We have friends visiting this weekend, so a stocked cookie jar is a must. <br /><br />Peanut Butter Oatmeal & Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe<br /><br />1/2 cup butter, at room temperature<br />1/2 cup white sugar<br />3/4 cup brown sugar<br />1/2 cup creamy peanut butter<br />1 teaspoon vanilla<br />1 egg<br />1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/8 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats<br />1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br /><br />-Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br />-In a mixer, combine butter, sugar and brown sugar until creamy.  Add peanut butter and vanilla.  Add egg and mix until creamy.<br />-In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, soda, powder, and cinnamon.  Whisk together.  Add to butter mixture, stir until just combined.<br />-Add oats.  Stir until just combined (do not over mix).<br />-Add chocolate chips.  Stir until just combined.<br />-Scoop out with ice cream scoop onto baking sheets lined with silpat sheets.<br />-Bake for 9-12 minutes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Peanut Butter Oatmeal & Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe | Weekend Food

When I ask Mike what kind of cookies he'd like me to make, the response is always the same : chocolate chip .  Being a creature of habit...

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