Eurasian Collared Dove

Eurasian Collared Dove...........see the COLLAR?? Sitting at our bird bath today. :)

Diaper Baby Cake

 

 

The start of my diaper cake for a baby shower for a little boy. You take pampers......I used size 2 diapers in a box of 94 because the baby grows so fast. These will be nice and if the Mom to Be wants to let the cake sit for a while she can. So, you fan out the diapers inside a cake pan.(Some say this is the preferred method because it less work for the new Mom. No unrolling of rolled up diapers). This is why I chose to go this route. I also think it looks pretty; the fanned diapers are like frosting to me. Pack them tightly and get them to look the way you want paying particular attention the sides and the spacing and then the top to keep it flat. When they are just how you want them, put a heavy duty rubber band around them. You don't have to worry about it showing, because you will decorate with ribbon, or fabric which will cover the bands. You can sneak fun items into the center if you wish. Some people hide a wine bottle for the parents in the layers. Some add other baby items, lotions, soap etc. You eventually take the diapers out of the pan and stack onto a nice board. Then the decorating begins. Use fun colors and make a theme of choice. I will show more of what I am decorating at a later time. Usually a stuffed animal goes on top........but feel free to be creative. This is a creative project and will be appreciated for your own personal flare! :) Let the fun begin!!!!!

Gnocchi First attempt

 My sweet friend Marilyn gave me a recipe for Gnocchi. I have never made it before and I was inspired to give it a try.

 I ordered a little gnocchi board. You make the dough and roll it across the board and it makes some sweet little lines. Very pretty! I made a recipe of:
2 potatoes, cooked and grated.
2 cups of flour
2 eggs
a pinch of salt and pepper too
You roll the dough and cut into small pieces. Roll it over the board and throw into boiling water. They cook very quickly, 2-3 minutes.

 

 I was pleased as they were tender and delish!! I read that if you make them poorly, they are tough like little bullets! :(

 

 The rest of the recipe has onions, fresh spinach, garlic, seasoned tomatoes and chicken broth, pepper too. Oh and white beans. I did put them in, but after I took out my portion, as I don't like beans of any sort---except green beans! :) This recipe was DELCIOUS!!!!!! Earl and I really enjoyed and I will share with Dad tomorrow. YUM! Thanks Marilyn!