Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Fruit Popsicles

Fruit Pops

I love having a summer birthday. You always get fun, summery gifts that just make you happy (and I am not just talking about the money!). This year, my brother and sister-in-law gave me a set of Popsicle molds. I tested them out last weekend with a few peaches I had lying around and Reece gave me 2 thumbs up. I bought a ton of fruit this week with the intention of making even more sweet (almost healthy) treats. The recipe is simple, which I obviously like. More than 5 or so ingredients, and you loose my interest. Have fun experimenting with different fruit combinations. 

(Photos below)


Peach Pops
4 ripe peaches
5 Tbsp sugar
several squeezes of lime juice (fresh is always best, but who always has limes lying around?! you can also use the stuff in the bottle)

Quick Tip for peeling peaches: boil a small pot of water on stove; cut 'x' through skin of peach on the bottom side; put peach in boiling water, 'x' side down for a minute or so; remove from boiling water and let cool until you can handle. Now you can easily peel the skin away from the peach :-)

In a blender, mix fruit, sugar, and lime juice. Do a taste test and add more sugar if necessary. 
Pour in to Popsicle molds and freeze for at least 6 hours. The pops should be good for about a week. 

Triple Berry Threat Pops
Raspberries
Blueberries
Strawberries
sugar
lime juice

Mix all ingredients in blender and pour in to molds. Freeze 6 hours. 

Fruit ready to cut up
pretty fruit

Add sugar and lime juice
pour in to molds

put the cap on and let the freezing begin!



Monday, June 24, 2013

Biscuit Queen

Biscuit Queen 

This month, I was featured in Cobb Life Magazine for my biscuits! I contacted them a few months ago after reading a blurb in the magazine that they were looking for unique stories about biscuits. I couldn't help but share my story. My Jo was the best Southern cook of all things, but her biscuits were out of this world. I learned how to make them just before she passed away last year. I know she would be proud of biscuit skills, so this article is a tribute to her. 

To find the recipe within this blog:
- Select 'January' from the pull-down menu on the right
- Choose the blog titled "Biscuit Heaven"

Links to the article online:
- Cobb Life Magazine - Biscuit issue

I am beyond thrilled to be sharing 'Jo's Biscuits' with the world (okay...maybe just Cobb County...and friends and family)! 

Enjoy :0)

~Katie

Summer Salmon Sensation

Summer Salmon Sensation 

Last week I was searching for a light, summery dish when salmon popped in to my brain. I decided to stop by Harry's Farmers Market on my way home from work and I hit the jackpot! They were having a one-day sale on wild-caught Alaskan salmon (only the best) so I knew it was a must! I found a very simple recipe online and paired it with simple veggies. While it was a very healthy and light meal, it was also very hearty. 

Ingredients:
Best salmon fillets you can find (they will likely have pin bones in them, so be careful)
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. olive oil 
salt 
pepper
dill

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 
Place salmon fillets skin-side down on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and coated with baking spray (Pam). 
If butter is not soften, stick it in the microwave for a few seconds. Combine butter and olive oil. Stir in salt and pepper. 
Using pastry brush, smear butter mixture all over fish. 
Sprinkle dill all over salmon fillets. 
Bake salmon for about 15 minutes.

Pair with:
- Roasted (or grilled) asparagus   
(I coat my asparagus with a small amount of olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake in oven for about 10 minutes alongside salmon. Lightly drizzle balsamic vinegar over asparagus immediately after you remove from oven.)
- And/or roasted potatoes


Yum - wish I had remembered to take a picture! Next time...