Italian Seasoning

Yesterday, I made homemade Mayo and used it in my homemade pasta salad and homemade ranch dressing. I made homemade Honey BBQ sauce, and chocolate chip cookies. Needless to say it was a busy day in the kitchen and I didn't take any pictures! It was a crazy day and I ended up with an entire load of dishes just from my messing around. Part of all the homemade stuff is out of necessity, but at least I enjoy it!

Today, as I'm making dinner, at least I thought to take pictures of the "already-done" homemade Italian Seasoning. This came about from a last minute need (ie, running out in the middle of another recipe), and being pretty sure I had the right combination on-hand, but not knowing what it all entailed. So, here is what I found:

Italian Seasoning

3 Tbs. dried basil

3 Tbs. dried oregano

3 Tbs. dried parsley

1 Tbs. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. dried rosemary

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Mix together in a spice grinder or put into a small bowl and crush with the back of a spoon. (http://www.recipezaar.com Recipe # 82770)

I love the look of all the spices! It smells so yummy! Like walking into an herb garden (no, I don't have one, but in my next house I will)!

Tips:

1. As you can see from the picture, I use a Mortar and Pestle. This recipe is actually too big, so I kind of do a few ingredients at a time and then blend together with a spoon.

2. Makes about 7 Tbs.

3. Great for Italian foods, pizza, etc. Also great for Oven Fried Zucchini. Slice your zucchini, dip into beaten egg, then bread crumbs mixed with Italian Seasoning, bake on a sprayed cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 25 - 27 minutes.

As a side note, I served the zucchini with my ranch dressing. Becca had to get in on the fun and take a picture of her cereal bowl. How creative and silly! Those of you who know her, will appreciate it the most. This is Classic Becca. Enjoy! Love, Jenn =)

DCI fun!

Mallory & I spent the last 2 days in Indianapolis, IN, living out a dream of Mal's for her Graduation present. We were there for the DCI (Drum Corp International) Championship. Other than the jet-lag that killed us West coasters, it was a lot of fun.

Our parking was just a block from Lucas Oil Stadium, in some guys backyard. Hey, it was half of what the stadium parking was, what a deal! We watch Open & World Class Corps and in between walked to a park a few blocks away, where the corps warm up. It was a FanFair! Booths of the local attractions where we made our own fan buttons, a free cup from a local university, free frizbee, pen, stuff like that.

Mallory looks excited!!! We met a couple who had come from England just for Finals. That is dedication! We also met some old cronies that meet together every year, parents of kids in different Corps, a lady that wouldn't stop talking during the shows, and a local couple that only stayed for the first half (if we had known, we would have told them it gets better at the end!).

Our favorite Cavie DrumLine! Mallory is friends with the Center Snare, although there are 8, he is on the left (the short one). He graduated from CV and visits during camp sometimes. We found the venue where they practiced and caught a little bit of that. The corps were spread all over the area and we tried to find ones that were close and by the time we got there, they would be finished. But, we did get a little of the Cavies.

Mallory took almost 300 pictures, so I won't bore you with all of them, I'm sure she will pick the best ones and post them onto her Facebook, if anyone is interested it them.

This is the "V" of the Vanguard. Very famous, usually the end of their show has the cymbal line flashing the "V", this year they ended with a Guard member being lifted and her standing on the cymbals. No "V", so this was the only one we got. =(

And the final retreat.

It was a great trip, I think we had White Castles everyday, if not twice! At least I grabbed an apple from the Hotel, otherwise we would have officially eaten junk the entire trip. I slept for 9 hours when I got home, then had a full nights sleep. It felt great, now that I'm back on track for the week. Love, Jenn =)

Summer Relaxing

I got some great pictures at the lake this summer. It has been fun experimenting with the settings on my camera and fussing with different ideas for projects. My wheels are turning, I just have to get caught up on them. I always feel behind. But here are a few for your enjoyment.

Look at this cute little buttercup, just begging to have her picture taken!!

And this daisy...

Mystery flower? Reminds me of the Cockle-shell nursery rhyme....

And this beauty!!

Can you see the dragon fly on the twig?

Then he flew around for a while, and I got this one, with my Macro-zoom!

Got some of Becca playing and she noticed........

A Woodpecker hole, high in the tree!

And who should peek out of his home?

When he flew around I got a shot of him. He wasn't very cooperative in turning around to get his best side!

I have really enjoyed taking picture with my new camera from my birthday. It has been fun, I have a few more sunset pictures, but I need to get them all in the same file! Love, Jenn =)