Update on my Sabi Star Sahara Desert Gemini Rose...

So in May I ordered my plants from QVC and they are actually still alive! Yeah! The nights are getting colder so I decided it was time to bring them into my home under my Gro-Light.

According to the pamphlet enclosed with the plants, within 18 months they are supposed to look like this:

Here they are at 4 months:

Hmmm...18 months might be wishful thinking at this point, but they are growing. The one on the right is doing much better than the one on the left, but they were received with one doing better than the other.

Hopefully, being under the light will help them survive the winter months where sunlight is not always abundant here in upstate New York.

I am also pleased to report that the orchid plant my daughter gave me is still alive and sprouting new growth. It seems to be thriving in my kitchen most likely because of the humidity from cooking.

Just a couple more months before my daughter comes home to visit...stay strong little plant...stay strong!

Croissants...

I love the Fall with the colors of the leaves that make for some great pictures (by the way, the leaves in our area are still green). But best of all is the food. Hearty food that I normally would not make in the warm weather like soups; stews; pumpkin pie and apple pie. I froze some blueberries this summer that will make some great pies and cobblers.

I love from scratch homemade food but, have you tried the french croissants from QVC? I think I have already said that I love shopping on QVC (no they don't pay me for an endorsement); I just love the convenience of shopping online.

A couple of years ago, they had a TSV (Today's Special Value for those who don't shop there) that I just couldn't pass up. Authentic french croissants that arrive frozen and you pop in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. My family went crazy for them particularly my grandson. I have been buying them ever since.

Well, this morning I was wishing for some because I hadn't made them all summer. Here they are:

I didn't even bother to take the time to put them on the plate because they won't last long enough to make it worth it.  They are so good with a cup of hot tea!

Hopefully, it won't be long before I can share some pictures of the fall scenery and tempt everyone with some great cold weather recipes!

Another busy weekend has come and gone!

I'm almost finished with my Mr. Frank N. Stein; just need another day or two:

But I have to tell you about the cookie recipe I tried this weekend...Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies:

These are so soft and lemony; they actually melt in your mouth. They were very easy to make; however, I made a couple of substitutions.

The recipe called for organic all-purpose flour...I just used regular all-purpose flour. I didn't have any lemon oil and frankly with 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and 1-1/2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice, it was lemony emough for my taste. I also didn't use the yellow food coloring...I don't need an artificially-colored yellow cookie to figure out it is lemon flavored.

Other than that this is a cookie that anyone would be proud to serve; I think it will be included in my Christmas cookies this year.

Click on the picture if you would like the recipe from Wicked Good Kitchen.

I know I have been quiet lately, but...

I've been busy working on my latest creation...Mr. Frank N. Stein. Here's a sneak peek:

The pattern is almost ready for publication; just have to re-read the instructions a couple of more times and make him a pair of socks.

We have had a very hot, humid summer with little rain. It is hard to believe that we are in September and my grandson is back in school...in 5th grade nonetheless. He insisted that he had to spend his last couple of days before school started at grandmas for a sleep-over. That kept me busy for sure, but I did manage to get some cookies baked while he was here.

Apple Cookies with Butterscotch Frosting! There were fabulous...so good that I didn't get a chance to take a picture before they were gone, but here is the picture on House of Yumm webpage:

I put them in the refrigerator after they were frosted and everyone in my house agreed that they almost tasted better right out of the refrigerator instead of room temp.

I went light on the frosting so I had some leftover; this weekend I might try one of the pumpkin cookie recipes that I found while wandering the web! After all, I am going to need some "nourishment" while I get my Fall decorating done!