Basil Cookies

Last Saturday we had a Employee Appreciation Picnic. It was lots of fun for all We all brought pitch in food, and that is always good eating. I brought two of my favorite marinated veggie salads, my Dad's homemade red hot applesauce and Orange Basil Cookies.

Maybe because the food took longer to cook and everyone was snacking on them or maybe because they just good; my Orange Basil cookies were the hit of the day.

This is a old recipe I pulled from my files but so easy and an unusual way to use basil. Give it a try and you will have everyone asking for it!!!








Recipe

Orange Basil Cookies

1/4 cup butter
3oz cream cheese
1 egg yolk
1 TBLS orange juice
1teaspoon orange peel
1 Box orange cake mix
1cup nutmeats and raisins (I use pecans)
2TBLS dried basil

Mix together butter, cream cheese, egg yolk, juice and cake mix. Stir in the nutmeats and basil. Chill dough at least an hour. Roll into 1/2 inch balls and place on buttered cookie sheets. Flatten each one with a fork. Bake in a pre- heated oven at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes

Then sit back and just wait for the complements !!! Enjoy.

Lightening Bugs

So I am sitting outside trying to photograph images of the lighting bugs. Last weekend I had Thatcher my beloved 3 year old grand child with me watching the same show. And he was fascinated

As a young child we would catch them and put them in a jar. It was a cool lantern. I will not let my babies do that . But we will continue to sit on the porch swing and enjoy.

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A Peony saved is a Peony Earned

My dad use to preach the old saying "a penny saved is a penny earned "to all six of his kids. But I doubt he was talking about the peonies I love. But Mom certainly was talking about her beloved plant.

My Mom loved peonies as did her Mom.(Grandma Goldie) I remember every Memorial Day we would gather all the peony blossoms and take them to Grandpa Austin's grave. It was a tradition in spite of the big gray goose that would chase us.

When mom and dad moved to Brown County Indiana, Mom tried to grow peonies but it was tough in the clay soil.

So when at the end of May some 20 years ago we were looking at houses in Kentucky and we happened upon a house that had rows and rows of peonies, I was sold.

Since then I have transplanted the peonies to places they love and now I have more rows and rows of the beautiful May beauty. I would take bunches up to mom every May and she loved them. They bloomed magnificently this year I believe it was in mom's honor.

I have been doing some research on the varieties I have found that I have varieties some that are very rare. I am going to continue my research and label them next spring. So dad would be proud. Because I am saving a peony and maybe earning one as well.

On my bucket list next May is to take some up to my  grandma and grandpa Austin's grave site. I wonder if the big grey goose will be there or maybe one of his ancestors any way... I will spread the peony blossoms with pride and fond memories






























OH.....and about the ants. Please don't worry or try and spray the ants with insecticide. It is an old wives tale that the ants are needed for pollinating the young buds. (By the way my Mom use to tell me that ) It appears as though the ants are attracted to the sweet nectar in the emerging buds. The ants seem to disappear when the blooms open up. If they persist just shake them off when you bring in the flowers. I find this ant/peony relationship very unique and fascinating.

Most of all pick and enjoy this heavenly flower. They are beautiful in bouquets and so fragrant. I enjoy drying the petals and putting them in bowls. It just helps me keep the love around longer.
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