Salted Caramel Strawberries

From my new Farmer's Market Cookbook...

Salted Caramel Strawberries

(Get ready to say, "Oooooohhhhhhh!")

20 large fresh strawberries

40 caramels

3 Tbsp. whipping cream

1/4 t. salt

1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped mixed nuts

1.  Pat strawberries completely dry with paper towels

2.  Microwave caramels, 3 Tbsp. whipping cream and 1/4 tsp. salt in a 1-qt. microwave-safe bowl at MEDIUM (50% power) 3 1/2 minutes or until smooth, stirring at 1-minute intervals.

3.  Dip each berry halfway into the caramel mixture.  Roll in nuts, and place on wax paper.  Let stand 15 minutes.  Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 8 hours.

I cut the recipe down for a mere 5 strawberries, just to try it out.  (And to save myself from eating too many.)  Therefore, I didn't chill them in the refrigerator.  I'm sure it will work fine to chill them, but seriously, who can wait? 

What's in my Cupboards?

http://www.celebrations.com/content/top-ten-party-staples

Lavender Farm Fieldtrip

I went on a great "fieldtrip" with some of my buddies this morning.  We went to a Lavender Farm in Turlock--only about 28 miles from Merced.  The grounds are lovely, the lavender is beautiful and the owners of the farm are wonderful!  There's a very nice gift shop with all things lavender, and a lovely patio with tables and chairs under great big trees...a perfect place to just pause.  The owners told us lots of things about the different varieties of lavender and the history of the farm.  You can eat lunch there by contacting them in advance and we are going to return to try that out.  It sounded fabulous!  You can find out more on their website:  http://www.pageolavenderfarm.com/   Tell George (the owner) that I sent you!

Purple Adirondack Chairs

New life for my old black adirondack chairs...a gallon of purple-licious paint! 

I love whimsy.  I love purple.  I love summer.  Tomorrow I shall have my morning cup of coffee in this very spot.

4th of July Brunch

The 4th of July brunch is published...

http://www.celebrations.com/article/fourth-of-july-brunch-ideas

Fruit Kabobs

Sneak Peek...

Adding a glazed donut hole to a fruit skewer is a fun treat! 
I've also made these with longer skewers and added fresh pineapple chunks and banana.  Want some pizzazz?  Drizzle the kabobs with melted chocolate chips.  Oh, yum!

Speaking of S'Mores...

Toasting marshmallows takes serious concentration and a steady little hand. 

Now just close your eyes and bite into that warm, gooey treasure!