Keep Calm and Smile!  “Post a Quote” Challenge!

Look delighted! Now here is a challenge that provides a pleasant diversion from regular posting. It has no thought-provoking questions to answer and no need to dig any deeper than the tip of your tongue. Whether your blog is travel, fashion, food, art, poetry, photography, fiction, or non….everyone has quotes that impact them, in my opinion. Perhaps you will take a moment to share those quotes with others by accepting this challenge. It’s really very simple, actually.
I have Sumana to thank for this well-deserved break. Her blog,  http://anartsyappetite.com is so creative. Whether she is cooking, traveling, or painting, she seems to make everything look effortless. Take two minutes to ask Sumana about her artsy Painted Planters!

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The Rules of this Challenge are:
– Post 1 quote a day for 3 days (can be your own or from other sources).
– Nominate 3 bloggers to participate per post.
– Thank the person who nominated you.
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My Nominations are:

http://innerharbourl.wordpress.com
http://touchofmysaint.wordpress.com
http://allaboutchantelle.com
Keep Calm, Share a Smile, and Post a Quote! 🍓
Gail    http://snapshotsincursive.com

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter Q

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Home Cooking: Queso Casa Dip! Here’s an all-around favorite for any Summer gathering. The cheese delivers a smooth creamy taste followed by a “bite” of chile! Some say it’ll curl the tines of a fork. Just kidding! But seriously, it’s so popular you’ll have your friends asking for the recipe! 
QUESO CASA DIP
Ingredients:

4 cups cheddar cheese, extra-sharp finely shredded 

1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 

1 tablespoon cornstarch 

2 tablespoons butter

1/7 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

1 ghost chile pepper, cut-up and seeds discarded*

2 Roma tomatoes, cut-up

2 green onions, cut-up

I 16-ounce can green-chile and lime refried beans

Greek Yogurt and jalapeños for garnish

*Ghost peppers are extremely hot, so you may substitute jalapeño peppers instead. 
Instructions:

Empty cheese into a large bowl, sprinkle with corn starch, and toss to coat. Melt butter into a large saucepan and add garlic, cheeses, and milk. Set on low heat and cook slowly, stirring mixture to keep from scorching. As it melts, fold in the 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt. Continue for 10-15 minutes until mixture is smooth and velvety. Add fresh tomatoes, green onions, and the ghost pepper. Stir gently to blend. Keep warm. Meanwhile, place refried beans in a microwave-safe dish and heat through. To serve, layer refried beans on a platter, pour Queso dip over top. Dollop with Greek yogurt. Serve with tortilla chips, café style. 

Keep Calm and Have Fun! 🍓 “POST A QUOTE” Challenge! 🍓

Greetings! Now here is a challenge that provides a pleasant diversion from regular posting. It has no thought-provoking questions to answer and no need to dig any deeper than the tip of your tongue. Whether your blog is fashion, food, art, poetry, photography, fiction, or non….everyone has quotes that impact them, in my opinion. Perhaps you will take a moment to share those quotes with others by accepting this challenge. It’s really very simple, actually.
I have Shamira to thank for this well-deserved break. Her blog,  http://smilingnotes.wordpress.com is like a breath of fresh air. She spreads joy as she shares her love of food and travel. Ask Shamira about her famous Chicken Tikka! 

🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
The Rules of this Challenge are:
– Post 1 quote a day for 3 days (can be your own or from other sources).
– Nominate 3 bloggers to participate per post.
– Thank the person who nominated you.
🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
My Nominations are:

http://krivashist.wordpress.com
http://hetvaghela.wordpress.com
http://kimberlytownsendpalmer.com
Keep Calm, Eat Chocolate, and Post a Quote! 🍓

Gail   http://snapshotsincursive.com

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter P

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Home Cooking: Peachy Possibilities! With Summer upon us, nothing is more refreshing than fresh peaches. And the options for devouring them are endless! At first sight, you may be tempted to sink your teeth into the juicy sweet fruit as its nectar drizzles down your chin. But if you keep your willpower in check, the benefits are rewarding.  
Here are a few ideas:  

* Adding fresh peaches to your favorite salsa intensifies the flavor. It’s a perfect compliment to spicy jalapeños and tomatoes. 

* As you prepare nutritious oatmeal, dice part of a peach, then sprinkle it with cinnamon before preparing the cooked cereal in the microwave. It’s also a convenient shortcut to peach cobbler. 

* For that afternoon pick-me-up, toss a couple of frozen peaches, bananas, and strawberries in the blender. Simply add milk, a splash of orange juice, and ice cubes. Voilà, a Smoothie. 

* For the ambitious baker, see yesterday’s post for Old-Fashioned Blueberry Peach Galette a là mode! Who doesn’t love fresh peach pie with vanilla ice cream?
Whichever way you choose, enjoy this peak seasonal fruit. Before you know it, it’ll be gone. 

Keep Calm and Have Fun! 🍓 “POST A QUOTE” Challenge

Greetings! Now here is a challenge that provides a pleasant diversion from regular posting. It has no thought-provoking questions to answer and no need to dig any deeper than the tip of your tongue. Whether your blog is fashion, food, art, poetry, photography, fiction, or non….everyone has quotes that impact them, in my opinion. Perhaps you will take a moment to share those quotes with others by accepting this challenge. It’s really very simple, actually.
I have Shamira to thank for this well-deserved break. Her blog, http://smilingnotes.wordpress.com  is like a breath of fresh air. She spreads joy as she shares her love of food and travel. Ask Shamira about her famous Chicken Tikka! 

🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
The Rules of this Challenge are:
– Post 1 quote a day for 3 days (can be your own or from other sources).
– Nominate 3 bloggers to participate per post.
– Thank the person who nominated you.
🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
My Nominations are:

http://coteetcampagne.wordpress.com
http://francoiselaprune.com
http://agika.me
Keep Calm, Eat Chocolate, and Post a Quote! 🍓
Gail  http://snapshotsincursive.com

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter O

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Home Cooking: Old-Fashioned Blueberry Peach Galette! For a rustic dessert that is sure to please, this classic French pastry is a perfect blend of natural fruit sweetness complimented by a flaky butter crust. No need for a pie plate, it is oven baked on a sheet pan. *Note: Be sure to prep the pan as directed. Otherwise, you may need to replace it. 

OLD-FASHIONED BLUEBERRY PEACH GALETTE 
Ingredients:

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2-3 tablespoons ice water

3 cups peaches, sliced

1/2 cup blueberries 

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 

1 tablespoon apricot preserves, melted

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons almonds, sliced
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°. Cover a baking sheet with foil. Then line it with parchment paper. Make a 9-inch pie crust: cut butter into flour and salt until particles are the size of small peas. Sprinkle in water 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry cleans the side of the bowl. Gather pastry into a ball; shape it into a flattened round on a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 9-inch crust and place on parchment paper. Combine sugar, blueberries, and sugar. Beginning in the center, arrange fruit into a fan, spiraling around the pie. Be sure to leave a border. Fold edges of dough toward the center, pressing gently to seal. The dough only partially covers the fruit. Brush the melted preserves over the fruit and along the edges of the dough. Bake 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350° but do not remove the galette. Bake an additional 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove the galette from the baking sheet by lifting it with the parchment paper. It needs to cool on a wire rack to keep the bottom from getting soggy. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Serve warm. 
* *Serving suggestion: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. 

Keep Calm and Have Fun! “Post a Quote Challenge!”

Greetings! Now here is a challenge that provides a pleasant diversion from regular posting. It has no thought-provoking questions to answer and no need to dig any deeper than the tip of your tongue. Whether your blog is fashion, food, art, poetry, photography, fiction, or non….everyone has quotes that impact them, in my opinion. Perhaps you will take a moment to share those quotes with others by accepting this challenge. It’s really very simple, actually.

I have Shamira to thank for this well-deserved break. Her blog, http://smilingnotes.wordpress.com is like a breath of fresh air. She spreads joy as she shares her love of food and travel. Ask Shamira about her famous Chicken Tikka! 

🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
The Rules of this Challenge are:
– Post 1 quote a day for 3 days (can be your own or from other sources).
– Nominate 3 bloggers to participate per post.
– Thank the person who nominated you.
🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
My Nominations are:

http://churchmousec.wordpress.com
http://offmotorway.wordpress.com
http://lifewithdrea.wordpress.com

Keep Calm, Eat Chocolate, and Post a Quote! 🍓

Gail http://snapshotsincursive.com

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter N

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Home Cooking: No-Bake Hazelnut Bars! Here you go. A delicious nutty chocolate treat that can be a dessert or a snack. And there is no need to heat up the oven during the Summer months. This combination of dietary coconut fiber and heart-healthy hazelnuts are sure to become your personal favorite. One bar may provide the nutritious energy boost you need to keep going strong. But the question is…..can you stop at just one?

NO-BAKE HAZELNUT BARS
Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1/3 milk

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup coconut, flaked

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 13-ounce jar of Nutella Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread
Instructions:
Boil butter, milk, brown sugar, coconut, and cracker crumbs in a medium saucepan for 7 minutes, stirring constantly. Mix in vanilla extract. Line a 9″x13″ pan with club crackers. Pour the filling over crackers. Top another layer of crackers. Warm Nutella in microwave for 20 seconds. Spread over all. Garnish with nut meats. Cool in refrigerator until firm. Cut into squares.

Top of the World

“After your first day of cycling, one dream is inevitable. A memory of motion lingers in the muscles of your legs, and round and round they seem to go. You ride through Dreamland on wonderful dream bicycles that change and grow.”

~H.G. Wells, The Wheels of Chance