Monday, May 30, 2016

FRUITY FUN & TIDBITS

Nope, it's not quite summer, but many of us are feeling the heat with temps reaching over 90 degrees already.  These two yummy treats are easy to make, don't involve an oven, not too heavy and perfect for friends and family! 
Ingredients
  1. 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  2. zest of 1/2 orange
  3. 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  4. 1 cup (about 4.4 ounces) white chocolate, broken into pieces
  5. 1 teaspoon orange extract
  6. 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  7. red & yellow food coloring, optional
Instructions
  1. 1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and add orange zest. Once the butter is completely melted, add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Remove from the stove. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain out the orange zest into a small bowl. Add chocolate to the bowl. Allow to sit for 1 minute before stirring. Stir and make sure the white chocolate is completely melted (if some pieces remain, return saucepan to the stove and cook mixture over low heat while stirring constantly until chocolate is melted).
  2. 2. Add orange extract and give it a good stir. Finally, add food coloring (if using) and stir until desired colored is reached. It only takes a small amount of food coloring. I used 1 drop of red and 3 drops of yellow. Cover mixture and place into the fridge for 2 hours.
  3. 3. Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl. Remove truffle mixture from the fridge and form into balls (I used about 1 tablespoon per truffle) and roll in the powdered sugar. Repeat. Place truffles into the freezer for 15-20 minutes if you want to enjoy them right away, or keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.  Thanks to Kathi from www.deliciouslyyum.com for this great recipe!  Check out her blog for more exciting ideas!


SUMMER BERRY PARFAIT
Toss 1 1/2 quarts hulled and quartered strawberries, 2 cups blueberries, 1 cup raspberries, 1/4 granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice & a pinch of salt in a large bowl.  Let sit, stirring occasionally until the berries are juicy - 20 to 30 minutes.

Whip 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar & 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in a large bowl until peaks form.  Or you could just used whipped topping in a bottle(lol).

Layer the berries and cream in mason jars or parfait cups, dividing evenly.  This serves about 8 people.




Do you remember Law & Order?  It was a procedural drama that depicted the crime, and eventually the courtroom drama that tied everything up.  It was on from 1990 through 2010 with various actors.  I loved this show and frquently watched it over and over again.  I can't tell you what in the heck was going on, but for some strange reason I missed seeing the series from 2006 - 2009.  What in the world!  Needless to say, whenever I can, it's been catch-up time.  What are you catching up on these days?




HOTELS
Are you one of those people who clean the room again once you get to your hotel?  I'm the same way, and it's good to know that we're not alone.  According to a study in 2015, 3 out of 10 people bring along their own supplies to make sure the room is spotless.  This is so important that many believe this is a top reason to stay in that room, and more than half would pay extra to be guaranteed that the room is absolutely pristine.

TIP:  I learned this from a friend who used to inspect rooms once the staff finished. Lots of people just jump in the bed because they are so dang tired upon arrival, but do this first!. If you want to find out if the bedding is really clean, pull back the comforter and inspect the sheets.  Are there hairs, is it crumpled, or you see crumbs or stains?  Tell the manager immediately that you need the sheets changed.

When you feel helpless or the world seems as if it's catching up to you, focus on just one thing you can control.  The rest will have to wait.




16 comments:

  1. I was wondering when you were gonna make another post. lol I love Law and Order. I watch the spin offs as well. Good thing there are a lot of reruns. A good thing is to always check the bed when you stay at a motel or hotel. Bed bugs are making a major come back. Pull the sheets off the corners and looks for bugs.

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    1. Hey Mary! You're the best, and hope all is well. Yes, yes, I love Law and Order, and like you I've been hooked on those spin-offs. I know, man - those dang bed bugs seem like a serious pain the "you know what"! Hugs...

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  2. I want the parfait!
    Thanks for the hotel tip, I am one of those who jump in because I'm effing tired!

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    1. It's amazing what you can find in hotels! (lol) Hugs...

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  3. That parfait looks delicious. I never feel like the bed is clean, even when the sheets look clean. I think because they don't use the same smell-good kind of detergent we use at home!

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    1. I know, right Stephanie? I'm really picky about clean bathrooms and sheets, and have run across some strange things. Smell good detergent is fun! I love nice scents all through the house. Hugs....

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  4. Yum! I'm so glad to see you on my feed again, Ro!

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    1. Hey There Joyous Joy! I sure hope things are going great for you! I always love to see and laugh at your wittiness! Hugs....

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  5. I can't wait to try the parfait. Thanks for the recipe!

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    1. Hello There Angela! This was sure yummy! Hugs...

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  6. I'm pretending it's not summer yet, for some reason, I always seem to do more work during the summer than other seasons...

    the last bit of advice is quite good, I should try to remember that. thanks.

    have a lovely day.

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    1. LOL! I'm sort of the opposite, Lissa. I tend to want to work much less in the heat. Hope you have an awesome day!

      RO

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  7. I haven't dropped by in forever, Ro! Your cool fruit desserts and practical tips were such a lifter-upper today. Thanks, lady! :) Hope you're doing well.

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    1. LOL! You didn't miss much, Super Sophia, as I was MIA for a while working on some other projects. You don't know how much your kind words mean right now, so HUGE Hugs... You're the best! RO

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  8. Ahhh summer refreshers! Those are definitely going to be needed. I can't believe how hot it will be the next few days.

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    1. Girl, every time I think about the heat, I start sweating. (lol) It's alo the reason I'm not out walking here or at your place. It just makes me dang tired, and I'm ready to read a book.*heh* I can say that I'm proud to be eating more berries these days. Hope you're doing well! Hugs...

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