Fall 2026

I really downsized my fall decor last year.  It was time.

I have had little storage for 20 years and kept way too much now and after having several homes in my married years it was really time to get a grip on what I needed to keep and what was needed to be pitched also donating a lot.

I like to repurpose items so I remake many of my centerpieces.  That’s all good but bags and bags of leaves, berries, vines and flowers and yes pumpkins must go.

Here is what I kept and once Fall goes I can replace my items with my winter, then spring and summer items. I have room now and wont feel as overwhelmed by too much stuff!!!

Does anyone remember these?

I’ve had these glass grapes forever.  Love them and lots of memories so I won’t donate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L

Mama Mia Maria Biscotti

I’m trying another Biscotti recipe with no shortening in this recipe.

The thoughts are if you are cutting back of fat in a biscotti recipe you may like this recipe.

The biscotti were a little chewer than mine and the consistency was different . The flavor was anise so you may like it or substitute orange extract and rind of the orange or maybe butternut extract. It’s easy and quick to make but time didn’t matter for me because my recipe is easy too.

I’m interested in what your opinion is of these biscotti. Try and rate them. IMO Mine are a 10. Id rate these a 6 imo.

 

Crockpot loaded chicken

So our weekend has come and gone and yes here is the question once again.  What's for dinner tonight?

Yay a new recipe I'll be giving a try today.  

Here is the beginning of the recipe. I’ve made a few changes as noted with***

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 3 1/2 tablespoon ranch dressing mix***i used liquid ranch dressing.

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 1/2 pounds yellow baby new potatoes( ***tiny potatoes) 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed at room temperature

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar*** ( I used grated white sharp cheddarcheese),divided, plus more for garnish

• cooked and crumbled bacon to taste( I did not garnish) only orange mild cheddar a pinch to the top of dish.  I’m sure the bacon would really be tasty.

• thinly sliced scallions for garnish

  
  

  Stir together chicken broth and ranch dressing mix in the bottom of a 5-quart slow cooker until combined. Add chicken breasts in an even layer over broth mixture, followed by an even layer of potatoes. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  
  

  
  

Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are fork tender, about 2 hours and 45 minutes on HIGH or about 3 hours and 45 minutes on LOW.

Remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool slightly for 5 minutes. Coarsely shred the chicken using 2 forks.

Add cream cheese, ranch dressing, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese to slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH until cheeses begin to melt and potatoes are fully tender, about 10 minutes. Uncover and stir cheese mixture until just about fully combined.

Serve in bowls and top with shredded cheese   Chopped scallions and bacon bits.

Enjoy!

Allrecipes.com

My container Garden 2026

Yes I plant in containers too!

These are in containers as well.

 

My Flower Garden 2026

What a wild garden year!

From a very damp and cold June to a scorcher and wet August I honestly didn’t think there would be much to brag about. But I sure can brag after all.

Green grass and colorful flowers are about the best year combination of color I’ve had for a while.

Every year come late August or September I start harvesting zinnias.  I dry them completely and carefully pull the seeds away.  I store them in a cool area in envelopes marked accordingly until next June. I’ve been doing them this way since 2009.  I haven’t bought a seed since then. 

I’ve thought of trying different varieties of zinnias but I truly love how they produce so many different looks that I haven’t felt the need to do that.

You’ll

See some tall Canas as well.  I buy small plants from a local family owned garden center for them.  I have saved the bulbs but because of not much garage storage opted to just buy and support local business.

Ps. I have some vincas too surrounding the areas and coreopsis too!

Here are a few of my beauties!  Enjoy!

How to collect zinnia seeds my video.

https://iliketobakeandcook.blogspot.com/2016/08/hprv9256-how-to-collect-zinnia-seeds.html