How to pick, core, cut and slice a pineapple:

When I first started blogging I received a comment from someone who mentioned why would I do a post on picking and cleaning a pineapple?  The below short story is why.  This is a repost! for those who haven't had a chance to check it out. I think it helped some before and hopefully it'll help some again. 

Do you know how to pick a great pineapple?

If it comes out easily...it's ripe :)

When I was at the market the other day a young woman was attempting to pick out a pineapple.  It appeared that she didn't know how to chose one. She was picking several up turning them around and looked puzzled. She turned and asked me if I knew how to tell if one was ripe... Here's how!  Hold the pineapple firmly with your hand and pull out a piece from the center.  It should come out very easily; if not, it isn't ripe enough. Try another. You may have to try several!

Now for the fun part.  Rinse pineapple well under cold water before cutting to clean it a bit.  Cut top and bottom off  then slice it in about 1 inch sections.  Remove core and take edge off (almost like cutting the skin off a cantaloupe) and slice in pieces..  It is that easy!

Pineapple can be used in various recipes and is a welcome addition in a fruit tray or just to eat by itself.

Happy Baking and Cooking from my kitchen to yours,

M.J.

7/23/12
8/17/13

Our day enjoying Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park!

Spending some time at Moraine State Park and Lake Arthur.

 FYI:

 Moraine State Park is in western Pennsylvania. It
is bisected by PA 422 running east/west and PA 528
running north/south.
To access the South Shore Recreation Area, take
the South Shore Exit off PA 422.
To access the North Shore from PA 422 west,
take the North Shore Exit.
There is no access to the North Shore from PA
422 headed east from I–79, so take the South
Shore Exit, get onto PA 422 West and take the
North Shore Exit.
Moraine State Park
225 Pleasant Valley Road
Portersville, PA 16051-9650

Some of life's inexpensive and unknown treasures. Check out the link.

Some of life's inexpensive and unknown treasures are State Parks.  Check out the link.

Link below: 

Moraine State Park and Lake Arthur


Several friends, hubby and I decided to check out Moraine State Park and the lovely Lake Arthur, a very beautiful and scenic state park that although it is only approximately 1/2 hour from our home; we had never been there.  Amazing waterfalls and rock formations, families on bikes leisurely enjoying a very nice bike path.   It is very hard to explain the beauty.  It's a must see!

A big thank you to my hubby for suggesting that we check it out and take a water tour.  Only $14.00 a person and that included a pizza party with lemonade and iced tea.  Wow!  A bargain too!

 Below is a small example of what we were able to enjoy.  Next time it'll be some bike riding and a short hiking adventure.

 Take note fishermen and boaters.  They also have fishing and sail boating and Pontoons to rent.  Oh what a great excursion for the family!!!

It is located north of the center of Pittsburgh in Butler County.

Water Tour

Shortcut Lemon/Strawberry Tart! The right dessert to compliment your meal. :).

I was glancing thru my yearly calendar (my present one has recipes on the back of each month). Yippee!!   I think it's pretty neat and the dessert I am making today I am proud to say looks very similar to the one that was pictured.  I made a few changes to make it a quick and easy recipe. Your gonna love this easy recipe!  Enjoy!  Lemon lovers rejoice!!!!<3  We love lemon desserts for sure.

Here's my version:

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup butter or margarine melted
3 T sugar
1- 21oz. can Comstock Lemon Creme Pie Filling**
1 pkg. fresh strawberries sliced

Soften butter in microwave for about 15 seconds.  Remove from microwave and add sugar and graham cracker crumbs.  Mix with fork until blended.  Pour crumbled mixture into a tart pan, pie pan or as I did this time a springform pan.  Press on bottom and depending on pan you can press up on the sides.

**  I did not with the springform pan. Place in refrigerator until set about 15 minutes or bake for 8 minutes at 350 degrees and cool. Refrigerated method is super easy...**Feel free to use store bought filling.

I made my crust , topped with Lemon Creme Pie filling and refrigerated overnight.  Topped with strawberries the next day (today) and served with a dollup of whipped cream.

P.S. You can easily use a pre packaged graham cracker or regular crust to save time.