Blueberry Saturday

Rob and I went blueberry picking two Saturdays ago at Chmielewski’s Blueberry Farm in Hockley, TX. The farm has approximately 8 arches of berry bushes and they are free of chemicals! We got there pretty early to beat the crowds. We picked about 3 pounds of berries in all and the cost was below $10. Some were eaten as snacks, some were drizzled into parfaits and of course, some were made into dessert.

Never been blueberry picking? Try it some time, its relaxing, plus you get to eat while you pick. 😉

Road Trippin through Texas | Part V

Today I bring you the close of our weekend getaway. Waking on Sunday morning was a little difficult. The cabin bed was very welcoming and I was sure mr. buns, (our weekend pet rabbit) wanted us to stay a while longer, but we still needed to make our final stop in Austin.

We arrived at Austin a bit too early for our next activity so did some shopping downtown and grabbed a bite at 1886 Cafe & Bakery. Thinking through Austin’s activity was tough. We wanted to do something different and thankfully Rob found a very cool attraction called iFLY, which in short, is indoor skydiving. Yes friends… and it was actually pretty cool. I am 99-steps closer to jumping out of an actual airplane.

The experience was exhilarating, “bawdness”, “total coolosity” and hilarious. Adjectives used by my husband. I can assure you I was nothing but calm until I stepped into the air filled tube. I now know how Dorothy felt when that tornado hit her house before dumping it, her and Toto off in The Land of Oz. My coach kept giving me the hand signals we practiced before entering but my frail 99lb body didn’t stand a chance. After struggling for a few seconds I motioned that I wanted out. My coach urged me to try again, and I reluctantly did, because I didn’t want to be remembered as the girl who chickened out on pseudo skydiving. I have pride people! Attempt number two was a success and I was glad I tried it. Rob, as always, did a perfect job. I’ll say no more, check out the footage and if you get a good laugh while watching my portion of the vid, you’re welcome. Video courtesy, iFly.

On a scale of 1-10 I give our weekend getaway an 11, but I’m plain biased. Have you done any travels recently or have favourite trips? Share them!

Ciao friends!

Road Trippin through Texas | Part IV

Our fifth stop was at Enchanted Rock. Have you ever been there? It was breath taking, literally. Rewind to days before the trip, Rob showed me the web page for Enchanted Rock while scoping out different places to visit. I saw a beautiful piece of rock surrounded by greenery and hiking trails. So I figured, “Great! We’ll get pictures near the rock and on the hiking trails.” Little did I know that the actual rock was a hike, all by itself. Heh

We got there an hour before sunset, Saturday evening. The sky was blue and the rock was orange. Mind you, I still hadn’t awakened to the fact that hiking up the rock was on the agenda. After walking in the direction of the rock and nearing it, I noticed that the people in front of us were beginning to climb the rock and people were climbing down the rock, heading our way. It all made sense to me then. “Babe! Do we have to climb to the top?” There was a piiinch of terror in my voice. Rob laughed.

“Not if you don’t want to.” Phew. But as we climbed and climbed and climbed some more, the top of the rock didn’t seem to be getting any closer. I was gasping for air and shot my hand up like a toddler trying to communicate who hadn’t yet learned to talk. Rob handed me my water bottle and I inhaled it.

As we sat and contemplated whether to continue or not, an aged lady and what seemed to be her daughter, passed us on their way back down. Rob asked them how much further to the top. The old lady said, “Fifteen more minutes I think.” And she confirmed with her daughter. Then she looked back at us as cheekily and said, “The view is worth it. If I can do it, you guys can definitely do it.” Thanks for bruising my ego little old lady.

I motioned with my hand for Rob to continue along and I’d soon follow. We were pretty high then and I was able to see miles and miles of land before me. Trees, buildings, farms, roads and teeny-tiny cars. ‘Ok, you can do this. You work out three times a week for calories sake.’ I was up again, this time taking small strides. Finally, I made it to the top. I felt like Rocky and could even hear his theme song playing in my head. The view really was worth the climb. My photos will do the talking now.

After witnessing one of the most spectacular sunsets ever, we headed back home and called it a night. Stay tuned for the final part of our Texas adventure!

Road Trippin through Texas | Part III

We were greeted on Saturday morning by a golden sunrise and mr. buns at 6:00am.

Then we went back to bed and re-awoke at a much weekend appropriate time, 8am. For breakfast we headed to one of the town’s popular cafes. I’ll skip the dets of our meal and head right into stop number four.

Pedernales Falls. The park is home to many woodland creatures, birds and the ever unpopular, snakes. We did a short hike, explored the waterfall and cooled down at a popular bathing spot.

The river is prone to flash flooding and coils its way through the park for 6 miles. Some images below show limestone gorges filled with deep pools. At the falls’ overlook, persons can marvel the gorgeous view then venture down to explore its vast canyon of limestone and pools. As tempting as this area looked for bathing, we were not permitted to swim, wade or tube. But there were other designated spots for bathing that were just as lovely and refreshing.

There are also numerous hiking trails to fit your adventurer side. It can be as short as 30 minutes or long as 4 hours. Just remember to wear a cap, bug spray/sunscreen and carry your water!

If you’d like to visit or want more info on this State Park, get it here.

 

Road Trippin through Texas | Part II

Trecera stop, Fredericksburg. When we told our Trini friends that we would be moving to Texas, the essence of Fredericksburg is what I think they all had in minds. This quaint city was rich with aged German architecture, adorable shops and farming. This is what their Subway restaurant looked like… and their Mc Donald’s, DQ, Burger King and Pizza Hut to list a few.

Sadly, that was the only photo I got on Main Street. Our plans to explore were foiled by another Macajuel lunch but this time accompanied by its syndrome, sleep. I’m getting ahead of myself here and into Saturday afternoon. Take one step backward please.

We first arrived in Friztown, as some call it, sometime after 6pm on Friday evening. Rob booked us a cottage for the weekend and I was ecstatic. Staying in a cottage as opposed to a hotel room was the epitome of our stay, in my opinion. It was cute, rustic and cozy! We were miles away from anyone and had our own pet rabbit for the weekend. Little buns or as Rob liked calling him rabes, as in rabies, would come out every morning and evening to snack on greens around the cabin. He seemed to be familiar with people because I got really close and he didn’t seem to mind.

The evening sun cast beautiful shadows and bursts of flare about the compound. It kissed and danced off the edges of flowers and bushes. It was all too magical and I wish the sun didn’t have to call it quits for the day. My photos didn’t do justice to the scene that we marvelled. Being there made me want to be proposed to again!

We ended the evening with a visit to the cinema and saw Spider Man 2. The movie was decent. I’m no #1 fan of the Spidey but this new series has been captivating to say the least.

Driving through the pitch-blackness on our way back to the cabin, we had to be weary of deer. Those dense fur-tails kept darting across the road as our car approached with its beaming headlights. At one point we had to stop completely because a deer froze in it tracks while crossing. Amused we were as the situation reminded us of an inside joke related to the Trini term, “Ah manicou ketch in headlights!”

Photos of cabin and sunset loveliness. Confession: The first three photos were actually taken at sunrise.

{Our shower was adventurous on more levels than one}

{Mr. Buns chillaxin in the shade}

 

Road Trippin through Texas | Part I

Hello peanuts. I’ve been quiet for a while but in my absence I can assure you that I maintained my awesome. One awesome thing that we did was road tripped across Texas last weekend. Apart from hours of driving, listening to Jim Gaffigan’s audio book, Dad is Fat, the scenery, the food and the company were exceptional!

Rob and I made plans to celebrate our birthdays in between our birthdays. He’s late April and I’m late May. As mentioned in my 2014 Resolutions, Austin was a location I wished to visit this year.

*Ticks visits to Austin, with bonus of Canyon Lake, San Antonio AND Fredericksburg off list. Booyoucasherrrr!

Did I take a gazillion pictures? As sure as eggs. Am I going to post them all at once? Naw man. Because who wants to look at 70+ pictures of a trip all in one sitting? We hit the road early Friday morning and our first stop was Canyon Lake TX, where we went tubing on the Guadalupe River. For obvious reasons we didn’t take pictures but as we passed the turtles, swans and ducks in close proximity I was disappointed we didn’t get one of those disposable waterproof cameras. Oh well. It was fun and we saw our fair share or wildlife that day. During three quarts of the trip we spotted an Anaconda sized (ok, maybe not Anaconda sized but it was huge) black and yellow snake casually chillaxing on the edge of some mangrove. You can bet your bottom dollar, we stayed inside of our tubes for the rest that float trip.

Second stop, San Antonio! Our stay was brief but the food was well worth it. I blame hunger for the lack of proof but trust me… lunch was gratifying. We were told that the River Walk was the place to be if ever in San Antonio. We had lunch at Boudros. Peoples, please visit that restaurant if you visit the River Walk. In fact, if you’re in San Antonio ever, find your behinds there and thank me later.

I had the Smoked Shrimp and Pepper Bacon Club Sandwich. Capitalized for emphasis on bessness. The shrimp was smoky and the bacon was sweet! The South Padre Island dressing drizzle was the finishing touch to my sandwich. Rob had the Texas Tapas. Picture his plate, the softest piece of pork tenderloin accompanied by the juiciest Hill Country Jalapeno Sausage and the tastiest, sweetest smoked duck with some other stuff I wasn’t paying much attention to. The meats stole my taste buds. *wipes dribble flowing down my chin.* I’m enduring torture for you people. Appreciate it.

For dessert we shared the Crispy Tortilla Fan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Imagine a cinnamon, sugar-covered tortilla with rich cream and juicy berries complimented by a two scoop flawless blend of vanilla ice cream.

After our Macajuel sized lunch, we strolled the River Walk, stopping into shops and checking out the scenery. It was a rainy day so we didn’t stay long and explored as much as we’d liked. Stops one and two were good but wait, there’s more! Keep an eyeball out for continued posts and photos of our excursion.

Picture time! Sights at the River Walk: A small collection of iPhone & camera photos.

{Almost there!!!}

{Due to funky weather, the river boats weren’t out and about}

{My hubby ready for lunch}

{At Boudros, if you order Guacamole For Two, a waiter comes out with a cart and makes it right on the spot for you}

{Always selfie ready}

 

The Passion Story + Hot Cross Buns

Approximately 2000 years ago, the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified and died for our sins. Judas Iscariot, for 30 pieces of silver betrayed him into the hands of temple guards. Jesus was then trailed, mocked, beaten and nailed to the cross. As a result today is recognized as Good Friday.

Christians all over the globe commemorate this day in many ways. Some attend church services and plays or dedicate the day to prayer, fasting and meditation. Others, like myself, also enjoy celebrating little traditions like eating hot cross buns for breakfast.

I don’t know the history behind hot cross buns nor will I pretend to. What I do know is that their soft, fluffy, cinnamon body, topped with the perfect consistency of icing and unfortunately filled with raisins, which I religiously pick out, beat any breakfast muffin at a five star hotel. Maybe not any muffin… but you get the point.

Word of advice, if you’re like me and raisins remind you of rat turds and taste like grapes that have been left in the sun far too long – see what I did there? – be sure to half the amount of raisins used in the recipe. Although, half turned out to be more than I cared for. Otherwise, just skip them out altogether or replace them with craisins. Wish I’d thought of that before I made these.

But you’re in for a yummy treat if you like ze hot cross le bun buns. I got this recipe from sophistimom, five kudos for that cool lady. Get it. Make it. Eat it. Enjoy it. However you choose to celebrate this good day, I hope that you take some time to reflect on Jesus’ selfless act on that old rugged cross.

“In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.” 

Easter Tradition

I always feel a teeny bit guilty whenever I take a break from blogging. It isn’t a healthy response but I do. Long story short, I headed back to Trinidad for a short while, still here actually and things were a bit busy. Fear not, I’ve got your serving of blog-meat this week.

It’s my favourite time of year! Easter has been and still is my favourite holiday for a couple of reasons:

1. When I was younger my family got together, ate and spent time together. What I looked forward to the most were our traditions. The family on my dad’s side would gather together at one uncle’s house. His wife always cooked a yummy fish dish accompanied by other local traditional Easter foods and another aunt always made us (cousins) Easter treat bags full of sweets and chocolates.
2. Every year my parents bought us those huge, hollow, chocolate bunnies that would put you in a sugar coma if you tried eating it all in one day.
3. My sister and I had an unhealthy obsession with eggs. Random fact: we used to collect lizard eggs and “babysit” them until one of us accidentally broke them. Anything egg shaped or egg like we “eeeped” about and were drawn to magnetically. So a holiday that celebrated eggs was the godfather of holidays.
4. In my latter teen years, I befriended the Man behind this season. His death and resurrection is the reason we celebrate and I am grateful for the blood He shed for us.

However, there is one tradition that is original to Trinidad and I’ve heard people talk about and witnessed but never partook in. It’s called “Beat the Bobolee.” The word bobolee (yeps, sounds just as its spelt… now say it fast 10 times) is used to describe a person who is taken advantage of by others.

On Good Friday, some residents of T&T would create a dummy of Judas Iscariot made from old clothes that is stuffed with rags or dried grass. It is placed in a public place and anyone who passes, young and old, is welcomed to “beat the bobolee” with sticks, kicks or slaps. The beating symbolised retribution for Judas for betraying Jesus Christ but is done purely for fun and jokingly.

I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. Yeppers. I wanted to beat a bobolee. So naturally, I made mine into a piñata.

If you have 6 hours in your life to spare, try making a piñata. Then add it to your professional resume under skills. I’m sure it will make a notable impression on your future employer. To keep this light, I’ll omit the details of my piñata-making experience. As per usual, I took photos to tell the story. You know the routine, hover over photos for commentary.

 

We all had a fun time beating Mr. Bobolee. At one point we were concerned that it wouldn’t burst. I guess my piñata making skill is superb. I could open ah small shop man. Plus, the rewards were very much enjoyed. For more on Easter Traditions in T&T click here.

What are some Easter Traditions you celebrate? I’d love to hear your stories! I pray that your Easter weekend would be blessed, fun and reflective.

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ – Luke 24:6-7.

Candy, Candy quite Dandy, how does your garden grow?

So I started a new project this weekend. It involved getting dirty and a whole lot of waiting for results. I planted my very own strawberry plants. My granny would be so proud of me! *gloats* I’m both excited and nervous about the outcome. See, I’ve owned two plants prior in my lifetime. A good friend of mine bought me a Poinsettia for Christmas once. It was lovely but lasted 2 weeks. The next year he bought me a cactus thinking it would be impossible to kill…  Ha. I showed him. That lasted 4 weeks. Then I was told that I shouldn’t own a dog or have a child. On the contrary, dogs and children are programmed to remind you of their existence.

Rob was my assistant gardener. Which in fact really means, he did three quarts of the work: uprooted most of the weeds, toiled the soil, trimmed the rosebush that was threatening half of my planting space, dug the holes, planted most of the babies and watered them once we were done. I managed the operation, made a minor contribution to the labour and took an impractical amount of pictures. Yes, yes. I know exactly what you’re thinking. We make an effective team.

My greatest concern right now is the weather. Its bipolarosity continues to wreak havoc with many a plan of local Houstonians, I am sure. Saturday’s 78 degrees was welcomed with board shorts, tank tops & sandals. Then there was Sunday night. We were heading out to make our weekly grocery run and got “female-dog” slapped in the face by an impertinent rush of 38 degree air. Made my eyes water and all. Needless to say yesterday’s weather barely fluctuated. PLUS… there’s a winter storm warning and we’ve received gifts such as freezing rain; sleet and gross Dallas like temperatures – no offense Dallas. If you’re new and reading this you may think I’m an insane person grumbling about 30-degree weather but where I come from is called paradise, with typical temperatures of 80 degrees. All the time. I know I’ve complained a considerable amount this winter but spring is almost here so today marks my final gripe. Promise.

On the upside, the possible ruin of my plants won’t be any fault of mine, this time. Anyhow, I’ll see what happens and pray that I at least get to taste ONE fruit of my… err… our labour. In the mean time, check out our new babies.

Baking this week? Why yes.

These yummylicious chocolate chip cookies are a fav in our household. Got the recipe here. Try them. Enjoy them. And they do go that fast.

Cherrio chaps! Do have a blessed week.

Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Hummingbird Cake. Don’t write it off until you’ve tried it. The first time I heard about hummingbird cake, I was very much in opposition of it. Bananas, pineapple and crushed pecans? Why would anyone put those ingredients in cake… all at once? It wasn’t until a couple weeks ago I over heard some friends talking about its scrumdiddlyumptiousness, that I became curious and concluded that trying it was the only way to be sure it is all that they say it is.

Sit back, pull out your recipe book and start scribbling the awesome that is hummingbird cake.  

HEAR YE, HEAR YE!: This recipe calls for self-rising flour. Don’t do like me and use regular all purpose flour, only to realise the dim-witted mistake you made 5 minutes after putting your batter into the oven.

After an effortless search, I found a recipe to make your own self-rising flour here. Then my cakes were perfection.

What you need:

For the cake

Butter & flour for greasing & flouring ramekins

1 ½ c. self-rising flour

1 c. granulated sugar

¼ & ¹/₈ c. vegetable oil

¼ c. finely chopped pecans

1 very large ripe banana, mashed

4-ounces crushed pineapple, with juice

½ tsp pure vanilla extract

½ tsp group cinnamon

2 large eggs, beaten

For the frosting

¼ c. shortening

¼ c. (half stick) unsalted butter @ room temperature

4 oz. cream cheese @ room temperature

½ tbls white vanilla extract

4 c. powder sugar

¼ tsp salt

Method

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour eight-5oz. ramekin, tapping out excess flour; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir to combine self-rising flour, sugar, oil, pecans, bananas, pineapple, vanilla, cinnamon and eggs.
3. Divide batter evenly between prepared ramekins. Bake for 28 – 30 minutes.
4. After removal from oven, let cool in ramekins for 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. While cakes are cooling, prepare frosting. Cream together shortening, butter and cream cheese until nice and smooth. Add vanilla into mixture and combine. Sift together sugar and salt and slowly add to shortening, butter and cream cheese mixture. Make sure all sugar is incorporated.
6. Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level. Spread frosting on top of first mini cake, and then place your second mini cake on top of first. Spread frosting on both cakes and set aside. Repeat for remaining 6 cakes until you have 4 mini cakes with two layers, fully frosted. Optional: Sprinkle tops with crushed pecans. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 Bon Appétit.

            Makes 8 mini Hummingbird Cakes. Cake recipe adapted from Martha Stewart. 

I used some flowers from my V-day arrangement to decorate the cakes. I figured the decor should represent some aspect of a hummingbird and flowers did the trick! Aren’t they cute? And the cakes taste just as good as they look too! If you’re concerned about what type of flowers to use these links here & here helped me.