Happy July!

I received Bok Choy in my CSA veggie box, and made a simple, delicious Chinese Noodle Soup with a broth that can't be beat. I was talking to some of the ladies at the farm, and they asked for the recipe so I told them I would post it on my blog. My husband and I both love it. 

If you're looking for something easy and tasty for your July 4th celebration, these cream cheese filled strawberries are always a winner.  

Filled Strawberries

8 ounces room-temperature cream cheese

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons confectioners' sugar

12 strawberries

Directions:  

Whip room-temperature cream cheese on medium speed until slightly fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 2 TB confectioner's sugar. Trim tops and bottoms of 12 strawberries to level. Scoop out tops. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch star tip with cream cheese mixture; pipe into berries until it brims over tops. Top with a blueberry if desired.  

I put together a Spa basket for a raffle, and added a special occasion blooming wine glass that Jenna at The Painted Apron shared on her blog. It's perfect for a Birthday Girl, a hostess, a bride, or for any special occasion.

If you are in japanese beetle territory like we are, I handpick each morning and again late in the day. I knock them off the foliage and drown in a container of soapy water. We can’t eliminate them; we have to manage them. I think I should live at our camp for the summer so I could skip dealing with these beetles :-) 

My first year growing jasmine-scented Nicotiana that produce an evening fragrance. The fragrance peaks at twilight, and the moths pollinate them. Certainly a majestic garden addition that will become a regular in my garden. 

Another new plant..... Lavatera...and it is finally blooming. It was certainly worth the wait. Satiny pink blooms cover this plant until frost. The flowers resemble mini hollyhocks and attract butterflies. Love it!

Americans will be celebrating Independence Day this week, and in my area we see an increase of houses with flags and decorations.      

I hope you are enjoying summer activities, and we are looking forward to picking blueberries and raspberries this week.   

xo

Deb