Finding Storage

Behind this door is my new laundry/pantry area … and my pup’s den. There’s really nothing new about it! This 1920’s home is not unlike many others built during that era. It’s compartmentalized with storage challenges. I love this quaint home and the unique challenges.  In fact, organizing and creating storage areas has been my focus lately. The Sunday dinners have found a new home with my oldest. I’ll be sharing those recipes soon. In the meantime, open this door to my storage creations. Yes, you can tackle these easily … maybe not all in one week-end!

The challenge here is the size and shape of this 8′ by 8′ room. There’s lots going on in this room and yet it feels perfectly spacious. Yes, organization is the key. Thinking back to all my laundry rooms in past homes I don’t remember a crowd showing up to wash. We were a family of 6 without piles of laundry. Yep, we wore out 4 sets of washers/dryers during the young family years. It’s just easier to do 1 or 2 laundry loads daily than to do 7 to 14  on a Saturday.

Use the top of your washer and dryer. Tidy takes away the clutter-look. Use a beautiful Italian canister to hold you soap pods or a simple glass one.

Use baskets to dress up your shelves and provide organization. Put like items together to provide quick and easy access. Are you thinking there’s not much space left of this room? You’d be surprised!

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Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cookies

The best tea cookie, elegant delicate buttery, slightly crispy around the edges. Perfect! Try this easy recipe the next time you have a gathering and watch them disappear. Yes, perfect with ice cream too!

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Dessert for Our July Fourth

When it comes to cooking we are all in. This was a delight created by my oldest, Will. He’s a Martha Stewart fan. Not only is this recipe hers but the pan too. My son doesn’t have much time for cooking with all he does but according to Will this recipe was not only simple but quick. I say this is a Martha recipe worth keeping! Enjoy! Blackberry Buckle Recipe, here.


Country Ribs Portuguese Style

Sorry Grandma, a twist to my Grandmother’s Vinha D’ Alhos. My brother’s at it again! And he doesn’t even need a celebration but this would be great for July 4th.

First, the marinade & how-to … Use my Grandmother’s recipe here. Marinate the country style ribs (about 3+ pounds) for about 48 hours, more or less. We like more!

When time’s up pour off the marinade. Heat up your grill and barbecue the ribs to give that smoky taste … Just long enough to sear but not cook through. Have the following ingredients ready to layer quickly … avoiding the loss of the juices.

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Blueberry Crumb Pie

The perfect dessert for Father’s Day. Add a little dollop of sour cream or whipped creme fraiche to tame it down. Yep, it’s a dessert for those with a sweet tooth. Most dads I know love pie and my dad was no different. Use frozen blueberries if you can’t find fresh. I find frozen berries so much easier when baking. This recipe is so easy! So good!

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Portuguese Meat Casserole

This dish tastes better the next day but you won’t have leftovers to test It’s a meat and potatoes indulgence with a soupy tomato and onion broth. As I type this I wish i had some. Yep, no leftovers!

You will need time to oven roast (about 2 hours in a fast oven) but the prep is rapid. If you’re a meat and potatoes fan you’ll love this dish!

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Hot Fudge and More

Sometimes you just want a Hot Fudge Sundae for dinner! Not into fudge? Well, how ’bout butterscotch or peanut butter, espresso or caramel or any baking chip flavor you like … cinnamon, chocolate mint, lemon, white chocolate. This ‘no recipe’ works for almost any baking chips. It will not work well with chips that do not melt easily.

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Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

with Peanut Butter Cream Filling

Are you in the mood for a sandwich cookie but a homemade one! Not sure what I was looking for. Spicy Country Kitchen was one among several blogs I came across. I really wasn’t into an oatmeal cookie, exactly, since I have so many delicious oatmeal cookie recipes. But I was taken in. The marshmallow creme filling was not appealing to me … at least not this day. Maple and peanut butter are two sandwich cookie flavors I love. The marshmallow creme has been switched out for peanut butter filling; and the ingredients for the oatmeal cookies have been reduced to make my recipe a quickie. Enjoy! And if you’d like to try Spicy Country Kitchen’s, here.

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Apple Enchiladas

How ’bout this for Super Bowl Sunday! This is so simple with little time devoted to prep. Please no canned fruit here. The guys can tell the difference. Besides the ‘crust’ is already pre-made.

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