Antler

This is very exciting for me. I found this in my back yard. You can see some defined bite marks in the center. We have three different groups of deer that frequent our yard. This must be from the bachelor heard.

Succulent update

String of pearls, Haworthia (transparent leaves), and calico hearts.

Tilapia with mango salsa

Mango Salsa

2 ripe mangoes, cut into cubes

1/2 red onion, minced

1 bunch cilantro, minced

2 jalapenos, seeded, minced

salt and lime juice to flavor

 

 This was a welcome change as well. Lots of fruit and lime coming together to create a fresh bright flavor.  It was nice, but probably won't do this again until some time this summer.

Trout

Trout slices prepared with lemon slices, salt, pepper, thyme and home grown organic lavender flowers. This was a fun switch up from our regular lemon pepper seasonings.

Spicy Crab Soup

Can of crab meat, serano peppers, red bell pepper, creole seasoning or Old Bay, large crushed tomato, 4 C. boxed broth, corn, onions, parsley.

 

Gently saute pepper and onions in a small amount of butter until they are softened.  Add large can of crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth and increase temperature to medium high.  Add any vegetables you have handy and seasonings. Simmer until vegetables are tender, then add crab meat, warm and serve.  

This was good with rice the first day, and cheese toast the second day.

Happy Valentine's Day

Shawarma

• 1/4 cup ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup ground allspice
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon salt 

To marinate the shawarma meat you'll need 2 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon white vinegar + 1/2 teaspoon salt. Allow chicken to marinate for 10-20 minutes and 1 hour to 24 hours for beef.  This is enough spice mixture for 20 lb of meat. Scale accordingly.