OLD FASHIONED BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

Some of you have asked for my pancake recipe... here it is!

This is a great recipe that I found in an old recipe book I picked up at an estate sale. Judging from the weathered look of the recipe card, this was a family favorite. At any given time, I add blueberries, bananas, apples mixed with cinnamon, or chocolate chips to this pancake batter, blueberry being my favorite.

Ode To Mom....HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ~with A Side Of Lemon Squares

I would do anything my mother asked of me. However, Mom is the kind of woman that WOULDN'T ask, not wanting to impose on her family and friends. That's the kind of woman and special Mother she is; loving and kind, always there to lend a hand or a word of encouragement. Mom is our biggest cheerleader as we go through life, traveling our own road. She's an extraordinary woman and I am honored to call her my mother and friend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER, WE LOVE YOU 
~ALL FOUR OF THE P'S!

In honor of Mom's birthday here is one of her favorite recipes, Lemon Squares! 
She loves just about anything that's TART!!

Me Me's LEMON SQUARES

Tart, rich, perfection and ridiculously addictive, these Lemon Squares, 
are the perfect blend of sweet and sour! Mom loves this simple recipe and so do I!
MAKES 24 4-inch or 48 2-inch LEMON SQUARES

INGREDIENTS

For the Crust

• 1 1/2cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup {1 1/2 sticks} cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Lemon Filling

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest from 2 lemons
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

 WHAT TO DO

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover a 13 X 9 inch pan with non -stick foil.
• Combine ingredients for crust in a food processor or by hand - I just use my hands....easier clean up. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of prepared pan and bake until crust is lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the lemon filling: In a bowl, combine all filling ingredients. Mix well and pour over warm crust. Bake until set, about 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature or refrigerate about 1 hour. I eat one as soon as they come out of the oven! I can never wait until they cool!
• Using non-stick foil helps when lifting the lemon squares from the pan - it's a good thing.  Cut into small squares. Top with confectioners sugar if desired. 

On Mother's Day I blogged about Mom. If you care to read more about her or see lots of pictures click here. Make a batch of Lemon Squares and call up your mom for a wonderful visit....You'll be glad ya did!

ENJOY!

~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA

Triple Peanut & Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here's how you take the basic Chocolate Chip Cookie up a notch! Meet the coolest cookie in town, featuring mini peanut butter cups, honey-roasted peanuts, peanut butter and, of course, chocolate chips. These loaded cookies will be gone before you know it, so you might want to bake two batches! If you love the chocolate and peanut butter flavor combo, this cookie is for you!  ENJOY!

PICKLED SUMMER STRAWBERRIES

Pickling isn't just for cucumbers anymore! You can reinvent pickling by using unusual ingredients, such as strawberries.  Preserving summer fruits towards the end of the season allows you to continue enjoying your favorite flavors throughout the fall and into the winter. This recipe uses a vinegar-based brine that preserves the strawberries. The vinegar based brine is very easy to make. After a few days in the refrigerator you will have a delicious sweet and salty treat. If kept refrigerated, these strawberries will last for up to two weeks. Eat them straight out of the jar, or enjoy them in salads and sandwiches, on ice cream and appetizers or along side a cheese platter. Your options for using pickled strawberries are endless, ENJOY!

10 WAYS WITH WATERMELON

June is upon us and our little family has already started eating our favorite Summer food –WATERMELON! Just one look at a watermelon and I begin to feel relaxed and stress-free. I'm sure many of you have great memories of watermelon – fireworks, parades, picnics, seed-spitting contests, thumps and such!

Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken Breast

My grandfather, Big Gran, is 96 and still lives on his own. My sister, aunt and I take turns checking on him, running errands, taking care of household chores and doing his grocery shopping. To be honest, the majority of the time these responsibilities fall on my sister and aunt — and thank God for them!

About a month ago Big Gran called me wanting chicken thighs. Yes he still cooks. Later that same day, I just happen to be talking with my mother. "No, no!", she said, "He doesn't want thighs, he wants chicken breasts. He doesn't like dark meat."

Turn Simple Pantry Items Into Quick Dinners

As I was going through my pantry, fridge and freezer last week, I came across items I had bought with every good intention of using. However, I have yet to use them and they are still taking up valuable space. Mr.P