How to Grill Everything

 

How To Grill Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Flame-Cooked Food

The ultimate grilling guide and the latest in Mark Bittman’s acclaimed How to Cook Everything series

Here’s how to grill absolutely everything—from the perfect steak to cedar-plank salmon to pizza—explained in Mark Bittman’s trademark simple, straightforward style. Featuring more than 250 recipes and hundreds of variations, plus Bittman’s practical advice on all the grilling basics, this book is an exploration of the grill’s nearly endless possibilities. Recipes cover every part of the meal, including appetizers, seafood, meat and poultry, vegetables (including vegetarian mains), and even desserts. Plenty of quick, high-heat recipes will get dinner on the table in short order (Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp, Green Chile Cheeseburgers); low and slow “project” recipes (Texas-Style Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork with Lexington BBQ Sauce) are ideal for leisurely weekend cookouts. You’ll also find unexpected grilled treats like avocado, watermelon, or pound cake, and innovative surprises—like how to cook paella or bake a whole loaf of bread on the grill—to get the most out of every fire.

Kindle Unlimited: This book  include tons of recipes for meat, seafood, and veggies! As a "flexitarian" I really appreciate this is not just all steaks and meat. The recipes for vegetables are creative, and give you an excellent understanding on how to properly grill various types of veggies and even fruit. Try the watermelon steaks recipe, your mind will be blown!

Walking Taco Recipe

 

These Walking Tacos are tacos made right in the bag. Great for  camping  and backyard camp outs. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 1 ounce taco seasoning packet or this homemade taco seasoning
• 6-8 snack sized bags of Fritos or Doritos
• Suggested Toppings:
• black beans
• lettuce
• tomato
• shredded cheese
• sour cream
• salsa

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large skillet, brown beef or turkey over medium heat and drain the fat. Add the onion to the meat and sautee a couple of minutes until soft. Add the taco seasoning along with 1/2 cup of water and simmer until water is absorbed. If serving immediate pour in a bowl. You can also combine the meat and black beans if you want and keep them warm in a slow cooker.

2. Crush your chips with your hands and open your bag. Add your beef mixture and whatever toppings you desire. Eat with a fork as you walk around!

Summer Library reading camp

Happy Saturday! Today we celebrate our last day of reading camp.

To celebrate!

We are having a community picnic, lawn games ,and a Art/ Quilt  show inside.  

To Thanks all volunteers! 

We made these cute plant jars With the kids on Wednesday for all our volunteers and guest who helped this year. Without you we couldn't do this! 

Make sure all book logs, and more are turned in for prizes. 

July : : Stay Cool at Library and Read! 

Our weekly clubs are still going on. And come in too pick out you AR book for school.

School list can be picked up here. 

We have a Back to School event coming up! 

And looking for volunteers to tutor after school in August.  

Sunflower Card : : Spectrum Noir pens

 

Sunflower  Card : 

I used a combination of regular markers and watercolor makers to make these cards. I used the Spectrum markers for the Sunflowers and the background in the watercolor markers for the sky  in this Sunflower card. 

Supplies used: 

Spectrum Noir pens :   are alcohol ink based markers which have been designed specifically for crafters but these markers are also great for beginners, students and hobby artists. The colours blend seamlessly and can be mixed or layered over each other.

• Water-Soluble Aqua Markers: Easily create a whole range of stunning watercolor effects
• Dual-Tipped: Flexible brush for broad coverage and an ultra-fine tip for outlining and detailing
• Quality Water-Based Dyes: Smooth bright colors can be easily diluted and blended with water

Water Color card: (aqua)

I used only  Aqua markers to make this card. They are fun to use and by varying the amount of water you can get wonderful colors. 

National Food Truck day

I love Food Truck and I am celebrating under the oaks

Come join us for the fun and good food under the Oaks.... this afternoon.  #Lafayettelouisiana

Friday Favorite Things

 Welcome to my favorite this this Friday ! 

It might be fabric ,paper ,flowers or just something I found. Today :

I made this with Find things in my house so really Free! 

• cardboard base 
• 3 colors of paint (green,white, brown)
• wax for chippy look
• Print from a card
• scrap fabric Bow 

How I made it : 

I tore this sign shape from a cardboard box. (dnot through them out). Paint with green,let dry. After dry rub wax over green paint and paint white. Let dry completely. Then with a edge chip off some paint to show the green underneath. Then with a towel rub on brown paint and let dry. With a black marker make line -like an old board. 

I used decoupage to glue flower and sticker down. Then highlighted with color markers and sealed . Then made the ribbon bow.

The magnolia blossom was designated the state flower of Louisiana in 1900. 

Its name is a reference to its large flowers, which can grow up to a foot in diameter, have about 6 to 12 petals each, and produce a rose-colored fruit. Although the species can produce its bright red seeds by 10 years of age, seed production peaks at around 25 years of age

A Presidential Tree

Andrew Jackson, his political career blossoming following his military command during the War of 1812 against Great Britain, finally claims the coveted title of President of the United States in the election of 1828. A few weeks later, Jackson’s wife Rachel dies. Blaming her death on the vicious personal attacks during the campaign questioning the legitimacy of their marriage, Andrew Jackson planted a southern magnolia from his plantation, Rachel’s favorite tree, on the White House grounds.

Since then, the large tree has remained there for nearly 200 years, with its cultural significance only increasing as time passes.

Just Keep Swimming

 

Just Keep Swimming! 

My Keep Swimming Card is just what is needed to remind me to keep going. With this cut shell desiign and anchor /nautical paper. 

to never give up

Essentially, to never give up. This is of the most significant lessons taught by Finding Nemo. Marlin and Dory face numerous challenges trying to find Nemo, but they never give up – they just keep swimming.

I stamped the sea shell and added sequins. And placed on Nautical themed paper with stamped tit;e. 

https://thecardconcept.blogspot.com/

In the Garden

 IN THE GARDEN

This card is inspired by the seeds I plant in my garden. On a base cut in shape of a seed packet and the rose and seed stamped on the card. 

https://thesisterhoodofcrafters.blogspot.com/

You know I love garden projects :

check out my blog for more fun ideas like this one...

Star and Stripes

 

STARS

I used Star and stripe paper with extra Stars cut with die cut machine for this simple 4th of july card. And and  hand letter tag. 

Some more 4th of July stars : using same die cut for this table display. 

Double D Challenge https://daranddiane.blogspot.com/

ABC Christmas Challenge : Music

 Its never too early to Celebrate Christmas ! 

L is for Lantern and M is for Music

**Don't forget that your project must be for Christmas or any other Winter/December holiday!**

I am all about Christmas music ! And these cute stamped carolers are singing my favorite song... Joy to the World. In a card with two Christmas print background and a stamped center image. 

https://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/

This or That Thursday

Welcome to This or That Thursday on my blog. It's a little bit of everything I craft in one spot. Today I am upcycling.  

my project finished.  

What am i used? 

After Mom passed I found her large collection of greeting cards. She had boxs of cards new and ones she received from people.  I spent yesterday cleaning out a box and separating them out by types. And though I kind do something with them! 

My card

My directions

Front of one card

Wood plaque from DG 

White paint from DG 

Mod podge, scar fabric for bow

I painted the plaque with paint and let dry. Cut off front of cards and tear edges. Decopodge down and seal. Let dry and add bow . Finish by adding brown ink to edges with sponge. 

My fabric bow : made with scraps of fabric, lace and ribbon . 

I have a large collection of Christmas cards I will be crafting with . So check back for upcyceling ideas....Lisa 

Basil and Mixed Derry Sorbet

 Its Berry picking time in Louisiana! 

INGREDIENTS

1 c. sugar

1 c. lightly packed fresh basil

6 c. frozen mixed berries

3/4 c. lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)

Directions

1. In medium saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Heat on high until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Add basil. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 15 minutes. Strain syrup into medium bowl, discarding basil. Refrigerate until cold.

2. In blender, puree frozen berries, lemon juice and cooled basil syrup until smooth. Transfer to metal 8-inch square baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze only until firm enough to scoop (about 2 hours). If sorbet is too hard to scoop, let stand at room temperature until slightly thawed.

Perfect for this weeks Hot weather forecast! Enjoy

All about Zinnias

Outside my Window 

Hello gardeners! I didn't forget you on my blog. Just moved a day and added some fun.

Don't you just love Zinnias!

Today's question? Can Zinnias be grown in pots?? 

Yes ! You can . And I have some of these annual growing in a pot by my door. With the right container, soil and sun. These will bloom all summer . With a little water and cutting.  They are a bright touch of color outside my window.

Why we love Zinnias ❤️ 

Great vibrant color and come in many sizes. 

Pollinators  : butterfly, hummingbird  and 🐝  bees. 

Keep cutting flowers and will bloom till frost. 

Great value: seeds are inexpensive 

Perfect for hot climates . They love Sun .

I sprinkled in a couple of packages of seeds earlier in the season. I was so glad to see these pop up and bloom. I just need too keep them watered in this heat.  Lisa 

Wordless Wednesday in Louisiana

  

Welcome to My Wordless Wednesday 

Books, Picnics And Murder : A Story Tree Cozy Mystery

 

Books, Picnics And Murder : Book Review 

Valley Springs is gearing up for their annual Spring Picnic. It’s a time-honoured tradition, a day filled with sun, laughter, and games. What they’re not ready for is kidnapping, murder, and mob-like hysteria.

When the town’s richest family announces that their son and nanny have gone missing, there’s only one conclusion: kidnapping. Clary St. James once again finds herself in the middle of mayhem and is determined to find the boy, but her confidence is shaken by hostile townspeople. As she gets closer to the truth, everything is thrown on its head by a shocking discovery.

It was just supposed to be a town picnic. But with a negligent nanny, a distant father, a hapless stepmother, and an uncle with a motive, it turns into a deadly game of hide-and-seek.

Will Clary find the boy in time? Or will he become a tragic mystery?


Book 4 in the Story Tree Cozy Mystery series, which can be read in one to two hours! Perfect for a lunchtime read or if you want to enjoy a quick light-hearted read, with a book-loving amateur sleuth, set in a picturesque town with sassy characters.

No cliffhanger, swearing or gory scenes!

Our series start here in KU Amazon... 

Book review :

This is book 4 of a fun series. Absolutely had me guessing and rethinking and I love the mystery in this book that has yet to be solved. Can't wait for next book!

Welcome to my Home this Tuesday ! Like the book titele to days theme is Books and Picnic . Hope you enjoy the day ! 

June is Picnic Timr

Welcome to Tuesday on my blog. It's all about picnic ides today As we plan for our Community picnic on the library grounds.  

A picnic checklist to help : 

 We are getting extra tables from the town park. And metal tables for food. So we are using tablecloths from the dollar store. 

Grab some empty jars with ribbon and fill them with sunflower.  Can be fresh or not. Or you can fill them with flags and Patrotic flowers for thr 4th .

Food safety tips: 

Picnic food : stay safe while having fun . With an average hold time 2 hours. We are using our coolers to keep drinks and food needing cooling. 

We also set up a hand cleaning station as well as a place for garbage removal.  

The library is supply lemonade,  hot dogs and fresh vegetables from the garden with dip.

we are encouraging everyone to bring a dish to share from chips,fruit or treats. 

Games: 

made from a pallet ,bowls and balls. Prizes for winners. 

Our Community picnic is this Saturday To celebrate end of Summer reading camp.  Come and Enjoy ! 

At Home with Lisa

Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/24/2024

Hot! Hot! It's been very hot this week . So I hope you stay cool and hydrated in your area. 

Weather

95

94

92 rain

92 rain

94

Outside my Window 

From my camera roll. I sneaked over to a neighbor and took this picture.  

Home chore: 

Monday clean up.

Change beds and was sheets. Dry outside. 

Make grocery list

Water Outside with the heat it's a battle.  

Blog updates and emails: I am going to be doing a few updates.  Keeping fresh. 

Breakfast/ lunch : coffee and banners muffins.  Lunch leftover BBQ and pasta salad.  

Week Menu 

White beans and ham

Nachos 

Sweet sour chicken 

Pork steak grill / vegetables 

Shrimp Creole 

6/25 is Catfish day! See my Monday recipe.  

In this out weather I cook early, use a crockpot or grill. To keep home cooler. 

Weekend fun: 

Washington, Louisiana is the Antique capital of Louisiana. 

The old school house is open every weekend with special events year round. 

At the Melville library 

This week we start week 4 of Summer reading camp. It will end Saturday with Community 

Check back for July/August plans.

My Sunday 

Let's pray for our friends and family in need of help. And our nation ,state and local leaders.

Creole Broiled Catfish

 

This week highlighted recipe .... tomorrow is National catfish day. So go grab your items and celebrate.  lisa 

8 catfish fillets

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon Lawry’s Seasoned Pepper

1 tablespoon Lawry’s Garlic Powder with Parsley

1 tablespoon Tabasco Seasoned Salt

Instructions

Position a rack 5 inches below the heating element of a broiler and set the broiler to high.

Rinse the fish under cold running water and pat dry. Brush both sides with the oil and arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. 

Mix together the seasoned pepper, garlic powder, and seasoned salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over one side of the fish. 

Broil for 5 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully turn flip the fish. Sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture. Continue broiling until the fish is opaque in the center, 3 to 5 minutes more. Serve immediately.

Blog Updates

My newest blog updates 

I blog here because I enjoy it.

My update calendar 

Monday: blog link up, recipe 

Tuesday: books, Cozy mystery, home decor 

Wednesday: outside my Window 

Wordless Wednesday 

Thursday: : This or That,  a little bit of everything.  

Friday favorite: my favorite things 

Saturday/ Sunday : kids crafts , school time , holiday crafts 

Come join the fun and share.

Witness, Woods, & Wedding

 

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

USA Today Bestselling author Tonya Kappes brings you southern and quirky characters in her mystery series. Her stories are charged with humor, friendship, family and life in small southern towns.

In the heart of the charming town of Normal, Kentucky, Mae West has patiently awaited her wedding day to Hank Sharp. Friends and family gather, the crisp autumn air carries the scent of fallen leaves, and laughter dances through the warm Southern breeze. Everything is set for a picture-perfect day, a celebration of love in a town nestled by the serene Daniel Boone National Forest.

But in the South, they say, "Mishaps at weddings are like the rain in April—unexpected but not unusual." Just as Mae is about to say her vows, a bolt of lightning struck. The news hit like a tornado—literally—a young girl had been murdered, and a tornado has torn through the town, turning everything upside down, including the carefully laid wedding plans.

In a town where mysteries were as common as fireflies on an autumn night, Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies venture where others fear to tread, unearthing long-buried secrets and confronting a darkness that threatened to shatter the tranquility of their beloved Normal.

Another question is on everyone minds, will Mae and Hank finally tie the knot?

My Book Pick : #junewedding 

Mae and Hank are getting ready for their wedding and of course, things don't go smoothly. Hank gets a clue on the missing woman he's looking for and that leads to even more surprises and interruptions to the wedding plans. Add in a tornado and all the craziness that comes with that and then a body showing up and things just keep getting more complicated. Dottie saves the day, so the wedding happens just not the one they planned but perfect for Hank and Mae. Then both Hank, Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies get caught up in solving the murder and there are a few big surprises there. In the end the killer is caught, and Hank and Mae get to go on their honeymoon. The best thing about the campgrounds is the people there become your friends and it becomes the place you keep wanting to go back there. The characters become the friends you always want to hang out with because they are good people and there's never a dull moment. Can't wait to see what happens next. Highly recommend the book and the series, once you read one, you're hooked.

2024 Wedding Flower Trends

In search of wedding flower inspo? Here's your first look at what's trending for the year.

• 1. Wispy Florals
• 2. Bright & Boldly Colored Blooms
• 3. High-Impact Floral Installations
• 4. Long-Stemmed Designs
• 5. Minimal Greenery
• 6. A Bigger Focus on Non-Floral Wedding Details
• 7. Cascading Amaranthus Arrangements
• 8. Petite Wedding Bouquets

Sunday bible cards

Today I am starting something new enjoy....

It's been very Hot this weekend and I spent sometime coloring in the air conditioning.  

My Bible cards : 

I purchased at Hobby Lobby/Model . 

The Lord blesses the Home of every good person.  Proverb 3:33

Flower magnets

these magnets came from dollar general.  

Walk with the wise and  become Wise. Proverb 13 : 20.