Coastal Oaks

My head taste tester (the hubby) would not stay away from the batter of these cookies! I have to admit it tasted like chocolate pudding. He literally was swiping whole spoonfuls. I had to start fending him off by whipping my spatula at him. I packaged up these cookies and gave as Mother's Day gifts. These are the same as the Lemon Cookies you may have previously viewed HERE . I like the chocolate version too! Chocolate Crinkle Cookies 1 Box chocolate cake mix 1 egg, slightly beaten 2 cups cool whip (8 ounce container) 1/2 cup powder sugar Preheat oven to 350. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg, and cool whip. The batter will be very sticky. Using a spoon form dough into tablespoon balls and roll in powder sugar then place on baking sheet.  Bake 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden. remove and cool.  Yields: about 24 cake cookies

So I have been an emotional wreck lately over doggies. If you even slightly you know me, you'll know that anything dealing with a dog will bring me to my knees. First case: As I'm driving to work over the 610 bridge I see a dog trotting along and scared beyond belief. Of course I pulled over and tried to help the dog. My faith in humanity was slightly restored because many others at least stopped so they would not hit him. Oh, it just tore my heart out. Even though I acted radically I would hope that if it was my dog someone would do the same to help her. Case two: my wonderful neighbor is a foster mom for a golden retriever rescue organization. We meet many of her "friends" and of course my dog befriends them as well. So this week she got a new friend that we heard was in a car wreck and one of his leg's had to be amputated. Granted he has adapted wonderfully and very happy; I just broke down sobbing like a baby and hugging this dog while I gave silent prayers th...

Every once in awhile I try and get crafty. I found a picture of a beach themed wreath that you could display all year. I loved it so much I thought, I could make that. After a few modifications and sore fingers I produced the wreath below. I hung it up this weekend. Hopefully it will take the weather and few knocks from girl scouts.  Makes me want to put some sand on my doorstep! Ha!

Welcome back to the Sunshine! She's been absent all week. Perhaps she had allergies too....  Well She is back with bright rays this morning! Hopefully shining down some hope on us given the past few sad days.  May safety and peace be with Boston. 

This week our yard is exploding in bloom! I never thought I would get giddy with joy seeing something I planted actually bloom. It's the small things in life..... Well we could look at it this way.... those pretty blooms made me forget for just a split second about taxes... blasted taxes. Every year my Dad and I get our Publication 17 and study up on deductions. Pathetic I know but I feel like I work hard for my paycheck and I don't like giving it away. Enough about boring taxes and back to blooms.  I do have a plant dilemma and maybe one of you are an expert in this field. We planted what we thought was a lemon tree 2 years ago. Its about 6 ft tall and very healthy looking. It keeps getting little white flowers on it but still no lemons. I've heard some species of trees need a complimenting one that pollinates it so it will bear fruit. Is that the case here? Or did we maybe buy a dud? Or did the store label it lemon but I really just got a normal tree? Or maybe it takes ...

It seems that we are hearing more and more about healthy lifestyles choices when it comes to food. Many folks have food allergies or special dietary needs. There is an endless array of recipe indexes that can help fit any person. My Dad is diabetic so I try and make some sugar-free or low sugar things so he can indulge. One basic dessert wonder that is surprisingly low in sugar: Cool Whip.  However, in this case someone from my "Taste-Testing-Committee" requested this sweet treat. They claimed my Dad would like it but I really know that was code for they wanted it too.. You know who you are!  These are in the shape of a cookie but a very soft (but firm enough to keep their shape) like cake. They taste pretty similar to morning lemon loaf. I might also add they are Quick and Easy! Lemon Cake Cook ies Recipe 1 Box lemon cake mix 1 egg, slightly beaten 2 cups cool whip (8pz container) 1/2 cup powder sugar Preheat oven to 350. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick s...

Have you ever heard that saying "You are what you eat"? Well if that is the case I'd be Italian.  Quite some time ago my husband I were trying to get fit and trim before our wedding so we were talking about ways to go about this. He wanted to give up bread and pasta. I clearly thought he was crazy! Those are my two FAVORITE foods! I'm happy to say, we got past that phase. =)  Angel Hair with Tomato and Basil Recipe 8 ounces angel hair pasta 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) 1 medium onion, chopped 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 cans diced tomatoes; Basil, Garlic, and Oregano flavored 1/4 cup chopped basil Grated Parmesan or mozzarella for topping Cook pasta, drain and set aside. In medium saucepan combine EVOO, chopped onion and red pepper flakes. Saute until slightly tender but with a bite. Add garlic and cook just a minute. Add tomatoes. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 5-10 minutes.  Meanwhile,...