Vegetable Garden Birthday Cake and Creamy Orange Filling

For 'Lil Lass' fourth birthday recently, she chose a "Pansy and Garden" cake theme, complete with rows of veggies, fruits, real pansy flowers and baby gummy worms.  I think she chose this theme due to the pansies she's been caring for that she started from seed in February, and because she has enjoyed helping to plant our veggie garden.  And who doesn't like gummy worms? 

Pickled Asparagus

It's that time of year for asparagus!  This is the first year we've been mostly on top of the every-other-day asparagus picking.  We've been eating asparagus fresh, sautéed, grilled and roasted.  Yum!

My new thing this year was to try pickling asparagus.  I used my favorite pickling recipe, and I've got my first batch done.  Of course we had to try it right away.  It was delicious!  Pickle-y, with a nice crunch and great asparagus flavor.  A great way to use up your extra fresh asparagus!  I'll be making several more batches this year to preserve for the winter.

I'm Back!

Well, it's been about 4 years since I posted.  Oh my goodness, the time has just flown!  We've been quite busy and have since added another member to our family, Lil' Bit, who is now almost 2!  Lil' Lass is almost 4 already.  It has been a very busy last couple of years, as I'm sure all you parents of young children/children can relate to.  Lately, I've slowly gotten back into doing some fun cooking and baking.  With the cooking and baking, has come the desire to get back into blogging.  So here I am!