apples, pears, in Disc-form...oh my

momma schellack purchased some especially large apples for this salad recipe...and I got to put it all together!  A simple Pear Vinegarette by the Mr., and dressed the tower of sliced apples and pears, crumbled with blue cheese with arugula leaves intermittently stuffed throughout.

Voila

Providence reminds me of Italy

except, there is an American flag soaring from the building on left!

the narrow streets, the distinctive, vivid buildings, and of course, the roman influence.

Cranberry scones with wheat germ

I never really liked scones, but stepping out the comfort zone after having been inspired after a week of delicious baked goods down in FL, I set forth.  For a decently healthy scone, based on the feedback, they were a success!

(recipe modified from allrecipes "simple scones" and epicurous)
Makes 8, Oven = 400°

mix:

• 1.5 c AP flour 
• 0.5 c wheat germ 
• 1/4 c sugar (this is already decreased sugar) 
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1/4 tsp baking soda 
• 1/2 tsp salt 

add:

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, frozen (just so you can grate it in) 
• 1/2 cup craisins (or dried currants) 
• 1 tbsp orange zest 

whisk together first, then add:

• 1/2 cup sour cream (alt. mix proportions w yogurt) 
• splash of orange juice 
• 1 large egg 

Don't overmix. Once clumpy, make into ball. Place on lightly floured surface (either my counter or silpat <-- best friend) and cut into (8) triangles.

Place on cookie sheet and sprinkle w/ sugar. Pop in for ~15 minutes.
Let 'em cool for a little, then serve warm! with tea or coffee [:

seersucker

(photo by joevickiephotography.. they are excellent!)

chocolate pecan cookie bars

deceivingly healthy (for how tasty they are!)

**temporary photo until I upload mine!

From Martha Rose Shulman, who writes in the Recipe for Health column in the NY Times, I snagged this recipe for chocolate pecan bars.

Rosemary Beach Sunset, Panama City Beach FL

On the last day of our visit with the family we finally woke up early enough to catch the sunrise: