Random....

The reason there are always food pictures on here is that I am trying to figure out the settings on my camera. The only subject matter that changes from day-to-day is food and I need the practice! As the weather turns warmer I will take more outdoors.
I am so into Za'atar right now. It is a Lebanese spice mixture. Sort of a Middle Eastern "italian seasoning".
It has sumac in it which is a bitter herb, and it gives it a very distinctive flavor. I first heard of it when people were RAVING about it on a blog I read. There are even contests in parts of the world trying to find the best recipes using it.
On Top Chef this week one of the dishes had meat breaded and spiced with Za'atar. The chef/contestant did not know what to do with it.
I had done some googling on Za'atar to see what all the fuss was about and I read where middle eastern mothers put it in their kids breakfasts to make them do better on tests.
I use it in everything I would use an all- purpose seasoning in, and in the traditional way of grilling pitas and dipping them in Za'atar-infused olive oil.....yummy! I don't think i have figured out the riddle of Za'atar, because it is only sold in one pound packages, so there must be a really common use that I don't know about...that's a lot of spice!!!!!! My other love lately is fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. I had gotten an electric citrus juicer and never really used it. Forthe past month I have juiced one grapefruit every morning. the electric juicer makes a big difference ...All this juice came from just one grapefruit!

I made this coffee cake the other day. the Recipe is in the current issue of CRAFT magazine.

It was easy and so moist and yummy. I don't think I had to write that because this picture is a perfect representation!

trying to go for a walk with Harley . The weather is mild but cool . I'm kind of tired today ....we just go back from a day trip to go to the Brother-in-law's birthday party.... he turned 50, and it was a nice little party!