I'm Smitten

I didn't think it could happen. I'm just too level headed.

But I can't help myself......


I'm smitten!





Can you blame me?

There's just nothing to compare with being a grandmother.



Later
D

Let's Make Greek Yogurt

I don't recall who told me about Greek yogurt, but I am grateful they did. While I like regular yogurt, sometimes I don't like the texture. Enter the bliss of Greek Yogurt. It is thicker and creamer and has lots of uses. Unfortunately it is also more expensive. While 32 ounces of Dannon Plain fat free yogurt is about $2.30 at my local Kroger, Greek yogurt, when you can find it, ranges from $3.50 to over $5 for a 16 ounce carton.

I did some checking around and found out Greek yogurt is basically yogurt with much more of the moisture removed. Which lead to learning how to make Greek yogurt at home.

You will need:

• one permanent coffee filter - plastic not metal, (about $3)
  
• a 3 cup measuring cup or similar sized container
  
• plastic wrap

Put the coffee filter into the measuring cup, it should fit high enough to allow the liquid to drain off and be captured below.


Fill the filter with the plain yogurt.
If you look closely you will see process doesn't take long to begin and there are droplets already forming on the bottom of the filter.

Next cover the top with plastic wrap.
Put everything in the refrigerator over night. The longer you let it drain, the thicker it will get. After three days it will have the consistency of soft cream cheese. (yogurt cheese)

This is how it will look after a couple of days in the fridge. As you can see there is a lot of liquid that drains off.

The yogurt now is thicker and has more of a pudding or sour cream texture.

I've heard this called yogurt cheese.

Transfer it to a bowl and stir to increase creamy texture.


I had a container of Greek Yogurt from the store. This is a 5.3 ounce container and cost $2.

The packaged yogurt is on the left and my home-made Greek yogurt is on the right. I think mine looks richer and creamer.

I added a couple packets of Splenda, a teaspoon of CVS artificial vanilla flavoring and added a couple of healthy shakes of cinnamon.

Gave it a good stir and had a very tasty treat.

The 32 ounce container of plain yogurt converts to about three cups of Greek yogurt. But it's still a great bargain.

Enjoy

Later
D

Marking time

I am working on a post about Greek yogurt (exciting huh?) but I wanted to share this picture until that post is finished.

Enjoy your Saturday.



Later
D

A Spring Sky

This picture is taken from my porch one afternoon a couple of months ago. I thought the clouds and colors were very attractive.

Skywatch Friday



I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Later
D

Sunday Lunch

Sunday's we usually have lunch with our son, daughter-in-law and grandson. This week we had the privilege of also having lunch with my mother-in-law. We were disappointed that my mom was unable to make it too. I love my family and love that sweet boy more every day.

He is almost five months old now and really developing a personality. I also think he is teething, as his fist, fingers or what ever is at hand goes into his mouth. I am amazed at how much of his fist he can cram into his little mouth.


I love this one. It looks like he is asking a question. He is interested in everything and very inquisitive. I can foresee some fun times as he grows up.


I was glad a friend was there to take a picture of four generations of our family. The picture is a bit over exposed, but I'll still treasure it.



I am loving being a grandmother.

Later
D

A Happy Surprise

We have lived in our house for almost eleven years. In the back yard the former owners planted jonquils around a sweet gum tree. Over the years the jonquil blooms have varied in their quantity and quality, but have never been too impressive.

This year, however, we had a huge surprise. After the jonquils bloomed and died out, a few weeks later we had some purple irises. My husband nor I planted any new bulbs, so I am left to wonder how and when they were planted.

What ever happened, I'm thrilled with the beautiful blooms we had this year and wanted to share a few pictures.

I think they are just beautiful.

Later
D