Shelby

Yes, it is impossible. No live clams around here (that I know of). I order manilla clams from Pike Place Fish sometimes.

Just got back from the greenhouse. I never go this early in the year. I will always go this early in the future. Tons and tons of gorgeous plants and flowers. I bought too much...but oh well. It's about 50 degrees --was like that yesterday and drizzly. My peas and greens are loving it. So, today I bought: 4 eggplant 17 tomato 4 jalapeno 4 bell (don't read this Rotuts) 3 cayenne 4 banana 2 cukes (have a lot more in my greenhouse that were planted from seed) rosemary dill cilantro Trying to decide whether to go plant some now....it's pretty chilly but the plants should be ok I think....

Has anyone ever blanched and frozen their asparagus? What about dehydrating? Dumb idea? Rehydrate in asparagus soup?? Just curious.

I think you should do a travelog and let us follow you around.

DaveB--Gorgeous. DCarch--I believe you've outdone yourself. Amazing plating on the thin asparagus. I'll supply the homegrown asp. if you two cook it up for me

I do the blender hollandaise method. Sometimes it works and sometimes (like the last time) it inexplicably fails. But, like Anna said, even runny it tastes good. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/blender-hollandaise-sauce/

Huiray--Seriously, those clams and the pasta look heavenly. I want I want. Thanks for the Crepes--I haven't had fried clams for years and years. I may have to rectify that somehow. When I was a kid there was a clam dip that was sold at the local grocery store. I LOVED it. I can't remember the name of it. I'm sure it's not around anymore. Clam dip and a fresh bag of chips. YUM. HarrySnapperOrgans--CONGRATULATIONS on the new addition!!! Liuzhou--I see you are still getting those lovely taters. I'm sure you are enjoying the heck out of them! I brined a couple of chicken quarters and threw them on the rotisserie last night. Yes. I did pick that piece of skin off the top lol.

I am glad you didn't run into any tornados! We had some just north of us yesterday evening. Not close enough to chase, though No improvements from me either on the crab legs. Savor a bite for me

Oh that's just sad and depressing.

Elsie, I do add mustard. Forgot to type that! A dijon goes well. I'm not picky, I like all kinds of cheese with it. Last week I did a sharp cheddar. Gruyere would be wonderful.

Everything looks pretty good in the garden (knock on wood). The peas are still alive and well. Some lettuce has emerged. Spinach and collards going strong. Of course, not near big enough to pick yet, but it gives me a thrill every time I go out and see some progress No sign of the okra.....I've read those seeds take like 21 days to germinate. Patience Shelby, patience. I was totally burned out on gardening last year but this year I've come back with a vengeance. The weather has been very nice here. Usually Kansas goes from winter to summer....no spring. Not the case this year. Last week I planted 15 Early Girl tomato plants and 6 cherry tomato plants along with about 200 sweet corn seeds. I've never planted sweet corn so we'll see. I also accidentally rototilled some of my lettuce seeds up . Don't tell my husband. We will be going to the greenhouse in a town near here on Monday to get a few things. I'll report back on my finds. Hopefully it will include some eggplant plants. I snapped a few pics of the garden. Nothing fancy It will look better when everything gets bigger. Part of the asparagus bed Peas on the far right. Onions in the middle. Spinach and collards on the left. Tomatoes

KayB--WHAT?????? A southern girl like you doesn't like greens??????? Blasphemy! LiamsAunt--That looks wonderful. What kind of mushrooms? Huiray--I made the cajun version of your shrimp. Your rice always looks so perfect. After reading and seeing Smithy's mouthwatering seafood on her camping thread I had to have something from the sea. I was limited to shrimp from the freezer. But, it's good shrimp. My husband wanted something with rice so I made shrimp creole. I'm currently eating leftovers as I type this. It's spicy and it hit the spot. Steamed brussels sprouts and some cornbread on the side.

When the asparagus is ready to pick here our favorite way is to just simply steam them with some butter and salt and pepper and squeeze of lemon. Usually once a week I blanch a bunch, wrap it in ham, cheese and puff pastry and bake it. To go with we do an egg and maybe some hollandaise sauce. I just went out and snapped a pic of part of the asparagus bed.

Oh YUM. I love ceviche. And oysters. And crab cakes. It's hard living in the middle of Kansas. Sigh.

Escargot?

I didn't know this. Some of mine grows bent like you describe.

Are those meatballs up there? Stuffed cabbages?

My husband loves pecan pie. I'll have to be on the look out for fresh ones. LOL....the cats aren't so much into sweets. You're more likely to find them on the Dinner thread

Yes! Pillsbury all the way . Really, it's a good crust. But, not as light and flaky as Grammy's. I have to admit, I am a tart cherry snob. I've tried many brands and, hands down, this brand is my favorite: Cherries are whole and I can't remember ever finding a pit. Now, if I could buy fresh tart cherries, I would do that, but I can't so this has to do. My Dr. Lecter and Newman wanted to say "Hi" and be in the picture

I'm sure you guys scroll through all the lovely confections on these threads and then you hit my post and think "Hmmmmm.....and she posted this boring picture, why?" I wanted a cherry pie yesterday. I used store bought crust (of course lol). It hit the spot.....not as good as my Grammy's pies were, but it'll do.

Jo--LOL on the smoke alarms. May I ask where you got your pork? If it's online, I might have to copy you and get some. I for sure can't find it around here. ThanksfortheCrepes--I've got some spinach growing in the garden. If the bunnies don't eat it (sigh) I'll definitely be trying your salad recipe. Patrick--I'd definitely have loved spending time on your terrace with all of that wonderful food and drink! And, because I can't say it enough. Rachel, please stop by more often. I miss your posts!!! Messy plate but it tasted good. Asparagus is really going bonkers in the garden. Eggs from down the road, boudin, asparagus, hollandaise (that didn't thicken like it should have. I'm so hit and miss on that stuff). A mini pizza. Husband had meetings and I was feeling hungry. I usually take the night off cooking when he's not home....I don't know what came over me lol. Venison tacos My husband went fishing in the river at our house yesterday morning. I thought about joining him, but I didn't. It's been raining a lot (not complaining we need it) and it's super muddy. He brought home a couple nice catfish so I fried 'em up along with some mushrooms. Garden asparagus, mac and cheese and homemade tarter sauce rounded it out. I hope everyone has a great week!

I'm glad you're home safe and sound Thanks for all the pictures and the report! Very enjoyable.

You're killing me. *drooling*

Look at that beautiful water! Are you still there or are you home now? I wish I had your breakfast sitting in front of me.

Nice find, Smithy!!! I hope you loaded up!