Power of Oatmeal for Breakfast

There are so many reasons to eat oatmeal for breakfast.  Here are just a few.....it's great for your blood sugar level.....improves your resistance to colon and breast cancer...balances your weight.....decreases your chance of heart disease.....rich in iodine to help your thyroid.....increases bone strength... and the vitamin b in oatmeal helps your nervous system!!!!!  I also add fruit and ground flax seed to my morning oatmeal for extra vitamins and omega 3!!!!

Traditional Scottish Shortbread for Christmas

In our family it isn't Christmas without some of our traditional recipes that we have made each year without fail.  One of my favourites is the original Scottish shortbread cookies made with only 3 ingredients, butter, white sugar and white flour!!  Cream one pound of softened butter with one cup of white sugar. Add five cups of white flour, one cup at a time.  Knead well into six inch logs, flattened into squares with a knife.  Slice in half inch slices and prick with a fork.  Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 35 minutes in a slow 275 degree oven until light browned,  Store in a tin ( the longer they sit, the better they taste) Enjoy!!!!!

Ai Weiwei Sculptures in Central Park & Washington Square

Ai Weiwei 's sculptures "Good Fences make Good Neighbours" opened in New York Oct. 12, 2017
The project is a comment on the increasing hostility towards immigrants and the rise of nationalism throughout the world! The particular installation under the Washington Square Arch,  elicited protests from some local residents who complained that it would displace their Christmas tree, however the local community board sided with Ai Weiwei and allowed the project to move forward!!!

My Favourite Cheese Scone Recipe

Of all the recipes I have made, this one is the most frequently requested!!!  They do not require rolling out and cutting before being baked. After the butter has been cut in, you only need a few quick strokes and they are ready to be dropped onto a cookie sheet.  Mix together 2 cups flour, 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsps. baking powder. Grate 3/4 stick butter ( I find by putting the butter in the freezer for about an hour speeds up the grating) Add butter to the flour. Add 1/2 cup grated cheese ( I used half cheddar and half grated parmesan) Add 1 1/2 cups buttermilk all at once and stir just enough to mix.  Drop by tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 450 degrees.  These scones are great plain for breakfast with home made strawberry jam or for an afternoon treat with blueberries and lemon zest.  I made the ones pictured a little smaller as they were for my book club and we had them with wine!!!!!  Enjoy

The Hell Gate Bridge at Astoria New York

The Hell Gate Bridge crosses the Hell Gate, a strait of the East River, between Astoria in Queens and Randall and Wards Islands in Manhattan.  It is a railway bridge constructed 100 years ago in 1917,  It got it's name from the corruption of the Dutch phrase Helle Gadt which could mean either bright strait or clear opening and was originally applied to the entirety of the East River!!!

My Favourite Fall 2017 Fashions

Getting my fall wardrobe ready is a lot of fun for me!!!  I am looking forward to cozy sweaters and comfortable ponchos!!!  The first thing I do is put away all of my summer clothes and assess what I already have in my wardrobe that fits into this years's look!  My must haves are a selection of cashmere sweaters, a leather jacket, a basic black dress that I can wear under jackets, ponchos, leggings and skirts to go with sweaters, jeans, and ankle and knee boots.  The only item that I needed to buy this year was a bergundy cashmere sweater to round out my look! I find that buying classic styles of the best quality that I can afford, I save money in the long run and always feel good in what I wear!111

Rustic Peach Pie With Ontario Peaches !!!!

Whether you call it rustic peach pie or peach galette, a free form pie is the fastest route to a wonderful autumn pie!!!  Just use your favourite pie dough recipe and top with fresh peaches mixed with a little flour, sugar and cinnamon for a quick family favourite! This recipe also works well with plums and apples and the best part is they are all in season now! Bake one for now and freeze another for later when these fresh fruits are no longer available!  Enjoy!!!