Tall Tales from Kansas

over the top but under the limit rice krispie treats

When we were growing up, we sometimes had Rice Krispie  treats for dessert, but not as often as other things.  And we NEVER had Rice Krispie treats with chocolate on top.  So when I saw this over the top looking recipe, just in time for Memorial Day weekend, I kinda felt like I should try it.  To see if I had missed out on something growing up. 

And if I had missed out on something, do my level best to make up for it.  ASAP.  In one weekend. 

I of course had to consult multiple recipes and think carefully about how I was going to combine the ingredients so they would retain that original element of regular Rice Krispie treats, only better. But not too over the top.  I know you understand what I was going for.  So I did some combining, buttering, melting, mixing, pressing, and smoothing.

And in the end, I decided that Angie had probably been trying to save me from myself by not frosting the Rice Krispie treats.   

Really tasty crunchy sweet buttery chocolatey good.  I like the faint hint of peanut butter and the bits of unmelted marshmallow in the bars. 

The next time I will not put butterscotch chips AND chocolate in the topping.  I will also drizzle instead of covering the top completely.   Because in the end, don't we all believe our own mom did it the BEST way?   All this said, don't think for one minute that Chris and I will let even one single solitary puffed rice morsel go uneaten. 

Here is the recipe I came up with for the "Over the Top but Under the limit Rice Krispie Treats":

Butter an 11x7 pan, mix 6 cups of Rice Krispies and 1/2 of a 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows in a big bowl, melt a stick of butter and 1/4 cup peanut butter and 1 and 1/2 10oz bags of mini marshmallows in a pot on the stove, when its all melted - pour it over the cereal and stir it up quick and then dump it in the buttered pan and smoosh it all down.  Melt 3/4 cup of butterscotch chips and 3/4 cup of chocolate chips together in the microwave.  I used the 30 second then stir method for a total of about 1 minute and 15 seconds.  When it's all melted pour over the top and spread out evenly.  Let the chocolate get firm before diving into them.  If you live where it's hot you may have to pop it in the refrigerator. 

I blamed him not one bit

My camera landed on a bunch of boys at the farmers market this weekend.  Boys buying tomatoes and boys in lime green crocs searching for puddles. 

There were also beautiful arrangements of greens, peonies to buy by the stem, and a giant head of cabbage. 

Brothers holding hands were my favorite boys, but I also liked the one playing music just fine, and the one carrying greens under his arm in a berry pretty bag looked like a helpful sort.   

This Spider-Man shirt, Jayhawk short, cookie-eating boy was most decidedly uninterested in chatting with me.   And I blamed him not one bit. 

I left all those boys at the market, choosing instead to bring home cauliflower, asparagus, lettuce, and kale. 

Oh and let's not forget these. I felt a little "piggish" getting so many, but the lady I bought them from assured me there was no such things as "piggishness" when it comes to peonies.  

You will notice I have taken to carrying my basket to the market.  It worked a little better than the bag in my opinion.  Easier to put things into and I can also nestle the camera in there easily if needed. 

 

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when cute boys talk, I listen

messing around and trying for that magic combination

Happy second Saturday of the weekend.   We have taken advantage of this extra day to go on adventures, amend and fertilize the soil of houseplants, stake hollyhocks, drink iced coffee, pull weeds, and do some all around goofing off.

There was also picnic food, root beer floats, naps, and movie watching.   I got my shipment of gouache for Sister's class and while I am waiting for my palette and pans to arrive I have been having fun experimenting with color combinations.  

I don't have an intuitive sense of what colors will mix well with others to turn out a result that I like.  But I love messing around and trying for that magic combination. 

P.S.  that glorious flower arrangement in photo #1 is from Pendleton's Market.  If you live in the area they are having a "pick your own hydroponic tomato event" today  (5/29) and tomorrow (5/30).   More about our visit there later, but I wanted to sound the alarm in case you felt like going.

Me. Oh. My.

Quick!  Before I get a new bouquet at the market in the morning, let me show you the one from last week.  This was a new color of stock for me.  So pretty.  So delicate.  So sweet smelling.   And I like the way it looks in that extremely loud pink vase. 

While I am at it, here is quick recap of what I made with all the stuff I bought last week.  The rainbow chard was stemmed, rough chopped, and wilted with about a tablespoon of olive oil, a clove of garlic, and salt and pepper.  

Next up, the kale.  What I learned from the nice people at the extension table, who were handing out a recipe and samples, is that adding some cayenne pepper to the dressing puts a whole new spin on things.   I put what I had on hand in the salad and then used their dressing recipe.  Highly recommended for you to try.  I did not massage the kale by the way.   The warm quinoa does the same thing for me. 

In case you are wondering - I used one yellow pepper, some quinoa, raisins, cranberries, and toasted almonds that I add right before I eat it.  I used regular apple cider vinegar and honey (not raw) othewise followed the dressing recipe exactly.  It's addicting. 

Lastly, and not from the market, but I did this while I was taking care of the greens.  I sliced up carrots and radishes and pickled them to eat with tacos.  I sprinkled in some cilantro too.  For color. 

Ever since going to "Los Tacos" in California with my sister I like to have pickled carrots and radishes and onions with my tacos.   The crisper drawers in my refrigerator now stand ready for whatever new things I find in the morning.  On the first day of a 3 day weekend I might add.  Me. Oh. My. 

 

a baby on a blanket with extremely squishy feet

The first picnic of the season last weekend was splendid.  There was everything you need - a shelter, picnic tables, red and white table cloths, grills, walking/biking trail close by, and large grassy areas for bocce ball and playing catch.  There were also extras like sunflowers and babies on blankets.  And corn and black bean salsa with plenty of chips. 

Relatives telling dramatic stories is an important part of any family gathering.    As is watermelon, and bicycle streamers.   No walk would be complete on a family picnic without a kid out front blazing the trail and warning us of any impending dangers.  Like other bicycle riders approaching.  Or a really long curvy bridge.  Or squirrels doing squirrelly things.

Did I already tell you there was a baby on a blanket.  A baby on a blanket with extremely squishy feet? 

And I haven't even mentioned my bratwurst.  The one I ate before giving a single thought to taking a picture of it.  The same one that was grilled to perfection with spicy mustard, accompanied by baked beans, potato salad, quinoa salad, and a feast of fresh asparagus and green beans that had been lightly blanched for grabbing straight off the veggie tray and popping right into my mouth.   Picnic season is upon us.  I plan get myself to at least 3 more this summer.   By hook or by crook. 

it's really good work and I get to do interesting things

 Most of you know that I am a palliative care nurse and that my job consists of helping patients who have a variety of serious/critical illnesses. Generally, that means working to get symptoms under control, making sure patients and their families are fully informed about their medical condition so they can make good choices about future care, and helping identify the best resources for services outside the hospital based on their goals.  And yes, most of the patients I see are dying. But really my job is about helping people live. 

A few weeks ago I was privileged to be part of a crazy (not really) cowboy (sort of) scheme (well thought out plan) to get a patient 7 hours across Kansas in a private vehicle instead of an ambulance. The patient’s brother and 2 nurse friends were driving to the hospital to pick her up with the full intention of attending to all her needs, no matter what, and despite the fact that she was at high risk for complications on the way.  I'm not sure I fully understood all the reasons they wanted to do it this way, but it wasn't about me.  We stretched the boundaries of all the rules, gathered unconventional supplies, and did our best to get this patient home, through the by-ways of Kansas, on one last adventure with her cohorts.

It goes without saying that all participants (who were imminently qualified by the way) were prepped on what to do if there were problems. We reviewed what would happen if she couldn’t breathe, what if she had pain, what if she got anxious, and even what if she died on the way. Nurses are realists. We prepare. Did I mention the patient was a retired nurse?

That night as I pulled in the driveway of my house I got the call from her brother telling me they made it to their destination with no problems.  We gave each other virtual hugs and I told him what a wonderful thing he had done for his sister. Then I sat in the car for a few minutes texting all my colleagues who had been part of the plan to let them know “the eagle had landed”.

When I look back on all the meaningful moments in my life, the movie that I have playing in my head about what their trip was like, will be right up there in the top five.  And THIS, is why, when people say to me “I don’t know how you do what you do”, I say “it’s really good work and I get to do interesting things”. 

 

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I personally want the non-stop flight when I get seriously ill

big bites of tart fruit mixed with the crunch of the toasted pecans

The next time you buy 3 pints of strawberries when you know 2 will be sufficient, and then find yourself trying to figure out what to do with that last pint before they go bad, and you don't need another jar of jam, do this. 

I did not spray or grease the cups at all and the muffins came out of them just fine.   If you like a crustier muffin you will want to use a muffin tin.  These cups were just so darn cute though and they have been sitting in my cabinet forever,  waiting to be paired with some strawberries. 

These are moist and I love the big bites of tart fruit mixed with the crunch of the toasted pecans.  Not too sweet at all.  An excellent breakfast muffin. 

I used the recipe below, the only change I made was using muffin cups instead of a loaf pan.  I baked them for 30 minutes. 

I can not remember where this recipe came from.  Maybe my niece in Virginia who went strawberry picking and sent me a link to the place she went and this recipe was on the site?   I taped it in a cookbook next to my banana bread recipe because I knew I wouldn't forget where it was that way. 

P.S.  Pam and Mary Ann, I have 3 cups left over.  I am going to put elastic on the bottom and we are going to wear them like hats for our performance next year at Sunnylands.  You know, when we sing "hey look us over, lend us your ear...."

morning moonshine

Because I don't think people all around the world understand how extremely wholesome and good looking people in Kansas are, I present "cat-eyes" and "dimples".   I was getting ready to leave the market on Saturday when I spotted them.  I saw her glasses first as I walked by and decided to be bold and ask if I could take their picture.   As you can see, they said yes. 

More cute people coming up later on today's post, but first I present edible flowers, the singing storyteller, and flowers for smelling.  And looking at.   

I walked by this trio who had samples of kale salad to try.    I told them I was a kale salad making expert already.  They said they needed an expert to render an opinion.  So I stopped.  I tasted.  And I learned something.   Something I will incorporate into what I am making with the bundle of kale I bought this week from Jennifer.  I did not buy radishes because I did not anticipate that Chris was going to make tacos this week and that I would want to pickle some.  Drat.  Nor did I buy a drink to put a straw in though I did like the straws an awful lot. 

I almost succumbed to the coral charm peony but did not.  Nor did I bring home any little girls or doggie treats although they also looked appealing. 

Here is what I did get.  Flowers.  Kale.  Rainbow chard.  Eggs.  Spinach.  I have plans for it all. 

Oh and a new find.  Morning moonshine.  Which I took to the Mulvenon family picnic on Saturday.  It was quickly polished off by the iced coffee drinkers in attendance. 

It lasted 6 hours.  I guess I should buy 2 bottles next week?  Or just go back to my tried and true method of cold brewing using the french press.   

sometimes I forget that when I get too busy

Happy Friday from Tall Tales Headquarters, where as we speak Chris is chopping and dicing and peeling.  Making a big old bowl of potato salad for a family picnic tomorrow. There will be burgers and brats and quinoa and watermelon and brownies and maybe some salsa and chips.  Most importantly there will be a baby to hold and great nieces and nephews to take on hikes.

Other things on tap for the weekend include a bit of gardening, peach cobbler eating, and making cocktails with gin, basil, cucumbers, and limes.

I also plan to sit on the porch and think about life and how sweet it is.  Because sometimes I forget that when I get too busy.  

 

all the angels wear head wraps and spend their time during the day pruning the plants

I am fairly certain that heaven is a big space filled with geraniums.  Rows and rows of lovely geraniums with their faintly herbaceous fragrance that float around after you brush your hand over their velvety soft leaves. 

All colors of geraniums.   Reds and oranges and corals and oh the pinks.  Lots and lots of pinks.   

In garden heaven, all the angels wear head wraps and spend their time during the day pruning the plants ...

but at night they let their hair down and dance in the aisles of the greenhouses to Creedence Clearwater Revival songs. 

Don't ask me how I know all this.  I just do.

cut your bread double thick

Cranberry walnut toast with almond butter, honey, and a touch of sea salt.

If you attempt to make this at home cut your bread double thick and toast it for less time than you think it needs.  Mix up your almond butter really good before you spread it so it won't break the toast.  Don't get heavy handed with the honey.  The touch of sea salt should be only a few grains.  You won't get a taste in every bite.  Serve it with a creamy vanilla latte, a glass of cold milk, or a plain old cup of joe.   Happy Thursday.  

If you live in the KC area just go to the Black Dog Coffee house in Lenexa.   That's where I got this.  The IBIS bakery is right next door.  You can buy a loaf of the cranberry walnut bread there and eat this same thing for breakfast lunch and dinner until it is gone. 

when Chris builds me a greenhouse

Sunday the tomato growing expert (Chris) and I headed to the greenhouse to select our specimens for this year.

For the record I would like to say that while I did get distracted by other things at the greenhouse, I did not stray from the mission.  The mission to get the tomatoes planted between the rain showers.  The mission that did not involve geraniums or cabbage.

I like looking at everything at the greenhouse.  Teeny tiny germinating seeds are interesting.   It's important whenever you are out to soak up information that could come in handy later.  Like for example, when Chris builds me a greenhouse after he retires.  Just a small one.  Something to keep him busy and out of trouble.   But I am straying from the mission.

We made our selection as we always do - on a whim - with little consideration.  How can you go wrong with all these healthy looking plants?   Then we headed for home, prepared the container according to instructions, unbound the roots, and placed our perfect specimens carefully into the dirt. 

And now the fun begins.  Watching.  Waiting.  Measuring growth.  Checking for blossoms. 

For inquiring minds - we selected a Jet Star this year in addition to the tried and true and very dependable Celebrity. 

she was playing it cool in the shades

As I made my way through the booths at the farmers market this weekend, searching for strawberries, I saw romaine lettuce that was lit by early morning sunbeams, beautiful pots of flowers backlit by that same golden light, and sweetly sewn lavender dolls.

Just when I thought I had struck out, and there were no strawberries to be had, Pam - the lavender lady who sews like a dream, alerted me to a vendor that might have some.  

I knew I was on the right path when I spotted Catgirl carefully removing a stem before popping a red gem right into her little mouth.  There to the side, hidden from view by the flour and a small horde of fellow strawberry seekers, they appeared.  The object of my desire. 

I patiently waited in line and snapped up 3 pints when it was my turn.  As I turned to go I spotted Catgirl (who might really be Owlgirl on closer inspection) and gave her a nod of appreciation for showing me the way. 

She was playing it cool in the shades, but I saw her wink at me in solidarity as I walked by. 

We served these for dessert, stems still on, accompanied by dark chocolate and some of that smoky sweet carmel-ly Spanish sherry that I have become a fan of.   I also like them dipped in creme fraiche  or sour cream and sprinkled with a dusting of brown sugar.  Mmmmmmmmm.   Good. 

my left hand was hit with a spasm that caused my little finger to strike a series of keys

On Friday night during a storm that was centered over Tall Tales Headquarters, I was attempting to embed a video into a blog post when my left hand was hit with a spasm that caused my little finger to strike a series of keys that made the keyboard smoke.   Because I am not one to give up on things that would drive fear into the hearts of most mortals, I persevered and today not only got the computer working again, but have in fact... embedded the video.    

 

Whether you believe that story or not, I hope you will watch the video.  It's highly entertaining.  I don't know what you have planned for the summer.  Me, I will be learning the ins and outs of gouache.  Going to get the art table cleared off now in anticipation.  

Happy 59 Sister!

 While my PC has been undergoing "disc repairs" and "auto diagnosis" and "restarting" and "updating" and all manner of gobbledy gook like that these last few days I have been continuing on with normal activities.  The most exciting of which are the scientific observations of baby geese.

You might not think watching them go get a drink and then stretching their necks to let the water slide down into their baby geese stomachs is interesting, but it IS. 

So is watching them pile in a heap for naps and measuring their growth.  This group is getting big.

This couple have just one teeny tiny baby and they are teaching him how to swim early. 

By the looks of it he has caught on quite well.

There is still an awful lot of grass eating going on and I am perfectly content to watch from afar as they go about their business.

On the home front I learned how to use a staple gun to recover a very simple chair that really doesn't count as learning to re-upholster anything except I like to call it that because it makes me sound industrious.

There has also been re-assignment of very tired succulents to the back deck for maximum sun therapy as well as to increase their general hardiness by exposure to extremes of nature.  While they are back there, the front porch has become a nursery for baby ground covers until I figure out where they are going to live on a more permanent basis. 

And finally, while I have been off the grid, my sister Dottie, seen above with Dad and Ray in 1957, had a birthday.  Happy 59 Sister!

 

should I not expect them to bloom the first year

Things are happening so fast in the garden at this time of year, it's hard to keep track of it all.  

These are all perennials that have done very well over the last 10 years.  Some planted with care and forethought, others just because that's where there was an open spot. 

These hosta's originally came from Megan, a friend who has long since moved to Wichita.  I remember the day I went to her house and we dug them up from the spot where the gardener that lived there before Megan had planted them.  I have since divided and given to friends as well.   

That's the beauty of gardening.  Passing things around.  Seeing what works.  Moving things that don't work.  Accepting that there will be failures.  Rejoicing in successes.  Teaching your younger friends what you have learned. 

Every year I try something new.  This year it is the bare root poppies I planted in the fall.  They foliage is coming up nicely but I see nary a sign of a bloom.  Is it too early or should I not expect them to bloom the first year?  I am hoping one of you will be able to pass your wisdom along to me. 

then we came to our senses

Last weekend we took off to explore a treasure in our own "back yard".  The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Manhattan Kansas.  The new Flint Hills Discovery Center is there and we had heard rave reviews.   We packed a picnic lunch, grabbed our boots, and headed out the door.  After the spring burning and the recent rains, everything was pretty and green. 

The discovery center was very cool.  Excellent movie and exhibits explaining the unique features of the Tallgrass prairie.  Unfortunately, the Konza Prairie was closed to hiking because the trails have been washed out and are under repair.  Drat.  We did however find a scenic overlook to explore so all was not lost. 

I also made a new friend, who wasn't sure he wanted to be a friend at first, but changed his mind when I started telling him how pretty he was.

We also made notes of some places we have not been before that need to be investigated.  It's always good to find a new adventure on your way come from an almost completely completed adventure. 

We briefly kicked around getting this kind of set up for our next trip.   Very briefly.  As in for a second.  Then we came to our senses. 

 

a trip down memory lane, fueled by all my senses

If you were born between 1955 and 1965 you are old enough to remember Bisquick, and it is likely your mom made a coffee cake from it.   We loved it when we were growing up.  It was cake!  It was for breakfast!  Of course we liked it.  Especially when mom put extra streusel topping on it.  For some reason, last week, I saw a recipe for classic coffee cake and I was transported back to Howard Air Force base, Panama Canal Zone, circa 1972.  You know I had to make one.   Since it was Mother's Day weekend and all.

While it was baking I did this.

While it was cooling, I did this!  Fountain turned on and working with no fuss and no muss.

Then because it still wasn't ready to have the glaze applied, I did this. 

Which I served on top of this, after it sat for 3 hours. 

The asparagus salad does not need to sit on a bed of flashy troutback lettuce, but if you have it, why wouldn't you?  I happened to look out the window right as I was getting ready to drizzle the glaze on the cake and so I had to go outside for awhile. 

Harvey is the only thing that could come between me and still warm coffee cake. 

When I came in I apportioned myself a generous serving, because I could, poured a big cup of coffee, and took a trip down memory lane, fueled by all my senses.  Then I sent my sisters and brother pictures so they could wish they were having coffee cake too. 

Good recipe by the way.  Came out perfectly.  No changes made. 

if I ration them carefully

There were lots of things for mothers at the farmers market on Saturday. 

If Angie would have been with me we would have gotten one of these crepes to split.  A sweet one for sure.  As I passed by, I enjoyed listening to the crepe maker talk about how he got started in the business. 

Other things that caught my eye were blanket flowers, running boys in shorts, rhubarb, and peonies.    All things Angie would have liked too. 

Next week I think I am going to try bringing a basket to carry things in.  People that use them seem like they know what they are doing.  I will report back after my scientific evaluation of purchase toting methods. 

This is the embarrassment of riches that came home with me this week.  Butter lettuce, asparagus, chard, and kale.  I think that should be enough greens to get me through the week, if I ration them carefully.   

There was also this flower arrangement that included a coral charm peony.  I introduced it to the new vase purchased last week at Art in the Park.  I think they like each other. 

what's on tap for this Mother's Day weekend

If you don't have a friend who thrills at the site of a garage sale on the way to work in the morning, who also knows you and what you might be interested in, you should get one. 

This morning, I added greatly to my collection of wool strips for rug hooking when my friend found about $80 worth of material for me for a double sawbuck.  I have been needing some robin egg blues and gourd stem greens and neutrals to add to my collection.   Not to mention the prized houndstooth dark and light combination that will add depth and interest to any project.  

Thanks Karin for your sharp eye!  I sure hope Angie was watching this from the great beyond.  She thrilled at the prospect of getting something for a bargain. 

Happy Friday Night from Lawrence where the sunset light on the old fashioned Iris was at it's peak when I got home.   I have come to enjoy telling you about all the ideas swirling around in my brain that may or may not get done on the weekends.   Here is what's on tap for this Mother's Day weekend:
1.  farmers market trip
2.  go hiking in the flint hills
3.  get some sewing time in
4.  make an old fashioned coffee cake for Sunday breakfast
5.  plant the tomatoes
6.  take a nap 

If I get 3 of those things done I will call it good.

in honor of all my ancestors as well as Ignacio Zaragoza who is likely NOT related to me

Happy Cinco de Mayo from Lawrence Kansas where we are getting ready to have a Mexican Fiesta in honor of all my ancestors as well as Ignacio Zaragoza who is likely NOT related to me but I will have to ask Dottie to be sure. 

I lament the lack of a good Corona for this meal but since I was unable to drink an entire 4 pack of Tank 7 last weekend I will be finishing it up tonight.  In addition to not completing the 4 pack, I did not beat my brother in Words with Friends, and in fact he has won the last 4 games.  But I remain hopeful.  Ever the optimist.

I did however, go to the fabric store and select fabric for my next big sewing project.  I think I was drawn to this fabric because it reminded me of the maxi skirt I made when I was about 13 that I wore for a folk group concert.

It was a great concert.  If I close my eyes I can recall all of us walking in clapping our hands, playing guitars, or shaking a tambourine.  If I feel as good in this top as I did in that skirt, I will be wearing it for years to come. 

 

even fierce carnivores can enjoy a good art fair

Happily, in addition to this being the season of farmers markets, baby geese, and spring bouquets it is also the time of year when you can usually find a good art fair going on somewhere.  With displays of colorful creativity where little girls can begin to appreciate the mysterious pull of colors and textures and unusual images.

Last weekend I saw pottery, beads, demonstrations, and sparkly hanging glass.

Art fairs are best on a sunny spring day with green grass and cool breezes.  All were delivered last weekend at Art in the Park in Lawrence.

Did I mention music and places to sit and listen? 

I also spotted transformed gourds, paintings, discarded silverware fashioned into dragonfly thingies, and a girl with a T-Rex.

Because even fierce carnivores can enjoy a good art fair.

 

local flower bouquet season is officially upon us

Stock +  Allium + Weigelia + more stock = one sweet smelling bouquet.

I carefully placed on the kitchen counter, all the stock flowers that fell off in transport.   Each time I walked by, all day long, I could smell them.  Pure heaven. 

And so it begins.  Local flower bouquet season is officially upon us. 

 

jam jars are not just for pudding and soup

Rain on a Saturday morning never deters the serious Farmers Market lovers.   There are many ways to deal with a little precipitation.  This week I observed the puddle jumpers, umbrella lovers, those who believe in a good jacket with a hood, and of course the ball cap wearers which I count myself among. 

I thought for 10 seconds about getting back into bed and skipping this week, and then thought about what I might miss.

Turns out I would have missed some beautiful collard greens. Plus I needed eggs and of course FLOWERS!

I turned these greens into Molly Katzen's recipe for bitter greens, sweet onions, and tart cherries.  Recipe included in this post from last year.  If you have not tried it yet, promise me you will.  I just read somewhere that eating greens adds many years to your life. 

But the real reason to make it is because the combination of the tart cherries, sweet onions, and greens is just flat out good.  And it makes a perfect thing to take to lunch when you spoon it into one of these. 

Because jam jars are not just for pudding and soup.