Life is good, but busy

Spring~ at last

Lechler glass made by Fenton for us in the 80's

Life just gets more busy as time goes by.  We are not a couple who seek excitement, but it comes to us none stop. I have had enough excitement in my life to do me to the end.  I have had my share of quiet days and days where I had nothing pressing to do but to enjoy myself and I thought that was what happened in old age but I was wrong...again. (As my mother used to say.)  I must not lament excitement, it is usually the good kind but the busy kind.  I have lost track of the parties and events coming up here at Many Branches.  I am just taking one day at a time and filling the freezer with good recipes and delights of different kinds for the guests.

Beth and Mike are hosting a small party here this week end because Brooks is leaving for Ranger School after graduating the Citadel.  We hope he can get back from duty to enjoy his planned graduation party on the 29th, but once the army gets you, you are theirs to do with what they want.  Hence, Beth is sending him off with his second party and we are hopeful for his and Daniel's party on the 29th. That will make three, and that is enough to send him off in style.  He has great things ahead of him.

Today is plumber's day here.  This house was built the year I was born and the pipes are getting a work out with all the family and guests.  We expect the plumbers to be here most of the day and I hope never to see another plumber as long as I live.  We try to keep up with repairs  and maintenance so that we can continue to live happily here as long as we last. (We need a lawyer and a plumber in this family; they charge about the same and handle similar material.)  So heads up graduates.

Today I have a big pot of mixed bean and brat soup burbling away so whom ever comes and goes can help themselves. But I am trying this new recipe making two loaves one for now and one for the party freezer. Crab cake casserole.  Since I have trouble with crab cakes falling apart, I think I might have better luck with this recipe from Food and Family.

Crab cake casserole.

2 eggs
1/2 cup miracle whip dressing
1 cup water
1 package stove top stuffing mix for chicken
12 ounces of crab meat drained and flaked
1 each red and yellow pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
4 green onions divided and sliced
6 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided

oven 375

Whisk first 3 ingredients in medium bowl until blended.  Add stuffing mix, crab meat, peppers, celery, half the onions and 1/4 cup cheese; mix lightly. Let stand 3 min.

Press crab meat mixture in to bottom of sprayed 8-inch square baking dish. Press firmly.
Bake 25 min. or until golden brown and sprinkle with remaining cheese and onions.  Let stand 10 min before cutting or it will fall apart.

I am making a raw Brussels sprouts salad for the party. It is beautiful and delicious.  Then I am going to saute some of the raw, thinly sliced sprouts with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese to serve warm.

Ingredients

1 cup slivered almonds

2 pounds Brussels sprouts

1/4 cup olive oil or 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon truffle oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons finely sliced chives

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Place almonds on baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, slice Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible. In large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chives, salt and pepper. Add Brussels sprouts, almonds and Parmesan cheese. Toss until combined.

From the N