Memorial Day Weekend

Last night I decorated my parents grave for Memorial Day Services and to honor my parents life. I am happy that I live within a 30 mile radius so I can be there for the services. My mother and her dear friend used to be the ones who led the services, now it is in another's hands and they are carrying on the tradition.

I don't know if you can see the cardinal that is sitting beside my mothers plant, it is a solar powered light, comes on at night. There is a meaning behind the cardinals. My parents fed birds and cardinals dominated the bird feeder. They kept my parents entertained many days. When my father died one particular cardinal took it upon himself to take care of mom. He would peck on the window every morning around 7 a.m. to make sure she was awake. He also would sit on her car mirror and look at himself. None of this was done before my father passed away. So when I found this solar powered cardinal light I knew I had to get it. I know my parents are smiling down at me and thanking me.

Mom and Dad, I miss you every day. Thank you for being my parents.
Love Denise

http://www.carcinoid.org/content/contributing-our-foundation

Passing Down the Family Recipe "Potato Salad"

This is my beautiful granddaughter, she has a twin brother. They spent the weekend with us and it was so much fun. Of course we have to eat, so her and I planned our menu and potato salad was on the list.

If any of you know my mother was the best potato salad maker there ever was. She was an all in all great cook to begin with but everyone knew Pat's potato salad was like no other. I am happy to say she taught me well, I love to make potato salad. I think of her every time I make it.

So this weekend I started teaching my granddaughter the family recipe that her great grandmother Pat always made. She had so much fun preparing it with me. The memories we created will never be forgotten. Every time we are together I think we shall make potato salad so she can pass the recipe on down to her daughter or granddaughter some day.

http://www.carcinoid.org/content/contributing-our-foundation

Independent Watkins Associate #300500

Home Made Cream of Asparagus Soup

Our asparagus is growing fast right now, I have froze some but love eating it when it is fresh. I like asparagus about any way I can cook it. I have been craving Cream of Asparagus soup for a while now, tonight was the night.

I have a Vitamix Blender that I love. This recipe was so easy and didn't take very long to make.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

The picture is my own picture of my soup but the recipe is courtesy Vitamix, I did make a change with the chicken broth, I used Watkins Chicken Soup Base since I am an Independent Watkins Associate.

Cream of Asparagus Soup


Yield: 4 1/2 cups (1.0 l)

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds (680 g) asparagus spears, cooked (reserve one cup of pieces for garnish)
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) Watkins Chicken Soup Base
1/2 cup (120 ml) half and half
salt and Watkins Black Pepper

1. Place asparagus and chicken broth into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 1 minute or until smooth.
5. Pour into pot and heat until simmering. Stir in half and half. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately over reserved asparagus pieces.


Health Classification: Diabetic Friendly, Low Cholesterol, Gluten-Free

Meal Type: 5 Ingredients or less, Soups


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup (240 ml)

Amount Per Serving
Calories 89

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 18mg
Sodium 268mg
Total Carbohydrate 7g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 3g
Protein 5g

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on you calorie needs:
Calories: 2000 2500

Total Fat Less than 65g 80g
Sat Fat Less than 20g 25g
Cholesterol Less than 300mg 300mg
Sodium Less than 2,400mg 2,400mg
Total Carbohydrate 300g 375g
Dietary Fiber 25g 30g

Calories per gram:
Fat 9
Carbohydrate 4
Protein 4

Independent Watkins Associate #300500

Lemon Granita

Even though it isn't officially summer we have been having some unseasonal warm days. After working outside in the garden or mowing the lawn this is a refreshing treat. I think you will like it also. Enjoy!



Lemon Granita

Ingredients
12 oz can/360 g lemon concentrate, thawed
2 cups/500 mL water
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Lemon Extract, 8 oz., Pure Lemon Extract, 2 oz
2 tsp/10 mL lemon peel

Cooking Directions
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a 9-inch/23 cm square pan and place in freezer for 1 hour. Use a fork to rake the crystals and freeze for another hour. Repeat every hour for 3 – 4 hours or until set. Spoon into bowls and serve. Serves 8 to 10

Independent Watkins Associate #300500

recipe courtesy Watkinsonline.com

http://www.carcinoid.org/content/contributing-our-foundation