Wednesday, June 3, 2009

A Little Advance Planning Goes A Long Way

After the yard work was done, the patio had been power washed and the boat had been cleaned, we decided it was time for a break from work. It often seems like there is no end to the jobs that need to be done. Can you relate to that?? Sometimes you just have to stop and take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor safe in the knowledge that the jobs will still be there waiting for you when you come back.

On Sunday afternoon we went out for the first boat ride of the summer. We were happy to be joined by our youngest son and Peanut too.

It was a beautiful day and so relaxing just cruising around for a few hours. But, all too soon the sun was beginning to set and our tummies were beginning to growl. About this time it sure was a good feeling to know that with a little time in the kitchen in the morning our dinner was sitting in the fridge waiting for our return. Now all I had to do was set the table and eat. Woo Hoo!!
All of this advance preparation came about after a visit to my cookbook cupboard.
I think it's time for another edition of From My Cupboard To Your Table.



In this edition, I have chosen this cookbook. It was put out by the Longaberger basket people. This was another thrift shop find.



It is loaded with gorgeous photos.




Mmmm. . . dreamy.





It is also loaded with great tips on everything from stocking your pantry to organizing your drawers to helpful cooking tips.



When I read this note I knew that this was a must try recipe. It also sounded like a perfect recipe to make ahead and keep refrigerated for later.



~click to enlarge~
As an added note I want to share this link .
This is the best method I have come across for poaching chicken that you will be dicing up to be used in salads, casseroles, etc. It is so simple and comes out so moist and flavorful.

When I saw this beautiful, summery salad I knew it was what I was going to serve with the chicken salad.



~click to enlarge~
It also has a pretty impressive note of recommendation.


Dinner is served!!!
*****





12 comments:

  1. We sure need a little get away! But we are going out to eat Mexican food tonight so I am not going to complain! I LOVE baskets AND cookbooks! Very nice treasures!

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  2. Oh, the salad looks delicious and I have saved the recipe to try.
    Sounds like a great day out on the boat. Is your boat kept close to your house?
    My dad loved boats and had one for many years. We always had such fun on it. Boats always make me think of my Dad!! :-)

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  3. Oh what a fun post! I bet ya'll enjoyed your boat ride and then the salads, which look fabulous!! I have printed them off to try soon!
    thanks, Kim!

    suzanne

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  4. Dear Kim, boat rides on lazy summer afternoons ... it doesn't get better than that. Love the salad photos and have been inspired to make one for dinner this evening.

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  5. Those look like great recipes! I intend to try both. Thanks.
    We had a boat in Texas and soon sold it after moving to Illinois. We needed a nice body of water and the Illinois River "ain't" it:(
    I miss water, especially the ocean. We've done some great fishing out in the Great Lakes, but we're landlocked now!

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  6. Just think how much I can learn by visiting your blog. Two new delicious looking salads, and we are "salad people", who eat salads 4 or 5 nights out of the week. How fortunate you are to be able to ride the waterways in a boat. While you are boating we will be on the motorcycle. Very nicely done post!! You have a gift for that!

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  7. The salads all look yummy! But is was the relaxing boat adventure with the family which was perfction to clebrate summer that melted my heart.

    Your pictures of all was lovely!
    Beth~♥

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  8. All I've been thinking about lately is the lake and how I miss being out on the water. Being pregnant I can't really enjoy skiing or tubing like I normally do. Seeing your lake pics brought me back memories of summers past.

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  9. I copied both of those they looked so good. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Looks like you had a beautiful day for boating.
    I can relate, there is always something to do. There are times, though they just have to wait.lol

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  10. Oh...I will be back here shortly to copy out this recipe (well, both actually). The raspberries and blueberries will be ready for harvest in the near future...and your salad looks just perfect!

    How fun to go boating!

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  11. Thank you for sharing these delicious sounding recipes! I can't wait to try them. I hope you are having a great weekend. Twyla

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  12. Love the shots of boating on the lake! Your salads sound and look wonderful too!

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