This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Welcome to the weekend, my friends! We’re halfway through our 37th annual family campout in the White Mountains of Arizona. Oscar is living his best life at home with the world’s greatest dogsitter (he’s getting massages, treats, and all the walks and porch time he could ever ask for) and while we miss him bunches, 55 hours in the van is a lot to ask of him for a 6 day trip. It’s all worth it though, because it’s the one time a year when my great big family is together in one place and we love it.
If you’ve been hanging out with me online for long, you may recall that cell service is nonexistent here. In the past, I’ve driven to the general store and climbed the hill to stand on the rock to upload the newsletter and send this email. And yes, that’s a thing. One rock on the mountain with a cell signal. No, I’m not joking. And we’ve survived just fine without our phones for the trip.
But it always cracks us up that there is a single solitary rock in the area painted with “stand here for cell signal” and you can usually get a single bar for a cell signal. That said, I’m feeling pretty fancy with the satellite turned on for a few minutes this morning in order to send this out to you. I’ll be back to zero bars of service shortly and then we’ll be back to civilization on Monday.
ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: Garlicky and mildly spicy, Mushroom Spinach Pasta is a study in flavorful simplicity. Perfect al dente pasta is tossed in a light pan sauce of white wine or chicken stock, onion, garlic, mushrooms, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. As a dyed-in-the-wool mushroom lover, I’m always looking for great ways to work them into my dinners. Today’s recipe is beyond simple to prepare and is substantial without feeling heavy in the stomach.
Also known as one of the easiest dinners I make, this Salsa Chicken is simmered with green chile and black beans through the day in the crock-pot and then scooped into warm tortillas to create the easiest, tastiest, chicken tacos, burritos, and quesadillas you can imagine.
Crisp baby spinach, spring mix lettuces, tart apples, sweet raisins, crunchy almonds, and the ultimate honey cider salad dressing create a fantastic Spinach Apple Salad. Tangy, crunchy, and irresistible, this salad can be pulled together in just 15 minutes.
With a crisp, refreshing flavor that adds a lively kick, this Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing lets the vegetables and other ingredients still shine through. It’s fast becoming a favorite in my kitchen. And, I can pretty much guarantee that you’re going to love it too!
Rich chocolate, peanut butter, and frozen bananas are blended together to make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie. While still light enough to make a refreshing start to the day, this treat tastes more like a peanut butter milkshake than the average breakfast smoothie.
Tangy rhubarb is folded into this tender Rhubarb Coffee Cake with a brown sugar, cinnamon crumb through the middle and on top. One bowl. No mixer. It’s no wonder this is one of my favorite ways to greet the day when rhubarb finally comes into season.
I think we all can agree on how good an old-fashioned sundae is. Ok? But, this Banana Split Ice Cream is something else entirely. Creamy, freshly churned banana ice cream, swirled with crushed pineapple and chocolate chips. What’s that you say? It has maraschino cherries and peanuts, too? Oh yes. Oh yes it does, indeed.
What I’m CRAVING: Lynne’s Death by Chocolate Dream Bars have been on my mind all week, so that’s a pretty good sign I need to make them again. And here’s the deal, they aren’t nearly as rich or heavy as you might think at first glance. Even with a name like death by chocolate, they’re made with a homemade chocolate whipped cream, so you can control the sweetness. And while they are pure chocolate heaven, they aren’t a total overload of sugar. I really really like them.
And my family? They get very excited every time there are dream bars in the house. So, this can be your sign too. It’s time to check out all of Lynne’s Dream Bars. They’re some of our favorite desserts.
My FAVORITE THING this week is my double Belgian waffle iron. I’ve had the original model for over 10 years and LOVE it. However, Cuisinart changed the model I’ve had for so many years and I’ve been hesitant to recommend the replacement until I could test it for you guys.
I finally bought it and I’ve been using it for several months now. It’s terrific and I can now recommend it as a solid option. AND IT’S ON SALE! (This is a major YAY because it doesn’t go on sale often!) I paid full price 4 months ago and now it’s 20% off, so I’m thrilled with the timing right now, as I grabbed the link to share it this week. If you happen to need a waffle iron, happy shopping!
What I’m READING: Can I be really honest here today? I’ve had very little energy for new reads this year. I’ve been re-reading many of my favorites and it’s been a bit like welcoming friends back into my world for a little while. Does that sound as weird as it feels to write it? These reads have brought me a lot of comfort in a season of some ups and downs and unknown times. I’d really love to know what some of your comfort books are if you re-read books. I’d love to try some new ones, but I want the favorites!
I’m thinking about starting Anne of Green Gables next. I’ve probably read the series at least 10 times and I still love it dearly. (FYI if you haven’t already downloaded it – the entire 8 book series I’ve linked here is just $.99 on Kindle! You can not beat that much entertainment for less than a dollar. Well, plus the fact I absolutely love this series.)
What I’m LISTENING to: Hymn of Heaven by Phil Wickham. I downloaded this album after hearing “Battle Belongs” for the first time a couple of weeks ago at church. Not sure how I’ve missed Phil Wickham until now, but this has been such a great addition to my worship playlist. What a blessing.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 ESV
Wishing you a beautiful week filled with little things that make you smile!
Mary
