~To Ella on her Seventh Birthday~

My Dear Sweet Granddaughter....

If God had tapped me on the shoulder some 7+ years ago, and told me to describe what I thought would be a perfect granddaughter.....I would have described YOU. Just the way you are. Perfect from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. From your daddy's green eyes and long lashes, to your mama's beautiful zest for life.

You know, this Grandma waited a long time for a little girl. I loved your Daddy and your Uncle Tom....but, well....they sure aren't girls!!!! Then God sent YOU, sweet doll. When your mommy told us they were expecting a baby, she said she hoped it would be a girl. For me. She's so sweet. And OH did God send us a little girl. A perfect little girl who loves everything pink, sparkly and girly. Certainly everything that THIS Grandma could have dreamt of!

And so, sweet Ella, my wish for you this year is that you always stay as sweet and innocent as you are now. Always.

With All My Love To the Moon and Back.....

Grandma

xoxoxoxox

~Thursday Blessings~

You don't have to look very far to see that the summer harvest is one of God's greatest gifts.

Our Farmer's Markets are overflowing with colorful summer produce. Not only are they good for you, they're plentiful and economical. In between studio time, I'm dreaming of new ways to use them in my meal planning. I'll be posting some of our favorite recipes in the days and weeks ahead.

~Hello Monday and A Give-Away Winner~

Hello Monday~

It's early here in the midwest. Skies are still dark, Rosie's asleep on my lap as I type. There's peace in the stillness. After prayers, coffee and computer work, we're off to the studio to tackle orders~

The winner of our first giveaway is: Re-Fabulous. Congratulations!! Please email me so we can finalize details on your custom piece!!

Watch for future Give-Aways from RoseCreekCottage right here!

Have a beautiful, blessed day~

Carol and Rosie xcxcxcxcxcxcxc (those are coffee kisses)

Rosie Says......

Hi. It's me, Rosie. You still have time to join in the fun Give Away and win one of my momma's hand stamped necklaces. They are really really nice. Really. I know, 'cause I sit in my bed right next to her in the studio while she's stampin'. Really. I have my own special bed in there 'cause momma says I'm REALLY important.

Don't miss out. You'll be sorry. They're nice. I gotta go now and take momma for a walk. It's my job. Really. See you later. This is fun. I bet I can sneak in a blog post every now-and-then when momma's workin. She won't notice. I'm quiet. Really. Bye now.

~Tuesday Jewelry Give-Away~

This is RoseCreekCottage's very first Give-Away! To win our beautiful PRIDE AND JOY hand stamped necklace, just 1)'Like' us on Facebook, and 2) leave a comment here on our blog! We will draw names on Sunday and announce the winner on Monday right here! Good Luck!
GIVE AWAY IS NOW CLOSED~

~Thursday Blessings ~

Life here at RoseCreekCottage Studios is hectic, busy, and filled with blessings:

~A new website

~Sunshine and cooler temperatures

~A Friday "lunch date" with my old friend, Sherry

~Planning a birthday party for my hubby

~Finally starting to understand SEO (thank you Jen and Jen!!)

~Creating new hand stamped jewelry designs for RoseCreekCottage website

~Starting to read "Discovery at RoseHill" by my friend, Kathryn

~Picking flowers from the garden....LOTS of Black-Eyed Susans

Life is good!

~Fried Eggplant Means Summertime at RoseCreekCottage~

I love summers at RoseCreekCottage. I can't wait until the tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini are ripe. I guess you can blame my Italian roots for that!! These vegetables were staples in my Mom's Italian summer kitchen when we were growing up, and I'm lucky that my German husband fell in love with them the first time he tasted the Italian dishes in my Mom's while we were dating!

Begin by slicing the zucchini into 1/4" thick slices. Then salt both sides, and let them sit for about 1 hour. This enables the zucchini to 'weep'. Then using a paper towel, pat both sides dry.

Beat 2-3 eggs in a shallow dish. Dip each slice in the eggs. Coat slices in Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs. You can buy these in any grocery store. Heat 1" of canola oil in hot frying pan, and fry each slice until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve plain, or with Sour Cream Garlic Dip recipe attached.


FRIED EGGPLANT

1 eggplant, about 1 1/4 pounds
1 ¼ c. Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
Oil, for frying

Slice eggplant into ¼” slices. Lightly salt each slice on both sides and let sit for 1 hour. Pat slices dry.

Break the eggs into shallow plate and beat well with a fork. Start with 2 eggs and add a third one if needed.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each slice of eggplant in egg, then lightly coat them with breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm....although we love them cold, too!

Makes 6 servings


SOUR CREAM GARLIC DIP

5 tbsp sour cream
4 cloves garlic, crushed
½ tsp salt

Combine all ingredients together.


Enjoy! I'm serving these tonite with Ziti pasta tossed with butter and parmesan cheese and a big garden salad and crusty Italian bread. Yum.

I'm off to the studio to finish up orders. Stop by my new RoseCreekCottage website and take a look around at all the beautiful custom hand stamped heirloom pieces we have to offer. You won't be disappointed!