~*Friday Finishes*~... and a recipe

Hello Dear Friends! Oh what a day it has been! I've been trying to water the gardens in the morning to beat the heat and prepare the plants well for the hot days. I also try my best to post ~*Friday Finishes*~ in the morning. Today, however, we had to put things on hold for an unexpected doctor's appointment. It seems the kiddo has swimmers ear. Thankfully we were able to get into see the doctor and get some ear drops... so we could get on with our plans for the day... to see Great Grandma, Grandma & Grandpa, and dear Aunt LaVon. After arriving home... I spent a good 45 minutes trying to get the wilted blooms watered... and now I can gladly share these wonderful stitches with you...

These girls are quick & have taken full advantage of the comforting AC... to stay in and STITCH! These two girls have done a most beautiful job stitching up the latest freebie...~*Sunflowers N' Crows*~

From Ranae

Ranae stitched with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads
Brandy, Mulberry, Burnt Orange, Avocado, Apple Cider, Garden Gate and Black Crow
on scrap piece 40ct linen that she coffee dyed before making the pin pillow filled with walnut chips. Oh so lovely!

Pat's is just as equally lovely!

Pat used a piece of fabric that she ordered from a cross stitch magazine. It is 14 count marble Aida. She chose Weeks Chestnut and Curry threads, Gentle Arts Endive, and DMC 3021 and 310... and also used a few black seed beads and a large button from an old button jar.

There has been an incredible response of "Thanks" for this freebie... and I would like to tell you all..."You are most welcome!"

I would like to share something else with you today...


I did some baking last night... even though we have been suffering with triple digit temperatures for over a week now... at least! This was well worth heating up the kitchen for!

This is Zucchini Pie! Have you ever heard of it? I hadn't... and guess I should tell you now that I only ate one small bite. I know it is good though because my DH Tony, Mom, StepDad, and Sister have all told me so. Well, that one small bite I had was really good & I only didn't have more because I try very VERY VERY hard to stick to my diet. Well, that and I also made Zucchini Bread last night that I had a few more nibbles of.

This recipe if from a church cookbook my dear friend, Marianne, gifted me with a few years ago. Our zucchini is doing very well & the kitchen counter was getting full up... so I was intrigued & wanted to give this a try. The title of the recipe does read...(tastes like apple)... so why not?

It really does taste like apple pie! I didn't share with my taste testers that is was zucchini until after they had their helpings & they were all amazed.

Zucchini Pie (tastes like apple)

1 double crust 9 inch pastry
4 c. zucchini, cut into 1/8 inch slices
3/4 c. sugar
2 Tbsp.Minute tapioca
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line pie pan with pastry. Combine remaining ingredients except butter. Pour into pie shell and dot with butter. Put on top crust and cut slits in it. Brush with milk and sprinkle a little sugar on top. Bake at 400 degree oven for 55 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 10 minutes longer. (I didn't bake mine quite this long... just watch for when your crust is golden brown.)

Trust me... you will LOVE it! The crusts of the two I baked had a nice caramel bottom. I even cheated & used store bought crust.

Wishing you warm smiles...

Betty