Chocolate Caramel Macchiato

Do you ever make a pot and then have half of it left over that you have to pour down the drain?

If you have a sweet tooth, these flavored coffees tend to curb your appetite.

Perhaps I should have been born during the depression cuz I really dislike wasting anything. I take that left over coffee and add some chocolate syrup to it. If you have some caramel syrup add that too along with some milk. Make it a nice cream color, stir and refrigerate. You now have Ice Coffee or a frappacino. Of course I'm no coffee connoisseur but I think it's pretty good.

You can also add those same things to hot coffee and then it would be called a Chocolate Caramel Macchiato. I don't measure the syrups, I fill my mug about 3/4 of the way with coffee and then squeeze each syrup for about 3 seconds into the coffee. However much that is I don't know, but that's how I do it. :) The more you add the sweeter it will be. Stir until syrups are melted, then top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel syrup and there you have it, a Chocolate Caramel Macchiato. This would cost you $3.00 or more at some fancy coffee shop. You can make it at home for almost nothing. Go ahead. . . . . try it and Enjoy!!!

Morning Visitor - Fawn

Monument Garden
A little fawn in the new Monument Garden this morning (I'll post this story later). My first thought was. . . that little thing is eating my flowers grrrr. . . . but I stopped my impulsive self and ran for the camera instead of chasing it away :) (must protect the new garden). I walked quietly along the length of the deck to sneak a few pic's. Mom saw me the whole time but stood there, hesitantly. Baby was content to prance around and check things out knowing of my presence. What a beautiful world we live in. Thank you God for all the wonder and beauty in nature, for the peace it provides and a glorious start to my day.

BORED? Hand/Eye coordination exercise

BORED? Hand/Eye coordination exercise but don't forget to come back and check out the recipe below. http://www.hurtwood.demon.co.uk/Fun/copter.swf

Jo Anne's Fudgey Brownies

Jo Anne's Fudgey Brownies - Looking for a deliciously rich, chocolate dessert? Try these simple brownies.

Everyone will be asking for your recipe. You won't want to share it because you know it came from a box.

'JoAnne's Fudgey Brownies'
1 - 19.8 oz. box brownie mix + recommended additions on box
1/2 cup + chocolate chips
Prepare a 19.8 oz box of brownie mix according to package directions. Before baking, add 1/2 cup (or more :)) of chocolate chips. Bake in an 11x7 glass pan at 325 for 39 minutes. Note: these baking directions (325 for 39 minutes are for a glass pan. If you are not using a glass pan, you may need to cook a minute or two longer. With brownies, underdone is better than over done). When brownies are cool, frost with Fudgey Frosting (a must). Everyone will think you slaved in the kitchen making these brownies but you'll know better. Loved by kids of all ages.

'Fudgey Frosting'
2 tablesoons butter
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup confectioners sugar

In a small pan over low heat, melt butter. Add baking cocoa and water, heat until thickened but not boiling (this should only take a minute or two). Remove from heat. Add vanilla and sugar. Mix well, until sugar is blended and no lumps remain. Spread on brownies. Frosting will be soft but will set when cooled. Let sit at room temperature until frosting is firm at least 1 hour or chill for 30 minutes if you can't wait to cut into them.

Yummy, yummy in your tummy!!!

Hummingbird Hawk Moth

As I was taking a walk through the garden I noticed this strange thing buzzing around the butterfly bush. I just stood there watching it and called Dave to come quick to look (Good Grief, will someone please explain hurry to this man). It flew away as he was approaching so he didn't see it. I kept going back to that bush in hopes that this thing would reappear and it did so I ran for the camera and here it is. After doing a small amount of research I found this little thing is from the Sphynx Moth Family. It is called by many names, some of which are: Hummingbird Hawk Moth; Hawk Moth; Sphynx Moth. I like Hummingbird Hawk Moth. If you've never seen one before, they buzz around like a bee but hover and feed like a hummingbird. Hummers will not usually allow you to get to close but I was about 18 inches away from this Hawk Moth and my closeness didn't seem to bother it.

Thought for the Day

"Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet."

God be with us and grant us patience as we work through our most difficult times.

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