An Unattended Garden

Leaving a garden unattended for several days at the lake can bring some unexpected surprises. I am posting a photo that took my breath away. My thoughts about a previous blog provided some inspiration for the following free verse. It was a collaborative writing effort from a visiting friend.

Mr Scarecrow
sentry on a stick
keeping watch
this fine autumn day.

Wounded
with shredded guts
flapping in the wind.

A pasted smile
trying to be brave
but only wishing
for his former self.

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I am revisiting the ginger cookie recipe posted while back since I made a few modifications.

Ginger Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 4 TB. of dark molasses
• 1 tsp. ginger
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 cups of flour
• 3/4 cup shortening( use combination of half butter and margarine)
• 1 large egg
• 1- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking powder

Directions:

• Cream sugar and shortening, add molasses and egg and mix well
• Mix dry ingredients and stir into sugar/shortening mix
• Place bowl of dough in freezer for 45 minutes to chill
• For each cookie roll dough into 1 inch balls and then roll ball in sugar
• Keep dough chilled as each batch is made
• Place on a ungreased cookie sheet
• Bake 375 for 9-10 minutes

Sweet and Sour Pork

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 TB. cornstarch
• 2 TB. sherry
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 lb. pork cut into cubes

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Ingredients:

• 6 TB. sugar
• 6 TB. vinegar
• 2 tsp. soy sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

Directions:

• Combine eggs, flour, cornstarch, sherry and salt in small bowl. Add pork and coat thoroughly. Refrigerate about 30 minutes.
• Mix sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, tomato paste, 1 tsp. cornstarch, hot pepper sauce, and broth and set aside.
• Heat oil in wok over high heat between 350 and 375 add pork and cook till golden brown. about 4-5 minutes-drain on paper towels
• Add to the liquid ingredients: chopped mushrooms, diced tomatoes, carrots and broccoli and stir fry about 15-20 minutes, add meat and cook till thickened
• Serve over rice