Brunch at Windows Restaurant on Lake Lanier

Recently we had a delightful brunch at Windows Restaurant in the Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands. The lodge-inspired setting overlooks Lake Lanier and if weather permits outside dining is the place to be. The brunch includes made to order three-egg omelets and thick, Belgian waffles along with a good selection of breakfast meats, fresh fruits, Southern grits and fried potatoes.

The service was outstanding for our group of eight. Our server never let our cups of coffee run low or failed to remove finished plates.

Those red zinnias are at it again

The large, velvety zinnias
in my back yard are providing a spectacle again this summer. Attracted by the bright red hue, all sorts of birds and butterflies alight on the seasonal patch of color.

With daily high temperatures in the 90s, several species of butterflies flit back and forth drinking in the nectar of the flowers. Just in the past few days I've noticed Gulf Fritillaries, East Coast Swallowtails in both the stunning yellow and black forms along with yellow sulphur butterflies, a few Admirals and several different skippers. But so far this summer, I haven't spotted any Monarchs.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are common visitors, as are the bright yellow male and dullish-hued female American Goldfinches.

Spring Dressing

Spring is in the air so it's time to free yourself from all those excess clothes and step out in a tempting frock. Dresses are oh so colorful and stylish this season. Have some fun and try out these delicious finds.

Flowers explode across this strapless dress in a stretch sateen by Suzi Chin available at Dillards. ($124) Sport your tiers in style with a colorblocked jersey dress by INC International Concepts from Macy's. ($79)  Or wrap yourself in a delicate, rose-hued silk dress with asymmetrical neckline from Banana Republic. ($130)

Cardinals in the snow

A three-inch snowfall in north Georgia blankets the hills and presents a frosty backdrop contrasting with the bright, red cardinal stopping by for a sunflower seed or two.
Less than 24 hours later the snow is melted except for shaded areas.
Bright sunlight erased most traces of snow and icey patches.

Recipe for Homemade Pesto

Try this simple recipe for making homemade pesto using the freshest basil available from your own garden or the farmers market.


Homemade Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup parsley leaves
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (may substitute pine nuts) or omit if allergic to nuts
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

In a food processor, combine the basil and parsley leaves, chopped garlic and walnuts. Process for a few seconds. Then drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube with the processor running until combined. Add in the Parmesan cheese and process for another second or two.

Serve over hot or cold cooked pasta, as a spread on crackers or bread, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

To freeze Pesto Sauce, fill ice cube tray or small muffin tin with the pesto and after frozen, remove and store in plastic bags in the freezer. When making pesto to freeze, omit the cheese and add in when thawed and ready to serve.

Just formed a Culinary Club

A like-minded group of foodie friends and neighbors recently formed a Culinary Club to share our experiences and knowledge about the wonderful world of food. The group held its first cooking demonstration on "Cooking With Herbs". To test how well the foodies knew their herbs, everyone tried to guess the contents of small individual cups of snipped parsley, basil, rosemary, mint and thyme. That was tricky!

Then the demonstrations began which included a Dill Batter Bread, Tuna Salad with Dill, Marinated Shrimp on Rosemary Skewers, along with Caprese Mozzarella Salad and Homemade Pesto using fresh basil. Sampling the tasty dishes topped off the meeting and left everyone wanting more.