Crystal Clear -------

 

That annoying grinding, grating noise of a lawn mower woke me

 somewhat early yesterday morning!  Right away I knew it was our mower 

and that Bob was already up and out.

 Getting an early start on outdoor projects, due to another day in the high

 90's, is necessary for health and safety.  By 9 AM the lawn looked 

great - quite green again as we've had some brief but welcomed

 afternoon rains - all neat and clean as Bob always trims the edges and

 finishes up with the blower.

By 10 AM we were running errands and back home again before the outdoor

 heat finished us off for the day.

What's a good thing to do in the house in this continuing heat?

One job was accomplished recently, cleaning crystals.

Can't stand them when they get cloudy.

I have several vintage chandeliers and sconces with old glass crystals

 which do get grimy from every day living dust.  

Easiest way is to pull an old white cotton sock over your hand, spray

 with window cleaner then gently wipe each dangling crystal. 

This removes sticky grime, brings back the glitter and makes one think of

 cool, sparkly raindrops........a great feeling on these hot, dry summer days.

Do you have a fun weekend planned?

Whatever you do and wherever you are, enjoy.

I'm thinking of making this dessert as we are still picking figs. . . . . . . 

last year I made it and added pears which was yummy.

Summertime fruit desserts -

OK, I know I said I wouldn't be heating up the kitchen with the oven - but I did

after all over the weekend!

A punnet of California plums needed to be used so an easy plum galette.

 I used a readymade piecrust, threw in a few toasted sliced almonds - and it 

came out well. I love summer stone fruits, especially when cooked.

Then there are these - the first gathering of Celeste figs came Saturday.  

Still not much rain but all this heat and sunshine has apparently started 

the ripening. They are now coming along fast and furious and I've

started sharing with neighbors.

Jeannette if you're reading this I know you'll want some, so come

on over.

As the oven was on for the galette I used the heat to roast figs in butter, 

 Acacia honey and lemon juice, tossed in walnuts for crunch.

These keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and are great with 

a scoop of ice cream. . . . . . . . but I enjoy them added to my morning

 Greek style yogurt which cuts the sweetness.

. . . . . . and do go HERE for a lovely easy recipe for the little fig frangipane

 tarts I shared a few years back when overrun with figs - great for tea time

or dessert.

Enjoy your week - hope everyone gets some cooler days for cranking

up the oven and baking something fruity and healthy.