Saturday, August 13, 2011

I love Saturdays!

Saturday mornings are my favorite because that is when the Annapolis Royal Farmer and Trader’s market happens.  By 8 a.m. all the vendors have set up their booths and unless one arrives bright and early, it’s almost impossible to find a parking spot nearby.

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A temperate climate combined with rich, fertile soil make the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia a paradise for fresh fruits and vegetables…especially at this time of year.

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The first pick of both sweet corn and peaches.  Coincidently, the corn is the ‘peaches and cream’ variety meaning that the kernels on the same cob are bi-colored and it’s ever so sweet.

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Who can resist authentic fresh baked French bread and pastries? Not me!  However today I refrained from buying any pastries because after seeing those peaches, I decided to bake instead. 

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Look what I brought home…fresh peaches, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, red onions, corn and tomatoes.  Everything looks almost too good to eat!

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Can you guess what I’m going to make for dessert from the ingredients pictured below?

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Peach cobbler with about a cup of blueberries thrown in for good measure. 

This is how it looked before it went into the oven…

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And here it is, piping hot and just out of the oven!  The aroma is to die for!

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We’re going to eat light tonight…corn-on-the-cob along with a fresh tomato, red onion and cucumber salad topped with a home made vinaigrette…one of our favorite summer meals.

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And if you’d like to try to make your own peach cobbler, here’s the recipe.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Peach Cobbler

1 stick (4 oz) butter, melted

1 c + 3 tbsp granulated sugar, divided

1 c all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 c milk

1 tsp vanilla

3-4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and thinly sliced

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375F.

Pour melted butter into a 2 qt baking dish (11” x 7” or 8” square).  In a mixing bowl, combine 1 c sugar, flour, baking powder and salt.  Stir to blend.

Stir in vanilla and milk until blended.

Pour batter over melted butter.

Toss peaches with remaining 3 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.  Arrange peach slices over batter.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  The top will be browned and the cake will begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Serve warm with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Bet you can’t have just a little portion!  *wink*

berrydividerx

Once again, thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers with respect to my health issues. 

All it seems like I’ve been doing lately is running from one doctor to another to try to get to the bottom of this.  I have nothing but the highest regard and praise for each and every one of them.  Although Nova Scotia is a small province, the health care system is second to none.

One of the doctors I met with this past week was a radiation oncologist and she has arranged for me to have a PET scan on Monday.  Evidently this is a state-of-the-art technology for determining the source of cancers that either can’t be or have not been detected by other means.   This involves travelling 120 miles (one way) to Halifax (again), the capital and largest city in Nova Scotia.  Thank goodness Mr. Painted Quilt likes to drive!

Although my treatment options haven’t been firmly decided upon as yet, it looks as though I’m going to be in for a long, rough ride in the not-too-distant future.  

Am I scared?  Absolutely!

Will I beat this?  Without a doubt!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…Y’all are the best!!!

knametag2

79 comments:

LesQuilts said...

Upward and onward Karen!
Here's a hug!
Take care, Leslie

Quiltgal said...

Love market day. We to are having fresh corn, tomatoes and peaches for dessert. Great minds......

Pat said...

You are in my thoughts as you travel this journey. Your dinner sounds scrumpous I am on my way!

Heather said...

I just got back from our farmer's market in Marietta, Georgia. Looks like we bought much of the same stuff too but I added okra and some green beans. I think I may have to make that peach cobbler tomorrow. I am sending prayers your way for your health. You don't know me but I read your blog and think of you often.

paulette said...

Yeah Kaaren..YOU GO GIRL!! Positive thoughts are going with you too!
Thanks for the cobbler recipe...I will be trying this one for sure!
P

Lori said...

I am going to make a fruit crumble today. I hope it turns out as good as yours looks.
Keep up the great attitude. I hope you get some answers soon- the sooner you get started, the sooner you can get it overwith!!

Red Heads said...

You are in my prayers Kaaren. Your peach cobler looks soo good. I can smell it all the way here in Plymouth, N.S. Thinking of you & hubby. Dianne

Denise in PA said...

Kaaren - the market looks divine - I wish I had something like that around us. You dinner (and the cobbler) sound wonderful! Thanks for keeping us updated on your health - please know I am keeping you in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength and I know you will be well!

OneOldGoat said...

That meal looks delicious! And although I've only just begun reading your blog, you are in my prayers.
Beth

Abby and Stephanie said...

Fingers, toes, eyes all crossed for the best of luck to you.

My goodness I haven't seen any peaches yet this season as gorgeous as those! Thanks for sharing your recipe. I made your tomato quiche last night and YUM!

Love bi-color corn. That's what I call it. :o) Definitely sweet.

gracie said...

First I would like to say, that I will keep you in my thoughts...I know we are only blog friends, but I do think of you as a friend. Keep your spirts high and your will strong....next....can I have a pie
ce of the cobbler....please????

Kris said...

Oh, Kaaren - What a delightful post!!! I am envious of your Saturday Market. Before coming to St. George, UT to help my 93 year old Dad with the rest of his life, I lived in Colorado Springs, CO and we had a wonderful market on Saturday that was walking distance from my home!! My prayers are with you and your doctors!! And I am so glad you have Mr. Painted Quilt to go through this trial with!!! Kris P.S. I am trying out your cobbler recipe!! :-))

jackiero said...

Blessings to you dear kaaren :)
Huge thanks for sharing your Peach Cobbler, already printed out & hanging on the frig. to make ;)that is, when I purchase what my kitchen lacks in your yummy version.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Nummy recipe Kaaren.
Can I come & virtually hold you hand whenever you need it?

Bertie said...

Lovely post Kaaren, the cobbler looks and am sure tastes wonderful.
Good luck with your PET scan, good to hear the health care is so good:))

Sheila said...

The market looks wonderful especially those peaches and the resulting cobbler , yummmmm. All the best in the treatments ahead and yes you can beat this .hugs Sheila

Joy said...

Ooooh YUMM!!! Thanks so much for the recipe Kaaren, I'm definitely going to try that, it looks delish :o).
Keep on keeping on with your wonderful positive attitude, you're an inspiration. I'm keeping you in my prayers :o).
Big hugs,
Joy :o)

Candace said...

Oh Kaaren - I made your tomato onion quiche last night and it was deeeelicious! Guess what I'll be making tomorrow? Your farmers market looks to much like ours - I just love living so close to the farms themselves! Now if we just had a real french bakery! Good luck with the PET scan! Mr. Squash and I have you close in our thoughts!
Cheers!

Janet said...

Wonderful day today - finally a little sunshine! So nice that you got out to the Farmer's Market. I have a trip to our local farm market tomorrow - raspberries, peaches, fresh peas and carrots and great big shiny onions! The peach cobbler looks delicious - must make one!!! Can hardly wait!
Best of luck for Monday - hope it is a good trip and that you get some conclusive news too. On top of everything else, that quilt top with repro fabrics is so lovely - it will be your good friend this fall. Hang in there - we're all thinking positive thoughts.
Hugs.

Sheila said...

Looks like you had a beautiful day in Nova Scotia. Enjoy your weekend. I send good thought to you for Monday.

Heartsdesire said...

Your peach cobbler looks delicious. Right now though, I have a yard full of apples, so guess I will settle for an apple crisp. Hope your PET scan goes well. You have great strength and spirit and you'll be in my prayers this coming week. Safe trip. -Judith

*karendianne. said...

What a lovely post. You exude beauty - in all ways! I love your style, Kaaren.

Jocelyn said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your Kaaren.

Taryn said...

Oh. My. That peach (and blueberry) cobbler is soooo tempting. I love, love, love summer. I live near Annapolis, Maryland, so am intrigued by your version of Annapolis. Today, the peaches (yellow free stone) and tomatoes were the very best, most delicious, of the summer. I was just telling the hubby that today was the very best food day ever. I am glad you enjoyed the bounty, as well.

Alice I. said...

Way to stay positive, Kaaren! As you begin this rough journey, know that we are all right by your side. Now I've gotta hit my local farmer's market for some peaches so I can try your recipe! Thank you for sharing...hugs.

Susannah said...

March straight ahead...Face this...and get it over with! You are in my prayers every night. I have thought about you more than often.

Susannah

Kathy MacKie said...

You go girl! Your determination has you on the right path and walking beside you every step of the way are also your quilting buddies whether you know us personally or not we are there in prayer.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,

The market looks wonderful. I'm afraid our local one is not as large, bur we have wonderful Amish neighbours who keep us supplied with a good selection of the summer crops.
I look forward to trying your peach cobbler recipe sometime soon.
You are in my thoughts always and look forward to hearing all your news, keep on writing please.

Enjoy your wonderful food and crafts as you can.

Dianne

Sue said...

Those peaches look yummy. I'm going to try out that recipe when its summer here and peaches are available. I'm sending you my prayers and good thoughts too. Keep up the positive attitude, you have such a lot of support all over the world.

WoolenSails said...

I love fresh produce and those peaches look delicious. My garden is coming in and I guess I planted too many bean, so picking and cooking every other day.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers and attitude is everything;)

Debbie

Karen said...

Gather your basket of some hand work. Find your favorite snuggly quilt. Make sure your basket of munchies for the road trip has all of the good stuff in it. Oh and what about something to read. Have you read "the help" it's quite a good book.
Today I started reading wordpress. When I grow up I want to become a webdesigner.

Diane said...

Sending you a big hug, seeing your post makes my day. Love the market pictures!
You and your hubby remain in my prayers.

Donna~~ said...

Am hoping your PET scan give you the information you need. Your peach cobbler looked so delicious my mouth was watering, and I thought I'd love to have the recipe--and there it was! Thanks! Hope you have a good week!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Oh, that produce looks heavenly! And coincidentally we had a peach cobbler tonight. I sinned! This time of year I really have to fight of envy for those of you in cooler climates! Everything looks so fresh and pretty.

I'm believing with you for an easy solution healthwise.

sunny said...

Your cobbler looks and smells de-lish! Our Peach Festival is this weekend, but hubby isn't well enough to go. I think I'll stop at a produce stand tomorrow instead to pick up some of those beauties and try your recipe. Hugs and prayers for you, my friend. Hubby is having radiation now, and it ain't fun. I hope you get some answers soon so you can be on the road to recovery.

Barbara York said...

Karen - could you please send me your mailing address? I have a special something to send you for your trying times ahead and also as a thank you for all the freebies you have given us.

Barbara

Teresa F. said...

Lovely Market. Fresh vegetables are the best. Thank you for the yummy recipe, I can't wait to try it.
Hope you get some answers soon and I sincerely hope they are good enough to start the treatment immediately. Until then I'll keep you in my prayers.

Mari, Tenerife (España) said...

I´m happy when you write, it means that you are OK. You´re a fighter. My thoughts are with you, good luck.
The meal looks delicious, enjoy it.
See you soon...
Excuse my English.

KaHolly said...

Am glad you posted. I've been thinking of you. The Farmer's Market looks delicious! Usually someone brings truckloads of fruits and vegies up our way and sells them on the roadside....sure am looking forward to that! Big hugs to you!

Elzaan said...

Lovely goodies! And better yet - some tasty pudding!!!
You are still in my thoughts! We will help you get through this.

polly said...

Hang in there! You can beat this!
I love all the recipes you share with us.
I'll keep you in my prayers!

Susan said...

Thanks for the cobbler recipe.....

It all looks so good. I really must get to our farmer's market this Saturday..... Nothing is better than fresh veggies......

Still holding you up in prayer.

Sandra said...

I love farmers markets! In our provincial capital,Fredericton, we have an awesome market on Saturday mornings. If you're ever over in Western NB on a weekend, you should check it out. It's indoor and outdoor and year round. There are great food vendors!! and super in-season produce.
Thanks for the recipe for the peach cobbler, it looks yummy.
Take care of yourself!

Rumi said...

Thanks for the yummy looking recipe for the cobbler! I plan on making this, as well as that great looking tomato onion quiche in the near future.

Posted about my State Fair win using your pattern. Take a look when you can!

I keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I often wonder how would I be doing mentally if I were walking in your shoes today. I wonder if I could handle all the unknowns as well as you do. You inspire me Kaaren. You really do. I'm right there with you tomorrow...in spirit, thoughts and prayer.
Now...as for the yummy market. We stopped in at one the other day when we were out to hubby's appt. I picked up some peaches, corn and tomatoes. I'm the only one who will eat the peaches and tomatoes so it drives me crazy that I can't buy up tons! Your cobbler looks amazing and I'm afraid if I made it I would be the one stuck eating it all. Save me some will ya? LOL

Sydney said...

You have a wonderful attitude! I am hoping the PET scan solves this for you. I had a 'bad' mammo last week and am waiting to hear about the biopsy. I am sure it is fine but the waiting is awful. I sympathize. Prayers and hugs.
sydney120@aol.com

tpott said...

Stay strong, my( and so many others) prayers are with you and Mr. Painted Quilt. Blog when you can, that way we all know your O.K.. I'm sending hugs and good positive thoughts, your way...

Elyte said...

I love visiting markets. The produce looks so fresh and enticing. That cobbler looks delicious and I can almost smell it, but so much butter, yikes!
Glad to hear that you are in such good care.

Diane H said...

Thanks for the recipe, Kaaren. I've got a basket of ripe peaches ready to go. As always, keeping good thoughts for you.

Shari said...

Nothing like lovely fresh produce! The market looks great! And thanks for the peach cobbler recipe - I've never made it but it looks so yummy. Will have to bookmark it for when peaches are in season again.

Will be thinking of you with all your health related activities - you head must be spinning. Deep breath and hang in there!

Mimi said...

My best wishes for you!

Kathleen said...

still keeping you in my prayers....love the peach cobbler...I am going to make that this week...thanks for the recipe...

Karen said...

Your farmers market looks like a wonderful place to spend a morning and your purchases looked yummmy. Thanks for the recipe.

I've been thinking of you so often and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward on this journey. :)

Hugs - Karen

Pieced Pastimes said...

Kaaren - I have been out of the loop for some time and just read this post and am so sorry to hear that you are having health issues. I will keep you in my prayers. May God lift you and touch you with his healing hands. Keep the faith.

JudyCinNC said...

Your dinner sounds just like ours - except DWH needs to have a little meat with his salad and corn. I am all about vegetables - tomatoes, cucumbers and onions with a little Wishbone Balsamic Mist and I am good. I have no doubt in my mind that you will come out of this kicking up your heels - what a drag to go through. Please take care - you are in my thoughts and prayers. Judy C in NC - P.S> I live near Mary, does that give me any status? She is such an excellent quilter.

Elinor said...

Beautiful market !
French bread and pastry... I loooove too ! ;-)
Best wishes from France, Kaaren !

MoeWest said...

Farmers markets are the best! While you're in Halifax, if the sun is shining, I suggest heading for a waterfront patio and enjoying a feed of mussels with a glass of white wine. Relax and breathe that great ocean air! All the best to you.

miek said...

i wish you all the best, and ofcourse mr.painted quilt too!
i`ll think if you go with the flow it will be maybe an easyer ride.
but i think it`s easyer said than done.
huges from me for you, and give the dog lots of hugs yourself!!!
greetings

quiltingcarpenter said...

Thanks for the peach cobbler recipe Karen! Hugs and prayers as you go on this journey. Please keep us posted!

Needled Mom said...

That looks like a great Farmer's Market. There is nothing like the fresh produce in the summer months.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for Monday's scan!!!!!

GerryART said...

Make sure there is room in the back seat of your car, Kaaren, 'cause there's gonna be a whole lot of us traveling with you all on Monday. We're goin' to Halifax!
love 'n hugs
Gerry

Unknown said...

Kaaren ~ The market looks like a great place to shop. Love your peach dessert.

Would you be so kind to (& tell your friends) comment on my BLOG ONLY (emails don’t count), for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored.

Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon
blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

B J Elder said...

What a great farmer's market you went to. The produce and breads all look wonderful! And the peach cobbler, oh my.... love the addition of the blueberries to it. Yum.

I admire your attitude and your courage as you face the battle ahead. You have a huge cheering section and many many prayers being said for you.

Blessings & Hugs

pinsandneedles said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Kaaren. Dinner sounds, looks and smells wonderful!

Judy C said...

Again, you are thinking of us and posting a wonderfull peach cobbler recipe too! Keeping positive thoughts flowing your way, you will win this battle!

Linda said...

You go girl! You rock! All the Best..

Gail said...

Karen,your cobbler sure looks delicious. You have such a wonderful outlook and great attitude that I know you'll be able to get past this speed bump.

Thanks for posting your recipe for peach cobbler---it looks wonderful!
Gail :)

nancy huggins said...

I would love to find something like that to shop at close to me..You are a lucky lady..would be fun to find a place to sell at too :)

nancy huggins said...

Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your blog and I am now a follower and also follow by email and have a link to you on my left side bar..come and visit me sometime too :)
Nancy from insidenanashead

Ulla said...

Your vegetables and peach cobbler made me feel hungry!
Good luck with the PET scan. I trust you are in good hands.

Janet said...

A hug to you every day kaaren! Market days are the best. The peach cobbler is one I'll have to try and I thank you for sharing the recipe. That corn brings back memories, we called it honey and pearl, so sweet. I just have to wait for summer. I hope you find a nice shop or two to break your big trip.

Cathi said...

That peach cobbler recipe looks too yummy! May have to try it.
Keeping fingers and toes crossed that all goes well.

Rhonda said...

Thanks for sharing the "delicous" pictures! And the recipe. :) Praying the test will help you know what the deal is - love and prayers.

DebbieM said...

I'm going to try your peach cobbler recipe. Looks delicious, Kaaren. Love the trip to the market, now I'm hungry. You take care, Kaaren, you're in my thoughts and prayers!

Janet said...

Farmer's Markets are out of this world - thanks for sharing yours. Also, my thoughts and prayers will be with you in your journey. Love your upbeat personality and thanks tons for sharing all of your home and hobby projects with us. You allow no grass to grow under your very busy feet! Take care ...

Allie said...

That Farmer's Market and cobbler look wonderful - I have yet to get to a farmer's market this summer, guess I'd better get going, lol! I can't believe you have to drive so far for a PET scan...wow...you know my thoughts and prayers are going with you, hon!

Sandy said...

Thanks for the recipe. Take care and remember there are hundreds of your friends that are with you holding your hand and praying prayers with you. You are a special person and you will come out the winner.

suz said...

Everything looked so good - what a great market to have nearby. I'll keep you in my prayers. I'm sure everything will be just fine.

Angie said...

Sending healing hugs and love to you, Kaaren! You are such an inspiration. Hang tough, girlfriend.