Garden Pasta

After an afternoon of swimming, we came home after our regular dinner time (hungry and mama getting edgy!) only to find in our crockpot dinner the beans were not quite done.  Hmmm. Out to eat? Popcorn?  Thankfully, Jason is truly gifted in the kitchen, a trait he earned with lots of sweat and little sleep while owning his own restaurant.  In the face of dinner desperation, I can be less than helpful.  Case in point: I went to take a shower.  Not one second more than 20 minutes later, this lovely pasta was on our table, complete with the first of garden zucchini and squash.

Thankful.

Popcorn Cups

These little cuties are perfect for company.  They're the perfect thing to have sitting out and ready so that kids can go ahead and get started while parents either chat or get things organized for the official start of dinner.  Dinner with kids is funny, isn't it?  Like a mad dash? A scramble to the table just so you can get up 100 more times?  Well, these help, at least a pinch.  Put the popcorn in first and just a small handful of M&Ms on top.  They'll drop down on their own, and be like "treasure."

Ham & Cheese Scones

This recipe ran in my local paper, and I tell ya, I was pleased.  First, I love scones.  Second, savory scones?  Even better.  Third, the recipe specifically lists plans for freezing and baking on the spot, as needed.  Yes!

So definitely try these.  They are so easy to pull together and busy-mom-who-likes-special-breakfast-treats approved.

Ham & Cheese Scones

2 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour, unbleached
2 T sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 T unsalted butter, emlted
1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar 10 oz deli ham OR some leftover dinner ham chunks in whatever quantity you have
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sour cream

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Drizzle in melted butter and stir well.  Stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar, ham and chives.

In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and sour cream and then add to the dough - just stirring until dough is moistened and it just comes together.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface (I like to use wax paper on the counter to save a mess).  Shape with your hands into a round shape, approximately 1 inch thick.  Cut into wedges or squares - about 8 to 10, depending on size.  Transfer to a baking sheet and freeze until ready to bake (at least 10 minutes).  After they are frozen, transfer into a freezer safe bag.  These little goodies will be ready for you on a Saturday morning, just pop in oven and bake!  Yum!

Bake 375
20 to 25 minutes