McMahon Window Washing and Gutter Cleaning

2012-01-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Mediterranean Veggie Dip
Source: bhg.com
Add a Mediterranean flair to your menu with this delicious vegetable dip. This make-ahead recipe can be prepared up to one week in advance.
Mediterranean Veggie Dip
Ingredients
Recipe for Yogurt Cheese (below)
¼ cup chopped roasted red sweet pepper
¼ cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
2 tablespoons chopped pitted kalamata or black olives
2 tablespoons snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
2 teaspoons snipped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
Dippers: toasted pita bread, whole grain crackers, carrot sticks, broccoli florets, cucumber spears, or sweet pepper strips
Directions
In a small bowl combine Yogurt Cheese, sweet pepper, feta cheese, green onion, olives, parsley, and oregano. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Stir before serving. Serve with dippers. Makes 12 (2-tablespoon) servings.
Yogurt Cheese
Yield: 1 cup Ingredients1 16 ounce carton plain low-fat yogurtDirectionsSuspend a sieve or colander over a bowl. Line sieve or colander with three layers of 100 percent cotton cheesecloth or paper coffee filter. Spoon in yogurt. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, at least 24 hours. Remove; drain and discard liquid. Refrigerate yogurt cheese, covered, up to 1 week. Makes about 1 cup.
Servings Per Recipe 12,Calories 33

Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock Pot (Copycat)

2012-01-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

McMahon Window Washing And Gutter Cleaning Food And Wine Group
Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock Pot (Copycat)
( I used ground turkey and HEART SMART TRADITIONAL Prego® Italian sauce and whole grain pasta) ...
Ingredients: • 2 lbs ground beef • 1 onion , chopped • 3 carrots , chopped • 4 stalks celery , chopped • 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes , undrained • 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans , drained • 1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans , drained • 3 (10 ounce) cans beef stock • 3 teaspoons oregano • 2 teaspoons pepper • 5 teaspoons parsley • 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional) • 1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce • 8 ounces pasta Directions: Brown beef in a skillet. Drain fat from beef and add to crock pot with everything except pasta. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours. During last 30 min on high or 1 hour on low, add pasta. Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/olive-garden-pasta-e-fagioli-soup-in-a-crock-pot-copycat-31717#ixzz1jd3jswyr

Asian Turkey and Rice Soup

2012-01-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

McMahon Window Washing And Gutter Cleaning Food And Wine Group

Hello... McMahon Food and Wine Group I hope you all had time to make last weeks

Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock Pot (Copycat).

Here is this week’s recipe. Asian Turkey and Rice Soup

It is a great low-cal soup from Better Homes & Gardens. I have made this soup a few times and it tastes great. It is so easy... for Thanksgiving I made the soup for lunch with freshly cooked turkey breast. However... last week I was lazy and used precook grill chicken breast, and instead of 1 1/2 cups sliced bok choy … I used a 1 ½ cups mix of canned water chestnuts and celery which I did put in the crock pot for the full 4 hours…. I also used the fresh Ginger puree that comes in a squeeze tube….. The soup tasted great. I hope you enjoy this week’s recipe. If you know anyone who would like to be added to this group just let me know.

Better Homes & Gardens

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/poultry/asian-turkey-and-rice-soup

Source: bhg.com

Asian Turkey and Rice Soup

Ingredients

2 14 ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 pound turkey breast tenderloin or skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (such as shiitake or button)

1 1/2 cups water

2 medium carrots cut into bite-size strips (1 cup)

1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups sliced bok choy

1 cup instant brown rice

Lo-mein noodles (optional)

Directions

1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker stir together chicken broth, turkey, mushrooms, the water, carrots, onion, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

3. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in bok choy and uncooked rice. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more or until rice is tender. Ladle into bowls. If desired, top with lo mein noodles.

Nutrition FactsServings

• Per Recipe 6,

• Calories 166,

• Protein (gm) 22,

• Carbohydrate (gm) 15,

• Fat, total (gm) 2,

Baked French Toast Casserole with Pecan and Wild Blueberry Topping Recipe

2011-08-31T11:32:00.001-07:00

Baked French Toast Casserole with Pecan and Wild Blueberry Topping Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hr Prep Time: 1 hr
Yield: 12 servings Inactive Prep Time: 8 hr

Ingredients:
INGREDIENTS:
1 (16 oz) loaf supermarket French or Italian bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (to coat baking dish)
8 large eggs
2-1/2 cups whole milk
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping:
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 cup pecans, chopped coarse
1 cup wild Main blueberries (can substitute regular blueberries)

Instructions:
PREPARATION:
1. Casserole: Spread the bread cubes in a baking pan and bake for 15 minutes or until dry and hard at 325 degrees. Pull out of oven to cool.

2. Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and pack the dried bread cubes into it. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until combined. Then whisk in the milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Cover the entire mixture with plastic wrap and push the bread down into the egg mixture until soft and well coated. Refrigerate overnight.

3. Topping: Stir the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together until smooth and then stir in the pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap and also refrigerate overnight.

4. Bake and serve: Unwrap the casserole and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Pull out and sprinkle the blueberries on top, then the pecan topping mixture and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Serve immediately with warmed maple syrup.

Brought to you by The Buttonwood Inn

Pesto Cheese Dip

2011-08-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Pesto Cheese Dip

Ingredients

•1 cup Sargento® Ricotta Cheese, any style

•1/2 cup (2 oz.) Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese

•1/3 cup prepared pesto sauce

•1/4 tsp. salt

•1/4 tsp. pepper

•1 large red or yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks

•6 oz. baby pattypan squash or zucchini squash, diagonally sliced

•4 oz. broccoli florets

•1 head Belgium endive, separated into spears

•2 oz. sugar snap peas or snow pea pods

Directions

1.Combine cheeses, pesto, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well. Transfer mixture into a decorative bowl and chill at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours before serving.

2.Arrange vegetables on a platter and serve with dip.

Posted in Recipes | Tagged Pesto Cheese Dip

Cannoli Cake ( Sargento® )

2011-07-27T07:32:00.001-07:00

Cannoli Cake ( Sargento® )

Ingredients
4 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted and cooled
1/4 cup chopped semisweet chocolate
1 recipe Ricotta Filling
1 recipe Whipped Cream Frosting
Fresh berries or candied cherries, for garnish
Ricotta Filling:
2 cups (15 oz.) Sargento® Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese
3 Tbsp. sugar
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
1 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
Whipped Cream Frosting:
2 cups whipping cream
2 Tbsp. confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions
1.Beat eggs and sugar on medium speed in bowl with an electric mixer 5 minutes or until thick. Gently fold in flour and butter; pour into greased and floured 8-inch round cake pan. Bake in preheated 350°F oven 40 minutes or until cake feels firm when touched in center. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
2.To make Ricotta Filling: Beat Ricotta cheese, sugar and vanilla on medium speed in bowl with electric mixer 3 minutes. Fold in whipped cream and chocolate chips.
3.To make Whipped Cream Frosting: Beat cream on high speed in bowl with electric mixer until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar and vanilla.
4.Cut cake in half horizontally using sharp serrated knife. Cut each layer in half again horizontally. Place 1 layer on serving platter; spread with one-third Ricotta filling. Repeat procedure, ending with cake layer. No sooner than 6 hours before serving, frost sides and top of cake with all but 1 cup frosting. Decorate with remaining frosting, chopped chocolate and fruit. Refrigerate until serving time.

Helpful Tips
This recipe produces a very dense cake layer. The only leavening is the air incorporated into the eggs when beaten. For best results, eggs should be at room temperature before beating with sugar.

Bacon Pear Salad

2011-07-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

McMahon Window Washing & Gutter Cleaning Food & Wine Group ( Join Us Today On Facebook )

Bacon Pear Salad

Ingredients

1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
cup (4 oz.) Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic
1/4 tsp. salt
1 large head romaine lettuce, torn
6 slices crisply cooked bacon, crumbled
3 pears, unpeeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup minced fresh chives
Pepper (optional)

Directions

1.Blend oil, lemon juice, 1/2 cup cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and salt in food processor or blender for 10 seconds.
2.Toss lettuce, bacon and dressing in large bowl. Arrange on salad plates; top with pear slices, chives and remaining cheese. Sprinkle with pepper, if desired.
Up-coming recipes from: Sargento® (everything is better with cheese- and wine too)

Cannoli Cake
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Pesto Cheese DipEngine House Special
Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake
Cheddary Chicken Pie
Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Sandwich

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

2011-06-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze
Cookies
• 2 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon(s) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cup(s) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 container(s) (15-ounce) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 3 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
• Grated zest from one lemon
Glaze
• 1 1/2 cup(s) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
• Grated zest from one lemon
________________________________________
Directions
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
2. Cookies: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat mixture until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest and beat to combine. Stir in the dry ingredients.
4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto prepared baking sheets. Bake 15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheets 20 minutes.
5. Glaze: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest; stir until smooth. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon onto each cookie, and use back of the spoon to gently spread. Let the glaze harden about 2 hours. Pack the cookies in a decorative container.

Veggie Pizza

2011-06-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Veggie Pizza

2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
1 tsp. dill weed
1/2 tsp. onion salt
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped seeded tomato
1/2 cup sliced pitted black olives (optional)
1/4 cup chopped onion
Make It
PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 4 rectangles. Press onto bottom and up side of 15x10x1-inch baking pan to form crust.
BAKE 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown; cool.
MIX cream cheese, dressing, dill and onion salt until well blended. Spread over crust; top with remaining ingredients. Refrigerate. Cut into squares.
www.kraftrecipes.com

We hope that you enjoy these weekly recipes. If you have any recipes that you would like to share please send them to us at:
mcmahonwindowwashing-guttercleaning@hotmail.com
You can also add your Facebook friends to our Food and Wine Group so they can receive weekly recipes also.
Please post any notes or comments to any recipes that you have made.

Wine Fest June 4th, 2011 Ottawa, Illinois

2011-05-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

Events

June 4h - 2 Rivers Wine Fest ( 11 am to 9 pm)
Held in historic downtown Ottawa where the Illinois & Fox Rivers join. Sample award-winning wines from 26 Illinois Winery’s. Join a host of jazz musicians, scheduled cooking and wine demonstrations, fine antiques, botanicals, crafts and more!
Wine - Food - Jazz / Wine Tasting $15
www.ottawa2riverswinefest.com

Must be 21 years of age to attend events ** for more details go to www.foxvalleywinery.com

CHOCOLATE FONDUE

2011-05-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

CHOCOLATE FONDUE

1/2 c. whipping cream
3 tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. butter
8 chocolate candy bars with almonds (1 oz.) size, broken
1 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows

Use a 1 quart fondue pot. Rub butter around the pan.
Place candy bars and marshmallows in the pot. Cover and cook, stirring until melted and smooth on low temperature. Gradually add whipping cream.
Serve pound cake, bananas, marshmallows, fresh strawberries, grapes, mandarin oranges and pretzels.

Meatloaf Muffins

2011-05-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Meatloaf Muffins
This easy recipe makes for a delicious, high-protein meal in half an hour

Ingredients
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup finely chopped carrot
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 1/12 pounds ground beef (extra lean)
• 1 cup finely crushed saltine fat-free crackers OR breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• cooking spray

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, chopped carrot, dried oregano, and mixed garlic; sauté 2 minutes, cool.

Combine onion mixture, ½ cup ketchup, and the remaining ingredients except cooking spray in a large bowl.

Spoon the meat mixture into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Top each with 2 tsp of ketchup. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Makes 6 servings (2 muffins).

Shrimp Taco’s

2011-05-16T10:28:00.001-07:00

Shrimp Taco’s
• Ingredients
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 4 limes, cut into quarters
• kosher salt
• 8 6-inch corn tortillas
• 2 to 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• bottled green tomatillo salsa
•
Directions

1. Heat grill to medium-high. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, and cumin. Set aside.
2. Skewer the shrimp. (If using wood skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes beforehand.) In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic. Brush the shrimp with the garlic butter.
3. Place the shrimp on grill with the limes. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and the limes are browned.
4. Remove from grill. Lightly salt the shrimp.
5. Grill the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side, then place inside a paper bag to keep warm.
6. Pull the shrimp off the skewers; divide evenly among the tortillas. Top with the cabbage, sour cream sauce, tomatillo salsa, and a squeeze of grilled lime.
7.
By Jane Kirby, June 2003

Banana-Strawberry Smoothies

2011-05-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Banana-Strawberry Smoothies
From: Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients
2 ripe small bananas
1 cup frozen unsweetened whole strawberries
1 8-ounce carton vanilla low-fat yogurt
3/4 cup milk

Directions
1. Peel bananas. Cut bananas into chunks. Place banana chunks, frozen strawberries, yogurt, and milk into blender a container.
2. Cover blender and blend on high speed about 1 minute or until mixture is smooth. Turn off blender. Pour drink into 2 glasses. If desired, serve with pieces of toast spread with peanut butter. Makes 2 servings.

As a back-up plan we always keep Yoplait Frozen Smoothies in the freezer.... You just add 1 cup of milk to one Yoplait packet.

Yoplait® Frozen Smoothie Yoplait® makes Smoothies fast and fabulous straight from your freezer. They're rich in nutrition with real fruit, live and active cultures and calcium. So, enjoy 1 full serving of fruit with four great tasting varieties. Just add milk and blend!

BLT DIP

2011-05-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

BLT DIP

Ingredients
1 pound bacon
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 tomato - peeled, seeded and diced
Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels.
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Crumble bacon into the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture. Chill. Mix in tomatoes just before serving. Serve with toast that is cut into small slices.

Honey Apple Pork Chops and Spicy Pear Chutney

2011-05-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

HONEY APPLE PORK CHOPS
4 pork loin chops (8 oz. each) about 1" thick
1 1/2 cups apple cider
1/4 cups lemon juice
1/4 cup soy sauce ( you can use lite soy sauce instead )
2 tbsp. honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. pepper
Combine all ingredients except pork chops, mix well. Place chops in a shallow dish; pour marinade over chops. Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning meat occasionally.
Remove pork chops from marinade. Place on grill approximately 6 inches above low to medium coals. Grill for 40 to 50 minutes, turning and basting with marinade every 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Spicy Pear Chutney

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium sized red onion, minced
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you want it)
3 fresh pears, chopped … ( you can do 1 apple and 2 pears instead )

Directions
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced red onion. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes until the onions start to soften. Add the dried cranberries and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in the sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and pears. Combine well. Simmer on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until the pears and cranberries have softened but the pears still retain their shape. If the mixture is too liquid, turn the heat up and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Serve warm.
Makes about 2 cups.

PRETZEL JELLO DESSERT

2011-05-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

PRETZEL JELLO DESSERT

We hope that you enjoy these weekly recipes. If you have any recipes that you would like to share please send them to us at:
mcmahonwindowwashing-guttercleaning@hotmail.com
You can also add your Facebook friends to our Food and Wine Group so they can receive weekly recipes also.
Please post any notes or comments to any recipes that you have made.

PRETZEL JELLO DESSERT
1 stick melted butter
1 1/2 c. crushed pretzels
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 lg. container Cool Whip
1 c. sugar
1 (6 oz.) pkg. strawberry Jello
1 lg. pkg. frozen strawberries

Mix melted butter, pretzels, and 1/2 cup sugar together and press into 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake 6 minutes at 350 degrees. Dissolve Jello in 2 cups boiling water and add frozen strawberries. Let gel. Combine cream cheese, Cool Whip, and 1/2 cup sugar; put on top of crumbs. When Jello is starting to set, pour over cheese layer and refrigerate until firm.

Coupons

2011-04-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Cheese Fondue & Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel 2008

2011-04-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

Cheese Fondue Recipe
Ingredients
1/2 pound Swiss-style cheese such as Jarlsberg or Emmenthaler, shredded
1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (use cornstarch if cooking gluten-free)
1 garlic clove, halved crosswise
1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon kirsch (cherry brandy)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Assorted dipping foods such as cubed day-old French bread, carrots, cherry tomatoes, chopped green bell peppers, peeled and chopped apples or pears.

Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel 2008
Category Red Wine

Varietal Zinfandel

Region California : Central Coast : Paso Robles

Producer Opolo

Wine Tasting Notes
The Summit Creek Zin is a medium bodied red wine featuring ripe black cherry raspberry-like fruit notes framed with soft tannins and modest acidity. Its dark color and background of pepper and spice complement this Zinfandel.
Price : $15.00 - $18.00

Gutter Cleaning

2011-04-06T06:08:00.001-07:00

Spring Quote Garden

2011-03-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. ~Hal Borland

For me, spring means a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning. It means unleashed, unlimited potential and possibility, according to Laurie Buchanan.
This spring is full of new and exciting possibilities. Grand ideas and visions for the future.
~Jean Hart

In spring time, love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head. ~ Emma Racine Defleur

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson

All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar. ~ Helen Hayes

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.
~ Mark Twain

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. ~ Henry Van Dyke

Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~Quoted by Lewis Grizzard in Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer. ~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go. ~Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe

Hee that is in a towne in May loseth his spring. ~George Herbert

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night. ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Hoe while it is spring, and enjoy the best anticipations. It is not much matter if things do not turn out well. ~Charles Dudley Warner

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson

Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day. ~W. Earl Hall

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet

The year's at the spring
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in His heaven -
All's right with the world!
~Robert Browning

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. ~Hal Borland

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft

April is a promise that May is bound to keep. ~Hal Borland

Where man sees but withered leaves,
God sees sweet flowers growing.
~Albert Laighton

That God once loved a garden we learn in Holy writ.
And seeing gardens in the Spring I well can credit it.
~Winifred Mary Letts

In June as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them. ~Aldo Leopold

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. ~Margaret Atwood

Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March, that month of wind and taxes, the wind will presently disappear, the taxes last us all the year. ~Ogden Nash

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, "The Sensitive Plant"

Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters

Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men. ~Chinese Proverb

The naked earth is warm with Spring,
And with green grass and bursting trees
Leans to the sun's kiss glorying,
And quivers in the sunny breeze.
~Julian Grenfell

In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours. ~Mark Twain

O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind? ~Percy Bysshe Shelley

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth? ~Edward Giobbi

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. ~Rainer Maria Rilke

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
~Robert Frost

To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring. ~George Santayana

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. ~Henry Van Dyke

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~Terri Guillemets

Spring is not the best of seasons.
Cold and flu are two good reasons;
wind and rain and other sorrow,
warm today and cold tomorrow.
~Author Unknown

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. ~William Shakespeare

Out with the cold, in with the woo. ~E. Marshall, "Spring Thought"

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. ~Bern Williams

Yesterday the twig was brown and bare;
To-day the glint of green is there;
Tomorrow will be leaflets spare;
I know no thing so wondrous fair,
No miracle so strangely rare.
I wonder what will next be there!
~L.H. Bailey

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. ~Nadine Stair

Poor, dear, silly Spring, preparing her annual surprise! ~Wallace Stevens

The first day of spring was once the time for taking the young virgins into the fields, there in dalliance to set an example in fertility for nature to follow. Now we just set the clocks an hour ahead and change the oil in the crankcase. ~E.B. White, "Hot Weather," One Man's Meat, 1944

Spring in verses,
Verses in spring.
~Violet Gartenlicht

Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire. ~Virgil

First a howling blizzard woke us,
Then the rain came down to soak us,
And now before the eye can focus -
Crocus. ~Lilja Rogers

May is a pious fraud of the almanac. ~James R. Lowell

You can't see Canada across lake Erie, but you know it's there. It's the same with spring. You have to have faith, especially in Cleveland. ~Paul Fleischman

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby

The seasons are what a symphony ought to be: four perfect movements in harmony with each other. ~Arthur Rubenstein

Thank you to Michael Garofalo of The Spirit of Gardening
for sharing some of these quotations!

Spring Newsletter 2011

2011-03-22T10:10:00.001-07:00

Spring Planting & Gardening Tips
1
Start your planting in spring, when the frost thaws off the ground. This gives vegetables, annuals, perennials, and fruit plants and trees a full summer of growing. The last spring frost ranges from April 6 in Cairo to May 13 in Rockford, and dictates your spring planting date. The University of Illinois Extension recommends planting your spring plants two weeks after the last frost.
2
Prepare you spring planting. This is the time to plant roses, annuals and spring bulbs like glads, anemones and lilies. Plant hardy fruit trees like plums and sour cherries, which will survive the cold winters of Illinois, and plant fruit plants that need a summer of growing, like strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelons. Plant your summertime vegetables at this time as well: tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.
3
Find a site that gets full sun for at least eight hours every day, along with complete drainage after any watering or rain. Amend the soil in your site to a depth of 4 inches with a mixture that is half organic compost and half quick draining soil, to give plants the right amount of nutrition and drainage. Mix 10-10-10 fertilizer into the top inch of soil to add additional nutrition. Plant the seedlings, plants or bulbs according to their specific depth and spacing needs. Water the garden with 2 inches of water, and put it on a weekly schedule of 2 to 3 inches of water.
4
Plant short-season vegetables again in mid-summer, three months before the first fall frost date. This gives the plants time to grow to maturity and produce fruit before frost comes. Fall frost dates range from late September to late October in Illinois, so plant your fall vegetable garden in late June to late July. Choose plants that have quick maturity dates like short-season tomatoes, peppers, carrots, lettuce, beans, squash and peas. If you're replanting the garden, amend the soil with compost and fertilizer before you replant.
5
Plant fall bulbs two weeks before the first frost. This should include daffodils, tulips, crocus and calla lilies. Plant each bulb according to its spacing and depth requirements.
6
Plant frost-hardy vegetables like potatoes, onions, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, collards, spinach, peas, lettuce, turnips, cauliflower, mustard, parsnips, beets and radishes at the end of winter, two weeks before the last frost, to give them a head start on growing and to provide a mid-summer harvest.
Read more: Planting Schedule for Illinois | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7414979_planting-schedule-illinois.html#ixzz1GxtfjCuL

Shrimp Taco’s
• Ingredients
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 4 limes, cut into quarters
• kosher salt
• 8 6-inch corn tortillas
• 2 to 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• bottled green tomatillo salsa
•
Directions

1. Heat grill to medium-high. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, and cumin. Set aside.
2. Skewer the shrimp. (If using wood skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes beforehand.) In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic. Brush the shrimp with the garlic butter.
3. Place the shrimp on grill with the limes. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and the limes are browned.
4. Remove from grill. Lightly salt the shrimp.
5. Grill the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side, then place inside a paper bag to keep warm.
6. Pull the shrimp off the skewers; divide evenly among the tortillas. Top with the cabbage, sour cream sauce, tomatillo salsa, and a squeeze of grilled lime.
7.
By Jane Kirby, June 2003

“It's fun to get together and have something good to eat at least once a day. That's what human life is all about-enjoying things.”

- Julia Child

Local Events :
Vegetable Gardening
Date & Time: March 22, 2011 (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location
Bartlett Public Library
800 S Bartlett RD
Bartlett, IL 60103 (DuPage County)
Description
Master Gardener Paul Stoffels will discuss the basics of vegetable gardening including the preparation of the soil, choosing the right location and selection of plants. To reserve your seat, please call 630-213-5033.
The Herb Patch
Date & Time : March 22, 2011 (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location
Wheaton Public Library
225 N Cross ST
Wheaton, IL 60187 (DuPage County)
Description Whether you're a new or advanced herb gardener, DuPage County Master Gardener Carol Sherby will be able to offer information useful in the selection, care and uses of a variety of culinary herbs. Come learn how to add some flavor to your garden. Call 630-868-7592 to reserve your spot.
Curb Appeal
Date & Time : April 16, 2011 (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
Location
Roselle Park District (presented by the Roselle Park District Garden Club)
555 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Roselle, IL 60172 (DuPage County)
Description The experts all agree that curb appeal is one of the most important aspects to consider when selling your home. DuPage County Master Gardener Stephanie Dalton will show you how to bring your yard from drab to WOW -- even if you aren't planning to sell. Call 630-881-1300 to reserve your

L.A. McMahon Window Washing & Gutter Cleaning
1-800-820-6155
538 Pratt Ave North
Schaumburg, IL 60193

Drop us an e-mail
mcmahonwindowwashing-
guttercleaning@hotmail.com

Corned beef and cabbage recipe

2011-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

A flavorful crockpot corned beef and cabbage, made with corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.
Ingredients:
•6 to 8 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into thick (about 1/2-inch) slices
•3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
•2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
•1 corned beef brisket, about 3 pounds
•1 cabbage, about 2 pounds
•1/2 teaspoon black pepper
•1 1/2 cups water
Preparation:
Lightly butter or spray a 5 to 6-quart crockpot; layer potato slices over bottom of pot with carrots. Place corned beef on vegetables. Slice cabbage into 8 wedges and arrange around meat. Sprinkle with the pepper and add water. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 7 to 8 hours, until meat and vegetables are tender.
Remove meat to a platter; cover with foil and rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Corned beef and cabbage recipe serves 8.

Pet Photo Contest Spring 2011

2011-03-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

Who's that Doggie in the window?
Do you have a cute photo of your pet in the window? If so please sent it to us:
mcmahonwindowwashing-guttercleaning@hotmail.com

Spring

2011-02-28T09:36:00.001-08:00

E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web"
Directed By: Tammy Mader
April 6 - May 28, 2011

...Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Phone: 630.530.8300
Box Office: 630.530.0111
See More

BEAT THE WINTER BLAHS THINK SPRING...

2011-02-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

BEAT THE WINTER BLAHS THINK SPRING...

GET $10.00 OFF ANY WINDOW WASHING CALL TODAY :
1-800-820-6155

Spring Gutter Cleaning : Get $10.00 OFF Call 1-800-820-6155

2011-02-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

Drop us an e-mail

2010-07-15T09:38:00.001-07:00

L.A. McMahon Window Washing & Gutter Cleaning

Drop us an e-mail

mcmahonwindowwashing-
guttercleaning@hotmail.com

Events Summer 2010

2010-07-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events
Make the most of your summer with these Chicagoland happenings

• July 1-5: Eyes to the Skies
www.eyestotheskies.org
Spend your Fourth of July weekend gazing at a spectacular display of hot air balloons at Eyes to the Skies in Lisle. Food, fireworks, music, and carnival rides make it an event for the whole family.

• July 3-4: Fireworks Dinner Cruise
www.odysseycruises.com
Witness a fireworks display like no other while taking a blissful cruise aboard the Odyssey at Navy Pier. Enjoy America’s finest city from the Fireworks Dinner Cruise, featuring live music and delicious cuisine.

• July 9-11: Taste of Westmont
www.westmontspecialevents.com
Head to the 15th annual Taste of Westmont for a weekend of food and family fun. This award-winning event features Main Stage entertainment that is free to the public.

• July 10-11: Chicago Folk and Roots Fest
www.chicago.metromix.com
Hear musical acts from the Chicago area and around the world at the 13th annual Chicago Folk and Roots Fest. Join a dance lesson, or just sit back and enjoy the entertainment for people of all ages. Food vendors and kids’ arts and crafts make it an event perfect for everyone in the family.

• August 7: Dog Days at Cantigny
www.cantigny.org
Join other dog owners and lovers at Cantigny for a day spent with man’s best friend. Bring your dog and enjoy a day of activities, visits from rescue organizations, and training demonstrations.

Labor Day at a Glance
• Sept. 3-6: Last Fling
Naperville, www.lastfling.org

• Sept. 4: Navy Pier Fireworks
Grant Park, www.navypier.com

• Sept. 4-5: Chicago Jazz Festival
Grant Park, www.explorechicago.org

• Sept. 6: Labor Day Turf Showcase
Arlington Park, www.arlingtonpark.com

• Sept. 6: Cubs vs. Astros
Wrigley Field, www.cubs.com

Meatloaf Muffins

2010-07-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Summer Planting & Gardening Tips

2010-07-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Summer Planting & Gardening Tips
Help your spring garden flourish even when the temperatures rise

• Summer is the ideal time for plant containers, both indoors and out. Since the threat of frost has passed, window boxes and patio pots are able to thrive.

• Keep an eye out for pests, aphids, and mildew that thrive in hot temperatures. Pepper wax and other repellants are ideal to keep rodents and deer away as well.

• Heat calls for more watering than is needed in the spring. An estimated inch of water weekly is ideal.

• Be proactive in taking care of weeds, as they will be more caustic to flowers if left unattended to.

• Middle to late summer is a great time to prepare for next season’s gardening. Take notes of when plants ripen, how much rain your garden got throughout the season, and how well each plant fared.

Great Summer Flowers
These sun-loving flowers will brighten up any garden

• Purple Coneflower
• Daylily
• Dahlia
• Lily
• Gladiolus

Spring Cleaning Post Card

2010-03-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Coupons

2010-03-22T11:39:00.000-07:00