Saturday, April 26, 2008

Doesn't Brecks know that mid April is not the planting time in Michigan?

Before I get to the gardeing, let me attempt to tantalize your taste buds with these twice-baked potatoes I made for dinner today. They have a layer of caramelized Vidalia onions on the bottom, a bit of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crushed Caesar salad croutons on the top. YUM! They were good. I really don't have a recipe, it's one of those toss-in-whatever-you-like items. I never make the exact same twice baked potato. I had this bag of croutons that we both hated (too hard and crunchy), so I dumped them into the food processor and turned them into crumbs for the topping. They gave a delicious flavor--much better then flour.

We will come back to the potatoes later, after I show you the little bit of gardening I did today.

Last week I received my Breck's order of cannas, dahlias and flame flower. I ordered them months ago and they said they would send the order at the proper planting time.

The proper plating time in my region for tender plants like these is early June. I stuck the box in the garage for the past week. I am not sure if sitting in the garage for six weeks is a good idea.

Today I decided to plant them in containers and store them in the garage at night. I thought it would be nice to get a head start on the blooms. That means I have a good month of hauling nine pots in and out every day. I hope the blooms will be worth all this extra work!

I am supposed to plant these two Wyoming canna rhizomes 15 - 20 inches apart. I just ignored that and stuck them both in the same container.
Here I have six containers of Rembrandt dahlias. I may end up popping them into the ground in June.
I looked at this tiny little flame flower bulb and wondered what in the world I was thinking! I can't imagine that this one little bulb is going to do much. I've never even seen a flame flower. This was one of those too-easy-to-click Internet impulse buys. The "cup shape blooms of bold red and yellow" must have made my mouse-clicking finger tremble right to the order form. I gave it a pot of it's own and we will see what becomes of it.

I spent the rest of the afternoon cooking. MY sister-in-law had a sudden operation yesterday and is now in the intensive care unit. I wanted to make a few things to take to my brother-in-law. I am sure he will appreciate having a meal or two ready in the next few days. I made a dozen of those twice-baked potatoes so I took some to him and froze a couple more meals.

Do the work only once and enjoy the meal at least four times....that's my motto.

Anyway here is the meal of baked chicken strips, carrots and the twice bakes that I am taking to him. I hope he likes it. I stuck some Sweet and Sour dipping sauce in there, too.


I am also taking some chili. I hope he likes it.

6 comments:

  1. Your restuffed potatoes look delish. We're doing tri tip on the grill tonight and they would go great with that!
    Your brother in law will surely appreciate having so good meals that are quick to reheat
    xo

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  2. The potatoes look yummy! I'm sure your friend will be very appreciative.

    Look forward to seeing what your flame flower does.

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  3. How nice of you to take over a meal. He will be so happy for that!
    I am just not going to be doing any planting ahead of time..once it's gardening time everything I want to plant will go in..none of this dragging pots in and out of the garage. I've done this too many times in the past and am just not up for it this year. So I will be reading and listening to your woes, Zoey! LOL

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  4. I just had twice baked potatoes at a restaurant last night and they didn't look as good as yours!
    Sorry about your sister-in-law. I wish her a speedy recovery. I'm sure the meals will be much appreciated.
    Good idea about getting your bulbs in dirt too!

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  5. May I just say that I hope your flame flower performs as claimed. I actually paid $10 of my hard-earned dollars to buy this "absolutely amazing, brillant, bloom until frost 'lilly'" at the Flower Show one year. It was a red Four O'Clock. Really! I've never bought another thing at the Flower Show!! Love the jacket and the Fiesta will be the better for having you in the audience.

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  6. Hi Susie, yes, they would go good with that. I like having some in the freezer just to pull out for such occasions.

    Debbie, I am also eager to see what the flame flower does. I hope it's something nice.

    Betty,
    I hadn't planned to plant anything early either. I really hate hauling them in and out. In fact for the past two days, I haven't even hauled them out. It's been too cold.


    Dianne,thank you for that kind comment. I hope he liked the meals.

    Willow, $10 for a 4'o'clock!! I can see why you wouldn't want to buy there again. It will be interesting to see what the flame flower brings.

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