I have a surprise for you tomorrow.  Ssshhh!

Let's just say it involves bread and cheese...oh my!

But first, in order to make our little surprise tomorrow we first have to whip up a little seasoning mix.

Not just any mix...oh no!  This is a Sicilian Seasoning mix.

This is a great all around mix that you will find many, many, uses for.  I mean MANY!  Just think of the possibilities.

So whip this up right away and seal it in an airtight jar or bottle, it is so worth it!  And...when you see what tomorrow's treat is you will be glad you did!

(Oh yea, and there will be some other great recipes soon using this same mix as well.)

Sicilian Seasoning

2 Tablespoons dried basil
2 Tablespoons dried marjoram
2 Tablespoons dried oregano
2 Tablespoons dried thyme
2 Tablespoons dried winter savory
1 Teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 Tablespoon dried rosemary (optional)

Combine spices in a bowl.  For storage place mixture in an airtight jar or bottle.

Flavored Water

Taking advantage of the weather and the somewhat late evenings we still have at the end of summer is a great way to explore our local neighborhoods and get some exercise.

This was our goal the other night.  Our destination was Brand Park.  This is a 31 acre park at the base of the Verdugo Mountains.  It has a lot of hiking and biking trails, along with picnic areas, a traditional Japanese teahouse, gardens, and sporting facilities.  The nature here is beautiful. 

Where a library now sits used to be a 1904 home to Leslie C. Brand, inspired by the East Indian Pavilion built for the 1893 Columbian World Exposition held in Chicago.

Here's the entrance to the property...and MGG.

It is also the home of The Doctors House, built in 1888. A wonderful old Victorian home.

So we had a lot of fun hiking around the park that evening, and plan to go back for some picnic action.

So this leads me to hydration...

When you expend a lot of energy it is important to stay hydrated.  Even working around the house or yard during these remaining hot days of summer is cause for drinking plenty of water.

For a cool and refreshing beverage, nothing is better than naturally flavored water.  Two fruit combinations that we enjoy are lemons, raspberries, and water. and oranges and water.   This method gives the water a hint of fruity flavor, and it tastes great!  Make sure to chill the water with the fruit for about an hour before serving. 

Enjoy!

Flavored Waters

Lemon Raspberry Water

1 pitcher or jug filled with bottled or filtered water
1 lemon
1/2 pint of raspberries
ice if desired

Fill your container with fresh drinking water.  Slice a lemon in to slices.  Add the slices of lemon and the raspberries to the water.  Add ice if desired.  Chill for about 1 hour to impart flavors into the water.


Orange Water

1 pitcher or jug filled with bottled or filtered water
1 orange
ice if desired

Fill your container with fresh drinking water. Slice a orange in to slices.  Add the slices of oranges to the water.  Add ice if desired.  Chill for about 1 hour to impart flavors into the water.