The Best Cheese I have ever eaten

So, I have to tell you that today, I tried the most amazing cheese that I have ever had the opportunity to taste, it was simply amazing.

The Olive Tapenade Chevre is the first one I tried and purchased. It is so smooth and creamy and is like velvet on your tongue, I was totally blown away. If you are a cheese lover, check their website out here, they also sell other varieties of cheeses and are based here in the Pacific Northwest.

They are at our local Farmers Market as well, if you can go in person.

I highly recommend their cheese, up next I am trying their Roasted Hazelnut and Frangelico Goat Cheese, can you imagine that!

Plantains, Two Ways

My husband gets to sample food from all over the world on his travels. He decided to fix me dinner, and made Plantains two ways, fried green plantains called Tostones and ripe Plantains, called Maduros. He actually fried the green ones and they taste a bit like bananna chips, the Tostones he fried as well and then baked some in the traditional manner.

I have to say I loved the ripe Plantains, both fried (twice) and baked, they were so dang good. I am afraid I am seriously addicted. The green ones (which were also fried twice), were not my thing.

They are served with two seperate dipping sauces which are both amazing!

This particular blog post is nearly a year old and I never did add the information on the sauces and cooking them, but it should be pretty easy to find on the web!

Sad Anniversary

Today marks the one year anniversary of the loss of our Beautiful, Majestic, Martha Anne. She was only seven, I thought she would be here so much longer, taken swiftly.

To say we still feel the loss is an understatement, we still talk about her constantly, remembering all her goofy ways and silly self. Bella Sue has filled a huge hole in our heart and she is loved and treasured, but Martha was our "once in a lifetime dog".

We will never forget her, nor will anyone who ever met her. She was a friend to all, a constant companion and a goofy, happy dog.

I decided to share some of the million and one photos we have of her, our Baby, our darling daughter.

I will never forget you my beauty, always in our hearts.........

Bella Sue in her new Sailor Dress

I was at Petsmart, saw this and could NOT resist! My favorite outfit yet!

Suggestions Needed

I am having about 6 big parties this summer and am looking for some new ideas on what to serve!

In the past I have done the usual barbecued burgers/dogs/salads, a Mexican theme and related foods, Ribs, Salmon with the accompanying side dishes.

Several will be in late summer and it will be really warm.

Any ideas/suggestions/recipes/themes appreciated!