Back to school....finally :)

Don't misunderstand, I love summer.
We had some awesome times this season...The concerts,

Camp Natoma

Disneyland 

                  




A lot of beach time.... 












Our cousins spending several weeks with us here at Hillbilly Haven. 






It 's just that the first day of school each year gives me such a warm fuzzy feeling. Knowing that the girls are returning to their friends, the structured routine that keeps them safe and makes them smart. The days may be a bit more hectic but it is such positive energy...




This year my girls are both in High School, 


San Luis Senior High. It will be a very interesting year!






Every year I take a picture of Maddy and Izzy on the first day of school.




Here is this years 

Sunday and San Luis Obispo

What fun Izzy and I had yesterday. We went to my friend, Lorraine's to ride in her new arena. Lorraine and her husband John own Alban Vineyards www.albanvineyards.com


Alban Vineyards is the first American winery and Vineyard established exclusively for Rhone Varietals.


 

John is considered one of the most influential American Rhone producers. To me is he is my hilarious, incredibly generous friend with a passion for what he does.


Lorraine and I share our passion for horses. She has rescued 4 horses in San Luis County and has given them a second chance and a wonderful home! Her love of animals of all kinds is never-ending. She is a true animal advocate.






 We were the first to ride and jump in this arena! It was a real treat and we can't wait to go back.

Yesterday, My good friend Eileen sent me this old advertisement video of San Luis Obispo. It is a hoot. 
Enjoy...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5481093413759968375

Peaches

While working last week we went to Lisa Morr's ranch and were treated to a bucket of her wonderful peaches. 

The tree is literally right outside the barn door. All the horses have a peach everyday and so do the riders and there still more for the taking!


          
             


             I made Fresh Peach and Sriracha sorbet.
                 
                                                     


Here is a bit of info on the Thai sauce.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sriracha_sauce


This is one of the most delicious sorbet's I have every tasted! It's peach time! 


Here is the recipe.
ingredients:
2 pounds ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• Mint sprigs, for garnish

preparation:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the peaches, water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly. Carefully pour the peach mixture into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until smooth. Transfer the puree to an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate until chilled thoroughly, at least 4 hours, or until ready to use.

Add the Sriracha and process in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Some machines might require additional time in the freezer to set.) Serve in bowls. Garnish with sprigs of mint.

Cake Pops

Boy are these fun! I had my first
Cake Pop at Disney's Napa Rose Restaurant in Anaheim. 


                                






So.....I had to make them



They are so fun to make and are delicious too!


Here comes the basic recipe and a few flavor combinations and ideas!
I have the best luck with Trader Joe's cake mixes. But any cake mix will do well.

1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can frosting (16 oz.)
Wax paper

(1 lb. pkg.)
Lollipop sticks

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can frosting. (I use the back of a large spoon, but it may be easier to use fingers to mix together. But, be warned, it will get messy. Also, you may not need the entire can of frosting, so start out by using almost the entire can and add more if you need to.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50)
4. Melt chocolate in the microwave per directions on package. (30 sec intervals, stirring in between.)
5. Dip the tip of your lollipop stick in a little of the melted candy coating and insert into the cake balls. (Insert a little less than halfway.)
6. Place them in the freezer for a little while to firm up.
7. Once firm, carefully insert the cake ball into the candy coating by holding the lollipop stick and rotating until covered. Once covered remove and softly tap and rotate until the excess chocolate falls off. Don’t tap too hard or the cake ball will fall off, too.
8. Place in a styrofoam block to dry.

I am excited about Halloween this year. It is my dear friend Kary's favorite time of year and I am going to make some spooky cake pops! 

                             Maybe she will join me...

Catering...Weddings....

31 years of my life  I have been working in the hospitality industry. Yesterday, with my husband Greg we catered my boss and mentor, Dr. Sadie DVM. wedding in Avila Beach.

As weddings go, this was one of the easiest families I have had the pleasure to work with.

The food was fabulous!

Glad it's over....

Summer pizza party and friends

We had grandma and grandpa up for a pizza party while the cousins were here. Greg made burrata, fresh tomato and basil pizza, pepperoni pizza and my favorite...Cheese pizza! He makes the dough and cooks them on a stone in our outdoor BBQ. The crust comes out just the way I like it...thin and crisp!
































After the pizza party we went to our friends, Brenda and Mile Mills house to play and burn off some calories!

Cousins...

July has been a pretty busy month for us here at Hillbilly Haven... Both girls went to Camp Natoma www.campnatoma.org. Izzy went for one week and Maddy went for 3 weeks...Their cousins came up from San Diego to join them as they have the past 5 years! 

Evan

Alec

,

                                                We have gone to the Fair

                                             

                        We have been to a neighbors pool party!  

                    And we have spent lots of time at the Beach... 

                                  That's Olive Swimming!!

A great July...

and looking forward to August!