Strawberry Almond Meringue

I kept trying to come up with a clever name for this little beaut.  Something more clever then 'Strawberry Almond Meringue'.  There was ... 'She's Got Sass', 'Not Your Mama's Shortcake'... and a few others that made the list.  In the end, it went back to the basic title you see before you now.  But I must say... this airy dessert may have a plain Jane name... but it's got serious style.

This was my first venture into the world of meringues.  Crazy, I know.  It's just never been a part of any recipes I've made in the past.  Boy am I glad I gave it a go.  Soooo good!  And way easier then I ever thought it would be!

Keep reading for the recipe and step by step.

SaltTree Feedback Survey

Hello all! 

I'm hoping many of you are willing to spend two minutes or so filling out this short survey for yours truly!  SaltTree has been up and running for well over a year now, so I believe it's about time to get a little feedback from you! 

Thank you all in advance for your time and for helping to make SaltTree even better!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Open Call Tuesday #10 + QOTC Giveaway!

Welcome to Open Call!  What have you been up to?  Last week I made some refreshing limeade in sugared glasses.  I am also pleased to say my Citrus Sorbet post was featured over at Hammock Tracks this weekend!  Otherwise, this weekend was spent helping my mother and father in law move.  It was just the two of them in a great big empty house, so it was time to downsize.  Needless to say, it was a tiring weekend!

If you recall, I mentioned there were quite a few giveaways happening in June, and this week doesn't disappoint!  Courtesy of Queen of the Creek and it's a pretty fun one at that!  Let's get to a few other things first, then to this weeks giveaway!

Fresh Limeade with Sugared Glasses

Hot summer days and cold, refreshing drinks.  The stuff of summer.  You can't deny that they are better together then apart.

What seems forever ago... actually, more like half a lifetime ago (eek!), my long time friend Jenn, introduced me to making limeade.  We were teenagers, it was hot outside and it was a fun thing to make.  I had never seen someone make limeade using the entire lime before.  The result was delicious!  Fresh, cold, tangy and frothy (my favourite part).  We could drink the entire batch in one sitting!

Open Call Tuesday #9 + PYP Giveaway!

Welcome to Open Call!  I hope you are all armed with your projects and ready to show them off!  Last week I made some awesome sandwich bread.  I do believe it could be the perfect loaf!  And more recently, I whipped up a beaded bubble wand from a dollar store hair band.  I do hope you will take a peek!

I know you are all here for Open Call, but shucks... see I have this slam-tastic, awesome giveaway for you courtesy of Pick Your Plum!  Interested....?

Hair Band Turned Bubble Wand

I saw this pretty bubble wand creation floating around on Pinterest a while back.  It was made by wrapping wire and stringing some beads on the handle to make it really fun.  Naturally, I pinned it and it went on my mental to-do list.  You know the one.  And time passes...

The Perfect Sandwich Loaf

Since I got that wicked birthday present known as 'present of awesomeness' aka, Kitchen Aid stand mixer, I've been using it for everything!

Around the House: Our Backyard

I thought I would share some things we've been doing in our backyard.  It's still a work in progress.  After five years of being in this house, I finally feel like it's taking shape.  We fought for years with the soil... er should I say clay.  Try planting in that stuff!  

My mom picked up this nice birdcage from a local thrift store for a steal.  I decided it would be great in the garden.  I had the perfect spot where it looked like something was 'missing'.... petunias for colour and some climbing vines to grow around it... I can hardly wait to see what it's going to look like when it fills out, which it already has quite a bit since taking this photo!

Open Call Tuesdays #8

Welcome to Open Call!  I hope you are all armed with your projects and ready to show them off!  Last week I made a super easy thread spool rack using a thrift store picture frame, cork and pins.  I also made butter using my brand new mixer (hubby did good for my birthday).

Let's take a look at some things from last week that really stood out from the crowd.  And by the way, you all made it incredibly difficult for me to not feature everything! 

Honey Sweetened Snow Cone Syrup

The snow cone.  It's a sweet, cool treat on a hot day.  We recently got an ice shaver, but the bottles of syrup are rather high in sugar and limited in flavour.  Cherry, blue raspberry, strawberry.  That's it?  What about all the other fruit flavours out there?

There are a few ways you can make some homemade snow cone syrup.  The one I'm focusing on uses honey and citrus fruits, but I have included the more traditional way in this post as well.

Edit Me Challenge 23

It's time for another Edit Me Challenge.  Head on over and take a look if you are interested in participating! It's a great link up party where an original image is provided, then everyone takes a go at editing it the way they like.  It's pretty amazing to see all the variations!

Make Butter?

So I have this very dear friend... and occasionally (in a way a loving friend would do, well at least WE do) she pokes fun at how ridiculously DIY I can be and the random things I make and bake from scratch.  You see, she is not a particularly crafty girl (self proclaimed, but you should see how she can put a room together) and often jokes, "why do I need to be crafty when I have you?"  lol.  And of course she knows I will, because we are friends and she is a wonderful and thoughtful person!

Easy DIY Thread Spool Rack

Have you seen the prices of thread spool holders at the stores?  No way am I going to spend that much on some wooden contraption with no personality.  I can make my own.  And so can you!

Open Call Tuesdays #7 + Giveaway!

Welcome to Open Call!  I hope you are all armed with your projects and ready to show them off!  Last week I made some Red Rooibos Iced Tea with spiced plum and orange... yum... and a little project prettying up some empty condiment jars. 

I know you are all here for Open Call, but I have a treat for you this week! You see, it's my birthday today!  So why not celebrate by giving you some free swag!

But let's get to last weeks features first, shall we?

Edit Me Challenge Week 22

It's been a little while since I've participated in the Edit Me Challenge.  Head on over and take a look if you are interested in participating! It's a great link up party where an original image is provided, then everyone takes a go at editing it the way they like.  It's pretty amazing to see all the variations!