Singing In The Seattle Rain

Awesome paint job

2010-12-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

I just had the inside of my condo painted by the most professional painter. John was on time, stayed to his bid, cleaned up after himself, did a maticulous job and on top of that, he was fun to have around. If anyone needs to have the inside or outside of their place painted, I highly recommend him. John Hillyard, Designtech 425-273-3307. Pass his name on, I always support anyone who works as hard as he does.

Strawberry Bread recipe

2009-04-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

2 eggs
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 Tablespoons safflower oil
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup Fresh strawberries, sliced or 1 cup unsweetened frozen berries, thawed
1 ½ cups spelt flour*, oat flour or whole-wheat pastry flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped hazelnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Spray one loaf pan or 2 mini-loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy, about one minute. Add the applesauce, oil, sugar and vanilla. Mix lightly.

Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt to the liquid ingredients and stir until blended.

Gently fold in the strawberries and nuts.

Bake for 40-45 minutes for the small pans, or 55-60 for the bread loaf pan.
Bread is done when a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean.

Remove pans from the oven and let sit on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.

Remove bread from the pans and cool on the rack.

*If using spelt flour, let the batter sit for 10 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Taking care of Parents

2009-04-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

I received a phone call from my Step Mother this afternoon. She never calls me. She started the conversation by asking if I was enjoying the sunshine. I said YES, knowing there was something else behind the question. What she proceeded to ask was, "Your Dad needs new shoes and where did I get the bags for garbage under the kitchen sink" "When are you leaving for San Juan and when can you come over and take us shopping." Hope the Sunshine stays around.

Return to sender.

2009-04-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful lunch with my son Dan and my husband Steve, yesterday. I'm so fortunate to be surrounded by my family who support and love me. We ate, laughed and shared what was going on in our lives. I mentioned quietly how I was doing on my book sales and that I was contemplating blogging again to stir up interest Well, not so quietly Dan started advising me on the impact of this wonderful tool. Long story short I committed to blogging for one month and see how that goes. I'll be sharing what I'm cooking, what cooking classes I'm working in or taking and anything else you want to know about food, my favorite subject to talk about. My book Healthy Family Favorites can be found at Amazon.com. and BarnesandNoble.com. or out of the back of my car. Want to know what to serve for dinner, please ask.

Menu and another book signing

2008-09-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

My last book signing was such a success I've decided to do another. It will be at the Central Market Mill Creek grocery story on September 27th, noon to 4. The bakery will be sampling my Iced Pumpkin Cookies.
I'm considering posting menu's out of my cookbook. I know I always want ideas for dinner. I'll cook anything if someone give me an idea. So, I'll lay one out and you can let me know if this is helps you all out.

DINNER
Crock Pot Pork Roast with Sauerkraut
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Iced Pumpkin Cookies

These are all in my Healthy Family Favorites Cookbook and my friend Deanne's twins love this crock pot recipe. They are 7 years old.
If you don't have my book yet, you can get it from me, my daughter Lisa, my son Dan or Barnesandnoble.com or Amazon.com.
Enjoy

Book Signing Event

2008-08-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

BOOK SIGNING AND DESSERT SAMPLING EVENT
AT SUSAN’S SWEETS

BOTHELL – Health food fanatics and sweet-tooths alike are sure to enjoy the Book Signing and Dessert Sampling Event to be held at Susan’s Sweets, Bothell Country Village, 831 – 237th Street SE on Saturday, September 6th from Noon to 5:00 pm. Author Mary Diederichs will sign her latest cookbook, Healthy Family Favorites: A Fresh Approach to Great Eating ($16.95), while Susan Swanigan of Susan’s Sweets will satisfy sugar cravings with her delectable desserts!

“I’ve always loved baking, but Mary Diederichs’ cookbook makes me motivated to cook and inspired to further explore health living,” said Susan Swanigan, who was a personal trainer before entering the baking business. Susan already makes her products with no preservatives and can make most of her products organic, but is always looking for new, health-conscience ideas.

Using timeless classics and by adapting traditional family recipes, Mary Diederichs, of Kirkland, always loved creating scrumptious, yet healthy feasts for her family. Now Mary shares some of her latest secrets, such as Mashed Yams with Rosemary and Toasted Hazelnuts, Soy Ginger Salmon, and Apple Walnut Cobbler, and how she makes them fit for a healthier lifestyle.

Also rooted in tradition and tweaking recipes is Susan Swanigan, who has been a baker since she could barely reach the counter. In addition to perfecting her cookie recipes and offering unique varieties, such as the All-In-One Cookie (Oatmeal with White Chocolate Chips, Cranberries and Walnuts), she has created seven flavors of S’mores, her specialty.

The Book Signing and Dessert Sampling Event is at Susan’s Sweets, Bothell Country Village, 831 – 237th Street SE, just off the Bothell-Everett Highway, in Bothell. Parking is Free. For more information contact Susan Swanigan, 206-406-1287 or Mary Diederichs at 206-963-1559.

I'm an author.

2008-08-01T06:44:00.001-07:00

I received my finished book this week. I've been working on it for a year and a half and it is now in my hands. It felt something like holding your baby for the first time. I couldn't believe that I could produce anything that beautiful. The colors were vibrant, it was shiney and it felt good. I'm a little proud of myself right now.
Oh, by the way. The book is a cookbook. HEALTY FAMILY FAVORITES by Mary Diederichs

COFFEE

2008-06-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

A question? What motivates me to get out of bed in the morning?
Answer: Always, coffee. The smell, the taste and the buz fuels my next move. I'm then free to start creating a beautiful day.

Speaking of coffee, I received my proof in the mail from my editor. I need to proof the proof and then send it off to printing. It will take about 2 weeks to receive my shipment. I'm very excited and a little nervous. I'm guessing I'll feel somewhat like holding your baby for the first time, overwhelmed. Can't wait

Healthy Family Favorites

2008-04-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

A year ago I decided to start writing recipes for my two children, Lisa and Dan. They would often call me up and ask for the recipe for one of their favorite foods, Spaghetti sauce, Joe's special or maybe a salad they favored. One by one I started experimenting with ingredients, wrote down the recipe and with the help from many, I created a book. My book is finished and I'm taking it to print this week. The title is Healthy Family Favorites and I'm really excited to hold it in my hands.
When my children were small I wanted to write a cookbook but, I was too busy. When they were older I wanted to write a cookbook but, I was too busy. Now that they are grown I could continue to be busy, or follow my dreams.

MY NEW LIFE AS A BLOGGER

2008-04-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my beautiful daughter Lisa, my life as a blogger has begun.
I can't wait to share my newest project with all of you.
Thanks for reading what I have to say. I have a lot to share with you.
Stay tuned for more.