Yummy Cheese Crackers

I'm posting this recipe in response to several requests.  First, though, I'd like to give credit where credit is due. :)  

Melissa discovered this recipe, and we were thrilled every time we saw her making "those yummy cheese crackers!"  I never appreciated the work she went to until Rebekah and I made them for the first time last November ... it took forever (didn't it, Rebekah?!)!!!  However, there is a shortcut I'll share at the end in case you're pressed for time or (like me!) don't like tedious projects ... and the crackers will taste just as delicious!

Also, the original recipe can be found at this link .

                                       Yummy Cheese Crackers

* 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated or cubed

* 4 TBSP butter, cubed

* 1 cup flour

* 3/4 tsp. salt

* 2 TBSP cold water

1) Pulse everything except water in a blender/food processor until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

2) Pulse in water, 1 TBSP at a time.
3) Remove dough and wrap in plastic wrap.  Chill for 20 minutes.

4) Roll out dough and cut into desired shapes.  Place on greased or lined cookie cheet.

5) Bake at 350* for about 15 minutes or until crispy.  Makes approximately 7 dozen crackers.

Note:  Using tiny cookie cutters will turn out perfectly crispy, bite-sized crackers (smaller than Cheez-its).  The smaller the cutter, the crispier the cracker will be!  

Shortcut: Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or diamonds.  If needed, use a thin spatula to lift the crackers from the cutting surface.  Gently 

separate them before cooking.  

Enjoy!!!  And don't eat too many ... ;)

The Lewis Edition: Spring is Here!

My geranium (started from seed for our wedding) bloomed

again early this month, just as things began to get green outside!

 Wisteria!  

I was surprised and thrilled to see so much of it come out this spring ...

it is literally everywhere!!!  

We had a wonderful time with a family with whom we

have mutual friends in Tennessee.

Looking forward to getting together again!

 Shreveport Symphony musicians getting warmed up

 for a Masterworks Concert.  I got a balcony seat!

Can you spot my fella? :)

We left from Shreveport and headed to Tennessee for

Spring Break week. 

A bridge to nowhere! ;)

Sadly, my camera phone memory was full, so I was unable 

to take pictures while we were in Tennessee ... 

but here are some highlights of the trip:

                                      Spending time with family (of course!)

                                      Practice shooting, and trying out Jonathan and David's new guns 

                                      Eating Bluebell every night! :)

                                      Lunch together at "Jonathan's" Red Lobster

                                      Worshiping and playing music at my family's church

                                      Getting to see Alana, Tristan and Blake

                                            

The following weekend Russell had a concert in Texarkana.

Our kind hosts let us stay in their very nice guest house! 

A small space, yet more than adequate!

Do you know what this is?

The bed!!!

Practicing for a few minutes before the concert.

And we're home!

This pictures says, "Home" to me. :)

It's so green here!  Loving it!

More blooms on the geranium!

Our mums and vinca from last summer made it

 through the winter and are happily blooming!

:)

And, last but not least, squash and tomato plants!

The rest of the plants traveled with us and relocated

to my family in Tennessee.

This seedling "came up volunteer," as they say in Tennessee,

 in the compost I brought back from the farm.

My favorite road to walk and run. 

Reminds me of Shiloh Battlefield ... so many fun memories there!

Spring greens!

 Storm sky on our way back from a enjoyable afternoon in Dallas.

 Marshall Symphony prepares to give a great concert!

And that's all for now!

Spring in Tennessee

We had an early spring this year.  The strawberries and cherries bloomed in February. 

The bees started building up early, too...queen cells in February!

Taking a walk in our creek...one of the prettiest and most peaceful places in the world!

Then, a few weeks later we had snow!

Meanwhile, in Texas... (Deborah sent this picture the same day we had snow) 

 Later in March, the bees are swarming - a month earlier than normal.

I thought this swarm looked like a sloth hanging from the tree.  :)

Three days later, the swarm is busily building comb in their new hive...

...and swarm traps are hanging up around the field.

Busy bees bringing in pollen

Another swarm we caught at some friends' home this weekend.

Now it's green in Tennessee, too!

The strawberries are growing...

...and the blueberries are blooming, which makes the bees and butterflies happy.

Amanda brought us some extra tomato and squash seedlings she had.

Our herb bed needed some attention

Potting extra plants to share with friends

The (almost) finished herb bed

 

And today...

...the first ripe strawberries!