Pansies are a sure sign that spring is here! I love all the pretty colors! They are a fun flower to bake with and make crafts with. These shortbread cookies are easy to make. You combine butter and sugar in a food processor, then add flour and vanilla and pulse until the dough comes together. Chill the dough, roll out and cut out rounds with a cookie cutter. You can vary the size, depending on the size of your pansies.

While the dough is chilling, prepare your pansies. Cut off the stem and place them on a large sheet of parchment paper.

Place another sheet of parchment paper over the top of the pansies.

Weigh the pansies down, I topped them with a baking sheet and cook books. Let them set at least 30 minutes.

Bake the shortbread cookies for about 7-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently press the flat pansies on the hot cookies.

Sprinkle with granulated or sparkling sugar.

What a pretty bunch!

I like the smaller pansies better. The pansies are edible, but I think they may be more of a decoration for most people. But everyone will like the rich shortbread cookies!

Just what you need for a pretty tea party with your friends – or grandkids! Enjoy!

For the recipe and complete instructions, click on the link below:

https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/how-to-make-pansy-topped-shortbread-cookies-recipe/

Here is another idea for pansy topped cookies:

Make some cute cards or bookmarks with your pansies!

Have fun with the flowers in your gardens!!! Enjoy!

Black Eyed Susan (or Rudbeckia) is another easy to grow and care for perennial. It is daisy-like, with yellow petals that surround a dark brown eye on stems that grow about 2 feet tall. They will grow in a variety of soils and do best in full sun. There are many varieties, but I have the traditional ones.

I have some planted in partial shade and they do well there too.

Black Eyed Susan flowers will attract butterflies and bees.

Deadheading encourages more blooms and a sturdier, more compact plant. They will do best if you divide them every 4-5 years.

Black Eyed Susan plants mix well with other perennials and annuals in your garden – they add a dazzling color to your gardens.

Mark’s garden gnome has been in our garden for years! Cute little fellow! Remember to bring some of your Black Eyed Susan flowers inside, they will last about a week or longer.

Enjoy your flowers!

Last week when I was visiting with my daughter, she requested that next year I make some spicy salsa. But “no time like the present” right? The garden is looking pretty sad, but it is still producing tomatoes and peppers. I was able to pick enough of both to make two batches of spicy salsa this weekend.

Most of the salsa was canned in quart jars for my “kids”, but I canned a few in pint jars to give as gifts. You can design and print off your own personal labels. If you use Avery labels, they are many templates that are easy to use and personalize. Tie a bit of raffia or ribbon around the jar to make it look extra festive.

I used the same recipe that I use for my mild salsa (link below), with a few changes. I used 5 jalapenos, but left in the membranes and seeds for extra spice. I also reduced the sugar amount to 3 tablespoons.

Everyone needs a jar of salsa handy! It is the perfect dip for chips – but really so many things are better with a little spicy salsa on top! Try a spoonful over scrambled eggs or add it to your tacos or fajitas. Make a burrito bowl, use it in a casserole or use it to top a baked potato with a bit of sour cream. Enjoy!

For the recipe, click on the link below:

https://www.melskitchencafe.com/best-homemade-salsa/