Noelle - The All American Girl

I spent a lovely afternoon with this little cutie and her mom. Noelle is one cheerful and energetic 10 months old. Here's a sneak peek. Enjoy!

The rocking pony once used by Noelle's father.

I love the Baby's room decoration. Noelle's mom designed and sewed the curtain to match with the decor in the room.

Snack time - Noelle demonstrated her new trick, munching a whole apple (no cutting/chopping needed)! Her teeth are so strong.

sweet and savory

How good is it to bring sweet and savory together? That will be one perfect world.

I found a really good recipe on epicurious.com. I did make some alterations after reviewing the comments online. This is one great easy recipe to try if you got a little bit too excited and bought too much delicious strawberries from the farmer's market. Brown sugar compliments well with the balsamic vinegar while the cracked black pepper adds some kick to it. Serve this strawberry preserves with goat cheese on crackers or crostini and you will be in heaven.

Strawberry Preserves with Balsamic Vinegar & Black Pepper

Ingredients
1 pint ripe strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 cup brown sugar
3-1/2 Tb balsamic vinegar
1-1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

Directions:
In a small heavy saucepan bring all ingredients to a boil. Mash the strawberries slightly and stir frequently as the balsamic vinegar will caramelize at the bottom of the pan easily. Skim foam occasionally. Simmer mixture in low to medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until the consistency to your liking. Remove pan from heat and cool preserves completely in a heat proof container.

Tips:
Preserves will slightly thicken when it cools down. You can drop a dollop of preserves on a chilled plate to check consistency.


(adapted from recipe on epicurious.com, http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/STRAWBERRY-PRESERVES-WITH-BLACK-PEPPER-AND-BALSAMIC-VINEGAR-14034)