Spring Flower Power March 9, 2014

Welcome to my Spring celebration post, today I am linking with-

Macro Monday 2 hosted by Gemma and Mystical Magical Teacher

I Heart Macro hosted by Laura

Today's Flowers hosted by Denise

Spring continues to weave its magic early on the west coast.  Here are the blue purple whirligig blooms of Vinca minor, also known as Periwinkle-

More daffodils are blooming, wafting their sweet fragrance-

The plum trees, Beauty and Methley, are valiantly blooming early, I just hope enough bees also wake up early to pollinate them-

The valiant efforts of the little flies that mimic bees are accomplishing some pollination, I can see the tiny fly antennae-

I like the green star at the heart of the flower.  A hummingbird also came by for a sip.

Meanwhile in the house the spotted orchid is blooming again-

And a week ago it was my husband's birthday, we had sugar-free and gluten-free chocolate eclairs in celebration, I neglected to take a photograph but the recipe is-

Puff Pastry

1 cup / 237 ml water

2/3 cup / 85gm rice flour, brown, white, or mixed

1/3 cup / 43gm tapioca flour

2 tsp / 8gm Xanthan Gum

1/4 tsp / 1gm salt

1 stick butter / 8 oz / 112gm butter

4 eggs

Bring the water to a boil, melting the butter in it, then add the mixed flours and stir rapidly until a ball is formed that pulls away from the sides of the pan and becomes elastic.  Remove from heat and stir in one egg at a time, beating until completely incorporated.  Put on a greased baking sheet by 1.5" / 2.5cm balls, or form long shapes with a pastry tube.   I just make round balls since it is easier.  

Bake at 400ºF / 204ºC for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 325ºF / 163ºC for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown and firm.   Cool and slice part way through, leaving a connection on one side.

Fill with whipped cream sweetened with Stevia to taste, and vanilla.

I added cherry jam to a few.

Top with chocolate made with raw cacao powder, softened butter, and sweetened to taste with Stevia.

I use the concentrated Stevia that only requires a tiny 45mg scoop per cup of tea.  Several brands are available on ebay.

This was the first time I made eclairs since becoming gluten-free, and I was amazed that I couldn't tell them from those I used to make with wheat flour, and also this is the only "cake" type recipe I know that doesn't require any sugar, honey, or fruit to sweeten it.  They can be stuffed with anything you like, even meat and gravy.;-)

This week was my grandson's 7th birthday, with a Star Wars Theme-

Do you know what day is Star Wars day?   May 4th.   May the fourth be with you.  But I don't worship a god of forces, chance, and evolution, I worship the God of miracles, faith, creation, and love, who makes an eternal covenant with and rewards those who diligently seek Him.  His name is Yahweh / Jehovah, the great I Am, and His son's name is Mashiach Yeshua / Messiah Jesus, Savior of the world.

I hope the power of Spring to bring forth new life is manifesting soon for you.   Hannah

                                                              or cameras are macro

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