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Monday, March 9, 2015

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

©Weeding on the Wild Side, all rights reserved.   I enjoy reading your comments, which enable me to also visit your blog and make comments.

23 comments:

  1. love the cake! and you've got great signs of spring!

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    1. Thanks, Theresa, my daughter-in-law is quite the baker and party thrower. She gets lots of practice with 5 kids. I'm enjoying the spring, I just hope I don't get snow on the flowers like you.

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  2. Hannah, thanks for sharing the beautiful flower pictures...makes me feel like Spring.

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    1. Thanks, Linda, it's great to see them so early.

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks, Lea, I just wish the east coast would warm up and experience some of the gorgeous spring bloom, my sister fled to Florida.

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  4. I love the flowers, and I wish to your husband and grandsons birthday.

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    1. Thanks, Bob, the flowers are fun, and time is really flying on by.

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  5. All the flowers are so pretty. I bet the birthday cake was a huge hit too!

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    1. Thanks, Joyful, the kids had fun dueling with plastic light sabers.
      I'm in awe of the early spring but wonder what it means in terms of summer heat. Maybe I can finally grow some okra!

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  6. Hello Hannah, your flowers are all gorgeous.. I am not seeing any signs of spring here yet.. Your eclair sounds delicious and I love your grandson's cake.. Have a happy day!

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    1. Thanks, Eileen, I have also made them in the past with custard inside.
      Now I'm working on edging my beds with chicken wire to keep out the rabbits.

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  7. Beautiful spring and a yummy sounding eclair....I may have to try that.

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    1. Thanks, Donna, I used to make them all the time but didn't realize they could work gluten-free. I hope things warm up for you soon.

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  8. Dearest Hannah; First of all, your 'spotted orchid' is SO gorgeous and elegant♡♡♡How I wish I had space to put one in my really tiny house p:-) BEAUTIFUL pictures of spring flowers; Loved your plum tree pictures very much.

    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend, xoxo Miyako*

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    1. Oh, and the birthday Cake looks SO great and your grandson must have loved it ♡♡♡

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    2. Thanks, dear Miyako. you are so sweet.;-) I am blessed with windowsills, some houses don't have them. I grow as many plants as I can on them. I tiled a couple of them so the wood would not get water damage. Hugs from the PNW!

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  9. Look at all those beautiful blooms, especially the orchid! Hannah, I so enjoyed reading your declaration of faith at the end. Amen!!!!

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  10. Thanks, Gail, I'm always amazed that I kept the orchid alive to bloom agan! I love nature so I'm so grateful to the God who created so many wonders.

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  11. These are gorgeous spring photos! Love the details that you captured. God is so awesome to share such beauty with us!

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    1. Thanks, Betty, awesome indeed, and I love how each plant or animal has its own distinctive design and personality.

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  12. WoW! Spring is so gorgeous there! I'm afraid that when spring finally arrives here north of Toronto that everyone is going to be saying "ho-hum, I've seen that already!"

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  13. I like the cute little green dancing stars too.

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