My kitchen

Before

After

We changed the color of the cabinets to espresso.  Added a much-needed island and pantry.  Then dressed them all up with new handles.  We almost doubled the storage space.  I can't wait to get cooking.

Watermelon Salad

This salad is quite simple but surprising in taste.  I found this recipe in the "Vegetarian Times" magagine.  And it was too good not to share. 

A little side note...my kids did not like the lime juice, so I had plan watermelon for them.

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
zest from 1 lime
2 cups seedless watermelon - cut into 1/2 inch cubes or balled
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/4 cup basil - chopped
1 tsp black sesame seeds (white will work also)
1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:
Whisk together lime juice, oil and zest. 
Add jalapenos, basil, sesame seeds and salt
Set aside
Place watermelon into large serving bowl.
Pour lime juice mixture over the watermelon and gently toss to combine.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake

It has been a busy summer for me...which means very little time was spent here.  But, there was a lot of cooking done.  Here is my summer lemon raspberry cheesecake.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Ingredients:

Crust:

10 graham crackers - crushed

4 Tbsp butter - melted

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Cheesecake:

2 cups (12-oz package) Nestle Toll House Premier White Morsels

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 packages (8oz each) cream cheese - softened

1 Tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp grated lemon peel

1/4 tsp salt

3 large egg white

1 large egg

Directions:

Preheat over to 350.  Lightly grease 9-inch pie or spring form pan

Mix together crust items in a medium bowl. 

Press crust into pan to form the crust.

In a microwave safe dish, combine white morsels and cream.  Microwave for 1 minute.  Stir. 

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon peel and salt until smooth. 

Gradually beat in melted morsels.

Beat in egg white and egg.

Pour into crust

Bake 35-40 minutes or until edge is lightly browned.

Cook completely on wire rack

Refrigerate for several hours or overnight

When serving, garnish with raspberries.