So much summer, such wonderful East Coast weather

Summer in New Jersey started with such lovely weather, light breezes, cooler than usual temperatures, little to no humidity. I enjoyed so many lovely evenings sitting on my deck reading, having dinner, and chatting with my husband. We chased the dogs around the yard, played fetch, did some gardening, etc.



Humidity has set in the last few weeks, but I find it bearable since the beginning of summer was so mild. I wont complain about the soaring temperatures or lack of breezes. Best to look at the positives. The heat and sun is good for our crops. New Jersey is famous for Tomatoes and Corn. We have local farmers growing sweet, juicy peaches, pumpkins, cucumbers, herbs, and so much more. Many of the crops need the heat to ripen, so I am thankful we finally have the temperatures to help the tomatoes get big, red, ripe, and ready to eat!



Check out my VERY popular fresh Tomato Basil Bruschetta Recipe
I get so many requests for this dish during the summer when tomatoes are at their peak of flavor. I run out to our local Farmers' Market to buy fresh herbs and veggies for this recipe. No wonder people crave the fresh flavors of this amazing blend! Click the above link to find a local Farmers' Market near you. Supporting local small businesses and family-owned farms strengthens your community.







Donna's Tomato Basil Bruschetta Recipe
10 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, chopped well
2 small shallots, finely chopped
20-30 basil leaves, chopped into small pieces
2 tlbsp lemon juice
2 tblsp balsamic vinegar
2 tblsp extra virgin olive oil

Mix well and let stand in refrigerator for at least two hours. Serve with sliced french baguette or crackers. Great as an afternoon snack or appetizer before a meal.






NEW CLASS SCHEDULES
I have updated our website to include all Fall 2009 Winter 2010 Dates for upcoming classes. Stay tuned, however, I plan to add a new class for Handmade Holiday Gifts to be scheduled in November/December 2009.



Speaking of classes, I will be flying to Ohio this week to co-teach a cold-process soapmaking class with fellow soapmaker and close friend, Amy Mattingly of Mikamy Meadows. Amy lives on a 20 acre farm where she grows flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Amy teaches classes in her workshop on many things. If you are near Columbus Ohio, check out her website. She can be found three days a week at local Farmers' Markets selling not only her home-grown plants and veggies, but she also makes many lovely body care products such as lotions, whipped Shea butter, soaps, and herbal bath teas.



I am already looking to the 2009 Holiday Season, thinking, planning, creating new products for you; special natural holiday scents, rich creams to soothe dry skin, our newest addition to our product lines, Hand-Poured Soy Candles with cotton wicks, burns at least 50 hours. They burn cleaner, they are better for our environment and your family, no black smoke from the lead-filled wicks of many commercial candles. We will also be carrying Tart Melts that you can use in offices or rooms where an open flame may not be possible.



Looking forward to meeting new people, creating new fall and holiday products, and learning more and more each day about so many things.



Talk to you soon!



Donna Pixton-Hacker
Owner