A Fountain and a robin

I finally got to finish this one several days ago, but just hadn't had a chance to photograph it. It is a combination of several references I had. The fountain was one I saw in a garden in Iowa with my aunt. It was huge, but just gorgeous. It wasn't running unfortunately, and it had a sparrow on it which I wasn't sure I wanted so decided to change to the robin. Hope you like it. It is in need of a title- as usual!

I'm working away on the puppy and hope to have it to post very soon.

Iowa Farmscape

This is my first attempt from some of the photos I shot while on my Iowa jaunt with my aunt. I intend to give this to her as a memento of our time together and to say "thanks" for putting up with me. :-) She doesn't use computers, so this will stay a surprise until I give it to her- hopefully in Sept.
I redid this several times to get it more the way I wanted it. I hope I have the colors adjusted correctly- it's night and I can't see on the computer so may have to readjust tomorrow- if I have time!

Rice Pudding!

Here it is- my Grandmother's recipe from 1923 when she worked at Altoma Hall, Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa! Very easy to make. Different from "fluffy" rice puddings- it's a carmelized version. Make sure not to over-bake and dry it out.

Rice Pudding
4 c. milk, heated
1/2 c. rice
1/2-2/3 c. sugar (more or less to taste)
1/2 c. raisins
Mix together adn sprinkle heavily with cinnamon. Stir in. Bake at 325 degrees until browned, (approximately 30 min.) then stir down. Bake another 25-30 min. until browned, stir down. Bake again until browned one last time.

I love to cook- I used to enter cooking contests now and then, won several with my own original recipes (I've always loved to create, be it with paint or with food!). I also enjoy exchanging recipes and would love to hear from you with your favorites. I believe I'll share more of mine down the road from time to time.
Just for fun I added the photo of my 2 granddaughters making play dough. I like photos, can you tell I love kids books? They have lots of pictures!