A RUSTIC GATHERING

Winter Gatherings

2012-01-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

Winter Gatherings everyone! I have been so busy during the holiday season that I didn't even have time to blog. I am hoping everything slows up a bit so I can grab a breath and give some updates.

I have been working on personalized ornaments and listing lots of items on eBay at Rustic Goods and Company. I have been selling extras that were left from the shop since it has been closed. I really miss my primitive shop, so I am hoping within a couple of years we can get built out here on our property in the country.

Grab a Personalized Snowman Ornament for Valentines Day...this would be great for your Winter Sweetheart! Order one on eBay at Rustic Goods and Company

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN SAYINGS for magnet, pins or pokes

2011-10-01T15:38:00.000-04:00

I think I am having way too much fun this Fall. I have been painting a lot and have so much I want to share with you. These little Halloween Pumpkin Sayings would be so cute made into magnets, pins or wire added for pokes. Wouldn't they be so cute with a wire to poke into tiny pumpkins or a tiny potted mum. I think these tiny little signs would be so cute poked into pumpkins on a dessert or party table...for a whimsical Halloween touch to any gathering. They would also be so cute with a magnet or pin and added to treat bags for friends, office exchange or a special teacher.

Just wanted to share this little idea with you...I am adding them now online so check them out at Rustic Goods and Company on eBay

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN POKES

2011-10-01T13:54:00.000-04:00

Spooky Halloween pokes are now on listed on my eBay. I have had so much fun listing things on there is Fall. I guess because I have had more time to make things to add to the items I had from my shop. I currently am selling items on eBay because my shop is closed due to the sale of a business and building....so now I am waiting to get things going to have my own shop here on my property in Southern Indiana.

I really miss decorating the shop for the holidays and seasons. So this is a way I can keep the feeling going and keep some of my followers up to date with my happenings. I promise to have more posts and pictures of new Great Finds and primitive items listed on eBay.

Check out the Black Cat, Moon, Star, Ghost and Bat Halloween Pumpkin Pokes at Rustic Goods and Company on eBay

Have a great Fall Weekend~
Jen

Finally....A Post

2011-07-08T18:29:00.002-04:00

I know....Where have I been? I am getting back into the blogging mode again to keep in touch with you. I am preparing to start selling some items from the shop on eBay. I have started listing some Fall items and will begin listing some Personalized Ornaments soon. So check out some of my items on ebay at Rustic Goods and Company.

Tis The Season?

2010-10-05T20:40:00.000-04:00

Christmas is right around the corner....and I have begun to list some primitive boxed cards on eBay. I know I have been missing in action, but I have been very busy working at my main job. We closed the shop at the beginning of Summer because my niece moved her Curves business and there wasn't enough room for Rustic Goods & Company. I think I am going to spend some time make some hand mades and enjoy listing things from the shop on eBay.

I will be listing lots of handmade ornaments, Fall items, snowman and so much more! I have some twig wreaths, stars and vine garlands. I am also getting ready to list my ever popular personalized ornaments.

Please check back here and eBay for more new things added daily and weekly!

Rustic Blessings~

Jen

Decked Out with Hearts

2010-01-31T15:28:00.001-05:00

The shop is looking so whimsical with all the hearts and raggedys greeting customers as they enter the front door. I just love this primitive Heart Wreath....love how the pink shade comes through the deep red on each heart. The jumpy twig wreath gives it that happy whimsical Valentines touch. I had so much fun making this wreath and need to make more for my selling blog that will be opening soon. Although I love snowmen, I absolutely love the feel of Valentines time of the year. It has to be my favorite since I can mix snowmen and hearts in the shop!

I also made some Valentine Heart Wreaths with some plain grapevines. I tied some coffee stained lace with some old rick rack I found at an old sale and used some cotton printed ribbon. I just love how simple they are and would just brighten up any entryway or bench.
Rustic Goods also has some heart shaped rusty electric lanterns and rusty hangers...they would look great hanging in an entryway over an old bench that has been decked out with seasonal items. What a great way to welcome guests and show your primitive style.

The shop has several styles of Valentine's Day cards available....I love this Be Mine card. A primitive card with a handmade heart would be a perfect gift for that special primitive friend. The shop has a special right now....buy one greeting card and get one free. Be sure to stop by and grab a Valentine's card and pick up an extra for another day.

Nothing beats the look of an old primitive bag holding some wonderful smelling Sweet Annie. There are so many things to do with one of these primitive bags and that lovely green color of the Sweet Annie....hanging on an old cupboard door, peg on an old shelf and maybe hanging on an old child size ironing board like this one.

There is something about raggedys that just go along with Valentines and hearts....not sure what it is...but just love the look!
Hugs~
Jennifer at Rustic Goods

Time Spent in the Shop

2010-01-24T17:35:00.006-05:00

Today I spent some time in the shop rearranging and taking down the Christmas items. I moved some primitive Valentine items to the front entry of the shop and also did some much needed cleaning. I still never get everything done that needs attention.

We have so many nice old chairs and a few old tables....this table would be great for a home office. There are a few old small chairs, crocks, enamelware and some unique items too. I have some wire trees for seasonal decorating.

I have more pictures of the shop...if you would like to see them....click on my facebook link and see all of them. I am going to retire for the evening.....going to the shop always wears me out!

Keep Junkin!

Jennifer

Valentines Snow Couple Ornie

2010-01-09T17:09:00.005-05:00

Valentines Day will be here soon....so I am offering this Valentines Snow Couple on eBay. This ornament would make a great gift. You could have it personalized in so many ways....last name and wedding date, name + name, etc. This ornament could be a tie on for a gift bag or tucked into a card. Once Valentines is over, you can leave it hang on a hook or put it on a tree at Christmas.

If you would like to have one of these great ornaments...please check out my ebay auction at rusticgoodsandcompany

Prim Blessings~
Jennifer

2010-01-03T17:05:00.004-05:00

Winter Gathering Sale

Rustic Goods

All Boxed Holiday Cards are 50% off.....now only $6.25

***

All ornaments are BUY 2, GET 1 FREE

*of less or equal value

***

All Sale Bin items are 50% off the lowest marked down price

Warm Winter Wishes!! Well, another year has ended and Rustic Goods is having our annual Winter Gathering Sale. Stop by and pick up a box or 2 or Christmas cards for next year at a really great price. The cards are very nice and have coordinating envelopes in a keepsake box. All of our handmade ornaments are also on sale.....we have so many primitive ornaments that would be great for gifts or for decorating next year. Be sure to check out the Sale Bin....there are ornaments, file folders, dry erase memo boards and lots of other goodies that are marked down.

Be sure and stop by this week and check out all the sales........

Rustic Blessings~

Jennifer

Countdown to Christmas

2009-12-19T15:47:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas! I can't believe it is almost Christmas....where has 2009 gone? Time sure flies at the end of the year, while I am painting personalized ornamnets for my eBay customers. I am just finishing up my final two orders and hopefully get a few ornaments done for my little family members.

I need to paint one of the baby snowman ornaments for my newest member of my niece Thea's family...her new baby girl Isabella "Bella" Wehmiller. I need to also make a few personalized ornaments for friends at work. I am thinking painting the snow couple ornaments.

My Goal for the new year is to post more projects on my blog in 2010!

Jennifer

Fall is at Rustic Goods!

2009-10-18T17:05:00.004-04:00

I am so glad Fall is here because this is my most favorite time of the year! I have been working in the shop this weekend doing some cleaning inside and out and decorating for the Fall shoppers!

I have added the 2010 Magnetic and Pocket Calendars that are so popular with customers. These calendars make great gifts for teachers, friends and for yourself. Also new to Rustic Goods this weekend are wire display trees and Umbrella wire trees. I love the primitive look of the wire trees and can be used in any season for hanging ornies or collectibles on them. I have 3 sized of the wire trees and will great for the upcoming Holidays.

The rest of the time spent at the shop was rearranging items, dusting and cleaning windows.

The winner of the October Drawing at Rustic Goods and Company is Kristie Farmer of Crothersville, Indiana. She has won a primitive grocery list keeper and list pad. Thanks to everyone for signing up for the monthly drawing! Remember to stop by and sign up each time you are at the shop for the November drawing. We will also have a drawing just for the open house too.

Rustic Goods and Company's "A Winter Gathering" Open House will be November 21. Please make sure to save the date on your calendar. We will have handmade ornaments, fixins, wreaths, candles and more! Lots of primitive pans for tree decorating too......so make sure to be there.

Time Spent in the Garden

2009-06-16T16:35:00.006-04:00

Gardening is so much fun.....I know it is a lot of work, but it is so rewarding too. I can remember when we started our first garden and the weeds were so out of control. As the years have passed, we have now fine tuned the process and planning and have come to the point of enjoying being in the garden.

We are planning on freezing the extras out of the garden so we can enjoy it year round.

Troy has been enjoying having beets, swiss chard, kale and turnips this Spring and I am loving the romaine lettuce and beets. I have been trimming the beet greens down to an inch, cleaning the beet and placing in foil to bake. They are so good! I can't believe the flavor of a fresh bake beet from the garden...it is so much better than a beet from a can.

I will be adding new photos from the shop soon!

Jennifer

New Items at Rustic Goods

2009-03-08T19:33:00.004-04:00

Spring is finally here...well, at least at the shop. I finally had some time to take out all the Winter sale items and rearranged the shop. I had my husband help me today so I could get it done faster since it is my birthday. Everything is looking so good at the shop and new things will be arriving each week.

If you would like to see more pictures of the shop....check out my updated website Rustic Goods.

Simpler Times - My Annual Trip to Amish Country

2009-03-03T18:48:00.011-05:00

Topeka, Indiana is one of my favorite spots to visit while on my annual anniversary vacation trip to Amish country in Northern Indiana. While I visit many places while on vacation like Middlebury and Shipshewana, my favorite places are still in the Topeka-Honeyville area. Time seems to stand still for only a few days while the hustle and bustle are left far behind at home. There isn't a Walmart for miles and the shopping for me is so much more fun in the Amish businesses and restaurants. I just love the sign on the left showing the buggy that reads, "Life in the Past Lane." If your ventures ever lead you this way, you must stop and try Tiffany's in Topeka. Tiffany's is a wonderful restaurant with the best handmade pies!! You must get there early or the pies will be gone by mid afternoon.

Once again, I stopped and took a picture of one of my favorite spots, Honeyville General Store. Although the store is no longer in business, I can remember when I used to go in to grab a cold drink while traveling the roads in the area. There is always something interesting going on in the neighborhood and usually can see an Amish man on a hay wagon driving his team of draft horses by the front of the store.

While in the Topeka area, I decided to take a few pictures of barns that I found....I love old barns and they are getting harder and harder to find....except in Amish country. I just love this red barn that is right across from one of my favorite Amish businesses, Miller's Coleman Shop. While in the area, I did see a few greenhouses I would like to visit this Spring. I would like to go back in May and visit a new greenhouse that was being built and a few others I seen around the area. I made a note on my map so I can remember where I seen them and I can check out the flowers and plants.

Another favorite of mine is the Rise n Roll Bakery in Middlebury area. It is actually on the back road between Middlebury and Shipshewana. I like to take this road because there are so many Amish that live on this road and it is heavily traveled by them too. The only bad thing was the bakery was closed the Friday and Saturday that we were in town....I really miss getting one of their Carmel Yeast Donuts and the Sausage Roll...Yummy!

I just wanted to share a few pictures of the Simple Time I had this past weekend on my very special weekend.

Jen

Valentine's Day Thoughts

2009-02-06T22:38:00.004-05:00

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite days. It is the day I got engaged....wow that has been almost 7 years ago. I love hearts, red, and chocolate....so I guess it has to be my favorite day.
This is one of my favorite pictures I had put together to use on my website. I love primitive, so I added my blonde raggedy dolly, an old junk enamel piece, and my engagement picture.
February 22 will be my 6th Wedding Anniversary, so I will try and find some of my favorite pictures to share....until then....I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Primitive Hearts at Rustic Goods

2009-02-05T17:30:00.008-05:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and have you thought about what you are going to get your sweetheart?

We have so many really neat handmade items in the shop right now that would make for a wonderful primitive gift for your special someone.....or for yourself.

As you walk in the door, you will be greeted with a table of handmade Valentine hearts that have "Love" and "Peace"....Peace is one of my favorite words these days. We also have these wonderful heart bags that are filled with sweet annie....oh they smell so good. There is also a handmade heart garland that has a letter on each that spells LOVE. To make the gift complete, don't forget to pick up a Love tag and a primitive Valentine card.

At Rustic Goods, we try and find the neatest primitive handmade items for our customers. We strive to give our customers the best items at a great price. So stop by and see us soon for all your primtive needs.

Indiana Winter Storm 2009

2009-01-28T11:29:00.007-05:00

Wow...it just finally quit snowing...but I didn't mind because I love the snow.

We live in southern Indiana, just south of Seymour, near a small town called Dudleytown. We took two vacation days away from work so we could play in the snow! I am so excited because we don't get this much snow every year. I am not for exactly how much snow we got total, but I am guessing around 10-12 inches. (Update...our newspaper said we received 17 inches of snow and an inch of ice)

Everything is so beautiful with the snow falling! The pine trees are dusted with snow and ice and it looks like a Winter Wonderland. Here are a few views looking down our country road.

Photo Tagged

2009-01-17T14:21:00.007-05:00

I've been tagged by Deb at Life in the Dweeb Lane in a post called "Photo Tag". Here are the rules: Go to the 4th folder in your computer where you store your pictures. Pick the 4th picture in that folder. Explain the picture. Tag 4 people to do the same.

Well I thought this was a neat blog tag topic. I thought it was fun to see what picture would be waiting for me once I got into my folder. So here it goes...this picture is of the Value City Arena at The Jerome Schottenstein Center that located on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. This was taken November 9, 2008, when I was at my very first Metallica concert at the age of 40. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen in my life. The arena and area around Ohio State U was very nice. I would have to say this was one of my best experiences ever! This was the side of the arena where the Metallica club members gathered to get the presale tickets and got in line to gain entrance before the general public. It was a true experience and was so much fun!!

Thanks for having this great photo tag....it reminded of a wonderful time.

A Primitive Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-23T19:14:00.004-05:00

I want to wish all my primitive friends a Merry Christmas! It sure seems this year has went by so fast...seems like I should have gotten more projects done, but hopefully next year! I just rearranged the shop and it is looking so good...I just hate to see the holidays come and go because this is the time of the year that the shop looks magical.

We are having a "The Days Before Christmas Sale" and will be open from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Stop by and get in on the savings.....All Holiday Boxes Cards are now only $7.50 and Ornaments are Buy 2 get 1 Free. This is my way to say "Thank You" for shopping with us all year.

I also have a "Winter Gathering" giv-a-way going on now until January 12. Every time you shop with us and make a purchase.....you can sign the back of your receipt and place it in a jar. On January 12, a name will be drawn to win a nice Winter Gathering package of primitive goodies. The goodies included are a 2009 calendar, a Liberty Star jar candle, Liberty Star votive candle, Snowman photo holder, Snowman ornament and a Snowman list pad. This giv-a-way is a gathering of snowman and winter thyme fun!

Stop by the shop and make sure to get your name in the drawing.....Good Luck!
Merry Christmas~
Jennifer

A Handmade Christmas at Rustic Goods

2008-12-23T19:08:00.003-05:00

This Christmas proves that many shoppers are buying handmade once again. For many years it seems that handmade items were put on the back burner for more high tech items and fancier things...but this seasons seems to show that shoppers are once again buying handmade USA items.

Rustic Goods, my shop in Seymour, stocks mostly handmade items from some of the best artists and designers I can find. I have been selling lots of handmade ornaments, candles, fixins and dolls this year than in the past. Customers are commenting that they enjoy seeing handmade items instead of imports. Even my 6 year old great niece, Kennedi, collected the "Nature Fixins" on their farm shown in the picture above. The customers really love the look of things found and made into an arrangement. I have sold so many bags of the Nature Fixins that go so well with the Flicker Candles that are made by one of my friends.

So, I just want to say thank you to everyone that is supporting local businesses and buying handmade....Merry Christmas!
Jennifer

Winter Gathering Open House

2008-11-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

Winter Gathering Open House

at Rustic Goods

November 15, 2008

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

1501 W Tipton Street

Seymour, Indiana

"A rustic winter gathering of things you love to collect for your home"

Offering handmade ornaments, dolls, folkart, primitives, 2009 calendars, Primitive Christmas Cards, finds, German Twig wreaths & garlands, Smokey Pine wreaths & garlands, handmade melts and candles. A new line of primitive candles will be introduced at the Winter Gathering Open House.

In Memory of my Dad~ Donald Jaynes

2008-11-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take a few minutes out to make a memorial for my dad, Donald C Jaynes. I just ran across this photo of him that was saved on my computer. He passed away September 17, 2008 at the grand age of 90. It still hurts me to run across a picture of him because I still can't believe he is gone. He was a WWII veteran and was retired from Cummins Engine Company. He grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and was the son of DeWitt and Lottie Robbins Jaynes. He gradutated from George Washington High School in Indianapolis around 1936. While growing up he enjoyed swimming, diving, and automobiles. While serving in the war, he was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone.

His family inherited some property in the Jackson County area and had built this beautiful cabin in the woods in 1942. They would come down and spend the weekends having great fun in the country. He met and married his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Hackman, in the Seymour area. Eventually when his father retired from Acme-Evans Flour Mill in Indy, they also moved back to the Jackson County area.

When I was ready to build my own home about 8 years ago, I inherited a small piece of ground across from the woods where my Dad built that primitive cabin. I am so glad that I am around the area that my Dad spent time around because I can sit in my living room and think of what a good time he had in his younger years.

I sure do miss him and wish I could talk to him again....there are so many questions I would ask.

Metallica!!

2008-11-07T21:23:00.002-05:00

I am so excited because I get to take a road trip to Columbus, Ohio this weekend and see one of most favorite groups of all time.....METALLICA! I know that must sound weird coming from a 40 year old primitive gal, but I love Metalllica. I am a member of the Metclub and have wonderful seats......4th row. I can't wait because this is the first time I have ever seen them live.

Note: I have changed the picture...this picture is an actually picture taken that night!

Just had to share that with you.

Jeni

Dreaming of Amish Country - Honeyville

2008-10-06T06:05:00.001-04:00

Every year on our Wedding Anniversary, we take a trip to our favorite get-a-way in Northern Indiana. We love to stay at the Essenhaus Inn in Middlebury and go on our favorite backroads in Shipshewana and Topeka areas. I am feeling the need for the peacefulness I find when I am visiting that area.

One of my favorite spots is the Honeyville General Store. When I was younger, my family would take their draft horses to an Amish family in the Spring and let them work them in the fields. We would always spend some time in the Honeyville General Store and buy some homemade goodies to eat along the way. I had a backroads map that I picked up so I would always be able to find it later. The first time I took my husband, Troy, to the Amish area I knew I wanted him to experience this wonderful little store tucked away in the beautiful countryside. I remember pulling up to the store and finding a sign in the window that said, "For Sale or Lease". I couldn't believe that a once busy little store was now closed. I hadn't been there for about 5 years and my heart sank. I wanted to step into the store and see all the beautiful hardwood display cases and the wooden block in the back where the Amish women would be rolling out dough to make a homemade pie. I felt so sad to see such a wonderful and most beautiful piece of my tour be gone.

Every year I make sure to stop by and see what is new with my favorite closed store. I am always hoping an Amish family would buy it back and open another country store in it.
Troy and I have found new favorite places in Northern Indiana Amish Country, but I would still love to go back in time and step inside the Honeyville General Store once again.

Dreaming of simpler times~
Jennifer

Planning for my Open House

2008-10-05T10:20:00.000-04:00

I am getting excited about this time of the year and it makes me get into high gear. I love putting out the pumpkins and mums and enjoying the crisp, cool air. I am starting on plans for my 3rd open house at the shop and have decided on a name for my open houses that will go well with the shop name and my newsletter themes....I am going to call my season event "Winter Gathering Open House" because I use the gathering in my newsletter titles and blog title.
This is the time of the year I love working extra hours on the weekends and opening on Sundays too. I am going to try and get a lot of new hand painted primitive ornaments done for the open house and hopefully get Angie Spencer to make me some really neat new Winter thyme dolls. Her dolls have always make my shop look so great and everyone loves them. I am planning on adding a new line of primitive candles for the event and having some refreshments for all my loyal customers.
Sorry it has been so long since I have posted, but I just recently lost my dad. It has been a struggle to get myself motivated, but getting back to painting and crafting has really helped me get through some of this.....thanks for checking out my new post and come back again.
Fall Hugs~
Jennifer

Thinking of Snowmen and a New Shop

2008-09-04T20:59:00.001-04:00

Snowmen are one of my favorite thing to decorate with during the Winter holiday season. I just listed some of my Snowman Photo Holders on eBay. I just love the look of these little prim guys and am always thinking of new ways to use them. I think they would be so cute for place settings at a table during a Christmas dinner. I think they would be so cute at a party....use them next to dips, desserts or drinks to specify what the food is or any specialty saying. I like to give them as a small gift for my helpers during an open house event or for my secret friend gift exchange.
I am thinking about getting busy this weekend and cut out a few new things I would like to have in the shop for the upcoming holiday season. I have so many things I would love to paint for the shop, but it seems I am always running out of time. I did manage to work on hand painted ornaments after Christmas 07 until Spring 08...that is good for me. My goal this year is to start working on next years Christmas projects during my holiday vacation. Hopefully I can keep my momentum going and keep working all next Spring and Summer.
I am once again thinking of building a shop on my little piece of land here in the country. My Rustic Goods shop is currently in a building with my nieces business Curves. She told me today that she is going to try and sell the business.....I really hate that because our business is right along a US highway. On the other hand, if I had my shop in the country I could have it decorated so prim and have a herb garden next to it. I could have seasonal open houses and have it open on the weekends. I live about 7 miles out of town right off HWY 11, so it would be easy to get to and I always have lots of people visit here when I have yard sales. I live near a little town called Dudleytown....which is real easy to help with the directions too. I mentioned building a shop to my husband tonight and he didn't mind helping with the building part....so maybe I will now start looking for a cute design...something simple and small. He is thinking of solar power out in the shop....how exciting. I will keep you posted on the plans of a new "Rustic Goods & Company Country Gift Shop" nestled in the pines.
Sweet Dreams for now~
Jeni

Another Wonderful Award!

2008-09-01T08:44:00.001-04:00

I feel so honored to be receiving some awards from some really great bloggers! I want to say thanks to Cathy

of Hazelruthe's . I love your blog too and check it out several times a day. I am so glad that I ran across your blog, because I also now make my own laundry detergent! I do love to blog and try to add something new often.

I am supposed to pass this award to 7 blogs that I love....and that is going to be hard to do because there are several that I have to check everyday.

I pass this award to.....

1. Saltbox Farm

2. Back Porch Pickins

3. At Home with the Farmer's Wife

4. Crabby Gabby Dolls

5. Oodlekadoodle Primitives

6. Kims Prims and Whimsies

7. Cabin Creek Farm

The rules are.....

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours

5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

New Greeting Cards for the Shop

2008-08-25T18:16:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share the new greeting cards I got today that I will be adding to my shop soon. I have been having a "Buy one, Get one Free" on all the current greeting cards I have to make room for some new styles. Greeting cards have been a good seller for me and all my customers seem to love these cards and they are at a good affordable price. I love these cards because they also have the cutest envelopes that coordinate with them....here are a few I just had to share.

One of my favorite anniversary cards....it has dark chocolate with a pink and green trim....so cute! Look at the inside...a cute and simple saying. I love the colors on this one so much.

I also like to keep lots of different Birthday cards at my shop for a great selection for my customers. Here are a few of the new birthday cards that will be added soon~

I also have some really neat wedding, shower and baby shower cards. Here is a really fun wedding card...and take a peek on the inside too~

Thanks for sharing in my excitement of something new....I love to find unique and fun things for my customers. Until next time~

Have a great week~

Jennifer

Roasted Eggplant Cilantro Dip

2008-08-24T17:07:00.001-04:00

I have been eating so much from the garden this year! I am loving this part of the Summer, but will be sad when the garden starts to fade away. My eggplants are loving this very hot weather this weekend in Indina, so I have a bunch of eggplants ready for recipes. I went out in the garden today to find my barn cat, Cali, guarding my Ichiban Eggpants. My husband, Troy, has been so busy keeping the plants watered and the weeds away. He has done such a wonderful job, so now I must find ways to cook all the wonderful harvest from the garden. I have made a Sausage Eggplant Penne Pasta recipe from my Cooking Light magazine that is great and I am trying this Roasted Eggplant Cilantro Dip today. I found the dip recipe in my Simply in Season recipe book. We will take this dip to work with us to dip some of our other veggies in for break time and lunch. The ivory and purple peppers are my favorite for dipping. We have saved lots of money and eating healthier this Summer by eating out of the garden and staying away from the grocery store and processed food.

Roasted Eggplant Cilantro Dip

2 Medium eggplants (peeled, cut into 1 inch cubes)

2-3 cloves of garlic

3 T olive oil

1 cup fresh cilantro (chopped
Juice of 2 lemons

Soak peeled eggplants in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes. Drain. Place in a single layer on a baking pan. Add the garlic and 1 T of olive oil to baking pan. Stir to coat eggplant with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in preheated oven at 350F, stirring occasionally, until brown and soft, 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Mix the other 2-3 T of olive oil with eggplant and garlic in food processor until smooth. Add half of the lemon juice and cilantro. Let the mixture stand about 5 minutes, taste and adjust the flavor with more lemons or cilantro if needed.

Peppers are a great way to have a healthy snack and will be great with this Roasted Eggplant Dip....Yum