For Shortcakes: 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon cream of tarter 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled 1/3 cup buttermilk 1 large egg 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Decoration: 4 ounces white chocolate, melted 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Make shortcakes: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Cut the butter into 1/2 cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture. With a pastry blender, cut the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine. The dough will be very sticky. Drop the dough in spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes.
Make filling: Mix cream cheese and honey in food processor until light and fluffy.
Assembly: Cut all the shortcakes in half widthwise (like an Enlish muffin). Spread the shortcake halves with the cream cheese mixture and top with crushed Peanut Butter Patties Girl Scout cookies. Put all of the halves together (like a sandwich). Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
There are several websites that offer tips on attracting the Eastern Bluebird. The main idea is to offer them food, water, and shelter.
'The March return of the Eastern Bluebird is a true sign that spring has arrived. If you live near a field, or any open area including yards, roadsides and even cemeteries, which contains a mix of open spaces and trees, you have a very good chance of attracting a nesting pair to your property.
Eastern Bluebirds originally nested in tree cavities, but suburban growth has dictated the removal of "snags" or dead-limb trees, reducing native nesting habitat.'
(If you don't have the tree cavities available, get or make them a suitable bird house.)
'Eastern Bluebirds are primarily insectivores, ingesting spiders, mealworms, millipedes, caterpillars and other delectable lawn bugs. It is vital to the ongoing health of the bluebird population to provide a pesticide- or chemical-free yard.
During the early spring and late fall, when insects are less plentiful, the bluebirds will dine on sumac seeds and honeysuckle, as well as several types of berries and grapes. They also have been attracted to feeders using nut meats, suet and raisins.
