merengue tip

when making merengue for pie, a trick I use is putting my kitchenaid bowl and whipping utensils in the freezer. whips up great swirls.

Fastest growing tree

My Dad lost his beloved Magnolia tree last summer to bugs. If I were him I would plant in it's place a Gleditsia Shademaster. My son planted this tree in front of our house just 5-6 years ago after I had the ugly tree that was there before removed. Now I am not in the habit of having trees removed, but this tree really was offensive to me, it was ugly, had huge unsightly leaves and provided way too much shade for what I wanted for the front of the house. Also it dropped these bothersome pods at one point every summer and frankly I just wanted it out! I have the habit of going around for walks around the neighborhood to get ideas for my landscape needs and improvements. I found this beautiful tree with fern like leaves that are at once delicate and offering dappled shade with the sun sparkling through, the large fronds. This tree was what I wanted in appearance. I also had wanted a fast growing tree, as I had gotten flack from my son for removing the tree in the first place. So I wanted a fast grower but found nothing when a Googled it. This Shademaster has surprised us. It grows 18-24 inches each and every year and has now surpassed the tree that was there before by a foot or two in five short years. Now Gleditsia has at least two types that I am aware of, there is the bright almost yellowy green and the regular green that we are used to when we say "green" Hence shademaster is the one to get. The light colored yellowy green one does not grow as fast. Hope this helps and I know you will just love this tree.