Poetry Taste #24: “Watchful Hawk”

 

The watchful hawk perched

Tall atop the soccer goal -

Monitors in dusk.

[Alyssa Scheidemann - 2022]

Poetry Taste #23: “Monarch Butterflies in a Garden”

Monarch butterfly in flight | ©AlyssaScheidemann

In the butterfly

Garden, a Monarch passes,

So regal in flight.

Two Monarchs flutter

Around each other in dance,

On an autumn day.

One butterfly lands

On an orange flower to

Rest in the garden.

[Alyssa Scheidemann - 2021]

Poetry Taste #22: "Bright Summer Sea"

 

The sun shining bright

Makes the sea water sparkle

Like a diamond stone.

[Alyssa Scheidemann - 2011]

Poetry Taste #21: Nonet - "Family Time on Easter"

 

Bunny with decorated eggs in a basket. © kobeza - Adobe Stock

Easter is lovely family time.
The house decorated with eggs,
Pastels and bunny statues.
Dipping eggs in colors.
Festive family meals.
Shaped chocolates
In baskets.
End of
Lent.

[Alyssa Scheidemann - 2023]

Easter decorations. © Pixel-Shot - Adobe Stock

Happy Easter to those who celebrate!

Poetry Taste #20: "St. Paddy's Day This Year"

 

St. Patrick's Day decor - © wavebreak3 - Adobe Stock

It is different this year,

When celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

I usually enjoy hard cider since I don’t like beer.

It is on a community food truck night over here,

Which means at least it falls on a Friday.

So it is different this year.

I have a planned path I need to adhere

To; being alcohol-free with no leeway.

I usually enjoy hard cider since I don’t like beer.

Instead I’ll focus on a relaxed atmosphere,

With mocktails, a minty milkshake or green entree.

Which makes it different this year.

How different I’ll need to celebrate is clear.

And from my plan, I won’t stray.

I usually enjoy hard cider since I don’t like beer.

Regardless of the festivities, there’ll be lots of cheer,

And the mood won’t be dull & grey.

It really is different this year,

Since I usually enjoy hard cider because I don’t like beer.

[Alyssa Scheidemann - 2023]

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Poetry Taste #19: "Morning Grass"

 

Dew on grass - © Paul - Adobe Stock

The grass, wet with dew,

Sparkles in the Spring sun like

Crystals on the ground.

[Alyssa Scheidemann - 2021]

Vegetable Elf Hats: Quick and Easy Christmas Appetizer

Vegetable elf hats make a cute Christmas appetizer
Source: ©AlyssaScheidemann

No-Cook Christmas Appetizer

I was recently told by my doctor to eat a low-carb diet. With Christmas coming up, I've been thinking about how to adjust my favorite holiday recipes—and about how many other people might also be looking for these kinds of recipes, as well for holiday get-togethers and parties.

Since vegetables are good for those who need to eat healthy, I came up with a quick and easy vegetable and cheese appetizer version of the Fruit Santa Hats dessert that works for low-carb meal plans. These elf hats are similar to the Santa hats in terms of their design, but they are made with vegetables and cheese.

In addition to being healthy, these elf hats are really quick and easy to make. This is great for people who are busy and don't have much time to prepare food for holiday get-togethers.

Cook Time

Prep time: 20 min

Ready in: 20 min

Yields: 18 elf hats

Ingredients

• 1 mini cucumber, sliced
• 9 grape tomatoes
• 18 mozzarella balls or pearls

Instructions

1. Wash the grape tomatoes. Slice the tops off and then cut each one in half horizontally. Set aside.


2. Take your mini cucumber, cut the ends off, and slice it into around 1-inch slices. Make sure you don't make them too thick. Set aside.


3. Take out the toothpicks and the mozzarella balls. Pick up a toothpick and slide a mozzarella ball on it.


4. Next, slide half of a tomato onto the toothpick. The rounded end (non-cut side) should rest against the mozzarella ball.


5. Follow with a slice of cucumber and push that through also. The cucumber should rest against the cut side of the tomato.


6. Place the finished elf hat on a tray or serving dish. Repeat the process until you have used up all ingredients.


7. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy!

Now, wasn't that easy? I hope you and everyone enjoy this fun and festive appetizer. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

© 2022 Alyssa Scheidemann

Originally published December 22, 2022 on Hubpages / Delishably. Last updated on Whimsical Thoughts on December 18, 2025.