Bella & Piekna

C is for Cyclone

2009-03-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Our good buddy, Andrew, taught us how to make a

cyclone in a bottle. We had hours of fun!

Instructions: fill one 2-liter bottle nearly to the top (leave about two inches of space) with water. Hold the other bottle upside down on top of the first bottle and tape the two bottles together using four or five layers of duct tape to avoid leaks. With all of the water in the bottom bottle and holding the bottles as shown above, use a quick stirring motion to get the water moving. Turn upside down, set bottles on a flat surface, and watch your cyclone appear!

Elizabeth Mitchell

2009-02-21T22:22:00.000-08:00

Do you know Elizabeth Mitchell's music? She is one of my favorites. I love her album "You Are My Little Bird." E listens to "Little Bird, Little Bird" on repeat for nap time. Elizabeth has such a soft, soothing voice. Her version of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" is great.

Many Months, No Post

2009-01-22T19:25:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted for ages!

It's a good thing you are so much better than I am, Audrey!

I've always found silhouettes so enchanting. My mom had some beautiful silhouettes done of my three older siblings when they were about 5, 7, and 9. An immensely talented woman looked at their profiles and created the most perfect likenesses of them - freehand!

I could never accomplish such a task, but I have always wanted to have silhouettes of my children. Since we are in school (and my budget is tight), I decided to make some of my own. I was inspired by NieNie, who makes silhouettes of her family each year to document how they have grown. Of course, I am inspired by her for so many reasons. She is truly a miracle.

Above is the new header for my personal blog. I am going to make black silhouettes from these to hang on my wall. Below are miniature versions for our family home evening board. I glued the silhouettes & patterned paper onto some scalloped chipboard and painted them with Mod Podge (so they'll last longer). It was a fun little project - even though I promised my husband I wouldn't do any more projects for awhile. :) I can't help myself!

Black and White

2008-11-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

These are a couple of my favorite black and whites. I sometimes prefer that my photos look a little overexposed. What do you think?

Bella Movie

2008-11-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

My sister recommended the movie Bella a little bit ago. I just watched it this weekend and found it so thought provoking. It shared a good message and made me cry a lot. I pondered death and life and how to make the most of what I have been given. I definitely recommend it while caution that it deals with the death of a child.

C is for Cookie

2008-11-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

I am always in search of the perfect chocolate chip cookie. I currently have 4 or 5 recipes that I really like - one has ground oatmeal, another a combination of white and dark chocolate chips with a touch of almond flavoring, another calls for toffee chips. Some have all butter, and others use a portion of shortening or margarine.

I just got my hands on a great recipe. It is my current favorite. I love my cookies to look like this (see above) - blobby, thick and soft instead of flat, thin and crisp.

This recipe is a definite must try! Do you have any great chocolate chip cookie recipes you'd like to share? I'm always looking to add to my collection. :)

Sozel Flake's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c. butter

1 c. shortening

2 c. brown sugar

2 c. white sugar

4 eggs

1 Tbsp. vanilla

5 c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

4 1/2 - 5 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate mixed together are the best)

Preheat oven to 375 - 400 degrees. Beat butter, shortening, and sugars together. Next add eggs and vanilla and mix. Then add flour and the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix well and add chips. Bake 8 minutes. Drop the pan onto the counter when you take it out so that the cookies fall. I always cook them at 400, but if you know your oven cooks hotter, then use 375. If I have cooked some cookies on a pan and I am using it again for more cookies, I will adjust the time to bake them for 7 min. 45 sec. or 7 min. 30 sec.

What a Pout

2008-11-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

I caught the sweetest little pout on my friend's little girl. Her mom is in trouble! How could you say no to that sweet face?

Happy Haunting!

2008-10-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

May the force be with you!

Fall Fagoli

2008-10-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

It's fall and time for good soups! My friend, Lindsay Poulsen (who is an excellent cook), gave me this recipe. It's delicious.

Olive Garden Pasta Fagoli
1 tbsp. oil
1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion
2 carrots shredded
1 cup celery
30 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz. red kidney
2 15 oz. white bean
5 cans beef broth
1 tbsp. oregano
2 tsp. pepper
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
30 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
small pasta

Sauté beef in oil and onion, drain excess fat.
Add carrots, celery, tomato simmer 10 min.
Drain and rinse beans, add with remaining ingredients.
Simmer 10 or more min.
Cook pasta, then add pasta.

Lindsay's personal notes: This makes a large quantity of soup. I usually just put a small portion of noodles in our bowls, pour soup on top, and mix instead of mixing the noodles into the soup (because I usually freeze a portion to use later). When we want to use the frozen portion, I only have to make the noodles.
Jana's notes: I don't use all of the Tabasco or pepper because my kids don't like their food quite that spicy.

Dorie's Cupcakes (courtesy of my sister)

2008-10-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

photo by Mary Ann

My sister told me about these cupcakes while I was home visiting in August. She posted them in a different form today on her blog so I thought I would pass them along. They are the best chocolate cupcakes I have ever had. I absolutely loved them and I am not a die-hard cupcake fan either.

Here is the recipe:

Dorie's Chocolate-Chocolate Cupcakes- makes 12 cupcakes from Baking by Dorie

Greenspan, pg. 215-16

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 stick butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled

Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 muffin tins or use paper liners. (I used Crisco with Flour spray)

Whisk together the flour,cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Beat the butter at medium speed until soft and creamy. Add the sugar and beat for about 2 minutes, until it is blended into the butter. Add the egg, then yolk, beating for 1 minute, after each addition and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the vanilla, then reduce mixer speed to low, and add half of the dry ingredients, mixing only until they disappear. Scrape down the bowl and add the buttermilk, mixing until incorporated, then mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Scrape down the bowl, add the melted chocolate and mix it in with the rubber spatula. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin molds.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the cakes are dry and springy to the touch and a knife inserted into their centers comes out clean. Transfer pan to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes, before unmolding them. Cool to room temperature before frosting of glazing.

I topped them with a glaze from her friend Clara's blog

For the glaze

3 oz bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (Valrhona bittersweet 70%)

1 tbsp confectioners’ sugar, sifted

2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

To make the glaze—

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of shimmering water. Transfer the bowl to the counter and let stand for 5 minutes.Using a small whisk or rubber spatula, stir the confectioners’ sugar into the chocolate, followed by the pieces of cold butter.

Afternoon Hike

2008-10-20T20:06:00.001-07:00

These are a few of my favorites from our Sunday walk into the trees at our little playground.

Any thoughts? I thought the light was pretty and I love the way the leaves in the background blur to gorgeous specks of color. Happy Fall!

Attempts at Black & White

2008-10-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Usually I feel like my black and whites turn out brown and white or gray and white. Here are a few recent attempts to get black and white.

The Blue Castle

2008-10-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

I loved Anne of Green Gables growing up. I wanted red hair. I loved Gilbert. I wanted to live in British Colombia and basically be and do everything that was 'Anne'. Last Christmas Melissa sent me this sweet book. It is by L.M. Montgomery and was the perfect chance to slip back into the world that only Montgomery has created for me. It was sweet, short and a great little escape. Have fun reading!

Capturing Will

2008-10-07T09:52:00.001-07:00

It is tricky capturing photos of a two year old. I usually only get shots of the back of Will's head as he runs off in pursuit of a new adventure. The few that I do get of his face are when he slows down. But when he slows down it is most likely becuase he is frustrated about something, which results in crying, which ruins my shot. Thus you see my dilemma. Either we see the back of his cute little head or we see tears and a runny nose.

Taken just after some tears
After more tears

Sunrise

2008-10-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

I woke early this morning. I was at a retreat for our church's women's organization the Relief Society. I was hoping to sleep a little past 7am, but it looks like my boy's early mornings have set a permanent alarm clock for me. That's ok though. I am always happy when I get up early enough to catch the sunrise!

We were out in the country and two of these deer were clashing their antlers. The sound was quite impressive and quite opposite from the photo which looks very peaceful.

Baby Cassia

2008-10-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

I did a little photo shoot for my friend's one year old. It is tricky getting focused on a fixed 50mm when your subject moves as much as this little girl does! I wonder if there are any tricks I don't know about.

Peter and the Wolf

2008-09-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, it is harder to post a photo a day than I thought it would be!!

I grabbed this photo of O while we were playing Peter and the Wolf. This is the expression that he wore for Peter.

Sasha- The Duck

And of course, the Big Gray Wolf!

A Photo a Day

2008-09-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to shoot whatever catches my eye!

This was O hiding out in the forbidden spot - behind the sofa!

Fun with Flubber

2008-09-21T17:11:00.001-07:00

Have your kids played with flubber? It's awesome! (Sort of a cross between slime and silly putty). We collected our first flubber at my son's school carnival this weekend, and the kids have had a blast with it. J made a flubber worm that ran from the table across three chairs and a stool and down to the ground - and that was all with the small blob of light blue goo you see in the picture!

We are definitely going to be adding to our flubber collection this week. Here is our teacher's recipe for flubber:
1. Mix 2 cups Elmer's glue and 1 1/2 cups warm water. Add food coloring. Stir to dissolve.
2. In a small bowl mix 3 tsp. Borax with 1 1/3 cups warm water. Stir to dissolve.
3. Pour Borax mixture into glue mixture. Do not stir. Wait at least 10 minutes. Stir slightly after it sits. Remove excess water (throw away in trash, not down the sink).
*You can find Borax in the detergent aisle at the grocery store.

Since You Asked For More...

2008-09-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

I know you like Feist, Aud. I just think the writers on Sesame Street are incredibly clever. Wouldn't it be a fun job to come up with lyrics for all these songs?!?

Favorite Nighttime Songs

2008-09-16T23:42:00.000-07:00

T has found some cute songs that have become our kids' favorites at bedtime.

I have been an Andrea Bocelli fan for years. Pair him with Elmo, and you just don't get much better.

This is E's favorite. She asks for "Canelo" nearly every night before bed.

O's present for Will

2008-09-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

O likes to help me sew. He is quite good at cutting and also is pretty good at lacing cards, so we decided it was time for him to start a project of his own. He decided to make a pillow (with my help). I drew lines on the fabric and he cut it himself. Then he helped me thread the machine and held the fabric steady while we sewed the pillow edges. He then finished the pillow off with some hand stitching. He is quite proud of this little pillow and plans to give it to Will for his birthday. He plans to make a bigger one for himself.

Meet Mr. Steve

2008-08-15T20:38:00.005-07:00

Steve Songs is our family's favorite children's music artist. We went to his concert today at Wolf Trap. Scott and I enjoy his music as much as the kids do. He has a short segment on PBS Kids too so you might have seen him there. We first saw him at the White House Easter Egg Roll and were rockin' and rollin'. On our recent trip to the beach we listened to his music all three hours there. I would describe him as a John Mayer for kids. I love his music and the lyrics are so much fun. We just love him so we wanted to share! Our favorite songs are Opposite Day and Gravity.

Curtain Catastrophe

2008-08-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to have two very talented and FAST friends. My sister Mare can whip up a gourmet meal faster than I can make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and my friend Melissa is the most prolific creator I have met. She sews and reupholsters and paints. I like to make things, but I am not blessed with the gift of speed. It takes me so long to finish my creations. If I don't take my time I always seem to make major mistakes.

Well yesterday I decided that I wanted to work on a project and finish it fast. I had one hour before nap time was up and I wanted to finish my kitchen roller shades. Well they are finished, but unfortunately, I worked a little too quickly and forgot to add enough yardage to the edges. So here is my finished product. Should I just start over? I don't know how people do things quickly and well! Oh well!! At least I won't make this mistake again!

Melissa gave me the great idea of the roller shades by the way!

PS If I do keep them I will finish the bottom with a cute tassle. I just can't decide if they are worth keeping though. I might start over with new fabric.

PPS Don't worry about hurting my feelings! Say whatever you think!

Bare Escentuals

2008-08-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

I just had my first real makeover. I can't believe that I have waited this long. I tried on some of my friend's makeup while we were together in NYC for a girls weekend. (We were totally spoiled by my friend Alexis' husband who paid for all of us to get away for a weekend of shopping, eating and shows!) Both of my friends Alexis and Michele use bare escentuals makeup. I have never really used foundation or much of anything consistently. I tried this makeup on and I felt like I looked great. I looked like I got 10 hours of sleep every night and my skin felt radiant. Upon returning home, I made an appointment to get a facial and now I have my own makeup that makes me feel positively pretty. I really like the SPF Foundation (it is a powder), the lip gloss and the facial wash. If they don't have a store near you, they have a great online offer! It is the best stuff I have ever tried.

New Finds

2008-08-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

Audrey, do you remember last fall in Tahoe when we were discussing our favorite mascara? Well, this summer I found two amazing new mascaras that I love.

The first is Maybelline's The Colossal Volum' Express. This mascara has a big, fat brush, and it claims to increase your lash size by 9 times - which I think it just might do! You can get it at any grocery store for $6 or $7. It's a great find!

The second is Bad Gal Lash by Benefit. I received this mascara as a birthday gift from my friend, Kristin. It is awesome! I looked it up online (wondering where one might purchase such mascara), only to realize that it costs about $19. A bit pricey for mascara, but I will probably buy another one once mine is used up! I'm glad Kristin introduced this mascara to me!

Just a couple helpful hints from a girl who is enjoying having nice plump lashes after too long of a dry spell!

Peachy Keen

2008-07-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

We packed up our kids Saturday and drove to a peach orchard for our 2nd annual picking fest. We came home with 32 lbs. - enough to make peach pies & shakes, eat some straight out of the skin, and still have some left over for me to try my hand at canning. I am a total novice, but it was a fun experience - thanks to my dear friend Veronique, who walked me through the entire process - and I think I'll try it again (next time with bigger peaches).

I tried your pie, Aud. It was delectable! I made it with my aunt's crust, which is sweet and tasted so great with your pie. (I've included your recipe for anyone who doesn't have it already). Happy peach season!

Nancy Morgan's Fresh Peach Pie
5 large fresh peaches
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 Tbsp. cornstartch
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Slice 3 peaches in pre-cooked pie shell. Mash other 2 peaches in pan along with sugar, cornstarch and water. Cook 5 minutes until boiling or thick. Add almond extract and butter. Pour over sliced peaches. Chill.

Phyllis' Ultimate Pie Crust
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
2 1/2 cups flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 egg yolks
4 Tbsp. ice water
1 tsp. vinegar

Beat together butter and shortening until smooth and creamy and chill until firm. Sift together flour, sugar, salt in medium bowl. Cut the butter and shortening into the dry ingredients. Mix egg yolk, ice water, and vinegar into the dough. Form into a ball and refrigerate for one hour so it will be easier to work with. Makes 1 two-crust pie.

W's Book Choices

2008-07-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

W is loving book time right now. Here are his two current favorites: How Do You Make Baby Smile by Philemon Sturges and We've All Got Bellybuttons by David Martin. We seem to rotate genres from week to week. This week is animals, last week was trains and the week before we read about construction vehicles. I love the library!

Sugar City Shop

2008-07-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to make sure that you knew that Melissa and Lynne's shop is open. I love their creations. Especially their whimsical wolfie. It looks like all of their stuff sold out in the first day! Here is their link! Sugar City Shop

Opinions, please!

2008-07-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

I need your opinions. I am refinishing a dresser for my room. Which finish do you like better - rubbed edges with white and brown showing through or smooth green paint? Inquiring mind wants to know.

Swishy Skirts

2008-07-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

I love wearing skirts in the summer. They are so cool (especially with the humidity) and cute. I have a favorite place that I get my skirts from and I don't want to mention it for fear of making them too popular, but click here if you want to find out:) I usually grab some during their end of season sale when they are really reasonably priced.

Books, books, books

2008-07-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

I just finished this book on Monday, and it was both heartwrenching and inspiring - a true tale of victory. It is the story of a Tutsi woman who survived the Rwandan Holocaust by hiding in a cramped bathroom for 91 days with seven other women. While there, she came to know God in a most intimate way. This book really made me contemplate my own relationship with God.
I watched "Hotel Rwanda" several years ago, and I was so upset that I cried for some time after the movie was finished. It was a very touching film, but I thought I wouldn't put my emotions through watching it again. I think now that I have a much better understanding of the conflict and history in Rwanda, I would like to see it once more.

Audrey, I read "A Mighty Heart" by Mariane Pearl while on vacation, and I loved it. What an amazing book. It was so well written. My favorite part, though, was their love story.

Wonder of wonders...

2008-07-16T06:34:00.001-07:00

It happened. I actually grew something in my desert soil! Do you remember the teeny starts I planted months and months ago? Well, here they are in all their glory...

and here are the fruits of a day's picking.

It amazes me how the things that used to make my eyes roll as a teenager now bring me such pleasure. I remember learning to can in YW and thinking, "This is the most boring activity ever!" Yesterday I went to the store to buy a water bath canner, and I thought I would flip from the excitement of it all! I am going to can peaches from Apple Annie's Orchard and make my own salsa and freezer jam.

I made wheat bread on Monday, and I think I may have done in my KitchenAid! It actually started smoking!! I might just have to start saving up for a Bosch. I am now "saving up" for so many gadgets that I don't think I'll ever get to them all.

I have loved seeing shots of all your beautiful flora. The before and after photos were inspiring. Do you think now that I'm going to be here another two years I should plant some grass in our pebbled plot?

All Aboard!

2008-07-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

This alphabet book is one of the best that O and I have discovered. The art is fantastic. He had a blast trying to find the hidden letters in each of the pictures. Can you find the hidden letters? We checked this one out from the library, but we might have to add it to our permanent collection! Check out All Aboard!: A Traveling Alphabet -by Bill Mayer.

Background

2008-06-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

I think that tree trunks make a great background for black and white photos. I really like how this one turned out.

Ready for a Luau

2008-06-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

I have been planning a return trip to Hawaii for the whole family. It looks like it won't happen because of the long flights and the expense of 4 tickets. So what to do with all of my Hawaiian dreams?

How about an end of preschool luau? The highlight definitely was watching a volcano explode. The kids used two bottles of vinegar and still weren't tired of the action! I used this super simple recipe from Create Kids Crafts.

We learned the actions to the Hukilau song, ate fresh pineapple, coconut and macadamia nuts and after reading books about Hawaii, used photos of Hawaii to make postcards of our favorite sights.

We also had the best banana bread in the world: Coconut Lime Glazed Banana Bread. Mary Ann hooked me up with this recipe from Cooking Light a couple of years ago and I haven't made a different banana bread since. I love it!

Hydrangea (3 days later)

2008-06-15T12:30:00.001-07:00

This is the same bloom 3 days later. It is so lovely. I had to capture it again!

Hydrangea

2008-06-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about what is budding out in my garden now! Hydrangeas always make me think of you Jana! Your wedding was exquisite with the beautiful blooms.

My Take on Elevating the Mundane

2008-06-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

One reason we purchased our current house is for the yard. O and W are little bundles of energy and need somewhere to run free! I loved playing with them in the back, but the unfinished landscaping bothered me to no end. I took a cue from Melissa's post about elevating the mundane. With a shovel in hand, I landscaped the back while the boys 'helped'. It was f un to read up about plants and figure out which would do well in this climate.

After spending so much time helping me pick out flowers and shrubs O is obsessed with plants everywhere we go. He often stops while riding his bike to make sure I notice 'a very beautiful plant'. For father's day, O thinks his dad would like 'a very big tree with lots of blossoms'! Weeds have reason to fear now too. O is constantly pointing them out and will stop riding his bike to get off at a neighbor's house and pull a few. It has been an adventure planting with my boys but I have totally enjoyed it. I am pleased to be growing little gardeners.

Before

After

Before

After

Asparagus-Tip Tea Sandwiches

2008-06-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Usually I don't get adventurous for lunch. Not because I don't think it would be fun, but simply because I usually don't plan ahead that well. This past Friday my friend called and asked if we would like to join her for lunch. She had just found a green vegetable that her son would eat...asparagus! She decided to expand on his new taste buds with this recipe. I was the lucky recipient of her culinary plans! These little sandwiches were fabulous and so easy to make. If you have asparagus and bread on hand you are set. I love asparagus so this is a great way for me to enjoy them! I usually save them for a fancy dinner. While asparagus is in season, get some and enjoy! Click here for the link to the recipe from Wondertime (the photo is from Wondertime too- they really do look this pretty though.)

PS The Wondertime article on asparagus mentioned asparagus pee: a distinct smell that your urine makes after eating asparagus. Are S and I the only ones in the world who have never smelled this or known about it??

Peace Like A River

2008-06-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

I just finished this book and wholeheartedly recommend it. At times there is nothing better than just escaping in a book and becoming completely lost in another world. This book tells of normal people, the miracles in their lives and the love of family. It is quite different from anything that I have read lately and quite refreshing. I didn't know I'd so enjoy poetic passages about western bandits. You should give it a read!

Sweet Treat

2008-06-04T23:36:00.000-07:00

Hey, remember these? You gave me these popsicle molds for my birthday years ago. The boys and I made strawberry nectarine pops today, and they tasted so good in the hot sun. We just pureed a clamshell of strawberries and some nectarines, added vanilla yogurt and a dollop of honey - and voila! We've come up with all sorts of concoctions to try in the summer days ahead.

Late Blooming Dogwood

2008-05-28T19:47:00.001-07:00

This lovely tree was a real surprise. I knew it looked like a Dogwood and I kept waiting and waiting for it to blossom. I finally concluded that something was wrong with the tree once all of the other dogwoods in the neighborhood started losing their blossoms. Then, surprise... This tree popped out the most show-stopping blossoms on top of the leaves. I absolutely love the way that this tree is just laden with white blossoms on top of every green branch! The last tribute to spring!

Chicken Tikka Masala

2008-05-21T20:43:00.001-07:00

I made this tasty dish for dinner tonight. I got the recipe from a friend in my cooking club. If you like Indian food, this is a "must try." Delicious!

Chicken Tikka Masala
1 cup yogurt
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp salt
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

4 long skewers

1 Tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tsp cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, pepper, ginger, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate 1 hour.
2. Preheat grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Grill 5 minutes on each side.
4. Melt butter in a large skillet. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 tsp cumin, paprika, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro.

My New Red Shoes

2008-05-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

I finally have a pair of red shoes. I was looking for something comfortable and cute and I found these Keen shoes. They are the most comfortable shoes I have worn. I could go jogging in them, literally. They are a good match for my lifestyle right now (chasing after little boys all day:)

Tutti Frutti Quilt

2008-05-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

My sewing machine has sat quietly in its case for far too long, and I have really been wanting to sew something for a special little person in my life. I found this striped and polka dotted fabric called "tutti frutti" and thought it would make the perfect happy blanket. I used several sizes of ric rac to stitch in the ditch, which made "quilting" it so easy and fun. J wants me to make him one with blue fabric and metallic gold ric rac. I'll let you know how that one turns out... :). I've sure loved your recent posts.

Tulip Poplar

2008-05-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Tulip Poplar Blossom

Do you see all the blossoms on the tree?

O and W checking out their tulip collection

This is a truely 'Dr. Suessical' tree. The tulip poplar grows full size tulips all over. This is the beautiful old tree that we swing on in our backyard. It is enormous. I can't even see the top of it. The flowers have blown out of the tree all over our backyard. The boys have been collecting them and getting their hands all gooey with nectar. I love each and every tulip that I am presented though!

Book Club Food

2008-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Now on to my second addiction: baked goods!

I can and do eat more cookies than probably anyone I know! I am trying to stop and recently have started my new once a week rule. Since I have no self control after I start eating a delicious homemade cookie, I am only letting myself eat cookies or treats once a week. So far so good.

For bookclub this past week I made two fabulous desserts. Mare passed this lemon meringue cupcake recipe on to me. I loved them. I made a couple of alterations though. I actually put them under the broiler after topping with meringue so they were cooked like they would be on a pie. I also stuck them in the refrigerator before serving which helped the lemon curd seep into the cupcake and produce the most delicious lemon pound cake. YUMMY! Definitely try these if you like lemon.

I also made a chocolate frosted, chocolate chip, chocolate cookie that was, in my opinion, fantastic. Jana's almond punch was my first try at a big punch bowl. Jenn's Blue Cheese Bacon Dip and Red Pepper Artichoke folds were both very tasty too.

*Please click on the link above to find recipes for the lemon cupcakes, chocolate cookies and blue cheese bacon dip. The other two recipes are below.

Red Pepper Artichoke Cups

24 Square wonton wrapperes

1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1/2 cup diced re bell peppers

2 Tablespoons finely snipped fresh parsley

1 lemon rind

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

1/4 mayonnaise

1 garlic clove, pressed

1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese grated

Preheat oven to 350. Press one wonton wrapper into each cup of mini-muffin pan. (Oil the pan and lightly spray the wonton with oil. Bake 6 minutes or until edges of wontons are light golden brown. Remove from oven, leaving wontons in pan.

Mix all ingredients (leaving some parmesean cheese for sprinkling on top). Fill each wonton cup with one rouned scoop of artichoke mixture; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan Cheese

Bake 8 minutes or until edges of wontons are crispy and golden brown.

Remove from pan and serve immediately

Almond Citrus Punch

1 (12 oz.) can frozen lemonade
1 (12 oz.) cans frozen orange juice
5 c. water

1 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
1 liter 7-Up

Combine all ingredients except for 7-UP. Add soda right before serving.

Azaleas

2008-05-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

These are two of the azalea bushes in my yard. I am just loving gardening right now! I just planted four more azaleas in my backyard.

Latest Reads

2008-05-06T18:15:00.001-07:00

I have been reading a lot lately. Sometimes I get on a reading kick and I have a hard time slowing down. It is one of my addictions. (I'll detail the other addiction in another post). This past week I read into the wee hours even with an aching head and throbbing throat. Once I am caught up in a book, I'll sneak into the bathroom to read late at night or early in the morning. S used to try to convince me go to bed, but I think he has given up. I need him to reign me in though. My inability to stop reading while in the middle of a good book is more than a little ridiculous.

One of my new goals is to look at the clock before I start reading and set a stop time. I haven't been able to actually do it yet, but I'll report back when I have accomplished this goal!

Now on to a few of the books that kept me busy this past week:

This is a great book. I feel totally immersed in Afghanistan now. I have a brother-in-law stationed there and feel tied to the country for that reason as well. I watched Kite Runner the night before I read this book. After reading this book, I couldn't stop thinking about how different my life is simply because of where I was born. Things that bothered me the day before suddenly were inconsequential. This book details the lives of two women who endure all that life throws at them from the time of the Soviet Invasion, through the Taliban rule and the post 9/11 events. This book brought me face to face with the unimaginable physical, emotional and sexual abuse women face in this part of the world. The Revolutionary Association for the Women of Afghanistan have a list of the rules women were forced to comply with. It's absolutely incomprehensible that this is all real.

I followed up on this theme with a book called "Princess: A True story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia". This book, while not as well written as a Thousand Splendid Suns, is amazing simply because it is true. It details the ways that women in Saudi Arabia suffer simply because they are women. While reading this book I began to understand why this vicious and evil cycle of mistreatment of women continues. John Meyer sums it up with his song. Daughters.

This book explains that boys are treated as kings from the day they are born and follow the example of their abusive fathers, and that daughters are unimportant. The relationships of brothers and sisters were strained because of this tension. Boys don't have girls for friends and vice versa. Girls are be married off as young as thirteen. They then often endure in bad marriages and the cycle starts over again.

Well, this is a long post, but these books have left me with a lot to think about. I definitely feel that I will be much more grateful for my life and blessings and hope that I can find a way to make a difference for all of the people that suffer so much.

twin tunes

2008-05-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hooray! I got Audrey's CD in the mail, and I have been listening to it ever since. It was - as Audrey's creations always are - totally great. I can't believe that we didn't include any of the same songs either, though I have to say that I came within a hair's breadth of putting on "Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat, and I can't believe I didn't think to put on "Snow" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. I went crazy for that song a couple of months ago. I love it!

The more I listen to your CD, Aud, the more songs I really really like. I think I am a new fan of Vampire Weekend. La Caution's "The A la Menthe" is awesome. I don't know why, but it reminds me of some music I danced to with the folk dancers. (I busted out a couple of my moves for the four kids I was watching on Tuesday - I couldn't help myself! They were amused.).

E's favorite is "Opposite Day" by Steve Songs. We all like the line about the pancakes eating him for breakfast. "Yikes! Pancakes! One of 'em's got a fork!" (Argh! My video is always sideways! Help! Oh well, she was too cute and I had to share! No guitar this time, though).

I, of course, love "Island in the Sun" by Weezer. It is now officially on my happy song list. This was lots of fun! I think we should do another kind of swap sometime soon - it is great to have a piece of you here with me.

Feist- 1 2 3 4

2008-04-23T10:31:00.001-07:00

I just received my new CD in the mail! Thanks Jana! I love it!

It is so fun to have your favorites to listen to. Fidelity and 1234 are my favorites on the CD. I had heard them before but never knew who sang them. I love Regina Spektor's style and rhythm and Feist singing 1234 is just pure fun. Thanks for brightening my week! We're going to listen to it in the car right now as we drive to music class!

Regina Spektor - Fidelity

2008-04-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

PS after driving in the car O asked, "Is this a good song or a bad song? Who broke her heart?" They are always listening!

Cooking Club

2008-04-19T13:40:00.001-07:00

I had the funnest time hosting Cooking Club at my house on Thursday. We just started up an Enrichment group for those who love to cook (or would love to learn to cook).

My friend, Krystal, came and shared a box of homemade truffles with each girl there. Aren't they beautiful?! She just started a business from home called "Pink Pastries" using her great grandmother's recipe. Her truffles are scrumptious!

Everyone brought 2 or 3 of their favorite main dish recipes, and many brought food for sampling. I made Gingered Honey Salmon (Amy's recipe), Parmesan Artichoke Chicken and Marmalade Pecan Brie. We had other delights, too - Indian Curry with Fish, Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken, Roasted Chicken with Pepper Marinade, Enchiladas (beef & chicken), and Spicy Ham & Bean Soup. I think next month is Fondue. I wish you could join us...

P.S. Your CD is on its way! Hope you like it!

Capturing W

2008-04-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

I have been trying for quite a while now to get a photo of W that is more than him just running away from the camera. I love W's expression in this photo. It sums up his determined, observant, sweet, inquisitive personality perfectly.

Shirt-Pants

2008-04-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Melissa has inspired me to start sewing for my own boys. I sewed as a young girl and always won the modeling competition at the county fair (my secret dream was to be a model:). My friend Marcie won the construction part. I haven't sewed clothes for a long time. I have sewed quite a few baby blankets, but now I am hooked on sewing for boys. These are the reasons I'm so excited about sewing for my boys.

1- O feels special. He is so impressed that I made this for him. He is now interested in all things related to sewing machines and insists that he is going to sew his own socks.

2- I can never find anything original for my boys to wear. I am bored with store bought boy clothes.

4- I can save money (maybe).

3- I feel crafty and excited about all the possibilities. In the photo below you can see the little button tabs. It is fun and something a little different.

Challenge #1

2008-04-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

I admit it. Sometimes I wish I could have a little more "Audrey time" - or any Audrey time. Living 2,283 miles apart is sometimes, well... just 2,283 miles too many! :) I can picture us packing up our kids in the car and gallivanting off to a cool museum or to explore the city or just to hang out at each other's houses - if only we weren't the entire United States apart! So, I was driving in the car the other day, and I thought maybe we could do a few little "somethings" to make the miles apart seem fewer.

Challenge #1: I say we each make one another a music CD of all our current favorite songs. Include 15 or 20 songs you love to listen to and mail it off by Friday, April 18. What do you say? Are you in?
P.S. Do you remember this concert?

Dr. Seuss Tree

2008-04-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Our mesquite tree out front looks like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. It is loaded with thousands of brilliant yellow pom-pons, and it puts a smile on my face each time I step out my front door.

My Favorite Read :)

2008-04-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

I loved your idea of posting O's favorite read, so I decided to post mine, too. I am currently reading "Life of Pi," which is very good (so far), but my true favorite is "Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox." The illustrations are to die for and the rhyme is so very clever. Oh! How I would love to write a children's book (and have it illustrated by Hanako Wakiyama!).

O's Favorite Read

2008-04-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

"A Visitor for Bear" by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton is one of our new favorites. The story is so sweet and the artwork really lovely. We checked it out from the library last week and already have read it more than a dozen times. O particularly likes exclaiming one of his favorite lines from the story, "Away with you! Vamoose!"

Where I Want to Be Right Now

2008-04-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

The most fabulous vacation of my life was to the island of St. John, one of the US Virgin Islands. One of my friends just got back from the caribbean and looking at her tan skin and her kid's sun bleached hair made me daydream of my week in heaven!

Volcano Land

2008-04-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

O came up with this idea on his own. While looking at our egg carton he was inspired by the mini-volcanoes and decided to make a volcano land. Each of the volcanoes is painted with hot lava and it is a great place for his mini-dinosaurs to live. I was impressed by his creativity on this project.

Saucer Magnolia

2008-03-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

This a photo of my favorite Spring bloomer. We (my parents dug and I watched the boys) just planted one in my front yard. I first saw this tree in Georgia and it has been my favorite of the spring blossoming trees ever since. In Georgia I called them Tulip Trees because their blossoms look a little like tulips. Their proper name is Saucer Magnolia. I just love them and I'm so happy to have one of my own! I can't wait for its blossoms to appear. I'll post a photo when they do.

A Damsel in Distress

2008-03-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have long felt that kitchen cleanup is pure drudgery. The past month though I have made excuses to go and clean my kitchen. It has never shined like this before. We had a subscription to Audible and we now have a good collection of audiobooks. I have just started to listen to them on my ipod player. I am just about finished with 'A Damsel in Distress' and might just have to head up to the kitchen now to listen a little more!

P.S. Most libraries have a decent selection of audiobooks, so that could be a great way to listen for free.

Learning Letters

2008-03-26T05:16:00.000-07:00

I love this idea that my friend Mina uses to teach letters. She cuts out things for the children to glue on to a letter that she has already traced. O loves doing these projects. For K she did Kaleidoscope and used bits of different colored paper. For M she did Metallic and used bits of shiny tin foil.

Alesund

2008-03-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

Alesund, Norway. I want to go there. T had this picture pulled up on his computer screen. I am really having "green" envy. Perhaps it is the holiday... Perhaps it is because I live in the desert. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Green bananas, green salad, green grapes, and green mac and cheese! What could be better? We topped it off with green milk. O loved thinking about all the green things we could eat and especially liked pinching S. who forgot to wear green today!

Cookie Bouquets

2008-03-16T22:40:00.001-07:00

I made these little flowers today as a thank you for our Primary chorister & pianist. They are so simple; I thought they would be a fun craft for preschool or a sweet spring surprise.

Pears & Bears

2008-03-16T21:30:00.001-07:00

Aren't these clothes darling?! Have you ever heard of Kayce Hughes before? Check out the children's Spring Collection and Fall Preview. I would love to dress my wee three in these clothes. M&L should really go into business. These classic, tailored lines remind me a lot of their designs. Take a look at her story.

Still Shots

2008-03-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my photography. I liked this photo of O. It is so hard to get him and W. to hold still long enough to take a photo. I have to try all sorts of techinques to distract them so that they will stay put long enough for me to click the camera! Any suggestions for photographing busy toddlers and preschoolers are welcome!

Ruby Slippers

2008-03-14T13:37:00.001-07:00

I have become quite smitten with red shoes. My mom told me she always loved to have a red pair; perhaps it is hereditary. I took my kids to story time last week, and the librarian exclaimed, "What cute shoes!" as I whisked E past her so we could be prompt for Mr. Eddie's performance. She then spotted mine. "You, too!" I couldn't resist purchasing these adorable patent leather Mary Janes for E. Like mother, like daughter.

A Love of Elephants

2008-03-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Is it any wonder that W. loves elephants? One look at his room and you won't be surprised that he loves animals. A close up look at the fabric for his bedding and curtains reveal that he has been staring at his good friend elephant for a long time now! One very clear memory that I have of my room growing up is staring at my curtains as I dozed off to sleep. They were yellow with a variety of circus animals on them. I loved looking at them and watching the different shades of color as the sun shone threw them. I have to credit S. with the drawing of all the animals on the little boards resting on the plate rail. I love Will's room and I know that he does too. Every morning when I come to get him he either calls out his elephant noise and points at all the elephants or sings E-I-E-I-O while pointing to the rest of the animals.

Rocket Balloons

2008-03-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Aud,
I know your boys love to blow up balloons, so I had to post about the greatest toy - Rocket Balloons. J got this for his birthday (you can find it at Target for $5.99). You blow up a balloon with the pump until it looks like a giant hot dog (or the balloons the magicians twist into all kinds of animals) and then you hold it upright (pinching the end with your fingers) and let go. These balloons fly! I'm including a few photos of them soaring over the roof of our house! I'm telling you, you've got to try this! Your boys would be in heaven. We took ours to the park, and we had a crowd of kids swarming around us within seconds. Good, cheap fun!

Spring Gardening

2008-03-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air here. True it was 30 degrees today, but I can feel it coming! The days are getting longer and there are birds singing in the morning. The photo above was my first garden. When we moved into the house pictured above the backyard was nothing more tahn a dirt pit. S lovingly laid all of the brick on a steamy 100 degree day and we both transformed the clay soil into great earth that would support life for all of these beautiful plants. I loved that little yard. As I looked out into my new yard today I felt a little overwhelmed. This time we didn't start with a brand new pit of dirt, but an 40 year old yard full of weedy grass. Looking at all the weeds that are just waiting for the first sign of warmth to pop out of their winter hiding places has me feeling a bit intimidated to say the least! Hopefully I can figure out some way to win the fight!

PB & Jana

2008-03-05T19:45:00.001-08:00

I have come to be known in my current ward as "The Treat Lady." I'm not sure this is the best reputation to have, but I do love to take yummy things to friends' houses. One of my favorites is a Cox family recipe from my sister-in-law, Gayle, who is a fabulous cook. This is definitely not a low fat dessert, but it is so, so good. You must try it. Here is the tasty concoction:

Gayle's Peanut Butter Balls
12 graham crackers, crushed
4 cups powdered sugar
2 cups peanut butter
1 1/2 cubes butter (my brother uses 2 cubes), mostly melted

Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag with a rolling pin until texture is fine. In a bowl, combine graham crackers, 2 cups powdered sugar and all of peanut butter. Add butter and remaining 2 cups powdered sugar. Form into small balls, place on cookie sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Melt 1 bag of Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips in the microwave (30 seconds, stir, another 30 seconds), and drizzle with a spoon over balls. Freeze for 30 minutes. PB balls taste best cold. Store in fridge or freezer.

Patchwork Bulletin Board

2008-02-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

I am really enjoying using bulletin boards. I love being able to have a place to keep little things that I want to look at without getting my desks or counters all cluttered. I used the little cheap cork squares that you can buy at Michaels and attached some extra fabric that I had left over from other projects with a staple gun. Then we glued it to a solid back and screwed it into the wall.

PS S and I came up with and completed this project before I saw this version at Pottery Barn. Do you think they sent a scout to my house to copy my design ideas?:)

Pizza Toasts

2008-02-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

When I asked S to make dinner for the boys on Sunday night this is what I came into the kitchen to find. The rocket and blackbird jet were for O of course and the elephant was W's . He loves elephants and it is one of his few words. I was lucky enough to eat the race car and S had the shark. YUM! Also, it turns out there is a very specific process for toasting the bread, before applying the toppings and then broiling them so as not to let the bread get soggy. S had it down to a science.

Lunch Ideas

2008-02-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

I always have a hard time thinking of anything besides pb&j and turkey melts to feed O and W for lunch. Mare has created a huge list of great lunch ideas on her food & fun blog. Check it out.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2008-02-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to have a "Favorite Things" category - a way to share some of our sweet and special things, whatever they may be. I fell in love with this precious vintage board by Marta Peters when I saw it in a little antique shop window. She started a company called Moonlight & Roses and creates pieces from her vast collection of antique cards and memorabilia. The dainty fairy and flowers have the most beautiful sparkles on them. This print hangs in my E's nursery.

Desert Dew

2008-02-24T15:16:00.001-08:00

No ice storms here, but we did have a "nippy" morning the other day, and I snapped this picture of some desert dew. I thought it was a nice juxtaposition - Audrey's frozen bush, Jana's dewy bush.

Sick Days

2008-02-24T15:12:00.001-08:00

I’m still alive! You wouldn’t know it by my (lack of) recent contributions to this blog. “Sick Days” is the most fitting title I could come up with for the past 14 days at our house. T went down with influenza nearly two weeks ago, and his bed was his constant companion for five days. His illness was followed by four others - an earache for P, a severe cold for J & E, and only one day (luckily) of T’s yuck for me. What to do when everyone is feeling terrible and trapped inside? Cook!

I tried out quite a few recipes over the past several days, including many that Audrey has posted on the blog. We made Audrey’s Yellow Cake, Black Bean Soup (T loved this, Aud) and Play Clay (we made blue :) ), our friend Amy’s Peasant Bread, and our friend Megan’s Whole Wheat Bread. They were all very yummy (except for the Play Clay, of course, which we did not eat). I have to say that I was most excited about the wheat bread because, to date (I'll be married 9 years in April), I have never made a loaf of wheat bread. Can you believe it?! Oh, I've made loads of homemade rolls, sweet breads, bread sticks, cornbread, and all sorts of other bread, but this was a turning point for a girl who used to be afraid of yeast! We slathered warm butter and honey on our hot bread, and it was the perfect comfort food.

Try this super easy and delicious recipe:

French Peasant Bread
1 package dry yeast
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
4 cups flour
oil
corn meal
melted butter

Place yeast, water, sugar and salt in warm bowl and stir until dissolved. Add flour and stir until blended. Do not knead. Cover and let rise one hour or until doubled in size. Flour hands, remove dough from the bowl and place in 2 rounds on an oiled cookie sheet sprinkled with corn meal. Let rise an addition hour. Brush the top with melted butter and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees and cook an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and brush again with butter. Serve warm.

Mardi Gras

2008-02-21T17:51:00.000-08:00

I was just reflecting on how much I love February. This month features my birthday, Valentines Day and how can I forget... Mardi Gras! S and I spent a fabulous weekend in New Orleans with our dear friends in 2004. We went to all the family friendly sites and collected boatloads of beads. After the photo above, I almost strangled myself trying to get them all off. We still have a huge duffel bag full of beads, so if you ever need any just let me know!

12 Socks of Valentine's Day

2008-02-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

The socks featured are two of the 12 that delighted me in secret hiding places on Valentine's Day. While changing W's diaper I found a sock on top of his wipes with lip gloss inside. While putting a plate in the microwave, I found a sock with a box of chocolates stuffed deep down. Best of all, while doing laundry (which I don't like to do) I found a sock with lotion inside! My sweet Valentine left little surprises all over the house for me to find as I went about my daily tasks. What a sweetheart!

Valentine's Dinner

2008-02-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

I am making pan seared tilapia tonight for our Valentine Dinner. This recipe is so light and delicious! I wanted to pass it along for a great staple for cooking with any light, mild fish. I think I will add some capers this time too. Mary Ann originally tipped me off to this recipe and as usual, her recipes are a hit.

As a side note, this recipe is really easy to play around with. If you don't have white wine, you can add chicken broth and if you don't have sherry vinegar just use another vinegar. Likewise with the shallots. I love shallots, but if you don't have any on hand you could just add a little garlic and minced onion.

A Present!!

2008-02-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

I found this beautiful box on my car with a great birthday present inside! (Thanks Vanessa and Chelsea!) I was so excited to find little ramekin dishes inside! Also in the box was a recipe for the most delicious little molten chocolate cakes with mint fudge sauce. These would make a most delectable Valentine's Treat don't you think? Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T04:36:00.000-08:00

Don't feel bad if you don't get one in the mail. They are from another year!

Ice Storm

2008-02-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

This morning we awoke to some beautiful ice sculptures outside our front door. I took this one without even leaving the front porch.

Perfect Play Clay

2008-02-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

This is not the most beautiful picture in the world, but it is the best play clay I have ever played with. O & W both play for it completely content for over an hour. That is saying a lot for a 3 year old and 16 month old! It stays soft for months and is so much fun to shape and mold. O on this day was making the sun out of this big orange blob. We also had planets surrounding it out of many other colors. I am posting the recipe below. One word of caution: Follow the recipe precisely. I tried to improvise a little once and got a sticky, gooey mess! It calls for a lot of salt and cream of tartar too, so you might want to check your stock before you get started to make sure that you have enough!

Combine in saucepan:

5 cups water

2 1/2 cups salt

3 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar

and food coloring (1 tsp for pastel color and 3 Tablespoons for vivid color)

Warm over low heat and stir with a wooden spoon. As the mixture heats up, stir in:

10 Tablespoons oil and then

5 cups flour slowly

Keep stirring until the mixture starts to look dry and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Remove the pan from the heat at this point. Pinch a piece between two fingers, If it is not sticky, it is done. Otherwise, continue stirring over heat.

Place the dough on the counter and knead until smooth. Store in a plastic bag and enjoy!

Happy Hearts

2008-02-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

I made this happy little felt wreath when J. was tiny. I pull it out every February because it makes me smile. Did I mention that I love Valentine's Day?

Will You Be My Valentine?

2008-02-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun making this Valentine tree. I hope to add to it all the adorable creations made by the sweet hands of my kindergartener and preschooler. I just love it when their holiday crafts come through the door. Perhaps I'll get a sweet nothing from my Valentine, as well. Happy Valentine's Day!

Current Obsession

2008-02-05T17:42:00.001-08:00

I can't stop racing to the computer to get the latest poll or news article regarding the elections. Real Clear Politics is a great site that has a daily compilation of the polls and has great articles representing all sides of the political spectrum.

Baby Shoes

2008-02-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who gets one of these little Aaron Basha charms every time she has a baby! I tried to talk JS into the idea but fell far short. He has been very sweet though and given me thoughtful and beautiful (although much more reasonably priced) presents after the birth of our children. (Pictured below is my 'medal of honor' necklace that JS gave me after natural childbirth with W.)

German Chocolate Inside Out Cake

2008-02-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

I made this delicious cake to celebrate all of the January Birthdays with some good friends. I love German Chocolate Cake and this is my favorite version so far, but I wasn't crazy about the chocolate glaze. I would use a ganache to top the cake off with instead.

Yellow Cake

2008-02-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

I didn't have time to go to the store for a box of yellow cake and chocolate frosting as JS requested. I called Mare and she of course had the perfect recipe on hand. It looked just like a store bought cake when finished. JS was almost tricked, but in the end he figured me out! There probably weren't enough preservatives or high fructose corn syrup in my version! I loved the cake and it reminded me of a cake that my grandmother made. My grandmother's cake was always served in a bowl with milk on top. I poured milk on top of my cake and it was delicious! No wonder I love moist cake. I grew up eating it soaked in milk!

YELLOW BIRTHDAY CAKE

3/4 cup butter, at room temperature

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs, separated

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour pan ( or use one of those baking sprays that has flour in it)

2. Cream butter for 1-2 minutes; add the sugar and cream for another 2 minutes. Add the egg yolks and beat for another minute or until mixture appears light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract

3. In a separate bowl mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add a third of the flour mixture to butter-sugar mixturea nd mix well. Then mixing,(but not overbeating) affter each addition, add half the buttermilk, followed by another third of flour, remaining buttermilk, and finally the last of the flour.

4. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Gently fold into batter with a rubber spatula. Pour into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

2- 8 or 9 inch pans 45 minutes

13 by 9 by 2 inch 45 minutes

24 cupcake tins 20 minutes

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 to 4 T milk

* To make chocolate buttercream frosting replace 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 cup of cocoa.

With an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, and vanilla at low speed. Add milk bit by bit until mixture reaches a spreadable consistency.

6 Years Later...

2008-02-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

It's incredible to me how time can pass so quickly. How is it possible that my firstborn is now 6 years old? He wanted burritos for dinner, so we made Debbie's Green Chili-Chicken Casserole. It was super yummy. We spent dinner telling J. all about the day he was born. Such happy memories. (PS How do I get vertical pictures to post correctly? :)

Happy Birthday JS!

2008-01-31T18:52:00.000-08:00

I have become a connoisseur of fine chocolate cakes as of late. My parents gave us this little number for our last anniversary. Isn't it a beauty? I am with JS on the yellow cake from a box, but as for chocolate cake, I am a bit more demanding. :) I like flour less cake with ganache. My favorite is called Chocolate Rhapsody and is served at a little French cafe that T. and I visit with my brother Jason and his wife every time we go home to see family. It's become a fun little tradition. My friend, Kathy, taught me how to make a delectable chocolate cake with strawberry mousse, and I'm going to try it solo for Valentine's Day. Here's the recipe.

Meeting O

2008-01-31T16:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a little tribute to my first meeting with O. "My! What big eyes you have!" So beautiful. Do you remember our chocolate adventure? Fun times.

First Meeting

2008-01-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

Just remembering my first meeting with J. How are the birthday plans coming? I never answered your question about food at O's bday party. My favorite kid pleaser is a ham and cheese crescent roll. I use roll dough and wrap it around ham and muenster in a crescent shape before baking. (You can save time by using store bought crescent rolls). I also do a variety of mini-muffins. The kids love popping them one by one in their mouths. I also cut lots of fresh fruit and always add yummy salad or spinach-artichoke dip for the adults.

Mare's Meals

2008-01-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

Mary Ann is always trying out new recipes. On her blog she lists her most recent favorites. I thought you might want to check it out. I am linking to the page where she talks about her latest invention for menu planning. I am planning to make the pan seared tilipia and the grapefruit mousse tonight for JS's birthday dinner. I was planning a fancy cake but he said that he only wants a Betty Crocker double layer yellow cake with store bought frosting. For some reason he thinks that is better than homemade???

Wonder

2008-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

P.'s curiosity captured on film.