Not a very eventful day. I did actually make dinner before heading out to the gym for Zumba. Tommy came home earlier than normal so I could run some errands after class. I love my children, but it's so nice shopping by myself.

I'm always searching for recipes that are quick and easy (isn't everyone?). Today I opted for BB's Chicken. With 4 1/2 stars, I thought I couldn't lose. Even though I stopped by Steak & Shake on my way home, I still wanted to taste this new recipe to see if it needed to be added to my "favorite recipes" list I keep solely in my mind.

Sadly, I wasn't a big fan. Tommy made the comment that it was a little dry and I have to agree with him. Not that he goes around making unsolicited comments about food I make for him, but I asked. I didn't think it was all that great, either.

Please note that if you decide to try this recipe, the cooking time is incorrect. One hour at 325 is more than enough time to cook the chicken. Cook covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for the last half hour.

ETA: Someone asked about the pear by the stove. It is actually a petite casserole by Le Creuset. It was a Christmas present from my sister-in-law. I'd love to have 4-6 of them, but I don't see that happening unless someone around here wins the lottery.

Project 365 (Day 10)

Sometimes (not the majority of the time) I make dinner before heading out to the gym. Tonight's fare was a new recipe from allrecipes.com. I have to choose recipes that are easy to put together so that Tommy can just put the dish in the oven and be done with it. As for me, I usually stop by and get something on my way home. I guess that negates the whole hour at the gym.

Our Gingerbread House in Miniature

Joy (our elf) sometimes brings treats back from Santa. So far, he's brought back a wooden texture matching game, two packages of orange Tic-Tacs (they love those), two Christmas suckers, and our gingerbread house kit.


I was thinking this kit would be easier than my last gingerbread attempt with my nieces. I was also thinking smaller equals less mess, easier decoration, easier assembly...wrong.

The 4 packs of icing included in the package was nothing like royal icing. So I had to end up whipping up a batch of royal icing so the roof of our house wouldn't keep sliding off.


But, that's okay, while I was doing that, Owen was mixing the remaining four colors of icing together with a paintbrush and making purple paint for the roof, when he wasn't eating the decorations.

After the catastrophe was averted, it went pretty smoothly from there on out.


For $2.99 (on sale @ Michael's) I'm not quite sure what I expected. Since it was Santa's money, I can't complain.



Jack is missing from the pictures because he fell asleep too early. :(

I can't find the single kits like we used, but here's a link for the kits at Oriental Trading.

Hi, Wendy!
Here is the recipe for the Chocolaty Caramel Thumbprints. Believe me, they are DELICIOUS!

 
Ingredients
1 egg
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 vanilla caramels, unwrapped
3 tablespoons whipping cream
1-1/4 cups finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup (3 ounces) semisweet chocolate pieces
1 teaspoon shortening

Directions
1. Separate egg; place yolk and white in separate bowls. Cover and chill egg white until needed. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat well. Beat in egg yolk, milk, and vanilla.

2. In another bowl stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and beat until well combined. Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours or until easy to handle.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. In a small saucepan heat and stir caramels and whipping cream over low heat until mixture is smooth. Set aside.

4. Slightly beat reserved egg white. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in egg white, then in pecans to coat. Place balls 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each cookie.

5. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are firm. If cookie centers puff during baking, repress with your thumb. Spoon melted caramel mixture into indentations of cookies. Transfer cookies to wire racks; cool. (If necessary, reheat caramel mixture to keep it spoonable.)

6. In another saucepan heat and stir chocolate pieces and shortening over low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Let cool slightly. Drizzle chocolate mixture over tops of cookies.* Let stand until chocolate is set.

7. Makes about 36 cookies

8. *Tip: If desired, transfer the warm chocolate mixture to a resealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in one corner of the bag. Drizzle cookies with chocolate mixture.

Second Annual Cookie Swap

Last night was the Second Annual Cookie Swap at my house. There were ten participants this year and it was a great night with good friends and food.

I'm always impressed with the different ideas each participant has for packaging her cookies. We just set them all on the kids' table for distribution later.  Speaking of kids...

 
My contibution, Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Everyone also brings a dozen of her cookies to display and sample during the party. I guess I didn't get a picture of that. I was too busy eating and talking, I'm sure. (I snapped the picture above as I was cleaning up.)

 
We had (from left to right) Mexican Wedding Cookies, Coconut Snowballs, Double Chocolate Chunk Biscotti, Ginger Snaps, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, Buried Cherry Cookies, Chocolaty Caramel Thumbprints, Whipped Shortbread Cookies, White Chocolate Dipped Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, and Dark Chocolate Candy Crackles.

 
ALL of the cookies were incredibly good. If I had to narrow it down to my two favorite cookies I'd have to pick these two. I think I'll try both of them next year during the Bake-a-Thon. The Chocolaty Caramel Thumbprints are just the right blend of chocolate and caramel. They sound rich, but they really are light and creamy. The Dark Chocolate Candy Crackles taste just like Thin Mints. Need I say more?

Sixth Annual Bake-a-Thon
Wow! We made nine different recipes this year. Some were old favorites and some were new recipes we'll definitely be making in years to come. One was an interesting idea, but not one we'll be making again, I don't think.

From left to right: Simply Sensational Truffles, Sugar & Spice Black Pepper Cookies, Rum Balls, Peanut Butter Balls, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Cornflake Holly Clusters, Pinstripe Cookies, Top of Stove Cookies (AKA No Bake Cookies), and Cashew Brittle

A little closer look

 
I only have one rum ball because I only take one when we divide the cookies. I don't like them at all. That leaves more for my mom and sister since apparently they love them because we make them every year.

The Sugar & Spice Black Pepper Cookies taste way better than they sound. What an interesting mix of ingredients to end up with a cookie that tastes so very good. I'd definitely make those again. They are great cookies to accompany a cup of coffee, too.

 
Hmmm...Mexican Wedding Cookies, my favorite.

My niece made the Top of Stove Cookies and did a great job. Even though she spilled the cocoa all over my stove (just kidding, Shelby).

The Pinstripe Cookies were interesting to say the least. They are very pretty, but the mixture of flavors together left something to be desired. They are very cakey with only a 4 to 6 minute baking time. Tommy thought they were raw when he tasted them. I guess he likes his cookies a little crisper like I do. Each layer individually tasted fine,though. I just wouldn't put them together.

We had a great time baking together, as usual. Some of us needed a nap half way through and in the end, it was just me and Shelby finishing up in the kitchen. She even helped me start my cookies for the cookie swap. So, I forgave her for spilling the cocoa on the stove. ;)


Here are the links to past years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. You may have to scroll down for a few of them.

Trying to decide what to make for Thanksgiving. I know I want to make Veg-All Casserole to take to my sister's house for the afternoon. I'm still trying to decide on what to take for dessert. I'm also not sure what I'm making to take to Tommy's aunt's house for that Thanksgiving morning. Decisions...decisions.

I'm thinking I'll take a pecan pie. I use the recipe on the back of the Caro Syrup bottle and have for years. Tommy's granny's recipe is very different, so I think I'll step out of my comfort zone and try her recipe. Her pecan pies always had about an inch of jelly with chopped pecans inside the jelly and more pecans on top. But, we're talking about a lady who had pecan trees scattered all over her property.

I really need to drag her cookbook out more often. Tommy's aunt made us all a copy of her recipes one year for Christmas bound into a book. There are recipes for about fifteen different pound cakes including red velvet pound cake...who knew there was such a thing?

Owen's 4th Birthday Playdate

Whew! We've been busy these last couple of days!

Owen decided a couple of weeks ago that he wanted a Scooby Doo party. I searched for cake and/or cupcake ideas. I even thought of letting the bakery make the cake so I'd have one less thing to prepare. But, I wasn't too pleased with the cake they offered. So I set out searching on the Internet and found many cakes made by artists far more qualified than myself. In the end, I opted to just purchase the cake topper and make the cake myself.

It won't win any prizes, but it at least made some sense, rather than just have Scooby and Shaggy looking scared standing in the middle of the cake. At least now they have a reason to be scared. Plus, it was a great way to put some scrapbooking supplies to use!

I ended up making cupcakes, as well, and we didn't eat this cake. I was too paranoid about the glitter from the paper ghosts/tombstones/haunted houses falling into the cake. I couldn't find any toppers for the cupcakes locally so I opted to use puffy stickers on a toothpick. The children could take them off and stick them on their shirts after they finished eating their cupcakes.

The birthday boy gets away with lying on top of the counter.

Blowing out the candle before Jack could.

Everyone gets a turn blowing out the candle because it's so fun!

Tomorrow night is Owen's official birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. He loves that place! I'm letting them handle everything (food, cake, even the treat bags). I'm all birthdayed out!

Company & Cake


Today my family came for a visit and my mom brought tons of food! My only contribution was Veg-All casserole and the pumpkin spice cake pictured above.

It was really delicious, super simple, and in the interest of full disclosure, it was made from A BOX.

Caramel Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Spray bottom of a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with wax or parchment paper.
   
   
2. Follow directions on box of spice cake mix, then add in one can pumpkin. Pour mixture into baking pan. Bake.
   
   
3. Allow time for cake to cool, then remove from pan onto non-stick surface.
   
   
4. Cut cake into thirds, evenly. You may wish to trim the edges (about 1/8").
   
   
5. Place one section onto serving plate and frost with cream cheese frosting. Repeat with second layer.
   
   
6. Top with third layer, but do not frost. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.
   
   
7. When ready to serve, pour sliced almonds over top of cake and drizzle with caramel.
   

Oriental Slaw (aka Asian Slaw, Cruchy Cabbage Slaw, etc.)

I'm going to be trying three different recipes in the coming days/weeks (depends on how quickly I tire of this slaw).

Recipe #1

• 1 bag cole slaw mix


• 1 small pkg. chopped almonds


• 1 tsp butter


• 1/2 cup vegetable oil


• 1/3 cup white vinegar


• 1/2 cup sugar


• 2 pkgs. Ramen noodles (crumbled, uncooked, discard seasoning packet)


• 1-2 tsp. soy sauce

1. Toast almonds in butter.


2. Smash noodles while still in packages. Discard seasoning packet. Do not cook.


3. Combine almonds, noodles and slaw in large bowl.


4. Mix oil, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in saucepan, heat slightly.


5. Pour heated mixture over slaw and toss.


6. Place slaw in refrigerator for a few hours to chill.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Personally, I can't wait for the slaw to "chill" and I like the noodles as crunchy as possible. This slaw is delicious! I halved the recipe since I figured no one else in my house would eat it.

I had to put it in my new bowl, courtesy of my sister-in-law. I love my SIL...not because she buys me great bowls, either. Just because, she knows what I like! :)

5th Annual Bake-A-Thon

Today, I held the fifth annual bake-a-thon at my house. I think we spent the first two hours making appetizers and eating. The food was delicious. Around 1:00 PM or so, we got down to the "serious" baking!

Today's treats included:
Hawaiian Cookies
Walnut Crescents
Rum Balls
Chocolate Chip Raspberry Jumbles
Peanut Butter Balls
Tropical Snowballs
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Hidden Mint cookies
Brownies (courtesy of my niece)

I can't believe we've been doing this five years!

First Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange

I have been wanting to host a Christmas cookie exchange for a few years now and finally decided to put one together. There were nine participants and everyone made a half dozen cookies per participant (packaged)and one dozen for display and sampling during the party. Of course, there were prizes, as well.


I just love to see all the ways each particpant chose to wrap her cookies. We had a really great time and I can't wait to host one again next year!

What is a post without these two?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Yesterday, I hosted a St. Patrick's Day Celebration for my moms' group. It was a little chaotic with 12 moms, 12 toddlers, and 7 infants!


I made Irish Stew (really beef stew, since I'm not a fan of lamb) and shamrock cupcakes. The cupcakes were an idea from Family Fun (love that magazine & website!).
The only advice I have for the cupcakes is to be sure that the liners are between 1/2 and 3/4 full of batter before baking. I was nervous after reading the directions, but I shouldn't have been, they were incredibly easy. Definitely one of those ideas to file away for use every year!


I searched for two weeks leading up to the party for decorations. I ended up purchasing most of the goody bag/craft ideas from Oriental Tr*ding. I debated long and hard before purchasing the terra cotta leprechaun used as the centerpiece. He was a bit pricey and I also didn't want another seasonal decoration to store. In the end, I'm glad I decided to buy him! He definitely was an asset to the table.


I didn't get too many pictures of the party goers in action. I was too busy fixing drinks, manning the craft table, wiping up spills from the carpet, and refereeing the train table. I did get pictures of my two favorite party attendees, however.


Owen was a bit overwhelmed with all the extra children and hands on his toys. He never once got upset. He shared all his toys. I sure do love these little boys!

Without further ado
or...I promised recipes...I have been a bad blogger

Cornflake Holly Clusters/Cornflake Wreath Cookies


You will need:
1/2 cup butter
3 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. green food coloring
4 cups corn flakes
red cinnamon candies

First, melt butter and add marshmallows. I tend to do this all at the same time in the microwave.


After the butter and marshmallows are all melty you will add the extract and the food coloring.


Looks scary, but is very tasty!
Next, when mixture is smooth, add the cornflakes.


Being careful not to crush the cornflakes too badly, mix until the flakes are coated.



Form into holly clusters, or wreath shapes (if you have lots of time) and place on wax paper. Add cinnamon candies while still warm.

Fourth Annual Bake-a-Thon
I meant to post this picture yesterday! We got a late start this year so there are only four types of cookies to show for our efforts.

Fruitcake cookies, rum balls, cake balls (red velvet/cream cheese), and Mexican Wedding Cookies

Next year, we definitely plan on halfing the fruitcake cookie recipe. I thought we would never get finished with all the batter. Plus, it just about killed my Kitchenaid. Seriously, black oil started to leak from under the ring!

This is the first year we did not make holly clusters which are my favorite. At some point this week I plan on making those and butter cookies. Both were on the plan for this year but since we ran out of time and all...more for me.

ETA
See last year's cookies here (scroll down to December 20) with links to previous years, as well.

I will definitely post the recipes tomorrow!

I forgot to share these treats I made for Erica's graduation party in May. I wish I could say the idea was all mine, but the recipe was taken directly from the Family Fun website. I did add the Red Hot on top since I thought they needed a little something. They were super easy to assemble and looked cute, too!

In other news, my 37 week appointment was yesterday. So far, 2 centimeters dilated. TMI? She said, "I'll see you next week, and we'll go from there." I wouldn't mind an induction...nope, not one little bit.

Looking forward to American Idol tonight. I am such a sucker for reality television.

The attempts at organization are going well. Yesterday, I worked on the kitchen pantry which wasn't in bad enough shape for before pictures. Next up, the two hall closets...shudder.

I have also been trying to meal plan a week in advance. It's going pretty well. Ask me if I'm still doing great in a month.

Last week, I found a recipe for the best Teriyaki Chicken Wraps. I just used boneless, skinless chicken breast marinated and cooked in teriyaki sauce. On the tortilla spread fat free cream cheese mixed with chopped sweet onion. Add shredded lettuce, chicken, and roll to form a wrap. Delicious!

Third Annual Bake-A-Thon

We had a lot of fun this year at our third annual Bake-A-Thon. It was held at my house again. Before we started baking, we filled up on a lot of snacks; meaatballs, pistachio torta with bread, and monkey bread. Who can bake when they're hungry?

This year, we made Rum Balls, Snickerdoodles, Turtles (pretzel, Rolo, and pecan), Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, Martha Washington Candy, and the obligatory Cornflake Holly Clusters.

Little evidence remains of the six hours we spent in the kitchen.

Previous years can be seen here and here.

Bunco

I spent the day (after quilting class) preparing for Bunco. It was my month to host and I decided a Halloween theme was best. Any excuse to decorate for Halloween... I had to buy three flower bunches to make the centerpiece. After some investigation, I found that the "mini pumpkins" I bought are actually Turkish Orange Eggplant. They were so cute I couldn't resist buying them and adding them to the arrangement.



On the menu: Taco Salad and all the fixings, Velveeta Sausage Dip, brownies, Halloween cupcakes, and Candy Corn Fudge. I stuffed little plastic cauldrons with snack mix since everybody loves to snack while they play.



The recipe for Candy Corn Fudge was found in Pillsb*ry's Haloween Recipe Booklet (found near the cash register at most grocery stores). I googled it and it can also be found here. For a more intense orange color, use 1/4 teaspoon orange paste icing color in place of the liquid yellow and red food colors called for in the online recipe. I made it the night before and it kept nicely in the refrigerator until time for the party.

Sadly, I didn't win anything except dirty dishes to clean up after everyone was gone. My sister graciously stayed to help clean up and lent me her cupcake stand.

I really should be packing for Disney World instead of sewing and surfing. We are leaving in two days and I just know I'm going to have Internet withdrawal... It makes me feel better that I have crossed a couple items off my "to do before vacation" list

oil change-check
car washed and detailed-check
gas-check
clean out car so passengers can actually fit inside-check

Still so much more to do: laundry, pick up new prescription sunglasses, grocery store and ummm....packing for said trip might be important.


Brownies!
Decided to make them in muffin cups using same recipe on back of box. I didn't have any miniature peanut butter cups so I cut the new Inside Out Reese's Peanut Butter Cups into sixths. Pour each cup 2/3 full and push peanut butter cup into batter until level with surface of the batter. Bake 350 for 35 minutes. I don't actually eat brownies but Tommy said they were delicious. He's the chocolate lover in this house so I have to take his word for it.

Channeling Betty Crocker

I don't know what exactly put a bee in my butt to make homemade pretzels this morning, but I am going to be sure to think twice before I attack this project again.
Not that it was so bad, but right in the middle the little one decided nap time should be cut short today.

A little vegetable oil,flour, yeast, and warm water make this pretzel dough.

After the dough has been kneaded for five minutes.


Shape dough into a rectangle approximately half an inch thick. Cut dough into strips.

Pretzels of different sizes (purely an accident).

I got tired of wrestling with it so decided to make hearts with the remaining dough. I think they turned out nicely!