In order to get into the mood to write this blog, I put cinnamon sticks to simmer on the stove. I just love that smell. Later, when I am done with the homemade potpourri, I will add some milk to it and a touch of sugar, then I will have a drink known as Canela, which means cinnamon in Spanish. See, whimsical, yet practical, just as our dish was for this TWD challenge presented by Isabelle. Thanks, Isabelle, for hosting this simple, but tasty treat test.
Okay, so this was my first experience using Arborio rice. I found it at our local World Market. It was a reasonable price, especially when you consider a little goes a long way. That is my kind of deal. I did not have any issues with this recipe. It thickened up nicely for me. It was very similar to the Mexican Rice Pudding we make with traditional long grain rice, except it uses whole milk, instead of condensed and it is served cold, not hot like ours with cinnamon. One of my favorite memories from home, my grandma making us this dish in the mornings. I prefer Vanilla Rice Pudding over the chocolate, which will shock most people who know me to be a Chocofiend. I chilled and served the pudding in individual ramekins. Then, I topped it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of raspberry flavored cocoa, served with limone glazed biscotti, and garnished with a cinammon stick.
I am so excited! I was finally introduced as a new baker on the TWD homepage. I thought they had forgotten about me. I guess not.
Be sure to visit the site and look at the many blogs. I warn you, many will make you hungry and inspired!
Yes, hard to believe, but it is true. My hubby,in his never-dying support for my hobbies, found this recipe to pass along to me. This recipe was featured on Lifehacker and called for a “throw together stuff from your pantry for when you need a choco-fix”- chocolate cake made in a microwave. I had heard of something similar a while back, but it called for a regular cake mix instead. Either way, today I decided to give the quirky recipe a try. I really wanted to video the whole 3-minute (and 30 second) adventure, but since I used a ginormous coffee cup, you never could see the cake rise in the video. Oh, well.
Okay, so the cake did turn out like the Lifehacker demo. It did taste gummy and like a cheap brownie cake. I souped it up,though. I am talking a little butterscotch pudding, chocolate syrup, and powdered sugar (I ran out of whipped cream!). It managed not to taste so bad after all that, but so would cardboard. So would I eat this if I were fiending for chocolate in a desperate situation? Probably not. That is what cars and stores are for. Will I play with it some more? Uh, yes. It is me after all we are talking about. I will probably even try to Weight Watcher it. I also think I will add a flavored hot chocolate mix, like raspberry, for extra sweetness. The possibilities are endless, at least in my world.
This was fun to do. Better than laundry! There are some tips the Food Hacks give, like adding chocolate chips in the mix. I also like the idea of making it into a gift, a cup with the recipe and dry ingredients in it. Clever. If you read on further in the online article, you will find similar quirky recipes, like kneadless bread, and other jazzy comments about this microwaved cake. I especially like the one that says, “Only a stoner could have come up with this”. Ganja Blue, I agree!
Bon Apetit, everyone! And thanks to my man for helping me live THE dream-(p.s. don’t forget to scroll down and read my man’s post)
I am so excited. This is my first “Tuesdays with Dorie” or to be referred to from here on out, TWD, post. This week’s recipe was Kugelhopf as chosen by Yolanda of The All-purpose Girl. I am so happy to be in such culinary company! I was even happier that my Kugelhopf even made it into the ballpark of looking like Kugelhopf! As I write this, I have just had 2 slices of mine toasted and with strawberry jam, accompanied by chocolate truffle coffee. It is amazing how such quaint treats can be made right in your home.
The only problems I had with my first go at making Kugelhopf is that I was unsure of how the dough should look in the different stages and how it should be applied to the pan. Also, my dough did not rise to the top of the pan at the “final rise”-stage after several hours (7) of waiting. I finally threw in the towel and popped it in as is. The result was not too shabby. I was happy with it. At least it resembled a baked treat! It also tasted like a buttered croissant. The kids ate it, especially since I substituted raisins with Craisins, and brushed the outside generously with honey butter. I also did more than just sprinkle powdered sugar, I dropped it on! It may be a while before I make this again. It takes some time and with kids (the baby is in the background fussing), it can be a little difficult,although, my seven year old son did help add in the sugar and butter and he and my oldest daughter took some of my pictures.
Anyway, I am so happy to be here. I can hardly wait to do the next challenge,arborio rice pudding (vanilla or chocolate). BTW, all my recipes are coming from Baking From My Home to Yours, by Dorie Greenspan. I am not allowed to post the recipes, per TWD rules, but they are floating around. Also, I bought my copy for a really good price at Jessica’s Biscuit. It is like the online Wal-Mart for books! O.k., gotta get to the baby!
Sorry, last one. Promise.
Click here!
Since when did we need anyone’s permission to be free to be American and proud?
Ex Pats like this idiot need to be schooled!
I have always been proud to be an American, no matter where I go. I do not need anyone’s permission, especially those who would like to see us cower and fall to our knees.
I would really be scared if I did not know there were more people out there like me who would fight and die before we would let our country become a Little Europe!
I had just finished talking to Gabe and was about to go to sleep when I saw that McCain had already given his speech. After watching it, I am even more confused how my fellow countrymen could not see that he is a man of integrity and goodwill. He truly is an honorable man.
Thank you, Senator John McCain, for reminding us what a true American hero is and should be. Thanks for your service and genuine love for our Country. And I wanted you to know, that my grandmother who has voted Democratic all her life, voted for you, because she knows a true American hero when she sees one. I also wanted you to know that like you, my grandfather served this Country. He was the most patriotic person I have ever known. He only had a third grade education, but managed to become a foreman for the Railroad and raised 12 of us on his income, with my grandmother’s help. When I graduated college, I made more than he ever did (he was proud).
He worked hard and saved all his life. Never once did he or my grandmother ever need or ask for government assistance. They also never asked for money, for a hand out, from any one. It was just the way they were. They did not think they were owed anything from anybody. In fact, my grandpa would always tell anyone who would listen how much he loved his country and serving it. Lee Greenwood’s, Proud to Be an American, was his favorite song. One of his proudest moments ever was seeing my sister graduate from Basic Training and entering the Army. He never forgot to put out his American flag on holidays. And while he voted straight Democratic ticket his entire life, mostly because of the union, I am sure he would have voted for you, just as my grandma did. He would have seen the true love you have for our Country, just as I do, and he would have admired it.
Your legacy will be bigger than the Presidency. It will be that you actually fought and served diligantly for what most people take for granted and never truly appreciate, America. Land that I love. And all that she represents,or used to, and hopefully will again.
To my children, I hope that we will raise you to love your country and never be ashamed of doing so, to be hard workers, to never want to have anything you did not earn, and to be honorable, humble, and kind.
Okay, so last night the kids and I used our imagination and had “Fancy Restaurant” Night. Even though, it was not that fancy, it was still fun to do with the kids. I will not say it did not have its moments. Unlike a real fancy restaurant, I had interruptions from the kids in and out of the kitchen and a demanding infant, so my Rachael Ray inspired 30-minute meal took more like one hour and a half. True to the cooperation of a baby, Gabby fell asleep before mealtime, so she did take not take part in this first event.
The menu was as follows:
App (somthing I threw together with the kids in mind)
Tortilla strips crisped with olive oil topped with diced grilled chix and bacon with cilantro lime salsa and lightly melted fresh mozarella tossed with olive oil and grilled tomatoes
Main Course
Turkey Thyme Meatloaf Patties with Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Everyday with Rachael Ray, November edition, pg. 106)
Dessert
Fresh Strawberries with cream lightly sprinkled with cocoa and drizzled chocolate, accompanied with glazed lemon biscotti.
Drinks
Sparkling Apple Cider
Of course, I have short cuts I will take next time to make the same meal, with a similar taste, without so many steps and ingredients. This meal would only take 30 minutes with no interruptions, prepped ingredients, and experience. However, the meal itself was very delicious and the whole house smelled of Thanksgiving. Another tip, next time, I will probably add dried cranberries to the sauce.
Of course, the critics had their say. The boys appreciated the attempt, but would prefer no onions next time. Other than that, they liked it.
As you can tell by the pics, Savannah really liked the meal. This means a lot, because she normally does not like Meatloaf. My secret, I left out the ketchup the recipe called for to take away some of the “meatloaf” taste. I also added in soy sauce with the Worcestershire sauce to add some sweetness to the dish. Since Savannah helped me with the prepping of some of the food, she found out the hard way, that sweet potatoes can be difficult to peel and cut. The secret, nuke four good sized ones for about ten minutes on high in your microwave. Then, you are in business. Another shortcut, buy canned and go from there. I think this is what the magazine must have done or used a different variety, such as a real YAM, because I did not achieve the same brick color as is expected by using the fresh sweet pots.
Okay, there are a few more shortcuts I could add, but it would make this blog too long. The kids did a great job playing along with mom and getting themselves all dudded up for the occasion. Next to Gabe, they are my favorite culinary guinea pigs! My friends come in a close second.
Don’t forget to scroll down and look at Gabe’s Culinary Creation and our Halloween Pics!
Okay, here are the pics from last night’s Halloween happening. Not much went on. The boys were grounded from trick o treatin’ and had to stay indoors to help pass out candy. They did a great cheerful job. Savannah helped me decorate outdoors and the cupcakes. Both were a lot of fun. Even though we did not go trick o treatin’ we did manage to get dressed up. Gabby had a total of four costume changes, being the lil’ diva that she is. We did watch some light scary movies, The Corpse Bride and Jaws. It was a pretty tame night. Hardly any trick o treaters. Did anyone else get an unbelievable amount of high schoolers at their door? I mean I am a believer in being youthful and all, but 6-foot high school boys with “OMG”-girlfriends should really stick to their own crowd! Although, I guess trick o treatin’ could be a creative, cheap date and it is better than drinking and driving! Okay, I have second thoughts. Maybe it is not so bad after all.
Speaking of teenage boys, Savannah’s sweetie surprised her again this week with flowers AND and an Easy Bake Oven. He delivered the oven in a cute way by leaving it at the door and brought trick o treatin’ to her, or maybe he was just too scared to face me! Either way, I am so jealous. I have always wanted an Easy Bake oven. I think we will use it tonight or tomorrow.
Okay, well after an already busy day with still a lot more to go, I think I am going to go take a nap with hairball. Tonight, the kids and I are having “Fancy Restaurant” night at home. Something new and CHEESY I thought we could try. We are all going to get kinda dressed up (even Gabby) and eat at the rarely used formal dining room table.
Ahhhh, memories. Yesterday, the kids and I made a stop at the pumpkin patch on our way home from picking up the Princess from school. You know it was spur of the moment, cause I have no make up on and we are not dressed in cute fall outfits. You will not believe the kids we saw all decked out with their parents posing them and taking pictures with professional camera gear. We were just there, us, casual, with my little trusty ole camera. Next year, we will be prepared, expensive camera and costumes and all!
In true “lets-ruin-mom’s- let’s- make-a- happy-memory-moment” form, the boys managed not to pick out a pumpkin. They were dragged from photo op to photo op, followed grudgingly by their older sis, who felt she was not dressed right for the occasion. Gabby might have followed suit, but she is just a baby and oblivious to everything except when she is going to get fed! Thank goodness she was full. So while I was inquiring about the price of the pumpkin the boys picked out, a less frugal family grabbed the pumpkin the boys wanted, pouting ensued, and no alternate pumpkin was chosen! So, I managed to get fall pictures for free and did not get stuck with a pumpkin bill. All in all not a bad moment, but not much of a Kodak one, either!
Here are the pictures the kids obligingly took. Hope you enjoy. Please forgive my exhausted,homely look. I hope you will all understand, especially since I have made huge strides by letting these pics be posted. Hope my loving hubby appreciates it.
After note: Justin did find a fake ear of fall corn on the ground and brought it home, actually snuck it home. He told me it must have been free since it was on the ground. I hope we are safe, since the pumpkin patch was at a church! Susan K, if you are reading this, please do not tell your congregation!
Gabe left today to go make us money. We are so sad. Even one of our neighbors was sad for us today when she watched Gabe say bye to the boys at the bus stop. We were so busy this time off, but as always, we had a great time. I am especially happy that we had a family weekend and sendoff before he left. Papa and Weezer and Aunt Omega came into town. We all went to see Savannah perform in The Little Mermaid. It was funny and she did great! Yesterday, she was even singled out to pose for a journalism student’s project. We were honored to sit out in the Explorer and wait for her as she had her photo shoot outside on the hood of a car. Okay, you are probably wondering as we did, What is a mermaid doing on a car? Well, that was the photographer’s vision. And in case you were wondering, the photographer was a girl. Hope that does NOT add more fuel to the fire (haha). My other thought was, if they were going to pick a car, why a Honda Civic? I digress. Anyway, we had a great weekend with the family filled with a lot of food, as only we can do it. I was especially happy to take Weezer to the mecca of grocery stores, HEB. For those of you unfamiliar with the store, one day I will take you on a photo tour and show you why it is all that. Sunday we had a HUGE breakfast that included Omega’s famous home styled potatoes and signature pancakes (big and thick!). Sunday, Savannah left us to go act and we went to the park, while the Cowboys were getting it handed to them. Gabe and the boys pretended to be MLB stars and Gabby and I were the cheerleaders.
Anyway, that is a glimpse of our days. Now, my best friend is gone, and once again, the house is not the same. It is going to be a LONG six weeks, but Gabe and I are having a running contest, so that should help time fly. It will also help our waistlines, especially since we ate Tres Leches all weekend like there was no tomorrow. I want to try to lose enough weight so he notices a difference when he returns and has to buy me a new wardrobe. He now has his new home gym in Nigeria already assembled and waiting for him. I have my new treadmill (thanks again, baby!). It is going to be ironic when I beat him using the gift he bought me. And I am bringing it!
Gabe will put up pics and video from the play as soon as he is settled, but don’t tell Savannah or she will kill us! I will also be keeping everyone updated with pictures, stories, and videos, while I keep Gabe in the know when he is away.
Okay, so many of you know that I almost did not leave my wonderful H-town during the hurricane warning. I was like, yeah, yeah, been there, done that, own the Rita t-shirt. BUT, after much persuasion from my in laws, I decided it was the thing to do. Besides, electricity is worth the drive.
My friends and neighbors chose to stay behind. If is was not for them, I would not have had so much foresight on what to expect and do before we came back home. My wonderful friend and neighbor,Susan, kept me updated on the whole situation, plus watched over our home. My friend, Laura, cleaned out my refrigerator for me! It was sparkling clean when I came back home. Everyone informed me what was for real on the news and what to do for sure before coming back home. Weezer and Papa took great care of all us while we took refuge in their home. All in all, we were very lucky. Others, weren’t.
Coming back home, I was not sure what to expect other than to be sure to fill up hours outside of Houston, because gas is scarce here. Also, to buy groceries, because most stores are stilled closed, and if they are not, then they sell out quickly. I guess Weezer said it best when she said how it was hard to believe how such a big city could be made immobile. Then, my friend, Linda E, said another best, that next to electricty, gas and groceries were a hot commodity.
Here are some videos that Savannah took while we came in. Video One is of two lines (North Bound and South Bound) of utility workers in a caravan on the Sam Houston Tollway. Video Two is some of what we encountered driving near our subdivision; gas lines (Chevron), packed restaurants (Johnny Carino’s) and closures (McDonald’s). While our area did not suffer as greatly as Galveston, it sure took a beating. Trees were uprooted. Roofs torn off. Fences blown into other yards (our back fence fell and some shingles stripped from our roof). I went running today and saw pile after pile of debris lined up around the neighborhood yards. I have never seen anything like it. Like with Rita, I will never forget the grid lock on the highway and the chaos and mad panic at the grocery stores. Ike will hold new memories. Like encountering signs on I-45S saying that the town had no gas or food, move on. This time, I came in and saw areas pitch dark spotted with areas of light, just to hit more areas stretched out into the darkness. Normally when I drive into Houston, all I see are bright lights. I will also remember seeing lines of cars stretched out for a mile into the streets just waiting to gas up. I will also remember seeing giants closed, like McDonald’s and Wal-Mart, and unusually packed restaurants that reopened, like Burger King and Denny’s, with lines and jammed parking lots, people just waiting to get some food, any food. I saw all of this driving in on a Tuesday night.
I will also remember that the people of Houston once again all pulled together to help each other out and that today on my run, people were going out of their way to say hi to everyone.
So tomorrow, I will venture out with my hubby to see if we can buy some food at a recently opened HEB. We are working on slim pickings at the house. We have no meat! Slowly, but surely, businesses are reopening. People are starting to trickle into work. Most ISDs are out until next week. My kids see this as an adventure, as many others do. As I write this, 1.3 million people are still without electricity, with no assurances of having it turned on any time soon. Gas is at a reasonable price, considering. The Dallas Cowboys are 2-0. And my hubby is on his way home!
