tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41507239647160830732024-03-19T04:16:30.063-05:00The Behr NecessitiesBuilding our family, one day at a time. An eclectic mix of posts regarding literature, food, faith, and fitness. Celebrating our adventures as a family.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-39404844145807976162015-01-09T16:33:00.000-06:002015-01-09T16:33:09.587-06:00On Life...One year ago today, I had just found out that I was pregnant---just over seven weeks pregnant, to be exact. A better title for this blog would be "Living the Unexpected Life." If you're anything like me, you've probably had moments when you thought you had your life perfectly planned out. God ALWAYS has other plans for our lives---maybe it's a similar plan, with a different timeline. Perhaps you thought you knew EXACTLY what you thought you'd be doing at this point in time. I'm here to tell you---I haven't learned yet that God is the one who is deciding my path, and I'm along for the adventure. I think there are times when I've started to loosen the reigns, only to try to manipulate them back in my favor. This past year has been revelatory for me in a number of ways. I've had friendships end, relationships strengthen, and blinders removed. What I thought was most certainly a path I'd be following for several years ended up deteriorating very rapidly before me, and along with it, a friendship that caused me many a night of tears, anger, and frustration. As God has been revealing to me, while I may not always understand it, He will always have my best interests at heart. He is intentional about the people He is placing in my life---whether it's fleeting or more permanent---and I am learning along the way that there are "heart friends" and there are "surface friends." <br />
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Suffice it to say that this blog has never been something with which I've pursued with much consistency; however, something about becoming a mother has really impacted my heart and my head and I'm feeling more and more like I have a lot to say and nowhere to say it. Well, dear audience, here I am. I'm certain that some days I'll have more to say than others. I'll have moments to share, books to review, cakes to reveal, truthful and honest entries about marriage, and life, and everything in between. Life is messy and exciting, as a new mom. There are days that I feel as though I could conquer the world, but there are just as many where I just want to cuddle our sweet Dashiell and memorize every single part of him so I don't forget these moments in time. I have spent many a moment, gazing at that sweet face---but now, I know, that as he is growing and becoming more independent (and napping with some consistency!) I have time to myself. Time where I can put down, into words, what I'm feeling or thinking. I'll have the opportunity to share what's happening in my life---a book that resonated with me, a date William and I had, or something exciting Dashiell did for the first time. And sometimes...there will be days when a sentence is all I have in me.<br />
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I tend to use my Instagram account often, to share about the changes in me since I found out I was pregnant last year. The biggest change is my need to be perfect. I am far from it, and it's been very freeing---almost as though a heavy burden has been lifted off my shoulders---realizing that I have been trying for years to attain something that wasn't attainable and simply left me feeling exhausted and incomplete. I think Arianna Huffington says it well: "The fastest way to break the cycle of perfectionism and become a fearless mother is to give up the idea of doing it perfectly - indeed to embrace uncertainty and imperfection." <br />
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I want Dashiell to see me as a fearless mother. I want for him to see that it's okay to NOT be perfect, that to experience life completely means trying new things. Making mistakes. Approaching life with the attitude that anything is possible. Loving this little boy has changed me in so many ways, ways in which I'd never thought possible.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-30314644777661975502014-02-04T11:03:00.000-06:002014-02-04T11:03:17.702-06:00Are You True?<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.</span><br />
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I mentioned in the last post that 2013 was a challenging year for our family for several reasons. Now that I've had some time to look back on the year, one of the things I've realized is that the people who I considered my friends were, unfortunately, friends of convenience. That is, when I could no longer be the person they thought I was, or refused to protect and guard some very nasty and detrimental issues that were unfolding in our home, I wasn't really worth pursuing as a friend. <br />
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I thought I had true friendships. I cherish the few that I have maintained, and appreciate those more than they will ever realize, because sometimes, a true friend is someone that you never would have thought in a thousand years would be there for you. I will admit, I have been wrong about people I'd originally thought I'd never begin or maintain a friendship with, and to this day, these are the friendships I value the most---because God was intentional about planting those people in my life, and nurturing and growing those relationships. They don't disappear. They'll send a message out of nowhere, and I know I can and will do the same. They'll tell me the truth in love when they feel I'm not acting according to God's plan, and they'll own up to their errors and shortcomings.<br />
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So, then...what makes a true friend? Do your friends make you feel needed and encouraged? Make you want to be a better person? More confident? Or do you feel worse after being around them, even when things are going well in your life? Do they put you down or make you feel worthless? Do they root you on and encourage you? Even if they don't necessarily agree with what you're doing, or understand, do they provide support, or better yet, share the truth in love? Push back on you when they feel you're not doing what they believe God intends for your life? <br />
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What about being a good listener? This is a HUGE part of friendship, and one that I feel has been out of balance for me, especially last year. Don't get me wrong---I think there are times in friendships when we give more than we take, and that's just the nature of things. But last year? I felt like a dumping ground for people's problems---in fact, it pushed me over the edge and deep into the pit of despair. Several months, I was under that muck in the pit. The depression was like a wet blanket, so heavy I couldn't breathe. I didn't guard my heart. I forgot to put on the full armor of God. Those arrows from the Enemy? Right where it hurt. <br />
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It's not just about being a good listener---it's about being an active listener. Put down your phone. Silence it, turn it off, do whatever you have to do to FOCUS. Make eye contact. Nothing feels worse than feeling like you're a burden---unless, of course, it's feeling like you're unimportant because your "friend" is constantly looking over your shoulder or checking things out around you, all with the intent of finding someone else with whom they HAVE to connect. <br />
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How is your communication? The key to all relationships is communication, and if you're as great of friends as you believe to be, you should be able to share your feelings and maintain levels of open and honest dialogue. I'll admit, right now there is an area of my life that I don't feel like I'm doing a great job with a friend of ours. I disagree, on so many levels, on a situation in this person's life, and my disappointment in them as a person is paralyzing. I've lost so much respect for this individual, but I realize the responsibility is mine to communicate to this individual the fact that I don't agree with the detrimental choices being made. I know that after removing myself from being so close to the situation, I will have the perspective I need to respectfully communicate my feelings and thoughts.<br />
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What about gossip? Do the majority of your friends gossip about other people? Guard your heart, because there's a good possibility that if your "friend" spends a majority of the time talking about other people, those other people aren't the only victims of your "friend's" gossip. <br />
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Finally, MAKE time to nurture and grow those friendships and most importantly, STICK TO YOUR WORD. I have always said that I don't want to be someone who says I'm going to do something, and then backs out. Are there circumstances sometimes that we cannot control? Life gets in the way, and interrupts our plans. Regardless, if we say we're going to do something, then DO IT. Re-schedule. Include your friends in your life---don't isolate yourself. Don't make promises you can't keep. Don't say things you don't mean. Most importantly, don't say things you can't take back---because even if that friendship doesn't survive, those words still will and have the power to destroy.<br />
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<img src="http://www.get-covers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/True-Friends.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-53051378338907212112014-01-20T08:51:00.000-06:002014-01-20T08:51:01.745-06:00Creating a Life Story<div style="text-align: center;">
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Is your life a story worth telling? I re-read these words this morning when I was completing today's assignment for Priscilla Shirer's "Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted." I have had plenty of experiences in my life that are worth sharing, but at the end of the day, what sort of legacy am I creating? Is this life one I'm proud of living, and sharing, and most importantly---telling? Will I be proud to share this story with my family and friends, my babies? And finally, if I'm not there yet, what will it take for me to create a life that has a story worth telling?</div>
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The last year has been quite a roller coaster ride---we have had a few long term houseguests, unemployment, a new company created, a pro card earned and professional competitions entered---and at the end of the day, one thing has been constant. God has never turned his back on me, even when I've hit my breaking point. In fact, I believe that it's at my breaking point that God has been able to do the most work with me. One of the things I shared last week in my women's group is that I don't feel as though we should be ashamed or scared to tell our stories about how God has transformed us, precisely at a time where we felt the least useful to Him. In fact, if someone had shared how God had used her during a time of crisis, I feel like I would have found encouragement in this rather than despair. </div>
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What are you doing to create a story that is worth telling?</div>
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A few years ago, I created a list of 52 things I wanted to do in one year's time, which set some pretty unrealistic expectations on myself---a perfectionist who holds herself to such high standards that anything less feels like a failure. About a year after that, while crossing some items off the list---learning how to surf, swimming in an ocean, making homemade preserves, and going to Build-A-Bear to name a few---I came to the realization that rather than try to accomplish these experiences at a frantic pace, it would be better to continually add items to the list throughout my life. Some items won't always stay on the list, and some I'll discover aren't really priorities or desires of my heart. Some may be unrealistic, and others may come to fruition thanks to the grace of God. Regardless, these experiences are going to be creating MY story---a story worth telling.</div>
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Because I want to be completely honest and transparent, I'll share a few of the items I do plan on accomplishing this year. I believe in accountability, to myself, to God, and to my family and friends. With that being said, here are a few of my wishes to accomplish in 2014:</div>
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<li>Establish a yoga practice---attend or practice at home at least once weekly</li>
<li>Read the collection of Jane Austen novels that's been taking up space in my bookcase for years</li>
<li>Make S'mores with William---baking the graham crackers, making the marshmallows from scratch---for his first S'mores experience</li>
<li>Visit family more often</li>
<li>Rekindle my love of crafts, especially sewing</li>
<li>Read the remainder of the Harry Potter books and watch the movies (this is something William and I have decided to do together)</li>
<li>Read three books I loved in high school (okay, so a lot of the items so far are about reading...)</li>
<li>Restore or repurpose a piece of furniture, using Pinterest inspiration</li>
<li>Join a Bible study</li>
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I'm thrilled that I've already been able to accomplish one of the items on my list---joining a Bible study. I had visited the website for a nearby church more times than I can count on one hand, and was thrilled to discover they were offering a study on the book of Jonah. Priscilla Shirer is such an inspirational and well-spoken leader in women's ministry, and I'm fortunate to be studying both Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted, as well as Gideon: Your Weakness, God's Strength. I know His timing on these two were perfect, as we're in a season where I feel as though these studies were written for me, personally. Isn't that how it always is?</div>
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As I go about my week, I want to imprint these verses on my heart. I want to create a life that is worth sharing my story, and I know I cannot (and do not want) to do it on my own strength.</div>
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<b><span class="text Deut-10-12" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And now, Israel, what does the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God ask of you<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5199A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> but to fear<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5199B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, to walk<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5199C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> in obedience to him, to love him,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5199D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> to serve the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5199E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> your God with all your heart<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5199F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> and with all your soul,</span><span class="text Deut-10-13" id="en-NIV-5200" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </span>and to observe the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s commands<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5200H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text Deut-10-13" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">---Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NIV)</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-23492978476456485582013-01-16T12:54:00.000-06:002013-01-16T12:54:26.601-06:00New Year, New MeResolutions: the act of determining upon an action or course of action. I used to make New Year's resolutions. I'd be pretty consistent for a short time, and then I'd forget about it. I wasn't ever one of those people who resolved to lose 10 pounds, or quit smoking (because it's not something I've ever started!), but I have made resolutions to change attitudes, or lifestyle, or adopting certain behaviors.<br />
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One thing is consistent: I repeatedly vow, and fail, that I'm going to blog consistently. I do everything else consistently---pray, train, eat, bathe, love on my puppies, communicate with family and friends, attend church, volunteer---but sometimes the blank canvas and the vulnerability with which I try to put myself out there is MUCH scarier than making a lifestyle change. <br />
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I know it's not a contest. I'm not going to have 18,000 followers, and run contests, or even ever become sponsored. And I'm pretty okay with that. Instead, I'm going to focus on the things that I love---baking, reading, praying, volunteering, my puppies, and my friends and family. <br />
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2013 is going to have lots of fun and exciting things going on. New and scary and big adventures. Lifestyle changes, family changes, fitness changes. I'm going to have success in some areas, and areas for improvement, and hopefully enjoy the process. <br />
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I can promise complete honesty and transparency, but I don't know that I'm ever going to be one of those people who can blog five times a week, or at least until I have some new and exciting things to write about. :) <br />
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Until the next time...which may be tomorrow, or may be next week?!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-68734510104105513932012-07-30T17:33:00.000-05:002012-07-30T17:33:21.705-05:00Hanging OnMost of us have a tendency to hang on to one thing or another---I'm guilty of it. I've kept jeans long past the point where they should have been worn, several sizes too big with holes in inappropriate places, held together by threads. They were what I referred to as my "sweatpant jeans." The denim had grown so soft that instead of the denim they originally were, it felt like brushed cotton. Those jeans were my adult security blanket. Not surprisingly, I disposed of those jeans when I bought my home, ended a relationship, and essentially became an adult.<br />
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I'm bringing up the topic of "hanging on" because I spent the past hour or so going through our master bathroom cupboards. With a garbage bag. Tossing make up that was purchased several years ago, old contact cases (if I told you the number of cases W has collected over the years, you wouldn't believe me), half used travel toothpaste/mouthwash/fill-in-the-blank---you name it, we had it under those cupboards. I've been inspired by Pinterest. Not so much to make over my bathroom, but to get things cleaned up. We're hoping at some point in the near future to move into a larger home, and it's easier to get rid of things sooner rather than later, right? I'll keep telling myself that. <br />
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While none of those items I collected today had any sentimental value, I know that sometimes, the things we hang onto are our versions of security blankets. Maybe it's clothing that's too big for you, but disposing of it makes the fact that you're a slimmer version of yourself that much more of a reality. And that can be scary sometimes. It could even be something as trivial as a friend on Facebook, someone with whom you no longer have any desire to maintain a relationship with, or simply need to dispose of that false friendship to move on with your life. I've gotten rid of both, past and present, and initially it feels scary but what I've been teaching myself is that I'm constantly trying to grow into a better version of me.<br />
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What are you hanging on to? What would it take for you to let go, and be okay with letting go? I challenge you this week to clean house---literally or metaphorically---and get rid of something that's holding you back from becoming the best YOU that you are capable of becoming.<br />
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Happy Monday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-56105607979216502502012-04-25T09:23:00.000-05:002012-04-25T09:23:09.614-05:00Making TimeSchedule: what is it? According to a definition I found online, it's: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"><b>A plan for carrying out a process or procedure, giving lists of intended events and times</b>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In other words, it's something I need to create for myself when it comes to this blog. I'm carving out an hour each day. Yes, one ENTIRE hour, Monday through Friday, to think about the direction in which I want this blog to go.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tomorrow, I'll start posting on my latest adventures and another pursuit I've been more diligent about: One New Thing. In my 30th year, I decided to create an ongoing and constantly expanding bucket list. While I did try a lot of new things last year, with a full-time class schedule and work, I simply ran out of time to do the things I'd set out to do. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the new year, I revisited this list. I revised it, removed some items, added others, and have been really consistent about trying One New Thing a week. Some of them will be ongoing, while others will be a one time thing. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another thing I've been considering is moving this blog over to WordPress. Many of the bloggers I follow also use WP, and I think it may be easier for me to learn and do some of the many fun things I've been wanting to do over there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until tomorrow,</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ryan</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-23109350480262023982012-03-10T18:02:00.001-06:002012-03-10T18:02:58.231-06:00One New Thing...One of the things I vowed to do last year was create a bucket list---at the time, I thought it would be fun to try and pursue completing this bucket list within 2011. When I started checking items off that list, though, I realized that I enjoyed trying new things. It took me outside of my comfort zone, and I had some really memorable experiences in the process. Rather than have "The Year of 52" which is what I'd originally set out to do, I've turned it into a lifelong bucket list. I have revised that list, removing some items and adding others. A few of the items I'll get to experience in the next few months include using my passport, another activity to help me with my fear of heights (that will hopefully NOT result in broken digits), a few creative projects for other people (which means wiping the dust off my sewing machine, finally!), and trying out some new spa treatments. I'd love to say that I'm going to take pictures of all of these, because another thing on my bucket list is to get comfortable with staging photos, etcetera; however, this won't be the case for some of the items. :) Trust me on this one.<div>
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I foresee a photography class in my very near future, as I've always admired photography as an art form. While one of my bucket list items was to run a half or full marathon, I've realized that my body is not cut out to do that sort of work---I know I can train for it, and that just because I don't think I'm a runner doesn't mean that I can't do that sort of intense physical activity. I truly believe that my feet aren't cut out to endure that sort of repetitive punishment. After suffering two broken feet in as many years, I'm vowing to run a race, any distance...and my friend from culinary school, JF, invited me to join Team Glitter for the Diva Dash here in Austin near the end of April. THIS is totally out of my comfort zone. It's an obstacle course, but not crazy like Tough Mudder, or some of the other obstacle courses out there that you're lucky to finish alive. </div>
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One of the things I'd like to do here on this blog in the next year is share my "One New Thing" that I've tried during the week. It may not be earth-shattering or monumental, but it will help me with my commitment to continue challenging myself on a personal basis. </div>
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I'm thoroughly bummed that I didn't post pictures of our soup buffet feast from last Saturday night. I had a periodontal laser therapy treatment twice last week, putting me on a liquid diet for about two weeks. Most of my friends and family know that I've been trying to live mostly animal-product free, and I had the opportunity to experiment with smoothies and soups. I came across a fabulous soup website last weekend, http://www.soupchick.com/ , and we tried a few of the blended soups. I hadn't had lentil soup in over 20 years, and the recipe I used was so amazing that I ate it the next day. Cold. Straight from the refrigerator. We also had a Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup that was so yummy that my mouth is watering all over again. The third was pretty unremarkable---but there's not much you can do to perk up Cauliflower and Potato Soup, amiright?</div>
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I baked W a loaf of Homestyle Whole Wheat Bread from the King Arthur Flour website that apparently I found a while ago, because I can't seem to find it on their website now! It utilized mashed potato flakes, dry skim milk, and fresh orange juice. It was a hit with The Husband, and I figured because I had the supplies that I'd bake another loaf while he was traveling. Instead, I perused my cookbook collection and came across a Hearty Country Bread that starts with a sponge and is a labor intensive project...but one that I believe he'll thoroughly enjoy.</div>
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If you have a stand-up mixer and haven't yet challenged yourself to baking yeast bread from scratch (trust me, once you've made yeast bread with your mixer, you won't go back to using your hands), please do! It's so simple, and the smell of fresh bread baking in the house is definitely worth the work.</div>
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Until next time....which will happen very quickly, as I've had a few other "one new thing" experiences this week! :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-11574696084158353402012-02-16T17:26:00.000-06:002012-02-16T17:26:56.238-06:00Bear with me...no pun intendedI've had a lot of changes in the past few weeks---and just realized that my last post was stuck in drafts! <br />
<br />
In any case, I'm fortunate enough to have the freedom in my schedule now to blog as frequently as I'd like. This blog is going to have a dramatic overhaul. Yes. This time, I mean it. I'll be blogging about everything. Well...not EVERYTHING, because there's a fine line between "sharing" and "oversharing" and I don't think ANYONE wants or needs to hear about EVERYTHING.<br />
<br />
In any case, I'll be pursuing my lifelong dream to become the younger, trendier version of Martha Stewart. Okay, you got me there. Not so much with the trendier---I'll leave that part up to my fashionisto (I know, I had to make it masculine, because HE is) husband.<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
The Phantom BloggerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-19845138604266426842011-12-12T18:50:00.000-06:002011-12-12T18:50:39.956-06:00I promised.Last week, I publicly declared my commitment to blog once a week. Yesterday, I finally discovered the wonderful world of Pinterest. Just what I needed...another social media/networking tool to take my time??? Fortunately, I've found some great ideas that will hopefully not take too much time to complete before we leave for the holidays on the 24th. With the canine kids. On an airplane. Am I nervous? Totally. We've never flown with dogs, and Felix is already nervous. I mean, not about the flight, but on a daily basis, he exhibits very nervous behavior, as is typical of most dachsunds, or so we were told at the vet's office. <br />
<br />
In any case, I feel like I have a ton of things I need to do before we head up to WA, and one of the most important things is actually start and finish my Christmas shopping. To say I was busy this semester is a bit of an understatement. When William accepted his job with Gannett in September, he immediately started traveling on a weekly basis, and usually for 4 or 5 days at a time. <br />
<br />
Pretty much everyone who knows me knows I like to stick to a routine, and this fall has been no different---it's just that the routine is more typical of how it was when I lived in Spokane, on my own, with Belle and Gracie. Up super early, maybe early gym session, sprint home to get ready for work (or now, school), head back home (or gym) or to pick the boys up from doggie daycare (aka the in-laws), study, and crash. Somewhere in there is meal prep and sleep, but sleep was the least of my priorities with 5 classes, a job for the first half of the semester at the bakery, and trying to get the puppies out for exercise on a daily basis. Add in Monday cookie-baking/delivery to the church office, occasional airport shuttles for William (either very, very early or on the way to class), and it's a little more clear as to why blogging fell by the wayside.<br />
<br />
Tonight is my first Monday night off in almost 4 months, and I found myself watching the clock to make sure I was running on schedule. Instead, I'm sitting here...peacefully blogging, eating my dinner, and getting ready to sit back down with the puppies to finish my Swedish mystery, Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum. It's due today, even though I checked it out on Halloween. The shame...to my defense, I did just start reading it the other day. Yesterday? Friday? I don't remember. Still on my agenda tonight---planning the Christmas menu, doing some online shopping, and then possibly getting my sore legs off the couch for some in-store purchases. We'll see how far I get.<br />
<br />
Until next week...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-18908776149996347022011-12-05T13:06:00.000-06:002011-12-05T13:06:33.370-06:00Oh, the shame...I've neglected the blog. Despite times during my schedule when I could have forced myself to sit down and write something, I didn't. I'm just starting finals today, and am publicly declaring my New Year's Resolution today, that's starting today:<br />
<br />
I'm blogging once a week. I need to hold myself accountable, but it may not hurt to have people nudge me every once in a while. <br />
<br />
So many new and fascinating things happening right now, and I haven't shared them. I make it sound earth-shattering---it's really not, but I'm almost finished with culinary school, planning a holiday visit to the Northwest, and teaching myself new and random cooking and baking techniques outside of the classroom. <br />
<br />
Next week's post will be longer, more detailed, and will attempt to fill in the blanks about where I've been and what I've been up to (with three broken toes).<br />
<br />
Until next week...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-28704620326162303402011-08-08T09:32:00.000-05:002011-08-08T09:32:07.712-05:00SS#1: Almond and Chocolate Chunk Biscotti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgG2po_FSxUk0-Oh_A6sq8LXAh_Fbn5Jm0NRO27tGc4y1b3v8XZwRo0txalpgFRsrGNMZuM-At2_svDLWN0Rv1Z3SDsf5HHrHoELlu6it8WWkGOZ4osqQGtzn0CFuWf4eNPIIAV6i3Xs/s1600/IMG_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgG2po_FSxUk0-Oh_A6sq8LXAh_Fbn5Jm0NRO27tGc4y1b3v8XZwRo0txalpgFRsrGNMZuM-At2_svDLWN0Rv1Z3SDsf5HHrHoELlu6it8WWkGOZ4osqQGtzn0CFuWf4eNPIIAV6i3Xs/s320/IMG_0048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The inaugural bake for the Sunday Sweets with David, an Almond and Chocolate Chunk Biscotti, was a huge hit in my household! I've been making biscotti pretty consistently now for almost two years, and while they've always gone pretty quickly, only two were left after the third day of baking.<br />
<br />
Granted, I did tweak things a bit when I prepared this recipe...for shame, I know! While I stuck to the method---whipping the egg whites, sugar, and vanilla for about 5 minutes (which was new to me when it comes to biscotti)---DL mentions a variation with chocolate chips instead of the chopped chocolate. He prefers the irregularity of the chunks---I prefer the convenience of having half a bag of chocolate chips to use up. ;) I also didn't cut them quite as thin as I could have after the first bake. One of the issues I've run into in the past with biscotti is breakage due to the length and width of the cookie post-second baking. I'm tempted in the future to keep everything in one log, rather than divide it into two--just to get those nice, substantial pieces of biscotti like I've seen at some of the coffee shops here in the US. While this means the biscotti wasn't as brittle as the thinner pieces have been, it was safer to the roofs of our mouths. :)<br />
<br />
Looking forward to next month's bake!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-85205328497549136722011-08-01T21:19:00.000-05:002011-08-01T21:19:10.011-05:00Skip-a-dee doo dah...Hi, y'all-<br />
<br />
I'm skipping this month's bake, Creme Brulee. I've never been a fan of the texture, and instead took the opportunity to bake up some Oreo Brownies for a friend of ours on his birthday!<br />
<br />
See you next month, and happy baking! If you're in warmer climates...I feel your pain! Forecast this week is 106-108 all week long...not so much fun in front of the stoves at work, and worse when the A/C goes out! YIKES!<br />
<br />
Yours in butter and heavy cream,<br />
<br />
RyanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-14286701469925307472011-07-05T08:01:00.000-05:002011-07-05T08:01:29.959-05:00BWD#7 Cherry Rhubarb CobblerFirst and foremost, I apologize for the delayed post! Yesterday was the 4th of July here, and my parents flew in for a visit from Washington state.<br />
<br />
In any case, the Cherry Rhubarb Cobbler was a huge success (which is good, considering rhubarb is an acquired taste, in my opinion!). Other than tracking down a cherry pitter at Whole Foods, this is probably one of the easiest recipes I've baked with Dorie. ;)<br />
<br />
<b>Cherry Rhubarb Cobbler</b><br />
<br />
<b>For the Filling</b><br />
<br />
1 pound sweet red cherries, pitted and halved<br />
12 oz rhubarb, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 1" pieces<br />
1/3 c sugar<br />
1 T cornstarch<br />
1 t ground ginger<br />
<br />
<b>For the Topping</b><br />
3/4 c all-purpose flour<br />
<b> </b>3/4 c whole wheat flour<br />
3 T packed brown sugar<br />
2 t baking powder<br />
1/2 t salt<br />
1/4 t ground ginger<br />
3/4 stick (6T) cold unsalted butter, cut into about 18 pieces<br />
1/2 c whole milk<br />
<br />
<b>Getting Ready</b>: Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 375. Butter an 8" square baking pan and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat.<br />
<br />
<b>To Make the Filling</b>: Mix the cherries and rhubarb together in a medium bowl and stir in the sugar, cornstarch, and ginger. Stir the fruit from time to time while you make the topping.<br />
<br />
<b>To Make the Topping</b>: Put both flours, the brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ginger in a food processor. Pulse a couple times to blend. Scatter the pieces of butter over the dry ingredients and, using 1-2 second long pulses, mix in the butter until the dough looks like very coarse meal with a bunch of pea size pieces tossed in. Continuing to pulse the machine, add the milk, then pulse until the dough forms moist clumps and curds. Try not to process the dough so long that it forms a ball on the blade. Turn the dough out onto a very lightly floured surface. <br />
<br />
Cut the dough into 20 pieces and gently shape each piece into a ball. Don't worry about making the pieces perfectly round---the important thing is to not handle the dough too much or too roughly.<br />
<br />
Pour the fruit and its syrupy liquid into the buttered pan and top with biscuit puffs, making 4 rows of 5 puffs each. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the biscuits are golden and the fruit is bubbling away. Remove the pan from the oven and cool the cobbler on a rack for at least 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQc6jJR0M6gSfdzt5uCnfJWawLj4a5bSk5H6acz-JHSyfiEVDwA3M4KWcHOWtrH2fZPYUapddWHN1CZUql93sgztGh3_aJmOqD-XOXvXw84H1aPolpDH8LEBkvRKnduJTWhu3eF_o7lY/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQc6jJR0M6gSfdzt5uCnfJWawLj4a5bSk5H6acz-JHSyfiEVDwA3M4KWcHOWtrH2fZPYUapddWHN1CZUql93sgztGh3_aJmOqD-XOXvXw84H1aPolpDH8LEBkvRKnduJTWhu3eF_o7lY/s320/IMG_1550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Is there anything y'all would have changed? Personally, I LOVE bread (cobbler's been one of my favorite desserts for as long as I can remember) and I'm thinking the next time I bake this I'd probably double the topping recipe to make for some larger biscuits. :)<br />
<br />
Because I was fortunate to have the fruit in season (but expensive...holy smokes! 6.99/lb for rhubarb and 4.99/lb for cherries) I didn't have to work with alternatives, but I always like thinking about pairing different fruit combinations and can't wait to see what everyone else came up with! Thanks for baking with Dorie, Cherry Rhubarb Cobbler...and I apologize again for the delay!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-54888811017078254112011-06-06T23:17:00.000-05:002011-06-06T23:17:55.602-05:00BWD #6 Quintuple Chocolate Brownies....or Death by Chocolate?This one's for you, Dad---<br />
<br />
<ul><li>cocoa powder</li>
<li>bittersweet chocolate</li>
<li>unsweetened chocolate</li>
<li>milk chocolate</li>
<li>white chocolate</li>
</ul>Did I miss anything? Oh...yes. Mine, currently, are simply Quadruple Chocolate Brownies. Sorry for the delay! Between summer classes, a traveling husband, and my number one taste-tester out of commission, I will be drizzling the white chocolate in the morning for the MIL to take to her fellow volunteer friends. Seriously...like I need an excuse to bake? <br />
<br />
Once again...love the method. Life is so much easier not having to break out the electric hand-mixer!<br />
<br />
I have to confess, I did take some liberties with this recipe. We don't have coffee in the house anymore, so I mixed up a little instant espresso (it seems like I have that in a few recipes outside of DG) and used that in lieu of the coffee. I ended up using pecans, on the off chance that my FIL will try these, but I'm pretty sure that he's going to pass on these!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_lnlI_hGGJg3BRsv-T-BIVQOXKUcCjP35DhlEInjLZipVCVh-dXmLxYnWy2n7y3Z7ZJUYiQiPg8v_rN6atF250HCg46UyWWxwLqkyHhSZBeJG9udxLnBZRx3NK0aeUNxytRJqKVKaPA/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_lnlI_hGGJg3BRsv-T-BIVQOXKUcCjP35DhlEInjLZipVCVh-dXmLxYnWy2n7y3Z7ZJUYiQiPg8v_rN6atF250HCg46UyWWxwLqkyHhSZBeJG9udxLnBZRx3NK0aeUNxytRJqKVKaPA/s320/IMG_1523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopping up the chocolate makes the melting soooo much easier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQJpjvbjfrQZer4bz2-wWXwR9JKJ9MG1XP2PoiE4SefA85xKc7rpDDboqY3bwmsdHHAJp4xnbIj4kCayHX4hXfPxZL61qfdfiDMwLVAgsAUknDxH1xqopuYe2niCPilcwSvBaJdZoR5I/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQJpjvbjfrQZer4bz2-wWXwR9JKJ9MG1XP2PoiE4SefA85xKc7rpDDboqY3bwmsdHHAJp4xnbIj4kCayHX4hXfPxZL61qfdfiDMwLVAgsAUknDxH1xqopuYe2niCPilcwSvBaJdZoR5I/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whisking in the sugar, or rather, muscling in the sugar once the chocolate has cooled a bit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGBJa1BHCTyIT5uPuQLD0nFElFcUi54dqwJBgadlDhHN2rup3ZgHkfM4oLFLuFLs6RGj2K8CMYkghjC8ONcY2fCF3Xnk-EmLDZCAj-3IL2xktWktGlEe2Nu1tFGFa9PuDr2LRPCQ0yK0/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGBJa1BHCTyIT5uPuQLD0nFElFcUi54dqwJBgadlDhHN2rup3ZgHkfM4oLFLuFLs6RGj2K8CMYkghjC8ONcY2fCF3Xnk-EmLDZCAj-3IL2xktWktGlEe2Nu1tFGFa9PuDr2LRPCQ0yK0/s320/IMG_1527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry goods---cocoa powder, salt, flour---mixed in with a rubber spatula and finished with a cup of milk chocolate chips and pecans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OGqz32cfQPpZFI2AjSyvjPEWbP6n397IFhQpfAt6ZW3-KCKLhVg8RkpGQMbr-5XrzzpYHijC2BLV1ABz-_oVBZD2hjNSGa_4rEos-lUeROyQkOL_oXvZnRj_NZQPG_7hG05Nz-Jbgoo/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OGqz32cfQPpZFI2AjSyvjPEWbP6n397IFhQpfAt6ZW3-KCKLhVg8RkpGQMbr-5XrzzpYHijC2BLV1ABz-_oVBZD2hjNSGa_4rEos-lUeROyQkOL_oXvZnRj_NZQPG_7hG05Nz-Jbgoo/s400/IMG_1530.JPG" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila! Minus the white chocolate...tonight. Gooey white chocolate+late night=postponed!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And Dad...you have your own copy of the book now. No excuses! Break it in!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-30821682005943902302011-06-06T22:57:00.000-05:002011-06-06T22:57:32.282-05:00Date Night. Party of 1.It's something I used to be pretty okay with. Comfortable, actually. I didn't give it a second thought. What's that? Dining on my own. In public. <br />
<br />
When I traveled frequently for work, it didn't bother me. I'd sit quietly, tucked away in some corner with my laptop, a book, newspaper...whatever I had that needed attending to. I had good intentions last night to study for Beverage Management, but I've done so much reading for school lately that I decided to take the night off. I'm paying for it today, but it was probably much needed and of course...well deserved. ;)<br />
<br />
I decided to try something new last night. Something new as in---location, regional cuisine, and new food. The trifecta of things that make me uncomfortable. I was so, so, so close to chickening out and being completely boring---but I decided that I'm not going to be expanding my palate without trying something new. <br />
<br />
I'd been discussing Mediterranean food with my father in law the other night and have been craving hummus and pita bread like nobody's business! It's a little different buying it at HEB with a bag of pita chips, or having the appetizer at The Cheesecake Factory. I craved an authentic experience. Thanks to yelp.com, I picked Arpeggio Grill. Not only did this offer the things I'd listed above that I was nervous about, it's not in a great area of town...and it's in a strip mall. Normally, I don't think twice if Husband is dining with me, but after a frightening semester of sanitation and safety with a scary instructor, I usually triple-check my options. I sucked it up, plugged in the address in the GPS, and headed out with my book in hand.<br />
<br />
The food was good. Not earth shattering or mind blowing, but large portions and inexpensive. I had the hummus, chicken kabob with basmati and Greek salad (seriously, people...I want authentic salad...not Romaine with a few red onions and two olives), and tabbouleh. I've never had tabbouleh, and what I was expecting and what I ate were completely different. I have to confess, though, I was much happier with what I ate! <br />
<br />
Here's a link to their website if you happen to live in the area:<br />
<br />
http://www.agrillaustin.com/<br />
<br />
My biggest complaint was that the service was so slow...slow as in, I was there for about 2 hours. Yes. For an appetizer, entree and salad. Not cool, AG, not cool. Enjoy the pic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ta378PZlj7m36R6qbdGArmGJcwBTJZwx8Fm2XKJj6YBWe-ZVJX4rSxxyU4KxSBpZOOMkI1ZNZixusAYmgfc3YZqvDN8VmkaXjrohl3M1nnvGh5noEYw9xxg7Tnp_uEQLW4Z9TwjaXGs/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ta378PZlj7m36R6qbdGArmGJcwBTJZwx8Fm2XKJj6YBWe-ZVJX4rSxxyU4KxSBpZOOMkI1ZNZixusAYmgfc3YZqvDN8VmkaXjrohl3M1nnvGh5noEYw9xxg7Tnp_uEQLW4Z9TwjaXGs/s320/IMG_1531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Tabbouleh (far left) with Greek salad, basmati rice, and two chicken kabobs with green pepper and red onion. Mmmm....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-27327530982668483792011-05-24T08:05:00.002-05:002011-07-15T13:16:46.026-05:00Summer 2011...Trying some things...This is the first time in a while I've had a chance to catch my breath and post something other than photos for the BWD posts every other Monday. I've been doing a lot of thinking about the things I'd like to accomplish from my list this summer---some of which I'll be able to enjoy with my parents, others on my own or with other friends---and wanted to share a few of these adventures! It seems as though I discover something every day that I haven't yet tried, and am excited to start the experience!<br />
<br />
A few of the items are going to be summer-long endeavors:<br />
<ul><li>Reading and watching the Harry Potter series (I've completed the first)</li>
<li>Reading Jane Austen (I'm going to guess this will take me from today's date, 5/24/2011 through the end of the year!)</li>
<li>Reading three books I read during high school</li>
</ul>Some are crafty:<br />
<ul><li>Create five sewing projects for myself (and I just fell upon a website for a store in SPOKANE of all places that sells both the patterns AND the fabric for a particular designer)</li>
<li>Learn to crochet</li>
<li>Finish a knitting project...more specifically, I'll root for a scarf to be completed</li>
<li>Use scrapbooking supplies---for cards, frames, etc</li>
<li>Make homemade soap</li>
<li>Make homemade candles</li>
</ul>And finally, some are for the culinary artist:<br />
<ul><li>Make doughnuts at home</li>
<li>Make candy at home---something that challenges me, using a food thermometer</li>
<li><strike>Try eating a new ethnic cuisine</strike></li>
<li>Eat at one of Austin's famous trailers</li>
<li><strike>Eat at Magnolia Cafe without buyer's remorse (or guilt)</strike></li>
<li>Make homemade s'mores---marshmallows AND graham crackers</li>
<li>Make homemade preserves (with my brand-new pressure cooker)</li>
</ul>And some are just plain fun:<br />
<ul><li> Visit the Alamo</li>
<li>Go swimming in Barton Springs</li>
<li>Have a themed party---I'm thinking something like 80s aerobic?</li>
<li>Take self-defense</li>
<li>Go on a roadtrip</li>
<li><strike>Try bikram</strike> </li>
<li>Take a trapeze lesson</li>
<li>Swim in an ocean</li>
<li>Go to gospel brunch</li>
<li>Buy cowboy boots</li>
<li>Visit Schlitterbahn---look it up!</li>
</ul>I'll track my progress more diligently---with five classes last semester, and four of them being labs, I barely had time to sleep if it wasn't in my schedule.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">The summer night is like a perfection of thought. ~Wallace Stevens</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-58107917374582283312011-05-23T20:51:00.001-05:002011-05-23T21:07:43.279-05:00BWD#5 Cornmeal Shortbread CookiesShortbread---one of the yummiest, simplest desserts that can be made so many different ways!<br />
<br />
I had to improvise this time---no lemons, but we did have a few oranges in the refrigerator---so I substituted orange zest for lemon zest. It got me thinking---those oranges that are sold around the holiday season that are covered in chocolate! To make these a bit fancier, I'd probably melt some bittersweet chocolate and dip a corner of the shortbread in them.<br />
<br />
In any case, I love the method DG has us utilize---putting the dough into a ziploc and rolling it out. I wish EVERYTHING could be done this way!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOjgR2BjQ3nOnKp0aaOdHrQ97fb4Fdm4C4ildc1fyC8TrhtFRM3dq_5WOwd0UJdoeMkOIT7yMqsw0OCzZsQKDXxYB3n0xcYwFfX-RC27KwE2cAq5FjHCowyLOELOSTvh0OKCRRGGVuJQ/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOjgR2BjQ3nOnKp0aaOdHrQ97fb4Fdm4C4ildc1fyC8TrhtFRM3dq_5WOwd0UJdoeMkOIT7yMqsw0OCzZsQKDXxYB3n0xcYwFfX-RC27KwE2cAq5FjHCowyLOELOSTvh0OKCRRGGVuJQ/s400/IMG_0049.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply adore the tea set and serving table---both wedding gifts!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-7228751811270357892011-05-09T17:55:00.002-05:002011-05-10T09:04:57.659-05:00BWD#4 Fluted Polenta and Ricotta CakeI can't believe how quickly the last two weeks have flown by, with finals and plenty of other things to keep me busy.<br />
<br />
I was a bit nervous at first when I tried to track down the Mission figs, because I visited a supermarket that I don't usually use---I must have done three trips through the aisles before I found the dried fruit!<br />
<br />
This is my first experience baking with figs, and I have to say, the dried figs are super easy to work with---especially SunMaid. They're not dry or difficult to work with. This batter was definitely one of the easiest I've had to put together! I'm planning on not feeding anyone tonight (well...the cake, anyway) because DG suggests the flavors, particularly the honey, mature after one day.<br />
<br />
I'm interested to see how the texture turns out, as the combination of cornmeal, honey, sugar, and ricotta is an interesting one!<br />
<br />
Here's a little preview of the pre-baked product:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif57ytoMJ1Bje9ggGQsYhFiIonMeKh0Vb5so6nSHoQzY9RVmEyKn4Dnjs-JxZH01ju4nAYS-z923YmZgj2EnePlvv24wMEtlvCMcl9ptAeiTFFt7un_rZF0_dBShrJtdz_7nlFf0f4rUE/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif57ytoMJ1Bje9ggGQsYhFiIonMeKh0Vb5so6nSHoQzY9RVmEyKn4Dnjs-JxZH01ju4nAYS-z923YmZgj2EnePlvv24wMEtlvCMcl9ptAeiTFFt7un_rZF0_dBShrJtdz_7nlFf0f4rUE/s200/IMG_0046.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnings...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9IZEglykj4ZvLNDL2tpEkjRANoBtfcFfHL9c_fsvbSP02gFcirlDq6bjrqk8aHkjtnxD38z6X0xLBFbMxrl7tKh6f9Fa7cEswYssVpmWBmqDo2Db0JepW3gQdv4q91aLoilDAug0iII/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9IZEglykj4ZvLNDL2tpEkjRANoBtfcFfHL9c_fsvbSP02gFcirlDq6bjrqk8aHkjtnxD38z6X0xLBFbMxrl7tKh6f9Fa7cEswYssVpmWBmqDo2Db0JepW3gQdv4q91aLoilDAug0iII/s320/IMG_0047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXUOIK83V6znAsZFKSzmftW32P8eI7IVQTUT46HWSrJ2xAkTljAEm3uc1eBMFREH_xS0k2cWyovjbayRiNVJ3BhWFfVHFaQG18i_VykRTjPo8w8EObJXyyaOZ4DEm9nYwmPIO3XOSnz0/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXUOIK83V6znAsZFKSzmftW32P8eI7IVQTUT46HWSrJ2xAkTljAEm3uc1eBMFREH_xS0k2cWyovjbayRiNVJ3BhWFfVHFaQG18i_VykRTjPo8w8EObJXyyaOZ4DEm9nYwmPIO3XOSnz0/s320/IMG_0046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Finished product...being packed up and sent over to my father-in-law! Reviews to come! Back to the books...<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-59500879362023165122011-04-26T11:49:00.000-05:002011-04-26T11:49:02.076-05:00BWD#3 Great Grains MuffinsA day late. Again. I have a great excuse. Here he is:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliqDSJ2wJD5RCkBGdRvyvi4NAFP2H4Ch6FmqaM-8b8d14-h-YjGjza9-1xUzQcmsx4lblDdyot7bQhjLHZdYaE84dAmTXMAIpt52Auyxpk48VghSdaZ68ylfWZXVmSibGUenwh3HIdto/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliqDSJ2wJD5RCkBGdRvyvi4NAFP2H4Ch6FmqaM-8b8d14-h-YjGjza9-1xUzQcmsx4lblDdyot7bQhjLHZdYaE84dAmTXMAIpt52Auyxpk48VghSdaZ68ylfWZXVmSibGUenwh3HIdto/s320/IMG_1421.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending some time with Deacon...world's cutest nephew!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last minute trip up to Milwaukee, WI to visit my brother's firstborn (and the man to whom I devoted Bill's Big Carrot Cake) and spend Easter weekend getting some much needed relaxation, sweatpants, and baby time!<br />
<br />
As promised, I baked the Great Grains Muffins bright and early this morning...er...this morning. Not so early!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5En3KWG6TB5EhLxl7wYPBmIu4rtH2pRXanLl8K5FtuIAAlcFomdzcH_V9UaCUy2rYE0PUmGrowLZ8biVm3Kq61q0XIck-RB6dritkpIM7cFwfrLbF2xsOJ6RJLmQHFfuSFZfD3uLhr6g/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5En3KWG6TB5EhLxl7wYPBmIu4rtH2pRXanLl8K5FtuIAAlcFomdzcH_V9UaCUy2rYE0PUmGrowLZ8biVm3Kq61q0XIck-RB6dritkpIM7cFwfrLbF2xsOJ6RJLmQHFfuSFZfD3uLhr6g/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pot of tea and muffins, anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAb59zj_0c3-kCLTlATQlVA2j_Y45v7d8zHn-pflSFnk1hLZCuRNCeNsuAYRNWlSZ_MiRJ5VPfR1qp8qdI1T5cF1gzmWYdLrqHhQtLJdhidvfwYP-BfmRdsZX8dySge7HqskAjJW4k_c/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAb59zj_0c3-kCLTlATQlVA2j_Y45v7d8zHn-pflSFnk1hLZCuRNCeNsuAYRNWlSZ_MiRJ5VPfR1qp8qdI1T5cF1gzmWYdLrqHhQtLJdhidvfwYP-BfmRdsZX8dySge7HqskAjJW4k_c/s320/IMG_1469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm....love the smell of cornmeal!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the things I'm growing to appreciate as a budding baker is the fact that Dorie's assembly is so simple. Seriously...how much easier can combining the dry ingredients...combining the wet ingredients...then pouring the wet into the dry, stirring and baking be?! Plus, none of these ingredients has thirty components, all of which need to be Googled and none of which can be pronounced! I love it! This is definitely a versatile muffin---I mixed in golden raisins, and William reported it was a bit on the sweet side. I'd imagine I could have added a combination of just about any dried fruit or toasted some walnuts or almonds and created more subtle changes. Moist crumb, subtle flavors, a hint of maple and cornmeal---perfect addition to a morning cup of tea or coffee. Looking forward to the next BWD! Bring on the Fluted Polenta and Ricotta Cake!!! I'm armed and ready with my 10.5" French fluted tart pan. See you in two weeks, BWD friends!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-13547709409566089432011-04-12T10:33:00.000-05:002011-04-12T10:33:37.480-05:00BWD #2, Part 2: A Birthday Cake for DeaconAs of this morning at approximately 8:51 or so...I'm an AUNT!!! My brother and sister in law had their little boy, Deacon, and he was 19" and weighed 8 lbs, 4 oz. Considering our anniversary was two days ago, and now Deacon's here---April is shaping up to be quite a memorable month, indeed! Reason for celebration with a carrot cake!<br />
<br />
As promised, I've included a few more deconstructed...and fully assembled pics! I chose to make it with homemade lemon curd and homemade whipped cream, rather than the sugary sweet cream cheese frosting. Husband will be home shortly to give his review!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpxC9wwWJXTCI_PGoFfbYdhv2t4NKQAFtC4wxS2MxNpii-75S2BI5n-abTl7bcsOBFmtSvdpVWcpWCUZpO1Wp39_rgkqdbIuGioxL9fofsljsIyeM0DhYqXI8c8dSJxdMUNBx8XJ8xXY/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpxC9wwWJXTCI_PGoFfbYdhv2t4NKQAFtC4wxS2MxNpii-75S2BI5n-abTl7bcsOBFmtSvdpVWcpWCUZpO1Wp39_rgkqdbIuGioxL9fofsljsIyeM0DhYqXI8c8dSJxdMUNBx8XJ8xXY/s200/IMG_1380.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elements...whipped cream, lemon curd, and three layers of carrot cake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfObpbXEwXINjjgHv6tiifVPt5F872jMsB-TBFUj1L2-b6JQfZLKB2E10FeHMbzIUvvqUxm6Z8LUjUlSxZbbo2f-FdZSJnSpMcyT3mPAovZ_7647-9Qs7GoqMEZ6P6qCcPJ54u0pE8GXY/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfObpbXEwXINjjgHv6tiifVPt5F872jMsB-TBFUj1L2-b6JQfZLKB2E10FeHMbzIUvvqUxm6Z8LUjUlSxZbbo2f-FdZSJnSpMcyT3mPAovZ_7647-9Qs7GoqMEZ6P6qCcPJ54u0pE8GXY/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Curd-Whipped Cream and a base layer of cake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGB4o0aORfG_YhfCfUcWk8cyIspSZTW-bwM8LVt3ZSheKL-kdEen-_qSmSSdYdc3Zh_bGyWSZVjcFeeTmEdGo0HDnwLxbwYo1YORan0K-FSmpVt1eqbe4z4gWMDraoXVxKzSljuB7I3rg/s1600/IMG_1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGB4o0aORfG_YhfCfUcWk8cyIspSZTW-bwM8LVt3ZSheKL-kdEen-_qSmSSdYdc3Zh_bGyWSZVjcFeeTmEdGo0HDnwLxbwYo1YORan0K-FSmpVt1eqbe4z4gWMDraoXVxKzSljuB7I3rg/s320/IMG_1383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leaning tower of Bill's Big Carrot Cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JGVv7Ot37uRjyIltr4Nc7muwxsiJiYw8maPdUKJiwA3PLRiIA9qI8gVBVJhnaZ3ISdpI0ukUpfmq86ClBDSbqt9Z-Ub8YY1j5_bCRD-tex4e6r90PBad7NS_TNHchsSTPfSaVnDk5ZU/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JGVv7Ot37uRjyIltr4Nc7muwxsiJiYw8maPdUKJiwA3PLRiIA9qI8gVBVJhnaZ3ISdpI0ukUpfmq86ClBDSbqt9Z-Ub8YY1j5_bCRD-tex4e6r90PBad7NS_TNHchsSTPfSaVnDk5ZU/s320/IMG_1384.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-46305918784119967322011-04-11T20:43:00.000-05:002011-04-11T20:43:16.318-05:00BWD #2 Bill's Big Carrot Cake, Part 1So...the saying "Failure to plan is planning to fail" comes to mind when thinking about this week's BWD. I decided to try a different variation---rather than make the lemon cream cheese frosting that uses an entire pound of confectioner's sugar, I'm making my very first batch of homemade lemon curd, which will include an addition of whipped cream. The lemon curd is currently sitting on the counter, cooling to room temperature before it can be refrigerated. Strike 1!<br />
<br />
This is, by no means, a baking catastrophe, and I'm quite excited to see how it turns out. That being said, I'll post the deconstructed photos of BWD this week, with a promise of the completed, assembled product tomorrow.<br />
<br />
In honor of our first wedding anniversary...this cake shall henceforth be known as William's Anniversary Cake. :) Sorry, Dorie---the top layer of our amazing Dairy Queen Blizzard Cake is safely stored in my parents' freezer up in WA.<br />
<br />
I have about three cups of leftover shredded carrots, so I'll be perusing the book to see how I may use them! Shout out to my hubby for letting me test recipes out on him...and to our 366th day of wedded bliss. Love you, Mr. Behr! <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8ssAA0cyRNGYVw5k7mVZp8os2H8ou-X1xcWzJaZ9j8SY29ZjBsPNbeV_wf9wA72Ig2Y49e4yp5zG_9qpGxQiEhigU_jT36oW9lo28U4YS72dy0-crE7YAw9s4MWQavT_oqXPjsG3Xgc/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8ssAA0cyRNGYVw5k7mVZp8os2H8ou-X1xcWzJaZ9j8SY29ZjBsPNbeV_wf9wA72Ig2Y49e4yp5zG_9qpGxQiEhigU_jT36oW9lo28U4YS72dy0-crE7YAw9s4MWQavT_oqXPjsG3Xgc/s200/IMG_1374.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BWD#2 Bill's Big Carrot Cake, a variation</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvd9iOR5UK2uJM7-Mc6meEBxzXJEXzlzb3NCjMi_KSWReqNJrlAkjgCMbSVPEpjnhnoveEJIHiVLQgnE2eecsvlvHuKvkrRwyaGPLhABJiT2Pg-gd-PqXOVpyp0Y4b5wUaSQo5ZW8i2g/s1600/IMG_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvd9iOR5UK2uJM7-Mc6meEBxzXJEXzlzb3NCjMi_KSWReqNJrlAkjgCMbSVPEpjnhnoveEJIHiVLQgnE2eecsvlvHuKvkrRwyaGPLhABJiT2Pg-gd-PqXOVpyp0Y4b5wUaSQo5ZW8i2g/s320/IMG_1378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill's Big Carrot Cake---deconstructed---and smelling AMAZING!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclehdk6RkYkXp9zl5T6Bql-OnEmisJmXCIweakoynMevbIVYOyOaMMLJLl8chc31h51xpw-1ueMkQgrvKItTX2YEztioysOBoHrHQZNnFbMCtbvJQJ6TY-4WGCU9Gp2dY4orwRCcXDmw/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclehdk6RkYkXp9zl5T6Bql-OnEmisJmXCIweakoynMevbIVYOyOaMMLJLl8chc31h51xpw-1ueMkQgrvKItTX2YEztioysOBoHrHQZNnFbMCtbvJQJ6TY-4WGCU9Gp2dY4orwRCcXDmw/s320/IMG_1377.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Lemon Curd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPyZXpVydAwOiPox9FzpC2vIeHUN5-ieZp7gxdtSAY81YNCqNexXegVl6l42L7Tn5dC-Sy-lXLdVA20ajAvVGXrPScjePhBZkSZMl21zxM2I24CQg62mAVAuVN9BCtNicq2esLNQARMY/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPyZXpVydAwOiPox9FzpC2vIeHUN5-ieZp7gxdtSAY81YNCqNexXegVl6l42L7Tn5dC-Sy-lXLdVA20ajAvVGXrPScjePhBZkSZMl21zxM2I24CQg62mAVAuVN9BCtNicq2esLNQARMY/s320/IMG_1376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnings of homemade lemon curd+muscles (not shown)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-54762685699060189782011-03-29T15:29:00.000-05:002011-03-29T15:29:26.701-05:00BWD....Catching UpSo...I know it's not a requirement, but 1. I love baking, and 2. I have the cookbook...plus, 3. I want to feel like I'm REALLLLLY part of this project. With that being said, I'm going to try to play catch up with the rest of the club and bake (in no particular order) the recipes that they've already prepared in the past year!<br />
<br />
And...Husband's been working out of the house quite often these days and this makes me feel like I'm contributing in a home-maker-ish way. :)<br />
<br />
No staging, as I prepped and baked this off pretty quickly...<br />
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Coffee Break Muffins---super easy, Dump and Go Method and an excellent way to use that last cup of cold coffee!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-41292869686469107332011-03-26T14:56:00.000-05:002011-03-26T14:56:39.238-05:00BWD #1 Brrr-owniesNote to self---don't substitute York Pieces for anything. Ever.<br />
<br />
This was my first BWD experience---I've made a version of these brownies before, but in larger portion and slightly different ingredients. I'm going to have to say, I prefer the version I've used in the past---Dorie's version seems to be a little fudgier---I prefer brownies that are more cake-like. Also...ended up using the York Peppermint Pieces that William picked up from the store. Unfortunately, they have a candy coating (blue and white) which isn't visually appealing, and doesn't stand up to oven temperatures! Live and learn! Conveniently packaged for large handfuls of minty goodness, though!<br />
<br />
Maybe these deserve a second chance---with patties. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVIdJOYhBngg_Rf7z07u-FyoO8S36r1WuUhMBzSHfh66HNzVDAg61cEzXAZYaZdbGl_1Czy-_Z3PFxEHIbpS5J3uOuO9HtvnMy1-3GnsxW6ip1oU5zAz2tmKOwgqytXmayBjU2kD1Ai4/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVIdJOYhBngg_Rf7z07u-FyoO8S36r1WuUhMBzSHfh66HNzVDAg61cEzXAZYaZdbGl_1Czy-_Z3PFxEHIbpS5J3uOuO9HtvnMy1-3GnsxW6ip1oU5zAz2tmKOwgqytXmayBjU2kD1Ai4/s320/IMG_0019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-42032241412444121262011-03-22T09:01:00.000-05:002011-03-22T09:01:41.753-05:00Baking with Dorie Group!So, one of the items on my bucket list this year is to join a book group...but with the amount of reading I'm required to do in school paired with schedules and other commitments, I've found the perfect alternative---an online club! <br />
<br />
I'm very excited to start the Baking with Dorie Group---baking our way through Dorie Greenspan's "Baking: From My Home to Yours." The link to the book is here:<br />
<br />
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_44?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dorie+greenspan+baking+from+my+home+to+yours&x=0&y=0&sprefix=dorie+greenspan+baking+from+my+home+to+yours<br />
<br />
I did a little more investigating, and there are TONS of groups like this out there! This will help me expand my culinary experiments, love of photography, and meeting other foodies! Can't wait for the first challenge this coming Monday...it's a recipe that's very familiar to me---Brrrownies (they're very similar to the York Peppermint Brownies I bake every holiday season). Look for pictures to follow this weekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13876827818793443846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150723964716083073.post-78675398114443073652011-02-25T10:58:00.000-06:002011-02-25T10:58:05.798-06:00The Year of YesAfter re-writing my list of things I'd like to do this year, I realized that this adventure is quickly becoming like Jim Carrey's character in "The Yes Man." And for the first time in my life...I can honestly say that I'm REALLY enjoying trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone!<br />
<br />
To date...<br />
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<ul><li>I've tried new foods---chayote, squid (no batter...just rice!), baby bok choy, leeks, AND more to come! </li>
<li>Made the baby quilts---Jennifer and Courtney, with more babies on the way---which means more projects!</li>
<li>Went to Build a Bear and created Herbie, the Love Bug</li>
<li>Started volunteering---first event at Bee Cave, Dr. Seuss Party next weekend, volunteer orientation for reading at storytime with the Austin Public Library, and teaming up with a friend for Bake-A-Wish</li>
<li>Made sushi at home---we think we have the whole zushi (sushi rice) figured out...and YES, it's crucial to the success or failure of the adventure!</li>
<li>Climbed Enchanted Rock (kind of a big deal, as I'm scared of heights!)</li>
<li>Took a women/handguns safety course!</li>
<li>Took a Pilates Reformer class.</li>
<li>Went to JuicyTart Yogurt, a DIY yogurt shop (this is big, because I've NEVER gotten to do this DURING contest prep!)</li>
</ul>A few of the things on my list depend upon the season---kayaking, stand up paddleboard, sporting events---while others are projects that will take some time---training for a triathlon and marathon, reading and watching the entire Harry Potter series, container gardening, creating an Etsy store to sell crafts.<br />
<br />
What's so exciting for me about this experience is sharing it with other people. William has been working on his Ducati, and one of the items on my list is going for a motorcycle ride---I'm scared of motorcycles. Others will involve projects and cooking experiments with friends or family. <br />
<br />
My dad and I spoke early on when I was thinking about doing this, and he reminded me not to get caught up in the number, and it's safe to say that I'm having so much fun branching out that I don't think I want this to have a hard stop at January 2012. <br />
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As they say in Shawshank Redemption---"Get busy living, or get busy dying." We all have choices, and I'm choosing to get everything I can out of life these days!<br />
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