14 Years

Where did the time go?! You were so little - at 6lbs 4.8oz - yesterday (or so it seems). Now today you are 14 years old and nearly as tall as me. 

Teenager in the House

Happy Birthday BAP! 

You are officially a teenager ... yikes.

We love you.

Celebration with a bike ride to get ice cream with friends.

Birthday Hot Cocoa!

 

Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas Blessings

10 Years Old?!

 

Happy 10th Birthday SSP!

Surprise celebration with his best buddies (and BAP)!

Small & Mighty

 This egg may be small.  However it was just as mighty. Our chickens are producing eggs between 2-7 per day.  Most of us (unless you are BAP) are excited. Fresh are delicious. If you have never tried one, you must.  So flavorful and yummy.

Spring Has Sprung

On a whim, we decided to get chicks...yes baby chickens (7 to be exact)!

Just in time for Easter!

The boys are beyond thrilled.  

These chicks have been a great source of entertainment during these "drought" times of not having friends around to hang out with. Boys will build a coup with dear husband in a couple weekends. In the meantime, we are figuring out a plan for a coup/shed combo. They (hopefully) will be supplying us eggs by early fall. 

Pleased to introduce you to:

(note they are all female--or at least we hope so) 

Piper, Popcorn, Raccoon, Tiger, Jaguar, Owl, 

and Twitchy (aka Henrietta Houdini)

BAP holding Piper

SSP holding Tiger

1 A Penny. 2 A Penny. Hot Cross Buns

Growing up every year on Good Friday we would make Hot Cross Buns.  Since getting married and raising my own family I have done the same thing. It is such a fun tradition. BAP and SSP love the excitement of seeing little rolls with frosting crosses pop out of the oven. This year I tried a new recipe.  They did not look so pretty (so no picture) but they were delicious; we all loved them.  If you have every watched the show "The Great British Bake-Off" you would recognize the familiar name of Paul Hollywood.  This recipe is his...delicious.

Paul Hollywood's Hot Cross Buns
adapted from: http://paulhollywood.com/recipes/easter-hot-cross-buns/

Dough
4 cups flour
2 tsp salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 T yeast
2 eggs (I accidentally forgot)
1/2 cup water warmed with 1/2 cup warm milk
2 T butter melted in the milk and water

Fold in:
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup peeled and finely diced apple
1/3 cup orange marmalade, melted

Cross
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
just a enough water to make a thick paste

Glaze
1/4 cup orange marmalade, melted

Mix together in a large mixing bowl the dough ingredients; fold in apple raisin mixture.  Let rest covered and rise until doubled. Shape into 12 rolls.  Place on parchment paper. Let rise again. While rising this second time preheat oven to 425. Next pipe on crosses. Bake 20 minutes.  When rolls are still warm brush on the melted marmalade. Let cool slightly and enjoy.

Do You Wanna Build A SnowMan?!

This week has been Spring Break for the boys. They have spent many hours playing games.  

Today’s game of choice was building a snowman. 

Winter Past Times

 Recently SSP and BAP have discovered the fun of ice skating. Maybe they have a future in the Olympics. Thank goodness for hand-me-downs. They are both skating very well for being only their 2nd or 3rd time on the ice. This winter has been perfect.  The ice is pretty solid and the weather has been gorgeous.  I think I may have to find some skates for myself and husband next winter or later this season. 

As well as ice skating the boys have had a blast making tunnels in the snow and sledding to their hearts' content.  They especially loved doing this with their uncles when they came home for Christmas break. It warms my heart to seeing them having so much fun.  

When You Have Snow Outside...Must Make Some For Inside

Winter is definitely here.  We have SO MUCH snow. I am actually getting sick of it. Today I thought I would try and make some yummy snowball treats for the boys after school snack....Popcorn balls.

Popcorn "SnowBalls"
adapted from: http://lifemadesimplebakes.com/2014/04/popcorn-snowballs/

1/4 margarine
1 (10oz) bag mini marshmallows

1/2 cup (unpopped popcorn - pop in an air popper (place in a large bowl)
1 cup M-Ms

In a large non-stick pan melt margarine. When it is almost fully melted stir in the marshmallows. Coat them with the melted margarine.  Continue stirring until just melted and smooth.  Pour over popcorn; stir to coat. Toss in the M-Ms. Stir. With buttered/greased hands, form popcorn mixture into 15 balls. Place on parchment paper to completely cool. Enjoy!

Happy Turkey Day (to many turkeys)!

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL our family and friends.  We are thankful for each and every one of you. BAP and SSP had a Thanksgiving party on Tuesday.  I came up with a quick and easy dessert for their classes (26 turkeys each). These treats are very cute and tasty too.

Turkey Turkey
adapted from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tom-turkeys

1 (12oz) pkg chocolate chips, melted
1 (11oz) pkg traditional candy corn
52 fudge stripped cookies
6T butter
1 (small) bag mini marshmallows
6 cups rice krispies

In a non-stick pan melt butter.  Add marshmallows, stirring while on medium-low until mostly melted and gooey.  In a large bowl fold together the rice krispies and marshmallow mixtures until all combined.  Form into small balls (about 26). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place 26 cookies (stripes side down) on there. place a drop (avout 1/2t worth of melted chocolate on top). Press in 2 candy corn pieces so the skinny end is in the midde. Top with rice krispie ball. Press in a beak. On the other cookies place more melted chocolate on half cookie. Press in 5 more candy corn to create a half circle. Let harden.  Add a little more chocolate to bottom of that circle; press into the turkey back.

Mmm....Meatball Madness

When my husband is out for the evening, I think my go-to recipe ideas always involve meatballs of some sort. I have made this recipe numerous times and every time it is a huge hit (I am not sure why I always forget to share it.) I put my own spin on the rice too. Perfect!

Teriyaki Meatballs

adapted from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/teriyaki-meatballs

meat
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup oats
1 t ground ginger
1/2 t garlic powder
sprinkle of salt
1 lb ground beef

sauce
2 T toasted sesame oil
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
drop of red chili oil (optional)
1/2 cup soy sauce (I use GF tamari)
1/4 cup honey
3 T wine vinegar
1 t garlic powder
1 t ground ginger

1 (20oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained (but save juice)
1/2 green bell peppers, roughly chopped
3T pineapple juice
3 cups cooked rice
1 T butter

Preheat your oven to 400. Grease a 9x13pan. In a large bowl kneed together all the meatball ingredients. Let it rest. Place all sauce ingredients in the blender and whiz it together until emulsified.  Pour some of the sauce in the bottom of the pan. Shape the meat into 20 meatballs and place in the pan. Pour rest of the sauce over all (turning to coat). Bake for 25minutes. Before serving turn the meatballs.  While meatballs are baking melt the butter in a large skillet, add rice. Toss to coat with bell peppers and pineapple with juice. Continue to stirring until slightly browned.  Serve meatballs on top.

Hip Hip Hooray...Another Birthday

Today SSP turns 6!  He has been counting down for ages (or so it seems). Last Thursday he asked me howmany days....I told him 7. He shut his eyes and very slowly counted to 7 (in about 25seconds), opened them and asked again if time was up. Sorry Buddy you had to wait a week. We celebrated last weekend with my in-laws, as one of many favorite uncles was in town. Today we celebrate with my sideof the family. Gotta love partying! Happy Birthday! We love you....can't believe you are already 6!!

Grandpa T and Grandma K

One of many favorite uncles 

Excited to celebrate at school

Stormtrooper with light sabers 

(I was later informed they don't carry light sabers...

shrug on my part as I don't watch those movies)

Cap'n America with Papa and Oma

Fall is in the Air

Happy Autumn! We are over-joyed Fall is here. I love the leaves changing colors and the boys love helping clean up (jump in) the leaf piles.  Over the weekend one of my brothers who likes all things ethnic came for a visit. My mom and sisters thought it would be fun to have a fun Oktoberfest (ie lots of tasty German food). I was asked to make Apple Strudel.  mmm.....

Apple Strudel Baklava
adapted from: http://www.myrecipescrapbook.com/recipes/viewpdf/apple-strudel-baklava/D

12 sheets phyllo dough sheets (about 1/2 box)
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) butter, melted
Filling
4 cups apples, peeled and diced (remove seeds)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 t apple pie spice
1/2 cup raisins (original asks for chopped pecans)

Topping
2/3 cup water
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare a 9x13pan with brushed butter. Stir all topping ingredients together. Set aside. Place one sheet of phyllo into the pan (it is supposed to droop over the edges). Brush with butter. Layer another sheet; brush again. (repeat until 6 sheets are used.) Pour in filling and spread out evenly. Fold inside layer of droopy phyllo dough in.cover with full sheet. Butter it. Fold in. Top with another sheet, Butter. Repeat until all sheets are folded in. Brush top layer with additional butter and sprinkle with apple pie spice.  Bake 35-45minutes until golden brown.  While  Strudel is baking make the syrup.  Boil sugar, water and honey in a small saucepan (until the sugar is all dissolved). Keep warm. Once the strudel comes out of the oven. Slowly (I mean really slow) pour syrup over the top.  Let rest for an hour to soak up all the yummy juices. Serve warm.

Comfort of Comforts

Growing up, my husband's mom often made a similar meal for dinner (however she used bone-y chicken).  Recently my sister in law (husband's sister) sent me this re-do recipe of the same comforting dish.  I made it shortly thereafter.  We all loved it. It definitely pleased this picky crowd!

Chicken Rice Casserole
adapted from: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chicken_and_rice_casserole/

2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut up)
salt/pepper/onion/garlic (I used Alpine touch)
olive oil
butter
medium onion chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup UNcooked rice, rinsed well

Heat oven to 375.  Grease a 2 qt pan well. Spread rice on the bottom.  In deep skillet melt about 1T each butter and olive oil. Brown chicken pieces (no worry to cook all the way) with onion and garlic. Remove from heat and place in a bowl. Cook mushrooms until liquid comes out and they are browned. Stir in mushrooms into chicken/onion/garlic mixture.  Spread evenly over rice. In a measuring cup or another bowl combine broth and sour cream.  Pour over all.  Cover tighly with foil and bake 45minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Enjoy!

What a Better Way to Celebrate?!

Today we celebrated LP birthday. I asked my so-thoughtful husband what he wanted for dinner in celebration...."how 'bout beer, brawts and football?" Really I thought. I don't like football or beer but sure let's try it?! I found this recipe....and it used some of the leftovers I had in the fridge! Win Win!!

Chili Corn Dog Casserole
adapted from: http://justasmidgenoflove.blogspot.com/2016/09/take-chill-off.html

4 cups chili  (or 2 -16oz cans)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 corn dogs

Preheat oven to 375. Spread chili out in a greased 9x13pan. Sprinkle 1/3 cheese on top. Place corn dogs all over the pan. Sprink;e with remaining cheese.  Bake 20-25minutes. Serve with other favorite chili toppings.

Healthy Tricky Twist

As a mom I try to be sneaky in all food related things.  I like tricking the boys into eating their veggies when it is needed.  I did just that in the brownies I made recently. BAP and SSP loved them; they ate them with no complaint! Yay.

Zucchini Brownies
adapted from: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/zucchini-brownies-with-fudge-frosting/dd0d7a38-d55b-43f3-8def-4370c8e4d3ae

1 box Brownie mix (I used Ghiradelli Triple Chocolate)
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 eggs
2 cups shredded zucchini
Extra dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Stir all ingredients (except extra chocolate chips) together.  Spread into a greased 9x13pan.  Sprinkle with chocolate chips and bake about 14-16minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Perfectly Chewy, Moist and Addictive

These cookies/bars are downright craveable.  A bit of a problem (in a -not so- good way).  They are THE best chocolate cookies ever.  I bet you won't be able to eat just one.  I should make more for back-to-school lunches. :D

Chewy Molasses Bars
adapted from: http://www.crosbys.com/molasses-chocolate-chip-cookies-2/

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup molasses (I used about 5T molasses and 3T white corn syrup - because that is what I had)
2 1/4 cup flour
1 t baking soda
1 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
2 (generous) cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375. Cream butter, sugar and molasses together in a large mixing bowl. Add vanilla and egg. In another bowl combine flour, baking soda ,baking powder and salt. Slowly incorporate into wet ingredients. Once combined fold in chocolate chips. Drop on to parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake 8-10minutes. Or if bars are desired, spread out into a greased and lined 9x13pan.  Bake for 35minutes.

Celebrate Every Day

Today would be my grandpa's birthday.  There is rarely a day that I don't think of he and grandma.  I miss them both.  Grandpa and Grandma always found a reason to celebrate family.  It often times involved taking us to a favorite Chinese restaurant.  So good.  Today I want to share a recipe that reminded me a lot of those special times.

Mongolian Beef over Noodles
adapted from: http://barefeetinthekitchen-recipes.blogspot.com/2016/06/mongolian-beef-recipe.html

8oz angel hair noodles, cooked and cooled (I used thin rice noodles)
1 pound (tenderloin) steak, thinly slliced against the grain - marinated for 45minutes in this sauce
green onions, diced
garlic, minced about 1 T
ginger, chopped about 1 T
1 package angel hair cabbage shreds
2 cups sugar snap peas

In a large deep non stick skillet, drizzle in some olive oil and coconut oil.  As the oil begins to shimmer and get hot, add the meat (with the marinade). Brown quickly.  Add garlic, ginger and green onions. Toss around until well coated and starting to wilt. Stir in peas. Repeat. Lastly toss in the noodles.  Heat until completely hot.  Serve in wide mouth bowls.  Delish!

Time To Celebrate

Happy Feast Day BAP!

Today we celebrate BAP Feast Day.  He requested pizza.  Check...I even BBQ'd frozen pizzas.  He LOVED it.  I surprised him with this fun dessert. 

Pineapple Upside Down Cake
adapted from: http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2015/06/pineapple-upside-down-cupcakes.html

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
24 Marashino cherries
1 (20oz) can pineapple (drain off juice and puree fruit)
1 yellow cake mix (use pineapple juice for the water, 2 eggs and melted coconut oil for the oil)

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease 24 standard muffin tins.  Add a little melted butter to each muffin tin, top with brown sugar, cherry, and crushed pineapple (in that order).  Make cupcakes according to package directions (subbing above ingredients). Pour into muffin tins.  Bake 20minutes.  Cool 5 minutes before inverting.  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.