Miss Gracie's Sweet Shoppe

A new life. A new blog.

2011-01-30T18:33:00.002-07:00

If you ever enjoyed my feeble ramblings here, check out me new blog: Becoming Mrs. G

Psalm 27

2010-04-28T17:32:00.001-06:00

The Lord is my light and my

salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my

life;

Of whom shall I be afraid?

To eat up my flesh,

My enemies and foes,

They stumbled and fell.

Though an army may encamp

against me,

My heart shall not fear;

Though war may rise against me,

in this I will be confident.

One thing i have desired of the

Lord,

That I will seek:

That I may dwell in the house

of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the

Lord,

And to inquire in His Temple.

For in the time of trouble,

He shall hide me in his

pavilion;

In the secret place of His

tabernacle

He shall hide me;

He shall set me high upon a

rock.

And now my head shall be

lifted up above my enemies

all around me;

Therefore I will offer sacrifices

of joy in His Tabernacle;

I will sing, yes I will sing praises

to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with

my voice!

Have mercy also upon me, and

answer me.

When You said, "Seek My

face,"

My heart said to You "Your

face, Lord I will seek."

Do not hide Your face from me;

Do not turn Your servant away

in anger;

You have been my help;

Do not leave me nor forsake

me,

O God of my salvation.

When my father and my

mother forsake me,

Then the Lord will take care

of me.

Teach me Your way, O Lord

And lead me in a smooth path,

because of my enemies.

Do not deliver me to the will

of my adversaries;

For false witnesses have risen

against me,

And such as breath out

violence.

I would have lost heart, unless

I had believed

that I would see the goodness

of the Lord

In the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord;

be of good courage,

And he shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the Lord!

A Sweet Break

2010-04-17T21:25:00.003-06:00

Tyler came home. Thank you Lord.

I can't even describe how much we needed it.

A sweet time for pure laughter. 2 months of tears is enough.

God has been faithful, making us stronger through the process.

I'll never doubt God's sufficiency. Ever. Again.

Highlights of nine days together:

--Seeing him walking up at the airport with ~~orange~~ (whoops did I say that?) BLONDE hair thinking, it's a wig... O crap, it's not!--

--Devotions and Prayer together every morning--

--Hanging out in the city & finding silver shoes--

-All the sweet little things he had planned for me--

--Hearing a song, that was written & sung just for me!!!!--

~I miss my best friend~

What angels eat? I think possibly not...

2010-03-28T17:45:00.000-06:00

If I were an angel, I'd eat creme' brulee, black tie mousse cake, and sticky buns.

Nevertheless, it was still quite yummy and

cures a little bit of that spring fever!

To Bring a Smile to My Face

2010-03-14T12:39:00.002-06:00

These pictures are going up on my bedroom wall later today... I hope.

That depends how much energy I can muster together

to get up off the couch!

But I just have to say, that guy is pretty darn handsome, and ALWAYS brings a smile to my face!

Shoulda had a V8!

2010-03-02T21:19:00.004-07:00

I need reminders. I need things to stare me straight in the face. Or whack me up side the head(shoulda had a V8!).

God, you choose your method.

That's why this sign, was a God-send and

is now very strategically placed.

This verse stares at me first thing when
I open my eyes

in the morning and is the last thing I see as
I fall asleep.

My prayer when I see it: Lord, help me to ~~help you~~ (NO, not that Grace! I know you want to fix everything, but you

are not all-powerful, are not all-knowing, and do not have the ability to do all things!).

Okay, God you're right.

Let's start over with my prayer:

Lord, help me to trust

everything(EVERYTHING, Grace)

to your capable hands.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
      And lean not on your own understanding;
      In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct your paths.

Psalms 16:9

A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.

2010-02-23T22:00:00.002-07:00

To many emotions cloud over me. It makes it hard to think, so instead I pray.

It's okay to ask for what you want, right?

God has been speaking to me daily through my study through Matthew.
The verses seem to jump off the page. My Savior speaks to me: "My child, I am bigger than your self proclaimed mountain's. I am able and willing to bless you, but you must believe... you must have faith. In fact those aren't mountains at all, merely little bumps on the in path. I have your life in my hand, trust me. Follow me.

Matthew 6:33
Matthew 7:24-25
Matthew 8:24-26
Matthew 11:28-30

Then we have the story of the five loaves and the two fish. Matthew14:13-21.

On a lighter, more random note...
Number one: crying gives you a headache like no other. Any agreement on this?
Number two: I really want a home of my own. To clean, to cook, to decorate. To be together.

Update:[Recipe!] Turtle Coffee Ice Cream [Cup] Cakes

2010-02-08T20:12:00.004-07:00

Turns out... Ice Cream Cake is much better in cupcake form.

Easier to cut, easier to eat, and easier to control portion sizes.

Plus, they are

pretty.

darn.

cute!

You asked for it, so here ya go:

What you will need:

1 quart of your favorite vanilla ice cream

1 quart of your favorite coffee ice cream

1 recipe chocolate ganache

1 recipe chocolate crunch

Hersheys Caramel Sundae Topping

Chopped Pecans

foil cupcake liners

2 muffin tins

foil

9X13 baking dish

Chocolate Ganache

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon whipping cream

1/4 cup butter

12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-- Place semi-sweet chocolate in a medium bow. Bring whipping cream and butter just to a simmer in the microwave. Pour cream/butter mixture over chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute. Whisk until smooth. Whisk in vanilla. Set aside at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Chocolate Crunch

6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 9oz. pkg chocolate wafer cookies, crushed (or just use oreos with the frosting removed)

-- Line a 9X13 baking dish with foil. Spray with nonstick spray. Melt chocolate and oil in a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir till smooth. Mix with crushed cookies. Spread in pan and freeze until firm for about 10 minutes. Chop into pea size crumbs. Set aside

-- Line muffin tins with foil liners. Divide half of chocolate crunch and sprinkle in the liners. Spread vanilla ice cream in liners. Spoon in caramel sauce. Sprinkle pecans over the caramel. Spread coffee ice cream on top. You may need to heap it up a little bit so it comes above the edges of the muffin tin. Spread chocolate ganache over top and finish with sprinkling more pecans and remaining chocolate crunch decoratively as the very last layer.

Sneak Peak: Valentine Photo Shoot

2010-01-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I squeezed in a pre-Valentine's photo shoot, before he leaves.I have to say my sister is an

excellent photographer.

Now off on vacation for 5 days to deliver Tyler to his destination.

Stayin' Up

2010-01-24T23:45:00.001-07:00

It's a week of lasts. Or maybe, on a more positive note, they're lasts for awhile.

So in lieu of lasts, I'm staying up preparing Tyler's last dinner & dessert.

But before I call it a night,

I want to thank my friends and family for all the prayers & support.

I feel like a wimp, a drama queen and a cry-baby.

And just maybe I am.

There ARE worse possibilities, longer separations, & harder circumstances.

But it still hurts, and it still means the world to have you all in my life.

...so thank you...

Sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do

2010-01-13T20:15:00.005-07:00

And yes, homemade chocolate chip cookies are something ya gotta do.

Everyone should experience hot, gooey cookies (or maybe just the dough) on a cold winter's evening.

MMM, even better with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

This is a must try recipe: so delicious, and if you your quick on your feet,

you can have 2 dozen cookies in the oven in under 10 minutes!

Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

12 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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

Melt the butter, and combine with the sugars using an electric mixer or by hand. Beat in the egg and egg yolk. Add the vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients, just till combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Make balls of dough around the size of 2 tablespoons and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes, or until very slightly golden brown.

One final tip for gooey cookies: use a baking stone, preferably manufactured by Pampered Chef.

Sick

2010-01-11T13:35:00.003-07:00

I allow myself two sick days per year. Two days I can be completely useless.

That means I've used them up... yesterday and today

That also means 354 days to stay well. Bring on the vitamins...

When your boy goes away.

2010-01-02T20:00:00.003-07:00

"Only 31/2 months," he whispers in my ear.
HE is leaving.
Oh gosh, I can't even type without choking up.

I know I'll live, I know I'll make it through, but I know there will be showers of tears.

"I'm coming back for you," he repeats over and over on the phone.

He's going to Bible College. He knows this is God's leading. He knows this is best.

Isn't it unfortunate that the very thing that makes you the most proud of your man

is the very thing that crushes you the hardest?

I pried the news out of him around a month ago. Then I couldn't breath for 2 days.
*Sigh*

I am trusting. Well, Ok, I'm trying to trust both him and God.

It's going to be the hardest time I've past through yet, but I have more
than most to help me through:

(I might be frequently viewing this list)

- A wonderful, loving Saviour, that will ALWAYS, always be by my side

-My man, he does love me so very much, and I DO know he will come back for me

-My family who are best friends

-His family my next best friends

No Resolutions

2010-01-01T23:46:00.009-07:00

I read it today, but didn't let it sink in till now.

Till now... laying in my bed. I should be sleeping. But I want to write, and that hasn't happened for months.

I read today a distant friend's blog. This girl wrote on her blog along the lines of New Year's resolutions and that we should"always try and make ourselves a better person instead of just 'being ourselves'."

Now I recognize this as a flaw in myself:

The moment you relinquish the desire to reform that worm that you are, when you have given in to the flesh time and time again, and you let yourself, "be yourself", you limit God.

There is always room for improvement.

Not that we can change in our own strength. Absolutely not! I am merely coming to the realization that you must desire for God to reform you. God doesn't go to work without the invitation. God is the perfect gentleman.

I had determined not to make any New Year's resolutions since they never come to anything anyway, right?.... I changed my mind. This New Year I desire and INVITE God to regenerate me. I'm not going to make a list of specifics: yada yada yada. I just want to remain willing and ready to receive what God has for me in 2010. I don't want to hinder His wonderful and perfect ways, by sitting in complacency in my filthy rags. Rather I am jumping up and I laying "me" at the foot of the Cross.

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Romans 13:11-14

Feeling on Top

2009-11-09T19:59:00.003-07:00

We won the championship.

I'm loving my job.

I've got a wonderful boyfriend.

A family, that each member I consider a friend.

I'm feeling prepared, organized, accomplished.

But all praise goes to God.

One example for feeling prepared and organized is the fact, that I baked up our Thanksgiving pumpkins. Have you ever had pie made with fresh pureed pumpkin instead of canned?

It is really so much better, and actually quite easy.

The hardest part of the process is finding pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins. After you've completed that step, it's easy peasy!

So here are the directions:

1. Cut pumpkins into in halves or quarters. Stack in large roasting Pan

2. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a 350 degree oven for about an hour or until you can easily pierce the skin and flesh with a fork.

3. Let cool. Puree in food processor till smooth as baby's bottom... or maybe just smooth as baby food. ;)

Now, you can substitute this straight across for the canned stuff in any recipe. Use right away or freeze in airtight containers for up to a year.

**I'm thinking pumpkin pound cake may be my next baking adventure!**

2009-11-04T17:38:00.004-07:00

One more match. 5 more games.

One more chance to repeatedly coach the same things, the same things I have said hundreds of times before:

*Beat the ball*

*Attack*

*Move your feet*

*Kill it*

*Focus*

**** WIN ****

I have to do something with myself. So yell it is. I feel so helpless on the bench, and I've even been accused of hyper-ventilating from being nervous.

One more chance to watch my girls play their best, and just possibly win the CHAMPIONSHIP, one more time.

Can't wait...

2009-10-20T21:00:00.000-06:00

I've been working on a post for weeks, in spare minutes here and there. But I decided today, that the post didn't matter. All that matters is this: God is in complete control at all times, in all circumstances (which was basically what I had been writing about anyway, but for different circumstances).

Yesterday was a new experience for me. I was utterly helpless, and so frightened. I learned how much I love Tyler. I would call him my boyfriend, but that term seems flippant in this day and age. He is far more to me than just 'my boyfriend'.

So this is what happened. I was talking with Tyler on the phone as he drove to work (our morning ritual) when suddenly there was a loud noise and buttons on his phone started beeping. Then the call was ended. I assumed he had been in a wreck. After calling and texting several times with no reply, I began to get very worried.

Silence lasted for over an hour.

Phone calls to his dad and mine. Of course, being a girl meant I thinking the worst. What had happened to him?!

Finally, I got the word ,through the dads, that he had been in a car accident, but he was fine. Finally I could breath.

I prayed and prayed during that hour. I had to tell myself that God knew. God knew every detail of what was going on, even when I didn't, even before it happened.

I prayed and thanked God for His goodness. He was good, He is good, and always will be good.

I didn't feel really calm 'till I had spent some time with Tyler. Just holding his hand, listening to his voice. Thanking God for his laugh, his contagious joy.

We are commanded not to hold on to earthly things too tightly, but we can enjoy them while they are here, all the while, praising God for every moment with those we love.

Fall Fever

2009-09-22T12:47:00.002-06:00

I feel the crisp air... you know that little bit of a chill? It may still be quite warm but there is just that little bite of coolness. I feel it and I know. I know that Autumn is coming and I start burning with "Fall Fever". It is my favorite time of the year and I hope to post more of the happenings of my life, very soon. There is one thing about Fall - it is my busiest time, so hopes and wants sometimes go to the wayside of necessities and needs.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

2009-07-28T15:28:00.002-06:00

LEMON ICE CREAM SANDWICHES with BLUEBERRY SWIRL

~A yummy summer treat~

I made these little sandwiches last weekend after my Mom found the recipe in the August Gourmet magazine and informed me I was slacking - I needed to make them soon! So I did, but like most recipes I didn't do things perfectly, and OF COURSE they look nothing like the pictures in Gourmet. I accidentally overcooked (like almost burnt - I was a little worried!) the cookie part, but I think it was an improvement... they tasted like a homemade sugar cone!

No pictures, just words.

2009-07-25T12:03:00.008-06:00

Worry, fretting, anxiety... have you ever done any of these?

Okay, so I am gonna make this statement: those verbs up there, each one of them, is, SIN!

Did not Jesus himself admonish us: "Do not worry."?
I have always, always, struggled with worry - about anything and everything, big and little. From what to make for dinner, to when am I going to excercise, to how am I going to ever pay-off my car, and even thoughts of 'will this boyfriend leave me just like the last one' ( just bein' honest, here).

Be honest, are there any positive elements of fretting? I doubt it. Worry literally eats at you. It ruins your day(s). It causes grief in your relationships. Anxiety dampens the joy that should be yours in Christ. Anxiety is actually addicting.

I have always looked at worry as just something you do. It isn't fun and I guess I never thought it was good for me, but it's not a big deal, right? Wrong. As I was reading my Bible and pouring out my heart to God in prayer, listing all my anxieties- wack - it hit me. Conviction slapped me. YOU ARE SINNING. Whoa now, wait a second, worrying isn't all that bad. No, Jesus says how many times in Matthew 6: 25-34, Do not worry? Read for yourself:

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I think that worry is shrugged away, but I think we need to face it as it really is: REFUSING to lay down everything at our Saviour's feet and simply TRUST HIM with the outcome. God wants the best for our lives, which includes peace, joy and rest (all things that cannot come from an anxious heart).

I challenge myself today let God reign in my life so that
... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding...
(Philippians 4:6-7 go look up the rest yourself! :)

Sticky Sticky Buns

2009-06-21T19:43:00.002-06:00

The weather has been gracious enough the last few weeks to allow some baking ( which is very unusual for this time in June). So one afternoon last week I treated my daddy to some sticky buns. Here is the recipe. :) Enjoy!

Dough:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup warm milk
1/3 cup warm water
1/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3 1/4 cups flour ( more or less as needed)
2 teaspoons salt

Caramel Sauce:
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
3/4 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 cups whole pecans, lightly toasted

You will also need:
3/4 stick of butter, softened
brown sugar and cinnamon( I don't have measurments for this you will just have to use your own judgement)

Directions:

Dough: Combine the butter, milk, water, sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl. Slowly add the flour and salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. ( either by hand or with a dough hook in a stand mixer, about 8-12 minutes). The dough should be sticky; be careful not to add too much flour. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and cover loosely with a towel. Let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until until doubled in size.

Meanwhile make the caramel sauce: Pour the water into a 2 quart saucepan. Pour sugar into the center of the pan to prevent sugar crystals from forming. Do not stir. Cover and bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, uncover and continue until the syrup is thick and straw colored, about 7 minutes. ( It will register and 300 degrees on a candy thermometer). Reduce heat to medium and cook until the sugar syrup is golden and begins to smoke, 1-2 minutes. (350 degrees on thermometer).

While the sugar syrup is boiling, bring the cream, butter, vanilla, and corn syrup to a simmer over high heat. Remove from heat.

As soon as the sugar sryup reaches 350 degrees, remove from heat, pour about a quarter of the cream mixture into it, and let the bubbling subside. Add the remaining cream mixture and whisk until caramel sauce is smooth. While still hot pour inot a greased 9X13 pan. Sprinkle pecans over. Set aside.

After the dough has risen, dump out onto a lightly floured surface and punch it down. Roll out to a 18x 12 inch rectangle. Spread with butter, cinnamon and brown sugar. Roll up with the longest edge facing you. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in pan over top of caramel sauce.

Let rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours. Bake on the top third of oven at 325 degrees for about 35 minutes or until center rolls are no longer doughy. Remove from oven and immediately invert on a large cookie sheet. Serve warm.

The reason for my absence...

2009-06-19T08:16:00.004-06:00

Yes, it's true... A GUY... a very, very, wonderful, guy I might add!
My man even brought me roses the other night. My first ever!

Tyler and I have been together for 7 months,

and never did I imagine it could be like this.

So, so happy.

Isn't it amazing how God knows so much better than you do???
He knows exactly what you need.
He knows what he is doing.
He knows the storm and what's on the other side.

... and God is right with you through it all ...
..................................................................

p.s. praying for my daddy who is going through a very tumultuous storm :(
p.s.s. I just might be returning to the blogosphere for a while. I missed it!

Granola

2009-02-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

8 cups old fashioned oats
2 cups almonds ( chopped or whole)
2 cups walnuts ( chopped or whole)
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup butter
1 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla
dried fruit (optional)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. In small saucepan melt the butter and honey. Add the vanilla.
In a large bowl combine the remaining ingredients ( except for fruit).
Pour the butter mixture over the oats and stir thoroughly. Spread out on a large cookie sheet or roasting pan. Bake until dried out.Enjoy for breakfast with milk poured over... or for dinner... :D

Happy Valentine's Day <3

2009-02-15T17:54:00.006-07:00

These are our traditional "truffle" brownies
... delicious, dark, goodness...
(and not your average brownie, that's for certain!)

This year was most definitely my best Valentine's day... ever!

Hopefully many more to come! :D And hopefully yours was wonderful, too!

Hmmmm

2009-02-10T22:51:00.003-07:00

I know, I know it's time for another post. But I seem to be at a loss for what to write/ take pictures of. Maybe it will come to me very soon, or maybe some of my readers have some requests?

Chile Verde

2009-01-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday afternoon was spent making Chile Verde and Homemade Tortillas... a good way to spend an afternoon if you ask me. :) Here are the recipes and a few step-by-step pictures:
CHILE VERDE:

4 pounds pork shoulder, cooked in a slow cooker for at least 8 hours and chopped or shredded
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Flour for dredging
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 yellow onions
2 green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Anaheim or Poblano chiles, cut into 1-inch cubes
2-3 jalapenos, seeds removed, and finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds tomatillos, roasted, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons coriander seeds, crushed and soaked in a scant amount of water
2 bay leaves
1 bunch cilantro leaves, cleaned and chopped
4 cups chicken stock

Directions

Drizzle a large cast iron skillet or dutch oven( or pot) with oil. Place the onions and peppers in the same skillet and sweat over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until limp, about 5 minutes. Add all of the chiles and cook an additional 3-4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more.Add the Sauteed vegetables, chopped tomatillos, dried herbs and cilantro to the onion mixture, cover with the chicken stock and bring up to a boil and reduce to a slight simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

Puree mixture in a food processor in batches.

Place shredded meat in pot and pour 3/4 of the verde sauce over ( Reserve the remaining sauce to pour over burritos to serve). Simmer for 1-3 hours.

Place pork mixture and shredded Monterey Jack cheese in a tortilla. Pour verde sauce over top and sprinkle with some more shredded cheese. Serve and enjoy!

Homemade Texas Flour Tortillas
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup warm milk

Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and oil. Slowly add the warm milk. Stir until a loose, sticky ball is formed. Knead for 2 minutes on a floured surface. Dough should be firm and soft. Place dough in bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap for 20 minutes. After the dough has rested, break off 8 sections, roll them into balls in your hands, place on a plate and cover with a damp cloth for 10 minutes. ( It's very important to let the dough rest, otherwise it will be like elastic and won't roll out to a proper thickness and shape.)

After the dough has rested, roll out the balls on a lightly floured surface till very thin ( or thicker if you like your tortillas thick!) Immediately begin cooking them in cast iron skillets or a griddle heated to med-high. Cook each side about 30 seconds. Remove from pan and keep covered with towel until ready to serve. These are best if eaten within a few hours. Makes 8 tortillas.

As a side note... these tortillas are NOT the most authentic as they have baking powder in them and puff up quite beautifully the way I like them. :)

By Your Side

2009-01-19T23:18:00.009-07:00

Why are you striving these days

Why are you trying to earn grace

Why are you crying

Let me lift up your face

Just don't turn away

**

Why are you looking for love

Why are you still searching

as if I'm not enough

To where will you go child

Tell me where will you run

To where will you run

**

And I'll be by your side

Wherever you fall

In the dead of night

Whenever you call

And please don't fight

These hands that are holding you

My hands are holding you

**

Look at these hands and my side

They swallowed the grave on that night

When I drank the world's sin

So I could carry you in

And give you life

I want to give you life

**

Cause I, I love you

I want you to know

That I, I love you

I'll never let you go

----Tenth Avenue North

By Your Side Video and Song Clip

Lattes at Home

2009-01-17T19:50:00.002-07:00

To warm these very cold winter mornings, I have been putting my parents new espresso maker to good use... yummy skinny lattes for me, chai lattes for Abigail and intense dark mochas for Mom.

The espresso maker did get the best of me this morning though... when it says to relieve the pressure before opening the top, it really means it... I now have a pretty nasty burn on my hand from the top coming of and extremely hot water spraying everywhere... beware of the espresso maker!

2009-01-16T21:18:00.004-07:00

Here is my current reading list... reading... ah, the simple pleasure that I have neglected for much too long! Thanks to my new friend for starting me back up again. ;)

Read #1: French Women Don't Get Fat by: Mireille Guiliano... not your average diet book, because it isn't about a diet! Just some really smart ideas and tips for eating that I plan to follow.

Read #2: The Hidden Art of Homemaking by: Edith Schaeffer... I have read and re-read this book (some chapters more than others :) She has such a way of getting you excited for doing the basics such as cooking, decorating, etc....

Read #3: Saint by: Ted Dekker... this is the second book in the Paradise Series. I just finished Showdown and absolutely loved it, although I will admit it's probably not a book everyone will enjoy, as it was a little nasty and graffic in spots. I loved the creativity put forth by Dekker, it was simply amazing and a very intense read!

A Jewel...

2009-01-06T11:11:00.002-07:00

A wife of noble character

who can find?

She is worth far

more than rubies ...

Proverbs 31:10

God's beautiful Proverbs 31 woman is the sparkling jewel in her
husband's life! She brings the love, the color, the joy, the life, and the
energy to their home.... With a wife as a sparkling jewel, a man can find life bearable. In fact, with God's beautiful woman beside him, he posesses treasure untold! ~ Elizabeth George -Beautiful in God's Eyes-

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

How can you... be that ruby to your husband? Or if you are unmarried like me... how can you practice, today, to be that treasure to those around you and practice for the day you will have a husband.... just some thoughts from me! :)

2008...

2009-01-03T21:48:00.009-07:00

I laugh as a re-read 2008's first post, I think: those were the days! The days of carefree thoughts. The days of thinking I really needed to learn how to make cake... that somehow cake was important to life!?

2008 was a year a year of big risks, of challenges, of perservering. I learned what it is to laugh and to cry. A year of volleyballs, german chocolate cakes, and microphones. Of blessings, responsibilities, stress, and heartbreak.

The girl who started out 2008 had worries... so she thought ( if worries could be catergorized as what dessert to make tonight, or why isn't my shot dropping in the basketball games).
The girl who ended 2008 got a little clearer glimpse of what worry means, even though she knows that she hasn't scratched the surface of it.

I accomplished things I never could have imagined...delivering graduation speeches, running 1/2 marathons, coaching a highschool volleyball team to victory, and playing the piano in a wedding. But you know why I never could have imagined doing these things? Because I imagined doing them on my own strength.

************************************
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:26-30

*********************************

It is only by the Lords strength that I have done what I have done... He has humbled me in so many ways ( oh, have I forgotten to mention all the huge mistakes I have made this year, too? The mistakes of tuning out HIS voice, and following my own desires!? Or perhaps the pride that keeps getting in the way?), but the LORD has proved faithful to raise my head, over and over again. Every time I fall or begin to feel weary, He is still beside me, eager to restore me again...

O the marvelous, wonderful, but so indescribable love of

my heavenly FATHER!!!!

So here is to 2009... May I not forget all that has been done for me or the unfailing love of my Saviour!

Party Prep #2

2008-12-19T23:32:00.004-07:00

Yes, my party is still a go... actually it's in less than 72 hours! Whoa, that's a scary thought....
Anyway, I finally nailed down the menu this afternoon and braved the aisles of walmart to buy my ingredients. I have lots of fun ideas, I just hope that it can all be accomplished in such a short amount of time. :)

Aacck ! And Christmas is only 2 days later...

2008-12-17T13:13:00.008-07:00

::::::::::::::::What I am meditating on today::::::::::::::::

Praise the LORD, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalms 103: 1-4

Oh, and Read this if you are having a hard time this Christmas season!

2008-12-12T10:45:00.007-07:00

Thank you, Gayle and Grace at refreshings for nominating me for this award!

When you are nominated, you are supposed to:
Mention the blog that gave it to you.
Comment on her blog to let her know you have posted the award.
Share 6 values (or things) that are important to you.
Share 6 things you do not support.
Share the love with six ( or however many you want to) other wonderful blogging friends

P.S. I did change the rules slightly ( in italics :)

6 things(+) that are important to me are~

-My relationship with My Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ

-Family

-Friends

-Purity

-Cooking 'licious food

-Excercising

-Finding ways to serve those around me

6 things I do not support are~

-Public Education

-Divorce

-Abortion

-Hamburger Helpers and TV dinners(I just had to throw that one in there :P)

-Homo-Sexuality

I nominate

-Mrs. MK

-Miss Gracie's House

-The Mckinney's

2008-12-10T22:55:00.005-07:00

One of my recent Christmas Traditions...

~Candy Cane Lane Tea~

It's so good... a 'licious peppermint green tea... but a nice n' mild peppermint.

Regular mint tea is a little strong for my liking but this is just right. And better yet, it's Celestial Seasonings which means you can find it just about anywhere!

Oh, and here are some yummy sugar cookies

I made this evening, too.

Simple, delicious, and of course, the recipe is from my ever trusty Baking Illustrated Book!

Soft Sugar Cookies:
2 cups all purpose four
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened but still cool
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
sugar in the raw ( for sprinkling on top)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy ( about 3 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients; mix until just combined. Roll into balls; place on cookie sheet. Flatten slightly then sprinkle with the sugar in the raw. Bake for about 8 minutes or until just set. Let cool on cookie sheet.

What I'm singing today...

2008-12-08T12:07:00.001-07:00

My soul finds rest

In God alone

He only is my salvation

My Rock, my Peace

My fortress strong

I will ever love and adore Him

Great love of GodJesus, His name

He only is my foundation

For on the cross

He bled and died

And He took my sorrows forever

For on the crossHe bled and died

And He took my sorrows forever

And I will praise Him, whatever

Party Prep #1

2008-12-05T11:12:00.006-07:00

Well, unfortunately the first thing I gotta do for my party is: CLEAN!

First clean and decorate for Christmas... which technically should have been done last weekend (it's tradition to get the house decorated for Christmas the few days after Thanksgiving), but I'm a little busier than I used to be and so is my Mom, so I guess I have to be fine with broken tradition! :)

Here is a picture of our parlour and dining room... last year. Seems like this is a recurring pattern! Always, always gotta clean up for Christmas 'cause our family of 20 ( including brothers, sisters, their spouses, a Grandma and an Great Aunt) has to go somewhere!

For those of you that don't know, my mom owns a business that includes lots and lots of beautiful creativity and clutter, which is what you see in the picture!

Enjoy life for what it is, not what it could be.

2008-12-03T12:23:00.010-07:00

Enjoy life for what it is,

not what it could be!

God answers prayers. Maybe not quite in ways I had planned... in ways far, far, better!

I prayed that things would work out so that I could be content and joyful. Did they work out in the way I was thinking. No, (I mean that would have been ok,too, :) but I am enjoying my life so much... having fun with friends, talks with my sisters and brothers, working, spending time at home... etc! So I am living my life the way it is and loving it!

(This isn't my picture: I stole it off the internet then I edited it)

#1 blessing in my life? My brothers and sisters and sister-in-laws!

Oh and BTW: I'm planning a big Christmas party at my house... hor d'ouvers and desserts... lots of friends. I am so excited- more details about plans and menu to follow!

2008-12-02T19:18:00.001-07:00

I did it!

And I LOVE <3 LOVE IT!

Here today, GONE tomorrow!

2008-12-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

After much indecision and anguish, I have decided to cut my hair. Short. Very short. Too short, I'm afraid.

It has been long and curly for 12 of my 19 years...

A very tough decision I am ashamed to admit...

But, after all, it is just hair... that I do believe will grow back.

After a few scare tactics to my family and friends ( like dyeing it purple) they all say - "Grace, just cut it!"

I promise... I won't complain, not even a word!

( I hope)

(Muahaha, but I still might dye it purple yet! :P)

More pictures to come tomorrow when the deed is done!

Choice

2008-11-28T01:28:00.006-07:00

There is a choice... everyday, in fact. Being *thankful* is a choice. Therefore, I choose to thankful.

I really do have so much to be thankful for, I just have to take a moment to stop. To stop and be overwhelmed by the abundance of blessing!

I will not be so caught up in the "not-haves" that I remain blind to the many, many "haves".

Twilight

2008-11-25T13:59:00.003-07:00

Thanks to Mrs. Mk, I finally found a good Christian review of the Twilight book series ( By: Stephanie Myers). If you haven't heard of the books or the movie you, either :

a) are over 30
b) don't have any teenage daughters
c) live under a rock

*Laughing* The Twilight books and a certain character in them, named "Edward", seem to be sweeping all young women completely off their feet. :P

I encourage you to read this review... I'm not saying that you 'shouldn't' read the books, just sayin' that maybe a little research should be involved before you do so. Don't be taken in by the popularity ( like I almost did!) without a little discernment!

http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review---twilight.php

2008-11-23T01:52:00.005-07:00

Questions asked. Answers given. But do I always tell the truth? Earlier this evening I was asked if I was feeling hopeful or discouraged about my life. My answer was that it depends on the day...or wait, maybe I should say it depends on the moment. Sometimes I feel so very up and down - and I hate it. Why can't I stay on an even plane? Why not remain hopeful and joyful in the place God has me? One day I will be praising Him, glad for every moment. The next day I would do almost anything to see that smile from someone. But what has it to do with how I feel? Feelings are only feelings, and this is truth:

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Whhadya think? Possible insanity?

2008-11-21T10:51:00.004-07:00

-9 hours of sleep since Tuesday Night
-18 hours of work
-4 hours of exercise
- Countless cups of coffee
-An extreme amount of vitamin C

-Getting my niece and 2 nephews all to myself?
TOTALLY worth it!

Jane Eyre

2008-11-18T13:55:00.006-07:00

Jane Eyre. My fictional heroine. Just when her dreams and her longings were being fulfilled, a secret was revealed that caused every happy and joyful aspect of her life to be crushed. She could have turned her back on morality and purity and gone where her heart led. She could have followed her fleshly passions and done what the world would have deemed as 'right'. But instead she did what was noble and right and true - and suffered - for a time. She suffered for 4 years... while keeping busy, serving those around her. Then God did what he has promised to do.... He blessed his righteous daughter with all that she desired.

Jane to Mr. Rochester:
"'Oh comply!' it said, 'Think of his misery, think of his danger--look at his state when left alone...Who in the world cares for you? or who will be injured by what you do?'...Still indomitable was the reply--'I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God, sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad--as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour, stringent are they; inviolate they shall be...with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot!'" Chapter 27, pg. 279

Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD

and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Psalms 37:4 - 6

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte'

For old times sake...

2008-11-15T11:38:00.002-07:00

Just an evening of baking, whiffs of vanilla candlight, and Josh Groban ....

wonderful.

happy.

simplicity.

One Magnificent Reality

2008-11-14T09:39:00.004-07:00

REALITY. Hurt, pain, disappointment, those are just some of the words that come when I think of reality. Reality and crushed dreams... synonymous. Reality is hard. Everyday we are faced with it... what is the reality(ies) in your life that grips your heart and squeezes it unrelentlessly?

Yesterday, as I was alone, (but not really alone!) just me, my thoughts and God, I was convicted that I needed to change how I was living. I needed to change how I thought of reality. Yeah, most realities are hard and and they can seem to keep us from our joy in the LORD. But as a girl saved by God's grace I will choose to live in this reality: God's abounding love.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus died to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for the very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
~1 Timothy 1:14-17

My Car <3

2008-11-12T12:09:00.003-07:00

I am thankful...

for my car...

and I am ashamed at how dreadfully I missed her while she was getting repaired...

as a warning...

never, never, enjoy any possesions as much as I enjoy my car!

Just for Fun

2008-11-10T10:30:00.006-07:00

Where is your mobile phone? Pocket

Your hair colour? Brown

Your mother? Quiet

Your father? (my) Hero

Your favourite thing? Being an Aunt

Your dream last night? None

Your dream goal? Wife

The room you're in? Cluttered

Your hobby (hobbies)? Running

Your fear? Aloneness

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Paris

Where were you last night? Sister's

What you're not? Perfect

One of your wish-list items? Tinted-Windows ( on my car)

Where you grew up?Paradise

The last thing you did? Planned

What are you wearing? 'G' Necklace

Your TV? Off

Your pet? Non-existent

Your computer? Frustrating

Can't live without? Bible

Your mood? Hopeful

Missing someone? (OMG) YES!

Your car? Clean

Something you're not wearing? Lipstick

Favourite shop? J & J Coffee CO.

Your summer? Wonderful/Horrible

Love someone? JESUS

Love/Hate Relationship? Running

Current addiction? Facebook

Your favourite colour? Black

When is the last time you laughed? Sunday

When is the last time you cried? October 22nd, 2008

I tag Joni, Amy, Mrs. MK, Gracy or Gayle, Katie and Rene! Just use one word to answer the questions! LOL, try to use only one word, anyway! Oh, and if you read this blog... consider yourself tagged, then tell me if you did the quiz in my comments.

Just like a kid on Christmas and the BeAuTY of storms.

2008-11-08T11:25:00.007-07:00

Aren't we all just like a kid and Christmas? Doesn't everyone remember that Christmas night, after all the excitement, and gifts, and glorious food, thinking why can't Christmas be everyday? I'm pretty sure we all have had those thoughts at least once in our childhood. As you get older you realize why that can't be possible. Christmas would no longer be fun if it was everyday... there wouldn't be anymore squeals of delight because it would be the same ol'.

But aren't will still wanting 'Christmas' everyday? Okay, maybe not literally Christmas, but how about blessings in general? Don't we just stomp our little feet and feel cheated when things don't go exactly the way we think they should go? Don't we all want everyday, every season of life to be full of happiness the way we think of happiness?... money in abundance, being loved by that special someone, health, a fun and enjoyable job... the list could go on. We think that's what we want. We think that these times in our lives, where nothing seems to be going the way we had planned, we think it stinks. Or that God somehow forgot about us.

Let's think on this just a moment. If everyday and every season of our lives included those "happy" times, those times of blessing where everything went just as we planned, would we still consider them blessings? Or would they just slip into mundane nothingness? Into the everyday just like those dishes.

Storms are a part of life. I am declaring right now that storms must happen in order for us to see the beauty of the sunshine!

Right here, right now in the midst of the storm I am saying thank you, Father! Thank you for this storm. I don't know why this storm is happening but I am trusting you for the outcome... because I know that with YOU, Father God, it will be more WoNDerOus than I could ever expect!

God is NOT too busy and he does NOT forget us. He knows exactly what he is doing! So I am challenging YOU, thank God for the storm.

Wee Little Babies!

2008-10-31T22:58:00.003-06:00

Look at these sweet little ones!!!! That's what I'm thankful for... these healthy tiny blessings. Which is why I haven't posted in a few days and exactly why I am posting at this hour. Trust me, I am usually asleep right now! But this is my chance to take care of them and let their Mommy and Daddy get a little extra rest from all the busy-ness! And, yes, I love them each to pieces... just like all my other nephews! I'm thinking being an Auntie is exactly where God has me right now... :D and I like it!

Thank you LORD for such sweet little packages of joy!

Work... Jobs.. Paychecks

2008-10-28T22:15:00.005-06:00

Work... jobs... *laughing*; yupp, I'm laughing and yupp, I'm thankful for work! The Lord has provided me with work (that pays) so that I can get to the places I so love to go and do the things I so love to do( like helping out with my brother and sister - in-law's triplets or coaching or hanging with friends). I am thankful for the variety and sense of humor God has used in picking those jobs for me, but I love the fact that almost everyday is different! My desire is that I will always have an outlet to be serving someone in someway...

Hope

2008-10-27T22:07:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for the hope that I find in my Savior. Not just hope that everything will work out for His glory in this life, but a hope that one day there will be ultimate gladness and completeness.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.... Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalms 31: 16 and 24

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Psalms 41:14-17

...My soul is downcast within me.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:20-24

Thankful X 2?

2008-10-26T22:25:00.004-06:00

Well, I missed yesterday's thankful post... hmmm... it was for multiple reasons. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. Truly, I haven't felt that way ever before. I can take physical exhaustion, in fact I kinda thrive on it. But mental and emotion exhaustion, um let's just say not so much! Smiling for three days straight... encouraging... be positive to everyone about everything... was almost more than I can handle. Don't take me wrong, those 3 days were a wonderful success for my volleyball team. And it was a joy to see them do so well. But it was hard I will admit!

So all that to say, I honestly wasn't all that thankful yesterday, and I couldn't muster myself up enough to push through anyway :(. But I am going to start anew and afresh today... with two things I am thankful for:

Number 1:

I am thankful for songs of worship. I am thankful for the time I can sing, focusing on how great and marvelous my LORD is!.... and was and always will be. A time to take my thoughts away from me and point them towards God. I am thankful for all the men and women that God has inspired with those words of praise and the talent to put them into song.

Number 2:

I am thankful for the apple pie I was finally able to bake today. I have been wanting to make one for weeks but haven't had a spare minute! I know it might seem silly or strange to be thankful about this small thing, but things like these are all it takes to make my day a little brighter!

Volleyball

2008-10-24T20:20:00.005-06:00

Today is a day to be thankful for a volleyball team... my volleyball team... by the way I am a very proud coach right now. My girls just played awesome!

So whether you eat or drink or

whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

*The team thanking the Lord for our victory*

Wow, what an experience it has been for me... a time of growth and being in awe of how God can work through somebody with my personality type and give me the courage to do this. I was scared to death at the beginning of the season, but God walked through each practice and game right next to me... whispering in my ear that through His grace I could have the confidence to do this difficult task.

I thank God that the girls respected and listened to me - even the ones who are only a few months younger than me. I am so proud of each of the girls on the team. Did I mention that we WON the CHAMPIONSHIP!!! I am thankful for the friendships that were formed between the girls and me. I am thankful that God provided a opportunity to give of myself ( or maybe it was just a huge distraction) in this time of grief - it was a reason to smile and move past the self-pity.

Thank you Lord for your goodness and blessing throughout this volleyball season... to you be the glory!

My Sister (Part II)

2008-10-23T22:24:00.003-06:00

Abigail

I am thankful today for my other sister. By the way, happy birthday, Abigail!!!! I am thankful for the joy she brings me. I am thankful for the giggles we share (who knows why we are laughing 99.99% of the time, but we just are, and it does me so much good). I am thankful for the young lady she is becoming... I was worried there for a while but she is coming around, the sweetheart.

My Sister (Part I)

2008-10-22T21:49:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for my sister( that is, my older sister;). You see, my sister Kate and I, have a relationship that not many sisters in this day and age could even imagine. I can thank God daily for the blessing she has been to me... a patient, caring heart and ear that listens to my ramblings of frustration; she is an example in faith, love and purity; she is a woman who has gone through (and is still going through) one of the most difficult trials any Mother could experience, all the while choosing to praise and serve her Father in Heaven no matter the circumstances. Thank you Lord for such a blessing in my life and thank you Kate for puttin' up with your annoying little sis'! Love YA! She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:26-30

REST

2008-10-21T21:49:00.004-06:00

Today I am thankful for rest - but two different kinds of rest. I am thankful for my warm comfy bed that I fall right to sleep in every night (isn't it nice to be able to turn off your brain for just a few hours!?).
I am also thankful for the rest I find in my Savior... that is where my true rest comes. He understands, he cares, he knows every feeling and emotion that pulses through my heart. Jesus is the rest that I find every day to refresh me and make me strong for each struggle that lays ahead.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress,

I will not be shaken.

Psalm 62:5-6

He who dwells in the shelter

of the Most High will rest

in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

The LORD protects the simplehearted;

when I was in great need,

he saved me.
Be at rest once more,

O my soul,

for the LORD has been good to you.
For you, O LORD,

have delivered my soul from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before

the LORD

in the land of the living.

Psalm 116:6-9

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-29

Walks

2008-10-20T21:48:00.006-06:00

Today, the first day of my exercise of being thankful, I choose to be thankful for my walks. The weather has been beautiful lately... Fall is my favorite season... it's so full of God's wonderful design and creativity.

Test me, O LORD, and try me,

examine my heart and my mind;
for your love is ever before me,

and I walk continually in your truth.

Psalms 26:2-3

He holds victory in store for the upright,

he is a shield to those

whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just

and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just

and fair—every good path.

Proverbs 2:7-9

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

1 John 1:5-7

I've DECIDED

2008-10-20T10:48:00.004-06:00

I've decided that I'm gonna blog again ( among other things, but that's for another day)!

Yupp, it's time to update! ;) Thanks for the reminder, Katie! But this blog is going to be different than it was previously... before, it was just a place to post pictures of the desserts I enjoyed making so much. But now, with the changes and heartache that fills my life I think that it would be good for me to switch directions. At least for the time being. Between now and Thanksgiving, my goal is to post at least 1 thing per day that I am thankful for. It might still be a dessert that I made. It might be a bible verse... it could really be anything! My life is varied and full of blessings, and I have found in the last few weeks that thankfulness and gratefulness for all that God does in my life can combat the anger, frustration, and loneliness. God brings joy into my life, but I just have to realize it and recognize it. I think by posting it here it will be easier for me to remember HIS GREAT faithfulness.

2008-07-02T15:44:00.002-06:00

Every time I read this it is such a wonderful reminder of the Savior that died for ME! Read it and let it touch you, too!

(excerpted from Boy Meets Girl By: Joshua Harris)
Why the Cross? Because sinners have no other hope. Why the Cross? Because it is the unassailable proof that we can be forgiven.
Let’s gaze on it together. As we draw close, don’t assume that you already know or understand what happened there. Come to the Cross as if for the first time. In the book When God Weeps, Stephen Estes and Joni Eareckson Tada give the following account of Christ’s death. As you read, refuse to let the scene be familiar. Let its reality shock you and break your heart.
The face that Moses had begged to see—was forbidden to see—was slapped bloody (Exodus 33:19-20). The thorns that God had sent to curse the earth’s rebellion now twisted around his own brow…
“On your back with you!” One raises a mallet to sink in the spike. But the soldier’s heart must continue pumping as he readies the prisoner’s wrist. Someone must sustain the soldier’s life minute by minute, for no man has this power on his own. Who supplies breath to his lungs? Who gives energy to his cells? Who holds his molecules together? Only by the Son do “all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). The victim wills that the solider live on—he grants the warriors continued existence. The man swings.
As the man swings, the Son recalls how he and the Father first designed the medial nerve of the human forearm—the sensations it would be capable of. The design proves flawless—the nerves perform exquisitely. “Up you go!” They lift the cross. God is on display in his underwear and can scarcely breathe.
But these pains are a mere warm-up to his other and growing dread. He begins to feel a foreign sensation. Somewhere during this day an unearthly foul odor began to waft, not around his nose, but his heart. He feels dirty. Human wickedness starts to crawl upon his spotless being—the living excrement from our souls. The apple of his Father’s eye turns brown with rot.
His Father! He must face his Father like this!
From heaven the Father now rouses himself like a lion disturbed, shakes his mane, and roars against the shriveling remnant of a man hanging on a cross. Never has the Son seen the Father look at him so, never felt even the least of his hot breath. But the roar shakes the unseen world and darkens the visible sky. The Son does not recognize these eyes.
“Son of Man! Why have you behaved so? You have cheated, lusted, stolen, gossiped—murdered, envied, hated, lied. You have cursed, robbed overspent, overeaten—fornicated, disobeyed, embezzled, and blasphemed. Oh, the duties you have shirked, the children you have abandoned! Who has ever so ignored the poor, so played the coward, so belittled my name? Have you ever held your razor tongue? What a self-righteous, pitiful drunk—you, who molest young boys, peddle killer drugs, travel in cliques, and mock your parents. Who gave you the boldness to rig elections, foment revolutions, torture animals, and worship demons? Does the list never end! Splitting families, raping virgins, acting smugly, playing the pimp—buying politicians, practicing exhortation, filming pornography, accepting bribes. You have burned down buildings, perfected terrorist tactics, founded false religions, traded in slaves—relishing each morsel and bragging about it all. I hate, loathe these things in you! Disgust for everything about you consumes me! Can you not feel my wrath?”
Of course, the Son is innocent. He is blamelessness itself. The Father knows this. But the divine pair have an agreement, and the unthinkable must now take place. Jesus will be treated as if personally responsible for every sin ever committed.
The Father watches as his heart’s treasure, the mirror-image of himself, sinks drowning into raw, liquid sin. Jehovah’s stored rage against humankind from every century explodes in a single direction.
“Father! Father! Why have you forsaken me?!”
But heaven stops its ears. The Son stares up at the One who cannot, who will not, reach down or reply.
The Trinity had planned it. The Son endured it. The Spirit enabled him. The Father rejected the Son whom he loved. Jesus, the God-man from Nazareth, perished. The Father accepted his sacrifice for sin and was satisfied. The Rescue was accomplished.

A Bridal Shower

2008-06-29T15:48:00.007-06:00

I hosted a bridal shower this last week for 1 of my dear friends that is getting married very soon! By the way, Marlee, I am sooooo excited for you!
It was such a joy to be able to do this for her and of course I had fun preparing all the food!

On the dessert menu:

Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake
Lemon~Strawberry Layer Cake
Lavender Biscotti
Chocolate Cups filled with Chocolate Creme
The roses were in full bloom, giving the outdoors such a beautiful romantic feel for the evening!

Check these awesome things out...

They are chocolate cups that you can fill with almost anything! Aren't they impressive little things?!!

Special Request # 2: German Chocolate Cake

2008-05-31T21:39:00.006-06:00

The DESSERTS... what else is there?

2008-05-27T22:21:00.003-06:00

These are the desserts I made for my graduation party...

*Vanilla Cheesecake*

*Lemon Bars*

*Chocolate Toffee Pecan Bars*

*Chocolate- Espresso Roulade with Ganache*

The Roulade

( The French way of saying roll-up. Its sounds more fancy so we'll just pretend we speak French!)

A Graduation...

2008-05-25T20:20:00.004-06:00

The CHAMP Class of 2008

Yesterday, May 24th, 2008 I officially finished highschool. I can say I did survive the business of the last couple weeks and I even survived my graduation speech. Wow, talk about do hard things! 3 months ago, if you would have asked me if I could write a speech, deliver it in front of around 200 people, and have many people compliment about how much it meant to them I never would have thought it was possible! BUT, I serve a powerful God who can and does give me the strengh to do ALL things.Hopefully the graduatio ceremony was a testimony to

all who were there of our love for the LORD.

Those silly caps and gowns

(someday someone will figure out a way to get around them- they will be my hero!)

Run your Kilt off!

2008-04-30T21:42:00.004-06:00

Well, did I run my kilt off ? I am not sure about that - ( I wasn't wearing one!), but I did run and I ran well, I might add. This expression pretty much sums up what I was feeling when I finished...

For this particular 1/2 marathon it is a 2000 foot ascent and descent, which basically means STEEP up and STEEPER down! I finished first in my division with a time of 1 hour 54 minutes and 39 seconds. That's slow for me to run 13 miles on flat terrain, but great considering the conditions. My running coaches told me not to expect to finish faster than 2 hours 10 minutes - I told them be at the finish line before 2 hours - I'll be there! That was the best part of the whole race ... totally proving them wrong. Sorry Dad and Hector, you weren't right this time!

The next 1/2 marathon is scheduled for May 17th. God-willing I will do as well in that one, too!

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention my prize: a whiskey flask. Why, I don't know but let's just say this race is not necessarily for the sane!

Preparation for the BIG Race:TOMORROW!

2008-04-18T20:51:00.006-06:00

In preparation for the race tomorrow, I dressed up in a

~big floofy dress~

~creamy white heels~

had my big sister take over

~300 senior pictures~...

I should be ready to zoom-zoom-zoom tomorrow!

13.1 miles: completed!!!

2008-03-21T09:17:00.002-06:00

I did it ... last night I ran a 1/2 marathon... wow, I didn't really think I could do it ... 1 mental hurdle down for the race ... thank you Dad for making your behind incredibly sore after sitting on your bike for so long!

2008-03-15T19:06:00.002-06:00

Here is the the link for the Baguettes or crusty bread I made earlier this week. The camera still isn't working... too bad I don't have enough money right now to buy one for myself! I made some Chocolate Oatmeal Cream Pies from foodaphilia last night - they were pretty good but the cream kinda ooooozed all over the place when you took a bite. I might try making them again but make the cookies bite sized this time - wouldn't that be fun- little poppable cookies. It sounds like something my nephews would enjoy!

2008-03-11T21:31:00.003-06:00

Yes, I am still alive and yes, I am still cooking and baking. BUT, when the camera is being impossibly stupid( and what is a recipe without the picture?), apologetics class is always looming close ahead, and craziness of my own doing - training for the 1/2 marathon, posting gets put to the wayside. Some of the things I have baked in the last couple of days are:
~ Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
~ Tow Mater cake
~ Crusty Bread

I made the carrot cake for the same lady I did before (remember my first post?), but this time her son wanted it in the shape of Tow Mater . Since I can rarely tell someone no, and I like challenges, I decided I would make her a carrot cake that wouldn't compromise any deliciousness ( since it was her birthday) and make a separate Tow Mater cake. Let's just call it an adventure in fondant. What tasteless, nasty stuff that is! I found a recipe after the fact for a homemade marshmallow fondant that might not be too bad. I'll have to try it and let you know how it works. I'll post some picture if I can get some.
The crusty bread I made is from Martha Stewart Living, January 2008. I tell you, the Europeans KNOW what bread is supposed to be like. To think I have gone 18 years and never tasted bread so good! I am sorry but America has ruined the meaning of bread. Even homemade regular bread ( regular to American standards) is lacking true substance and flavor - and NO crusty crust. Americans don't even know what crust IS! OK, I'll stop ranting now, but this bread is really good and I just might break down and use Martha's picture and post the recipe so I can let you in on what bread is supposed to be.
Tomorrow I make some Amish Friendship bread from the starter I have been babying for 10 days now. Pretty good stuff... to bad I can't send you all some of your own starter!

Praying for you Sis'!

2008-02-27T09:29:00.003-07:00

...as our whole family grieves the loss of this precious little one... I am praying for you Katie! Lots of love from all of us!

update: Aunt Gracie misses you so much already, Ellie Rene!

2008-02-19T09:59:00.003-07:00

The best way to end one thing is to start something else... this last week my highschool sports career officially ended. This may seem really frivolous, but this is the saddest thing that has ever happened to me. Sports means so much - it means spending time with my friends, developing life skills by working with my team, having long strategy discussions with my daddy. It may be the end, but my team ended it in the best way possible - the league championship. That would be SIX in a row to be exact. ( oh, and by the way, volleyball championships would be six, too!) Our team has had the best coaches! Thank you Amber(VB) and Dad(BB). Thank you teamates... Beth, Melissa, Annie, Vanessa -- it takes so much hard work for those victories! Those days are over, but with the promise of greater things to come.

So now, to begin something else... I'm training for a 1/2 marathon - " the toughest 1/2 marathon in the northwest". I will be joining 2332 participants as we climb over 2000 ft., followed by a 2000 ft. descent. Sounds like fun right! I am so excited for this. It means a new goal.It means change, but change is good because I have a God that walks beside me every step of the way!
Although I have this one plan for my near future, the rest is so unclear! The future looks so uncertain and I feel so helpless which direction to turn. I would so appreciate prayers for guidance, through these times of change!

~The Lord will fulfill his purpose

for me; your love, OLord, endures

forever.~

Psalms 138:8

Cheese Balls and other savories!

2008-02-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you about the open house I was catering? I can't remember so I'll tell you again. I had to come up with savory things for this open house, and savory things are not necessarily my cup of tea. BUT, it was very successful. The menu was:

~ Cheese Balls, Goat Cheese w/ Scallions and Cheddar w/ Craisins and Pecans

~ Cheese Tray, Hickory Smoked Gouda, Parmesan, Extra Sharp Cheddar

~Tea Sandwiches, rosemary-cranberry-pecan chicken and tuna

~Vegetables with cream cheese-ranch Dip

~ Mini Vanilla Fruit Tartlets ( yes, I managed to slip in something sweet, and I think they were the favorite)

I didn't have time to take pictures of anything because I was so rushed for time, but, I did have some people contact me after the open house that wanted me to make them cheese balls, so this time I got a picture before they left the house!

~Cheese Balls: Goat Cheese with Scallions & Cheddar with Craisins and Pecans~

Chocolate Toffee Espresso Cake

2008-02-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

I made this cake for my Jane Austen Girls - sorry I didn't get pictures of last weeks Bread Pudding... Anyway, the cake was a classic chocolate devils food, with an espresso buttercream( I had never made a buttercream, let me tell you, it is fantastic!), and a Hershey's Symphony bar chopped up and piled on top. I think everybody enjoyed it, except for the fact that it kept a few people awake that night because I forgot to make it with decaf espresso! OOPS. I served it at room temp. but I had some leftovers a couple of days later after it had been in the fridge, and I think it was much better chilled. Yummy stuff!

Beef Empanaditas

2008-01-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

These aren't exactly "sweet", but they are still a pastry, and since I have been asked to cater a open house with NOTHING sweet, I had better get out of my comfort zone and start with the "savories". My last week has been spent gathering and trying out savory recipes. The most helpful resource so far is: Martha Stewart's Hors D'oevres Handbook - thanks to the library, but I think I will have to add it to my permanent collection. It has been a nice change of pace from the regular sweets, I will admit.Beef Empanaditas( from Martha Stewart's Hor D'oeuvres Handbook, but with a few changes)

2T olive oil
1 small onion, minced
2 t grated fresh ginger
1 lb lean ground sirloin
2 medium tomatoes, seeds removed, cut into small dice
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons chili pwd
1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries, roughly chopped
1&1/3 cups tomato juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg
1 T milk
1 recipe Empanada Dough
1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. 1. Heat the olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onions and ginger and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cherries, and chili flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through, about 5 minutes. 2. Add the tomato juice, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 12 minutes over low heat; set aside. 3. Keep your oven at 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, lightly beat together the egg and milk. Set aside. Roll the dough out to a thickness that is between 1/16 inch and 1/8 inch. Using a 3¼-inch cookie cutter, cut out rounds, rerolling the dough one time. Place the rounds onto the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.4. Place scant tablespoon of the filling in the center of 1 circle. Use your finger to brush a little of the egg wash onto the inner rim of the circle. Fold the circle in half, forming a half moon. Pinch the edges together with your fingers, and use a fork to seal the empanadita. Using your forefinger, push the sealed edge of the dough toward the filling to form the fluted edge. Brush the top of the empanadita with the egg wash and place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all of the empanaditas and bake until dough is golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Empanada Dough
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 t kosher salt
1 T sugar
6 T vegetable shortening
12 T (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into small pieces
1/2 c plus 2 T ice water
In a bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, salt , and sugar. Add the vegetable shortening and the butter, and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal. With the machine running, slowly add the water through the feed tube, and pulse until a ball of dough forms. Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Use your hands to pat the dough into a 4-inch disk. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or overnight, until completely chilled.

Huckleberry-Pecan Banana Bread

2008-01-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

Huckleberry-Pecan Banana Bread

~2-3 large bananas

~2 cups (10 oz.) all purpose flour(I have made this with 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour and 1/2 cup all purpose flour with good results)

~2 teaspoons baking powder

~1/2 teaspoon baking soda

~1/4 teaspoon salt

~1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

~1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped, plus a few for the top

~2 eggs

~1/2 cup honey

~3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

~1/2 cup milk

~1 cup huckleberries , fresh or frozen

1)Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and coat with sugar a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2) Puree the bananas either in a food processor or blender. You should have 1 1/3 cups(10 oz.) Set aside.

3) Whisk together the dry ingredients and nuts. Set aside.

4)Either by hand or in stand mixer, combine remaining ingredients. Beat just until blended. Add the dry ingredients in 3 batches alternating with the bananas. Mix on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.Fold in the huckleberries.

5) Pour the batter into the prepared pan. I like to sprinkle the top with brown sugar and pecans but this is optional.

6) Bake for 55 -60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes , then turn out onto the rack and cool completely.( This is so it will slice better, but we rarely wait 2 minutes before we eat it anyway!)

2008-01-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posting right now. Between the basketball, the schoolwork and the stomach flu, I have not had much spare time to think of!
I am making bread pudding this evening for the gaggle of girls that will be coming over tonight to watch Masterpiece Theatre! If you havn't heard about the Jane Austen series they are showing on PBS it's time you did! About 8 girls showed up last week and we had a blast, and the version of Persuasion was excellent. I made a Lemon Tart and I do believe if all my cooking experiences turned out like that, I would totally give up!
Maybe I will post some pictures of our fun...

A good use of a snowy day...

2008-01-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

NO, I didn't get around to making bread like I wanted to, but I did make a positively ~shabby chic~ snowlady with my little sister Abigail!

Do I need this cookbook?

2008-01-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

I think I do need this book! What about my New Year's Resolution?
I first heard about it on the TODAY show yesterday - the cakes and fillings and everything look absolutely FABULOUS!!!

(Click on the picture to watch the video or read the article!)

Pain au Chocolat

2008-01-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Pain Au Chocolat (French) or just chocolate filled croissants(English). Either way: ~flaky deliciousness with a chocolate filling~

These were my lazy Sunday activity. But considering how many I ate, I probably shouldn't have been quite so lazy. They have quite a bit of butter in them, but I didn't need to tell you that, did I?

2008 Resolution: Eat MORE Cake!

2008-01-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

Lemon Layer Cake

Classic White Cake with Raspberry Filling

Yep, that's it. I need to eat more cake. Well, I really just need to perfect the art of baking and decorating them, but in order to do that you must eat some so you know if you were successful or not! I have had so many people request me to make cakes for them but I have turned them down because I just haven't really done it before. But that has all ended. No longer will I say - "I don't make or eat cake", but will say "YES, I am very confident in my cake baking and eating skills!" Those 2 cakes up there are my(sad) 1st attempts that I baked for a long time friend of the family. I hope they were good!?? Why can't people just ask me to make cheescake or cream puffs or pie or creme' brulee or something SIMPLE?
P.S. Check back in the future to see how my resolution turns out!

Christmas Time!

2007-12-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the FABULOUS gifts I received!

From totally sporty and fun...

to totally GLAM!

Oh, and I also was given enough money to go buy one of these! And I even get to go on a shopping trip with my older sister to pick it out!

I felt the LOVE this Christmas( oh, and every Christmas always!) from all my dear family.

God has truly blessed my life with so many wonderful people that I love and that love me in return. That is the greatest gift of all! It just shows up more at Christmas when people go out of their way to bestow such unexpected presents... Thanks everybody!!!!

In case you were wondering what was on the dessert menu, here you are:

-Peppermint Crunch Ice Cream Cake

-Vanilla Cheesecake with Chocolate Sauce

-Pumpkin and Apple Pie

Assorted Mini Cheesecake for my Friends

2007-12-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

Stressful fun! Ask my Mom if she thought I was having fun, and I am not sure that she would say yes, but it WAS fun! My biggest problem today was that I didn't really wake up until 3 p.m. so that kinda made the day not as fun as it could have been, but oh well. And here I am posting at 10:45 p.m. so that I should have the same problem tomorrow! Good thing it's Christmas Vacation( whoever came up with Christmas "vacation" was of their rocker! I mean, who doesn't work at least twice as hard as any other time of the year?).

The boxes awaiting their goodies...

Chocolate, Vanilla and Pumpkin Spice Cheesecakes!

Hopefully all my Basketball teamates are enjoying them this very moment - oh wait, they SHOULD be in bed, but I guess since I am not in bed they won't be either!

2007-12-19T19:44:00.001-07:00

Yes, I have been baking plenty, but I just have not had the time to take pictures and post and all that fun stuff! I hope to post some of the many Christmas goodies soon!

Monkey Bread

2007-12-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

OOEY, GOOEY, STICKY,CINNAMONEY, MONKEY BREAD

Even with the stomach flu I managed to make monkey bread yesterday - what a sacrifice right? Actually, I ate one piece and couldn't even enjoy it! But I made up for that this morning and ate some for breakfast since I am feeling a little better. The only problem is that I have such a small appetite that I filled my stomach on fluff instead of something of substance - Oh well, I'll have something of substance later!

Monkey Bread:
This is a bread lovers perfect dessert! In our family it's gone in about 5 minutes!
1 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup warm water
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
2 teaspoons salt
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

8 Tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup packed brown sugar

In a medium bowl, combine the milk, butter, sugar, water, and yeast. In a mixing bowl fitted with dough hook, combine 3 cups flour and salt. Once combined, slowly add the liquid ingredients while mixer is running. Knead at low speed until dough is smooth and elastic about 10 minutes, adding more flour if needed. The dough should be very sticky but should pull away from sides of bowl. When done kneading, place in a greased bowl and let rise until double. Dump out onto floured surface, punch down or fold like a trifold wallet 3 times. Form dough into a rough square and cut into about 1 inch pieces. Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Grease a large bundt cake pan very well with nonstick spray. Dip a piece of dough into butter then roll in brown sugar mixture and place in bundt cake pan. Repeat with remaining pieces. Cover with saran and let rise until double. ( At this point you can cover it with saran and let it rise in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temp. then continue with regular directions.) Bake at 350 degrees for 30 -35 minutes . Let cool in pan for 5 minutes then invert onto plate.

P.S. My family and friends should be happy to know I have this recipe memorized, so you all know what that means! Anytime, Anywhere, MONKEY BREAD!

Baked Oatmeal with Walnuts and Blueberries

2007-11-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

I made Baked Oatmeal ( from the December 2007 Gourmet magazine) this morning for breakfast. I added blueberries instead of the raisins and thought the walnuts would add a good little crunch, although I think that any fruit or nut would be just as good. I think it was an overall success and hey, if you can get your oatmeal but still have it taste almost like dessert, then it's a win-win situation! And this is your lucky day - I am actually going to post the recipe!

Baked Oatmeal:

3 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

3 teaspoons cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

1/2 whole milk or half and half

1/4 cup canola oil

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 1/2 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons lightly packed brown sugar

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Lightly oil a 8 inch square baking dish.

~Stir together the oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.

~Whisk together applesauce, yogurt , milk, oil, eggs and vanilla. Stir into oat mixture, add nuts and berries, then pour into baking dish.

~Stir together brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle over oatmeal, then bake until wooden toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 30-40 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.

~ Serve with milk if desired.

Giving Thanks... pies!

2007-11-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

LOOK at this stack of pie crust dough awaiting its fate...

3 Pumpkin and 2 Apple pies ( and don't forget the whipped cream)!

If I had a vote I would say forget the turkey and mashed potatoes -- let's just eat pie! Actually, I kinda dislike making pumpkin pies because they are really hard to make look very pretty-- the crust always slips or gets burnt or SOMETHING before the custard is actually set up. Oh well, they still tast pretty good and I shouldn't worry much since it disapears so quickly. Note to self: Make a pecan pie ( or 2 ) next Thanksgiving.

On a different note besides pie:

~ things I am thankful for this year~

1) God and His wonderful Word, The BIBLE. It always seems fresh and new with something powerful to say to me everytime I open it!

2) Family... That flag football game was sure fun today

3) 3 darling blue-eyed little nephews

4) A warm bed to crawl into every night

5) A daddy that takes me to races, even on Thanksgiving morning! ( yep, I ran in a 5 K race this morning - it was quite nippy!)

6) AND many more blessings, more than I can count... God is so good... there is no excuse for a lack of joy in my life, that is for sure!

A Change of Subject...

2007-11-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Today I had an adventure of a different kind... coffee filter roses. I got the inspiration over at Mommy Makes Roses and the directions over at Martha Stewart's Website. There is even a video, which is really helpful! It took me about 2 hours [ :-0 ] to make my first one, but I am happy with the results and I am sure that I will be faster next time... hopefully! Sorry about the blurry pictures. There is something really wrong with our camera and I haven't figured out how to fix it yet.

TAGGED!

2007-11-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

I was TAGGED by my dear Mother over at Miss Gracie's House. Here we go.

6 Interesting Facts about ME:

1) I LOVE to run. Yep, I would probably pick that if I had a choice of one thing to do. Yes, my friends think I am an extraterrestial being - all I wanted to do for my 17th birthday was to run the farthest I have ever run. I ran 6.2 miles which isn't that impressive, but, my bodyguard (Dad) can get a little bored riding his bike, so I haven't ever really had the chance to run as far as I could.

2)I love listening to Josh Groban and Skillet, Michael Buble and Lifehouse, Chopin and Downhere. Kinda different, huh?

3) My favorite movie at the moment would be No Reservations. Jane Eyre( the new Masterpiece Theatre one) is pretty good too.

4)I have played the piano for over 10 years... wow, that's a long time once I think about it.

5)I get really nervous for piano competitions and recitals but I NEVER get nervous for Volleyball and Basketball games.

6)I have no idea what I am going to do after I graduate from highschool this year - I'm just waiting for God's direction... it's hard being patient for Him to work things out! :-)

I don't know who to tag yet. I'll let you know when I figure it out!

Bazaar Baking...

2007-11-17T21:37:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I made some goodies for the local Pregnancy Resource Center's holiday bazaar. It happened to be the best day for baking... wet and drizzly outside, Josh Groban playing in the background... my ultimate day! Here are some pics:

Homemade Marshmallows

Cranberry Cheesecake Bars, Mint Brownies, Chocolate Toffee Pecan Bars

Cinnamon TwistsHere is how I packaged the marshmallows - I don't think the picture does justice to how cute the little packages turned out!

Which Jane Austen Heroine Are YOU?

2007-11-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

Surprise, Surprise!!!

Take the Quiz here!

(I didn't need to take the quiz to know which herorine I would be - it's really obivious if you know me personally!)

Teaparty with Abigail

2007-11-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Abigail and I had a teaparty today... doesn't it look like fun?! I even got her to dress up and wear some clip-on earrings. But, for the record, this teaparty was all her idea - she chose the menu and made the scones all by herself!

Menu:
~Rosemary Chicken Salad Sandwhiches with Grapes and Walnuts
~Mini Lemon-Blueberry Scones
~Grapes and Carrot Sticks
~ Lemon Bars
~Good Earth Tea

Mexican Flan

2007-11-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

I made flan (notice the link for the recipe!) on Sunday for a family get-together - we had a Mexican fiesta! Most members of our family are NOT custard people, so I was very surprised at how many liked it. I even liked it and I am included with those that usually can't stand it! I never thought flan looked all that appetizing either - another reason why I have stayed away from it. One comment I did get was that it tasted more French than Spanish because it was so rich and creamy. I wouldn't know -I never have had Creme' Caramel or Flan either here in the USA or abroad... bummer, I know! But I am really glad I tried it. Apart from the burnt sugar syrup it was incredibly EASY! The sugar syrup took me 3 tries before I finally just added extra water and then it was a great from there.

Mexican FLAN

Culinary Taste Test #1: Pumpkin vs. Butternut

2007-10-30T12:08:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard that butternut squash tastes more like pumpkin than pumpkin? Well that is just what I had to find out yesterday. I had also heard that butternut squash make an awesome pumpkin pie - was it true? Well after a couple of hours of cooking, cooling, pureeing, running to the store, etc. I finally had something that we could test. Here are the pros and cons:

Pumpkin Pros:

Tasted like "pumpkin" since that is what it actually is!

Had a little more 'watery' consistency - which could be a pro or a con depending on your taste

Pumpkin Cons:

Far too often you cut open a very stringy pumpkin that takes too long to process and even then it still doesn't taste very good.

Pie Pumpkins can be harder to find

Butternut Pros:

Thick consistency which I liked, but not everyone else.

Butternut is more predictable as far as stringiness goes.

There are less seeds and they are easier to remove.

Butternuts tend to be available almost year round.

Butternut Con:

Thick consistency (described as 'gluey' but that could probably be gotten over if you added a little water to the puree)

The final decision: well, there isn't enough of a difference to go to a bunch of work either way. I will probably go with the butternut since I won't have the problem of stringiness and they just seemed easier to prepare. As a side note: I made the pie filling without the pie for my testing - sometimes I wonder why I even bother with a crust because the filling is so good by itself!

2007-10-27T22:00:00.001-06:00

Here are some pictures of a birthday gift for my occasional partner in crime( er, I mean cooking ;-). I found a darling vintage apron and a William-Sonoma cookbook that I think she will love! I think this gift was too much fun for me though - I got to model for the pictures and I even bought copy of the cookbook for myself!

Molten Lava Cakes

2007-10-27T21:17:00.000-06:00

How could this little cake appear so innocent ...

... but yet be so SINFUL!!!!

Molten Lava Cakes for my Mom's birthday treat - 1 week late!

Blackberry Pie

2007-10-25T19:45:00.000-06:00

I love pie... flaky & tender crust, sweet-tart fruit filling, a cloud of whip cream... what could be better?! I made 2 blackberry pies for Abigail's birthday celebration. She really wanted peach, but since we are past peach season she had to settle for frozen blackberries. I don't think she was too disappointed, or anyone else for that matter!

Special Requests: Carrot Cake

2007-10-17T21:36:00.000-06:00

To all my friends and family out there: special requests are always welcome. It means trying something new... experimenting! This was a new recipe I tried from my ever trusty Baking Illustrated for a friend that said she was dying for some Carrot Cake. So if any of you just need me to make you tiramisu( or whatever you might be craving), just call me up and I would love to assist you in that area!

Carrot Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Toasted Pecans