Superbowl Sweets: Rice Krispie Football Treats

It is that time again.

Superbowl Sunday is less than a week away.

Most everyone I know either hosts a party or goes to a party.  These gatherings range in size, but everyone is going for three reasons:

1.  Watch football
2.  EAT
3.  EAT MORE

Oh, and I can't forget drink beer.  Let me add that below.

4.  Drink beer

My first post for Superbowl edibles shall be the Krispie Footballs.  Easy to make, although a tad time consuming.  The start to finish on these bad boys will run you about an hour.

But they are worth it if you enjoy simple sugars. 

Rice Krispie Football Treats

6 cups krispie rice cereal (I used 1/2 Cocoa Krispies and 1/2 generic krispie rice for "brown" footballs)
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
1 (11.5 oz) bag milk chocolate chips
1 cup vanilla frosting
wax paper
sandwich bag
football cookie cutter

To prepare Krispie treats, melt margarine or butter over low heat in large saucepan.  Add marshmallows ans stir until melted.

Remove from heat and add krispie rice cereal.  Stir until cereal is well coated.

Line a space on your counter top with wax paper.  Remove krispie mixture from pan and turn onto wax paper.  Cover with another sheet of wax paper and roll with a rolling pin.  

Using greased football shaped cookie cutter, cut footballs.  I added scraps to krispie mixture with rolling pin.

Once footballs are cut, and excess scraps are eaten, melt 95% of milk chocolate chips in heavy glass bowl on high heat for one minute.  Remove and stir, continue heating for 30 second intervals until chocolate stirs smooth.

Add remaining 5% chips and stir until melted (this will "temper" chocolate, making it a better consistency to dip).

Dip tops of footballs in chocolate.  Place on wax sheet to set.

Once chocolate is set, place frosting in plastic sandwich bag, snip corner, and decorate footballs.

Bring to Superbowl party and inhale.  More Superbowl edibles to come this week! get those grocery lists ready!

It is that time again.

Superbowl Sunday is less than a week away.

Most everyone I know either hosts a party or goes to a party.  These gatherings range in size, but everyone is going for three reasons:

1.  Watch football
2.  EAT
3.  EAT MORE

Oh, and I can't forget drink beer.  Let me add that below.

4.  Drink beer

My first post for Superbowl edibles shall be the Krispie Footballs.  Easy to make, although a tad time consuming.  The start to finish on these bad boys will run you about an hour.

But they are worth it if you enjoy simple sugars. 

Rice Krispie Football Treats

6 cups krispie rice cereal (I used 1/2 Cocoa Krispies and 1/2 generic krispie rice for "brown" footballs)
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
1 (11.5 oz) bag milk chocolate chips
1 cup vanilla frosting
wax paper
sandwich bag
football cookie cutter

To prepare Krispie treats, melt margarine or butter over low heat in large saucepan.  Add marshmallows ans stir until melted.

Remove from heat and add krispie rice cereal.  Stir until cereal is well coated.

Line a space on your counter top with wax paper.  Remove krispie mixture from pan and turn onto wax paper.  Cover with another sheet of wax paper and roll with a rolling pin.  

Using greased football shaped cookie cutter, cut footballs.  I added scraps to krispie mixture with rolling pin.

Once footballs are cut, and excess scraps are eaten, melt 95% of milk chocolate chips in heavy glass bowl on high heat for one minute.  Remove and stir, continue heating for 30 second intervals until chocolate stirs smooth.

Add remaining 5% chips and stir until melted (this will "temper" chocolate, making it a better consistency to dip).

Dip tops of footballs in chocolate.  Place on wax sheet to set.

Once chocolate is set, place frosting in plastic sandwich bag, snip corner, and decorate footballs.

Bring to Superbowl party and inhale.  More Superbowl edibles to come this week! get those grocery lists ready!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Grilled Turkey and Havarti Sandwiches

I really hadn't planned on blogging this simple sandwich, but when a friend and follower of my blog asked for the "recipe" I figured I would jot it down!

This is one of my family's favorite sandwiches and a really easy dinner!

grilled turkey Havarti sandwiches

Grilled Turkey Havarti Sandwiches

oven roasted deli turkey

sourdough bread

pesto

tomatoes

Havarti cheese slices

butter

avocado (optional)

This sandwich is virtually like making a grilled cheese.

Butter the outsides of the sourdough bread, spread pesto on the insides.  

Layer with turkey, tomatoes and cheese.

Avocado is good , too!!

Place on griddle to toast.  This would be awesome done on  

a grill, too!!  Or if you are one of those lucky peeps that has a panini maker...you get the idea!!

That's it, simple and scrumptious!

I really hadn't planned on blogging this simple sandwich, but when a friend and follower of my blog asked for the "recipe" I figured I would jot it down!

This is one of my family's favorite sandwiches and a really easy dinner!

grilled turkey Havarti sandwiches

Grilled Turkey Havarti Sandwiches

oven roasted deli turkey

sourdough bread

pesto

tomatoes

Havarti cheese slices

butter

avocado (optional)

This sandwich is virtually like making a grilled cheese.

Butter the outsides of the sourdough bread, spread pesto on the insides.  

Layer with turkey, tomatoes and cheese.

Avocado is good , too!!

Place on griddle to toast.  This would be awesome done on  

a grill, too!!  Or if you are one of those lucky peeps that has a panini maker...you get the idea!!

That's it, simple and scrumptious!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Birthday

Today is my Hubby's birthday.  He is 38 years young.  I can say with certainty he is aging fabulously, with minimal wrinkles and no weight gain.

Men can be such bastards.

Kidding aside, he is an incredible dad.  He takes the chaos that is our life in stride, and he rolls with my insanity.  He's a fab golfer, and holds his own on the infamous men's softball team.  He also coaches, cleans and sorts laundry.

And watches awful television like "Finding Bigfoot" and "Tank Battles".

The Hubby loves a good time, and we find a happy medium (usually) that accommodates my non-drinking stay-home-and-watch-movies self with his balls to wall party persona. 

It's all about compromise.

Today I wish my athletic, party loving, easy going, television watching, laundry sorting, house tidying, partner-in-crime Hubby a very Happy 38th.

And I want to remind him he will always be older than me.  Always (wink).

Today is my Hubby's birthday.  He is 38 years young.  I can say with certainty he is aging fabulously, with minimal wrinkles and no weight gain.

Men can be such bastards.

Kidding aside, he is an incredible dad.  He takes the chaos that is our life in stride, and he rolls with my insanity.  He's a fab golfer, and holds his own on the infamous men's softball team.  He also coaches, cleans and sorts laundry.

And watches awful television like "Finding Bigfoot" and "Tank Battles".

The Hubby loves a good time, and we find a happy medium (usually) that accommodates my non-drinking stay-home-and-watch-movies self with his balls to wall party persona. 

It's all about compromise.

Today I wish my athletic, party loving, easy going, television watching, laundry sorting, house tidying, partner-in-crime Hubby a very Happy 38th.

And I want to remind him he will always be older than me.  Always (wink).

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

...And There Goes the Dismount...

Today we trekked out to Long Island for the USAG State Championships.  For anyone who doesn't speak gymnastics, this meet was the creme de la creme.  The best of the best.  The cream of the crop.

The qualifying gymnasts from all surrounding gyms (we drove over two hours) compete to take home any State Title they can get their chalk covered hands on.

Our Gymnastics Queen scores well.  She has her stronger events (uneven bars and beam) and her events that could use some tweaking (vault and floor).  But she trains hard in every event.  She doesn't miss practices, and she sacrifices playdates and birthday parties to be in the gym.

To compete in any sport, you have to love it.  Gymnasts need to love it more than anything else, because there is no time for much else once you are competitive.

And so far, our little girl loves it.

After the first few scores were posted this afternoon, we knew this meet was no walk in the park.  If you weren't scoring above 9.25 (out of 10) on any event you weren't going anywhere near that podium.

A 9.25 anywhere else might get you first.  Today you were lucky if it got you 5th.

The last two events for our gymnast were her strongest, the bars and the beam.  When I watch my daughter on beam, my stomach ties in knots and my palms sweat like I'm in the tropics.  I think I hold my breath for the full 50 seconds she is on that beam.

This afternoon, her beam was close to flawless.  She was steady, poised and strong.  Her legs were straight and her scale was lovely.  But just as she went to dismount, and I started to breathe again, something happened.

She missed it.  Our girl blew the dismount.

She has never missed her dismount.  Her side handstand dismount was one of her biggest accomplishments this season.  And today at States, she missed it.

And I'm pretty sure, courtesy of me, there's an expletive on our home video.

What could have been a first or second place routine, at the biggest meet of the season, was just a routine.  And I am grateful beyond words that our daughter wasn't crushed.  Maybe because we don't stress about it, she doesn't stress about it.

We process the disappointment and move on.  But I tell you, today it was a lot to process. 

Being "the best" will always be temporary.  There will always be someone to take your place.  And even if she won a gold or silver medal today, the next meet is always right around the corner.

We're more focused on our Gymnastics Queen being successful.  Success is measured by what you've earned over time.

Not what you've earned in one day.

Years of hard work is often measured in moments.  And there will be times that hard work earns you moments of greatness.

And there will be times you're gonna miss that dismount.

But nothing will take away the fact that you did the work.  Nothing.
 

Today we trekked out to Long Island for the USAG State Championships.  For anyone who doesn't speak gymnastics, this meet was the creme de la creme.  The best of the best.  The cream of the crop.

The qualifying gymnasts from all surrounding gyms (we drove over two hours) compete to take home any State Title they can get their chalk covered hands on.

Our Gymnastics Queen scores well.  She has her stronger events (uneven bars and beam) and her events that could use some tweaking (vault and floor).  But she trains hard in every event.  She doesn't miss practices, and she sacrifices playdates and birthday parties to be in the gym.

To compete in any sport, you have to love it.  Gymnasts need to love it more than anything else, because there is no time for much else once you are competitive.

And so far, our little girl loves it.

After the first few scores were posted this afternoon, we knew this meet was no walk in the park.  If you weren't scoring above 9.25 (out of 10) on any event you weren't going anywhere near that podium.

A 9.25 anywhere else might get you first.  Today you were lucky if it got you 5th.

The last two events for our gymnast were her strongest, the bars and the beam.  When I watch my daughter on beam, my stomach ties in knots and my palms sweat like I'm in the tropics.  I think I hold my breath for the full 50 seconds she is on that beam.

This afternoon, her beam was close to flawless.  She was steady, poised and strong.  Her legs were straight and her scale was lovely.  But just as she went to dismount, and I started to breathe again, something happened.

She missed it.  Our girl blew the dismount.

She has never missed her dismount.  Her side handstand dismount was one of her biggest accomplishments this season.  And today at States, she missed it.

And I'm pretty sure, courtesy of me, there's an expletive on our home video.

What could have been a first or second place routine, at the biggest meet of the season, was just a routine.  And I am grateful beyond words that our daughter wasn't crushed.  Maybe because we don't stress about it, she doesn't stress about it.

We process the disappointment and move on.  But I tell you, today it was a lot to process. 

Being "the best" will always be temporary.  There will always be someone to take your place.  And even if she won a gold or silver medal today, the next meet is always right around the corner.

We're more focused on our Gymnastics Queen being successful.  Success is measured by what you've earned over time.

Not what you've earned in one day.

Years of hard work is often measured in moments.  And there will be times that hard work earns you moments of greatness.

And there will be times you're gonna miss that dismount.

But nothing will take away the fact that you did the work.  Nothing.
 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Fresh Orange Layer Cake

orange cake 

It was time for "Birthday with the Girls" again! There are four of us, and two out of four have a birthday in January.  So, Rhonda, "Miss December" and Me, "Miss June," decided to pitch in and make dinner for the ladies of the month, Betsy and Lori.

Rhonda had her house looking so nice, and her family left for the evening. 

It was PEACEFUL.

Between the four of us, we have thirteen children!!

I love my kids to pieces, but silence can be golden!! 

(at least when it's accompanied by girlfriends, good food, good wine and good conversation!)

Betsy doesn't like chocolate (GASP!!) 

So, I started scouring recipes to find something for dessert that she would love!!

I came across this orange cake.

I found the recipe on finecooking.com

It was submitted by Ris Lacoste, and if I ever get the chance I just want to THANK HER!

This cake is really good!! Every element is perfectly flavored, the filling, the frosting and the cake.

I know the key to it's perfect flavor is the fresh orange juice.

It's a very time consuming cake to make; lots of steps.  

But don't let that change your mind, you would be missing out!

fresh squeezed oranges and orange zest make this a perfect citrus cake

prepare the filling first, so it can chill thoroughly

here the cake is with the filling. 

My youngest daughter, my sou chef, said it looked like a giant hamburger!!

my sou chef, Josie, melting the chocolate for the curls

topped with the chocolate curls

The original recipe called for topping with orange slices and mint leaves.  I think this would be GORGEOUS in the spring, but for the winter, I thought about making chocolate curls.  I love chocolate orange, and I figured, I would serve Betsy's without chocolate, easy peasey!!

One candle on top, and some fresh tulips (my favorite!!)

"Miss Januaries"  Lori and Betsy, the birthday girls

This little slice of cake is like a little slice of heaven!!

the filling is AMAZING

Fresh Orange Cake with orange filling 

and Orange Buttercream Frosting

Filling:

2/3 cup sugar

3 Tablespoons flour

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3 large oranges), pulp removed

2 large egg yolks

2 Tablespoons salted butter

Making the filling: Combine the sugar and the flour in a heavy saucepan. Whisk to mix, add the orange juice and egg yolks, whisk quickly to combine.  Put the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture boils. (about 3 minutes)  Cook another minute, stirring constantly, the mixture will thicken and become less cloudy. Be sure to let it boil for one minute so that the filling will thicken enough to support the top layer of the cake.  Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, laying the plastic wrap directly on the filling when covering the bowl. Chill thoroughly before using.

Cake:

2 1/4 cup flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup salted butter

1/3 cup vegetable shortening

2 teaspoons grated orange zest (from about one large orange)

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 large eggs

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3 large oranges), pulp removed

Make the cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.  Grease and flour two 8" round cake pans (you can use 9" round, the layers will just be thinner)  

In your mixer, cream together butter, shortening, and zest. Gradually stir in the sugar and eggs, creaming together, and scraping down the sides of the bowl.

Add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the orange juice to the creamed mixture, beating well on low speed after each addition.  Pour equal amounts of batter into the two prepared cake pans. Tap the pans on the counter a couple of times to remove any air bubbles and to even out the batter.  Bake until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean, about 28 minutes.  Cook the layers in the pans for about 10 minutes and then loosen the layers from the pans and transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Frosting:

18 Tablespoons of Salted butter, room temperature

6 cups powdered sugar

dash of salt

1 1/2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest

6 Tablespoons of fresh orange juice

To make the frosting: Cream the butter in the mixer. Add the sugar and salt and combine thoroughly. Add the orange juice and zest and mix until light and creamy. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl down.  Refrigerate if not using right away.

(if you refrigerate, be prepared to place frosting back under the mixer to fluff it back up when you are ready)

---------

When all of the cake components are cool, put one layer on a cake stand or plate, spread the filling over the cake to make a 1/2 layer. (you will have some extra)  Place top layer on and refrigerate the cake for another hour or so, to firm the filling back up.

Using an icing spatula, spread a very thin layer of frosting, called a "crumb coat," over the whole cake. Place the cake back in the fridge for another 10 minutes or so.  Frost the cake, adding decorative strokes to complete.

You can top with chocolate curls, or with fresh oranges, or just eat it plain, it's so yummy!!

This would make a great Easter dessert!!

orange cake 

It was time for "Birthday with the Girls" again! There are four of us, and two out of four have a birthday in January.  So, Rhonda, "Miss December" and Me, "Miss June," decided to pitch in and make dinner for the ladies of the month, Betsy and Lori.

Rhonda had her house looking so nice, and her family left for the evening. 

It was PEACEFUL.

Between the four of us, we have thirteen children!!

I love my kids to pieces, but silence can be golden!! 

(at least when it's accompanied by girlfriends, good food, good wine and good conversation!)

Betsy doesn't like chocolate (GASP!!) 

So, I started scouring recipes to find something for dessert that she would love!!

I came across this orange cake.

I found the recipe on finecooking.com

It was submitted by Ris Lacoste, and if I ever get the chance I just want to THANK HER!

This cake is really good!! Every element is perfectly flavored, the filling, the frosting and the cake.

I know the key to it's perfect flavor is the fresh orange juice.

It's a very time consuming cake to make; lots of steps.  

But don't let that change your mind, you would be missing out!

fresh squeezed oranges and orange zest make this a perfect citrus cake

prepare the filling first, so it can chill thoroughly

here the cake is with the filling. 

My youngest daughter, my sou chef, said it looked like a giant hamburger!!

my sou chef, Josie, melting the chocolate for the curls

topped with the chocolate curls

The original recipe called for topping with orange slices and mint leaves.  I think this would be GORGEOUS in the spring, but for the winter, I thought about making chocolate curls.  I love chocolate orange, and I figured, I would serve Betsy's without chocolate, easy peasey!!

One candle on top, and some fresh tulips (my favorite!!)

"Miss Januaries"  Lori and Betsy, the birthday girls

This little slice of cake is like a little slice of heaven!!

the filling is AMAZING

Fresh Orange Cake with orange filling 

and Orange Buttercream Frosting

Filling:

2/3 cup sugar

3 Tablespoons flour

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3 large oranges), pulp removed

2 large egg yolks

2 Tablespoons salted butter

Making the filling: Combine the sugar and the flour in a heavy saucepan. Whisk to mix, add the orange juice and egg yolks, whisk quickly to combine.  Put the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture boils. (about 3 minutes)  Cook another minute, stirring constantly, the mixture will thicken and become less cloudy. Be sure to let it boil for one minute so that the filling will thicken enough to support the top layer of the cake.  Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, laying the plastic wrap directly on the filling when covering the bowl. Chill thoroughly before using.

Cake:

2 1/4 cup flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup salted butter

1/3 cup vegetable shortening

2 teaspoons grated orange zest (from about one large orange)

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 large eggs

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3 large oranges), pulp removed

Make the cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.  Grease and flour two 8" round cake pans (you can use 9" round, the layers will just be thinner)  

In your mixer, cream together butter, shortening, and zest. Gradually stir in the sugar and eggs, creaming together, and scraping down the sides of the bowl.

Add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the orange juice to the creamed mixture, beating well on low speed after each addition.  Pour equal amounts of batter into the two prepared cake pans. Tap the pans on the counter a couple of times to remove any air bubbles and to even out the batter.  Bake until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean, about 28 minutes.  Cook the layers in the pans for about 10 minutes and then loosen the layers from the pans and transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Frosting:

18 Tablespoons of Salted butter, room temperature

6 cups powdered sugar

dash of salt

1 1/2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest

6 Tablespoons of fresh orange juice

To make the frosting: Cream the butter in the mixer. Add the sugar and salt and combine thoroughly. Add the orange juice and zest and mix until light and creamy. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl down.  Refrigerate if not using right away.

(if you refrigerate, be prepared to place frosting back under the mixer to fluff it back up when you are ready)

---------

When all of the cake components are cool, put one layer on a cake stand or plate, spread the filling over the cake to make a 1/2 layer. (you will have some extra)  Place top layer on and refrigerate the cake for another hour or so, to firm the filling back up.

Using an icing spatula, spread a very thin layer of frosting, called a "crumb coat," over the whole cake. Place the cake back in the fridge for another 10 minutes or so.  Frost the cake, adding decorative strokes to complete.

You can top with chocolate curls, or with fresh oranges, or just eat it plain, it's so yummy!!

This would make a great Easter dessert!!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Valentine Fudge

Oh fudge.  How I love thee.

This recipe is brought to you just in time to hunt down Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips and turn them into fudge for Valentine's Day.

If you can't locate Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips (Amazon link below), or you don't fancy peppermint, I will provide alternate ingredients for ya.

You can thank me later.

But I must highly recommend the peppermint pieces route.  They make for some kick arse pink, minty fudge.

Before you gift this to anyone special, please adhere to Mommyhood packaging standards.  Package beautifully, with care.  Valentine cupcake wrappers are perfect little houses for heart shaped fudge.  Or invest in 1/2 pound candy boxes, and seal with heart stickers.

It's all about presentation.  And fudge.

Chocolate Peppermint Valentine Fudge

1 10 oz bag Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips (OR, if preferred, white chocolate chips)
1 11.5 oz bag milk chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk, separated
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Line 8x8 square pan with wax paper (9x12 works as well, just makes a thinner fudge).

Heat heavy saucepan over low heat.  Add milk chocolate chips and 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk.  Stir until smooth.  Remove from heat and add 1/2 tsp vanilla.  Pour into prepared pan.

Place pan in fridge, allowing fudge to set.  Reheat saucepan over low heat. Add Andes pieces, reserving 1/4 bag for topping, and other 1/2 can milk.  Stir until smooth. 

Remove chocolate fudge from fridge and pour peppermint fudge over top.  Spread evenly, and gently tap dish to remove air bubbles.  Sprinkle with Andes pieces, gently pressing them into fudge**.

Return to refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before cutting.

I used a small heart cookie cutter for my fudge.  Feel free to do the same, or get crazy and try something else.

After all, it's the weekend.  Crazy is in.

Happy almost weekend!

**If you opted to bake with the white chocolate chips, use red sprinkles or sugars to decorate fudge**

Oh fudge.  How I love thee.

This recipe is brought to you just in time to hunt down Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips and turn them into fudge for Valentine's Day.

If you can't locate Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips (Amazon link below), or you don't fancy peppermint, I will provide alternate ingredients for ya.

You can thank me later.

But I must highly recommend the peppermint pieces route.  They make for some kick arse pink, minty fudge.

Before you gift this to anyone special, please adhere to Mommyhood packaging standards.  Package beautifully, with care.  Valentine cupcake wrappers are perfect little houses for heart shaped fudge.  Or invest in 1/2 pound candy boxes, and seal with heart stickers.

It's all about presentation.  And fudge.

Chocolate Peppermint Valentine Fudge

1 10 oz bag Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips (OR, if preferred, white chocolate chips)
1 11.5 oz bag milk chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk, separated
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Line 8x8 square pan with wax paper (9x12 works as well, just makes a thinner fudge).

Heat heavy saucepan over low heat.  Add milk chocolate chips and 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk.  Stir until smooth.  Remove from heat and add 1/2 tsp vanilla.  Pour into prepared pan.

Place pan in fridge, allowing fudge to set.  Reheat saucepan over low heat. Add Andes pieces, reserving 1/4 bag for topping, and other 1/2 can milk.  Stir until smooth. 

Remove chocolate fudge from fridge and pour peppermint fudge over top.  Spread evenly, and gently tap dish to remove air bubbles.  Sprinkle with Andes pieces, gently pressing them into fudge**.

Return to refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before cutting.

I used a small heart cookie cutter for my fudge.  Feel free to do the same, or get crazy and try something else.

After all, it's the weekend.  Crazy is in.

Happy almost weekend!

**If you opted to bake with the white chocolate chips, use red sprinkles or sugars to decorate fudge**

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

An (almost disastrous) Trip to the Mall

This morning I packed up the Moopa and drove twenty five minutes to the mall.  I had a few Christmas returns in the dining room that were driving me nutty.

I also had several post-holiday coupons burning a hole through my purse.

As I was pulling off the exit at 9:50am, a terrible realization washed over me.  My stroller, with it's snack tray and child-securing you-shall-sit-so-I-can-shop-in-peace straps, was in my garage.

Gasp. 

I quickly remedied the initial stress with a trip through the Starbucks drive-thru.  My debacle called for venti.

This drink helps me to relax and think clearly.  It also makes me happy.

Next stop was the Target adjacent to the mall.  I plopped Moopa in a cart and made record time to the baby aisle.  I perused the stroller selection, looking for the least hideous design with the cheapest price.  I settled on a pink Cosco umbrella stroller.  It required just about no assembly.  It screamed "open and go".

I was meaning to buy a new stroller anyway...wasn't I?  Something lighter and smaller?  With swivel wheels and a small sun shade?

I walked my purchase over the Cafe area, disposed of all packaging, and popped the wheels on that bad boy.

Within 20 minutes of realizing my morning at the mall might play out like a Greek tragedy, the tragedy was averted.

I had a Starbucks in hand and new stroller with a happy Moopa.  She was extra smiley because she managed to swindle a new Cinderella phone out the deal.

Rascal.

As always, a happy Moopa equals more time at the mall.

Have a good one!

This morning I packed up the Moopa and drove twenty five minutes to the mall.  I had a few Christmas returns in the dining room that were driving me nutty.

I also had several post-holiday coupons burning a hole through my purse.

As I was pulling off the exit at 9:50am, a terrible realization washed over me.  My stroller, with it's snack tray and child-securing you-shall-sit-so-I-can-shop-in-peace straps, was in my garage.

Gasp. 

I quickly remedied the initial stress with a trip through the Starbucks drive-thru.  My debacle called for venti.

This drink helps me to relax and think clearly.  It also makes me happy.

Next stop was the Target adjacent to the mall.  I plopped Moopa in a cart and made record time to the baby aisle.  I perused the stroller selection, looking for the least hideous design with the cheapest price.  I settled on a pink Cosco umbrella stroller.  It required just about no assembly.  It screamed "open and go".

I was meaning to buy a new stroller anyway...wasn't I?  Something lighter and smaller?  With swivel wheels and a small sun shade?

I walked my purchase over the Cafe area, disposed of all packaging, and popped the wheels on that bad boy.

Within 20 minutes of realizing my morning at the mall might play out like a Greek tragedy, the tragedy was averted.

I had a Starbucks in hand and new stroller with a happy Moopa.  She was extra smiley because she managed to swindle a new Cinderella phone out the deal.

Rascal.

As always, a happy Moopa equals more time at the mall.

Have a good one!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

My Memories

Over the past few days I have been experimenting with a digital scrapbooking software called My Memories.  The company was kind enough to contact me and give me a code to test the software. 

And I must admit this stuff is fancy-schmancy.

I have long been a fan of scrapbooking, even though I am limited in my abilities.  What I love about My Memories is how it blends online photo editing with scrapbooking.  But this software is more than just albums and pictures.

You can create movies, photo books, calendars, labels, invitations, gifts and even cupcake liners. 

You can sit for hours creating, all without the mess.

On my sidebar I have a link with a coupon code to save up to $20 on one of the My Memories downloads.  Even if you just want to browse, I encourage anyone who loves to get creative with photos to check the site out.

There are even a few free downloads to enjoy.

On my Reviews Blog, MommyViews, I am hosting a giveaway for a FREE digital scrapbooking download.  Winner will be chosen with enough time to make some awesome homemade Valentine's!

Happy Wednesday!

Mommyhood Footnote:  I am receiving no monetary compensation for this "review", just the pleasure of toying around with the software.

To purchase software, visit My Memories and don't forget to use code STMMMS79034to save up to $20!

Over the past few days I have been experimenting with a digital scrapbooking software called My Memories.  The company was kind enough to contact me and give me a code to test the software. 

And I must admit this stuff is fancy-schmancy.

I have long been a fan of scrapbooking, even though I am limited in my abilities.  What I love about My Memories is how it blends online photo editing with scrapbooking.  But this software is more than just albums and pictures.

You can create movies, photo books, calendars, labels, invitations, gifts and even cupcake liners. 

You can sit for hours creating, all without the mess.

On my sidebar I have a link with a coupon code to save up to $20 on one of the My Memories downloads.  Even if you just want to browse, I encourage anyone who loves to get creative with photos to check the site out.

There are even a few free downloads to enjoy.

On my Reviews Blog, MommyViews, I am hosting a giveaway for a FREE digital scrapbooking download.  Winner will be chosen with enough time to make some awesome homemade Valentine's!

Happy Wednesday!

Mommyhood Footnote:  I am receiving no monetary compensation for this "review", just the pleasure of toying around with the software.

To purchase software, visit My Memories and don't forget to use code STMMMS79034to save up to $20!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Martini

Not really sure why I never blogged this recipe?

It wasn't until today when I was asked for it by a fellow foodie, that I remembered that I hadn't!

So thanks for that.... because this is one worth enjoying!!

whipped cream on that?

We started a tradition in December of 2010, of a holiday get together at our house with a few of the couple that we run around with.

It's now referred to as "Holiday Frolic."

It's Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, FUN!

By mid-December, we are all ready for a BREAK, aren't we??

ain't that the truth?

So, everyone brought an appetizer to share, and the martinis were shaken!

"shake it honey!"

White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Martini

Decorate the inside of a martini glass with a swirl of chocolate syrup.

In an ice-filled martini shaker add:

1 shot of Vanilla Vodka

1 shot of Bailey's 

1 shot of Godiva White Chocolate Liquor

1/2 shot of  Peppermint Schnapps

a splash of cream

Shake well and strain into glass.

Top with whipped cream, and add a candy cane for stirring.

Cheers to the holidays and to Girlfriends!!

Not really sure why I never blogged this recipe?

It wasn't until today when I was asked for it by a fellow foodie, that I remembered that I hadn't!

So thanks for that.... because this is one worth enjoying!!

whipped cream on that?

We started a tradition in December of 2010, of a holiday get together at our house with a few of the couple that we run around with.

It's now referred to as "Holiday Frolic."

It's Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, FUN!

By mid-December, we are all ready for a BREAK, aren't we??

ain't that the truth?

So, everyone brought an appetizer to share, and the martinis were shaken!

"shake it honey!"

White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Martini

Decorate the inside of a martini glass with a swirl of chocolate syrup.

In an ice-filled martini shaker add:

1 shot of Vanilla Vodka

1 shot of Bailey's 

1 shot of Godiva White Chocolate Liquor

1/2 shot of  Peppermint Schnapps

a splash of cream

Shake well and strain into glass.

Top with whipped cream, and add a candy cane for stirring.

Cheers to the holidays and to Girlfriends!!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dr. Phil, Thank You

"You've got to do more than tell your child what not to do" ~ Dr. Phil

image via google

I will begin by stating I don't watch Dr. Phil.  I haven't read his books.  I don't read his articles or follow his show.

I'm sure he's fabulous, but he doesn't air on Nickelodeon, Sprout, PBS or the Disney Channel.  Or Good Morning America. 

But a long time ago, I read one of his articles.  Or saw a show.  Ah heck, I can't even tell you where I got this from.

I just remembered it.  And I remembered it was his.  I have kept it with me ever since because it just made sense.  

I have heard countless amounts of parenting advice from countless amounts of people.  We all have.  Everyone loves to share their nap tricks and diapering bravado.  There are recipes to remember and cleaning secrets to try.  As with much of the information my brain has tried to absorb these past 10 years I have forgotten 90% of it.

The best advice has come from my mother.  That I can say with certainty.  

But this advice from Dr. Phil, about "doing more than telling your children what not to do" resonated with me from the moment I heard it.  Or read it.  Or ate it for breakfast.

I like to imagine him saying it in his "twang".

This advice seems so simple.  Of course we need to do more than tell them what not to do.  We all know that.  But we all forget to do it.  And we forget all the time.

"Don't throw sand!"  "Stop yelling in the house!"  "Don't poop on the floor!"  

How many times do we tell them what to do?  How many times do we gently explain what is appropriate?

"We play with sand like this (example), because it hurts when it gets in your eyes." 

"We speak in the house like this (example) because Daddy's on the phone."

"We poop in the toilet like this (example) because..." 

Squash the poop example.  You get the idea.

I will stop here and say I am not perfect.  I am so fabulously far from perfect I could post for hours about all my flaws.  Parenting and otherwise.  I lose my temper and I lose my patience and I constantly lose my keys.

And my mind.

But I have always made an effort to tell my children how to behave.  How to speak.  How to love. 

 

Even better, whenever possible, I show them. 

And I am just sending a reminder to all the mommies and daddies out there to do the same.  I'm even reminding myself.

Because we're not raising babies, we're raising people.

Happy Tuesday!

"You've got to do more than tell your child what not to do" ~ Dr. Phil

image via google

I will begin by stating I don't watch Dr. Phil.  I haven't read his books.  I don't read his articles or follow his show.

I'm sure he's fabulous, but he doesn't air on Nickelodeon, Sprout, PBS or the Disney Channel.  Or Good Morning America. 

But a long time ago, I read one of his articles.  Or saw a show.  Ah heck, I can't even tell you where I got this from.

I just remembered it.  And I remembered it was his.  I have kept it with me ever since because it just made sense.  

I have heard countless amounts of parenting advice from countless amounts of people.  We all have.  Everyone loves to share their nap tricks and diapering bravado.  There are recipes to remember and cleaning secrets to try.  As with much of the information my brain has tried to absorb these past 10 years I have forgotten 90% of it.

The best advice has come from my mother.  That I can say with certainty.  

But this advice from Dr. Phil, about "doing more than telling your children what not to do" resonated with me from the moment I heard it.  Or read it.  Or ate it for breakfast.

I like to imagine him saying it in his "twang".

This advice seems so simple.  Of course we need to do more than tell them what not to do.  We all know that.  But we all forget to do it.  And we forget all the time.

"Don't throw sand!"  "Stop yelling in the house!"  "Don't poop on the floor!"  

How many times do we tell them what to do?  How many times do we gently explain what is appropriate?

"We play with sand like this (example), because it hurts when it gets in your eyes." 

"We speak in the house like this (example) because Daddy's on the phone."

"We poop in the toilet like this (example) because..." 

Squash the poop example.  You get the idea.

I will stop here and say I am not perfect.  I am so fabulously far from perfect I could post for hours about all my flaws.  Parenting and otherwise.  I lose my temper and I lose my patience and I constantly lose my keys.

And my mind.

But I have always made an effort to tell my children how to behave.  How to speak.  How to love. 

 

Even better, whenever possible, I show them. 

And I am just sending a reminder to all the mommies and daddies out there to do the same.  I'm even reminding myself.

Because we're not raising babies, we're raising people.

Happy Tuesday!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Heart Shaped Spiced Peach Pocket Pies

Happy National Pie Day!!

heart shaped spiced peach pie pockets

I found these ADORABLE pocket pie presses made by Nordic Ware a week or so ago and 

of course I fell in love.

I (heart) Pie

I mean, c'mon, I LOVE anything heart and of course, PIE!
So this morning I decided in honor of National Pie Day I would bake up something cute for dessert tonight.

What makes a Monday better than dessert, right?


Here was the problem at hand... WHAT kind of pie to make?
The recipe that Nordic gave was for raspberry pie.  Now I would love that, but my oldest daughter hates ANYTHING with seeds. Raspberries were out.

I decided on a spiced peach pie filling.  I used a can of peach pie filling, cut the peaches into smaller bites,  and jazzed it up with 1/4 teaspoon of ginger and a pinch of cloves.

just a pinch will do ya!


I *almost* always make my own pie crust.  But today I cheated and bought the Pillsbury roll out kind.
They worked just great!

filling the pie press

When they are pressed you simply lay them on a parchment covered baking sheet, brush them with beaten egg and dust them sugar.  I used cinnamon sugar to amplify the "spice" flavor!

ready to go in the oven!

When I was little my Grandma always made my favorite pie as a child, Chocolate Meringue, when I would visit her. She made the most amazing pie crust!! 

After she had the pie ready to go in the oven, there was always "left over" pie crust.  She would roll it out for me and dust it with cinnamon and sugar.  I would stand by the oven wand watch it bake!!

I don't know what I was more excited about, that cinnamon pie crust, or the actual pie itself!

I decided to do the same today with what I had left over.
I cut them out in heart shapes with my medium sized scalloped heart cookie cutter and brushed them with egg and dusted them with cinnamon and sugar.

hearts dusted and ready for the oven


The pies bake quickly, only about 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
They smelled HEAVENLY!!

warm from the oven


The hearts only baked about 9 minutes.

I love how they got all puffy!


I sampled a couple ( I made extra! ) with my coffee while they were warm!!


Serving them with Blue Bunny Cinnamon ice cream.
There is plenty of filling left over, so I think topping the ice cream with that is an outstanding idea!!

mmmmm yummy.



Heart Shaped Spiced Peach Pie Pockets

1 can peach pie filling, cut peaches into small pieces
1/4 teaspoon ginger
a pinch of ground cloves
2 Pillsbury roll out pie crusts
cinnamon sugar mixture
1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine pie filling with ginger and cloves and set aside.
Each pie crust will initially make 2 pockets.  Cut pockets out as directed on pie press package.
With a pastry brush brush egg around edges of hearts.
Fill with 2 Tablespoons of filling.
Press together, remove and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush tops of pies with egg, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Bake pies approximately 15 minutes.

I made five pockets out of the 2 crusts, after rolling the leftover crust back out. I could have gotten six,  but tonight I only need five.

I used the remaining to cut my heart shaped pie crusts out, and brushed them with egg and dusted them with cinnamon sugar mixture.
Bake the cinnamon pie pieces only about 9 minutes.

this was seriously, so. darn. good.


Happy Monday, and Happy National Pie Day, friends!!

Thanks for visiting, I just love having company over.

Come back soon!

Happy National Pie Day!!

heart shaped spiced peach pie pockets

I found these ADORABLE pocket pie presses made by Nordic Ware a week or so ago and 

of course I fell in love.

I (heart) Pie

I mean, c'mon, I LOVE anything heart and of course, PIE!
So this morning I decided in honor of National Pie Day I would bake up something cute for dessert tonight.

What makes a Monday better than dessert, right?


Here was the problem at hand... WHAT kind of pie to make?
The recipe that Nordic gave was for raspberry pie.  Now I would love that, but my oldest daughter hates ANYTHING with seeds. Raspberries were out.

I decided on a spiced peach pie filling.  I used a can of peach pie filling, cut the peaches into smaller bites,  and jazzed it up with 1/4 teaspoon of ginger and a pinch of cloves.

just a pinch will do ya!


I *almost* always make my own pie crust.  But today I cheated and bought the Pillsbury roll out kind.
They worked just great!

filling the pie press

When they are pressed you simply lay them on a parchment covered baking sheet, brush them with beaten egg and dust them sugar.  I used cinnamon sugar to amplify the "spice" flavor!

ready to go in the oven!

When I was little my Grandma always made my favorite pie as a child, Chocolate Meringue, when I would visit her. She made the most amazing pie crust!! 

After she had the pie ready to go in the oven, there was always "left over" pie crust.  She would roll it out for me and dust it with cinnamon and sugar.  I would stand by the oven wand watch it bake!!

I don't know what I was more excited about, that cinnamon pie crust, or the actual pie itself!

I decided to do the same today with what I had left over.
I cut them out in heart shapes with my medium sized scalloped heart cookie cutter and brushed them with egg and dusted them with cinnamon and sugar.

hearts dusted and ready for the oven


The pies bake quickly, only about 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
They smelled HEAVENLY!!

warm from the oven


The hearts only baked about 9 minutes.

I love how they got all puffy!


I sampled a couple ( I made extra! ) with my coffee while they were warm!!


Serving them with Blue Bunny Cinnamon ice cream.
There is plenty of filling left over, so I think topping the ice cream with that is an outstanding idea!!

mmmmm yummy.



Heart Shaped Spiced Peach Pie Pockets

1 can peach pie filling, cut peaches into small pieces
1/4 teaspoon ginger
a pinch of ground cloves
2 Pillsbury roll out pie crusts
cinnamon sugar mixture
1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine pie filling with ginger and cloves and set aside.
Each pie crust will initially make 2 pockets.  Cut pockets out as directed on pie press package.
With a pastry brush brush egg around edges of hearts.
Fill with 2 Tablespoons of filling.
Press together, remove and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush tops of pies with egg, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Bake pies approximately 15 minutes.

I made five pockets out of the 2 crusts, after rolling the leftover crust back out. I could have gotten six,  but tonight I only need five.

I used the remaining to cut my heart shaped pie crusts out, and brushed them with egg and dusted them with cinnamon sugar mixture.
Bake the cinnamon pie pieces only about 9 minutes.

this was seriously, so. darn. good.


Happy Monday, and Happy National Pie Day, friends!!

Thanks for visiting, I just love having company over.

Come back soon!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Tale of a Garage Treadmill

If anyone isn't a regular reader of this blog (gasp), they may need a refresher on my treadmill debacle.

Long story short, it didn't fit down my basement stairs.  My carpeted, semi-cozy basement which was awaiting its arrival.

It now resides in my garage.

Longer story is here.  Read up if want a chuckle.

Anywho, last week I was determined to get back on the horse.  From March until November I make every effort possible to run a few miles at least five times a week.  I run during naps, before Hubby leaves for work or after he returns home.

Over the summer months I love my runs enough to run four miles most days.  Sometimes more.

My story changes once the weather turns.  Around the end of October I lose my steam.  Every year, I take a "running hiatus" from November until January.  I give myself permission to let myself do nothing in terms of exercise.  I accept the fact that I will be cursing my way back into shape.

When my treadmill was forced to live in my garage, alongside the garbage pails and paint cans, I was left no choice but to make some lemonade.

Hubby positioned our new hamster wheel to face the windows.  We added a small space heater, which truthfully does just about nothing.

Last week, I bundled up and hopped on that treadmill for my first run since October.  The garage was a balmy 45 degrees. 

I forced a 5K right out of me.  Once I hit two miles I knew another mile was somewhere deep inside.

And it was. 

To everyone out there who is "resoluting" to exercise, I say get on that horse.  Push through the winter blues in your winter hat and bright pink fleece.

And watch those minivans drive by as you plug away on that hamster wheel.

If anyone isn't a regular reader of this blog (gasp), they may need a refresher on my treadmill debacle.

Long story short, it didn't fit down my basement stairs.  My carpeted, semi-cozy basement which was awaiting its arrival.

It now resides in my garage.

Longer story is here.  Read up if want a chuckle.

Anywho, last week I was determined to get back on the horse.  From March until November I make every effort possible to run a few miles at least five times a week.  I run during naps, before Hubby leaves for work or after he returns home.

Over the summer months I love my runs enough to run four miles most days.  Sometimes more.

My story changes once the weather turns.  Around the end of October I lose my steam.  Every year, I take a "running hiatus" from November until January.  I give myself permission to let myself do nothing in terms of exercise.  I accept the fact that I will be cursing my way back into shape.

When my treadmill was forced to live in my garage, alongside the garbage pails and paint cans, I was left no choice but to make some lemonade.

Hubby positioned our new hamster wheel to face the windows.  We added a small space heater, which truthfully does just about nothing.

Last week, I bundled up and hopped on that treadmill for my first run since October.  The garage was a balmy 45 degrees. 

I forced a 5K right out of me.  Once I hit two miles I knew another mile was somewhere deep inside.

And it was. 

To everyone out there who is "resoluting" to exercise, I say get on that horse.  Push through the winter blues in your winter hat and bright pink fleece.

And watch those minivans drive by as you plug away on that hamster wheel.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Blah and Bleck

It's Saturday night and I'm about to hit the sack.  Work was s-l-o-w.  I'm assuming we haven't had enough winter weather to drive people nutty.  No "cabin fever" has set in up in the northeast....folks are tame and happy to be by their fireplaces.

I don't have a fireplace.  Maybe if I did I wouldn't mind the temperature being 12 degrees.

I aspire to one day have a fireplace.

And I do mind the temperature being 12 degrees.

Tomorrow is "Football Sunday".  This simply means it's Sunday and we watch football and gorge ourselves.

I love "Football Sunday" and I'm thinking of making a Stromboli.

Aside from my rambling and a post title that makes no sense, I would like everyone to know my camera has dozens of photos ready for upload.

I will then share colorful tales of my garage gym, Krispy Footballs and paint selection gone wrong.

Until then I say goodnight and God bless.  And get ready for some football.

To compliment my random post I shall select a random picture.  Winner is....

My munchkins in 2006.  Sniff sniff.  Time flies when you're a mama.

It's Saturday night and I'm about to hit the sack.  Work was s-l-o-w.  I'm assuming we haven't had enough winter weather to drive people nutty.  No "cabin fever" has set in up in the northeast....folks are tame and happy to be by their fireplaces.

I don't have a fireplace.  Maybe if I did I wouldn't mind the temperature being 12 degrees.

I aspire to one day have a fireplace.

And I do mind the temperature being 12 degrees.

Tomorrow is "Football Sunday".  This simply means it's Sunday and we watch football and gorge ourselves.

I love "Football Sunday" and I'm thinking of making a Stromboli.

Aside from my rambling and a post title that makes no sense, I would like everyone to know my camera has dozens of photos ready for upload.

I will then share colorful tales of my garage gym, Krispy Footballs and paint selection gone wrong.

Until then I say goodnight and God bless.  And get ready for some football.

To compliment my random post I shall select a random picture.  Winner is....

My munchkins in 2006.  Sniff sniff.  Time flies when you're a mama.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Cookie Dough Balls

**Originally posted April 9, 2011**

It is the weekend.  Amen and Hallelujah.

Weekends for us mean flushing the school week routine.  Bedtimes are later, days are unscheduled and diets are lax.

And sugary.

Because it's the weekend I made cookie dough balls.  They serve so many phenomenal purposes.

You can chop them up for ice cream toppings.  You can eat them as you prepare them.  You can dip them in milk chocolate and make a "bon bon" type dessert.

They are beautiful, beautiful creatures.

1 cup butter, soft
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp water
2 cups flour
1 cup mini chocolate chips

1-2 bags milk chocolate chips for melting, if desired.

Cream butter and sugar.  Stir in in remaining ingredients.

Dough will be semi-crumbly, this is ideal.

 

Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheet.

 

Place in freezer approximately 1 hour until firm.  From here you can either leave as is, or dip in milk chocolate.

To melt chocolate, microwave 90% of 11.5 oz bag of chocolate chips on high for one minute.  Stir, and repeat in 30 second intervals until chocolate stirs smooth.  Toss in remaining 10% of chips and stir until melted.  This will bring down the temperature of your chocolate just enough for perfect dipping.

Mommhood Footnote:  I highly recommend chopping a few dough balls for a delish ice cream topping.  I have a container hidden in my fridge where no munchkin could ever find it.  

 

Happy weekend! 

**Originally posted April 9, 2011**

It is the weekend.  Amen and Hallelujah.

Weekends for us mean flushing the school week routine.  Bedtimes are later, days are unscheduled and diets are lax.

And sugary.

Because it's the weekend I made cookie dough balls.  They serve so many phenomenal purposes.

You can chop them up for ice cream toppings.  You can eat them as you prepare them.  You can dip them in milk chocolate and make a "bon bon" type dessert.

They are beautiful, beautiful creatures.

1 cup butter, soft
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp water
2 cups flour
1 cup mini chocolate chips

1-2 bags milk chocolate chips for melting, if desired.

Cream butter and sugar.  Stir in in remaining ingredients.

Dough will be semi-crumbly, this is ideal.

 

Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheet.

 

Place in freezer approximately 1 hour until firm.  From here you can either leave as is, or dip in milk chocolate.

To melt chocolate, microwave 90% of 11.5 oz bag of chocolate chips on high for one minute.  Stir, and repeat in 30 second intervals until chocolate stirs smooth.  Toss in remaining 10% of chips and stir until melted.  This will bring down the temperature of your chocolate just enough for perfect dipping.

Mommhood Footnote:  I highly recommend chopping a few dough balls for a delish ice cream topping.  I have a container hidden in my fridge where no munchkin could ever find it.  

 

Happy weekend! 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad