I think many people have recipes they remember with fondness from their childhood. I am fortunate to have several of these recipes available through cookbooks where those family members have contributed their recipes. I recall this particular recipe, or at least I think it is this recipe, from many a birthday or church or family function. Sure, you can make a chocolate cake from a box, and sometimes that's the quickest and easiest thing to do. Occasionally, though, you just have the urge to make it from scratch. I have never made this recipe before and I was thoroughly impressed with its ease of the process and also the moistness of the cake. A dry cake is not an uncommon thing, but when you get that perfectly moist piece of cake with a wonderful icing there's really nothing better. :)
For the icing, I mixed things up a bit. For some reason I remember my mom using either vanilla icing or cool whip. I wanted to keep it all chocolate, though, so decided to make a ganache. I had made a ganache for a previous cake but knew it wouldn't quite work. I looked at a few recipes online and ended up just making my own version by combining elements from all of them. I must say, it turned out pretty well. I took this cake to work for our monthly birthday party and was able to bring some back home for my dad's birthday when they were down for the weekend. I also had enough left to share with friends, and of course enjoy some myself. :)
This recipe was submitted by my mom in the Triple T youth group cookbook.
Lorraine's Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1/2 c. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sour milk
1 c. boiling water
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cream the shortening and sugar, then add the eggs and beat until fluffy. Sift together the flour and coca, and add this mixture alternately with the sour milk and vanilla to the creamed mixture. Beat together once these ingredients are added for one minute. Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the cup of boiling water, then add this to the batter, blending well. Pour the batter into a greased 9"x13" pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients:
6 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. heavy cream
Directions:
Bring the cream just to a boil, then remove from heat. Add the chocolate and let it sit for a minute before stirring. Add more chocolate if needed. Let it cool until slightly thicker. When cool, pour over the cake and spread around to cover the cake. Make sure to keep refrigerated since the topping is cream
I unfortunately do not have a picture of this delicious cake. Picture a piece of chocolate cake with chocolate icing and there you go. :)
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Kitchen Adventures 8.4
Sometimes I end up making things for my main dish that other people, especially people with families, might make as a side dish. Since I don't have anyone else to please with my cooking, though, I can do whatever I want. :) This next recipe is one of those dishes.
I feel like this one could be a side, or a main dish, depending on the person and the menu. It is very simple and fairly quick to make, so if you're in a pinch for something fast for dinner it is a good one to try.
This recipe came from the binder that my aunt put together for the women of our family several years ago. I have gotten some great recipes form this binder, as have other members of my family. Family recipes are the best I always say! This is also a recipe I would classify a semi-homemade. Sandra Lee would approve I think. :)
Italian-Style Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
1 pkg. (7.5 oz.) mac & cheese
1 c. Italian-style bread crumbs
2 T. butter
Directions:
Make mac & cheese according to box directions. Transfer to 7"x11" baking dish. Melt butter in microwave safe bowl, then add the bread crumbs and toss to combine. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of mac &cheese. Just put enough on top to coat; you do not need to use them all if you have extra. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
Like I say, quick and easy. :)
I feel like this one could be a side, or a main dish, depending on the person and the menu. It is very simple and fairly quick to make, so if you're in a pinch for something fast for dinner it is a good one to try.
This recipe came from the binder that my aunt put together for the women of our family several years ago. I have gotten some great recipes form this binder, as have other members of my family. Family recipes are the best I always say! This is also a recipe I would classify a semi-homemade. Sandra Lee would approve I think. :)
Italian-Style Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
1 pkg. (7.5 oz.) mac & cheese
1 c. Italian-style bread crumbs
2 T. butter
Directions:
Make mac & cheese according to box directions. Transfer to 7"x11" baking dish. Melt butter in microwave safe bowl, then add the bread crumbs and toss to combine. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of mac &cheese. Just put enough on top to coat; you do not need to use them all if you have extra. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
Like I say, quick and easy. :)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Kitchen Adventures 8.2
As I sat down to share recipes today, I realized that I am not a very good blogger. A good blogger would post daily, or at least weekly. A good blogger would not store up so much information that multiple posts come out in quick succession in one day. However, that's how I roll. With a busy life and sometimes not really feeling like sitting on the computer at home after I have been sitting on one all day at work, rapid posts all at once is the end result. Also, I don't cook enough to have multiple posts a week. You'll notice most of the things I make feed more than one person. Since I only have to feed myself, things last longer. That's part of my plan--cook once a week and make it last. I have some family members that couldn't do it (ahem, Karen :) ), but it works for me.
Hence, here is the second post of the new year, shortly after the first. This is another good one from the Triple T youth group cookbook. This is also a recipe I have used for several years. This one was submitted by my Nana. Looking back, I'm really glad that we accepted recipes from many contributors for our cookbook when we were fundraising. This is how I have received most of the recipes I have from my Nana, and for someone working with history having little things like recipes passed down through generations is significant. The funny thing is, my mom also has a very similar recipe in the cookbook but I always use Nana's. Sorry Mom, your version was delicious at Christmas!
On a slightly irreverent note, this recipe recently has been making me think of a great Saturday Night Live skit. It's one of the great Alec Baldwin skits panning "Delicious Dish" on NPR. The innuendo throughout is ridiculously funny. Go to Youtube and search for "Schweddy Balls" and you will understand. I don't think a SNL affiliated person posted the video, so I'm not linking directly to it so I don't get in trouble with the Internet police. :)
Here, finally, is the recipe. Thanks again, Nana!
Barbequed Meatballs
Ingredients:
Meatballs--
1 lb. hamburger
1/2 c. milk
2/3 c. oatmeal
1 egg
1/3 tsp. salt
1/3 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 T. chopped onion (I omitted this)
1/3 tsp. chili powder
1/3 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
Sauce--
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. ketchup
1/2 tsp. dry mustard (I omitted this)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
Mix meatball ingredients well in large bowl and them form into small balls (2 inch). Place in greased casserole dish. I use a 7"x1" dish and it's perfect.
For the sauce, mix the ingredients and heat in small saucepan over medium heat. As soon as it starts bubbling remove from heat. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
Hence, here is the second post of the new year, shortly after the first. This is another good one from the Triple T youth group cookbook. This is also a recipe I have used for several years. This one was submitted by my Nana. Looking back, I'm really glad that we accepted recipes from many contributors for our cookbook when we were fundraising. This is how I have received most of the recipes I have from my Nana, and for someone working with history having little things like recipes passed down through generations is significant. The funny thing is, my mom also has a very similar recipe in the cookbook but I always use Nana's. Sorry Mom, your version was delicious at Christmas!
On a slightly irreverent note, this recipe recently has been making me think of a great Saturday Night Live skit. It's one of the great Alec Baldwin skits panning "Delicious Dish" on NPR. The innuendo throughout is ridiculously funny. Go to Youtube and search for "Schweddy Balls" and you will understand. I don't think a SNL affiliated person posted the video, so I'm not linking directly to it so I don't get in trouble with the Internet police. :)
Here, finally, is the recipe. Thanks again, Nana!
Barbequed Meatballs
Ingredients:
Meatballs--
1 lb. hamburger
1/2 c. milk
2/3 c. oatmeal
1 egg
1/3 tsp. salt
1/3 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 T. chopped onion (I omitted this)
1/3 tsp. chili powder
1/3 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
Sauce--
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. ketchup
1/2 tsp. dry mustard (I omitted this)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
Mix meatball ingredients well in large bowl and them form into small balls (2 inch). Place in greased casserole dish. I use a 7"x1" dish and it's perfect.
For the sauce, mix the ingredients and heat in small saucepan over medium heat. As soon as it starts bubbling remove from heat. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Kitchen Adventures 7.1
Oh my, I am so far behind! I didn't realize it's been over a month since I shared my kitchen creations. December was a busy month, to say the least. It started off with Harry Potter and the Big 12 championship game with friends, the next weekend held the Eilert family Christmas up in Kansas City (36 in attendance, not too shabby!), then I got sick immediately after coming back home. :/ Those couple days really threw me for a loop and delayed all my baking endeavors. It even meant I missed my own monthly birthday party at work. :( I recovered in time for a small birthday gathering and church things, then it was time to head up to Kansas for Christmas. And there went the month! Time at home was wonderful, getting to see all my family and some friends. It's never a long enough visit it seems, no matter how long it is. But with all that being said, that is the long excuse for not updating sooner. I'll amend that right now, though, with a succession of posts to catch up before 2010 comes to a close.
This first recipe is one I have turned to over the past few winters as my chili standby recipe. Now, I know everyone is very particular about their chili and has their favorite recipe. This is an easy one that I like, and I will admit, this last batch was not the best. It showed me the importance of having a good chili seasoning mix, because Target does not carry the brand I would normally get. It did get better the second time around, though, which is good.
This particular chili recipe comes from a cookbook I got for Christmas several years ago. It's called Rival Crock Pot 3 Books in 1 and includes "Slow Cooker Favorites," "Winning Slow Cooker Recipes," and "Slow Cooker Recipes for All Occasions." This one comes from the "Slow Cooker Favorites" section and is pretty darn delicious, if I do say so myself. Enjoy!
McCormick's Weeknight Chili
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 15 oz can red kidney beans, undrained
1 pkg. chili seasoning (of course they use McCormick's but you can use whatever you like)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Cook meat in a skillet until brown, then drain. Transfer meat to your slow cooker and stir in tomato sauce, beans, and seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 1 to 2 hours or on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir before serving and top with cheese. * I always end up cooking mine on high because I just can't wait or don't have enough time. :)
Here are a few pics:
This first recipe is one I have turned to over the past few winters as my chili standby recipe. Now, I know everyone is very particular about their chili and has their favorite recipe. This is an easy one that I like, and I will admit, this last batch was not the best. It showed me the importance of having a good chili seasoning mix, because Target does not carry the brand I would normally get. It did get better the second time around, though, which is good.
This particular chili recipe comes from a cookbook I got for Christmas several years ago. It's called Rival Crock Pot 3 Books in 1 and includes "Slow Cooker Favorites," "Winning Slow Cooker Recipes," and "Slow Cooker Recipes for All Occasions." This one comes from the "Slow Cooker Favorites" section and is pretty darn delicious, if I do say so myself. Enjoy!
McCormick's Weeknight Chili
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 15 oz can red kidney beans, undrained
1 pkg. chili seasoning (of course they use McCormick's but you can use whatever you like)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Cook meat in a skillet until brown, then drain. Transfer meat to your slow cooker and stir in tomato sauce, beans, and seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 1 to 2 hours or on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir before serving and top with cheese. * I always end up cooking mine on high because I just can't wait or don't have enough time. :)
Here are a few pics:
Monday, October 25, 2010
Kitchen Adventures 5.2
October has been quite the crazy busy month. The best way I realize this is when I come to post and realize I only posted once so far this month. It's usually a busy month anyway, but with a wedding to prepare for things just got even crazier. We had a bachelorette party two weeks before the wedding, the next weekend was a fun home football game at OU, and then it was wedding time! I've had a great time hanging out with family and friends this month, and I realize just how fortunate I am to have the people I do in my life.
Amidst the craziness, I still had to eat. Last week I decided to try a family recipe that was in the Triple T cookbook. I probably won't post a recipe again this month as I brought home a whole pan of cheese tortellini from the wedding. :) But I'll share this recipe from last week, especially since it's such an easy one.
Family recipes are always the best, or at least I think so. This is one from my great-grandpa. I don't remember Mom making it much, but when we had Karen's family shower this was the recipe that almost all the Slaters thought about giving her. It's a great homestyle meal that will satisfy any craving for a good homecooked meal.
Grandpa's Meatloaf
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs. hamburger
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1/2 c. water
2 c. bread crumbs
1/4 c. ketchup
1 egg
Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Place in 7"x11" baking dish and mold into loaf. Bake for about one hour at 350 degrees.
How's that for an easy one? And it is quite possibly the best meatloaf I have ever had.
Here are a few pictures, and remember, meatloaf may not look good, but it is delicious!
Amidst the craziness, I still had to eat. Last week I decided to try a family recipe that was in the Triple T cookbook. I probably won't post a recipe again this month as I brought home a whole pan of cheese tortellini from the wedding. :) But I'll share this recipe from last week, especially since it's such an easy one.
Family recipes are always the best, or at least I think so. This is one from my great-grandpa. I don't remember Mom making it much, but when we had Karen's family shower this was the recipe that almost all the Slaters thought about giving her. It's a great homestyle meal that will satisfy any craving for a good homecooked meal.
Grandpa's Meatloaf
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs. hamburger
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1/2 c. water
2 c. bread crumbs
1/4 c. ketchup
1 egg
Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Place in 7"x11" baking dish and mold into loaf. Bake for about one hour at 350 degrees.
How's that for an easy one? And it is quite possibly the best meatloaf I have ever had.
Here are a few pictures, and remember, meatloaf may not look good, but it is delicious!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Circle of Life
Sometimes life throws unexpected events your way. Other times you see the inevitable coming and just wait tensely until it gets here. Death is one of those things that is expected eventually, but the timing is sometimes what throws people. Over the past week, I've seen it both ways, and no matter how it comes or approaches, it still hurts when it arrives.
After five years of declining health and being confined to a bed for the past two years, Grandpa went home to heaven Friday morning. We all knew it was coming, and this was not the first time we prepared for the end, but even though I knew it would be soon, I still had to cry when it happened. However, the tears are not for Grandpa. Why would you cry for someone who is out of their pain and living with Jesus? Instead, we cry for those left behind that experience the hole in their life that the one who has left us used to fill. Grandma and Grandpa had been married 72 years. I cannot fathom being with someone for that long, probably because I am not married and have no prospects of it in the near future. But for Grandma, Grandpa has been her constant companion for most of her life. And for the past five years, he has been what keeps her going. All her decisions revolved around taking care of Grandpa. Without that in her life now, I am unsure if she will either embrace the new freedom she has, or fall to pieces. She's a strong woman, though, so though the time will be tough, I think she will be able to persevere.
That was an expected death. Sometimes, though, death sneaks up on us and waits off to the side, lurking to step in and take someone without notice. Last week I received news that a former member of our small group, Chris Murphy, was in very serious condition at a local hospital. He had been found unresponsive and with a 107 degree fever. When he got to the hospital, he experienced massive kidney failure and cardiac arrest. He is currently on life support and his parents have flown in from out of state and out of country in order to decide what to do. As of the last update I had, his condition was unchanged and they were meeting to decide if keeping him on life support would be the right decision. In this situation, death has not occurred, but it seems to be lurking just off stage. However, we know that with God all things are possible. If it is His will, Chris will be able to recover and continue his work here on earth by sharing God's love with everyone he meets. And if it's His will to bring him home, then we know that Chris will be praising Jesus up in heaven.
Those two situations contrast with each other. One, an old man who lived a long and full life; the other, a young man who just appeared to be starting his life. The common strand that binds them, though, is the love of Jesus. Both these men loved the Lord, and I know that no matter what happens, I'll see them both in heaven someday.
Amidst those situations relating to the end of life and fighting to live, there is also new life coming into this world. Within the past five days, three couples have announced that they are expecting their first child, all to be born in March or April. To me, this has been the ironic reminder that as one life ends, another begins. All the couples are very excited about the new life that will be joining their family, and I am excited for them! Apparently the old saying is reversed in this situation. I've heard it said that deaths come in threes, but it appears that instead births will be coming in threes!
Life is indeed a circle. We live, we die, and we receive new life with Jesus if we believe in Him. I pray for those that are experiencing loss, that they will find comfort in their time of need. And, I pray for those getting ready for new life, that they will find the strength and courage to lead the new little person joining their family through the journey we call life.
After five years of declining health and being confined to a bed for the past two years, Grandpa went home to heaven Friday morning. We all knew it was coming, and this was not the first time we prepared for the end, but even though I knew it would be soon, I still had to cry when it happened. However, the tears are not for Grandpa. Why would you cry for someone who is out of their pain and living with Jesus? Instead, we cry for those left behind that experience the hole in their life that the one who has left us used to fill. Grandma and Grandpa had been married 72 years. I cannot fathom being with someone for that long, probably because I am not married and have no prospects of it in the near future. But for Grandma, Grandpa has been her constant companion for most of her life. And for the past five years, he has been what keeps her going. All her decisions revolved around taking care of Grandpa. Without that in her life now, I am unsure if she will either embrace the new freedom she has, or fall to pieces. She's a strong woman, though, so though the time will be tough, I think she will be able to persevere.
That was an expected death. Sometimes, though, death sneaks up on us and waits off to the side, lurking to step in and take someone without notice. Last week I received news that a former member of our small group, Chris Murphy, was in very serious condition at a local hospital. He had been found unresponsive and with a 107 degree fever. When he got to the hospital, he experienced massive kidney failure and cardiac arrest. He is currently on life support and his parents have flown in from out of state and out of country in order to decide what to do. As of the last update I had, his condition was unchanged and they were meeting to decide if keeping him on life support would be the right decision. In this situation, death has not occurred, but it seems to be lurking just off stage. However, we know that with God all things are possible. If it is His will, Chris will be able to recover and continue his work here on earth by sharing God's love with everyone he meets. And if it's His will to bring him home, then we know that Chris will be praising Jesus up in heaven.
Those two situations contrast with each other. One, an old man who lived a long and full life; the other, a young man who just appeared to be starting his life. The common strand that binds them, though, is the love of Jesus. Both these men loved the Lord, and I know that no matter what happens, I'll see them both in heaven someday.
Amidst those situations relating to the end of life and fighting to live, there is also new life coming into this world. Within the past five days, three couples have announced that they are expecting their first child, all to be born in March or April. To me, this has been the ironic reminder that as one life ends, another begins. All the couples are very excited about the new life that will be joining their family, and I am excited for them! Apparently the old saying is reversed in this situation. I've heard it said that deaths come in threes, but it appears that instead births will be coming in threes!
Life is indeed a circle. We live, we die, and we receive new life with Jesus if we believe in Him. I pray for those that are experiencing loss, that they will find comfort in their time of need. And, I pray for those getting ready for new life, that they will find the strength and courage to lead the new little person joining their family through the journey we call life.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Kitchen Adventures 3.2
It seems I don't get to go home very often, but when I start going it seems like I do several weeks in a row. This was the case recently, though I went to different "homes" each time. This past weekend I made the trek up to Kansas City with my friend Shaye for our friend Stephanie's wedding. On the way, we stopped and saw my Aunt Lori at the travel center, which was a nice break from the road, and it was great to see her. Then we continued up to my cousins Rob and Eileen's house in Overland Park. I don't get to see them often, but their house is always open to me whenever I make my way up to KC, which is wonderful. It also gives me a little time to chat with them since I don't see them often.
Our fun activities included the rehearsal dinner and bowling Friday night, visiting the Nelson-Atkins art museum and seeing our friend Andy Dale before the wedding, and of course the wedding and the reception. I am so happy for my friends! I can honestly say I have rarely seen two people more perfect for each other than Stephanie and Brian. Best of luck you guys!
To top off the lovely trip, we stopped in El Dorado on the way home, hoping to see my grandparents and some friends. However, we got there too early to see Nana and Pop, so after leaving Pop's birthday picture at their house we headed over to Spangle's and met Tom and Cory for lunch. I had not seen Tom since Christmas and had not seen Cory since his accident a couple weeks ago, so it was great catching up with them. Here are some pics from the trip.
Famous shuttlecock at Nelson-Atkins
Saying the vows
First dance. Good job Brian!
Me and Shaye after the reception
Cory, Tom, and I catching up at Spangle's
When we got home, I did not have time to go to the store until Monday, when Shaye and I stopped after stamp club. Fortunately, I had most everything I needed already to make my dinner for the week. I always enjoy trying recipes that friends and family love. What better judge can there be than someone you trust? I got this one from Marcus back when we dated. It's pretty easy and very delicious, which of course is my favorite combination! :)
Poppyseed chicken
Ingredients:
2 c. diced cooked chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 stick butter, melted
1 c. sour cream
1 tube Ritz crackers
2 tbsp. poppyseds
Directions:
Mix diced chicken with undiluted soups. Add sour cream and salt and pepper to taste. Roll crackers with rolling pin in plastic bag until finely crushed. Add poppyseed to melted butter, then add crackers to butter mixture. Put chicken and soup mixture in buttered casserole dish and top with cracker/butter mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
Our fun activities included the rehearsal dinner and bowling Friday night, visiting the Nelson-Atkins art museum and seeing our friend Andy Dale before the wedding, and of course the wedding and the reception. I am so happy for my friends! I can honestly say I have rarely seen two people more perfect for each other than Stephanie and Brian. Best of luck you guys!
To top off the lovely trip, we stopped in El Dorado on the way home, hoping to see my grandparents and some friends. However, we got there too early to see Nana and Pop, so after leaving Pop's birthday picture at their house we headed over to Spangle's and met Tom and Cory for lunch. I had not seen Tom since Christmas and had not seen Cory since his accident a couple weeks ago, so it was great catching up with them. Here are some pics from the trip.
Famous shuttlecock at Nelson-Atkins
Saying the vows
First dance. Good job Brian!
Me and Shaye after the reception
Cory, Tom, and I catching up at Spangle's
When we got home, I did not have time to go to the store until Monday, when Shaye and I stopped after stamp club. Fortunately, I had most everything I needed already to make my dinner for the week. I always enjoy trying recipes that friends and family love. What better judge can there be than someone you trust? I got this one from Marcus back when we dated. It's pretty easy and very delicious, which of course is my favorite combination! :)
Poppyseed chicken
Ingredients:
2 c. diced cooked chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 stick butter, melted
1 c. sour cream
1 tube Ritz crackers
2 tbsp. poppyseds
Directions:
Mix diced chicken with undiluted soups. Add sour cream and salt and pepper to taste. Roll crackers with rolling pin in plastic bag until finely crushed. Add poppyseed to melted butter, then add crackers to butter mixture. Put chicken and soup mixture in buttered casserole dish and top with cracker/butter mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
Kitchen Adventures 3.1
Well I'm just a little late getting this up. but honestly I have not done much baking or cooking recently, or at least anything new. Being out of town two weekends in a row, officially starting a new job, and preparing for the new school year all take up precious baking and cooking time. But I'm back to baking now, so all is well. :)
Brief recap on recent activities: I got to go home two weekends ago for my sister's first wedding shower. This was the family one, so of course I wanted to be there. I had a great time seeing everyone, some of whom I had not seen in almost two years since I missed BOTH family Christmases last year. Plus, I got some quality immediate family time as well. I even talked Dad into a sunset motorcycle ride, which was lovely.
After coming back, I kept plugging away at work, handling photo orders, staffing issues, and everything that comes with being a manager. Thank goodness our Bible study is on servant leadership! I had no idea it would be so applicable when we started, but it has been amazing to learn how to lead like Jesus and actually get to apply it
A necessary part of work is celebrating birthdays. Each month we have a birthday party for all the birthday-ees for the month. This month, we celebrated my boss and one of our GAs. Our other boss got an amazing cupcake cake, Spongebob Squarepants themed, which was awesome. I contributed jumbo chocolate chip cookies, which were also good. I must say, they were a little different than I anticipated, but I think that's because I have started baking with butter instead of margarine. Growing up, we always used margarine, but for some reason I decided to start using butter, and it just makes things bake differently. These were very dense cookies, not terribly soft, but still delicious.
This recipe came from the Wheat State Manor cookbook, and the recipe was contributed my a wonderful lady from my church, Edna Bayes.
Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. butter (I did not use this much, that's a lot!)
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 12 ox. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder in mixing bowl. Set aside. Combine butter, sugar, and brown sugar in large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Continue beating, scraping bowl clean, until well mixed. Reduce speed to low. Beat, gradually adding flour mixture until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls, 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Set oven to 375 degrees and bake for 10 to 14 minutes until lightly golden brown, but do not overbake. Let stand 1 or 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.
Note: Makes about 30 cookies. For 2 1/2 inch cookies, drop by rounded tablespoonfuls. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies
Second note: I did not have enough chocolate chips, so I did half chocolate and half butterscotch chips. It was a nice change.
Brief recap on recent activities: I got to go home two weekends ago for my sister's first wedding shower. This was the family one, so of course I wanted to be there. I had a great time seeing everyone, some of whom I had not seen in almost two years since I missed BOTH family Christmases last year. Plus, I got some quality immediate family time as well. I even talked Dad into a sunset motorcycle ride, which was lovely.
After coming back, I kept plugging away at work, handling photo orders, staffing issues, and everything that comes with being a manager. Thank goodness our Bible study is on servant leadership! I had no idea it would be so applicable when we started, but it has been amazing to learn how to lead like Jesus and actually get to apply it
A necessary part of work is celebrating birthdays. Each month we have a birthday party for all the birthday-ees for the month. This month, we celebrated my boss and one of our GAs. Our other boss got an amazing cupcake cake, Spongebob Squarepants themed, which was awesome. I contributed jumbo chocolate chip cookies, which were also good. I must say, they were a little different than I anticipated, but I think that's because I have started baking with butter instead of margarine. Growing up, we always used margarine, but for some reason I decided to start using butter, and it just makes things bake differently. These were very dense cookies, not terribly soft, but still delicious.
This recipe came from the Wheat State Manor cookbook, and the recipe was contributed my a wonderful lady from my church, Edna Bayes.
Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. butter (I did not use this much, that's a lot!)
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 12 ox. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder in mixing bowl. Set aside. Combine butter, sugar, and brown sugar in large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Continue beating, scraping bowl clean, until well mixed. Reduce speed to low. Beat, gradually adding flour mixture until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls, 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Set oven to 375 degrees and bake for 10 to 14 minutes until lightly golden brown, but do not overbake. Let stand 1 or 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.
Note: Makes about 30 cookies. For 2 1/2 inch cookies, drop by rounded tablespoonfuls. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies
Second note: I did not have enough chocolate chips, so I did half chocolate and half butterscotch chips. It was a nice change.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Kitchen Adventures 2.3
Life has been quite busy recently! And, quite frankly, I didn't feel the urge to update, even though I have made quite a few things recently. After a relaxing trip to Table Rock Lake in Missouri with my family, it was back to the real world. The real world held a lot more responsibilities, though, as I picked up more duties at work in preparation for advancing to a new position. As of tomorrow, I will be the acting librarian at the Western History Collections, a special collection in the OU library system. It will be exactly one year after I started working there as staff assistant, and quite honestly I never thought I would get this opportunity. But, I'm taking it, and I'm excited! The new responsibilities are draining, though, so that has taken the blogging desire right out of me. And with a busy last weekend, there was just no time to post.
Fortunately, that has changed! The busyness of the last week has invigorated me to share, and I have much to share! I'll start with the oldest recipe and work my way up, and eventually they'll all get up here. :)
The first recipe is one I took with me to the lake. I got it from my friend Megan Barbeau and it's a good standby for using old bananas, which I had. They are always delicious, with or without frosting.
Banana Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 beaten egg
1 c. mashed bananas
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
Directions:
Stir the wet ingredients together until combined. Stir together the dry ingredients, then add to the first mixture and beat well. Fill greased cupcake tins 2/3 full with batter. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Frost with powdered sugar icing and top with chopped nuts, if desired.
Fortunately, that has changed! The busyness of the last week has invigorated me to share, and I have much to share! I'll start with the oldest recipe and work my way up, and eventually they'll all get up here. :)
The first recipe is one I took with me to the lake. I got it from my friend Megan Barbeau and it's a good standby for using old bananas, which I had. They are always delicious, with or without frosting.
Banana Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 beaten egg
1 c. mashed bananas
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
Directions:
Stir the wet ingredients together until combined. Stir together the dry ingredients, then add to the first mixture and beat well. Fill greased cupcake tins 2/3 full with batter. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Frost with powdered sugar icing and top with chopped nuts, if desired.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Life as I Know It
Apparently me and blogging are not meant to be a regular event! Lots has happened in the last three months, but here are some highlights.
The highlight for March was going home at the end of spring break to go wedding dress shopping with Karen. It was a highly successful experience, since she found her dress! It's gorgeous and she will look lovely. I also got to meet up with my old friend and college roomie Jenny, which was wonderful since we had not gotten together for a couple years. The nasty weather that weekend was followed by lovely weather, so I went motorcycle riding with the boys, which was lots of fun. Gotta fill that need for speed!
April brought about the beginning of spring. It comes much sooner down in Norman than it does at home. Flowers bloom sooner, temperatures start climbing earlier, and allergies kick in early. :) But I love spring,so it's all good. I took on a little more responsibility at church by helping more with children's church planning, which has been a great blessing. Lots of social activities to keep me busy too, of course. Baseball began, so of course we had to take in a game. Here are a few pics from the outing.
Shaye and I
Shaye and Kate
Girls night and small group also kept going. We had some fun social outings together, celebrated birthdays and other fun times, and in general enjoyed each other's company.
May lived up to its reputation of stormy weather. Norman was threatened by tornadoes twice and actually got hit on the east side with the first one. There were also some crazy hail storms, but luckily those stayed north of Norman. Our friends that were deployed made it back, so small group has been wonderful with them back. We started a new Bible study called Lead Like Jesus which has been really good so far.
We also had lots of changes happen in May. Kate moved to Colorado at the end of the month to work on a dude ranch for the summer. Here are the cupcakes I made for her going away party, which was loads of fun.
I also moved since I needed a smaller place. Mom, Dad, and Karen came down at the end of the month to get me moved from the old place to the new one. It was a pretty good move, and it was great seeing the family for a bit. We even got to explore Norman a bit by eating at Hideaway Pizza and The Diner, two must-eats in Norman. I must say, living close to Campus Corner and work is definitely going to have its benefits!
So lots has happened, and lots of changes have occurred. But through it all, I still have my family and friends. I have applied for several jobs at different places, and though a part of me would like to be away at times, I keep hearing "Stay" whenever I pray about what to do. So, I guess I'll stay and see what God has in store for me here. :)
Here are pics from the latest baseball outing. Friday night fireworks-lots of fun!
Me, Shaye, and Marcus
Shaye and I
The highlight for March was going home at the end of spring break to go wedding dress shopping with Karen. It was a highly successful experience, since she found her dress! It's gorgeous and she will look lovely. I also got to meet up with my old friend and college roomie Jenny, which was wonderful since we had not gotten together for a couple years. The nasty weather that weekend was followed by lovely weather, so I went motorcycle riding with the boys, which was lots of fun. Gotta fill that need for speed!
April brought about the beginning of spring. It comes much sooner down in Norman than it does at home. Flowers bloom sooner, temperatures start climbing earlier, and allergies kick in early. :) But I love spring,so it's all good. I took on a little more responsibility at church by helping more with children's church planning, which has been a great blessing. Lots of social activities to keep me busy too, of course. Baseball began, so of course we had to take in a game. Here are a few pics from the outing.
Shaye and I
Shaye and Kate
Girls night and small group also kept going. We had some fun social outings together, celebrated birthdays and other fun times, and in general enjoyed each other's company.
May lived up to its reputation of stormy weather. Norman was threatened by tornadoes twice and actually got hit on the east side with the first one. There were also some crazy hail storms, but luckily those stayed north of Norman. Our friends that were deployed made it back, so small group has been wonderful with them back. We started a new Bible study called Lead Like Jesus which has been really good so far.
We also had lots of changes happen in May. Kate moved to Colorado at the end of the month to work on a dude ranch for the summer. Here are the cupcakes I made for her going away party, which was loads of fun.
I also moved since I needed a smaller place. Mom, Dad, and Karen came down at the end of the month to get me moved from the old place to the new one. It was a pretty good move, and it was great seeing the family for a bit. We even got to explore Norman a bit by eating at Hideaway Pizza and The Diner, two must-eats in Norman. I must say, living close to Campus Corner and work is definitely going to have its benefits!
So lots has happened, and lots of changes have occurred. But through it all, I still have my family and friends. I have applied for several jobs at different places, and though a part of me would like to be away at times, I keep hearing "Stay" whenever I pray about what to do. So, I guess I'll stay and see what God has in store for me here. :)
Here are pics from the latest baseball outing. Friday night fireworks-lots of fun!
Me, Shaye, and Marcus
Shaye and I
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
