8 weeks old
Blonde Joke of the "Month"
What do you get when you put seven blondes in a freezer?
::: Frosted Flakes :::
Mason is in the News
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/092008/09232008/412532
Only 7 weeks after entering the world, Mason and his brothers and sisters are stars in the newspaper. We can't really tell from the photos which one he is, but they are all so darn cute! We can't wait to pick up our bundle of joy this Saturday. Enjoy!
Only 7 weeks after entering the world, Mason and his brothers and sisters are stars in the newspaper. We can't really tell from the photos which one he is, but they are all so darn cute! We can't wait to pick up our bundle of joy this Saturday. Enjoy!
Caramel Apple Layer Cake
Cake:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs + 2 large egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans.
Combine flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in 2 sticks butter until mixture is crumbly.
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs + 2 large egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans.
Combine flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in 2 sticks butter until mixture is crumbly.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, 1/2 cup cream, applesauce and vanilla. Mix into the dry ingredients until smooth.
Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until springy to the touch and toothpick in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cakes cool completely.
Filling:
3 Tablespoons butter
3 crisp granny smith apples (about 1 lb.), peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise
1/3 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons heavy cream
In a medium skillet, melt butter over med-low heat. Add apples slices and sugar and cook, stirring often, until apples are tender and the juice is syrupy, about 15 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Icing:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup caramel sauce
Beat 2 sticks butter and confectioners' sugar until light and creamy. Slowly mix in the caramel sauce.
Assembly:
Place 1 cake layer on a cake plate; spread the apple filling evenly on top, then cover with the remaining cake layer. using an offset spatula, cover top and sides with caramel icing.
Recipe from Everyday with Rachel Ray.
Chocolate Chip Scones
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12-oz) package dark chocolate chips
2 cups chilled whipping cream
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
additional sugar
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
Stir together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir in chocolate chips.
Stir whipping cream into flour mixture, stirring just until ingredients are moistened.
Turn mixture out onto lightly floured surface. Knead gently until soft dough forms (about 2 minutes). Divide dough into three equal balls. One ball at a time, flatten into 7-inch circle; cut into 8 triangles. Transfer triangles to prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with additional sugar.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar, if desired.
Recipe found on the Brown Eyed Baker's blog.
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12-oz) package dark chocolate chips
2 cups chilled whipping cream
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
additional sugar
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
Stir together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir in chocolate chips.
Stir whipping cream into flour mixture, stirring just until ingredients are moistened.
Turn mixture out onto lightly floured surface. Knead gently until soft dough forms (about 2 minutes). Divide dough into three equal balls. One ball at a time, flatten into 7-inch circle; cut into 8 triangles. Transfer triangles to prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with additional sugar.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar, if desired.
Recipe found on the Brown Eyed Baker's blog.
Mexican Lasagna
Recipe adapted from Better Homes & Gardens.1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
16 ounces sour cream
6 scallions, finely chopped
2 lbs lean ground beef
28 ounces crushed tomatoes, drained
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 small can green chiles
6 large flour tortillas
16 ounces shredded mexican cheese
Brown ground beef, drain. Lower heat to simmer and place meat back in pan. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes. Mix sour cream and scallions together.
Grease a large baking dish and place 1 flour tortilla in the center bottom. Cut a second tortilla into quarters and place in the corners of the dish.
Add a layer of meat sauce (about 1/2).
Repeat tortillas.
Add a layer of refried beans.
Add a layer of sour cream.
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese.
Repeat tortillas.
Add 2nd layer of meat sauce.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake at 375 degress for 30 minutes.
Baked Mac and Cheese
8 ounces penne rigate wheat pasta
4 Tablespoons butter, divided
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 cups milk
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup swiss cheese, divided
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and salt and stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in dry mustard. Add milk gradually, stirring constantly.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheddar, 1/4 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the swiss. Mix cheese sauce and macaroni in a large bowl. Spoon into a 9 x 7 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar, mozzarella and swiss.
Melt remaining butter in saucepan over medium heat. Combine bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl and mix well. Sprinkle on top of the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Apple Clafouti
Recipe adapted from Michael Chiarello.
Batter:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon groud cinnamon
1 pinch of salt
3 eggs + 1 egg yolk
1 cup whole milk
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Mix eggs and milk in a small bowl. Slowly work egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Cover and refirgerate while preparing apples.
Apples:
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced(1 large apple)
2 tablespoons sugar
t teaspoon vanilla extract
Over medium high heat, brown the butter in a 10" cast iron skillet. Add apples and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened. Sprinkle sugar over apples. Reduce heat to medium low. Cook until apples sofeten and sugar has melted to a light syrup. Add vanilla extract and warm for an additional minute.
Spread fruit out evenly in the skillet. Pour batter evenly over the fruit. Bake at 400 degrees until edges are puffed and browned and enter is set. Approximately 15 minutes.
Dust with confectioners sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Batter:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon groud cinnamon
1 pinch of salt
3 eggs + 1 egg yolk
1 cup whole milk
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Mix eggs and milk in a small bowl. Slowly work egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Cover and refirgerate while preparing apples.
Apples:
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced(1 large apple)
2 tablespoons sugar
t teaspoon vanilla extract
Over medium high heat, brown the butter in a 10" cast iron skillet. Add apples and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened. Sprinkle sugar over apples. Reduce heat to medium low. Cook until apples sofeten and sugar has melted to a light syrup. Add vanilla extract and warm for an additional minute.
Spread fruit out evenly in the skillet. Pour batter evenly over the fruit. Bake at 400 degrees until edges are puffed and browned and enter is set. Approximately 15 minutes.
Dust with confectioners sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
This recipe was a miss. We were looking for a great warm apple dessert, and this just didn't cut it. It was way to egg-y and just not our taste at all. Oh well, on to the next yummy sounding apple recipe!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda dissolved in 1 tsp milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cups nuts (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
Combine pumpkin, sugar, oil & egg. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon & salt, add to pumpkin mixture along with dissolved baking soda and mix well. Stir in nuts, chocolate chips and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be soft.
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda dissolved in 1 tsp milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cups nuts (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
Combine pumpkin, sugar, oil & egg. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon & salt, add to pumpkin mixture along with dissolved baking soda and mix well. Stir in nuts, chocolate chips and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be soft.
Random
If it’s bolded, I have done it…
1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby’s diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain (a small one)
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said “I love you” and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don’t
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103 Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Prepared a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz and polka.
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter
I’ve done a total of 56 things on that list. How many have you done?
1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby’s diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain (a small one)
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said “I love you” and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don’t
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103 Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Prepared a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz and polka.
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter
I’ve done a total of 56 things on that list. How many have you done?
Rolo Cookies
1 box devils food cake mix (DH)1 large egg
1/4 cup water
3 TBSP vegetable oil
30 rolos (approx)
