Memorial Day 2009

Today we went to visit Mike's parents. Abby had never been to their plots and we thought it was time to check in on them. The last time we visited was before Abby was born. Their headstones were very overgrown with grass. This time we brought several tools to "edge" and clean them up, but when we got there we were pleasantly surprised that they looked quite nice. Here are pictures of our afternoon.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

I didn't realize how easy these cookies were:

3 beaten eggs

1 1/2 cup sugar
4 squares (4 ounces) unsweetened chocolate, melted

1/2 cup cooking oil

2 tea baking powder

2 tea vanilla

2 cups flour

sifted powdered sugar

In a mixing bowl combine beaten eggs, sugar, melted chocolate, cooking oil, baking powder, and vanilla. Gradually add flour to chocolate mixture, stirring till thoroughly combined. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours till easy to handle.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in powdered sugar and coat generously. Place in ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day

I know this post is suppost to be about Mother's Day, but I took these pictures before church. She looked so darn cute that I couldn't resist. She didn't like this dress (I LOVE it), but I bribed her with chocolate chips, notice her purse... there is a sandwich bag with chocolate in it! Today was a good day; Mike and Abby went to church, we had pizza, I had a nap, we called Monnie and my mom, and wished my sister a happy birthday.

Now I'm ready for Monday!

Ooey, Gooey Goodness

I have been craving a recipe that my mom gave me while in college. I haven't made it since, but every now and then I think about it. Well today I called my mom; but she wasn't home, so I looked it up on the internet. I didn't find the EXACT recipe, but I did find a recipe SO similar, that I can only think of one difference. Here it is...

Chocolate Pudding Cake

3/4 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Flour

3 Tbls Cocoa

2 Tea Baking Powder

1/4 Tea Salt

1/2 Cup Milk

1/3 Cup Melted Butter or Margarine

1 1/2 Tea Vanilla

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

4 Tbls Cocoa

1 1/3 Cup Hot Water

Combine 3/4 cup sugar, flour, 3 tbls cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

Blend in milk, butter, and vanilla.

Beat until smooth. Pure into 8" square pan.

In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, and 4 tbls cocoa. Sprinkle over top of cake. DO NOT STIR. Pour hot water over cake. DO NOT STIR.

Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes. Stand for 15 minutes

Enjoy!

A New Morning Staple?

I wonder why this bread hasn't become a staple like Zuchini, Pumpkin, or Banana Bread. This would be the perfect side-kick at breadfast or brunch. It was given to me by Patrice and I absolutely LOVE it and so does Abby!

Country Cinnamon Swirl Bread

1/4 Cup Butter, Softened

1 1/3 Cup Sugar, Divided

1 Egg

2 Cups Flour

1 Tea Baking Powder

1/2 Tea Baking Soda

1/2 Tea Salt

1 Cup Buttermilk

1 Tbls Cinnamon

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, 1 cup sugar and egg until blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add an egg to the mixture alternately with buttermilk. In small bowl, combine the cinnamon and remaining sugar.

Pour a third of the batter in a greased bread loaf pan; sprinkle with a third of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat the layers twice. Bake at 350F for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Easter Egg Hunt

This is of Abby's "FIRST" Easter Egg Hunt. Our neighbors had an activity at their house and invited everyone. I had intended Mike to take Abby around, but she wouldn't have it (we went to the Dr's yesterday, Abby has a bladder infection). The hunt was pretty easy, she was done in a matter of seconds. She was overwhelmed with all the people, but I am hoping next year will be more fun for her. I keep thanking Mike, over and over, for all my back-side shots, just what I needed! With that, enjoy!

Abby's Christmas Dress

This is another of my posts that is LONG over-due! This is Abby's Christmas dress from her aunt Hilary. It is completely GORGEOUS, but I have never snapped a picture of it. Today, to quote a movie we saw yesterday (Monsters vs. Aliens)... "I don't have a brain, but I had a thought." to take a picture, that is. Here is some of my favorites...

BTW, we LOVED the movie Monsters vs Aliens. I don't think Abby even blinked through the whole thing!