tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74931481512114965482024-03-13T15:58:51.764-04:00Love Big, Bake OftenTaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-27723184890789892942014-02-12T19:21:00.001-05:002014-02-12T19:21:04.235-05:00Am I back?<p> </p> <p>It has been a year since I blogged.  A whole year.  I wasn’t sure I would come back to blogging.  I have still been baking, cooking, creating, loving….but haven’t felt the words to blog.  I was thinking about getting back into it in January, just not sure what would be my back to it post.</p> <p>Then….came the email.  “Show us what you would make with our Girl Scout cookies”  The calling….yes, I had some great ideas.  And so I said yes,  I would love some cookies to play with, to create with, to BLOG with.  </p> <p>I ran some great (in my mind) ideas by the husband and boys….and came up with these.</p> <p><strong><font size="5">Samoa Baked Doughnuts</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SeSKEwNmqjs/UvwP39pvpoI/AAAAAAAAAKE/zzRxarfVIxk/s1600-h/IMG_5811%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5811" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5811" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NUTKB_VIVQc/UvwP4JWBLtI/AAAAAAAAAKI/2GA7nfF5lfM/IMG_5811_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="338" /></a> </p> <p>Looks good right?!   Good enough for a comeback?  :)</p> <p>I love how easy baked doughnuts are, no need to mess around with oil and frying.  I love a good fried yeasty doughnut, but there is something about a baked cakey doughnut that just makes me happy.  And we all want to be happy.  These will make you happy.  I promise.</p> <p>Ingredients:</p> <p>3/4 cup AP Flour</p> <p>3 TB Unsweetened Cocoa</p> <p>1/2 cup Sugar</p> <p>1/2 tsp Baking Soda</p> <p>1/4 tsp Baking Powder</p> <p>1 TBSP Coconut Extract</p> <p>1/4 cup Milk</p> <p>1 Egg</p> <p>3 TBSP Canola Oil</p> <p>1/4 cup Hot Water</p> <p>Preheat your oven to 350 deg.  Gather your ingredients.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-waKSL239BQg/UvwP4kvdgHI/AAAAAAAAAKU/9CxgkUrWbS4/s1600-h/IMG_5771%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5771" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5771" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YU_aD_lVMaw/UvwP5ObRNDI/AAAAAAAAAKc/NHmabsIkUHU/IMG_5771_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="267" /></a></p> <p>I will tell you all about that Coconut Jam in a bit.  It’s divine.  </p> <p>Directions:</p> <p>Mix your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  </p> <p>In a large-ish measuring cup, whisk together the milk, egg, oil and coconut extract.  Pour into the dry ingredients and whisk all together until there are no traces of flour.  Mixture will be thick.  Add 1/4 cup of hot water.  Whisk together slowly as to not splash.  </p> <p>Pour batter into prepared (spray with baking spray) doughnut pans.  Fill wells about 1/2 way full.  I like to pour my batter into a piping bag and then pipe in the batter….less mess.  Makes approx 9-10 doughnuts depending on your pan size.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0WaIJiGGzgM/UvwP5p5_v5I/AAAAAAAAAKk/FzMY22opFX0/s1600-h/IMG_5781%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5781" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5781" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kZcpFZ00Vkc/UvwP6C5bCsI/AAAAAAAAAKo/EL9c59HcPX8/IMG_5781_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="277" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.wilton.com/">Wilton</a> makes a great heart doughnut pan….thought that would be fun for Valentine’s Day…aka love day.</p> <p>Bake the doughnuts for about 9-10 minutes.  Should be springy when touched.   Gently remove from the pan and onto a rack to cool.</p> <p>While the doughnuts are cooling mix together the following for the chocolate glaze.</p> <p>1/4 cup Melted Butter  (so worth it.)</p> <p>1 1/2 cups Powdered/Confectioners Sugar</p> <p>2 TB Unsweetened Cocoa</p> <p>2 tsp Coconut Extract</p> <p>1-2 TB Hot Water</p> <p>Mix all ingredients together, except the water.  Add water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.  </p> <p>Then…..take about 4 tablespoons of the delicious Coconut Jam and put in a microwavable dish.  Microwave the jam for about 15 seconds until slightly melted.   You can find this jam in most Asian markets.  It seriously tastes like a coconut caramel….awfully decadent, and incredibly delicious. Look at it…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WUp2JdrarKk/UvwP6doasvI/AAAAAAAAAKw/iqVx31O1R2g/s1600-h/IMG_5795%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5795" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5795" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3VmgchUh8pc/UvwP67TREBI/AAAAAAAAAK0/fYSfFpSUCsk/IMG_5795_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="291" /></a> </p> <p>Be sure to chop up about 4-5 Girl Scout Samoa cookies too.  And have a few tablespoons of shredded coconut out too.</p> <p>Time to assemble these doughnuts….</p> <p>Gently dip the doughnut into the glaze – put back on to the rack so the glaze can do it’s thing and drip down the sides (yum).  Work on two at a time so that the glaze stays wet enough for toppings to stick.  Sprinkle the glaze with a bit of shredded coconut, and chopped Samoa.   Work on two at a time until all have toppings.   Then…..you cannot miss this step….drizzle all the topped doughnuts with the melted Coconut Jam.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W-4qE6bo2nA/UvwP7P1DpPI/AAAAAAAAAK8/mlBMgQMwvqg/s1600-h/IMG_5821%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5821" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5821" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PHN50vHb3XI/UvwP7jRL5gI/AAAAAAAAALE/qgSjTlaF-XU/IMG_5821_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="378" /></a> </p> <p>Next…it’s really easy….call down your children, husband, anyone, to enjoy these with you.  They wont be disappointed.</p> <p>A huge thank you to <a href="https://www.girlscoutsww.org/Pages/Recipe-Contest.aspx" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Western Washington</a> for allowing me to participate in their Girl Scout Cookie Contest.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>If you need to find out where to get your hands on some Girl Scout cookies to make these….they made this really awesome <a href="http://cookielocator.littlebrownie.com/" target="_blank">cookie finder page</a> for you.  Cookie sales are from Feb. 28 – March 16.</p> <p>You can also find Girl Scouts of Western Washington on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsWW" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/GirlScoutsWW" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p> <p>Hope you get your hands on some Samoas and make these…..seriously.</p> <p>ps….doughnuts are the new cupcake. </p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02970243550831220492noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-3594762320599604192013-02-13T18:55:00.001-05:002013-02-13T19:01:04.121-05:00Do-Si-Do Pie!<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">It’s that time of year again….the Girl Scouts are out and about selling their delicious cookies door to door and at your local grocery stores. Have you seen them yet? If not, you can check </span><a href="http://cookielocator.littlebrownie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;"> to see how to get your hands on some of their goodies. There is an </span><a href="http://littlebrowniebakers.com/cookies/find-girl-scout-cookies-on-your-mobile-phone/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">app</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;"> for that too!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">The <a href="https://www.girlscoutsww.org/Pages/Recipe-Contest.aspx" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Western Washington</a> announced last month that they would be having their Girl Scout Cookie Recipe Contest again….and of course, even though I am as busy as can be, I couldn’t NOT take the chance to submit a recipe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">I wanted to make something with peanut butter this year, though I did test some recipes out with the Savannah Smiles….love the lemon tang….goes perfect with meyer lemons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">And you know peanut butter goes ever so lovely with….chocolate!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FuA_pSN60d8/URwn8x4UcyI/AAAAAAAABKs/YZCubpwsVLA/s1600-h/2013-02-12%25252013.52.00%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2013-02-12 13.52.00" border="0" height="418" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5qKqDvkA9qo/URwn9SHvlcI/AAAAAAAABK0/JcHVkyeOSG4/2013-02-12%25252013.52.00_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2013-02-12 13.52.00" width="611" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: large;"><u>Do-Si-Do Pie!</u></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">I made 4 mini pies (4inch) but this recipe would make an 8 inch pie</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Crust:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">2 Sleeves of Do-Si-Do cookies – with the peanut butter filling removed (eek….I know!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">4 tbsp Melted Butter</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">5 oz Chopped Dark Chocolate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">1/4 cup Smooth Peanut Butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">1/2 cup Heavy Cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">2 tsp Vanilla Extract</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Peanut Butter Chocolate Filling:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">1/2 cup Heavy Cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">1/2 cup Smooth Peanut Butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">1/2 cup Powdered Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">7 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">2 oz Melted Dark Chocolate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">1 tsp Vanilla Extract</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">To make the crust:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Put the do-si-do cookies in a large ziploc bag. Take your frustrations out on the cookies with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer….or if you have no frustrations, feel free to put them in a food processor and turn them into crumbs. I liked leaving some larger chunks for texture, but mostly you want crumbs. Similar to making a graham cracker crust.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Put into a medium sized bowl. Add butter and mix thoroughly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pie plate(s). Put into the fridge while you make the other components to the pie.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">To make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Place the chopped chocolate and peanut butter into a heat proof bowl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">On medium low, heat the heavy cream and vanilla in a small pot. Simmer for a minute or two….you want it hot, but not boiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate and peanut butter. Let it sit for a bit to let the chocolate melt a bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Whisk together until smooth. Set aside to cool a little, but not too much – you want it pourable still.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">To make the Peanut Butter Chocolate Filling:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">I used </span><a href="http://www.injennieskitchen.com/2011/08/for-mikey/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">this recipe</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;"> from Jennifer Perillo for this filling….with the addition of chocolate to make it a little richer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Whip the heavy cream in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Put the bowl into the fridge to chill out while you make the rest of the filling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">In a double boiler or microwave, melt the 2 oz of dark chocolate and set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and peanut butter until fluffy and lovely. Switch it to low and beat in the powdered sugar until combined. Add in the condensed milk, vanilla and melted chocolate. Increase the speed and mix until well combined and the filling is smooth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Using a large spatula, mix in 1/2 of the whipped cream. Then fold in the remainder of the whipped cream.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">To put the whole pie together….</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Take the pie plate(s) out of the fridge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Spoon enough of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache to cover the bottom of the pie crust.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Pour the Peanut Butter Chocolate Filling into the pie plate(s). Use a spatula to smooth the surface.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Drizzle some of the remaining ganache over the top of the filling to make it look pretty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Put the pie into the fridge to set for a few hours or overnight. If you can wait that long. This pie filling is hard to not just sit with and devour with a spoon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">ENJOY!!</span>Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-6849402467084539292013-01-15T13:21:00.001-05:002013-01-15T13:26:18.499-05:00Courage to Change GIVEAWAY<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Super excited to kick the year off with a giveaway on LB,BO. When I saw that Shell, from <a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/" target="_blank">Things I Can’t Say</a>, was looking for bloggers to test out and giveaway board games from <a href="http://www.couragetochange.com/home.php" target="_blank">Courage to Change</a>, games designed for kids with special needs, I knew that it was an opportunity I should jump on. All the games that I was able to chose from were tempting….but I focused on one that I thought would help and be fun for my special little man.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things that we (Aiden’s Preschool teachers and I) are working on with him is routine and rules. We are planning on putting him in all day kindergarten next year, knowing that it could be tough, to get him use to those routines and rules that go along with being in school ALL day. So that when he gets to first grade, he has them down pat and can focus on the learning. So….when I saw “<a href="http://www.couragetochange.com/The-Classroom-Behavior-Game/" target="_blank">The Classroom Behavior Game</a>”, I knew that would be a great one to work on these skills with him to prepare him for next year. I also thought that it would be a fun game to take into the school so that his classmates could enjoy it and learn some of the rules as well. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CvVW9LdcnPM/UPWeKXu4JDI/AAAAAAAABJo/kUSqHOgSJMc/s1600-h/classroombehav%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="classroombehav" border="0" height="336" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MQGxc93bUqY/UPWeLKkk0SI/AAAAAAAABJw/QOk5SQ3vxTs/classroombehav_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="classroombehav" width="336" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After watching the <a href="http://www.couragetochange.com/The-Classroom-Behavior-Game/" target="_blank">video</a> about the game and who it caters to, I knew that it would be a fantastic game for Aiden. And for Jakob! It will be a fun way for Jakob to teach Aiden how to behave in school, and maybe remind Jakob too!! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am REALLY looking forward to getting the game – my stalking the tracking number says it will be here in three days. You could have a chance to win one too!</span>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/897fc226/" id="rc-897fc226" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to check back here next week for a review of the game itself, after the boys and I get to play it a few times and take it into Aiden’s class for his friends to give it a whirl.</span>Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-10832588216031340112013-01-09T23:05:00.001-05:002013-01-09T23:05:25.504-05:00Wordless Wednesday<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NwJfgLi6UUU/UO4-Af3UtbI/AAAAAAAABIk/sUJ4WIHOeXQ/s1600-h/aidenswim%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="aidenswim" border="0" alt="aidenswim" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lJCQ-tckxg0/UO4-A5sNt8I/AAAAAAAABIs/3PkrtMU_1LM/aidenswim_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="388" /></a> </p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">He gets a little excited about swim lessons.</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-81576840869711853502013-01-02T22:50:00.001-05:002013-01-02T22:50:59.539-05:00Wordless Wednesday<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GAdDYsvnd4Y/UOUAH4oid2I/AAAAAAAABHg/aTO2GADbUxo/s1600-h/december2012%252520066%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="december2012 066" border="0" alt="december2012 066" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wdiDdbRi6Cs/UOUAIRZwy6I/AAAAAAAABHo/AIGktjywPEI/december2012%252520066_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="406" /></a> </p> <p><font size="5">I miss my Army Man.  Be safe, my love.</font></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:702c9ef6-fa8a-4fe3-a7ec-bf227cefd903" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/jason" rel="tag">jason</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/wordless+wednesday" rel="tag">wordless wednesday</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/love" rel="tag">love</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/family" rel="tag">family</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/man" rel="tag">man</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/army" rel="tag">army</a></div> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-33155940508825565772013-01-01T22:40:00.001-05:002013-01-01T22:40:03.967-05:00Happy New Year<p> </p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">With the start of a brand new year, I think about all the things that I didn’t quite accomplish in the past year and if they are something that I really wanted to do…or what was stopping me.</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Ask anyone who knows me well will tell you I am the queen of procrastination – will find any reason to stand in my own way. </font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">I have goals for this year, attainable ones.  We will get into this later as I start to plan them out a little further.</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">The problem with starting this new year and thinking about all the great possibilities that come with it is that I am starting it without my partner, my best friend.  Having Jason on the other side of the world for the first half of this year makes it difficult.  Will it really start, do I want to accomplish all these goals without him?  I know he would tell me to get it done, get going, make things happen. </font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Damn Army.  </font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">So, with those thoughts floating around my head and heart, I wish you all a very Happy New Year and hope that all your dreams come true this year….I plan on making mine!</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-88730091273259357152012-09-10T18:35:00.001-04:002012-09-10T18:35:58.910-04:00He touches my heart….<p> </p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Aiden had his first day of school today.  Another year of Preschool for my little man, he will love it and then will be primed and ready for Kindergarten next year.</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Today he came home with this:</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ggMW4g8OPAQ/UE5rQ7DJBII/AAAAAAAABGg/g1hwDLLk4P4/s1600-h/septaiden%252520001%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="septaiden 001" border="0" alt="septaiden 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qng9-prcuPc/UE5rRYrWFgI/AAAAAAAABGo/W5684CU5kKc/septaiden%252520001_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="423" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">A puzzle…with this note:</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZYUztzSZxNg/UE5rSBK_vXI/AAAAAAAABGw/EgmIGYfd3_Q/s1600-h/septaiden%252520004%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="septaiden 004" border="0" alt="septaiden 004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Su3ut_UqHHE/UE5rSg-cL_I/AAAAAAAABG4/9FDQPfEMpbg/septaiden%252520004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="320" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Touching.  Truly warmed my heart.  And we did just what it said, we put it together and he told me about all the fun he had.  Thank you Ms. H, I adore it.</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">It was inspired by this </font><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Kissing-Hand-With-Audio/dp/0756992990/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347316404&sr=8-1&keywords=the+kissing+hand" target="_blank"><font size="5" face="Tahoma">book</font></a><font size="5" face="Tahoma">, which they read today:</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dydbLrZ64L8/UE5rS356kJI/AAAAAAAABHA/CrfPdoAV4rA/s1600-h/kissing%252520hand%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="kissing hand" border="0" alt="kissing hand" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vte57FeyI5k/UE5rTa1L5qI/AAAAAAAABHI/8A3bYWMztZ0/kissing%252520hand_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Great first day!!</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-42158906603237141642012-09-10T16:40:00.001-04:002012-09-10T16:40:48.337-04:00Back to school!<p> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”…..</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">I love this time of year….love the fresh start of back to school.  The possibilities are endless.  New teacher, clean slate, new friends, and my favorite part is all the new school supplies!  I am a sucker for new pens and pencils.  Oh, and a new day planner.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">But I digress….</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">The boys were SO excited to start school this year.  Both of them have new (to their school) teachers…so even more newness.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Jakob started last week….he had a fabulous week last week and was just as excited to go today. He is making new friends, and just adores his new teacher.  Pretty great start. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x26BehYHbYo/UE5QQkKX34I/AAAAAAAABFo/Di-DjqcdjWE/s1600-h/sept2012%252520122%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sept2012 122" border="0" alt="sept2012 122" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_R3xdL-QNmI/UE5QRBMDLGI/AAAAAAAABFw/ZL6RquUYA_A/sept2012%252520122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="418" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Oh, and did I mention that he started school with a Mohawk??  When did I become the Mama of a kid with a Mohawk??  His choice.  He feels like such a rebel.  LOL</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Aiden started today.  I was a little nervous for him, but the kid just ran right into class without a second thought.  Always surprises me. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bl2XwwLxuZE/UE5QR6VbpnI/AAAAAAAABF4/gNLMmFgcTdo/s1600-h/sept2012%252520230%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sept2012 230" border="0" alt="sept2012 230" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4QzGkTLm25w/UE5QSRnR8GI/AAAAAAAABF8/p1sCDxo0TJU/sept2012%252520230_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="404" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">The best part of their first days of school was that Jason was able to be there for both!  Between deployments and trainings Jason has missed many a school event….but this time he was able to be there for BOTH of the boys.  Fabulous.  Meant the absolute world to them. And me.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-05mLrabXro0/UE5QS0A5lYI/AAAAAAAABGE/DzycUKnt-R4/s1600-h/sept2012%252520232%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sept2012 232" border="0" alt="sept2012 232" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NuRbHneXLAE/UE5QTZUG16I/AAAAAAAABGM/tpJhFrtOdA8/sept2012%252520232_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="387" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Wishing good things for both my boys and their new year.  And to you and your new students.  What is your favorite part of the kids going back to school?</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-17336150195046464482012-08-03T16:32:00.001-04:002012-08-03T16:32:23.616-04:00Soccer Mama?<p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">I have dreams of being a Hockey Mama….maybe unrealistic dreams since the boys have yet to go ice skating.  <a href="http://culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com" target="_blank">Peabody</a> may kill me – or revoke my Canadian Citizenship. There isn’t a local place to take them.  I guess I need to do more research and just expect to drive a good distance to get them some ice time.  Worth it, right?</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">In the meantime, I am a Soccer Mama.  Jakob is playing with the YMCA this summer.  He is super excited and doing fantastic.  I thought he would be upset when they lost their first THREE games….but his understanding of sportsmanship has gotten better with age.  I remember when he tried soccer in GA and hated to lose or not score a goal….now he is able to shrug it off….even with a 7-0 score against his team. </font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Aiden really wants to play, but after much discussion we decided that he just wasn’t ready or able to process the team concept.  But next year, he will run the field. </font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">This past weekend was fabulous.  Having his whole family, and extended family out on the sidelines cheering Jakob on was nothing short of awesome.  With Mom, Ron, Tim and Nicole visiting, Jakob had his own cheer squad out there.  He LOVED it.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xtPQPCrms5w/UBw1RwmcoXI/AAAAAAAABEw/dLCgk-Zl-vU/s1600-h/July%252520Visit%252520073%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="July Visit 073" border="0" alt="July Visit 073" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-olqkoDIUhBA/UBw1SRYfr7I/AAAAAAAABE4/kvPxlyTGzBc/July%252520Visit%252520073_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="340" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VQNdn-gY_Qo/UBw1TTNsYtI/AAAAAAAABFA/1vG27rNJGXA/s1600-h/July%252520Visit%252520121%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="July Visit 121" border="0" alt="July Visit 121" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Qc79gsteFw/UBw1T_rJq6I/AAAAAAAABFE/AbD6WBW35Dc/July%252520Visit%252520121_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="343" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zIz5akxiHPg/UBw1UjaCmPI/AAAAAAAABFQ/dOpJOVJPSDI/s1600-h/July%252520Visit%252520135%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="July Visit 135" border="0" alt="July Visit 135" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hjYo60xG1-M/UBw1VA3RENI/AAAAAAAABFY/wDPZMqcFDxo/July%252520Visit%252520135_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="345" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">I guess I should be glad that he is having fun, learning teamwork, and that with soccer there is no 5am cold rink time.</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">There will be hockey in their future though….you can count on it!</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-38285236116119866552012-08-01T18:35:00.001-04:002012-08-01T18:35:53.187-04:00Wordless Wednesday<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7YGe4HNKzow/UBmvRUkPeFI/AAAAAAAABEY/ADaoQbxzXgs/s1600-h/July%252520Visit%252520428%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="July Visit 428" border="0" alt="July Visit 428" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KA9xeHmEOpM/UBmvR-cfZPI/AAAAAAAABEg/LZpXjjgWJTM/July%252520Visit%252520428_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="380" /></a></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">This handsome man would be my brother….it was SO great to spend the week with him and his wife, Nicole.  I adore him.</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma"></font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-37080195077248106052012-06-27T21:19:00.001-04:002012-06-27T21:19:15.069-04:00Wordless Wednesday<p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Does anything say summer more than this?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mfUoMH13ylI/T-uxECBLkCI/AAAAAAAABEE/2ycnRnYJQjE/s1600-h/june20%252520198%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="june20 198" border="0" alt="june20 198" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FrMJ7dMx1UA/T-uxEkGp5hI/AAAAAAAABEM/ScNSLs3jUXQ/june20%252520198_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="437" /></a></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-42150171192655148552012-06-23T18:18:00.001-04:002012-06-23T18:18:40.556-04:00A Mama<p>I am a mama to a boy with special needs.  1st step is admitting it right?  Well, not really admitting it, but acknowledging it publicly.  I have known it and talked about it in my private life for a while now.  But here it is….to those who didn’t know or those who doubt it.   </p> <p>He may not look it. There are no outward signs.  He looks like a happy, healthy 4 1/2 year old. And he IS. He is normal. Perfect, actually.  It takes him a little longer to process your instructions, he throws epic tantrums over things that may seem insignificant to you and I but for him are the end of the world, he doesn’t handle change well, he thrives on routine and familiarity, he is sensitive, he tries to play with others (is actually sometimes desperate to), and gets his feelings hurt when he can’t.  </p> <p>Aiden has social developmental delays and Sensory Processing Disorder. </p> <p>So when you see him, don’t judge him or I and the fact that he is still in pull-ups.  He’ll get there, there isn’t any rush.  </p> <p>When he invades your personal space or cuts through a line, don’t think that I haven’t taught him manners. He doesn’t have the concept of space, how close he is, how far away he is, or that there is a line actually happening. Especially if he is on a mission to get somewhere.</p> <p>If he doesn’t talk to you, don’t take it personally. He may actually not hear you depending on how focused on something he is.  Or if he yells at you to not talk to him, it may be that you disrupted his thoughts or that the noises around him are too much for him and you just added to it.  He doesn’t mean to do it, it is how he copes and we are working on the yelling.  It has decreased significantly, and will continue to get better.  </p> <p>As a mother I am doing the best I can, what I believe is the best for my son.  There are too many people out there judging how others parent and quick to make assumptions.  It’s a good thing they don’t have a child with issues.</p> <p>Aiden is a wonderful child. A very special soul.  He is mine for a reason and I know it.   </p> <p>I love him. Wouldn’t change a thing. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gqPNiRFVDlM/T-ZAvVeVZhI/AAAAAAAABDw/tdFfi63aw5o/s1600-h/june20%252520452%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="june20 452" border="0" alt="june20 452" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QlhVqenuZIo/T-ZAv8timkI/AAAAAAAABD4/8B-bnPlxdYI/june20%252520452_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="382" /></a></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-82593327824649701612012-03-01T14:45:00.001-05:002012-03-01T14:45:07.600-05:00Wordless Wednesday<p>We have a sick pooch.  We pick her up today from the vet as she had to have surgery yesterday to remove a sock from her intestine (dumb dog).  Thank goodness she is ok.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uN-sHELLOHQ/T0_RwebUw1I/AAAAAAAABDg/XEO7JQ88zbY/s1600-h/march%252520018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="march 018" border="0" alt="march 018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oN90tmfE3W0/T0_RwlV5aXI/AAAAAAAABDo/0Vl2rKc_MaI/march%252520018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="458" /></a></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-87542284094395546322012-02-13T00:20:00.001-05:002012-02-13T00:20:30.826-05:00Meyer Lemon and Vanilla Bean Pudding Tarts<p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">My dear friend, Jen, sent me a link to a contest.  The message said “you should do this”.  Yes, yes I should.  So here we are.  Girl Scout Cookie time.  Jen’s daughter is a Girl Scout, so I knew I would be getting my hands on all the cookies I could handle (and then some), but this contest was right up my alley.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Think outside the box.  Think about how you can take a Girl Scout cookie and turn it into something more.  The Girl Scouts have so many different kinds of cookies these days, so deciding which cookie to transform into something more delicious wasn’t an easy decision.  I couldn’t decide which to work with when ordering, so I ended up with four different kinds and a TON of ideas going crazy in my head.    After taste testing them all (such a “hard” task) it was clear which one I wanted to work with.  Since we just came from Georgia, birth place of the Girl Scouts, and the fact that Meyer Lemons were in season, I had no choice but to go with the Savannah Smiles.  Lemon, sweet, cookie, goodness. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p2sqvon43ZI/TzidlkDUUvI/AAAAAAAABCg/hhxqIQj_XIU/s1600-h/february2012%252520377%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="february2012 377" border="0" alt="february2012 377" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MlLWa33HJVk/Tzidl6y5VrI/AAAAAAAABCo/pNz5Tecjy24/february2012%252520377_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="403" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Look at these Meyer Lemons….how could I not?</font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uOokJybCPeE/TzidmQBspPI/AAAAAAAABCw/uEuxCh6DFWY/s1600-h/february2012%252520069%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="february2012 069" border="0" alt="february2012 069" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yTDFB301tgE/Tzidmn5kwpI/AAAAAAAABC4/T-LTKCIifTg/february2012%252520069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="260" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">So here I have these delicious Meyer Lemons, buttery lemon cookies, oh and whipped cream. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">I thought parfaits, cupcakes, lemon curd, but what I really wanted was something that was going to highlight all these flavors and textures.  The sweet and tart of the lemon needed to be brought out by the Savannah Smiles.  So…..I present to you, my submission for the </font><a href="https://www.girlscoutsww.org/Pages/Recipe-Contest.aspx" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Girl Scout Cookie Recipe Contest</font></a><font size="4" face="Tahoma">…..Meyer Lemon and Vanilla Bean Pudding Tarts!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZE4_TeMEgoc/TzidmzrQWpI/AAAAAAAABDA/2Et_pl3CGfk/s1600-h/february2012%252520352%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="february2012 352" border="0" alt="february2012 352" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C6TDCdI0rcc/TzidnDpkRGI/AAAAAAAABDI/KFNm7sk-Td8/february2012%252520352_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="359" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><strong>Meyer Lemon and Vanilla Bean Pudding Tarts</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Makes 4 – 4 inch Tarts</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><strong>Crust:</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Ingredients:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 box Girl Scout Savannah Smiles</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 tbsp Meyer Lemon Zest</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 tbsp Melted Butter</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Preheat oven to 350 deg.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Put Savannah Smiles cookies in a food processor.  Pulse until cookies become crumbs.  Add crumbs to a medium size bowl, then add the Meyer Lemon Zest.  Pour melted butter into the cookie crumbs and using a fork blend together.  You will notice that the cookie crumbs will start to come together. Divide the cookie crumb mixture into four and press the mixture into four buttered mini tart pans.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Put the mini tart pans on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 8 minutes.  Let tart crusts cool completely before filling with the Meyer Lemon and Vanilla Bean Pudding.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><strong>Pudding:</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Ingredients:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">3/4 cup granulated sugar</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1/4 cup cornstarch</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 1/2 cups whole milk</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 tbsp finely grated Meyer lemon zest </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1/2 a Vanilla Bean, split and seeds scraped out</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1/4 teaspoon kosher salt</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1/2 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature</font></p> <font size="4" face="Tahoma"> <ol> <li>In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.  </li> <li>Add the milk, egg yolks, zest, vanilla bean and salt and whisk until smooth.  </li> <li>Over medium heat cook mixture, stirring frequently and then constantly toward the end as it thickens.</li> <li>Remove from the heat and stir in Meyer Lemon juice and butter.  </li> <li>Place a sieve over a bowl and pour the mixture through the strainer.  </li> <li>Let the pudding cool to room temperature, cover with saran wrap – pressing to the top of the pudding to prevent condensation or that dreaded “pudding skin”.</li> <li>Chill pudding in the fridge for at least three hours.</li> <li>When pudding is chilled and ready to serve the tarts, fill the cookie tart crusts with the Meyer Lemon and Vanilla Bean Pudding. (you will have leftover pudding – feel free to grab a spoon and indulge!)</li> <li>Top the pudding with freshly whipped cream….trust me. You will want this.</li> </ol> <p>I also decided to pull some Marionberries from the freezer and made a sauce to drizzle over the tarts…..it was awesome – but not necessary….the tarts are spectacular on their own.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-so7h97BLHUU/TzidnaBiMlI/AAAAAAAABDQ/cRwnBijWszI/s1600-h/february2012%252520348%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="february2012 348" border="0" alt="february2012 348" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0WEe0YNURmc/TzidnsqWrsI/AAAAAAAABDY/CJUiyAdiUu4/february2012%252520348_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="343" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>If you don’t have a daughter or neighborhood Girl Scout to purchase these delicious cookies to make these tarts, here is the <a href="http://cookielocator.littlebrownie.com/" target="_blank">link</a> to find out where you can stock your pantry!  There is even an <a href="http://littlebrowniebakers.com/cookies/find-girl-scout-cookies-on-your-mobile-phone/" target="_blank">app</a> for that! Public Cookie sales are from March 2nd – 18th.  Go out and support these great girls.</p> <p>Here’s to hoping that they chose my recipe as a finalist….and then the eventual winner!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </font> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-61897917748910709132012-01-23T14:53:00.001-05:002012-01-23T14:53:02.613-05:00Apple “Pie” Oatmeal<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Today is National Pie Day….so I should really be posting about this pie:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-purGhR36b6Y/Tx26mCJptPI/AAAAAAAABBw/vR4YVd_tKFg/s1600-h/january2012%252520035%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="january2012 035" border="0" alt="january2012 035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NMb2rNNXa5w/Tx26mdZivJI/AAAAAAAABB4/ZwnLiLKLUAQ/january2012%252520035_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="361" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">But to be honest, the recipe needs a little tweaking before I share it with you.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">So, instead let me tell you about this Apple “Pie” Oatmeal.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">I rarely eat breakfast.  I know, Most Important Meal of the Day….blah blah blah.  I often find myself starving at 1pm realizing that I haven’t had anything in my belly all day.  Growls heard for miles.  So I decided that I need to make it easy, and quick, if I am going to give breakfast a go in the mornings.  On colder winter days, I really like something warm.  Cold cereal and milk on a WA rainy morning isn’t going to cut it.  And I don’t have time in the morning to make a hot delicious breakfast.  So I am taking a short cut.  I can pre-make this Apple Pie topping for my oatmeal, and then in the morning it just takes about 5 minutes to make some hot oatmeal.  I have time for this.  And it is so delicious…..and kinda healthy.  All that fiber from the apple and oatmeal.  I keep telling myself this…..it’s working.  </font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><strong>Apple “Pie” Oatmeal Topping</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Makes enough for four servings</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and diced small (I like G.Smith because they hold their crunch after cooking)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 tbsp Butter</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 tbsp Brown Sugar</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 tbsp Cinnamon (depending on how much you like cinnamon)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YigKHinyFyM/Tx26mp7rjFI/AAAAAAAABCA/cI25nvith_M/s1600-h/january2012%252520125%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="january2012 125" border="0" alt="january2012 125" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lAUfMs_9Shc/Tx26nERApsI/AAAAAAAABCI/sJ9Vx_alppU/january2012%252520125_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="429" /></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><strong>Directions:</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Melt the butter in a skillet.  When melted, add diced apple to the pan.  Let the apple “sweat” and soften a little (not too much).  Then add brown sugar and cinnamon, stir to combine.  Continue to cook the apples for about another 5 minutes to give the sugar a chance to caramelize a little.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Put the warm apple mixture into a heat proof container that can be sealed and put into the fridge.  Allow the mixture to cool before closing and refrigerated.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Use within 5 – 7 days.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">It’s simple.  Cook up your oatmeal, either on the stove or in the microwave.  Take a 1/4 of the mixture and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, and top your hot oatmeal with it.  Delicious and good for you.  And I will admit, when I eat it it gives me an extra boost of energy…..and the neighbors don’t complain about the growling my stomach makes.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BuIlwli7Lvg/Tx26nYWg3EI/AAAAAAAABCQ/7t9W75Yr6xo/s1600-h/january2012%252520133%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="january2012 133" border="0" alt="january2012 133" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SR5Nsvcb0Q4/Tx26nu035sI/AAAAAAAABCY/7T2plf4LlJQ/january2012%252520133_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="414" /></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Well….happy National Pie Day!  Hope you are enjoying some yummy pie today!</font></p> <p><font size="4"> </font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-551095592389488402012-01-04T17:19:00.001-05:002012-01-04T17:19:26.309-05:00Wordless Wednesday, and a happy new year!<p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">This year I am trying to find the good in things, the good in everyday…..with “rainy season” kicking in in WA it is a good time to find the good in these gloomy days.  Today, for example, started with the most amazing sunrise.  I knew that it was scheduled to rain all day today, but waking up with that beautiful sunrise coming, walking Jakob to school while it got brighter and brighter, made me just smile.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J2kqmjaZLnk/TwTQbKMWU0I/AAAAAAAABBg/izmEcOEgBzU/s1600-h/january2012%252520101%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="january2012 101" border="0" alt="january2012 101" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KZCeMye1t5o/TwTQbVxPOhI/AAAAAAAABBk/LRipD1AcnI0/january2012%252520101_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="477" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">It started to rain 10 minutes later and hasn’t stopped since, but this is a great day.</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-50971313328787236612011-11-16T18:58:00.001-05:002011-11-16T19:00:07.821-05:00It’s a Pie Party….<p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">And do I have a pie to share…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OjZGTOMa56M/TsRONdrzYYI/AAAAAAAABAU/wyjYjRGl7tI/s1600-h/snickerdoodle%252520021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snickerdoodle 021" border="0" alt="snickerdoodle 021" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T5AYyDfqb7E/TsRONnQi98I/AAAAAAAABAc/pGRm1TNymLI/snickerdoodle%252520021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="272" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Blueberry Almond Cream Pie…..to die for.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">I have become obsessed with making pies these past few months.  The joy and patience that a great flaky crust takes, the limitless varieties of pies you can create….I dream of pie. Often.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">So making this pie for my family was a treat for me.  Taking a fellow blogger’s </font><a href="http://gingerbreadbagels.com/2011/06/18/blueberries-and-cream-pie/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Blueberry Cream Pie</font></a><font size="4" face="Tahoma"> and giving it a twist to make it for my boys was just plain fun. </font></p> <p><strong><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Blueberry Almond Cream Pie</font></strong></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Ingredients:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 – 9 inch unbaked pie crust – I used this recipe </font><a href="http://www.melissaclark.net/blog/2006/11/heaven-in-a-pie-pan-the-perfect-crust.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Tahoma">here</font></a><font size="4" face="Tahoma"> from Melissa Clark</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Filling:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">3 cups blueberries <br />1 cup sugar <br />1/3 cup all purpose flour <br />2 large eggs, at room temperature <br />1/2 cup sour cream <br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 tsp almond extract</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Preheat oven to 350deg.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients (except the blueberries) until smooth and wonderful.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Pour the blueberries into the unbaked pie shell, spread evenly. Then pour the filling over the blueberries.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Crumb topping:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 1/2 tsp light brown sugar <br />2 tbsps sugar <br />1/2 tsp ground cinnamon <br />1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted <br />1/2 cup all purpose flour</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 ½ tbsps almond meal, or ground almonds (I get mine at Trader Joe’s)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then pour melted butter into the bowl and mix together using a fork until crumbles are formed.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Spread the crumb topping over the blueberry cream filling.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Bake in a 350 deg oven for 50 – 60 minutes. Cover crust with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Cool completely, slice, and enjoy!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Before:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d6eSRTyrYiU/TsROOLzNkoI/AAAAAAAABAk/7k2XhKsbf_0/s1600-h/november%252520110%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="november 110" border="0" alt="november 110" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nUw-xaZbviI/TsROOQxoTPI/AAAAAAAABAs/1JAKmWCcvxk/november%252520110_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="348" /></font></a><font size="4" face="Tahoma">    </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yrc1oPWMPzo/TsROO-W400I/AAAAAAAABA0/kjHLVCG9arA/s1600-h/november%252520116%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="november 116" border="0" alt="november 116" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-asdhdp8aoHY/TsROPcjEb3I/AAAAAAAABA8/T89WmmkllnY/november%252520116_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="348" /></font></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="4" face="Tahoma">After:</font></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DZkrctO-L8w/TsROP8YtBVI/AAAAAAAABBE/L8RvgLT5Uzg/s1600-h/snickerdoodle%252520027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snickerdoodle 027" border="0" alt="snickerdoodle 027" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HroluLxVRQA/TsROQP0vEqI/AAAAAAAABBM/RubxDxkmiG8/snickerdoodle%252520027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="364" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Enjoy!!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">And check out all the wonderful pies over at </font><a href="http://tidymom.net" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Tidy Mom</font></a><font size="4" face="Tahoma"> and her #</font><a href="http://tidymom.net/2011/best-pie-recipes/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Tahoma">LovethePie Party!!</font></a></p> <p><strong>“</strong><em>Come join Love the Pie with <a href="http://tidymom.net/2011/best-pie-recipes/">TidyMom</a>  sponsored by <a href="http://cherokeeusa.com/">Cherokee USA</a>, <a href="http://cookware.lecreuset.com/">Le Creuset</a>, <a href="http://www.wilton.com/">Wilton</a>,<a href="http://bloomingonbainbridge.blogspot.com/">Bags by Bloom</a> and  <a href="http://www.harvardcommonpress.com/">Harvard Common Press</a></em><strong>”</strong></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-15696103194898540852011-11-15T12:59:00.003-05:002011-11-15T12:59:49.965-05:00Got Bundt?<p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Today is National Bundt Cake Day…another food holiday that I can appreciate. I love a good Bundt cake, I like the shape, the moist dense texture of a good rich Bundt cake, and how versatile Bundt recipes can be.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">I recently found my favorite Autumn Bundt on Amanda’s Blog, <a href="http://iambaker.net/category/i-am-baker" target="_blank">I Am Baker</a>.  Kristen, from <a href="http://dineanddish.net/" target="_blank">Dine and Dish</a>, was guest posting and posted her <a href="http://iambaker.net/baking-with-dine-and-dish" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake</a>.  I have now made this cake THREE times.  Once as Kristen posted with the pumpkin glaze, and twice with a Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.  To find the recipe for the cake, check out the post on <a href="http://iambaker.net/baking-with-dine-and-dish" target="_blank">I Am Baker</a>, but scroll down for my Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.  </font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Oh, and here is the beautiful Bundt….</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gadB-r2bIes/TsKolFFH3hI/AAAAAAAABAE/m6OXkY3K6gc/s1600-h/oct22%252520004%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="oct22 004" border="0" alt="oct22 004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uBQRtHuBGeg/TsKolcr9jRI/AAAAAAAABAM/hs1GcclyaIc/oct22%252520004_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="465" /></a>   </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Ok, so it’s not the greatest photo, or the prettiest Bundt cake…..but it is delicious!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><strong><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting</font></strong></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Ingredients:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">5oz Cream Cheese, Softened</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 1/2 – 2 Cups Powdered Sugar</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 tsp. Vanilla</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 tbsp. Milk</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1- 1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Cream ingredients together. If too thick or too thin, add more sugar or milk until desired consistency is reached. Spread onto cooled Pumpkin Spice Cake.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">(this frosting is also fantastic on Banana Bread or Carrot Cake too.)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Hope you get a chance to make this cake, you wont regret it.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Happy Autumn!</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-63975713581622899652011-11-14T14:34:00.002-05:002011-11-14T14:44:56.125-05:00Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Spice Cookies<p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Oh yes, I went there.  I am all about the Autumn smells and flavors….it is truly my favorite time of year.  I find myself in the kitchen creating as many fall treats as possible lately, anything with apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg….mmmmmm.  I decided that I wanted to create a cookie with the spices of the season and add in some creamy caramel to the mix.  And these are what I came up with….</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-34pQOZ7d7W8/TsFtTLFbImI/AAAAAAAAA-w/mLCIR_HaxT4/s1600-h/snickerdoodle%252520064%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snickerdoodle 064" border="0" alt="snickerdoodle 064" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-00aIm6FaHes/TsFtTd16u-I/AAAAAAAAA-4/9J325kCaNwA/snickerdoodle%252520064_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="368" /></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><strong>Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Spice Cookies</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Ingredients:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 ½ cups sugar</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 large eggs</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 ½ teaspoons cream of tarter</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 teaspoon baking soda</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">¼ teaspoon kosher salt</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice mix</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Unwrapped <a href="http://www.kraftbrands.com/caramels">Kraft Caramels</a> cut in 1/2’s </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">For the Pumpkin Spice sugar:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">½ cup sugar</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until smooth, 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs and mix until combined.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tarter, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice mix and salt. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until combined. The dough will be soft and too sticky to roll. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Position a rack in the top and bottom thirds of your oven. Preheat the oven to 350f. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil.</font></p> <p><i> <br /><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></i></p> <p><font face="Tahoma"><font size="4"><i>For the Pumpkin Spice sugar:</i> Combine the pumpkin pie spice mix and sugar in a small bowl.</font></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Using a 1 ounce cookie scoop or a tablespoon, shape the dough into balls, place caramel 1/2 in between two balls, press gently until caramel is completely surrounded by the cookie dough, keeping it’s “ball shape”.  Roll the stuffed dough in the Pumpkin Spice sugar.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tQ-wBSvMlKU/TsFtTtlT9aI/AAAAAAAAA_A/XSB2u7O6-7g/s1600-h/snickerdoodle%252520038%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snickerdoodle 038" border="0" alt="snickerdoodle 038" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LxCZFRTEFQw/TsFtUB_0QDI/AAAAAAAAA_I/0tZojwmRWIc/snickerdoodle%252520038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="358" /></a>          <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q68CFZJ66HM/TsFtURzVdcI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/-srHl8ZgZA8/s1600-h/snickerdoodle%252520040%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snickerdoodle 040" border="0" alt="snickerdoodle 040" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z61a-P2eAJk/TsFtUmXs7ZI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/boGiPny0NVg/snickerdoodle%252520040_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="356" /></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Place the cookies 3 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten them slightly with your fingertips so they stay put. Bake for about 12-13 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly golden in color. These cookies are supposed to be chewy, so do not overbake. Remove to a wire rack to cool.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">These cookies are just made to be enjoyed warm from the oven, with a cup of tea….just a suggestion.  It is truly a challenge to eat just one!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Cookies keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-35Ppg3XCk4Y/TsFtU0oMJUI/AAAAAAAAA_g/0wr2HFnZ7Nw/s1600-h/snickerdoodle%252520055%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snickerdoodle 055" border="0" alt="snickerdoodle 055" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oeRDYf74PNg/TsFtVDldo-I/AAAAAAAAA_o/D2OhPfrpZYY/snickerdoodle%252520055_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="290" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KDq7VbIQY00/TsFtVRDj-7I/AAAAAAAAA_w/dEtvDtljcyI/s1600-h/snickerdoodle%252520069%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snickerdoodle 069" border="0" alt="snickerdoodle 069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b4SFQMqJemQ/TsFtVmqM-pI/AAAAAAAAA_4/YaDy8xfWYEA/snickerdoodle%252520069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="421" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Do you have favorite seasonal flavors you LOVE to bake with?  What are they?  Please share links…always looking for new tasty treats to make.</font></p>Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-30786849155777842702011-11-07T16:21:00.001-05:002011-11-07T16:21:20.723-05:00Darn you Daylights Savings Time!<p>Pre-Children I loved the fall back of Daylights Savings Time….that extra hour of sleep was precious.  Now that I am the Mama of two early rising boys, I kind of hate it.  It screws everything up.  This morning both boys were up at 6:10am – a whole hour before my alarm goes off on a Monday.  I tried my best to keep them quiet in hopes of them falling back asleep, even crawled into bed with Aiden to see if he would just shut his eyes for a little longer.  But no luck.  This happens every year.  Twice every year.  The time change screws with our sleep schedule.  And it really messes everything up for about a week.  The boys seem to have a hard time adjusting to the change, they sleep less, eat more, and even throws off their behavior.  It might be a good thing that Aiden doesn’t have school this week and Jakob  has 1/2 days – will make it easier for their teachers.  </p> <p>Do your kids have trouble with the time change?  Do YOU have trouble with it?  </p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-7322527891536863272011-10-19T15:00:00.001-04:002011-10-19T15:00:21.793-04:00Wordless Wednesday<p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">I adore Fall….it is my favorite season, bar none.  Living in Georgia there really wasn’t a fall season.  Last year at this time the boys were still running around in t-shirts and shorts.  Thank goodness Washington has seasons…and has THIS season.  Yesterday was a perfect fall day.  Slight crisp. Clear sky. Sun shining.  And what better thing to do on such a day then take the boys to the park afterschool to play with their friends.  Perfect.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XT-Pz9f4PzA/Tp8eQJsHnXI/AAAAAAAAA-A/TIYXO8qQYIE/s1600-h/octfall%252520017%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="octfall 017" border="0" alt="octfall 017" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jLtdADQa7Ho/Tp8eQVcf7fI/AAAAAAAAA-I/tSd3SmlNMrg/octfall%252520017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="383" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MW1G9cqSb0o/Tp8eQ8bCUII/AAAAAAAAA-M/0I078x48eqQ/s1600-h/octfall%252520018%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="octfall 018" border="0" alt="octfall 018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bm4jjdTMcDQ/Tp8eRET7mnI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/2K824qvFfjw/octfall%252520018_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="383" /></a></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-39835376543099717632011-09-26T19:55:00.001-04:002011-09-26T19:55:04.013-04:00Pillsbury….mmmm….brownies<p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">A while back, quite a while actually, Pillsbury sent me a goodie box.  They had contacted me and said that they “saw that I like sweet things” (tee hee) and would I enjoy some of their treats.  Yes, please.  I had no idea what they were sending me, and that was part of the fun of it.  </font><font size="4" face="Tahoma">I was happily surprised when the package arrived.  I seriously love getting mail – it’s kind of obsessive for me.  Not bills, but packages and letters….make me happy.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Now, understand that I usually like to make all my desserts and treats for my boys from scratch, but there will always be times when I need a little help. I may cut corners on a pie crust, crescent rolls for a meal, or pick up a bag of treats for my boys when I know I am going to be super duper busy.  So when I opened the box to find two bags of their new <a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/Products/Sweet-Moments/Sweet-Moments-Brownies" target="_blank">Sweet Moments Brownie Bites</a>….I realized that they do know that I like sweet things.  I decided that night that dessert was on Pillsbury!  I hate to admit that we almost ate a whole bag in one sitting…the boys liked them.  Jason liked them.  Even I liked them…and I am a tough one to win over with bought desserts.  These were good.  A good substitute for homemade for those days when I just can’t get in the kitchen.  (I would like to point out here that we do NOT eat brownies, cake, or pie for dessert every night…that would be ridiculous)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Have you tried these?</font></p> <p><img alt="Sweet Moments" src="http://www.pillsbury.com/~/media/PB/Images/Hero/Medium/Products/Cookies/burst.ashx?20110718T1355199528" /> (Image from Pillsbury.com)</p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">You should….trust me.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">A Big Thank You to Pillsbury for thinking of us, and for sharing your delicious Sweet Moments with us.</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-5590513992689477382011-09-21T13:50:00.001-04:002011-09-21T13:50:35.963-04:00Madeleine LOVE<p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Thank you <a href="http://donsuemor.com" target="_blank">Donsuemor</a>!  Thank you for sending me these incredible little cakes.  It was difficult for me not to eat them all before making this Raspberry Tiramisu, very difficult. I am excited to be participating in <a href="http://donsuemor.com" target="_blank">Donsuemor</a>’s Dessert a Day project. Being asked to make a recipe using one of their delectable desserts was an offer that I jumped on.  From their list of French treats I chose the Madeleines….and they live up to their description. For those of you not familiar with Madeleines, they are small, light, sweet little cakes that are made in a very special pan.  (A pan that has been on my wish list for way too long, must purchase!) </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <h3><em><font face="Tahoma">“Our Madeleines</font></em></h3> <p><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Donsuemor madeleines are elegant little French cakes with distinctive shell shapes. Rich and buttery with a unique flavor and texture—soft and moist with lightly crisped edges—they are made with the finest quality, all natural ingredients.</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Donsuemor is inspired by spirited legends and romance of madeleines. In France, they are most often linked to the town of Commercy, in the region of Lorraine. One narrative suggests King Stanislas Leszczynska sent the recipe for madeleines to his daughter Maria following her marriage to Louis XV at Versailles. She named it for her father's French cook, Madeleine, who learned the recipe from her grandmother in Commercy. A slight variation of this story suggests that King Stanislas was hosting a luncheon. The court's chef did not prepare a dessert, and Madeleine, a young assistant saved the meal by preparing a little cake made at home in Commercy.</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Another version suggests that madeleines were invented by Avice, the pastry chef of an influential nineteenth-century French diplomat Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, who placed the batter in scalloped-shaped molds.</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">And in Spain, the magdalenas, resemblance to the madeleines, are created to mark the Christian pilgrimage route that ends in Santiago de Compostela, in which sea scallops are the symbol most closely associated with this journey.</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">And for others, it is the French author Marcel Proust who immortalized them in his vivid description of savoring petites madeleines in his novel Remembrance of Things Past.</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Donsuemor captures the tradition of these little French cakes, and creates a madeleine unlike any other. Once you taste them you will know why Donsuemor is the one you remember.</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Donsuemor madeleines are available in five flavors, </font></em><a href="http://www.donsuemor.com/products/traditionalmadeleines.php"><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Traditional</font></em></a><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">, </font></em><a href="http://www.donsuemor.com/products/dippedmadeleines.php"><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Dipped</font></em></a><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">, </font></em><a href="http://www.donsuemor.com/products/lemonmadeleines.php"><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Lemon Zest</font></em></a><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">, </font></em><a href="http://www.donsuemor.com/products/chocolatemadeleines.php"><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Chocolate</font></em></a><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">, and </font></em><a href="http://www.donsuemor.com/products/dippedchocolates.php"><em><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Dipped Chocolate</font></em></a><font face="Tahoma"><font size="4"><em>.”     </em>Text from <a href="http://donsuemor.com" target="_blank">Donsuemor.com</a></font></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">I pondered the ideas of what to make with these sweet treats.  I thought a trifle, I thought ice cream, but I wanted to showcase the spongy goodness of these cakes….so I went with this….a Raspberry Tiramisu.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aFHRgDrm4j8/Tnoj43pAd6I/AAAAAAAAA9o/y9868g4OZjo/s1600-h/raspberry%252520tiramisu%252520015%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="raspberry tiramisu 015" border="0" alt="raspberry tiramisu 015" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4g5ycDtzcgs/Tnoj5XhgMQI/AAAAAAAAA9s/1Jq37i2aq4A/raspberry%252520tiramisu%252520015_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="454" /></a></font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">See the lovely seashell shape of the cake…the traditional Madeleine shape…so beautiful.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><strong>Raspberry Tiramisu for Two</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><strong>Ingredients</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">6 – 10 Madeleine Cakes (depends on size of your dish)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1/2 Seedless Raspberry Jam</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 tbsp Raspberry Liqueur</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 tbsp Whipped Cream Vodka</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">2 tbsp Water</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1/2 cup Whipping Cream</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1/2 cup Mascarpone Cheese</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 tsp Vanilla Extract</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1/8 cup Sugar</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">1 cup Fresh Raspberries</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><strong>Directions:</strong></font></p> <ol> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">In a medium bowl, whisk whipping cream, sugar and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks are formed. Cover bowl and put in fridge to keep cold.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Stir together mascarpone cheese and 1 tbsp of whipped cream vodka.  Set aside.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">In a small pot, over low heat, whisk together raspberry jam, raspberry liqueur, remaining tbsp of whipped cream vodka, and water.  Stir to combine and continue to stir until jam has thinned.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Take whipped cream out of the fridge, whisk 1/3 of the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese to lighten it up, then fold in remaining whipped cream.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Pull out your cute clear dish….you really want it to be clear so that you can see the pretty layers as you serve it.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Unwrap the individual Madeleine Cakes and try not to eat them all.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Dip the cakes into the raspberry jam mixture to completely cover them, give them a bit to soak up some of the saucy goodness.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Spread a light layer of the raspberry jam mixture on the bottom of your dish, then place one layer of the cookies in the dish.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Spoon and spread half of the whipped cream/mascarpone cheese mixture on top of the cookies.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Dip more cakes and place on top of whipped cream layer.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">With remainder of the whipped cream mixture top the second layer of cakes and smooth nicely.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Cover dish and place in fridge to chill until ready to serve.</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Decorate top of tiramisu with the fresh raspberries when ready to serve.</font></li> </ol> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">You will need to use a knife to serve this tiramisu as the cakes will still have their spongy texture. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">First layer of saucy cakes:</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f7WRlsGNock/Tnoj5iO4WqI/AAAAAAAAA9w/zhNhmKIz6JY/s1600-h/raspberry%252520tiramisu%252520005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="raspberry tiramisu 005" border="0" alt="raspberry tiramisu 005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f9yl1oWogjw/Tnoj6LtlLJI/AAAAAAAAA90/xw8QWi6VzF4/raspberry%252520tiramisu%252520005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="336" /></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Look at these layers….</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UGX1qoiVlEE/Tnoj6TZ-D4I/AAAAAAAAA94/5RPs3kG7Dlk/s1600-h/raspberry%252520tiramisu%252520021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="raspberry tiramisu 021" border="0" alt="raspberry tiramisu 021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M_63r-XrAFI/Tnoj6_BO_5I/AAAAAAAAA98/nGv707M_xM8/raspberry%252520tiramisu%252520021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="333" /></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Thank you, again, Donsuemor for these delicious treats.  Jason and I certainly enjoyed this fantastic dessert after putting the boys to bed….we weren’t willing to share, and with the alcohol in the dessert we shouldn’t be sharing anyway!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">You should definitely check out <a href="http://donsuemor.com" target="_blank">Donsuemor</a> for more of their delicate treats, and also pop over to </font><a href="http://cupcakerehab.com/2011/08/une-petite-glace-a-lamande-avec-les-financiers/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Cupcake Rehab</font></a><font size="4" face="Tahoma"> to see what she made with Donsuemor’s  French Almond Cakes.</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-13767339515154959082011-09-12T22:23:00.001-04:002011-09-12T22:23:14.886-04:00Monkey Monday…..FINALLY!<p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">The day finally came…Aiden has been waiting for this day all summer.  Actually, he has probably been waiting for it since the last day of school.  Today was the day.  Aiden’s first day of school finally came.  Today was the first day of Preschool for Aiden.  Thank goodness.  Taking Jakob to school last week and having to tell Aiden that he would have to wait a week was just torture.  Absolute torture.  He didn’t understand.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">This morning when we all woke up to start the day, I whispered to him “it’s the first day of school for you, do you want to see Teacher Shelley?” , he practically JUMPED out of bed.  He was so excited and so proud.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Just look at this smile and see….</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GPgKrFmlhF8/Tm6-jnjxktI/AAAAAAAAA9c/7Y-bemAC7c8/s1600-h/Aiden%252520first%252520day%252520049%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GPgKrFmlhF8/Tm6-jnjxktI/AAAAAAAAA9g/xgckjf7N_aY/s1600-h/Aiden%252520first%252520day%252520049%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Aiden first day 049" border="0" alt="Aiden first day 049" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vAeC0z_F3Ws/Tm6-klTqsdI/AAAAAAAAA9k/kKfbRRRgXHY/Aiden%252520first%252520day%252520049_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="521" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tahoma">Could his grin get any bigger?  He had a great first day, full of old friends and new, and happy that he got to go to school, finally, just like his big brother.</font></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493148151211496548.post-53314592347025615532011-09-07T18:22:00.001-04:002011-09-07T18:22:37.775-04:00Wordless Wednesday….First Day of 1st Grade<p><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Also known as “The Best Day Ever”.</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tpbC5S2QIPQ/Tmfup165MTI/AAAAAAAAA9M/hTf5gWYx0NM/s1600-h/sept%2525207%2525202011%252520028%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sept 7 2011 028" border="0" alt="sept 7 2011 028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q9IZby5xe6I/TmfuqSb5DbI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/5-XinTIq5L8/sept%2525207%2525202011%252520028_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="457" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4ygUU7cZrzI/TmfuqwbpQfI/AAAAAAAAA9U/F1V-4qG0-3Y/s1600-h/sept%2525207%2525202011%252520039%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sept 7 2011 039" border="0" alt="sept 7 2011 039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-udKhJdXvCck/TmfurAP6AnI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/jRciY5oFqOc/sept%2525207%2525202011%252520039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="455" /></a></p> Taniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325657779516192261noreply@blogger.com2