It's National Eat What You Want Day....Who knew?

It's Wednesday, the week is halfway over.  More importantly, it is National Eat What You Want Day!  Who knew such a day existed?  I would hate to upset the National Day of people and I'm all for a day of eating whatever I fancy so I thought I would share my perfect day of food, in pictures. 

This actually is what I had for breakfast.  It's my summer breakfast (hey it's officially hot here in Texas so that counts). Winters I have oatmeal with cranberries because it's warm and wintry.  But warmer weather means a cold breakfast.  I like to have plain 0% Fage Greek yogurt with frozen mixed berries and a drop or two of agave nectar.  Delicious, creamy, fresh and wonderful.  I have also been known to have it for dessert as well.

Because it is Wednesday, that means it is office lunch day.  Each Wednesday my whole office goes to lunch together and we rotate on picking a spot to eat.  Today is actually my day to pick so I am picking a place that has an amazing salad bar.  I get the same things on it each time I go. I am apparently a creature of habit.   Spinach as a salad bed, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, one hard boiled egg, feta cheese, black olives, cottage cheese as a dressing and a side of hummus with wheat crackers.  Yum.

                                             

And Dinner.  It's actually my favorite meal of the day.  I am having a family favorite tonight, chicken curry with rice.  It is my Mom's recipe and my whole family loves it. I often pull it out when someone is not feeling well or it is a little chilly outside.  We are expecting a big storm this evening and Don has been under the weather so I know this will be the perfect dinner.

                                               

And dessert.  I have to go with my current favorite right now which is frozen yogurt.  (See a pattern here?)  Our town has recently seen 5 frozen yogurt establishments open in the last year and they are all really delicious.  My personal favorite is original tart with gummy bears.  It's the perfect end to a perfect food day.

                                                            

What would you eat on your Eat What You Want Day?

A Recipe - Lemon Cloud Pie

This recipe is adapted from one that my Mother in Law gave to me in a cookbook from a local Senior Association.  She recommended it to me and I was in the mood for something lemony.  Halfway through making it, I realized that I wasn't supposed to use a Graham cracker crust but instead was supposed to put the graham crackers in the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan.  Then my evaporated milk mixture formed into stiff peaks but it fell when I was distracted.  I wanted to salvage the ingredients so I decided to freeze the pie and low and behold, it turned out really well.  

Lemon Cloud Pie
1 small package lemon Jello
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 lemons, juice and grated rind
1 (14 oz.) can evaporated milk, very cold
Graham cracker crumbs

Dissolve Jello in boiling water.  Add sugar, lemon juice and rind.  Stir until sugar is dissolved.  Refrigerate mixture until syrupy.  Whip cold evaporated milk until stiff (it helps to freeze your bowl first).  Fold in lemon mixture.  Pour into a 13 x 9 inch pan lined with graham cracker crumbs on the bottom (or a graham cracker crumb pie crust).  Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs on top or grated lemon rind.  This is where you can also freeze.  Slice and enjoy!

Now that's what I call making lemons into lemon cloud pie!  Happy Tuesday!

A Recipe - Candy Dots

Yesterday, Ally and I made candy dots from a recipe and template I found here:  http://www.sandytoesandpopsicles.com/

This is the recipe:

Candy Dots

2 tablespoons meringue powder or 2 egg whites

6 tablespoons water

1/4 teaspoon almond extract or lemon juice

1 pound confectioner's sugar

ziploc sandwich baggies

food coloring

Note:  We used meringue powder and lemon juice.

1)  Cut non-toxic computer paper into 2 3/4" x 10" strips

2)  Whip together sugar, meringue powder and lemon juice on low speed for 1 minute.  Then continue to whip for 10 minutes on high speed.

3)  Divide the mixture into small bowls.  Color each bowl different colors.  You can also add different flavorings to each at this point.

4) If icing is too thick, thin out with drops of water until it is the consistency of sour cream.  A drop should hold its shape and slowly smooth out to create a smooth button.

5)  Pour each color into a baggie and seal.  Then cup a very small corner off of each bag.  (We used the snack sized baggies)

6)  Squeeze a drop of icing at a time onto the paper. 

7)  Place on baking sheets in a cool dry place uncovered to dry overnight.  (Ours dried within a couple of hours)

8)  Candy will harden overnight and then you can store it in a ziploc bag or airtight container. 

9) Enjoy! 

I also wanted to share a photo that was taken yesterday of the girls and I.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Hydreangea Cake



When I set out to find a cake that would be perfect for Mother's Day, this was my inspiration.  http://iammommy.typepad.com/i_am_baker/2011/03/hydreangea-cake.html

Mine fell short of the one that i am baker produced. But, I had help. Lots of help.  That help makes this cake taste all the better .  The runny frosting reminds me that I need to practice patience. The bright colors remind me that there is a rainbow of colors in the world.  The flowers remind me to grow and not become a weed.  The messy kitchen reminds me that there is always tomorrow to clean and most of all, this cake reminds me to sit back and enjoy my slice of life.

Today, for my Mom, I would like to send her my love and thanks for being patient, kind, loving  and allowing me in the kitchen to make messes.  She is one of the most intelligent, talented and creative women I know.   I love you Mom!

Prom in Pictures



Ryan and Brooke



The Kentucky Derby....a Recipe and my Pick



My Hat Choice, if I bought one

First you have to know that my only experience with Kentucky is a drive through on the interstate although it appeared to be a beautiful state.  Likewise, I have ridden a horse a handful of times and after my last experience (a 2 hour tour no less), I swore off horseback riding forever.  Needless to say, I am still interested in watching the race tomorrow.  I have been to a live horse race once in my life and I don't remember anything particularly wonderful about the day but it didn't include beautiful hats nor did it include mint juleps.  I am certain that those two things alone would have made the day much more enjoyable.  With all that said, here is where you can learn more about the race:  http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

My personal choice for the race (based on absolutely nothing but a whim) is Stay Thirsty.

Which leads me to something to help you with your thirst, a recipe for Mint Juleps: 

Picture from Myrecipes.com

Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients
10 mint leaves
1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 oz Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon, or other bourbon
crushed ice
1 oz, or more, water to taste
Method
1. Add mint leaves to glass and muddle or crush with a muddler, a mortar, or just a spoon. Gently bruise leaves to extract mint flavor. Add sugar and bourbon. Stir to combine. Add crushed ice and water to taste.
2. Stir and serve garnished with a mint sprig in your finest glasses or a silver cup, if you have one. (Mint juleps are traditionally served in silver cups, but any  glassware will work)

Finally, here is a site with a log of ideas for those who are having a Kentucky Derby party.  http://www.hostessblog.com/search/kentucky+derby


And here is a free printable from cupcakecollars.com for a themed cupcake wrapper: 
http://www.chicaandjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/CupcakeCollars_Horseshoe.pdf

Whatever your plans for the weekend, have a good one!

Brooke has a Boyfriend.....

Yesterday afternoon, after school, Brooke decided to take a late afternoon nap.  While she was sleeping, Tigger climbed up next to her and placed his paw on her face.  He is a laid back cat but he isn't very affectionate so this was a rare moment.   

We all felt as though we were watching a bad episode of Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming!  I think she would take him to prom if she could find a tuxedo that fit him.  Happy Thursday!!