I have two delicious new breakfast recipes to add. I made both of these last night and they were amazing!!!
The first is a Cheese Breakfast Souffle for 2!
Ingredients:
2/3 cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1 cup milk
pinch salt
pinch cayenne, dry mustard powder, or paprika
4 yolks
4 egg whites
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place a large (9x13 or so) baking pan in the oven and fill with water, about an inch of water. Spray two 2-3 souffle baking dishes with cooking spray.
Melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking for a couple of minutes over medium low heat. Whisk in the milk until smooth and cook until thick, three minutes. Stir in cheeses and spices, cook over very low heat until the cheeses melt. Beat a few tablespoons of the very thick sauce into the yolks, then mix the yolk mixture into the sauce.
Beat the egg whites stiff, but not dry. Mix a big scoop of the whites into the cheese sauce to lighten the mixture. Then carefully fold the sauce into the whites. When combined, put in the souffle dishes, sprinkle with some grated cheddar, and slip the dishes into the water filled baking pan, bake for 25-30 minutes. Serve immediately.
Yum! I love souffles but have been too scared to even try it. For my first time, this turned out so yummy - the key is to not over-mix the batter once you add the egg whites.
The second recipe is for a yummy Stuffed French Toast - again for two!
Ingredients:
4 slices bread
2 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
2 teaspoons of vanilla
1/3 bar of cream cheese
2 tablespoons of jam (I used strawberry!)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
With a hand blender, mix well the 2 eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tsp. of the vanilla. Dredge each piece of bread on both sides and cook in a skillet or frying pan.
In a separate bowl and still using the hand blender, combine the cream cheese, jam, powdered sugar, and remaining tsp of vanilla until creamy (may still contain clumps).
As bread is cooked, make french toast sandwiches with a piece of bread, a large dollop of filling and a second piece of bread. Cook in the oven for 5-8 minutes at 375 to let the filling melt and get gooey!
Mmmm-hmmm... dinner was yummy last night!
EDIT:
In looking back, I realized I never shared the recipes for the Homemade Whipped Cream and the Belguim Waffles. So sorry! Here we go:
Homemade Almond Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
1 small or 2/3 large can of evaporated milk
1/2 -2/3 cup powdered sugar (start with 1/2 cup and add more to suit your tastes)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract
Place bowl that you will be using, hand beater whisks, and can of evaporated milk in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Beat all ingredients on high using a hand blender until thick and creamy (keep everything very cold - if it starts to warm up, take a break and pop the bowl back in the freezer for a little bit. Make sure every utensil you use has been chilled or it will make the cream melt). Serve immediately. If you need the whipped cream to hold for a little bit, sprinkle in some gelatin while the cream is still liquid to help it hold its shape.
Belgium Waffles for two (the recipe can be easily double or tripled, but this makes 8 waffle squares - 4 for each person)
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
Preheat waffle iron. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a second bowl, use a wooden spoon to beat together the egg yolks and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the vanilla, melted butter, and milk. Whisk to combine.
Combine the egg-milk mixture with the flour mixture and stir just until blended. Do not overmix.
In a third bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric hand mixer until soft peaks form. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Do not overmix!
Coat the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and pour batter into iron. Close and cook until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Now you are all set for an amazing breakfast!!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Cupid's Chase!
My list is well underway and wow is my life getting busier and busier. I took the GRE last Sunday and did really well - I was pleasantly surprised with my score. Better yet, I was glad to get it out of the way. It is such a relief to know that this hurdle is out of the way and I can move on to the next "to-do".
Also, I am officially done with my first graduate class tomorrow! Although, I've already finished and submitted all of my coursework and have closed out the program. Now I am 1/12th the way to my master's and my principal certificate! I am so excited and am absolutely loving my program. I think I've realized again just how much I enjoy being a student - Clint and I are even talking about the possibility of him doing his master's and I might pursue my doctorate! Wouldn't that be fun - Dr. Hoover! It has a nice ring to it.
And then, this morning, we woke up bright and early at 5:20am to go to McKinney, Texas to participate in our first 5k. Clint and I crossed the finish line and are so proud of ourselves! We ran to benefit the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. We are looking into upping our training at the gym with the elliptical and the treadmill with some weight machines built in so that the next time we run we can do better. We are working up to 101 list item #1 "Run a half marathon". We are looking at September for that... But, until then, I think we will do some more training and run another 5k in March. Very exciting!
Enjoy some pictures from our 5k - keep in mind that this was a Valentine's day run and there was a certain "dressing up" component...
Also, I am officially done with my first graduate class tomorrow! Although, I've already finished and submitted all of my coursework and have closed out the program. Now I am 1/12th the way to my master's and my principal certificate! I am so excited and am absolutely loving my program. I think I've realized again just how much I enjoy being a student - Clint and I are even talking about the possibility of him doing his master's and I might pursue my doctorate! Wouldn't that be fun - Dr. Hoover! It has a nice ring to it.
And then, this morning, we woke up bright and early at 5:20am to go to McKinney, Texas to participate in our first 5k. Clint and I crossed the finish line and are so proud of ourselves! We ran to benefit the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. We are looking into upping our training at the gym with the elliptical and the treadmill with some weight machines built in so that the next time we run we can do better. We are working up to 101 list item #1 "Run a half marathon". We are looking at September for that... But, until then, I think we will do some more training and run another 5k in March. Very exciting!
Enjoy some pictures from our 5k - keep in mind that this was a Valentine's day run and there was a certain "dressing up" component...
Our 101 list items #2 and #15 are being planned for next week. We are going to freshen up our diet with no sodas and vegetarian recipes. We will see how it goes, but it should be very interesting - I'm actually looking forward to giving this a try. I think it will be very healthy for us. I'll post the recipes and menu once we finish the "experiment". That means that I will add recipes for 101 list item #40. That should be yummy!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
New Etsy Adventure!
Well, Dolly Designs and Material Girls has started a new venture - an Etsy store. And, we've added a new product - delightful, colorful, and durable craft aprons. These are perfect for your sewing, gardening, doll-making, or crafting venture!
Come check us out at http://www.materialgirlstx.etsy.com/ to see what we have available!
Come check us out at http://www.materialgirlstx.etsy.com/ to see what we have available!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Dum-De-Dum-Duh...
In true keeping with my 101 in 1001, I am posting my obligatory post per week. But don't worry friends, I'll think of something.
Maybe like the fact that I am proud beyond recognition of my kids and their gigantic hearts. With all the devastation in Haiti, they were first to ask what we were going to do about it. In 3 days, my students brought in $86.97. By. them. selves. 30 kids brought their pennies, nickels, quarters, and dimes to help people they will never know. Did they expect a reward or prize? No. They just wanted to do a good job and help people in need. What a lesson! And I thought I was the teacher...
*hmmmmm*
Now, on to a jewel I have been sharing with anyone and everyone who will listen. This week's reading textbook has the kids learning about proverbs, sayings, and fables. So, out of curiosity, I gave my kids a quiz where they were to finish the saying the best they could. Here are some yummy little morsels they thought up:
· You shouldn’t throw stones.....at your home.
· The early bird.....wakes you up.
· A picture is worth.....every penny.
· The grass is always greener.....than a tree.
· The bigger they are.....the smaller they look.
· You shouldn’t throw stones...that are shaped like a rock.
· A stitch in time.....could hurt a little.
· Curiosity killed.....a dog in the street.
· You shouldn’t throw stones.....or it makes it worst.
· Curiosity killed.....who’s curious.
· An apple a day.....is a good taste.
· Don’t count your chickens.....right now.
· The early bird.....is late.
· A picture is worth.....10 dollars.
· Silence is.....the 3rd rule. (think BRAVO - our class rules: Voices off when others speak - maybe we need to work on counting next since "V" is actually the 4th rule... all well, you can't win them all!).
· Don’t count your chickens.....if you are going to play with them.
· The early bird.....was so tired.
· Curiosity killed......a lot of people.
· The grass is always.....greener than dirt.
· A bird in the hand.....makes you bored.
· The early bird.....woke me up.
· The bigger they are.....the badder they hurt.
· The grass is always greener.....because we always water it.
And the story of the day is...
*drumroll please*
(keep in mind that I am a Dual Language/Bilingual teacher)
(as in I teach Bilingual students)
(as in students who speak more than one - usually 2 since the prefix "bi" means two)
(so it stand to reason that I might be open-minded and culturally sensitive)
At recess today I sat down (as I normally do) on the teacher's bench. There happened to be a student sitting on the bench as well reading a small book. Now, normally students are not allowed to sit on the teacher's bench, but I was in a good mood so I decided to strike up a conversation with said Reader.
Me: What are you reading?
Reader: The Koran
Me: Oh, cool... What language is that? (I knew, of course, but remember I am trying to talk with this student who is not one of my own)
Reader: Arabic.
Me: Wow! That is so awesome that you are Bilingual!
Reader: *looks at me as if I have lost my marbles and then says in the most even voice a child is capable of* No, I'm Muslim.
*head in my hands*
*metaphorically of course as I can't act distressed in front of the children*
I think I need a good strong Aleve and a nice long bubble bath followed by a nap.
Maybe like the fact that I am proud beyond recognition of my kids and their gigantic hearts. With all the devastation in Haiti, they were first to ask what we were going to do about it. In 3 days, my students brought in $86.97. By. them. selves. 30 kids brought their pennies, nickels, quarters, and dimes to help people they will never know. Did they expect a reward or prize? No. They just wanted to do a good job and help people in need. What a lesson! And I thought I was the teacher...
*hmmmmm*
Now, on to a jewel I have been sharing with anyone and everyone who will listen. This week's reading textbook has the kids learning about proverbs, sayings, and fables. So, out of curiosity, I gave my kids a quiz where they were to finish the saying the best they could. Here are some yummy little morsels they thought up:
· You shouldn’t throw stones.....at your home.
· The early bird.....wakes you up.
· A picture is worth.....every penny.
· The grass is always greener.....than a tree.
· The bigger they are.....the smaller they look.
· You shouldn’t throw stones...that are shaped like a rock.
· A stitch in time.....could hurt a little.
· Curiosity killed.....a dog in the street.
· You shouldn’t throw stones.....or it makes it worst.
· Curiosity killed.....who’s curious.
· An apple a day.....is a good taste.
· Don’t count your chickens.....right now.
· The early bird.....is late.
· A picture is worth.....10 dollars.
· Silence is.....the 3rd rule. (think BRAVO - our class rules: Voices off when others speak - maybe we need to work on counting next since "V" is actually the 4th rule... all well, you can't win them all!).
· Don’t count your chickens.....if you are going to play with them.
· The early bird.....was so tired.
· Curiosity killed......a lot of people.
· The grass is always.....greener than dirt.
· A bird in the hand.....makes you bored.
· The early bird.....woke me up.
· The bigger they are.....the badder they hurt.
· The grass is always greener.....because we always water it.
And the story of the day is...
*drumroll please*
(keep in mind that I am a Dual Language/Bilingual teacher)
(as in I teach Bilingual students)
(as in students who speak more than one - usually 2 since the prefix "bi" means two)
(so it stand to reason that I might be open-minded and culturally sensitive)
At recess today I sat down (as I normally do) on the teacher's bench. There happened to be a student sitting on the bench as well reading a small book. Now, normally students are not allowed to sit on the teacher's bench, but I was in a good mood so I decided to strike up a conversation with said Reader.
Me: What are you reading?
Reader: The Koran
Me: Oh, cool... What language is that? (I knew, of course, but remember I am trying to talk with this student who is not one of my own)
Reader: Arabic.
Me: Wow! That is so awesome that you are Bilingual!
Reader: *looks at me as if I have lost my marbles and then says in the most even voice a child is capable of* No, I'm Muslim.
*head in my hands*
*metaphorically of course as I can't act distressed in front of the children*
I think I need a good strong Aleve and a nice long bubble bath followed by a nap.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Vroom, Vroom!
And behind door number three... a BRAND, NEW CAR!!! Or at least new to me! Take a look at my beautiful new vehicle - a 2007 Kia Sportage. I absolutely love it! Hello SUV gas-guzzler...
Isn't she be-A-U-tiful! I think she looks like a Petunia, but Clint thinks that is a ridiculous name for a car. But, I say it's my car and I can name her whatever I want! What do you think? Petunia? Bubbles? Something cute...
Isn't she be-A-U-tiful! I think she looks like a Petunia, but Clint thinks that is a ridiculous name for a car. But, I say it's my car and I can name her whatever I want! What do you think? Petunia? Bubbles? Something cute...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Babies, babies, and Gyros...
Wow! What a fun weekend it has been! Yesterday was Ashleigh's (a good friend from our small group Bible study) baby shower. My, my, my was that a beautiful shower - every little detail was thought of. We even played a fun little game called B-A-B-Y-O (kind of like Bingo) where you fill in all the boxes with things you think the new mommy is going to get... things like diapers, baby monitors, onesies, blankets, etc. Then, as she is opening the presents, you place markers (our markers were hershey kisses -- YUM!) and get prizes as you make a BABYO! A very cute idea to keep guests engaged in the present-opening.
Then, today was Beth's (a friend from the "old" small group) baby shower. Her's was a little more intimate but still a lot of fun! She had a great idea to have all the guests draw a number from 1 to 12 and then write Baby Audrey a birthday card for that respective birthday year (i.e. 4 for the 4th birthday). This is such a cute idea that I will definitely keep in mind for down the road... No mom, that is NOT a hint! :)
And then, here is an easy recipe to tempt your tastebuds:
Cake Balls:
INGREDIENTS:
box cake mix (plus any ingredients listed on the box)
meltable chocolate (white and milk)
can of frosting (any flavor)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. make the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. cook in a 9x13 very well-greased pan. cool completely.
2. turn entire cake out onto wax paper and cut in half.
3. take half of the cake and mix with half the can of frosting in a large bowl until the dough can be formed into balls. repeat with the other half of cake and frosting.
4. place each ball in a spoon. use another spoon to coat ball with melted chocolate. use a third spoon to push the ball onto a piece of wax paper. allow chocolate to cool and harden and then drizzle with other melted chocolate (i.e. milk chocolate over white chocolate or white chocolate over milk chocolate)
Such a great recipe for showers where cute little yummies are the items of choice - kind of like petit fours.
On another note, the 101 in 1001 list is under way (I will be updating totals as soon as I finish this entry) but I have tried a new recipe (chorizo and cornbread stuffing in cornish hens baked and braised in white wine, butter, and olive oil - by no means healthy but delicious!) and a new recipe (yay for authentic Greek gyros! - you know it's good when the entire Greek family is stuffed inside a little 4x5 stand (babies and all) and they all talk with a thick accent!!!). Also the health choices are well underway and the graduate school is in the "figure out what I am doing" phase.
Stay tuned!
Then, today was Beth's (a friend from the "old" small group) baby shower. Her's was a little more intimate but still a lot of fun! She had a great idea to have all the guests draw a number from 1 to 12 and then write Baby Audrey a birthday card for that respective birthday year (i.e. 4 for the 4th birthday). This is such a cute idea that I will definitely keep in mind for down the road... No mom, that is NOT a hint! :)
And then, here is an easy recipe to tempt your tastebuds:
Cake Balls:
INGREDIENTS:
box cake mix (plus any ingredients listed on the box)
meltable chocolate (white and milk)
can of frosting (any flavor)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. make the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. cook in a 9x13 very well-greased pan. cool completely.
2. turn entire cake out onto wax paper and cut in half.
3. take half of the cake and mix with half the can of frosting in a large bowl until the dough can be formed into balls. repeat with the other half of cake and frosting.
4. place each ball in a spoon. use another spoon to coat ball with melted chocolate. use a third spoon to push the ball onto a piece of wax paper. allow chocolate to cool and harden and then drizzle with other melted chocolate (i.e. milk chocolate over white chocolate or white chocolate over milk chocolate)
Such a great recipe for showers where cute little yummies are the items of choice - kind of like petit fours.
On another note, the 101 in 1001 list is under way (I will be updating totals as soon as I finish this entry) but I have tried a new recipe (chorizo and cornbread stuffing in cornish hens baked and braised in white wine, butter, and olive oil - by no means healthy but delicious!) and a new recipe (yay for authentic Greek gyros! - you know it's good when the entire Greek family is stuffed inside a little 4x5 stand (babies and all) and they all talk with a thick accent!!!). Also the health choices are well underway and the graduate school is in the "figure out what I am doing" phase.
Stay tuned!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Graduate School
I think word has gotten around and most everyone knows... but I have been accepted into Lamar University's Master Program. In a short 18 months I will be walking across the stage as a Principal-to-be!!! This is such a fabulous opportunity and I am so excited to be taking part in this.
Now, I have to study for the GRE, take the GRE, and make it through my classes. Whew! It's back to school for me - I haven't been a student in 3 years! Time surely flies...
101 in 1001 item number 93 is underway. Many of my other challenges are also underway or in the planning stage - life is good; Thank you Jesus!
Now, I have to study for the GRE, take the GRE, and make it through my classes. Whew! It's back to school for me - I haven't been a student in 3 years! Time surely flies...
101 in 1001 item number 93 is underway. Many of my other challenges are also underway or in the planning stage - life is good; Thank you Jesus!
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