Pizza, Peeps, and Pictures

I'm actually getting a little behind on blogging about the things I've been making in my kitchen. It's hard to believe! Maybe I'm not getting behind on blogging as much as I'm taking more pictures than I used to. So today I'm going to spend a little time sharing some pictures of what I've been making the past couple weeks that haven't made it to the "big screen" yet.

First up, another pizza creation. I like the pizza crust I have been making, but it felt like it was lacking a little "oomph!" so I decided to throw in some Italian seasoning.


It was a great addition and gave the little extra that I felt the crust needed.

This time we put on the pizza: sauce - a simple mix of tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and a little sugar, cooked, spicy breakfast sausage, tomatoes, green bell pepper, fresh mushrooms, and onions.


Lovebug got to have cheese on his half! I found him Soy Sastions at Sprouts and he said it was an ok substitute. So I was happy he got to have cheese on his pizza again-- and not have an upset stomach! There are slices of mozzarella on my half, it just sunk down into the mass of ingredients. This was another tasty pizza creation.






I grew up enjoying Peeps at Easter time. They make so many variations now, but since I only got one box, I stuck with the tried, true, and traditional.

"Chirp Chirp!"

For Easter dinner I tried my hand at chicken and dumplings. I got the recipe from a friend. I like pretty much everything she makes, so figured these would be good as well -- they were! The recipe called for whole wheat flour which I had never used before, but I sure felt "healthier" when I added it in. The recipe was fairly easy and straightforward. I have never made chicken and dumplings and don't even recall eating them. So I was excited to try my hand at this "Southern" dish. I really wasn't sure how I felt about eating soggy bread, but it turned out yummy! I also cut up fruit for little salads and cooked up some broccoli to round out our Easter dinner.



Finally, I had been thinking about brownies for a long time. But I know myself and I know that I can't have brownies around when I'm trying to lose weight. Seriously. Something about them weakens my defenses. I have developed some considerable self-control during my weight loss journey, but still, brownies seem to hold some type of power over me. So I've basically been avoiding them as much as possible. But one day I started thinking about them. Then I found a recipe on-line for 'Fudge Brownies'. Then I found myself writing this recipe down on a bright yellow notecard. "Wait a second..." Then I tucked this recipe away in my day planner, put it in my purse, and it made its merry way into a clip hanging over the top of my oven. At this point, both my choices and discipline were quickly diminishing. I had read the recipe through and knew I had all the ingredients in my kitchen. "Hold on!" The recipe hung there for one day... glanced at, checked over, reviewed, but ultimately, unused. Day two came along and the bright yellow card still hung there... screaming out my name, "Don't you want me? I thought you loved me! Why am I even here?"... and then this happened...

and then as if it wasn't good to leave well enough alone... this!

at this point, I was crumbling, and continued on with...

My, oh my, was it delightful! Wonderful! Delicious! Glorious! Needless to say, my brownie dreams came true, my self-control waved "adieu", and four hours and half a pan later I learned something about myself: I am STILL powerless against brownies!

"What would you have done in a situation like that?"... Name that movie!

To life... full of giving in to your (my) brownie sundae dreams!

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

I decided to go ahead and make two strawberry recipes for April. Last weekend I endeavored upon my first strawberry rhubarb pie. This has always been one of my favorite pies that my Mom makes. So I, of course, used her recipe to make mine.

Pie has always seemed to me to be a daunting task. Growing up I remember that Mom would start a pie early in the day and we wouldn't get to eat it until much, much later. So in my mind, it always seemed like an all day task. But I think maybe she was just pacing herself because I've found that, especially if you have the pie crust ready to go, it really doesn't take that long to make a delicious pie.

First things first, the crust. My go-to: Pioneer Woman's pie crust. It's flaky and delicious! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer to use when you're ready for a fresh pie. It makes two to three crusts depending on how thick you want them. So far, I've only made it into two, but I think next time I might try three because the crust was very thick since I had both a top and bottom crust.

Mixing up the crust

It calls for an egg-- from my limited knowledge, this seems to be fairly unusual for pie crust. I think it's a delicious addition and contributes to the flakiness of the crust.

Then split the dough into two portions, and place into baggies. Leaving the top unsealed, flatten it with a rolling pin to help with the rolling out process later. After flattening the dough, seal the plastic baggies and toss them in the freezer. (Pioneer Woman's Cookbook in the back with the pie crust recipe.)

You can make the crusts anytime to have ready for pies, but I made mine the same day and just tossed it in the freezer for a few hours to set up.

Now for the wonderful filling: cut up some strawberries- about 3 cups, and rhubarb - about 2 cups. I mixed the fruit in a big pan with some sugar and cornstarch. Heat it up in the pan, stir and mix until thickened.


Then I rolled out the pie crust -- it takes time and patience because it has a tendency to tear and stick. But compared to the first time I made it (several pies ago now), I'm getting much better! The bottom crust I got into the pan in just two pieces :o) and then just had to press it together to make it one again.




Next I poured in the strawberry-rhubarb filling. I used a pretty deep pie pan, so the filling just barely filled the pan. Then I dotted the top with a few pieces of butter. And a few more sliced strawberries, since there was room. More fruit never hurts!!


Next, I rolled out the top crust. This time I was pretty excited because I was moving it over to place on top of the pie and it was still in one piece until... it split. So, once again, I had to piece it together. But it turned out ok, I just used a little bit of water and my fingers. I pieced it together, smoothed the edges, and then cut some fun patterns in the top.


I placed it on top of a cookie sheet to help prevent spillage in the oven. In it went... and out it came about 50 minutes later -- a beautiful, golden brown.

I covered it with a tea towel to stay warm until our guests came over for dinner that night. After dinner, I cut up the pie.

And added vanilla ice cream to the top for a few a la mode servings.

Mmmmm! I loved it! Although the guests were a little nervous about the rhubarb, they were still willing to try it which I appreciated. They mostly liked it, but I have a feeling rhubarb doesn't have a mass appeal. But, to me, it was splendid! I will make it again, maybe even later this spring.

To life... full of strawberry rhubarb pie!

Zoo Run 2011

This past Saturday I ran in the Fort Worth Zoo Run 10K. My goal was to beat my previous time (last year's 10K) of 63' 07" by 5 minutes. My official chip time was: 58' 01". I was super excited!! My pace was a 9' 21" mile which I wasn't sure if I was capable of, but apparantly I was :o) I also placed 19th out of 46 women in my age group. Which had been a small, but additional goal: to place in the top half of my bracket!! I love when I reach my goals and it was very exciting to do so that day!

It was a beautiful day for a race, unlike last year which was chilly and misty.


I was able to scrape together 6 people for our 10K team! Here's 5/6.


Lots of my friends signed up for the 5K. Here's most of our group Southwestern Squirrels!


Once I finished I ate my snacks - OJ, banana, water, and granola. It all tasted so good after running. Since I felt pretty good, I stuck around and got to watch my friends start and finish the 5K. It was a great day!



To life... full of 10K races!

Strawberry-Inspired

Happy Monday Everyone!

We're a little over halfway through the month. Have you picked your strawberry recipe yet? If not, here are a few I've seen in recent days that I thought I might toss on up here in case you're needing a little inspiration for this month's theme. Over the weekend I made my first strawberry recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. I was extremely happy with how it turned out, especially for my first try. The only bad part? It's already gone :o(

Cheesecake and strawberries always seem to be a wonderful combination. Check out these bars!

This one is from long ago, but I can't stop thinking about PW's Strawberry Shortcake Cake!

Or you could go with some tasty breakfast (or dessert) bread! I made this one recently and loved it!

Or another breakfast staple: muffins

Oh yeah, I have this PIE saved in my Tasty Kitchen recipe box.

Finally, you could try this brownie pizza! I've had this recipe saved for a long time as well, this may be the month to go forth and make it.

Well, the list could easily continue, but I think these might provide you with the inspiration you need for this month. Or for new readers to join in! If you have any to share with me, please comment with the link or an idea you have!

To life... full of strawberry inspiration!

Homemade Pizza

It's 10:41 am and I am thinking about pizza. Specifically, this one I made recently...


Yep, I wish I was enjoying a piece of that about now. But it's gone because it was delicious and that was several days ago... food, especially pizza, does not last long as leftovers in our house. I am pretty sure I could, and usually do, eat pizza at least once a week. I love how many variations there are! And, I love the different ways I can get it: pizza buffet (Mmm, Pizza Inn!), delivery (although, this hasn't happened since college, but it is an option), from the frozen section of the grocery store (Digiorno Garlic Bread Supreme Pizza anyone?!?), and, of course, homemade!

Now the beauty of homemade pizza is customization, my friends. Specifically, I decided to help out my lovebug and leave the cheese off of his half since he does not do so well with dairy products. Now if I wanted, I could have left off the cheese on my half too and saved myself some calories, but really... it's pizza! In my mind pizza = melty, cheesy goodness! Can you blame me?!?

Here's how this went down in my kitchen, and how it can happen in yours too...

First up, mix up a batch of Pioneer Woman's Pizza Dough. You'll need to start this process in time to let it rise. In my case, I mixed it up before we went to church, covered it with plastic wrap, placed in the fridge, and then took it out when I got home. I set it on the stove to grow while I began cooking the chicken. I cooked one chicken breast in a skillet with a little olive oil and one of my favorite chicken spices: Kick'n Chicken :o)

Next, I spread a little olive oil on my pizza stone and then spread out the dough in a nice circle. I've noticed that the dough is much easier to work with when it has set out for a bit and had a chance to warm up. After spreading it nice and even, I added a generous amount of barbeque sauce. Then I cut up the cooked chicken and spread it around like so...


Then I cut up jalepenos and green onions and sprinkled them generously across the top. Last time I was shopping at Aldi I had picked up a can of mushroom stems and pieces in my mind thinking, this would make a good topping for some pizza. So, I added those across the top as well. Oh yum! Finally I added some shredded mozzarella to one half of the pizza, leaving the other half cold and lonely... Then into the oven it went!


It only takes 10 minutes to bake it (LOVE!) and it was ready :o)


Mmmmmm!


I do believe this one will have to be repeated. One of our favorites so far! And lovebug said he didn't even mind not having the cheese. So I was glad to hear it was good even without it. I hope you try it too!

To life... full of homemade barbeque chicken pizza!

Stand Up!

One of my friends at work sent me this article: "The Most Dangerous Thing You'll Do All Day." I found it interesting and, at least today, I'm trying to make a conscious effort to stand up/get up at least twice an hour. I usually have a hard time sitting still to begin with and tend to walk around to do many of my errands, but this article has inspired me to continue and do even more. I hope it can inspire you to do the same. Now off to the mail room...

To life... full of small steps to a healthier life!

Tres Cocos Cake

Today I bring to you the delicious cake I made for Lovebug's birthday!


He declared it his favorite birthday cake so far! I was quite excited with that review. Now me, I am neither a fan of coconut or pineapple. This cake contains both so I was a bit afraid I would not enjoy partaking, but I was pleasantly surprised. I truly enjoyed it! I am the type of person always willing to try at least a little of something, even when I have not liked it in the past. So when I try something new and enjoy it, it encourages me to keep doing it because many times (like this) I find that I enjoy something I didn't think I would!

I found the recipe for this cake on Tasty Kitchen. Tres Cocos, according to the recipe creator, means three coconuts. Lovebug has been drinking coconut milk instead of regular milk to help his stomach, so I figured finding a recipe that includes coconut milk in the ingredients would be a great start. Let's check out the process.

Up first, you simply bake a white or yellow cake -- I used a cake mix as the recipe suggested. I mixed up a white cake mix and baked it in a 9x13 pan.

Here are some of the special ingredients I added to the cake


You can see coconut milk, shredded coconut, coconut cream pudding mix (I was super excited when I found it in the store!), crushed pineapple, and cream of coconut.

After the cake has been removed from the oven, you let it sit for about 45 min. Then you poke holes in it. I think I got a little carried away...


Then you mix together coconut milk and cream of coconut. Reserve a half cup of the mixture for the topping and pour the rest over the cake.


Then you cover the cake and put it in the fridge for several hours or overnight as I did.


The next day, it's time to make the topping.

Crushed pineapple, cool whip, lemon juice, coconut cream pudding mix, and the reserved mixture of coconut milk and cream of coconut are folded together in a bowl.


At this same time, you can be toasting some shredded coconut in the oven. I was surprised with how easy this was and how "authentic" it made it look. Once you have mixed the topping together completely, you spread it over the cake and then sprinkle the toasted coconut over the top.


And as I have been learning, natural light really does make the pictures turn out better! It's just so hard for me to accomplish because most of my baking either starts or doesn't finish until after dark, so my opportunities are limited. But this time I took advantage and I think it makes the cake look even awesome-er!


I think this would be an excellent choice for a cake to make during the summer (or anytime really:o))! Ask me for the recipe if you're interested.

Also, can you believe this is my 100th post? I was kind of waiting to put up a pretty good post to celebrate my 100th -- and I think this cake fit the bill!

To life... full of yummy coconut birthday cake!

March Mmmmmint Wrap-Up

Hey Friends! I have five mint recipes to share with you for March! Here we go:

First up, I chose to make a Grasshopper Pie. Due to my ignorance, I did not understand all my ingredients and ended up making a modified version. I ended up making 1/3 of the recipe and putting it into 2 ramekins for Lovebug and I to have. I found the recipe at Tasty Kitchen and there are several versions, so feel free to look around and find one that suits your tastes.

I began by crushing up some mint oreos. Then I mixed the crumbs with melted butter and pressed them into the ramekins. The crust was baked for about 5 min. in the oven.

Then I took a break... can't wait for the summer time QT drink rates!


Next up, I melted marshmallows with some milk over low heat.


Then I left the mixture to come to room temperature while the crusts were cooling as well. Then I had some fun, I added peppermint extract and some yellow and blue food coloring to make this pretty green color!




Then I split this mixture between the two ramekins and put them in the freezer for an hour. Once I took them out I warmed up some hot fudge sauce and swirled it on top.



Tasty!


Next up, if you want to check out what my sis made for this month, run on over to her blog. It sounds like her family really enjoyed these Chocolate Mint Brownies.

My mom intends to make an asparagus mint dish, but I have not received her feedback yet as to how that went. But it should be interesting!

Tara came in this month with Andes Brownies! She and Stephanie came over to bake with me for our mint recipes because 1)she's not a big fan of the chocolate/mint combo and 2) it's always more fun to bake with friends!

A warm, buttery-sugary start!



Mix up the brownie batter and dump in the chopped up Andes mints



Then we baked and enjoyed!


I thought these brownies were good. But after putting them in the fridge and letting them get cold, I thought they were great! Typically I love gooey, warm brownies from the oven, but if you're willing to wait- these do get better from being chilled!

Stephanie picked out a cookie recipe for us. It called for mint M&Ms which I had never heard of before and she was unable to find. So we went with York Peppermint Patty pieces-- pretty cool right? The cookies had a chocolate base and then you mixed in white chocolate chips and the YPP pieces.


I think we were all in agreeance that the cookies were ok. The chocolate cookie part was pretty bland, but the chips and pieces helped it out. We had lots so we shared and I put some of mine in the freezer. People seemed to enjoy them which was good, they just weren't our favorite cookies.

Well, there you have it. Another month's wrap-up. Thanks again ladies for participating. I am having fun hearing about and trying all these new recipes! As for April? I hadn't had much time to come up with something, but Tara mentioned a couple ideas and I liked them. April's theme is: STRAWBERRIES! Have fun!

**Updated: I want to add Mom's review of her Asparagus Mint Recipe. I just got to the recipe for supper. It was tangy good. I like all the flavors--asparagus, lime and mint; so i enjoyed the combination and would cook it again. But would have to say it may not make an American statement. Thanks for joining in Mom!

To life... full of spring produce!