Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
My Parents are Polish
I got to thinking, where are my parents from. Granted I know, and I've been there, but for everyone else here it is...
My mom is from Stalowa Wola, Poland and my dad is from Miedzylesie, Poland.
My mom is from Stalowa Wola, Poland and my dad is from Miedzylesie, Poland.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dessert of the Week: Brownies
I baked these for the Crate & Barrel inventory potluck.
Ingredients
Soft butter, for greasing the pan
Flour, for dusting the buttered pan
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar, sifted
1 cup brown sugar, sifted
8 ounces melted butter
11/4 cups cocoa, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8-inch square pan.
In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the eggs at medium speed until fluffy and light yellow. Add both sugars. Add remaining ingredients, and mix to combine.
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square pan and bake for 45 minutes. Check for doneness with the tried-and-true toothpick method: a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan should come out clean. When it's done, remove to a rack to cool. Resist the temptation to cut into it until it's mostly cool.
Ingredients
Soft butter, for greasing the pan
Flour, for dusting the buttered pan
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar, sifted
1 cup brown sugar, sifted
8 ounces melted butter
11/4 cups cocoa, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8-inch square pan.
In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the eggs at medium speed until fluffy and light yellow. Add both sugars. Add remaining ingredients, and mix to combine.
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square pan and bake for 45 minutes. Check for doneness with the tried-and-true toothpick method: a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan should come out clean. When it's done, remove to a rack to cool. Resist the temptation to cut into it until it's mostly cool.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Star
I cannot believe it! Madison (20 months) has gone pee pee on the potty for a week straight right before her bath. This morning she said "Momma, pee pee," and headed for the bathroom. Turns out girlfriend had to go pee pee and went on the potty, not once, not twice, but something like 8 times in one day!
She's still in a diaper, because I have to go find Easy Ups in a size 4. However, she's making it difficult to put the diaper on. But I'm so proud of her! And of course she went pee pee before her bath, and after. You go Madi BOOM!
She's still in a diaper, because I have to go find Easy Ups in a size 4. However, she's making it difficult to put the diaper on. But I'm so proud of her! And of course she went pee pee before her bath, and after. You go Madi BOOM!
Dessert of the Week: Sticky Road Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
For the chocolate bar:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus extra for the pan
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans
For the glaze:
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
Directions
Special Equipment: off-set spatula, parchment paper, 12 by 8 1/2-inch sheet pan
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt together. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer on medium high speed, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and mix until well combined. Add flour mixture in batches and blend until combined and crumbly. Fold in melted chocolate and the pecans. Butter a quarter sheet pan. Line the pan with a piece of parchment paper and butter the parchment. Press dough evenly into the sheet pan and prick surface evenly with a fork. Bake until firm in the center, about 20 minutes. Let cool and prepare the glaze.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then add sugar, corn syrup and condensed milk. Cook until all ingredients are dissolved and a golden color is reached, about 10 to 12 minutes. Fold in the pecans and coconut. Pour the hot glaze over the cooled chocolate bars and quickly chill in the freezer to let glaze set. Cut into bars and serve.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
33 years in the making
Well, I finished my 33rd year of life today, at 6:13 a.m. It's been a good time. I finished my schooling, started a career, got married, had a kid. I've gone to many countries, states and places. I've bungee jumped and skied down mountains. I've seen many sporting events and concerts. It's been great.
Things I'd like to accomplish this year: Skydive and get pregnant and sustain it. In that order. I hope to travel to Polska, so that my Babcia can meet her great-granddaughter.
Happy 33rd Birthday to me!
Things I'd like to accomplish this year: Skydive and get pregnant and sustain it. In that order. I hope to travel to Polska, so that my Babcia can meet her great-granddaughter.
Happy 33rd Birthday to me!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Brisk or Rapid
We went to lunch at PF Changs today with the Mister. Madi and I hauled our cookies to Pasadena to see his office. On the way to lunch we saw Manny Ramirez chillaxin' in front of the gym. He seemed very nice, and was even signing an autograph for some lady.
At lunch Matt said he got 4 engagement letters back. Whoo hoo...huge bonus, right?! Not quite. The 4 letters were from 4 entities of the same company. But that's okay, because I can smell my new dining room!
This is the Allegro Side Chair in Mocha from Crate & Barrel. We're going to get 4, and get 4 nice foldable chairs to store. Do they make folding Chivari charis?
This is the Allegro Side Board. It'll double as our home office/wine cabinet/extra storage.
The Allegro Extension Table seats 4 more than comfortably, but extends to seat 8. Maybe we'll finally get to entertain!
At lunch Matt said he got 4 engagement letters back. Whoo hoo...huge bonus, right?! Not quite. The 4 letters were from 4 entities of the same company. But that's okay, because I can smell my new dining room!
This is the Allegro Side Chair in Mocha from Crate & Barrel. We're going to get 4, and get 4 nice foldable chairs to store. Do they make folding Chivari charis?
This is the Allegro Side Board. It'll double as our home office/wine cabinet/extra storage.
The Allegro Extension Table seats 4 more than comfortably, but extends to seat 8. Maybe we'll finally get to entertain!
Too Hot to Bake!
Ugh...way too hot to turn on the oven and bake something good. But up next will be Sticky Road Chocolate Bars. Stay tuned!
Madison had a great day yesterday and an even better night. She slept the entire night. Are these glimpses of my little girl going back to "normal." My mom comes home from Polska on Thursday. We'll all be happy to see her!!
Madison had a great day yesterday and an even better night. She slept the entire night. Are these glimpses of my little girl going back to "normal." My mom comes home from Polska on Thursday. We'll all be happy to see her!!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Dessert of the Week: Nothing
LOL! No I'm not quitting my dessert of the week endeavour. I baked more lemon bars on Sunday, because we have an abundance of fresh lemons on the tree.
In other wonderful bloom news, our tomato plant is sprouting! I've counted 3 Polish tomatoes so far. I called my Babcia and told her the exciting news. She was so proud. We also have cantaloupe starting to bloom.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Domestic Engineer Checking In
I feel like I must document everything I do. Yesterday I finished camping kits for St. Francis Center, where we volunteer. I also baked cookies. Today I cleaned the Kid's bathroom, and wiped down our's too. On top of that, I have a load of laundry going, and I still want to mop the bathroom floor. All this before I go to work at 5!
Okay, I'm getting off my high horse. I'm just mad that I once again failed to get hired for a job that I really wanted.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Dessert of the Week: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Lemon Bars were a hit! For the 4th I baked my version of Red, White and Blue cupcakes. Vanilla cake with fresh blueberries, cream cheese frosting with fresh strawberries and blueberries on top. Here's a picture...
Today's dessert of the week is Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. My variation of a classic. I feel that raisins should be a stand alone snack, not one incorporated into baked dishes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
3 cups oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
8 oz. chocolate chips (I like the mini ones)
Splash of milk
Preparation
Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add a splash of milk andmix. Add oats and chocolate chips; mix well.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time Time: 10 min
Today's dessert of the week is Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. My variation of a classic. I feel that raisins should be a stand alone snack, not one incorporated into baked dishes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
3 cups oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
8 oz. chocolate chips (I like the mini ones)
Splash of milk
Preparation
Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add a splash of milk andmix. Add oats and chocolate chips; mix well.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time Time: 10 min
Sk8r Guurl
Ryan Sheckler has nothing on my kid. 19 months, and she's already learning to ride the board. Not only does she have the age thing on her side, she's a girl! Watch out boys, here comes a whole new breed of sk8rs!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Dessert of the Week: Lemon Bars
My dear Mister feels duped. He thought that when we decided that I would be a professional Mom, that I would turn into Susie Homemaker. But in reality, I knew that would never happen. My dinners are rarely edible, though I do vacuum every other day. I hate laundry, ironing and scrubing toilets. I don't get paid enough to do those things regularly anyway.
Last week the Mister came to me and said, "So and so's stay at home wife cooks him a gourmet breakfast every morning, and prepares him special lunches, and he has 5 star dinners on the table when he comes home. She even bakes for the office. All this and they have a 6 week old kid." My thought is either the guy is on crack or his wife is trying to compensate for something. I told the Mister that it ain't gonna happen in this house, so stop dreaming.
I felt bad about the whole thing, so every week I'm going to bake a dessert, as my effort to be Susie Homemaker. Last week I made Vanilla Cupcakes. Everyone loved them. The Mister did not. Today, I have Lemon Bars in the oven. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting
Pinch salt
2 sticks butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
Filling:
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 2 1/2 small lemons)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch pan.
Make the crust by combining the flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter to make a crumbly mixture. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. You may need to dip your fingers into a little flour or confectioners' sugar to keep the dough from sticking to your fingers. Bake for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, to make the filling, mix the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and lemon juice. Pour this over the baked crust and bake for 25 minutes longer. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired, when the bars are done.
Last week the Mister came to me and said, "So and so's stay at home wife cooks him a gourmet breakfast every morning, and prepares him special lunches, and he has 5 star dinners on the table when he comes home. She even bakes for the office. All this and they have a 6 week old kid." My thought is either the guy is on crack or his wife is trying to compensate for something. I told the Mister that it ain't gonna happen in this house, so stop dreaming.
I felt bad about the whole thing, so every week I'm going to bake a dessert, as my effort to be Susie Homemaker. Last week I made Vanilla Cupcakes. Everyone loved them. The Mister did not. Today, I have Lemon Bars in the oven. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting
Pinch salt
2 sticks butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
Filling:
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 2 1/2 small lemons)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch pan.
Make the crust by combining the flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter to make a crumbly mixture. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. You may need to dip your fingers into a little flour or confectioners' sugar to keep the dough from sticking to your fingers. Bake for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, to make the filling, mix the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and lemon juice. Pour this over the baked crust and bake for 25 minutes longer. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired, when the bars are done.
Monday, June 15, 2009
It's not fair!
My friend Nicole's daughter, Allison, was diagnosed with Leukemia on Friday, June 12, 2009. I am absolutely devastated! My heart aches for the family. Check out the blog I started for them http://teamallisonz.blogspot.com.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
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