Friday, February 27, 2009

A Ticket to Ride...

The very zesty and adventurous book, "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen.
I had book club at my house and we read, "Water for Elephants," about the circus during 1920's depression. I thought SO very interesting, and a great read.

Although, I must forewarn...there are a few "spicey" parts, which I guess shocked a few BC members. They were like, "YOU picked this book, Jen?" "YOU?" "Are you sure? Did you read it?" To which I state, YES. I picked the book, I liked the book, and I still like it. Just skip the offending spiciness, if you wish. Which I'm sure some attendees did. So. It's all good.Don't even ask what we're doing in some of these pics...it was late..we overdosed on candy apples and diet coke...and were actually making a little fun of some of the attendees teenage daughters. We just have to live and LAUGH a lot!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

A Visit from our California Loves

Tree and her family came up for a short, yet very sweet visit.The cousins had so much fun...getting used to one another, playing tea party, and giving one another a stiff right arm when they wanted the bike the other one had...(the babies ARE trying to learn how to share).
Sophie and Claire enjoyed the first day it actually felt like Spring...perhaps it really is around the corner...we hope!
Lucy and Maria had to fight over these chairs, even though they are IDENTICAL. One must feel a little softer than the other.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

A Little Chocolate Chip Molten LOVE

Saturday Spence said his head hurt from too much thinking...He had been testing from 8am-12pm...and had a headache....so off we went to Chili's for lunch...only he, Lucy, AW and me (the girls were at Grandma's).


I think we were a little punch drunk on warm, chocolately, creamy, goodness...And actually, his headache went right away, just like magic!



Choco-Coma...

Friday, February 20, 2009

Christmas Dresses in February!

Finally...I got a cute picture of the girls in their Christmas dresses...Whew. Better late than never...


Sunday, February 15, 2009

Our Resident Thespian...and Love Day Too...



Spencer was Jim Bridger in his fourth grade play...we had no idea he had such a flare for the dramatic...and especially physical comedy. Grandma Char was able to enjoy learning about the history of Utah.
Grace was all dressed up with some very special Valentines Day Party to go to...
Spencer's Top Secret Valentines Day Box.
Sophie (after weeks of asking me how many days until...) was so happy to hear that Today Was THE DAY!
Lucy didn't know what all the fuss was about, but couldn't be happier.
And well, Adam got a little surprise when he went to work...and was just a teensy bit humiliated having to drive down the freeway with ridiculous, lovey things all over his windows... Poor baby...happy V Day to all and to all a goodnight!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Easy Breezy Beautifully...

TIRED

I am SOOOOOOO needing a little rest on my memory foam pillow topper bed. AND I'm into all things irresponsible...like played with Luce instead of folding the laundry and/ or mopping the floor. Okay. There. I said it. Today, I smiled and helped her empty her bottom drawer of clothes...again all over the bedroom floor. It was kinda' fun. We might do it again tomorrow.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Gourmet Dogs


So, for Lucy's Birthday we decided to try out some "gourmet" hot dogs I saw on Martha Stewart...they were delicious. My favorite was the Bulldog...the homemade coleslaw is divine. Check out Martha for more info...


Bulldog Hotdog (I love this one!)

Ingredients
Makes 6
6 all-beef hot dogs
6 hot dog buns
Mustard, for serving
Classic Creamy Coleslaw, for serving
Real-Deal Chili, for serving
Chopped White Onion, for serving

Directions:
Preheat griddle to medium heat. Fill a medium saucepan three-quarters full of water; bring to a boil. Add hot dogs, reduce heat to simmer, and cook until hot dogs are plump and heated through, about 6 minutes.
Using tongs, transfer hot dogs to griddle. Open buns and place interior-side down on griddle. Cook hot dogs and buns until lightly browned.
Serve hot dogs in buns with mustard, coleslaw, chili, and onions.
First published: February 2006


Coleslaw:
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 small green cabbage, (about 1 3/4 pounds), finely shredded
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks or coarsely grated
1 small onion, coarsely grated (optional)
Directions
Whisk together mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a small bowl. Refrigerate dressing, covered, until ready to use, or up to 2 days.
Put cabbage, carrots, and onion (if desired) in a large bowl. Pour in dressing, and toss thoroughly. Refrigerate, covered, until slaw begins to soften, 1 to 2 hours. If not using immediately, refrigerate, covered, up to 2 days. Just before serving, toss coleslaw again.







The Ditch Dog (it doesn't get any healthier than this...homemade mac n cheese on a HOTDOG!)

Ingredients
Makes 8 hot dogs
Coarse salt
1 pound elbow pasta
2 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 pound white American cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, room temperature
1/2 pound Gruyere, grated, room temperature
1/3 cup Parmesan, grated, room temperature
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8 hot dogs
8 potato hot dog buns
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat; generously salt water and return to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir until well combined, 5 to 6 minutes, taking care not to let the mixture brown. Slowly add milk mixture, whisking until well combined. Bring to a simmer and let cook 15 minutes.
Whisk in cheese until melted and sauce has thickened; remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend mixture until smooth; season with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Stir in pasta until fully coated; set macaroni and cheese aside.
Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill hot dogs until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer hot dogs to buns, and top each with about 1/3 cup reserved macaroni and cheese. Serve immediately.
First published: September 2008