Fun Friday: Our take on the "Cherpumple"

So I am sure that Hubby and I were the only ones that had NOT seen this You Tube video. We are apparently in the dark about a lot of important life skills....

Regardless. He emailed it to me on Friday and that was all it took.

Frankly as a baker, I have often wondered what would happen if you baked certain pastries in other pastries. A tart inside a scone, a cookie inside a pie, a pie inside a cake perhaps?! Okay...that's a lie. I have honestly never even thought to put a pie inside a cake but man-o-man...I wish I had.

See despite my hatred for anything involving warm or mushy fruit (aka pie), I can appreciate one's love for pie...kind of. I really enjoy making them. Heck, I even won a contest for my apple pie (don't ask for my autograph quite yet, I am pretty sure me plus the other two 65-year-old women who won were the only ones who entered)! I just dont like eating them. It's a texture thing. I also don't do jelly or chocolate milk. Call me crazy...I know.

But a pie in a cake...would that be different? Could that be my ticket to pie eating bliss?! I had to find out.

One store bought frozen blueberry pie, one box of white cake mix, three eggs whites, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and some water (I think 1 1/3 cup) later....I had...

almost a mess in my oven (be sure to bake on a cookie sheet) and a pretty ugly cake. BUT to my surprise, it looked like a cake with no sign of my secret surprise inside!

What could fix this unsightly mess...

nothing more than an off-set spatula and a container of store bought cream cheese icing!

When the time finally came to cut into the creation....I was nervous. Would it turn into a big pile of fruit goo? Would the cake even be cooked? Would the roughly 5 hours that it took making this thing (can you imagine if I would have tried the 3 layer!!) be for nothing?

It was an easy cut. Like a hot knife through butter, one might say.

It was the moment of truth...

holy crap...

it actually worked!

But was it tasty?!

....

YES!!!!! (yes that is his excited face...you can tell by the wrinkled brow)

And yes! I actually enjoyed it too! (Granted I did focus my attention mainly on the outside of the cake where all the crust was hiding BUT I did get a couple of blueberry bites in there too and I didn't throw up!)

HOORAY! A "new", fairly white trash dessert has been born!

Now for the name...

One of my favorite things!

So you may or maynot be familiar with McCormick's Garlic Bread Sprinkle. Frankly before Hubby...I had never heard of the stuff. If you haven't heard of it, and therefore I am assuming you have never tried it, you must stop reading immediately, do not pass go, do not collect $200 (okay maybe do collect $200 if someone is passing out checks and then please call me and tell me where they are), and do not even put on shoes! You must run to the store, go immediately to the section that sells spices, and put this in your cart. It is amazing. Not only does it taste delicious, it is so versitile! I use it to spice up (pun intended) cresent rolls, I always add it to my pizza crusts when making homemade pizzas (I may also sprinkle a little on top for good measure), and I have been known to use it to make my "white trash garlic toast" (see recipe below).

I have not been contact by McCormick to push this product, although if they would like to contact me I would LOVE it. I just simply love this stuff and felt it was necessary to share it with you. 

Happy Sprinkling!

White Trash Garlic Toast 

This recipe is perfect for any left over bread product you may have. My favorite is hamburger buns. No one ever eats ALL of those buns!

Place buns on oven safe cookie sheet. Spread (or spray) with butter/margarine/Sprachel. Sprinkle with Garlic Bread Sprinkle and then stick under the broiled until crispy (but not burnt). 

PS...I think I am officially obsessed with using ( ). Just saying.

22 weeks

(please disregard my "Sunday" look...Im just shocked my hair is actually done...)

I am 22 weeks as of Sunday! Punkin is still being called Punkin as we have not decided on a name. I figure we have plenty of time. Once we found out it was a boy, we kind of stopped talking about it. Weird!

I am feeling lots of movement, especially in the morning, which makes me SUPER happy because I am not sure what I will do if I am the ONLY morning person in this house!

Im getting a belly but still somehow managing to squeeze into my jeans (thank GOD for the Be Band (Target's version of the Bella Band)). Definitely not bragging...it is merely because we are cheap! I did finally have to upgrade the bra though....it was exciting, don't get me wrong, but again...Im cheap.

I can't believe we only have 18 weeks left. It feels like both a lifetime and like it is just around the corner...

Happy Bump!

The Big 2-7

Last Saturday (yes that's right...my poor husband has my birthday and Valentine's Day BACK-TO-BACK) was my 27th Birthday....whew....let me say it again...27. Wow. I am no longer in my "early twenties"...scary! Despite being an old hag, I am actually okay with that number. Looking back to where I was five years ago, hell one year ago...I would never guess I would be where I am now and I am nothing but blessed and grateful for everything and everyone in my life. BUT that being said...when I think about the fact that I was TWENTY YEARS OLD when Hubby and I met...it gives me chills...

Anywho...early in the week last week, Hubby surprised me with an early birthday present. We try not to go overboard BUT this year he scored MAJOR points in the "Awesome Husband" category! I came home from work to find that he had picked out and installed a shiny...new...

RANGE HOOD! Complete with stainless steel backsplash! WHAT?!

This might not be exciting to some but considering we had replaced our microwave awhile ago, the old one had become an eye sore and a pain in my rear. We decided to unplug it since it was no longer of use to us, thanks to my new GIANT microwave, so that meant no light and/or fan. And trust me...I burn things...a lot. It was such an awesome surprise and such an awesome birthday gift! So thoughtful!

To make him even more amazing, he also surprised me when I came home early during the Blizzard of 2010...with...

BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES!

He was proud of them! He is pretty stinkin AWESOME! And they were delicious!

Turning 27 turned out to be not so bad and with everything going on in our lives, I am thinking this is going to be a good year!

Happy Birthday! TO ME! : )

2-4 Inches of Snow Predicted

So last Thursday, us Texans sure got a surprise! We have had a pretty cold (cold for us mind you) winter this year and we have had quite a bit of rain and seen snow twice! So last Thursday, snow was in the forecast again, 2-4 inches if that. I woke up to let the dogs out at my usual time (5:00AM...dont judge) and thought I had left the backporch light on but instead realize that it was this!

I immediately flipped on the weather, heard it was going to be passing over us soon but would start back up again that afternoon. I got ready for work and anxiously waited for Hubby to wake up! I didn't want him to miss it! Needless to say he was less excited than I was and didn't even get up to make sure I was telling the truth! Men! : ) Anywho...I went to work and throughout the morning...it just kept snowing...and snowing...and snowing. BIG, FAT flakes mixed with small, light flakes mixed with normal, "everyday" snow. It was beautiful. By around 1:00PM, my boss' wife was getting nervous, my mom was getting nervous, and even Hubby thought it might be a good idea to think about heading home. When he suggests it...I know to listen. I left work around 2:30-3:00 and got home just in time to see this...

and this...

oh and this...

and this...

and finally this...

And it pretty much kept snowing for the rest of the day. It was forecasted to stop in the evening but ended up snowing until around 1:00AM on Friday morning. Needless to say...work was canceled. SWEET! It was so beautiful, until we realized it was burying our trees and eventually snapped one. Oh well...not much damage and not as much as other people in our neighborhood. The dogs paws have been a pain BUT that is okay! I will take this...

5:00AM

3:00PM

7:00AM

ANY day!

Happy Winter!

No excuses

So I have nothing of interest to say other than I hope to post something more interesting tomorrow. I have approximately 1.5 million pictures detailing my birthday weekend (yes...birthday), our hunt for a new coffee table, and my wonderful husband. Dont get discouraged and leave me...I promise hope to have something new and exciting to read tomorrow.

Please stand by.

Happy Lack of Time! : )

Fun Friday - 2nd Edition

This is my cart-o-goodness. It sits on my counter (because it's precious) and has become my storage for chocolate chips and other delicious goodies.

(pretend you also see instant coffee and chopped pecans)

When deciding what to make for this week's edition of Fun Friday...I decided to use what I had and try to make something new and delicious and oh boy...did I ever.

I like brownies just as much as the next girl, dont get me wrong but sometimes I want something in addition to that chewy chocolate goodness. Give me some texture, or some nuts or something and I am one happy gal.

I decided to use what I had in the cart to see what I could come up with so I layered fudgy dark brownie with chopped pecans (courteous of my father-in-law), melted caramel bits, and melted milk chocolate chips.

I know...I know.

Let the tears of joy rain down upon your apron strings!

Click here for recipe.

Happy Baking! 

"Punkin" Movement

So around last week, I started to feel what I thought was baby movement. Nothing too wild but definitely a different feeling down yonder. It felt like tiny muscle spasms, that is the best way that I can describe it. I know other people say butterflies or gas but to me it kind of feels like twitching. ANYWAYS...it has continued so I am fairly certain that it wasn't my big lunch but it is in fact baby.

Well last night we had finished up dinner (Chicken Enchiladas) and were watching TV when I started to feel some movement. I thought what the heck, let's see if Hubby can feel it too. So I grabbed his hand and put it on my lower stomach. I could still feel things every now and again but he couldn't. : (  He waited another minute or two and "Punkin" gave two really good jolts and Hubby felt them! His eyes got big and I asked if he felt that and he said yes! It was a very cool moment.

Then Vegas dragged her butt on the carpet and our cool moment was interrupted BUT such is life!

Happy Baby!

Pants....HE will be wearing pants!

It's...a...boy!

Fun Friday! - 1st Edition

I have decided to make a theme day and I have picked Friday. Why you ask? Because...

1) I love Fridays
2) I love food
3) I love to bake

Fridays are going to be my day that I feature a new and exciting recipe that I have been dying to try and feel the world will be a better place after I spread the word. I hope you enjoy! Let me know if you have any requests!

Hubby inspired the first edition by ordering Blueberry Pancakes at breakfast last Sunday. I had Blueberries on the brain and couldnt get this recipe for "Blueberry Baby/Boy Bait" that I found on Piece of Cake out of my head. I had to try it. Shauna uses and raves about frozen berries but since fresh were on sale and cheaper than frozen...I made the decision to just be wild and go for it. Turned out great! Hubby, my MIL, and I ended up being big fans, and I will definitely be making this again! It can be eaten for breakfast, as a quick snack, or in one sitting as a meal...whatever you prefer. I hope you try it, love it, and share it.

Based on these pictures, I am hoping this theme day also helps me...

 a) become a better photographer

b) become more organized when cooking (aka take pictures of all ingredients and steps) 

c) remember to take pictures when the food is done rather than just digging my fork into it...

Just bare with me, I hope the pictures get better.

Happy Baking!

Click here for the recipe!

Punkin Update

For those of you keeping track, I will be 20 weeks on Sunday. Half way there. I can't believe it. Hubby and I will also be celebrating the 20 week milestone with a sonogram on Monday!

We will hopefully get more than a floating blob...

Dont get me wrong. This might just be the cutest floating blob I have ever seen...

But hopefully...on Monday...we will find out/be able to see if Punkin will need a skirt or pants! Unless she is a feminist them she can totally wear pants if she wants to...or he feels more comfortable in skirts, whatever...we are hip people! But you get the idea. It is finally time to find out the sex. You better believe I will keep you updated.

Any guesses on the gender? You at least have a 50/50 shot of being right! I would love to hear what you think!

Happy baby!

Her Recipe Box

This is my Gram's recipe box. You might have noticed it in Monday's post, on Gram's shelf. (PS I apologize for not posting this yesterday...Hubby got all excited about doing the taxes and I fell asleep around 8:30 because that is what I do these days so...don't hate me) Anyways...this is my Gram's recipe box. It was one thing I grabbed instantly when she passed away. Not because it had monetary value or anything wild but because I wanted to make sure it had a special and safe place to live. Honestly...I dont think I have opened it since I brought it home. It's just complicated. I just miss her...a lot. And somehow opening this recipe box meant that she was REALLY gone.

BUT...

I finally just sucked it up...and opened it...and it was glorious.

Was I expecting to find secret family recipes passed down from generations, honestly no. I dont have a WHOLE lot of memories of my Gram cooking but I was expecting to find recipes. Recipes she tried and loved, recipes that she never got around to trying. Old favorites, new favorites, and all those in between.

I love the ones in her handwriting. Slightly smeared as if they had been tested and spilled on. Nothing adds character to a cookbook or recipe than a water spot or food smudge. It means it was tried, and tested, and eaten, and enjoyed. And I love that.

I loved seeing that the "Outdoor Cooking" section was empty. Makes me feel reassured that maybe my lack of grilling abilities are not a reflection of my cooking skills but just my DNA.

I plan to go through this recipe box. Keep every recipe inside but cook or try most if not all of them. She had them or kept them for a reason. They deserve their time to be tried, shared, and enjoyed. I will keep you updated on the results!

In the meantime, start a cookbook or recipe box. Even if you just throw in a recipe you kind of like, you never know what finding that or cooking with that will mean to someone someday...even if it is 50 years from now. Nothing is more special than a handwritten recipe with a few smudges on it.

Happy Cooking!

Gram's Shelf

This may be one of my favorite spots in my kitchen. This is a small shelf that we hung up that I didn't intend to be a memorial for my Gram but it has become one. It contains stuff that might not mean much to some but means the world to me. Things that remind me of her, make me think and imagine her cooking back in the day, and just make it so that I never ever forget what a wonderful and amazing woman she was.

Things like  the classic Better Homes and Garden Cookbook. I have one that is updated but I love the look of this one and it is so neat to look through and see what was popular to cook back in the day. Her rolling pin, biscuit cutter, spatula, and mixing spoon. I dont have any fond memories of these or anything but I do remember seeing them around her kitchen. These are iconic tools that every cook must have and how cool that I have hers! Her measuring spoons I do however have fond memories of. They were so neat and I used to LOVE eating out of them (for some odd reason) when I was younger. Always found in the drawer next to her sink, I knew I was at Gram's when I saw those measuring spoons.

The pink cup however might be the most special. Gram always had that cup by the sink or my her side. Always drinking water, she would constantly remind me of the importance. It is just a cup I know, but for some reason that cup is my childhood.

When she passed away, I made sure I claimed a few things to remember her by and I just couldn't bring myself to use any of them so I slowly but surely kept adding them to the shelf until it looked like it does now. I am planning something special with the recipe box that you see there too so check back in tomorrow!

Happy Memories!