Friday Photos...Mostly Of Food?

 

Good Friday morning, my friends! You know, when Steve approached me with the idea of moving yet again last summer, I must admit, I had some reservations. In almost thirty years of marriage, however, he has yet to steer me wrong. This is what he told me I would enjoy. And he was right. I am blessed to wake up to this view every single morning. So, good on you, Steve! (I know he reads here.)

Early morning walks around here are pretty sweet too. But, I promised photos of food, and I shall deliver! First up, our first hamburgers on the grill of the season. This is Madison's plate because I eat my burgers totally plain. Seriously. And a photo of that would be boring.

Peyton baked a blueberry crumb pie for dessert this week. And it was amazing! In between all that, I tried to eat some healthy things because it's all about balance. So I've heard.

That was our week here. This weekend will be lovely one day and stormy and cool the next. I cannot believe it is the last weekend of the month! That means we have our saintly meal on Sunday. March celebrates St. Joseph, and the meal is "A Hearty Italian" one! We will attempt to make Lentil and Rice Soup, Pasta in Tomato Sauce, Bread Crosses, and Struffoli or Honey Balls. I will share pictures on Monday. 

That is all from windy Pennsylvania, my friends. Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for visiting!

Cake And Cozy

What To Do On An October Weekend During Covid 19

 

Let's Bake Muffins!

Because who doesn't love a freshly baked muffin with her afternoon coffee? This recipe makes the most delicious and healthy muffins bursting with raspberry goodness. I will link the recipe down below, but don't be scared of the wheat germ like I was! I used fresh berries because I had some, but I am sure frozen would work just as well. And if you are feeling really brave, substitute unsweetened applesauce for the butter. Amazing!

A Super Good Muffin Recipe

 Peyton received a new cookbook for Easter. It is small and charming and full of delicious recipes for breakfast. She couldn't wait to try one, and this is the one she chose. These muffins taste like the very best cinnamon sugar doughnut you ever ate. Try them today with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins

Baking Day 2018!

Twelve Days Of Christmas...Day Six...Cookie Baking Day

Happy Monday! And happy last week before Christmas! Today I am sharing some pictures of our annual Christmas Cookie Baking Day. It was fun and cozy and productive, despite being a bit quieter than past years. Madison and Nicolas are across the ocean enjoying a most magical Christmas time. And Steve and Rhett were at the Steeler game, which until the last quarter was AWESOME! That left my two star bakers, Peyton and Flynn. We put on our aprons, turned on the Christmas music and got busy baking. Peyton is not only a great baker, she is also super organized. With Flynn as her sous chef, and I as her dishwasher, she managed to bake five different kinds of cookies. And of course, I had to sample each one. : )

Our little elf Zip was all ready to bake with us this morning...

And so were my girls!

The results of our efforts:

m&m cookies, chocolate chip, chocolate crinkle, oatmeal scotchies, and my personal favorite...molasses. 

Today we will burn this pretty candle.

I like this scent a lot...

It is described as a mix of pine, balsam, and holly berry.

And it makes our house smell like Christmas!

Have a cozy day, my friends.

Be sure to hop over to my Madison's blog here.

And our sweet friend Danielle's here.

See you tomorrow!

Thanks for visiting!

The Best Monkey Bread. Ever.

And believe me, I've tried them all. Ok...maybe not ALL...but you get the idea. The other day I set a loaf of frozen bread dough out to thaw. For some reason, I put it on a plate instead of in the pan. Forward several hours and I realize we won't be having fresh from frozen bread. Flynn was quick to suggest a remedy for the situation. She reminded me that she has a recipe for Monkey Bread in The Disney Princess Cookbook she has. (Side note: This cookbook is amazing! ) We made it. And it was delicious. It makes a smaller amount of yumminess, which is probably a good thing for me!  Oh, and if you are wondering who Abu is...the answer is down below. : )

Abu's Monkey Bread

Ingredients:

1. 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
3. 1/2 cup white sugar
4. 1 tsp. cinnamon
5. 6 Tbsp. butter, melted

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a bundt or fluted tube pan.
2. Mix the brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
3. Roll pieces of dough into melted butter, then roll into sugar mixture.
4. Place them in prepared pan.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
6. Cool 10 minutes, loosen sides, and invert onto serving plate.
7. Cool slightly, and enjoy!

Want a closer look?

Sure you do...

One glass of cold milk mandatory. 

Note: I did adapt this recipe to include frozen bread dough.

The original recipe called for homemade dough.

Enjoy!

P.S. Abu is the silly monkey friend of Aladdin. : )

Google for the image. : )

The Best Pancake Recipe Ever

I found it. The best pancake recipe ever. Finally. And would you like to know where? In this precious cookbook Flynn received from our little Christmas elves...

And by the way, it is on sale now on Amazon!

Pascal's Pancakes

Ingredients:

1. 1 egg
2. 3/4 cup milk
3. 2 Tbsp oil
4. 1 Tbsp maple syrup
5. 1 cup flour
6. 2 tsp. baking powder
7. 1/2 tsp. salt
8. Pam spray or butter

Directions:

1. Crack the egg into a large mixing bowl.
2. Whisk in milk, oil, and maple syrup.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add to egg mixture. Stir just until combined. It will be lumpy!
5. Lightly grease a griddle or frying pan warmed to medium heat.
6. Pour batter on using a 1/4 cup measuring cup.
7. Cook until the tops start to bubble. Flip and continue cooking until golden brown.
8. Enjoy!
9. Oh. I double this for our family. They reheat great too. : )

P.S. In case you are like me, and have no clue who Pascal is, Flynn was quick to inform me that he is Rapunzel's pet chameleon.

And he makes amazing pancakes.

Who knew?!

Cookie Baking Day 2016

The Sunday before Christmas is always our annual Christmas Cookie Baking Day. This year was perfect. Outside the snow was falling, inside the elves were baking. Peyton was the head baker...she planned and organized and mixed...all in all we baked nine different kinds of delicious Christmas cookies! They were baked, tasted, wrapped, and frozen. Some were packed into brightly colored containers and tied with pretty ribbon before being delivered to some of our special friends and neighbors. My mom joined us to make it the perfect day!

First thing Sunday morning, I lit our cookie baking candle...

Then we donned our aprons...

And got busy baking!

Even little Zip helped by keeping an eye on things. : )

By the end of the afternoon, we had baked nine different kinds of delicious cookies!

Peanut Blossoms

Chocolate Chip

M&M's

Snickerdoodle

Chocolate Crinkle

Italian Christmas Cookies

Oatmeal Scotchies

Molasses

and

Seven Layer Bars

I am so proud of my Peyton Rose.

She took charge and did a wonderful job.

Want a closer look?

Thought so. : )

Merry Christmas Baking, my friends!!!!

Weekend Plans

So I'm bringing back the Weekend Plans posts. Mainly because this is my favorite time of year, and I simply love the cozy autumn weekends. Not that we do anything remotely exciting, but because I imagine one day I will take a look back and remember the cozy family days we shared.

Friday evening we are staying in. Dinner will be Peyton's Stuffed Pepper Soup and homemade bread. I am hoping Peyton and Flynn will also make our favorite Spider Web Munch to enjoy as we watch It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. : )

Saturday I have some lesson plans to write and floors to vacuum. Then we have Mass at 4:15. I am actually loving this new Mass time, as it makes our evenings seem longer. Steve and I are planning to visit his Mum before having a date night at the theatre. I am hoping to see The Accountant with Ben Affleck. And eating tons of popcorn with butter.

Sunday looks beautiful, so we will probably spend some time outside before watching our Steelers play. I am planning on a crock pot meal involving beef and gravy simmering all day long. I am also penciling in a nap. : )

But before we step into the weekend, here is a look back at the past week here in our country home.

Steve, Rhett, his friend Austin, and Uncle Chris had a great time in the big city cheering on our Steelers!

Steve did an awesome job of arranging our Pumpkin Patch goodies...

A few before Mass photos of my girl...

And her very best friend.

Flynn completed a unit on Apples last week...

So we celebrated with an evening Apple Fest Tea!

My Mom and my sweet niece Carly joined us as we enjoyed some yummy apple treats.

Flynn and Peyton made homemade applesauce...sooo good...and some delicious apple muffins with a recipe from my super sweet friend Danielle. We also tried some apple cider. : )

Fall is spoiling us this year...

And we are soaking it all in.

Peyton made a yummy spider web cake this week...

And she had some help from a very friendly witch!

Well, I think I will go enjoy a little Pumpkin Spice, my friends!

Pinterest and I wish you a wonderfully, cozy autumn weekend!

Thanks for visiting!

Cookie Baking Day And A Special Visitor

Sunday was our annual baking day, and it was both fun and productive! Here are a few pictures of our special day...

My mom joined us for the day, and Madison did Peyton and Flynn's hair for the day!

 

 

And the end result of a very busy day in the kitchen...

 M&M,  Chocolate Crinkle, Peanut Blossoms, Molasses, and Chocolate Chip. : )

 

A little while later...we heard a bell ringing outside...Flynn was THRILLED to see it was SANTA!!!!

 

Santa was testing out his sleigh and made a few quick stops at some homes along the way, and my baby was so thankful he came to our house. : )

 

The joy that comes from seeing a little one with that sweet, innocent belief is something to experience. Childhood is so short lived...it has to be embraced every chance possible! And this moment will live in my heart forever.

 

Thank You Santa! : )