French Bread

OK so I know what you are thinking. She is gone for a few months and then she decides she wants to try and win us back with some French Bread. Well yea I am hoping so. Let me explain where I have been once again. If you remember my last post I was going to start homeschooling. Well I am not sure how you mommas do it out there with more than one child. It isn't easy! Homeschooling my son has truly taken over my existence. There are so many questions. Am I doing this right? Is he doing good? Is he ok being home without any other children around? Does he enjoy this? Well here are the answers.

I seem to be doing pretty good. He has all A's and one B. Which compared to him going to normal school has been a huge difference. Let me explain, when you have a child that has always been a good student and grades drop and moral changes and they are not happy in their school. It really does show. It showed with Jr. Chef. He loves being home schooled. He loves that he is making good grades again. He loves that he can work at his worn pace as long as he stays on pace with what our goal is. He loves that he can finish early. Which with some classes he is done for his first semester. So, yes it is a big change. But it has been a change for the positive. It is just so draining. But it makes him happy and he is doing so much better.

So now to the yummy good stuff. I love bread! It is my weakness and everyone in my family. I have always wanted to make bread from scratch and never have. It was always something I pushed off because I didn't think I could do it. I also didn't have a bread machine. Luckily for this recipe you don't need one.

Ingredients:


2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon of sugar
1/2 tablespoon of salt
4 cups of flour ( you made need a little more if still too sticky)


Directions:
Mix the  2 cups of warm water with the 1 tablespoon of yeast and let sit for a few minutes. Then add your tablespoon of sugar and your 1/2 tablespoon of salt. ( you can go up to a tablespoon. But I found it to be to salty for our taste). Start adding your flour 1/2 cup at a time. You can either mix in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
Or through in your Mixer with the Knead Hook. After you have finished mixing. Let the dough rise from 1-2 hours. I have tried it both ways and the bread has come out wonderful each way. Place your bread in a warm spot with no draft and covered. I usually just place in the oven with the light on.
It makes the oven warm and works well. Take out the dough and divide in half. Shape the dough into a loaf. You can either put flour or butter or even corn meal on your baking sheet so that your bread does not stick while it bakes. Once you have placed your shaped dough onto cookie sheet. You will make two slits on top of bread and spread water or egg on the top of the bread.
You will let rise uncovered for another 30 minutes. After you have let the dough rise for the second time. You will want to heat the oven to 450F. While the oven is heating up. You should boil a pot of water.
Once the water has boiled and the oven has heated you will want to place the boiling water in a pan that can go into the oven on the rack beneath bread. This will create steam which will help the bread get that beautiful crunch. Once the oven has heated to 450F bake for 10 minutes and then lower the heat to 350F and bake for another 20 minutes. When your timer is up you can tap on the bread to see if it sounds hollow. When it does you know you are ready to pull out your delicious bread.

This is what my dough comes out to look like after the second rise and the slits are cuts. You can make the slits deeper. For some reason my bread came out way bigger this time.

 This is what you get when it comes out. The smell that fills your house it just wonderful. I hope you enjoy this bread as much as we do.

It does take time to make this bread and I would recommend using the same day. But it is Oh So Worth It!!

Home Schooling

OK so it has been a while since I have posted something. I have thought of so many things I want to post. So many things I want to share and then it hits me. Another day has passed. I wanted to let you know I am here I am OK. I have so many things on my plate these days. To top it all off I have added home schooling to the plate. I know it cannot be easy to home school little ones. But a teenager geese is it tricky? So far we like it. It seems a little more challenging. I mean who wants to work with their mom all day? But we all had a talk and decided that this was what was best for us right now. I have to say though it seems strange when it is the middle of the day and your child is home with you. When you know they are supposed to be in school. I think it has been harder for me to adapt than it has been for him. But I will let you know how it goes. Be patient with me. I am not gone. I am just a little invisible. Yea I think that is what I will say a little invisible. 8)

Jr. Chefs Churros

I personally have never eaten or heard of Churros till recently while watching a show. But Jr. Chef recently went to a friends house and had some. Well let's just say it was love at first bite. A couple days ago this is house the conversation went between us.

Jr. Chef:     Mommy do we have Cinnamon?
Me:            Yes we should have.
Jr. Chef:      Do we have flour and other things to bake with?
Me:             Don't we always.
Jr. Chef       OK well there are these things called Churros that I had and I liked them. Can we make some?
Me:            Well I would have to look this up and see what it is and how they are made.
Jr. Chef:      Mom it's just fried dough or something and Cinnamon.
Me:             OK but I have to see how this dough is made.

Well he talked me into it. Seemed simple enough for him to do and so we went off and started our Churro adventure. Now since he was the one who had eaten them before. He would really be the only one to know if they came out right.

But as you can see above. He made them and did a darn good job. I tasted them which is very hard for me to do. I am not good at trying new things. But it was good. He said they were perfect! Great job Jr. Chef. For this recipe you can visit Cooks.com. They have a variety of recipes and the first one that popped up is the one we tried.

Recipe I used:

1 cup water
□   1/4 cup butter
□   tablespoons sugar, divided
□   1/4 teaspoon salt
□   1 cup flour
□   2 large eggs
□   vegetable oil for frying
□   1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Combine water, butter, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt in a medium saucepan.Bring to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in flour. Beat with a wooden spoon until dough forms a ball and begins to leave the sides of the pan.
On high speed of an electric mixer, beat in eggs, one at time, beating after each addition, until mixture is smooth.
Spoon dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 3x1-inch strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze baking sheet for 20 minutes.
In a deep frying pan filled with 3/4 inch of vegetable oil, fry churros, a few at a time, for about 3 to 4 minutes or until a deep golden brown, turning once. Remove from oil using a slotted to; drain on paper towels.
Combine 4 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a clean brown paper bag. Toss churros in the cinnamon mixture to coat well.
Serve immediately or store in in a tight container for up to one day.
Makes approximately 3 dozen churros.

Emergency Blog Post-Almost Lost Little Piggy

Ok now I will not post any pictures as some may pass out and we do not want that. But I thought after going through what I have. It is my duty to warn others not to do the same. I was in my craft room as I usual am. I was crafting away when Jr. Chef asked if I wanted my chair because he had taken it out of the room to use. Well I said " no I am fine standing right now". Well while I said this I might add that I was using a quilting roller blade aka Rotary Cutter. Now I am sure many of you know what that is and how sharp they are. Well never did it dawn on me to sit down as I usually do. I thought I would be OK. Well guess what? I was wrong and I would like to spare the rest of you from near loss of limb fate that I experienced.

See while minding my own business. Crafting away so joyfully. My body decided to black out as it sometimes does. Now many of you that have followed me for a while know that I am a mess and have had medical issues. Well never did I think it would affect me while I was in one of my happiest modes. But guess what? It did! At some point I blacked out and next thing I know I hear the Rotary Cutter hit the floor. Before I knew what had happened (WAIT FOR IT). Yes it went right into my toe. Then apparently that wasn't enough for this sharp bladed bandit. But it had decided to bounce around on my foot and cut me three other times. Now as stated before there is a reason I didn't post pictures. You can only imagine. Especially if you use one of these often you know they mean business. Well one of my little piggies almost lost it's life yesterday. It's pretty bad and I am not sure how well it will heal.But heck it's kind of a win,win situation. I haven't lost the toe as of yet. WIN!! and my family is coming over to care for my foot while hubby is at work WIN! So if you are in need of some love and affection. Sure let this sharp little guy drop about 3 feet to your toe. But if you want to play it safe like I plan to for next time. WEAR STEAL TOE BOOTS!! Just saying I wouldn't want any more piggies getting hurt.

As for me I won't be crafting for a while. Since I can only wear flip flops and that is how I got here in the first place.

Happy Father's Day

I want to say Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there. But especially to the two special Father's in my life.

34 years ago my Papi became a dad. Who would have thought that this 21 year old barely a man. Would be one of the greatest men and father's of all time. I do not say this because he is my dad but because it is true. He is my hero. He is my superstar. He is my friend. He is my guide. He is just an all around awesome person. Not only a dad to myself. But anyone who knows him. Has always felt he was like a dad to them too. He is a funny guy. A smart guy. A peaceful guy. I know most of us think this way about our dads. But I wanted to make sure that he knew that I Love him more than anything. He is really loved by us all.

Through my faults and through my gains. He was there. He has never judged me. But only loved me. He has never turned his back on me. He has always been there to hold my hand through the good and bad times. Even at the age of 34 if I need him he is there for me without hesitation.

I Love You Papi!!! Happy Father's Day!

Here is my dad with Jr. Chef. You can see where he get's his looks from! My dad has a heart of gold and I am so glad to say that beyond the looks. Jr. Chef has taken that and many other great things after my dad.

Now on to the second greatest dad. That would be my hubby. He really is an awesome person all around. He is also very close to the man above. As they say all the time " Where is my best bud"? Now how can a girl not love that? Two of her favorite men have the same love for each other that she has for them. My husband is another man that would give for you before he did for himself. As you can see Jr. Chef also has some of his Daddy's good looks and charms. How awesome is that? Jr. Chef came to be the mixture of the two favorite men in my life. It was really a prayer answered. When I started to see his personality. To see he was going to be just like his Daddy and Papa. My husband is always the one that people refer to as "what a nice guy"! They got that right!. He too has a great heart and personality. He loves Jr. Chef and I to his fullest and has given us a life full of so much love. To me that is what I find important. The love that this man gives as a father, as a husband, as a friend, Son and Brother. So to my hubby. I Love You. I hope you have an awesome day. You are a great father and husband and Jr. Chef and I love you more than you will ever know.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful father's day. I would love to hear about your most moment with the dad in your life. When you knew no matter what this man would be there for you through thick and thin. That this man was meant to be a DAD!

Father's Day Cakes

I was approached today by a young man named Matt. That has a cute blog about neckties called www.tiepedia.com. He apparently has an obsession. Which is not common among young men. But he had a post he had done about some ideas for  Father's Day Cakes. You have to Check out his blog for all the wonderful photos. But Here is one that is sure to catch your eye. So if you have time and have no idea what to make. These cakes are sure to spark some interest and inspiration.

For more inspiration and cake photos click here

Simple Summer Treat

When the weather is as hot as it is today on Florida. You do not want to leave the house and you want to make sure to keep the kids happy and entertained. When Jr. Chef and I do not want to leave because of the heat. We try to find something fun and simple to make at home. That is where these guys come in. These pudding cups are simple, cheap and tasty to make. Plus if you are having company over or even a little get together. They fit in perfectly. They are a little more dressed up than a normal pudding cup.

So worth the 10 minutes it takes to make them.


Items used:
Chocolate pudding. ( Next time I plan to alternate with another flavor)
1 Cup Graham Crumbs.
2 Tbsp. Butter
Make the pudding as directed.
Melt the butter and mix into crumbs.
When all is ready alternate into cup.
You can also use a whipped topping.

Pepper Steak and Fried Rice

First I would like to thank everyone for hanging in there. I have missed posting so much. But have felt a lack of wanting to post. Not because I do not have things to share. But sometimes I feel like maybe it is something you may not want to hear about. So before my post I would like to ask all of you to send me a message letting me know. Would you like to see different things on here? See I don't just bake and cook. But I have so many other interest and I know many blogs do this. But I always felt people come here because they want to see what Jr. Chef and I have cooked. Don't get me wrong. I will still be cooking and baking. But I would love to share with you other wonderful ideas around the web. Anything from cooking, baking, crafting, entertaining. Somewhere I lost my way and I want to find my way back to you!

So today Jr. Chef and I did not want to leave the house and that is when we become creative. We start looking at what we have in freezer, fridge, and pantry and see what we can make.

So today we decided with Pepper Steak and Fried Rice. Now I have to say I wanted to go further with the Fried Rice. But Jr. Chef didn't want to leave and he didn't want a bunch of stuff either. So I had to make do with what we had. In the end I have to say I was really impressed with myself. The food came out delicious! I was more surprised by the Fried Rice. First time making it. I tell you right now it will not be the last. It has become a family favorite. Also, what difference in price. Compared to making your own Fried Rice and buying some. So worth making it at home. I am always up for a good deal!


Ingredients and instructions for Pepper Steak:

1 pound of fajita beef or thin steaks. ( That is what I used)
Green Peppers
White Onion
Salt and Pepper
Soy Sauce
Oil
Onion Powder
Minced Garlic

Since I do not have a Wok.( I know how dare I not have a wok.) I used my skillet and it worked perfectly. I threw in all the ingredients above. Then just continued to stir and mix till cooked. I would say add the above to your liking in taste.

Ingredients and instructions for Fried Rice:

3 cups of  cooked rice
1/4 cup of diced carrots. I used the one from a can.
1/4 cup of diced onions
1/4 cup of green onions. I didn't use them this time. But I would have if Jr. Chef would let me leave house.
3 -4 tablespoons of Soy sauce
2 Tablespoons of Oil
1 teaspoon of black pepper ( I must say it does come out hot and spicy with this much pepper)
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 pound diced pork ( would have added also. But you get the idea)
Some Celery if you would like. We don't eat Celery so it wasn't missed

Onions,Carrots, Salt and Pepper, Soy Sauce

Take about your oil and put into your skillet and make sure it is nice and hot. When it is nice and hot throw in your onions and carrots. I wanted to make sure they were nice and cooked before I added everything else. Since the rice is already cooked. I knew that I wasn't going to be cooking for a while. So I rather take this extra step and make sure that the onions and carrots are nicely cooked. 

After the carrots and onions are nicely cooked. Take them out and place on the side. Then throw in your already cooked rice. If you need additional oil. Just place a little bit in skillet before placing rice and make sure it is nice and hot. 

After placing cooked rice into skillet. You want to add your salt and pepper.

Make sure to mix the salt and pepper in well. 

After the salt and pepper is nicely mixed in. You can now add back in the carrot and onion mix.

After you have mixed this nice and good. You want to take your Soy sauce and you want to place it around the rice. Not directly on the rice. 

Depending on the color and taste you want your rice to be. You can add more or less Soy sauce. My Rice did not evenly cover to a brown. But it did taste just as good as the Chinese Restaurant we go to. 

The food was way better than it looks. I am such a bad food photographer. No matter what I try it just never looks right. But I hope you enjoyed this recipe.

Business Card Winner

Well this was an easy giveaway. The winner of this giveaway is Nashida. Thank you for entering and you will be hearing from someone by the end of the month. Thank you again

Brownie Bites

Need I say anymore?



I don't know about you. But I cannot stop myself when I get a bite of some chewy goodness. Why does something that taste so good. Have to be so bad? I wanted a brownie so bad. I knew I shouldn't. But I could not stop myself. So then I thought I would make some brownie bites. I mean they are smaller right? So they can't be mad for you? ugh! ok you got me!It is a mental thing. I feel less guilty when I eat smaller things. When in the end it is just as bad. Why you ask? Because then I can't stop myself. What about you? What do you do to make yourself think. Oh it isn't that bad,is it?

Business Card Giveaway

We have another giveaway. This time it is for Business Cards. This giveaway is from Uprinting and they are offering to give one of our readers a chance to win 500 business cards. So take this time to join this giveaway at a chance for some free business cards.

Information:
500 Business Cards
2 x 3.5”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.75 x 3.5” (slim card)
14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock

Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only. Must be 18 years old and up.

Please click below to see what they have to offer.


Color Business Cards -

Printing services

For an Entry:
Please leave me a comment and make sure to include your contact information.

All entries must be received no later than May 25th by 10 PM EST. The Winner will be posted on May 26th. Only one entry per person.

Good luck to all entries

The Winner Is

OK this had to be the smallest entry for a giveaway ever! But hey who wouldn't want to be part of a giveaway that your chances are 1 out of 3 LOL. This time it paid to be first. The winner of this giveaway is Cookies and Cups.

Please send me your email. So that I can forward it to the sponsor of this giveaway.

Congratulations to our winner and I thank everyone for joining us in this giveaway.

Sticker/Label Giveaway

Hello everyone,

I know it has been a while. Still trying to get the kinks worked out. In this life of mine. But I thought it would be great to do a giveaway. To let you know just how much I have missed you.

I have been offered to do a giveaway by Digital Room.



Here is your chance to to win Great Stickers or Labels from them. You can use these for your personal use. Or even for your business.

You have the choice of building your own design or using one of your own. All you need to do is upload your image.


Go here to check out their label section

Or here to check out their sticker section


The giveaway is for:

250 Stickers/Labels
2x3.5; 2x4; 3x3
70 lb Label Matte coating
Full Color Front and Blank back (4/0)

To enter just leave me a comment

The winner will be chosen by Random on 4/26/2010 10 pm EST and will be announced on 4/27/10

Mailing and Rules Information:

Specification: 6 Business Days Turnaround
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping


Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only. Must be 18 years old and up


Please make sure to include a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. Good luck everyone!

When he returned to me

Last night my husband came back home to me. He has been gone for a month on a business trip. I have to give credit to all those people who deal with this type of separation all the time. I am not sure how you do it. At first it was hard when he went away. Then it seemed to get easier. Then it just came to the point. Will you get home already? We have never been separated for so long. But I will tell you one thing. I do have a new appreciation for him. We laid in each others arms. It was the sweetest thing. Every time I would try to move I could feel his arm pull me back. His snore that would normally drive me to kicking him off the bed. Sang to me like a sweet melody. His arms that I missed so much. Were no longer a memory but wrapped around me. Every breath he took I wanted to hear. You never really know how much you love someone. Till you do not have them with you. He is my rock and my pillow all at the same time.

Make sure to always love with your fullest. I have been taught a lesson from all this. Appreciate what you have. Never take it for granted. This time he was only taken away for a month. Another time may be forever and I know now. That the little things that bothered me. Have no reason to. The small things we spat about aren't even worth it. The time we share together. Is the time we should make keep our focus on.

French Fried Onions- Chicken

Have you ever seen that commercial for French's French Fried Onions. Well I hadn't. I am not good with commercials. Never was a person that watched commercials. Now with the power of DVR I don't have to. But Junior Chef and Part-Timer always make sure to let me know if there is a commercial for me to see. Well this commercial has been taunting Junior Chef for a while now. I have never bought the product. I had never tasted it. Neither had he. But all he has been talking about for weeks is how he wanted some of that Chicken they show on TV. Well Part-Timer decided that he would surprise Junior Chef with some of those French Fried onions. So last night Junior Chef was given the opportunity to make dinner his way. I will add though he did want something besides the french Fries that he cooked with them. But my hubby has been going through this French Fry craving. So to please him he made the darn fries!

So if you haven't seen the commercial. Wait till you see it cause the chicken does look good. If you have seen it and have been wanting to try. It is good. I liked it. But the men of the house loved it. Junior Chef was advised this morning by his dad that he will be the Chef to be making that meal. So if you want something quick and easy. I would say try it. Just be careful with adding additional seasoning. It can make it be too salty.

Thank You

I wanted to take this time to thank everyone for all their support and kind words. I was hesitant to share my story. But I feel now that it was the best thing for me to do. I have met so many wonderful people and have felt such an overwhelming feeling of love. That there is no way but,to feel lifted in my time of waiting. I wait to speak to my doctors. I wait to hear their words. I wait to see what new medications I will be on. After speaking to a friend today. We were discussing how a diagnosis changes your life and your path. I mean I have been sick for the longest. But, you always wish to feel better. You always hope they will find what is wrong with you and make all the pain go away. But when you get that final diagnosis and you hear that you will be like this for the rest of your life. You realize now that things will have to change. You will not be that person you once were and was hoping to be again. Activities change and your goals. See, I have always struggled with work and home. But hoped to one day be like I always say "normal". But now I see that I will have to work around these illnesses. I won't let it stop me. I will try not to let it bring me down. But darn it is so hard at times. The Rheumatoid is catching up to me. As even to type these days hurts so bad. It scares someone like me that loves to cook and craft and write. To know that at some point I may not be able to do some or any. I battle a constant nausea and when I say it is one of the worst feelings. I just couldn't even describe how bad it gets. I tell myself if they could fix this or that I may be able to handle more. But then that little voice says " what if they can't"?

All I can do now is think positive. Take in all the love I have surrounding me and enjoy life with the hand that I was dealt!

I thank you all for following along and be as supportive as you have been.
Don't give up on me because I will be back even if it hurts!

As for right now I am in still in recovery as some things after surgery did not go as planned. But just some bumps in the road is all.

Take Care!

Why I have not been so present or active

Some of you already know. While others have waited to find why Baking Momma has not been so active here on the blog. I did not want to bring the following to this blog for different reasons. But part of me felt maybe you just needed to know. I have been real ill for many years. I have battled as much as I could. I had even taken a year off of medicines and doctors. I felt I needed to see if my body really needed all this stuff. As the year has gone by I felt myself getting worse. For years I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. But as the year went by I felt there were new things added on to my symptoms. I made a promise this year to my family that I would go back to the doctors. But I hate going to the doctor. They never have anything good to tell me. Well back when I got sick with Bronchitis and went to the first doctor. I knew that there was something else wrong. It has been about 2 months and I am still with this nasty cough. I have been through about 20 different types of test including lab work that was 6 pages long. Well they found something wrong with a few of my organs and they sent me back in for more test. Well they also ran more labs. This Friday I was diagnosed with a severe case of Systematic Lupus. I always had a feeling this was what I had. Since yes I do google everything! I started keeping photos of things that were happening. I kept a journal at home and online. So that I would be able to better help my specialist. Now in the middle of all this craziness I have to have surgery tomorrow. Life has been crazy here. I have to take care of me. I have to take care of my family. Who seems to be breaking down around me. My lupus is affecting my lungs, kidney and liver. So right now it is a mess. Honestly though I am the one that is the most calm about all this. I mean what can I do? I can’t change it. Crying over it will not make it better. So I just have to roll with it. Pray for the best and take it as I can. What hurts me the most is looking into my family eyes and seeing the sadness that they feel. This is really kicking my butt and at times I cant even get out of bed. I am so sick and nauseas and dizzy. Among the organs giving me problems I have others going along with it and right now I am really trying to get everything straight. My life, health, family and baking! Now don’t get me wrong cause I read daily. But sometimes just looking at the screen will make me sick. Sometimes the arthritis is so bad I cant type. I am so lost right now. I am emotionally, physically and financially drained from all this. But one of the things that keep me smiling is when I see all the creativity and the stories. I do have another blog where it is my online diary of what’s going on in my life. Everything and Anything will be there. If you would like to follow along www.marasdiaryoflife.blogspot.com. It is a place for me to vent. A place for me to laugh and a place for me to cry.

I thank you for taking the time to read this and know that I will be back. But for right now I have to just read rather than post.

Valentine Cookies

Well Jr. Chef and I made a couple of Valentines Cookies for our Dentist Office. I made them a cute little box that was decorated with Pink Roses and filled with two tone tissue paper. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of that. But below are a couple pictures of some of the cookies.












I know what you are thinking. Little Panties for my dentist office. Well we are really close to our dental staff. Carrie who works on me all the time is great and a very outgoing personality and I knew she would love these little panties. By the way she did! Hope you like them. Thanks for visiting.

Happy Valentines Day

OK well it is a little early. But Jr. Chef wanted to get started early. He has just finished making some of his Valentines. That he wants to start passing out tomorrow. I had to post cause I think he did a great job. I really do think he get's it from his momma. Lol

What girl wouldn't want to get a handmade card from a boy? I know at the age of 34 I still love when my hubby makes me handmade notes and cards.

If there isn't another post before Valentine's Day. We want to wish you a Happy Valentines! From Baking Momma and Jr. Chef

Have to love our mothers!

OK so how many of you have a mom that always says " My daughter can do that"? Well that is my mom. She is always ready to volunteer me for anything. I mean I should be flattered right? She basically thinks her daughter can just do anything and everything. Well that is not the case! But somehow I always fall into the trap and say sure! So at my moms job they were having a surprise birthday party for her supervisor. Well her supervisor loves Barbie. But the catch was she doesn't like your normal princess Barbie. The co-workers all wanted a Barbie on the beach. OK well I have never seen Barbie on the beach. But I guess it is Barbie on the beach, right? So I took a go at it. I have to say there are some things that I would change the next time around. But I was shocked that I was able to get this cake done in one day. Called Mama up and said it's ready come and get it!. So here is my Barbie on the beach. There are some little extra things that my mom wanted on the cake. That she thought would be fun.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

After many years of being put away in a box. I finally found an old recipe book I had made of some of my favorite recipes. The first one I had decided to make of course was Chocolate Chip Cookies. My husband has been on this chocolate chip phase. Don't get me wrong I love the store bought. So easy I mean you open package stick on baking sheet, bake and you are done. But I needed to remind him of when we were younger and he would have fresh baked cookies all the time. See this recipe was one of his favorites. So I decided that I would surprise him with some cookies.
Let's just say. He loved them! He was so excited. I didn't tell him at first that they were homemade. He was in the room with the door shut. Since he loves to blast the TV. I always close the door. So I took it as an opportunity to make him some cookies. I knew he wouldn't hear the mixer so there would be no reason for him to come out of the room and snoop around. Luckily he didn't want anything from the kitchen. I walked in the room when they were done. dropped them in front of him with a big cup of milk and walked away. Within no more than 10 minutes. He came out and said "OMG I so know those were made by you"! I asked " why do you say that"? He said I know my honeys cookies anywhere! lol So cute! I advised I did make the cookies and he said " Those are so better than store bought"! I knew right then I would be in trouble and homemade cookies would be what he wanted from now on.


Ingredients:

1 cup ( 2 Sticks) of softened butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 Eggs
2 1/2 tsp of Vanilla extract
2 1/2 cup of all purpose flour
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 12 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips ( I used milk chocolate for this time)



Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large mixing bowl,cream together the butter,sugars,eggs, and vanilla

In a separate bowl sift together the flour,salt,baking powder, and baking soda.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Stir in the chocolate chips

With fingers place golf ball sized dough portions 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet

Bake for 9-10 minutes or just until the edges are light brown.
Makes 30 cookies


Enjoy!

The Verdict Is and Blog Award

OK so as some of you already know I have been sick. I have my usual sicknesses I deal with on a daily. But this past week I got really sick and I don't like doctors. Since they never have any good news. Well this morning when I could barely get out of bed. I decided I had to give in. Luckily my sister was around to take me and she has some pull in a doctors office. Well a few hours later I am finally back home. With a severe case of Bronchitis. Oh yeah and get this I have to be back on an inhaler. I had really bad Asthma growing up. But I thought I grew out of it a few years ago. But it has come back to get me. So now I am on steroids, inhaler, antibiotics and two new migraine medicines to see if it helps.

But when I got home I see that I received another award from my good pal Raychel



SO I would like to pass this award over to

Cookie Crazie
Natalee
Queen of Clearance

These three ladies have brought some awesome cookie designs to my life.
Some great deal finds.
Some awesome stories.

Thanks again to Raychel she is an awesome sweet girl!
Also thanks to everyone for your sweet words on me getting well. Guess I have no choice now but to take care of myself.

Love you all

To My Surprise

This morning I woke up to a lovely surprise. That I had received a blogger award from my friend Deanna from tastenC. I am so happy that I still make people want to read my blog. Knowing that I have been a little MIA lately. I have been sick for a few days now and to wake and see this it has made my day. So I would like to pass this along to some of my blogger friends.




I pass this award along to:

3B's
Cakedreamer
cookies and cups
Lemonade Makin Mama
My Creative Way
sugarspicelife

If you have not already dropped by their blogs please do so cause you are missing out. On some creative, funny, talented,and caring bunch of ladies.