tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9259456662552431932024-02-19T00:09:40.552-08:00Hot Stuff in the KitchenMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-35923981304123274382009-02-12T16:14:00.001-08:002009-02-12T19:28:42.346-08:00Bunch o' browniesThese brownies definitely fall into the category of "if you're gonna have a brownie, you should really HAVE a brownie." I totally forgot how many brownies this recipe makes. These brownies get rave reviews every time I make them, but I warn you - they are nothing even remotely close to something resembling healthy.<br /><br />You start by melting 1 pound of unsalted butter, 1 pound of chocolate chips and six ounces of unsalted chocolate (I use cocoa and follow the instructions on the container to swap it out - basically ends up being 1 c cocoa + 2 T + 6 T oil).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToWY9Ik0I/AAAAAAAAAk8/GHKEIMHEEmk/s1600-h/IMGP3384.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToWY9Ik0I/AAAAAAAAAk8/GHKEIMHEEmk/s400/IMGP3384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302118132675547970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToWcZpVXI/AAAAAAAAAk0/gPNiq3Y_9lg/s1600-h/IMGP3385.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToWcZpVXI/AAAAAAAAAk0/gPNiq3Y_9lg/s400/IMGP3385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302118133600441714" border="0" /></a><br />Let that cool, and then add six extra large eggs (I use 8 large eggs), instant coffee (truthfully I've never added this), vanilla and 2 1/4 cups sugar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToWHQQ5xI/AAAAAAAAAks/HHRmisGsU4A/s1600-h/IMGP3387.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToWHQQ5xI/AAAAAAAAAks/HHRmisGsU4A/s400/IMGP3387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302118127923947282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Add that to the slighly cooled chocolate mixture and let cool to room temperature.<br /><br />Stir together 1 cup flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture. I actually add the chocolate mixture to this since the pan wouldn't have held it. Toss 12 oz. of chips in 1/4 cup flour to keep them from sticking inside the batter. Then add to the batter and pour into prepared pan. I use the Baker's Joy spray and love it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToWIqcY8I/AAAAAAAAAkk/SzDR9QxruCg/s1600-h/IMGP3388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToWIqcY8I/AAAAAAAAAkk/SzDR9QxruCg/s400/IMGP3388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302118128302187458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZS9L1campI/AAAAAAAAAkE/D1ehNhSFOyE/s1600-h/IMGP3390.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZS9L1campI/AAAAAAAAAkE/D1ehNhSFOyE/s400/IMGP3390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302070672344390290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZS9Li7hbII/AAAAAAAAAj8/Wb5wQVJlf4o/s1600-h/IMGP3391.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZS9Li7hbII/AAAAAAAAAj8/Wb5wQVJlf4o/s400/IMGP3391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302070667374587010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZS9Lh-TsDI/AAAAAAAAAj0/iUoNrrbzTtQ/s1600-h/IMGP3393.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZS9Lh-TsDI/AAAAAAAAAj0/iUoNrrbzTtQ/s400/IMGP3393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302070667117834290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bake and await ooey gooey goodness. B is allergic to walnuts so I just put some on the top of about 1/2 of the pan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZS9LT6wYII/AAAAAAAAAjs/ZT47pN2hmkw/s1600-h/IMGP3394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZS9LT6wYII/AAAAAAAAAjs/ZT47pN2hmkw/s400/IMGP3394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302070663344840834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToAPL-CKI/AAAAAAAAAkU/A-7hciV-Dpg/s1600-h/IMGP3409.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToAPL-CKI/AAAAAAAAAkU/A-7hciV-Dpg/s400/IMGP3409.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302117752096295074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToFd8wouI/AAAAAAAAAkc/8eR6uhn74CA/s1600-h/IMGP3410.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SZToFd8wouI/AAAAAAAAAkc/8eR6uhn74CA/s400/IMGP3410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302117841958380258" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-35113114649667343522009-01-15T16:45:00.000-08:002009-01-15T16:49:39.548-08:00Barbecue-Sauced Sloppy JoesI made this from my new Weight Watchers Cookbook titled "Weight Watchers All-Time Favorites" (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weight-Watchers-New-Complete-Cookbook/dp/0470170018/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232066782&sr=8-1">link</a>). It was super easy and really good.<br /><br />I'll update later with the downloadable version:<br /><br />1 teaspoons canola oil<br />1 onion, chopped<br />1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped<br />2 garlic cloves, minced<br />1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder<br />3/4 teaspoon ground cumin<br />1/2 teaspoon dried oregano<br />1/2 teaspoon mustard powder<br />1 pound ground skinless turkey breast (I used lean beef instead)<br />1 cup prepared barbecue sauce<br /><br />1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Saute until softened, about 5 minutes.<br />2. Stir in the dry ingredients.<br />3. Add the meat and cook, breaking with spoon until no longer pink.<br />4. Stir in the barbecue sauce and cook until slightly thickened.<br />5. Serve on bun and enjoy!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-17655860734688322422009-01-04T19:48:00.001-08:002009-01-04T19:57:58.046-08:00Cooking...thousands of miles out of my comfort zoneYesterday I got the idea to make Indian for dinner. I wanted to cook from my Healthy Indian Cookbook. It took a while to get the necessary ingredients, and by the time I got home it was far too late to begin what I knew would be a time-consuming adventure.<br /><br />So I made my Indian feast today. It took about four hours to get it all done. And while some things worked and one didn't, I'm glad I took on the challenge. We ended up eating after 8 p.m. and our portions ended up larger than we'd have planned, so the "healthy" aspect kind of went out the window.<br /><br />Like other things I've made recently, once I got going, I had far too much going on to stop and take pictures along the way. <br /><br />I started my prep by making my Tikka paste. This paste was the base for my Chicken Tikka Masala. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGD5ntQbFI/AAAAAAAAAjE/PpH_r9UinAw/s1600-h/IMGP3190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGD5ntQbFI/AAAAAAAAAjE/PpH_r9UinAw/s400/IMGP3190.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287652463444257874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGD5J02b1I/AAAAAAAAAi8/q2vksMlaQ28/s1600-h/IMGP3192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGD5J02b1I/AAAAAAAAAi8/q2vksMlaQ28/s400/IMGP3192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287652455423045458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGD4_htm0I/AAAAAAAAAi0/3-TCjP27Mfs/s1600-h/IMGP3193.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGD4_htm0I/AAAAAAAAAi0/3-TCjP27Mfs/s400/IMGP3193.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287652452658420546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGD4rh7ZqI/AAAAAAAAAis/_jCC2kGNFmQ/s1600-h/IMGP3194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGD4rh7ZqI/AAAAAAAAAis/_jCC2kGNFmQ/s400/IMGP3194.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287652447290615458" /></a><br /><br />I also got my naan dough going. No pics of this because I wasn't sure at the time it'd work. In the end, what tasted like naan didn't resemble the stuff I'm used to.<br /><br />The meal included Chicken Tikka Masala, which is chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato sauce.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGEcOTBOJI/AAAAAAAAAjc/r--ywAyIxdk/s1600-h/IMGP3195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGEcOTBOJI/AAAAAAAAAjc/r--ywAyIxdk/s400/IMGP3195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287653057918744722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGEbgf1nMI/AAAAAAAAAjU/y-KvE9Rr6h4/s1600-h/IMGP3196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGEbgf1nMI/AAAAAAAAAjU/y-KvE9Rr6h4/s400/IMGP3196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287653045624478914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGEboQyXdI/AAAAAAAAAjM/RhMXOXGBY00/s1600-h/IMGP3197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGEboQyXdI/AAAAAAAAAjM/RhMXOXGBY00/s400/IMGP3197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287653047708835282" /></a><br /><br />Here is the entire meal put together with the Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Pilan and Naan. My naan tasted good, but it was really puffy. I'm not sure why.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGEwVSm-gI/AAAAAAAAAjk/wkDFViLI3xY/s1600-h/IMGP3198.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWGEwVSm-gI/AAAAAAAAAjk/wkDFViLI3xY/s400/IMGP3198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287653403393456642" /></a><br /><br />The meal was quite tasty, but I made far too much rice (doubled the recipe for some reason). And it was a lot of work. In the future, I'd probably just make a meat dish and serve it with regular basmati rice. But it was a fun way to spend an afternoon and the early evening. Now I need to go clean up.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-29629856204185168232009-01-03T18:02:00.000-08:002009-01-03T18:06:26.105-08:00Chicken Piccata with Pasta and Mushrooms<a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/78824679/4331d180/chicken_piccata_with_pasta_and_mushrooms.html ">Recipe</a><br /><br />This was my first recipe from this cook book, which I got from a cookbook club (yes I know it's a little dorky - but it was a free trial and I got 5 books for $5)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51s0pZJpMKL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51s0pZJpMKL._SS500_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />If this recipe is any indicator of the rest of the book, I'm a happy girl. This recipe was soooo good. It had just the right amount of tang from the lemon. I just got back on weight watchers after not being too religious over the holidays, and this was a great kickstart.<br /><br />I didn't take pics along the way because you kind of have a lot going on at once, but here's the finished creation. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWAZdhu4CzI/AAAAAAAAAik/90o7-8rl5vc/s1600-h/IMGP3185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SWAZdhu4CzI/AAAAAAAAAik/90o7-8rl5vc/s400/IMGP3185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287253957594843954" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-8436202204054219512009-01-03T10:36:00.000-08:002009-01-03T10:42:48.197-08:00A quick, healthy and yummy breakfastLast night I was having trouble sleeping. For whatever reason, I ended up watching the Turbo Cooker informercial. (Disclaimer: I had one of these and I never thought it worked.)<br /><br />This lady:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.chefrandall.com/images/team/Cathy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="http://www.chefrandall.com/images/team/Cathy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />was making a bunch of stuff, one of which was a breakfast skillet souffle-type thing. I decided that I could make it in a skillet, which I did this morning. There are no pictures because we ate it too quickly, but it was quite yummy and filling.<br /><br />I used:<br />5 oz. Honeysuckle White breakfast turkey sausage<br />2 cups shredded hashbrowns<br />1 cup Egg Beaters<br />1/2 cup Kraft 2% shredded cheese<br /><br />In a small skillet, brown the sausage and chop up with spatula into crumbles.<br />Spray cooking spray on the bottom of a large pan, and add the hashbrowns into a single layer.<br />Brown the hashbrowns on one side.<br />Flip the hashbrowns, add the sausage, eggs and cheese. <br />Cover and cook about five to seven minutes, depending on how hard you want the eggs.<br /><br />The total weight watchers points on this was 12. We did two big servings to keep us full for a while, but it could easily be four servings.<br /><br />Enjoy!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-83526478749535086322008-12-24T12:59:00.000-08:002008-12-24T13:12:22.057-08:00Remembering those far awayI have posted before that I recruited some friends (and friends of friends) to help with Operation Baking Gals. We are supporting Brian "Bubba" Parks. Brian is the 2nd youngest of 6 children. He has been married to Nicki for 2 years, and they have a 15-month-old son named Connor. He is a graduate of West Point, and he actually decided not to re-enlist in June of 2007 to make sure he would be home for his wife and new baby. In February 2008, he was relieved of his inactive status and left for Afghanistan in June 2008. They were living in Kentucky (he was previously stationed at Ft. Knox), and his wife and son have since moved back to Rockville, Maryland to be near their families. Bubba's mother died 6 years ago of breast cancer, and his dad still lives in the greater DC area.<br /><br />I wanted to share some of the results of our sugary work. I have been meaning to post these for a while, but I thought today would be a good day because as we all get together to share in the season, I think we need to take a moment to think about those who can't be with the people they love.<br /><br />Baker Joy shared this note with her pictures:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you for sending me all the information for the Baking Bombshells Team- I'm so glad I could take part in Round 5 of Operation Baking GALS. I actually baked my goodies this past Saturday morning... it was a wonderful way to start my 21st birthday! :) I wanted to pack and ship all in one day so that my cookies would be as fresh as possible- that put me on a bit of a deadline as I had to get to the post office before 1:00, when they closed. I made it just in time, and sent two batches of cookies: Chewy Molasses Spice and Oatmeal Triple Chocolate Chip. I chose to make the chewy molasses spice cookies because they're kind of homey and reminiscent of all the holiday flavors. I also went with the Oatmeal chocolate chip because they're my mom's favorite, and from a reliable stand-by recipe. I included a handwritten postcard of the Boston skyline (my hometown) with holiday wishes for Bubba and his fellow troops. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKj4fwSs3I/AAAAAAAAAiE/ZBHdTNNV0qw/s1600-h/IMG_4070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKj4fwSs3I/AAAAAAAAAiE/ZBHdTNNV0qw/s400/IMG_4070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283465503851066226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKj2jS2LAI/AAAAAAAAAh8/gqUSGkkZUhU/s1600-h/IMG_4042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKj2jS2LAI/AAAAAAAAAh8/gqUSGkkZUhU/s400/IMG_4042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283465470441565186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bakern Kim shared this note:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We mailed out our gigantic package... my husband went a little nuts at the store because he too is a West Point alum and he really got into this! Thanks for including us... this was fun... I have a pic of Scott with the big bags of food... holding our letters...I will send you soon.</span><br /><br />Baker Karen shared this note:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The mini nut rolls & no bake cookies my 3 yr old daughter Kayla & I made were shipped out. We included a brief note as well. Happy baking</span>!<br /><br />Baker Suzanne wrote:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We TORE UP the kitchen yesterday making all kinds of cookies. There very well may be flour in some crevices we have yet to find, but had a great time baking up all kinds of goodies from gingerbread men to sugar cookies, snickerdoodles and chocolate crinkles. Here's a few of the pics we managed to catch in between the chaos. And no, I don't do aprons :)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKlXwQSYjI/AAAAAAAAAic/jGL8GT6MdHQ/s1600-h/IMG_4336_edited-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKlXwQSYjI/AAAAAAAAAic/jGL8GT6MdHQ/s400/IMG_4336_edited-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283467140367802930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKlX1dP0mI/AAAAAAAAAiU/N4Ajp8n3pyc/s1600-h/IMG_4331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKlX1dP0mI/AAAAAAAAAiU/N4Ajp8n3pyc/s400/IMG_4331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283467141764338274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKlXWr8IsI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Ye0riCEoQp4/s1600-h/IMG_4322.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SVKlXWr8IsI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Ye0riCEoQp4/s400/IMG_4322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283467133504463554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And you can see the results of my work <a href="http://hotstuffinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/9-hours-of-baking.html">here</a>.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-33546685092334807172008-12-19T11:37:00.000-08:002008-12-19T11:42:27.317-08:00Cake for 80 - part 2I should say this is part 2, 3, 4, 5 and beyond because this project turned out to be a much bigger undertaking than I ever could have imagined.<br /><br />I made the two french vanilla cakes on Tuesday night. Then Wednesday the fun began. I was up until 1:30 a.m. getting everything done, but I was quite pleased with the results. I delivered them to the party Thursday night, and from what I hear - they were a hit. Apparently there were only about 45 people there, and there was no cake left. I made four 9x13 cakes, so I'm taking that as a very good sign. Unfortunately I don't have any of my cake slice pics because I was gone before they cut them.<br /><br />French Vanilla Cake with Buttercream and Raspberry Filling<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUv4zDF3VZI/AAAAAAAAAg0/cBuK2iQdWFU/s1600-h/IMGP3109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUv4zDF3VZI/AAAAAAAAAg0/cBuK2iQdWFU/s400/IMGP3109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281588543908959634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUv4y33f3cI/AAAAAAAAAgs/mcY8dq3mAo0/s1600-h/IMGP3115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUv4y33f3cI/AAAAAAAAAgs/mcY8dq3mAo0/s400/IMGP3115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281588540895911362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Triple Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Icing and Slivered Almonds<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUv4zsc_ihI/AAAAAAAAAhE/ITyXgaVCKro/s1600-h/IMGP3111.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUv4zsc_ihI/AAAAAAAAAhE/ITyXgaVCKro/s400/IMGP3111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281588555011820050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUv4zWNn09I/AAAAAAAAAg8/Pk0Ejnd3arI/s1600-h/IMGP3110.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUv4zWNn09I/AAAAAAAAAg8/Pk0Ejnd3arI/s400/IMGP3110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281588549041771474" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-92190787317819988722008-12-15T18:37:00.001-08:002008-12-15T18:41:18.290-08:00Cake for 80 - part 1After weeks of sending my cake class creations to work with Brian, a lovely co-worker of his asked me to make cake for a party she was hosting. It's a retirement party for one of the cancer center's doctors, and I was very honored. She's expecting about 80 people, which is quite an undertaking for a one-woman kitchen.<br /><br />So tonight is the first of several days' worth of posts. The party is Thursday, and I've determined the best way to do this is in stages. Tonight's stage - chocolate buttercream. And a lot of it. And a big mess to go with it<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUcVB-BOv9I/AAAAAAAAAgc/btOFFxIfwFk/s1600-h/IMGP3101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUcVB-BOv9I/AAAAAAAAAgc/btOFFxIfwFk/s400/IMGP3101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280212211687407570" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is a 13-cup container. There's almost 2 pounds of powdered sugar and 3/4 of a pound of butter in there. And it's ridiculously good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUcVCOqdoII/AAAAAAAAAgk/M7K5bxad9qQ/s1600-h/IMGP3104.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SUcVCOqdoII/AAAAAAAAAgk/M7K5bxad9qQ/s400/IMGP3104.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280212216155316354" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-48757651533215521392008-12-13T18:12:00.000-08:002008-12-13T18:23:40.511-08:009 hours of bakingI started my cookie marathon at 9:30 this morning. It's 7:15 and I'm finally sitting down for an extended period of time. I'm exhausted, but I'm glad that it's almost all done (I still have some gingerbread dough in the fridge).<br /><br />The reason for the marathon o' cookies? Operation Baking Gals. Last month I sent chocolate chip cookies, but this month I wanted to send a variety. I think I probably went overboard, but I like the idea of having several types of cookies in there for my soldier.<br /><br />I am way tired to post the recipes, but here's what I made:<br /><br />Peanut Butter Bites - they have half of a mini peanut butter cup inside<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURs__SFybI/AAAAAAAAAf0/FuPEZPdSiAs/s1600-h/IMGP3079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURs__SFybI/AAAAAAAAAf0/FuPEZPdSiAs/s400/IMGP3079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279464509759932850" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURs_Sz-kKI/AAAAAAAAAfs/rY8fBOsccx4/s1600-h/IMGP3092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURs_Sz-kKI/AAAAAAAAAfs/rY8fBOsccx4/s400/IMGP3092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279464497822470306" /></a><br /><br />Toffee Butter Crunch<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURsdsj2JzI/AAAAAAAAAfk/qJW7GDY_quQ/s1600-h/IMGP3094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURsdsj2JzI/AAAAAAAAAfk/qJW7GDY_quQ/s400/IMGP3094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279463920618579762" /></a><br />Gingerbread Cut Outs (which utilized the beautiful new snowflake cookie cutter my Aunt Alice and Uncle Chip sent - and that arrived as I was preparing to roll out the dough)<div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURsdYokGuI/AAAAAAAAAfc/rW7Z2mRF5Oo/s1600-h/IMGP3085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURsdYokGuI/AAAAAAAAAfc/rW7Z2mRF5Oo/s400/IMGP3085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279463915269659362" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I loved how the gingerbread came out, so here are a few more pics</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURt3iH8rCI/AAAAAAAAAgM/KF0-HVot59o/s1600-h/IMGP3087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURt3iH8rCI/AAAAAAAAAgM/KF0-HVot59o/s400/IMGP3087.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279465464005438498" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURt3YYPVdI/AAAAAAAAAgE/1Qpet72Jfxk/s1600-h/IMGP3086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURt3YYPVdI/AAAAAAAAAgE/1Qpet72Jfxk/s400/IMGP3086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279465461389415890" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURt2uCbKqI/AAAAAAAAAf8/7AhIAu6zUSY/s1600-h/IMGP3083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURt2uCbKqI/AAAAAAAAAf8/7AhIAu6zUSY/s400/IMGP3083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279465450023627426" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sugar Cookies (that were rolled in colored sugar before baking)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURsdD_WPeI/AAAAAAAAAfU/lfDAc8LASFw/s1600-h/IMGP3098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURsdD_WPeI/AAAAAAAAAfU/lfDAc8LASFw/s400/IMGP3098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279463909728075234" /></a><br />Wedding Cookies<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURschU0IUI/AAAAAAAAAfM/nqlxI5JhMrA/s1600-h/IMGP3093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURschU0IUI/AAAAAAAAAfM/nqlxI5JhMrA/s400/IMGP3093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279463900422873410" /></a><br /><br />And the package all ready to go:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURscHsX2PI/AAAAAAAAAfE/8AqkZSRRja4/s1600-h/IMGP3097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURscHsX2PI/AAAAAAAAAfE/8AqkZSRRja4/s400/IMGP3097.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279463893542361330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-80892531909078425882008-12-09T17:49:00.000-08:002008-12-13T18:27:49.332-08:00Honey-Lime Marinated London BroilThe Most Decadent Diet Ever! cookbook is 2 for 2. Last night I put the london broil in to marinate and then just threw it on the george foreman. It was quite tasty. It had just a hint of lime and was a nice complement to the black beans, brown rice and corn. <br /><br />I'm not going to make a downloadable recipe because it's pretty basic:<br /><br />1/4 cup fresh lime juice<br />2 T extra virgin olive oil<br />1 T plus 1 t honey<br />2 T minced garlic<br />1 t salt<br />1 1/4 pounds trimmed London broil <br /><br />Whisk the lime juice, olive oil and honey in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic and salt. Place the steak in a large ziploc bag, and seal the bag so that it is covered with the marinade. Marinate at least six hours, or overnight if possible. You'll want to turn it at least once so that both sides are thoroughly marinated.<br /><br />Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side. Let stand for 10 minutes. <br /><br /><br /><br />3 oz. serving<br />107 calories<br />4 g fat<br /><1 g fiber<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURus9WkZqI/AAAAAAAAAgU/Iy4htO2fqT0/s1600-h/IMGP3071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SURus9WkZqI/AAAAAAAAAgU/Iy4htO2fqT0/s400/IMGP3071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279466381847586466" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-6264673792294857802008-12-08T19:22:00.000-08:002008-12-08T19:23:09.161-08:00Chicken Enchilasagna<a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/75122805/6ceb49b2/chicken_enchilasagna.html">Recipe</a><br />I found this one in my new cookbook - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/679kol">The Most Decadent Diet Ever</a>. It was a little time consuming, but it was very good.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoRjYVrWihebK0nV6AOm2IGYzFyOvnNww1nzPHL6TC0FHnbrpaz0o7O6dWqKZxXx4uhnCgkAvzz8FfmiZTpQT3kS0_SkqlwOZh-sPupiHi50zPhIJ6A90WlnvCVTv9wKtn89AsabdMn8/s1600-h/IMGP3023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoRjYVrWihebK0nV6AOm2IGYzFyOvnNww1nzPHL6TC0FHnbrpaz0o7O6dWqKZxXx4uhnCgkAvzz8FfmiZTpQT3kS0_SkqlwOZh-sPupiHi50zPhIJ6A90WlnvCVTv9wKtn89AsabdMn8/s400/IMGP3023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277625092641443698" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uEDV8ByE2psZQoOgWWcpCOztjpd2-GacNphXMjFt4bYqYxFdwC8VUp1dxM9FPucBMTejGSRuxeVi1CMSG0rd0_B-gUNs5-A6Uy1pAuk0bzcI2PP-zUY9OA9Uq2o7sj0JV9IPcoZ3lM8/s1600-h/IMGP3025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uEDV8ByE2psZQoOgWWcpCOztjpd2-GacNphXMjFt4bYqYxFdwC8VUp1dxM9FPucBMTejGSRuxeVi1CMSG0rd0_B-gUNs5-A6Uy1pAuk0bzcI2PP-zUY9OA9Uq2o7sj0JV9IPcoZ3lM8/s400/IMGP3025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277625088937654274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEDfwi6qtXpd4SGk_u4Tndb9nLhQOQH6E_GH_xsUl-csUoLydlCYmqKwlugTnkIJ1AwNFNlTOdhjQe2d5Ft2Hiwd4jfn1f3emPYvgPduZKNjHpyDM6W1KufyVBiWiH1gVkSvD7uMh6R8/s1600-h/IMGP3026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEDfwi6qtXpd4SGk_u4Tndb9nLhQOQH6E_GH_xsUl-csUoLydlCYmqKwlugTnkIJ1AwNFNlTOdhjQe2d5Ft2Hiwd4jfn1f3emPYvgPduZKNjHpyDM6W1KufyVBiWiH1gVkSvD7uMh6R8/s400/IMGP3026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277625085722175810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUfZcORA5ujwjRx1PO42i9K9RaI_eX_L5DNrL13tHIZSWnwW9_vEEURKyDDLORXqhVYmP5h7K_RI_O7aUm1tbBgF__FWh_FxYivmn8wVd31Gp0u9kfrVmOyvoE9vWi5B2P8ewuq3-k8w/s1600-h/IMGP3028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUfZcORA5ujwjRx1PO42i9K9RaI_eX_L5DNrL13tHIZSWnwW9_vEEURKyDDLORXqhVYmP5h7K_RI_O7aUm1tbBgF__FWh_FxYivmn8wVd31Gp0u9kfrVmOyvoE9vWi5B2P8ewuq3-k8w/s400/IMGP3028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277625080208222690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPvPRfqBj3-oKIwmFPiEYmnrfdxzzhITjlLK2xRNHsBfKSn2WboC05t1brikiZBuRtrmGFOqTQNgMD0DQz39adKvMSLBKkEEuTJPMnSfMVebp6kuwfRMER5RdjkFDBmaMPvyrBSnDMvo/s1600-h/IMGP3033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPvPRfqBj3-oKIwmFPiEYmnrfdxzzhITjlLK2xRNHsBfKSn2WboC05t1brikiZBuRtrmGFOqTQNgMD0DQz39adKvMSLBKkEEuTJPMnSfMVebp6kuwfRMER5RdjkFDBmaMPvyrBSnDMvo/s400/IMGP3033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277625072158212146" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-34337857322378885892008-11-26T21:07:00.000-08:002008-11-26T21:11:18.341-08:00Slow-Cooker Potato and Canadian Bacon Soup - another WW gem<div><a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/73326960/ea6373ea/potato_and_canadian_bacon_soup.html">Recipe</a></div>One of my strategies for staying on weight watchers this holiday weekend is making sure I have plenty of healthy options on hand at the house. I decided to make up a double batch of this soup after seeing the recipe at my weight watchers meeting earlier today. This smelled so good as it cooked, and it's perfect for keeping me on track and warming up during this chilly holiday weekend.<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4rjBoYhZI/AAAAAAAAAeE/geQKZ3DlSfQ/s1600-h/IMGP2905.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4rjBoYhZI/AAAAAAAAAeE/geQKZ3DlSfQ/s400/IMGP2905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273200094430659986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4rilLGxII/AAAAAAAAAd8/YKO91tSOxfA/s1600-h/IMGP2906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4rilLGxII/AAAAAAAAAd8/YKO91tSOxfA/s400/IMGP2906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273200086791668866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4riQsgVII/AAAAAAAAAd0/hJNBrMDDZq8/s1600-h/IMGP2917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4riQsgVII/AAAAAAAAAd0/hJNBrMDDZq8/s400/IMGP2917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273200081294611586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4riE0Jp_I/AAAAAAAAAds/zaPC6q93blo/s1600-h/IMGP2916.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4riE0Jp_I/AAAAAAAAAds/zaPC6q93blo/s400/IMGP2916.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273200078105454578" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-42949333480206134802008-11-26T20:56:00.000-08:002008-11-26T21:00:32.249-08:00Chocolate Chip Cheesecake<a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/73325822/7376121b/chocolate_chip_cheesecake.html">Recipe</a><br /><br />Mom and Laura are coming into town tomorrow, and I wanted to make something sweet to take with us to Lee and Marilyn's. So I make chocolate chip cheesecake, and it is very hard to have this in the house and not cut into it. I still have to take pictures of it once the chocolate topping sets, which I'll do tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4pDxfLIeI/AAAAAAAAAdk/ei8p1avies4/s1600-h/IMGP2908.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4pDxfLIeI/AAAAAAAAAdk/ei8p1avies4/s400/IMGP2908.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273197358497866210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4pD6-xqlI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Bl-c7kzEXuc/s1600-h/IMGP2910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4pD6-xqlI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Bl-c7kzEXuc/s400/IMGP2910.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273197361046334034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4pDi2sB4I/AAAAAAAAAdU/7pgKJHXw3A8/s1600-h/IMGP2914.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4pDi2sB4I/AAAAAAAAAdU/7pgKJHXw3A8/s400/IMGP2914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273197354569959298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4pDYapJ9I/AAAAAAAAAdM/YAyRTInCmIA/s1600-h/IMGP2915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SS4pDYapJ9I/AAAAAAAAAdM/YAyRTInCmIA/s400/IMGP2915.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273197351767975890" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-64465437021719489032008-11-24T19:11:00.000-08:002008-11-24T19:43:31.398-08:00Cake class - my final masterpieceI am so excited about this cake that I'm actually giddy. I've been working on these flowers for the last three weeks, and I'm so excited to see it all come together. Everything on here is edible, although I wouldn't suggest biting into a snowflake or snowman. The color flow icing doesn't taste that great. Also, yay for a cake that has no orange or stars!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2BjUxjQL2T1OPp2oHJj_fCaPyAF6Bps4v3krrjyjJc5eGtv5RMEscLwr12xvGsBA44kiiX5xOEQonG4h0-lBeqKEuKunQBhwIdJQfj42_V6zDya5e4DdmmaWWHbs94sBOGRxj70JKkU/s1600-h/IMGP2872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2BjUxjQL2T1OPp2oHJj_fCaPyAF6Bps4v3krrjyjJc5eGtv5RMEscLwr12xvGsBA44kiiX5xOEQonG4h0-lBeqKEuKunQBhwIdJQfj42_V6zDya5e4DdmmaWWHbs94sBOGRxj70JKkU/s400/IMGP2872.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272431135878879362" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SF-_49YzfpLOWGVaI0dfZiSNazjxdOqpZF9OiJtYpTgKKskpHI98LtZTXzQjrrLXIGPjhKRGy1NAwW8U-OJQzxe_9ufISsxI5_eaPkq_VdcBWPNXpkg0HeOji87w1nlVmVHVCQGUPiI/s1600-h/IMGP2877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SF-_49YzfpLOWGVaI0dfZiSNazjxdOqpZF9OiJtYpTgKKskpHI98LtZTXzQjrrLXIGPjhKRGy1NAwW8U-OJQzxe_9ufISsxI5_eaPkq_VdcBWPNXpkg0HeOji87w1nlVmVHVCQGUPiI/s400/IMGP2877.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272431442540300002" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SStwZbCb-bI/AAAAAAAAAck/qBsdAWRPeRY/s1600-h/IMGP2875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SStwZbCb-bI/AAAAAAAAAck/qBsdAWRPeRY/s400/IMGP2875.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272431370824317362" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SStwU_rXu1I/AAAAAAAAAcc/7Ae6kyTw5e4/s1600-h/IMGP2874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SStwU_rXu1I/AAAAAAAAAcc/7Ae6kyTw5e4/s400/IMGP2874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272431294760336210" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SStxMHYrgGI/AAAAAAAAAc0/OMz8bcAU9k8/s1600-h/IMGP2893.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SStxMHYrgGI/AAAAAAAAAc0/OMz8bcAU9k8/s400/IMGP2893.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272432241722228834" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSt0Nr5zJ4I/AAAAAAAAAdE/k_TZbmT0GtE/s1600-h/IMGP2902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSt0Nr5zJ4I/AAAAAAAAAdE/k_TZbmT0GtE/s400/IMGP2902.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272435567239571330" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSt0J8Y1bpI/AAAAAAAAAc8/yjuSf_Jlrv0/s1600-h/IMGP2901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSt0J8Y1bpI/AAAAAAAAAc8/yjuSf_Jlrv0/s400/IMGP2901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272435502945234578" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-44743920765004476582008-11-19T08:41:00.000-08:002008-11-19T08:43:32.883-08:00I've been blogged!I wrote previously about Operation Baking Gals, which is an online baking group that sends sweet treats to men and women overseas who are serving our country. Regardless of your political stance on the war, I think it's important to remember the people who are away from home and their loved ones to protect us. I was so happy to take part in this and look forward to doing it again. Here's the link to the group I joined.<br /><br /><a href="http://1freshstart.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/operation-baking-gals-operation-cats-brother/#more-1091">Operation Baking Gals - Cat's Pajamas</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-54389621646887080112008-11-18T18:26:00.000-08:002008-11-18T18:50:17.993-08:00Weight Watchers Penne with Vodka Cream Sauce<a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/72146421/952f4a34/ww_vodka_penne.html">Recipe</a><br />This recipe gets a one-word review - YUMMMM! It was so easy, and the flavor was amazing. I added a small piece of grilled chicken that I cut up into small slices and a teensy bit of shredded parmesan (less than 1 Tablespoon). Brian said this is one of his new favorites, and I agree.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSN6BrfeDoI/AAAAAAAAAag/FZsUcrLnIDE/s1600-h/IMGP2856.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSN6BrfeDoI/AAAAAAAAAag/FZsUcrLnIDE/s320/IMGP2856.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270190158226787970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSN6B5z_EEI/AAAAAAAAAao/0qCUIcm9gqQ/s1600-h/IMGP2860.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSN6B5z_EEI/AAAAAAAAAao/0qCUIcm9gqQ/s320/IMGP2860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270190162070933570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSN6CF6bYDI/AAAAAAAAAaw/70mC8sJqPXA/s1600-h/IMGP2861.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSN6CF6bYDI/AAAAAAAAAaw/70mC8sJqPXA/s320/IMGP2861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270190165319180338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSN6CaRqpUI/AAAAAAAAAa4/cq0UjPz5qYo/s1600-h/IMGP2865.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSN6CaRqpUI/AAAAAAAAAa4/cq0UjPz5qYo/s320/IMGP2865.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270190170785359170" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-4772971142885261292008-11-18T11:05:00.002-08:002008-11-18T11:08:59.680-08:00Lee's Birthday CakeI was really excited when Marilyn asked me to make a birthday cake for Lee. It was my first cake outside of class, and I was very pleased with how it turned out. I am definitely learning with each one I make. I made a French Vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream filling and white buttercream icing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzsqgQfd4aIi92DoK4ka1D1tG_us-6j4zjjFS7PpGa_dAV_Kt3ADIZtRlV6b_DL0REfzdpX2Hc38Ck50yuuckrCfjIdFr3XrvObUS3qzCTkDrDOJjBIFInc9NTr1FYkDJbjpDIKRz1yA/s1600-h/new+pics+037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzsqgQfd4aIi92DoK4ka1D1tG_us-6j4zjjFS7PpGa_dAV_Kt3ADIZtRlV6b_DL0REfzdpX2Hc38Ck50yuuckrCfjIdFr3XrvObUS3qzCTkDrDOJjBIFInc9NTr1FYkDJbjpDIKRz1yA/s320/new+pics+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270076506721214914" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96LRHxb29PFZaeuGJm83v1xnc_fGWKZQG9BZDrYOmPHHQjtZCH-6cYBUFqH733plgRZb4G4sGMLaKd0Pz5XoOwrmtSgYHeEmrNvn-yqyEwOAsWoQBUAHmKlrEpW6YpiTO-QuiGTeYKZ0/s1600-h/new+pics+028.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96LRHxb29PFZaeuGJm83v1xnc_fGWKZQG9BZDrYOmPHHQjtZCH-6cYBUFqH733plgRZb4G4sGMLaKd0Pz5XoOwrmtSgYHeEmrNvn-yqyEwOAsWoQBUAHmKlrEpW6YpiTO-QuiGTeYKZ0/s320/new+pics+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270076504158310002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBckuEnS5aAil6kHDgn4J1wjfwpVT5vKZkurHFKK1LiAJm0NDHR-hBc6Tb3aXN35LXhAC8iyLDD7e-qeqI4j2RgmIKytFe9zpNpShOJRwF_LpZZgwexsGnZQrMolVDLI2mpPhZp725oCM/s1600-h/new+pics+026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBckuEnS5aAil6kHDgn4J1wjfwpVT5vKZkurHFKK1LiAJm0NDHR-hBc6Tb3aXN35LXhAC8iyLDD7e-qeqI4j2RgmIKytFe9zpNpShOJRwF_LpZZgwexsGnZQrMolVDLI2mpPhZp725oCM/s320/new+pics+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270076495376776946" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-83266763866367404992008-11-18T11:05:00.001-08:002008-11-18T11:05:53.560-08:00Cake Class UpdateI have been bad about posting my cake class pics, but it's for a reason - each week we're making pieces of a final cake that I'll be putting together next week. We have been learning how to make flowers out of royal icing, which turns hard and the flowers will keep for months. I'm guessing that's how my wedding cake lady made the starfish on our cake.<br /><br />So stay tuned next week to see what my final masterpiece looks like.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-1508395968433276302008-11-14T23:09:00.000-08:002008-11-18T11:16:53.190-08:00Rosemary Merlot Flank Steak - Thanks Cooking LightRecipe (link to come)<br />I found this recipe on another cooking blog - <a href="http://erinrach.blogspot.com/">Erin's Eats</a> - and I was eager to try it. I loved it. Brian said it wasn't one of his favorites. The flavor was so rich, and it made the kitchen smell so good! I added some mushrooms as a topping, and I thought it made a very yummy meal, and it was pretty good points-wise too (for all you Weight Watchers people).<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUC3go7tI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/GgRwLO8ckwA/s1600-h/new+pics+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUC3go7tI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/GgRwLO8ckwA/s320/new+pics+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270078028446756562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUEzAoyDI/AAAAAAAAAaA/8dW87wWwKAs/s1600-h/new+pics+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUEzAoyDI/AAAAAAAAAaA/8dW87wWwKAs/s320/new+pics+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270078061598525490" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUF8yp49I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/5iTmBRZnmLA/s1600-h/new+pics+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUF8yp49I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/5iTmBRZnmLA/s320/new+pics+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270078081404101586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUGkJ6rJI/AAAAAAAAAaY/ajCMGfSSJuc/s1600-h/new+pics+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUGkJ6rJI/AAAAAAAAAaY/ajCMGfSSJuc/s320/new+pics+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270078091970653330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUFhC90JI/AAAAAAAAAaI/llzKcqlbUqA/s1600-h/new+pics+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SSMUFhC90JI/AAAAAAAAAaI/llzKcqlbUqA/s320/new+pics+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270078073956323474" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-54376588667153943782008-11-05T13:17:00.001-08:002008-11-05T13:20:59.448-08:00Cookies for the Troops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SRIOCL3BVII/AAAAAAAAAZY/XV5q1Z-gAvw/s1600-h/1103080828.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SRIOCL3BVII/AAAAAAAAAZY/XV5q1Z-gAvw/s400/1103080828.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265286345055622274" border="0" /></a><br />I shipped off my care package of sugar on Monday. I have to say that while standing in line, I had this overwhelming sense of joy and excitement about it. There was a woman in front of me sending about 15 packages to her son, and I chatted with her because I needed help on the customs form. She told me that packages from families mean a lot, but her son that packages from strangers almost mean more in a way because it lets him know just how many people are thinking of them and appreciate the sacrifices they are making.<br /><br />I forgot to take a pic with my digital camera, so excuse the self portrait with the camera phone. But here's my stuff just before I taped it closed. That paper has some pics of Albuquerque and a note of thanks from me, plus I listed my blog site just in case they wanted to learn more about me (which I've heard they usually do).Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-82706946130373124582008-11-01T21:26:00.000-07:002008-11-01T21:34:57.771-07:00Amazingly good chocolate chip cookies<a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/69332457/8d2ac7ee/chocolate_chip_cookies.html">Recipe</a><br />I'd had this recipe set aside for a while. And after seeing several cooking blog friends make them, I decided they'd be perfect for my new baking venture - <a href="http://bakinggals.com/">Operation Baking Gals</a>. Basically, you join a team and each team has adopted a unit overseas. I joined the team "cat's pajamas" and am excited to send my first batch of baked goodness out this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bakinggals.com/templates/joomswanky/images/img02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 900px; height: 231px;" src="http://bakinggals.com/templates/joomswanky/images/img02.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As you'll see, the cookies are gigantic. I followed the instructions on the recipe, but with each batch I tried to make them a little smaller because I wanted to fit more in the container. I also loaded them up in the box with some left-over sweets from Halloween.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQ0t0sw6rxI/AAAAAAAAAYw/7vTWQtivSls/s1600-h/halloween+weekend+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQ0t0sw6rxI/AAAAAAAAAYw/7vTWQtivSls/s320/halloween+weekend+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263913922858757906" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQ0t0WjR8jI/AAAAAAAAAYo/P4ysm1YLHpU/s1600-h/halloween+weekend+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQ0t0WjR8jI/AAAAAAAAAYo/P4ysm1YLHpU/s320/halloween+weekend+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263913916895982130" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQ0t0AnHjUI/AAAAAAAAAYg/bXSz_CEBSAs/s1600-h/halloween+weekend+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQ0t0AnHjUI/AAAAAAAAAYg/bXSz_CEBSAs/s320/halloween+weekend+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263913911006498114" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-35230663510394130652008-10-29T18:12:00.000-07:002008-10-29T18:40:58.531-07:00Weight watchers turkey chimichangas<a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/68953373/8d2ecde7/turkey_chimichangas.html">Recipe</a><br />I am one week into my new weight watchers regime, and someone posted this recipe earlier and it sounded quite yummy. Well, they are just as yummy as they sounded. In fact, Brian said that this is one of his new favorites. And bonus for me that they're workable on my weight watchers regime!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQkQeMmxOxI/AAAAAAAAAXk/fitvRFOPrrA/s1600-h/cake+class+4+034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQkQeMmxOxI/AAAAAAAAAXk/fitvRFOPrrA/s400/cake+class+4+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262755750525090578" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQkQdtJTg-I/AAAAAAAAAXc/QbAJdTJeazw/s1600-h/cake+class+4+035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQkQdtJTg-I/AAAAAAAAAXc/QbAJdTJeazw/s400/cake+class+4+035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262755742080009186" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-38206755958395354732008-10-29T18:04:00.000-07:002008-10-29T18:09:36.504-07:00The final cake productI have been meaning to post these since Monday night, but I was tired that night. And then Tuesday just got away from me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQkInAiveGI/AAAAAAAAAXM/znH9ne-wr8M/s1600-h/cake+class+4+030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQkInAiveGI/AAAAAAAAAXM/znH9ne-wr8M/s400/cake+class+4+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262747105812772962" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz53lZ8OVRCxMuNSGOY40nqR_wgdG8BYl7k4SthYfjLwX_K95V_hy4n73F9ticDWCSdNCapW0S9exLoPbQnodLmrGE2yrqT_og5iyFXVjSA4DhpSU-QwBWOUggtnLVRNkp21-85BleZA/s1600-h/cake+class+4+027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz53lZ8OVRCxMuNSGOY40nqR_wgdG8BYl7k4SthYfjLwX_K95V_hy4n73F9ticDWCSdNCapW0S9exLoPbQnodLmrGE2yrqT_og5iyFXVjSA4DhpSU-QwBWOUggtnLVRNkp21-85BleZA/s400/cake+class+4+027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262747099760695794" /></a><br /><br />I totally forgot to take my final picture before I started cutting it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OtXGtDF-IIvKbpr2ZA7jQTQVm056d9M6UZ07DgZ6DsvS0SnIa0l4CChMj9i63vMkGmFBuYRBa1jpbEyUiD8n9XYbxMa1BRUzy9TkpdwTXbQbmBS17HFw4kC1OKj7O7UFxbjO0vw0z_Q/s1600-h/cake+class+4+031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OtXGtDF-IIvKbpr2ZA7jQTQVm056d9M6UZ07DgZ6DsvS0SnIa0l4CChMj9i63vMkGmFBuYRBa1jpbEyUiD8n9XYbxMa1BRUzy9TkpdwTXbQbmBS17HFw4kC1OKj7O7UFxbjO0vw0z_Q/s400/cake+class+4+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262747107563420738" /></a><br /><br />A few weeks ago I posted that Fran at Brian's office was my new favorite person. In perhaps is one of the biggest compliments I've had in a long time, she asked Brian if I wanted to make a cake for an upcoming retirement party - for 75 people! I am still thinking that it's beyond my capabilities at this time, but regardless - it's exceptionally flattering. And it satisfies one of the main reasons I do this - to make other people happy and give them a little slice of sweet enjoyment.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-57628627603109805952008-10-29T08:03:00.000-07:002008-10-29T08:06:32.979-07:00I made this last night...sort of<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pesto-Stuffed-Pork-Chops-with-Caramelized-Onions/Detail.aspx">Recipe</a><br />Pork chops have been my cooking albatross. They are the one thing I feel like has been hanging around my neck because I have never been successful with them. Either they turn out too bland or they are so salty that we end up not liking them.<br /><br />I decided to give them another try, and I found this recipe. But since I'm one week into weight watchers, I really didn't want to add a bunch of pesto. So I improvised. I used a basil puree I'd made using our aerogarden herbs, then I also put fresh basil in there and a little bit of parmesan. I also had thin chops so I just kind of folded them in half.<br /><br />They were pretty darn tasty! I served them with some parmesan cous cous and green beans. Sorry no pics - I didn't have the camera at home last night.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925945666255243193.post-27790914326509777842008-10-26T18:53:00.000-07:002008-10-26T19:07:58.986-07:00A whole lotta bakingWhew. It's been a long day. I had to make my cake for class tomorrow. And originally that's all I planned on doing. But when I took the cakes out of the oven, I must not have let them cool long enough and when I flipped one out, it fell apart.<br /><br />I had to figure out what to do. I wanted to do a layer cake for class since it's the last one. So I could a) make one from scratch, b) go get another mix and make another layer, or c) run with the fact that I had a chocolate cake mix in the pantry. I went with c. I made the chocolate cake and decided it'd be neat to do a cake with chocolate and vanilla layers.<br /><br />So now I have two layers of chocolate with a "mock twinkie" filling and then two layers of french vanilla with chocolate buttercream filling. It actually turned out to be my best-looking cake so far.<br /><br />This time I also utilized a few techniques we've been shown in class. I made an icing buffer to keep the filling from eeking out the sides.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQUgZLyJhqI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Gbv6S8pSb0A/s1600-h/cake+class+4+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQUgZLyJhqI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Gbv6S8pSb0A/s400/cake+class+4+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261647356684240546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQUgY64bMWI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Ee3tT2SW_9k/s1600-h/cake+class+4+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQUgY64bMWI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Ee3tT2SW_9k/s400/cake+class+4+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261647352147161442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQUgYtU-15I/AAAAAAAAAWU/TKiTWsCMjvo/s1600-h/cake+class+4+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQUgYtU-15I/AAAAAAAAAWU/TKiTWsCMjvo/s400/cake+class+4+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261647348508841874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And I used my giant icing tip to ice it - wow, what a difference! I had the cake iced in about five minutes. And this is before I even smoothed it out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQUgZUaEcYI/AAAAAAAAAWs/WUvSwlnf-PA/s1600-h/cake+class+4+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdouMyaIroc/SQUgZUaEcYI/AAAAAAAAAWs/WUvSwlnf-PA/s400/cake+class+4+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261647358999163266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also knew that I was going to have extra batter, so I made a dozen cupcakes. I'd been planning on making some halloween cupcakes, and this ended up working out perfectly. They are filled with the twinkie filling, and I found the decoration idea on <a href="http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=25257g">Michaels.com web site</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEGRM6VDxhG82SoQtR4iThPwuqTGCgsjkrZbpd0aSBKvAHhPM9RihEczcnRlK4Z0DIOTpx2NEBfZdaGkt1wJcrNpU8xHY2Z1s8V6qzyOgTwSYlU1p-X5MtCPU82yo2xps_sKLX3wXGUw/s1600-h/cake+class+4+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEGRM6VDxhG82SoQtR4iThPwuqTGCgsjkrZbpd0aSBKvAHhPM9RihEczcnRlK4Z0DIOTpx2NEBfZdaGkt1wJcrNpU8xHY2Z1s8V6qzyOgTwSYlU1p-X5MtCPU82yo2xps_sKLX3wXGUw/s400/cake+class+4+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261647358747762002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhGLxV7NHgI3UhxXQz6BTQ4B-B37ShcrrOSjJBsGa1xCWMndCGkJFOhvNymOesgTuCIwRvf8glbbYam49Bjkp2fykcjPlBLKKmQL4pTPnV2eNQ1Th_JF7UoPqqtZOl9obZ_9YchPSHls/s1600-h/cake+class+4+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhGLxV7NHgI3UhxXQz6BTQ4B-B37ShcrrOSjJBsGa1xCWMndCGkJFOhvNymOesgTuCIwRvf8glbbYam49Bjkp2fykcjPlBLKKmQL4pTPnV2eNQ1Th_JF7UoPqqtZOl9obZ_9YchPSHls/s400/cake+class+4+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261649595688251874" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08277617337990394475noreply@blogger.com1