So, when Brian & I got married, we expected that we would have a few months together in Virginia Beach. And then in March, his boat was scheduled to go on a 6 month deployment, and I would be heading back to Rochester.
If there is one thing I've learned about the Navy it is that the only thing you can count on is change.
So... the plans changed... And now Brian's boat is going to be at home until the summer. And a long deployment likely won't happen until Brian's commitment to the Montpelier is up! That means that we will be here in Virginia TOGETHER for the next year or so :-)
Knowing that I won't be living in Rochester this spring & summer means that it really was time to find some things to do with my time here.
I've a little bit been looking for a job. But truthfully, I am enjoying the freedom unemployment brings. And I want to make sure that I can keep up with things at home- I love cooking for my husband & making his life easier by keeping the apartment clean and the laundry done :-)
So, I started looking for some places to volunteer... I narrowed it down to a couple things- the Virginia Aquarium & the Virginia Beach SPCA. I am still waiting to hear from the aquarium (but my application has been processed & I've been approved- I just haven't started yet!)
But! Last week I went to orientation at the SPCA & then I finished up my training over the weekend! So now I am officially a volunteer!! I got a tshirt and everything!!
Right now I just get to go and hang out with the dogs & cats. I get to play with the puppies and walk the dogs. I get to pet the kitties and cuddle with them. The SPCA calls it "socializing" the animals. But I call it having fun!
Once I've gotten a few weeks of "socializing" under my belt, there are a few different things I'll be able to do. I am looking forward to:
1. Becoming a part of the behavior modification team... They use positive reinforcement to teach dogs good behavior. It helps them become more adoptable. Because a dog is more likely to find a family if it isn't jumping up all over them & knows how to obey commands.
2. Joining the Listening Ears! ... It is a literacy program here in Virginia Beach; it won an award for it's effectiveness this past year! Volunteers pick up a dog from the shelter, and take it to a local school. Then students who struggle with reading come in one at a time. They spend about 20 minutes reading aloud to the dog! ... It is effective because dogs don't correct or judge. Students aren't nervous about making mistakes. They just get good practice in!
I've been enjoying my time there this week, and am excited to have a new thing to do!! Hopefully I'll have fun stuff to share with you from my experiences there!
Want to learn more about the Virginia Beach SPCA?? Check out their website!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
Has anyone else noticed that lemon-blueberry things have been popping up all over lately? I've seen a TON of stuff; there is this amazing lemon-blueberry marble cake that I am dying to try. But since my husband & I can't (shouldn't) eat a whole cake ourselves, I decided to make another l/b recipe that looked great.
Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
It came from Ree Drummond; the Pioneer Woman. I think I should be friends with her. I love her blog, and I got one of her cookbooks for Christmas. She is hilarious, and darn good in the ktichen. You can find her original recipe on her website, or for just the dough (with which you could make whatever sweet roll flavor you want) you can read her book... By the way. One of the best things about either her online recipes or the ones in her book- she posts step-by-step pictures. Super helpful (I am not that good).
I've been finding that for just two of us, I need to cut down most recipes; otherwise we end up eating a TON of leftovers. And no matter how good something tastes, when you've had it 4 days in a row, it gets old. So, one of my biggest cooking challenges is making recipes more couple-friendly... Here are my modifications, to make less sweet rolls. And by less, I still mean two 9" pans worth; one for us, one for the boat :-)
For the Dough- which I made the night before
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 pk Active Dry Yeast (or .25 ounces)
4 cups plus 1/2 cups AP flour
1/4 heaping T salt
1/4 heaping t baking soda
1/2 t baking powder
Mix milk, sugar, and oil into dutch oven (or large pot). Scald the mixture over medium heat (which means heat it until just before boiling). Remove from heat, and let cool until it is just above luke-warm. You for sure don't want the milk mixture too hot, or you will kill your yeast. It should be right about body temperature, or just slightly warmer.
Pour the yeast over the mixture and then add 4 cups flour. Fold until totally combined, and cover with a tea towel. Let it hang out and do its thing for about an hour... It should smell yeasty and when you come back, it should have risen some.
Add the rest of the dry ingredients (1/2 cup more flour, salt, soda & powder). Mix until combined, but you don't need to go to town kneading it. Cover it and stick it in the fridge. If you don't want to make it the night before, you should probably still refrigerate it for awhile; it will be easier to work with if it's cold.
When you are ready to use it, you'll notice that the dough has probably risen some more. Punch it down!
Then turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Like. 10ish inches high, and 24ish inches wide. Give or take.
For the Delicious Filling
1 stick of butter; give or take a couple tablespoons
3/4 cup of sugar
2 lemons
about a cup of blueberries
Melt the butter and set aside.
Zest the two lemons into the sugar and mix well with your fingers. The sugar will turn a pretty sparkly light yellow.
Pour the butter over the rolled dough, and spread it all over. You want the whole surface to be coated.
Then sprinkle your lemon sugar all over. You also want the lemon sugar to be coating the whole surface.
Then sprinkle the blueberries all over.
Roll the dough toward yourself, making a tight log of delicious.
Cut the log with a sharp knife, and then arrange into 2 greased pie pans. You could also use a 9 x 13 pan. Cover with a tea towel, and let hang out for 20 minutes or so, to puff up a little.
Bake in a preheated 375 oven for about 20-25 minutes; or until golden brown.
For the Glaze
1 lemon (use one of the ones you zested!)
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup milk
a little melted butter if you have any left from the filling
Combine all ingredents with wisk & pour over hot rolls!
EAT. ENJOY.
Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
It came from Ree Drummond; the Pioneer Woman. I think I should be friends with her. I love her blog, and I got one of her cookbooks for Christmas. She is hilarious, and darn good in the ktichen. You can find her original recipe on her website, or for just the dough (with which you could make whatever sweet roll flavor you want) you can read her book... By the way. One of the best things about either her online recipes or the ones in her book- she posts step-by-step pictures. Super helpful (I am not that good).
I've been finding that for just two of us, I need to cut down most recipes; otherwise we end up eating a TON of leftovers. And no matter how good something tastes, when you've had it 4 days in a row, it gets old. So, one of my biggest cooking challenges is making recipes more couple-friendly... Here are my modifications, to make less sweet rolls. And by less, I still mean two 9" pans worth; one for us, one for the boat :-)
For the Dough- which I made the night before
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 pk Active Dry Yeast (or .25 ounces)
4 cups plus 1/2 cups AP flour
1/4 heaping T salt
1/4 heaping t baking soda
1/2 t baking powder
Mix milk, sugar, and oil into dutch oven (or large pot). Scald the mixture over medium heat (which means heat it until just before boiling). Remove from heat, and let cool until it is just above luke-warm. You for sure don't want the milk mixture too hot, or you will kill your yeast. It should be right about body temperature, or just slightly warmer.
Pour the yeast over the mixture and then add 4 cups flour. Fold until totally combined, and cover with a tea towel. Let it hang out and do its thing for about an hour... It should smell yeasty and when you come back, it should have risen some.
Add the rest of the dry ingredients (1/2 cup more flour, salt, soda & powder). Mix until combined, but you don't need to go to town kneading it. Cover it and stick it in the fridge. If you don't want to make it the night before, you should probably still refrigerate it for awhile; it will be easier to work with if it's cold.
When you are ready to use it, you'll notice that the dough has probably risen some more. Punch it down!
Then turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Like. 10ish inches high, and 24ish inches wide. Give or take.
For the Delicious Filling
1 stick of butter; give or take a couple tablespoons
3/4 cup of sugar
2 lemons
about a cup of blueberries
Melt the butter and set aside.
Zest the two lemons into the sugar and mix well with your fingers. The sugar will turn a pretty sparkly light yellow.
Pour the butter over the rolled dough, and spread it all over. You want the whole surface to be coated.
Then sprinkle your lemon sugar all over. You also want the lemon sugar to be coating the whole surface.
Then sprinkle the blueberries all over.
Roll the dough toward yourself, making a tight log of delicious.
Cut the log with a sharp knife, and then arrange into 2 greased pie pans. You could also use a 9 x 13 pan. Cover with a tea towel, and let hang out for 20 minutes or so, to puff up a little.
Bake in a preheated 375 oven for about 20-25 minutes; or until golden brown.
For the Glaze
1 lemon (use one of the ones you zested!)
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup milk
a little melted butter if you have any left from the filling
Combine all ingredents with wisk & pour over hot rolls!
EAT. ENJOY.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Les Miserables: the Movie
If I knew how to do photoshop-y things, I would make a picture that has the classic Les Mis Cosette on it, wearing hipster glasses. And it would say: I heard the people sing before it was cool... But. I don't know how to do that, so you have to use your imagination. Unless Carl knows how to make one.
I have loved Les Miserables since I was in 7th grade... which was basically 17 years ago... And by loved, I mean have been kind of obsessed. It is with a mix of pride and embarrassment I share these facts:
1. My first email address was Eponine83@aol.com.
2. I once dressed up as Eponine for Halloween (yes, I had to explain to EVERYONE who I was... no one guessed, can you believe that?)
3. I made my mother wait outside a theater so that I could meet Colm Wilkinson (who is the original and definitive Jean Val Jean). And I am still a little crushed that he didn't come out.
4. Yes. I was that girl who wore her Les Mis t-shirt a little too often in 8th grade.
My obsession has gotten a little more under control as I've gotten older... But. It started to come back a bit, once things began heating up for the movie.
My husband & I (along with our families, and my buddy Mere) went to see it opening night. I know you are all dying to hear my thoughts and impressions of the movie; don't worry! I am about to oblige :-)
First, let's talk acting. When I heard the cast ahead of time, I was pretty thrilled; it seemed like they nailed many of the parts. And for the most part, the cast did not disappoint!!
1. Hugh Jackman. Basically seemed to be born to play the part of Jean Val Jean; I had really high expectations. I thought he looked and acted the part super-duper really well!! ... But, honestly, I was a little disappointed in his singing. Again, this probably has something to do with the fact that he wasn't Colm Wilkinson. To me, no one can compare to his Jean Val Jean.
2. Speaking of Colm Wilkinson... One of my favorite things about the movie is that they got him to play the Bishop. PERFECTION. I was so excited when I heard that he was doing it, and I completely geeked out during that part of the movie. Uh. I clapped. In a packed movie theater. All by myself. Want to see him playing JVJ? Check out the 10th Anniversary Concert!
3. Anne Hathaway as Fantine... MAN ALIVE!!! I loved her. Loved her. Even non-Les Mis fans can't deny that she gave a great performance She totally deserves her Golden Globe nomination. Here's hoping for an Oscar!! My favorite Fantine ever!
4. Ooooooh Russel Crowe... So. I was not thrilled by this pick for Javert. And when I saw some clips, I became even less thrilled. My poor husband had to hear me lament (several times) that Russel Crowe was going to ruin the movie... I won't say that he was great, or that he did the part justice. But he wasn't as bad as I thought he would be.
5. Jean Val Jean is my favorite character, but Eponine runs a close second. Samantha Barks was terrific. It helped that she played her on stage (and in the 25th anniversary concert!). She had the voice and I loved her!
6. Eddie Redmayne has maybe made me change my mind about one of my least favorite characters- Marius. I'm not sure why I haven't like him that much in the past, but I loved him in the movie. Usually, Empty Chairs & Empty Tables is at the bottom of my "favorite parts" list (usually my butt has gotten pretty numb by the time it rolls around). But it was one of the BEST parts of the movie!!
7. The rest of the cast was fine. Nothing super awesome, nothing super bad :-)
... Moving on...
Admittedly, I have not seen Les Miserables on stage since they re-did it. I can only compare the movie with the turn-table, folding baracade, version... In May I get to see the re-staged version!!!... But, for now, my reference is the old one ;-)
There were quite a few differences. Ahead of time, I thought I would be upset if they made a lot of changes, but in the end? I thought they really worked. Some stuff was in a different order, they took out some dialog/parts of songs, some plot stuff... But. I think they were good changes.
I thought doing I Dreamed a Dream after Lovely Ladies really added some emotion behind the song. It wasn't just about a girl with a broken heart any more.
I loved the way they did Do You Hear the People Sing at General Lemarc's funeral. So powerful!!
I also loved the way the finale came together. That is one of the best parts of the show, and I thought they hit the nail on the head! Not to mention I was thrilled that they included Colm again!!
I was glad they didn't do the full songs for Dog Eats the Dog or Turning (though I wonder if those are cut short in the new stage show too).
I think the movie did a better job than the stage show does of showing how abandoned the student rebels are. On stage, I never really got how they were sure the people of Paris would rise up with them, and how very wrong they were.
Also. I was excited how they made Enjolras' death reminiscent of the way it looks on stage. Hanging upside-down, with the red flag. That is one of the most striking parts of the show & it was neat to see how they nodded to that.
Some things I didn't totally love:
I was disappointed by One Day More... There is just no good way to show that on screen. It is so much cooler when basically the full cast can be on stage at one time for that song. It lost some of its power without that.
There are several... unsavory... parts in the show. And I was a little concerned about how graphic they would make the movie. For the most part? I thought they did it fairly tastefully... There is just one part. With Santa. If you saw the movie, you know what I mean. It just didn't add anything to the movie at all. I think they only put it in their because it was a Christmas release. Not a fan.
As much as I loved the finale, I was a little sad they didn't include Eponine's spirit with Fantines. I get why they did it. And most people probably would think Eponine didn't fit there very well... But. I love that she is included in the show. I missed how Fantine & Eponine harmonize there.
For me, the verdict is still out on the new song Suddenly. I just don't know it like the rest of the movie. I am sure it will grow on me. It certainly helped develop the relationship between Val Jean and Cosette :-)
Overall?? It was great. I wanted to stay for the next showing, but it wasn't until 10:30 and my husband had to drive us back to Virginia the next day... Hopefully we'll see it again in the next few days. I might have more impressions! ;-)
One of the greatest things about the movie??? I got to see it with a whole bunch of loved ones. My mom & Carl, my dad, Brian's parents & sister Amy, and my best friend all saw it with us. And. I know some of them saw it, just because it means so much to me (not because they are Les Mis fans). It was so special to have them there, and be able to share it with them.
Can't wait to go see the show in Rochester in May. My mom & I are going, and she is my favorite Les Mis buddy. We're gonna have such a great time!!
So. Did you make all the way through this post?? If you did, you 25 brownie points. Once you reach 500 brownie points, I might actually make you brownies. So, you are well on your way to some delicious treats.
Also. If you made it through this post, you might also be a Les Mis fan... If you saw the movie, let me know what you thought!!
I have loved Les Miserables since I was in 7th grade... which was basically 17 years ago... And by loved, I mean have been kind of obsessed. It is with a mix of pride and embarrassment I share these facts:
1. My first email address was Eponine83@aol.com.
2. I once dressed up as Eponine for Halloween (yes, I had to explain to EVERYONE who I was... no one guessed, can you believe that?)
3. I made my mother wait outside a theater so that I could meet Colm Wilkinson (who is the original and definitive Jean Val Jean). And I am still a little crushed that he didn't come out.
4. Yes. I was that girl who wore her Les Mis t-shirt a little too often in 8th grade.
My obsession has gotten a little more under control as I've gotten older... But. It started to come back a bit, once things began heating up for the movie.
My husband & I (along with our families, and my buddy Mere) went to see it opening night. I know you are all dying to hear my thoughts and impressions of the movie; don't worry! I am about to oblige :-)
First, let's talk acting. When I heard the cast ahead of time, I was pretty thrilled; it seemed like they nailed many of the parts. And for the most part, the cast did not disappoint!!
1. Hugh Jackman. Basically seemed to be born to play the part of Jean Val Jean; I had really high expectations. I thought he looked and acted the part super-duper really well!! ... But, honestly, I was a little disappointed in his singing. Again, this probably has something to do with the fact that he wasn't Colm Wilkinson. To me, no one can compare to his Jean Val Jean.
2. Speaking of Colm Wilkinson... One of my favorite things about the movie is that they got him to play the Bishop. PERFECTION. I was so excited when I heard that he was doing it, and I completely geeked out during that part of the movie. Uh. I clapped. In a packed movie theater. All by myself. Want to see him playing JVJ? Check out the 10th Anniversary Concert!
3. Anne Hathaway as Fantine... MAN ALIVE!!! I loved her. Loved her. Even non-Les Mis fans can't deny that she gave a great performance She totally deserves her Golden Globe nomination. Here's hoping for an Oscar!! My favorite Fantine ever!
4. Ooooooh Russel Crowe... So. I was not thrilled by this pick for Javert. And when I saw some clips, I became even less thrilled. My poor husband had to hear me lament (several times) that Russel Crowe was going to ruin the movie... I won't say that he was great, or that he did the part justice. But he wasn't as bad as I thought he would be.
5. Jean Val Jean is my favorite character, but Eponine runs a close second. Samantha Barks was terrific. It helped that she played her on stage (and in the 25th anniversary concert!). She had the voice and I loved her!
6. Eddie Redmayne has maybe made me change my mind about one of my least favorite characters- Marius. I'm not sure why I haven't like him that much in the past, but I loved him in the movie. Usually, Empty Chairs & Empty Tables is at the bottom of my "favorite parts" list (usually my butt has gotten pretty numb by the time it rolls around). But it was one of the BEST parts of the movie!!
7. The rest of the cast was fine. Nothing super awesome, nothing super bad :-)
... Moving on...
Admittedly, I have not seen Les Miserables on stage since they re-did it. I can only compare the movie with the turn-table, folding baracade, version... In May I get to see the re-staged version!!!... But, for now, my reference is the old one ;-)
There were quite a few differences. Ahead of time, I thought I would be upset if they made a lot of changes, but in the end? I thought they really worked. Some stuff was in a different order, they took out some dialog/parts of songs, some plot stuff... But. I think they were good changes.
I thought doing I Dreamed a Dream after Lovely Ladies really added some emotion behind the song. It wasn't just about a girl with a broken heart any more.
I loved the way they did Do You Hear the People Sing at General Lemarc's funeral. So powerful!!
I also loved the way the finale came together. That is one of the best parts of the show, and I thought they hit the nail on the head! Not to mention I was thrilled that they included Colm again!!
I was glad they didn't do the full songs for Dog Eats the Dog or Turning (though I wonder if those are cut short in the new stage show too).
I think the movie did a better job than the stage show does of showing how abandoned the student rebels are. On stage, I never really got how they were sure the people of Paris would rise up with them, and how very wrong they were.
Also. I was excited how they made Enjolras' death reminiscent of the way it looks on stage. Hanging upside-down, with the red flag. That is one of the most striking parts of the show & it was neat to see how they nodded to that.
Some things I didn't totally love:
I was disappointed by One Day More... There is just no good way to show that on screen. It is so much cooler when basically the full cast can be on stage at one time for that song. It lost some of its power without that.
There are several... unsavory... parts in the show. And I was a little concerned about how graphic they would make the movie. For the most part? I thought they did it fairly tastefully... There is just one part. With Santa. If you saw the movie, you know what I mean. It just didn't add anything to the movie at all. I think they only put it in their because it was a Christmas release. Not a fan.
As much as I loved the finale, I was a little sad they didn't include Eponine's spirit with Fantines. I get why they did it. And most people probably would think Eponine didn't fit there very well... But. I love that she is included in the show. I missed how Fantine & Eponine harmonize there.
For me, the verdict is still out on the new song Suddenly. I just don't know it like the rest of the movie. I am sure it will grow on me. It certainly helped develop the relationship between Val Jean and Cosette :-)
Overall?? It was great. I wanted to stay for the next showing, but it wasn't until 10:30 and my husband had to drive us back to Virginia the next day... Hopefully we'll see it again in the next few days. I might have more impressions! ;-)
One of the greatest things about the movie??? I got to see it with a whole bunch of loved ones. My mom & Carl, my dad, Brian's parents & sister Amy, and my best friend all saw it with us. And. I know some of them saw it, just because it means so much to me (not because they are Les Mis fans). It was so special to have them there, and be able to share it with them.
Can't wait to go see the show in Rochester in May. My mom & I are going, and she is my favorite Les Mis buddy. We're gonna have such a great time!!
So. Did you make all the way through this post?? If you did, you 25 brownie points. Once you reach 500 brownie points, I might actually make you brownies. So, you are well on your way to some delicious treats.
Also. If you made it through this post, you might also be a Les Mis fan... If you saw the movie, let me know what you thought!!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Red Wine.
I am not a drinker. I don't have anything against it, or people who do it responsibly. It's just not something I've ever been into.
But, since I've started cooking more, I've found a lot of recipes call for some kind of alcohol in them. I know wine and other adult beverages can add a lot of great flavor to things, and decided that I was ready to jump in to cooking with them.
Today when I was meal planning, a recipe I wanted to use called for red wine, so I added it to my grocery list without thinking much of it. This would be easy, right???
So, I got to the store and when I hit the wine section.
Do you know how many kinds of wine there are!?!?
So, feeling completely overwhelmed, I did the only thing I knew to do... I called my daddy.
Honestly. My dad is the best cook I know, so I knew he would be able to help. And after a 10 minute over-phone wine lesson, I had one picked out.
Then I get to the checkout and buy all my groceries.
It isn't until the drive home that I realize the clerk did not card me.
First, I wondered if somehow the wine never made it to the checkout. But then I got home and it was right there.
Then I wondered... Am I so old that she felt carding me was unnecessary!? I have been noticing more grey hair. And I have this stupid pesky wrinkle on my forehead. And I am turning 30 this coming year... AM I OLD!?!?
In my panic, I (again) did the only thing I knew to do... I texted my best friend. I explained the situation, and asked the very dangerous question am I so old that I don't need to be carded?
She responded that I am not old. That the store was irresponsible. She is the best of best friends.
I felt very very relieved.
And then I felt guilty because I was more glad about not being old, than I was concerned about a local grocery store potentially selling to underage kids.
But, since I've started cooking more, I've found a lot of recipes call for some kind of alcohol in them. I know wine and other adult beverages can add a lot of great flavor to things, and decided that I was ready to jump in to cooking with them.
Today when I was meal planning, a recipe I wanted to use called for red wine, so I added it to my grocery list without thinking much of it. This would be easy, right???
So, I got to the store and when I hit the wine section.
Do you know how many kinds of wine there are!?!?
So, feeling completely overwhelmed, I did the only thing I knew to do... I called my daddy.
Honestly. My dad is the best cook I know, so I knew he would be able to help. And after a 10 minute over-phone wine lesson, I had one picked out.
Then I get to the checkout and buy all my groceries.
It isn't until the drive home that I realize the clerk did not card me.
First, I wondered if somehow the wine never made it to the checkout. But then I got home and it was right there.
Then I wondered... Am I so old that she felt carding me was unnecessary!? I have been noticing more grey hair. And I have this stupid pesky wrinkle on my forehead. And I am turning 30 this coming year... AM I OLD!?!?
In my panic, I (again) did the only thing I knew to do... I texted my best friend. I explained the situation, and asked the very dangerous question am I so old that I don't need to be carded?
She responded that I am not old. That the store was irresponsible. She is the best of best friends.
I felt very very relieved.
And then I felt guilty because I was more glad about not being old, than I was concerned about a local grocery store potentially selling to underage kids.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
King Tut & Other Disappointments.
When I was younger my family and I were in Chicago, and we went to the Field Museum. It is a really neat place to visit, and I highly recommend it. But...
We went to see their King Tut exhibit. It was a really extensive exhibition- there was a lot of Egyptian history, and ancient Egyptian artifacts; you even got to walk through a replica of a tomb!! It all seemed to be building to the grand finale... King Tut's famous sarcophagus !
And then.
We got to the end of the exhibit.
And.
There was no King Tut.
It was called the King Tut exhibit. They used images of the sarcophagus for all the promotional stuff; the brochure, great big signs on the outside of the museum. Everything pointed to the fact that King Tut would be there.
I was super disappointed when we got to the end, and found out he was still in Egypt.
**********************
One of my favorite shows is the Office (the first few seasons, anyway). In one episode Michael gets gum in his hair... here is his explanation:
I was walking in and I saw something shiny under Stanley's car. And I got under Stanley's car. I got under to see what it was, and I messed up my hair. All for a stupid piece of tinfoil.
**********************
This world promises us shiny, exciting things. King Tuts and surprises under cars.
And this world is full of disappointments. No King Tuts and stupid pieces of tinfoil.
Maybe you are feeling disappointed today...
... You were promised a sparkling career, and you find yourself in a dead-end job.
... You were promised that she would love you forever, and now you are alone.
... You expected someone to come home for the holidays, but they've changed their plans.
... You expected someone to come home for the holidays, but they've changed their plans.
**********************
In a world full of let-downs, there is one thing that will never disappoint us...
Romans 5:5 tells us that
hope does not disappoint.
**************************
I am not saying that we will never feel disappointed by God.
Anyone who has spent time praying for a sick loved-one, only to have them pass away, knows what it feels like to be disappointed by God.
Anyone who has prayed for an unbelieving family member, only to be rebuffed by them again, knows what it feels like to be disappointed by God.
**************************
But, rather, the hope we have of eternal life will not disappoint.
When we face disappointments in this world, we can know this is not the end.
We will not be disappointed.
This hope that we cling to, will not let us down.
We will not be disappointed.
When we reach the end of this life, and make our way into eternity?
We will not be disappointed.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Bake These Cookies.
So. Here's a secret:
I don't have a huge sweet tooth. As I've gotten older, fewer and fewer sweets have been appealing to me.
Want to know an even bigger secret?
Included in that is chocolate... I like chocolate (or at least tolerate) it in small doses. Like a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup? The peanut butter out-weighs the chocolate, and those aren't too bad... But I just don't like M&Ms. Or Hershey Kisses. Or brownies.
Sorry.
I hope we can still be friends.
With that said, there is one thing that I crave pretty consistently cookies. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal, sugar, or my favorites: snickerdoodles. I love cookies. So, since moving to Virginia, I've made about a batch a week for my husband and I... Is that a lot of cookies?? Don't answer that... We have shared some with guys on the boat.
This weekend I decided I needed to take a break from eating cookies, but I still wanted to make some for the Mighty Monty crew. I picked a recipe for some extra chocolaty, brownie-like cookies, that I knew I wouldn't like... Apparently they were a hit. And I think you should bake some for someone you love:
I found the recipe on Pinterest (again). It is by Martha Stewart (who I kinda like... again, I hope we are still friends), and you can see the original here.
... Also... I didn't get any pictures. Next time kids.
You need:
8 oz of semisweet chocolate... Honestly, I estimated using a 12 oz bag of morsels.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter... I wouldn't substitute salted for these.
2/3 cup AP flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 tsp salt, plus a pinch... the original recipe called for 1/2, but my cookies ended up just a touch too salty.
2 large eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate! ... the recipe calls for 12 oz of semisweet chunks. But I ended up using the rest of my bag of morsels, the remainders of a bag of mini chips, and a 60% cocoa fair trade chocolate bar. The variety of chocolate was really fun for texture in the cookie. I'd do a mix again. Use what you've got!
1. In a bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl (or your stand mixer) beat together your brown sugar, eggs & vanilla. Beat it until it gets light & slightly fluffy... It won't be as fluffy as it would if you had fat in there like butter or shortening... It'll take a couple minutes.
3. In yet another bowl, melt your 8 oz of chocolate & the butter. Either in a double boiler, or in 20 second increments in the microwave. Stop just before the chocolate completely melts; you don't want to scorch it! Stir until smooth.
4. Beat your melted chocolate into your sugar/egg/vanilla mix. Don't over-do it, but you want them to be totally mixed.
5. Add your dry ingredients, and mix on low until just combined.
6. Stir in your other chocolate
7. Now... you could bake these right away. But you'll find your dough is more like a batter, and you will get really flat (but still delicious) cookies. Or you can wait 15ish minutes for the melted chocolate in it to cool, and you'll get a more truffle-like dough and less-flat cookies!!
8. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes. I rotated half way through, because my oven isn't very even.
9. Let cool about 10 minutes on the cookie sheet before moving to a wire rack.
10. Eat some very chocolaty & chewy cookies!! You probably should have a big glass of milk handy!
I don't have a huge sweet tooth. As I've gotten older, fewer and fewer sweets have been appealing to me.
Want to know an even bigger secret?
Included in that is chocolate... I like chocolate (or at least tolerate) it in small doses. Like a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup? The peanut butter out-weighs the chocolate, and those aren't too bad... But I just don't like M&Ms. Or Hershey Kisses. Or brownies.
Sorry.
I hope we can still be friends.
With that said, there is one thing that I crave pretty consistently cookies. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal, sugar, or my favorites: snickerdoodles. I love cookies. So, since moving to Virginia, I've made about a batch a week for my husband and I... Is that a lot of cookies?? Don't answer that... We have shared some with guys on the boat.
This weekend I decided I needed to take a break from eating cookies, but I still wanted to make some for the Mighty Monty crew. I picked a recipe for some extra chocolaty, brownie-like cookies, that I knew I wouldn't like... Apparently they were a hit. And I think you should bake some for someone you love:
I found the recipe on Pinterest (again). It is by Martha Stewart (who I kinda like... again, I hope we are still friends), and you can see the original here.
... Also... I didn't get any pictures. Next time kids.
You need:
8 oz of semisweet chocolate... Honestly, I estimated using a 12 oz bag of morsels.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter... I wouldn't substitute salted for these.
2/3 cup AP flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 tsp salt, plus a pinch... the original recipe called for 1/2, but my cookies ended up just a touch too salty.
2 large eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate! ... the recipe calls for 12 oz of semisweet chunks. But I ended up using the rest of my bag of morsels, the remainders of a bag of mini chips, and a 60% cocoa fair trade chocolate bar. The variety of chocolate was really fun for texture in the cookie. I'd do a mix again. Use what you've got!
1. In a bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl (or your stand mixer) beat together your brown sugar, eggs & vanilla. Beat it until it gets light & slightly fluffy... It won't be as fluffy as it would if you had fat in there like butter or shortening... It'll take a couple minutes.
3. In yet another bowl, melt your 8 oz of chocolate & the butter. Either in a double boiler, or in 20 second increments in the microwave. Stop just before the chocolate completely melts; you don't want to scorch it! Stir until smooth.
4. Beat your melted chocolate into your sugar/egg/vanilla mix. Don't over-do it, but you want them to be totally mixed.
5. Add your dry ingredients, and mix on low until just combined.
6. Stir in your other chocolate
7. Now... you could bake these right away. But you'll find your dough is more like a batter, and you will get really flat (but still delicious) cookies. Or you can wait 15ish minutes for the melted chocolate in it to cool, and you'll get a more truffle-like dough and less-flat cookies!!
8. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes. I rotated half way through, because my oven isn't very even.
9. Let cool about 10 minutes on the cookie sheet before moving to a wire rack.
10. Eat some very chocolaty & chewy cookies!! You probably should have a big glass of milk handy!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Christian Colleges
I saw this picture on postsecret.com tonight. Its making me think about my Christian college experience. Would Jesus have gone to my school?? I just don't know.
And moreover. If Jesus did go to my school, why would He haven chosen it, and where would He have fit?
What do you guys think?? Would Jesus go to your Christian college?
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