Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday

Twilight themed Virgin Bloody Mary 

The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that's almost as old as Edward. Like him, it only gets hotter with age.

Garnish with a skewer of olives to jazz up the drink's presentation at your Twilight party. 
For the 21 and over crowd, add 1 oz. - 1/2 oz. of vodka to make this virgin a vamp.


Ingredients

  • Pinch celery salt
  • Salt and pepper
  • 7 drops Worcestershire sauce
  • 5 drops hot sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce) container tomato juice
  • Some celery stalks
  • Some cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 Oz lemon juice
Steps
  • Combine all of the ingredients in a highball glass containing ice, stir well, and serve with a celery stick and cherry tomato.


Twilight-Inspired Mushroom Ravioli with Butter 
& Parmesan Sauce

Mushroom ravioli is a must for any Twilight party since Bella orders it on her first date with Edward at a restaurant. This version has a nutty flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Ingredients
  • 2 packages (11-oz.) fresh wild mushroom ravioli
  • 1 Cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 Cup fresh basil leaves
  • 6 Tbsp toasted pine nuts
  • 1 Whole nutmeg or 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 2/3 Cup grated Parmesan
Steps
  • Cook the ravioli in a large pot of boiling salted water until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain and put on a platter.
  • Meanwhile, cook the butter in a heavy medium frying pan over medium-high heat until pale golden, about 4 minutes. Add the basil leaves and cook until lightly fried, about 2 minutes. Add the pine nuts. Pour over the cooked ravioli. Grate 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg directly over ravioli. Sprinkle Parmesan over dish and serve.


Twilight-Inspired Caramel Apple Cupcakes


Ingredients
  • 1 Cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 Cup(s) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 Cup sugar
  • 1 Tsp ginger
  • 1 Tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 Tsp nutmeg
  • 1 Tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 Tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 Cup oil
  • 1/4 Cup apple juice
  • 1 Tsp vanilla
  • For The Caramel
  • 2 Cup(s) sugar
  • 1/2 Cup water
  • 1-1/2 Tbsp light corn syrup
  • 2/3 Cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • For The Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 Oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 Cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
  • 1 vanilla bean, cut lengthwise and scraped
  • 1 Lb. (4 cups) powdered sugar, sifted
  • Garnishes: pretzels, red sprinkles, mint leaves, black sesame seeds
Steps
  • Preheat oven 350F.
  • Combine flour, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium sized bowl and whisk to combine. Crack the eggs into a separate, medium sized bowl and beat with a form to break up. Add the oil, apple juice, vanilla, and apple sauce and mix to combine. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until all ingredients come together.
  • Scoop into cupcake papers about 2/3 full. Bake in 350F oven for 20-22 minutes, rotating the pan after 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • To make the caramel: Put sugar, water and corn syrup in saucepan, stir just to combine ingredients. Turn to medium-high heat, without stirring, for 5-10 minutes until caramel turns an amber color. Wipe down any spatters with a pastry brush dipped in cold water. Lower the heat a little and add the cream and butter. (Caramel will bubble!) After the bubbling decreases, stir caramel to break down lumps. Pour into a pyrex measuring cup to cool.
  • To make the frosting: Whip the butter and cream cheese together in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until creamed. Add vanilla beans. Gradually add powdered sugar. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  • To assemble cupcakes: Fill cupcakes with caramel using the cone method. Dollop a fairly good amount of frosting and shape into a spherical shape.
  • Roll cupcake in red sprinkles to cover the frosting. Break off pretzel and stick into the top to resemble a stem. Insert a mint “leaf” in the frosting near the stem. Notch out a “bite” shape and arrange 3 sesame seeds to resemble apple seeds.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Meet Me Monday

1. Did you or do you play a  instrument?
Yes in jr high I played the flute. Did the marching band thing then in 9th grade I played the Cello & violin and loved that more then anything. But didn't keep it up and I really wish I would have. Maybe as an adult I should take it up. I always loved to sing so I gave the band and orchestra to sing. 
 2. What is your pet peeve while driving?

Whoa Nelly!! Don't get me started! I have my list. 

First off it is like finger nails running down a chalk board to be a passenger in a car except to be in the car with my Dad. When Hub's is behind the wheel I feel as if I am in the car with Mr. Magoo. Holly crap my pants... he is never paying attention and if he looks to the right he takes the wheel where his head goes and he always rides the lines I would much rather run into the ditch then the on coming cars. Its funny though he has been in zero accidents and I have been in a ton!! He gets tickets and I have none..so I guess we are tied. :)

Letting people pull in HELLO!!! I just did you a favor MOVE IT!

My biggest driving pet peeve, though? (Ooooooh, this one REALLY gets me...) Is when there is NO one behind me and that is when they decided to pull out in front of me and not just wait the two seconds.... idiots. Be patient. Your time will come, and unless you are rushing to the hospital for some emergency...cool your jets and wait your turn.
3. Would you rather have a housekeeper or unlimited spa services?


This is a pretty easy one for me......because of the OCD Freakinglly clean freak I am my house never really needs attention. ( Maybe this will happen once we adopt our baby.) 

I would go for the spa........this would be good because I would kill two birds one stone!  One of my BFF's has her own spa and its like heaven once you go April you wont go back. 
So I would pick that so I could get some much need BFF time ( that we hardly get because life is so crazy busy!) but also to relieve the stress of life! 
4. Is there a song that you hear that will take you back to the moment, like a junior high or high school dance?

Oh Many! Let's see Vogue,  The humpty dance, Tom's Diner, Summertime,  Good Vibrations, Groove Is In The Heart,   Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) so many more but that is what I can think of right now... makes me want to load up that I-pod with that music! :)

Sorry its Sunday...

First off let me just say that I am so sorry that I haven't been writing as much as I would like. The day's are just flying by. I have been so busy I always think that in the summer is when you have time to rest but that just isn't the case. In fact summer is when it gets hopping. 
I had girlfriends and family over on Friday night 
for a pre-birthday craft night 
&
&
It was alot of fun and "Hubs" made lemon drops that were to die for!
SO that kept me busy that day then
yesterday I went and did a house cleaning job
( In case you are like me and have OCD this is a great sickness to have when you get a cleaning job)
I ROCKED it! 
I love cleaning I put my i pod in and go.
Today I am Nannying and as the little one sleeps I pick up and read or write my blog. 
I can't explain to anyone how blessed I feel to have the chance to work for these people. 
They are amazing. ( but I wouldn't think anything less for such great friends.)
This week coming up is going to be so busy.


Tomorrow I am going to go to my Girlfriends and we are doing italian food!
Then we are watching Twilight ,New Moon 
All to prepare for the newest and next movie
I am 110% excited to go see it. 
We are going to hang out at the local bar, 
 celebrate my b-day then walk up to the best movie theater in the world
The next day "Hub's"and I are going to get ready for a camping trip.
We are going to Kalaloch & Ruby beach
We are going with my Grandparents Nanna & Poppie & My Mom & Dad.
It is going to be alot of fun, we go every summer have from the time I was 5. 
My Dad & his sisters went every year growing up and it is an amazing place.
& because I am a 14 year old girl trapped in almost 33 year olds body.......
We get to go to FORKS!!!!
at the same time......
Now you throw in the 4th of July weekend and we are even more busy!
 So if I am MIA for a few days 
Please don't hold it against me...cause this girl loves her follwers.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Thankful Thursday!

This week I am thankful for the Sun! I am loving that I have had the sun in our little rainy PNW.  I love the fact that the bright sunshine and the blue skies with the fluffy clouds.
I love my backyard! If I could have one birthday wish it would be a Hammock for the back yard.
To lay in and to read all of the summer books I would love to read. 
I am thankful that I have the love of my friends and family.

I am thankful that its summer because this weather has made me feel
kinda sad. 
There are days when I can be in a crowd and still feel alone.
Very
  overwhelmed.
At this point in my life I feel like my life is so complicated.
 I don't know what I can do to change that.
I need to slow down. 
Summer is when you should take it down a notch.
I feel like its when I am running the most.
I get this way when it is close to my Birthday.
I second guess everything I have done in my life.

So with that Said I have to say. 
I am blessed that I have so many friends
& a close family 
to make me know that I am never alone even when I feel like it
& for that I am Thankful!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday.

Camp Kabobs

Camp Kabobs are easy and mess free. The kids like eating them too, because they're fun to eat. Bake potatoes directly in the fire, add some bread and you've got a meal.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 lb. sirlion tips (can use beef stew cut meat)
  • 2 bell peppers
  • 2 large onions
  • lemon
Preparation:
Simply cut chicken and beef up into pieces, slice up onion and bell peppers, place on kabob sticks and squeeze lemon over kabobs right before grilling.
Servings: 8

Campfire Corn on the Cob




 It is so easy and the corn will be really tender. It is a cheap and easy side dish for a campfire meal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 bag frozen corn on the cob
Toni's Cajun Spices
butter
salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Place individual ears of corn, still frozen, on a piece of heavy aluminum foil. Top with Toni's, salt and pepper, and a pat of butter. Wrap each ear of corn with foil and twist the ends. I then place the individual wraps right on an open fire, but I have placed them on the grill too. Takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Servings: as needed
Preparation time: 5-10 minutes

Dirt Desert. 




Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
Oreo cookies
Cool Whip
Gummie Worms
Gummie Critters
Preparation:
Crush Oreos and mix with Cool Whip and Gummie Critters. Serve chilled.
Servings: varies



Meet me Monday!!

1. What is your favorite thing about summertime?
The late night light, camping, roasting marshmellows, Watching Big Brother, swimming, laying in my back yard and reading a good book, BBQ's, pedi's, birthday cake, starting Christmas shopping and crafting, family time, my yard and garden, trips to the beach, collecting sea glass. Now if us in Washington could just get some darn Sun I would be so happy!





2. What is your ideal retirement location (if money didn’t matter)?
I would have to say that I would want a cabin at the Ocean near Cannon Beach. I would also have a house September thru May down in AZ/NV/ Or in Palm Springs or San Diego. But for sure somewhere near my parents so I can take care of them. 


3. Do you live in the same town you grew up in?
Not in the same town but in the same county. I have always wanted to have a new life somewhere else but I am such a family person that I can't ever see myself leave until my family is smaller.


4. What nervous habit did you have as a child that you kicked to the curb before becoming an adult?
Biting my fingernails but I still have to bite them all off if I break one. Yes bite them off. I dont’ know why. Probably some deep seated stress?
5. What is the one era would you want to be a part of?
You mean I have to pick one? I don’t know, I would have to say I would love to have lived in the 1930's and I would love to have lived in the Tudor years. I think that I would have been a Queen!


Sunday, June 20, 2010

Grad's


It seems like just yesterday I was walking down to graduate. 
All my thoughts and dreams were right there. 
I thought I knew it all and I thought that I was an adult.
I was 18 & I wanted this part of my life to be done...
well that was then and this is now.
What I would give to go back and do it all over.
I would so be a better daughter, 
I wouldn't be into boys...I would study!
So with those thoughts I thought I would share my pics of
my class photos of 1996


My Dad, Me & Mom ( Wow we were young)
Grandpa Elmer me & Grandma Aggie
Grandma Mom, Me & Grandpa Ed
 
My Grandma-Mom and I 
This weekend two of my girls ( One a Niece I adpoted :) The other is my Cousin Maddy.) that have been my world for the their entire lives. 
both different but none the less loved then the other. 

Kaley is the reason I have always wanted kids & why I have always wanted a little girl. Her parents are two of the best people I have known. They were like the sister and brother I have always wanted and needed growing up.
Suzie, was my true first best friend. She shared her children with me and let me be a part of their lives. 
Kaley and I have always been close and the love I have in my heart for her is beyond any bond that I have shared with anyone. 
Yesterday it hit me how time has just flown by. 
But now I get to look forward to all the great things to come. I get to be friends with Kaley as an adult not just as an auntie. This makes me feel good. 
That I will be important to her like her Mom was and still is to me. 
I love you Kaley Marie V








I found out that my favorite Aunt was having her when 
I was in 8th grade at the Kingston Jr High 
in my 3rd period class. 
 My Parents came and got me and 
away we went to the hospital,
 Holding this little girl I just new how much I would always lover her. 
She was so much younger then the rest of us cousins so we were into our own things but I always tried to go above and beyond to try to protect her. 
We became really close a few years ago.
We were at the ocean and I looked over at her, 
it hit me that she wasn't a little girl anymore.
We laughed and told stories and I was a part of her life.
I feel like now as she gets older we get closer.
 I just love the women she has become. 

When Kaley & Maddy were about 6 we all went camping
at Kalaoch together and they became friends played and enjoyed their summer camping trips. Not seeing each other for a few years they went to Jr High together, then they became friends.
Friday Night when they did their graduation walk
the two best friends "My girls" walked together. 
This Auntie couldn't be more proud. 
I love you girls