Seventy-two

6 glue sticks, 2 rolls of tape, over a hundred sheets of paper and photos, and 3 weeks time off to create SEVENTY-TWO new scrapbook pages for my kids.

I will say that I made 50 of those pages within the last couple of days. It's crazy. I do not ever want to be that far behind again.

A.'s 3 years old, but I finally finished his first twelve month photo page.

There are some pages that are left undone on purpose. I was finally able to start on E.'s school scrapbook. I hope to fill this page in with all his grade school photos. I do realize there are two pictures that are the same (but I am undecided what size I am going with, hence it is an still in progress page).

All in all, I am ecstatic to be finally up-to-date. So much work, I do not ever want to get that far behind again. However, I must say that my kiddos have gone through their books countless times and so enjoy looking at them. It makes it all worth it. A resolution I have for this year is not to get more than 3 events behind in scrapbooking. We shall see if I keep this resolution.

My Favorite Recipes

I finally did it. I made my own little cookbook with all my favorite recipes.

Okay, so I made 2 books.

It took forever, 12 hours, give or take to be exact. I made it on shutterfly, but after experiencing their newest software for photo books, I'm not sure I will endure all the frustration of how slow their new program is. Their customization they have enabled is great, but every change takes so long to update and therefore, wastes a lot of time. That said, I do like how the book turned out.

I included a lot of my favorite recipes with personal pictures of my family making them.



It brought back such great memories when I rummaged through old photos for this book.

Some of my favorite recipes were written on scratch paper and other recipes I don't have printed at all, so I have to look at my blog for it. It's nice having it nicely typed out.

I even added a few pages for the index for easy flipping.

I'm so excited this task is finally checked off my list. I've been wanting to do this for over a year! How do you store your favorite recipes?

Happy New Year!

My new year started with a bit of a dejavu. On December 31, 2007, I was attempting to open a jar of tomato sauce when the jar shattered in my hand, nearly severing my thumb. If you are wondering, my thumb is still intact. See in the picture. Although, it took much effort to get it looking normal again.

Do you see something abnormal though? That's my husband's wedding band. It was cut off by the hospital's ring cutter when, low and behold, my husband nearly severed his ring finger off yesterday. His wedding band sliced his finger to the bone when it got caught on the shower door. He was trying to illustrate some karate move with the kiddos...j/k. He was giving the kids a bath and was hanging up the towel when the ring got caught. I'm sure that will be the excuse for him not to give the kiddos baths anymore.

Sitting in the emergency room, waiting endless hours to be seen (3 hours and 17 minutes to be exact), we realized that we are now sharing an experience. Different finger, different circumstance, but same hand, same outcome, same recovery. Through the pain of it all, we managed to giggle and laugh as we, for the first time during this holiday, had a moment where no one was tugging at our sleeves, wanting a snack, asking for help...we weren't obligated to do a single thing...so we talked, played a game of words with friends and enjoyed the time together, despite the horrible circumstance.

This year, I will make a conscience effort to spend more time with Mr. N. There are a lot of other things on my list of resolutions for the year, but this one will make the top of my list. I hope that everyone is having a much safer New Year's than us!

Cake Pops!

The last time I made cake pops, I thought it was somewhat of a disaster. The typical way of crumbling the cake and forming the ball and freezing them was too much work for me and a little too sweet. Plus, my cake balls were anything, but perfectly round...like they are here (some what).

I found this cake pop (donut hole) machine and I'm in love.

I, first made a batch of their sour donuts and vanilla glaze and it was a hit! Next, I decided to reattempt my cake pop experience. Looky here, only 4 minutes later and perfectly round cake balls...no extra crumbling or frosting needed.

Cooling on the rack that was provided.

When I ran out of room, I just used an egg carton.

After a dip into some melted chocolate and some candy melts, followed by a colorful sprinkling, I've made my cake pops for R.'s birthday!

I simply love how they turned out and it couldn't have been any easier.

I will definitely make these again, as well as the donut holes!

Cashew Coconut Brittle

Back in college, my friend took me to lunch at Cracker Barrel for the first time. There in their country shop was Cashew Coconut Brittle. I absolutely loved it. Each time I go, I would have to pick up some. It's been years since I've had anything but peanut brittle. Last year, I stopped by the country shop/restaurant for some of my favorite brittle and they no longer make any. I was so disappointed.

I normally do not have any cashews in the house because E. is allergic. My mom and I love cashews so each year, I buy her a huge jar. This year, I decided to sneak some of the nuts and make my own version of cashew coconut. Surprisingly, it turned out fabulous.

Cashew Coconut Brittle
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp water
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup light corn syrup
3 tbsp butter
3 cups cashews
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Directions
Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Coat parchment paper with cooking spray.

Mix baking soda, 1 tsp water and vanilla and set aside. Mix sugar, 1 cup water, and the corn syrup in 3 quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to 240 degrees on candy thermometer.

Stir in butter and cashews. Then stir in the coconut. Cook, about 15 minutes, stirring constantly, to 300 degrees. Watch carefully so mixture does not burn. Immediately remove from heat. Quickly stir in baking soda mixture until light and foamy.

Pour half of the candy mixture onto each cookie sheet and quickly spread about 1/4 inch thick with buttered spatula. Cool completely, at least 1 hour. Break into pieces. Store in air tight container.

This is so good. I just wish E. could taste it. He's my biggest supporter when it comes to tasting new recipes. What's your favorite thing to eat that you had to try making?

Peppermint Marshmallows

Who makes marshmallows from scratch? I never thought I would, until now. I love this recipe. The added tiny hint of peppermint flavor to the simplest marshmallow makes a huge difference.

Peppermint Marshmallow

vegetable-oil cooking spray
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp light corn syrup
4 pkg (1/4 ounce each) unflavored gelatin
3/4 tsp peppermint extract
2 large egg whites
2 tsp red food coloring

Directions

Coat a 10x10 inch pan with cooking spray line bottom with parchment paper. Coat the parchment with cooking spray, and set pan aside. This makes 25 2-inch marshmallows. Use a 9x13 inch pan for smaller marshmallows. Put sugar, corn syrup, and 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Stop stirring; let mixture come to a boil. Raise heat to medium-high; cook until mixture registers 260 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Meanwhile, heat 3/4 cup water (put in pyrex cup and heat about 2 minutes in the microwave). Dissolve gelatin in hot water. Stir in extract and set aside.

Beat egg whites on high in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until stiff (but not dry) peaks form.

Whisk gelatin mixture into sugar mixture. With mixer running, gradually add to egg whites. Mix on high speed until very thick, 12 to 15 minutes.

Pour mixture into lined pan. Working quickly, drop dots of red food coloring across surface of marshmallow. Using a toothpick, swirl food coloring into marshmallow to create a marbleized effect.

Let marshmallow stand, uncovered, at room temperature until firm, at least 3 hours or overnight. Cut into squares. Dip edges into powdered sugar to remove stickiness.

Package marshmallows and deliver.

Pokemon Birthday Party

R. turned 6 this year. His only request was that it be a bowling birthday party with a pokemon theme so that is what we had. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to think about pokemon type games since bowling and arcade games would occupy all the kids time. I did come up with this pokemon invitation, inspired by an electric type pokemon card.

As far as treats, I made some cake pops that were R.'s favorite color.



Just simple cupcakes.



A pokemon cake just for R.

I used marshmallow fondant with a layer of royal icing underneath.

Pikachu was made from fondant.

I made each child their very own pokemon card with their picture on it.

Pokemon party done. R. had a blast with his friends bowling. Many of his friends didn't want to leave. I guess there could have been worse things. Happy Birthday R. I can't believe that you are already 6!

Good bye Christmas

Christmas is now over. We must say goodbye to Jack, our elf.

He had many adventures in our home which consisted of fishing for goldfish, riding in J.'s remote control car, taking a cotton ball bath, stealing all our candy canes, and many others.

Our advent calendar filled with treats is now empty.



One of my favorite parts about Christmas are the cards from family and friends.



Christmas morning, we had reindeer pancakes.

We made a gingerbread house which is an explosion of candy.

E. was the first to wake on Christmas.

Soon to follow were his siblings.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!