Four Foodies

Chicken Piccata

2009-03-07T20:37:00.003-06:00

Chicken Piccata is a great weeknight meal that is fresh, flavorful, healthy and simple deliciousness when you need to get something on the table in a hurry. I love to serve it with garlic mashed potatoes or a side of pasta. Need I say more?

Dirt Cake

2009-02-06T09:27:00.003-06:00

While I am well aware that this is not a mind-blowing idea; bear with me I am a Mom. A while back I volunteered to make a snack for Cammy's class since they were covering the letter "D". I thought over and over as to what to make since there are limited foods beginning with letter D. I figured either donuts or dirt cake would fit the bill nicely. After asking her teacher if she thought this was too messy and getting an okay, I went with dirt cakes. I figured the kids would have the most fun with this.

I was not wrong. I did not take a lot of time making these since I know kids are happy with nearly anything. Simply chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms. I found little clear plastic cups at the grocery store which I figured would be perfect since kids like having their own individual-"I don't have to share" servings. Upon assembling them, I underestimated the amount of gummy worms and they looked pretty bare on their own.

Mind you, this was late at night and I was not thinking incredibly clearly and could not run out to the store. I combed over my pantry to see what I could throw together and the pickings were slim. So, I made sugar cookies and threw in an ungodly amount of red food coloring(parents that like to keep things natural, if you are reading this, sorry!) and made lady bug cookies. I know, I know you are asking "why not just frost them red?" I was out of confectioners sugar. Not one of my crowning moments. After making the dough, I thought of a zillion ways I probably could have done these better and with less coloring. But they were delicious and the kids loved them, so why not?

Honey Walnut Prawns

2009-02-03T09:31:00.004-06:00

I was first introduced to Honey Walnut Shrimp in Guam and immediately fell in love with the dish. Definitely not for the faint of heart; I could tell this was loaded with tons of ingredients I would regret eating. I was hesitant to even try to figure out how to make the dish.

However, one year and a move later; I found myself with a craving for it and of course I can not find it at any of the very-Americanized Chinese restaurants here. And, I am pretty sure this is not authentic Chinese. Either way it is tasty stuff and my instinct of not really wanting to know what was in it? It was correct.

I scoured this internet and came across this recipe. It eased my conscience a little since the shrimp was not deep fried, but still it's a once on a while treat only. I promise it is one you will not regret.

Vegetable Chili

2009-01-25T20:16:00.000-06:00

So weather in the negative digits usually calls for something warm and comforting. You will find us eating tons of soups and drinking coffee by the gallon these days. There is nothing like it on a cold day when you can not seem to get warm no matter how much you bundle up. You need something thick that sticks to your insides.

This chili recipe has been a constant in my family for the past four years we always seem to go back to it no matter what. Why? I am not sure but it is just perfect. Perfect texture, thickness, meatiness[despite no meat!?], and spice. It's super quick and there is nothing to disinfect afterwards[once again, no meat!]. Last time I made it I decided to go all out and make the designated Pico de Gallo and Guacamole as well. Totally worth it? Yes. I didn't think this chili could get any better.

Not really dreaming of a White Christmas...but it's nice I guess.

2009-01-18T11:15:00.005-06:00

Despite having the lack of motivation to blog this Winter, I am happy to say I am still cooking up a storm. Thankfully, I have not reached that point of laziness yet. You know how it is, I suppose sort of like exercise, you forget to do it one day and then next thing you know one day turns into one month...or one quarter of a year. I am also sad to say I have literally repeated this trend with the gym. Oops. Okay, but when the windchill gets down to negative 57(no exaggeration), can you blame me?! 25 degrees seems like Spring, honestly!

I find myself reaching for easier recipes during the week because Camden has school and we seem to be in go, go, go mode these days. However, our Christmas was amazingly relaxed[other than an asthma attack from Roman and Jason getting sick, but we'll ignore those downers because, they didn't seem to impact our spirits]. Jason was home - and OFF duty. Granted, he is currently on night shift so he was a bit groggy. Really it was great. I wanted to blog this before it got too late and I forgot.

We spent the day opening presents, had our typical Christmas morning breakfast(Biscuits and Gravy, anyone?), called our families, played with the kids, and then ended the evening with this amazing meal. I made a Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Sauce on the side - my first time ever and definitely WILL NOT be the last. I never knew beef could be so buttery! On the side we had fresh made Parker House rolls, a Citrus Holiday Salad(which was the second show-stopper of the evening), Scalloped Potatoes, and Corn Casserole. Yuuuu-my! Why can't it be Christmas everyday?

We ended the meal with this Port Cherry Trifle(not the exact title of the recipe), I ran across the recipe while randomly searching for something else and couldn't get it out of my mind. It was definitely worth every calorie!

sigh

2009-01-16T09:32:00.003-06:00

I have the Winter Blues. I am sorry for all the sporadic posting; I have not felt so inspired lately and with the sun going down at six each evening it is nearly impossible to take decent pictures. The blog is always in the back of my mind so I am trying to get some vision as to what I want to do with it. I will keep you posted.

A realistic snack

2008-10-16T13:59:00.008-05:00

I know every mother has grandiose plans for her life and children. Kids perfectly cleaned and groomed, no holes in jeans, skipping home on the way home from school, freshly baked cookies waiting in the oven with milk. But let's face it, in real life this is not the case.

Since the start of school I feel as though I have less time. We go through jeans like they are disposable and I can't see to find the bottom of my laundry pile. I really thought I'd honestly have more time now that Camden has started school, that she'd come home to all the housework down and some fresh snack waiting. In all honesty, most days I find myself reaching for fruit snacks, crackers, or carrot sticks. Any thing in my pantry ready and willing to help me out.

Like I have said previously, once a week I try to bake something. Not only for my babies, but to share with teachers, Jason's co-workers, and so forth. This week we made Magic Cookie Bars(you know from the back of the Carnation can) - which I hardly consider baking. They were satisfying and Camden had a blast making them. However, they were never photographed so you'll have to take my word for it.

Above is a snack that hardly qualifies as baking, cooking, or anything domestic. However, what kid would not flip for something sweet bathed in sprinkles? Camden will enjoy these when she gets home today and I hope to see her eyes light up.

This is barely a recipe, cut bananas in half, skewer(I was out of popsicle sticks, which I have found are way better than bamboo skewers. So you can do better than me.) and freeze. Melt chocolate in double boiler, I opted to add some peanut butter - for protein, you know. Roll in choice of toppings; I opted for toffee bits and sprinkles today. Place back in freezer until hardened.

Menu Planning Monday

2008-10-14T11:08:00.004-05:00

I know I am late in posting this; but do you ever have days when you just don't want to do anything? I fell like I was in that rut most of the weekend. Camden ended up getting the stomach flu and I just did not have motivation to cook, much less plan for a week of cooking. I kind of felt like laying down and whining myself - but don't tell my kids. Because, of course, Mom's never throw tantrums. I diverted from last week some because of an unplanned invite from our friends and Camden being sick.

Anyway, on to the meal planning; which I just finished an hour ago, sadly. I hope to do my shopping later this week.

Yesterday I made a simple Chicken Alfredo - nothing says lovin' like cream, pasta and cheese. Thankfully, Camden's appetite had returned.
Tuesday: Tuna Casserole from Rachael Ray's talk show
Wednesday: Bake Chicken and Acorn Squash, Rice Pilaf
Thursday: Bel Aria Chicken and Pasta, Bread
Friday: Pizza Night, of course.
Saturday: Mozzarella Eggplant Bake, Fettucine, Green Salad
Sunday: Tyler's Smothered Pork Chops, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Head on over to Menu Planning Monday for more menu planning inspiration, which I probably should have done earlier as well.

And now for a little torture...

2008-10-10T09:48:00.007-05:00

These bars are a fairly good reason not to get behind on blogging. I made these late summer when blueberries were just at the end of their season and still reasonably priced. The recipe caught my eye when I had some blueberries on the verge of mush. I had planned a park outing for the kids and a few other mothers and figured these would be perfect to tote along. They were just perfect. Not too messy, sweet, but a little tart from the lemon and creamy. My mouth is watering just thinking about them again. I am sorry to be posting these so late, but take my word when I say you NEED to make these next summer.

I love Fine Cooking magazine, which is where this recipe came from. Sadly, this is one of the few I have not subscribed to, but I plan to one day. $30 for a magazine subscription is hard to justify these days. For now, I have a wonderful Hub who surprises me with these when I'm having a bad day(He knows me well!).

In the meantime, I may experiment to see how they are with frozen berries later this winter when I am craving a little brightness. If I do; I promise to let you know before summertime.

Recipe may be found here.

Chocolate-Glazed Pumpkin Cookies

2008-10-09T21:09:00.003-05:00

This October marks our first "Fall" in four years as well as our year anniversary in North Dakota. I do not count last year since we arrived at what seemed the brink of Winter. I forgot how beautiful Fall is with the leaves turning and the cool air. However, this morning brought in a chilling 34 degrees; so, I think Fall only lasts a few weeks here.

I find myself now craving soups, apples, pumpkin and anything along those lines. It is a nice familiar feeling I missed while living in Guam. However, I am not completely sold. I believe this year will be better and worse for a number of reasons and only time will tell.

I found myself baking less this past year since I had no one to share them with. I used to send them to Jason's work in Guam, but the clinic here is not an ideal place for food. Now that Camden is in school, I try to bake a snack for her weekly and send some to her teacher. It is nice to be able to share again!

These cookies just scream Fall to me and they are quite delicious. I discovered and made them for the first time last year after we were finally settled in. They have definitely become a seasonal fixture in this household. I love how simple and satisfying they are. They are almost more cake-like than cookie and not too sweet. Perfect for welcoming Fall! Try them, I hope you love them as much as we do.

Recipe may be found here.

Foolish me!

2008-10-06T08:21:00.004-05:00

It's funny that I thought AFTER Camden started school I would have more time. Obviously, you can tell it's her first school year. In some ways I felt as though my days are cut in half. We have a lot of changes on the horizon here in the Four Foodies household, so please bear with me as I think my blogging will continue to be sporadic. We will get into the swing of things somehow.

I still continue to meal plan - which is my saving grace; especially now that food prices are going so sky high. I find myself going to more and more old trusty recipes and experimenting less. Am I the only one? We are not hurting as much as some thankfully; so for the most part I am not complaining. Anyway, this is not meant to be a downer post.

I figured the best way to ease back into blogging would be to participate in Meal Plan Monday. I don't know why I have never done this before since I have been meal planning for six years and don't think I'd be able to set foot into a grocery store without a plan. I suppose it's the control freak in me. Either way, on to the week...

Monday: Massamam Curry, Jasmine Rice, and sliced mangoes[if we have people over I may make a second green or red curry]
Tuesday: Dinner at Church
Wednesday: Ravioli Soup, Bread
Thursday: Cheese Steak Subs, tater tots, fruit
Friday: Pizza Night
Saturday: Enchiladas, Spanish rice, refried beans, Flan

Sorry!

2008-08-06T10:04:00.002-05:00

I apologize for my extended absence. Most bloggers are inspired by summer produce and are cooking more than ever. I suppose summer here has had the opposite effect on me. Glad to see sunshine, we have been out and about, having tons of get-togethers, and enjoying our kids. With Camden starting school, I suppose I am getting pretty sentimental about the little time I have with her until she leaves me for six(eep!) hours a day.

I do promise to return, for those of you that still check for updates. I did not intend to take such a long break. I am still cooking, every night and loving every bit of it. But the blogging has not come as naturally, as my family has needed me more. I know(and hope!) you understand! I plan to be back once school and a regular routine starts again.

Strawberry Shortcakes

2008-04-22T10:47:00.002-05:00

If someone were to ask me what my absolute favorite dessert is I would probably reply Strawberry Shortcake. There is something classic about the combination of slightly sweet cake, strawberries and sweetened whipped cream - or if you prefer, ice cream. If it is on the menu, you can bet I'll order it. I always anxiously await strawberry season, not only for the delicious berries; but it also brings promises of Summer.

Growing up, we would sometimes use the dreaded store bought sponge cakes - you know the kind. But most times, my father preferred a simple pound cake with a scoop of Breyer's vanilla ice cream and macerated strawberries. I found this recipe in Everyday Food's May 2005 edition and have since preferred this when the need arises. I am not ~~plagued~~ tempted with a bunch of leftover pound cake once the berries run out. These shortcakes are biscuit-like, delicate, crumbly and just slightly sweet. Top with sweetened whipped cream and macerated berries. Perfection.

Recipe may be found here.

Greek Pasta Salad

2008-04-18T14:13:00.008-05:00

Now that Spring is well underway(finally!) we tend to go to the park late afternoon and do not get home until dinner time. Not to mention, it stays daylight outside until nearly 10 at night. So, our schedules are somewhat thrown off and of course, my kids do not want to go to bed because "it's still light outside, mommy!" There have been nights we eat dinner at 8 p.m.

There are also nights where I throw together something incredibly quick and fresh; like this salad. If your chicken is already cooked it takes just minutes. It is a perfect way to use up any leftover cooked chicken you may have lingering in the fridge. Quick cooking shrimp would also work as well. Either way, whatever your poison; it is easy and delicious. I served it with a side of simple roasted asparagus, but really, it is satisfying all on it's own.

Recipe may be found here.

Cherry Clafouti

2008-04-16T15:26:00.005-05:00

If I could pick any career to train for, with no strings attached(money, daycare, etc.) it would probably be a pastry chef. I really love the creativity in this profession. However, culinary school is the price of a small mortgage and I have babies to raise, for a few more years at least. Not that I am complaining - please don't get me wrong. I love my life right now, but a girl can dream, right? I have freedom in my kitchen to do whatever I please. So I am kind of like a pastry chef - only, with no demands on me, so it's better, right?

All that said, Gale Gand is my absolute favorite pastry chef. She is an absolute rock star. I love her whimsical playfulness and creativity. I have never eaten a Tru, but would love to one day. I hope to make a trip to Illinois just to do so.

For now, I do have the privilege of owning two of her cookbooks, which oddly, I have not blogged enough? I should use these more often. One of my top favorite baking books is Short + Sweet . Time and time again I have turned to this book when I needed an impressive and reliable dessert last minute. Pressed for time, but having the boss over? This is your book!

This clafouti was so easy to put together and tasted great! I have never made a clafouti before, but if this is any indication - I will be making this again. I really love fruity desserts. This batter reminds me of a crepe batter. You simply stir the ingredients together and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the top with frozen cherries and bake! It really could not get any easier. I started this at 7 in the evening and was eating it by 9:30 PM. I can not wait to play around with different fruit options. Speaking of running short on time, I will have to post the recipe later; I need to get dinner started.

Updated to add recipe here.

Chicken Biryani

2008-04-15T08:04:00.003-05:00

Guam was a pretty culturally diverse place. Whatever you craved, typically, you could find a restaurant for - except Mexican. But really, there were no complaints there because we had so much to choose from. Moving to Guam was great because it forced us to get out of our comfort zone in so many ways and also introduced us to a plethora of foods. Many of which, are now favorites in our home. There was a little ethnic/Middle Eastern sort of restaurant located downtown that sadly, closed before we left there. This is not uncommon really though, as there was so many restaurants you really have to stand out in order to survive. I really thought this place had what it took, but, often, I am wrong(don't tell the Hub).

Anyway, it was there that I first had Chicken Biryani. I instantly fell in love with the dish. I am not sure why or what it was? Maybe the complexity of flavors. This is a chicken and rice dish - but not as we know it in America[Campbell's soup, anyone!?]. It has a mixture of spices - typically cinnamon, ginger, curry, as well as whatever else the particular cook deems and makes for a very warm, fragrant dish. Also thrown in are some raisins, to add a little sweetness, and cashews for crunch.

So, after the restaurant closed down, I unsuccessfully scoured the internet for a recipe that sounded right. Imagine my surprise, when many months and one move over the ocean later, I bumped into the following recipe and it sounded just about perfect.

This made for a really nice, not too complicated weeknight dinner. On the side, I served Orangette's Spiced Eggplant with Yogurt and Peas. Perfect!

Recipes may be found here and here.

Brownie Sundaes

2008-04-14T10:55:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, okay, let's be honest, most of the time a desire for something hits me and I can not get it off my mind until I have it. Brownies have plagued me for the past few weeks and I knew I would not be happy until I had some. Not just brownies, but brownies topped with ice cream, and maybe a little chocolate on top for good measure. So I finally broke down and went to the store for walnuts, which was the only ingredient coming between me and my craving.

Everyone has different ideas of what the perfect brownie contains. I like them fudgey, but slightly cakey with walnuts. The Hub, who I have mentioned in previous posts, had tendencies to be picky. Most of my marriage proclaiming he does not like nuts in brownies. He would not have it - not in his home. Well, just recently, he finally revealed to me, maybe he does like nuts in his brownies? But only walnuts, because apparently, he loves walnuts and really respects them as a nut. News to me. Maybe he could have shared this earlier. For years, I have been making nut-free brownies. Oh well, we can only move forward.

This recipe has been a tried and true that never seems to fail. I have tried countless recipes, but this one seems to be my favorite. Maybe because I can keep all ingredients in my pantry at all times for when such a craving hits. Or, maybe because they seem to have the right balance of cake and fudgeyness(I know, not a real word). This recipe comes from a Hershey's cook booklet that I have acquired along the way somehow and do not plan to give up.

Recipe can be found here.

Lemon Panna Cotta

2008-04-10T08:36:00.003-05:00

I can not remember the first place or time I had Panna Cotta. Maybe it was somewhere on Guam? Ah, yes... now I remember. It was Sam Choy's - a Hawaiian restaurant chain. Either way, Panna Cotta is definitely on my top 10 list of favorite desserts. How can you hate a silky smooth mixture that goes down perfectly with a heavier meal? It leaves you satisfied, but not over stuffed. I have always favored custards, puddings, and the like over cakes and heavier desserts.

Imagine to my delight, when I found not only is it good - it is also SO easy to make!? Really, there are no more steps than making Jello; maybe just a bit more measuring. It is perfect for a last minute dessert if you have guests coming over and do not know what to make. All you need to do is simply unmold and throw a few berries on top and voila! you have an easy impressive dessert.

I was rediscovering past issues of Cooking Light when making meal plans and came across a feature on citrus fruits. I do not know why I did not see this before; but, this time this recipe jumped out at me. It took no more than a few minutes to assemble and sat in the fridge while we ate. Afterwards, dessert was ready!

You can really taste the lemon in this, it has a pretty near perfect balance of sweet and tart. I am not entirely sure why the vanilla bean had to be added because I could not detect it. I may just substitute extract next time as to not waste precious beans. Typically, when I serve this to my family I do not fuss with the unmolding, etc. After all, it does not take much to please toddlers.

Recipe may be found here.

Lime and Honey Glazed Salmon with Warm Black Bean and Corn Salad

2008-04-08T11:23:00.002-05:00

Salmon is probably one of my favorite types of fish. While it is not as fresh as Guam, I can get an okay quality for an arm and a leg - which is better than none. As I have mentioned, we don't like meat much at all. Plus, fish is so healthy and my kids love it - so who am I to cut it out of our diet?

This recipe comes from Rachael Ray's 365: No Repeats. This is probably one of my favorite cookbooks of hers. Not all of the recipes have been winners and I often wonder if all were tested. However, there a many good tried and true recipes that make it worthwhile and indispensable in my home.

This recipe was kind of in between for me. It was great and all the flavors combined well. However, the glaze was not so much a glaze as a recipe. I had a rather large lime, so maybe I should have upped the honey a bit to thicken it. Something told me I should have while making it - but, I did not listen to myself. This meal comes together very quickly and is perfect for a weeknight. Fish is very quick cooking and there is little chopping required. You start the salad in one skillet and while that is working, simply sear the salmon until done. It also makes for easy clean up with just to pans to clean. It is actually a very pretty, colorful meal, plates nicely, and would be good for company. I will probably tweak the "glaze" a bit; but, overall, this recipe is a keeper.

Recipe can be found here.

Crab and Avocado "sandwiches" with Mango Coulis

2008-04-07T07:24:00.003-05:00

Don't you love when you see a recipe and are filled with enough confidence thinking "I can do that" and then it flops. This was not fully the case with this recipe, only partly so. Remember this is not a five star restaurant kitchen with [nearly]unlimited ingredients and funds. I only have one chance to make it right - if not, you eat as is or grab a bowl of cereal.

I have never made any of Cat Cora's recipes. I am familiar with her, mainly from Iron Chef America, and have caught old reruns of some of her older shows. Obviously, I am not about to attempt anything from Iron Chef. So when I found a copy of Cat Cora's Kitchen for $3, I was pretty excited.

Upon skimming through the book, the first thing that caught my eye were the Crab and Avocado Sandwiches, the picture was gorgeous. I knew I'd be making these very soon since our family loves crab cakes.

Everything was great, except I had trouble getting the crab cakes to stay together. I had 3 or 4 successes, then they turned into crab...hash? They tasted awesome though and I plan to try again. Typically, when I have made crab cakes in the past they have some sort of binder like egg, is this correct? Any suggestions to improve them next time? Either way, by the time I was finished, I really did not want to mess with slicing them in half to make a "sandwich".

Loaded with awesome fruits and veggies such as mango and avocado I figure this is a perfect entry for Cate's ARF/5-a-day event. I always plan to participate in this event, but seem to forget. I blame it on weekend brain. Go visit her site for other great recipes and occasional funny stories.

Recipe can be found here.

Chocolate Guinness Stout Cake

2008-04-04T15:48:00.003-05:00

Let me preface this by stating I am NOT a cake decorator. I would love to learn, but it has not been in the cards for me so far. So, I do the best I can. Sadly, I am so far behind that I made this a few weeks ago the day before St. Patrick's Day. Not even realizing I was doing so - it fit perfectly. Really, I was just wanting something rich and a way to use up some Guinness since I do not enjoy drinking it.

I have never had a Guinness cake before, but had seen various versions in cookbooks and while surfing the net. It sounded interesting, but I could never justify the expense. The Hub, however, decided it would be worth it. This makes for a very rich cake. It has slight coffee and almost, licorice-y undertones. While it was good, I do not see myself making this again. Please do not get me wrong, it was not a bad recipe, very good in fact. It just did not overly impress me; I believe it is more of a novelty. I also am not the hugest fan of chocolaty desserts. The Hub, however, is another story. He loved it.

Recipe can be found here.

I'm back!

2008-04-02T15:20:00.004-05:00

Well, we're finally out of our "funk" that lingered for so long. Our flu progressed into colds...it seems it never ends. It took me forever to get my appetite back and motivation to do anything more than lay around in my pajamas. The Hub has been on leave this week, so we're taking it easy. It has been nice. Spring is possibly pushing it's way through. We will have days of 40 degree weather - but then randomly, it will snow. What's with that?

I am starting to get the itch to pull out my grill and eat outdoors more. We are sick of heavy, comfort foods and ready for summer. Change is good. I'm sure you've also noticed I'm sporting a different look. Photoshop finally came in the mail! Go easy on me - I am still learning. It's pretty intimidating, but I am having fun. I have also decided to create a separate blog specifically for recipes only to reduce clutter on here; as well as allowing easier access if you want to find only a recipe. This is all, of course, a work in progress. So, please, bear with me!

Pictured above is a very simple, tasty salad that can be thrown together in minutes. I don't know why I overlooked this before. This is from Rachael Ray's book 30-Minute Get Real Meals. I believe this was the first book of her's I purchased. Sadly, I have not used it that much. This really stuck out to me as a fun twist on salad; and it sure was! Packed with tons of veggies, you can feel really good about eating this.

Recipe can be found here.

Ugh...

2008-03-27T07:29:00.002-05:00

I apologize for the length between posts lately. Camden and I have been hit by the flu and my appetite is just now returning. As a result, obviously, I am trying to muster up some motivation to cook and blog. I have been taking it easy with things like spaghetti, etc. So, nothing too horribly exciting for now. But, I will be back, hopefully tomorrow.

Ugh.

2008-03-20T07:48:00.001-05:00

We have been hit by the flu bug, so I'll be taking a short break this week.

2008-03-19T10:31:00.003-05:00

I believe this will be my last Ellie Krieger recipe for a little while. I have exhausted this book the past few months and have tried just about every recipe. I will definitely continue to cook some of the tried and true recipes I discovered. I made this crisp for dessert one evening. It was fantastic topped with some frozen yogurt. Warm, comforting recipes are exactly what I have craved for the past few very cold months. I love fruit crisp of any sort. It is perfect when you do not want to fuss with a pie.

I am so glad to see Spring time back again. I find myself wanting salads more and more and I'm totally getting the itch to grill. So, I doubt this recipe will be repeated for quite some time. New books have also arrived for me to cook my way through now. I wonder if I'll ever stop buying cookbooks?

On another note, Carla[not me!] at Chocolate Moosey awarded me with the following awards. She is too sweet and we happen to share a very great name. Thanks Carla! Am I supposed to pass this one to someone now?