My Name Is Snickerdoodle

Watch Me In Action!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:03:00 +0000

In honor of Fabulous Food Friday...a cooking video!
This is still crazy to watch!
I can't believe what I've been able to do over the last 6 months!
I truly enjoyed filming this video (another one to come soon)
and it's just might be a hint of what's to come
to my site later this year!

To watch some other videos with my favorite girls watch...
Shrimp and Broccoli Fettucini
Cream Chicken Pesto &Bowtie Pasta
Baked Penne

Fabulous Food Friday #112

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

I don't think I need a story to go along with this recipe...I'm pretty sure it speaks for itself! I came up with it on the spot and it turned out FABULOUS! I do have to say that it was my dad who inspired me to make the French toast, but I went a little overboard by adding all of the extras! *Make your banana bread ahead of time and allow it to cool completely. (And the recipe with the longest name goes too...)

Banana Bread French Toast
Printable Version
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Banana Bread Loaf (see my recipe below or use your favorite recipe)
3 Eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
butter
*Philadelphia Indulgence Dark Chocolate (a chocolate cream cheese spread) or chocolate chips
Caramel Sauce (I used Mrs. Richardson's)
Powdered Sugar for sprinkling

Preheat a skillet over medium heat. In a shallow dish whisk together eggs, milk and cinnamon. Slice your banana bread loaf into 1 1/2-2 inch slices (about 8 slices total). Place about 1 tsp butter in skillet and melt. Dip one slice at a time into egg mixture and place onto hot skillet. Cook a few at a time with about 2-3 minutes on each side. Repeat until all slices are cooked.
Place one toast onto a plate and spread a thin layer of Chocolate Indulgence on top. Place another toast over that, sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with warm caramel sauce. Serve hot!

Breakfast or dessert...you decide!

*See more about Philadelphia Indulgence here.

Banana Bread
Printable Version
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup mashed bananas (about two medium bananas)

Sift flour, soda, and salt together in a bowl and set aside. In a large bowl cream together margarine and sugar. Stir in vanilla and beat in eggs. Add flour mixture and sour cream alternately. Mix well. Stir in bananas until well combined. Pour batter into a lightly sprayed loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until center is set and cooked through. Cool completely.

Looking Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Today I'm looking forward to...
*Getting my room cleaned out. Most of my scrapbook stuff is in there and it's time to purge.
*Making a chocolate cream pie, just because.
*Creating a chore chart for Liam. He's even looking forward to it.
*Playing with my brand new iPhone 4S phone that Ian bought for me! It's the fanciest phone and I love it!

In the Springtime I'm looking forward to...
*Our little boy to arrive! I had my dr. appointment yesterday and everything is looking great! I'm starting to get to the uncomfortable stage so, labor and delivery day can't come fast enough.
*Spring also brings my birthday and I'm always excited to celebrate that day!

In the Future I'm looking forward to...
*Liam going to school in the fall...actually I have mixed feelings about this one and find myself tearing up at the thought, but I am very excited that he will get daily adventures at school.
*They are turning my favorite book into a movie! Austenland is due out later this year and I am super excited! I said from the beginning that it would make a fabulous movie!
*This is actually going to be quite the year for us, but most of it is still in the works so I'll keep it to myself for now. 2012 is definitely going to be a great growing year for us for sure!

{What things are you looking forward to?}

My Heart Strings (How To)

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:23:00 +0000

Today I put up some of my Valentine's decorations that I almost forgot about. I got a huge smile on my face when I pulled out the bag of felt hearts that I sewed a few years ago and then added some fun felt conversational hearts to the year after. I've got them in a fun clear candy jar.

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I also got a little sentimental when I pulled out this felt heart wreath. I'm sure each and every one of you have this hanging in your home. It was the first project that I did where I found the idea off a blog.

As for these "heart strings" I actually made these last year, but I was so busy with a new born and all the sickness that was going around, I never got around to taking a picture.

They're back up this year and I just love them. It cost me $0.00 to make because I used random scrap paper I had on hand! You can make them to the length you need them or sew them horizontally and make a banner of sorts. Whatever you come up, I hope you love and enjoy them for years to come!

Heart Strings How To
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Supplies...
Double Sided Patterned Paper, News Paper, Vellum...whatever you have on hand
Scissors
Heart Punch (Optional)
Thread (I used white because I always have it on hand)
Sewing Machine

1. Cut or punch hearts out of paper. I hand cut all of my hearts (because I don't have a heart punch and I wanted each of my hearts to be unique in size and look). If you aren't a wacky person like me feel free to punch or die cut hearts. I have five strings total with about 14-17 hearts on each.

2. Thread your sewing machine and set it to a long straight stitch with medium tension.

3. Holding on to both thread, start running your stitch while lightly pulling it out, starting your "string".

4. Without lifting the foot, place one heart down and stitch down the middle.

5. Run the stitch about 1 1/2 inches and then stitch in another heart. And so on. Once you get going you'll find your rhythm.

I've just pinned them to my ceiling using clear pushpins.

Fabulous Food Friday #111

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:20:00 +0000

I don't even know how to express what joy and glee I've felt from this one recipe. Not because it's so delicious (because it truly is), but from the response I've gotten from posting it last year.

It's my Sweet Chicky Nugget recipe! Pinterest and Pinterest users like me (who are highly addicted and loving every minute of it) have brought this recipe to life with a click of a button.

So yes, today I am reposting this infamous recipe, but I'm going to answer a lot of the questions that I've gotten in comments and emails about it.

*Can I bake these instead of fry them?
I've never baked them myself, but a few of my readers have and were not happy with the results. If you have baked them and liked how they turned out, I would love it if you would share with us what you did. I know that frying them is not so healthy, but the trick with frying is getting your oil to the right temperature. You don't want it too high or else you will burn the outside leaving the inside uncooked. And if your oil is too low in heat, all your chicken will do is soak up that oil leaving you with a greasy mess. As for all the splattering some of you are concerned with...make sure your pot is deep enough to hold about 2 inches of oil plus plenty of room at the top where it's not bubbling over. Plus wearing a cute apron seams to help not getting it on your clothes!

*Can I substitute some of the ingredients for a more healthy or gluten free version?
Again, I've never done this, BUT many of my readers have tried this and have had great results. Some substitutions might be egg beaters, almond milk or Silk, gluten free flour, wheat flour, Stevia. This being said, it will alter the taste from the original recipe and might not taste similar to the "Not Cow Place".

*Pickle juice, pickle juice, pickle juice?!?!
So many of you have commented that you've heard the nuggets are marinated in pickle juice. Well, I consulted one of my best friends, Julie, about this mystery. When she and her husband were first married, they traveled around to multiple Chick-fil-as to bring up their sales, help out with management and get the store up and running to Chick-fil-a standards again. Here's the scoop...the nuggets are NOT marinated in pickle juice. BUT, the strips are marinated in dill pickle juice. And not for long 20-30 minutes. She also informed me that the chicken for the nuggets that is delivered to the store is already seasoned. They just dip the nuggets into an egg/milk wash then into their dry mixture (which is also pre-mixed and shipped). So, they do not marinate their chicken the egg/milk mixture. I like to do it because I feel it makes them completely tender.

*Is the peanut oil really important?
I know that peanut oil is really expensive. I've bought a little bottle of it purely for this recipe and it was definitely worth it. HOWEVER...these nuggets are just as good fried in canola or vegetable oil. One reader tried using coconut oil and said they didn't get brown at all. The reason for canola or vegetable oils is they have a higher burn factor hence getting food light to golden brown.

I just wanted to thank you for the hundreds of thousands hits (literally) to my blog now. Cooking is one of my passions as well as crafting so, I am so excited where I'm taking my site to this year! I hope you enjoy it, too!

Sweet Chicky Nuggets
Printable Version
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2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
2 TBSP powdered sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
peanut oil (is best) or canola oil

In a medium bowl whisk the egg and stir in the milk. Trim any fat away from chicken. Cube chicken into bite size pieces. Place chicken in milk mixture,and cover. Let it 'marinate' for 2-4 hours in the fridge. This will make the chicken very nice and tender. In a gallon size resealable baggie combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper. Seal and shake to combine. Place about 2 inches of oil in a medium deep pot. Over medium high heat (more towards the high side) heat oil until hot. If using a thermometer let the temperature reach 375°. If you don't have a fancy gadget like most people, I always test my oil by dropping a few drops of water into it. You want it to sizzle and not pop too much. Adjust your heat if necessary. Using a fork or tongs remove cut chicken from milk mixture and place in the flour mixture. Seal and shake until nuggets are completely coated. Place about a 6-8 nuggets into hot oil and let them cook until golden brown, turning half way through once the edge of your chicken starts to turn white. About 1 minute each side. Always double check to see if any chicken you make is cooked through. I always just make a tiny cut to see if it's pink. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Repeat until all nuggets are cooked. Serve with your favorite sauce! I will let you in on a secret that only my bestest friends know...I ALWAYS eat my nuggets with honey! Always.

Ketchup

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:48:00 +0000

I was going through our pictures and found some that we took on our impromptu visit to Utah. I am very happy to report that mom is finally home after almost 3 months of being in the hospital and rehab center. She is still recovering, but feeling SO much better!
These pictures remind me of the love that I felt from all of my family and friends that supported us in out time of need. Being an only child definitely has it's perks, but this was one time that I wished I had siblings to have shared the feelings I felt that I couldn't do anything for my mom. Now I know why Heavenly Father put the special people in my life that he did!

I flew out with Owen and then two days later Ian drove straight from Texas with Liam. He said Liam was a complete trooper and they enjoyed the time together.

Saturday, Utah got some snow and Liam got new boots, hat and gloves to celebrate! Owen was not interested!

We didn't take many pictures so I was surprised to see that Ian took this shot of the waiting room. It was our home away from home. My aunts (my mom's sisters) and my grandmother were always there to take care of my mom. They also gave the best help with our kids...as well as some of my wonderful friends. Food and entertainment was always provided!

And speaking of friends, we did get to spend a little time with some of them! I love the gang. My friend, Julie, was also a great support to me and I'm sad I didn't get a picture with her!

We ended up staying long enough that we were there for Thanksgiving. Because of the circumstances, it didn't really feel like a holiday to me, but I sure enjoyed the delicious food and company!

It's a tradition in my family to capture a picture of your children in front of the LDS temple you are married in. We needed some new pictures since Owen joined our family.

We left Utah 11 days later still not sure what was all going on with my mom. I had just prayed and hoped that it would all turn out positive...and it has! One great thing that did come from the whole thing is that I feel that much closer to my dad. He held on as best as he could with his spouse in such medical turmoil. I admire him for that.

I have such wonderful family and miss them all so much. Most everyone came to see my mom, take care of her, and just pour out their love for my family. I truly don't know what I would do without the love from my family and friends. I love them!

Lovely Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:14:00 +0000

I want to appologize for announcing the winners for the the adorable Adhering Words pillow slipcovers giveaway a day late. Our family has been battling the flu twice now and yesterday I was trying to get Liam's fever of 103 down all day yesterday. I hope all of your families are doing better than ours in the sick department!

So, here are the THREE winners...I ordered some for myself so I know you are as excited to get them as much as I am!

The winner for the LOVE pillow slipcover is...
Kacey @ Cooking With Kacey

The winner for the 14 pillow slipcover is...
Karla

And the winner for BOTH pillow slipcovers is...
Emily

Please email me with your mailing addresses and they will be shipped off to you shortly!
Congratulations to all three of you and thank you to everyone who entered!

Giveaway Reminder!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Don't forget about this fabulous giveaway that's closing today!
Your couches will thank you later!

Fabulous Food Friday #110

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:30:00 +0000

With all of my pregnancies, I am easily influenced when it comes to seeing food and wanting it right away. A commercial or a show and don't get me started on the Food Network!

A few weeks ago I was watching TV and I saw the most delicious crepes. Instantly the craving started and I knew it would not subside until I had some form of sweet crepes.

Now, I've only had crepes twice in my life. Once my freshman year in high school. I was taking French and our teacher gave a whole cooking lesson in French on crepes. They were delicious.

The second time was at my friend, Jamie's house for a church activity years ago. Luckily, I found her recipe in a neighborhood cook book that was also created years ago. Even though I haven't talked to her in forever...she still makes the best crepes (in my opinion)!

Crepes
Printable Version
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1 1/2 cups flour
1 TBSP sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups milk
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 TBSP butter, melted

In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl whisk together milk, eggs and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and beat together until well mixed. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Add the melted butter to batter and combine. For each crepe, pour 1/3 cup batter into hot skillet and tilt the pan until you've created about a 5" circle. Cook until light brown (about 1-2 minutes) and then using a rubber spatula, flip over and continue to cook for another minute or until light brown. Serve warm.

*I filled mine with fresh berries and whipped cream, then dowsed them in powdered sugar. Other filling options can be jam, sour cream, pudding, or fresh fruit.

Merry Lateness

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:20:00 +0000

Of course, for my mother's sake, I must update on Christmas. Even if it is past! I'll try to make it easy and painless for you!
Christmas even morning I started a new breakfast tradition. Christmas toast and fruit candy canes! Liam was apprehensive at first, but ate it all up!
Christmas Even night we headed over to my sil's house to spend some quality with all the family. We had a delicious dinner (non-traditional meatloaf and wonderful sides)...my in-laws are not to big on traditional meals like turkey or ham. The kids decorated cookies for Santa and my sil helped the kids make doughnuts for the elves. A.K.A Cheerios dipped in chocolate with sprinkles and some with powdered sugar! Adorable!

I had "special ordered" reindeer food straight from the North Pole. It was delivered that night by Santa's special delivery elves and left on the doorstep. Those elves are quick!
The package came complete with...
Crystalized North Pole Snow (clear plastic glitter)
Jingle Bell Feed (wild rice)
Energy Boost (cornmeal with glitter)
Dash Away Oats (quick oats with glitter)
The oats I put in a pop top can that I cut the bottom out of so the pop top was still in place. I was so excited to put this all together and the kids loved it. They each got to take a turn mixing in the bowl.

The cousins got to open their gifts to each other and we just hung out the rest of the night.
When we got home, Mrs. Claus left pajamas in the boy's stockings and slippers in Ian's and mine. She is so thoughtful!

Christmas morning, the kids slept in and I was the first one up. That never happens except on Christmas! It's the one day I don't mind actually getting out of bed early.
We had just enough time to open stocking, gifts from Santa and have our traditional breakfast. Then it was time to get ready for Church.
Me at 22 weeks! And no, I am sad to report that I am not wearing white tights. Can we say "glow in the dark?"
I made all of us coordinate and I didn't even get a whole family picture! I didn't take many pictures at all. Even though you can't see all of Ian's face, I love this picture of him!

It was a wonderful Sacrament Meeting and I cried through almost every hymn/carol we sung. Nice pregnancy hormones!

We came back home, opened up the rest of our gifts (which took hours because the boys wanted to play with each and every gift after they opened it) and that's the way it should be!

Christmas was pretty low key this year and looking back on it...it was wonderful!

A "Lovely" Giveaway!!! {CLOSED}

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Just a few weeks ago I was shocked to find all of the Christmas candy had been replaced with Valentine's candy. It was December 22nd!!! With Valentine's Day almost a month away...it's totally appropriate to already be celebrating LOVE! So why not have an adorable giveaway?

{Photo captured from GroopDealz}

These pillow slipcovers are actually being featured over at GroopDealz today. If you aren't able to snag one (or two!) there, Adhering Words is giving them away to THREE of my readers!!! One reader will win the "Love" pillow slipcover. One reader will win the "14" pillow slipcover. And another winner will win BOTH pillow slipcovers!

Here are the details for entering...
{Complete all three for a valid entry to win both slipcovers}
(US residents only please)

1. Become a follower of my site. Leave a comment here that you did so.
2. Like Adhereing Words on Facebook. Leave a separate comment here that you did so.
3. Pin the above picture to Pinterest. Leave a separate comment here that you did so.

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This giveaway will close Monday, January 16th.
Winners will be announced on the 17th.

*These slipcovers are 12x12 canvas with vinyl design and zippered back.
Machine washable , drying NOT recommended. Pillow or batting NOT included.

Chocolate, Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:58:00 +0000

{You can find out more about "Indulgence" here. I'm here to tell you that it's DIVINE!}

So, I'm back! We have been busy with Christmas, being sick and being sick! We got that nasty flu bug that has been going around and it lingered longer than I had expected.

This week I'm going to fill you in on our Christmas (and other festivities) and what I was up to on my trip to Savannah. This video was just one of the highlights of the whole thing!

This pregnancy I am way larger than I was with my other two. {I don't think that bowl of strawberries was quite big enough to cover my 20 week baby belly!} I already feel full term, but then there are still people who are surprised to find out that I'm pregnant! I don't know how I feel about that!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Fabulous Food Friday #109

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:56:00 +0000

I'm finally in the mood to eat again! This pregnancy has been rough on my stomach, but I am pulling through and finally gaining a little weight. And with my renewed fondness of eating comes all of the cooking to go along with it. I pulled this recipe from my just delish on Pinterest. Annie's site if full of fabulous recipe and this tops the charts! I only changed a few things (omitting the rosemary because I had none, and adding olive oil) because I knew this recipe would be perfection!

Lemon Chicken
Printable Version
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Serves 4

2 TBSP lemon zest
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 TBSP olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or 2-4 lbs thighs or drumsticks skin on)
2-3 tbsp. melted butter
Thinly sliced lemons, for garnish

Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large zipper-lock plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake well to blend. Place the chicken breasts in the bag with the marinade, pressing out excess air and sealing once more. Place bag in a large bowl (to prevent any dripping) and refrigerate to let marinate for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and transfer to a baking dish, skin-side up, reserving the leftover marinade. Brush the top of each piece of chicken with melted butter.

Bake for 20 minutes, then pour the remaining marinade over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Bake for another 35 minutes until the skin is nicely golden and crispy and chicken if fully cooked. Remove from oven and baste the chicken with juices. Cover loosely with foil and let rest 10 minutes before serving. Plate, garnish with lemon slices and serve.

Let It Snow!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:53:00 +0000

I always hope and dream for a white Christmas every year, but most of the time, my wish is not granted. So, this year I'm making it snow inside my house! And the weather forecast shows that it will be snowing in here till the end of January for sure!

While I was shooting cooking videos in Savannah this month I came across this fantastic (and inexpensive) decorating idea. My friends (and fellow hosts) fell in love with the idea as well, but I knew it was perfect for my home because of my theme this year. I decided for years to come that I will have a "Cabin Chic" theme for our Christmas decor. Glittered pine cones, rusted wooden sleds, pine bows and lost of red and silver. So, why wouldn't tying up marshmallows with fishing line and hanging them from my ceiling not be the perfect added touch this season?

Now, I did have dreams for it to be a full on curtain, but I ran out of time (and large marshmallows). I'm in love!

Fabulous Food Friday #108

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:25:00 +0000

I've seen these pie pops around for a while now and just fell in love with them. I'm not a huge pie fan, but do love a little sliver every now and then so this is perfect for people like me! It took less than 15 minutes to make so if you are in need of something quick and super adorable this weekend...I highly recommend making these!

Pie Pops
2 refrigerated pie crusts (or your favorite recipe)
1 cup favorite pie filling (I used apple*)
1 egg
2 TBSP water
granulated sugar
sucker sticks or popsicle sticks

Preheat oven to 450°. In a small bowl whisk together egg and water. Set aside. Roll out dough onto lightly floured surface. Cut out shapes (I got 7 stars out of each round of dough). Just make sure you have an even amount because you will need two shapes for each pie pop. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with spray. Place half of your shapes onto sheet leaving room for stick. Place one stick onto each shape and press down lightly. Place 2 teaspoons of filling into the center of each shape. Brush egg wash all around the edges and place another shape on top. With a fork, seal all around the edges. Brush each of the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and with a spatula gently move each pop to prevent sticking when cooling. Let completely cool on pan. Tie a ribbon onto each stick for a more festive look!

*If you are using a larger fruit filling like apple or peach, just make sure do dice up your fruit before you fill each pie pop.

I'm movin' in...

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

...to this neighborhood!

I whipped up a few genuine homemade gingerbread houses this year and gave them to some special people. They are so much fun to make and maybe next year I will let my family actually help!

And yes...those are marshmallows (a.k.a. falling snow) tied up in fishing line and hanging from my ceiling. More on that to come!

Prep & Landing

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:19:00 +0000

Our favorite Christmas movie around here is Prep & Landing. It's one that Disney put out on the ABC network about two years ago and recently released it on DVD this year. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. The originally is no longer available online, but you can watch another "episode" here. The story line is that Santa needs help prepping and landing at all of the children's homes. There is a certain team of elves that come before him and help Santa out.

This year, Liam decided all on his own that he wanted to have a Prep & Landing party and invite his cousins over. He planned it all out and I just made it happen.

They all watched the movie while snacking on popcorn and sipping on chocolate milk.
Then Liam invited them over to the table to decorate cookies. I made my chocolate sugar cookie recipe found here.

They had a ton of fun loading up each cookie with frosting and every kind of sprinkle provided!

Liam made them each a Prep & Landing supply kit (if you've seen the movie you'll know what each are these are for).

And I had Ian (at the last minute) make me some simple green elf hats for each of them.

They all had so much fun pretending they were elves and preparing the house for Santa.
At the end of the movie, Santa gives Wayne (one of the elves) a special snow globe, so Liam gave each of his guests one of the snow globe cookies I made, found here.

Liam loves his cousins dearly so I'm sure he will remember his "party" for years to come!

Fabulous Food Friday #107

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:40:00 +0000

As you all know, I'm a huge fan of Pinterest. So, a few weeks back when I saw this, I knew I had to make some of my own!

These snow globe cookies were so much fun to create late last night!

I had some snowflake sprinkles and some "glittered" sugar that I used on the snow. I also used some regular sprinkles that I had on hand for the eyes and nose. Everything else is frosting. He's so adorable, but I think he's missing something...

Of course he needed a little holiday wreath!

I think these might become a new baking tradition for me. They took a while, but I think it was totally worth it!

I am not going to give you instructions of how I made them, (I was having too much fun to stop and take step by step pics) but I will give you the cookie and frosting recipe so that you can create anything you want this holiday season.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies
(I used the same recipe here)
Printable Recipe

1 1/2 cups butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4 1/2 cups flour
1 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
powdered sugar for rolling

In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar and powdered sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Combine in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture a little at a time. Mix until just combined. Do not over mix. Transfer dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form into a log. Cover and chill for 30 minutes or up to 4 days. Preheat oven to 400 and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out cookies for 1/2 inch thick and cut into shapes. Transfer shapes to cookie sheet and cook 7-8 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes then cool completely on a wire rack.

Royal Frosting
(Original Recipe Source)

4 cups powdered sugar, plus more if needed
5 tablespoons meringue powder

Beat sugar, meringue powder, and a scant 1/4 cup water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on low speed until smooth, about 7 minutes. If icing is too thick, add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time; if too thin, beat icing for 2 to 3 minutes more, or add more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature overnight; stir before using.

Checking It Twice

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Making 7 gingerbread houses to give away.

Slightly fretting because said gingerbread for gingerbread houses is too moist.

Enjoying seeing Liam play with his daddy's birthday gift all day long (the best Lego set ever!)

Trashing two batches of delicious peppermint chocolate popcorn because it too, is soggy (darn rain!)

Bagging up English Toffee to give to friends and family since delicious popcorn is a no go.

Feeling extremely tired (22 weeks pregnant will do that to ya.)

Gave baby Owen his first haircut.

Cried because Owen looks adorable, but too little boy (and he has no more curls.)

In awe that Christmas is only 9 days away and I still have all of my shopping to do.

Featured

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:05:00 +0000

While I was in Utah, I kept getting text after text that everyone saw my article in Taste of Homes magazine this month. I had forgotten all about it so I was grateful for the reminders! My great friend, Deneigh, even sent me pictures from her issue.

You know what? I still haven't seen it in person! My subscription (that my wonderful friend, Lori got me last year) ran out in November! Sad to say that I went to the book store to buy it and it was nowhere to be found. So if any of you have the December issue that you are willing to give up, please send it my way! I would love a copy of my very own!

Here's a sneak for all of you who haven't seen it yet...SO EXCITING!

{Thanks, Deneigh!}

Also, today I'm featured over at RWOP for a super fun holiday video. And not just any video, but a great and adorable baking video where I share some fun twists on holiday treats. Make sure to check it out...even if it's to see how huge my baby belly is!!!

I am...

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:37:00 +0000

...so loving the Merry Mistletoe spray from Bath and Body Works.

It's like all holiday scents rolled up into one!

Recipe Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:18:00 +0000

So sorry for the delay in picking a winner.
I just got back from Savannah, GA this weekend and my family was
in need of much mommy love and time!

I had Liam pick the winner and he chose...
THE DUNAWAYS!

Congrats on winning your e-cookbook from the Newlyweds Blog!

Please contact me with your email address ASAP so you can
get cookin' all those delicious recipes!

Speaking of indulgence...

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:39:00 +0000

I have to share my second holiday indulgent goodie with you!

I've only found them at Costco,
but pretty sure that I can come up with a
recipe that might just rivel it.
So, if you see this bag in your store,
don't even think twice about putting it in your cart.
Just buy it and you won't regret it!

Don't forget about the recipe giveaway!!!

So Delish!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:31:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I wandered into Williams-Sonoma.
I've only bought one thing from their store and it happened to be for someone else.
I was determined to find a little treat for me.
When I came upon this adorable little canister, I snatched it up and
headed straight for the cash register.
I didn't even look at the price (a little hefty),
but I knew it was mine and mine alone!

I am such a fan of Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate,
but have never found it where I could make it at home.
I've just indulged in them at Starbucks.
When I got home and opened it up, I was completely surprised.
It was not your typical chocolate powder, but chocolate shavings.
Actual chocolate shavings!
Let's just say it's hands down the best cup of ho cho I've ever had.
EVER.

RECIPE GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED}

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:28:00 +0000

We all know that I love recipes. And I think you all do to...I think that's one of the reasons you come and visit here!
Jenna over at the Newlyweds Blog has created a super great e-cookbook and wants to give away one to my readers! How great is that?!?!

{A little overview of this fabulous e-cookbook}

Over 45 delicious recipes with easy to find ingredients.
10 sections like :Weeknight Meals, Crock-pot meals, Date Night, Backyard Barbecue and more.
Recipes like Strawberry Spongecake, Chicken Divan, Shrimp stir-fry and more that your family and friends will love.

And for those of you who would like to purchase one of her e-cookbooks, she is giving you a 20% discount! Just use the discount code ELICIOUS20 when checking out here.

Here's how to enter...

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

1. Leave a comment here letting me know which recipe on my blog is your favorite.

2. Become a fan Newlyweds Blog on Facebook.

3. Become a follower of the Newlyweds Blog.

Giveaway will close Friday, December 9th and
I will announce the winner December 10th!