My Name Is Snickerdoodle

Fabulous Food Friday #114

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:42:00 +0000

I've been making a lot of my go to recipes lately. Nothing new which means that after today, I am out of fresh ideas for FFF! YIKES! This recipe I did months ago so I may have to go digging in my picture archives to see if I have any hidden recipe gems that I captured digitally.
And, don't think for one second that recipe was last on the totem pole because it lacked in flavor. No, no, no. I was saving it for more warmer weather because this is not what you consider a wintery treat! So bring on spring and give yourself a reason to make this dessert. I found the original recipe over at Mel's Kitchen Cafe (we all know that woman can cook!) and altered mine a bit to make it my own.

Lime Bars
Makes 18 Bars
Printable Version
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Crust
2 1/2 cups crushed animal crackers (or graham crackers)
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Pinch salt
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling
4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tbsp grated fresh lime zest (about 2 medium limes)
1 can (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
1/8 tsp salt
2 large egg yolks
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 medium limes)

Preheat the oven to 325°. Spray an 8x11 (or 9x9) pan with cooking spray.

For the crust, mix together animal cracker crumbs, sugar and salt together until well combined. Mix in melted butter and combine with a fork. Sprinkle the mixture into the prepared pan and press the crumbs into an even layer. Bake about 15-18 minutes until lightly golden brown.

While the crust is baking, in a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, lime zest and salt together until combined. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and lime juice until combined and smooth.

Pour the filling evenly over the crust. Bake the bars until the filling is set and the edges just slightly begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 20-25 minutes.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack for about 2 hours. Once cooled, cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. *Cut into bars. Chill until ready to serve.

*When cutting bars of any type (brownies, lemon bars, etc.) use a plastic knife to prevent tearing or crumbling.

Just Keep Pinning, Just Keep Pinning!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:34:00 +0000

I promised you a Pinterest tutorial earlier this week and I am having some technical issues. Once I get those figured out (meaning, once Ian isn't completely busy with work/fun projects and can sit down and help me at the computer) I promise that I will share it with you!

Oh, Savannah!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:14:00 +0000

Even though it was two months ago, my trip to Savannah is still on my mind. I had such a great time meeting up with my fellow hosts and filming some videos for RWOP and Kraft. I was a little worried because this was the time that I was really starting to show and I refused to wear any maternity clothes. So, it was that awkward I-just-look-fat stage that every pregnant woman just loathes! I surprisingly didn't take a ton of pictures so this will be short and sweet!

We got to stay at The Mansion on Forsyth Park which was ultra luxurious and fancy!

The morning after we got there, we were on the local morning show.

WOW! 5 am and we all look so glamorous!

(I just love Moni, Paula and Kirsten!)

(This was the only picture I got of my beauties, Audie and Jessica...I miss working with those great girls...they helped change my life!)
We also got to dine at the ever-so-fabulous Libbie Summers' home. Her super husband (who is extremely handsome, but would we expect anything less?) made us the most delicious soup and we chatted the night away. Definitely a highlight of the whole trip! Check her more out here.

The next few days brought more filming (with a wonderful crew), hot lights and wonderful food!
Find my videos here and here!

We even got our very own make-up artist! Jules is the beautiful face behind Dollface by Jules. She is perfection!

During our downtime, we ate and shopped. We missed Moni because she had to leave at the beginning of the trip.

There was a movie being shot while we were there. The studio we were shooting at housed all of the wardrobe for the actors. I was wearing the same shirt that either Andie McDowell or Kim Basinger will wear!

We all had a wonderful time spending time together, learning new things, playing Yatzee until wee hours in the morning and just plan being pampered. I discovered that Savannah is one of my favorite cities. It was bittersweet because we all knew it was our last trip together.

I've worked with some wonderful people over the last 6 months. I never knew that cream cheese could completely change my life! And definitely for the better!

Delicious Lovey Dovey Day

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:52:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is coming up soon and whether you are cooking for your sweetheart, kids or co-workers, I thought you could use some ideas of some yummy treats I've made in the past!

No matter what Chicken Parmesan recipe you use, add a little sass with heart shaped pepperoni!

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Chocolate is always a must so why not three times the chocolate with a Triple Fudge Cake.

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And this Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Pie simply speaks for itself!

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These My Heart Melts For You Cookies has been a featured recipe for a while,
but I can't tell you enough how much of a HIT these were last year!
I just might have been the very first one to use those adorable chocolate peanut butter hearts!

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This year I made some ombre style heart sugar cookies.
They didn't turn out the best (like I would have liked), but you get the idea!
I used Ian's family favorite sugar cookie recipe and this royal icing recipe.

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Corn?

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:00 +0000

I've only had few pedicures in my life time...and I've purely enjoyed every single one! I don't find them completely relaxing, though, because I am constantly fighting the urge to not jerk my foot because I am so ticklish!

I can't believe that I am actually talking about feet, but let's face it...we all have some sort of issues when it comes to the most unattractive part of our bodies.

I saw this fun tool years ago, but was too chicken to actually do it myself. It's a (brace yourself for a cringey name) callus/corn shaver. Ick, right? Now, I am not claiming to have calluses OR corns (what in the world?), but I do claim to have crusty feet that I purely blame on genetics. No lotions can cure them.

I bought it at Wal-Mart for less than $3 and it totally works. I've gone through a few of them over the past few months (we won't go into that) and I haven't regretted a single penny!

I haven't seen them in other stores, but it's completely worth quicky jaunting into Wal-Mart, grabbing that one item and ever so quickly checking out!

Fabulous Food Friday #113

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:45:00 +0000

This pregnancy all I've wanted is fruit smoothies. I just love smoothies of all kinds. Ian has been great and has picked me up one at least once a week on his way home from work. I created this recipe last week because he was going to be late and I couldn't wait any longer for my smoothie!

Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie
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Serves 4
1 can Pineapple Orange concentrate
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup frozen blueberries (If using fresh blueberries increase ice to 2 cups total)
1 1/2 cups ice cubes

Spoon concentrate into a blender. Add in milk, blueberries and ice. Blend until completely smooth. Serve immediately.

Interested In Pins

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Okay...the last few ~~weeks~~ days my pregnancy brain has been really working overtime. For those of you unfamiliar with the term "pregnancy brain", it's something that happens to some pregnant women's brains...we become very, very, VERY forgetful. Forgetting words, forgetting that you are holding your car keys all the while frantically looking for them, or forgetting what you ate for breakfast that morning. It's been really bad for me lately. I don't get frustrated by it because I forget why I am frustrated in the first place!

Lately, I have been amazed by how many people have been following me on Pinterest. I was so confused of how they even found me there. I mean, Amy Williams is a pretty common name. I just chalked it up to some quirk with Pinterest, like someone just liked a pin of mine then it automatically had them follow me.

I've been thinking about some changes that I want to make to my blog and I've been wanting Ian to create a Pinterest button for me. People...it wasn't until MINUTES AGO that I realized I already had Pinterest button and THAT'S how everyone has found me! I completely forgot that Ian already created me one, to my specifications, months ago!

If you are wondering...I have not forgotten to feed my kids every day and yes, I am completely dressed currently!

I've been thinking about this fab site lately (did you know there are knock off versions?) and how much I've been inspired by it. I am pretty picky about what I pin so I don't have a million, but just enough to keep my going.

This brings me to the point of this whole post (took me long enough, right?). I would love to start following all of you! Leave me a comment with your Pinterest account link so I can add to my inspiration! You know where to find me (apparently better than I do!)

Come back early next week for a fun Pinterest tutorial! 

Zzzzz....

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:43:00 +0000

Dear Bed,

I don't mean to criticize, but you haven't been good to me lately. Here I am, up way too late, because I feel like you are not comfortable enough to fall asleep on.

Let's just ignore the fact that for the past two weeks I sneak in two minor naps on the couch during the day time. That is superfluous. I don't think that has anything to do with my restlessness at nighttime.

Let's also forget that I am down 50% with my choices of sleeping positions...right side or left side...Ugg!

I don't mean to be picky or judgmental, but why can't you be more like this bed?

(Original source)

So inviting. So fresh. So fluffy. So relaxing. So breezy easy.

Yet, ,now that I think about it, how in the world is a pregnant girl supposed to get down from that bed at least 3 times a night to go use the bathroom?

Good thing I believe in second chances.

Regretfully yours,
An Uncomfortable (and tired) 28 Week Pregnant Lady

Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Inspiration comes in all forms and ways. Now, when it comes to doing something crafty, I always think of my best ideas while I am laying in bed about to fall asleep. Or when it comes to something of real importance, like enriching someone else's life with selfless service, a thoughtful note or even just an "out of the blue" hug, that inspiration comes to me in a flash while I am doing some simple task during the day. However it comes, I am one to try to NOT ignore inspiration because I believe that true inspiration comes from God.

My friend/family (more family than friend), Rachel, was inspired to start a blog featuring her family and adoption. I know that there are probably thousands out there with a similar purpose so, that's why I am featuring her blog here. With all of you, my fabulous readers, there is bound to be someone or someone who knows someone, who is need of a family for their unborn child.

I've known Rachel for more than 15 years and she has always been someone I've looked up to. I truly could go on and on about how kind, generous and loving she is, but I want you to read for yourself more about her family at Our Circle Isn't Complete and hopefully you will be inspired.

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
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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
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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
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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!