Over the River and Through the Woods

Over the last several days we've been enjoying a whirlwind tour through our old Midwest stomping grounds and loving every minute of it. Right now we're at TK's parent's home in Princeton and we took a little trip yesterday to Bishop Hill, an historic Swedish settlement in western Illinois. I've been wanting to go for a visit ever since I heard about it's existence to check out the gift shops and bakeries full of Scandinavian goods.
It of course didn't disappoint! Our first stop was the Colony Store which I'll gladly accept a gift certificate to at any time. Just feast your eyes on all the Swedish food, tomtes, and linens!



We had a scrumptious lunch of Swedish meatballs and lingonberries at one of the old restaurants in town...true to form, Sawyer enjoyed sucking on his water's lemon as an appetizer. The local bakery wasn't too shabby either!




We picked up at few items from the store for the kiddos (one still en utero with an undetermined gender)...a Christmas tree ornament for Sawyer and an awesome bib from Grandma for the baby. I'll admit that  unashamedly love Scandinavian anything, so for me our visit was a real treat. I can't wait to head back to Bishop Hill this summer for their Midsummer festival in the end of June!

Time for Cheesy Potatoes

I'm having one of those Januarys. One where it's nasty outside and you can't think of anything fun to do. One where you sort of just want to hibernate like other sane mammals and just wake up in the Spring. Seriously, most days I feel like I've been bored out of my mind or motivated to do nothing but feel sorry anyone who's with me in this miserable, cold weather.

That's when it's time for cheesy potatoes. We had a potluck at church this weekend, so I figured it was a good time to bring out the big guns. There are many things I love about my church, but one of them is that we know how to throw a potluck. We're a pretty young demographic, so sometimes the traditional sides aren't plentiful...which is why I "take it upon myself" to make the most conventional, classic potluck offering of all time! This recipe is from my dearest mother-in-law who is a potluck goddess to be sure. I realize this picture maybe looks less than appetizing, but I promise every bite is a dream come true.

Here's the recipe for those who need a potluck dish, or a January pick-me-up. I scooped out a serving for myself before the meal so that I could be sure to get some...and so I could bring some cheese-filled goodness to my cold, lame winter.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cubed frozen hashbrowns
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 1 can cream of chicken or potato soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 10 oz shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients putting potatoes in last. Place in 9x13 inch dish. Crush 1 pkg Ritz crackers and mix with 6 tbsp melted margarine. Put this mixture on top of potatoes for the last 20 minutes.
2. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.

Under the Chestnut Tree

Have you done a puzzle recently? I mean, like a good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle? My sister-in-law spent her Christmas devouring them and reminded me of their joys and merits. And now I'm hooked.

As a general rule, I consider myself to be a formidable competitor when it comes to puzzles. Race me in a crossword or Sudoku and I'll probably make a bold statement and with confidence claim that I'll be able to win. Crosswords, cryptograms, Tetris, Mahjong, whatever...you name it, I'll solve it. Honestly, it's what I'm good at.

When Jessica told me about her puzzle-filled holiday weekend, I recalled the jigsaw puzzles I owned, but had never opened. I thought of them sitting alone and fragmented in my closet, wishing with all their might to be connected to their bona fide neighbors, asking someone who cared to solve them.

I broke out this good old country scene called "Under the Chestnut Tree." 1000 pieces is a nice challenge for someone who hasn't done a jigsaw puzzle since they were in high-school. The chestnut tree was a real doozie, since all the pieces practically looked the same.

At the risk of sounding like a total and complete loser, doing a jigsaw puzzle is a really good time. I love the patience it takes and the satisfaction I find in figuring out just the right place for each piece. I love being able to leave it and come back as I wish. I love that there was no technology involved and nothing plugged in while you work on it. I love knowing that it's just being solved for fun and that when you're done, it will just be taken apart and put away.

Onto my next puzzle which my husband got me last year. It's Da Vinci's "Last Supper" which has little contrast throughout and is broken into 2000 lovely pieces. This one might take a while.

......

Houseguests

Our dearest friends, Amy and Andrew, have been staying with TK and I for the month of January as they go through a time of transition in housing. I know what you're thinking: this should ruin our friendship and cause us to despise even the mention of each other's names from here on out. But you would be wrong because it's been lovely to share our space with these fine souls.

Not only do they provide lovely company in our home, but they've been helping this near-term pregnant girl clean and cook every stinking day! I honestly don't remember the last time I went to the grocery store or cooked a meal. With some elbow grease and his trusted Bar Keeper's Friend, Andrew even scrubbed down our entire kitchen. And bathroom. Hardly ruining our friendship.

Last night we feasted on decadent pork chops, just one of the many gourmet meals they've made for us. As TK and I approach the cusp of first-time parenthood, we've been blessed to be able to spend our January evenings with two kindred spirits in life. Look at these clowns!

Jewish Coffee Cake

The holiday season brings with it an abundance of opportunities to bake and prepare delectable desserts for those you love (or work with)! My friend Celina and I had another baking extravaganza last night for a work party today. By popular demand I made the Pumpkin-Spiced Bundt Cake (recipe here), but Celina made these gems.

A family tradition, we altered the Camarillo's Jewish Coffee Cake and baked it in the form of mini-bundts. What could be cuter, I ask you!? We got carried away and doubled up the batch, so we had mama version of the minis. It seems there are many variations on Jewish Coffee Cake - all of which look delightful - but this one had chocolate chips and walnuts. In one's quest to make homemade baked goods that aren't dry and boring, this cake is a sure thing!


Camarillo Jewish Coffee Cake
Ingredients
2 sticks margarine
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 pint sour cream
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup diced walnuts

Directions
1. With electric mixer, combine margarine and eggs. In seperate bowl, combine sugar, vanilla, and sour cream. Cream box mixtures together.
2. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add chocolate chips and walnuts.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. After cooling, sprinkle with powdered sugar (optional).

Bring on the Bliss

You know what yesterday was in my book...time to break out the Christmas music! I've got some Mariah Carey playing and am sipping on a peppermint mocha. Now that wretched Halloween is done it's time to bring on the holidays!

January 2009 Martha | The Root of the Matter

I've killed more plants than I'd like to admit. By no means do I know the first thing about keeping life flowing through green veins. Despite the fact that my mom is one of the most dedicated gardeners I know, somehow I think her green thumb skipped a generation.

As a killer of plants, the Gardening section of January's Martha Stewart Living appealed to me, presenting several cures for what ails our houseplants with simple illustrated diagnoses. One plant I've managed to keep alive is an ivy I've had for about a year now. I know: HUGE deal. Absolutely amazing. Since bringing it inside this winter after a summer of wonderful growth, however, I literally fear for its life. I expected a slowing of growth, but it's starting to discolor a bit and has some tiny springs shooting up from its based, something I've determined to be a last ditch effort on my ivy's part to not kick the bucket. My diagnosis: pot/root bound.

It's hardly rocket science, but the article encouraged me to actually do something about my dear plant, rather than walking by it every day, casting a bitter, confused look in its direction, and wondering if the problem would magically correct itself without my help.

The article reads, "Pot Bound Symptoms Growth slows, and flowering may stop (although some plants, such as cacti, flower best when slightly pot bound). Roots protrude from drainage hole. Plant or plantlets fill entire pot. Solutions Remove from pot; separate any offshoots if necessary. Place into one larger pot, or, if divided, several smaller pots."

What do you think? Like I said, not rocket science. I had a larger pot that matched the small one, so now I think there is plenty of room for it to grow and hopefully flourish. Tomorrow's temperature is supposed to be a whopping 60 degrees, so I think I'll let my little ivy out for some fresh air. Stay with me, you sweet thing, and I'll try my hardest not to kill you. It will mean the world to me if you can survive.

Class Act

I've got to hand it to you Mrs. Obama, on Tuesday you didn't disappoint. I'm in agreement with those who think you'll bring the White House a new and original sense of style, unmatched by the majority of previous first ladies. You are really something special, and I'm so excited for the qualities, ideas, and passions you'll share with us in the coming years.

Love the lemongrass brocade coat and everything that was going on with your outfit during the day. Your ball gown grew on me too throughout the evening and I appreciate that you chose less-well-known designers. Beyond your wardrobe choices on Tuesday (which were just the icing on the cake), I'm a huge fan of your accomplishments, the character you display, your outlook on life, and so much more about you. I think you'll be a wonderful role model for women all over the world. Truly, you're a class act.

Carhartts for the (Stylish) Tradesman

I could probably devote an entire series of posts to the love and admiration TK and his best friend Andrew have for their Carhartts. Both of them are hard working tradesmen types who depend on the warmth and durability of their favorite pants. These clowns will find any excuse to stand outside in the cold so that they can experience how well their insulated "bibs" work at keeping them at an optimal temperature.

My guess is that most men who wear Carhartts (or other durable work-wear) are satisfied with the cut and fit of Carhartt's offerings - Traditional, Relaxed, and Loose Fit. Not my man. He's a little more of the Bootcut sort. Comfort, durability, and style should not be underestimated when remodeling kitchens and bathrooms.

Enter my sewing machine and some $6.99/yard duct fabric. A goal of mine this year is to tackle any and all sewing opportunities that come my way so that I can hone my skills and broaden my repertoire. Here are the new and improved Bootcut Fit Carhartts ready for anything contracting can throw at them.

Feathery Friends

I saw this pattern the other day and thought it'd be fun to whip up a little bird. It was so easy and fast that I made three feathery friends. I'm not sure what I'll do with them yet, but it was hard to stop making them. It's a perfect use for your scraps and takes all but minutes to finish. I've seen them as Christmas tree decorations or as parts in a mobile. I think they're adorable. For the free pattern, click here.

December 2008 Martha | Chocolate Bundt Cake

There's just something wholesome about making a cake from scratch. Don't get me wrong... I love a good boxed cake with store bought icing, and usually prefer that sort to anything bought in a bakery; I've got a soft spot in my heart for Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, and the like. It's wonderful to be able to know that a boxed cake will more or less turn out perfect every time.

Committing to do something every month from Martha Stewart Living (thus justifying my subscription dues) has taught me, however, to not be afraid of making things from scratch. I've learned that it really isn't as hard or complicated as I had built it up to be. Personally, I think it feels invigorating when a homemade recipe turns out. Maybe I feel connected to pioneer women of the past. Maybe I feel liberated from a modern-day fear things homemade. Maybe it's my love language.

This month I made the Chocolate Bundt Cake. It turned out a tad dry, so maybe next time I'll lower the old oven temperature a bit. It was very simple but, with the chocolate sauce/glaze, was tasty. It was my very first time to use our Bundt pan (shame on me), and thankfully the cake slipped right out with no problem. You like?

Almond Chex Mix

I love Chex Mix as much as the next girl, but don't you think it could use an occasional makeover? While you and I both can probably agree that we need to consume more holiday snacks like we need a hole in the head, here's a Chex recipe for your snacking pleasure. I received this treasure a couple of years ago from a Southern Belle with a recipe box that will blow your mind. It's easy to make and even easier to eat up! You really can't stop munching once you start, so consider yourself warned. I don't even like almonds that much, but it's almost too good to be true!

Almond Chex Mix

Ingredients:
1 box rice Chex
2 3/4 cups sliced almonds
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup butter (not margarine)
1 tsp almond extract

Directions:
1. Place cereal and almonds in a large bowl; set aside.
2. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 250 degrees.
3. Remove from the heat; stir in extract. Pour over cereal mixture; mix well. Spread onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets; cool. Toss to break apart. Store in airtight container.

Rosemary Roast

The smell of a decedent Christmas roast in the air is a thing to behold, wouldn't you agree? When a home fills up with luscious scents of herbs and meat, you know you're on your way to a heavenly meal...unless of course you're a vegetarian and don't care for beef. In any case, you can probably agree that rosemary wafting through the house is pure bliss.

I hate to seem like a one trick pony each Christmas, but this roast really can't be beat. I've been making it for a few years now on or around Christmas, and every year (so far) my family keeps coming back for more. If you have a Crock Pot and know how to flip the switch to low, this should be a breeze.

Now, here's a word of advice: Embrace your Crock Pot and cherish it for every magical thing it can do for you and your kitchen. Invest in two or three of them in different shapes and sizes if your pocket book allows, and I promise you won't regret the decision. You can almost use a Crock Pot for anything. Anything, I tell you! Below is the recipe.

Combine 3 cubes of beef bouillon (mashed), 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, a dash of seasoning salt, some ground pepper, and 1 TBSP chopped rosemary in a bowl and set aside. This will serve as the rub that you cover your roast with.

Unwrap your 3 1/2 pound roast and use a sharp knife to cut several deep holes in it horizontally, stuffing each whole with a rosemary sprig. While you're rubbing it lightly with olive oil, laugh at your roast for how silly it looks, but know that it will be delish once it's cooked.

Add 1 cup of water to the Crock Pot and transfer your roast/Christmas tree into the cooker. Rub bouillon and garlic powder mixture on top and sides of roast (as best as you can), not worrying about whatever crumbles into the water or doesn't look pretty. Cover with the lid, turn Crock Pot to the "Low" setting and start your timer. I usually cook mine for about 6 to 8 hours, but I don't think this long is necessary, you be the judge of your own meat.

Use drippings to make gravy once the roast is done cooking. While you're enjoying life in the lap of luxury, you'll be even happier if you've prepare a side dish of garlic-herb mashed potatoes, which pair with this roast in the most congenial of ways. I stick with these from Real Simple: click here. Now go, and cook up a feast of your own!

Playoffs...

While you may find this completely unbelievable (as do I) my Fantasy Football team, ¡ándale ándale!, has made it into the playoffs of our family league. Not only have I made it into the playoffs, but after an 8-game winning streak, I have managed to find myself in first place by the slightest of margins. (See image below.)


At this point, there are four teams left, so to be the champion, I'll need to win two more match-ups. I'm not counting on it, but I'll be very proud if I do win. While my attentiveness to my team throughout the season has aided in my success as a "manager" so far, the prowess of Drew Brees (QB), Thomas Jones (RB), and Indianapolis's defense have also been extremely helpful.

Don't let me down boys!

Don't Forget to Hang Up Your Sock

When I was a young lass, every Christmas like clockwork my stocking was filled with Crayola markers, tons of Wrigley gum 5-packs, Twizzlers, barrettes, candy canes, a small Lego set, Hershey Kisses, and an orange. My sister and I would always creep downstairs before anyone else in the house was awake, and we'd unload our younger brothers' stockings so that we'd be one up on them and already know what they'd gotten before they joined us. While the "real" Christmas presents were often bigger and better than the stocking contents, there was something special about what came in your stocking. Chewing Twizzlers and gum simultaneously while opening gifts and knowing every year I'd have some new markers to work with are traditions I'll always cherish.

Making a Christmas stocking has been on my sewing list for possibly 3 years, give or take. I never seemed to find fabric that I could fall in love with or a pattern that was just right. At last, this summer I found some decorator fabric that put me in mind of a classy Christmas of old. (I'm pretty temperamental when it comes to Christmas fabric in general.) There are various and sundry stocking patterns available for free online, so I combined what I liked from several and came up with an original.

I'm a fan. I'm hoping that they'll last for a while, but I'm sure I'll have to go in and reinforce the loop that they hang from...I went a little rogue on that part. Maybe Saint Nick will bring me some Twizzlers again this Christmas!

C is for Cookie

These two cookie recipes are my all time faves for the holidays, so I thought I'd share them with you. As far as cookies go, they are your standard fare, but in my humble opinion they are the best versions I've come across...especially when they are warm and gooey, fresh out of the oven. If you already have a recipe you prefer, stick to it. But, if not, feel free to claim and adopt these as your own.

Peanut Blossoms
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter, unsalted and softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 TBSP milk
1 tsp vanilla
Hershey's kisses
Directions:
1. Mix first three ingredients; cream butter and peanut butter, add sugar, egg, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla.
2. Blend in dry ingredients. You might think you have too much flour, but keep mixing and I promise it will all incorporate. Don't be tempted to add more wet ingredients.
3. Shape into balls (approx. 1" to 1.5") and roll in sugar.
4. Place on un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 8 minutes; remove and place a chocolate kiss in center; bake 2-5 minutes longer. Makes 2 dozen cookies.

Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 stick butter
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
4 TBSP cocoa
3 cups quick oats
Directions:
1. Boil sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa for 1 1/2 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, add oats and peanut butter.
3. Stir until blended and spoon onto wax paper to cool (approx 2" round). Makes 2 dozen cookies.