Laurie's Rolls*

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c water
• 2 T yeast
• 1/4 c sugar
• 4 1/2 c flour
• 1 c milk
• 6 T butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 t salt

Directions:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.Mix all dry ingredients first (sugar, yeast, flour, salt)Heat milk, butter, water in microwave until butter is melted. Add egg to warm milk mixture.Combine milk mixture with dry ingredients. Kneed on floured board for 5-10 min. Cover and let rise in warm place.Roll into balls and dip in melted butter, place on baking sheet. Cover and let rise.Bake for 10-12 min.

Verdict: We love these rolls. She always has left overs and we have to snatch them before someone else (Sarah) does. They are Tim's favorite rolls.

*It's been a while since I got the recipe from her and this is what I can deciper from my hand written notes. Once I either cook or ensure the is the correct recipe I'll update this post.

Found: We got this recipe from my sister-in-law Laurie and I think it's her aunt's recipe but we just call them Laurie's rolls.

Raspberry Crumble Muffins

Heather's Raspberry Muffin Recipe

Muffin Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 c. flour
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 c. sour cream
• 1/4 c. milk2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 c. butter, melted
• 1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen raspberries (or any other similar berry)

Crumb Topping Ingredients:

• 1/3 c. flour
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 2 Tbsp. butter, softened

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Muffin:Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in large mixing bowl. Combine sour cream, milk, eggs and butter in separate bowl; blend well. Add to flour mixture; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened (don't over mix.) Fold in raspberries.

Topping:In small bowl, combine flour with sugar and cut in butter to form crumbs.Spoon the batter into 2 1/2 in. muffins cups (sprayed with Pam) fill them 3/4 way full. Top with crumb topping.

Bake 20 min . or until golden brown. Cool in muffin pan on a wire rack for 5 min. Remove from pan, serve warm.

Heather's Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Buns from Heaven

Dough:

• 2 pkgs active dry rapid rise yeast
• 1 c. warm water
• 2/3 c. + 1 tsp. sugar, divided
• 1 c. warmed milk
• 2/3 c. butter
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 7-8 c. flour

Filling:

• 1 c. melted butter, divided
• 1 3/4 c. sugar, divided
• 3 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts (opt.)
• 1 1/2 c. raisin (opt.)

Frosting:

• 1lb butter
• 1lb cream cheese
• 2 lbs powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Dough Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together warm water, yeast and 1 tsp. sugar, set aside. In large bowl, mix milk, 2/3 c. sugar, melted butter, salt and eggs. Stir well and add yeast mixture. Add half of the flour and beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour until dough is slightly stiff (dough will be sticky.)

Turn out onto well floured board; knead 5 to 10 min. Place in well buttered glass or plastic bowl; cover and let rise, in warm place until doubled in size about 1 to 2 hours. Roll out on a well floured board.

Filling Directions:Spread dough with 1/2 c. melted butter, mix together 1 1/2 cu. sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over buttered dough. Sprinkle with walnuts and raisin if desired. Roll up jelly roll fashion and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices.

Coat bottom of a 13x9 in. baking pan and 8in. square pan with remaining 1/2 c. melted butter. Then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 c. sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in pans. Cover, let rise in warm place until dough is doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 25 to 30 min. until rolls are nicely browned. Cool slightly.

Frosting Directions:

Allow butter and cream cheese to reach room temperature. Beat cream cheese and butter together in a bowl with mixer. Slowly add in all powdered sugar. Mix an additional 12 minutes when almost done, add vanilla.

Funny

I came across this and thought it worth a laugh. I always knew there was a reason for those nasty peeps!

Gang Signs

My silly brothers seem to have a strange attraction to flashing "gang signs" everytime a camera is out there is always one of these pictures. Not sure what it means. Pretty sure they need professional (therapist not a thug) help.

Party Hats

Cute. Cute. Cute.

I'll have to remember to make one for Darcy's Birthday.

Oh yay! I even found a boy one.

That means I can make one for Jayden too.

hoop.dee.do

I love the fabric and the idea of a few of these as an arrangement on a wall.

They are much cuter than a rectangle bulletin board.

Gosh other people are so cute and creative. That gene skipped me and I'm jealous.

Found them here.

Irish Cheddar Triangles

Ingredients:

• 1 and 3/4 c. flour
• 1/2 c. yellow cornmeal
• 1 t. sugar
• 3/4 t. salt
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1 stick of butter, cut into small pieces
• 6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 c. cold water
• 2 T. white vinegar
• coarsely ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375F

2. In a food processor, mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking soda. Add the butter and process until mixture forms coarse crumbs. (I just used a pastry cutter and cut the butter into the mixture.)

3.Transfer to a large bowl and stir in cheese, water and vinegar until mixture forms a soft dough. Form it into a ball, wrap it in cellophane and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

4. Divide dough into 4 sections. On a floured board, roll each section into a paper thin circle, trimming the edges. Sprinkle with pepper (I used Lemon & Tellicherry Pepper) and press it firmly into the dough.

5. Cut each circle into 8 wedges, place on a greased baking sheet and bake for about 10 - 12 minutes, until crisp. Do not over cook. Cool on wire rack.

Store in an airtight container.

Serve with your favorite dip (I used a vegetable mix that had been mixed with sour cream and chilled.)

Verdict: I served these at a St. Patrick's Day party and they were a hit. I was glad I had doubled the recipe. The pepper really enhances the flavor and makes the "chip."

Letter to Grandma Scott

Dear Grandma,

This is your favorite Grandson, Jayden. I was wondering if when we live with you for two weeks you could find time to go here with me. I've know all my animal names and sounds and would love to see them in real life. I'm particulary fond of elephants and monkeys.

Love,
Jayden

An Open Letter to Tim

Dear Hubby,

I thought I'd write you about a problem I'm having.

I'm not sure what else to do.

I went to the store and bought a brand new disposal.

I left it on the counter for you notice and install.

I wrote "Install Disposal" on your To Do list.

I reminded you to install the disposal.

I watched the children while you installed the disposal.

I watched the children while you ran to the store for necessary parts that were missing.

I said, "it's okay" when you ran out of time to finish.

(I was lying.)

I was annoyed when you said the wiring on the switch to the disposal doesn't work.

I suggested you call family, friends, anyone who could help with the wiring on the disposal switch.

I went to the library and found you how-to books for wiring, disposals, electricity.

I talked with an electrician and got a (useless) drawing and phone number for you.

I bring up the topic when any male walks through the front door in hopes of solving the problem.

I can no longer take it.

I want the disposal to work.

I don't care what it takes.

I think after eight months of living here it should work by now.

Love,
Wifey

Stats

Who: Darcy - aka Darce, Sister D, Deaster

What: 8 lbs. 4 oz, 21 in. long, Head 14 and 3/4 in.

Where: Dr. Joseph McManus's office

Why: 2 month check up

How: In the 5% for weight, 2% for height and 10% for head.

Meet and Greets

This past weekend we had family come into town for Darcy's Blessing. Since she's so little there were several meet and greets. Here are some pictures. First was Grandma and Grandpa Pope.

Then she meet Kirsten, Greg and Heather. I'm not sure why we don't have a picture of that last one, we'll have to get it when we visit next week.

The last was Grandpa Frerichs.

Baby Blessing

Last Sunday, April 20th we had the opportunity to bless Darcy. We had lots of family who were able to make it up for this special occasion. Those that stood in the circle included: Dad, Grandpa Scott, Grandpa Pope, Grandpa Frerichs, Uncle Eric, Uncle Greg, Dennis Frerichs, Steve Rush, Dave Hone, Bishop Reeds, President Lee. The blessing was perfect and so was our little sister D.
It wouldn't be a family picture without the boys being silly - at least Greg wasn't giving us the "birdie" this time.

General Conference

I love general conferece. I love that you can count on two weekends a year of guaranteed spiritual enlightment. It bothers me when people are irreverent and noisy and I can't hear the speakers. Since it would be us that would be the noisy family and we have the technology that brings conference into the home we now stay home. I like that we can sit in our pajamas ,turn the sound up and even replay if we miss what was said. And the best part is that I don't have many interruptions because this is what general conference does to Tim, Jayden and Darcy.

Sweet Tweets

SIZE

Approximately 3” across x 3” high

MATERIALS

• 1 Ball BERROCO COMFORT (100 grs), #9735 Delft Blue, and a small amount each #9743 Goldenrod (gold) and #9734 Liquorice (black)
• 1 Set (4) double pointed knitting needles (dpn), size 7 (4.50 mm) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
• Tapestry needle
• Polyester stuffing
• 1 St marker

GAUGE

22 sts = 4”; 29 rows = 4” in St st

TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE

BIRD

With dpn’s, using blue, cast on 9 sts. Divide sts evenly onto 3 needles (3 sts per needle). Join, being careful not to twists sts. Mark for beg of rnd and carry marker up.

• Rnds 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13: Knit.
• Rnd 2: * K1, M1k, k2, rep from * twice more – 12 sts.
• Rnd 4: * K1, M1k, k3, rep from * twice more – 15 sts.
• Rnd 6: * K1, M1k, k4, rep from * twice more – 18 sts. Continue to inc 3 sts in this manner every other rnd, having 1 more st between incs each time until there are 30 sts on needles (10 sts per needle). Work even in St st (k EVERY rnd) for 6 rnds.
• Dec Rnd 1: * SSK, k1, k2 tog, k5, rep from * twice more – 24 sts. Knit 2 rnds.
• Dec Rnd 2: * SSK, k1, k2 tog, k3, rep from * twice more – 18 sts. Knit 2 rnds.
• Dec Rnd 3: * SSK, k1, k2 tog, k1, rep from * twice more – 12 sts. Knit 2 rnds.
• Dec Rnd 4: * SSK, k2 tog, rep from * twice more – 6 sts. Break off yarn leaving a long tail.
• Thread tail into tapestry needle and draw through all sts on needles. Stuff bird firmly. Pull up sts and secure. Thread cast-on tail into tapestry needle and thread through cast-on sts. Pull in tightly and secure.

WINGS AND TAIL (Make 3)

Note: Sl the first st of every row purlwise.

• With 2 dpn’s, using blue, cast on 8 sts.
• Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
• Row 3: K to last 3 sts, k2 tog, k1 – 7 sts.
• Rep Row 3 four times more – 3 sts.
• Break off yarn leaving a long tail. Thread tail into tapestry needle and draw through all sts on needle. Pull up tightly and secure.

BEAK

Note: Sl the first st of every row knitwise on knit side and purlwise on purl side.

• With 2 dpn’s, using gold, cast on 8 sts.
• Row 1: Purl.
• Row 2: K to last 3 sts, k2 tog, k1 – 7 sts.
• Row 3: P to last 3 sts, p2 tog, p1 – 6 sts. Rep Rows 2 and 3 once more – 4 sts.
• Break off yarn leaving a long end. Thread end into tapestry needle and draw through all sts on needle. Pull up tightly and secure.

FINISHING

With tapestry needle, using blue, weave yarn in and out of bird 1/3 down from top. Pull in tightly and secure forming neck. Sew wings to each side along this line. Sew tail to back. With gold, sew beak to face. With tapestry needle and black, embroider eyes as in photo.

Monsters

These look like a lot of fun and very easy to make! What a good idea, I'll have to remember them on a rainy day. And they would be perfect for quiet play during church.

Creamed Corn

I haven't tried this but it sounds good AND it's a crockpot recipe AND it's not as fattening as most creamed corn recipes. So, I'm posting it to help me remember it in the future.

The Ingredients.
1 bag frozen white corn
1 can corn
1 T butter
1 T cream cheese
2 T flour (or pancake mix.)
3 T fat free milk
1/4 t black pepper

The Directions.
In a small saucepan, melt your butter and cream cheese over low heat on the stove top and make a rue, adding your flour slowly and wisking until there aren't any lumps. Add your milk and the liquid from the can of corns to the mix and wisk some more. The cream cheese is pretty thick, and you may need the liquid in the saucepan before the flour will melt nicely for you. Mix in the black pepper. Empty the contents of the frozen bag of corn and the rest from the can of corn into your crockpot.--cover with the sauce.--cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4.This is done when everything is hot and melty.

Verdict: TBA

Found:http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/04/crockpot-creamed-corn-recipe.html

Ooo La La Burgers

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
• 1/8 c. Grill seasoning
• 1 c. chopped (fried and patted with a paper towel) smoky bacon
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 package of Laughing Cow "Original Creamy Swiss" cheese wedges
• Olive oil
• Grey Poupon mustard

Instructions

• 1. Combine the ground beef with the seasoning, bacon pieces, and egg.
• 2. Form into 12 thin patties.
• 3. Take one wedge of the Laughing Cow cheese and spread it out into a 3-inch circle.
• 4. Place a flattened wedge of cheese in the middle of six of the patties.
• 5. Top each "cheese" patty with another patty of ground beef.
• 6. Seal the edges of each patty "sandwich". [At this point, they may be refrigerated overnight for the meat to mesh flavors with the bacon]
• 7. Brush with Colavita olive oil and grill until browned on both sides.
• 8. Spread Grey Poupon on french bread and place a patty on the bread. Top with thinly sliced onion.

Verdict: Amazing! This is our new favorite hamburger, we served these to some missionaires for dinner and they loved them. We used normal hamburger buns and let everyone decide what to top their burger with and it was still great. The creamy swiss cheese really makes this hamburger and is very filling. I would be tempted to add more bacon since you didn't notice you were eating bacon.

Found: http://burgerbase.sutterhome.com/view?id=118

Some Mad Skills!

Here are some great ideas for decorating for parties, showers, anniversaries, etc. This lady has some awesome and unbelievable cupcake. Seriously, she rocks. I wish I lived in her area just so I could place an order. I like the pirate and baby/baby shower ones.

Lasagna Rolls

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch ground nutmeg

Lasagna:

• 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped
• 1 large egg, beaten to blend
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting water
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)

To make the sauce:

Melt the butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high. Whisk the sauce until it comes to a simmer and is thick and smooth, about 3 minutes.

Whisk the salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the bechamel sauce.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Whisk the ricotta, spinach, 1 cup Parmesan, prosciutto, egg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend.

Add a tablespoon or 2 of oil to a large pot of boiling salted water. Boil the noodles until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Arrange the noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.

Butter a 13-by-9-by-2-inch glass baking dish.

Pour the bechamel sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Lay out 4 lasagna noodles on a work surface, then spread about 3 tablespoons of ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle. Starting at 1 end, roll each noodle like a jelly roll. Lay the lasagna rolls seam side down, without touching, atop the bechamelsauce in the dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and ricotta mixture.

Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce over the lasagna rolls. Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan over the lasagna rolls. Cover tightly with foil. Bake until heated through and the sauce bubbles, about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top becomes golden, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining marinara sauce in a heavy small saucepan over medium heat until hot, and serve alongside.

Verdict: Served this for Taryn's birthday lunch to Janyse, Tim and me. I thought it needed some more prosciutto and if I had to make it again I would probably double the proscuitto. Tim loved it and keeps asking for me to make it again.

Found it here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_30333,00.html

Asparagus Puff

Ingredients:

• 10 eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 10 slices white bread (remove crusts and cube)
• 1 pound asparagus, blanch, cut into 1" pieces
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ pound grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ pound diced Canadian bacon (optional)

Directions: Dice and lightly sauté Canadian bacon. Beat together eggs and milk. In large bowl mix together all ingredients and pour into a 9x13 pan. Let set overnight.

Bake for 45 - 60 minutes at 350 or until nicely browned.

Verdict: We loved it! This was served at Darcy's blessing brunch. It was easy to prepare the night before and put it to cook while we were at church. I put in 12 slices of bread instead of 10 and had the canadian bacon - wouldn't do it without.

Found on this website: http://www.bbonline.com/recipe/index.html

Smiles

Our little Darce started smiling two weeks ago and we finally caught it on camera. Doesn't it just make your day!?!