Back by Popular Demand

I haven't written in a while, and didn't really think anyone noticed until two people actually told me they have been checking my blog and I haven't written.... So I'm back!

I know it's a little past the season, but I gave my Grandma a homemade gift as part of her Christmas present this year, and I think it's something that people could give for any number of occasions (it's both thoughtful and useful). So, rather than wait for next Christmas... It's called a Memory Journal.

Basically, it asks the recipient to answer questions ranging from where were your born and who did you go to prom with, to what was your greatest life lesson, who do you consider your best friend, and what do you remember most about your parents. This is a great way not only to get to know parents, grandparents, and other family members better but to have these memories (in their own written hand) to pass on for years to come.


You can write each of the questions into a store-bought journal, or do what I did and type them out, print them, punch holes in them and string a ribbon through to make your own journal. This way, when the recipient has finished answering the questions, you can untie it and make photocopies for any family members who would like to keep these memories as well.

My grandma started writing her answers, and I know when she is done it will be a gift for our whole family.

Cake Balls!

This weekend was full of Christmas baking, cookies, cupcakes and... cake balls! Unfortunately, the dipping chocolate I got this year wasn't the best, so I had to improvise a little on the last step, but they still taste good. There really should be a different name for these though, because "cake balls" never sounds appetizing to anyone, but they really are good and easy to make, give 'em a try!

Ingredients:
1 box cake mix (any kind you like... I used chocolate for these)
1 16 oz. can frosting (again, I used chocolate - but use any combo you like)
1 package dipping chocolate (regular, white chocolate, colored)
wax paper

Directions:
1. Cook cake according to the directions on the box, cool completely (!!) and crumble into a bowl
2. Dump the frosting into the bowl
3. Mix together thoroughly, and refrigerate for an hour or so
4. Roll into balls, lay on cookie sheet
5. Refrigerate again (you can even leave them in overnight) so they get nice and cold
6. Melt chocolate in your microwave or in a double boiler, and dip each ball into chocolate using a toothpick or fork, add extra decoration if you want, and place on wax paper to cool.

Click to Enlarge

Step 6 was what gave me a little trouble this year, so I just dipped the bottom, and then put the melted chocolate in a ziploc bag, snipped the tip and drizzled extra chocolate on top.

No More Rosy Cheeks

I've been a longtime Yankees fan, you know - you like who your parents like and whatnot. But last season I was introduced to being a "Met Fan" and I'll admit, it was pretty fun. I like baseball in general, and Met fans have a certain air about them, and Mr. Met is really friggin cute... but most of all there was Joe Smith.

Now (on my Birthday of all days) the Mets have traded my beloved Rosacea Boy... to Cleveland. Like...Really?? Can't they just be happy with their signature blonde man Drew Carey and leave mine alone?

I will miss you Joe... Cleveland SUCKS!

Oh No They Didn't

I know everyone is already writing about this, but I can't help jumping on the wagon...

It started with Apple, Coco, Pilot, Brooklyn (which I actually think is pretty cute), but we all got the point - celebrities like to give their kids out-of-the-box names... but really people, really?

Bronx Mowgli
Zuma Nesta
Blue Angel
Audio Science
Moon Unit
Moxie Crimefighter

These names look like they came from one of those sites where you type in some random facts about yourself, and it spits out your Porn Name and you're like... "Oh okay... So, my porn name is German Shepard Starburst? That makes complete and total sense, and is, obviously, very sexy."

An Apple A Day

Little delay since the last time I've posted, but I've been busy scowering the internet for the perfect Christmas gifts, its November 18th and I'm about 75% done. I love to shop early, which may be a problem in the future when I have kids and "Santa" can't find places to hide all the presents for 6 weeks... but for now, it works.

Anyway, I had an apple the other night from the grocery store and it was SO good! I wanted to post a few of my favorite apple recipes -'tis the season!

Apple Slaw
Serve this with pork tenderloin, crab cakes, or as a side salad at a party













Ingredients

• 2 cups thin-sliced Granny Smith (or mix of Granny Smith and Gala) apple strips
• 1 cup thin-sliced jicama strips
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
  
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• salt
• pepper

Recipe

1. To make the dressing, whisk together brown sugar, vinegar, and oil.
2. Mix apples, jicama, cabbage and carrots together, pour dressing over the top.
   
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Apple Caramel Oatmeal Bars
Serve chilled, or warm with vanilla bean ice cream













Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups butter, melted
• 1 jar caramel ice cream topping

Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease two 8x8 pans
2. Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir in the melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Press half of this mixture into the prepared baking pans. (Reserve the other half for later). Bake for 8 minutes in preheated oven.
3. Peel and slice the apples and spread them evenly over the baked crust. Pour the caramel filling over the apples and crumble the remaining crust mixture on the top.
   
4. Bake again for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
   

Hot Apple Cider Toddy
Serve this as the first drink when people come in from to the cold!













Ingredients

• whiskey or brandy
• hot apple cider
• 1 stick butter
• 2 tsps cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar
  
• apple slices
  
• cinnamon sticks

Recipe

1. Soften butter, mix in cinnamon and sugar, place in the center of a square of wax paper, roll up and refrigerate until hard again (do this the night before serving).
   
2. Place a small slice of the cinnamon/sugar butter in the bottom of a mug or glass.
3. Pour in 2 ounces whiskey or brandy, and fill with warm cider (heat the cider in a large pot on the oven and keep warm)
4. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick
   

Time to Vote

I'm not gonna get all political, but I hope everyone is going to go out and vote tomorrow. Even if you think your vote doesn't count, at least it will give you the leverage to be able to bitch about the outcome - because in my opinion, it's cool if you don't want to vote, but if you don't vote, don't bitch!


Speaking of voting, remember when women didn't have the write to vote, or wear watches? I've been watching Mad Men lately, and damn, those women were idiots back then! Not because they actually were idiots, but because they let men treat them like they were. The show is really interesting though... starts slow but gets much better as the episodes go on.