Choo Choo!

Austin’s 2-year-old questions

Seriously, is there a cuter 2-year-old?  Look at that face!  Man, I love this kid! 

First Day of School Pictures

Behind?  No. I’m not behind on these.  It’s still the 10-11 school year! 

 

53 Mondays – Week 37

WAFFLES OF INSANE GREATNESS

Really.  That’s their name.  I had to try them. With that as a name, that’s a lot to live up to, but they were really good waffles.  They were airy and light and crispy without being greasy and really easy to make.  The only drawback is that the batter was only enough for 5-6 normal-sized waffles, which was fine for my family, but maybe not for others. 

I did not have any buttermilk, so I did a little research and used 1 Tbsp lemon juice and enough milk to make 1 cup (or halved for this recipe).  Seemed to work fine for me! 

The recipe and photo are from Annie’s Eats. 

¾3/4 cup all-purpose flour
¼1/4 cup cornstarch
½1/2 tsp. baking powder
¼1/4 tsp. baking soda
½1/2 tsp. salt
½1-1/2 tsp. sugar
½1/2 cup whole milk
½1/2 cup buttermilk
    1/3 cup vegetable oil
    1 large egg, lightly beaten
¾ 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.  Whisk together to blend.  In another mixing bowl, beat together the whole milk, buttermilk, oil, egg and vanilla.  Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients and whisk just until incorporated and few lumps remain.  Set aside to rest for 30 minutes.

Preheat a waffle iron.  Fill waffle wells and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Cook until crisp and golden.  Serve immediately.

53 Mondays – Week 36

I actually did have a new recipe last week and forgot to post it!  Oops!  I made this for a family party and I would call it a success!  I love the flavor of green peppers, but not so much love eating them, so I might leave those out next time.  Also, the toasted slivered almonds on top were a must.  They added nice texture!  So they are a must!  This did make a large bowl, so consider that if you make it! 

The recipe comes from the “Favorites” cookbook sold by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

WILD RICE SALAD

6 cups water

3 cups wild rice

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, chopped

1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas

1 green pepper, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped (I only used 2-1/2 stalks)

1 pink cherry tomatoes, halved (I quartered them)

1 (4 ounce) package silvered almonds, toasted

 

DRESSING:

1-1/3 cups vegetable oil

1/2 cup vinegar

1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp celery salt

1/2 tsp ground white pepper (didn’t have this, so I just used black pepper)

1/2 tsp dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon paprika (I LOVE smoked paprika so I used that-Mmmmm….smells so yummy)

2 cloves garlic, minced 

 

Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

In a large saucepan, heat water and rice to boiling.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes. 

Drain excess liquid from rice.

Mix together rice, artichokes, peas, green pepper, green onions, tomatoes, and half the dressing.  Toss well. Cover and chill. 

Just before serving, toss again and taste.  Add more dressing, if desired.  Sprinkle with tossed almonds and serve. 

Do Things…

I just read a great quote:  "If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing."  -Benjamin Franklin

That made me think of all those things I dreamed of as a child – all those things that I wanted to do, wanted to be.  One of those things was a mom.  I wanted to be a mom more than just about anything.  I’ve done that and, naturally, continue to do that, so where from here?  While I know that being a mom is the most important job I’ll do, it’s not the only thing I’ve wanted to do.  My little penguins are still too young for me to consider stopping being a full-time mom, but why can’t I be more? 

Here’s the thing…I can be more…I just need the time.  I’m working on balance and finding time for everything, but this quote from Ben Franklin was a great reminder that I can be more and, to be honest, I am more.  I probable do things worth writing about, just maybe not every day!  I mean really…no matter how great a writer I am (and I’m really not that great), I can’t make cleaning up puke for the seventh day in a row after my youngest penguin coughs until he pukes cool, because it’s not!  I’ll try to find something better to write about and more time to write it! 

August Pictures