A Year in Review...or Not

I was trying to think of how to summarize the year.  What to focus on - local, national, temporal or spiritual.  After some pondering, I have decided not to reflect today with this post.  I spent too much time with tragedies trying to make sense of things, that is has worn me out.  Instead, I am looking to the future - to O's birthday.  

She is going to be FIVE!  Where in the world did the time go??!!  I can remember sitting by her in that isolette for hours on end.  Now she is officially and firmly in the big girl world!

And being such a big girl, she got some big girl presents over the Christmas holiday, including an Easy Bake Oven, which she has joint custody of with her sister.  It has gone much smoother than I anticipated.  They are sharing AMAZINGLY well.  Perhaps there is hope for the future, yet.

But, I digress...

After reminiscing about the Easy Bake I inherited as a child, which I believe is still floating around the family somewhere, we got down to some serious baking.  The girls had so much fun, making them, serving their siblings, cousin, uncle and grandpa.  I thought, "Hey, perfect!  People can get her these sets for her birthday!"  Which they can!  But, to sustain this habit, would be a bit pricey.  

So, what do you do with such a conundrum?  Turn to Pinterest!  Duh, especially when you're in the midst of a 48.

I found some Easy Bake Recipe posts and got the idea to make a Cookbook for O for her birthday.  

D is so thrilled to be baking!

So, I compiled some recipes, found a site (createmycookbook.com) to put them together for me - including a mushy dedication page - in a nice neat package.  I am hoping to have it ordered tonight. Cake section is done and ready for press.

Off to the Cookies Section.

Make some cookies with your muppets and let your FFs know how much you love them.

And from my family to yours, Blessings and Love for coming New Year!  Happy 2013!  Be safe out there tonight! 

Welcome to the Picky Eaters Club

I have got the pickiest eaters in the world.  My husband does not each cheese.  My youngest is not a fan of bread or starches - much preferring plain old meat, in any form.  My princess would be happy eating PB&J for all of eternity.  Me, I fit in to this bunch as well.  I inherited my father's taste (or lack there of) for veggies and have a weird texture aversion - don't ask, I have no idea.  We are impossible to cook for.  If it isn't breakfast, not everyone agrees on the meal plan.

I am looking for help with food ideas.  Dishes that can be made on Sunday, frozen and thrown in the oven on Wednesday.  Sounds easy, right.  I also need to have the muppets eat them.  Ahhhh, that is where things get tricky!  I am not against making two - one with cheese and one without, for example.  I have been doing that for the last 14 years, I have grown comfortable with it. Life is getting crazy and during the week, especially when my hubby is pulling a 48, I need things as streamlines as possible.  I bought two casserole recipe books off of Amazon, I have scoured the web looking for ideas and I am continuing to search.   I am looking for your "kid tested, mother approved" suggestions and recipes.

So, I will start, although this is not something I have found a way to do ahead of time - sooo yummy.

Sherry Apple Pork Chops - Serves 6

Ingredients

• 7-1/4 pork chops
• 3-1/2 large apples - peeled, cored and sliced
• 1/4 cup and 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons and 1-1/4 teaspoons butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup and 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons dry sherry

• Directions

  This recipe's Ingredients were scaled to yield a new amount. The directions below still refer to the original recipe yield of 5 to 6 servings.
  1. In a large skillet, brown chops, about 2 minutes each side; reserve.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  3. Arrange apple slices in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Dot with butter or margarine. Top with browned pork chops and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour sherry over all, cover and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until tender and internal temperature of pork has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).