Happy Graduation Day, Anna!

My niece graduated from high school and just received her cosmetology license. In celebration of her big day my sis in law and I put together a yummy dessert buffet, 'cause we loves her. Anna is a sweetheart, every room is brighter with her in it, and I can't wait to see what wonderful things God has planned for her future.

{Thank you Darla for making the lovely food cards}

{a chocolate fountain: messy, but oh so good}

{A raspberry almond ruffle cake-I've been needing an excuse to try out this design}

{Molly whipped up an amazing flag banner}

{My sis who just started her own senior portrait business took these stunning shots of Anna}

As you can see, it took a group effort to pull off, but I think it turned out lovely. And by the looks of things, I would say that all our friends enjoyed it.

Wouldn't you agree?

We love you Anna Girl...

Love Fest~ Day #7

I HEART Grammy...

I've never met the lady, but I've met her chocolate cookies. And if she's anything like her cookies~ sweet, delightful and decadent~ she's my kinda girl!

You may remember that I'm on this CRAZY diet challenge which allows me only one cheat day per week to indulge in desserts. However, as of late, I'm finding myself dreaming of, baking and eating all things chocolate. Which might help with explaining why in exactly two weeks I have lost exactly zero pounds!

This week in particular, I feel like I have a reasonable excuse. I keep telling myself that it is MEDICALLY NECESSARY for me to consume chocolate! *wink, wink* Can I get an amen? 

If you're gonna cheat, you might as well go BIG! If you're gonna cheat with cookies, you better make these; I'm telling you, they are THAT good!

Oh, in case the whole heart theme I've got going on around here isn't reminder enough, the day of LOVE is right around the corner. Make Grammy's chocolate cookies for your sweetie and he'll thank you for it. Promise.

They are found in this cookbook and you can find the recipe on the internet. Please don't make me type it out for you. That requires work. I don't feel like working. Thanks;)

HINTS:

1. You must use butter if you want your baked goods to turn out scrumptious.

2. Never over bake~ always under bake cookies. They will continue to firm up as they cool down.

3. Dutch process cocoa powder is the BEST. Don't even bother with the other stuff.

Prepare the batter...

Roll the dough in sugar...

Place on a cookie sheet and bake...

When your kitchen looks like this...

Don't worry!

{picture people- I'm loving the afternoon light pouring through my kitchen windows}

When they are finished and you bite into their crispy, crunchy, sugary shell, all will be right in the world once again!

Thanks so much for playing my game yesterday guys. I laughed out loud many times reading all your comments, and the bargain tips were helpful as well!

Tate will draw a winner later today and I'll let you know tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll also post a pic of the bathroom progress. Mr. LORIENDEVON assures me I'll have running water soon, but I don't believe him!;) Hope you have a great day!

Pizza Wraps

  

I love all things food: reading about it, watching it being made on TV, devouring it. The only problem is I'm on this nutty diet challenge of 2011, and I don't want to fail in front of my friends:) But a girl's gotta EAT, right? In desperation, I came up with what I think is a tasty, diet-friendly version of a mushroom, onion, pepperoni and spinach pizza. Although you'll find that the crispy, crunchy crust that you've become accustomed to with pizza is missing, I still think it's a scrumptious alternative to getting FAT! Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

O.K. It starts out like this...

         Gather together   *SPINACH
                           *REDUCED FAT CHEESE
                           *TOMATO SAUCE
                           *RED ONION
                           *TURKEY PEPPERONI
                           *MUSHROOMS
                           *LAVASH BREAD-

           

{basically a whole wheat wrap with only 50 calories and 2g.of fat/serving}

* Each and every item listed in today's recipe can be purchased at a wholesale club near you and without ever stepping foot into Walmart, PRICELESS! New Year's Resolution #2: NEVER go to Walmart again! Unfortunately, I'm rather confident that I won't actually be able to pull this resolution off. But, hey, a girl's gotta dream... and EAT. So here we go-

Chop up the red onion and saute with mushrooms. Rather than using oil, I find that a spray of Pam works just fine.

Now you are going to want to broil the wrap to ensure that the whole thing stays as firm as possible.

Spread the tomato sauce and add toppings.

  Back under the broiler

until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle with fresh spinach and roll it up like you would a wrap.

Enjoy with an ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper! *wink,wink*

 YUMMM!!!





Baking Day

                     We wanted to give a small token of appreciation

                     to the AWANA workers who have served so

                     diligently in the children's program at our

                     church.

                     Peppermint bark, everyone loves a good

                     peppermint bark, right?  I had just read a 

                     recipe that morning, and I was dying to try it out.

                     Surely, I could make this all happen in a day.

                     I mean, really, it's not like I had anything else

                     going on.

                     Kids, Hush!! Can't you see I'm baking!

                     

                     Just kidding...I think.

                     Peppermint! It's all about the peppermint this 

                     time of year. Trust me, I went to 4 separate

                     grocery stores before I finally scored a bottle of

                     McCormick's PURE peppermint extract. 

Layers of peppermint and chocolatey goodness

Seriously, I can't stop eating it.

                  The mess remains and the treadmill is calling

                  my name. Maybe tomorrow, but probably not.

                  What's your favorite holiday treat?

                  Remember, it's not too late to win the giveaway. 

                  The drawing will take place tomorrow afternoon,

                  right after Laney wakes up from her nap. This

                  is quite a bit of pressure for a 4 year old.

                  If you want her in tip top shape for the drawing,

                  a nap is a must!

                 

                  All you have to do in order to be eligible

                  is follow me and leave a comment. 

                  Thanks, friends