California Rolls

Ok, so for a R.S. cooking class night we learned how to make Pork Fried Rice (YUM) and then Califorania Rolls. I do not eat fish at all. But I was still interested in how they were made. I know that you can make them however you want and they do not have to have any fish in them.....but even the idea grosses me out. Almost everyone tried them...but I did NOT! But I knew Larry loved them, so.....I made some for him for an early Father's Day. So, here are the ones I made. Cream Cheese with Smoked Salmon and fresh Asparagus. He loved them. And I was sooooo happy with how professional they looked. I am all about the presentation.

Cow Minky Tag Blankie

Ok, so here's my new Tag Blankie. A lady who already bought the larger baby blaket wanted me to make her a matching Tag. So...here it is. I LOVE it!!!

Strawberries & Cream Dessert Squares

Ok, so Larry had a work potluck today and I wanted to make a dessert for it....surprised? It was never "Hey Larry, what are you bringing? " It was more like... "Hey Larry, what is your wife goig to make for this?" So, I got to choose. I had been doing so much chocolate, so I wanted to go a bit fruity. So here you go...step by step. Here is the link for the recipe instead of making this longer.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes/Recipe.aspx?recipeId=187

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie

Ok, so, these are my new ones. Super easy. All you have to do is make a normal brownie mix (Box if needs be), and put about 2 Tbls in each muffin cup. Bake @ 350 degrees for 10 mins, then take them out of the oven an place UNwrapped PB cup in the center until it is settled in. Bake for another 5-7 mins. Take out, cool, and ENJOY!

Yummy Truffle Brownies

Ok, so I needed...yes, NEEDED to try a new recipe. I found this recipe on BYUTV Culinary with Mary Crafts. She calls it Chocolate Truffle Fudge Brownies with a Chocolate Truffle Icing. Normally I only make BOX MIX Brownies (sorry, my secret is out!). I deceded to try out this easy recipe for dessert last night...and....WOW. They were so good. It's funny, everytime we have brownies Larry's insists on having ice cream, ALWAYS! So, after I made them, he and Maddie went to the store and got a Vanilla ice cream with fudge ripples and mini peanut butter cups (YUM!). So, needless to say, DESSERT was YUMMY!

Chocolate Truffle Fudge Brownies

Ingredients:
�� 1 cup melted butter
�� 2 cups sugar
�� 2 teaspoon vanilla
�� 4 whole eggs
�� 1 cup all-purpose flour
�� 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
�� 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
�� 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:In a large mixing bowl, blend butter, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Combine remaining dry ingredients and gradually add to butter mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated. Do not over beat. Spray a 9 x 13 inch cake pan with baking release spray. Spread brownie mixture into pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 30-40 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from edge of pan. Cool. Frost with Chocolate Truffle Icing.
These are very rich brownies so cut pan into 32 to 40 pieces. Keep brownies refrigerated in an airtight container for three days. Brownies freeze great for up to two months.

Chocolate Truffle Icing

Ingredients:
�� 1 cup whipping cream
�� 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Directions:In a medium sauce pan, bring cream just to the point of boiling. Pour chocolate in and stir until smooth. Take pan OFF heat! Pour mixture over cooled brownies and refrigerate until set. Each piece of brownie may be topped with a pecan half, if desired.
These would be really cute cut up and served in bon bon cups.

Lavender Farm

Ok, so I finally got Larry to go to the Lavender Farm. I have been TONS of times, but he had never been out there since they started growing the lavender. We had fun watching the girls torment the chickens...Mr. Darcy (Rooster) and the 5 hens were named after the 5 sisters in Pride & Prejudice. Super cute. They even have 2 Diamond Doves named Neil & Diamond. SO original! HA. And of course there's Michelle the mean and noisy, but beautiful Macaw. Shiloh the work horse was being shy today, so the girls didn't get to feed her. Here are some pics of us tromping through the lavender. ooo....we even got to pick some cherries, and have some Lavender Lemonade. You all must go!!!!

http://www.lavenderhollowfarm.com/

Sweet Dessert

So, I had Larry's parents over for dinner Friday and we had Enchiladas and then my Dad (Larry's dad) wanted some dessert with white cake. Whatever he wants, I make. So, I made some white cupcakes (yummy even by itself) then I added a dollop of cool whip with sliced strawberries. It was soooooo scrumptious that I had to take a picture. It was actually really her to take one without it being blurry. Sorry!