I'm Done!

I have spent the better part of this week re-labeling ALL the posts on my blog. That is 373 posts! It was definately an undertaking, but I am thrilled to be finished with it. Plus, now you will be able to browse recipes much easier here. That is always a good thing!

Hmmm... what to look at first?

Happy Anniversary Tuesdays with Dorie!!!

Today is the 2nd anniversary for TWD. I have been baking along with the group since August 2008 and love, love, love Dorie Greenspan. Baking From My Home To Yours is an amazing cookbook that I think EVERY home baker should have. Out of all the recipes I have made from this book in the last 18 months there have only been a couple that I didn't care for. And let's be honest... It's not like the recipes failed, they just weren't my cup of tea.

For the anniversary, we were given two recipes and were allowed to choose which to make. The recipe choices were Cocoa-Buttermilk Birthday Cake or Tarte Tatin. I am not one to ever turn down chocolate cake but there was just no way we were going to eat an entire cake and I didn't really feel like making cupcakes or cutting the recipe. So I opted for Tarte Tatin.

Tarte Tatin in kind of like an upside down apple pie without any of the spices. You cook the apples in a cast iron pan with butter and sugar. Oh yeah.... butter and sugar. YUM! Once the butter and sugar has carmelized around the apples you cover the apples with either pie dough, sweet tart dough, or puff pastry then finish it off in the oven.

I choose to use Dorie's sweet tart dough because I love it. It is amazing. The only problem is that I am pretty sure Dorie must've used puff pastry for the picture in her book because her dough is visible through the apples where mine is kinda flat. Now, don't let the pictures discourage you. This was one yummy treat and I hope that I will be making it again!

Thank you to Laurie for starting this amazing group 2 years ago and for hosting this week! The recipes can be found at her blog.

Work in Progress

I am currently reorganizing the labels on my posts but with 370 posts it is going to take a while! Thanks for your patience and I hope to have everything re-labeled by the end of the week.

No SMS... New Plan!

No SMS here this week.

I have decided to pick 2 SMS recipes and 2 TWD recipes each month to make sure that I am keeping up with my commitment to the groups. This way I still can stay in the groups and enjoy trying new things but I won't have to waste food. Between you and me, I need my Germany girls back so I can give them all my cooking! :)

So I will be back with SMS in two weeks. See you then!

Best of 2009

Wow! Can you believe that today is the last day of 2009? What a year it has been! It has definately been a crazy and busy year for me.

I started out the year with Nathan still home visiting on R&R. It was wonderful to be able to start the year with him. He went back to Iraq a few days later and returned home for good at the end of May. Shortly after his return and our vacation, we had to start packing to leave Germany. This was probably the hardest part of my year. After 7 years it was really hard to say goodbye to our home and our friends. We took another vacation before heading to El Paso which is where we now call home.

The kids have grown and changed so much in one year. I can't believe how fast they are growing up. Before I know it, they will be teenagers and I will wonder where my babies have gone. I am definately trying to cherish every moment with them!

I have changed so much in one year. This blog has changed so much in one year. Posting has dropped dramatically, but I am still thankful to have this outlet and to have people who read and comment.

In honor of the end of the year I would like to share some of my favorite recipes from 2009.

Dinner

Cheese Ravioli in a Spinach Cream Sauce - After being introduced to homemade ravioli by my brother-in-law's girlfriend, Lauren, I became addicted. This is my favorite ravioli by far!

Lasagne (Daring Baker Challenge) - I have made this many times since and it has become my go-to lasagne recipe. Love, love, love it!

Bacon Jack Chicken - Bacon, Mushrooms, Cheese, Chicken... Need I say more?

Baked Penne with Chicken and Sun Dried Tomatoes - One of my favorite pasta recipes of all time. ALL TIME. Seriously, make it!

Sweet and Sour Pork - Having a hard time finding good Chinese take out? Try this recipe and you will never order take out again!

Breakfast

White Chocolate Lime Scones - You knew there would be scones on this list. ;) These are AMAZING!

Farmhouse Breakfast Bake - Hearty and delicious! Plus, you can assemble it the night before to make the morning even easier!

Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut Butter and Nutmeg Syrup - The title says it all. YUM!!!

Croque Madame - Probably Nathan's favorite breakfast ever. If it wasn't on this list, I might be in a bit of trouble. Hee hee!

Fluffy Lemon Sour Cream Muffins - Fluffy, lemony, and delicious. Plus, the variations are endless. I loved them with craisins and really want to try them with blueberries.

Misc

All Star Sliders - A super delicious lunch!

Cranberry Bread - One of the best quick breads I have ever tasted!

Dessert - Saved the best for last!

Butterfinger Cake Balls - Easy peasy and oh so good!

Strawberry Shortcakes - Oh, you know you want some!

Snickerdoodle Blondies - If you aren't careful, you will devour the entire pan in one sitting.

Peanut Butter Cookies from Baked - Oh my goodness... The best peanut butter cookies in the world!

Lemon Sugar Cookies - I also made these with lime and turned them into ice cream sandwiches. Incredibly delicious AND addictive!

Brownie Peanut Butter Cups - You can't go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate!

Happy New Year and may your 2010 be filled with many blessings and happiness! Oh, and of course, LOTS of good food!