Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ah, the holidays!

I don't particularly like to announce when I'm going out of town, on the odd chance a stalker decides to rob my house or something (though I'm sure he'd be sorely disappointed in his findings.)

Anyways, last Wednesday, my house looked like this:

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket
Check out this AWESOME blanket my friend gave to me for Christmas.  Janetha, I know you're jealous!

Photobucket
Breakfast.  Tea and oatmeal.  I only like oatmeal on cold days.

Photobucket
My bag was overpacked and I was ready to go.  On a short plane ride to Oregon to see my parents.

Photobucket
Here is a picture from the sky of some part of western Idaho.  You're welcome.

The next few days were spent baking and lounging.  I made a delicious lighter version of pound cake for Christmas dessert.  I forgot to snap a picture but here's the recipe I borrowed from Cooking Light.

Light Sour Cream Pound Cake


cooking spray
3 cups cake flour (I used regular and it came out just fine)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt (I used just a dash)
3/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. light or fat free sour cream

1. Spray cooking spray generously into bundt pan (this always reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding when her fiance's mom brings a bundt cake and her mom has no idea what it is.  Anyone remember that?)  Sidetracked.  Coat the inside of the bundt pan with flour.

2.  Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in small bowl.  Place butter and sugar in large bowl and beat until fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time.  Add milk and vanilla and mix until just combined.  Add flour mixture and sour cream alternatively, beat until just combined.

3. Spoon into prepared pan, bake for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes, then loosen with a narrow spatula, place plate over pan and invert cake onto plate.  I like to top it with a vanilla or caramel or lemon sauce.  Yum!

Photobucket
(source)

Skip to Saturday aka Christmas feast.


Photobucket
Photobucket
Ham, pineapple cranberry sauce, gingered carrots, green bean casserole, potato rolls, mashed potatoes.


Also, I thought I'd share this gem with you:

Photobucket
My brother and I, playing in a box.  Never too big, right?

We had leftovers the next day, but with some kind of balsamic glazed brussels sprouts.

Photobucket
Yeah, I still don't like brussels sprouts.  Even if I think it's cool they look like tiny cabbages.  I ate them anyway, since I guess they're good for me.

We also went to see Tron: Legacy

Photobucket
It was awesome!

Photobucket
The theater was called cinnebarre.  I tried to take a picture, but it was dark and I only had my phone.

My point is, that they took out half the seats and replaced them with long tables.  You can order food and they'll bring it to you during the movie.  Quite brilliant.
Photobucket
Unfortunately, we'd already eaten dinner and didn't participate in any ordering of food.

The other cool thing, was there were TONS of movie posters lining the walls.  Most of them were old, OLD posters (I'm thinking prints of old posters, not actually the originals).  It was really neat looking at all of them.

Photobucket
Photobucket

I also tried out Jessica's Kicked Up Spinach Dip but minus the bacon.  Don't tell her that I left out the bacon, k?

Photobucket
Totally yum-o.

Now I'm back home and happy to see this guy:
Photobucket
He was at the kennel charming all the staff and making new friends.  Still, I think he missed me.

Now I'm wondering: how long can I leave my suitcase in the middle of the floor and get away with it?

Photobucket

What was your best memory of Christmas this year?






Monday, December 20, 2010

A Day of Holiday Baking in Pictures

I baked my little heart out on Friday (the day after finals).  Even though it was a lot of work, it has brought me so much joy to give away my little baked treats made with lots of love.  I love seeing the smiles on the faces of my friends when they admire the different shapes and colors of each one.  I'm glad that it's a talent I can freely give, especially at Christmas time.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket
 

p.s. Listen to the song I'm currently obsessed with (Hazy- Rosie Golan feat. William Fitzsimmons)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!



Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Deck the Halls!

Thanks so much for the well wishes on my last post!  I'm glad to say that I'm feeling much cheerier these days, despite two finals tomorrow and one on Thursday.

I tried my first papaya:

Photobucket
Interesting.  I think I should have waited a little longer for it to ripen.

You know what one of my favorite things about the holiday season is?  Having lots of excuses to bake and did I ever.  

Photobucket
I made snickerdoodles.  Recipe here.  Unfortunately, I over mixed the eggs and butter so they came out flatter than usual, but still tasty!

And chocolate chocolate chip cookies.  Recipe here.

Photobucket
Ooohh, deaath by chocolate!

I also put up my tree

Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

My nickname for Jeremy is bear and so each Christmas I get him a bear ornament.
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
This year's bear was a hunting bear.  Can you spot his magnifying glass, binoculars and gun?

Photobucket

and started a few other Christmas decorations. 

Photobucket
Photobucket
I still need to deck the halls bannister!

Now I'm trying to get my butt out the door to finish some Christmas shopping (yes, my November goal failed miserably) and do some studying!



What's your favorite cookie?