Mar 29, 2007

Jo in Germany


Jo and Micky xoxoxo


Peanut Butter Double Chip Cookies


3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter flavor shortening
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 large egg
3 tablespoons half-and-half or milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Set oven to 350°.
In a mixing bowl, cream peanut butter, shortening and brown sugar.
Add egg; mix well.
Stir in milk and vanilla.
Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
Stir in the chips.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown.
Note: if you prefer larger cookies, just use a tablespoonful of batter, and bake a little longer.

Soft Molasses Cookies


1 cup sugar
3/4 cup molasses (regular)
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses (get it in a health food store)
1 cup shortening, melted
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vinegar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cloves
5 cups flour
extra sugar, for sprinkling


Mix the milk and vinegar and set aside for a minute.
In a large bowl mix well the sugar, both molasses and shortening (if you don't have the Black Strap you can use the regular but the taste is much better with the black strap).
Add the milk and vinegar mixture.
Add the dry ingredients mixing well.
Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll out on a floured board and cut in circle the size you want (I usually do one about 3 inches).
Sprinkle the tops with some sugar.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 7-8 minute.
Don't overbake them, just till done.

2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water
1 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup cocoa
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting
1/2 cup butter (or margerine)
1/4 cup milk (plus 2 tablespoons)
1/4 cup cocoa
4 1/4 cups powdered sugar (1 16-ounce bag)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup peanut butter

Mar 26, 2007

Mar 20, 2007

Gilly and Cookie!

Look at my two beautiful kitties!!

Mar 11, 2007

Cherry Mojitos

Cherry Mojitos

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 5 limes)
16 oz bag frozen cherries
9 oz vodka
1 liter tonic or club soda

Bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar to boil, stirring until dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. In a medium sized bowl, mix frozen cherries, lime juice, sugar syrup, and vodka. Fill 6 glasses with ice, spoon in 1/2 cup cherry vodka mixture, top off with soda and serve.

White Wine Strawberry Sangira

White Wine Strawberry Sangira (aka Mom Juice)

• 1 bottle dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc (White
Zinvandel is also a good choice, and I've also used Wild Vines' Strawberry
Zin)
• 1/2 cup strawberry schnapps
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries (or one bag of frozen strawberries)
• Ice
• Whole strawberries (optional)

In a 2-quart pitcher stir together wine, strawberry schnapps, and sugar until
sugar dissolves. Add sliced strawberries and chill for 1 to 4 hours. Serve over ice.
If desired, garnish with whole strawberries. Makes 5 or 6 (about 8-ounce)
servings.

Guacamole

GUACAMOLE

Makes 2-1/2 cups

1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 small white onion, finely chopped
1 large jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs removed, if desired, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more to taste
3 ripe avocados
1 medium tomato, seeds removed, cut into 1/4 inch dice

In a medium bowl, combine the salt, onion, jalapeno and cilantro, using the back of a wooden spoon. Cupping the avocado with the palm of your hand, split it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Slice it lengthwise into 1/8-inch strips, then crosswise into 1/2-inch dice. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Add the avocado to the bowl and mix thoroughly into a paste. Add the tomatoes and cilantro, if desired, and serve with corn chips. The dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container, with a piece of plastic wrap laid directly on the guacamole to prevent it from discoloring, for up to 4 hours.

Mar 4, 2007

Wonderful Graffitti

I found this in a lovely blog http://abbyjean.typepad.com/style_me_pretty/
It's called wonderful wedding graffitti...

The Sartorialist Blogspot

For pure fashion inspiration, couldn't ask for a better blog!
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html

Apple Pie Design Decals

I've been seeing more and more of "decal" decor. This one is from Apple Pie Design. Beautiful and it gives the room an air of romance...
http://applepiedesign.be/uk/sample.php?id=08

Beautiful Brown and Pink Cake