An Unconventional St. Patrick's Day

"When Irish eyes are smiling, they're up to something"

So here's the deal, I'm usually pretty over-the-top about St. Patrick's Day. I love it! And, hey, the only reason I'm alive is because my Great-Great-Grandfather came over on the boat from "Erin" and planted himself here in the States, so I have a wee bit of right. So, in my usual way I planned this day out to perfection to be filled with mint thin making and Riverdance watching (Yes, I own it). Instead, I ended up scrubbing the mess (punny, no?) out of my kitchen and baking banana bread. I know....it's a little sad. OR it would be if this banana bread was not scrumptious! See?

When I have more time, I'll have to share! For now, I hope you're all having a wonderful time, and a wee bit '0' Irish fun.......

What I've been up to

Hello Friends!

Bama Man and I celebrated our anniversary last weekend (It's actually on Monday) so I spent a large portion of my Saturday morning recreating the cupcakes from our wedding. I know quite a few of you who read this blog were there two years ago when Bama Man and I tied the knot, but for those new bloggy friends who were not, there is something you need to know: Our wedding was home to the best chocolate cupcakes (with buttercream frosting, of course) the world has ever seen. It's true. And ever since the last, solitary leftover cupcake was eaten, I have missed them very much. Me, being overly emotional about cupcakes? Shocking, I know. Anyway, I have never been able to do anything about it previously, but my dear friend who baked them let me in on a few secrets, and guess what, I did it! Granted, they are not exactly the same, but they are so very, very close and I am satisfied. Which is evidenced by the fact we have managed to eat almost two dozen in 5 days. I would post a picture...but there isn't really much to see anymore...

Let's see, what else....

Well I managed to wash my brand new amazing white Christmas sweater with last year's red Christmas sweater, which resulted in a few pinks spots, but after soaking it in freezing cold water for 3 days, and trying very hard not to cry, they (almost) completely came out!

Also, I can't stop watching Gwenyth Paltrow's 'Glee' rendition of "Forget You" even though I stopped watching the show months ago. And I have been playing a reidiculous amount of computer solitaire, since Bama Man introduced me to the 'Vegas' option...and I might have a fake money gambling problem.

I know I said I would post my To Do in 2011 list, and I haven't forgotten. I've just been thinking about it. I had quite a few short term goals on it that I have already completed (not the least of which is making my linen closet look like the magazine pictures that make me shudder at my own inadequacy) so I'm trying to limit my updated list to slightly more long-term goals. Or, at least things that may take me more than an afternoon. Know what I mean? Unfortunately, you may recognize some of these from last year. I'll do better this time. So here they are..

• Master the Pancake (I am quite good at homemade waffles, pancakes on the other hand, are my constant struggle)



• Get Wedding Pictures and album developed (I know, it's awful I still haven't done)



• Develop Honeymoon pictures



• (Finally) Finish the Guest Room



• Figure out a way to keep from falling asleep on the couch at eight or nine every night


• Make curtains for our house

• And something else I forgot, but will post when I remember

"Finger-Lickin' Good"

Here is one of my favorite little guys enjoying the Peanut Butter Cookie recipe below. Just wanted to remind everyone to check out http://www.prayfornoah.com!

And to take some time today to bake those cookies - apparently they're pretty good ;)

Women, Their Recipes, and Peanut Butter Cookies

Some women are viciously protective of their most prized recipes, jealously guarding them with their very lives. They would probably keep them in secret recipe vaults, hidden behind portraits of ancient ancestors, if such a thing exsisted. I have been of the opinion that food is for sharing - though mostly because I am not very good with trial and error and would much rather my friends let me in on their secrets than make me figure it out myself.

When I graduated from high school (Which seems like forever ago, but was more recent than I care to admit) I spent some time waiting tables at the local counrty club. I worked closely with a woman named "Marge" who, among other things, was our baker. After weeks of devouring the most amazing peanut butter cookies I've ever had, I finally broke and asked for the recipe. Marge told me this story:

She was invited to a party hosted by a coworker of her husband. The desserts were all delicious, but the peanut butter cookies stood way out. A group of women flocked their hostess and begged for the recipe, but she refused to relinquish it. Lucky for us, Marge is a tough cookie (no pun intended) and went snooping in the kitchen until she found said recipe and was able to copy it down on a cocktail napkin without being caught. Yeah. That's right.

Since she risked her reputation, her husband's social standings, and practically broke the law, she felt it only apprpriate to share it with me, and I am paying it forward. So from Me, Marge, and Poor-unsuspecting-greedy-recipe-lady, have a cookie.....



Peanut Butter Cookie

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
Dash of salt
Granulated sugar

1. Cream sugars and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla, then eggs, beating each addition until smooth. Stir in peanut butter,

2. Mix dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture.

3. Form balls of dough at least an inch apart (these guys spread) on an ungreased cookie sheet. Dip a fork in remaining sugar and press cookies in a criss-cross.

4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until they look like this.....

Cookies will still seem a bit soft but will solidify as they cool - be careful not to over bake.

5. Enjoy!

This is the part they never tell you about on Food Network....

I DID IT!

After many (oh so many) failed attempts at the perfect southern style biscuits, I have emerged victorious! (yes it is dramatic!)

Look! They look like real biscuits and everything! Bama Man coudln't keep his hands off'm.

Thank you Alton Brown, you're my hero

Coconut Cake

Hello everyone! September has officially descended upon us, and, even though it's still a million degrees here, Summer with it's sweet feelings of freedom and light, is a thing of he past.

But our favorite summer desserts needn't be!

I made this coconut cake for mother's day and it was a huge hit! (And delicious, if I do say so myself) So, if you're already missing those summery feelings, go here and kick back with a summer classic.

Enjoy!

Last Minute Drop Biscuits

I realize it's been all recipes lately, but I suppose I've just been in that sort of mood. It's been one of those weeks where groceries are starting to run thin, my appetite (unfortunately) is not. That being said, I have taken part in more than one frenzied search of something to munch. So, I did some internet browsing, some tweaking, and finally - BAKING! So, this is for those of you craving something munchable - add butter, jelly, or honey, for extra yummy goodness!

2 cups flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 shortening (I'm sure butter would be just as good, if not better)
1 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheets.

2. Mix dry ingredients. Cut in shortening with a fork (I found this easier than loading up my food processor, but you may prefer to use one). Stir in milk.

3. Bake for 12 minutes until golden brown

4. Curl up with a cup of coffee, Pride and Prejudice, and enjoy!

Dreaming of Sweets

Okay, I gave up all things sweet for Lent and even though there are only a few weeks left,for any of you that know me personally, you now I am battling great cravings. With that in mind, I have been fondly remembering the homemade cupcakes I made several weeks ago, and thought I would share the recipie with you so that someone could benefit from the chocolate-y, creamy goodness!