Happy Halloween!

Gub Who?

Last week as I was browsing through some blogs, Gub looked over my shoulder and said, "why don't you take my name off your blog, it's not like I have anything to do with it?" I'd like to say that I was surprised, hurt or even angry, but seriously, how did I not see that coming? Doesn't that just sound like him? So there you have it, Wendi and her anonymous hubby.

Mmmm, mmm good...

Since I don't have anything else to blog about here are those recipes that I promised a few of you.

Easy Mint Truffles

• 1 20 oz. pkg. Oreo brand cookies (I recommend the mint)

• 1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, light or regular, softened

• 1 20 oz package milk or dark chocolate chips (Andes mint pieces are delicious too!)
  

Crush the cookies fine with food processor. Add cream cheese and mix well. Roll into 1" balls (or smaller) and set on cookie sheet. Place in refrigerator to chill for 1 hour. Melt the chocolate in microwave safe bowl 30 seconds at a time until melted and smooth ( you may not need all the chocolate). Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the chocolate as it is melting to help with the consistency. Dip the Oreo balls into chocolate and place on cookie sheet to chill until firm.

Focaccia Bread

• 1 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast
• 1 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or Italian seasoning (optional)
  
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

In a large stoneware bowl, stir together the flours and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Sprinkle the sugar and yeast into that well. Carefully pour the water into the well. Let stand until the yeast begins to act, about 5 minutes. Pour 2 tablespoons of the oil into the well. With a wooden spoon stir the mixture in the center of the bowl. Gradually widen the circle of stirring to take in all of the flour at the sides of the well.

Turn out on a floured surface, and knead just until smooth. Keep the dough soft. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of the oil into a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to oil the top. Cover. Let rise until doubled, 30 to 45 minutes.

Punch the dough down. Use 1 teaspoon of the oil to coat a baking sheet, and place the dough on the baking sheet. Gently press the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Pour the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over the top of the dough. Use the handle end of a wooden spoon to dimple the dough at 1 1/2 inch intervals. Sprinkle with the rosemary and the cheese. Place in a cold oven on the center shelf. Place a flat pan of hot water on the shelf below the bread. Let rise until doubled, 20 to 25 minutes.

Turn on the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes, or until browned on top. Remove from the pan, and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm.


Marlboro Man Sandwich

(Recipe courtesy of the pioneerwomancooks.com. Check out the details, including helpful pictures, at http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/marlboro_mans_f/)

• 2 1/2 pounds cube steak (tenderized round steak that’s been extra-tenderized),
  
• 2 Sliced onions
• 1-2 Green Peppers (Not included in the original, but they make it sooo much better!)
  
• Butter
• Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco
• Deli Rolls
• Cheese (Also not included in the original, but it makes it extra tasty! Swiss, provolone or mozzarella are all delicious options.)
  

Slice onions and green pepper. Next, melt 1/4 stick of regular butter in a skillet. Add the onions and green pepper. Stir together. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and light brown (about 7-10 minutes.)

While the onions are cooking, go ahead and slice the meat into strips. Tenderizing has given the meat a directional grain - you’ll want to slice against—or perpendicular to—the grain. Season the meat with a nice sprinkling of Lawry’s.

Transfer the onions from the skillet to a plate. Add 2 Tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Turn the heat to high. Let the butter melt and begin to turn brown, about two minutes. You’ll want the skillet to be hot. Now add the meat to the hot skillet in a single layer. Do not stir. Let it sit for about a minute, or long enough for one side to turn brown. Using a spatula, flip the meat to the other side. Once the meat is brown, generously add Worcestershire sauce. Start with about 1/2 cup. Next, add Tabasco to taste. Stir to combine. Then add another 2 tablespoons of butter to finish off the sauce. Stir in onions, mix and cover.

Toast deli rolls. Spoon on mixture, add cheese and enjoy!

Congratulations Nicole!

Gub's sister Nicole and Ryan were finally married on Friday in the Timpanogos Temple. It was such a beautiful day and it couldn't have been more perfect! The reception turned out amazing, thanks to Pat, and it looked like they definitely made a haul on the gifts.

Round Two

Meagan and I were getting a little cocky about our apron making skills and decided to attempt something a little more challenging...OK, a lot more challenging. We picked up a pattern, material, rickrack, matching thread, and a whole lot of money latter, were on our way. Somehow I always manage to choose hobbies that cost a fortune.  Who new that you need a whole new sewing vocabulary in order to read a pattern(note to self...RST means "right sides together")? I'm not kidding when I say that I had to un-pick my rickrack four times! After a few YouTube tutorials, several un-picking jobs, and a promise to not let this be just another one of those projects that I never finish...the final product!!!

Disclaimer: Don't zoom in too close or you might see my crooked seams!

Apron Making 101...

After trying my hat at a baby sling sewing class, I decided that it would be fun to attempt an apron.  After being promised that the class was suitable for beginners, Meagan, Katie, Amberly, Sydnie and I all signed up. Even though it took us nearly five hours, (cut us some slack, we're beginners, remember?) it was so much fun!  I think I'll have to try another apron now that I've got it all figured out.  I'll have to wear it tonight when I make dinner... oh wait, I don't cook dinner!  Good thing it's cute enough just for looks!

Me, Katie, Meagan, & Amberly 

Introducing...

Lucy. How cute is my mom's new dog Lucy? Well, Lucy or Harley, we have yet to compromise on a name. Feel free to leave your opinion (I'm obviously voting for Lucy). My mom finally gave in and decided that Ellie (her other dog) needed a friend. Unfortunately Ellie has not warmed up to her yet and is feeling a little jealous. I'm sure that within a few short weeks she will come around.