christmas: messy cook

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123008-messy-cook

I have never been Suzy Homemaker. It's just not me. But a few months ago, I decided to make a change and try to eat healthier which means cooking at home, cooking from scratch. One thing I can do is read a recipe and I read a lot. I even follow a few. But following the recipe and making it look easy like Martha ain't happening. I just don't have the staff to prepare the ingredients nor clean up after me. So this is what it looked like after our simple Christmas meal of "Boston Market" chicken, Vermont cheddar mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. I used no cans of soups, no mixes and it smelled and tasted so good. But it sure is a lot of work.


I think I prefer baking to cooking. There is time to breathe and clean up as you go while the item is baking. And, I just don't have the courage to show the pan I scorched because multi-tasking in the kitchen is more dangerous than talking on the cell phone and driving.

christmas part 4

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122908-genius

Ryan got easily frustrated with his mini Rubik's Cube. Then he found Andy's and moved it a few times making sure to know how to get it back and solved.



122908-recording

Even without the battery fully charged (we figured out the next morning that the battery had been installed backwards.), Andy found he could record with it plugged into the wall. I don't have to worry about him sneaking up on me and recording as he is never quiet and he enjoys recorded himself repeating his favorite stories. And he likes watching them over and over again.


easy as 1-2-3

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121908-treats

Some people don't believe that making Rice Crispy Treats is easy. It really is. Here is my recipe:


• 6 cups of rice crispy cereal (you can even try count chocula for a chocolatey flavor)
• 1 stick butter, melted

• 1 package (10 oz?) kraft mini marshmallows
• 13x9 glass pan, spray with cooking spray


In a large (glass) bowl, melt butter in microwave (about 1 minute 30 seconds)

Add mini marshmallows to bowl and coat with melted butter

Cook in microwave for 45 seconds on high, then stir.

Cook another 45 seconds in microwave on high.

Add cereal and stir to coat evenly. I use a silicone spoonula.

Pour mixture into pan.

Using a flat metal spatula sprayed with cooking spray, flatten down mixture into pan. (I use a large lasagna spatula but use what you have but remember to spray the bottom of it!)


Wait for the treats to cool then cut them up and enjoy.



meta:

1/15 @ f8.0

ISO 400 ~ 50mm

shot balls

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121808-shotballs

I grew up calling these rum balls but never had any with rum. My mom made these with Jack Daniels Bourbon and she never measured. How much should I pour in? When I tell you to stop. Then she would turn he back and do something else. And if the mixture got a little dry, then she would pour in some more Jack. I don't think she ever ate any, my mom didn't drink but rarely. I came home one time to find my grandmother help in rolling these, and her cheeks were rosy red and here eyes were sparkling even more than usual.


Now I make them with amaretto. It's a milder taste and I love the added almond flavor. I tried calling them liquor balls but that doesn't see right. This year I came up with shot balls. Even though there isn't a shot of liquor in each cookie, I like the name. BTW, these are no-bake cookies the alcohol is no baked out.



meta:

1/10 @ f8.0

ISO 400 ~ 50mm

Jenn's Choco B&W (these are more brown IRL but I loved the contrast of this action)