Seahawks in Seattle

Last Sunday Steve and I got up early to hear to Seattle for the Seahawks-Jaguar game. We arrived real early and met up with a handful of his co-workers to tailgate. I have never "tailgated" before and it was definately an experience. The game was a lot of fun and a bit embarrassing for the Jaguars, 40-0!

After the game we avioded the packed ferry and opted to wander about a local Asian market and grocery store. Steve and his buddy reminised about Japan and all the good eats they had there. We jumped on the less crowded ferry back to Bremerton and relaxed a bit. I was exhausted by the time we arrived home!

Nonetheless it was wonderful to have a day trip with my husband, especially to Seattle!

On Saturday, our baby Reagan gave me a bit of a scare. I noticed her ears were very thick and tender when I woke up, and within a couple hours, her whole face and eyes were swollen. Thank goodness the vet squeezed us in immediately because my little boxer was having a severe allergic reaction (most likely from a insect bite). Well after a couple shots and three days on benadryl, she is back to normal, but man, was I scared! Imagine when I have a sick child, and not just my dog. Oh, man!

TODAY I MADE: Cake Brownies

These brownies taste like a light chocolate cake, or a really fluffy brownie. I could make the same thing from a box, but I am satisfied knowing it is from scratch, and I know EXACTLY what is in them. So easy and yummy!

3/4 c. butter

1 1/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 c. milk

1. Grease 15x10x1 pan (or slightly smaller) with cooking spray, set aside. Preheat oven to 350*.

2. Melt butter in med. saucepan. Stir in cocoa and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and beat with wooden spoon until combined.

3. In small bowl mix flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add flour mixture and milk alternately into chocolate mix, beating with spoon after each addition.

4. Pour batter into pan. Bake 15-18 min or until toothpick is clean when inserted.

5. Cool for 2 hours on wire rack.

*You can add nuts if desired before baking. I do not like brownies with nuts, so I left them out.

Graduation memories

So I love looking at these two photos. The first one was Steve and I my high school graduation in 2005 and the second is this last June 2009 at college graduation. Look how much we've changed!

A little change for Fall!

I decided that my long hair was too much, and had about 8" sheered off! I love the new look and LOVE that the styling time is half! On this photo day I was all ready for my lunch date with Steve. We used one of our wedding giftcards for SilverCity and enjoyed a free afternoon out. THANK YOU!

TODAY I MADE - English Muffin Bread

This is one of the easiest breads I've made yet! If you like English Muffins, this makes two great loaves. I have no picture, it was eaten too quickly!

Cornmeal (for dusting)

6 c. flour

2 pkg active dry yeast

1/4 tsp baking soda

2 c. milk

1/2 c. water

1 TBL sugar

1 tsp. salt

1. Grease two 8x4x2" pans. Lightly spinkle with cornmeal. Set aside.
2.In lg. bowl combine 3c. of the flour, the yeast and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In med. saucepan heat and stir milk, water, sugar and salt just until warm (approx 120*F). Using a wooden spoon, stir milk mix into flour mix. Stir in remaining flour. (This may take some muscle!)
4. Divide dough in half. Place each half into prepared pan. Sprinkle tops with cornmeal. (My bread loaves looked a but funny, but it will bake out). Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45 min. or until about double in size.
5. Bake in 400* oven for 25 min or until golden brown. Immediately remove bread from pans and cool on wire rack.

** Let cool completely before sealing for storage, bread will mold quicker if it steams just slightly!
*** Eat plain or toast for a yummy breakfast!