Fun in the kitchen.

I'm trying so hard to get out of the funk that I've been in since we moved to Texas. I needed to give myself the time to be angry and bitter about moving.  It's silly to get so attached when you're a part of the military life.  Nothing is ever guaranteed, including your location! It can change in a matter of hours.

So, I gave myself time to cry.  Time to scream.  Time to grieve.  Once that was done, it was time to put that energy into something constructive.  You know, like, making our home a home and cooking/baking delicious things.  Tsgt Lovebug says that he notices that I am much happier when I am cooking or baking and the house is clean.  I guess that I hadn't thought about that.  But, it's true.  It gives me a sense of direction in the chaotic life that is our family.

I've also noticed that in my "fog" I have neglected kitchen time with lovebug A.  I'd like for her to learn the basic and love being in the kitchen as much as I do.  I don't want her to feel that it's her "job" as a woman to be in the kitchen.  I want her to enjoy it.  I want it to be the same stress relief that it is for me.

Today, in keeping up with my 41 in 46, I tried a new recipe.  This time it was a cookie recipe.  Cookies are my vice.  There is just something about a freshly baked cookie.  Some warm and gooey.  Full of deliciousness.

I find inspiration on the Six Sisters' Stuff blog.  That is where I found the Funfetti Cake Batter Cookies.

The good news is that they are very easy to make.  The bad news is that I couldn't stop eating them. I loved spending time in the kitchen with my lovebug and listening to Christmas music.  I love creating these memories with her.  I look forward to doing it again soon!

Adventures in appetizers.

Cheese.  All of my lovebugs are fans of it.  I am not.  That doesn't mean that I'm not willing to try new recipes with copious amounts of cheese, like, mozzarella sticks for example.  If we are out to dinner, it's the most commonly ordered appetizer for our family.  It's expensive but it's a treat.  It's worth it, I guess?

Thanks to Pinterest, I found a mozzarella stick recipe that is both easy to put together and easy on the pocketbook.

I found the recipe here: Big Bears Wife: Panko Mozzarella Sticks

I followed the recipe without making any changes or adjustments.  I'm almost always tweaking recipes to my own/my family's taste.  It was perfect in its original form.  Mine did not turn out as beautifully, but, they were edible and that's what counts.  My lovebugs devoured them rather quickly.

The verdict is that I would make them again.  The prep work was minimal and the taste was delicious.

Re-vampin'

Three years ago, I started this blog with the intention to share recipes that I have tried and love. It started off sparse.  The recipes and posts were few and far between.  Life became complicated.  Our family grew.  We moved across the ocean.

I became angry about our new stomping ground.  Until two weeks ago.  I had a new outlook.  I could be happy and enjoy the time that we spend here, or, I could be miserable and let life just pass on by without stopping to care at all.

I am choosing to enjoy this adventure.  I will embrace the culinary offerings that South Texas has waiting for me to try.  I will make new food.  I will revamp "old" food.  I will share my culinary successes.  I will share my culinary fails.  The good.  The bad.  All of it.

I need a new name for the blog.  And, possibly a new address.  Time for change.  Change is good.

Stay tuned for the adventures!

Ho Ho Ho Punch

I found this recipe on Pinterest and it sounded simple and delicious.  Champagne has a "dry" taste.  I was hoping for something and light.  This recipe did not disappoint! It did pack a punch, though! I'd use this recipe again.  It was very good!

1 (750 ML) bottle champagne
1 (2 Litre) bottle ginger ale
2 (10 oz) pkgs of frozen strawberries, partially thawed

In a large punch bowl, combine champage, ginger ale and strawberries.  Gently stir and serve.

Drink responsibly. Do not provide alcohol to underage drinkers and do NOT drink and drive.