Daring Bakers Flour-less Chocolate Cake

The February 2009 challenge is hosted by Wendy of WMPE's blog and Dharm of Dad ~ Baker & Chef.
We have chosen a Chocolate Valentino cake by Chef Wan; a Vanilla Ice Cream recipe from Dharm and a Vanilla Ice Cream recipe from Wendy as the challenge.

Note on recipe - the recipe consists of 3 simple ingredients and how you interpret them is part of the challenge. The simplicity of this recipe gives credit to the ingredients much in the same way of French baguette.

-This recipe comes together very quickly with a hand mixer.

-This is a very decadent cake that will sink a little as it cools but will still hold its shape.

-Very dense and fudgy cake that tastes divine.

-The top forms a light crust kind of like a brownie

Chocolate Valentino

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

16 ounces (1 pound) (454 grams) of semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped

½ cup (1 stick) plus 2 tablespoons (146 grams total) of unsalted butter

5 large eggs separated

1. Put chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water (the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water) and melt, stirring often.

2. While your chocolate butter mixture is cooling. Butter your pan and line with a parchment circle then butter the parchment.

3. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and put into two medium/large bowls.

4. Whip the egg whites in a medium/large grease free bowl until stiff peaks are formed (do not over-whip or the cake will be dry).

5. With the same beater beat the egg yolks together.

6. Add the egg yolks to the cooled chocolate.

7. Fold in 1/3 of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture and follow with remaining 2/3rds. Fold until no white remains without deflating the batter.

8. Pour batter into prepared pan, the batter should fill the pan 3/4 of the way full, and bake at 375F/190C

9. Bake for 25 minutes or until an instant read thermometer reads 140F/60C.

Note – If you do not have an instant read thermometer, the top of the cake will look similar to a brownie and a cake tester will appear wet.

10. Cool cake on a rack for 10 minutes then unmold.

I followed these instructions to the letter. I even used the thermometer. The instructions were quite specific in stating not to over cook it. When mine reached 143 degrees I took it out of the oven. I waited patiently for it to cool for a while before I unmolded it. Well, what a mess; there was goo all over the counter as it oozed everywhere. It was undercooked by at least 15 minutes. Help! It just flowed all over the counter. I couldn't even snap a photo, since I was afraid it would flow onto the floor. I had to hurry and salvage what I could. I scooped up most of it and put it in a pyrex dish and re-baked it for a few more minutes.

I do admit it tasted pretty darn good. I think it could have been saved if I had chilled the molded cake solid, then un-molded it.

The hosts of this month's challenge also asked us to prepare an ice cream (sorry...too cold in Utah to do this) to go with this and to think about how to garnish it with a bit of thought.

So, I made a simply awesome Lime Mousse from my favorite cookbook, The Silver Palate, by Sheila Lukins and Julie Russo.

This recipe had lots of butter and heavy cream in it, so you know it was good.

I also took careful consideration of the garnish. I candied some lime peel. As instructed by Chef Emeril.
Yes, this was a really easy recipe. If I find some good chocolate at a good price, I might make it again; and bake it longer.

Barefoot Blogger's Frilly Chantilly

Barefoot Bloggers are posting about Ina's Meringues Chantilly from the Barefoot in Paris book. Dave really liked this recipe. I found it so amazingly sweet I wanted to go take some insulin to counteract the diabetic coma I had. I did however LOVE the meringues. I had never bake a meringue before. It just didn't seem all that important to me. Thanks goes out to BMK of Reservations Not Required, for choosing this easy and fun treat.
One tip, I would cut the meringue shell recipe in half . It will make 6 shells instead of 12. Unless you have a crowd, 6 is more practical.
I have changed my tune. The meringue shell is a great little recipe to have in my back pocket. I can think of several ways to make this meringue shell my own. The use of chocolate comes to mind somehow.

I actually loved the raspberry sauce we created for this dessert too. Only I would use the raspberry sauce on cheesecake or something less sweet. Together, it was just too darn much for me. But the spouse was very happy, he even had seconds.

As you can see it was a beautiful dessert. Probably one of the prettiest I have ever seen.

The berries for this recipe were expensive. Partially because of California's lousy growing season. I settled for strawberries on top but use the raspberries as written in the sauce.

Congrats go out to Hosea; This seasons new Top Chef. Carla...you still my girl. And, I still hate you Tom Colicchio, you can learn some lessons from our girl Ina.

Cat Adventures

Hello, My name is Sugar. My story is rather unusual for a cat. If I were a human it would be more common. Where should I start?I was adopted when I was one year old by the Glad family nine years ago. They have loved me more than any cat could ever be loved by any human, ever. When they went overseas for an expat gig for Mr. Glad's job, they took me. The two dogs had to stay home because we moved into a 27th floor high rise condo. "Only a cat could survive that", said Mrs. G. It was so funny the way Mrs. Glad recalled the story...When the Glad's went for a house hunting trip to Penang, Malaysia, the search criteria was for 4 bedrooms and permission to have a cat. It was not easy finding a place, but Mrs. Glad held out. She said under no circumstances would we leave the cat behind or else Jordan would not come! The rental agents were so darn frustrated with Mrs. Glad, they kept asking, "Are you sure you have to bring the cat?"

Ha! Mrs. Glad had that lame-brain expat office jumping through Veterinary import hoops for weeks. Oh, my!

So Mrs. Glad spent about 50 hours trying to learn the export/import laws, we had to make trips to the state vets, I had to have certain shots and then we had to drive to New Mexico to drop of that stupid dog Pepper to Mrs. Glad's sister. I must admit. I am an awesome traveler. I got to ride in the airplane cabin to Los Angeles. My owners were even able to open my carrier and let me stretch in the airport, since I was such a good girl.

Then I had to go to cargo for the long haul ride to Chaing Kai-Shek International in Taiwan. We had to fly to Taiwan because that was the only airport where I didn't have to quarantine for several weeks or have yucky blood tests. Then we had to wait again for the long trip to Malaysia.

You should have seen the way the airport employees gawked at my luscious curves! They had never seen such a lovely cat. When we got to Malaysia, Malay security guards were snapping my photo in awe. I was even met at the airport by the Penang State Vet. we were escorted to the office where I had to quarantine for 7 days. I had a lovely tiled room with a ledge , fresh water, my bed, my toys and my special Science Diet HD food that Mrs. G. had to have special ordered from Kuala Lumpur!

* *She used to call the local vet to reorder and they knew her voice by memory!* She was the best customer in all of Malaysia! She ordered and ordered and ordered!***

Mrs. G. likes to tell everyone that she has spent thousands of dollars on me. I guess it was quite expensive to pay cargo fees for a cat. Mr. G.'s employer even gave them a stipend of 500.00 dollars for me, but that was peanuts!

So our maid Khanti bathed me and brushed me, cleaned my butt, my litter box, talked to me, and treated me so good that I gained, like 6 pounds! (When Khanti went to visit her mother, Mrs. G. used to call a really great maid, Siti from the 15th floor, to come a take care of me) Apparently that is a lot of weight for a cat to gain. But I must say I have maintained it for several years. At least I have not gained more weight. The Elders used to shake my can of food and watch me run to it. It must have been really funny because they did it over and over and over. Looking back that was the only exercise I ever got.

But I must admit, wherever the family is, is where you will find me. Here I was helping Tiny work on her Personal Progress!All that fancy living has caused me to grow somewhat spoiled. Mrs. G. took me to the vet yesterday. That stupid vet was certain I had diabetes. Mrs. G. tried to tell him it was just all in his mind. He was pretty insistent that we take blood tests. He even tried to get me to pee. But he couldn't find my bladder through all my lusciousness. The blood work was normal, just like Mrs. G. thought it would be. *the dumb vet was shocked* So, Mrs. G. has put a special turkey roaster with some sort of charcoal down to mimic a litter box. She thinks she is going to capture my pee-pee and get it tested just to make sure I am ok. I hope my large sized bottom will fit in it and not tip it over!

I will keep you posted on the results, but I have many more years ahead I am sure. The Glad's have no desire to get another pet anytime soon! But Miss Tiny (that is what they called her at the markets in Penang), wants a dog. Sorry Miss Tiny, no dogs allowed! Most of them like to eat cat poop from the litterbox. Then they get shit breath. Sorry for the bad word, but there is no other expression to capture my meaning....Well, Mrs. G is coming to get me to put me in the bed, so I guess I'll be signing off. 'Ta everyone.

Mexican Chicken and Corn Chowder

So how memorable is this recipe?

Dave recently requested this chowder twice in one week he loved it so much.

It really is easy to make with ingredients that are usually found around the house. I have added to it throughout the years only very minimally, by adding one can of whole kernel corn in addition to the can of creamed corn. This is a soupier chowder, un-thickened with flour.

Mexican Chicken and Corn Chowder
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup water
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups milk (I used a can of skim evaporated milk and part 1/2 and 1/2)
1 can each cream style corn, whole kernel corn
1 small can chopped green chilies ( I use fresh- frozen Hatch, N.M. chile and lots of it)
Optional Ingredients: Monterey Jack cheese, tomatoes, green onion, cilantro, corn chips etc.
(I do not think this chowder needs ANY of the optional ingredients)

In a large saucepan brown the chicken over medium high heat, add the onion and garlic, a bit of salt and pepper, saute a few minutes more. Add the water, bouillon, and cumin; bring to boil. Reduce heat and cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add milk, cans of corn, chilies and bring to a simmer and serve.

The inspiriation for this recipe comes from the USU Extension, Utah County Office, Newsletter Jan- February 2001. During the Malaysia/USA moving around I lost this recipe. Last year I went into the office and told them I needed to see every single blue newsletter for the past 10 years and they really helped me find it. Now the recipes are on line.

You can also check out what some other Weekend Cook Book Challenge bloggers love by clicking here.

Good Luck!

Repost:

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

FYI
Momi's last day at PHS will be next Tuesday. Good luck at Timpview Momi, we will miss you.

Thanks to this lady.

Worlds best school Counselor.

Momi has helped Christina in numerous ways. She cares, worries, is pro-active, and she is approachable. When we came back from Malaysia, she took Christina under her wing, and has always been cheerful and happy to see her. Christina is really sick with the flu, she will probably miss the entire week of school. All I had to do was send an email to Momi, and she is arranging to get some homework together for her today.

Our public schools take a hit from several directions from people who are unhappy with the system in some form. I agree with several of their arguments. I admire those who choose to home school, or those who can afford private school. I offered Christina the choice several times, to home school. I gave her numerous examples of successes through homeschooling. Her response was negative. She likes school. She wants the sports options, she loves team sports, she likes most of her teachers, and she said she did not want to loose the social aspect of school. She likes seeing her boyfriend at lunch and holding his hand in the halls, she loves having classes with her friends, and being silly. I know, I know, ...these are all probably reasons why some choose to home school..
I guess I am just happy I have a good school in my city, for my child to attend.

I don't want to pick sides, or knit pick either choice, I just wanted to give a shout out to Momi and her warm motherly caring.


FYI
Momi's last day at PHS will be next Tuesday. Good luck at Timpview Momi, we will miss you.

Indian journey

Namaste'

Join me for a trip down memory lane.

I just love Indian God art. It is very symbolic. It also makes me want to go out and eat something really hot and spicy and amazingly wonderful. This picture is Shiva, his consort Parvati and, their child Ganesha the wonderful elephant god. And below is my funny guy with a huge sculpture of Ganesha taken in Hampi, India a few years ago.Did you know that nobody really knows how many Indian deities there are? Some say it is over 330,000! Here is an amazing place. This is an ancient ruin in Hampi where each thin column in the whole building has a different musical pitch. So when you play them in concert, there is a magical sound of vibrational music. No one but tourists who pay the guards a "special fee" may touch the posts at any time now. Wow it was hot that day.Shopper's Alley in Bangalore

You can see my head at the very bottom left of this photo.This was Bangalore during the Festival of Lights "Depavali"

This is Sandra doing an amazing henna art job on Tiny.
Typically brides have this done before the wedding.
I love the colors~~


This is our host's son Manan one of the beautiful children of India.

More beautiful children of India.
Any way you look at it India is Incredible!
And, as little as I like to travel, I would go there again in a heartbeat.

GigaPan

http://gigapan.org/viewGigapanFullscreen.php?auth=033ef14483ee899496648c2b4b06233c

Were you at the inauguration? click on the above link and see if you can find yourself!

Dark Fudge Bundt Cake

So I soaked in a few compliments for this chocolate cake last week. Remember I posted about taking a cake to a funeral? We had so many nice ladies bring so much food in for the family dinner after the funeral that we had lots of extra food.

Here is the recipe. I took it from one of the best all time baking books I have ever owned, seen or baked from: a Passion for Baking by Marcy Goldman

Dark Fudge Bundt Cake
This moist, tall cake is perfect when you want a deep, dark chocolate cake that is free of fuss and doesn't require icing or glaze, just a dusting of confectioners' sugar. This is a pass-this-recipe-down-and -around -keeper.
page 235

Cake:

1 3/4 cups white sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 cups warm coffee or flat cola

Finishing touches:
3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan or 9- or 10-inch fluted tube pan with shortening and dust it with flour. Place pan on a parchment lined baking sheet.

In a mixer bowl, by hand or in a food processor, combine white sugar, brown sugar, and butter. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute until smooth. Add flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir briefly and then drizzle in coffee, or cola, stirring at the same time to make a smooth batter.

Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake, 60 to 72 minutes or until top springs back when pressed with fingertips. (Bundt cakes often take longer to bake than tube-pan cakes do.)

To finish cake, sprinkle chocolate chips on top of cake as soon as it comes out of oven and allow to sit on cake to melt. Use a butter knife to swirl melted chocolate in a decorative fashion. As cake comes to room temperature, give it a gentle shake to loosen it from bottom of pan--but do not remove it from pan. Place cake in fridge to firm up chocolate. Once chocolate is well set, place a plate on top of pan and invert cake onto plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

The Thong Strap That Was Heard Around the World

So while we were on Skype with Malaina, who is about 6,500 miles away in South America, we got a tiny bit silly. Wouldn't it be funny to see how sensitive our video and audio feed is via Skype, by testing the quality with Jordan's thong underwear strap?Well I am happy to let you know the quality via Skype is very good. You can rest easily this day knowing that all is well with the sound and video quality.

Fab-Friday Night Concert

I spent another wonderful evening with one of my daughters. We went to the King's Singers concert at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City. I had seen them a few years ago with Malaina. They are probably the best harmonic men's vocal group I have EVER seen or heard. They recently won a Grammy for their album Simple Gifts.

We started off by eating an Elk Burger at Fudruckers at Southtown Mall. I figure, my figure could use the low fat meat, and since my husband is an outdoor's man, and he put in for an elk tag, I would give it a try. OMHEAVENS, it was really good; it was much less gamier than I thought it would be! I have to figure (get the pun?) out a way to mimic the salt they put on their fries, and the recipe for the baked beans. I also need to make the toffee recipe from Rocky Mountain Chocolates. Umm good.

We hopped on TraxI just love the way Trax let's you off at the front door of Abravanel Hall
If there is a prettier Symphony Hall, I ain't' seen it yet.
Tomorrow I blog about the Valentine's Day Gift I bought for myself at the Gateway.

It truly was a spectacular evening; Thanks for inviting me Jordan! Oh, and I bought another cookbook at Barnes and Noble. I went to Sur la Table, but was sort of disappointed, I could not find one single item that I had to buy. I have everything! I left empty handed!!!

Barefoot Bloggers do Meatballs and Spaghetti

I really was looking forward to this post!!! Yes these were terrific meatballs. They came together in a snap and they were so moist and tasty. I have made hundreds and hundreds of meatballs of various sizes and recipes and I have learned that they can be cooked in the oven with great success. So when Ina called for 1/4 inch of oil in a pan and to fry them; I totally ignored that part. I also just used ground beef from the ranch in California that has the sustainable thing going on, I didn't want to use veal or pork like Ina recommended.

The Ragu' was so easy and tasty. I made this recipe after church on Sunday, it took me about an hour. My family loved it.

You can link to the recipe here Ina's Real Spaghetti and Meatballs or click on Ina's picture to order the book.

I added my own mix of Herbs 'd Provance, and I made my own Boule' bread for the bread crumbs.
Check out what the other Barefoot Bloggers did by clicking on the button below!! And thanks to Rebecca of Ezra Pound Cake , for choosing this fine recipe this month.

Best in Show

The winner from the Spaniel Group and Best in Show winner.

Congrats to this top dog; the Sussex Spaniel named Stump. He came back from near death in 2004 and at the age of 10 (that is 70 to you and me kids) *and just out of retirement last week* won BEST IN SHOW at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog show. The Sussex was up against the following excellent breeds: (the following are not the actual dogs represented at the show)


The Scottish Deerhound from the Hound Group,






The Scottish Terrier from the Terrier Group






The Puli from the Herding Group. (yes it's a dog)







The Standard Poodle from the Non-Sporting Group









The Giant Schnauzer from the Working Group.







And from the Toy Group the Brussels Griffon. My deepest thanks to all those websites from wence I "borrowed" these photos. Your dogs are great.





The dogs are judged against breed type. Not against each other. So ultimately the best dog of that breed was the winner for the night. There are 170 breeds judged, and dozens of each breed in each breed per show (several thousand dogs). All are eliminated down to the Best in Breed, the Best in Group, and then the Best in Show.

We have been watching this show for 21 years. This and the Super Bowl are Dave's favorite shows of the year.

This Post Has Spoilers

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Starts Today!!!

We turn off the telephone during this special, special time.
Unless you are Malaina, don't call for 2 days.
As soon as our 22 pound cat dies, we are going to get a Papillion dog,
or a Sheltie, or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This windblown beauty below is an Afghan hound.

It is sweeps month on TV.
My second and third favorite times of the year are February and November. This means that all my favorite shows will come to a huge peak.

• We get to find out who Jason (who looks just like Tiny's darling boyfriend) from the Bachelor will finally choose as his new love....Hint/spoiler(Melissa, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, Yes, we all have girl crushes on her). It will likely never last though, sigh.
• We get to see the Nick, Sharon, Phyliss, love triangle come to fruition on Young and the Restless. Poor, poor Malaina, how will you ever live without your daily fix? Can you believe they killed off Brad Carlton?
  
• I will be wearing my LOST t-shirt gifted to me personally= once removed =by the show's Writer and Executive producer Carlton Cuse. I once offered to let him and his family stay in our condo while they were visiting their family, our friends Maggie and Eric while in Malaysia, thus the gifted shirt. Anyway spoiler, the crew of the Oceanic 6 will learn how to morph back to the island, and not all of them will want to go.
• Dancing With The Stars announced that GULP...that the hot next door neighbor of Samantha Jones from the Sex in the City Movie will be on the cast (yes, THAT one giggle giggle, giggle). I will be on the edge of my seat!
• Law and Order: Criminal Intent, can Vincent D'Onofrio get any fatter? Apparently so, but he is fascinating to watch. These episodes are viewed on the USA network. Check your listings. I am also excited to see Jeff Goldblum join the cast.
• Top Chef will anoint the next pretentious food snob this month too. I predict it will be Stefan, hands down, no contest. You still suck Tom Colicchio.
• Speaking of snobs, the worlds ugliest models will be strutting their stuff on Bravo Network's, Make Me A Super Model with the very un-ugly Tyson Beckford. OMG they are uglier than ever this season, but I will be watching every single verbal bitch slap they bark at each other with abated breath.
• I will also be watching Bravo's Millionare Matchmaker, and Real Housewives of New York City. Those housewives are so pathetic. I love watching them go to fashion shows, while I sit on my butt eating, eating and doing my laundry. LOL who is the real loser?
  

Now you know why I don't come to bed until 4:00 am. I am watching all these stupid shows and the ones that I have had to record! We all have faults. Mine is an addictive personality. TV addictive that is......

Service

The Church Kitchen

So a Brother in the ward died this week. I think we have at least 4 to 5 people a year in our ward pass away. We have a ward where we are able to offer service in many different ways. Many of our congregation are elderly, or others have just had babies, some are middle aged and have aches and pains ( much like myself); thus the opportunity to take a meal to someone or tend children (not my favorite thing, I am weak, I know) or just be there. And the world keeps on turning; allowing us to keep on serving.

I am so happy when the Compassionate Service Leader calls me to make food and help serve and cleanup for a funeral luncheon. It is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. All the Sisters helping are so wonderful to work with. There is a special feeling people have right after attending a funeral. Everyone is peaceful and is touched by the Spirit in some way. You can feel it no matter what group is present or whatever circumstances surround the death. Solace comes in many different forms and if I can help in some way I will.

Many of my friends have had sons or daughters leave on a missions recently. I appreciate them raising righteous children who also provide service. Where would we be as humans if we did not serve one another? It IS gentle and human. Really.

Re-post of New Year Past

Forgive me; I just had to re-post this item. Tis the season. Have an auspicious year of the OX.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Chinese New Year Penang Style

This picture was in the Malaysia Star Newspaper last Tuesday. My friend Jill next to me loves everything Chinese. As you can see her home is beautifully decorated with bamboo, and various pictures. Well she had a friend at the paper who wanted to do a photo op with her. The Title of the article was "American Twist to CNY" (Chinese New Year). They needed some extra bodies to toss the "Yee Sam" , a traditional raw fish salad served at CNY. We are all tossing with chopsticks in our very traditional Chinese clothes. Jill has lived in Penang for 5 years and 5 years in Singapore before that. She takes Mandarin, and she practices Feng Shui and Qigong (a mental practice). The lady in the pink with the boy is my friend Karen from Florida. She is LDS too and a great sounding board for me. I like this picture because it makes me look really skinny. I got tons of calls from friends saying I looked so thin.

Chinese New Year in Penang is celebrated the full 15 days. They start out by cleaning and sweeping every single corner of the house. Then the broom won't be touched for fear of sweeping out the good luck! In America we are used to eating Mandarin oranges from the can. Here in Penang they are in great abundance in the fresh variety. They are given to hosts as good luck gifts in 2's or 4's. Also all unmarried children, guards, drivers etc. are given an Ang Pow. An Ang Pow or Hong Bow is a little red envelope filled with money. Red is Luck, Gold Prosperity. The Chinese are very superstitious and love the word Auspicious adj: encouraging, favorable, luck prosperous etc.. There are dozens of Chinese superstitions around this time of year, and we are having a blast getting in on the fun. We will probably always celebrate Chinese New Year as a major holiday now for the rest of our lives. Gong Xi Fa Cai !

Life With Girls

I have used this photo before, but it is worthy of a repeat.

So I have had an event filled week. Girl issues are like none other(ask my man). But I can honestly say that none of my girls has given me ANY reason not to trust them. If any of you out there knows of any reason....keep it to yourself.

Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Recipe from Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa

Frankly my photo below is better than the one in the book.

I always feel good about myself if I eat a whole grain. Never mind if it is coated in butter and sugar. Remember kids,it is a health food if it has wheat or oats in it. But dang, you add raisins and pecans and it is practically screaming out, "Better than Wheat Grass!" The new Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics has a killer recipe for oatmeal cookies. You can buy this cookie in a mix form, but it will cost you 11.00. Here is the recipe for free:

1 1/2 cups pecans
1/2 pound (two sticks) unsalted butter, at cool room temp.
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs, at room temp.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 1/2 cups raisins

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Place the pecans on a sheet pan and bake for 5 minutes, until crisp. Set aside to cool. Chop very coarsely.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla.

Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and the salt together into a medium bowl. (or you can do like I do and just dump them together). With mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, Add the oats, raisins, and pecans and mix just until combined.

Using a small ice-cream scoop or a tablespoon, drop 2 inch mounds of dough onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with a damp hand. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer the cookies to a baking rack and cool completely.

• To avoid the "cookie spread"; chill the dough, use cold pans, avoid peaking in the oven.
• Chewier cookie lovers should; remove the cookies before lightly browned and let the cookie sit on the cookie sheet for exactly 1 minute. Then remove them to cool on a rack.
• Nut haters; sorry, try another recipe.
• This would be good with cranberries or dried cherries.
  

Hawaiian Holiday

Hey, ya'll, Tiny here....I am guest posting on my Mom's blog today.
I love my Mom and Dad for letting me miss a whole week of school in mid-January so I could go to Hawaii with my best friend and her parents.

As you can tell the weather was F-I-N-E fine.

Meet my new Hawaiian boyfriend. He looks suspiciously like my cousin's husband Hama.

Dang, this coconut juice is not as good as those Thailand Coconuts I used to get!!!! In fact it was nasty. And the Sarowak Pineapples from Borneo were way better too.

Too bad my parents could not come. They missed some fun times. I heard my Mom was so sick that she missed 2 weeks of church. She even had to drive her own self to the Doctor on a Sunday morning while my Dad was sleeping on the couch after his Ward Council Meeting. He said he didn't want to go with her "cause he might miss church,But good luck with that Hon."
Anyone who knows my dad, knows this story sounds like "coconuts" , Dad probably wanted to watch football or something. I heard it took my Mom like one hour to find the route to the InstaCare in Springville. I guess that whole stinking 4th South exit was like, torn up in construction. But she is better now that she is on some antibiotics for her pustulated sinus infection. I guess them boogers were pretty gross there for a while.
Well, I am crazy glad to be home. I love taking tests, and going to Chemistry when I am a week behind. Ta ya'll