So Christina has been sick
But she has a 3.91 at school. Good going Tiny.

Payson Softball Tournament

Yesterday and today were spent in Payson at the J.V. tournament. The girls went 3-2. Go Lady Bulldogs!

Dave was forced to pose for the camera. I don't know why they get so impatient with me? I think it is worth it to get a good shot. Sometimes the light is horrid, or the picture has an old hippie in the back. Or a pipe coming out of your daughter's head. Jordan has a new boyfriend. He is a really nice guy, but he is 10 years older than she is. Love is love.

Birthday and Bread

So this is my adorable great-niece London.
Yikes I need a hair cut. *Why did no one tell me I looked like this?*

My nephews wife Toni (not London's mother)
My father and Me at London's first birthday party.

My beautiful daughter Jordan holding her second cousin.

My nephew Jacob his wife Mandy and their darling children London and Isaiah.

It would be remiss of me not to show what is going on in my kitchen. This is a lovely loaf of bread I baked not too long ago. I have been using the book by Zoe Franciois and Jeff Hertzberg MD. Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day I swear by this main Boulé Bread Recipe. I have learned to use less yeast and then add sour dough starter to this and it makes incredible pitas, pizza dough, bread and even bignets. It really does only take 5 minutes to do. Look at the gluten cloak on this bread! I love how the interior is so moist that the crust crackles (sings) even after you pull it out of the oven.

Springtime and the Movies

Spring has finally officially arrived! I feel like I should dance naked around a fire or something to welcome her arrival.

The first thing I want to do is finally get my peas in the ground. But I can't do that until I till the soil, get the compost and replant the perennials I have been wintering in my garden patch.

I have really been kind of lazy this winter. I am like a bear coming out of hibernation. I eat everything in sight and am really grumpy. Especially if a certain coach is mean to my cub.

Since I last posted about the death of Natasha Richardson and the fact that she was in one of my favorite movies, I decided to post every now and again about some more of my favorite movies and why. Let me just start by saying that I was raised in a very active Movie going family. My earliest memories are at the movies, or Drive In. I learned early on that I hated any type of animal movie and that my mother loved musicals and my dad hated them. We all have favorite genre's and in no particular order here are some of my all time favorites. More will follow in future posts.

• Legally Blonde --Elle Wood's; Gemini-vegetarian, sorority president and law school graduate, who wouldn't root, for this gem of gal?!

• Matrix- one word---Keanu

• Austin Powers (all three)--Potty humor at its all time finest!

• Notting Hill--Sigh, Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant at their all time finest! A delightful romance of famous girl falling for nerdy book worm guy.

• Jaws- I was in 7th grade and this movie was insanely popular. It still is a major classic with brilliant music and acting.

• Aliens-This movie is probably in my top ten. I think Sigourney Weaver had the female power role of all time. Wow! No matter how many times I have seen it, it never fails to thrill!

• Hunt for Red October-- The casting of this movie is brilliant, While I don't read Tom Clancy any more, this was an excellent movie after the book.

• Last of the Mohican's--My favorite movie about this lesser known time in American History. Picture romance, cut throat Red Coats, and frontier justice! (and looking at the insanely handsome Daniel Day Lewis does not hurt!)

• Auntie Mame--this is the Rosalind Russell version based on a true story about a rich woman who raises her nephew to be anything but a snob. It is so funny and a joy to watch .

• Elizabeth--I simply love the Elizabethan time period. And when a movie is done well like this one, I can watch it over and over.
  

This is one of my top 20 movies. I loved the chemistry Natasha and Denis had. I thought Natasha was so beautiful and I loved her this season as a judge on Top Chef. I am sad about her death. Wow, a family vacation and a bump on the head. So tragic.

Whole Wheat Seed Boule'

I have not stopped baking. Even with all the madness at my house. (I think Jordan is falling in love) So not all the madness is bad. One of my favorite cookbook authors is Nancy Baggett. Here is a really pretty loaf I made yesterday from her book Kneadlessly Simple Breads. It is a book about an old concept; let the yeast and a cold rise, do all the work. It is really simple to make and I am getting some artisan quality breads. I am now so spoiled that I can no longer tolerate chain pizzas anymore and, my pita breads are a huge hit in the softball dugout too, along with my hummus.

Color us Green..Go Bulldogs!

Tiny with her friend Tesha and Coach Ventura in the back.

My Internet connection is really rotten. I don't want to go into gory details, but yeah.. it is really bad. It has made my desire to surf the web and post here at this blog grow cold with dread. However, I have been so busy with Tiny and events at school that it is probably for the best.

We got back from a tournament in St. George, Utah. Can I say that I am hungry for Spring!!?? It was just spectacular weather. The grass was green, and the apple trees were in blossom. Wow, can you tell by this photo, that I am a happy camper?

Here are some of the girls with their sun kissed faces.

Here is a fun one minute video of my child up to bat. It is a nail biter!

The Provo Baseball team was also at a tournament there. We were able to attend a couple of games. Here is Kyler at first;I think he stole second.

The boys also attended the girls games too when they could. It was great fun.

I have decided to get off the fence and just accept the fact that I have to kiss butt. I am arranging 6 team dinners and a tailgate party. Sooooo..if I don't call, post or email, you will know that I am hiding under the covers.

I'm a Varsity Softball Player's Mom

On Deck

I have been under a significant amount of stress so that is why no posting of late. (The title of this post says it all)Those of you who have H.S. athletes will understand my predicament and those of you who have kids who choose not to be involved in sports, well, just consider yourself blessed. Thankfully two good friends who have many years of sports mom experience talked me off the ledge today with very good advice. Thanks Gina and Jamie.

At Bat

Yes, she made the Varsity team. She is going to be starting at Center Field. Not bad for just being in 10th grade. She had a double hitter today, and then she stole home plate. Nice job Tiny.

On Third

I said many, many prayers today. The Lord listens-.

Are You Reading This?

Comment here if you want me to continue this blog.

Fundraising, Bon Jovi, Creepy Bachelor

Fundraisers:

They are killing me. I have had almost every kid in the neighborhood (including my own) hitting me up this week for restaurant coupons, cookie dough and popcorn. All to raise funds that should be being provided by our taxes. But no....those taxes are going towards Securities fallout and saving everyone who bought a $350,000 house while they only were making $15.00 an hour.

I wish I could afford a few extra pounds on my butt or a few extra cubic inches in my freezer. But alas, I cannot. My heart is there for you. I was selective in my purchasing and only bought dough from my own child. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the kind people who bought cookie dough from my little cookie. It is appreciated!


Jon Bon Jovi:

Okay, not even my family knows this; I am breaking my silence for all of cyberspace to know...I have a secret little girl crush on Jon Bon Jovi. It was all but confirmed last night as I watched him on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Alas, he sang "Wanted" with a fan on the show real impromptu like. Everyone knows Bon Jovi songs are screaming hard to sing, and he just has an amazing voice. He is such a class act. Okay dear hubby. For our 25th anniversary....tickets? Anywhere in the world. I'll be your date.


The B*#@^&d...I mean The Bachelor:

Speaking of class act. This guy to the left of the screen is a creep and anything but a class act. I think ABC is creepy too. ( I guess I am creepy too for watching this TRAIN WRECK) It is obvious to the whole world that everyone (including his creepy girlfriend #2 Molly) thought the way he jilted and broke up with Melissa was inhumane and really low. He jilted her (with ABC's, satanic salivating mouth, hand rubbing, ratings getting blessing) on the air, by telling her he made a mistake, and didn't' love after all and he wanted the "other" woman instead. Melissa called him a" bastard" under breath, told him "don't call me, don't text me, leave me alone." She gave him the ring, and walked off the set with her head held high. It was so incredibly amazing to watch. I HAVE to believe it was staged; with everyone in" the know", but poor Melissa. If you care, you can link to Reality Steve for all the juicy details. Girl, you shoulda' kept that ring and pawned it~~~

These Are Not Evil

Yes, you read it correctly...these are not evil. Let's face it, YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT CREDIT CARDS!!! Many of you know I sent my child off to study in Argentina. Last night Malaina called frantic. An ATM machine ate and kept her debit card!!! I was paralyzed with fear. Gasping with despair!! But ever the sensible, calm, voice of reason for the Glad family, I remembered (are you screaming with laughter yet?) my last action before hugging this child adios was to pull a spare credit card out of my wallet as an EMERGENCY card, and then placing it in her hands. Seriously... I don't get to sleep until 4 or 5 am, and she left the house at 6:30 with her dad for the airport, so where did this idea come from? Dave thinks it was inspiration. I have to agree. So she was able to use it at the ATM. I didn't remember what the pin number was, but Malaina guessed it and it worked. I was able to sleep well that day.

Needless to say, Mr. Glad is going to be having some Credit Union butt for lunch tomorrow as we were very specific, that they NOT flag her card while she was overseas. They did this to us in Malaysia once and were were miserable all weekend not knowing how to get cash from our US account.

I was also inspired when I made this most incredible and amazing HUMMUS for dinner last week with homemade PITA.Never one to toot my own horn, but....
I also made an incredible TOMATO-CUCUMBER-FETA salad.

My vegetarian child was incredibly thrilled.

Hummus
1 heaping cup dried chickpeas, picked over, rinsed, and soaked in 4 cups water for 6 hours or overnight
4 cups water
salt
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons tahini, stirred if the oil has separated
Broth from the beans,

Optional garnish, pine nuts, chopped fresh mint, small imported olives,

1.Drain the chickpeas and combine with the water in a large saucepan or pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 hour. Add salt to taste ( 1 to 2 teaspoons) and continue to simmer until tender,a bout 1 hour. Remove from the heat and drain through a colander or strainer set over a bowl.

2. Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. PRocess until the garlic adheres to the sides of the bowl. Turn off the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the chickpeas and cumin. Process to a coarse purée and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

3. Combine the lemon juice and olive oil, and with the machine running, pour into the processor Add the tahini and process until the hummus is smooth. If the mixture seems thick or dry, thin out with liquid from the beans, water or yogurt. Season generously with salt. Scrape into a bowl or mound onto a platter. Top with any of the garnishes. Serve with warm pita bread.

**In Israel, they serve with olive oil on top, and a really mild yogurt** This is a recipe I will probably make weekly since it is so healthful and good.

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.