tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18257044906623663772024-02-22T02:10:04.632-06:00Princesses and Pickles2 cups of craftyness, 3/4 cup of baking, 1/2 tsp cooking, and 10 cups of sarcasm.MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-50793181769053262992010-10-21T09:53:00.006-05:002010-10-21T11:11:19.680-05:00Cuz there aren't enough pumpkin recipes floating around right now<div align="center"> Ya know what makes mine better? It uses donuts. Donuts make everything better, right? Or is that butter? Actually, I'm not a huge donut fan, but I'll tell ya what I am a fan of, using up leftovers.</div><div align="center">I had gotten the kids donuts one Saturday as a treat. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530514613152681890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-_IovWIezbFkkkrLWTt6cVLJZhwvau3e-3UeNPs9VCCkltzlQWoDHp0SDT8NI4ZtkECcgCuJt92NyE251DBOwalLLO7lBB58hqccEq0N_s_wEmZFwMx_L31fYZwOcnJ4pitEbsKPEhA/s400/007.JPG" />I snuck out before they got up and got a dozen of the little gems. Problem being, our family can't finish a dozen donuts. Or maybe it's that I don't <em>want</em> them to? Anyway, whatever. I found myself with 4 leftover donuts. </div><div align="center">Those donuts stared me down for the better part of the day. I picked them up to throw them away but stopped. On the counter I saw 4 newly purchased cans of pumpkin puree (we loves us some pumpkin in our house. Also HOO-RAY for the pumpkin shortage being over) and the wheels a started turnin' in the ol' noodle.</div><div align="center">So, I cut them up<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530514620088948194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fkVQC3eLMsX3SIyMkiEBqXtXvC9JhtVItiyvqcSR3gXZOim7365uy7f7Jg0RscfpQIkVgEGtPKphbhygpPoISmqNrW4LavnbBsrvfkfwcpXJo82mNBu4WfpCYbnczR6jJYpQQDNklzA/s400/004.JPG" />I whipped up yer basic custard for the bread pudding, with the addition of some pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices.<br /> I decided on individual ramekins for portion control. Ok, that's a lie. I did that because of my brand spankin' new, colorful ramekins that I got at Target in the Dollar Spot. Total steal.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530513642731401122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3bGk3fjeEsO9q37of_EUDVqCLV-_6vCDlrkL8IhTAbs6RQ2jVrM95WK3kbBIJYvHVF_ak7GBN3qYlJ2HPVQvTcZ7nypvuKejX_WlP47geq1DDnnrnM0cozcS7w0_cjy6giUr1Nqsfnw/s400/009.JPG" /> Anyway, I placed the ramekins in a roasting pan and filled them with the cubed bread <em><span style="font-size:85%;">4 donuts is not enough for this recipe. Probably 6-8 would be better. I ended up with a lot of extra custard, which I just baked off on it's own and was fabulous on its own! </span></em></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Next, I poured the custard over the donuts till it was about half an inch below the rim. Smoosh the donuts down if you'd like. Allow it to set and soak up all that custardy goodness for about 15 minutes.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Preheat your oven to 350 while they soak. Place your pan with the ramekins in it on the middle wrack. Pour HOT water into the pan until it is about halfway up the ramekins. Fancy work alert: this is called a <em>Bain Marie</em> or a water bath. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">But MammaDucky, why do I need to do that? Because I said so, that's why! Wait, sorry, you're not my children. You want to do this because it promotes even baking and gives the custards a silky texture. Don't skip it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Mine took 25 minutes to reach that light golden brown color on top and a toothpick inserted into the center came out clean. CAREFULLY remove from the oven! That water will be hot!<br /></span><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530513629979734818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVGKyriRkJ0q6Rxth78wDpWyjKHMEt-RGBeVYyeuD3MUANbE37cC72cW_i7D_zUioJOX2BiRuHMN1gWCl3eq_kscIUpkY5ax7SBDCm8hs1jrgy49IxZxh7Bq1pRHc2mjMhZw_VsYY_2w/s400/015.JPG" /> Aren't they pretty?!<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530513616928106002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yBHrjxqrUVyh-i2kRD5zG00PEM1WfORO29pIUPGcBWO8gHl-bqdqN8-3uOSnpjst6961xozRxm3ElMxdL5LxMakLr1tGU16qNOJiGx1Vf31y0ThGXTMscSjYY9WAgLN5_iANC2UbcxM/s400/018.JPG" />They were pretty yummy too!<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530513609478354562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihOmdYesOTxzAoexbnjeQlDTx4fLbp8r7iigS2qrwWczpqtFZzONlUoFLhYNqxMBiLSsvqyOGszaIK-Iw5mEISKCz3x0S_k6ijaxoteOvQqDjvzkvfT3nkGhFaLDiRQTDTY0UTM7U1OI/s400/024.JPG" />Yep, did that.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530513605965564642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtNwC4PE1kPv3b2HQUwnWiif8qDjfgREU-OLe5YgEwjvcgWHfxmAb8fqyoajiFxF8CisMPE3nwAfAEhIiA9lNhlN1lJbKWBzc1BAxSdvvOLhecIXdTmQ8PKe6wml-x3YrmNeVrMLH70M/s400/026.JPG" />Ooops! All gone!!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530514611014841074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd1AOxIZv_YBxk_aKSTZxNGOgNKuYqtYRfefltjf71WOqQ9C_R-Uv9c-a4NB63VvlatWfHBIoz4WrwyjGItwnsNZzHmvHo2x8hWh5yJ1gPOXiqyuJOc_5-EtO99-8FQ7Gtif_EOmbH8w/s400/008.JPG" />Mission Accomplished. Donut box empty. </div><div> </div><div>Pumpkin Bread Pudding</div><div>3 large eggs</div><div>3/4 Cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pumpkin pie mix)</div><div>1/2 Cup milk</div><div>1 Cup heavy cream</div><div>3/4 Cup brown sugar, packed</div><div>1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (don't have it? combine 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp freshly ground nutmeg & 1/8 tsp allspice)</div><div>6-8 donuts, day old</div><div>or you can opt for the standard baguette, Ciabatta loaf or the golden child of bread puddings, croissant ~le sigh.<br />Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl. Cut up the bread/donuts and place in greased ramekins or an 8 inch baking dish. Pour custard over the top and allow to soak for 15 minutes. Place break pudding in a larger dish and pour hot water into the larger dish. Try to aim for the water equalling the custard in the smaller dish (or halfway). Place dish on middle wrack in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. For the 8 inch dish, bake for approximately 45 minutes. Ramekins, 25 minutes. Bake until light golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. </div><div>Eat.</div><div><div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-18631949969363791202010-09-21T14:19:00.007-05:002010-09-21T15:58:40.058-05:00What do you do with a 3 year old pickle?<div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519458557107058322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm57RwPNNKmc42e1GVTDl9TSvA8OegB8v3gPbwBO0-8jeL_3NOEsYpvEq4TiKQT-KaYLghx8eLh-LTtO1kPX040Fe2bcv0mc1def01-cmJsVSyiI8PnPXmarKcQeYnAPkQQXs0JC_pvrw/s400/found+the+frosting.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Somebody found the extra frosting!</em></span></p><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519458548761802338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_doLuXeZvAh-WOjZwjB8B7WpE-trx7fIyeDfutx80oE6mKMnm1nKgDiIroLfyWgDrJmZbw0G2LbD42Je_KzG-0PHL6_CMDO5rBR7sCDjTNdaSQn_1sYQ7Smb1sUZGBNPS9bzuSNJgew/s400/Mmmmm+sugar.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>"Helping" out.</em><br /></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519458546070009874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcxBoXrPIpouq5_rhZSZ-e3XkKhCMPxKJSRhpUKhSfSdXhIqo_m4G8uxgRvPlc3lxl48k5mAP52zHqWSN1Pu0WEOne5-V8AmCHneu8hyphenhyphen2Nw9jD_p29cWaOzeNAhr6QBVduXlCfnDJkJw/s400/Pickle's+3rd+birthday+128.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">Throw it a birthday party!</div><div align="center">Lame?</div><div align="center">Pretty much, yeah, I am.</div><div align="center">Anyshway, I was looking over some pictures and realized I hadn't shown off the birthday cake I made for my <strike>baby</strike> big boy. Le sigh. They grow up too fast, don't they?</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Seems like only yesterday he was born. Now look at him with that big boy green Mohawk and rock star themed birthday party!</div><br /> Love that kid! He is such a rock star. He loves him some "kee-tars."<br /><div align="center">This is the invite:</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 143px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519462228702976690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFf4wZRUOw2Fy5MImcbRcjEqhlxHdEpWzqmlM7lK8C-1uZUX4fSuaGWWhcw-WYuqi68k8MTAswYY_fJ_UQhy5TXZUvcLyfSqwLGb_0ThVngvA7c96UncCFAdE6a9Wwn-APhLAvS1u4zM/s400/Nicholasbirthdayinvite-edit.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Cool, huh? Took me about 2 minutes to fill in the information on the <a href="http://www.says-it.com/">website</a> and it gave me the image. I just had them printed out at Office Depot on cardstock for 6 cents per page (I got 4 tickets per page). Cheap, no?</div><br /><div align="center">I also made up some backstage passes and had those printed out as well. They were nothing fancy. Just whipped 'em up in Microsoft publisher and slid them into name badge protectors! They looked cool.</div><br /><div align="center">I served rootbeer for drink. You can pick up a case of the IBC rootbeer in plain glass, brown bottles at Sam's club for cheap. I splurged and had waterproof, personalized "beer bottle" labels made up with Pickle's picture and the words, "Rocker's Brew" on them. </div><br /><div align="center">On to the cake! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519458534031413394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKJ6OJ9_1IHrqMFqkOmr9ZUPCiMmLTNTawq10cvO2j26yg1U9H2vysgjmngI_1IxvRAmN3eEDuzxuocYLgSYvnBAFDWQdykfm2KeA-DsPQzby0OPlN-aXXXf-Y50-UjRhXCkkCoJTsk8/s400/finally+finished.jpg" />You can order cake kits from Duff Goldman that are rock star themed. I did that. I was kinda pissed when I opened it and there was one flame, a few picks, the neck of the guitar and a bunch of plastic extras. I dunno, I expected more gumpaste and fondant pieces for the money. I ended up making more gumpaste pieces to suit my likes. The body of the guitar is gumpaste, <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519461462538786818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPBa4trtoHrtOQhF5JwuWtiHpC5LGsVlsRbS5-RWR6LV-72rtNdEueN-wRbdOSPaNjAlzrEIR_qpAGDHi2WgjU7U-OPAB-CtD7bXBnFp3iFUi_LTMdpmmvoAxug_vVI2sfZsmlKJjDUw/s400/photo.jpg" />while the collar, spikes and chain are all fondant. I hand painted the flames and guitar.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519461541653719058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo8twOhW4UCsKcOTtnKzCuvUrzPLYws1Do9_-z6ETBFJJa0m8XGbUIRmPACDw95xNZhcpH6v0uSeYCFfe6LxDztadImcD68for_ScuQynf5ej1E8RIqRse410Om9nBpPgN4S9kj5Wreg/s400/photo+4.jpg" /> I also made extra guitar pics so I could spell out his name.</div><br /><div align="center">I iced the cake with that faux fondant again. I don't really care for real fondant and this stuff really smooths out nicely anyway.</div><br /><div align="center">My favorite part of the cake is the chain. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519461537780717442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXgbH6dv3kJTc2nhplsMd0VTK58yMfbQwmmsm6exnh5LpX9EOftYSLhmnioSvTI00UTEl9puK2fia1lBVOtUouEI8RpwMrJKUFrBTzmG8UVjn09Ija_k78zkOTAcQ8p7D5r8BycXC38E/s400/photo+3.jpg" />How freakin' awesome is that?! And easy?! WHAT?! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I just rolled out some fondant snakes till they were the thickness I wanted. Then I cut off 2 1/2 in pieces and shaped them into a link. The 3D part of the chain (the links that stuck out of the cake) were just half of a link. The picture kinda explains it a little better.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519461502504081362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0prMZHVx7UTbzmCAob9tPzbA-UmCvoodZYXT3I-ORfTSwK-bE9wMotAv6OoW5Ni6Td4qGeQauPKhP-2j7e2oHLC-x5T4B-jdcy7_cIky-wgHbbAzk8UtgcEYTyehEGc32EJcDZ9lL14/s400/photo+2.jpg" /></div>**I apologize for some of the picture's quality. Some of these were snapped with my camera phone as I was too lazy to go and get my real camera**<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a> </div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-42593458510524795552010-09-17T10:17:00.003-05:002010-09-17T11:26:09.803-05:00A Fancy Quesadilla<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDL3bDalqXJdkmCmQE8MM30PCsku0wCrH1Y63qAjyJTw9ZnQmxGzZiJ0Wnu4VBE2a9tKUZabKjCtkSX81S2bzqRzFliwbollTlQ1KaCUyjHw-aapTLeeDTFkh6AZolDcfdJyliTBN-Z8/s1600/gorganzola+pear+008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517916795104550946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDL3bDalqXJdkmCmQE8MM30PCsku0wCrH1Y63qAjyJTw9ZnQmxGzZiJ0Wnu4VBE2a9tKUZabKjCtkSX81S2bzqRzFliwbollTlQ1KaCUyjHw-aapTLeeDTFkh6AZolDcfdJyliTBN-Z8/s400/gorganzola+pear+008.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"> Pickles and I have this ridiculous love of pears. That kid could eat his body weight in pears, me, not so much. Not that I don't love them equally, but seriously, <em>my</em> body weight in pears? That's just silly.<br /><div><div align="center">I even loved the movie "City of Angels," partly because of how Meg Ryan describes the taste of pears to Nick Cage.</div><div align="center">Where was I going with all of this? Oh yes, my latest snacking endeavor.</div><div align="center">The other day I was making the kiddos some black bean quesadillas <span style="font-size:78%;"><em>please note, it is redundant to call it a bean and cheese quesadilla as the word quesadilla actually means cheese in tortilla. Just sayin'. </em></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I was hungry, but not super hungry so I just wanted something light-ish. My friend the pear was staring me straight in the eye. Sounded good, but I needed a little something extra. I popped open the fridge and found a smidge of Gorgonzola cheese, leftover from The Dude's favorite dinner Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo pasta. LIGHTBULB!!</span></div><div align="center">Back in SoCal, near where I used to live, there is this awesome restaurant that serves a Gorgonzola Pear pizza, <em>drool</em>. </div><div align="center">So, I yanked that Gorgonzola out the fridge and whipped this up.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517916779455797938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqb4xMPe70hqwKjKMynntJKUgmk6hkynWzn1istQ_aY6A7eC5fa2uK3YIiYk_LcXZ5tYj5zTIvuCf2h6kbrWKILOclRrH5QIgl4EZtM0UuGo6y2IX0-OubFxb4N8hRYFJ6naYwywXeuk/s400/gorganzola+pear+004.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">Here's how it went down:</div><div align="center">2 - 6in flour tortillas</div><div align="center">5-6 thin slices of pear (any variety will do)</div><div align="center">1 T whipped cream cheese</div><div align="center">1 T crumbled Gorgonzola cheese</div><br /><div align="center">Smear the cream cheese on one (or both, hell I don't care) tortilla. Lay a single layer of pears on top and sprinkle the Gorgonzola on it. We're not looking for heavy coverage on the Gorgonzola here people. Use less or more according to your liking. Top with remaining tortilla.</div><br /><div align="center">Fire up the ol' griddle or pan and cook that bad boy. No need to grease the pan, unless you are really looking for that extra artery clogging goodness that butter adds. Not that I'm judging you, cuz it is fabulous. Just know you will still get a nice, crisp quesadilla without it. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517916789214466178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rQqyKIvBqMY-n3IUcmwYf_7KlzDf64lqz3ESUR_r0rKk6KnaJ0tYE0nSrdx8De7j2iv3GE80r0JhhyOjow5sULsfBJ3MxkXj_BYYroBakUouJ7Y5742qYhuQI4B5nUNwDDQc3UBMf8w/s400/gorganzola+pear+006.jpg" />Let it sit for a few minutes to let the juices hang out. You can do it. Resist the urge to eat it, just for a little while.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517916791717680466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZ0EgZ161fGWLRk2A_WBIIvYGGLDIUe0tY97B-_Y_90wdzu7LQO5YBGKjuKdO7tQrwqv3YLToEIjj-_8qwA83E9vW5RruEpDpMPfmp-ThLVwTauMS4e7DLTkqKnTc8q0M0X3ZHD9zNps/s400/gorganzola+pear+007.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">Now, it was fabulous on it's own. But I'm thinkin' I need to scout out some fresh cranberries and make some cranberry sauce. That flavor combo sounds awesome to me!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-48935162384309482502010-08-20T15:05:00.004-05:002010-08-23T14:25:22.919-05:00Bribing the teacher with candy<div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center">That is <em>so</em> my style. Ok, maybe it's not technically bribing. More like giving them an extra reason to cut me some slack should I forget to send something to school on time. You know, things like that. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I sent one of these for each of my children's teachers last week. This went over well. Who doesn't like getting something for doing nothing. Let's be honest, they haven't done much of anything as of yet. It's more like incentive to do good things. Like, "See, I gave you a treat even before you <em>did</em> anything. Imagine what you'll get for doing well with my kids!!"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Maybe not? Anyone follow me?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ok, anyway, here is a picture of the treat. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508687495046363666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXN11NZoHcdpEps8VZQ2K2QNgi4Xw7yJCjGe1CrHJtCHP9HJt66LmhmqgciGiRP09vE5IpGoZXgWeUabdEfmeDTsb5gIL8tX258fJKPaVUFxUZw72scC1XSoojLtGDwEEaETikzDxuLE/s400/Skor+wrapper+picture.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">The blue side is that back. Obviously the white side with the writing is the front. It just wrapped around a standard Skor candy bar. <em>oooooh, Skor candy bar, I love you.</em> I came really close to just eating these and giving the empty wrappers but I thought that bad form.</p><p align="center">Since I'm so lame and low tech, I don't know how to upload templates or anything on here. If you want it, comment here with an email address and I'll send you the file. Or, if you're so inclined tell me how to put the template up! Or don't, your call.</p><p align="center">Yay for sucking up to the teacher!<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-52079456791062223302010-06-28T15:49:00.003-05:002010-06-28T16:09:20.452-05:00Gymnast Cake<div align="center">A while back a friend asked me to make a cake for her mother. No occasion. Her Mom caters and does cakes for a living. She once mentioned how no one ever made <em>her</em> a cake. That was where I entered. It was a simple cake: lemon cake with raspberry mousse filling and lemon Swiss buttercream. I piped little white daisies all around the yellow iced cake. Very simple, very pretty.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Another friend stopped by that house and had a piece of cake. I got a text from her the next day asking if I would do her daughter's birthday cake. She selected a cake based on the theme of the party. I got to planning and was about to buy the few things I needed when I got a text saying the theme of the party had changed. It was now a gymnastics party. The following cake is what they wanted. I had tons of fun doing it. <em>*please note, I am obviously not a professional so please don't judge me too harshly!!</em> <em>Also, all pictures were taken with a cell phone camera, hence the crap-tastic quality.</em></div><div align="center"><em>WTF is with that right side? It looks bulgy! There was no bulge in person, I assure you.</em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487932287424171090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZz15oG-bg-kdMAStgO67m8iULWyQp4EY116h04baQyAvlZUmgsjBKYne8Jm_IISeKKX0tvb8IHiXlWmVlcM11fTFypRE-ceGmARyBNIfgasANA_K3i8EtXMlJ5Ltp_rbm87vddphzJEc/s400/finished+top.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br /><em>Gymnast is made out of fondant. Hair was done using a...wait for it...garlic press. Bahahaha! I know they make fondant/clay extruders, but my garlic press worked perfectly!</em><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487932289394206946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0HHzq6EXrmxIbtKAwzw7myOzKGL-RaYoZMzW1O9ObvGFsIWv4uu8PxUh4dk1XwBPC9IQskVqcGx5BfdYE-rwQqPX1gTiTP-XBQw1Rq8KvIxJ7wpvgt7jrlYd3wz-X0eyMIGEC_xGAHE/s400/fondant+gymnast.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Marshmallow fondant accents</em><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487932292622063266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXHLrefm112AMRYRxlrBOaGQX7xPatc2nJQhZPbCXtD1RZslLgHI3XyTd4ofl6vH03PTzCwoU8hyRMc2Oy_6we4z4Qfy5I-Y755swMzau2624mXCsXa5zIt9wcFdHGdkSfHWlDzyItUY/s400/fondant+decorations.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487932305315941346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxEgSt9CAjjQbWRb8NJI9LT-N6dD-vMCeNQH1j9WbV9nSUI3K6O94FBhmkGL5W6_POV4CKvC-KvhpB1p2J5Bsk8Ojs27fdYTbIF4oOICkBE8I4A068NGGdIDw34BNNi-3EvX5feAbvOo/s400/bottom+tier1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487932299096132034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNVJSOdM658yqJ_BydDKcQDcCsuY4JlduDrlFYk4C6ZD2AFJueWMuv26pNtIQWITRTzYLVd0BuGz1ybqVdltkYP6p5inxOS6efQEV59HqDNNOKC-5eh0cVnVPTBOnO8kXNrp3-UPX-oQ/s400/finished+side.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-48768363531795005852010-06-02T09:13:00.002-05:002010-06-02T09:17:16.887-05:00O - M - G<div align="center">This will be my lame attempt at blogging today. Although you may not find it so lame after you click <a href="http://www.steppingthrucrazy.com/2010/05/shower-curtain-ring-bracelets.html?showComment=1275487942319_AIe9_BEG-KnpK7IQFyGkUexUvPiQRN9Fr9blPMnutMhB_ZPF1-Kz5FggwW156uv-OilAoOzUbdgbqEStwNXliFe9RU7Hldq6nc93E392aNnGL8quGa_hPEsMTXrEWceLyIS0DfTCmWSmxsLsmhdFdptnPUqylZS2ZxgLKzYNi9gc33H5neQQnKd3sdVVARRCYApt_aSbVKy5WLZQJMQHDwZwnsqeXwO1Ozq7JQ20eblCjkdw8dygzbn17DrVwYsq09ntjDHLqUDG#c7878138496876836981">here.</a></div><div align="center">Boo-yah! How freakin' awesome is that?! </div><div align="center">Sarah, at <a href="http://www.steppingthrucrazy.com/">Stepping Thru Crazy</a>, is a total genius. I think I may be in love. </div><div align="center">Sisters, I can totally see you making these. I absolutely expect to see some on your wrists when I get there for Christmas. </div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-63630357961475802042010-04-16T14:54:00.005-05:002010-04-16T15:20:36.318-05:00Another thing you never knew was so easy<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460830576544907650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg605wwyJ69-B4k_4_iXqKWyeGGU7pHT38B3jIGPiKPYGv6XqHruE1zdaVW3mTtN6jjwVlPL4UpAP2dK8zyhzTWWI8fgb6GYVmzwnop7jZZIVB1A5v0-s_av7g9sda5UuwZCMwNGj540/s400/ricotta8.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div align="center"><div> </div><div align="center">I'm not sure why, but the thought of cheese making intimidates me. It just seems like one of those things that only a select few can master.</div><div align="center">I have had this recipe for homemade ricotta cheese for a while. Actually, I typed it out on October 8th, 2008, so that's more than a while, right? Wow, that was a lot of commas. Ack!! Another one. Dang. My English 1A professor was right! I <em>DO</em> have comma diarrhea.</div><div align="center">Anyway, where was I? Yes, so I've had this recipe on my desk at work since then. I have no idea where it came from. None whatsoever. I saw it somewhere, copied it into Word, printed it out, and on my desk it sat until last weekend. Then it happened. I took the plunge. I made my first cheese. While it's not an aged cheddar or Romano, it <del>is</del> was heavenly. I saw <em>was</em> because it's gone. Not a nibble was left.</div><div align="center">I'm almost hesitant to tell you all just how easy it is. Mostly because I like people to think I'm fantastic. I use trickery to fool most of them. Easy recipes like this that produce fantastical results that seem so out of reach for the regular Joe, are how I keep up the mystique.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">Ok, ok. I'll share. But only cuz you're cute.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Creamy-Dreamy Ricotta Cheese</span></strong></div><p align="center">2 quarts whole milk<br />1 cup heavy cream<br />3 T white vinegar<br />½ tsp sea salt<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460830392329000514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsirx_LAn2F2sTzo-HukicvgqtccwVj8L5z94M0ecJoBTgkKwWXjY5YigLvGbyTxRRuJKpQOCgY_971JZsDxxeE5V1QtBG8H8mUV5rLubq0ct_vkI-QkXebnC4fvB4iCyuRTU7gD6wfA/s400/Ricotta1.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Gee, guess who shops at Walmart??</span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> <div><br />Warm the milk and cream over medium-high heat until foamy and steamy (185 degrees).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460830408537414210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDfd8KWNkkEutkcgE6llVKgcOUZgqQa0nGdytIhu37Pp-fK3gCW94cArRQiQs7ZD7XAilmygc-1jkgzPFVdX4Qdqgug0nh0BEu29DmH01w-Yqn7LfPEiv_xIreboQRh7ei_51h7VbAT8/s400/ricotta4.jpg" border="0" /> Do NOT let it boil. </div></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Allow me to throw in this little nugget: use a pot that is big enough. This one: too small. I hadn't even added all of the ingredients at this point!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460830396261267810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-KNEJ8SEHN4KD-95N8uWWa0Qveh84OiO4vcMJqwuFQqWF81f9pfQV6EKmmRP6Q6_OYimrYuKIyIJ6PiFK4NDj0FbwN6t2OpwpmND_zPRxCaF3BOfARtI-uuIxUCN6Rfz4v925NZbcdc/s400/Ricotta2.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">This one: much too big, but I wasn't about to dirty a 3rd pot.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460830401192803586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso4VPnZ9M08ncBQWEHMX2S7UIRWNIEoJoUrPfsVj51eeYjCp5PX4kFmugdLBcTrEUJhILC6NoEwGGT3DLyDcujraNbKRNJZP6SdnWR69SS0Uw-gr5STpp1KMunSW5LF7c1P9rA0BCWNk/s400/Ricotta3.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></div><div align="center">Remove from heat. Add vinegar and stir gently for 30 seconds; mixture will curdle almost instantly. I'll be honest here, it looks nas-tastic at this point. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460830571032938898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauSe8R55hi_mnJne7hZdBTDvxN65G076QPN65TgTXLuE4yAOU_FLvQX1H5sSzJmYaGfNz5ct_j-8w0BK-HXKF5kLNc4-A2_RsGRocBX6Lb4ZORJvsTJahQhlNejO8yjVOBa5NeU3OuWc/s400/ricotta6.jpg" border="0" />Push on, friend. It will all be worth it shortly. Add the salt and stir 30 seconds longer. Cover with a clean towel and let stand for 2 hrs.<br />Line a large colander with several layers of cheesecloth, allowing several inches to overhang. Set the colander in a large bowl. Using a slotted spoon, transfer curds to colander. Carefully gather the corners of the cheesecloth and close with a rubber band and hang over bowl. </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">You likey my fancy-shmancy system I rigged up here? Yup, that is totally a rubber-bandy headband.</span></em></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460830576139863618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqZoXaMdpFYrc5sPKWlqFcADt0VflCZkDXcWWLIp4w52X9w5xF_nYI_TFKfC1bXRv-fmovuNvC7nohRfmeXIjnqlWzoyj74_O0XNDhBcIgkSX4lxcqE_tH_idlaHzMfckOKPCdTjwRm0/s400/ricotta7.jpg" border="0" />Let the ricotta drain for 30 minutes, gently pressing and squeezing the cheesecloth occasionally to drain off the whey. Transfer ricotta to a bowl and use at once or cover and refrigerate. <p align="center">Close yer yaps. Yes, it's that easy. The results are amazing. Seriously, you will never, <em>ever</em> buy the store bought stuff again. Ridiculous, right? Why did I let this recipe sit on my desk for a year and a half? Because I was intimidated by cheese making! Geez. </p><p align="center">I used my ricotta to make the kick-assiest baked pasta dish I've ever had. My picky eater, Twin A, even liked it! She wanted a small bowl for herself. I drizzled it with honey and let her have at it. She declared it "the best thing I <em>never</em> had." Yeah, made me scratch my head too. Fairly certain she meant <em>ever. </em></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460830584113781858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWjFPnKhpFiN50e23MchQoYWqHgXCKdlHyZVVeUKUPMOPdt2WDt9rJxQCwYnfOTk1MihGXstroTMwa0ZDkfYId6VUEuk1_jyvLO0EYeIFGJV2Bg9W8MrnZpz0GUMeRU_xC9fnvD_TQ1s/s400/ricotta9.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Enjoy.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-3271249245620827222010-03-24T13:25:00.004-05:002010-03-24T14:03:14.101-05:00Back to Square One.<div><div><div><div align="center">I stepped on the scale this morning. Damn near fainted.<br /><br />Since around the first of the year I have been on a diet. No, not so much a diet as a lifestyle change. I was doing pretty well. I had lost 15 or so pounds. I was happy with that, but of course wanted to go further.</div><div align="center"><br />The whole family got sick about a month ago. They all got better, I did not. I finally went to the doctor and was put on an array of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">meds</span>, including a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cortical</span></div><div align="center">steroid. Do we all know the side effects of those? Weight gain (among others). I <em>knew</em> this going in. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ok</span>, I thought, must be extra diligent. It's only a week, what could happen??</div><div align="center"><br />You can gain every single pound you've lost BACK, is what can happen.<br />Right. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sooooo</span>, I'm in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pissy</span> mood today.</div><div> </div><div align="center">Now that I've gotten that off of my chest I can move on.</div><div align="center">**FAIR WARNING** Picture quality is super crappy. I used my camera phone for all of these pictures. Sorry.<br /> </div><div align="center">Do your kids constantly beg for cupcakes? <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452275602465707410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Moin7CAPgoVEsmzETpQK2WVwkXrb825m4E06dj2N-Xd2kqho_TtomP79oPL9p7HphFK9B96cDGjZLwbBfxJWX06jQ6tNe-LwJ99ibyHicpfKOLzx2hlB-S5lvCVcmcnKUIDZmqvnqSI/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" />Mine do. I'm not sure why. I don't make cupcakes all that often. Not a HUGE fan of cupcakes myself. Don't get me wrong, <em>LOVE</em> making them, I just doing really love them enough to waste the calories eating them (see, lifestyle change! The old me would <em>never </em>have said that!!).</div><div><br /> </div><div align="center">Anyway, last week I was just in the mood to bake and the kids wanted to help. How, exactly, can two 4 yr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">olds</span> and a 2 yr old help with cupcakes without making a huge mess???</div><div> </div><div align="center">Enter my smartest investment EVER. No, really, EVER. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452275580660434114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WSKV5GxrFgjrBuX4cssKJrdbsBflCi2ACebDVKYc2xZVRDQ_J0yhuomsSWbvmQBUiXtDp300Lgis4wlzH7jB5ZDejWXVQ3cxPsnBogRVFLBSULqtcbXncS4kcRxLyNbaQtGIHZ_z8sY/s400/wilton.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I have used these things more than any other kitchen item (that's totally not accurate, but I use them a lot).</div><br /><div align="center">You can make the fanciest pancakes using those bad boys: names, numbers, simple designs, shapes, you name it! Takes a bit of the mess out of it too. No stray drops or splatters. I also use these when we're making pizza. I actually bought a bunch for the girls' last birthday party. I didn't think giving a spoon and a huge bowl of pizza sauce to 3 and 4 yr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">olds</span> sounded like a good idea, but I wanted them to be able to make their <em>own</em> pizzas. Voila! Little bottle comes in handy again!</div><br /><div align="center">I also use these a lot when plating. Yes, I plate dishes. Not every day, mind you, but I get this weird little thrill from making things look ultra fancy. A little swirl of chocolate here, a twirl of pesto there. Ya dig?</div><br /><div align="center">So yes, back to cupcakes. The kids sort of have a color assigned to each of them. Twin A is red/pink, Twin B is blue and Pickles is green. Naturally, they all wanted the cupcakes to be <em>their</em> color. I divided the batter into three bowls, tinted them in their respective colors, and then I filled the bottles with it. </div><br /><div align="center">I assigned each kid two rows of the muffin pan to work with. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452275586020420898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6boeZXUOq0NiGHbhbPnZMom58cPboueC2orO6XFZ-UVDXeeyj6-BVJ2xQxIc9xaprsUrVLkAe18d0dBLe0BDcw1jQPaEUfXL5vgs56hYcUSPIhb-ugsaWG0fmkZ9GyVL1N8YxrT0GcfA/s400/wilton+mini+muffins.jpg" border="0" />Using their bottles, they squirted a bit in each tin then we turned the pan and they repeated the process until all of the muffins had each color in them.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452275706577033714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPQjwD9QUFhpaYNXQcYtHXJGnKhBOrG7ANtdHBJtp9m-DLYFcPElBrhE-Yj-OQSsnOIeeKOIUYI7tU54rAu8R3BYinHTmDxudLVamJMvvS4YQEJ_q7KYW0j_10MU5RV64kn3KGX6MPsE/s400/photo+4.jpg" border="0" /> They were wildly impressed with this but I was not done.</div><br /><div align="center">I was not about to make three different colors of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">buttercream</span> and frost some one color some another. So what I did was I took a pastry bag and painted one red stripe, one green stripe, and one blue stripe on the inside with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">gel</span> food coloring, filled the bag with plain white <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">buttercream</span> and went to town. The results were quite fun!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452275592821240258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmvXG9ZMK9HhghhREJObdx4-6nePW7YoUhpHkFFNI3b6py_itqBEuZjQgF1Z7ihFGqOjKqAOsuLJdq-eQKDbZMHNKaiyES27o7_nP3HrwxgcJD-bOQLA5wYeUyik5fRmwVK9ZWDRyRw4/s400/photo+3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">**Special note** I did not even eat these so this is NOT why I gained the weight back!!!! Ha!</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-78926356305053753682010-03-09T10:47:00.005-06:002010-03-09T11:18:04.585-06:00Take THAT, Pottery Barn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AKx-HnOmwR4XM0P0g3wFAhcQFBIt1FVBA2jATdJjPPINXBD9ftZgGaO68l_5Kwtbj3CMwKSzduV5rPRhzKXBYhmDXwPlNioLzDosGgn5eUsemZIAyWAjGdzw2stT-l6wn6BX-1XxoqY/s1600-h/dollar+store+eggs+up+close.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446681797047802962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AKx-HnOmwR4XM0P0g3wFAhcQFBIt1FVBA2jATdJjPPINXBD9ftZgGaO68l_5Kwtbj3CMwKSzduV5rPRhzKXBYhmDXwPlNioLzDosGgn5eUsemZIAyWAjGdzw2stT-l6wn6BX-1XxoqY/s400/dollar+store+eggs+up+close.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center">Oh Pottery Barn,</div><div align="center">You think you're so fancy...and you are. </div><div align="center">I often get your catalog and dream of having it's contents splashed all over my house.</div><div align="center">Then I look at my bank statement and realize, that just ain't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">happenin</span>'.</div><br /><div align="center">Much to my delight, I saw a post on Dollar Store Crafts about making the <a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/02/robins-egg-vase/">robin's egg vase filler </a>from PB. SWEET!</div><div align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PB's</span> vase filler is really cute <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446681791324240034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 344px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9q1igWxD360e3zXVKy0tuJzxPU6vSZ1fO26iC7kjO2-mRiWnbqUcO8BV5GBjwX8BroXKrsMM4PPaEhTn3xpT5JfHjU4Vu_P_ew_r1DZWh20mQcINFcPq70tyRVfV2nr9DOJzD5OsqvA/s400/potter+barn+eggs.jpg" border="0" />and would just be fabulous sitting on my table, but there is no way I am paying $14 (plus tax) for those bad boys. I <em>will</em> however pay $1 (plus tax). </div><br /><div align="center">Seriously people, these were so easy and turned out so fabulous.</div><br /><div align="center">I went to the Dollar Tree and bought these little foam eggs, took them home, pulled out the ribbon, stuck them on kabob skewers (for easy handling during painting)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446681787684399698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsok6V8u18JVuxv_-F5qW95clrtcB5ENfRziPur0EJ3yxesFE_cYi-PxJ4BgMXsaRyojuwKP7Xmcrqzh7ipLUXZqfkRcZJqCrpMh1_QmhyphenhyphenZTVaaRnAEWGnCScGqbNs5mdqZy3YboeijY/s400/dollar+store+eggs+before.jpg" border="0" /> and painted them (*note* use a sponge brush, NOT a regular paintbrush)!</div><br /><div align="center">I had the paint on hand. I mixed a couple of colors until I found the shade I like. Even if you had to buy the blue and brown paint, that's like, what, two or three bucks (depending on the brand you buy)?? Paint the entire egg, one heavy coat will do ya, or two thinner coats. When it's relatively dry (or when you've run out of patience, whichever comes first), take them outside and splatter the heck out of them with brown paint. I did this using <strike>The Dude's</strike> an old toothbrush. I thinned the brown paint with a bit of water first to make it splatter a bit better.</div><br /><div align="center">For argument's sake, let's say I had to buy the eggs, buy the paint AND buy the vase they're pictured in (from the dollar store): the total would come to </div><br /><div align="center">$1 for the eggs</div><div align="center">.99 per paint color (2 needed)</div><div align="center">$1 for vase</div><div align="center">plus LA state tax<br /></div><div align="center">My little project cost would have been $4.30, a far cry from $15.12 (even with the free shipping PB is advertising).</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446681807105544962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_0lwTqRawVihgrtPrqZHbHZafq0KxZtm73TJ6vfqgaSnZc1w0gx6YybjCMvZtc_nkW5tF8B1ZjkniyM5CsP2elJ2xGWoGyV3S0_TDfSnXp-mTT_XSJ45v0FC3F7aZbOw6QoZCue2Zsw/s400/Dollar+store+eggs+after.jpg" border="0" />I'm gonna go swipe some Spanish moss from the trees down the street to complete the nest-look in my vase. That little addition will be free-ninety-five, people...courtesy of mother nature.<br /><br />P.S. the eggs came out looking sort of electric blue in these pictures. I assure you this is not the case. I'm just too lazy to go mess with the color saturation/shadows/crap like that.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-87387078324246550552010-02-25T10:01:00.005-06:002010-02-25T10:54:36.445-06:00Carbs are my friend<div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442218622832750978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzPRPyGUXgqZVSWKqNifVcpdcwZOh3p2usBJDKN0dqFiF86s2WiidiSV_-KwegjmLGib5EBs8VScBDiV0wmu_QQ1shSH-c1d_2R9EuMX_0NIk-qow3r2cjzCgvWJqqmLbhBxLiXN9T4E/s400/rolls.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I love bread.</div><div align="center">No, seriously, I <em>love</em> bread. Those no-carb/low-carb diets would never work for me...ever.</div><div align="center">If I could live off of bread alone, I probably would.</div><div align="center">I go to the club stores and buy the humongous packages of yeast. Yeah, I'm <em>that</em> girl.</div><div align="center">I've previously discussed my dislike for the Thanksgiving tradition that has been forced upon me. The food is gross as it is always re-heated, store bought food (including the turkey). The one redeeming thing for this meal has always been the rolls. Sweet jebus they are good. I knew better than to assume they were homemade, so I asked our hostess what brand they were.<br /></div><div align="center">"Sister Schubert," she replied. Score! I all but ran to the store to buy a bag. Crap man, they were pricey, but oh so worth it.</div><div align="center">As I devoured the first bag I never dreamed that I could successfully recreate these beauties!</div><br /><div align="center">Of course I first searched the Internet for copycat recipes. I found one. It was good, but not spot on. So I tweaked it a bit and hit the jackpot. I made them for Christmas dinner when my family was in town. My sister took one bite and new exactly what they were. She has worked in the restaurant business off and on most of her life. A restaurant she had worked in used Sister Schubert rolls as their house rolls. She squealed with delight that we now possessed the recipe. She ate 6 rolls....no joke. </div><br /><div align="center">This recipe will make A LOT of rolls. Feel free to cut it down or freeze some dough, or bake the rolls and freeze some. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Best Rolls. Eat All Day (or B.R.E.A.D)</strong></div><div align="center">8 tsp. yeast (NOT rapid rise yeast!!!)</div><div align="center">7 tsp. sugar</div><div align="center">1 cup warm water</div><div align="center">1/2 cup sugar</div><div align="center">6 cups bread flour</div><div align="center">1 stick butter</div><div align="center">1/4 cup oil</div><div align="center">1 egg</div><div align="center">1 cup hot water</div><div align="center">2 tsp. salt</div><br /><div align="center">This recipe is written for a standing mixer. If ya don't have one, just mix up and knead like you would normally do with any bread! Combine yeast, sugar and one cup warm water in a 2 -cup large bowl or measuring cup (this makes it easier to see when it is actually at two cups). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442220653443349666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOyHqP6yrSEbtitozjvxr0wU34f6G0fq_fp4Xw_11nbQjOh-M5D8Dsxr-Z6Giue5cqdlz3qJ90BRQrCYClrCk3NedLTA1Uj6vfkDrUUz3_1WdOeaYlIMAXiIYeSFw676CyqZEmanSINw/s400/sponge.jpg" border="0" />Stir to dissolve and let rise until it equals 2 cups. In large mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup sugar,oil and salt. Mix well . Add egg, mix well. Add the one cup of hot water, and yeast mixture. Mix well. Slowly add flour and keep it kneading on low speed until the ball of dough is smooth and rebounds when you poke your finger into it. Take out the dough, spray bowl with Pam, put dough back in bowl and spray dough with Pam as well. Cover and let rise til double in a draft-free, warm place (I turn my oven light on and leave it in there).</div><br /><div align="center">Punch down dough and work down. Tear off balls (he he, I said balls) of dough that are about one to two inches in diameter. Place on greased pan. Cover and allow to rise until doubled in size. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442220664219432994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjHt2SDqApN6Of37qcWok8AOtYTVxYUZiBcspRjautNe4Rp-LxkB-tpr-tiiRFE1eC_AgDKMBcOqtkh5S2IMde2Xvx_ACDYo7TLQ9jRHxxpvpHOk6arB_pRR7Q93qPTHmh6g4VJyIRIo/s400/risinge+rolls.jpg" border="0" />Bake in preheated 400* oven on LOWEST wrack. Bake until they just start to get a hint of color. You may think they aren't done, but trust me, if you wait till they're golden brown, they'll lose the amazing texture. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442218627296352482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM32nOMsFKWDuUEVx4xxJQVhF9aoYhLu9tNYaafJ5dQr5Y3ozhQfsgUWrxLNpH3vvMkKvyADhddGBx0AvnjL3EwL4IKtyqYicWmqxOLiu0_AC4RckbeFEGLykRCx7d882nTBs2IvoTMs/s400/rolls2.jpg" border="0" />Brush with melted butter. The amazing part is they are still super tender and yummy cold/room temp and for several days after!! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">After rolling a crap ton of individual hunks of dough into balls, I was burnt out and running out of baking sheets. I opted to throw some of the balls (tee-hee) into a greased loaf pan, creating a pull apart loaf. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442220671534599842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA_yFFSwnmXFMqCcIOEEtPPWAzVB9T8-qTK5gQVOYaknbZTRYXeAejuWL4nOtKVF6urH10wlfvcRmf2-Mvjlff5kTZEMOagzTsQma1f3G33raYz9RJmW2d00H_v4-OaxVeGbkgOIiyYc/s400/rolls+pan.jpg" border="0" />Then, I got even lazier and just made a plain old loaf. All was good.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442220665900762226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrySeGcMM38G8kozT9oexuYq-nsfxaHKxpLfsmuEC98KoN0phx05bH9vzfLp67KgAOOOAHNQRjKbu6ZrHl8acHuZoevIDl6eskFPhyphenhyphenHx7DSopxAzKvkQF73O2l3Y7mXs5D4DbQzFBZCA/s400/roll+loaf.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-61054079277736337622010-02-22T09:05:00.003-06:002010-02-22T10:03:12.714-06:00Crazed Mother, Aisle 10<div align="center"> I very nearly became <em>that</em> mother at Wally World yesterday.<br /></div><div align="center">Perhaps it was the fact that I was at Wally World and not other places that I would much rather shop.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">Perhaps it was that there were none of those fabulous carts that can seat 3 children (<em>yes, I know the cart says not to put a third child in the upper seat but I do anyway</em>).</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">Perhaps it was the fact that the beautiful weekend (sunny and warm!!) had turned ugly (cloudy and rainy).</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">Whatever it was, it wasn't pretty.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">For any of you who are thinking, "Oh I don't lose my temper with my children and they never misbehave," take your Stepford Wives self somewhere else cuz this isn't gonna tickle your fancy.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">In hindsight, I probably should have turned around and left when I could not locate any of the previously mentioned required tools (read: 3-seater shopping cart). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441098343086086626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 378px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n0alCz7ZdxLycRPA9Oz_V3MevwJ-qr-oOs4U-idH992XNwKVNKZRu8cNjrqWRBjtiMnmICHtP1txjis-BtHHuBQwWjE-qkj6jf72R6IvZVyJiVnztOngS5LKbufqDLcI1vSqA9u8hz8/s400/shopping+cart.jpg" border="0" />But I didn't, I pressed on. I told them to jump on, garbage truck style. Everything was grand until about 15 minutes in. Then Twin B decided it was time to unleash her inner Bad Seed. She the leader of my little pack. She is strong willed and mischievous. She loves to convince her siblings to do things she <em>knows</em> they shouldn't do, to kinda test the waters. She's not a bad kid, she just has that little devilsh side. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center">Within 5 minutes it was utter chaos. The bad behavior started in the dairy section (Wally Worlds are all pretty much the same, set up wise, so I'm giving you a visual). I flew through the aisles, making it to bananas (of which there were NONE...great). I missed lots of things I needed whilst trying to hurry. I had to run back a few aisles a few times to get some things. Anyway, back to the banana section. Pickles freaks out at the lack of bananas <em>yes, my 2 1/2 year old knows where the bananas should be</em>. Twin B decides now would be a good time to run away and bring her brother with her. I see her whisper something to him and off he goes. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center">"I'll get him," she chirps and off she goes before I can tell her otherwise.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">It's at this point that I see our sitter. <em>GREAT,</em> just who I wanted to see, NOT. It's a whole other post, but I am actively searching for new childcare.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">Twin A is just standing there smiling, holding onto the cart like she's supposed to. What am I supposed to do?? Run with her and the cart or just leave her, and the cart and run after the other yahoos? I tell her to stay up and I run (I kept her in eyesight and the sitter was right there too). Pickles had turned back and ran smack into me. I swoop him up and keep running. Twin B rounds the corner and locks eyes with me. She gets what I like to call, The Look of Death. I grab her hand and squeeze it tightly. She tries to break free, but I am not letting go! EVERYONE is looking at us. I'm fairly certain one woman took out her cell in order to call 911 in the even I lost it. We make it back to the cart and I strap her in the only seat available.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">It looks ridiculous with a 4 year old (albeit a small one) strapped up in the baby seating, but it was necessary. She wails all the way to the check out like and till we make it to the car. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center">I can almost understand why you see those Moms who lose it on their kids at the Wally World...<em>ALMOST<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441098352210684770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzVdbygD_hAppHdtxtR-3smLH6Xoco2l9Pgu28Offq_PFNhJiCYWwfoqK111bXupM3EIuOeXqVgVwjHSwtSmpEd4Ej06uT4hnEXrObTcoF25jOB-f9vE-0LNxOSslcQn4_xt8H17vfjk/s400/frazzled-lady.jpg" border="0" /></em></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-61000734252203640932010-01-20T11:08:00.008-06:002010-01-20T14:34:35.745-06:00Gumpaste Gerbera Daisies ~ A Lighthearted Tutorial<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVUCxH03hFvUvtCrEJ3ZPON_ZgeFJ-umqS1hkwrRw1puKTRcrilDB2Ydyytpb-HzIphmVP97daoMGBuJkDcgoZw6GMlwJpp4ZqslVEx_f4hmKilSRM4eswWzcpYASOKbpe7C_gg4efwE/s1600-h/daisy+complete.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915934867003186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVUCxH03hFvUvtCrEJ3ZPON_ZgeFJ-umqS1hkwrRw1puKTRcrilDB2Ydyytpb-HzIphmVP97daoMGBuJkDcgoZw6GMlwJpp4ZqslVEx_f4hmKilSRM4eswWzcpYASOKbpe7C_gg4efwE/s400/daisy+complete.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="center">If you're looking for a serious, straight shooting tutorial on how to make Gerbera Daisies out of gum paste, stop here and go <a href="http://www.make-fabulous-cakes.com/gum-paste-gerbera-flower.html">here</a>. That's where I learned and it's a great tutorial but it lacks a certain something...smart assiness. Is that a word? It is now. Write it down.</div><br /><div align="center">Seriously, check out that entire site. Chick has some awesome stuff on there. </div><br /><div align="center">I'm gonna attempt to "keep it real." I did a lot of the "work" on these will sitting in bed. I'm not kidding. I don't use all of the proper tools or whatever. I use Q-tips, Dixie cups and other oddities. I did buy some of the proper equipment cuz there are just some things ya can't fudge. I got what I needed <a href="http://www.globalsugarart.com/">here</a>. Some of you lucky bums have great cake decorating supply stores nearby, goody for you. The rest of us have to order off of the Internet!!!</div><br /><div align="center">Let's start!</div><br /><p align="center">You will need:</p><p align="center">gum paste (<em><span style="font-size:85%;">dur)</span></em></p><p align="center">Large Gerbera daisy cutter</p><p align="center">Wilton's smallest daisy cutter<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915938398693170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdLnapJcp1Ja39NYG0TCZJTHYfmyYIVtVmksOxHxxTW7v9CW_36jnIz0MbYAVLbMHag_zpI46Z5MH6sCgZX-XvwHDFPf5Is0kOrAMMQFfNZasRcXnj7HXsWJAiFFvmvXSyGkgeQArrlI/s400/daisy+cutter.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">celforms (or some other small dish/bowl that will hold your flower in a slightly cupped shape while drying)<br />knife<br />cornstarch<br />water <em><span style="font-size:85%;">**you probably should use gum paste glue, but I'm lazy. Make gum paste glue by mixing 1T meringue powder with 1 T water, mix well.</span></em></p><p align="center">food coloring (<em>I used powdered and paste)</em></p><p align="center"><em></em><br />I bought bagged, pre-made gum paste that Wilton makes. Works well for me. It was like $8 bucks. Actually, I had some leftover from the Remy figure I made for the twincesses birthday cake. </p><p align="center">Start by kneading your gum paste in your hands until it's quite pliable. You may knead in color if you would like, or paint your gum paste later!</p><p align="center">Dust your clean <span style="font-size:78%;"><em>*snicker</em>*</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em> </em>work surface with cornstarch. You can certainly sprinkle that stuff right on your workspace but that tends to give you a rather heavy coat. Take some cheesecloth, or NEW nylons/knee highs (do they still make those? Mom?), or what I had, which was a roll of tulle which I took one long piece and folded it over itself a million (five) times. Now, put a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch in the center of your material of choice, draw up the sides creating a little sack. Steal one of your daughter's tiny hair elastics and tie it off (or use twine or regular rubber bands or whatever). Voila! A Fluffer-Duster! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915943082286322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3xtZHMpm20S6WJu3hD0AhNmdS6-eaUv3yuArRZcC02BfOoBLjm2avr7xiatifN1EkItcoubKfIKhw24q_UxDJbSKxhxy94vCVfmgZd4SyvHjfm450rvP6dE94K04NMs7qsSdLv4L1bI/s400/daisy+duster.jpg" border="0" /><em>I'm certain there is a real name for these, but I don't know it and I like Fluffer-Duster</em>.</span><br /></p><p align="center">Next, we want to roll the gum paste out quite thin. We're talkin' Calista Flockhart thin <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428916432961297410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9xdGi7U9-RBpcBRpGdQw9kG3PxprkiBUAscSIPBSLjv_1B3mbhGE9EFhhyphenhyphenA8hcyrEhy5Q5esegkL2SMAZ2sBq4xj_S7b8IayDGrn9fY4_Mctb3Z-WhOSRCalrb55CNrXdLvkFl1lQ48/s400/Yowza.jpg" border="0" />(Yowza! That broad is skinny!). Like this:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428916201294685378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTU8WZ5ZGcQ21qaipQnHikOTmWltCLBzPjU5UIoZ6IGD1xvkSmr12qiMlt7WvvgF9PtYoxEOeslLnUwX98LhhgWY4Xei21LI8kkkbfxhQNulLDcYzRDjEz3VakyhX1IBzc4OW5k6KvwQ/s400/daisy+thin.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Take your larger Gerbera Daisy cutter (from here on out, I'm gonna drop the "a" on the end cuz I don't like it and when I say the word the "a" is silent anyhow. Deal with it.) and gets to cuttin'.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428916210284515234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsDoRakULp_oiw3WHfSoVms8WJPs2xtUGWXnDoWkBMreVVHhWkBmqiEmCdTfu48dQF4eFPl9KFTy-bleEgOlz7XIPpqUBW7VRvx2OTMp7gPeIIOjy5y7KQeIunVu38vk9k49-d3WpVMg/s400/daisy+tools.jpg" border="0" /> For one flower you'll need two cut outs. Please note, when not using your gum paste, even for a couple of minutes, fold up your rolled out sheet and seal it in a ziplock bag. Otherwise you'll be kneading and re-rolling it out!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915941983948274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyvzWWt_WKw7jNHKWmfViZ-N1gg1xTIfWSm7M41tUbTx3nZoz8ws8K7HbFZEhClzjd11ZDSujbHwh2OE1OhzAV4CQnds3MuJLOtZuPi73iCD58c26xaVRSRY6AZ98_Dap4yk8fGAjeFE/s400/daisy+dough+bagged.jpg" border="0" />Pick up your cut outs using a spatula or, if you can't find your spatula because your two year old has an odd habit of stealing and hiding kitchen utensils, simply gently slide the cut outs off the table and into your hand. Set in your celform. Gently push down a bit so the center begins to cup. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915253655932994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQctjysBQ685Hx9caORyS-Stgx4RLjrnADkx2vdyUplPXxt581qUfYe0tV2H5s0GDXF2fNvGi5MaZ5A6cWL67if_l81c4NhAgf_UP9NNdbB4CDG27TGcn_UKQbVeHjvhd_xi07VC_9pk/s400/daisies+drying.jpg" border="0" />I SAID GENTLY!!!!</p><p align="center">Set those aside while we do the next step so they have a chance to dry a bit. Take the small daisy cutter and cut out a crap ton *not actual measurement*. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915255628447730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh447_t6j4VcSrv3lE_UVkzUpk31P5jRZmwiVuWcTRYOHPITRVHMIoyVcjMQo1Ar10vNBd-vpz9a1DRGV18TXIeV8AFNHnfvFO_R0LB7JNjUKNpnNF1AUydFTcLNrTVpQqybj9p5yq4okA/s400/daisies+tiny+cut.jpg" border="0" />Seriously, I don't know how many I used per flower. Just cut out a bunch. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428916201694230690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdxgKE_INdF6Rt-lFqGZV2PkGpLeYJB-WlYuDAMEaTLJXXt_X4Cc65IJVc_LRk_x3iaTPsVKJiBgDI42YHufxEN48T8FsvyB48X7fHeiMY3DNBP2JcLfR7cGmcjkUJmWQYzdokifGlAc/s400/daisy+pieces.JPG" border="0" />You must work fast with these as they dry very fast! Using a small knife, cut each daisy in half and then cut each petal in half. Like so:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915246308153122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp96mChsmF0qnNIoSVIzJfYp7js-HoZ8AXaGxRs8mvkWxoHxxOfylS93PU3RaysU0gHWmnymyNojoQa3cEUtY6CezItrskzpX7LezpaipPUuTuepjKPQGBNERLn-XHsLFFjluh5MzO324/s400/daisies+cut.jpg" border="0" /><br />If you don't fancy the color of your flowers at this point, or if you have left them white, you can paint them now! Go to the liquor cabinet and find the <em>cheap</em> vodka, cuz when you use the expensive vodka, The Dude gets grumpy. <em>See babe, I remembered that little lesson from last time!</em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428916213804886082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMHaU5z5BVuHZTPdI0KwuvW90FOfDylz29Lux5UsjYn_4BPT-06WMCw561UtFHNaC4T7ulBT8FSIMTESxUWlGyR8aCinKpBWeXe10hJi_BC9USDzXqyXremC7woJgw86l4EnIjnxmMS8/s400/daisy+vodka.JPG" border="0" />Now drink! No, that's not right. In a small cup, combine a couple tablespoons of vodka with your food coloring of choice. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428916198935552050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzGqz82Mw4FrE7C6_9cYXt5b4ScAKv_0uZxOk3E5k7-5E6pc4z6ZrObNORYI-d22HTN0dux-kNxWDlqqgY5s0wJCShlwwvKIzJJ4SkgRjnvhCBGhnzdUPAcU86e03G-8c8-VcSQPH3oc/s400/daisy+paint.JPG" border="0" />Using a small brush paint the flowers. Use a small amount please! While the vodka helps it dry quicker, if you use too much it will start to eat away at your sugar and get gummy.</p><p align="center">Now get your gum glue or water. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915262268954034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYdGjyxtNUlx0BN_VYRdx8vWBn2C209x29VFgVsgHBJFAM1lXhdkLdxHNmPqAr8FlBvsuy9h_3WutcLkhkivPl4Ld07zV6AFg4UapSbhXMxWWP3rpDu-ID7nM_ZZJDo60psuxpnG6L2g/s400/daisy+assembly.JPG" border="0" />You can use a small paintbrush (recommended) or a Q-tip (not so much). Start attaching your small daisy halves around the center. Gently push them on to secure.<br />Now take a small ball of gum paste<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915930443045250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-RROnB4fsyjtJx59sfIQxM3IyJaQZULIkhsRoRlD1MdvIPWUhmRe03FgFFtsHQG_Vn69RwF7qLvvuy2SzxdTVN-cBU6JDhliux3_CnDNIrsp8UdJprCl6a0jQHkRmXtQNQcKfw5cCpc/s400/daisy+center+ball.JPG" border="0" /> and flatten is a bit by pressing it against a sieve. No, I'm not crazy *<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>lie*</em></span><span style="font-size:100%;">. We're doing this to get the pattern on the gum paste! I don't know why I didn't take a picture, loser I guess. Using a little glue, attach your center. I omitted a small step that the other tutorial has and I'm kicking myself for forgetting! Using small scissors, make small cuts into the center piece to help give it more texture. Paint if you'd like!</span></p><p align="center">Set your pieces out to dry. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428915257367612370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWJFbcfzg3tNQZMEQZKQP09_9YlLzg7mNmwOr7ICRKlTgLenmN1BjZkLuBfRMObSL9kWU78o1rQledxcLZvbIN1PEC2DOuFvvjG4RsHhF0aqQV2WQUXrk-YndbCAl5k1FB8VHyGtpOto/s400/daisies+drying+2.jpg" border="0" /> Set one daisy head (one of the ones with a center) on top of a plain daisy head so you have a double layer of petals. Use a dot of gum paste glue to hold it together. Does that make sense? I guess you could use just a single one, but trust me, it looks so fine with a little more depth.<br />That's it. Seriously. Go try it. When people start raving about your mad decorating skills you can come back and thank me.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428916448122845266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 392px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCkCqxU9iBBrYVxGVwTr9KC0hoxl6KCwu7oj5v71qrSDF_Aa-LQNmnkh4XDvbMzHV8GpXvGMpujvA-DNFwkZoiSNqvNmSp6r4IBrYZ-IzNnoVTjM3RSWlJhwi2uGe8D_rOGhpCrVpsrU/s400/Gerbera+Daisy.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center"><em>It won't look this shiny when it's dry. This was right after I painted one of them.</em></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-33825945039431544122010-01-19T11:14:00.005-06:002010-01-19T11:29:54.246-06:00I Suck At Blogging<div align="center">At least I can admit it. I have left my little blog to whither and die and that makes me a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sucky</span> person. Not because I had a huge following, but because the few people that check it are important to me. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">I <em>have</em> been doing plenty of stuff, possibly too much. I shall try and pull in the reigns and be less of go-getter. No, that's not right. I WILL try and be inspired to post more!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">The dieting thing had me kind of uninspired to cook/bake, but I'm back on it with more self control. Instead of baking cookies with the kiddos last night (and thereby eating several warm cookies straight off the cooling wrack) I left The Dude to do the baking with the kids, while I got a shower in. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">I AM working on my birthday cake and so far, so fabulous! I'm making <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gumpaste</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gerbera</span> Daisies! They were so easy and so cute! </div><br /><br /><div align="center">This picture was taken with my iPhone so the quality is, lets be honest, lackluster.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428504116211980754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bPGkdis9hKs45xD25yUn1OlfCeF-cfwtu0ml_vl7DTh3h_82qPBvPJgm5mrOelLB_ufgJo1TYBmLgueaHUr5q7RcHw7pPWhtT7zOxNtQRwO14BQEYv4AUf87Wmmo392k7E-EI9F5QG4/s400/Gerbera+Daisy.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">She's shiny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cuz</span> she's not dry. It won't be shiny when it's on the cake.</span></em><br /></div><div align="center">I've got <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">several</span> more drying at home and hope to post a little "how to" later this week.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Also, I have discovered the roll recipe to end all roll recipes. Seriously, coming from an avid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">carb</span> lover, this is simply THE BEST roll recipe I've come across. One of my sisters, who has worked in many-a-restaurants, tells me these are an exact replica (or better) of a specific brand of rolls that several of the restaurants she has worked in used. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">I will grace you with that little gem later as well.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Last thing, and then I'll shut up: the twins were scouted for a movie! It was an exciting experience. The first audition was held at the same time/place as they were casting for extras in a drag queen scene. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OMG</span>, the girls were loving all the queens! The second audition was much more formal and serious. They had catering and everything, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">lol</span>. Unfortunately, or not, actually, they did not get the roll. We were the only ones from out of town (it was being shot in New Orleans) and the casting director repeatedly asked how far we lived, how long the drive was, etc. They came out and ranted and raved about the girls, but again brought up the distance (55 miles). The agent that scouted the girls followed up and it was indeed our not being "in town" that was the deciding factor. Seriously, now that I am over the star-struck thing, I am kinda glad they didn't get it. That would have been a hectic 3 months!</div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-86769035895153972912009-12-10T13:56:00.003-06:002009-12-10T14:04:00.362-06:00There WILL be a white Christmas at my house!<div align="center">What's that saying? A sucker is born every minute?</div><div align="center">Well, my friends, my minute has come.</div><div align="center">I realized this after I clicked "order" on <a href="http://www.snowinseconds.com/?gclid=CMeKwrjOzJ4CFQO2sgodnhF4rQ">this site</a>.</div><div align="center">Yes, while most of the country is trying to dig themselves out of that snowy mess, I am ordering "Snow in Seconds." Come on though, how awesome is this stuff? You can sprinkle it outside and it will look all snowy-like. In a few days, it will dehydrate but all you have to do is spray it with more water and BLAMMO! Snowy again!</div><div align="center">I'm totally sold. I bought the big-boy pack.</div><div align="center">My Dad will probably scold me when he sees it and whip out a massive stash of it <em>yeah he totally is THAT Dad. I distinctly remember him drinking orange soda out of beakers when we were growing up. We were quite possibly the only kids in the neighborhood that had hazmat spills in our garage.</em></div><div align="center">I am totally stoked to get this stuff in the mail. I am possibly MORE excited than the kids will be.</div><div align="center">MAGIC SNOW!!!!!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">**All of you who are cursing me and my "warm" weather can hush...or move here. Yes, YOU. You know who you are.</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-44598423393861354462009-12-08T06:29:00.005-06:002009-12-08T07:27:49.062-06:00Beautiul Christmas Wall Art & SITSMAS!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BbiGBfyq1IhiP0xGTB1jMZ59m-6aQcIaxGydNNYG3e0tPAABGj4GYqPc5AsUrBAKzBPNNIvkNeVAVg16Sy0PBsckJzyjfkRbAspBPHaG8ECA0wDwReoat62ahtmjjHVSCWjCvgjfpNI/s1600-h/Christmas+Card+2009+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412856214339855506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BbiGBfyq1IhiP0xGTB1jMZ59m-6aQcIaxGydNNYG3e0tPAABGj4GYqPc5AsUrBAKzBPNNIvkNeVAVg16Sy0PBsckJzyjfkRbAspBPHaG8ECA0wDwReoat62ahtmjjHVSCWjCvgjfpNI/s400/Christmas+Card+2009+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">First and foremost, Merry SITSmas!! Head on over to the <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/">SITS</a> girls' site and link up for some bloggy love.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJSMQJ2dbRZede-bOeFuoWdBbda-MW4B41xpgtwq-f-qcm5apyAMKHSnio7XpTXuRYANDJlRuOC3JSOp75AjNoWqn15afP3SHRbI5LDVtlicDU92RB7CFFlX2unvdoGgzbtTPdWbfufE/s1600-h/Christmas+parade+2009+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412844069081623682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJSMQJ2dbRZede-bOeFuoWdBbda-MW4B41xpgtwq-f-qcm5apyAMKHSnio7XpTXuRYANDJlRuOC3JSOp75AjNoWqn15afP3SHRbI5LDVtlicDU92RB7CFFlX2unvdoGgzbtTPdWbfufE/s400/Christmas+parade+2009+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">My hunt for all things Christmas knows no bounds. I found this fab little idea on <a href="http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/light_and_bright_artwork_1209.aspx">Lowe's website</a>. Yeah, I browse the Lowe's website. I must be perfectly honest with you here: I did not make this project. My good friend Ali did. She works at a lumber yard and had to work last Saturday. I knew it was gonna be slow due to the cold, yucky weather that was forecast so I emailed her the link and suggested it as a way to pass the time. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">You probably have most, if not all of the needed items at home!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">The only thing she did differently is that instead of building a frame and using a drop cloth for the base of the project, she simply re purposed some old artwork from her college days! <em>I was none too happy with her for painting over her artwork, but it's already done!</em> As an art major, she has a bunch of old paintings on canvas. She said it took her about 1/2 hr to complete the project. She bought a string of lights from the dollar store that have 8 different settings! It really makes the snowflake look awesome, AND it's fun to change it up with the different light patterns.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412844071359686802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA11BkbpOlzYL2u-mChoo6m8-nxNUlM3b0hAS5CsZpq0CPvfFbJyPv_Agad5aX5vzrQe_vypktRwuuSSvF_k398WjM_sjkdsjcbeZvGgGwmERTgfmCkFzjP5O99m5jefr_9vIY6rFrG8/s400/Christmas+parade+2009+009.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">The first of our children to see this hanging on the wall just stood there screaming "OH MY GOSH!!!" They LOVE it, and so do we. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-14054770213395575642009-12-07T15:26:00.005-06:002009-12-07T16:17:16.334-06:00Peppermint Marshmallows<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412619651368392370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_ioorIQjT_4Bmuiwjgg2j_BlbE4jf1RU8sWCT_m4f6Q_ZUiNMXqmaWVdrdnEle4zRKteNBuQx-6MZDXwqYndeQyIJZeGDrO30ViwTn-7WdCxgDLbBcZV3mWxZK-iKqAQVM9WV_iwhvY/s400/Christmas_parade_2009_067.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I know, right? Why do I opt to do baking/cooking/crafty things when I very well should be cleaning or something? I dunno, but I do.</div><br /><div align="center">I did all kinds of productive things this weekend.<em> And by productive, I mean in the sense that it's productive for my sanity...not so much in the productive for my home's aesthetic appearance sort of way.</em></div><br /><div align="center">Friday night we got snow. Ok, that is perhaps a lie. The surrounding areas got snow. We got a lot of really cold rain. BUT, around 11pm there was a patch of snow on the radar that was making it's way our direction. Unfortunately I could not keep my little eyes open to wait and see if it actually snowed. Whatevs.</div><br /><div align="center">In any event, it was cold. I introduced the kids to hot chocolate. What goes better with hot chocolate than marshmallows!! Even better still? Peppermint marshmallows!!</div><br /><div align="center">I had seen a recipe for marshmallows on <a href="http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2009/03/choc-coved-marshmallow-eggs.html">RootsandWingsCo</a> WAAAYY back around Easter time (I wonder if they consider me a stalker?? lol). I had full intention of making their chocolate covered Easter egg marshmallows, but that never happened. I did, however, save the recipe.</div><br /><div align="center">3 envelopes of Knox gelatin</div><br /><div align="center">1/2 cup cold water</div><br /><div align="center">2 cups granulated sugar</div><br /><div align="center">2/3 cups corn syrup</div><br /><div align="center">1/4 cup water</div><br /><div align="center">1/4 teaspoon salt</div><br /><div align="center">1 tablespoon vanilla extract</div><br />2 Tablespoons pulverized candy cane<br /><br /><div align="center">Powdered sugar for dredging</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">In the bowl of your stand mixer, dissolve gelatin in cold water for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small pot on the stove, combine sugar, corn syrup and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil and let boil for 1 minute. Pour boiling mixture into dissolved gelatin. Whip on high speed for 12 minutes, adding salt and vanilla. Here is where I strayed.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">I have a TON of those giant candy canes. I broke one in half and pulverized the son of a gun in my magic bullet. I added about 2 Tablespoons to the marshmallow mixture.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412619636698804322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bAQvWakObESEHw81BAN-gQSAydbtBUnEgLHpKJhLLROzj9mxWLjfplPnvVGJxGydOCaE8EN_-bFvvcUI3pWBChvdpiU57mfSTFZEfPYiTzw4jVc3KH25m7DAO93cBTHzvhnzCk_Jheo/s400/Christmas_parade_2009_019.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Transfer mixture to a foil lined pan that has been sprayed with Pam. It also helps to spray your spatula or spoon. I took of my rings, sprayed my hands with Pam and spread evenly into the pan. Cover with a sheet of foil (again sprayed with Pam) and allow to set for an hour or so. </div><br /><div align="center">**NOTE** do NOT run your stand mixer on high during a very important Saints game, as they narrowly hold on to their perfect season. It will most definitely upset your husband.</div><br /><div align="center">After removing the top foil I sifted powdered sugar all over the top. Be liberal here people. Turn pan over onto cutting board and peel off bottom foil. Sift more powdered sugar. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412619646956491794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq2qqUR_28GEkw8j35jqo0D1vjJuyOkcDrIZyyqhmMb6tTuSH-cOKFLH0x9Sp4gmvyec0Gh2295M2wBQWg7Ap1QdQ3xHEQTBtmpWK1bMU2uHmGJO7PxDy6W7F6LZLsSdkxT-FOAjgnpE/s400/Christmas_parade_2009_064.jpg" border="0" /><em>At this point my kitchen had a white haze floating about. It was kinda nice, lol. Made me happy!</em></div><br /><div align="center">Using a large kitchen knife, cut into cubes. You're going to need A LOT more powdered sugar to keep 'em from sticking to your knife. Toss all of the marshmallows in powdered sugar. </div><br /><div align="center">OH THE YUMMINESS!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412619640977170066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGqfa4WA6N7kwbrekEHDAHs7S3hmNrrkopaos4Rd1fXoAEIJFAfJh7vumYD6uJQK5LgVlHViGAnGazEqNEM-3iZTFSHElWVjcd4d9KzZVq-2QmPJYX0xNTnw-CZ2qp8gV7d9Mo3311lc/s400/Christmas_parade_2009_062.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-71768880834780137332009-12-04T10:05:00.003-06:002009-12-04T10:37:25.550-06:00The Land of Milk and Honey...Balls<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Oh how I love some good balls. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Tis the season for various balls of yumminess.<br /></div><div align="center">Get your minds out of the gutter people!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411415342260291026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmJsr9QaJxh_IZhhDBOwEnVDGfh9FXOlcB8gYlNs0sQBJPBbLBMKrbd-VMeCAR1jLJJvkIcE52W1FsHqzeYgdKTpUvMhejANFHeBhWBJTRFG-XlNZ9ZHzqTLjioI9oV5CcUFJ-Xj_nFU/s400/Peanut_butter_balls_007.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center">Since I found this recipe on <a href="http://www.mrbreakfast.com/">Mr. Breakfast</a>, I've made them 3 times (only found the recipe last Sunday). Seriously, The Dude <em>loves</em> these and so do the kids, soooooo why not? They're super easy, nutritious, and a quick breakfast.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Milk & Honey Balls</span></strong><br /></div><div align="center">1 Cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice)<br /></div><div align="center">1 Cup honey<br /></div><div align="center">2 Cups oats<br /></div><div align="center">2 Cups nonfat instant dry milk</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411415349241804930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFFdNp670RjQN1dG4QlJwmbxM2PdwWnuhAbPl9SidC-b_hn9xyITZWymxO3cDNnnurMUvl9sx24eD4cDMAeYELuqZAfNDiMUkCovs-gbbFY0GahPg92LvqaelUzjQnHfrM7GDhre7tp8/s400/Peanut_butter_balls_004.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Combine all ingredients in medium sized bowl. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411415351263804178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YPRuAdqCqLMX9D4OYHwPO8LShOyRd49Y7o4Gec-utVx0S9BPUFogBe9gGXnJivNUwuhGzTLyZLMpOW6Bh7KZJg6hw6oZs8JB5mBGHc6ukgmWeHl9rkRPxgUxSUkmZ1A20JTKp4nalbw/s400/Peanut_butter_balls_001.jpg" border="0" />You can mash it all up with your hands or with a spoon, whatever you fancy. I think I used about one Tablespoon per ball. Shoot for about a one inch ball. Your hands will be sticky...deal with it. </div><br /><div align="center">The add-in possibilities are endless: chopped dates, raisins, mini chocolate chips, nuts, coconut (toasted or not), and dried fruit actually. I could probably go on and on, but I'll stop there.</div><br /><div align="center">These are a little sticky to eat. Actually, sticky is a strong word. There is an ever so slight stick to them. You could easily remedy this by rolled them in toasted coconut, crushed pretzels, crushed cereal, nuts, whatever. I like them just how they are.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411415340091244338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioobm9GtoC2I4hXh9ztwHJVzaMaVkU6YUh0IQfe8KgLyPO0t41lnlmAjv9ISi3isn4gZgjKgtUr8MNulba2ogstl3ckpKnHv365UYmDmgc0QK8EFKp7QZ20ocJjC5cIyd3QJuHR0Jyc3s/s400/Peanut_butter_balls_006.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />Nutrition Facts (per ball)<br />Serving Size 35 g<br />Amount Per Serving<br />Calories<br />95<br />Calories from Fat<br />38<br />% Daily Value*<br />Total Fat<br />4.2g<br />6%<br />Saturated Fat<br />1.0g<br />5%<br />Cholesterol<br />1mg<br />0%<br />Sodium<br />39mg<br />2%<br />Total Carbohydrates<br />12.9g<br />4%<br />Dietary Fiber<br />0.9g<br />4%<br />Sugars<br />9.1g<br />Protein<br />2.9g<br />Vitamin A 1%<br />•<br />Vitamin C 0%<br />Calcium 2%<br />•<br />Iron 2%<br />Nutrition Grade B<br />* Based on a 2000 calorie diet<br /><br /><br /></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-13827482546752828632009-11-19T11:15:00.003-06:002009-11-19T11:28:40.726-06:00A Very Special Thought on the Pot Thursday<div align="center">You know, like a "very special episode of Home Improvement." Seriously? You're gonna take on serious subject matter on "Home Improvement?" Well yes, this Thursday's installment is semi-serious. Not serious in the "oh crap my arm just fell off" off sort of way, but in the "well that just sucks" kinda way.</div><div align="center">My twinkies just turned 4. On Tuesday we had their 4 yr old checkup. We did the complete physical, including vision checks, blood draws, urinalysis and a hearing check. That last one was where we had a problem. Twin A all but failed her hearing test.</div><div align="center">I stood just outside the door of the tiny room where they were giving the test. I could only see her little legs casually kicking as the nurse stood in front of her, operating the machine. </div><div align="center">"Raise your hand when you hear a beep."</div><div align="center">Nothing</div><div align="center">"Come on hunny, let me know when you hear it."</div><div align="center">Still nothing.</div><div align="center">"You can't hear that?"</div><div align="center">"What about this?"</div><div align="center">At this point tears are streaming down my face. The nurse looks back at me and says, </div><div align="center">"We're gonna close the door now and try this again."</div><div align="center">Twin B looks up at me and say, "I could hear it Mama. Why can't she hear it?"</div><div align="center">I had suspected that Twin A had some sort of hearing problem but ignored my instincts and let other people, <em>ahem,</em> tell me that it was nothing.</div><div align="center">All of those times that she asked for a song or the movie to be turned louder, I told her to simply pay attention more.</div><div align="center">All of those times she'd respond to my questions with a "what?" or "huh?" I'd brushed off as her being inattentive.</div><div align="center">The speech problems, I let people tell me that it was normal and that she'd grow out of it.</div><div align="center">"Don't compare the girls. They are different and will develop at different rates." But I knew something was off. I wish I had done something about it sooner.</div><div align="center">Twin B came home and proudly recited The Pledge of Allegiance. When I asked Twin A if she wanted to do it to, she looked at me blankly and said, "I've never heard that before." Cripes, how much has she been missing?</div><div align="center">How many times did she go to time out for "not listening," all the while, she simply couldn't.</div><div align="center">I'm fairly certain I won't be getting any Mother of the Year awards this year. What can ya do? She more than likely will not remember all of this stuff when she's an adult, but I will. Ah yes, nothing like parental guilt.</div><div align="center">So yeah, these were my Thoughts on the Pot today...actually, they've been my thoughts since Tuesday morning.</div><div align="center">I realize this is not a fatal diagnosis. I realize that there are other children with much more serious issues, but this is <em>MY</em> kid so it's a big deal to me.</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-27177032246491865102009-11-13T13:48:00.004-06:002009-11-13T14:22:08.001-06:00Baby It's Cold Outside<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcEyCSaYfiwix-4hAEvbjQvVVWC247g_ISW7Qk60bkC8dtQlk5-TfBXEN5YgLBLvIzgdAUeSt1ORg-3MD-1lor_rr0GDL5ECCc2HMy2cytRGFYFzUdLMtzTof3lUglWwwBcH__Q63-Ss/s1600-h/tomato+basil+soup+presentation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403685397300477058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcEyCSaYfiwix-4hAEvbjQvVVWC247g_ISW7Qk60bkC8dtQlk5-TfBXEN5YgLBLvIzgdAUeSt1ORg-3MD-1lor_rr0GDL5ECCc2HMy2cytRGFYFzUdLMtzTof3lUglWwwBcH__Q63-Ss/s400/tomato+basil+soup+presentation.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="center">Perhaps <em>cold</em> is too strong of a word. It was mild outside today. Puts me in the mood for some nice soup. Hot soup with some fresh baked bread puts me in a super good mood.<br /></div><div align="center">I have a friend from college who is now a personal chef/caterer. I know what you're thinking, "She went to colleg??" I dabbled a bit. Anyway, she is always posting pictures of these fabulous things she makes and sometimes shares her recipes! This one is for Tomato Basil Soup. And away we go!</div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Roasted Tomato Basil Soup</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center">8-10 Roma totatoes, halved<br /></div><div align="center">2 large onions, quartered</div><br /><div align="center">4 large cloves of garlic, whole (I used an entire head of garlic)</div><br /><div align="center">2 cans of tomatoes (juice and all, kids)<br /></div><div align="center">1 Cup fresh basil or 1/4 Cup frozen (apparently Trader Joe's sells frozen basil, I have personally, never seen it)</div><br /><div align="center">2 T Worcestershire sauce<br /></div><div align="center">1 quart chicken stock/broth (or vegetable stock for vegans)</div><br /><div align="center">Olive oil<br /></div><div align="center">Salt & Pepper</div><br /><div align="center">In a large bowl, toss tomatoes, onions, and garlic with olive oil (she uses 5-6 Tablespoons, I did not use nearly that much. Just coat them all really well). Season with salt and pepper. Spread out onto a large rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes in a 400 degree oven.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403685398950044274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yrldCNn8gX1InwGfRwCpeQZYsJGNl3p34Bo7pyjBp2fKMT0MsEzverFmaSaLys4tyeOPVmGwU3YSDnNvZbd5EdB-H4cye5Z9eAS2kWppPIEJgar8ZEJCkJTIVHV9d56x2tWRmcfTkfs/s400/roasting+tomatos.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center">Add the roasted veggies and remaining ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer 15 minutes.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403685403898572690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAIFTnzUXF4tTLV3wx2krzOzg4L64OW43qkQ9J5Inl5y1EWhtyT2oPxgEc0XlWb6GpjXtpHxTOQ3_pVQ_LWIVRyp6uylZZYxJ2fan6lTL6_55A7iz47oYfzh0reWTHfUY3fLPQlU4cps/s400/all+in+the+pot.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Using a hand blender, blend ingredients well, or do this can be done in a standard blender in a few batches (please let it cool down a bit before doing this, otherwise you'll have a mess on your hands!).</div><br /><div align="center">You can serve as is, or run it through food mill to get a smoother soup. Straining it would also work. I just served mind as is and it was wonderful. You can garnish it with some fresh cream and it would be fab! Enjoy!</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-64849365326165561582009-11-10T13:24:00.003-06:002009-11-10T13:28:45.993-06:00OOooh-Rah!<div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;color:#000066;"><strong><em>Happy 234th Birthday Marines!</em></strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">Oooh-Rah, Teufel Hundin!</span></em></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402559067169895698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC78kcuFI-HNfwpn1ifICS8tn8i5Vj5kM8Gwj0OugGRlHycb0tMEsulskwdNA03zxJiZKZ6E3g0gYswF7Aq8_zxs4uR0db5Hkh10-bEAEOdl_M97sKrrIB5UJ7x4wHQmtmFqty5h42ELc/s400/marine+corps+birthday.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;">Much love to all of the Marines out there, especially to MY Marine. Love you babe.</span></em></strong></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-68373499997223574612009-11-09T14:28:00.006-06:002009-11-09T15:29:45.180-06:00They just keep growing.<div align="center">Testing, testing...is this thing on?<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Helloooooo!?</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Echo...</span><span style="font-size:130%;">echo...</span><span style="font-size:100%;">echo...</span><span style="font-size:85%;">echo...</span><span style="font-size:78%;">echo...</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Alrighty well, so I've been MIA quite a bit. I have no real explanation for that. I still read everyone's blogs, I just felt I didn't have anything to talk about.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">This past weekend we held the girls' 4th birthday party and we had a blast!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Mostly, I'm just gonna throw a crap ton of pictures your way. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">But first, let me tell you about the cake. OMG, it tasted SUPERFAB! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208943498228034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm6AVOABkp2q38DQoeCQU-CQXMaa6Mv14-d2iaC-AJCIKDfOpZ7EjeMq0AXD8Aontmkdfj5oVfDDPLMtgCgmjofohOv3OHSbw8SJh1NwQzKRxg-2gCKBUBa3A0Fwms3PMtVLb7WOzt7A/s400/C_&_K_4th_birthday_party_007.jpg" border="0" />The cake itself was alternating layers of vanilla almond and chocolate almond cake (one twin prefers vanilla, the other chocolate) with alternating fillings of whipped ganache and almond cream. Seriously, yum. I also tried my hand at modeling things out of gum paste. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208933437590434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xTkzK60hhafA1JhwEb2fSicRriBxDs71mWn3XW3ENH0anuOjOvbVyXYzYIyJ2uOwNFvDSaKhv7WlICJ8_f89dmwc94FY3YLXU3mnZOZSDA5K_-C1tOgoCf-umx1XC7d0ZFUFoFFK3m4/s400/photo2.jpg" border="0" />It is actually a lot easier than it seems. The twins love the movie "Ratatouille" so that was the theme of their cake and we made our own pizzas to keep with the chef theme<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208942020199010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RsmlYt6Tx0vPmnu0RqWl9rL0xuRl9Ium9S2hGL969LKy-4eDK8X2yfbL846e15IAuMgQ15_RHcH275PIxKlEWGzOTOIpF5liJBATpw2GKPGjW4AXJtVPNfJMlvGuTG52s5WT8TAbCjI/s400/C_&_K_4th_birthday_party_012.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">My first go at the character Remy turned out cute. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208938653774498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yklfOqSrtnO-X5Q82Qg0EWeQiGFFF_YhzGu4MKy_m07380TV1ub_Dx392mm8WPLeRboVX5OZ8L3FxfG_o2mlxrcaTscQFWMkcfLIyumW2P8LPoXcMBraaHmjhg-d5RWU6y6K8DBPevI/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" />Unfortunately he lost his head in "Pam falling out of the cabinet" incident and I had to quickly make a new one which did not turn out so cute...eh, whatever. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">On with the pictures!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402208949969808226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uB0cIR6q0CMgeE3gJ2HA8bB-beBcLALIVLmbx8yT_G3VuvBvUupATcqp7_px0UqMp1FL1fkcaOHt1un_Db4HjYVHG35OrpgnoopGthaJbZCpI-l0u8rRkU4iAkND3yS9NXgMvGkziuU/s400/C_&_K_4th_birthday_party_011.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The birthday girls! This was their first outfit. They changed at least 3 times...by their own insistence.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402214764426719394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JZBuPQuHB5IqiJJMNpwz3pHU3vSNlSRx_mHDrQfFavV2Efqx7owj4-QBjzcH3WjhaeyjwqINSPqktAW70Yy2tTI7Fbpf-bMibx2KckKcig4Hb-9LcSrgGGU2NeCdsAjWGaZLZzEAwAg/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_055.jpg" border="0" /></span></em><br /></div><div align="center"><em>The Dude and Twin A.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402213497504737666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 328px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFHYCAXfqoEmq6sDTvjjp9IWCEhdJ1m_CXkl99i12XI9dnEnOJd6OpSTMNjQwCX-wqrOLBWkY-Q1uoyJU5wG5YXra3tPVUeJdpzu_Nu6wz1ip1ymH5uQL6t5uWDvKg6stazLt4w_WI-s/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_087.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>A MammaDucky and her ducklings</em><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402212335312809634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-FNZFez296soTrnyMYEyCcuoKj-osUUsg_dvBIfOmpARbxnqJWQtTY1ndqybw6_QKYC5anHE_6qTXCKh8XvTWY2FqsHci31bojJ8sGrd7ygXfQDGaFkTy5i-0s0cdVZpiw_GP5RxwPE/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_012.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Pickles</em><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402212339510808114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yhJdPy_P5ooYcEDy_Qw7F3niw41gUYLE950uRaLzNI8oE9YtY_r1ZdFah1r73Cf9M3YIIyoJJ9TTjjyQasb315jZCyW14xV4mXGFbed4WOei-ITHWacx9KICGIA-oiOhEZvRupQskb8/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_029.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Jumpin' around</em></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402213500716419266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLA2Ri5bPgzLx-a38I_s6lSpl_lUG-alI4BuSSkxE4Eq2q8WZvMaCWxDeoAkGrFAZmLjitgT-JSTBqVN3CIS_M8gnr_UW7BoEj58bWgZsd9qambbdfSqRVBAoJVDOJi4EralBOhIbNCWM/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_093.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <em>I got plenty of kisses</em></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402212334708319634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2L0TY5urRQxpzVp9svnagxOC3Xi-oSSH_wwdzzeLCWgvF2Q7qeL4_WeCo_pzaolD-D6m7hyphenhyphenbb1Ecsf4kUGVKuYiVJF16QO0BVVWIWfmjcs8gjpwh247jkE5EfCRmy_FU1JVwdSyKaug/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_024.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Twin B</em></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402212346460277138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx0aQUsVD6mR5hD6JnRgA3Bzq-_3xG4V4P_vW4v-FIbrvrTpVbU1qpqNzkH0D-nTqj1ahdUeP48tVSXyDErXnLL6tTaCP-ZwxOQrZs5syifyJsMZLf1VbifkSom6TovuAZARPec4hX-4/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_066.jpg" border="0" /> <em>This, my friends, was an action shot. Seriously. I know, right? I should like, win awards for my stellar photography. Stop laughing.</em></p><p align="center"><em></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402213500448916290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zOiUnnLrJ8kONUq1bJ8sVRZTChTpt6EFHmeNfecuxzAHShZNIujcb3e3yJWAv0MF8RqFard0rM9WUX1kqeOX7x_MkwQxwJnZZ65N2fagJnTIYOpVeQS_ZawsnsGlyt_eOH7qi99po8c/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_116.jpg" border="0" /><em>I saw the girls drive their Jeep behind the bounce house. Then I heard cries for help amidst giggles. This is what I saw. My brain could not figure out how they possibly had accomplished a wheely in their Barbie Jeep.</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402213510327051378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzSosAJVkguh9Ldc6uQTzQkviCHWDqNlJYUYTk1KCyDO_92-NjPBn0PFt0sJKISRpyIAAj30Ojcc8H_tmt81vxf_spJMTdy-6vs887lQcPa5gV_A27tbxfuwtIYGQy_l1Rlgo1LnMeak/s400/Bounce_house_11-8-09_118.jpg" border="0" /><em>It wasn't until I came around to the side, seeing The Dude nearly in tears from laughing so hard, that I saw how they had done it. They had driven UP AND ONTO a big ball. They wanted to do it again and again.</em><br /><br /></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-56021178254617893172009-10-22T15:30:00.003-05:002009-10-22T15:46:30.102-05:00Thought on the Pot Thursday<div align="center">Small towns, do I like living in one??</div><br /><div align="center">Major dislike: Everyone knows your business. As in, when The Dude was growing up and he got in trouble with his parents, the news had spread via gossip exactly what he had done and what his punishment would be BEFORE he'd even started serving his time (so to speak).</div><br /><div align="center">Major Likes: Everyone Knows your business. My mail delivery lady not only delivers to my office, she also delivers to my babysitter's house. She, having seen me at work, seen me on our commercial, and having seen me drop off the twins at the babysitter's after preschool, knows all of my children. She reports back to me how they're doing. Just this morning she said, "Yesterday when I was delivering, your son was on the porch and kept saying 'You're not my Mommy!!' He had been waiting for you to drop the girls off from preschool and got excited when he heard my footsteps. Cute kids!" </div><br /><div align="center">Come on! You don't get that in big cities!!!</div><br /><div align="center">I guess I like the small town living.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Do you have any "Thoughts on the Pot?" Link back to my Thursday Thoughts so I can rest easy knowing I'm not the only one. HA!!</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-58872832789058250392009-10-15T10:25:00.002-05:002009-10-15T10:34:02.339-05:00Thought on the Pot Thursday<div align="center">Today's thought actually started <em>before</em> I sat down. It started when I looked in the mirror. As I stared in horror I thought, "Dang, I look like death warmed over" ("Death warmed up" for anyone in the UK").</div><br /><br /><div align="center">I sat and began to wonder. What, exactly, does that phrase mean? Is it a back-handed compliment, as in you look slightly better than death cuz at least you're warmed up? Or is it and even greater insult, as in food warmed over (or up) isn't quite as desirable as fresh food?? So I look <em>worse</em> than death? That is quite a possibility.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">In either case, I don't look so hot today. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">I did a Google image search for "Death warmed over" and came up with this<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392850222398364066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP0onhp7WdR65e6PzTg-BWpz_EBmv1oBlvCwhTsYifLVXbGeHj1CzUWaS017t8CcCkqSDByUsInuwZKCAHXSds9pqwPLD03mDj3m4Gg0zF3l5ExNcjWSgHPKPLybi4llWfIcZrOyLSvs/s400/death+warmed+over.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Ha, I wish.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-78673217005785152482009-10-14T11:13:00.002-05:002009-10-14T11:16:58.306-05:00Every Little Thing, Is gonna Be Alright<div align="center">I woke up this morning feeling rather crappy. I caught the sinus infection that my little ones had last week. Whatever. A Mamma must push on, right? So I got up and started into my regular routine. I'll admit it, I wasn't in the best of moods.</div><div align="center">It was then that I heard the sweetest sounds coming from the other room. My three little birds were singing "Three Little Birds." </div><p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LV_V8wZsiDk&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LV_V8wZsiDk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /> What a wonderful way to turn my yucky start into a beautiful morning.</p><p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1825704490662366377.post-11739310189233903322009-10-12T11:20:00.003-05:002009-10-12T11:22:26.400-05:00Welcome to the World<div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Welcome to the world Miss Charlie. Can't wait to meet you</span>.</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391749394652726578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cKVukfPVhLpFmLNf-N5sfUtfoqy91Q4a3DxXakgBR7njZKklBJpbAmct-ZjDnlFrRru-QbseSOe_Xhu4KwaSXOELW-8ug2hb29JIlGqRas92NCcvhYYQY4rJ0sRbppTADCYvpFAm0W4/s400/charlie.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div>Love your Aunt,</div><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/4F52BB4C92328B2C6D78B573FA3816E0.png" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t357/sitsgirls/SS_150x150_button.png" source="blank" /></a></div>MammaDuckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08196659868145753196noreply@blogger.com2