Homemade Salsa

Re-post today, because this is one of our family's summer essentials, and I just happen to be making a behemoth batch of it today! The Geologist requires plenty of salsa for football season, but we usually just barely run out after the Superbowl, so hopefully this batch will last a little longer. :)

Essential tips for making homemade salsa:

First: Wear gloves. Don't be a hero, you are slicing up jalapenos, and I don't care how tough you are, NOTHING gets jalapenos off your fingers. I tried it all, lemon, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, dish soap... Nuthin. You WILL put your finger in your eye. Or use it to put on lip balm and have spicy lips. Just wear the gloves. 

Second: If there is any possible way for you to move your food processor outside for the chopping of toxic veggies, do it! Extension cord, outdoor plug, whatever. It helps SO much!

Third: At some point you will have to cook this concoction, even if just for a few minutes. Make sure all of your doors and windows are open, all fans are on first, you are simmering tear gas. You will run from your kitchen, eyes streaming, seeking shelter from the fumes! Ventilation, people!

Fourth: Keep ventilating as long as possible. All night if you can. Your whole house will smell like salsa. Which is kinda fun while you're making it, not so much when you wake up the next morning... and your pancakes taste like salsa... Took me 48 hours to get the salsa smell out of my house!

Cheddar, Goat Cheese and Chive Biscuits

Jeepers creepers, cars are expensive!! Especially BIG cars! We're outgrowing our little Rondo, which I loooove, so much, but it's time to get something bigger. Especially with a little girl on the way! And goodness gracious, vans are expensive! Not to mention the actual shopping part, with all the numbers and dealing and salespeople... ugh, totally gives me a headache. At least we found a vehicle we really love, more than one, actually! Including one that isn't actually a van... putting a kink in the plan, for sure! Send me some good car-buying karma, this is going to be quite a ride!

Sorry I'm kinda boring today, there's a lot going on! Calling car dealerships, getting an entry space cut out of my carpet (duh moment there), baking a cake for my Dad just for the heck of it, driving down to the Springs for Mom's concert, my brain is a little full at the moment! I will say, it's impossible to keep light grey carpet clean at the front door, no idea how I didn't think of that when I got the carpet installed, especially when that is your big, black, beast of a dog's favorite place to hang out and rub her dog-ish-gunk into the carpet day after day. Also, I think I may have made that Best Ever Chocolate Cake even better, but I haven't officially cut into it yet, so I'll let you know tomorrow. Happy Saturday! 

One-Bowl Gingerbread Muffins

Sorry for the late posting!! I was all ready to blog my way into a new year, productive habits and all that, but the Geologist and I came down with some kind of weird lingering January crud that involved lots of tiredness, headaches, and lack of motivation and brainpower. Not gonna lie, there was a lot of napping and TV-watching. But it seems we're coming out of it! I feel like a human being again this week! So on with these recipes, which were supposed to be post-Christmas recipes, but now they're half a month late... so... Oh well! Maybe a few of you will still be on the lingering Christmas flavor bandwagon with me. Or you can always save them for next Christmas!

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Sometimes this Mom thing is a tough gig. Sometimes no one listens, kids forget everything you've ever taught them, can't find the backpack sitting in the middle of the room, throw a fit over something tiny and pointless, wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and take you completely for granted. Those days are rough. 

But sometimes, kids write you letters to try and cheer you up. Or make a "do not disterbd" sign for your door when you ask for some time to yourself. They say "Thank You!!!" a bazillion times for a trip to the Botanic Gardens, are actually sad when you leave, and are ridiculously proud to carry a treat in to the school office. And somehow, all those little moments really do make this whole Mom thing worth sticking with. Like baking this biscotti with Joe!

Classic Rice Pudding

Today could possibly be a very exciting day! Now that my parents have found a house, it's time to get them a puppy!! They've been visiting breeders all over the state of Colorado (okay, nearly) and you would not believe all the different kinds of German Shepherds out there! Tall, short, thin, bulky, long-haired, short haired, pointy nose, square nose... It's been quite an adventure! I've gotten to visit a few breeders with them, and we're hoping to go back to the biggest (and my favorite!!) to put down a deposit on a puppy today! I just love tagging along to pet dogs and play with puppies. I have to admit, as adorable as my little black ball of Bracken fluff was as a puppy, German Shepherd puppies are the cutest puppies everrrr!! Pretty much the only thing cuter than a German Shepherd puppy is my Joe surrounded by German Shepherd puppies.

He's quite the puppy whisperer, that boy of mine!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Bread

Happy November!! One of these days I'll stick to that schedule I keep making myself. Until then, I'll just keep my fingers crossed that as long as I can keep giving you scrumptious food, you won't up and rebel on me. Totally kidding, you're the sweetest, most patient group of friends and readers that a scatter-brained girl could ask for! Which is why even though 'tis late, I had to get you this recipe, come hell or high water or a week-long hiatus. October may be over, but who said that means we have to put our pumpkin away till next year? If you've got a spare can, and some cream cheese lying around, with that winter storm front looming, you'll be set for scrumptious goodies to hold you through the big chill with this recipe. Is it just me, or does this whole Alaskan storm remind anyone else of the intro to the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie??

If it were December instead of  early November, I would be pretty concerned about Christmas, I don't know about you... Instead, I'll just be concerned for Alaskans, pray like crazy, and hunker down planning my baking list!! For those of you not in the US, congratulations. :) For those of you getting frozen already, bundle up and stay warm!! I'll see you tomorrow, when we start getting snowed on. Have a delightful Sunday!

Peach & Plum Ginger Jam

One more week till September!!! I can't wait!! For multiple reasons! LOTS of Colorado's best produce comes into season in September: blackberries, pears, plums, apples, raspberries, late crop strawberries, ALL of which I am just dying to turn into gorgeous jars of scrumptious preserves! Not to mention the weather is cooling down and I think it's going to actually start feeling like Fall in a matter of weeks... I'm Fall-crazy already, I'm itching for long sleeves and crisp mornings! Until all that gorgeous fruit is ready for me, I have to work with what I can find, because I am seriously addicted to this jamming thing. So when I was making a quick grocery run and saw these beautiful yellow plums on sale, and actually ripe instead of rock hard, the wheels of inspiration started spinning. I just had to make them into jam! I can't ever leave well enough alone though, so it had to be more than just plum jam, right?? I thought ginger immediately, but was a bit wary so I only made half of the batch with ginger, just in case it turned out awful. The plums were plenty sweet, but I wanted a bit more tang to them, so I threw in a few peaches to brighten things up, and it turned out fabulous. A perfect late-Summer treat!

Jam & Almond Cookie Bars

Well, our first week of school is over, and I would have to say it was a total success! The boys are already making friends, loving their teachers, and excited about school again. SUCH a blessing!! Not to mention with all the communication going on between parents, administration, and teachers, after just a week this school actually feels like its own little community. I've even been tempted to join the PTA... which, for those of you who know me up close and personal, is just a little nuts. Loving my mornings with the boys, my chats with Bracken, my afternoon naps... oh wait, I haven't had any of those yet. Still catching up on errands and appointments, end of the summer-type stuff. 

Speaking of which, we got Bracken's biopsy results back, and they were actually inconclusive. She clearly has a major infection, and some of the indicators of SLO, but not all of them. Oddly enough, this is actually kinda good news, because it either means that she only has an infection, or a very mild case of SLO. Both better scenarios than, "Yikes, she totally has this awful lifelong autoimmune disease." So we're going to hit it with some mega antibiotics and a couple of growth-helping medications, and keep an eye on her nails. It'll take a few months to know for sure. Fingers (and toes!) crossed!!

Honey Almond Granola with Cranberries

It's raaaaining, it's pooouuuuring, and my kitchen is full of scrumptious smells! You've probably heard of Christmas in July, but today we're having October in July! It's been raining steadily since I woke up, I'm wearing comfy socks and the back door is slightly open so I can hear the rain. It's not even 60 degrees! I'm a happy girl!  I wonder what all this rain this year means for our winter... will it be milder, or will the precipitation continue and we'll get loads of snow?? I must admit, I'm hoping for the latter. The Geologist is actually reporting mixed snow flurries with the rain up in his skyscraper office. Craziness! Perfect day to be snuggled up at home, baking granola and watching waaaay too much TV. I'm thinking grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. Mmmm... Happy October-In-July, everyone!

Homemade Crumpets

 So, what on earth is a crumpet? Anyone? Well, I know I have at least a handful of British readers out there, and you guys and gals are all over it. But for the rest of us, they just plain don't exist in the States. I have no idea about the rest of the world. but I would still be willing to bet they aren't exactly common. When I was a kid, there was a movie called "The Great Mouse Detective", an animated mouse version of Sherlock Holmes, and the Mrs. Hudson mouse made cheese crumpets. It was apparently made by an American who has never seen a crumpet, because they looked like muffins. So of course, my 9 year old self thought that's what they were. False advertising, I tell you!! The best way to describe crumpets is a cross between an English muffin and a pancake. And they're awesome, and my boys can devour a dozen in the blink of an eye. I'm going to have to start making triple batches and freezing them. Luckily, they're also an absolute cinch to make!

Classic British Scones with Currants

This week is all about classic British food! Which, of course, is my favorite thing ever in the whole world. The most classic English tea-time cake I could find, British-style scones, and crumpets!! Do you even know what crumpets are?? They're so fun, I can't wait to show you!

My house is being ripped to pieces all around me while two lovely gentlemen replace our bay window and install French doors in the back. They. Are. GORGEOUS. When they're all done, I'll show you the final reveal! Until then, Scones!! Which, of course, make everything better. :)

I've eaten scones for as long as I can remember. They're one of my favorite things to bake! It wasn't until a few years ago that I truly learned the difference between British and American scones. American scones are more dense, lots sweeter, usually have some kind of sugar or glaze on top, and can be kinda awful if done wrong, turning them into sugary doorstops. British scones are lighter, softer, barely sweet, and much simpler. You don't usually find tons of chocolate chips and fruits packed into them. British scones are made much simpler because they're designed to be spread with butter, clotted cream, and jam. Now, I'm not bashing American scones! I love them!! And I love my add-ins!! Both favorites! The first time I ever tried a truly British scone was at a tiny Scottish restaurant on the way to Virginia Beach. We wanted fish and chips, (which were awesome) but started with scones, clotted cream, and jam. It was also the first time I ever tasted clotted cream, and oh MAN, that stuff is heaven!! I was head over heels in love. Forget the fish and chips, I wanted four more orders of scones and jam!

It's about time I make some for myself, right?? And you guys!

Biscoff Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

 This is just one of those weeks! It starts off simple, straightforward... and then somehow manages to unravel itself. We haven't finished all the last few details of the home makeover (our evenings keep getting interrupted), so we're still camping out in the middle of the living room in a jumbled pile. Bracken mysteriously hurt herself, but I can't figure out how, or whether I should take her to a vet because it comes and goes. I'm worried about her, so I'm not sleeping well, which of course makes EVERYTHING harder. Why is that? Such a simple little thing, sleep, yet the dynamic of our whole family can change if there is a sleep deficit. I'm thinking that's also why my Joe is deteriorating into pools of frustration. Whenever he goes through a growth spurt he needs naps like crazy, but of course doesn't want them. I must hold my ground. Besides, then I get a nap!

Mmmm, naaaaps... That sounds heavenly. Two of these and a two hour nap and I'll be a new woman!

Quick Buffalo Chicken

As you read this, we will be on our way to Colorado Springs for our Spring stay-cation! We looked into a dozen places to camp, but it's just too cold. So we got a great Groupon deal on a family hotel and are going to spend the weekend an hour away, showing the boys all my favorite places from growing up at the Air Force Academy. Garden of the Gods, an old toy store and candy store, and lots and lots of pool time! It'll be fun to get away. So I've set up this post and tomorrow's to publish while I'm gone. 

Buffalo Chicken kinda goes in the same category as bacon, don't you think? Love it or hate it? I still remember the first time I was introduced to this tangy, spicy sauced chicken. I was eighteen, and thought it would be disgusting, but my date swore it was the most awesome thing around, so I had to try it. And was hooked!! I think it was partly appealing to my love of all things spicy. My Dad and I used to have salsa-eating contests... though I still don't remember exactly what winning entailed... I love things spicy. Mexican food is just not right unless it has some heat, and plain Cheetos have nothing on the flaming ones! (Yes, I know, those things are disgusting. I can't help myself) Now when it comes to buffalo sauce, I still want to taste the stuff. It can't be so hot that all you taste is heat! This is the best sauce I've found, with the easiest prep. Perfect for a football snack (or March Madness, for that matter!!)

Homemade Lemon Curd

It's official, especially after the last few days, I need a break. So as much as I love you, and blogging, I'm going to take February off. I'll be right back first week of March, I promise!! I just need to breathe, and clear my head. Come back with more fun ideas and enthusiasm! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement, you make me feel loved and appreciated. I'll leave you with a re-post (with MUCH better pictures!) of my favorite condiment, and one of my favorite FOODS of all time. 

See you in a month, dear friends and readers!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

I have a confession. I am an addict. I have a tendency to get addicted to foods, then eat them every day for weeks. Sometimes this isn't a problem, like ham and cheddar omelettes, or guacamole... Not exactly balanced, but at least it's real food! On the other hand, it's often not so healthy, like blue raspberry saltwater taffy or orange dream ice cream. Currently, it's just about as bad as it can be. Spicy Cheetos. Oh, they are so vile, and so addicting. My brother named them "Crack Cheetos", and he's not far off the mark. There's something dangerous in there. I thought I was done with them, but a moment of weakness... actually, grocery shopping at 3:00 in the afternoon while having eaten nothing all day... brought them back. I must break the habit! Gah!

Crescent Sausage Bites

Well, the break is over, it's back to real life. As much as I enjoy having time to myself again (even if it is only a few hours!) I am always a little sad when Christmas break is over. I miss having my husband and my kids around all the time. I miss sleeping in and staying up late, being spontaneous, eating whatever I want... But eventually we have to be grown-up and responsible, right?

I promised you pictures, and here they are! It took us longer than expected (and we learned to have a flexible budget with home makeover projects!) but I am head-over-heels in love with my new kitchen! It's GORGEOUS!!

Before: Grey-green walls, brown trim...

After: White! Glorious White!

Look how bright and beautiful!! My super-studly Geologist spent hours and hours cutting out those sheets of beadboard, and all of that trim. I did 90% of the painting, which took me forever, since I am a perfectionist. :)

He ripped out the horrible tile windowsill and installed a frame around the window, same trim as around my pantry door, which just might be my favorite part of the whole makeover!

There are still some details to replace, like the hardware on the cabinets and drawers, the faucet, the light above the sink, and someday the countertops. I'm holding out for granite (that sample under my flowerpot), so it will be a while!

 What do you THINK?! Isn't it fabulous??

Christmas Cranberry Chutney

This is it, my very first food photoshoot in my new kitchen!! The rest of it is a mess at the moment, I'm baking up everything I need for this week. I promise pictures soon. I might have to devote a whole post just to my kitchen... It is without a doubt my favorite part of my house!

Apple & Cheddar Scones

I think it is pretty clear that I love food. I would say that food occupies... oh, 70 % of my thoughts during the day? Yeah, that sounds about right. There are a few things I get passionate and snobby about. Instant potatoes? Ew. Tater tot casserole? Not in my house! Quickbreads from a box? Not anymore! (Although during my first pregnancy I kind of lived on boxed muffins... leave me alone! I couldn't keep anything down!)

But on the flip side, there are a few things that true "gourmets" or "foodies" seem to take for granted that I just plain can't handle. First: odd bits of meat. Call it offal, call it whatever you want, I can't eat it. Second: Cilantro and parsley (as a garnish). I wish I could, but I can't! Third: I have a very, VERY hard time mixing sweet and savory. Gives me the heebie jeebies. But what does a good foodie do? Try new things!! This may be a teeny tiny baby step, but mixing cheese and apples in a scone... Could have been risky for wimpy little me! Guess what... I loved them!!

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Bleh... I'm on day 4 of being sick. This hasn't happened to me in years! Usually I catch a bug, it rages through in 24 hours and I'm good. This low-achy-fever-for-days thing is just not cool. Luckily, The Geologist has been around to take care of me! The days of being chained to work (or school) are over! The boys have been super sweet too. So I think I'll live :)

The one good side effect of having zero appetite? Shaving off a few pounds! Though I will admit, if these were still hanging around my kitchen, I think I could find a teensy bit of an appetite...

My Favorite Banana Nut Bread

Source: Pinterest

Happy November!! And in our house, happy first day of the Christmas season! I may have mentioned before, we're a little nuts about Christmas in this house. The Christmas music and festivity and anticipation starts now. Thanksgiving is just wrapped up in the fun of "The Holidays". Now to find a radio station that is playing Christmas music already... We're on pins and needles around here, our sellers are negotiating on a house, and if it goes through, we'll be moving at the beginning of December! Christmas in the new house! Oh, did I forget to mention? WE BOUGHT A HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY!! We are officially home-owners! Too bad someone else still lives in our home... But it is truly worth the wait. 

What about you? How crazy (or not) do you get about Christmas in your house? Do you wait till December to get a tree, no Christmas-ness before Thanksgiving? Or are there other holiday nuts out there?

Speaking of nuts...