Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Great Idea Thursday's - 9

Welcome to:


Thank you so much for joining me for Great Idea Thursday's! I am still playing catch up from my vacation and then scout camp this last weekend.  I appologize for being such a blogging slacker lately.  I'm excited for summer coming up and I have some exciting Guest Posts and fun things planned.  I hope you understand and forgive me for disappearing off the face of the Earth this last little while.  I promise I will do better... Anyway, with that said I just want to let ya'll know I  appreciate you coming to party with me! Ya'll are the best :)

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Great Idea Thursday's #9

Come share what you have been doing every week! If you are interested in Co-Hosting this party shoot me an e-mail me  @ kristascookin@gmail.com.

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This is what I made this week: Easy Soft Homemade Playdough




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Easy Soft Homemade Playdough

We are down to the last week of school and our last 3rd grade school project! The kids are supposed to make a layered model of food and the easiest medium I could think of to do that with was playdough.  So I pulled out my tried and true recipe and whipped up this batch in about 15 minutes!


Print Recipe

Easy Soft Homemade Playdough

2 cups of flour
1 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 cups water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
a few drops of food coloring

In a saucepan combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.  Stir to combine.




 Add the water and oil (food coloring).  


Stir well to combine.  


Turn on the burner to medium heat and stir the dough constantly until it pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. (about 5 minutes)  




Remove the finished dough to the counter and knead until smooth.





You can either add the food coloring at the beginning with the liquid or knead it into the dough after it is completed.  I was making several different colors so I broke the dough into small pieces and then kneaded the food coloring in to the finished dough.  Make sure that you either put some wax paper or parchment paper down to protect your counter top.  Unless you want the food coloring all over...








Keep the dough in an air tight bag or container.  It will keep for several months.
You now have dough for your project or for hours of kid time :)



Project Chicken Shawarma - success!


(The recipe listed is doubled since I wanted quite a bit of dough)
Recipe taken from the Get-Acquainted Module 1 of Joy School @ Values Parenting

Look for me linking up @ these great Parties!

Pampered Chef June Specials

Hey ya'll.  I haven't posted any Pampered Chef things on my blog before but the specials are so fabulous for June I just had to share them!

I am a consultant so just shoot me an e-mail and I can get you going for these great deals :)
kristascookin@gmail.com

If you want something but you don't want to host a show of your own I will be submitting an order at the end of June. I will direct ship your products to you :) You can view the catalog @ The Pampered Chef.  My personal website isn't up and running right now.  I'm hoping to have it back up this fall.

If you host a Cooking or Catalog show and submit the Show between 1-15th of June 2013 you get the Cool @ Serve Square Tray for FREE! Plus the Regular Host Special.  That's pretty awesome.  Perfect to get ready for summer entertaining.


As a guest, if you spend $60 or more you get the Quick Stir Pitcher for free! Ice Cold Lemonade anyone?


For more details visit: http://www.pamperedchef.com.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Ich liebe dich!



Hello my fabulous Bloggy Friends!

I am thrilled to share with you that I have been nominated by Miss Gabby @ Essentially Eclectic for a
LiebsterAward!  I am embarassed about how long it has taken me to get this post put together but I wanted 
to take mytime with it and put together something nice instead of rushing through it. So Thank you for the 
honor Miss Gabby I sincerely appreciate it!  If you haven't stopped by her blog head on over.  She has 
fabulous homemade soaps and she recently posted a Summer Bucket List Inspiration Link Party!

So what exactly is a Liebster Award? Great question! And it seems to be changing as it floats around the 
blogging world.  Liebster is a German word for "sweetheart" or "dearest." So, the Liebster Award is given to 
up-and-coming blogs of less than 200 followers. Once you have been nominated for a Liebster award, the 
basic blogging protocol is as follows:

  • Thank your nominator! Include a link back to their blog. 
  • Answer the 11 questions given to you by your nominator
  • Post 11 facts about yourself
  • Nominate 5-11 {I've seen various numbers} other up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers                      for the award--no tag backs!
  • Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer
  • Let your nominees know you nominated them so they too can pass on the love!
Miss Gabby's Questions for Me:
1)  Best book you've ever read? 
     This really isn't a fair question! I love to read so many different kinds of books. And there are several that
I love for different reasons, but I suppose if I were to pick up only one book to read today I would pick 
Divergent by Veronica Roth.

2)  Blog post/project you're most proud of? 
     The blog post that I am the most proud of is my Orange Sweet Rolls.  This is a recipe that my Grandmother used to make for me.  I love them! I love the way that my house smells when they are baking, I love using the fresh citrus, and I love all of the wonderful memories that it brings back to me when I make them.  Since Grandma Betty isn't here with me anymore, I find great joy and bring her back every time I make one of her fabulous recipes!  She was always in the kitchen and she always let me help.  I was touched with how popular the recipe was with my readers because it was such a meaningful post for me.

3)  Accomplishment you're most proud of?
     These two handsome boys!  Who wouldn't be proud of such amazing, talented, young men!



4)  Mac or Windows?
     Windows, simply because that is what I grew up using.  I'm sure I would like Apple if I had it but with two Electrical Engineers for parents using PC's, I grew up with windows :)

5)  Favorite childhood memory?
     I have a lot of really great memories from when I was a little kid, but one of my favorites would certainly have to be sitting up on my Grandfather's lap in his old brown Ford pickup truck.  He would let me climb up on his lap and steer as we drove down the road.  He would never let me go too far off course and he would always take me up to the corner store "The Cracker Barrel" not the chain restaurant but our little town store and buy me a drink and penny candies.  Doing that today would probably land him in jail but I sure loved it.  One because I felt big, getting to drive the truck and all. Two because I got to get a treat.  And Three because I got to spend time with "Papa Gerry."

6)  Your biggest pet peeve?
     People causing unnecessary drama!  I am very involved with my boys.  I attend field trips at school with them, I keep the score book at their baseball games, I am a Den leader and an active parent in their scouting, and I hold a position at church also.  These are things that I love to do and feel blessed to have a husband that can provide for our family without me having to work so that I can do those things for my boys.  What I hate is when people (usually parents) cause problems over little stuff that doesn't really matter.  Life is too short to sweat the small stuff! Relish what is truly important.  

7)  Best experience you've ever had traveling abroad? Or, if you've never been abroad, best vacation you've ever had?
     My all time very favorite experience traveling was going as a sophomore in High School to Coasta Rica with my cousin for her Senior Trip.  I absolutely loved it! We spent a week and I could have stayed a lifetime.  The beaches weren't crowded and stretched beautifully across the horizon. There were iguana's everywhere, just like the squirrels here in my backyard.  The food was simple and delicious made from the local produce and the fresh fruit was amazingly sweet.  The rain forest was mesmerizing.  I loved the orchids and butterflies.   And hearing howler monkeys with the birds was so fascinating for me.  Monkey's were something I'd only seen in the zoo before that.  I loved all the different kinds of wild life and plants that were there, and the quality of life that the people had.  Not quality in physical possessions, but quality in the joy that they had in life.  It is an experience that has stuck with me and that I will always appreciate and remember.
   
8)  Beauty product you couldn't live without?
     Ok I'm probably going to be pretty boring on this one since I don't spend a lot of time with make up and lotions or anything like that.  I would have to say shampoo.  My complexion is really quite oily so I don't wear a lot of make up since it makes me break out.  I live by a philosophy of the less is more.  But I do appreciate a shampoo that does a good job and doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy or overly dry.  Bed Head makes a good one, I also like Dove Intense Therapy when my hair is short and I'm not using a conditioner. 

9)  One thing you miss most about the 90s?
     Oh man, the 90s were awesome! What do I pick? The feathered bangs, the flannel shirts, the overalls... I am going to have to go with the music.  I loved the Grunge Rock.  It's still my favorite.  So many good artists were around in the 90s: Nirvana, Live, Creed, Pearl Jam, REM, 3rd Eye Blind, The Goo Goo Dolls, Cranberries, Bush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Soundgarden, Radiohead, Blues Traveler, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Collective Soul... Really the list goes on and on.  There is some good stuff out there now, but I'm a sucker for some 90s tunes!

10)  Choose two different scoops of ice cream for one cone. What are they?
      I would definitely pick Pistachio Almond.  It is one of my all time favorites.  Green pistachio flavored ice cream with big almond chunks.  Yum! And Burnt Almond Fudge.  I haven't had it in years but I love it.  Chocolaty goodness.  I may have to go get some ice cream now!

11)  Something you've learned recently?
      That it's ok to fail.  I think I've always know this but as I have gotten older I am seeing that benefits can come from failing.  I was always a perfectionist when I was younger and I always tried to strive for excellence.  I still do, but it is not as traumatic when I don't succeed.  I see how much you can learn from a failed project or a bad recipe, or a boring activity.  You learn what works and what doesn't.  If I never failed at anything I would never get better.  I am trying to more fully embrace all forms of learning.


11 Facts About Me: 

1) I am a Military Spouse.  My husband has been in the Air Force for 10 years now which has moved us from Utah, to Washington State, to Ohio, to Arizona, and Virginia. I have loved watching my family grow! I was married in Utah, we added our first child in Washington, our second in Ohio.  Then we got our sweet and adorable Cocka-Poo in Arizona! I am surrounded by boys!  And I am claiming the nest of birds out in my planter boxes for our latest addition since I am not having any more kids lol.  Regardless, I love my boys!

2) In college I pursued a double major. I have a BA in Management and in Human Resources.  I don't think I will ever work in HR, but I have used a lot of my leadership and management training which I really enjoy.  I am happy that I have my expensive little piece of paper.  I have considered going back to school but I'm still not 100% sure what I want to be when I grow up!

3) I met my husband in college in the Military Science Building.  I was a new Freshman ROTC recruit.  He was a Junior and looked great in that dark blue uniform.  We spent 9/11 together a month later in that same building with the other cadets staring in unbelief at what we saw on TV.  Before my husband graduated I dropped out of ROTC getting all the benefits from him without ever going active duty.

4) I was a perfectionist for a long time, not settling for anything less than an A.  I would work as hard as I could, studying all hours of the night to do well.  Looking back I missed out on a lot of fun... Out of High School I graduated with a 4.0 gpa and Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Washington University.  

5) I was in AP Art and I lettered in Swimming and Academics in High School.

6) I have been to 17 different countries and 42 states. I would love to see more!

7) I love a good action flick! James Bond, Star Trek, Transformers, the Avengers.  I am always up for an adventure :)  

8) My favorite color is Blue.

9) I have my Dad's classical guitar.  I don't get to play as much as I would like, but it is something I really love.

10) I hate dusting.  That was one of the chores I had every week as a kid and I put it off as long as possible.  When my kids start sneezing when the fan is on I know there's a problem.  I really need to do better, I just don't want to!

11) I making things myself.  I get such a sense of satisfaction watching a recipe go from a bunch of ingredients into a finished product that can be shared and enjoyed.  Or watching pieces of fabric come together into a blanket that can be used over and over.  Or watching individual colors come together to create a picture.  You can probably buy all of those things but you miss out on the experience and fulfillment of making them yourself.

I am sharing the Love and Nominating... 

Miss Chrissie D @ Made by ChrissieD
Miss Lorraine @ Cookin' For The Seven Dwarfs
Miss Carissa @ Carissa Miss
Miss Shelley @ Piggy in Polka Dots
Miss Alice @ Mums Make Lists
Miss Christine @ I Dig Pinterest and I Did it Too!
Miss Stephanie @ The Tip Toe Fairy Blog
Miss Tessa @ Tessacotton
Miss Susan @ Fidler's Under One Roof
Miss Heather @ The Unsophisticated Kitchen
Miss Dru @ Teenage Cakeland

I look forward getting to know ya'll a bit better!


My Questions for my Nominee's:
1) If you could do anything tomorrow, what would you do?
2) What is your favorite thing to make?
3) What do you love about your life?
4) What do you wish you did better?
5) Who is an inspiration to you?
6) What quality do you have that others love about you?
7) What are you reading right now?
8) What is your favorite movie?
9) What is the most memorable event from your childhood?
10) What is one thing you never want to forget?
11) What is your definition of success?

Sincerely,
Krista

(Thank you Kirby for letting your Southern Twang finally rub off on me!)

Saturday, June 1, 2013

#Twelve Loaves June 2013: Buns

I am baking again with the #Twelve Loaves ladies again!  This month we are making buns!  Yeah! Fabulous bread in individual sizes.  Now I can justify eating more right? :)


My Mother-in-Law was here visiting and offered to help me make something for my post! I was excited to bake with her since she is a fabulous cook :) She is a fan of the Costco Pretzel rolls and I had been wanting to try to make some too. This is the recipe that we developed.  I hope you love it!


Print Recipe

Homemade Pretzel Rolls

1 cup water
2/3 cups evaporated milk
1 Tbsp yeast
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp butter, melted
4 cups bread flour
kosher salt/pretzel salt

8 cups cold water
1/3 cup baking soda

Heat the water and evaporated milk to 110˚F.  I microwaved it in 30 second increments until I reached the desired temperature, but you could heat it in a small sauce pan also.  In a large mixing bowl or Kitchen Aid Add the water and milk mixture.  


Then add the brown sugar, and melted butter.  


Attach the bread hook and mix until combined. Add 1 cup of flour and the yeast and mix well. 


 Add two more cups of flour and mix until it is all incorporated.  


Keep the mixer going on low speed (2) for about 4-6 minutes adding the remaining cup of flour a little at a time (I used about 3/4 of a cup) until you have a nice stable dough that is smooth and elastic.  


Lightly flour a flat work surface and roll the dough into a log.  Slice into 12 equal pieces and shape into small ovals/circles/rectangles.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 425˚F.   Place six rolls on each baking sheet well spaced from each other.  


Cover with a towel and raise for 30-45 minutes.  


About 10 minutes before the rolls are done rising pour 8 cups of cold water into a large pan and bring to a boil.  After the water is boiling add in the 1/3 cup of baking soda.  It will foam up.


Place 2 rolls in the boiling water and let cook for 30 seconds flipping half way through the cooking time.  



Remove with a slotted spoon.  Allow the excess water to drain off and then place back onto the lined baking sheet.  Repeat with the remaining dough.  


With a bread knife slice an x about 1/4" into the tops of the rolls and then lightly sprinkle with the kosher or pretzel salt.  


Bake for 5 minutes.  Rotate the pans so the baking sheet that was on the top moves to the bottom and the baking sheet that was on the bottom moves to the top.  Bake for another 5 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.  Remove to a cooling rack.


These were fabulous dipped in soup.  They would also be a great sandwich bun.  I had one with Nutella spread on it which was great. And my boys just ate them plain for a snack!  The only thing I wish I had done differently would have been to double the batch!


Thank you Sue for helping me!

Look for me linking up @ these great Parties!

#TwelveLoaves June: Summer Buns. 

Summer is all about lazy mornings and easy lunches. Outside barbecues and lots of grilling! Share your favorite summer bun recipe (sweet or savory). Let's get baking!

Want to join the #TwelveLoaves group? It's easy!

1. When you post your Twelve Loaves bread on your blog, make sure that you mention the Twelve Loaves challenge in your blog post; this helps us to get more members as well as share everyone's posts. Please make sure that your bread is inspired by the theme!

2. Please link your post to the linky tool at the bottom of my blog. It must be a bread baked to the Twelve Loaves theme.


3. Have your Twelve Loaves bread that you baked this June 2013, and posted on your blog by June 30, 2013.

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