tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66902968546928479552024-03-13T06:31:51.985-07:00Hello LilypopsYvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-54066658436234187032012-03-24T08:50:00.000-07:002012-03-24T08:50:13.093-07:00Baked OatmealWow. I haven't been around here in a while! Shame on me. I guess I've been enjoying our unusually mild Wisconsin winter this year, which is just crazy. Even though it's officially spring, I'm still holding my breath for a random, fierce blizzard... at which point I would make a big cup of chai tea to go with this d-i-v-i-n-e baked oatmeal! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IULaUq9deEI/T23pl9JdtTI/AAAAAAAAAW8/KAYxJLA4dQ0/s1600/Baked+Oatmeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IULaUq9deEI/T23pl9JdtTI/AAAAAAAAAW8/KAYxJLA4dQ0/s640/Baked+Oatmeal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It's very easy to put together, easily serves at least 6, and you can throw it together the night before and bake first thing in the morning. If you go this route, store the prepped oatmeal overnight in the fridge for next day baking, or store in the freezer for another morning. <br />
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<u>Baked Oatmeal</u><br />
1/3 cup butter, melted<br />
2 large eggs<br />
3/4 cup raw or brown sugar<br />
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk<br />
3 cups regular or quick oats<br />
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<ul><li>Heat oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li>Beat eggs, sugar and butter together. Mix in baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. </li>
<li>Stir in milk and oats. </li>
<li>Bake for 35 minutes or until middle is set.</li>
<li><em>Optional: </em>Serve topped with milk and a sprinkle of sugar. </li>
</ul><em>To Freeze</em>: Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish and cover well. Freeze. <br />
<em>To Serve: </em>Thaw overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until middle is set.<br />
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Enjoy!Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-62958986474393385812012-02-07T12:29:00.000-08:002012-02-07T12:29:18.489-08:00DetourWoke up early this morning because I had an appointment to get ready for after I taking Miki to school... or so I thought. Something nudged me to look at the calendar - Oh, look! My appointment was <em>yesterday</em>! *sigh* Really. What's my deal?<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since my morning freed up quite a bit, one the way back home I decided to go off our normal route and onto a little nook of a road. I love this "secret" road because it's off of a very busy city street, and once you part onto this small road, you feel like you've gone back in time and into a quieter place. This road is home to a convent, a cemetery, a school, and a church. The church was originally built in the late 1800s, and then parts were rebuilt after a fire in the early 1900s. We don't see many of it's style where we live. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLXUCk-Fu34/TzGHv4_4w3I/AAAAAAAAAWc/y6E2co_J0m0/s1600/1328627602586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLXUCk-Fu34/TzGHv4_4w3I/AAAAAAAAAWc/y6E2co_J0m0/s400/1328627602586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got dibs on the room with the balcony at the top. </td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">They have one of these beautiful angel statues in every corner of their small cemetery, which is pretty ancient, from what I've read. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMmPXTeHNnA/TzGIlh1nTwI/AAAAAAAAAW0/HUzZIhdsAfI/s1600/1328627510038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMmPXTeHNnA/TzGIlh1nTwI/AAAAAAAAAW0/HUzZIhdsAfI/s400/1328627510038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Was a pretty dreary day today. Definitely calls for a trip to the candy store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-75419913749034504322012-01-29T19:04:00.000-08:002012-01-29T19:19:45.100-08:00{ c.r.e.a.t.e } Oatmeal Canister Lends a HandThis week, I was about to throw away an empty oatmeal canister... again. I wonder if I'm the only person who feels guilty throwing one of these bad boys in the recycle bin. There just aren't that many containers in this size and shape, and I know that I could put these things to use somehow. Well, it hit me this time. We desperately needed some extra storage for all of Lily's small toys that she accumulated this past Christmas, but it had to be something that didn't take up too much space - and this container was it. As is the norm when an idea hits me, I dropped everything else (I'm sure I was on my way out to throw out the trash and recyclables), and got together a few things to beautify the container into a small toy storage bin for all of those run-away toys.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yBYorcOlt8/TyYHsOfBthI/AAAAAAAAAWM/uHKuxRnZCkE/s1600/1327607554988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yBYorcOlt8/TyYHsOfBthI/AAAAAAAAAWM/uHKuxRnZCkE/s320/1327607554988.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong>You'll Need:</strong><br />
<ul><li>empty oatmeal canister (any type of container should work)</li>
<li>scrapbook paper</li>
<li><a href="http://www.plaidonline.com/eduPDF/MP_Formula_Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Mod Podge</a> glue/sealant</li>
<li>foam brush</li>
<li>tape </li>
<li>embellishments, stickers, etc. (optional)</li>
</ul><strong>Ready? Go!</strong><br />
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1. Size up your scrapbook paper to your container and cut to size. The paper may or may not wrap completely around the canister. <em>Mine didn't, but since the paper I chose had vertical stripes, the exposed area blended perfectly with the paper. It looked like just another white stripe on the paper. Personally, I wouldn't have minded even if it was more obvious. It's a house for toys.</em><br />
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2. Using the foam brush, apply a thin layer to the entire outer surface of the canister. <br />
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3. Starting at the vertical crease of your container (if there is one), line up one straight edge of your paper and press it against the canister. Slowly do this as you go around the entire canister, making sure to press out any air bubbles. <br />
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4. Back to the foam brush and Mod Podge. Apply one last thin layer around the entire surface of your new canister and allow to dry (about 15 minutes). Tape down any paper edges for reinforcement.<br />
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5. Get creative! You can add stickers, little pom-poms, scrapbook embellishments, glitter... anything! Just remember what the purpose of your canister is and determine whether or not the extra embellishments will be secure enough and able to withstand lots of human contact (unless it's for decorative purposes). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJGFA8wONqs/TyYGPhzC0LI/AAAAAAAAAV0/hL1-pepdzB4/s1600/1327607642820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJGFA8wONqs/TyYGPhzC0LI/AAAAAAAAAV0/hL1-pepdzB4/s320/1327607642820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just happened to have this long sticker sitting in a drawer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used it to reinforce the bottom edge of the paper to the canister. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Couldn't have matched it up better if I tried!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7THduZqGhjg/TyYHAWbD7jI/AAAAAAAAAV8/gpCs0Wm5Hbc/s1600/1327607599427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7THduZqGhjg/TyYHAWbD7jI/AAAAAAAAAV8/gpCs0Wm5Hbc/s320/1327607599427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the top...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there it is. Super duper easy and I used things that I already had on hand, which is always awesome. I had the alphabet stickers for a few years and got them from the Target dollar section (my weakness, my love). I got the paper from Michael's over the summer for a Father's Day craft and am sure it was on sale 5 for $1.00. The foam brushes came in a pack of 3 for $1.00 at our grocery store. So aside from the Mod Podge, if I had to run out and get the supplies, it would basically cost the equivalent of a latte. I'm happy with that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hmmm... already thinking of other ideas for the next <strike>victim</strike> empty canister.</div>Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-78154383186128451972012-01-14T18:26:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:41:53.645-08:00Thank Your Quitter Voice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHDeWe_q0dY/TxI51S1V1TI/AAAAAAAAAVU/ukacJxjYfxY/s1600/Breakthrough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHDeWe_q0dY/TxI51S1V1TI/AAAAAAAAAVU/ukacJxjYfxY/s400/Breakthrough.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AMEN!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-70231225843355760892012-01-13T20:28:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:45:50.526-08:00{ c.r.e.a.t.e } Binder Cover Sheet - funner than it sounds. Really.Soo, I have a homemaking binder that I actually rarely use. The good intentions were there, but for some reason, it's so much easier to throw papers on top of "the black thing" (armoir/dresser type... thing... that graces our kitchen) than it is to 3-hole-punch a sheet of paper and have it all neat and orderly, and in one spot. Go figure. As I was decluttering the top of "the black thing" today, lo and behold, I ran into my binder. In the clear view cover, I had inserted the <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2-hour-house-clean1.pdf" target="_blank">2-hour House Cleaning Checklist</a> that I spoke about in this <a href="http://hellolilypops.blogspot.com/2011/12/wrapping-up-2011.html" target="_blank">post</a>. Well, BAM! Nothing gets you more motivated and screams "fun" than walking past your binder everyday (when it isn't buried under unfiled papers) and there's a to-do list staring up at you... and you haven't even opened the thing. So, for the first time in 2012 (and I am SO proud to say that!), I spent an hour and a half at the computer looking for different sites that would allow me to layer pictures, graphics and text. I was on a mission, and yes, it is amazing what motivates me. <br />
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I wasn't finding anything that I could easily jump into, until I stumbled into an online scrapbooking site called <a href="http://www.cropmom.com/" target="_blank">Crop Mom</a>, and there was no turning back. And so, I present my *new* binder cover that I couldn't be more happier with! [drumroll please...]<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rny4Jy0Ztc/TxD71ie528I/AAAAAAAAAVE/kBWBy7WOMbs/s1600/Binder+cover+wframe.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rny4Jy0Ztc/TxD71ie528I/AAAAAAAAAVE/kBWBy7WOMbs/s640/Binder+cover+wframe.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><br />
See the two lovely ladies centered on the bottom? They totally remind me of my sister and me - I love it just as much as I love her! The only thing I didn't know would happen once I finished was the Crop Mom logo there in the corner. It covers up the cute little striped feet and a bingo card that reads "FROLIC" at the top. Frolic has been one my words for years. Seriously. Very underrated, in my opinion. Anyways, for this awesome service being for the most part free (and completely addictive), the logo is a small price to pay, and she deserves the shout out for such a kick butt website. <br />
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Ahh... it feels good to get that creativity flowin'! Now... let's see if a certain binder gets more sunlight in it's days, eh? ;)Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-41315122810066273362012-01-06T21:21:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:45:01.584-08:00My Random Favorites - Pine Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EA7h7ms5rsw/TwfR__F77LI/AAAAAAAAAU0/yO1LaF224X8/s1600/1325862923983+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EA7h7ms5rsw/TwfR__F77LI/AAAAAAAAAU0/yO1LaF224X8/s400/1325862923983+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For some reason, growing up in the northern midwest wasn't something that I was really proud of. I didn't hate it, but it wasn't something I bragged about either. I suppose when you see pictures of cities as fabulously glitzy as New York, Chicago and Miami, it's easy to think your state lacks a certain... luster. However, something changed in my reluctant heart about two years ago. My daughter started a new school outside of the city, and that meant daily drives past tree nurseries, barns, apple orchards, and a few chance encounters with deer (not always alive, but deer nonetheless). Another thing. Lots and lots of pine trees. They stand out so much more when they aren't competing with buildings, don't they? There is something so comforting to me about these trees... slightly odd, I know. Odd as in wanting to wrap a scarf around the teeny tiny ones that wouldn't even constitute as a table-top Christmas tree and giving it a hug. Yeah... that kind of odd. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_ebdJuPMnI/TwfRs51YAvI/AAAAAAAAAUk/OlKolAC1JIQ/s1600/pine+trees+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_ebdJuPMnI/TwfRs51YAvI/AAAAAAAAAUk/OlKolAC1JIQ/s400/pine+trees+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-78003780903480210622011-12-27T14:20:00.000-08:002012-01-14T11:51:37.355-08:00Wrapping Up 2011 <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w08siyO0Q4E/Tvo24OQjnlI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/LAjdf97jnYc/s1600/Milwaukee+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w08siyO0Q4E/Tvo24OQjnlI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/LAjdf97jnYc/s400/Milwaukee+Christmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milwaukee's Red Arrow Park - <a href="http://edurant.smugmug.com/Holidays/2007-12-10-Milwaukee-Christmas/4068578_PN6chS#236949644_LzZ4b" target="_blank">photo credit</a><br />
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<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Wow. I can't buh-LIEVE 2011 is just about over. The older I get, the faster the years fly by. This was a very good year for our family, filled with a million plus blessings. And of course there are those moments I would rather forget, though I know next year I may find myself laughing at the thought of them... maybe. Here's a super quick wrap up of 2011 for me: </div><ul><li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">My daughters turned 2 and 8 years old this year.</div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">I won the <a href="http://www.billygraham.org/specialsections/rockthelakes/RockTheLakes.asp" target="_blank">Rock the Lakes</a> t-shirt design contest over the summer (woot!)</div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Finally found the perfect church for our family. </div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Was baptized!</div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Became a part of the children's ministy at our church.</div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Lily (youngest) began sleeping through the night regularly (yes!)</div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Went on more dates with my handsome than I can count - most dates this year than all of our married years combined! </div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Reunited with my best friend, Jenny, in 2010, and used much of 2011 to catch up and see our kiddos play together. I'm still completely in awe at where God has led us through the years, together and apart. </div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Surprised the girls with a trip to Disney World!</div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Missed our flight to Disney - I can kind of laugh at the sight of me running through the terminals after screening, Lily in one arm (barely), barefoot, shoes in one hand along with carry ons, and a belt around my neck as I "cheer" Miki to keep running. </div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Was asked if I was "expecting". (Nope. Can't laugh at that one yet.)</div></li>
<li><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">Hello Lilypops was born. </div></li>
</ul><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">I'm looking forward to 2012, and although I'm normally against New Year's resolutions, I do have a few things on my mind that I would like to take a look at in the New Year. More of that later. For now, I am finishing getting our house back in order after a very busy Christmas. It's amazing how much chaos can sweep through this place in the form of wrapping paper, bows, boxes, tissue paper, cookies and other things that make you go "yummm", toys and instruction manuals, and clothes. All blessings that are not taken for granted, but really makes for some frantic moments when all you're looking for is your phone while you're on you're way out to a third Christmas gathering. I spent today getting my little home back into shape, and am SO thankful for <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/12/whip-your-house-into-shape-in-2-hours-plus-a-free-downloadable-checklist.html" target="_blank">Money Saving Mom's: Whip Your House Into Shape in 2 Hours guide</a>. I've mentioned <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/" target="_blank">Money Saving Mom</a> in my <a href="http://hellolilypops.blogspot.com/search/label/apple%20butter" target="_blank">Apple Butter post</a>. She has so many helpful tools and ideas that I like to refer to from time to time, and her <em>free</em>, downloadable <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2-hour-house-clean1.pdf" target="_blank">2-hour House-Cleaning Checklist</a> was a life saver. <em>Confession: </em>If I'm sinking in disarray, it's very hard for me to just pick one spot and get to work. I get overwhelmed at looking at an overflowing sink of dishes when the floor needs to be mopped, the laundry needs to be done, the sheets need to be changed, bills need to be payed, and... you get the point. Lists are my best friends (if I actually stick with them). Now, I'm sure it would have taken me 2 hours, but I had some play time with Lily and a coffee break after finishing the first half of the list in an hour. With other distractions and minor interruptions, it did take me most of my day to get through the list, BUT, my little home is BACK and I can relax, enjoy Christmas vacation with the girls, and hopefully get some early shut-eye tonight!<br />
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</div>Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-18985278542346860222011-12-21T20:08:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:47:42.098-08:00Raspberry Thumbprint CookiesTonight, my eight-year-old daughter and I finally got around to making delicious raspberry thumbprint cookies. This cookie recipe is one of, if not <b>the</b> first, that she remembers baking with me. Tonight, she got to make half of the cookies all by herself. She rolled, frosted, imprinted, and filled each of her little cookies. It was one of those moments where I found myself looking back to her tot years, and not believing that she was now my kitchen assistant. Of course, it didn't help that I had just gone through a bin earlier this evening of her toddler clothes that my youngest can now wear. *sigh* Bittersweet...<br />
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Speaking of sweet! These buttery cookies just melt in your mouth and are so addictive. I'm thinking, if I make these next year, I'm going to have a few people in mind to ship them to. They're dangerous, just sitting on the counter... calling my name...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20Z9oJUCjL8/TvKoomXXnbI/AAAAAAAAAUE/2e-QREBEppU/s1600/raspberry+thumbprint+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20Z9oJUCjL8/TvKoomXXnbI/AAAAAAAAAUE/2e-QREBEppU/s400/raspberry+thumbprint+cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(iPod dead and camera without batteries - cell pic it is.)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>2 c. all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. salt</li>
<li>1 c. butter, softened</li>
<li>1 c. granulated sugar, divided</li>
<li>2 tsps. vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/2 c. raspberry or cherry jam</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div>1. Combine flour and salt in small bowl. Beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar in large bowl on medium speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, mix until well blended. Add flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time. Mix until soft dough forms. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.</div><div><br />
</div><div>2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spread remaining 1/2 cup sugar on a small plate (I put the sugar in a 1 cup measuring cup and just shook the dough ball around). Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.</div><div><br />
</div><div>3. Bake cookies just until firm, about 5 minutes. Remove cookies from oven. Make deep indentation in center of each cookie.</div><div><br />
</div><div>4. Fill indentations with heaping 1/2 teaspoon of jam (*Hint: Stir the jam first. It will be much easier to spoon into the indentations). Return cookies to oven. Bake for 10 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely. </div><div><br />
</div><div>5. Enjoy (and good luck exercising self-control)!</div>Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-5094954751134281412011-12-19T10:55:00.000-08:002011-12-19T10:55:31.557-08:00Mess Turned Beautiful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r62YzipVvD0/Tu-Hf3YF_qI/AAAAAAAAATs/axQSCPiTDDI/s1600/memories-wall-art4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r62YzipVvD0/Tu-Hf3YF_qI/AAAAAAAAATs/axQSCPiTDDI/s400/memories-wall-art4.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690296854692847955.post-70859506464369123972011-12-18T11:41:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:47:10.321-08:00Here We Go, Apple Butter.That first entry of your journal, blank slate, crisp and clean. My hand would always doubt itself before bringing ink to that first page - <em>cursive or print? big and bubbly or small, slanted letters? Oh, who cares? No one's even going to read this thing. Ever. And besides, you know it'll turn into your grocery list notebook or a doodle pad for one of the kiddos before the year is over... black or pink pen? </em>So, now that I've shared that bit of useless honesty, I can say I feel more at ease with my first blog entry here, at Hello Lilypops. No pen needed = no shaky hand.<br />
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This fall kicked off a crazy creative kick in me. First, the hot summer air made way for crisp, fall weather which lent to much more time baking. By the way, by much more, I mean an average of one new fall recipe every other week. The motivation is there, the time isn't. Being in Wisconsin, we have the awesome priviledge of apple picking in the fall. We didn't get around to it this year, but we did load up on bagged apples from the orchard when they were on sale, buy one, get one. Three dollars for six pounds of apples. Can't go wrong there. Then I ran into a recipe for apple butter at <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/" target="_blank">Money Saving Mom</a>. Now, I've never tried the stuff before, but it was too easy not to try, and I had everything I needed. Best part? All done in the slow cooker. I have a 4.5 qt. slow cooker, so I had to cut the ingredients down a bit. I'll put my measurements in parenthesis. If you have a slow cooker larger than 4.5 qt., you should be good to follow the original recipe. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsjdn5Ui84Q/Tu48s888Q-I/AAAAAAAAATk/h-nn-XrIrhI/s1600/Apple+Butter+-+Hello+Lilypops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsjdn5Ui84Q/Tu48s888Q-I/AAAAAAAAATk/h-nn-XrIrhI/s400/Apple+Butter+-+Hello+Lilypops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>Slow Cooker Apple Butter</strong><br />
<ul><li>6 lbs. medium apples - any variety (4 1/2 lbs.)</li>
<li>2 tbs. vanilla extract (1 1/2 tbs.)</li>
<li>1 1/2 c. brown sugar (1 1/4 c.)</li>
<li>1 tsp. ground cloves (3/4 tsp.)</li>
<li>3-4 tsps. cinnamon (I used 3 tsps.)</li>
</ul>Peel, core, and slice apples into fourths. Place in slow cooker with vanilla and cook on low for 6-8 hours stirring after every few hours. Once apples are very tender (mine was ready after 5 1/2 hours), mash with a fork or potato masher. Then stir in sugar and spices. Cook on low for another 5-6 hours, stirring occassionally. <br />
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Cool and pour into airtight jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator. Makes about 2 pint jars, depending on apple type. (I was able to get out about 5 half pint jars from one batch!) <br />
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These would make adorable gifts, which is what I chose to do. There are a few foodies in my family that I know would love this. There are so many ways to personalize the jars, and the different ways to devour this stuff is endless! <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/" target="_blank">Money Saving Mom</a> has <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/AppleButter.pdf" target="_blank">free apple butter printables</a> that you can apply to your jars, and presto! Doesn't get any easier than that.Yvy Duckhornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13035114494574335051noreply@blogger.com0