I Love My Purls

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Let's Get to Cookin!

No better way to start the new year for me - cooking and baking. This is Chocolate Snacking Cake. Pretty Yummy - a little dry, I won't cook so long next time.

Dave forgot to get the chocolate chips, but I found some left over Christmas candy.

Dusted with powder sugar. I love this stuff - a little messy but so pretty.

Some cake squares in a cute glass container I found at Hobby Lobby out west. I love that store! Too bad we don't have one in Richmond.

This cool roaster I got not long ago. I kept it in the box, trying to decide if I should keep it or not. But, I am glad I decided to keep it. It makes roast chicken just like at the super market but better. You can cook turkey, kabobs, veggies and much more. I think it was a good investment.

So yummy and clean up is a breeze.

I have baked in it every week.

I found another yummy candle - "Glazed Doughnuts"

Soup - Chicken Noodle - a winner!

Trying to perfect Dave's favorite soup - Gumbo?

You must make a Roux - a little time consuming and boring - Just stir oil and flour together for about 20 minutes over medium heat. Must be a red brown color.

Dave said it was the best.

This is Nigella Lawson's recipe for cupcakes. Every thing is mixed in the food processor - different in baking, but I really liked it. Very easy.

Fresh out of the oven.

Making Royal Icing.

Add fresh lemon juice.

Very shiny, pretty frosting and it tasted great. Mine was a little too thin.

Very good no matter what.

Emmy and Grandpa gave them a plus.

I have tried to stay away from the after Christmas sales, but I went to Pier One just the other day and found this cute cupcake ornament.

Oh, I did get a "Skinny Christmas Tree" after Christmas from Cracker Barrell - They held one for me in a store that we went in on our way to St. Louis. YEAH! - A great buy.

Happy New year!

Dave put on his Hokie Wear to watch college football just about every night between Christmas and New Years.

We went to a Holiday Inn for New Year's and had a great time. The Va Tech Bowl game was on New Year's Eve, but we managed to get the celebration and the game in.

People in the buffet line.

Back at the room the game was ready to begin.

One of my favorite bands: Casper - they were great.

The dance floor was packed all night.

We had a great time - Happy New Year everyone!

Of course, Dave and I had to celebrate with a our favorite champagne - Tosti!! By the way - the HOKIES won. Dave is happy.

Merry Christmas

We had a great Christmas - I am so disappointed because I lost all of my pictures of the kids at Christmas and our trip to St. Louis. Not sure why - my memory card was just damaged. So life goes on. This is a cute set my boss gave me. The wrap is so soft and there are black slippers to match.

Love the pattern.

My talented daughter out did herself. She made me the calendar - so cute.
Also this great book of the kids. I cherish it.

Dave gave me some charms for my Pagoda bracelet - a bird, a little girl (they were out of the little boys) and Dave said I needed some color - it makes the bracelet.