real life conversations, pt. 8

This is a conversation I had with my 6-year old niece, Leslie. This was after dinner, when she and her brother, Griffin, had both thanked me for dinner at least twice and told me that I "cook good food". Leslie & I were making cookies together.

Leslie: I can't wait for the cookies to be done! I'm going to watch them cook.
Me: Okay - you let me know when they're nice and golden brown.
Leslie: Yes! And then we will eat them. They will be SO good, because you cook good food!
Me, laughing: Thanks, Lili.
Leslie: And when you grow up, you should be a cook!
Me: That's a good idea. But then I can't be a teacher.
Leslie: You don't have to do that. You can be whatever you want to be!
Me: Good point. Good point.

house: our bedroom

I'm finally getting around to sharing some pictures of the house! I borrowed my friend Ellie's camera.

Here's the bed & bath when Doug went through for the inspection.

Bay window in the bedroom...

View from the door...

Yowza.

A very, VERY green bathroom. Notice the high gloss finish, reflecting off of EVERYTHING.

In progress:

And the finished (for now) product:

Yay! Much more soothing!

Ta-da!

red door - fall decor

... compliment us. :)

cupcakes!

I thought of maybe a better way to celebrate 500 posts than apple muffins: CUPCAKES. Obviously. However, it's too late... so, happy belated 500th post, blog o' mine.

Internet, I have been on a cupcake CRAZE lately. I blame it all on Annie's Eats. She always has the most amazing desserts. And I blame that discovery on Lyndsay, who I'm pretty sure told me about Annie. So, Lyndsay, I'll be sending you my medical bills when I get diabetes.

Anyway, my 2 latest obessions are...

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

(some modications made using this recipe)

and Cookies & Cream Cupcakes.


Both pics are from Doug's phone, so not the greatest quality. For better pics, and more importantly, the recipes!!! - click on the links. You won't be sorry... until you're on the hospital bed next to me.

And even then...

celebrating 500

So, it's my 500th blog post. What better way to celebrate than with a phenomenal fall recipe, utilizing Excelsior Apples?!

Apple Muffins w/ Sauce

Muffins:
1 T. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 c. flour
1/8 t. salt
2 T boiling water
1 t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla
1 c. peeled and diced tart apples

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350.
2. Combine all ingredients in order given.
3. Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full.
4. Bake 20-25 minutes.

Sauce:
1 c. brown sugar
2 T. flour
1/2 c. boiling water
4 T butter
1 t. vanilla

Directions:
1. Mix brown sugar and flour together in small saucepan.
2. Add water, butter and vanilla.
3. Cook over med-low heat until thickened.
4. Serve hot sauce over muffins.

Recipe from Applehood & Motherpie cookbook.

Perfect fall recipe. Sorry, no cam = no pics!