I love frosting. I like to make homemade as much as possible and I always used to run into this problem- I could always taste the powdered sugar once I was done...yuck! So, while working at the St. Regis I became great friends with the pastry chef and this is what he told me is the secret to frosting--add corn syrup. It helps break down the powdered sugar (like how the milk does) without dissolving it and losing its consistency. So for today, here is my favorite frosting recipe (for now). I'm in the midst of finding/trying new recipes that are as to die for...
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
*2 TBL corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. *Add in 2 TBL corn syrup and beat about 20 sec longer. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.
*My addition to the recipe.
We'll look back and laugh at ourselves
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Black Bean Brownies
I got this recipe from Melissa D'Arabian (here) and I LOVE them. They add some extra nutrition to an otherwise empty calorie treat. I added my changes/notes to the recipe at the end.
Ingredients
Butter, for greasing pan
3/4 cup cooked black beans
1/2 cup vegetable oil, or olive oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
1/3 cup flour*
1/2 teaspoon baking powder*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 9-inch square baking pan.
In a blender, puree the beans with the oil. Add the eggs, cocoa, sugar, coffee, and vanilla. Melt half the chocolate chips and add to the blender. Blend on medium-high until smooth. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the blender and pulse until just incorporated. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake until the surface looks somewhat matte around the edges and still a bit shiny in the middle, about 20 minutes. Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting and removing from the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.
Here are the changes I made to the recipe.
1. I used canned beans and you must rinse the heck out of them if you use a canned bean.
2. I omitted the coffee, not on principle, but because I didn't have any.
3. *Since I'm high elevation I added an extra 2 TBL flour and did a scant 1/2 tea baking powder
4. Cook longer than 20 minutes! I did 20 minutes and they were definitely under done in the middle.
I had Brenan try them before I told him there were beans in it and he really liked them.
Ingredients
Butter, for greasing pan
3/4 cup cooked black beans
1/2 cup vegetable oil, or olive oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
1/3 cup flour*
1/2 teaspoon baking powder*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 9-inch square baking pan.
In a blender, puree the beans with the oil. Add the eggs, cocoa, sugar, coffee, and vanilla. Melt half the chocolate chips and add to the blender. Blend on medium-high until smooth. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the blender and pulse until just incorporated. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake until the surface looks somewhat matte around the edges and still a bit shiny in the middle, about 20 minutes. Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting and removing from the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.
Here are the changes I made to the recipe.
1. I used canned beans and you must rinse the heck out of them if you use a canned bean.
2. I omitted the coffee, not on principle, but because I didn't have any.
3. *Since I'm high elevation I added an extra 2 TBL flour and did a scant 1/2 tea baking powder
4. Cook longer than 20 minutes! I did 20 minutes and they were definitely under done in the middle.
I had Brenan try them before I told him there were beans in it and he really liked them.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Diaper Recommendations
I am the most finicky/picky shopper. It annoys Brenan because I can't just make a purchase, I need to know the competitor's product, price points, and reviews whether it is a big purchase like a TV or something small, like yogurt. I decided to share some of the different products I've tried because it's not always easy and I just wish I had a little product reviewer in my ear whispering to me what I should buy. So here is the first line up of products:
Huggies Little Snugglers & Little Movers
Huggies are my favorite, I don't buy them as often since they are expensive. They are what fit my baby the best and are the least troublesome, i.e. less leaks, no chaffing, don't fall off. The only downside is that they are the most expensive. If you go to Huggies.com they have coupons from time-to-time.
Huggies Snug & Dry
This is their less expensive diaper and I don't care for them as much. They are more "papery" feeling and they chaffed Julia a lot. I would not bother buying these over the Little Movers/Little Snugglers which are way better quality than these.
Pampers
For being a "name brand" and as expensive as Huggies, these diapers are my least favorite. They don't have the scrunch in the back that helps contain blowouts and they have a funny smell. Plus they don't absorb as well and their velcro/tape waste band makes them not fit well.
Target Brand
Target brand is what we use in our house and we love them. They fit well, absorb well, and they are just as good as Huggies considering they are a store brand. HOWEVER Target does not have a universal diaper across all stores. In Utah they use a circle design and those are the winners. When I was in Oregon we bought some and they had a star design and it was a completely different diaper and they were the worst. If you buy these check the design first.
Western Family Brand
We bought these and I would say they are so-so. I didn't love the fit/waistband, but we didn't have any issues with absorption. They didn't have the size printed on them and that is the worst when you have two kids in two separate sizes.
Smith's Brand
I'd say these were a little better than Western Family, we had some issues with how they fit.
I put Luvs in the same category as Pampers, but they cost less so it doesn't make me as upset to use them. We have a bunch that were given to us, and are using them, but I would not buy them on my own.
Walmart Brand
The worst, hands down. Didn't fit or absorb well.
Sam's Club Brand
I thought they were pretty decent, I only had a few to try since they were a small sample pack, but I remember liking them and it's a great deal. The downside is that you have to have a Sam's club membership, so the membership fee may not pay off if you don't buy other things.
Fisher Price Brand
I've only ever seen these at Baby's R Us, but I really liked them. I got them on sale so I don't remember the price point, but if you're ever there they are worth a try! I just don't go there that often...
Huggies Little Snugglers & Little Movers
Huggies are my favorite, I don't buy them as often since they are expensive. They are what fit my baby the best and are the least troublesome, i.e. less leaks, no chaffing, don't fall off. The only downside is that they are the most expensive. If you go to Huggies.com they have coupons from time-to-time.
Huggies Snug & Dry
This is their less expensive diaper and I don't care for them as much. They are more "papery" feeling and they chaffed Julia a lot. I would not bother buying these over the Little Movers/Little Snugglers which are way better quality than these.
Pampers
For being a "name brand" and as expensive as Huggies, these diapers are my least favorite. They don't have the scrunch in the back that helps contain blowouts and they have a funny smell. Plus they don't absorb as well and their velcro/tape waste band makes them not fit well.
Target Brand
Target brand is what we use in our house and we love them. They fit well, absorb well, and they are just as good as Huggies considering they are a store brand. HOWEVER Target does not have a universal diaper across all stores. In Utah they use a circle design and those are the winners. When I was in Oregon we bought some and they had a star design and it was a completely different diaper and they were the worst. If you buy these check the design first.
Western Family Brand
We bought these and I would say they are so-so. I didn't love the fit/waistband, but we didn't have any issues with absorption. They didn't have the size printed on them and that is the worst when you have two kids in two separate sizes.
Smith's Brand
I'd say these were a little better than Western Family, we had some issues with how they fit.
I put Luvs in the same category as Pampers, but they cost less so it doesn't make me as upset to use them. We have a bunch that were given to us, and are using them, but I would not buy them on my own.
Walmart Brand
The worst, hands down. Didn't fit or absorb well.
Sam's Club Brand
I thought they were pretty decent, I only had a few to try since they were a small sample pack, but I remember liking them and it's a great deal. The downside is that you have to have a Sam's club membership, so the membership fee may not pay off if you don't buy other things.
Fisher Price Brand
I've only ever seen these at Baby's R Us, but I really liked them. I got them on sale so I don't remember the price point, but if you're ever there they are worth a try! I just don't go there that often...
Monday, February 11, 2013
5 months
I cannot believe that my Jackson T is 5 months old. Life has been so busy that I haven't had a chance to blog about him for the past few months. This kid is growing like crazy and becoming the cutest little man. At his last appointment he weighed 15.5 lbs and was 25" tall (versus 6.7 lbs and 19" at birth). He is teething, which is always a bummer but he is a trooper for the most part. Since he quit sleeping through the night we are trying different ways to get him to sleep better. If I get him drowsy enough during the day, all I have to do is swaddle him with 1 arm out and he puts himself to sleep. At night, now that we are established at home and not travelling anymore, I want to try to let him cry himself back to sleep. This is of course problematic with Julia in the next room and Brenan the light sleeper. I've got my fingers crossed. Also, little buddy can nearly sit on his own (still hates the bumbo) and is starting to squirm/roll in little strides at a time. He can be centered on his playmat and be facing the complete opposite direction 5 min later.
My chunky monkey :)
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Back to the blog
I have missed blogging, a lot. Life has been absolutely hectic since October and I finally feel like life is back to normal. This year I really want to share as much as I can with everyone, including things like our adventures in potty training, the kids' growth and development, crafty ideas, recipes, etc... I want to try and make the blog as diverse as possible!
So, better late than never, here is a recap of our 2012...
january we got a surprise and found out i was pregnant. This didn't coincide well with my school plans, but I soon learned that my plans and the Lord's plans were different. In february we moved to our townhouse which I absolutely loved and I miss it incredibly. That was the first place that really felt like a home to me since being married. In march I pretty much gave up on school due to my pregnancy but we also found out we were having a boy, and in entered Jackson into our hearts. In April we got to visit with the Cole family (they came here to buy a car from Brenan) and we spent our first night away from Julia. Nerve wrecked much?? I think she did better than us. In May Orem Mazda paid for a vacay for the entire dealership to Wendover and we got our second night away from Julia. Since we were coming up on Mother's Day I got a spa day while the boys gambled and golfed. May was also the worst month for car sales. In June we had my dad and Lorraine out to our house for a week and they were here for Alex's graduation and Julia's first birthday. Brenan's fam surprised us and came out for her bday as well- they are the best. We spent a lot of time at 7 Peaks as well, just before I got too pregnant to go. At the end of June we got to go to Colorado to see all of the Cole family (including Amber and her boys) and Julia and I met Deb and the boys for the first time. In July I did a lot of chillin since I was very preggers and it was hot. We spent the 4th with my parents at East Canyon Resort and had a bbq and swam. August was probably my most favorite month. Julia and I flew to Oregon for my grandma's 85th birthday and we had a Fuentez family reunion. It was the first time any one from that side of the family had met Julia. A few days later (at 34 weeks pregnant) we had our first "false" alarm. I had contractions 3 min apart so I was admitted to the hospital where they gave me shots to stop labor. Two weeks later Jackson decided he couldn't wait any longer and he was born on the 29th, just in time for birthday season. September had 3 birthdays, but it seems like we didn't do anything too eventful. I think we were more concerned with football, namely The Broncos...October is when all hell broke loose. Brenan interviewed and was hired for a job in Texas. I stayed behind to get the house packed, our contract sold, and everything in order to leave. For Halloween we went trick or treating with the Greens and also went to a party at my mom's house. In November me and the kids moved in with my family and did a whole lot of nothing for a month. In December we decided that Texas wasn't going to happen, so Brenan came home. I was so happy to have that month and a half over with. We had a nice Christmas with all of the Devey side of the family and Brenan and I were just glad to be back together again. We moved to Saratoga Springs at the end of the month, and that pretty much puts us up to where we are now.
More to come...
So, better late than never, here is a recap of our 2012...
january we got a surprise and found out i was pregnant. This didn't coincide well with my school plans, but I soon learned that my plans and the Lord's plans were different. In february we moved to our townhouse which I absolutely loved and I miss it incredibly. That was the first place that really felt like a home to me since being married. In march I pretty much gave up on school due to my pregnancy but we also found out we were having a boy, and in entered Jackson into our hearts. In April we got to visit with the Cole family (they came here to buy a car from Brenan) and we spent our first night away from Julia. Nerve wrecked much?? I think she did better than us. In May Orem Mazda paid for a vacay for the entire dealership to Wendover and we got our second night away from Julia. Since we were coming up on Mother's Day I got a spa day while the boys gambled and golfed. May was also the worst month for car sales. In June we had my dad and Lorraine out to our house for a week and they were here for Alex's graduation and Julia's first birthday. Brenan's fam surprised us and came out for her bday as well- they are the best. We spent a lot of time at 7 Peaks as well, just before I got too pregnant to go. At the end of June we got to go to Colorado to see all of the Cole family (including Amber and her boys) and Julia and I met Deb and the boys for the first time. In July I did a lot of chillin since I was very preggers and it was hot. We spent the 4th with my parents at East Canyon Resort and had a bbq and swam. August was probably my most favorite month. Julia and I flew to Oregon for my grandma's 85th birthday and we had a Fuentez family reunion. It was the first time any one from that side of the family had met Julia. A few days later (at 34 weeks pregnant) we had our first "false" alarm. I had contractions 3 min apart so I was admitted to the hospital where they gave me shots to stop labor. Two weeks later Jackson decided he couldn't wait any longer and he was born on the 29th, just in time for birthday season. September had 3 birthdays, but it seems like we didn't do anything too eventful. I think we were more concerned with football, namely The Broncos...October is when all hell broke loose. Brenan interviewed and was hired for a job in Texas. I stayed behind to get the house packed, our contract sold, and everything in order to leave. For Halloween we went trick or treating with the Greens and also went to a party at my mom's house. In November me and the kids moved in with my family and did a whole lot of nothing for a month. In December we decided that Texas wasn't going to happen, so Brenan came home. I was so happy to have that month and a half over with. We had a nice Christmas with all of the Devey side of the family and Brenan and I were just glad to be back together again. We moved to Saratoga Springs at the end of the month, and that pretty much puts us up to where we are now.
More to come...
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Oh Julia...
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Life is changing
Who knew there would be so many changes in such a small amount of time?
First was the arrival of little Jack. We couldn't be happier to have him and he is doing relatively well for a baby. Our biggest issue is daytime sleep, which is surprising because he sleeps really well at night. Try as I may with vacuum noises and swaddling, he won't sleep for more than 30 minutes alone. He wants to be held constantly.
Julia, Julia, Julia. Love this girl. She is getting such a personality, which unfortunately includes attitude. However, we do not fall for the tantrums or hissy fits. She loves to help with Jackson and she herself is growing so big and smart. At her last check up she weighed 23lbs and was 34 inches. Her head and height were in the 75th percentile and her weight was in the 50th. She also is a huge drinker and so we moved her up to size 5 diapers (which you can tell are meant for larger children than herself).
"Where are you from?" "Tejas" "Tejas?" "Texas" "Tejas, Texas? Never heard of it" -M&D
Yes, we are moving to Texas!! Brenan hadn't been looking for a new job, we really like Orem Mazda, and somehow still unbeknownst to me he found a job in Texas! He drove down and made a whirlwind of a trip and was offered two different jobs, both with Mazda dealerships (the top 3 Mazda dealers in the US are in Texas). Then, a couple of days later he accepted one, quit Orem Mazda (they were sad) and he packed up and left for Texas. He also randomly got connected with a Mercedes dealership owner and went to meet him...outcome still pending. Regardless, I am here in Utah with the kids and he is in Texas and will begin working tomorrow. We are trying to sell our lease and after Thanksgiving we will move down and all be reunited again! The next 4-5 weeks will be tough, but I'm confident that with all of the nice helpers around me I can get everything done.
First was the arrival of little Jack. We couldn't be happier to have him and he is doing relatively well for a baby. Our biggest issue is daytime sleep, which is surprising because he sleeps really well at night. Try as I may with vacuum noises and swaddling, he won't sleep for more than 30 minutes alone. He wants to be held constantly.
Julia, Julia, Julia. Love this girl. She is getting such a personality, which unfortunately includes attitude. However, we do not fall for the tantrums or hissy fits. She loves to help with Jackson and she herself is growing so big and smart. At her last check up she weighed 23lbs and was 34 inches. Her head and height were in the 75th percentile and her weight was in the 50th. She also is a huge drinker and so we moved her up to size 5 diapers (which you can tell are meant for larger children than herself).
"Where are you from?" "Tejas" "Tejas?" "Texas" "Tejas, Texas? Never heard of it" -M&D
Yes, we are moving to Texas!! Brenan hadn't been looking for a new job, we really like Orem Mazda, and somehow still unbeknownst to me he found a job in Texas! He drove down and made a whirlwind of a trip and was offered two different jobs, both with Mazda dealerships (the top 3 Mazda dealers in the US are in Texas). Then, a couple of days later he accepted one, quit Orem Mazda (they were sad) and he packed up and left for Texas. He also randomly got connected with a Mercedes dealership owner and went to meet him...outcome still pending. Regardless, I am here in Utah with the kids and he is in Texas and will begin working tomorrow. We are trying to sell our lease and after Thanksgiving we will move down and all be reunited again! The next 4-5 weeks will be tough, but I'm confident that with all of the nice helpers around me I can get everything done.
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