I can't sleep

So why not blog? Monday I took my first trip to Midwest Baking Supply...a bakers mecca if you will. I blame Bakerella for my desire to visit this wonderful world of baking goodies. But there was a reason for the visit; get chocolate for the chocolate covered strawberries we're making for my sister and bro-in-law's wedding reception on Saturday (side note: come on out to the Summit at MRCC Saturday from 2-5 to enjoy some wedding cake and choc. covered strawberries and of course celebrate the marriage of Avery and Kendall). Let's just say its a good thing I had a mission when I went in there, otherwise I could have spent the credit limit on my MasterCard. I glanced at the cake baking supplies; every shape and size of pan you could imagine, sprinkles in every color, all kinds of gel food coloring for icing and edible ink pens. You name it, they had it, it just may take you a while to find it! Someday, hopefully sooner than later, I'll go back and spend some more time and more money buying supplies to make cakes, cupcakes, pies and all kinds of other sweets to my hearts content! Maybe I have an addiction...I just like to bake, ok?

In the next few weeks I'll be earning my frequent flier miles. Next Tuesday I'm off to the Mayan Riviera for a few days of relaxation on the beach. Six days after I get back from Mexico I'm off to The Happiest Place on Earth to celebrate my dad's 50th birthday! Maybe I'll get some good blog material to share with you all!

What a week!

This past week has been quite an eventful and busy one for me. It all started early Monday morning, I woke up and went to Sam's with my sister, Avery, to pick out the flowers for her wedding! Tuesday is a day I won't forget for a long time...While I was getting a mani/pedi with my mom and sisters in preparation for the wedding we also got to witness the hours long Michael Jackson memorial service. And what a memorial it was! I didn't actually watch the whole thing because I had a (long overdue) hair appointment that afternoon. I can proudly say that my hair is now all one shade of brown...at least for now...which is a nice change. Tuesday night we (my family: Parents and sisters and I) went out to dinner with my sister's fiance's family (him, his parents and sisters) and Matt Johns tagged along as well (since he was set to perform the wedding ceremony).

Wednesday was wedding day! The date was 07-08-09, what an easy day to remember! We started out the day with a nice lunch for all the girls at Inspirations Tea Room.

Then we were off to hair appointments

After that we headed down to the Skirvin hotel to finish getting ready and get Avery into her dress. The wedding was at the State Capitol building in the 2nd floor rotunda. Apparently the air conditioners had been broken in the building for 2 days so it was extra hot. We were expecting the normal heat from no air conditioning in the rotunda, but I'm thinking that the outage didn't help matters. The ceremony was short and sweet, then Avery and Kendall headed to NYC and Boston for their honeymoon. I can't believe my little sister is married! Congrats to the happy couple...

The 4th of July is by far my absolute favorite holiday. I love everything about it, the fireworks, the lazy summer day, everything in red, white and blue; I mean, what's not to love about it. Growing up I always spent my 4th of July at lake Eufaula with the whole family, usually both my parents families actually. Both sets of grandparents had houses at the lake, right around the corner from each other. Its holiday weekends like these that I miss that the most. But the one thing that I love about the 4th of July just as much as the rest is the food! The hot dogs with all the fixins, a burger bar, barbecue ribs, brisket, pulled pork. And then there are the sides, oh the sides, fried okra, pasta salad, grilled corn on the cob. There is always the best spread at each and every party you attend. I have decided that this year I'm going to attempt this.

So, what is your favorite thing to eat on the 4th of July? I need some ideas for other things to make.

This is what I'm working with...

The kitchen in my apartment is TINY to put it lightly. I haven't really ventured into the wonderful world of cooking in it yet. I have made a few easy lunches, spaghetti with tomato sauce and quesadillas. I also made my favorite dessert (I might post it one day, but for now its my little secret) the other day for my sister's bachelorette party. To be honest, I'm a little bit uneasy about attempting something real in this tiny little kitchen. I did buy a tall table that fits right up next to the sink to give me some extra counter space, which should help me out a lot. For now, I just have to talk myself into taking on the tiny kitchen!

Here it is

Did I mention the low ceilings?

This is my "pantry"

Grilled Veggie Pizza

Wow, it has been forever and a day since I posted. I moved out of my parents house and into an apartment on my own, so I don't have anyone to cook for anymore! I will have to make a conscious effort to invite people over to I can try out new recipes! I went over to my parents house last night for my favorite summertime meal, grilled veggie pizza. Its so easy and lite, perfect for a sunny summer evening. Go out to your local farmers market to get the freshest ingredients for this pizza! Here's what you'll need:

Your favorite summertime veggies, some of my favorites are
yellow squash
zucchini
asparagus
onion, white or red
mushrooms
bell peppers, red or yellow
whatever else you can think of!
Mozzarella cheese, fresh melts best
Parmesan cheese
roasted garlic
olive oil

Here's the recipe for the best homemade pizza crust
To roast the garlic you will need to slice the top off the whole head of garlic so that all the cloves are exposed. Place in a pie pan, or other small dish, drizzle with olive oil then sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place in a 375 degree oven for about 45 minutes. It will create a delicious smell throughout your house! You can roast as many heads of garlic at a time as you want, as long as they fit into your pan. You can use the garlic for lots of things like this pizza, or in mashed potatoes (yum-o) whatever floats your boat.

Now onto the veggies, its best to cut them into large-ish pieces so they don't fall through the grill, unless you have one of those fancy schmancy veggie trays for your grill. Slice the zucchini and squash long ways, the onions into fairly large slices and you might want to make an aluminum foil basket for the smaller things like mushrooms and bell peppers. toss all the veggies in olive oil, kosher salt and black pepper and throw them onto the grill. Cook to desired doneness, about 8-10 minutes usually. Remove the veggies from the grill, but keep it on.

With the dough we usually cut the dough into two pieces to make it easier to handle and make 2 pizzas. Once the dough is rolled out, take it to the grill and place it carefully on the grill, shut the cover and let cook for 5 minutes. While the dough is cooking on the grill squeeze 5 or 6 of the garlic cloves out of the head of garlic and smoosh them up in a bowl to make a paste. After 5 minutes on the grill flip the pizza dough over and spread the garlic paste evenly over both pizzas. Drizzle them with olive oil and place the Mozzarella cheese on the crust. Toss the veggies onto the pizza and arrange them how you want then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Cover the grill for just about a minute, you don't want the crust to burn! Taking the pizzas off the grill can be a 2 person job, using big spatulas remove them to a large serving platter or cookie sheet. Slice and enjoy!

It's been a while...

But I'm back with a new recipe for you! It's another pasta one, they're so easy and cheap, so give it a try! Here's what you need

16oz pasta (ziti, penne, any tube pasta will do)
28oz can crushed tomatoes
1 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cook the pasta as directed on the package, drain and drizzle a little EVOO on it, just to keep it from sticking. While pasta is cooking brown the ground beef, drain and add crushed tomatoes. Add about 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper, then add 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir the sauce and let simmer for 20 minutes. Combine cooked pasta, sauce and 1 1/2 cups cheese and pour into greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with remaining cheese and cook at 375 for 40 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling.
This recipe would also be great if you used half sausage and half ground beef to add some extra flavor. Enjoy!

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!