Recipe # 13 Beer Bread

We were having Ham and Beans for Dinner and I decided that we needed some Beer Bread with it. I made this recipe and everyone loved it!

Beer Bread
3 cups flour (sifted)
3 teaspoons baking powder (omit if using Self-Rising Flour)
1 teaspoon salt (omit if using Self-Rising Flour)
1/4 cup sugar
1 (12 ounce) can beer
1/2 cup melted butter (1/4 cup will do just fine)
Directions


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix dry ingredients and beer.
Pour into a greased loaf pan.
Pour melted butter over mixture.
Bake 1 hour, remove from pan and cool for at least 15 minutes.


Notes Sifting flour for bread recipes is a must-do. Most people just scoop the 1 cup measure in the flour canister and level it off. That compacts the flour and will turn your bread into a "hard biscuit" . That's because they aren't sifting their flour! If you do not have a sifter, use a spoon to spoon the flour into the 1 cup measure. Try it once the "correct" way and you will see an amazing difference in the end product.
The final result should be a thick, hearty and very tasteful bread, NOT A BRICK! ;).

Christmas

Well we had a nice and quiet Christmas. Next year I am sure will be different! We got the kids around 12:30 PM Christmas day. I was a little bummed, but dealt with it. That means we will have the kids late next year :P My parents came over and we opened presents. The kids were very shocked and excited when they opened their new Wii from Grandma and Grandad. I was also very excited because I am looking forward to getting the Wii fit (for after the baby is born) Bill and the kids did a training thing and I was glad I didn't join. They were worn out at the end! I did however try the Wii fitness when no one was around. Now the first time it said I was 64! Are you kidding me 64!? $%$!%@^$% The next time I was 55 and most recent was 42. I am happy that my Wii age is coming down! I have also come to love boxing. I am quite scary! I usually KO during the 2nd round.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Well I have decided I better join Alcoholics Anonymous. Not because I have a drinking problem. Its because I am going to have a drinking problem in a few years. I am thinking now.....I will have a 2 year old, 14 year old step-son and a 16 year old step-daughter. What the heck was I thinking!? I think I better start with the classes now, so I have the steps down by then! I can see it now. Hi....I am Kristen....I am not an Alcoholic YET, but I will be in 2 years! The funny thing is....I don't drink a huge amount and since I got pregnant, I have been craving Kahlua bad!

I recently signed Bill and I up for Child Birthing Classes ( Did you know....there are a ton of classes now!? Its not just Lamaze) Here is a description of the class we are going to take Description: These classes prepare mother and her support companion to become more physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for labor, birth, and postpartum. A variety of coaching, breathing, and relaxation techniques are demonstrated and practiced during class. Instruction covers the process of birth, pain management of labor, decision making, and the transition to parenthood. We have to go once a week for 4 weeks. Should be fun! LOL I will let you know how it goes.

recipe #12 Creamy One-Pot Pasta

This is soooooooo yummy and smells good cooking too! I thought my family wouldn't like it, but I am gonna try it next week!

Creamy One-Pot Pasta (Pampered Chef)
Ingredients:4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 jar (7 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, undrained
3 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth (5 1/4 cups)
1 lb uncooked penne pasta
1 head broccoli (2 cups small florets)
2 medium carrots, peeled
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
Grated fresh Parmesan cheese and snipped fresh basil (optional)
Directions:1. Thinly slice garlic using Paring Knife. Place garlic and 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes into (8-qt.) Stockpot. Cook garlic over medium heat 2-3 minutes or until garlic is golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; add broth. Return to burner; increase heat to high. Cover and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta; cover and simmer vigorously 8-10 minutes or until pasta is almost cooked but still firm, stirring occasionally using Mega Scraper.
2. Meanwhile, cut broccoli into small florets; place into Classic Batter Bowl. Cut carrots in half lengthwise; thinly slice crosswise on a bias using Santoku Knife. Drain sun-dried tomatoes; pat dry with a paper towel. Slice tomatoes into thin strips. Add carrots and tomatoes to batter bowl.
3. Cut cream cheese into cubes. Add vegetables, cream cheese, salt and black pepper to Stockpot. Stir until cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook an additional 2-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve immediately in Simple Additions(R) Dots Large Round Bowl. If desired, top with grated fresh Parmesan cheese and snipped fresh basil.
Yield: 6 servings
Nutrients per serving: Light: Calories 410, Total Fat 11 g, Saturated Fat 3.5 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Carbohydrate 65 g, Protein 15 g, Sodium 1000 mg, Fiber 5 g
Cook's Tip: For an interesting flavor twist, omit salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese and basil. Add 1 tbsp Moroccan Rub or Greek Rub.

For a heartier version of this recipe, add grilled turkey Italian sausage or sliced grilled chicken breasts to pasta.

If desired, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes can be substituted for the sun-dried tomatoes.
Shopping List:4 large garlic cloves 1 jar (7 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil
3 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth (5 1/4 cups) 1 lb uncooked penne pasta
1 head broccoli (2 cups small florets)
2 medium carrots
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) 1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
Grated fresh Parmesan cheese and snipped fresh basil (optional)

Cook's Tips: For an interesting flavor twist, omit salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese and basil. Add 1 tbsp Moroccan Rub or Greek Rub.

For a heartier version of this recipe, add grilled turkey Italian sausage or sliced grilled chicken breasts to pasta.

If desired, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes can be substituted for the sun-dried tomatoes.

Miami Baby!

Well the baby went on its first trip. We went to Miami! Bill and I decided we better get away before the baby is born. Let me start by saying we had a nice time...........................................Now that I have said that I will tell you a little more about or Miami trip! First things first Alaska lost our only checked bag on the way out. Now when I say "OUR" bag.... I mean....we were the only one to lose a bag on the whole freaking flight! Are we lucky or what?!?! Our Flight got in at 9:55pm, so I really didn't care about that night, but when the lady said we would get it the next day on the same flight....I started to freak a little....I didn't have any pants in my carry on! What the hell was I thinking! She also informed me that since it was not more than 24 hours they did not give out vouchers! I took a deep breath and moved on to the rental car. We got our car without any hitches....Thank God and drove to our hotel.

First Night-
Now we stayed in a Hotel that was for Airline Crew Members only....the Sherry Frontenac! It was an older hotel, right on the beach and clean. I was happy. We checked in, put our stuff in our room and came down to the little bar by the lobby. I was happy there was no smoking! The bartender came over and put a napkin down for the both of us and said " I don't mean to babysit you, but are you gonna drink!" I laughed and informed her I just wanted a "virgin" pina colada. She didn't have a blender, so I settled for a "virgin" fruity drink. It was very tasty and Bill had a Midori sour. I ended up having 2 drinks and him 1 and the bill was $8.00 Wow...I thought that was pretty cheap for Miami! Then we headed up to the room...I fell asleep....Bill watched a movie.
The Second Day-
The next morning it was pretty overcast and windy, but still about 73 degrees. We had breakfast at the hotel (it was FREE....bagels, toast, english muffins, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs, cheese, cereal, pound cake, coffee and hot chocolate) After breakfast we sat by the pool for a bit and then went for a drive. Later that afternoon we went to Ceriones! I had Chicken Francaise and Bill had Chicken Parmesan and a glass of Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico. He got pretty tipsy off one glass too....it was funny I can only imagine how I will be once I have the baby! Later that night we ordered pizza from across the street and Bill went to get it.
The Third Day-
The next Morning we got up, ate breakfast and then went down to the beach. It was a gorgeous day....sunny but had a breeze (about 80 degrees). Bill played in the ocean and I laid on the towel and picked up shells. I am happy to say....I put on a bathing suit (thanks to my friend Steph!) and no one tried to harpoon me! We then went to the pool and swam and laid in the sun for a bit. We went back to room, took showers and relaxed. We walked across the street later and had pizza again :P Can you see a trend here?? We like to eat! Later that night we decided to get dressed up and go to dinner. I was leary about eating Cuban food. I had never eaten it before, but decided to try it! We ate at Izzy's Cubi Thai. I had Camarones al Ajillo (Shrimp sauteed in olive oil and white wine-mmmmm yummm) Arroz Moro (Black rice-very tasty...I plan on making at home some time) Platanos Maduros (Sweet Plantains-better than I thought....yummm) and Tostones (Fried green plantains-not my favorite.....kinda dry and no flavor) Now Bill had Vaca Frita (Marinated shredded beef, fried then topped with grilled onions-was tasty) Arroz Moro (Black rice) Papitas Fritas (French Fries-original huh?) and Yuca (Boiled Cassava with Mojo Sauce-kind of like a potato...tasty) Cubans use alot of ONIONS! Overall we had a very nice time! I would definitely go to a Cuban restaurant again. I am glad we tried it!
The last day-
We got up in the AM, had breakfast and came back up to the room and get our stuff to leave. Well the baby decided it didn't care for what I had eaten for breakfast and made me dispose of it. After winding thru back streets (that had construction-fun fun) to get to the car rental return, we finally got to the airport about 8:30am (our flight left at 10:00am) We got on the plane and started to taxi and then returned to the gate. The Pilot announced that there was an mechanical and they would have someone look at it, do some paperwork and be on our way. Well....thats not exactly what happened! We sat on the plane for 2 hours, then they informed that we could get off if we wanted to. Well since my tummy was empty....I thought we better get off or I was going to be crankier than usual. We got some pizza and when we returned to the gate, they told us we needed to go and pick up our stuff from baggage and go to the ticket counter to see if they could get us on another carrier. Bill waited for bag and I went to the counter. We found out that American had 2 of the parts we needed but wouldn't give them up. I would of like to punch whoever in the face that wouldn't give them up! LOL While in the ticket line I met the rudest Security JERK in the world! We were standing in the corridor....fine.....I moved back and he kept yelling at another lady and I. Well then a guy from the airline tried to move the line and 5 people cut in front of me because the JERK was still yelling at me. Well I got him back when he was yelling at the airline guy and someone tried to get by him in the corridor. I tapped him on the shoulder 3 times before he turned around and said he was "Busy!" I informed him he needed to move....he was in the corridor. Everyone thought it was funny, but him. We didn't see him again that afternoon. We were in line for a few hours and they didn't have any other airline to send us on-not surprised. So they decided to use the plane that came in that night from Seattle and just return us all on that. Now I do have to say......I was not a happy camper, but there was other people on the flight I felt sorry for. There was an older Gentleman and a younger lady with a 10 week old baby, 2 small dogs and 7 bags. Her hubby had come in and got her checked in and then left her. I informed Bill that if he ever put me in that situation....he would die a violent death! He said "you shouldn't pack that much!" Boys....you got to love em! There were 2 cats on the flight and also a African Grey Parrot. Its owners were and older couple and the lady must of been to Joan Rivers Plastic Surgeon. She had a permanent smile....lol plus she was eating a sandwich and then would give the bird a bite and than eat a bite and so on. It was crazy! Alaska gave us $32 in food vouchers and we went and ate at Chilis. We tried to sleep, but you all know how ard that is. Finally our flight left around 11pm. They gave free alcohol (what the hell good is that for me! I wanted vouchers damnit! LOL) and movie players. We got into Seattle about 3:15am. We tried to sleep in a kids area and our flight left at 6:45am for home! UGHHHHHHHHHHHH! We finally got home at 9am and it was freaking freezing (temp was in the 20's) I am surprised our bodies didn't go into shock! I called my Mom on the way home and had her turn on our electric blanket.....we came home and passed out!

Just Swell!

Well my feet are starting to swell and my eyesight is going! WTH!!!! Some more of the wonderful things that make you go hmmmm! My back has been bothering me and I am still trying to figure out who is kicking me! (when I find em....it is not going to be pretty!) My DH bought me a pregnancy pillow for my birthday a while back and it is helpful, but I still don't sleep well. I think its the 32 times I have to get up a night to pee! Everyone keeps telling me that I will forget about all the bad once I see the baby. I remind them....I am doing this blog....so I won't forget! LOL Actually I am feeling pretty dang good lately! I haven't puked in a bit and I am not as tired as I was before. So that has got to count for something! Oh ya and the baby is kicking all the time. It is so neat to feel ( I am not looking forward to the foot in the rib tho) Also!!! I was so happy. Went to the Dr. and the first thing he said when he opened my folder was.... "your weight looks good" Well I am trying to figure out...is he scared of me, says that to all prego women, or if it was true!? LOL

ITS OFFICIAL! I AM DEFINITELY FEELING PREGO! but its all good.....I did ask for this, right!?

Recipe #11 Yummy Jello Salad

This recipe is awesome for the Holidays! I could sit and eat right fromt the pan! (but I am prego!)

Recipe #11 Yummy Jello Salad

Lg. pkg Cherry Jello

2 cans juice from blueberry muffins (no blue berries, just juice)

1 can crushed pineapple

Topping

1-2 8oz pkgs cream cheese

1 8oz. carton sour cream

1/2- 1 tsp vanilla

1/2- 1 c sugar to taste

Mix the jello w/ half the water required. Usually 1 cup hot water with 1 cup cold water after jello dissolves. Then put blue berry juice in jello. Add to the jello mixture 1 can crushed pineapple, drained. Place in refrigerator overnight. Cover with saran wrap.

Topping

1-2 8oz pkgs cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla and sugar to taste. Should be fairly sweet. Mix with mixer until creamy. After jello is set, spread evenly on jello. Sprinkle with red or green sprinkles.