Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

As if Christmas hadn't brought enough treats, chocolates, and fattening goodies... I decided I wanted to make something for dessert that we hadn't yet tried.

I opened up my 21 year old Betty Crocker Cookbook that I received as a wedding gift, and on the first page marked "Baked & Cooked Desserts" was the recipe for Hot Fudge Sundae Cake.   I perused the ingredients to make sure I had everything on hand. Sounded too easy.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
In an ungreased 9x9x2 baking pan (I only had an 8x8x2.5 which worked fine) mix together the following dry ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 TBS cocoa (I used dark cocoa)
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Mix in the following wet ingredients using a fork until smooth:

1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 TBS vegetable oil

You can stir in 1 cup chopped nuts if you desire... someone in my household does not desire nuts, so we skipped them :) The recipe also says instead of nuts you might want to try a cup of miniature marshmallows... mmmm.

Spread the batter evenly around the pan.
Sprinkle with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa.  Then pour 1 3/4 cups hottest tap water over the sugar and cocoa.  (Don't stir, just leave it a puddle)

Bake for 40 min.
Serve warm and with a dollop of whipped cream or some vanilla ice cream.

This really was an easy treat to make from scratch with good, real ingredients.  Plus, you only use one dish to make and bake it!!  Enjoy :)

Be Careful Little Eyes What You Read...

Just a quick thought today.  Actually, this thought wanders around the vast cavity of my brain often, I've just never actually put it to paper...er computer.

I've been thinking about all the millions of "Christian" books that make their way into a "Christian" bookstore.  What is the standard for a book being "Christian" anyway? Is it simply enough to be stocked on the shelf in a Christian book store?  If we define a Christian as someone who follows and is disciplined by the teachings of Christ, then it is reasonable to say that any book bearing the adjective "Christian" should do likewise, yes?

So in order to judge whether a book adheres to the teachings of Christ, we would have to argue that the reader must first have adequate knowledge about Christ and his disciplines.  "Adequate knowledge" assumes there has been a certain amount of time invested in the research and studying of a particular subject, in this case the Holy Scriptures.

Side note:  ... I watch a sweet little boy a few days a week for a friend of mine.  He's nine months now... and as you can imagine, EVERYTHING he can pick up or grab goes right into his mouth.  He is new to this world and hasn't learned what is appropriate to eat, and what is harmful.  Those around him who have more understanding and knowledge will make that decision for him.  Meanwhile, he is being taught what is good, wholesome, and pure, (and edible!) so that eventually, he will know for himself.

I have two children.  One daughter who is nearly seventeen and a twelve year old son.  It is no longer necessary for me to watch everything that goes into their mouths.  They have been taught that you don't eat paper.  They do, however, still need to be reminded about what is good for them and how they should strive to consume a balance of protein, vitamins, fats, etc.  I correct them when I see that they are indulging themselves too often in sweets, or aren't getting enough vegetables.

So it is with what we allow to marinate in our minds.  In this case we are contemplating spiritual** books.  If the knowledge we have of Scripture is in its infancy, we should rely heavily on someone who has greater knowledge than we, watching what they read, and allowing them to instruct us.  If we are further along in our understanding of Christ's disciplines, we might only need an occasional correcting or pivotal directing, planting us back on the good path.  In our maturity as Christians, we should recognize quickly any errant teaching and avoid it.  Unfortunately, the Christian bookstores are more in the business of making money than disciples, so asking a faithful pastor about specific books in question would be very appropriate.

Because I want only what is spiritually consistent with Scripture, I often ask my pastor/husband what he is reading.

Here are a few of his personal recommendations:

Grace Upon Grace by Dr. Rev. John W. Kleinig
Spirituality of the Cross by Dr. Gene Edward Veith
On Marriage and Family Life  by St. John Chrysostom


**Though I am speaking mostly about books pertaining to spiritual matters, these thoughts also apply to Christian fiction and secular fiction as well.  We love good fiction in our house and see it as a wonderful exercise in imagination and fantasy, but disciplines of God's Word are still vital in judging what stays and what goes.

The Chore Box

A friend has asked that I write a post about our chore box.  Before I get to the actual box, I want to preface this with some advice about moderation.

I am an "all or nothing" kind of gal.  I am easily distracted, yet I can become uber-focused on the most inane details.  This affects all aspects of my life:  homeschooling, parenting, housecleaning, church... you get the idea.  After 20 years of marriage to THEE most consistent man IN the world, I have learned a little about moderation and a TON about grace.

I've learned to prioritize and make difficult, conscious decisions about frivolous endeavors which might steal me away from the good work that God has for me to do. (Yes, laundry IS a good work.)  I've learned not to allow discouraging thoughts decide how I behave or think.  I know to counteract those thoughts with God's truth from His Word.  Most importantly, I have been shown that there is always forgiveness and grace waiting for me when I fail.  My goal is no longer to do everything well all the time.  Rather, my goal is to grow in the knowledge of God's Word and not to hinder His work done through me, that I might be a blessing to those he has given me to serve (my family).  When we see our life through this lens, we cease "trying" and we simply allow God to be God.

Flylady.com   This is a wonderful resource for those who are really drowning in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome).  While I appreciated many of the ideas that the Flylady suggested, I found that this was just another extreme for me.  I gleaned many good habits and ignored what didn't seem to be a problem in my world.  Learning what my "hot spots" were and establishing a morning routine were two of the most helpful tips.

My mom read a book back in the '80s  (The Sidetracked Sisters) and I believe the Flylady adopted some information from the two sisters who wrote the book.  I have never read the book, but I love the creative approach that they gave to house cleaning. Inspired by this book, my mom had a box with 3x5 cards of every color.  On each card a single chore was written.  The color of the card determined how often the chore was done.

 I don't know what they chose for colors but here are mine:
White= Daily, Blue= Every other day, Pink=Weekly, Green= Every other week, Purple= Monthly, and Yellow=Seasonal.

Inside the box, I have written the days of the week for two weeks on tabs and made them into dividers. I've also made dividers for the months.  On each chore card I have written instructions about how the chore is to be done.  The newer the chore, the more instructions needed.  If it is one that I can do in my sleep, there might only be a single sentence.  If it is one that I think my kids need specific directions and reminders about, then I write that on there.
I started out with basic chores and have added more as I go along.  Everything from daily sweeping to assembling my rain barrel in Springtime.  What I determine as a chore and how often I'm willing to do it... is totally up to me.  These are my flexible boundaries.

You might be saying, "Wow, that doesn't sound flexible to me.  I'd hate being bound to a chore box everyday."  Yeah, me too.  Which is why it is only my guideline.  Most of my house cleaning is done when I see that it needs to be done, this is how my mind gets "inspired".  But in my natural ebb and flow of life and business, I often get into ruts where I don't do much cleaning at all... the inspiration isn't there.  Then all of a sudden, I'm looking around and seeing messes everywhere.  THAT is when I reach for my crutch, my chore box.  The chore box isn't out everyday.  I might use it for three weeks straight and then forget about it for a month.  But I know it is there and when I feel swamped and flailing... I go to my box, move some cards around so I can visually see what I can reasonably accomplish that day.  It is a visual prioritizer for me.  It allows me to work back up to my routine.

What I do with my chore box is this: I set out the day's chores on our dining room table.  I group them according to color and let everyone pick what they want to do. We homeschool so it usually takes all day to get the chores finished, and each person does what they can when their schedule permits it. Every person is responsible for their own morning routines; making beds, personal hygiene, feeding pets etc. These are posted on my kid's doors and mine is in the chore box.  As the chores in the box are accomplished, we put them back into the box in their next spot.

 Now, when involving your kids in the chore box, keep in mind that instruction must happen before you can expect them to successfully accomplish a chore.  My kids are 16 and 12, so there isn't much they can't do.  But they can do them because they have been taught.  There are chores for any age.  Even if you have to make up some chores.  Washing baseboards, light switches and doorjams are great chores for preschoolers.  Holding the can of Pledge while mommy dusts is a perfect chore for babies... just make sure the cap is securely fastened! :)

Note: If a chore doesn't get done that day... FALL APART IMMEDIATELY!!  hee hee... just put it back into the box for tomorrow.

There it is.  The chore box, pretty simple really.  Hope it helps.

Finding Nancy Beth

Nancy Beth was my aunt.  I suppose I want you to know this, because up until a few months ago... I didn't even know it.  I didn't know Nancy Beth.  I didn't know my dad had a sister.  My dad didn't know he had a sister.  

Nancy Beth was my aunt and she had down syndrome.  

It's quite unreal how this all came to the surface.  Back in February I started researching my ancestral roots.  I joined a website (ancestry.com) and started rifling through census reports, obituaries, and marriage certificates online.  I felt as if I was combining my interest in history with my love of mystery novels.  I enjoyed it.

Researching my mom's family was easy, even predictable, but I knew my dad's family would yield some interesting finds.  He never knew his biological father, instead he was raised by his biological mom and his adoptive father.  He had a warm and loving childhood, but it was made clear that he shouldn't ask questions about his "real" father.  So he didn't.  

But starting this spring, I did.  I asked all kinds of questions as I unraveled the mess of secrets that had been knotted for decades.  I found that in the center of it all was Nancy Beth.

In 1939 families didn't raise "special needs" children.  Doctors advised new mothers to abandon their imperfect children to the custody of the state.  They convinced parents that the social stigma of raising an abnormal child would be too difficult for other children in the family to bare.  And often parents, still reeling from the wrenching pain and disappointment of dreams dashed,  listened to these professional advisers.  

 My grandparents listened too.  At one month of age, Nancy was entrusted to the state.  She was put into a foster home until she was two and a half.  From there she was sent to a state home and institutionalized for the rest of her life. In 1966 she was baptized, and she died in 1993 at the age of 54.  

 These are the facts as I have learned them, and I hope to discover more about her.  Someday, I hope to see a picture, but even if I never do, I have a strong suspicion that one day I will finally meet Nancy Beth.

Nancy Beth was my aunt and I'd like you to know that.

Celebration Cinnamon Rolls

Today is my baby's 12 th birthday.  My "Bubby";  my boy;  my sweetness.  Every momma should have a son as huggibly delicious as my Eric.  Can I just say... I love my kid?  This child will jump up at the chance to help you with groceries, LOVES to make you smile or laugh, and can't pass kissin' a baby's cheeks even if he wanted to. I mean, c'mon, they just don't make them like him anymore.  I s'pose I get to take some credit for him, but really, I think God just gave him to me like this.  I am blessed.

So, it's no secret that I work very hard in the garden and once in a while I get pooped before I'm really finished.  Cleaning up my tornado of weeding isn't my strongest point, so I often strike up a deal with my dear son in order to get him to clean up after my gardening garbage.
This week, the deal was a week long menu of breakfast dishes.  I'd like to be able to say that I make a piping hot breakfast for my kids every morning, but the truth is... I don't.  I'm more apt to make breakfast for dinner than for the actual slotted time for breakfast.  So I agreed to make Eric breakfast every day this week, beginning with Tuesday.
Tuesday we had french toast.
Wednesday was scrambled eggs and bacon.
Thursday saw Chocolate chip waffles.
But today is my Bubby's birthday, so we are going all out with homemade cinnamon rolls. He's beside himself.  I think he might have even had trouble sleeping last night. ;)

Celebration Cinnamon Rolls
I made the dough last night by using my "Favorite dough recipe" dough with an added teaspoon or two of lemon juice in with all the wet ingredients.  I let it cycle through in the dough cycle on my bread machine, then I went to work making the sweet rolls.      

 I rolled out the dough into a rectangle.  Betty (Crocker) says to make the rectangle 15x9...  Well, I don't have a ruler, but I guess this will do.  

Then I softened about a 1/4 cup of butter (half a stick) in the microwave and brushed it all over one side of the dough.  You don't want to get butter too close to the edge because you don't want the sugar to get in the way of the dough sticking to itself when you roll it up.  So keep a good inch or so clear of butter and sugar.  I cheat and use the cinnamon n' sugar combo you can find at wal-mart.  I hear brown sugar is a pretty incredible alternative... it's supposedly what Cinnabon uses, but we're fine with white sugar here.  

Roll the dough up so you have a really long snake of dough.

Next is a trick Betty taught me:  Use a piece of string to cut the rolls instead of a knife.  A knife will squish the dough, but a thick piece of string will just pinch the roll right off.  I like to use a thick coated piece of quilters thread, but really any kind of thread will work. 

See. :)

Keep the thickness of each cinnamon roll the same.  You want to make them a little thicker than you might first think.  I like to squish them down a bit once I put them into the pan to rise.  

Now, cover these and let them rise for an hour, or cover them and put them in the refrigerator to bake the next day.  If baking them the next day, take them out an hour before baking, and continue as normal.  They won't rise quite as much after they have been refrigerated, but it sure beats trying to do everything early in the morning!!

Bake at 375 degrees about 25-30 minutes.  Spread rolls with glaze while they are still warm.  

Simple Glaze:  

1 cup powdered sugar

1 TBS milk 

1/2tsp. vanilla. 

 Mix until smooth.  Remember the glaze will thin out when poured over hot rolls, so leave it a little on the thicker side.

Cinnabon cream cheese glaze:... should be illegal it's so good. ugh!

4 tablespoons softened butter
3 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

ENJOY and Happy Birthday Eric!!!

Dogs Will Be Dogs

“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting in a dog house makes you a dog…”  I’ve heard this said many times.  Usually by someone trying to justify why they don’t regularly attend church.

Okay, so  it might be shocking to hear that I  agree.  Sort of.

A dog barks… a dog scratches its ears with its hind legs…  A dog wags its tail.  These are all things a dog DOES, but doing them doesn’t MAKE him a dog.

I can bark.  I might be able to scratch my ear with my leg.  I could even wag my… tail.  But DOING these things doesn’t MAKE me a dog.
A dog is a dog, not because of what he does… but he’s a dog because of how he was MADE.  He’s only doing the things which he was created to do; the things God created him to do.

So, sitting in a church doesn't MAKE you a Christian....But it is what Christians DO.

Within His creation of man, God has built in certain designations; meaning, we were designed a certain way for certain tasks.   Sin has DE-formed us and has led us away from those things which God created for us to do and be.

No, going to church doesn’t make you a Christian… but it is where you hear God’s Word. It is where you receive God's Word. By God’s Word, faith is created in us.  God's Word is the antidote to the sin that infects us.  When we have faith, we are restored and are able once again to DO the things which we were created to do...like go to church, love our neighbor, train our children. It is the Creator who MAKES us to believe and it is HE who continues to CREATE and strengthen the faith within us.

So, going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a dog house will make you a dog... However, you stand a better chance of becoming a Christian by going to church, than you would of becoming a dog by sitting in a dog house.

Just sayin’.

GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies

I was on a quest for the best Giant chocolate chips cookies, EVER. 

 I decided to gather information from across cyber space and see what I could do in my very own kitchen.

 Here's what happened.  

After reading several articles on what makes the best cookie... I opted to stick with a tried and true to nearly every American household recipe.  Yes, I speak of the TollHouse cookie recipe on the back of your Nestle chocolate chips package.  Remaining true to my collage-kind of cooking... I took the recipe and added a bit from here and there and everywhere. 

 Here are my alterations:

 THE DOUGH:

• Instead of all purpose flour, I used 1 cup cake flour and  1 and 1/2 cups bread flour.  
• I sifted all the dry ingredients together.
• Instead of Nestles chips, I used Ghirardelli's bittersweet chips. (really any 60% cocoa chip works)

• I grated the cold butter in order to get it to room temperature faster.
• I put the two eggs into warm water (inside their shells..duh) in order to get them to room temperature.
• I refrigerated the dough for 36 hours.  (at least 24 hours).

THE PROCESS:

• I used a silpat baking mat. 
• I used an ice cream scooper to scoop the dough.  Yes, they were THAT huge. 
• Before baking, I sprinkled each ball of dough with a little sea salt.
• I baked them until the outside ring was golden brown and the middle ring was golden and the center wasn't quite golden.  In my oven it took 11-12 minutes.  
• Test your own oven temps by watching the first batch carefully.
• I made 15 giant cookies.

After baking, transfer the entire silpat off the cookie sheet and onto a cooling rack.  I meant to take a picture of all the cookies piled high on a platter, but I wasn't fast enough.  They were gobbled up! :)