Showing posts with label show us your life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label show us your life. Show all posts

27 May 2011

Apple Scone Cake

I'm linking up with Kelly again and we are sharing desserts. Welcome to any who are here for the first time. 

I LOVE to bake, but I haven't been doing as much of it lately.  Our lives are a bit crazy right now.

I had to share a favorite.  Some may think this is more of a Fall dessert, but I really like it any time of the year.

Apple Scone Cake
 
 
2 cups all-purpose flour (280 grams)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces (113 grams, 1 stick)
2 large eggs, divided
1/2 cup milk, divided (120 ml)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 lb apples (pick your favorite), peeled, cored, and cut into 1 inch
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (30 grams)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter or spray a 9 inch (23 cm) glass pie plate.

In a small bowl whisk together one egg and 1 tablespoon from the 1/2 cup milk. Set this aside as it will be used as a glaze for the top of the cake.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl whisk together the remaining one egg, remaining milk, and vanilla extract and add to the flour mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Do not over mix the dough.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead dough gently four or five times and then divide the dough in half (it may be a bit sticky). Roll or pat one half of the dough into a 9 inch (23 cm) circle and transfer to the pie plate and pat onto the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate.

In a separate bowl toss together the cut apples, sugar and cinnamon. Spread the apples evenly over the bottom of the dough in the pie plate.

Roll the remaining dough into a 9 inch (23 cm) circle, on a lightly floured surface, and gently place the dough over the apples. With your fingers seal the edges of the top and bottom crusts. Brush the top of the dough with the egg and milk glaze, and sprinkle with white sugar. Cut a slit in the center of the dough to allow the steam to escape.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 - 45 minutes or until the pastry is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.


If you'd like to see a picture (unfortunately I have not blogged about this one), you can check out Joy of Baking.  She's got a beautiful picture there!

Let me know if you decide to try it!

20 May 2011

Main Course Recipes

I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner and we're sharing main dish recipes.  I kind of threw this post together, so I don't have photos.  But, I've got three recipes to share!

First is a recipe I found at Our Best Bites for Crispy Coconut Chicken Fingers with Pineapple Dipping Sauce.  I even entered it into my bloggy friend, Jenn's recipe giveaway and won!  You can take a look at her site to see a great step by step process with pictures!!
Here's the recipe:


12 chicken tenders
1-2 eggs (start with one and crack another if it runs out)
1/2 C flour
1 C sweetened coconut flakes
1 C panko bread crumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder

preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Give coconut a rough chop so it's about the same size as the panko pieces.
Combine it with Panko and spices in a shallow dish. Mix well to distribute all of the spices.
Place the flour in another shallow dish, and the egg in another. Give the egg a quick beating.
Working with a few chicken tenders at a time, dredge in flour. Dip in egg, then finally coat in the coconut Panko mixture. Press in with your fingers to make sure the entire thing is well coated.
Place chicken tenders on a foil-lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. You can drizzle or spray olive oil on top for a crispier tender.
Bake in 450 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until juices run clear. If tenders are on the small side, they could even be done in about 15 minutes. If they're big they can take more like 25. The coconut will be nice and golden and the panko crisp, but light in color still.
Pineapple Dipping Sauce
1 cup yogurt (I've used pineapple yogurt too)
1 can pineapple tidbits
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1/4 cup coconut
2 Tbsp coconut milk
combine all, refrigerate until ready to use.
The great thing about this recipe is you can change it up a bit.  I've bought pineapple yogurt and just used that.  I've substituted sour cream when I didn't have yogurt.  I've omitted the coconut milk and just added coconut.  Play around with it until it's to your liking.  The above recipe is my fav though.
Next is Mexican Chicken.  I've seen so many variations of this, but the recipe below has family history.  We have some great friends from our time in Alaska and any potluck, church function, you name it, Kay brought it!  I love this recipe and think of our friends every time I make it!
1 whole chicken OR 4 chicken breast
10 pkg flavored Doritos (I've used anything from plain chips to spicy flavored chips.  Choose what you like), crushed
1/2 or 1 whole onion or 1 Tbsp minced onions
1 cup chicken broth
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can rotell tomatoes
1 Tbsp chili powder
16 oz cheddar cheese

Start out by layering the bottom of a 9x13 pan with crushed chips, then onion, chicken and pour the broth over the top.  In a bowl combine the cream soups (I've also used 2 cream of chicken soups) with the rotell (I've also mixed crushed tomatoes with green chilis when I haven't been able to find rotell overseas) and chili powder.  Pour over other ingredients and top with cheese.  Bake at 400 for 30 minutes

Toasted Ravioli's
This recipe was a new one to me that I tried for the first time last year at one of the cooking times I hosted for our Bridge Community outreach.  My colleague and friend, Andrea was teaching us how to make HOMEMADE raviolis!  I fell in love with this recipe, however, I don't make them homemade.  It can easily be done by buying frozen raviolis.  The homemade version is delish though!
2 tablespoons milk
1 egg
3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs (this can easily be done by just adding some basil and oregano to some plain bread crumbs)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 (25 ounce) package frozen raviolis (any flavor)
vegetable oil for frying (enough to generously cover the bottom of the pan, but you don't want too much)
grated Parmesan cheese
marinara sauce
  
Combine milk and egg in a small bowl. Place breadcrumbs and if desired, salt in a shallow bowl. Dip ravioli in milk mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs. 
In a large heavy pan, pour oil about an inch deep. Heat oil over medium heat until a small amount of breading sizzles and turns brown. Fry ravioli, a few at a time, 1 minute on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately with hot marinara sauce.  
I hope you've found some new recipes to try!

06 May 2011

European Vacation Destinations

I am linking up with Kelly's Korner today and we are talking about vacation destinations!  This is a topic I L-OVE to talk about!

We have been so fortunate to take some really great vacations around Europe.  Most of these happened before the kids came along.



It's fun to see all our vacation spots laid out on a map!  Wow!

The first suggestion I have before visiting Europe is to pick up one of Rick Steves' book.  His books are filled with practical as well as the regular tourist information. They are the best books for travel I've ever seen!

Here are some bullet point suggestions on a few of the locations.

London
*We really enjoy visiting the Texas Embassy Cantina. Great food, fun atmosphere and fun souvenirs.
*The Highbury Centre is a neat place to stay.  It is run by Christians and they give discounts to missionaries and volunteers on mission trips.  It's still a good price at full price as a tourist.  It is basic, but has a neat atmosphere with souvenirs from missionaries all around the world and is easily accessible to downtown.  You can get rooms with or without a bathroom.
* Experience a British pub.  You can't visit without experiencing one.  Now, it might sound strange for a missionary to suggest a pub (ha!), but it's not about the drinks.  It's the atmosphere.  We ate at a Seafood pub for lunch (that was so long ago though that I don't remember the name).
*The Big Bus Tours is a great way to see the city.  You can hop on and hop off as you please within a 24 hour period.  It's a great way to see the city if you have a short amount of time.  So many of the tourist attractions can get SO expensive, this way you can at least see the outside.
*Portobello Market in Notting Hill.  An awesome outdoor market!  A must see!
*Harrods!  This place is amazing!  It's definitely a must see!  Especially the food section.  It is incredible and tucked away in the back is Krispy Kreme!!
*I could go on and on about London!  I LOVE it!
Tower of London
  
Ireland
*The west coast of Ireland is where the Cliffs of Moher are located (otherwise known as the Cliffs of Insanity in the movie, Princess Bride).  It is absolutely beautiful.  Not an easy area to get around by public transportation, but doable.  You can rent a car, but be prepared to drive on the other side.  Big "yikes!" for us!
Cliffs of Moher

France
*Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower are a must.
*If your interested in museums and want to see Mona Lisa, you must go to The Louvre
*Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe
*Château de Versailles has beautiful grounds.  We didn't go inside though.
*If we ever find ourselves in France again, I'd love to visit the house of Monet, in Giverny.

The back of Notre Dame (which I think is more beautiful than the front).
Arc de Triomphe

Italy
*Venice is such a sight!!  A gondola ride is a must, but be prepared to pay BIG money!  This was a dream of mine since I was a kid.  I was discouraged to find out how much these costs ride, although some bartering is accepted.  I almost walked away from a lifelong dream when my sweet hubby encouraged that we try.  We set a price in our minds and went for it.  The guy said no, but did suggest a ride for half as long for a certain price.  We took it and was so glad we did!
*Florence (Firenze)....I don't have much to say about it except that if you love museums this is the place for you.  I am not a big museum nut, so wasn't all that excited about it.  I went for my hubby.
*Pisa is very interesting.  Just know that the ONLY interesting thing to do there is see the leaning tower.
*Sorrento (south of Naples).....we LOVED this area and was by far a favorite!  Cliffs meet Mediterranean for spectacular views!  Gorgeous!
*Pompei, we only spent half a day there and it wasn't enough.  I'd love to go back!  Rick Steve's book gave us quite a tour with his book alone.  I was SO
*Rome, beautiful and full of history, but not a favorite for us.

Venice

We look like babies in the picture!  Circa 2000

Pisa
Sorrento
Pompei

Slovenia
It wasn't really for a vacation, but we enjoyed it just the same.  Bled, Slovenia is such a picturesque little town.  Castle on a cliff overlooking an age old church on an island in the middle of the lake.  All kinds of outdoor activities nearby.  A favorite place that we hope to explore again one day!

Gibraltar
Loved this place!  Nothing like monkeys on a mountain!  Ha!


Spain
The thing I love the most is the coast!  Be prepared to speak some Spanish!





Eat lots of Churros!



And don't forget the Paella!


I didn't mention Austria and Germany and they do have some lovely places!  Vienna and Salzburg sure have their charm in Austria while Germany has such diversity with their castles and the history of places like Berlin, which we love!!

If you have any more questions about places we've visited, feel free to ask in the comments or send me an email!  I love talking vacation spots!

Thanks for stopping by!

28 January 2011

Our Adoption Story

Hi friends!  I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner to share our story of adoption.

We had always been open to adoption.  After a few years of infertility we felt led to look into adoption in Prague, Czech Republic where we had been living for the past couple of years. We had a Czech colleague help us contact a social worker and fill out the paperwork. We were told that the process can go fast if a couple is willing to adopt a Roma (Gypsy) child, which we were. It took 6 months to get approved. Of course we thought it would go fast by this point, but little did we know that our wait would take another year and a half!!!

Adoptions are done through the Czech government and is only available to nationals or foreigners on a long term work visa. In talking to a friend of a friend about a possible adoption (that didn't go anywhere) we learned about another non-profit organization that does private adoptions. In a few months they matched us with a birthmom.  She wanted to meet us. She was due in 2 months, at the time. We took our Czech colleague to help with translation. After talking with her we were eager to go forward, but we had reservations.

The due date came and we were getting anxious to know something. Within a few days we found out that the birthmom took off on her own to have the baby. It was later discovered that she was actually trying to sell the baby on the internet!!  She had strung us along!  The organization found out about it and tried to have her caught through a set up by the police! They got her but she was not charged with anything. It became a national story running on the news in Czech Republic.

I was devastated!!

Through this loss I found a wonderful online ministry called Hannah's Prayer that helped me through this time.  What a blessing!

In April 2005, 6 months after our first adoption loss the private organization contacted us about a Roma baby boy that was being placed for adoption.  It was the day before I was to leave for a 3 week trip to Texas for a retreat & conference.  I was so excited and we were assured that it was a 99% chance. Because of paperwork, etc. it would be the following week before it would happen, so I decided to go to the States for the retreat and return in a few days. I got back and the parents changed their minds.

Once again, I was devastated!!

We were able to work it out for me to go back to the States with my husband for the conference. It was a nice diversion to the loss, but the pain surfaced upon returning to Prague. This really spiraled me into a state of depression and I was ready to throw away our calling to missions overseas and just go back to the States. I was mad at God for putting me through this.....TWICE!!


Counseling is available to us through our organization (IMB) and decided it would be a good thing for us to do. It helped just to talk through our losses and it came down to where I was with the Lord and that I really needed to work on that before addressing anything else.  Within a couple of months I worked through my grief and drew closer to the Lord and found a sort of peace in the wait.  We decided to take a MUCH needed vacation in August and went to Ireland for a week!!!  
Wow, what a trip that was!!  Incredible and Beautiful!
 That summer we prayed through and decided to pursue a procedure called IVF (in-vitro fertilization) to attempt one last shot at pregnancy while we waited on this adoption. I had an initial appointment and within the next month things started moving forward.  Five days into starting the procedure.....

.....our lives changed!

We got a call that we had been matched to a 5 month old Roma baby girl! This time it was the government adoption process and more of a guarantee, but I still had my doubts. 
Friday we got to go visit her at the orphanage.  She was beautiful!
Of course, we fell in love! 
We visited her again on Sunday and took her home on Tuesday!!   No need for those doubts!  Five days after finding out about her, we were taking a baby home!

October 4, 2005, our Gotcha Day!

Oh, and how did that IVF procedure turn out?  The end result was twins!


For more of the story, check out our "Path to Parenthood" page.


Thanks for reading about our journey!

13 December 2010

Christmas Tour of Homes

I'm joining in on two different Christmas Tour of Homes, Kelly's Korner and Nesting Place.  I love sharing Christmas in my home!
Our eclectic tree!


One day I'd like to have a more grown up, formal tree and make this our kid's tree.  But, right now apartment living in Spain doesn't really allow the space for that.  I'd also like to replace this tree with a taller, skinnier tree, but that hasn't happened yet.  What matters is that my kid's love it!

 Some of my favorite ornaments!


The ball and snowflake are crystal from Czech Republic, our home for 9 years.



The blue one below is too fragile to go on the tree, so it sits on the bookshelf where it is safer! It is from Kazakhstan.


The angel is very special because my hubby picked her out!  Many years ago he braved the after Christmas sales, when I had to work, and picked her out all on his own.  I just love her!


I found this wooden Santa here in Spain just a few weeks ago and I just love him!  He came at an incredible price too!


The top of our bookshelf in the family room.


I love this guy.  He was given to me by a friend from Finland.


  "S novem godem" is how you say the Cyrillic letters below.  It is translated "With the new year." We bought this when we lived in Russia about 11 years ago.  They do not celebrate Christmas on December 25 as we do, but on December 31 along with New Years Eve.


Some of the items on our bookshelf.  These are stacking dolls from Russia.


The letters spell "collector."  My oldest daughter and I have a little game where she likes to move the letters around to see if I notice.  Silly girl!



Crystal tree and snowman from Czech Republic and a Polish pottery tea light candle tree.


Can't forget my kid's Little People Nativity!


 Various items from my snowman collection I started several years ago.  It was my reminder of Christmas' in Alaska growing up.


 Snowman from Germany.....



and Czech Republic.  It says "Merry Christmas" in Czech.


I had to add this next snowman because it has become a funny for me now.  My hubby says he looks like he's been hung on a noose.  Ha!


 I just picked these tin signs up here in Spain.  I like the old world look to them.



This little guy welcomes you as you enter in.  He's about 2 feet tall.


My mom made these stockings.  Mine was given to me in highschool.  Jerry received his our first year of marriage and my kids' followed when they were born.  They are so special!


I got it in my mind several years ago that I wanted to quilt a tree skirt.  I commandeered my mother-in-law to help.  Actually she did all the measuring and I did most of the sewing with her helping me get it all set up on the machine.  I loved it so much that I couldn't cut a hole in if for the tree.  Ha!  Now it just sites on the back of the couch.  I just love it!



Items in my kitchen.
This is Polish pottery that I picked up while living in Prague.  We were only about 4 hours from the town the Polish pottery factories were located.  I went on occasion and picked up these plates on one of my trips.  I only have 4 of them, that's all they had.  I'm not sure if these are still made, but I'd like to get more some day.


The plate on the right is also Polish pottery.  I picked up 2 of them to have 6 plates total.  The other plate is from a set my mother-in-law gave me when she decided to get a new plate set.  So now I have an 18 piece Christmas set of plates.


Can't forget the drink ware!  I loved these when I saw them at Target a couple of years ago while in the US.


I couldn't leave my kids out when it comes to dinnerware!  Ha!  They love these plates that I also picked up at Target a couple of years ago!  Here is a lunch of champions!


I like to keep this mock eggnog around for eggnog lattes!  Yum!


 And my new addition (as of last year) that I've enjoyed keeping around, Cranberry Punch.  More yumminess!


 The hallway to our rooms is decorated with another set of stockings.


 And last but not least our home would not be complete without Christmas tunes playing as often as possible!


Thanks for stopping by!

Deeper

  Deeper - adj. 1. extending or situated relatively far down from a surface: a deep pool. It's been a long time since I've ...