Learning to Bake

So I attempted to make my first loaves of bread this Christmas. I have to say it was not as scary as some may think. I enjoy cooking for the most part, but I think sometimes thinking of cooking or baking something that takes over an hour doesn't always make me jump up. But the fact to getting to share my creations with friends and family.

The evening of baking began with a zip lock bag full of bread starter for Friendship Amish Bread. My friend made some of this bread for me last year. Hands down the best dessert-like bread I have ever had! So I called her up the other day to get the recipe only to learn that you need the special bag of "starter" to even make it. Thankfully she had an extra bag to share.

So as much fun as I had making the bread and that evening, a cake earlier in the day, and white chicken chili Christmas morning, I couldn't help but take a step back and ask, "Who am I?" I mean, I have liked cooking since I was younger. I started out with egg sandwiches. I even had a line cook job when I was in high school at Big Boy. But now that I am a bit older and am busy with work and traveling, I have found it easier over the years to just pick something up quick and be done. I have invested greatly in the  McDonald's Corp. But now in my 30's, I feel the all of a sudden need to cook more. Is this something that happens when you get older? Or maybe the fact that I have many married friends with kiddos who whip out awesome homemade meals on a consistent bases. They are the ones who I steal these great meal ideas from. 

After spending some time with some of my aunt's this Christmas, I realize that they have never made anything that I didn't like. These women can COOK! I have always known this, but being on my cooking/baking kick, I realize more and more that I need to learn from these master chefs. So I was thinking that I should start making a list of my favorite recipe of theirs and master it so that I can always have a part of them with me. Winning!  

So my thought is this, if you are single and eat out more than you probably should, make a friend (possibly with kiddos) who likes to cook and/or hangout with a relative who is a rock star in the kitchen and you just might just become the next Julia Child. 

Feel free to shoot a recipe my way. I'm up for trying whatever! Next adventure: Pumpkin bread.  

Finished Product = YUM!

And We Are Back...

Wow, I think that it has been almost eternity since I last posted. I have been playing catch up the last few months since returning from my trip to China. I was not able to post blogs while there since they don't support Google really. With the help of my friend Matt, I have created a site mostly with pics from the trip. Please feel free to check it out!! A little tardy, but better then never right? Let the games begin again...

World University Games Blog

Out of the Closet

So it is officially over. The Harry Potter saga that is. I actually just finished watching the last film, 'The Deathly Hallows: Part 2." It was amazing of course! I caught myself clapping at the end of the film along with my fellow Harry Potter fans. I quickly realized that even though there are two parts to this movie, the makers of the film still had to condense things a bit. Dang it! Am I the only movie goer who always wants more of the story? Why must it end??!! I guess if it never ended, one would not have to return to reality. I'm pretty sure most Christians are happy that this trip down sorcery lane has finally come to an end. As for me, I'm ready for more!

Snow-mageddon 2011

Not many words needed. It has snowed A LOT in the last 24 hours.Not too mention last weekend. I love living in Michigan! Snow makes me so happy!! I would have been happier if I had gotten the day of work, but that is the life of an athletic trainer. Or pretty much most adults. Long gone are the days of laying around and doing nothing in the middle of the week just because it snowed more than a few inches. I'm just happy I got to sleep in until 8am! That is rare during the week. Best part of the day was seeing the sun shine after so many gray days. I am thankful.

 

"Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding..." Psalm 148:7-8

Snowflakes are Nature's Sequins

So after having a snowboard in my closet for the last year, I figured it was time to finally take it out on the slopes. My friend Nathalie and I went about 30 minutes north to Snow Snake, a cute little ski park. I had attempted snowboarding once before, but it was an utter failure. This time was much different. Nathalie took time to teach me the basics. I so appreciate her :o) It was a fun day of quality time with an old friend and the beginning of many trips down the mountain. Sore and tired were pretty much my life story for about five days after. Thinking that getting too old for this type of thing. ;o)

I can't help but smile when it starts to snow outside. I really do not like the cold, but there is something about snow that just makes me happy. I can't say exactly when this all began, but I know every since moving back to the mid-west, I have loved it. My favorite thing to do on a snowy evening is to walk around downtown with white lights in the trees. Beautiful. The smell of wood burning in a fire place another favorite. I am hoping to soon experience playing hockey on one of the ponds in town. I don't think you get many opportunities to do things like this in big cities. I guess this small town of Mt. Pleasant, MI is again finding a place in my heart. And it all started with snow.

"He orders the snow, 'Blanket the earth!' and the rain, 'Soak the whole countryside!" Job 37:6