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!

"Freedom: Indifference Is Not An Option"

"This very moment, more than 
27 million people 
are trapped in modern day slavery..."

"from young girls and boys trafficked for sexual exploitation, to children abused in factories, to men and women trapped as bonded labor slaves and countless other horrific abuses. This isn’t just a massive statistic…these are people. Real, living, breathing people. Men, women, and children living with no hope of escape or a future." - 268Generation.com

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." Isaiah 1:17

This year, PASSION Ministries is supporting the efforts of the A21 Campaign by educating and giving students from around the country an opportunity take action in the fight to end modern day slavery. Check out the link below to find out more. 

DO SOMETHING NOW

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

World University Games

The summer months have been a bit of a whirlwind. I have recently traveled to Shenzhen, China, with the USA women's water polo 'B' team. They and hundreds of other athletes from around the world are now arriving in China to compete at these world championships. Kind of like a mini Olympics. Our team arrived yesterday at 0530am, after a bumpy ride over the pacific. The girls and myself are slowly getting used to the time change. We trained in California for 3 days before coming out to China. It was a good time getting to know the team and for them learning to play together. Just as I was adjusting to CA time, we flew to China. All I want to do is eat and sleep. But how could I waste the day in such a special place?

We had our second training today since arriving. The team is really starting to gel together. Afterward, we went as a team to the "Musical Decompression Room," which is an area in the athlete village where athletes can go to bang on drums or play other instruments in order to help de-stress. I wish this existed everywhere!! All to say, it was a blast! Everyone got a turn to share a beat with the group and then everyone would join in with them. I love team bonding! Then it was off to eat lunch. Of course there would be a mini McDonald's located in the cafeteria. Not to mention, team USA provided all teams with $80 worth of McDonald's cash. So much for my cheeseburger fast.

The organizers of team USA have been very generous towards the teams. They have provided extra gear (t-shirts, shoes, sandals, headphones, shorts, etc) to all the USA teams. I was already over weight coming here. Not sure how I 'm going to get everything back home.  I am hoping to post pictures, but I'm not sure that it will be possible, but I will try!! I feel more than blessed to be apart of this experience. Hoping to meet several athletes and support staff as we join in togehter with all the festivities. !