What I've been doing ...

So in my quest to do great things - I've been working on a couple of things and have a couple of important projects lined up.

First, I started searching the world wide web for some good printing companies for photos.  I decided that Shutterfly does great books, but when it comes to my digital prints off of our DSL they seem to "crop" during the process and the picture didnt print as it should.  So I've got a test run of photos being sent to me from another company and then two others that I will be trying out too.  Who knew - you type in Professional Photography Printing and you get so many different options that don't include Shutterfly, Walmart and Snapfish.
(as always, your input is always desired).   I just dont want to end up paying to be a member of a printing company.  I also plan to search for good editing products/sites - I have Adobe Photoshop, super cool, I think - I am mostly clueless on how to use it.  Melissa did give me a bit of a tutorial before.  I'm just looking for something that helps give it that perfect finishing touch.  Also I feel as though a light and one of those color blocker things would be helpful.  Jeff uses one - I should learn why and use one too :)

Next, I finished Jackson's 2 Years photo book.  This I did get from Shutterfly.  I had a coupon.  PLUS they've got a million options and it's so much cheaper - I will continue to hunt for good prices and options though.  I also started Sophia's year in photos.  For this I am using her balloons and photo shoot pictures - it is looking so cute.  Unfortunately I can't show it to you... I tried several times to do a screen print... not sure how to get it on here.  (Ideas, Chris??)

Also, below are pictures of what are projects in the making.   When we got married we got this freeze air tight stuff and then Sophia is about ready for baby food which I will be making myself! (again, tell me what to do!!)   --- hmm so I can't find the picture of the freeze and store stuff (but when I use it I'll post it, but I did take a picture of the yummy protein breakfast I mentioned before).

And I believe this coming Saturday I get to venture to Chris' work to pick out a deep freezer!! Happy Dance!! finally they are here and I can really get cookin'... or freezin'!

Until next time :) Many blessings!
Thanks for reading!!!

 

Finally... The recipes! (Breakfast)

Hey - so there a week later than planned... anticipation is sometimes a good thing right?  I know there were a few requests for those Apple Pancakes so we'll start there :)

Apple Pancakes (Tackmann Family Recipe)

1 dozen eggs
1  1/2 cups flour
1  1/2 cups milk
5-6 apples (your favorite)
(I also recommend cinnamon)

Pour all into a blender and mix.
Butter the bottom of a 12" frying pan and pour batter to cover - place sliced apples on top (be generous and add some cinnamon), check the bottom until cooked (very similar to an omelet)  when cooked, FLIP (it can be done - promise! or you could have a second pan ready to go) - when finished serve on a very big plate or plan to split it :)   I would imagine cooking in a small true omelet size frying pan would work too.  Top with syrup if you'd like!


Fruit Croissants

2-3 tubes of pillsbury croissants
pie filling, your choice (apple was my favorite)
sprinklings of sugar and cinnamon

Super simple - preheat oven as directed.  simply layer the croissant pieces with filling and roll up as normal.  Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon and bake - cool on a cooling rack.  You could let them cool then partial freeze on the pan then throw them in a big freezer bag or container.  Thaw them over night and bake as directed the morning of hosting guests or just wanting something delicious :)

Egg Sandwiches

12 eggs
splash of milk or water
chopped ham, turkey or sausage
fresh veggies (your favorites)
shredded cheese
whole wheat english muffins

again, super simple.  Preheat oven to 350.  Mix 12 eggs and about 1/3 cup water.  Divide mixture between a very WELL buttered cupcake pan.  fill remainder of the cups with your meat and veggies if you'd like.  Bake for 20-22 minutes.  Remove them from the pan and let them cool a bit.  Place each individual egg on an english muffin and top with shredded cheese.  Wrap tightly in foil (don't forget to label the outside if you make different kinds).  Then place in a large freezer bag.   Grab your desired amount out the morning you want them.  Place them in the oven at 350 on a cookie sheet (still wrapped) for 30 minutes.  The BAM a healthy egg sandwich to start your day :)

Food & thoughts - so overdue!

Oh my... a full time job, preschool starting and family time have consumed me :)  But I've still been trying some new things and taking pictures of them!  I have not, however, had much time for taking actual photographs or pursuing any other random art work.  Although I have fallen love with all the cool things on pinterest... I had no idea what was out there!!  People are so crafty!  I have also learned that photographers seem to be a dime a dozen these days, everyone is so darn good at it!  I will strive to be that (glad my kids let me practice with them... most of the time!) 

So what have I been trying to make these days?  Well I tackled Apple Pancakes (tackmann family recipe), Beef Enchiladas (Ashlee's recipe), fruit/chocolate croissants, "egg mcmuffins" for on the go!  I also intend on making the protein breakfasts that you can find at Starbucks.  More on that one in a bit.

Chris was out of town for 11 days!   That was super tough.  But luckily that wont be happening again for awhile :)  We were just watching the Beach Boys movie on TV.  Did you know that "Good Vibrations" was started from Brian Wilson thinking of the pitch that a dog or a cat might hear? (He was totally tripping on something too... apparently he did that a lot :-/ )

I did get to take pictures of Sophia today - I can't fall too behind on her monthly pictures!  My 4 month princess is rolling and chatting all the time!  She fell into the 83rd percentile for height and weight!   So as I was taking the pictures and editing them - I find it frustrating using the straight black/white because I never feel like they look as "crisp" as you might see a professional print.  I do need to start to look into places to print photos too where they will come back with good quality.  I'm behind on getting some grandparents and aunts/uncles some pictures.  Any suggestions with any of those concerns are sincerely welcomed!

So the recipes - Let's start with the Apple Pancakes - this is a big hit in LC with the Tackmann's!  I would summarize it to be almost like an apple omelet.  Delish!  I am thinking you could add some cinnamon to it too!   (recipe will follow).   Also, I'm pretty sure they freeze them - or at least seem to be freezable.   You will be filled with just one - takes up the whole pan!

Next I made these very simple breakfast croissants.   I can't even remember where this idea was found - but pumpkin, blueberry, chocolate and apple croissants - yum!  I didn't end up freezing them in time, but boy were they good :) Simply buy the Pillsbury croissants and stuff 'em and dip 'em in in sugar (if desired).  I'll attach full details in the recipe post.  I had made the chocolate ones for my mother in law (who loves chocolate) - she said they were good, but I didn't try them.   I don't care much for blueberry filling - but Chris liked them - and I ate up the apple and pumpkin ones!   The pumpkin needed more seasonings than the recipe had called for.

Today I made these simple breakfast sandwiches I had seen pinned on Pinterest.   You basically scramble up some eggs, bake them in individual muffin tins, combine the end product with some shredded cheese and whole wheat english muffins, wrap 'em in foil, freeze and bake from frozen for a delicious and healthy breakfast.   Chris taste tested for me tonight - he said he liked them but would welcome some chopped up ham.  I had made a few with fresh broccoli added (I will report on those).  I am thinking you could really do any kind of combination of vegetables or meat and even add cheese to the egg.  I would for sure spice it up a bit next go around.



Finally, in the very near future (since I bought most everything for it).  I plan to make Chris and I some "power protein" breakfasts!  So Starbucks makes this great little spread that is only 380 calories:   Whole grain pita bread/whole wheat mini bagel, peanut butter, hard boiled egg, 10-15 purple grapes, half apple and 2 small slices of cheese.  How perfect is that?  and how easy to recreate!  I just have to figure out how to prepare it ahead of time and have it all stay fresh - it might have to be a set things out the night before, slice it up and dish it that day - but $5 at Starbucks - I think I can beat that price :)   (more to come!)

Sorry for such a delay in the blog, I'm workin' on it - I do think I need to really tackle the photography and will take up some suggestions and get on YouTube (thanks aud) :)

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend, thanks for reading!! (recipes to follow... probably tomorrow).

- oh yes, I mentioned the beef enchiladas, apparently I have no pictures of the final product - I will cook them again and post next time (I've actually made them and some different renditions a few times!)