So I constantly find myself with a small helping of "Kelli's Yams" left over after most gatherings. I know can you believe it. I also find myself without other foods to eat them with as a real left over lunch. So on a whim this last Sunday morning I took the small bit and mixed it in with my pancake batter (I use a mix, I don't make from scratch). I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. They were wonderful! I ate 3 before we even got ready for breakfast. They needed little to no syrup.
Just really superb!
This recipe is one that has been requested many times from me as well. And though not really a recipe more of a way I prepare. I just get a regular boring can of WHOLE cranberries at the store. I zest some clementine or orange peel into the mix, add a dash of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger. Blend them all together and you have some of the best cranberry sauce around.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Pretzel Salad
This is super yummy dessert/salad. It was introduced into my family approximately 15 years ago. It has 3 layers
Spray a 9x13 pan.
Layer 1:
2 c chopped pretzels
3/4 c melted butter more margarine
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
Mix together press into the bottom of the pan. Bake at 400 for 5 minutes. Let cool.
Layer 2:
1 8oz box of cream cheese
1 small can of crushed pineapple
1 small container of cool whip
1/2 c granulated sugar
Cream the cream cheese and sugar. Add pineapple and mix. Gently fold in cool whip. Put on-top of the cooled pretzels and refrigerate.
Layer 3:
1 large box of raspberry jello
2 8oz packages of frozen raspberries
3 c boiling water
Mix jello and water well. Carefully stir in frozen raspberries. Let this sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes (long enough for it to start solidifying, but not too long. Sometimes doing this before layer 2 works. Before layer 1 is too long.)
Once the cream cheese layer has chilled and the jello is chilled gently pour jello on top of the cream cheese.
Let it chill over night.
Cut into tiny pieces and serve.
This is a must have in my family and now with my in laws. I will be whipping up a batch on Thursday to take with us.
Enjoy
Spray a 9x13 pan.
Layer 1:
2 c chopped pretzels
3/4 c melted butter more margarine
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
Mix together press into the bottom of the pan. Bake at 400 for 5 minutes. Let cool.
Layer 2:
1 8oz box of cream cheese
1 small can of crushed pineapple
1 small container of cool whip
1/2 c granulated sugar
Cream the cream cheese and sugar. Add pineapple and mix. Gently fold in cool whip. Put on-top of the cooled pretzels and refrigerate.
Layer 3:
1 large box of raspberry jello
2 8oz packages of frozen raspberries
3 c boiling water
Mix jello and water well. Carefully stir in frozen raspberries. Let this sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes (long enough for it to start solidifying, but not too long. Sometimes doing this before layer 2 works. Before layer 1 is too long.)
Once the cream cheese layer has chilled and the jello is chilled gently pour jello on top of the cream cheese.
Let it chill over night.
Cut into tiny pieces and serve.
This is a must have in my family and now with my in laws. I will be whipping up a batch on Thursday to take with us.
Enjoy
Monday, November 23, 2009
My most favorite time of the year
I love Christmas, don't get me wrong, but when it comes to favorite holidays Thanksgiving rates #1 in my book.
When did this happen. I don't know. Growing up I was the one pushing for the Christmas decorations, I wanted them out after Halloween. I was the first one to wake up and sit staring at the tree and gifts until the rest of the family got up on Christmas morning.
It may have been when I moved to Connecticut. The environment was different. There were trees, trees with leaves that changed shades, trees everywhere the eye could see. There was the new foods and smells of walking around New York City on Thanksgiving morning. The excitement at watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Riding the train back to a wonderful meal joined by dozens of close friends, who like me, where away from their family and the normal holiday traditions.
My first thanksgiving was spent in an ancient home just 30 minutes outside of the city. I shared a double bed in the old servants quarters of this house the night before. We arose the next morning and bundled for our trip into the city. Around noon, after the parade, we headed back to Grand Central for our trip back. We enjoyed the warmth and coziness of the old home that evening. (this is also where I fell in love with colonial period homes)
My second was spent with my best friends. I had volunteered my home of employment for the ward thanksgiving. My good friend Teresa, a German nanny from across the street and my best friend Kelli from Utah came over that week and we tackled the feast. It was the best time of my life. Kelli can cook like no ones business, especially baking. Teresa didn't mind digging in even if it was her first Thanksgiving. We cooked two turkeys, pies, potatoes, stuffing, cakes, and then had the guests bring their favorite dish.
These two years where the best Thanksgivings of my life. I learned love and appreciation for my forefathers and fellow men. I learned that this is the one day a year where I can make sure those around me don't go without a warm place to join in on a good meal. Since then friends and family are invited to thanksgiving at my home. I have had many when the space was large and few when it was small. Everyone leaves with plenty of food and hopefully a good time. I look forward to the day when I have a place where the number doesn't have to be limited due to space constraints.
When did this happen. I don't know. Growing up I was the one pushing for the Christmas decorations, I wanted them out after Halloween. I was the first one to wake up and sit staring at the tree and gifts until the rest of the family got up on Christmas morning.
It may have been when I moved to Connecticut. The environment was different. There were trees, trees with leaves that changed shades, trees everywhere the eye could see. There was the new foods and smells of walking around New York City on Thanksgiving morning. The excitement at watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Riding the train back to a wonderful meal joined by dozens of close friends, who like me, where away from their family and the normal holiday traditions.
My first thanksgiving was spent in an ancient home just 30 minutes outside of the city. I shared a double bed in the old servants quarters of this house the night before. We arose the next morning and bundled for our trip into the city. Around noon, after the parade, we headed back to Grand Central for our trip back. We enjoyed the warmth and coziness of the old home that evening. (this is also where I fell in love with colonial period homes)
My second was spent with my best friends. I had volunteered my home of employment for the ward thanksgiving. My good friend Teresa, a German nanny from across the street and my best friend Kelli from Utah came over that week and we tackled the feast. It was the best time of my life. Kelli can cook like no ones business, especially baking. Teresa didn't mind digging in even if it was her first Thanksgiving. We cooked two turkeys, pies, potatoes, stuffing, cakes, and then had the guests bring their favorite dish.
These two years where the best Thanksgivings of my life. I learned love and appreciation for my forefathers and fellow men. I learned that this is the one day a year where I can make sure those around me don't go without a warm place to join in on a good meal. Since then friends and family are invited to thanksgiving at my home. I have had many when the space was large and few when it was small. Everyone leaves with plenty of food and hopefully a good time. I look forward to the day when I have a place where the number doesn't have to be limited due to space constraints.
All of this was the back story to this recipe I am about to share. One thanksgiving when my dear Kelli was living back in Utah with her family, she shared what has to be one of the best yam dishes I have ever enjoyed. My sisters have been asking me for this recipe for some time and I always forget to get it to them. So here goes.
Please enjoy. Over the next month I will be trying to share a few more recipes that are frequently asked for. This is a task because most recipes I just make "my way" which means I look at the recipe and then go for it, changing things as I go. I frequently forget to write down my changes as well. So each time my goodies change.
Kelli's Yams
2 40 oz cans of unsweetened yams or sweet potatoes
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 stick of melted butter
Drain majority of the syrup from the yams. Mix all of the ingredients together until creamy. Spreed out in a 9x13 casserole dish.
Topping
2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup melted butter
2/3 cup flour
2 cup pecans
Mix together and crumble over yams. Bake at 375 F until topping is golden and yams are bubbling.
2 40 oz cans of unsweetened yams or sweet potatoes
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 stick of melted butter
Drain majority of the syrup from the yams. Mix all of the ingredients together until creamy. Spreed out in a 9x13 casserole dish.
Topping
2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup melted butter
2/3 cup flour
2 cup pecans
Mix together and crumble over yams. Bake at 375 F until topping is golden and yams are bubbling.
Please enjoy. Over the next month I will be trying to share a few more recipes that are frequently asked for. This is a task because most recipes I just make "my way" which means I look at the recipe and then go for it, changing things as I go. I frequently forget to write down my changes as well. So each time my goodies change.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Life is Crazy
Warning: This port may contain techy slang. I have been with Akahige geekisims for over 8 years you should expect this language from me.
I seem to be really good at breaking electronics this year. First was the USB connections on my work pc, back in January. (this should have been a sign of things to come) Though I really can't be blamed for this since that mo bo had previous offenses with the USB ports. In transfering the datea via partially working usb ports to my laptop the SOAP notes became corrupted and I lost all of the data since my last back up. This was 2 months worth. Yeah Yeah I know I need to back up more.
PC two. My home PC had been boggish for a while and finally blue screened. This meant a complete reinstall. (still waiting on important programs to be reinstalled so I can do my business printing, including the mailing that has to be out this weekend. Which mailing I would be currently working on, but again I am missing the programs) SO my home PC is happier once more.
Yesterday my laptop became really jealous of all the attention my other pc's have been receiving. I was taking care of some business emails and getting ready to address the business mailing when it became temperamental and crashed.
Thankfully my Oto is the best and he was able to rescue that without having to do a complete wipe.
Life Crazy #2
My mother and I belong to an online quilting group. It is lots of fun. I have 5 packages sitting here waiting to go to the post office, for exchanges. Some where supposed to be mailed out 2 weeks ago. I am waiting on tips to come in so I can afford to get them mailed.
Life Crazy #3
My family is doing a different kind of Christmas this year. It simplifies matters if it is held at my home. This means fitting 22 bodies into my kitchen and living room which total about 250 sq feet and then you have to factor in some furniture that is where it is and can't be moved. Now I can fit them all but it will be cozy. In order to reduce the crampness I am dejunking and rearranging. This summer I tackled the second bedroom (secretly in hopes of a child with in the next year, this wont be happening, so don't get hopes up people!) Well now I have room for some of the living room to be moved into that bedroom, but it requires a lot of packing up stuff and unpacking stuff and moving things around. Last night I started a little of this before Japanese class. I managed to get the coat closet/tool shed reorganized and put back in order. I have a second shelving unit in the bedroom now to start piling items on and I have part of a book case cleaned off to take the home where the other shelving unit was. The Christmas tree will be making its home in that corner this year. I will also be hosting my in laws for Thanksgiving post dinner on Saturday. So I will have Friday to get my Christmas decorations out and put together.
Well this is an update into our crazies. Akahige's work hasn't been too bad but it is expected to become nuttier the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas. So if you see us much in that month count yourself fortunate. We will probably try to have our friends gifts out that Sunday after Thanksgiving just so we don't miss anyone.
We love you all and hope you have a great holiday season!
I seem to be really good at breaking electronics this year. First was the USB connections on my work pc, back in January. (this should have been a sign of things to come) Though I really can't be blamed for this since that mo bo had previous offenses with the USB ports. In transfering the datea via partially working usb ports to my laptop the SOAP notes became corrupted and I lost all of the data since my last back up. This was 2 months worth. Yeah Yeah I know I need to back up more.
PC two. My home PC had been boggish for a while and finally blue screened. This meant a complete reinstall. (still waiting on important programs to be reinstalled so I can do my business printing, including the mailing that has to be out this weekend. Which mailing I would be currently working on, but again I am missing the programs) SO my home PC is happier once more.
Yesterday my laptop became really jealous of all the attention my other pc's have been receiving. I was taking care of some business emails and getting ready to address the business mailing when it became temperamental and crashed.
Thankfully my Oto is the best and he was able to rescue that without having to do a complete wipe.
Life Crazy #2
My mother and I belong to an online quilting group. It is lots of fun. I have 5 packages sitting here waiting to go to the post office, for exchanges. Some where supposed to be mailed out 2 weeks ago. I am waiting on tips to come in so I can afford to get them mailed.
Life Crazy #3
My family is doing a different kind of Christmas this year. It simplifies matters if it is held at my home. This means fitting 22 bodies into my kitchen and living room which total about 250 sq feet and then you have to factor in some furniture that is where it is and can't be moved. Now I can fit them all but it will be cozy. In order to reduce the crampness I am dejunking and rearranging. This summer I tackled the second bedroom (secretly in hopes of a child with in the next year, this wont be happening, so don't get hopes up people!) Well now I have room for some of the living room to be moved into that bedroom, but it requires a lot of packing up stuff and unpacking stuff and moving things around. Last night I started a little of this before Japanese class. I managed to get the coat closet/tool shed reorganized and put back in order. I have a second shelving unit in the bedroom now to start piling items on and I have part of a book case cleaned off to take the home where the other shelving unit was. The Christmas tree will be making its home in that corner this year. I will also be hosting my in laws for Thanksgiving post dinner on Saturday. So I will have Friday to get my Christmas decorations out and put together.
Well this is an update into our crazies. Akahige's work hasn't been too bad but it is expected to become nuttier the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas. So if you see us much in that month count yourself fortunate. We will probably try to have our friends gifts out that Sunday after Thanksgiving just so we don't miss anyone.
We love you all and hope you have a great holiday season!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sushi ranting
Not long ago, we went out to eat at Black Pearl in Logan. It's a Chinese restaurant, and they do good, recommendable Chinese food. But Black Pearl fed us the worst restaurant sushi I have had. It was like they saw someone make sushi once on TV and thought "How hard can it be?" We ordered 4 or 5 maki sushi, and I ordered quite a few nigiri sushi. It didn't go well.
When we asked for recommendations, they claimed the salmon and tuna were very fresh. Eh... not so much. That could be luck of the draw, but I hope they would recommend the best if someone knew to ask.
Another warning sign was when we noticed they were using long-grain white rice instead of actual sushi rice. The rice wasn't prepared and seasoned properly. It was falling apart. They doused everything with soya sauce. I wondered if they grabbed the wrong bottle? Five times?
I ought to share some positive recommendation to balance out the negativity.
For decent sushi in Cache Valley, try Takara Sushi on 1000 N. (I think there used to be a place called "Tanpopo" there. I'm not as excited about it as I was before Bong left, but Mr. Lee does a good job. At least they do the rice right. If you can make it to the Ogden area, the choices expand considerably.
Near 36th & Washington in Ogden, there's a little hole-in-the-wall, family-run place called Hanamaru that serves some of the most authentic and tasty Japanese cuisine around. Their sushi menu is limited and seasonal, but it is always very well done. They also do small cooking classes, for those who may be interested in learning how to prepare traditional Japanese cuisine.
There's also Kobe in South Ogden. Less traditional (Chinese-run), but decent selection done well. They used to have an amazingly good itamaesan, one of the best I've ever met, but he left for higher pay out of state. The only time I've not been totally satisfied at Kobe is when the regular chef (Scott) is out, and the owner (Spencer) fills in for him.
Tona, on 25th street in Ogden, is usually good too, preferable to ShinSei, also on 25th, which is not on our list of favorites.
When we asked for recommendations, they claimed the salmon and tuna were very fresh. Eh... not so much. That could be luck of the draw, but I hope they would recommend the best if someone knew to ask.
Another warning sign was when we noticed they were using long-grain white rice instead of actual sushi rice. The rice wasn't prepared and seasoned properly. It was falling apart. They doused everything with soya sauce. I wondered if they grabbed the wrong bottle? Five times?
I ought to share some positive recommendation to balance out the negativity.
For decent sushi in Cache Valley, try Takara Sushi on 1000 N. (I think there used to be a place called "Tanpopo" there. I'm not as excited about it as I was before Bong left, but Mr. Lee does a good job. At least they do the rice right. If you can make it to the Ogden area, the choices expand considerably.
Near 36th & Washington in Ogden, there's a little hole-in-the-wall, family-run place called Hanamaru that serves some of the most authentic and tasty Japanese cuisine around. Their sushi menu is limited and seasonal, but it is always very well done. They also do small cooking classes, for those who may be interested in learning how to prepare traditional Japanese cuisine.
There's also Kobe in South Ogden. Less traditional (Chinese-run), but decent selection done well. They used to have an amazingly good itamaesan, one of the best I've ever met, but he left for higher pay out of state. The only time I've not been totally satisfied at Kobe is when the regular chef (Scott) is out, and the owner (Spencer) fills in for him.
Tona, on 25th street in Ogden, is usually good too, preferable to ShinSei, also on 25th, which is not on our list of favorites.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Missing Person
This is a client's child. Please if you have any information call the number listed!
Date Missing: OCTOBER 8, 2009
Date of Birth: 09/21/1992
Age: 17 YEARS OLD
Sex: Male
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 145 lbs
Build: MEDIUM, MUSCULAR BUILD
Eyes: HAZEL
Hair: BROWN - WORN VERY SHORT
Race: Caucasian
Complexion: FAIR
Clothing: Not Known.
IDENTIFYING FEATURE:
Josh has a scar on the left side of his
Head from his forehead to his ear and
Small scars on his nose.
CIRCUMSTANCES
Runaway from the Pleasant Grove area, last seen with
Another teenage male who was tall, skinny, dark hair
And glasses. Josh had a bus pass.
MISSING
IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT JOSHUA DOXEY
CALL THE PLEASANT GROVE POLICE 801-785-3506
IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT JOSHUA DOXEY
CALL THE PLEASANT GROVE POLICE 801-785-3506
JOSHUA TYLER DOXEY
Missing From: PLEASANT GROVE, UTDate Missing: OCTOBER 8, 2009
Date of Birth: 09/21/1992
Age: 17 YEARS OLD
Sex: Male
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 145 lbs
Build: MEDIUM, MUSCULAR BUILD
Eyes: HAZEL
Hair: BROWN - WORN VERY SHORT
Race: Caucasian
Complexion: FAIR
Clothing: Not Known.
IDENTIFYING FEATURE:
Josh has a scar on the left side of his
Head from his forehead to his ear and
Small scars on his nose.
CIRCUMSTANCES
Runaway from the Pleasant Grove area, last seen with
Another teenage male who was tall, skinny, dark hair
And glasses. Josh had a bus pass.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Gideon Phillip Nielson
A dear friend from High School introduced me to this wonderful site a month back. She too had bid farewell to a baby and looks forward to holding her son in the eternities as do we.
We were fortunate to get on the request list this go around. As this will be the last time, until the artist has her baby, for requests to be fulfilled. We are extremely grateful. We don't have much to remind us that we are parents of a beautiful child. Our attempts to become parents again have not been as easy as some I know. So to have this beautiful piece to remind us on Gideon means more then we can say.
If any of you are wondering about gifts for us. We are short on extra funds this year and would really like this in print form. Thanks for considering this. Thanks for remembering our son.
Thank you Carly for taking precious time to do this for others.
(to view the image click on Gideon's name)
We were fortunate to get on the request list this go around. As this will be the last time, until the artist has her baby, for requests to be fulfilled. We are extremely grateful. We don't have much to remind us that we are parents of a beautiful child. Our attempts to become parents again have not been as easy as some I know. So to have this beautiful piece to remind us on Gideon means more then we can say.
If any of you are wondering about gifts for us. We are short on extra funds this year and would really like this in print form. Thanks for considering this. Thanks for remembering our son.
Thank you Carly for taking precious time to do this for others.
(to view the image click on Gideon's name)
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