Get Wet

Pita ~ At Home

 

I bought pita bread at the store a few weeks back….horrible….threw it out!   Attempted to make it at home…

HIT -  SUCCESS --- NOT THAT DIFFICULT!

Dinner is ready!

Homemade Pita Bread

Makes 8 rounds

Ingredients
1 cup warm water (110 degrees)

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

2 1/2 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1-2 teaspoons olive oil

Directions:

Form the Pita Dough: Mix the water, sugar and yeast together, and let sit for about five minutes until the yeast is dissolved. Add 2 1/2 cups of the flour (saving the last half cup for kneading), salt, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough is formed. Love my Kitchen Aid …works like a champ every time!

Knead the Dough: Sprinkle a little of the extra flour onto your clean work surface and turn out the dough. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking to your hands or the work surface, but try to be sparing. It's better to use too little flour than too much. If you get tired, stop and let the dough rest for a few minutes before finishing kneading.

Let the Dough Rise: Clean the bowl you used to mix the dough and film it with a little olive oil. Set the dough in the bowl and turn it until it's coated with oil. Cover with a clean dishcloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise until it's doubled in bulk, 1-2 hours.

At this point, you can refrigerate the pita dough until it is needed. You can also bake one or two pitas at a time, saving the rest of the dough in the fridge. The dough will keep refrigerated for about a week.

Divide the Pitas: Gently deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and gently flatten each piece into a thick disk. Sprinkle the pieces with a little more flour and then cover them with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap wrap until you're ready to bake them.

Shape the Pitas: Using a floured rolling pin, roll one of the pieces into a circle about 8 inches wide and about a quarter inch thick. Lift and turn the dough frequently, as you need to make sure the dough isn't sticking to your counter. Sprinkle with a little extra flour if it is starting to stick. If the dough starts to spring back, set it aside to rest for a few minutes, then continue rolling. Repeat with the other pieces of dough. (Once you get into a rhythm, you can be cooking one pita while rolling the next one out.)

To Bake Pitas in the Oven: While shaping the pitas, heat the oven to 450°. If you have a baking stone, put it in the oven to heat. If you don't have a baking stone, place a large baking sheet on the middle rack to heat.

Place the rolled-out pitas directly on the baking stone or baking sheets (as many as will fit), and bake for about 3 - 5 minutes. I've found it easiest to carry the pita flat on the palm of my hand and then flip it over onto the baking stone. The pita will start to puff up after a minute or two and is done when it has fully ballooned. Cover baked pitas with a clean dishtowel while cooking any remaining pitas.

To Bake Pitas on the Stovetop: Warm a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until a few bead of water sizzle immediately on contact. Drizzle a little oil in the pan and wipe off the excess.

Lay a rolled-out pita on the skillet and bake for 30 seconds, until you see bubbles starting to form. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side, until large toasted spots appear on the underside. Flip again and cook another 1-2 minutes to toast the other side. The pita should start to puff up during this time; if it doesn't or if only small pockets form, try pressing the surface of the pita gently with a clean towel. Keep cooked pitas covered with a clean dishtowel while cooking any remaining pitas.

Storing the Pitas: Pitas are best when eaten immediately after cooking. Leftover pitas will keep in an airtight bag for several days and can be eaten as they are or warmed in a toaster oven. Baked pitas can also be frozen with wax paper between the layers for up to three months.

Cranberry/Craisins Couscous

Ingredients:

1 12 oz. package couscous

1 14 oz. can vegetable broth

Pinch of salt

3 tablespoons walnut, almond or olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

3/4 cup dried cranberries/craisins

1/3 cup pine nuts

Directions:

Cook the couscous according to the package directions, using broth instead of water. Add a pinch of salt to the broth. While the couscous is cooking, roast the pine nuts in a very low (250° F) oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. When the couscous has finished cooking, drain any excess liquid. If more liquid is needed to cook the couscous, add water, a little at a time. Pour the couscous into a serving bowl. Add the oil and the lemon juice. Stir well to coat all the grains. Add the cranberries, and pine nuts. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately. I'm a couscous lover and this is an amazing combo of cranberry, pinenuts, and couscous! Enjoy

Live Life–Ride a Bike

Today I received a very valuable lesson that I wish I had learned years ago!

K-man has wanted a dog for a very long time (3 years is long in his world)….

We have held off because I’m selfish????   I love dogs but the responsibility is sometimes more than I want.

With summer in full swing the hustle and bustle of places we have to be has dwindled down to …just a few…so would that make it possible to fill his wish list?

No more

Hurry up!

Get up!

Bravo ……

in half an hour!

Will you please eat your breakfast

Have you brushed

your teeth?!

Do you have your backpack

Get in the car….and your car seat!

{BARK BARK BARK}

See K- you don’t need a dog you already have one!

Grandma knows that just doesn’t work….and today we will

Go for an adventure…..

You see Grandpa brought new bikes home……

 

 

{WAG WAG WAG}

So this morning we hit the trail….here we go

not sure…fight the fear!

 

bACK UP…..IT’S A FROG

A CHICKEN COOP….COOOOOOL

Rest Stop…..

and what do we happen to meet…..yes it is a DOG!

and he was happy and playful….just like life is suppose to be!

Lesson learned

Whatever your barks

are…..QUIET them.

Whatever your wags

are…..Keep ‘em coming!

Now we have accomplished family bike ride on our summer bucket list!

Enjoy summer…..come back often we’ll share what we are doing to stop the barking!

Sitting and Waiting

Eyes watch, heart waits

For familiar lights

counting cars

Remembering those days waiting …

come home…

impetuousness

Yes, I have always known that I am impulsive, hasty, maybe even a bit careless.  If someone/anyone suggests that something might be marvelous, wonderful, valuable to you..then I’m all over it!

Hence – Rooibos Teas

Mind you, my tea cabinet is overflowing with boxes and tins of tea so I can always find just the right herbal tea to fit whatever I might be needing at any given moment.

Stressed out – a cup of chamomile will calm me down.

Digestion, lower blood sugar and cardiovascular health – Chai Tea with each component…black tea, cinnamon, ginger, clove, cardamom and black pepper creates those powerful health benefits…and it is yummy!

Detox (Stomach Ache in my book) – Honey Lemon fits the bill.

Today a newcomer was added to the arsenal    Rooibos – also known as red or red bush tea.  Rooibos tea is native to the continent of African and is primarily grown in South Africa’s Western Cape.  The locals have traditionally used red tea for centuries, and the Dutch settlers used it as an alternative to expensive black tea.   It has a very earthy and slightly nutty flavor. And………while researching the tea I found this delightful claim! 

THE HUNGER HALTER 

Rooibos tea is made from the leaves of the “red bush” plant, grown exclusively in the small Cederberg region of South Africa, near Cape Town. What makes rooibos tea particularly good for your belly is a unique and powerful flavonoid called Aspalathin. Research shows this compound can reduce stress hormones that trigger hunger and fat storage and are linked to hypertension, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Yup, sometimes the kettle can be as effective as the kettlebell.http://www.eatthis.com/5-best-teas-weight-loss

Concerns – if it is grown exclusively in South Africa…how am I going to come across this wonder of all wonders…Surprise surprise…it is Distributed by: Twinlab Corporation American Fork, Utah

WAHOO –  Brewed up a cup this afternoon and I was pleasantly surprised.   The deep red color and the sweetness were a hit with me!    So glad that I read about this from a new acquaintance Gabe Kapler http://kaplifestyle.com/?s=Rooibos

Words

• impatient
• don’t try hard enough
• have wrinkles
• OH THAT HAIR….too short, too thin…ostrich feathers!
• weight gain is out of control
• not a good mother
• never enough good food in the fridge or the right kind of food
• my kitchen is a mess
• my office is a jumble of papers, files, etc etc etc
• I don’t read anymore
• and my yard…heaven help those struggling plants
• ungrateful
• selfish
• lazy
• my car is a mess inside and out
• always running behind
• not a good example
• not faithful enough
• too sensitive
• take things very personally
• don’t make others feel loved enough
• not organized

Will I ever be ENOUGH?

Where do I even start to heal from this negative talk that goes on in my head?

Perhaps just for today I will try to fix one of the things on this never ending list of negative thoughts.  

Today, I will fix this mess.
I will find a way to organize the office so it won’t continue to be a mess. I will wash the pan and put the dishes away and burn a beautiful candle so that I enjoy being in this room….and maybe the words of the poem will leave my head!

Little Orphant Annie’s come to our house to stay,
An’ wash the cups an’ saucers up, an’ brush the crumbs away,
An’ shoo the chickens off the porch, an’ dust the hearth, an’ sweep,
An’ make the fire, an’ bake the bread, an’ earn her board-an’-keep;
An’ all us other childern, when the supper things is done,
We set around the kitchen fire an’ has the mostest fun
A-list’nin’ to the witch-tales ‘at Annie tells about,
An’ the Gobble-uns ‘at gits you
             Ef you
                Don’t
                   Watch
                      Out!

Humble

“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.”
― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

Reflection

Today’s world so fraught with evil

and anger, sadness and disbelief

at what some human beings

willingly perpetrate upon others,

and so very close to home…

How very heartbreaking for the family in Roy...feeling so lost in this world that suicide seems like the best answer is so very sad.  What must have been so terrible for this father that it triggered such desperate actions.  Prayers for the family that is suffering and left behind to suffer this tremendous lost today.

I need to safeguard myself in the

quiet wonders around me.

To reflect on the beauty that fills our lives....because it is out there...sometime hard to find!

Today I will extend

kindness wherever possible and seek to 

find lasting ways to generate reflections

that will affect other lives in significant and meaningful ways.

 

“Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work it means to be in the midst of all those things and still be clam in your heart”

 author unknown

Father’s Day Without Him

Tears still come as I think about this wonderful man I called Dad!   I haven’t shared before the beautiful tributes my children gave during his services.  So on this Father’s Day Without Him…I’ll give you these amazing accolades that were so well spoken that day.

JASON

Rock hound, Fisherman, Golfer, Inventor, Artist, Caretaker, Teacher, Engineer, Gardener, Entrepreneur, Friend, Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather.

There is an endless list of words that I can use to describe my Grandpa, for me he was my mentor. My protector. My hero.

He was a man of many, many talents yet he was as humble and gentle as a little child.  Though he was born into poverty, to immigrant parents, through brilliance of mind and an unrelenting work ethic, he achieved riches never imaginable yet he was quick to give it all away to anyone in need.

That caring nature made him an amazing teacher.  He was always looking for an opportunity to teach.  Whether it was driving up the canyon to fish at some quiet bend in the river or getting up at 4:30 in the morning so we could be the only ones on the golf course there was sure a lesson to be taught.  It wasn’t until I was older that I truly appreciated our outings together – all of them carefully orchestrated to teach me some important life lesson.

I saw him carry on this tradition with my son.  When we would show up at the house, his face would light up as he showed Brevin all the birds that came to eat in the yard.  He would take him out back, teaching him how to tell when the apples or grapes or plums were just right to eat.

One of the things that I admired most about my grandpa was that he was never one to look for an excuse for why something couldn’t be done, rather he was always looking for reasons why something could be done.  He never complained, he just went quietly about his business, taking care of others, creating a legacy.

I thought that it was rather poignant that as I flew back into Utah last week, we came in over Hobble Creek.  As I looked down at the golf course, it set in what a truly great classroom that was.  Sure he was teaching me about the game of golf but what he was really teaching me was about the game of life.  How to prepare.  How to study.  How to make the right move at the right time.  How to take calculated risks.  But most importantly, how to enjoy a prosperous life, no matter the circumstances.

On this earth, we all die.  The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.

The lessons that he taught and the wisdom he imparted in me has created a legacy that will live on forever, not just in my and my family but in everyone that was touched by his protective nature and endless generosity.

I can hear him saying “Ok Jason, it’s time to get back to work.” So let’s get back to work, making this world a better place, like he did.

 

ALISON

My grandfather was a very loving and unique man, but he was more than just a grandfather to me.  He was my hero, my guiding light, my saving grace and most of all my inspiration.  Through all his wisdom that he taught me, he has helped me become the woman I am today.  I truly learned what an Angel my grandfather was while spending the last moment of his life with him. The doctor came in and told me that the time was getting closer and if he had to guess it would be tonight or tomorrow.  I told the doctor I just don’t want him in anymore pain, in return the doctor stated he has held on longer than I expected,to me it seems like he is waiting for something.  I thought to myself, what could my grandfather be waiting for?  He has seen everyone that he loves.  He has seen my grandmother, his daughter who he loved beyond words, his son-in-law, his granddaughter-in-law, his great grandchildren, his nieces, nephews, brothers and sister and other family and friends, and he spent time with my brother, his grandson before my brother left on his business trip.  Then it hit me, my brother was still on an airplane on his way back home.  See every time we went somewhere or even on our way back home from our grandparent’s house, our grandfather would always tell us to call when we made it home.  In my heart I knew he was waiting for my brother to make it back home safe.  My brother texted and said he landed and he was on his way to the hospital.  At that moment I turned and told my grandfather that Jason made it home safe, 30 minutes later he took his last breath, all he wanted was to know his beloved grandson was safe.

The love my grandfather had for his family was truly the most special gift of love that anyone could ever have.  Grandpa I will miss you and I never thought that forever would come to an end.  It’s like how do I say goodbye to the last day I saw you alive when everything I have to hold on about you lives there.  I wish this was all a dream.  But I can hear you whisper in my ear telling me Ali it’s not your job to understand God’s plan, but it is your job to trust in it, even if it hurts to do so.

Just thinking about your words keeps me strong.  Although you are gone we will always be together, and your spirit will live on in each one of us forever.  When we look to the sky, we will look for the brightest star, as that will be you Grandpa looking down on us from afar.  I feel like I am the luckiest and most privileged granddaughter to have him as my grandfather.  Our memories I will treasure and keep close to my heart.  If tears could build a stairway, and heartaches could make a lane, I would walk a path to heaven, and bring you back again.  But I know you are at peace and out of pain grandpa and that is what I want.

So grandpa I pray you’ll be our eyes, and watch us where we go.  And help us to be wise in times when we don’t know.  Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way, lead us to the place, guide us with your grace to a place where we’ll be safe.  I promised you I would stay by your side till the end and now my promise to you is to take care of grandma and that is what I will do, so don’t worry grandpa we will take care of the love of your life until you meet again.  Rest in peace now grandpa.

Mini Cheesecake Raspberry Swirl

A treat petite!

 

Yield: 12

INGREDIENTS

For the crust:

• 3/4 cup + 2 T graham cracker crumbs (7 full sheets)
• 3 1/2 tbsp. butter, melted
• 1 1/2 tbsp. sugar

For the raspberry swirl:

• 4 oz. fresh raspberries
• 2 tbsp. sugar

For the filling:

• 2 (8oz) pkgs cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

DIRECTIONS

Crust -

Preheat the oven to 325˚ F.  Line cupcake pans with paper liners.  In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar.  Stir together with a fork until well blended and all the dry ingredients are moistened.  Press 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner.  (I like to use a small drinking glass to easily and evenly press the crumbs down.  I have a small coke glass that works perfectly) Bake until just set, 5 minutes.  Transfer to a cooling rack.

Raspberry Puree -

To make the raspberry puree, combine the raspberries and sugar in a blender or food processor.  Process until smooth, then pour through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.

Cheesecake filling -

To make the cheesecake, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer until fluffy.  Blend in the sugar until smooth.  Mix in the salt and vanilla.  Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Assemble -

Spoon 3 tablespoons of the cheesecake batter over the crust in each cupcake liner.  Dot a ½ teaspoon of the raspberry puree in a few dots over the cheesecake filling.  Use a toothpick or a wooden skewer to lightly swirl and create a marbled effect.

Bake -

Bake until the filling is set, about 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking.  (They will look quite puffed initially but will return to normal quickly.)  Transfer to a wire cooling rack and let cool to room temperature.  Transfer to the refrigerator and let chill for at least 4 hours before serving…only if you can wait that long!  

Summer Solstice

there are many things that inspire me….mostly those everyday things that bring about a smile

my front yard…where the trees have gone from naked in the winter to full dressed green during the summer months

love those summer nights when the crickets chirp and the bird sing in endless conversations

i like how so many gardens overflow with a splash of color

and how we eat dinner outside and how everyday, is pretty much an ice cream day….

especially because our neighbor owns an ice cream truck!

I also believe it is great that  there are summer get a-ways

our trip  to Jason & Julie’s cabin was well needed time away from the hustle and bustle of daily routine!

and the boys of summer have returned with all their glory

these are the days that will remind me for sure,

that summer has arrived…welcome Summer Solstice 2015

FIreworks

No doubt about it, not everyone enjoys fireworks.   Speaking his language..."Grandma, hold me, it's loud!  What if they fall on me?"

Can it Be…..5

Somehow this little man turned five today.

You have given me so much joy these past five years.

You’ve made me so proud over and over again. There’s so many things I love about you and so many reasons I feel lucky to be your mom. So, in honor of your 5th birthday, I thought I’d share just a few.

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY 5 YEAR OLD SON

You love having breakfast in the hot tub.

You love collecting model cars, trains, airplanes & helicopters

Your confidence in the swimming pool is amazing….and your fears of anything about BUGS

The way you snuggle up to anyone and listen attentively when we are reading stories. Can we ever read enough “Fly Guy” stories!!!!

How you help make the bed every morning…without even being asked, and you are so very proud of yourself…just like you should be!

Your love for sushi…mommy taught you well!

You can sleep in until everyone else in the house is awake…love those late morning weekends!

Your absolute adoration for me. I feel it every day and I hope it will never go away (even though I know it may).

Your ability to break down in hysterical tears over a stubbed toe, tiny scratch, and then instantly turn it off with the slightest distraction.

Those times when you watch a movie and shout out the script with such incredible enthusiasm, you’d think you were an actor in the movie…..with every part memorized perfectly!

That you still check to make sure I won’t leave your side, like when you recently got your haircut and wanted to make sure I was right there!

That you can dressing yourself completely from head to toe…and everything matches!

How you love to help in the kitchen…especially in the sink during cleanup!

How much you love your family, your cousins (Brothers as you call them), your grandparents…and me!

I love that you have the ability to make any second of my day so much better with a simple hug, smile, and giggle!

Here are your stats for 2015

Height: 47 inches….wow you are in the 96th percentile!

Weight:  41 lbs

This year seems like such a big boy year.  The year he makes his official transition from that baby/toddler/preschool stage to the  “I can’t wait to go to Kindergarten” stage…and believe me, he reminds me daily!

My heart longs to keep you little.  I want to take naps with you at 2 everyday for the rest of our lives.  I want to have cuddle mornings where you slips in my room and crawls under the sheets with me and we watch Curious George for an hour before finally getting up.

I want to take you to the playground and race and hear you whine when I say, “Time to get going!”.

I want you to come, right when I am in the middle of something, and ask me ever so sweetly if I will please play cars with you.

I want these days to last a long time and they are just flying by too quickly.

But then, I look at the excitement in your eyes.  The way you look at me and smile your HUGE smile when you says, “I am FIVE!  I am a man now Mommy!”

Yes, you are my sweet baby.  You are becoming a man and as much as this Mama has a heartache over her bitty baby growing up, she is ecstatic for all the new things you will learn and all the incredible experiences you will have that you will remember forever.
I love when you say, “Mommy, are you really sad that I am five now?”

“No baby, I am excited for you because this year is going to be the most exciting one yet!”

As I hold back the tears.

Here is my sweet Kendry, as best we can capture him…he doesn’t hold still long enough to catch much.   Pictures are the only things that can freeze time.  I want to take way too many of them so that one day when I am old and he is old, I can pull these photo’s out and remember the days we fell asleep holding each other’s hands and arguing about who loved who the most.

Thank you Jesus for this precious one.  I will love him to the moon and back forever. xoxo Mommy

Morning Earns....Bring Treasured Moments

This morning we found just the right spot  to enjoy another dining experience.

....and look at that canopy of blue sky that we enjoyed today!

Berlin's just opened their doors this month  and yes the street looks empty because it was very early in the morning...before the hustle and bustle of life on 25th street begins to stir.  

I've heard it is standing room only during lunch hour and for a very good reason...the food was incredible!  And the fresh meat market .... we'll be enjoying tonight at home on the Q

Enjoying moments ....take them and make them perfect!  

Time for Breakfast

This morning we enjoyed our favorite biscuits and gravy breakfast.   So quick so easy!

Sausage Gravy
1 pound Breakfast Sausage (I use Honeysuckle Turkey Breakfast Sausage or Jimmy Dean Maple)
1/3 cup flour
4 cups whole milk – I never measure when making gravy and if I have half and half it use it!
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
2 teaspoons black pepper (more/less, depending on your tastes)


Crumble and brown the sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle half the flour and stir until the sausage soaks it all up and then add the rest of the flour. This meat will look very dry. Continue to stir and cook for another minute.
Turn up heat to medium-high and pour in the 4 cups of milk. Add in pepper and seasoning salt. Stir consistently until gravy is very thick. (Once the mixture starts to boil it will thicken very quickly.) It will take 10 minutes or so. If the gravy gets too thick, add a little more milk.
Add more seasoning if needed.

Biscuits
We use “Grands”

You bake 4 biscuits while you are making the sausage gravy.   After they are cooked about 15 minutes let them cool for just a few minute then cut them into 4 pieces each.   Put them in the bottom of a prepared(sprayed) oven proof dish(smaller than 9 X 13)!  When the gravy if thickened pour it over the cooked biscuits.  Now cut the remaining 4 biscuits into 4 pieces each and plop them on top of the biscuits and gravy.   Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minute or until biscuit look golden brown.   

Dinner with Friends

We enjoyed dinner last night with our friends Mike & Kathy Gallegos at Kamikazes in Ogden....and we'll do it again because it was delishhhh!
Peeps every Thursday they run a 5 dollar Souvlaki special (eat in only) and you can't beat it.   The recipes are close to the owner and his heart as they are his mother's and when you eat the Greek food you are tasting something handed down to him from a very special lady.  It is truly amazing!!!! 

I promise you will be back for more ....just like we will!

Of course I wanted the recipe for the .....

Lemon Rice Pilaf

Prep Time: 30 mins   Total Time: 30 mins  Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1/4 lb butter

2 cups uncooked rice (Uncle Ben's long grain converted rice works well)

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

5 cups hot chicken broth

salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Heat butter in a heavy skillet. When it's hot, add the rice and, stirring constantly, sauté on medium heat until transparent but not brown.

Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and salt.

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and let pilaf stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.

Here's hoping I can make it taste as good as theirs!

V is for Volcano

We loved making rice krispy treats into mini volcanoes and sharing them with friends at pre-school