Heeding the call to silence

No, I haven't already flaked on this whole blogging thing. Just taking a day or two to be silent and let things percolate. Back with something other than pictures tomorrow, promise!

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{Nothing says Sunday afternoon for me like a trip to Jo-Ann's for crafty supplies.} 

{October Photo a Day, 14 - Finding photos that my best friends took while I was away from the table definitely make me laugh.} 

{I took today off since the college kids are on Fall Break. I slept through Jason leaving, but I adore his style of a love note.} 

{October Photo a Day, 15 - Miracle of miracles, two weeks in a row of actually having a plan for dinnertime at The Petree House.} 

I Brag Freely About This Skill

What's that you say? You need a surefire way to make people ooh and aah over your cooking prowess this Christmas? Look no further, I have just what you're looking for! It's a recipe you might have heard of, I've seen it at least ten times on Pinterest in the last month and it is guaranteed to please. Trust me, I know this.

Ladies and gentleman ('cause we all know a good man can throw his weight around in the baking department, am I right?), it is the one and only Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls.

Now, I know that these little lovelies might have the reputation for being difficult to make, but that's why I'm writing this post. Do they take a little time and intentionality? Yes, it's true. But what good thing doesn't require that? And believe me, y'all, these are Very Good Things. With a little time and practice, you'll be whipping up a half batch of these suckers in no time. This recipe is my go-to for when we have company, when I need to take something to a breakfast or when I just want to have four pans of goodness sitting in my freezer just waiting for Saturday morning. 

Ree's recipe is for a full batch which makes a LOT of cinnamon rolls (8-9 round pans, to be exact). I've only needed that many at once on a few occasions, so I like to go for the half batch. I made some this week for our Chapel Department Christmas Breakfast and took pics while I did. I thought I'd walk you through the process so you can see just how doable it is.

I am on a mission, y'all. Your people need these cinnamon rolls.

For the dough starter:

- 2 cups whole milk (Don't skimp, buy the good stuff. There's no lowfat in cinnamon rolls, m'kay?)

- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil

- 1/2 cup of sugar

Combine these in a pot that is large enough so you can add 4 1/2 cups of flour in the next step. Our large saucepan is big enough for me when I'm making a half batch. Stir the milk, oil and sugar together and set over medium to medium-high heat. You're going to "scald" this mixture, which just means heat it up until you see that it's just on the verge of boiling. I wait until I see the little boiling bubbles just starting to form, but DON'T let it boil. 

Once it's reached that point, take it off the stove and set it aside. Let it cool until the side of your pan is just warm to the touch, which means the mixture is likely lukewarm. That usually takes about forty-five minutes. I took Knox to the field to run around while this was happening. See? Multi-tasking.

Here's what you'll need for the next step:

- 1 packet (0.25 oz) of Active Dry Yeast

- 4 cups of all-purpose flour

Once the mixture is lukewarm, sprinkle the packet of yeast on top and let it sit for one minute. Then, add the four cups of flour and mix it all together gently (I use a wooden spoon) until it's combined. It will look mushy and that's just right. Cover your pot/pan with a clean towel and set this in a warm place for at least an hour to rise. I've discovered that if I turn our oven on to 200 degrees and sit the pan in the middle of the stove top, it is just the right amount of warmth to get the dough to rise. While I waited for it to rise, I went upstairs and worked on our Christmas cards. I think the ability to multi-task while I make this recipe is probably the root of my pride. And I'm ok with that.

To finish the dough, you will need:

- 1/2 cup of flour

- 1/2 heaping teaspoon of Baking Powder

- 1/2 scant teaspoon of Baking Soda

- 1/2 heaping Tablespoon of Salt

Add these to the dough and mix gently and well. Now, at this point I had to go to book club. So I put the lid on the saucepan and stuck the dough in the fridge. That's the beauty of this dough- you can use it right away or stick it in the fridge for a day or two until you have time to do the next steps. If you do put it in the fridge, just make sure you take it out about 30 minutes before you plan to use it so it will be pliable and rollable. 

I went to book club, ate some amazing goodies, drank hot chocolate, and worked on some knitting while we discussed Tina Fey's "Bossypants" and other sundry topics I won't divulge here. Came home, took my dough out of the fridge, let it sit for about 20 minutes and voila!

Isn't it pretty? I love a good dough. Make sure you sprinkle your countertop with plenty of flour before you plop your dough onto it. Something about the half batch dough is that it ends up being a little more tacky than the full batch. I've found that the flour on counter and flour on my rolling pin takes care of that and makes it easy to work with and roll out. Knead the dough just a bit using the flour on the counter to eliminate the residual tackiness. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle that is about 20 inches from left to right and 12 inches from top to bottom. Be careful not to roll it out too thin, as that can get problematic once you load it up with the next group of ingredients.

Here's what you'll need for the absolutely amazing filling:

- 2 sticks of butter, melted

- Sugar

- Light or dark brown sugar 

- Cinnamon

Pour the butter over the rectangle of dough and spread it around with the back of a spoon. Next, sprinkle the entire surface with sugar. I use about a cup, I guess. I don't really know, I just sprinkle until the butter no longer has a sheen to it. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon over the sugar. Now, Ree doesn't call for brown sugar but I've found it adds a rich flavor to the filling that I really love. I don't use as much brown sugar because, um, hello? There's already sugar on there. So, I just dot the entire surface with it. 

At this point, it's good to just step back and take it all in. I like to think this is what Monet would have painted if he had been acquainted with Ree and Paula Deen.

You're ready to roll! No, seriously. You're ready to roll up the dough. Starting at the top of the rectangle, roll the dough towards you keeping it pretty tight. I like to sort of lift my dough as I roll it, so it comes up over the buttery sugary goodness instead of squishing it forward. Does that make sense? Roll, roll, roll, until you have one long cinnamon roll log. 

Now you need to get your four pans ready. I buy the aluminum cake pans (NOT pie pans). They are the perfect size for this recipe and it makes it so much easier to give them away, if that's your goal. If you're keeping them for yourself, these pans work just fine for eating an entire pan in one sitting and then throwing the evidence away. Not that I've ever done that before....

Ree says to spread butter around in the pans, but I just spray them with olive oil spray. You know, because I'm so health-conscious. Using a sharp knive, cut 1 inch slices and place them in the pans. I alternate cutting slices off the cinnamon roll log from opposite ends AND distribute them into the four pans at once (instead of filling up one pan, then the next, etc.) so that there's a more even distribution to the pans. I usually end up with eight to nine slices in each pan.

The next thing is to cover the rolls and let them rise for 20 minutes. Again, I sit them on my stove top while the oven preheats to 375. While they rise, I clean off my counter and wash any dishes I've used. After you've let them rise, pop them in the oven (four pans fit nicely all at once, by the way) and let them bake for 15 to 17 minutes. 

While your rolls are baking, go ahead and make the icing. My experience with the half batch is that you do NOT want to halve the icing recipe. I've actually found that what Ree lists in her recipe is enough (with a little left over) for a half batch, and I need to double it for a whole batch. Trust me on this, one of the beautiful things about these cinnamon rolls is the icing to dough ratio. It's perfection. Don't mess with it.

For the icing you will need:

- 1/4 cup melted butter (I just melt a whole stick, because you'll definitely need more)

- 1/2 cup of whole milk (I end up using more, but start with that)

- 1/4 cup of strong coffee (I keep Starbucks VIA on hand so I can make a single cup, again you'll probably end up using more than 1/4 cup)

- 2 pound bag of powdered sugar

- 2 teaspoons Maple or Vanilla flavoring. Ree calls for maple, but I don't care for it so I use vanilla.

In a large mixing bowl, dump in the powdered sugar and mix in 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of coffee and 2 teaspoons of your chosen flavoring. Using a large whisk, mix it together really well. At this point, my icing is still too thick so I add smaller amounts of each of the wet ingredients until it tastes right and is a slightly thick and pourable (BUT NOT TOO RUNNY) consistency. Oh yes, you've GOT to taste test it as you go. I always make sure I can taste a hint of coffee and that the powdered sugar isn't the first taste that hits my tongue. That's when I know I've got it just right.

In the meantime, keep an eye on the rolls in the oven. Ree suggests baking them for 15-17 minutes, but your oven may need longer like mine. I take them out when they're lightly golden brown on top and I can tell that the center roll is baked through and not too mushy. Like this...

Give the rolls a couple of minutes to sit and then using a 1 cup measuring cup, generously pour it over the rolls while they are still good and warm. You want icing to fill up every crevice and even fill up the little spots in the pan that are empty. I usually pour one cup over each pan, let it soak in for a minute and then pour another half cup or so over each pan. You'll wind up with this breathtaking sight...

I know that looks like a WHOLE lot of icing, but those darling little rolls are going to soak it all up and be so delicious. You've got a couple of options at this point:

A.) Grab a fork and chow down. Whether or not you invite others to join you is up to your discretion.

B.) Let them cool for a bit, cover with foil and pop them in the fridge if you know you'll eat them/take them to a party/give them away in the next few days.

C.) Let them cool completely, cover them with foil, place each pan in a gallon freezer bag and stick them in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, take out however many pans you need and warm them in a 275 oven for 20-25 minutes (foil off).

And there you have it! I know this post is insanely long and you might think it would take a long time to make these. I started this batch at 5:30 and was done by 11, and don't forget all the stuff I was able to accomplish in between. 

So, go forth! Make cinnamon rolls! The world will be a better, happier, more delicious place for it. 

All good things start in North Carolina

Back in May, The Pioneer Woman embarked upon a delightfully grassroots book tour for her new cookbook {also known as Leslie's Favorite Kitchen Utensil}. One of her stops was in Charlotte, North Carolina and I totally would have been there if it wasn't for a little thing called my job and a stupid administrative policy that doesn't allow us to use our vacation days in May. Apparently, Charlotte made quite an impression on Ree when a fan brought her a box of pastries from Amelie's French Bakery.

And yes, the fact that sugary carbohydrates are a priority in Ree's everyday life is part of why I admire her so.

Ree wrote about the entire box but what especially stood out to her was one salted caramel brownie. Unfortunately, she lives about a thousand miles away from Charlotte and therefore- no daily salted caramel brownies for her. Some folks sent her the recipe for them, she tried it out and voila, Salted Caramel Brownie.

Turns out, the brownie was slowly starting to work its way into the hearts and minds of anyone who saw Ree's post. It grabbed a hold of Traci over at Total Momsense and caused a complete writing block.

{This I understand. I blame my writing block on the fact that Lifetime insists on showing about four episodes of Grey's Anatomy a day. Yes, please!}

I added to the writing block by sending her a post about Salted Caramel Cupcakes and the gauntlet was thrown. The next thing I know, Traci is not only blogging about making said cupcakes, she's come up with a spectacular sounding cupcake recipe and a ridiculously tempting cream cheese icing. 

Did I mention she lives up in Franklin, a mere two hours from me? Roadtrip! I'd get to hang out with her and her super fun family, bake an obscenely decadent recipe and poke around the city I lived in twenty years ago.

Lucky for y'all, we video taped our cooking escapades and I took a shot at editing everything together using my fancy new Mac {school computer, and now my PC is dead to me.}

A few observations:

1. I totally hogged the camera and was pretty much useless in the kitchen. I could say it was for the sake of photojournalism, but let's be honest- there's nothing a drama queen loves more than a camera. Been that way since I was seven, folks.

2. Traci was infinitely more patient with the caramel than I would have been. I took notes on how to handle frustration in the kitchen without throwing things.

3. For those of you who don't read Traci's blog regularly {and you should}, you need to know that Coach is her husband and he likes to clean. A lot. Especially when he's nervous or anxious. It's quite endearing.

Watch, be inspired and go make these cupcakes! 

The Sun’ll Come Out…

When? Oh, when will the sun come out?! After sub-freezing temperatures through Christmas break and New Year’s we had more sub-freezing temperatures and nothin’ but grey skies. Can you say indoor recess? Now, normally I adore indoor recess. Kids play sweetly and quietly while I grade papers {or surf the web}….

Yeah, not so much with this group.

Mostly, I spend the time mediating spats over the Twister game, reminding the boys the Jenga pieces are for building not throwing, and begging my resident drama queens that play “kittens” to keep their meows down to a dull roar. Fun times, right? Finally, the temps rose above freezing and we were released to head back outside for recess. Hallelujah!

And then the rain came. Sigh.

Besides throwing a wrench in my recess plans, all this arctic wet weather has seriously derailed my running routine. Because, honestly, what would you rather do on your Christmas/New Year’s break? Run outside in nineteen degrees or snuggle up inside with your hubby and make super yummy Pioneer Woman recipes? I hate to break it to y’all, but the Pioneer Woman won and won big.

So I’m off my running game. I’m amazed {and a little worried} that after just a few weeks off, I feel so sluggish. A few pounds have snuck their way back in but that’s not a major concern for me. That’s not what the lifestyle change was about after all. Instead I want to feel that energy and strength that comes when I’m running three to four times a week. Not to mention the gloriously deep sleep that follows it. Because, note to self? Indulging the eleven o’clock late night craving for popcorn does not a full night’s sleep make.

What I’ve learned when I’m off my game is that it is vitally important to just take that one step back into the healthy routine. I managed to nail down a three mile run today and plan to do several more before the rain returns on Thursday.

The darn, danged, rob-me-of-my-indoor-recess-peace rain.

Anybody have some stellar indoor games I can teach my kids? Because Twister may just be the death of me yet.

I’m sure my future self will thank me one day

{Sorry to be gone so long but I’ve been working on some technical issues with the ol’ blog. All is well now! However, I do want to make you aware of one teensy change. I have turned on comment moderating, so please don’t be alarmed if your comment doesn’t appear after you hit “Publish Your Comment”. It will shortly. Ok, moving on…}

Perhaps you recall that a while back I spoke of a dream, a goal, really. And perhaps you’ve noticed a couple of new images over in my sidebar. {No, really, go look. I’ll wait…All caught up? Ok, good.} You might have even noticed a while back when the image in my sidebar under the topic “What I Am Pursuing” was a picture of that she-devil, Jillian, and her latest phenomenon known as The Thirty Day Shred.

Around my house it is now known as The I Tried It For Two Days & My Body Staged A Mutiny.

Nope, it’s just been too long since the old girl was truly active. My muscles were screaming things at me like, “No, really, we’d like to help you sit down and travel down steps in the next two days! For the love of all that is holy and good in this world, please stop!” So I did. Mind you, I did some power walking in the days that followed but no consistent exercise has been seen in these parts since then.

What followed my flailing leap off of The Shred bandwagon were several weeks of preservative filled crap, general slothfulness and an overwhelming sense of lethargy. Something needed to change but I wasn’t sure what.

Oh, who am I kidding?! I knew exactly what needed to change, I was just too busy seeing how many consecutive meals could consist of generic boxes of Mac & Cheese.

The thing is I’m actually surrounded by people who eat healthy/organic/vegetarian. My sister, two of my cousins, several in-laws and my mom. What really got me thinking was a conversation I had with Mom two weeks ago. She has had chronic foot problems for almost two years now and has had two surgeries in an attempt to get things working again with not much progress. In January she made a commitment to eat better, specifically to eat more fruits and vegetables and less foods that consisted of mostly preservatives. In our conversation I noted that I hadn’t heard her complaining about her foot lately and asked how it was doing. She responded, “Well, you haven’t heard me say anything because since January the pain has gone from a 10 to a 2. I think between eating more cleanly and losing some weight, it’s really helped.”

I looked at the boxes of Mac & Cheese and yet another package of Nestle Tollhouse Ultimates -Chocolate Chip Lovers Cookie Dough lying on the checkout belt at Walmart, heaved a sigh and a switch flipped in my brain.

It can’t be a diet, it’s got to be a lifestyle.

First, I made a trip to Greenlife Grocery {a local natural food store, it’s awesome!} and scouted out an herbal cleanse. I wasn’t going to go too crazy with some sort of massive colon flush-out thing, but I knew from talking to some folks that a general cleanse could be beneficial to get rid of some toxins and such. I found one created by Renew Life called “First Cleanse”. Perfect.

Knowing that the cleanse was going to be ridding my body of junk built up from all the preservative laden food, I have actually been more motivated than usual to eat fresh foods and lots of protein. I loaded the fridge & freezer with all manner of veggies, fruits, fish, chicken and low-fat dairy. I also purchased a package or four of Crystal Light, some yummy teas and vowed to drink more water. The other ingredient to this life change is Benefiber.

I know, it put me dangerously close to the Metamucil. I had visions of me prematurely being eighty-something and wondered if I should go back to the front of Walmart and grab one of those electric carts.

But seriously, when you do a cleanse, they recommend that you up your fiber intake because the fiber acts to trap the toxins and then helps as they are…um….naturally eliminated from your body. Bonus: fiber makes you feel fuller longer. I mix it in my hot tea, Crystal Light and even milk. I’ve definitely noticed that my in-between meal cravings are significantly less and I think that’s due to the added fiber I’m getting through the Benefiber powder.

I’m only through the first week, but I feel different. More alert, sleeping better, less lethargy. In short, I no longer feel like a giant slob. My taste buds are slowly waking up and I’m realizing just how good fresh food is without loads of butter or salt. Or powdered orange cheese. I’ve lost 3 1/2 pounds which is a pretty normal amount for when I first start watching what I eat. It’s unlikely that I’ll lose that amount each week from here on out, but I’ll take it.

Lest I mislead you, let it be known that I did make my first pound cake this past week and served it up with some strawberries and fresh whipped cream.

And I drank some seriously sweet tea. I’ve done some freaky diets in my past and I’m bound and determined that this lifestyle change isn’t going to leave me deprived.

After all, what’s a Southern Drama Queen without her sweet tea?

A Shower of a Different Color

I've told you before why Debbie is so much fun to celebrate. And when it comes to her baby showers, well, we figure it's either go big or go home. Her first shower (when she was pregnant with Alex & Sasha) was a fabulous cocktail/mocktail party complete with some pretty great cocktail rings for all the guests and completely devoid of games (per all of our requests).

When Debbie told us that she was pregnant with her second set of twins (I literally had to pull my car over when she told me the news over the phone), we knew that the standard for KAE was raised and this next shower would have to be something truly unique. Debbie's requests were simple:
a.) No gifts- as they already had most of what they needed from the first go-round
b.) Have it after the babies were born so that she could enjoy an adult beverage

And so, the non-baby shower cocktail party was born.

Our roles in KAE are well established so I handled creating and sending the invitations while Carlye and Anna crafted an amazing menu using Debbie's favorite foods as a starting point. Now, here's what you need to know about Debbie's faves (and she would freely admit this herself): the more processed the food, the better. So in a style eerily reminiscent of a Top Chef Quickfire Challenge, they took all of Debbie's favorite foods and recreated them a la gourmet. Behold, the inspirations...

We set the scene in Anna's cozy and stylish home...





...and set the table with the gourmet creations. First, the cocktails: Jello-O shots with a bit of Pop Rock "bling" (Debbie loves her Jello-O and her bling) and Rum & Diet Cokes (you'll be hard pressed to find her without a can of Diet Coke nearby).


Ok, so maybe this wasn't the gourmet part but those Jell-O shots were really good. Especially with the Pop Rocks.

But the food, the food! Oh, it was amazing. Feast your eyes on this...

Carlye had the inspired idea to take Debbie's beloved mac & cheese, add some bacon and some phylo dough...voila! Mac 'n Cheese-kopitas.
French onion dip for her Baked Lays...
The woman has a serious relationship with Peeps. So Anna and I made some homemade marshmallows. We also discovered that Anna needs a Kitchen Aid Mixer. Because homemade marshmallows? They require fifteen to thirty minutes of mixing. Totally worth it for our Debo!
Every year Debbie's mom makes her a coconut cream cake. So we made tarts...
...and shots! Non-alcoholic, though.
This turned out to be one of the biggest hits of the party. Who doesn't love a little cream cheese frosting straight from the tub?
More coconut in the fondue as well as some rich chocolate...
I'm so sad I didn't get any pictures, but Megu and Erica brought mini bacon cheesburgers and some amazing garlic fries as a nod to Debbie's love of Wendy's. Wendy's- official food sponsor of our 20's.

We mingled, we ate, drank and were merry.

Another successful event for KAE. Another milestone marked off for The E-Ranch & Crew...

Total Sloth

Well folks, I am going to consider today a success. If there is any day (other than Christmas Day or New Year's Day...or any Saturday from my early 20's), the one after Thanksgiving is when you have full permission to stay in your pajamas all blessed day. And so that is exactly what I did.

I am here to tell you unashamedly that it has been sheer perfection.

Originally, I had big plans to get up and hit the Black Friday sales. Not because I have that much shopping to do or because I am bound and determined to get the best deals. I was just kind of curious to see what all the fuss is about.

But then I woke up and the alarm clock said 9:38. I think it was at that moment that staying in my pjs all day won out over curiosity.

I also watched copious amount of girly reality TV. Until our recent acquirement of cable and the Oxygen channel, I had no idea that I was missing the delightful antics of Tori and Dean. Also, in case you were wondering, Kimora is still fabulous and her daughters are still divas-in-training.

You're welcome.

Our Thanksgiving turned out to be quite the cozy little day after all. I spent the majority of the afternoon in the kitchen and have never been happier to do so. As I baked and baked and baked I realized that I am extremely grateful to have grown up in a home where cooking from scratch was the norm. Oh sure, shortcuts were taken from time to time and I certainly wasn't a stranger to take-out as a kid. But by and large, I watched my mom, aunts and Grandmother craft many a meal from recipes tried and true.

Jason grew up that way too, even more so since his family lived out on a farm. So yet another perk of being his wife is getting to share the kitchen with him. And for the record, if sharing counter space means that I also get to enjoy a slow dance for no reason except the mood just struck us...well then, my love, you can have all the counter space you want.

(Paula Deen would be so proud of the amount of butter we used yesterday...)

Oh, How I Am Thankful...

Look. Look at what I have to enjoy this afternoon...

Do you see? Take a moment to savor all the beautiful clean white space upon which we can cook. I know I have. Oh, it is heaven indeed! My wonderful miracle worker of a husband solved our sink problems and we are in business.

So, as I was preparing to print out the recipe for PW's rolls I thought to myself, "Self, ('cause that's what I call myself when I'm talking to myself) you don't need to print out the recipe. You have wireless internet. And countertop to spare. Take your laptop into the kitchen!"

And so I did. Along with a few other things that help me get in the cooking mood. Can you spot them?

I've gathered my gang of ingredients. They are ready to help me satisfy our carb cravings.

And by tonight, I hope to add a thing of true beauty to our Thanksgiving table...

(Last photo courtesy of Pioneer Woman. I can only hope my rolls will look this yummy.)

Oh, and bonus? I got to see this just mere moments ago. Hey, we're all thankful for something and well, the time to celebrate Baby Jesus is drawing near...

This Recipe Approved By The Cruise Aunts

I am happy to report that The Petrees are doing much better today. In fact, Jason was out of bed before me this morning. That's not to say that he was feeling 100%, it just means he's not a big baby like me. If I'm sick, I'm going to work that pity party for days. Jason goes out and rakes our entire front yard. See the difference?

We have determined that we are going to spend Thanksgiving on our own this year. Which is fine. Not ideal, but fine. I told Abby this afternoon, as long as I know ahead of time, I can set that picture in my mind and just roll with it. At the very least this means the TV is mine!all mine! for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Jason braved the Super Walmart crowds tonight for a grocery run and we have all the fixin's for a traditional Thanksgiving supper. Except the turkey. If the two of us managed to finish off even a small turkey, the tryptophan coma that would follow....my word.

So Jason will handle the roast chicken, mashed potatoes and stuffing. I'm going to try Pioneer Woman's Dinner Rolls instead of leaving it to Sister Schubert this year. For me, it's not Thanksgiving (or Christmas, for that matter) if I don't make the Cruise Family recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole. As a kid, this was the one dish on Grandmother's buffet for which I needed no convincing to take a helping. Ok, so I was usually the grandkid that finished it off. What can I say? The love of all things sweet is a genetic thing in our family.

Back in my Trinity days, my students would develop a menu for our Thanksgiving party. That first year, I carefully manuevered the Sweet Potato Casserole into the line-up and I might have rigged the class voting so that it made the final cut. For the four years after that I simply pulled rank and told the kids as Queen of the Classroom this dish was a given. Trust me, after that first bite I never heard a complaint. Seriously. Fourth graders willingly eating sweet potatoes. It's a beautiful thing.

The Cruise Family Sweet Potato Casserole

Mix together the following ingredients and pour into a baking dish:

• 3 cups sweet potatoes/yams (I used the canned kind, Aunt Melba swears that you have to use fresh ones. I'll leave it up to you.)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 stick margarine - softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the following ingredients and sprinkle on top of the sweet potato mixture:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 1/2 stick margarine - melted

Bake at 300 degrees for 35 minutes. This can easily be made the night before if you're wanting to simplify your life. Prepare everything as directed but store the topping in a ziploc bag. Refrigerate both parts and put together the next day. Voila! Easy, southern and so dang tasty...

I actually have TOO much to blog about.

My fabulous husband made dinner tonight. Jason is a true chef. The man can look in our fridge, freezer and cupboard and come up with something that tastes fan.tas.tic.

So, let's take a look at the quiche he made, Pioneer Woman style...

First, start with your crust. In this case, Jason MADE this crust. I'm so in awe of him right now...

Of course you need eggs for a quiche. Ours come straight from the hen house. Another perk of living in TCH.

Cheese is necessary too. We're too lazy to actually hand grate. Bag o' Cheese, the way of the champion chef.

Here he is, my own personal chef. I'd like to point out that, yes, that is a Carolina ballcap. And that towel? It's a permanent fixture when he cooks.

His concentration is so nonchalant. I love him so. Whisk away, my love.

He decided that shrimp would be the other key ingredient. We like to keep beef, chicken and shrimp in our freezer. Options, people. I need them.

Milk, it does a body good. We only had the fat-free kind in the fridge. Jason calls it white water. This fact would come back to haunt us later. Note to self: only use whole milk for quiches. (Do you see how fast he's moving? Intense, this man.)

Quiet, folks. This stuff doesn't just make itself. J needs to concentrate.

What's that? Who's at the back door? Our two mangy mutts. Begging, of course.

They think if they sit pretty, they'll get something. Can't you just hear them saying "Pleeeeeease?"

Ok, back to business. My job was to pull tails and dice the shrimp. Usually, I just stand around and look pretty when J is cooking, but I was glad to pitch in this time.

Ok, everything's mixed and poured!

Hmmmm, too much shrimp in the middle. Let's make this a little more even...

Jason's whisk action is so fast the camera can barely catch it!

And into a 325 degree oven...

Wow, 7:18. This is going to be a late dinner.

Forty-seven minutes!? A really late dinner. In my family, we call that "Eating With The Hamiltons." We're working on the trademark.

And voila!

The crust was sheer perfection. The stuffing delightfully cheesy.

Folks, it's official. I married up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I can't believe our sweet new kitties only got one comment yesterday! So here's some more pictures. The Country House Kittens- Day Two. Still sleeping. Still eating.