tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21049946682491167072024-03-18T18:47:57.973-04:00Family, Food, and Funwhere you'll find stories of my family and recipes of our favorite foods.Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.comBlogger653125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-33499282457431222122016-02-10T15:29:00.000-05:002016-02-10T15:29:21.291-05:00Creamy Tomato Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvGfMFVpYNXqu2CwcvCtkIMbPwrxIhw2io_Rxxk9x8b_2rgd62rbfG3cVLa-cUaCN_JHVufvLaod2hyf2m-Uu4R33yyqc2PiclrIr7nU25VdDEET1iOCI84MV8JVEeF9Lq3fHa3V5guY/s1600/DSC_2275edited2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvGfMFVpYNXqu2CwcvCtkIMbPwrxIhw2io_Rxxk9x8b_2rgd62rbfG3cVLa-cUaCN_JHVufvLaod2hyf2m-Uu4R33yyqc2PiclrIr7nU25VdDEET1iOCI84MV8JVEeF9Lq3fHa3V5guY/s640/DSC_2275edited2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've never really cared for tomato soup.<br />
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Oh, it was fine if mixed into another more substantial soup or chili, but alone? No thanks.<br />
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It was just so.......boring. And plain. And tomatoey. (yes, that is an <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tomatoey">official word</a>.)<br />
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Well, that might have been because the only tomato soup I had eaten was from a can.<br />
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So recently when Corban asked if I would make grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch sometime, I decided to try my best to oblige him. But it had to be homemade - my stipulation, not his.<br />
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This was the first recipe I found, and since it sounded really good and simple, it was an easy choice.<br />
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It starts with a quick saute of onions and garlic in butter and olive oil, followed by the addition of a can of whole peeled tomatoes and a few spices. A bit of vegetable broth adds some volume and flavor as well. After being pureed in the blender, the finishing touch is a bit of heavy cream, adding some depth of richness and texture.<br />
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Delicious by itself, but even better with a grilled cheese sandwich dipped in, this soup pleased the whole family. You can't ask for much more than that.<br />
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And compared to that soup from a can? This blows that out of the water. No joke. This is the real deal.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Creamy Tomato Soup</span></b><br />
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<b>1 Tablespoon olive oil</b><br />
<b>1 Tablespoon butter</b><br />
<b>1 small onion, diced finely</b><br />
<b>Kosher salt</b><br />
<b>2 garlic cloves, minced</b><br />
<b>Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)</b><br />
<b>1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes in their juices</b><br />
<b>1 cup vegetable or chicken broth - or water</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup heavy cream</b><br />
<b>Pepper, to taste</b><br />
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<ol>
<li>In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat butter and oil. Add onion and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, but not browned. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes if desired and cook a couple of minutes more. </li>
<li>Add the tomatoes and their juices to the pan. Roughly crush the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon and cook until they're hot and beginning to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the broth or water and bring to a simmer. Cook at a medium simmer until tomatoes begin to fall apart. </li>
<li>Remove the soup from heat and cool a few minutes. Puree the soup in a blender (or use an immersion blender if you have one) in a couple of batches until smooth,</li>
<li>Return to pan over low heat and stir in the cream. Add pepper and additional salt to taste. </li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Adapted slightly from <a href="http://www.chowhound.com/recipes/creamy-tomato-soup-10836">Chowhound</a></span></div>
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<br />Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-80442485396355057872016-02-01T21:08:00.001-05:002016-02-01T21:09:16.575-05:00Mexican Rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Everyone needs a good, classic rice recipe to serve with any number of Mexican themed meals. This version has become a favorite with my family. While I am far from the master rice cooker, I love that this turns out well for me consistently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's flavorful without being overwhelming and makes a fantastic accompaniment to dishes like <a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2011/06/spicy-pulled-pork.html#.VrAM6iorK70">Spicy Pulled Pork</a>, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or pretty much any other similar meals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of the things that makes it popular with my kids is that there aren't any extra chunks, like pieces of onions or tomato to pick out. Other versions that I've made that included salsa weren't received nearly as well as this one. Here we have the flavors of tomato and onion, but only the rice to eat. Win/win. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Use it as a side dish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stuff it with beans and meat into a tortilla. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Make it the base for a burrito bowl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can't go wrong. You could even toss a little fresh cilantro on top if that floats your boat. I bet that would be scrumptious. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mexican Rice</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>6 Tablespoons oil </b>(I use expeller-pressed coconut oil)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>2 cups uncooked rice </b>(I use Jasmine or Basmati)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2 teaspoons garlic salt</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon ground cumin</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon onion powder</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3-1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; line-height: 20.8px;">Using a fine mesh sieve, rinse rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; line-height: 20.8px;">In a large skillet with a lid, heat oil until hot. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; line-height: 20.8px;">Pour in rice and stir around until slightly toasted and beginning to turn golden brown. Add garlic salt, cumin, onion powder, tomato sauce, and broth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; line-height: 20.8px;">Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover with lid, and cook for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has absorbed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px;"><b>Source:</b> adapted slightly from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/27072/mexican-rice-ii/">allrecipes</a></span></span></div>
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<br />Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-60426260723869263462016-01-08T10:05:00.000-05:002016-01-08T10:05:25.900-05:00Family Trip - 2015 (Part 8: the Grand Canyon)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Day 15: (October 29)</b></div>
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After viewing this beautiful sunrise right from our trailer, it was time to pack up again. Randall paid us a quick visit at the trailer before he headed off to work - and brought breakfast for everyone with him, purchased from one of his favorite local restaurants. Enormous burritos stuffed with eggs, refried beans, thick-cut bacon, and I don't know what else - but they were fantastic.</div>
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Well, I only sampled a tiny taste, since I can't eat much egg without getting stomach aches. </div>
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Fortunately for me, Randall had also picked up a bundle of tamales from the same restaurant to take home for later and shared one with me.</div>
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Best tamale I've ever had. </div>
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So off we headed, driving through the outskirts of LA. We did have to make a grocery stop to stock up on perishables for the last few days of the trip. </div>
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Of course, once again, the drive was LONG. </div>
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Our destination: <a href="http://www.nationalparkcentralreservations.com/hotel/grand-canyon-trailer-village" target="_blank">Trailer Village RV Park</a> - the only full-hook-up RV park actually inside the national park. (We were so fortunate to get a spot there - it's the perfect location for convenience and seeing the park). </div>
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When we arrived at Grand Canyon National Park, it was around 10:00 pm and pitch black everywhere. Of course all the check-in offices were closed, so we grabbed our info packet that was taped to the door and made our way to our campsite. </div>
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Once again, we got the delight of setting up camp in the dark (and cold) with crying children in the car. Oh, and we hadn't even stopped for dinner. Yes, we had eaten plenty of snacks along the way, but no real dinner. So once we had power, I grabbed some cans of chili to heat up on the stove and made some frito pies. Weird thing to eat at 10:30, but whatever. Most of the kids were happy with that, and frankly, so was I. </div>
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<b>Day 16: (October 30)</b></div>
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Since we were staying 2 full days at the Grand Canyon, we weren't in a huge rush to get out the door in the morning. We slept in a bit and had a relaxed breakfast before exploring our campground a little in the daylight. We were pleasantly surprised at the huge sites, generous space between campers, and our close location to the bathrooms (which were nice, but had no showers). </div>
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We packed up backpacks full of water bottles and hearty snacks to sustain us through our hike of the day and took a short walk to the edge of the RV park to the free shuttle pick up. The shuttles take you right to the different trail heads, which is really nice. </div>
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The trail we had decided on was the South Kaibab Trail. It's a 6-mile hike down to the bottom of the canyon, but obviously we had no desire or ability to do a 12-mile round trip hike. As the signs speckled around the park say, <b>"Going down is Optional - coming up is Mandatory".</b> </div>
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We figured we'd attempt the hike to Cedar Ridge, which is about 3 miles round trip. A little ambitious, considering that half of that hike would be uphill....and our youngest two were barely 4 and almost 6 years old at the time.....but we thought it was worth a shot. </div>
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As soon as we saw the Canyon, the kids were blown away. </div>
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I lost count throughout the day of how many times Corban said, "Thank you soooooo much for bringing us here. This is the best day ever." </div>
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The Ooh Ahh Point was about a mile into the hike. We briefly considered turning around here after our rest but ultimately decided to plunge ahead. </div>
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Somebody got a little grumpy about photos. </div>
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We encountered two mule trains while on the trail. Miranda made sure to say "Hi" to every person who rode past. </div>
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Another perspective of the trail - near the top where you see a cluster of people near some rocks is the Ooh Ahh point (we hadn't reached it yet), and you can see the trail continuing to wind down the canyon side towards Cedar Ridge (not visible in the photo).</div>
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At the Ooh Ahh Point.</div>
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We're about to make it to Cedar Ridge here. It was a large level area with pit toilets, several cool trees, and phenomenal panoramic views into the Canyon. </div>
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After a snack, the girls decided to rest awhile. </div>
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As a side note, I just have to tell you about a little device that turned out to be one of the best preparations I could have made for the trip. </div>
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The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/pStyle-Clear/dp/B002AA8GDQ/ref=sr_1_1_m?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1452264150&sr=1-1&keywords=pstyle">pStyle.</a> </div>
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Basically, it's a plastic device that allows you to pee standing up without undressing. </div>
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Yes, it may sound a little weird - but I'm telling you, it's a lifesaver. Or at least a clothes and dignity saver. If you're going to be spending any amount of time hiking or away from bathroom facilities, and you don't like dropping your pants and squatting, doing everything in your power to keep your pants and shoes dry and fervently hoping nobody sees you, <b>you need one</b>. </div>
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There are other brands and styles of devices as well, but the pStyle is what I chose and it worked out perfectly. It's super easy to use, easy to rinse off, and if you buy a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/pCase-CSEBlack1-Carrying-case-pStyle/dp/B00EUGCK1M/ref=pd_sim_121_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41-DJpF793L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1SVHNJQP33YWJDXG6TAD">carrying case,</a> super convenient and discreet to just clip to your camera bag or backpack and nobody will even know what it is.</div>
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It turned out even more useful for us, since my two youngest are particularly terrified of using public toilets, <b>especially</b> pit toilets such as are found at the Grand Canyon. </div>
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So the pStyle was used there as well. </div>
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See that man in the black shirt? That's Grant. :) </div>
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Time to head back up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpnJy2bH5hht-tU-XTzhyphenhyphenBoFZLkhrxIzgMcAe-GAldVllhGGuYGetqoUc6kPNZG_4zbBzqP3PXJu040AjecJYaL0MgkWnU-16vM46_taIWd5BcVpW-a4GKGgrhYZzttFazV1_Jptogdk/s1600/DSC_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpnJy2bH5hht-tU-XTzhyphenhyphenBoFZLkhrxIzgMcAe-GAldVllhGGuYGetqoUc6kPNZG_4zbBzqP3PXJu040AjecJYaL0MgkWnU-16vM46_taIWd5BcVpW-a4GKGgrhYZzttFazV1_Jptogdk/s640/DSC_1626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pretty little bird near us on a water break. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFToxaGLVqQraBJd2Qdg-yFrU2ec0QpRvCZOtFPGbCpysxAdiWUAMQrphDhxO0RQJPl7us9KrMgx6aD7inB1diN7Xpt15Sq3I5N0jM92lEnCdfelOp5TWEHsn3Tz5BK6kDh4me80pQ7ww/s1600/20151030_142945+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFToxaGLVqQraBJd2Qdg-yFrU2ec0QpRvCZOtFPGbCpysxAdiWUAMQrphDhxO0RQJPl7us9KrMgx6aD7inB1diN7Xpt15Sq3I5N0jM92lEnCdfelOp5TWEHsn3Tz5BK6kDh4me80pQ7ww/s640/20151030_142945+-+Copy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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The trail was pretty rugged in places - probably due to the mule traffic. We had to avoid piles and puddles left by the mules in various places as well. </div>
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We decided to let Miranda take the lead, since she's the smallest and theoretically, the weakest of the group. Let me just say that she set a heck of a pace. Being in the lead seemed to give her unbounded energy and determination and she would only stop very briefly for water breaks before insisting that we move on. :) When we made it back to the top. other hikers were amazed that we had done so well with young children. </div>
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Here's a look at the trail near the beginning - it was pretty steep. Let's just say that I was a bit "on edge" the entire day, worrying about kids getting too close to the drop-offs. </div>
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Tired but happy kids riding the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. </div>
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That night we got to celebrate Marissa's 10th birthday. Hurrah for cake!</div>
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<b>Day 17: (October 31)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr4lFDG82zOPCTtxkV8znJkHHG6vlXCW9enkSpy_62kwMS68qzsEksKN1-X6XWtZN4Kgj8V8Nmll5PBj6XmkgoE4yllnma841KQ6ZivnAAcdLvXtob9avIHiW9I9fId6Ob1MLmBrxvHc/s1600/DSC_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr4lFDG82zOPCTtxkV8znJkHHG6vlXCW9enkSpy_62kwMS68qzsEksKN1-X6XWtZN4Kgj8V8Nmll5PBj6XmkgoE4yllnma841KQ6ZivnAAcdLvXtob9avIHiW9I9fId6Ob1MLmBrxvHc/s640/DSC_1686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next day we opted to do a slightly easier route and walk parts of the Rim Trail. </div>
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The Rim Trail is mostly paved and extends for about 13 miles total. There are numerous look-out points where shuttles will stop to let off and pick up people, so you can walk some sections and ride between others. We chose to start near the Bright Angel Lodge and head west for a couple of miles before getting on a shuttle and riding to the other stops we wanted to see. </div>
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Silly girls. The kids all loved riding the shuttles. </div>
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The reddish rock extends out in the shape of an alligator's head - this was the only lookout point where you could see it properly. We also got our first look at the very muddy Colorado River. </div>
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On our last shuttle ride back to our starting point, we saw a herd of elk crossing the road right in front of the shuttle. They didn't look like they had a care in the world and were oblivious to the people around them. This Bull Elk was really impressive!</div>
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It's always fun to end a hiking day with ice cream. :) </div>
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At my insistence, we took another shuttle back out with hordes of other tourists to attempt to get some photos of the sunset. Unfortunately, it was a very clear sky and we were a bit underwhelmed with the experience. Especially since it was freezing and we were famished. But everyone was a good sport about it and at least we can say we did it. </div>
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<b>Day 18: (November 1)</b></div>
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We're in the home stretch. Two days of driving and we're home. I could hardly wait. My own bathroom and kitchen were what I missed the most. Besides some personal time, that is. </div>
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As an introvert, I was struggling to be a happy person with the constant contact with everyone and precious little time to be alone and re-charge. Great character development opportunity. I've got character coming out my ears. HA. </div>
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Elk-crossing sign. Grant had to stop and get a photo. </div>
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We made it to Amarillo, TX that day - more than half-way so that our last day would be shorter. </div>
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Long day, nothing too much exciting. Most of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas aren't super thrilling to just drive through. </div>
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We did notice the distinct odor of cows in Amarillo at our campsite. Yep, we're in Texas! </div>
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<b>Day 19: (November 2)</b></div>
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Another day of driving - so excited to be headed home. </div>
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One of the happiest moments of the day. Welcome to Arkansas! We were just 45 minutes from home! Well, we made a brief stop at my parents' house to pick up our dogs on the way. </div>
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Home sweet home.....and the joys of unpacking the trailer and doing mountains of laundry. :) </div>
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<b>19 days, 11 states, 9 campgrounds/rv parks, 1 hotel, 2 national parks, 1 wedding, 2 birthdays, an ocean, mountains, deserts, farms, vineyards, plains, 80 degree weather and 29 degree weather, and nearly 5,000 miles towing a trailer. Whew! What an adventure!</b></div>
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-47715697197852516412016-01-06T09:41:00.003-05:002016-01-22T08:48:31.628-05:00Family Road Trip - 2015 (Part 7: Point Lobos and Malibu)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Day 13: (October 27)</b><br />
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Grant's parents met up with us at the RV park in the morning and we headed off to Point Lobos Nature Reserve. When planning the trip, I had identified several parks on the coast that looked worth visiting, but this one seemed to really be exceptional, plus it's just a short drive south from Monterey, so we could stay at the same campground.<br />
Win/win.<br />
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After a minor issue getting parked near the grandparents and a lengthy trip to the bathrooms (getting a crowd this size through the bathrooms is surprisingly challenging), we finally got to start a hike. Oh, and we got a quick lesson on poison oak - after a park ranger happened to stroll by and saw Ellia playing with a couple of sticks. Apparently poison oak loses its leaves and is just this scraggly stick-looking bush, lining the trails <b>everywhere</b>. So of course, that's exactly what Ellia was playing with. Grant hustled her off for a thorough hand washing and fortunately all was well.<br />
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Our first trail led to the sea lion lookout.<br />
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Binoculars were very helpful in spotting wildlife.</div>
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Gulls were easy to see. :)</div>
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See all the lumps covering those rocks? Those are sea lions. They were just lying around all together, probably a couple hundred of them, the park ranger told us. Really cool. It was much easier to watch them through the telescope they had on the trail. </div>
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In some little coves, the water looked emerald green. Beautiful!</div>
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Those are some happy grandparents! Yep, and happy kids, too. </div>
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We drove to a different part of the park for a picnic lunch and more trails.</div>
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The kids talked us into going down this steep staircase to a little beach area. The call of the water was irresistible. </div>
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Despite the knowledge that they would have to put their socks and shoes back onto sandy, wet feet to finish our hike, they wasted no time in rushing for the water. </div>
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On our way back to the car, we spotted some harbor seals resting on rocks near the shore. We watched them for quite awhile. Cool!</div>
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Grandpa and Grandma did a fantastic job keeping up with us - we're so glad they're willing and able to join us on fun adventures like this!</div>
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One of the highlights of the day for the kids was looking for little sea creatures in the rocks next to this boat launch. They found a couple of varieties of crabs and were begging to bring some home with us. Not a chance. </div>
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One of the most awesome trees ever. A Monterey Cypress next to the Whaler's Cove, where you can see whale bones from years past. This area is rich in history and had a little museum explaining the lives of the people who survived here in the whaling industry. </div>
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A rare moment of sweetness between these two required documentation. </div>
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A not-so-rare moment of sassiness/silliness from Annika. :) </div>
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The Whaler's Museum.</div>
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After such a long and beautiful day, we were ready to head back to the trailer. We had another one of my slow cooker soups awaiting us, which really hit the spot on a chilly evening. We said our good-byes to grandparents and prepared for the next day's journey. </div>
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<b>Day 14: (October 28)</b></div>
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Happy Birthday to Marissa! Our girl turned 10 today - and we were on the road to visit Grant's Uncle Randall and his family in Malibu. </div>
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Randall is 21 years younger than Grant's dad - and he has two children. Twins Alexandria and Julian are nearly 15, so they're much closer in age to our kids than they are to their first cousin, Grant. </div>
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Our RV park was just across from the Pacific. You can't see the highway down below, separating us from the ocean, so we weren't on the beach, but it was close enough. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When the traffic slowed down at night, we heard the waves crashing throughout the evening. </span></div>
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Alex spent several hours playing with us - such a great girl and my kids were delighted to get to know her. </div>
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Their dog Luna was nervous about us at first - but she quickly warmed up to Corban. Ha!</div>
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She drove us down to the beach area for their community - well, Ellia, Miranda, and I got a full ride; the rest of the family had to walk part of the way until she dropped us off at the beach and went back to get them. </div>
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The sun set too quickly for us - but we got a little snippet of play. The kids and Alex were looking for crabs among the rocks. </div>
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Meanwhile, Randall was cooking up a feast for us. Lobster (which he had caught and frozen a couple of weeks prior), steak, homemade meatballs and pasta, roasted brussel sprouts, and butternut squash. Wow!</div>
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It was an amazing dinner spent with lovely people. We were so grateful for a special visit with Randall and his family. </div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/12/family-road-trip-2015-part-6-santa-cruz.html#.Vo0nehUrK70" target="_blank">Part 6 (Santa Cruz and Monterey)</a></div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2016/01/family-trip-2015-part-8-grand-canyon.html#.VqIzDyorK70">Part 8 (The Grand Canyon)</a></div>
Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-51811387097406547342015-12-07T14:05:00.001-05:002016-01-06T09:42:38.263-05:00Family Road Trip - 2015 (Part 6: Santa Cruz and Monterey)<b>Day 11: (Oct 25)</b><br />
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After enjoying our hotel breakfast one last time, we loaded up and headed back to San Jose.<br />
Grant's friend Jae, with whom he's been friends since 8th grade, was able to come over to see us. That was really exciting, since we hadn't seen him in several years.<br />
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After a grocery shopping trip to Trader Joes (oh, how I miss having one nearby) and loading back up the trailer, we all headed to the Santa Cruz area.<br />
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We stayed at the Santa Cruz Redwoods Rv Park - with our trailer nestled right underneath the giant trees. </div>
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Grandpa and Grandma met us at the campground - and 77-year old Grandpa wasted no time in scaling this redwood stump with Corban. Pretty spry! We had plans to roast hot dogs and s'mores, but due to the drought, there was a burn ban and no fires of any kind were allowed near the redwoods.</div>
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The up side was that now we had the opportunity to drive into Santa Cruz and visit the grandparents' favorite special occasion restaurant, the Crow's Nest. </div>
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We got there just as the sun was setting and got a few photos. Such a gorgeous view!</div>
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Jae and Grant - friends forever. </div>
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Grandpa and Corban</div>
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We enjoyed a lovely dinner and even got to spot a harbor seal outside around the dock a few times. Jae spent the night with us in our trailer so we could have more time to hang out. The grandparents went back to their home with the plans to meet up with us the next day. </div>
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<b>Day 12: (Oct 26)</b></div>
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We drove less than a mile down the road to Henry Cowell Redwood State Park. I was so excited - the redwoods were one of my must-sees for the California visit. There were a lot of things I was willing to sacrifice seeing, but redwoods weren't one of them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCxkZrl-BxDqo54vJ0jCTY_gUCRuXfpM5uYpmFS7sLisi10_9SeXeL4UyHDgQGxDfa-gyQf8haJNuTnjIaStomzwadGygsZSNs6yqxdWUQELqYiBf-1V82BPavfAH-1LT7zYE0MhMUio/s1600/DSC_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCxkZrl-BxDqo54vJ0jCTY_gUCRuXfpM5uYpmFS7sLisi10_9SeXeL4UyHDgQGxDfa-gyQf8haJNuTnjIaStomzwadGygsZSNs6yqxdWUQELqYiBf-1V82BPavfAH-1LT7zYE0MhMUio/s640/DSC_1034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They estimate this tree was about 1700 years old. Wow! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFgZYMubQZFAtfZvLWA5K4LBJvncHEQNYCJPqEbeuJPbCo9XCJoDrea5fYKWSaeq1fZnWhpY-w87a7_tBsUzXPrZXFLaleMf9-Ktcl4Zurfkk9-TEEAd-Yuf8qXyLAVhIMzMfMCa2pDM/s1600/DSC_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFgZYMubQZFAtfZvLWA5K4LBJvncHEQNYCJPqEbeuJPbCo9XCJoDrea5fYKWSaeq1fZnWhpY-w87a7_tBsUzXPrZXFLaleMf9-Ktcl4Zurfkk9-TEEAd-Yuf8qXyLAVhIMzMfMCa2pDM/s640/DSC_1039.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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We strolled along the wide and level path which meandered through the forest, sometimes just stopping and staring up at the incredible height of the giants. Their immense size and just the knowledge of how old they are is mind-blowing. </div>
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That tree in the center is the largest in the park - estimated to be well over 2,000 years old. </div>
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This tree is pretty special - you can enter through that hole and stand inside the tree. Apparently they've fit 85 people inside there before - which was hard to believe - but we were perfectly comfortable with 10 people in there. </div>
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Inside the tree!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZEHJKpBLoQ49UBW_jRoJpcFmJHlGJyrK0d3Ga5ee04fXnGomcruuWj7djR1k0MNMNkNdA4mplI7pM6ftmAVRZFQWS4vPgxAuY2goaQpP0EL7GReLljOe8TFbXfR0d6LXRpU1v_kT5Xs/s1600/DSC_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZEHJKpBLoQ49UBW_jRoJpcFmJHlGJyrK0d3Ga5ee04fXnGomcruuWj7djR1k0MNMNkNdA4mplI7pM6ftmAVRZFQWS4vPgxAuY2goaQpP0EL7GReLljOe8TFbXfR0d6LXRpU1v_kT5Xs/s640/DSC_1088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's always frustrating when photos don't do the scenery justice, and that was particularly true here. You just have to experience being in a redwood forest to truly appreciate it. I could have stayed there all day. </div>
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Definitely one of my very favorite places of the entire trip. Grant agreed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J9nf9xMp7gBfUCF53JHCxrCOJXmPmzbs7VaxCqZrZsybsBA6lWzD7Cxb5Os5qn93pjzw61KYct3M8gT1ToyRB_TBuQrUyPUZaWPBuzYy7FAYamgsgFvLoqQzQ-7fX-I2bEPvF0kL4ao/s1600/DSC_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J9nf9xMp7gBfUCF53JHCxrCOJXmPmzbs7VaxCqZrZsybsBA6lWzD7Cxb5Os5qn93pjzw61KYct3M8gT1ToyRB_TBuQrUyPUZaWPBuzYy7FAYamgsgFvLoqQzQ-7fX-I2bEPvF0kL4ao/s640/DSC_1111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We even got to spot a banana slug - a species unique to redwood forests. Apparently we were pretty lucky to see one; they're not usually out in that temperature for some reason. The park ranger seemed excited that we saw one, so we were excited too. :) </div>
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As much as we wanted to stay longer, we had to check out of our campground by 11:00, so we couldn't linger. </div>
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Our next campground was about 8 miles south of Gilroy, the self-proclaimed garlic capital of the world. They aren't kidding - you can smell the garlic when you drive through town, with the windows closed. Yeah. Our RV park was really out in the middle of nowhere, but it was half the price of the ones closer to Monterey, and nicer as well. </div>
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After getting set up there briefly, we headed out for a 40 min. drive into Monterey to visit the well-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Now really, it's not a cheap visit. It was actually less expensive for our family to get a year season pass than individual tickets. The grandparents ended up purchasing the tickets and got their season pass with it, so they can go back anytime they want. </div>
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I've never been to an aquarium before - and neither had the kids. But since we studied <a href="http://www.apologia.com/zoology-2/153-zoology-2-exploring-creation-with.html" target="_blank">swimming creatures</a> in science last year, it was especially exciting to get to see in person many of the creatures we had discussed. </div>
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The jellyfish exhibit was particularly mesmerizing. </div>
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Goofing off with Grandma on one of the balconies.</div>
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Miranda was fascinated by the itty-bitty jellyfish. Some were no bigger than her pinky toenail. </div>
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The Deep Sea Exhibit was incredible. </div>
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Hammerhead!</div>
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One of the highlights to us was the penguin feeding. Those little guys were so interactive and adorable! We loved the Sea Otter feeding time too - but I didn't get any great photos. </div>
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The Kelp Forest feeding time was also really cool. </div>
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An interactive exhibit </div>
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Hurray for Sea Turtles!</div>
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There are numerous touch tanks to experience a variety of sea life. Since we were there late on a Monday afternoon, it wasn't busy at all. Especially near closing time. </div>
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More examining the touch tank area. </div>
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It ended up being closing time before we had even seen the whole aquarium, which was disappointing. The girls did take the time to peruse several gift shops and pick out some penguin and dolphin stuffies. Because we just don't have enough stuffed animals at our house. (eye roll)</div>
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After a fun dinner at a nearby burger joint, and another quick stop into the Trader Joe's next to it, we drove back to the campground to get some zzzzzz's. </div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-5-napa-valley.html#.VmXXofmrS70" target="_blank">Part 5: Napa Valley</a> </div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2016/01/family-road-trip-2015-part-7-point.html#.Vo0nsBUrK70" target="_blank">Part 7: Point Lobos and Malibu</a></div>
Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-63132871024608265772015-11-16T10:03:00.000-05:002016-01-22T09:03:14.282-05:00Family Road Trip - 2015 (Part 5 - Napa Valley)<b>Day 7: October 21 </b><br />
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Not a super interesting day.<br />
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Okay, that's giving it too much credit.<br />
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Better described as one of the most boring days ever.<br />
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Our departure from Zion was delayed by a irritatingly long line at the dump station, so we were 30 minutes later than anticipated getting on the road.<br />
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We drove seemingly endless miles through the corners of Utah and Arizona, past Las Vegas, into California, and up I-5 through central Cali.<br />
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Oh, within an hour of beginning the drive, we had to pull over for Annika to vomit again. Ugh. It was only twice today, though, thank God. It must have been some sort of car-triggered sickness.<br />
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We parked for the night at a KOA in Los Banos, CA.<br />
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<b>Day 8: October 22</b><br />
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I was exceedingly happy to get a nice shower early in the morning - as there were no showers at Zion and our trailer shower is basically like standing in a bucket with your head hunched over. Plus we had had no water hook-ups there, so we had to conserve water.<br />
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We drove to San Jose to drop off the trailer at Grant's parents' home and spent a little while visiting with them, plus getting organized and packed up in the Sequoia for the next three days.<br />
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It was fun to meet Grandma and Grandpa's 6-month old Golden Retriever, Mack.</div>
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We took the slightly longer route to Napa to cross the Golden Gate Bridge - something I've wanted to see for a long time. Traffic through San Francisco was pretty bad, but it was interesting to see a small portion of the city. </div>
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After crossing the bridge, we circled around to this look-out point to take some photos. I'm glad it wasn't foggy!</div>
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That's Alcatraz off there in the distance. </div>
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We stayed in the Best Western Premier Ivy in Napa for three nights - with two adjoining rooms. Hurrah for all that space! Grant's parents were just a few doors down, and his brother and sister-in-law were downstairs. Aunt Julie and her family stayed there as well. </div>
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We joined some of the family and bridal party at the house Jessica was renting for a fabulous dinner she had cooked for everyone. The girls especially loved meeting their little second cousin, Ares (also known as Kicker). Sweetest baby ever!</div>
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Jessica (the bride) with the kids. </div>
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<b>Day 9: October 23</b></div>
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We didn't have any obligations that day except for the rehearsal dinner in the evening, so we took a few hours and drove over to Fairfield, CA to tour the Jelly Belly Factory. </div>
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Free tours, free candy - how can you go wrong?</div>
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They have a sample bar where you can go through and pick three candies each time, unlimited times through. Along with all the normal flavors, they also have super gross ones, like stinky socks, boogers, vomit, dog food, and grass clippings. After smelling his stinky socks pick, Corban decided to just lick it. </div>
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They didn't allow photos in most of the tour, but I did get a few at the beginning. They have some amazing displays of famous characters made entirely of Jelly Bellies. Some of them are composed of over 14,000 candies. Impressive!</div>
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They require hats for the tour. The day we were there, the flavor being made was Buttered Popcorn. </div>
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It was a rather strong odor. Our tour guide told us that in an earlier tour, a kid had vomited from the smell. Nice. </div>
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The girls at the Sample Bar. They went through the line a few times. </div>
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The backyard of Jessica's rental house - where the rehearsal dinner was held. Isn't it beautiful? </div>
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The family with Grant's lovely Aunt Julie. It was the girls' first time to meet her, and Corban's first that he could remember (he was 18 months old last time). Everyone just loves her!</div>
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<b>Day 10: October 24 (Wedding Day!)</b><br />
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It was fun to have breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa every morning. The hotel had a really great breakfast, and the best part was, I didn't have to cook or clean up! :) </div>
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Ellia and Miranda were flower girls - posing with the bridal party before the wedding. </div>
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Like my dress? I do. :) My sister Anna gave it to me a few weeks before the wedding. She had gotten it at a thrift store awhile back and it didn't up fitting her just right. I was thrilled that it fit me really well! </div>
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I did have a bit of a wardrobe malfunction, however. We had just arrived at the wedding venue for family photos and Grant noticed that one of the halter straps was ripping from the dress. Ever resourceful, he jogged off to find the hotel lobby (which was a little ways down the road) to get a little emergency sewing kit. Upon his return, he quickly made the repair (he's great at hand sewing jobs) and we were off to take photos. </div>
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Cute little flower girls - Ellia and Miranda, with their new friend Maddie. </div>
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Annika and Marissa</div>
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Marissa with Grandma at cocktail hour</div>
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So pretty!</div>
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Cousin Drew with Ellia. She absolutely adored him. </div>
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Drew's son Alessio with Corban. Those two hit it off really well. </div>
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Miranda with Grant's Uncle Randall</div>
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Grandpa and Grandma all dressed up - looking fantastic!</div>
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Here come the flower girls!</div>
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Jessica and Rick - amazing couple!</div>
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The dinner was simply fabulous. I had the Sea Bass and it was some of the best fish I've ever eaten. </div>
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The wedding was just an exquisite event. We had so much fun spending time with the family, dancing and feasting and making wonderful memories. </div>
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Whew. Longest post ever. </div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-4-zion.html#.VknwVPmrS70" target="_blank">Part 4 - Zion National Park</a></div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/12/family-road-trip-2015-part-6-santa-cruz.html#.VqI2fyorK70">Part 6 - Monterey and Point Lobos</a></div>
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<br />Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-49772292551384031242015-11-09T18:30:00.002-05:002015-11-16T10:05:05.304-05:00Family Road Trip - 2015 (Part 4 - Zion National Park)<br />
<b>Day 5:October 19 </b><br />
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As sad as we were to leave Colorado Springs, we were even more sad to leave Ouray.<br />
I mean, with a view like this, who would WANT to leave?<br />
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But new adventures were awaiting, so leave we did. </div>
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We stopped at a Walmart in Montrose, CO, to see if they could fix our flat trailer tire. Fortunately, they could, so I took care of purchasing a few perishables while we waited. That stop took longer than we wanted, but it couldn't be avoided. I was successful in purchasing and hiding a birthday cake for Corban while we were there, so that was a triumph.</div>
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On our way out of town, through a light rain, we saw the most vibrant rainbow we had ever seen. </div>
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Although Google maps had said we only had a 7 hour day of driving ahead of us, due to our last experience, we knew that would just not be the case. However, we didn't know that the speed limit on I-70 across the middle of Utah had a speed limit of <b>80 mph</b>. Sheesh. Since we were still plugging away at about 60 mph, our travel estimate was even more inaccurate than the first day. </div>
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At least the scenery was pretty awesome. </div>
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That center section of Utah has pretty spectacular views - but it's also probably the most desolate place I've ever seen. We must have gone 250 miles without an exit with services. No civilization. Nothing. Thank God Grant had the foresight to bring a 5 gallon container of gasoline along (just in case - we had no idea about the stretch of nothing we would encounter) - we actually had to stop and use it or we would have run out of gas. </div>
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Oh, it was at that stop that Annika (8) first vomited.</div>
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Poor kid ended up vomiting 5 times before we reached our campsite late that evening. </div>
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Was it a stomach bug, coming to haunt us on our cross-country trip to a wedding? </div>
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Or just a bizarre case of car sickness (from the kid who's never been carsick)? </div>
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Time would tell. </div>
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Our nerves were a little worked up about it, as you can well imagine. </div>
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Somewhere in the middle of nothingness, we got to witness our second double rainbow of the day - this one just as spectacular as the first. Made even better with the completely natural surroundings. </div>
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And we got to see another lovely sunset - with hours to go to our campsite - AGAIN. Sigh.</div>
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Nothing like setting up camp in a pitch-black campground with crying kids in the car. AGAIN. </div>
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<b>Day 6: October 20</b></div>
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<b>Happy Birthday, CORBAN!! </b></div>
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Our boy turned 12 today. </div>
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He's 5'6", wears men's size 10 shoes, and is growing into a young man faster than we can grasp. </div>
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He loves skateboards, basketball, swimming, scooters, hiking, camping (real tent camping), Trail Life, nature, reading adventure books (Ranger's Apprentice series is his favorite), archery, Clash of Clans, and competing with me on our Duolingo Spanish lessons. </div>
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We gave him an autographed book series called <a href="http://perfect-praise.com/knbooks.html" target="_blank">The Knights of Arrethtrae</a> that we purchased at a homeschool convention earlier this year - he finished all six books before we got home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphOf5RnMBj4LANqa9c4csBW3uaahyIW-KfNBuqwY1OGGNuYLMBPJV0Bg0S7xbbiO_AQhLDW-v204038ZxnHpK551D4MOBgEoKfaYdp9TGkaDCjY-gdvMK84XtRs85oZpFcKGD_bFoIAM/s1600/20151020_081935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphOf5RnMBj4LANqa9c4csBW3uaahyIW-KfNBuqwY1OGGNuYLMBPJV0Bg0S7xbbiO_AQhLDW-v204038ZxnHpK551D4MOBgEoKfaYdp9TGkaDCjY-gdvMK84XtRs85oZpFcKGD_bFoIAM/s640/20151020_081935.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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He was super excited to receive some walkie-talkies for his birthday. They got a lot of use on this trip.</div>
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Side note: Annika was feeling great and eating normally all day - no sign of sickness. Hurrah! </div>
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Our trailer/campsite - in the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/watchman-campground.htm" target="_blank">Watchman Campground</a>. That's Watchman Rock in the background.</div>
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At $18 per night, it was by far the cheapest campground we visited. It had very nice bathrooms but no showers or water hook-ups. The sites were large and spaced well - and we were actually IN the national park, which was super cool. </div>
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This set of rocks is called the Patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. </div>
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Seen at the trail head of our first trail. Nice warning. </div>
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Lovely tarantula I spotted on the side of the trail. I don't care if they're "not dangerous" - I'll keep my distance, thankyouverymuch. That's Grant's foot, by the way. </div>
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Couple of cute fawns with a doe we spotted. </div>
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Annika and Marissa</div>
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The kids loved playing by the river near our campsite. The river was really muddy due to flash floods a couple of days earlier. Glad we missed out on that!</div>
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Ellia and me</div>
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Another view of the Watchman Rock. Pretty impressive!</div>
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We enjoyed another one of the crock pot soups that night (chicken chili with fritos and cheese) and surprised Corban with his birthday cake and Tillamook huckleberry ice cream (oh man, is that stuff good!). This is the first store-bought birthday cake for any of my kids. I was a little sad to not get to bake something, but I got over it. </div>
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Corban declared it his best birthday ever. :) </div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-3-ouray.html#.VkEsiPmrS70" target="_blank">Part 3: Ouray, CO</a></div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-5-napa-valley.html#.VknwgfmrS70" target="_blank">Part 5 - California, here we come!</a></div>
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-55460872079006971672015-11-06T10:03:00.001-05:002015-11-09T18:31:26.136-05:00Family Road Trip - 2015 (Part 3- Ouray, Colorado)<b>Day 3: October 17</b><br />
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We were truly sad to leave our campsite and the Colorado Springs area - there is so much we didn't have time to see and experience.<br />
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As I mentioned before, Grant made the run into town to get the battery changed while I fed the kids and supervised showers.<br />
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On our way back to the trailer from the showers, we were delighted to run into some beautiful (and very well fed) mule deer just roaming around the campground. They were completely unconcerned about our presence and basically just watched us.<br />
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"Never mind me....just grilling some meat here...." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmu0yx0-3EhtU0gvpTEwZWZDzLtcRkHe2rIBhhmHgP3bOrufVIr4HqD7Gw_8I25ZmjFwIl7z_VjyaKssrHZIhCjFIj4wTctTT3k7VYWOtizIpaDq_3sgNj7KqSj81MxQj7BRGgJJ2reU/s1600/20151017_085223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmu0yx0-3EhtU0gvpTEwZWZDzLtcRkHe2rIBhhmHgP3bOrufVIr4HqD7Gw_8I25ZmjFwIl7z_VjyaKssrHZIhCjFIj4wTctTT3k7VYWOtizIpaDq_3sgNj7KqSj81MxQj7BRGgJJ2reU/s640/20151017_085223.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That was a fun way to start the morning!</div>
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Our drive to Ouray was one of the prettiest drives I've ever experienced. The six hours seemed to just fly by. Grant wasn't able to enjoy the scenery as much because he had to focus on driving that trailer through the mountains. He and the Sequoia did an awesome job. I'm sure glad I wasn't driving!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdElLnVQtMcZhHZOHb9sM6SnrSKaSRQ1YnR3RPxGcZTazucfysG7BAJncRAuOm9T1uGCkyqjuTPz4gyMlV7g6BysbROUpSIeUrJYYnUuD_aqD0qhPwn6_DLfNyH4loUJR8yBt3uP-6vk/s1600/20151017_113322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdElLnVQtMcZhHZOHb9sM6SnrSKaSRQ1YnR3RPxGcZTazucfysG7BAJncRAuOm9T1uGCkyqjuTPz4gyMlV7g6BysbROUpSIeUrJYYnUuD_aqD0qhPwn6_DLfNyH4loUJR8yBt3uP-6vk/s640/20151017_113322.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We drove alongside the Gunnison River for a couple of hours. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebSLBYiRNi7-kbvZLMWkaLRbF74C5Z57XCRQoutpx_AiNSKmeJNOimoGgKPn_f3rxUBQrxvfrA8Ni-rSKGt1rXUqTD8S1S-3FEidRbtTatfcxs9Uy6WYXWzi6qFmjDkhEPogU5kfb12w/s1600/20151017_122945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebSLBYiRNi7-kbvZLMWkaLRbF74C5Z57XCRQoutpx_AiNSKmeJNOimoGgKPn_f3rxUBQrxvfrA8Ni-rSKGt1rXUqTD8S1S-3FEidRbtTatfcxs9Uy6WYXWzi6qFmjDkhEPogU5kfb12w/s640/20151017_122945.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Seen at a gas stop - I want one!</div>
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At the top elevation on this drive - Monarch Pass Summit. Elevation 11,312 ft.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ucKenjFHkDgqYbzpY1EiOECH3eLDO0op3KGP_3L1R_xiWMdzV-HRSzXMJg8UgjEFXXCyzqngUZ-s2e-fb20sPQS6vipB7n72sfDeBiBJxxtBUoCRDwY4aImwx0EThozP5dkHTcGfH2o/s1600/20151017_162712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ucKenjFHkDgqYbzpY1EiOECH3eLDO0op3KGP_3L1R_xiWMdzV-HRSzXMJg8UgjEFXXCyzqngUZ-s2e-fb20sPQS6vipB7n72sfDeBiBJxxtBUoCRDwY4aImwx0EThozP5dkHTcGfH2o/s640/20151017_162712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9UmC4tvFB60rmnxLD0GT98u6kAybwP2aGDhRisrxKgOrHyXQFpmTyGQl7zwGCiNCFEucKoOJhQdfDlnhb41u8FGKHNUylfcRlmcQTz-AMndYRXFW7wTqDG4poVgGSMJjqWJ4wppO0uI/s1600/20151017_151520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9UmC4tvFB60rmnxLD0GT98u6kAybwP2aGDhRisrxKgOrHyXQFpmTyGQl7zwGCiNCFEucKoOJhQdfDlnhb41u8FGKHNUylfcRlmcQTz-AMndYRXFW7wTqDG4poVgGSMJjqWJ4wppO0uI/s640/20151017_151520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We got to our RV park (a few miles north of Ouray) in the late afternoon. It wasn't a fancy park, nothing to write home about, but it was inexpensive, <b>actually open</b> in the late fall (most campgrounds in the area were already closed for the season), and boy, were the views fantastic. Here's a look from our campsite. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1Bz8H8H4FfER1ngTAeHwV7rlKlUTcAg6VNnAKEwyinNG7JHvgofybX9H-Jdj7jyeulqYCuKTskL4I62tVo46i_bdqilivUqyxuLtfaiXnSheTBdMmXa-lJ-ttumdkdeuZT-LxxGhDDM/s1600/20151017_164452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1Bz8H8H4FfER1ngTAeHwV7rlKlUTcAg6VNnAKEwyinNG7JHvgofybX9H-Jdj7jyeulqYCuKTskL4I62tVo46i_bdqilivUqyxuLtfaiXnSheTBdMmXa-lJ-ttumdkdeuZT-LxxGhDDM/s640/20151017_164452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQt7b2XfwKoX_93JAK4XqMz7YkwJripB6Dj1npTWfc_6Z2Na6twv7o-OtpXrm3Qr6-KtDSFeir8q_Le7pC-N-bRSsXmwOV52U1Dp3nYgxxqhISG1YaCTGB77pMf-aQpF66O74OdQPBz4/s1600/20151017_173718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQt7b2XfwKoX_93JAK4XqMz7YkwJripB6Dj1npTWfc_6Z2Na6twv7o-OtpXrm3Qr6-KtDSFeir8q_Le7pC-N-bRSsXmwOV52U1Dp3nYgxxqhISG1YaCTGB77pMf-aQpF66O74OdQPBz4/s640/20151017_173718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The trailer next to us belongs to a permanent resident - fortunately for us, he was out of town for a month and the park owners allowed us to borrow his fire pit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JICOhUFZ0HXwv75pgjMANg4T7qG6bFIHmeUMRH0rc3Ebj4hmeh9j25BuaRIJ52qrV_oGSKZI3QE1xJisTKatbL7MvMzMuVan9wgqRg3I6ilRY0rHqjOslqga1naS_p1Ulq73SHzHGeI/s1600/20151017_183249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JICOhUFZ0HXwv75pgjMANg4T7qG6bFIHmeUMRH0rc3Ebj4hmeh9j25BuaRIJ52qrV_oGSKZI3QE1xJisTKatbL7MvMzMuVan9wgqRg3I6ilRY0rHqjOslqga1naS_p1Ulq73SHzHGeI/s640/20151017_183249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Makes me want to move to Colorado. Except for that "snow for seven months of the year" business. I could do without that. </div>
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That night I made a really simple dinner of chicken bacon Alfredo (boiled the pasta, opened a couple of jars of bacon Alfredo sauce and warmed it with two cans of chicken, then stirred in the cooked pasta), green beans, and garlic bread (frozen loaf, warmed in our itty-bitty oven.) Super easy but my family felt like they were eating at a restaurant. hahaha!</div>
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<b>Day 4: October 18</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20Ma7yI8dnDRm00Oj8ROLOPcAb29-01GQWFQ1Dc2JqcxXiEMXd5KRSbrRLYnSjla4EUCOwwdZZRFlFXpKgxUGJHJtjPpt8ixK5DeSM0UoWV3aK8kN7jXE_2IBN8lTSaKuXaXfGGszM0U/s1600/20151018_091539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20Ma7yI8dnDRm00Oj8ROLOPcAb29-01GQWFQ1Dc2JqcxXiEMXd5KRSbrRLYnSjla4EUCOwwdZZRFlFXpKgxUGJHJtjPpt8ixK5DeSM0UoWV3aK8kN7jXE_2IBN8lTSaKuXaXfGGszM0U/s640/20151018_091539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Morning selfie with the girls to text to the grandparents</div>
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I had grand plans for the day - and they most definitely did not include this. </div>
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<b>A completely flat tire on the trailer.</b> One of the three brand new tires purchased right before our trip. Upon inspection, Grant found an enormous screw embedded in the tire and the patches he carries were most definitely not sufficient to mend it. </div>
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To complicate matters further, it was Sunday. All of the tire repair shops we could find within a 30 minute drive were closed.</div>
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Well, there was nothing we could do about it. He put on the spare and determined we wouldn't worry about it until Monday, when we could stop somewhere on our way out of Colorado to get it fixed. </div>
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So quick re-cap. </div>
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We're on Day 4 of the trip, and so far we've had the following issues:</div>
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<li>Replace the mass air-flow sensor on the Sequoia</li>
<li>New front brakes on the Sequoia</li>
<li>New battery on the Sequoia</li>
<li>Flat tire on the trailer </li>
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On the upside, we were profoundly thankful that God had protected us through each issue and nothing had really affected us while driving. Everything was getting fixed at reasonable costs and at just the right time. </div>
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So off we went, our packed lunch in the car, meatball soup prepped in the crock pot for dinner, and we were ready to go for a hike. </div>
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That is, we <i>thought</i> we were ready for the hike. </div>
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I had picked the easiest one I could find, one rated extremely positively on Tripadvisor. It was called the Perimeter Trail, accurately named as it circles around the town of Ouray for about 5 miles. We had no intention of doing the entire trail, but that was okay, since there were several places you could leave the trail and go back into town. </div>
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Sounded great. </div>
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The first section of the trail was just basically stairs and a gravelly path that kept going up. It wasn't long before Ellia and Miranda started to look at how high we were getting and the panic set it. They both started crying and refused to go further. With a little persuasion and in Ellia's case, talking her into pretending she was a mountain goat, we managed to proceed. </div>
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Well, the picture doesn't quite do it justice, but eventually the trail became this single-file ledge on the side of a cliff. It was essentially a drop off on that right side. For what felt like 500 feet. Okay, it probably wasn't that far, but it was certainly far enough to be catastrophic if a person were to fall. Let's just say it was mildly terrifying to supervise 5 children on this trail, especially when Annika started to skip. SKIP!! down the trail. That girl has no fear. </div>
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But the views.....Oh the views. You can see why they call Ouray the "Little Switzerland" of America. </div>
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We finally made our slow and careful path to Cascade Falls, which was quite lovely. I felt like kissing the ground when we made it off that mountainside. Seriously.</div>
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We had our picnic lunch on the rocks beneath the Falls. </div>
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And then we decided to take our leave of the Perimeter Trail. There was a trail/road back into town at that point. Isn't this house cute? There were lots of Swiss-inspired cottages in Ouray. </div>
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We celebrated our survival of the trail with ice cream. </div>
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With the rest of the afternoon on our hands, we decided to attempt a journey to Yankee Boy Basin, a popular viewpoint up in the mountains that requires 4-wheel drive vehicles at the very least. Many people hire tour guides with Jeeps to take them up there. </div>
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But not us! We have a Sequoia, remember. </div>
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Since it was late in the season (ie, very few tourists) and a misty day, we mostly had the road to ourselves. A fact for which I was profoundly grateful. </div>
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See, it's a 2-way road, but in many places, it's just 1 lane. With a sheer cliff on one side. </div>
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To say I was tense on most of this drive is a bit of an understatement. But again, the views were incredible. The first part of the road was just a dirt road that basically any vehicle could handle. Then we came to a section that said "High Clearance Vehicles, 4 wheel drive Only". </div>
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We kept going. </div>
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The road got more technical and extremely slow going as Grant maneuvered the Sequoia over large rocks that could barely be labeled a "road". </div>
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Eventually we made it to the last .5 mile of the "road", but the sign there said, "High Clearance, Short Wheel Base Vehicles Only". Meaning, only Jeeps and 4 wheelers/quads could handle it. We had to stop there. </div>
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It was misty and rainy, so our views were not as far as hoped for, but we had reached an elevation of over 11,600 feet (from the town of Ouray, which sits at 8,000 feet). </div>
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Our "Toyota commercial" shot. </div>
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We were amidst the same snow capped mountains we could see from afar at our campsite. Alone at the top of the mountains, with the temperature hovering at 45° (20 degrees colder than in town), rain gently falling and the thin air barely filling our lungs, we just stood in awe. </div>
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You can see we had made it to just where the tree-line stops. No more golden aspens up here!</div>
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And then took a family selfie with our waterproof camera. </div>
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It was one of the most breathtaking moments of our lives. </div>
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On our way back down the mountain, we stopped to get some photos of a waterfall we had bypassed on the way up. </div>
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Again thankful for the waterproof camera, as it was raining pretty steadily. </div>
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One of the more harrowing sections of the road, simply because of the SHEER DROP OFF on one side, the single lane road, and the fact that you CAN'T SEE if someone else is coming from the other direction. YIKES! (sorry for screaming....but it was scary. To me, anyways.)</div>
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One of my favorite shots from the day. I was standing on the edge of a cliff and the water was at least 200 feet beneath me. </div>
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We made it back to the campsite just in time for dinner - our awesome <a href="https://newleafwellness.biz/2014/05/21/slow-cooker-meatball-veggie-soup/" target="_blank">meatball soup</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I omitted the zucchini and added a can of cannellini beans).</span> The rain had stopped and we enjoyed our soup around the campfire, soaking in the gorgeous surroundings before the sun set.<br />
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Despite the anxiety and hair-raising terror of the day (primarily of yours truly) , it really was one of the <b>best days ever. </b><br />
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-1.html#.Vjy-8_mrS70" target="_blank">Part 1: Background and the First Day</a><br />
<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-2.html#.Vjy-1_mrS70" target="_blank">Part 2: Colorado Springs</a><br />
<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-4-zion.html#.VkEsqfmrS70" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-4-zion.html#.VkEsqfmrS70" target="_blank">Part 4: Zion National Park</a><br />
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<br />Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-30013876534486282722015-11-04T12:52:00.000-05:002015-11-06T10:10:54.865-05:00Family Road Trip - 2015 (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's a look at our trailer at our first campground. </div>
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<b>Day 2 (Oct. 16):</b> </div>
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When I was first researching RV parks in the Colorado Springs area, I was disappointed to find that all of the ones close to town that I was interested in were booked for our desired dates. </div>
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I had to expand the territory in which I was looking and found <a href="http://www.mountaindalecampground.com/" target="_blank">this gem</a>. It was about 25 minutes south of town, but it was the best I could do.</div>
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And boy, were we glad once we saw it. </div>
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Nestled in some gorgeous forested hills, it was a true camping experience, not like the parking lot RV parks in town. Our site was enormous and at the back of the property.</div>
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Once we pried ourselves out of bed that morning, we wasted no time in getting outside to explore a little. Following a dirt road on the hill behind the trailer, we quickly found ourselves enjoying these views. </div>
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The anguish the kids had felt during the long drive yesterday melted away and they were delighted with the fresh mountain air and the gorgeous scenery. </div>
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<b>Brief Note about Food:</b></div>
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For breakfasts, I planned very simple meals. Varieties of instant oatmeal, yogurt with homemade granola, or bagels were the fare nearly every day of our trip. We didn't have room to store much milk in our tiny fridge, so cereal wasn't an option. </div>
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Lunches, both on the road and for picnics on our outing days, were either peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or lunch meat with cheese, apples or clementines, and often chips.</div>
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Snacks included cereal bars, granola bars, trail mix, cheese crackers, that sort of thing. Easy to pack and transport. </div>
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Dinners on driving days usually ended up being fast food, because we were always running later than we wanted and wouldn't get to our campsite until 8 or 9:00. For days that we weren't travelling, I had planned ahead and made some freezer meals. Six soups, actually. <a href="https://newleafwellness.biz/2014/10/07/six-crockpot-soup-freezer-meals/" target="_blank">Here</a> are the recipes I used. I followed them nearly exactly, except to add some beans to the chicken soup. </div>
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The six gallon zip-locks with the soups just barely fit in our trailer freezer, but I made it work. So on outing days, I would just pull out the crock pot, empty one of the bags in there (which was easier if I had let it thaw in the fridge overnight, but sometimes I forgot), add a quart of vegetable broth, and set it on low for the day. Couldn't be simpler. </div>
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So this first day, I popped a bag of sausage spinach tomato soup into the crock pot and packed up a picnic lunch and we were off to Colorado Springs. </div>
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First stop was the Toyota dealership, to pick up the sensor that we needed. A quick install (by Grant) later, and we were ready to go. </div>
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I had visited the Garden of the Gods before, but none of my family had and they really had no idea what to expect. </div>
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As we meandered through the trails and got a little more adventurous about climbing on some of the rocks, the excitement mounted and everyone was just overwhelmed at the beauty surrounding us.</div>
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The kids are sitting on the Siamese Twins - a set of conjoined rocks that you can look through to see Pikes Peak in the distance. </div>
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Another view of the Siamese Twins from up the hill further</div>
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The kids got so brave about climbing and exploring on the rocks. Made my heart stop a few times, to tell you the truth. </div>
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By mid afternoon, we had made our way through the park and decided to take a little detour on our way back to the trailer to see Helen Hunt Falls. </div>
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A lovely scenic drive up a mountain led us to this. </div>
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We were too tired to attempt the strenuous hike up the mountain, so we just lingered at the Falls for awhile and took some photos. </div>
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Just chillin' out</div>
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We were getting hungry and were definitely tired, so we headed back down the mountain. As we drove with the windows down, we noticed a squeaking from the front brakes. </div>
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Not good.</div>
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We quickly called a Firestone dealer to see if we could get squeezed in to get them checked out before they closed. It was already 5:00. They were open until 7:00, so we were in luck. We made our way to downtown Colorado Springs and dropped off the Sequoia. With no car, our options were pretty limited. Fortunately, we were able to walk a couple of blocks to a nearby restaurant for some frozen custard. </div>
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Grant called Firestone and was told the discs as well as the pads need to be replaced. Wow. Providential timing, really, since we were driving over the mountains the next day. Imagine doing that with bad front brakes. </div>
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With more waiting on our hands, we did the only reasonable thing we could do. </div>
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We walked to a candy store.</div>
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Happy kids - with ice cream in their bellies and bags of candy. </div>
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Even better, there was a playground right in the square of downtown, so we spent awhile there before heading back to Firestone. </div>
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After getting a great deal on the brake job, we were also told that they had tested the battery and it wasn't good. Great. We're only on day 2 here - with our 3rd mechanical issue. </div>
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Fortunately, Grant was able to run back into town the next morning while I helped the kids shower and exchange the old battery for a new one at Walmart - for free. That was a blessing.</div>
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Now that it was past 7:00, we were really exhausted and hungry again. Back to the trailer where our soup smelled amazing and was ready to be devoured. We ate around a campfire and not a single kid complained about spinach in their soup. Probably because it was so dark, they couldn't see it, but whatever. </div>
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It was a really awesome day. </div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-1.html#.VjpF__mrS70" target="_blank">Part 1: Background and the First Day</a></div>
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<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-3-ouray.html#.VjzBQfmrS70" target="_blank">Part 3 - Ouray, Colorado </a></div>
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-61818883529095439862015-11-03T18:00:00.000-05:002015-11-04T20:22:14.289-05:00Family Road Trip - 2015 (Part 1)This is the trip that almost didn't happen.<br />
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It all started about a year ago, when Grant's cousin, Jessica, got engaged. Although she and her fiance live in Denver, they decided to get married in the Napa area of California. <br />
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Grant is originally from San Jose, California, and his parents still live there. On his dad's side of the family, everyone lives in California, Arizona, Colorado, or Nevada, except for us and his brother's family, who live in North Carolina. Because of the great distance between us and cost of traveling, especially considering the first 9 years we had kids when we lived in Virginia, we never took the children to family gatherings. None of the extended family had even met our girls.<br />
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But just thinking about plane tickets and rental vans and hotel rooms put the idea of taking the children to the wedding right out of the picture. Grant and I were planning on leaving the kids with my parents and flying out for a few days for the wedding festivities and leaving it at that.<br />
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And then.<br />
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One evening in early spring as we were lying in bed, nearly asleep, Grant exclaims, "I have a crazy idea!"<br />
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"Huh?" I drowsily murmured.<br />
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"Let's buy a camper and drive to California!!!" He was obviously very intrigued and excited about the idea.<br />
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"You have GOT to be KIDDING me." I was in disbelief. I had a wretched experience backpacking/camping once in college and have refused to even entertain the idea of camping ever since.<br />
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I thought he was just delusional in his exhausted state and shrugged it off.<br />
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Except he wasn't.<br />
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Within a few weeks, he had found a 2006 trailer on Craigslist and arranged for us to go look at it. He convinced me that we could try camping a few times throughout the summer to practice for the big trip and it would be so much fun! This would be our chance to see lots of places we had dreamed of taking the family in a much more economical way - and if it turned out we didn't like camping so much, we could always sell the trailer later.<br />
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Four "practice" camping trips later (just weekend trips within a 2 hour radius), we were beginning to feel as though we were getting this trailer thing down. Learning what was needed, what wasn't, how everything worked best, etc. Countless hours had been spent planning and packing and preparing and the TRIP was upon us.<br />
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(Oh, and I might add, the weekend before we left, my gorgeous younger sister got married, so we were ultra-busy for the entire month of October)<br />
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So here goes - a day by day rundown of our adventure of 2015.<br />
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Day 1 (Oct 15).<br />
We drove. And drove. And drove. Through the corners of Northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri, and into Kansas, which lasted forever.<br />
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At a rest stop somewhere in Kansas</div>
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Kansas does really have some beauty - especially in the southeast corner. And we got our first looks at windmills. They look so tiny in the distance but when you get a chance to be close to one, they're staggeringly enormous. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We realized that our first error in the trip planning was in trusting Google maps's estimation of drive time. See, when speed limits are 70 or 75, but you can drive 60 mph either to save gas mileage or because of the heavy winds (of which Kansas has plenty - hence the windmills everywhere), it slows you down significantly. Plus we had to stop for gas more frequently than a normal car, plus all the potty breaks - well, let's just say that our first day, which was supposed to be 12 hours, turned into 16. Not a super great start.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Oh, and part way through that day, Grant realized we needed a new mass air flow sensor (don't ask me what that is) and we spent a good portion of the day calling Toyota dealerships along our path to see if they had one in stock. They didn't. We had to wait until the next day in Colorado Springs to get one. </div>
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Watching the sun go down and realizing that we still had at least 6 hours more to go was a little disheartening, to say the least. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So we finally made it to our campground south of Colorado Springs somewhere around 12:30 am. Grant and I had to set up the trailer in pitch black night, with little girls who were upset at being awakened from our stop screaming in the car. Good times, good times. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2015/11/family-road-trip-2015-part-2.html#.VjpF3fmrS70" target="_blank">Part 2 - Colorado Springs</a></div>
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-64280189525308873642015-03-09T00:00:00.000-04:002015-03-09T00:00:01.432-04:00Mint Fudge Ice Cream with Brownie Pieces - SRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, which means it's the perfect time for mint/chocolate desserts. Well, any time is perfect for mint/chocolate desserts in my opinion, but that's just how I roll.<br />
<br />
So when I saw this recipe on my assigned blog for the <a href="http://secret-recipe-club.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secret Recipe Club</a>, I knew it was the perfect choice. Well, that and because she said it was quite possibly the best thing she had <b>ever</b> made. That nearly requires a taste test, don't you think?<br />
<br />
So my blog this month was <a href="http://www.paleyellow.net/" target="_blank">Pale Yellow</a>, where Tracy has some seriously awesome baked goods (and lots of other selections as well, but I was irresistibly drawn to the sweets, as usual). <a href="http://www.paleyellow.net/blog/2012/05/11/caramel-snickers-bars" target="_blank">Caramel Snickers Bars</a>, <a href="http://www.paleyellow.net/blog/2013/05/30/brown-butter-biscoff-rice-crispy-treats" target="_blank">Brown Butter Biscoff Rice Crispy Treats,</a> and <a href="http://www.paleyellow.net/blog/2014/03/17/chocolate-peanut-butter-whoopie-pies" target="_blank">Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies</a> were a few of the delectable treats that caught my eye, but I just kept thinking about this ice cream.<br />
<br />
And boy, am I glad I did.<br />
<br />
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Now here's the thing. You have to plan ahead to make this - the ice cream mixture has to chill before being churned, the brownies need to be baked, cut into chunks, and frozen, and the fudge sauce made and chilled before you can combine it all together. So give yourself a day to get all the components ready (or at the very least, start very early in the morning), and then complete the recipe the next day.<br />
<br />
I've used mint extract lots of times, but this recipe uses real mint leaves, simmered right in the milk and cream to impart that real mint flavor. I was amazed at how delicious it was - the flavor is so authentic with no aftertastes. Sublime.<br />
Combine that with fudgy brownie chunks and an incredible fudge sauce swirled through every bite - and you have a little bowl of heaven. Totally worth the time invested to make it. And the calories.<br />
<br />
I was running short on eggs, so I didn't use Tracy's egg-based ice cream - I just used the normal vanilla I make except with the step of simmering the mint leaves added in. I also didn't use the <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/08/24/hot-fudge-sauce/" target="_blank">fudge sauce </a>that Tracy did, because it uses corn syrup, which I try to avoid. Instead I used <a href="http://www.cooks.com/recipe/en8602mn/hot-fudge-sauce-for-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">this very simple sauce</a> and thought it was fantastic.<br />
<br />
This ice cream received RAVE reviews from every member of my family - and Grant, who often times would just as soon eat store bought ice cream as homemade, couldn't stop talking about how awesome it was. Then a friend who stopped by for dinner loved it so much that he declared that I should go into business selling it - that he would pay $30 a gallon for it. I call that a WIN!<br />
<br />
<b>Note:</b> <i>You will NOT use all the brownies that the recipe makes in the ice cream itself. You can easily cut the recipe in half if you don't want as much left over and bake it in a 8 or 9" square pan. Or you could freeze the leftovers. OR you could make brownies from a box if you want. But these brownies are super delicious and definitely worth trying, just on their own. Crackly on top, dense, rich, and fudgy, you won't regret making them. </i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mint Fudge Ice Cream with Brownie Pieces</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<i>Ice cream: </i><br />
<b>1 1/2 cups whole milk</b><br />
<b>1 cup sugar</b><br />
<b>3 cups heavy cream</b><br />
<b>1 bunch fresh mint</b><br />
<b>1 Tablespoon vanilla extract </b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Fudge Sauce: </i><br />
<b>1 cup sugar</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup cocoa powder</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup milk</b><br />
<b>1/4 cup (half stick) butter</b><br />
<b>1 tsp. vanilla extract </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Brownies: </i><br />
<b>10 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (I used chocolate chips)</b><br />
<b>1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon instant coffee granules</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 cups sugar</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup brown sugar</b><br />
<b>4 large eggs</b><br />
<b>2 teaspoons vanilla</b><br />
<b>1 1/4 cups all purpose flour</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon salt</b><br />
<b>2 Tablespoons cocoa powder</b><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>To make Ice cream: </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Combine milk, sugar, and cream in a saucepan. Add mint leaves and heat/steep on low, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes. Do not let come to a boil. Remove from heat and pour through a fine sieve to remove the leaves. Stir in vanilla and pour mixture into a bowl to chill, preferably overnight.<br />
<br />
<i>To make Fudge Sauce:</i><br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients except vanilla in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour into a jar and refrigerate until cool. You won't need all of it for the ice cream - but you can always pour extra on individual servings if desired. It will last in the fridge for several weeks. Sauce will thicken up and can be made pourable by microwaving for 15-25 seconds.<br />
<br />
<i>To make Brownies:</i><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350°F.<br />
Grease a 13x9" pan with butter. Set aside.<br />
Using a double boiler, or a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter, chocolate, and coffee powder. Stir often. Once thoroughly melted, remove from heat. Stir in sugar and brown sugar and whisk to combine. In a small bowl, whisk eggs together until well beaten. Add to chocolate and sugar mixture along with the vanilla and stir well.<br />
Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Stir just into combined.<br />
Pour into greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a little bit of batter.<br />
Cool completely.<br />
Cut some of the brownies into small chunks, place on a wax paper lined dish, and freeze until ready to stir into the ice cream. You won't use all the brownies - probably only 1/4-1/3 of them. That's okay. The brownies are completely awesome on their own. :)<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>To put it all together: </i><br />
Churn ice cream according to your manufacturer's direction.<br />
Fold in the brownie chunks until evenly distributed.<br />
Spread about a third of the ice cream into a container, drizzle with fudge sauce, Repeat with the second and third layers. Freeze until firm.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: adapted from <a href="http://www.paleyellow.net/blog/2012/10/08/mint-fudge-ice-cream-with-brownie-pieces" target="_blank">Pale Yellow</a></span>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-88831388455121276152015-03-01T13:07:00.001-05:002015-03-01T13:27:23.807-05:00English Royalty Chocolate Chip Scones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
First day of March and we're surrounded by snow and ice.<br />
<br />
Church was cancelled due to hazardous driving conditions, and the children spend the morning doing one of two things: the older three were sledding on the ice-covered snow in our yard, while the little two were "swimming" in my bathtub. Ha! <br />
<br />
We were supposed to have a fellowship meal after church today, with the theme being "Breakfast/Brunch". I was planning on trying a new scone recipe, one for which my sister Anna has received many rave reviews and frequent requests from her friends.<br />
<br />
Well, since I had been thinking about these scones all week and quite anxious to try them, I decided a trial run must be necessary. After all, I might need a little practice to get them perfect before next week. <i>(Read: I'll use any excuse I can think of to make scones.)</i><br />
<br />
While most scones use cream or milk as the liquid binder, these scones are particularly unique with the use of orange juice instead. I'm sure fresh squeezed OJ would be absolutely fabulous, but I just used regular and they were still wonderful. You could even use a little orange zest for an extra burst of flavor if you wanted.<br />
<br />
We absolutely adored these scones. Sweet, tender, almost melt-in-your mouth texture. Nothing like the dry, crumbly kind you often get with purchased scones. The hint of orange was delightful with the little chunks of chocolate scattered throughout each bite.<br />
<br />
While oftentimes I make a glaze for scones, and I <i>did</i> contemplate making a simple one of powdered sugar and OJ for these, I ultimately decided to leave them plain (<span style="font-size: x-small;">and save a few calories</span>) and we didn't miss the glaze at all.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: I fully realize most people have no need for 24 scones. This recipe can be easily halved if you desire. However, you might be surprised at just how quickly these disappear. And you could always freeze the leftovers to pull out and warm for a quick breakfast treat. </i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">English Royalty Chocolate Chip Scones</span></b><br />
from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun<br />
<br />
Yield: 24 scones <span style="font-size: x-small;">(recipe can easily be halved)</span><br />
<br />
<b>3 1/2 cups all purpose flour </b>(I used half white whole wheat)<br />
<b>1/2 cup white sugar</b><br />
<b>4 teaspoons baking powder</b><br />
<b>1/2 teaspoon salt</b><br />
<b>12 Tablespoons salted butter,</b> chilled and cubed<br />
<b>1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, miniature chips, or chunks </b>- or combination<br />
<b>1 1/2 cups orange juice</b><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or silicone baking mats<br />
<br />
In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (If you don't have a food processor, you can use a pastry blender or large fork to cut in the butter. I recommend using a large grater to grate the butter into the flour mixture , which makes cutting it in much faster and easier.)<br />
<br />
Remove from food processor bowl and pour into a large mixing bowl. Stir in chocolate chips and mix in orange juice to form a dough.<br />
<br />
Turn out the dough onto a floured surface. Divide into 3 sections and pat each one into a large circle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut each circle into 8 wedges and transfer onto the baking sheets.<br />
<br />
Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 12-14 minutes. Move to wire racks to cool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Adapted from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/english-royalty-chocolate-chip-scones/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Allrecipes</a></span>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-5482581510622360002015-02-09T00:00:00.000-05:002015-02-09T00:00:01.919-05:00Brocomoli Dip - SRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
During my growing-up years, my family never ate avocados. I don't think I even knew what one was, if you want to know the truth.<br />
But somewhere in my adult years, I had my first taste of guacamole and I loved it. It wasn't something I had often, but when I did, it was always a treat.<br />
<br />
Several years ago, however, I developed some sort of sensitivity to avocados. One day after eating half of one for lunch, I had horrible stomach cramps and nausea for the next 8 hours. Didn't associate it with the avocado, just thought it was some sort of bug I picked up.<br />
A few weeks later, the exact same thing happened. I realized the avocado connection and made the sad decision to eliminate them from my diet.<br />
<br />
One time 2 years ago, I had a small bit of guacamole with a Mexican meal, like just a tablespoon or two, thinking that such a small amount surely wouldn't bother me. Same thing happened. Stomach cramps and nausea for 7-8 hours. Guacamole is definitely out of the picture for me. Boo.<br />
<br />
So when I saw a recipe for Brocomoli on my assigned <a href="http://secret-recipe-club.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secret Recipe Club</a> blog for the month, I just had to try it.<br />
<br />
I had the pleasure of browsing around <a href="http://www.thehinzadventures.com/" target="_blank">Learning Patience</a> this month, where Corey blogs about running and fitness, dealing with Type 1 diabetes, world travel, and of course, lots of food!<br />
<br />
I would love to try her <a href="http://www.thehinzadventures.com/2012/11/09/maple-glazed-pork-tenderloin/" target="_blank">Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin</a>, <a href="http://www.thehinzadventures.com/2011/09/22/grilled-romaine-veggie-salad/" target="_blank">Grilled Romaine Veggie Salad</a>, and I actually have the ingredients waiting in the fridge to make this luscious <a href="http://www.thehinzadventures.com/2011/07/09/mascarpone-cheesecake-with-almond-crust/" target="_blank">Mascarpone Cheesecake with Almond Crust</a>.<br />
<br />
But the Brocomoli was too tempting. I whipped it up in about 15 minutes and dove in. It's delicious!<br />
Okay, so the kids didn't go crazy for it, but Grant and I declared it a real winner. Grant was skeptical at first, and although he won't replace guacamole in HIS diet for this dip, he was really impressed at how tasty it is and especially happy that I can have it too. :)<br />
<br />
We ate it with crackers and corn chips, and Corey suggested using it as a spread for sandwiches too, which I'm sure would be great.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Brocomoli Dip</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b>1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets </b>(use organic if possible)<br />
<b>juice of half a small lemon </b>(I forgot to buy a lemon, used 1 T. bottled lemon juice)<br />
<b>zest of half a lemon</b><br />
<b>4 ounces low fat cream cheese</b><br />
<b>1/4 cup sour cream</b><br />
<b>1 small bunch of green onions, diced</b><br />
<b>1 tsp. onion powder</b><br />
<b>1/8 tsp. garlic powder</b><br />
<b>1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper</b><br />
<b>1 clove garlic</b><br />
<b>1/4 tsp. sumac </b>(optional - I didn't use)<br />
<b>Salt and pepper to taste</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Directions:</i><b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Steam broccoli until tender.<br />
Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend thoroughly.<br />
Store in the refrigerator and enjoy!<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Can be served hot or cold. Serve with crackers, chips, pita bread, as a spread for sandwiches, etc. </i><br />
<br />
Source: <a href="http://www.thehinzadventures.com/2012/11/12/brocomole-you-want-to-make-this-dip/" target="_blank">Learning Patience </a>
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Personal note first:<br />
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Our Christmas was lovely and we've been particularly blessed with good health this winter - for which I am exceedingly grateful. I don't know how many of our friends have suffered through the flu. We do not get flu shots...but we do take lots of Vitamin D and C, try to eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and take probiotics.<br />
<br />
My newest health kick is <a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com/water-kefir-frequently-asked-questions-faq" target="_blank">water kefir.</a> I bought some grains from someone at our Azure Standard drop-off and have been brewing it ever since. We flavor it with fruit juice and call it homemade soda. :) The kids and I drink some every day and I'm convinced it's helping us stay healthy. What an inexpensive way to get probiotics!<br />
<br />
Next step is milk kefir. I'm a little hesitant about it, since I've heard it's runnier and more tart than plain yogurt, which none of us like to begin with....but I guess you can make smoothies and not notice the taste too much. I'm still deliberating on that one.<br />
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So I'm a little late in posting....but I made these scrumptious cookies for an exchange before Christmas and just fell in love with them.<br />
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Featuring a soft and chewy texture, a slight coffee flavor accentuating the chocolate, and a sweet peppermint kick in each bite, this is a fabulous recipe for Christmas, Valentine's, or anytime you're craving a sweet treat.<br />
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Too bad they don't have probiotics too.....or I'd make them a lot more often! :)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Peppermint Mocha Cookies </span></b><br />
from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun<br />
Yield: about 30 cookies<br />
<br />
<b>1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, </b>at room temperature<br />
<b>1 cup packed brown sugar</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup granulated sugar</b><br />
<b>1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, </b>at room temperature<br />
<b>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon peppermint extract</b><br />
<b>2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</b><br />
<b>3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</b><br />
<b>2 Tablespoons instant coffee granules</b><br />
<b>2 teaspoons cornstarch</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon salt</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 cups peppermint baking chips, </b>plus more for garnish if desired<br />
<b>1/2 cup chocolate chunks</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips </b>for garnish, if desired<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon sheets<br />
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and egg yolk, and then the vanilla and peppermint extracts.<br />
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In a separate medium bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together. The coffee may not go through the sifter - if so, just dump in with the flour.<br />
With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, beating just until combined. Mix in the peppermint baking chips and chocolate chunks.<br />
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Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Press a few peppermint baking chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of each cookie ball for a garnish if desired. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set.<br />
The centers may look underdone - but don't overbake! Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then remove the cookies to the wire rack to cool completely.<br />
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature. These cookies will stay chewy for at least 3 days after baking.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: adapted slightly from <a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.com/2013/12/peppermint-mocha-cookies-2.html#.Uqh5TPRDuNA" target="_blank">Tracey's Culinary Adventures </a></span><br />
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<br />Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-35991451002333728622014-12-21T08:58:00.000-05:002014-12-21T08:58:42.446-05:00Cappuccino Fudge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The countdown to Christmas is on for REAL at my house, y'all.<br />
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Every day I'm hearing kids saying things like "5 days and a wake-up!"<br />
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The pressure for last minute shopping is looming over my head. Primarily what we're lacking is the kids' gifts for each other. I had them draw names so they would only be buying something for one sibling, and so far, only the two little ones have their gifts bought.<br />
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Because I bought them during our grocery trip. Ha.<br />
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I had every good intention of taking kids shopping yesterday, but the day just got too busy. I decided it would be the best evening to deliver goody trays to our neighbors, so I spending my spare hours of the day, aside from the five hours we spent at Corban's two basketball games, lunch, and some time with my parents, making treats like this fudge, <a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2011/12/peanut-brittle.html#.VJbL6l4AA" target="_blank">Peanut Brittle</a>, and <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2013/04/12/peanut-butter-pretzel-truffles/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles</a> <i>(which, for the record, I ended up modifying significantly because the original dough just wasn't very good). </i>I already had a double batch of my favorites, <a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2008/08/hint-of-berry-bon-bons.html" target="_blank">Hint of Berry Bon Bons,</a> in the fridge, which I made on Thursday.<br />
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Ok, so this fudge. Wowzer!<br />
<br />
Now admittedly, I've never met a fudge I didn't like. I love the different flavors, add-ins, whatever.<br />
So when I saw this version, a fairly traditional recipe flavored with coffee or espresso powder, I was just dying to try it.<br />
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It did not disappoint.<br />
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Like any cooked fudge (assuming its cooked properly), it has a dreamy, creamy, melt in your mouth texture. No grittiness, no stickiness, just pure, simple smoothness.<br />
<br />
I used instant coffee granules, a little more than originally asked for, and I found the coffee flavor to be really complementary to the chocolate. Not too overpowering, but certainly present.<br />
<br />
There is an interesting addition of cinnamon, which I find mostly interesting because I can't taste it. Maybe its adding some complexity to the fudge that I would miss if it wasn't there????<br />
I dunno. Well anyways, I won't omit it, because it's not like it costs much to toss in there.<br />
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So if you're looking for a simple, yet definitely different version of fudge to make this year, I highly recommend this one. I'm going to have to use some serious restraint to make sure we have some leftover pieces to share with my family on Christmas!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cappuccino Fudge</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b>7 (oz) jar of marshmallow cream</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup sugar</b><br />
<b>2/3 cup heavy cream</b><br />
<b>4 Tbsp. unsalted butter</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 tsp. instant coffee or espresso powder</b><br />
<b>1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon</b><br />
<b>1/4 tsp. salt</b><br />
<b>1 (12 oz) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Line an 8" square pan with aluminum foil. Lightly grease the bottom with butter and set aside.<br />
In a 2 qt. saucepan, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, cream, butter, coffee granules, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth.<br />
<br />
Pour immediately into prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Place on cutting board and cut into 64 1-inch squares.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Adapted slightly from <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2007/12/11/cappuccino-fudge/" target="_blank">Annie's Eats</a></span><br />
<br />Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-17946330233851631962014-12-18T09:21:00.000-05:002014-12-18T09:21:01.591-05:00Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Cookie Season! </div>
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I'm sure you've seen more cookies than you know what to do with on Pinterest and everywhere else....but I figured I might as well contribute to the madness and post a couple of recent cookie recipes I've tried and had great success with. </div>
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If you love chocolate and mint, these beauties will be an instant winner in your book. </div>
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And if you don't love chocolate and mint, these might just make you a convert. </div>
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I made these for a cookie exchange a couple of weeks ago and they were a smashing hit. With a soft, brownie-like cookie, a creamy chocolate mint frosting, and some festive sprinkles on top, they're hard to resist. </div>
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My kids were quite unhappy with me for taking nearly the entire batch with me and would be delighted for me to make another round. Fortunately, since I found the Andes mints on sale, I bought enough for two batches, so another one may be appearing at our house soon. :) </div>
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Marissa (9) is exceedingly interested in baking these days and thought it was great fun to help make these, especially the part with the mints and sprinkles. </div>
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<i>Note: Be sure to plan ahead, since the dough does require some chilling time. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span></div>
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Yield: 3-4 dozen depending on how big you make them</div>
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<b>3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)</b></div>
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<b>1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar</b></div>
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<b>2 Tablespoons water</b></div>
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<b>1/2 teaspoon salt</b></div>
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<b>2 cups semisweet chocolate chips</b></div>
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<b>2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</b></div>
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<b>2 Tablespoons cocoa powder</b></div>
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<b>1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda</b></div>
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<b>2 eggs </b></div>
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<b>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</b></div>
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<b>3 (4.5 oz) pages Andes mints</b></div>
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In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, water, and salt and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until butter melts. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips and stir until melted. Pour mixture in the bowl of an electric mixer and allow to cool 15 minutes.</div>
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Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda. </div>
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Using the paddle attachment on the mixer, blend in the eggs one at a time with the chocolate mixture. Add vanilla and stir gently. With the mixer set on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. </div>
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Cover and refrigerate dough for at least one hour. </div>
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Preheat oven to 350°. Scoop dough out by rounded tablespoons and shape into balls. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicon liners 2 inches apart. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until edges are set and cookies are slightly crackled. Allow to cool for 1 minute (meanwhile, unwrap chocolates) then add 1 Andes mint to the top of each cookie. Allow to rest for a minute or so, then spread over the top the cookie gently with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula. </div>
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Decorate with sprinkles if desired. </div>
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Transfer to a cooling rack and allow chocolate to set. You can speed up that process by refrigerating the cookies for a few minutes if necessary. </div>
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Store in an airtight container.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: adapted slightly from </span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-mint-candies-cookies/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Allrecipes</a></div>
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-76888686670903978552014-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:002014-12-11T06:00:00.163-05:00Pecan Pie Squares<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For as long as I can remember, pecan pie has been one of my favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts. My grandma always made it for those two holidays and it was<i> always </i>served with heaps of generously sweetened homemade whipped cream.<br />
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Since then, I've tried some variations over the years. Caramel pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, and pumpkin pecan pie to name a few. And honestly, I haven't met one yet that I didn't like.<br />
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But this year for Thanksgiving, since we had a crowd of 24 people meeting up at my parents' home, 13 of which are the grandkids, I figured a traditional pie wouldn't be the best option. They're a little tricky to cut, kids would likely end up with more than they wanted and that precious pie might be wasted, plus a lot of people just want a small taste and not necessarily the commitment of a whole piece of pie.<br />
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These were a perfect solution. The recipe makes a 13 x 9" pan, so there's plenty to go around when you cut little squares. Dessert-seekers could grab one to sample and still have room on their plate (and in their stomach) to have some of the other dessert options.<br />
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Now, these pecan pie squares aren't exactly like pecan pie. They have more of a toffee, chewy texture on a shortbread crust, which is reminiscent of pecan pie in flavor but very distinctly different.<br />
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I thought some of us die-hard pecan pie fans would feel deprived of our tradition - but you know what? I didn't hear a single complaint. What I did hear was lots of compliments and requests for more.<br />
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Personally, I couldn't keep out of them. I was astonished at how addictive they were - and even non-pecan pie eaters enjoyed them. They're not messy, easily portable, small portions, and absolutely scrumptious.<br />
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I'm making them again for Christmas. Can't WAIT!! <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pecan Pie Squares</span></b><br />
from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun<br />
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<i>Crust:</i><br />
<b>2 sticks (8 oz) unsalted butter, </b>softened<br />
<b>2/3 cup packed brown sugar</b><br />
<b>2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour</b><br />
<b>1/2 teaspoon salt</b><br />
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<i>Topping:</i><br />
<b>1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter</b><br />
<b>1 cup packed brown sugar</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup honey</b><br />
<b>2 Tablespoons heavy cream</b><br />
<b>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</b><br />
<b>2 cups chopped pecans</b> (chop first, then measure)<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13 x 9" pan with foil, leaving enough for a 2-inch overhang on all sides. </li>
<li>Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, make crust by creaming together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add in the flour and salt and mix until crumbly. </li>
<li>Press the crust into the foil-lined pan and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.</li>
<li>While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by combining the butter, brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream in a saucepan and stirring it over medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and vanilla.</li>
<li>Remove the crust from the oven and pour the pecan filling on top, spreading to cover surface completely. </li>
<li>Return pan to oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. </li>
<li>Remove the pan and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. </li>
<li>Using the foil overhang, lift the bars from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Peel off the foil and cut into squares. </li>
</ol>
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Store in a sealed container at room temperature. Bars will remain delicious for several days. </div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: adapted slightly from<a href="http://www.justataste.com/2011/11/pecan-pie-bars/" target="_blank"> Just a Taste</a></span>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-5861738355179872872014-12-08T00:00:00.000-05:002014-12-08T00:00:02.810-05:00Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies with Whipped Chocolate Ganache - SRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Most people find a pan of brownies pretty irresistible, right?<br />
<br />
How about if you cover the brownies with a layer of peanut butter topping? Oh, don't stop there, let's add a layer of whipped ganache frosting!!<br />
<br />
This pan of decadence got 2 big thumbs up from my crew of eaters. I never saw them eat their soup so fast, knowing this was waiting for dessert.<br />
<br />
The recipe came from my <a href="http://secret-recipe-club.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secret Recipe Club</a> assignment for the month, <a href="http://www.itsyummi.com/" target="_blank">It's Yummi</a>, where Chef Becca uses her culinary expertise to create and share from-scratch, mainly healthy recipes. She has a wealth of amazing recipes, like <a href="http://www.itsyummi.com/key-lime-cheesecake-with-a-hazelnut-crust/" target="_blank">Key Lime Cheesecake with Hazelnut Crust </a>, <a href="http://www.itsyummi.com/slow-cooker-bbq-baked-beans-recipe/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans</a> and one that Grant would cheer for - <a href="http://www.itsyummi.com/double-chocolate-raspberry-cheesecake-tart/" target="_blank">Double Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Tart. </a><br />
<br />
<i>(I need to ask for a tart pan for Christmas. Seriously, how have I baked for so long without one?)</i><br />
<br />
All that to say, I thoroughly enjoyed browsing her blog and have found plenty of pin-worthy recipes to add to my list of things to try.<br />
<br />
These brownies just sounded too good though. And they did not disappoint. I ended up halving her ganache layer ingredients - I mean, I LOVE ganache, but I figured we could cut the calories a little bit without sacrificing the flavor.<br />
<br />
The peanut butter layer, which is just a package of peanut butter chips melted with some butter, hardened up more than I was expecting and I wondered if it would matter - turned out it added a nice texture variation and great flavor. Just don't expect it to be light and fluffy like a peanut butter buttercream frosting would be.<br />
<br />
It still cuts fine with a sharp knife at room temperature, but I imagine if you chilled the brownies in the fridge, they would be harder to cut neatly.<br />
<br />
These brownies were a huge hit and would be a great gift for that chocolate-peanut butter fan in your life. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies with Whipped Chocolate Ganache</span></b><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yield: 9"square pan of brownies</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Brownie Layer:</i></div>
<div>
<b>5 oz (1 stick plus 2 Tbsp) salted butter,</b> room temperature</div>
<div>
<b>3.5 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate</b></div>
<div>
<b>3.5 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate</b></div>
<div>
<b>1 cup + 2 Tablespoons sugar</b></div>
<div>
<b>2 tsp. vanilla extract</b></div>
<div>
<b>3 large eggs</b></div>
<div>
<b>3 oz (2/3 cup) all purpose flour</b></div>
<div>
<b>1/2 tsp. baking powder</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<i>Peanut Butter Layer:</i></div>
<div>
<b>10 oz (1 bag) Reese's peanut butter chips</b></div>
<div>
<b>2 oz (1/2 stick) butter</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<i>Ganache Frosting:</i></div>
<div>
<b>5 ounces chocolate, finely chopped (I used mostly semi-sweet and some white chocolate)</b></div>
<div>
<b>4 ounces heavy cream</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>For the Brownies:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350°.</li>
<li>Line an 8 or 9" square baking pan with foil, extending up the sides by 2 inches. Spray with cooking spray.</li>
<li>Melt butter and chocolates in a medium bowl over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat; whisk in sugar and vanilla. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each one before adding the next.</li>
<li>Continue to whisk until mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Add flour and baking powder and stir just until incorporated.</li>
<li>Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out with wet crumbs - about 20-25 minutes.</li>
<li>When the brownies have about 5 minutes left to bake, make the peanut butter filling.</li>
</ol>
<b>For the Peanut Butter Layer:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Place the peanut butter chips and butter into a microwaveable glass bowl. Heat at medium power for 1 minute. Stir and continue to heat on medium power in 30 second intervals until the mixture is melted and glossy in appearance.</li>
<li>When the brownies come out of the oven, pour peanut butter mixture over the top of the warm brownies. Spread evenly over the top. Cool brownies completely.</li>
</ol>
<b>For the Ganache: </b><br />
<ol>
<li>Put chocolate in a heatproof bowl.</li>
<li>In a medium saucepan, bring cream to a simmer (do not boil). Pour cream over chocolate. Let stand for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Place in refrigerator until completely chilled, whisking occasionally.</li>
<li>After ganache has chilled, transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer and whip on high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Spread on top of brownies.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: adapted slightly from <a href="http://www.itsyummi.com/peanut-butter-brownies-whipped-chocolate-ganache-frosting/" target="_blank">It's Yummi</a></span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-69432899905055044692014-11-28T09:06:00.001-05:002014-11-28T09:06:22.115-05:00Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Happy Day after Thanksgiving!! Hope y'all had a lovely holiday filled with lots of laughter and delicious food! <br />
In case you need an extra dessert to whip up for lingering family or friends.....or you want to get a head start on that Christmas baking....here's a cookie you don't want to miss.<br />
<br />
Chocolate chip cookies. <br />
<br />
Everyone seems to have their own favorite recipe. There must be hundreds of variations on this "simple and ordinary" cookie. It can be overwhelming to pick which one to try - everyone likes to claim that their version is "The Best".<br />
<br />
Well, I guess y'all know that I completely avoid the "Best" label even when I might think it - because it's so subjective and very personal.<br />
<br />
That being said, <b>this </b>version of chocolate chips cookies has rocked my world.<br />
<br />
And what is so special about it?<br />
<br />
It's the basic Tollhouse recipe....EXCEPT with one less stick of butter and one less egg.<br />
<br />
Wait, what?<br />
<br />
You can eliminate butter and an egg and still end up with an awesome, chewy, delicious cookie?<br />
<br />
Yup. That's right.<br />
<br />
When I heard the claim, I couldn't resist testing it out.<br />
<br />
I made a double batch and took them to share with our church small group. Everyone wanted the recipe. One friend (<i>who is an incredible baker and cook</i>) texted me later that night and said that after I had left, her 8 year old son had asked her, "Mom, when are you going to learn to bake cookies like Ms. Rebekah?" LOL.<br />
<br />
One thing to note - you MUST measure the flour appropriately, or they may end up too dry and crumbly. Here's how you do it. Hopefully your flour is in a bin so this will be easier.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Whisk the flour in the bin around gently to aerate it a little</li>
<li>Scoop the flour with a spoon into your measuring cup.</li>
<li>Level off with the flat side of a knife. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Bonus - the dough <b>doesn't</b> need to be refrigerated before baking, like many cookies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another HUGE bonus - you're saving money (and calories) by eliminating that butter and egg. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Win/Win/Win. </div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from: Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
Yield: 30-32 cookies<br />
<br />
<b>1 stick unsalted butter (4 oz), </b>room temperature<br />
<b>3/4 cup packed brown sugar</b><br />
<b>3/4 cup granulated sugar</b><br />
<b>1 egg</b><br />
<b>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</b><br />
<b>2 1/4 cups all purpose flour</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon baking soda</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon fine salt</b><br />
<b>1 cup mini chocolate chips</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Preheat oven to 350°.<br />
<br />
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter, brown sugar, and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla and mix well.<br />
<br />
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until combined. Add in chocolate chips and stir until incorporated.<br />
<br />
Form the mixture into walnut-sized balls and place two inches apart on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or silicon liners.<br />
<br />
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until lightly golden and crackled on top. Cool on cookie sheets for a couple of minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: adapted slightly (added more vanilla) from <a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2014/11/jessikas-amazing-chocolate-chip-cookies/#comment-1390201" target="_blank">Good Cheap Eats</a></span><br />
<br />
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<br />Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-72655225670321540702014-11-10T00:00:00.000-05:002014-11-10T00:00:04.495-05:00Cinnamon Raisin Brioche - SRC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It's no secret that I love bread - I even have a Nutrimill wheat grinder to grind organic wheat berries for the freshest bread possible. I've made homemade cinnamon rolls, pizza crust, dinner rolls, crescent rolls, sandwich bread, French bread, and of course, biscuits and a wide variety of quick breads. <br />
<br />
But I had never made brioche.<br />
<br />
In case you're wondering, brioche is a kind of French "pastry" bread that has a high butter and egg content and a dark, golden crust.<br />
<br />
So when I saw a recipe for Cinnamon Raisin Brioche on my <a href="http://secret-recipe-club.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secret Recipe Club</a> assignment for the month, I couldn't resist.<br />
<br />
Julie is a fellow carboholic who blogs over at <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/" target="_blank">White Lights on Wednesday</a>. She has a really great assortment of DIY home projects, decorating tips, blogging advice, and of course, lots of recipes!<br />
<br />
I was tempted to try the <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/crock-pot-rocky-road-chocolate-cake/" target="_blank">Crockpot Rocky Road Chocolate Cake</a> <i>(still haven't used my crockpots for desserts - what am I waiting for?), </i>I love the sound of this <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/caramelized-onion-corn-bread-dressing/" target="_blank">Caramelized Onion and Cornbread Dressing</a>, and I have a feeling this <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/peanut-butter-crack/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Crack</a> is gonna make it to my Christmas baking list. But I just had to try the brioche.<br />
<br />
Now, this bread isn't something you can rush. It requires several hours of prep time, most of which is the rising periods, of course. Some traditional brioche recipes even require refrigerating the dough for a day or two to further develop the flavors. Yeah, I didn't plan ahead enough for that.<br />
But it's really not too involved, so it's perfect for a day that you don't have to be anywhere.<br />
<br />
Okay, another confession. The recipe called for 3/4 cup of butter <b>per loaf</b>- that's a stick and a half for anyone who's counting. I stood there and looked at all that butter and just.couldn't.do.it.<br />
<br />
Butter is expensive. And that would be a ton of calories.<br />
<br />
So I made the only reasonable decision I could at the time and only used 1 stick of butter <b>total</b>. Yes, I cut the amount of butter called for by two-thirds.<br />
<br />
And you know what? The bread was still delicious. Maybe not as "pastry-like" as it could have been, but I wasn't trying to make dessert anyways. The kids and I gobbled up half on one loaf within 10 minutes of removing it from the oven. Nobody complained that there wasn't enough butter in there. :) A couple of my kids didn't like the raisins in there, but whatever. I loved them.<br />
<br />
I made cinnamon toast the next morning with the leftover bread by slicing it, spreading on a little butter, sprinkling with cinnamon sugar, and baking at 350°F until golden brown. Simply scrumptious!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cinnamon Raisin Brioche </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span><br />
Yield: 2 loaves<br />
<br />
<i>Starter: </i><br />
<b>2 teaspoons sugar</b><br />
<b>2 packets active dry yeast </b>(or 5 teaspoons)<b><br />1/2 cup warm whole milk </b>(105-110° F)<br />
<b>1 scant cup all-purpose flour</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Dough:</i><b> </b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon salt</b><br />
<b>5 Tablespoons sugar</b><br />
<b>2 Tablespoons hot water</b> (or milk)<br />
<b>6 eggs</b><br />
<b>3-4 cups all-purpose flour</b><br />
<b>1 stick unsalted butter </b>at room temperature, cut into 1/2" slices<br />
<br />
<i>Extras:</i><br />
<b>1 1/2 cups raisins</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup sugar</b><br />
<b>2 teaspoons cinnamon</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Instructions:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Starter:</i></b><br />
In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar and yeast. Pour in warm milk and stir to combine. Let the mixture set for 5 minutes until it's foamy. Stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside, at room temperature, for 1 hour.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Dough:</i></b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, sugar, and hot water (or milk) until the sugar dissolves.</li>
<li>Using the whisk attachment, beat eggs on medium low speed with a stand mixer until the eggs are fluffy. Add the sugar mixture and beat to combine. Add 3 cups of flour and mix until combined. Add in half of the butter and mix for another minute.</li>
<li>Remove the whisk attachment and switch to the dough hook. Transfer the starter dough into the dough mixture. Beat for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and stretchy. Add a little additional flour if dough is too runny and sticky. Add the rest of the butter and beat until it's incorporated into the dough.</li>
<li>Transfer the dough to a large buttered bowl. Dust the top of the dough lightly with flour to prevent a crust from forming. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled. I like to use my unheated oven with the light on. </li>
<li>Coat 2 standard loaf pans with butter. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon.</li>
<li>Uncover dough and punch it down a bit. Add raisins to the dough and knead them in by hand. </li>
<li>Section the dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece in cinnamon sugar, coating heavily, and form into a ball. Place 8 balls in each loaf pan in a 2 x 4 format.</li>
<li>Cover the pans with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let rise until doubled, or slightly over the top of the pans. </li>
<li>Preheat oven to 350°. Bake bread for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is set and golden. Start checking about half-way through to see if it's getting too dark. If so, cover the tops with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. </li>
<li>Remove bread from oven. Let sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out bread from pans and let cool. </li>
</ol>
<div>
Delicious warm with butter; also makes great cinnamon toast and French toast!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Source: Adapted from<a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/cinnamon-swirl-raisin-brioche/" target="_blank"> White Lights on Wednesday</a>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-36032904005654299012014-10-28T08:30:00.000-04:002014-10-28T09:57:32.627-04:00Apple Scones and another Birthday!<br />
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<br />
I originally posted this recipe in 2009, so it was long overdue for an updated photo.<br />
<br />
These scones have made an appearance on our breakfast table many times and have even been the birthday breakfast request from Marissa several times. And for good reason.<br />
<br />
They're so tender and flaky, even though they have less butter than most scone recipes. The grated apple adds a lovely flavor and texture to the scones. And to top it all off, the glaze made with apple juice, cinnamon, and powdered sugar gives that extra apple boost and sweetness that makes them almost a dessert.<br />
Everybody in my house is happy with a plate of apple scones for breakfast!<br />
<br />
Since today is Marissa's birthday, here's a little collage of her first 9 years of life.<br />
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Happy Birthday to our amazing 9 year old girl! These years are going by too fast!</div>
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And thanks for choosing such an awesome birthday breakfast! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Apple Scones</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">From Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span><br />
<b>Yield:</b> 16-18 scones<br />
<br />
<b>2 cups all-purpose flour</b><br />
<b>1 cup whole wheat flour</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup white sugar</b><br />
<b>3 teaspoons baking powder</b><br />
<b>3/4 teaspoon baking soda</b><br />
<b>3/4 teaspoon salt</b><br />
<b>3/4 t. cinnamon</b><br />
<b>1/4 t. nutmeg</b><br />
<b>6 Tablespoons butter, </b>chilled<br />
<b>2 apples - </b>peeled, cored and shredded (3 if they're small)<br />
<b>3/4 cup milk</b><br />
<br />
<em>Glaze </em><br />
<b>1 1/2 cups powdered sugar</b><br />
<b>Heavy dash of cinnamon</b><br />
<b>2-4 Tablespoons apple juice,</b> or enough to achieve the consistency you desire.<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 425°F.</li>
<li>Measure flours, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a large bowl. Cut in butter or margarine until crumbly.Use a food processor if you have one - it simplifies the process immensely! Add shredded apple and milk. Stir to form a soft dough.</li>
<li>Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 8 to 10 times. Pat into three 6-inch circles. Score each into 6 pie-shaped wedges. Alternatively, you can just pat into a rectangle and cut into 16 equal pieces. Place on greased baking sheet. </li>
<li>Bake for 15 minutes, or until browned and risen. </li>
<li>While they're baking, mix together the glaze ingredients. Drizzle or spread on scones while still warm.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Adapted from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Scones/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=apple%20scones&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page&soid=sr_results_p1i1" target="_blank">Allrecipes</a></span></div>
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-91260634552234972212014-10-19T06:30:00.000-04:002014-10-19T08:59:22.349-04:00Blueberry Muffins and a Birthday for for my Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A friend told me once, "Blueberries are like God's natural candy". I couldn't agree more. I have a hard time thinking of a fruit I enjoy more than fresh blueberries, especially ones we picked.<br />
The kids and I picked 5 gallons of blueberries from local farms this June. Only 3 of those gallons made it to the freezer. In just a few weeks, we managed to eat <i>2 entire gallons</i> of fresh blueberries. And we could have eaten more.<br />
<br />
But I was determined to hide them away in the freezer for use throughout the fall and winter. I'm exceptionally stingy with them and won't let the kids just nibble at them whenever they want.<br />
<i>Sigh. One of these years we're going to have our own blueberry plants and not have to ration them so much. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
So my *baby* Miranda just turned 3 last week. Take a look at her.<br />
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Oh, this girl. So expressive, so affectionate, strong-willed, compassionate, clever, talkative, friendly, and full of sass. "Just like her mama," Grant says.<i> (about the sass part)</i></div>
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And ohhhhh, those eyelashes. Just look at the upper right photo. </div>
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Yeah. I'm jealous too. </div>
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She is a blessing to our family and many others and just a precious delight. When she's not screaming, of course. :) </div>
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We can't imagine our lives without her!</div>
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"Faces of Miranda"</div>
<i><br /></i>
Miranda is one of my biggest blueberry lovers. She would eat bowls full every day if I let her. So when deliberating what to make for her birthday breakfast, it didn't take me long to decide on blueberry muffins. <i>(I decided against her original suggestion of spaghetti, mean mom that I am.)</i><br />
Just as predicted, she was delighted, as were the rest of the children.<br />
<br />
You just can't go wrong with tender, slightly sweet muffins with those juicy berries.<br />
I decreased the sugar from the original by half, and the muffins are still sweet enough.<br />
Of course, you can half the recipe if you're not wanting 24 muffins. I just always would rather have too many than too little, and nobody complains about a leftover muffin the next day. I'm sure that extras would freeze nicely, too.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blueberry Muffins</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
Yield: 24 muffins<br />
<br />
<b>4 cups all purpose flour </b>(can substitute white whole wheat)<br />
<b>1 cup sugar</b><br />
<b>4 tsp. baking powder</b><br />
<b>1/2 tsp. salt</b><br />
<b>4 large eggs</b><br />
<b>1 cup oil </b>(I use <a href="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/pure-coconut-oil.htm" target="_blank">expeller pressed coconut oil</a>)<br />
<b>1 cup milk, warmed in microwave</b><br />
<b>4 tsp. vanilla extract</b><br />
<b>2-3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.</li>
<li>In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and oil. Add the warm milk and vanilla extract.</li>
<li>Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined. </li>
<li>If using fresh blueberries, wash and drain them, then stir into batter. If using frozen blueberries, place in a colander and run hot tap water over them for about 20 seconds. Drain berries well, then stir into batter. (<i>This step really helps - if you don't do it, the berries will clump together when stirred into the batter. Trust me, I know.</i>)</li>
<li>Use muffin liners or grease 24 muffin cups. Fill cups 3/4 full and bake for 15- 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. If making mini-muffins, start checking at 10 minutes. </li>
<li>Cool in pan for a few minutes, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Adapted slightly from <a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/best_ever_blueberry_muffins" target="_blank">Tammy's Recipes</a> (I reduced sugar and amount of blueberries)</span><br />
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-63494809938767518582014-10-17T14:24:00.002-04:002014-10-17T14:24:44.908-04:00Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October is one of our busiest months of the year, since three of the kiddos have birthdays. And things are just about to get even busier, since the youngest two are starting swim lessons next week and Corban is starting basketball in a couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
But hey, with five children, life never seems to slow down.<br />
<br />
That's why I rely on slow cooker meals at least once a week, sometimes two or three times.<br />
Three cheers for slow cookers!!<br />
I have three, actually. A 6-qt and a 7.5 or 8-qt (can't remember) are my primary ones, but I also have a little 1-qt. one for dips. It's so cute!<br />
<br />
I actually made this recipe for a church fellowship meal a few months ago and barely even got to try it. It was one of the first dishes emptied. So last week, I decided it was high time for this meal to grace our table. It makes HUGE batch, so we had dinner from it twice, as well as lunch for a few people twice.<br /><br />
Grant loved these meatballs so much, he skipped dessert so he could have seconds of them instead.<br />
<br />
The sausage gives such a nice flavor, and combining it with lean ground turkey keeps the calories down quite a bit. I used homemade breadcrumbs the first time, but this time I tossed some oats in the food processor and ground them up pretty fine. Worked just as well.<br />
<br />
I used homemade marinara sauce by simmering a couple of 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes with some garlic and herbs for awhile, but store-bought cans or jars of sauce work just fine and simplify the process a little.<br />
<br />
We loved these meatballs over penne pasta, and I bet they'd be awesome as a meatball sub also. Annika had some leftover meatballs in a tortilla with some melted mozzarella cheese one day and said that was really good.<br />
<br />
Any way you eat them, they're super delicious. And I'm sure they'd freeze really well.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b>1/2 cup milk</b><br />
<b>4 eggs</b><br />
<b>2 lbs ground turkey or beef</b><br />
<b>12 ounces bulk mild Italian sausage</b><br />
<b>1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs</b>, Italian-seasoned if you prefer<br />
<b>1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese</b><br />
<b>2 tsp. salt</b><br />
<b>1/2 tsp. pepper</b><br />
<b>1/4 tsp. garlic powder</b><br />
<b>6 cups marinara sauce </b>(Two 24 oz jars) or homemade<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>In a large bowl, whisk together milk and eggs until combined. Add ground turkey, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; mix with your hands until well combined. </li>
<li>Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with foil and lightly spray with non-stick spray. Using your hands or a medium cookie scoop (my preferred method), shape 1-2 inch meatballs. Place on prepared baking sheets. </li>
<li>Bake for 10 minutes, or until browned. Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.</li>
<li>Top meatballs evenly with sauce. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours in the slow cooker until meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 160°F. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Serve on top of pasta, on split hoagie rolls with melted cheese for meatball sub sandwiches, with mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.girlversusdough.com/2014/07/14/slow-cooker-italian-meatballs/" target="_blank">Girl Versus Dough</a>, originally adapted from <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/italian-meatball-subs" target="_blank">Taste of Home</a></span>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-20816345660471850392014-09-29T19:40:00.002-04:002014-09-29T19:40:36.177-04:00DIY Green Enchilada Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Homemade green enchilada sauce is something I've thought about attempting for a long time. I just cringe when I read the ingredients on any of the cans at the store......like this one found <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/Home/Brands/Meals/Old_El_Paso/Brand%20Product%20List%20Page" target="_blank">here:</a><br />
<br />
<img height="408" src="http://www.generalmills.com/~/media/Images/Brands/Nutritional_Images/Old_El_Paso/Enchilada_Sauce/Enchilada_Sauce_Mild_Green_Chile.ashx" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<b>Ick. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
No soybean oil, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, corn syrup solids, artificial colors, or yeast extract (aka MSG) needed here.<br />
<br />
So this recipe I found at <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/" target="_blank">Mel's Kitchen Cafe</a> was intriguing because it involves roasting poblano or anaheim peppers before cooking them in the sauce. I don't have a gas stove to roast them on, but I do have an oven, which works just as well. It really couldn't be easier.<br />
<br />
After the peppers are ready, it's just a few more simple ingredients to simmer together on the stove, and then a quick whir in the food processor if you want a smooth sauce (I did), or you can just leave it chunky. <br />Presto! You're ready to make <a href="http://rebekahsfamilyfoodandfun.blogspot.com/2014/08/chicken-enchiladas-suiza-src.html#.VCnpd_ldWNA" target="_blank">enchiladas</a> or Mexican stewed pork or any other thing you make with green enchilada sauce.<br />
<br />
It's a little spicy, so full of flavor, and completely free of weird ingredients that I don't want to feed my family. Win/Win.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">DIY Green Enchilada Sauce</span></b><br />
from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun<br />
<br />
<b>3-4 Anaheim or Poblano chile peppers </b>OR 1 cup canned diced green chiles, rinsed and drained<br />
<b>2 Tbsp. oil</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup finely chopped onion</b><br />
<b>2 garlic cloves, </b>finely minced<br />
<b>3 Tbsp. flour</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth</b><br />
<b>1/4 tsp. cumin</b><br />
<b>1/4 tsp. black pepper</b><br />
<b>1/4 tsp. dried oregano</b><br />
<b>1/2 tsp. salt</b><br />
<b>1 medium jalapeno,</b> finely diced (optional)<br />
<br />
<i>To roast peppers:</i><br />
<br />
Preheat oven broiler to high. Wash and dry peppers and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil about 6 inches below the top oven element for 3-5 minutes on each side, until charred and blackened.<br />
Remove from oven and immediately fold the foil up over the peppers and fold shut. The steam will help the peppers to peel easily. After about 15 minutes, open the foil. The peppers should be cool enough to handle and the skin will slide right off. Cut off the stem, scoop out the seeds and discard, and dice the peppers.<br />
<br />
<i>To make the sauce: </i><br />
<br />
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onions are softened, but not browned.<br />
Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Don't worry about clumps - just let the flour get golden and toasted.<br />
Gradually add the broth, whisking quickly and constantly to smooth out any lumps.<br />
Add all the remaining ingredients, including 1 cup of the diced peppers, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be silky and thickened - able to coat a spoon but still drip off. Add more broth to thin out if needed.<br />
Add additional salt to taste, if needed. Process sauce in a blender or food processor if you prefer a smoother consistency.<br />
<br />
Sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or can be frozen for up to a month or two if well sealed.<br />
<br />
Source: <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/homemade-green-enchilada-sauce/" target="_blank">Mel's Kitchen Cafe</a><br />
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104994668249116707.post-20537709073940367282014-09-08T00:00:00.000-04:002014-09-27T10:50:57.038-04:00Chocolate Pumpkin Delight Cake - SRC<br />
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It's time for the explosion of pumpkin recipes again! I couldn't be left out of the fun, especially since pumpkin baked goods are some of my very favorites. So when I saw this cake on the blog of my <a href="http://secret-recipe-club.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secret Recipe Club </a>assignment this month, it was a no-brainer.<br />
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Deb blogs over at <a href="http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/" target="_blank">Cooking on the Front Burner</a>, and let me tell you, she takes some of the most beautiful food photos! I just couldn't stop looking at everything and admiring how tempting everything looks.<br />
<a href="http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6052392" target="_blank">Raspberry Peach Cobbler</a>, <a href="http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6061945" target="_blank">Strawberry Bruschetta</a>, and <a href="http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6065004" target="_blank">Grilled Pork with Chile Lime Sauce</a> were just a few of the options that caught my eye, but I just kept coming back to that cake. I mean, chocolate and pumpkin, with a caramel cream cheese frosting???? How could I resist that??<br />
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Now <a href="http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6052846" target="_blank">Deb's cake</a> is absolutely <i>fabulous</i> with chopped nuts pressed into the sides and garnished with pecan halves on the top. But seeing as I'm the only person in my family who likes nuts with baked goods (boo), that was really out of the question. Also, she made hers in 8" pans and had leftover batter - I just used 9" pans and used it all. I ended up modifying her recipe a little to increase the frosting so I would be sure to have enough and used less ganache inside the cake. I didn't want it to overpower the salted caramel frosting.<br />
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Oh, and I made my own caramel sauce - using <a href="http://bakingamoment.com/simply-perfect-salted-caramel-sauce/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>. It's a fantastic sauce and very simple - and one batch of it makes exactly enough for the frosting. <i> (And if you happen to make a batch that ended up not cooking quite long enough to get that perfect color, you can always save it in the fridge and add it to your coffee. YUM.)</i><br />
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This cake is really big, so be sure you have a crowd to feed! But it lasts well in the fridge for several days as well, so don't sweat it if you have leftovers. They're just as delicious!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chocolate Pumpkin Delight Cake</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">from Rebekah's Family, Food, and Fun</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the Cake:</span></i><br />
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<b>2 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, </b>softened<br />
<b>1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar,</b> packed<br />
<b>1 1/2 cups sugar</b><br />
<b>5 large eggs</b><br />
<b>3/4 cup buttermilk</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree</b><br />
<b>1 tsp. vanilla</b><br />
<b>2 1/2 cups all purpose flour</b><br />
<b>1 cup cocoa powder</b><br />
<b>1 Tbsp. baking powder</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 tsp. baking soda</b><br />
<b>2 tsp. cinnamon</b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Microsoft Sans Serif, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the Frosting</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: bold;">3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese</span><span style="font-family: Microsoft Sans Serif, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">softened</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1 stick unsalted butter, </b>softened</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>8 oz. caramel sauce </b>(homemade or store-bought)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>5 cups powdered sugar, </b>sifted</span></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the Ganache</span></i>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>4 oz dark chocolate bar </b></span></span></div>
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</span><b><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">4 oz (1/2 cup) heavy cream</span></b></span>
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Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly butter (3) 9" cake pans and line each with parchment paper. Set aside.</div>
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In a large bowl or mixer, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. </div>
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In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, pumpkin, and vanilla. In another bowl, sift the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg). Alternating adding the dry ingredients and the pumpkin mixture to the large mixing bowl, blending well after each addition. </div>
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then remove and cool on racks.</div>
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To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then add the caramel sauce. Mix well and add the powdered sugar a cup at a time and mix until fluffy. </div>
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To make the ganache, chop the chocolate bar into small bits and place in a bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until bubbles form around the edges, then remove from heat and pour over the chocolate. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth. </div>
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To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving dish or cake stand (I prefer to put it on a small board so I can put it in the fridge easier). Place pieces of wax paper tucked around the cake to help with the mess factor. Put about a cup of frosting on top of the cake and spread within a half inch of the edges. Drizzle some ganache on top and spread thinly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAyIt36T8TkZc_qtdmLGfzAdkcJr6IedwSgdlXZA3eRPcVxd-ISD83xLGpyTPAqLonHTLTgiE_pxrkXaIOZ-sOGwcptDA98sg7CIFgBCiDFrZV67ZJBz97zN8eNDkadc5PZYpPIZOvpk/s1600/Chocolate+Pumpkin+Delight+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAyIt36T8TkZc_qtdmLGfzAdkcJr6IedwSgdlXZA3eRPcVxd-ISD83xLGpyTPAqLonHTLTgiE_pxrkXaIOZ-sOGwcptDA98sg7CIFgBCiDFrZV67ZJBz97zN8eNDkadc5PZYpPIZOvpk/s1600/Chocolate+Pumpkin+Delight+Collage.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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Repeat layers until you get to the last one. Spread frosting around the top and sides of the cake, smoothing as desired. Drizzle or spread the remaining ganache over the top and allow to drip down the sides. Use an offset spatula to blend the edges in with the frosting if desired.</div>
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Remove wax paper from the bottom of the cake. Store covered in the refrigerator. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Source</b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">: Adapted slightly from </span><a href="http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6052846" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Cooking on the Front Burner</a></div>
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Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389199249874037312noreply@blogger.com14