Menu Monday

 

What a fun weekend!  We celebrated our 3rd Annual Thankschristmakkuh gathering with all of our friends.  This is a unique celebration put on by our friends Jenny and Jeremy honoring Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah.  It is one of my favorite events of the year and this one didn’t disappoint!

 

 

Larry Latke was back and spry as ever.

 

 

This year, we all decided to add costumes into the tradition.  Mike went at Beerski, the alternate reindeer, and I concocted a pretty aswesome bow dress.  It’s amazing what a hot glue gun, a trip to Goodwill and Dollar Tree bows will get you!

 

 

We also had our share of ugly Christmas sweaters, Salvation Army bell ringers and dreidel cardigans to go around.

 

 

The pilgrims were there to watch over the food…which was delicious!

 

 

 

 

Everything was mouth watering.  Kudos to all!

 

 

When it was time to eat, Jamie lit the menorah while we all sat Pilgrim style at one long table and jammed out to Christmas music.  It was so awesome.

 

 

Good friends, good times, and good memories.  Happy Thankschristmukkah to all!

 

 

As for this week we are SUPER BUSY getting ready for the last week of work along with our upcoming trip to Wisconsin!  I can’t wait!!!

 

M:  Pressed Sandwiches w/ Tomato Soup

T:  Baked Spaghetti

W:  Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Th:  Baked Potato Soup

F:  St. Charles Christmas Party!

Sa:  Palatka Christmas

Su:  ON WISCONSIN!

 

Have a great week!

Alleluia!

 

What a glorious morning!

There is nothing like an early Easter Mass followed by Starbucks, Easter baskets and a very simple brunch…not to mention a little bit of a peanut butter extravaganza for me and a bit of Coke Zero for mom (40 days is a long time). 

I hope everybody has a blessed day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simple Brunch for 3:

Orange Juice

Freshly Sliced Strawberries

Open Faced Egg Sandwiches*

 

To assemble eggs sandwiches:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Lightly toast bagels of choice (we used egg bagels this morning) and spread with Garlic and Herb Baby Bell Cheese Wedges. 
• Place on baking sheet lined with foil (helps with clean up).
• Top with scrambled eggs (I always add a dash of milk to make the eggs nice and fluffy). Veggies or meat (sausage/ham) could also be added into the scramble, but we chose to keep it simple this morning since we have a feast coming later!
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese lightly over the top and put into the oven to melt the cheese for 3 minutes – set the timer so you don’t forget.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Celebrate ‘Cakes

 

I am always looking for a reason to celebrate. For instance, today I am celebrating that I only have to work until noon and then Christmas break begins…whooohoooo!  

Although every jubilation isn’t worthy of celebration food (traditionally, cake and ice cream), this is a great recipe to keep in your pantry as a wild card meal that will make you look like a rock star when any merriment calls.

These celebrate ‘cakes are rich and decadent, and are definitely “special meal” caliber.

 

 

Made with chocolate cake batter and topped with peanut butter and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, these are kind of like eating cake and candy for breakfast.  What could be better?

 

 

I am definitely an advocate for the practice of eating everything in moderation, but once in a while it’s ok to let loose, yell “Yippee” and celebrate life.  These pancakes will definitely do the trick!

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pancakes

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box)

Peanut Butter

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Syrup

 

 

Make cake mix according to box directions.  If desired, add chocolate chips to the batter for a more chocolate-y pancake, or you can add some of the chopped up Reese’s Cups for a p-nuttier flavor.

 

 

Spray griddle with non-stick spray and ladle batter onto griddle.  Flip once you see bubbles forming on the pancake surface.  Cook through on the other side.  Remove from griddle and keep warm in a 250 degree oven. 

When ready to assemble, top with natural peanut butter (easier to drizzle) and chopped Reese’s cups – the warm pancakes will start to melt the PB and Reese’s – DEELISH.  Add desired amount of syrup and enjoy every last bite!

 

 

Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, a holiday, or just because it’s not Monday.  Whatever the reason – celebrate!  Bon appetit.

 

 

FYI:

One box yields approximately 18 pancakes.  If you can’t finish the entire batch (they are pretty rich!), put in stacks of four after they have cooled.  Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the freezer.  Heat in microwave or oven for a quick weekday breakfast!

Thirty One

 

It’s my birthday! 

To celebrate the last 31 years, here are 31 pictures reminiscing my younger years, awkward years and best years.  Enjoy!

 

            

 

    

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

   

  

  

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

        

  

 

 

Fun times, embarrassing pictures, bad hair, great friends and exciting adventures have led me to not only a Happy Birthday, but a happy life.  Here’s to the next 31!

Have a great day, we’re off to celebrate!