ATTITUDE IS A LITTLE THING THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE. ~
Winston Churchill




Thursday, May 31, 2012

A friend posted this on Facebook and I really like the message - it's one I need to remember.  Sometimes I stop putting in the effort to accomplish something that takes a lot of work - at other times I can't seem to find or make the extra time needed to squeeze everything in.

When I've plowed through, made time and stuck with something, the sense of accomplishment has always made it worthwhile.  I just need to keep telling myself - "Don't give up, you'll be glad you kept going."

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Lemony Lemon Brownies

I've been neglecting my blog.  It's not that I meant to - in fact I really miss posting my random thoughts, but life has just been really busy so far this year.  I realized tonight that this month is all but over and I better hurry up and get a recipe posted. 

I saw this one on Pinterest and it intrigues me.  Lemony Brownies, doesn't that sound interesting?  You could call them Lemonies instead of Brownies.  I've got to try these out so I'll be making them this weekend.  :)

Source:  Becky Charms

Lemony Lemon Brownies
Ingredients:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour {King Arthur All-Purpose Flour}
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt {Sea Salt}
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Tart Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
4 tablespoon lemon juice
8 teaspoons lemon zest

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease/Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter/cooking spray and set aside. 

Zest and juice two small/large lemons; set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixture fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter until combined. 

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined. Pour into the flour mixture and beat at medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. 

Pour into baking dish and bake for 23-25 minutes, or until just starting to turn golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before glazing.  Do not overbake, or the bars will be dry. {even with the yummy glaze}

When brownies are cooled completely, make the glaze...sift the powdered sugar, add lemon zest and juice, and whisk together all three ingredients. Spread 1/2 the glaze over the brownies with a rubber spatula.  Let glaze harden.  Spread the remaining glaze over the bars, and let it harden.  Cut into bars, and serve!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

81st Birthday

Today would have been my Dad's 81st birthday and I've been thinking about him and missing him today.  Just a little bit of trivia about my Dad, he loved cashews.  I do too, in fact they're my favorite kind of nut.  My mom loves pistachios and my dad loved cashews. 

Sometimes when I eat these nuts, I think back to when I was young - watching a movie together or playing a family game and sharing these yummy nuts with my parents.  I love the fun memories and good times associated with these nuts.  Cashews always remind me of my Dad.  Happy Birthday Daddy!  Love and Miss You!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

25 Years Already!

Happy Anniversary to the wonderful and amazing man that I feel blessed to call my husband and my best friend.  I Love you Brad!  Here's to 25 more fantastic years!!  :)