Friday, January 29, 2010

Recipes

Here are the recipies you requested:

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Crust:
20 oreo's
3 T melted butter
1 T sugar
1/2 t ground coffee beans
1/4 t salt

Filling:
8 oz. semisweet chocolate finely chopped
8 oz. cream cheese room temp.
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs room temp

Glaze:
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate chopped
2 T butter
1 t light corn syrup
2 T sour cream room temp.
(You can add crushed candy canes on top... but we liked it better without)

Process the crust ingredients together in the food processor, press into your foil lined 8" dish and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Melt the chocolate for your filling in the microwave(2-4 min.) blend the cream cheese, sugar and sour cream in the food processor until smooth. Add the eggs. With the processor running, pour the chocolate into the other ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and bake until filling puffs slightly around the edges 25-30 min. Cool.

Put the chocolate, butter and corn syrup in a bowl and microwave 2 min or until melted. Stir and add the sour cream. Spread over your warm cake. Refrigerate over night.

P.s. this is also VERY good hot... i don't know what they were thinking assuming i could let this goodness sit in my fridge overnight while my mouth was watering!

Yam Shake

1 cup almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup baked, chilled and peeled yam
1/2 juicy orange, peeled duh
1 T flaxseed oil (yes, I sat there and cut open pills.)
1 T raw rolled oats
1/2 t ground cinnamon

Blend and drink, that easy.

Portabello Tenderloin
2 T butter
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup green onions
3 portabello mushroom caps, sliced
1/2 cup red wine
1 1/2 lbs. beef tenderloin (it is supposed to be buffalo, but i am not that brave)
garlic,salt and pepper
3 slices turkey bacon

In a skillet add the butter, garlic, green onions and mushroom caps. Saute 1 min. and add red wine. Simmer until all the liquid is dissolved. Lay the mixture down the center of the tenderloin and roll. Secure with toothpicks, twine or the handy dandy rubberbands that go into the oven (Thanks Ricky & Nissa). Bake at 300 until the meat is done to your liking. I baked for 15 min. (mine was thin though).

Coconut Shake
2 cups vanilla almond milk
1 1/2 frozen bananas
2 light coconut milk ice cubes (yup, just pour the milk into your ice cube tray and freeze)
1 t honey
Sprinkle of nutmeg

Blend and sprinkle....

Thai spiced mango and prawns
5 T coconut milk
1 T thai red curry paste
2 T fresh cilantro chopped
1 small red chili, seeds removed and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lime (juice & zest)
2 ripe mangoes
2 lbs. Tiger prawns
2 t coconut oil (I couldn't find any gotta love Germany, so i omitted completely and the dish was fine!)

Truthfully... I threw it ALL in the pan and cooked it until done.

Curried Quinoa Greens with Coconut Dressing

2/3 cup quinoa
2 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
3 cups kale, chopped
1 t curry powder
pinch salt
3 T light coconut milk
2 t lime juice
1/3 t curry powder
1/3 t agave nectar (I couldn't find this... i did now... anyway i used peach... it was good too!)
1/3 cup peanuts

In a dry saute pan heat quinoa for 5-6 min. on medium. It will pop, fun! Add everything down to the salt, cover and raise temp to high. Let the quinoa absorb the liquid 15 min. Transfer to a bowl.

Mix the rest, pour over quinoa and toss.

Spiced Pear Sorbet
4 anjou pears
1/2 cup pear juice or apple cider
1-2 T ginger juice (grate the ginger then squeeze the juice out of the shavings. Please do not cut your finger like I did)
7 whole cloves (I would use half)
2-3 T crystallized ginger
1/4 t vanilla

Cut the pears into 8ths. In a sauce pan toss your pears slices, juices, and cloves. Bring to a rapid boil, stir and cover lowering the heat. Simmer 10-20 min until the pears are very soft.

Transfer to a bowl, cover and freeze over night.

Remove the bowl and thaw. Process the crystallized ginger until pebble size, remove to a dish. Process the pears until creamy. Stir in the vanilla and ginger, serve.

Thank you Nissa for the signiture :)

Miss Perfect

Nobody is perfect.  Why do all of us pinpoint someone and then try and measure ourselves up to her?  (I am sure boys do it too) We look at someone's blog and say "I can't look at this anymore, She makes me feel like a bad wife"... the truth is we are all different.  We all have different things that make us go.  Some people need organization in their lives, some people need to relax and unwind, some work out, some eat, and some craft... We all have some things together and are complete messes in other areas.  Why do we make ourselves feel bad because we aren't her...

The next time you do are thinking about that "perfect" woman who has everything together and you dont, stop. Think of all the people who are thinking that they don't measure up to you!

I am off to make dinner, because that makes me feel good.
What is one thing YOU are good at?


Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Word Vomit

Today I realized how dumb it is that I always feel like I have a ton to say and never blog about it because I think people only want to look at pictures and see WHAT I am doing instead of listen to me talk.  This is stupid... we have the technology to scroll.  So please do.  If I bore you with what I am about to say then go ahead and scroll/skim, you have my permission. 

I figured out why I blog.  I blog to get away, this is my safe place.  (Although it isn't always safe due to some people's mean comments which have now been deleted.)  :)  I don't have to think about work or school here in my own little space and I love that! 

I have been learning a whole lot in these past 2 weeks.  I learned today that i am not a perfectionist.  I am lazy when it comes to putting in the extra effort to perfect something.  I figure, eh, it looks good enough, and am then upset when my whatever doesn't turn out like the picture.  I want to try and put my 100% into the things i do from here on out.  With that said, I have come up with some late new years resolutions.  Sure i want to lose 15 lbs.(but i sure do know HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE... he he he) Of course i am trying to read through the Bible in a year, These are ones that i hope will make me a better Brittany:  1)To do more things that I don't want to do and 2) to stop dwelling on what others will think of me. 

1)   To do more things that I don't want to do.  I am the BIGGEST homebody you will probably ever meet.  I love being at home especially if my pajamas are involved.  P.s. I am SO scatterbrained and this new talking thing will prove this to you.  New found love~ Clinique face wash, yes the soap, and lotion.  My mom used to buy it for me randomly and it was like a HUGE present and besides the cost, I am reminded why.  It feels SO good to do what you are doing with a CLEAN face.  Not just "Yeah i scrubbed my face in the shower" but you can feel the tingle and the softness of your skin clean.  Back to my resolution.  Nick loves doing things, going into town (how old am I), playing poker, hanging out with friends, seeing a movie, etc.  I love eating at home, watching movies at home, and inviting friends over to our house.  My compromise with Nick is that i will entertain so he is hanging out but i am at home.  This is a no go this year.  I want to go to the things we are invited to, it will help me grow and probably be a lot of fun right?  I ALWAYS make up excuses to why I can't go last minute and I hate that about myself... let's change that!

2) I want to stop thinking about what others may think of me.  Here is an oxymoron for ya, I do my best to be humble.  Look at this post notice that I am learning to capitalize my I's.  I never did that before... i just let the cat out of the bag to my mom and Nick, I thought i was being humble by not capitalizing.  This is clearly an issue of proper writing and I thought of it as being "all about me" when I  capitalize myself.  STUPID right?  I also recently have been going to the doctor due to dizziness and nausea, they told me I might have a brain tumor.  I didn't tell anyone until last week and I have known over a month... why?  Because I didn't want all the attention.... and I still don't.  I am saying this because I want people close to me, I want to be able to connect and bond with my friends and family and this is a hard task when you are keeping to yourself.  I am quickly learning this.  I am the one creating space between my friends and family and it is now up to ME to fix that. 

I decided that i am NOT going to even add a pretty picture to today's blog, i don't want to apologize for speaking my mind, finally.  This is B.Cooley's blog, I want to be open and honest and creative all at the same time!  :)

I am a woman of lists, I have daily lists, weekly lists and a life list.  I am now compiling a post graduation list and a seperate but connected post graduation reading list.  If you would like to suggest some things I would love it!  Yes Drea i already have Dear John on there :)  I will post my lists later as it will make me blog my thoughts again!

I am leaving my favorite verse, I am sure you have seen me have it on something: My graduation announcement, facebook, myspace, or email but every time i read it, i need it.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight O Lord my rock and my redeemer."  Psalm 19:14
I constantly need a reminder that God is in control and no matter what my life is like, whether i am at a high or low, God knows my thoughts and they still need to glorify Him.

http://www.natalienortonphoto.com/2010/01/weapon-fire-water-wind.html

Thanks Mom!


Saturday, January 9, 2010

See food

Nick and i didn't know if we liked scallops...
How do you find out?
You buy some and cook em up i say!


These were Turkey Bacon wrapped Scallops
Salt, pepper and cayenne... good to go!


Tomato Sauce n' Scallops
eh... i would have made a more flavorful sauce if i were doing this again
Tomato Basil didn't cut it


Butter n' Creole Scallops
yes sir
Nick's fave!
Where could you go wrong though?  butter ... good!


My newest project
We finally decided we didn't need the kitchen table that my parents gave us anymore, but i just couldn't let go!
This was the kitchen table i learned how to make swedish pancakes on, i built forts under, celebrated birthdays, craft time, etc.  I couldn't let it go... so we decided to repurpose it.  The legs (shown above) will be cut down and Nick will attach the new bench top that i made and it will sit at the end of our bed.  :)  The top of the table will hopefully be cut down, i bought a drummel and i am going to carve in the wood like the table daddy and i always wanted to make, and the drawer is now an organizer!
Updates on my bench later!


Artichoke hearts
Not worth the 2 hours Julia Child!


Mussels
Nick loves them now, plus they only take 5 minutes!


Laura's Birthday Cake
Coconut... mmmm....
This cake was a pain in the rump, but well worth it!  :)


2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

Coconut Simple Syrup:

1 1/2 cups water

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Coconut Custard:

3/4 cup whole milk

3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk

1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped

4 large egg yolks

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons coconut rum (recommended: Malibu)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coconut Filling:

3/4 cup coconut custard (recipe above), cold

3/4 cup very cold heavy cream

Coconut Buttercream:

3 stick unsalted butter, softened

1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

3/4 cup coconut custard (recipe above) (cold)

Pinch fine sea salt

Cake:

2 tablespoons softened butter, for pans

2 1/4 cups cake flour, plus more for pans

1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

6 large egg whites, at room temperature

1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces, slightly cold

For the toasted coconut:

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.



Spread the coconut evenly onto a baking sheet and toast until lightly golden brown, stirring once, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the coconut sit in the oven until very dry and crunchy, about 15 minutes longer.



For the simple syrup:

Bring water and sugar to a boil. Stir in the coconut, remove from the heat and let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Strain the liquid into a clean saucepan, bring to a boil and let cook until the mixture is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Let cool.



For the custard:

Combine the milks and vanilla bean and seeds in a medium nonreactive saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.



Whisk together the yolks, sugar and cornstarch in a large bowl. Slowly whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture then return the mixture to the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, until thickened. Scrape the mixture into a bowl and whisk in the rum and vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.



For the filling:

Combine the custard and cream in a bowl and whip until soft peaks form.



For the buttercream:

Beat the butter and sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the coconut custard and salt and beat until combined and smooth.



For the cake:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 2 (9 by 2-inch) round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.



Whisk together the milk, egg whites, vanilla bean seeds and vanilla extract in a medium bowl.



In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With mixer running at low speed, add the butter, one piece at a time and continue beating until mixture resembles moist crumbs. Add all but 1/2 cup of milk mixture to crumbs and beat at medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add remaining 1/2 cup of the milk mixture, increase speed to medium and beat 30 seconds more. Scrape sides of bowl and mix for 20 seconds longer. Divide the batter evenly between the cakes pan and smooth the tops using a rubber spatula.



Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs attached, 22 to 24 minutes. Cool in the pan on baking rack for 10 minutes. Run a small knife around the side of the pan and invert cakes onto the baking rack, removing parchment paper, and let cool completely, about 45 minutes.



To Assemble:

Using a long serrated knife, slice each cake horizontally into 2 layers. Reserve 1 of the flat bottom layers for the top of the cake. Place another layer on a cardboard round cut side up and brush with some of the coconut simple syrup. Spoon 1/3 of the coconut filling onto the cake and using a small offset metal spatula, spread it into an even layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge of the cake. Repeat with 2 more layers. Brush the cut side of the reserved cake layer with the remaining syrup. Place the layer cut side down on top of the cake.



Frost the sides and top of the cake with the buttercream. Pat the coconut onto the sides of the cake and sprinkle the remaining coconut on the top of the cake.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

more...


My new PEACOCK head acoutrament!

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Chocolate Cheesecake with oreo crust and chocolate ganache


Chicken Enchilada's


A sideways picture of a coconut banana shake

Mango Shrimp


Kale with Quinoa

Coconut Fruit Salad


Beef Tenderloin stuffed with portabello's, cremed brussel sprouts and dandelion green salad with hot mustard dressing


Pear Sorbet



Strawberry tart with custard and sugar paste crust


Yam Shake

If you want any of the recipies from this blog, leave a comment and i will post them.  I just didn't want to post all of them since it would be too bulky! 


Lot's to Catch Up On


First of all, hello Dumpknudeln at the Christmas market in Trier!  SO GOOD!  It was like a pancake ball not cooked all the way with warm cherry filling and vanilla sauce and nutella on top.  Yum!

My favorite part of the Trier Christmas market...

Kuhl Beanz at Christmas Time
A stocking for every squadron

Beef Stir Fry

2009 USAFE ENLISTED PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION NCO OF THE YEAR
SSGT NICHOLAS L. COOLEY


The parking sign i made for Nick at home.  I am a proud wife!  :)


I am a big fan of taking an extra 5 minutes and wrapping packages cute before sending.  It is like a gift in the mail ( well it is... )  Plus, it's fun!


Knitting mom's gloves by candle light while our power was out.  P.s. this is at about 2 p.m. , why is it dark?

Raspberry muffins with cool whip and peep stars for the Kuhl Beanz Christmas party

Nick and I at Kuhl Beanz
We had 9 volunteer Santa's at Kuhl Beanz for the 3 Saturdays before Christmas
I think it brought the base some holiday cheer!

Nick was of course my favorite. 
Sorry to the others, but i am a bit biased.

Abby drew a picture for Santa to show him what she wanted
SHE IS PRECIOUS!

Aurora in her little outfit is enough to break your heart!

One of my 2 favorite boys!
All in all Santa was fun!


Nurnberg

See Kari, i tried to be cute like you... but it just doesn't work out!

Goodbye Nurnberg market, on to Edelweiss!

LOVED the lobby!




Seriously, is there a better place to spend your Christmas vacation?


Our Horse drawn carriage ride!

Headed home...

Our yummy smelling and beautiful wreath from Mom and Dad compliments to Franny
WITH our New "The Cooleys" Wreath hanger from Pottery Barn
:)

Pot Roast with New Potatoes and Carrots

Eggs A la Goldenrod for Christmas Breakfast

Kristina Kringler


Christmas Dinner
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