We're Penguins!

So much snow!! We're turning into penguins, or at least the weather gave us some inspiration!

These seemed like the perfect cupcakes to take to Ivan's class...

When the weather is like this on your 5th birthday!!!!

This was taken on the 7th-his birthday-we have about a foot more now!

My Speedy Oatmeal Cookies w/ White Beans!

I know, I know it sounds gross. Or at least weird. But my kids and their friends love these cookies, and honestly have no idea beans are in there, so try 'em!

First, take 1/4 cup of white beans and mix them in a blender or even just with a fork. Make 'em mushy, you don't want to think beans when you eat your cookie! You can drain them first, but a little bean juice will help mix 'em.

STIR UNTIL SMOOTH

1 C Brown Sugar

1/4 C Butter Flavor Shortening (Crisco)

1/4 Cup mashed White Beans

1 Egg

1/2 Tsp. Soda

1/2 Tsp. Baking Powder

1/4 Tsp. Salt

1T Vanilla

ADD

1 C Flour

1 C Oatmeal

1/2 C Nuts or Chocolate Chips (or both!)

Stir Until Smooth, Drop by spoonful on a cookie sheet. Bake approx. 10 minutes at a preheated 350 degrees.

Recipe makes 2-3 dozen.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Personally, I like this fat substitute (beans) better than applesauce. They aren't as spongy or moist "sticky" as when I make cookies with applesauce.

Friendship and Fondant

My dear friend Rebecca. What can I say? She is awesome. I met her when I was 13. I have always loved her and her family. I'm not sure the reason, but I just attached myself to them, and won't let them go! She got married the summer after high school, but unlike other married friends we stayed close, and eventually I caught up with her and she threw my bridal shower. I spent two days at her house on this trip. She has such beautiful kids. I'm feeling a wee bit guilty the fotos are of a cake, and not her cute family, but alas this is the case.

Rebecca has turned in to quite the "Betty Crocker" and is even getting paid to do some wedding cakes from time to time. She has a lot of fun cooking tools. I've been wanting to learn fondant icing for a time, but didn't want to attempt it without someone who knew what they were doing the first time. Anyway, under her guidance, we made this great cake for my Father-In-Law for his birthday.

What a great time! What a great cake! What a gReAt, GrEaT, GREAT, GREAT friend!!