Sweet, Sweet Nectar

Hello Sweets,

Oh man am I exhausted :( , I could barely sleep at all last night and maybe got about two whole hours of rest :(  I knew today was going to be tiring because my nephew is always full of energy, but the lack of sleep has made it even worse.  I will apologize now if this post becomes quite brief, but I felt like I was going to fall asleep while walking home from the grocery store (not a good feeling).  Just call me zombie Canuckette lol.

As I told y'all yesterday, I was going to be lending a hand chaperoning a movie outing for my nephews daycare with my sister.  We went and saw Planes (Disney Pixar) and it was very cute, not anything like Cars but good in it's own ways.  I was absolutely shocked at how well the children were in the theater, we're talking about three and four year old's sitting for about two straight hours.  As you can see from the following pictures, my little burrito had a wonderful time.  He also probably ate more popcorn then Asha (my sister) and I did lol, that boy can pack food away like nobody's business!

 

eating by the handful lol

 

that's one happy little boy :)

Today's fruit pie filling star is the hairless cousin of the peach, that's right nectarines!  I love these as much as peaches, and just like peaches I tried tirelessly to not get the juice all over me as a child (and now as an adult) lol.  It was actually quite cute watching Miguel eat one today, every time a little drop of juice would slide down his little hands he would chase it with his tongue lol too cute!  And just like with the peaches, I have never had a nectarine pie >_<  What better time to try something new right lol?  It's a very simple recipe and super easy to make, but personally I think simple is usually better than something that's been over complicated ;)

Nectarine Pie Filling

Ingredients

heaping 1/2C sugar

3Tbs cornstarch

4-6 large nectarines, pitted and diced

 

Directions:

1)  In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and starch.

 

2)  Add the nectarines and gently toss until they're evenly coated.

 

Once you have your filling ready, place a heaping spoonful into the pastry cup.  Baking as directed in the earlier post (click that little link!), and allow to cool before eating.  The nectarine tarts pair quite nicely with either some french vanilla ice cream, or if you're looking for a healthier companion cottage cheese :)

 

tada!!!

Don't they look delicious?!?  Well we're almost at the end of the tart series, I have two more little treasures tucked away.  But don't worry I'll be sharing those with you over the next two days.  As I said before this post is a little short, now in addition to the tiredness I am also experiencing some annoying pulsing pain in my shoulder/collarbone area >_<  What a lucky girl I am *eye roll* :p  Until next time.......................

Stay sweet,

Jennifer xoxoxoxo

You and I, Baby We Make Fireworks!

Hello Sweets,

I hope y'all are enjoying the weekend, the sun is shining here but with a cool breeze.  It actually made for a perfect day to have a barbecue with some of the family :)  I just love watching my nephew be silly outside, he is always so full of energy and smiles.  I even took a walk after I got home to get some ice cream from this cool double decker bus that's been converted to an ice cream shop.  Unfortunately I didn't bring my phone (which I think is good to do sometimes) so there is no picture to share, but I did get a black sweet cherry ice cream that was both sugar and lactose free.  And guess what?  It tasted very good, not as good as the ones Nathan makes me but good for what it was lol ;)

So I thought this would be my last "4th of July" post, but then I realized I made an adult treat also.  It's just a small, fun recipe that I'm going to save for tomorrow since it's Sunday and that is set for a recharge and relaxing day :)  As promised, today I am going to give you a glimpse through my eyes and how much fun we had on the fourth of July.  Nathan is such an amazing man to have in my life, yes I know I'm fortunate, and he did everything to make sure my first fourth of July celebration would be memorable.  He even was okay with some of the things he thought was just silly, but that's me and he loves me for it (win win).  The first thing we did was make sure I looked the part, from my head all the way to my toes (I always wear cowboy boots so that was just a happy coincident).

Yea you can laugh, we sure did!

So like most girls I love things that sparkle, but I also like things that go bang too!  The following are some videos I took when we went to shoot fireworks off.  This was like nothing I had ever experienced in Canada, Nathan told me we were going to a farmers field and there would be lots of other people shooting fireworks off at the same time.  I wasn't sure what to expect because I've either shot them off with some family and friends, or have gone to one of the parks here that do a big show.  Before we even got to the field we got stuck in Texas traffic, but luckily for us there was a show to enjoy while passing the time :)

 

watching fireworks from the highway :)

Take a look at what fireworks are like in Texas (some might have my finger in the shot lol oops sorry);

 

This was probably the best shot I got all night, it truly captures how fantastic of a show it was

The quality of the firework display is not great, but you can see how large the crowd was

the Canadian gives it a go! Disappointed because the packaging said purple but it was green lol

Nathans turn, and I think he's having a little too much fun :) love him to bits!

sparkle, sparkle baby!!

Fireworks 101: Don't stand in front of a large group of people shooting fireworks off *shakes head*

Quite the show right?  And of course there is one more sparkle to share :)  What is the one thing any girl, young or old, wants when there are fireworks involved?

  

sparklers baby!!!!

Ya I'm still very much a kid inside, but hey I had the time of my life and have a ton of memories.  I can't wait until the next celebration with fireworks in Texas, although I hear you can light them off all year round in the country.  Better watch out uncle Michael and aunt Cindy, we'll be heading your way ;)

Remember to come back tomorrow for a short, sweet, and sassy adult recipe!  Until next time................


Stay sweet,




Jennifer xoxooxo

Say What?!?

Hello Sweets,

I know I promised you guys something new and Texan sized tonight, but I really want to show the whole process so that means tomorrow will be the day for the surprise.  In the meantime I have a short, sweet, and interesting little post for you tonight :)

You guys now that I am all about trying new things, and when I see something new at the grocery store, I can't help but buy at least one to see what it's all about.  Normally when I am down in Texas I don't see too many new items, since I've been coming down here for almost two years now I think I've seen almost everything.  That was until earlier this week, I couldn't help but pick up some delicious smelling peaches (obviously not in season in Canada) when this oddly shaped fruit caught my attention.  Here see for yourself;

Weird right?

Do you know what this funny little fruit is?  I swear this is a real thing and it is it's real name, this little guy is the "plum lemon".  I know what you're thinking, but I assure you that it is real (I looked it up lol see here!) and it isn't anything like I imagined.  It starts off with a yellow color until it is ripe then changes to this lovely red, the inside is sweet like a plum but there is a tiny citrus aroma to it as well.

 

I've never seen one in Canada before, but if any of you see this at your grocery store and you haven't tried it DO IT!!!  Lol it is a pleasant little surprise and I would never steer my readers in the wrong direction ;)   Until next time..................................................

Stay sweet,

Jennifer xoxoxo

Long Distance Love

Hello Sweets!

Well I am on my way back to Canadian soil again, sigh :(, which means I had to leave the love of my life back in Texas.  You would think that because we've been dating for over a year, and knowing we live in two separate countries, travelling back and forth about every six weeks or so, that I would be used to leaving, but alas, I cry like a little baby every time!  I don’t mean a couple of tears at the airport security line either.  I mean a day before, I will get a little sad, maybe even a tear, but the day of, I can just look at Nathan’s handsome face, and start crying.  lol  I think I have finally figured out why it gets worse every time I have to leave; it’s because every day I fall more and more in love with him, and I cannot wait to be with him for good, in due time :)

So with it being our last day together today, we did what we always do, that’s to make the most of it by just enjoying each others company.  Today, that meant a matinee movie date, and not just at any regular old theater, not even our normal “fork and screen” (fully licensed and service theater), but this time at a “cinema suite”.  It’s a little more pricey than a regular theater (although compared to Canada it’s cheaper…..weird), but worth every penny!  They have a full menu with your typical theater munchies, but then they have restaurant quality food that is absolutely delicious.  Funny fact: Nathan and I always say we’re going to try something new off the menu, but love our regular picks so much, we always end up ordering the same things hahaha.  I had the chipotle chicken and bacon panini, and Nathan had the thai coconut chicken tenders.  Needless to say, we were both extremely full and satisfied by the end of the movie.  Oh I guess you’d like to know which movie we saw.  We chose Argo, based on the declassified rescue of the six Americans trapped in Iran during 1980, which by the way was pretty good, considering I’m not a fan of Ben Affleck, it’s says something I think.  After the movie, we went back to the house for a few hours to spend time doing the one thing we love to do together; watch TV and cuddle. :)  It’s silly when you think about it, but even when it comes time to say goodbye to Bear (the fur baby), I get all teary eyed (it’s even worse when the whole family is there).  Afterwards, I gathered my things and it was off to the airport.  I can’t help but get upset when I’m hugging Nathan for our final goodbye.  Even the TSA agent checking the boarding passes asked me who I was leaving behind, because of my watery eyes.  While waiting in the security line, Nathan always waits for me to get through.  We are that couple that is smiling back at each other mouthing “I love you” and “I’ll miss you” all the way until I am through.  Once screened, it’s one final wave, and I venture to my gate, all the while texting Nathan my final I love you before I land back in Canadia.

I know a little dark, but you get the just of it!

So I am not sure about you guys, but while I'm waiting for the plane to be pushed back from the gate, I always peruse the complimentary magazines.  The things in the 'Sky Mall' never cease to amaze me and make me giggle.  So I thought I would share some of the things that I thought were crazy, just down right silly, and things I want to own and have in my own home.  First is a countrified cooler.  I would love to have this when Nathan and I own our first home for our back yard, so when friends and family come over to spend the afternoon grillin’ and catching up, we can have almost all the beverages out back with us so we can spend more time together, and less going in and out of the house for refreshments. 

<3  

Second would be this AMAZING shoe holder. I have a slight obsession with shoes, and not enough space to keep them all without cluttering the hall closet, so this is both practical and stylish.  Not your typical plastic shoe rack. 

I LOVE shoes lol

Okay, now on to some silly, makes you go “whaaat, why??”.  First up, is this ridiculous garden ornament.  Yup it’s a zombie, meant to look as if it’s coming out of the ground.  Now Nathan and I both enjoy watching the Walking Dead, but this is a little too far for my likings lol.  

....wow.....

Second is also for the garden or lawn:  Skeleton gnomes O_o I would really love to meet the people that have these things in their garden, because I bet they are pretty interesting people.  

....ya.....

Thirdly, a moustache mirror. LOL  It’s funny but very frivolous to say the least, like who really needs this!!

I guess it would be good for Movember, so you can decide on a style lol

And then I came across the section of prints, and I need to get this for when Nathan and I live together, because it is exactly how he makes me feel.  :)  I know, I know, I’m a mushy, cheesy girl, but he makes my heart pitter patter all day every day.  

yup, this is us :)

Well Sky Mall, your newest addition entertained me again, so thank you for making my pre-takeoff  more enjoyable lol!

Well I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and spent it with the people that make you the happiest!  Now I am going to sit back and enjoy the rest of my flight with my now famous pecan pie muffin, and some vino.  :)  Until next time……

Stay sweet,

Jennifer xoxoxo 

With baking there is no fail, only lessons to be learned

Hello Sweets,

 Today's post is about the lessons that can be taught to you in your kitchen, and to show that all of us, both experienced and not, can make mistakes, and not let them discourage us from doing what we love!  I chose to venture down the road of homemade bread today.  This wasn't my first attempt, but it was sadly my first fail. :(  But I will not let this discourage me.  I will attempt this recipe in the next few days, but until the success, I have decided to still post about my fail in hopes that it will perhaps not only help others, but also encourage all of you to keep trying.

So what did I try to make you ask?  Whole Wheat Honey bread, similar to what they serve at The Cheesecake Factory.  Nathan took me there on our anniversary back in August.  I had never been there before, and he thought that was crazy considering my love of cheesecake (hmmm definitely another post topic lol), and needless to say, their food was delicious!  Our entrees were savory.  Nathan had the Southeast Asian Caramel Chicken, and I had the Chicken Fettuccine mmmm good!

This part is going to sound silly, but next to their AMAZING cheesecake, was the whole wheat honey bread they bring you when you sit down.  Usually I am more partial to the white bread served in restaurants, only because a lot of restaurant's brown bread is sort of dry, but at The Cheesecake Factory, their brown bread is to die for.  Of course being the ever loving girlfriend, I have been scouring the Internet for a recipe that comes close, and I think I finally got one worthy lol, and go figure, the first time trying was a disaster.  This will not be the last time you'll see this recipe (or one close to it), as I am determined to make this delicious bread!  Now onward to my silly little catastrophe :p 

Honey Whole Wheat Bread (via Raegun Wear)

Ingredients

3/4C warm water

1/4C molasses

1 1/8C all-purpose flour

3/8C wheat flour

1/2Tbs cocoa

1/2Tbs sugar

1Tsp instant coffee

1/2Tsp salt

1/2 packet of yeast (1 1/8Tsp)

1/2Tbs oil

1 egg white (optional)

oats (optional)

Directions:

1)  Dissolve the coffee in the water.  Add yeast and let bubble.

I think this is where I went wrong, I waited but never got bubbles :(

2)  Add sugar, cocoa, salt, and oil.

3)  Add 1/2 the flour and the molasses and knead.  Continue adding flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Doesn't exactly look appealing lol

Note:  You want sticky but manageable dough.  The stickier the dough the softer the bread will be.

Definitely sticky :)

4)  Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size.

I was hoping it would rise, but alas it did not

5)  Shape into rolls or loaf.  Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with oats.  Allow to rise again.

my sad little brick lol

6)  Bake at 350F for 20-35 minutes (time depends on size of roll or loaf).  To tell if it's done, pick it up and thump the underside, it will sound hollow when finished.

FAIL!!

Well alas, sadly my bread did not end up rising and stayed a small little brick of ingredients lol at least I can laugh at my own mistake! Although it didn't rise as expected, it did however, turn out to be just as delicious as the bread I used as a template, if not more. 

I hope this "fail" blog shows everyone to never give up when you don't succeed, and don't ever let that be the 'end all be all' for your kitchen excursions.  And when you really feel frustrated, pull up this blog post and laugh at my silly blunder, and give yourself the credit you deserve and try again!  Until next time.....

Stay sweet,

Jennifer xoxoxo