Snow Ice Cream

We are home from school again for the third day in a row. I think that I am starting to get a little stir crazy. But, my kids are thrilled to be home to play in the snow another day. Yesterday I mentioned to my neighbor that I planned to try out a recipe for Snow Ice Cream that I had seen floating around on Facebook. He said to me, “I was always told, don't eat the first snow.” I grew up in Maine and I had never heard this before. But, yesterday afternoon when I spoke to my Aunt Shirley, who lives in Deleware, she said the same thing. So I did an internet search on it. Some people say that the first snow contains lots of germs, etc. However, I wasn't able to find any real proof of this.

We made the Snow Ice Cream anyway and we all loved it. We just stirred together the ingredients with a spoon and ate it immediately. I have a feeling my kids will want to make it again today.

Snow Day!

My three kids along with one of their best buddies.

Snow is rare in North Carolina. So, when there is a prediction of a flurry, people get excited. So excited in fact that yesterday school was cancelled without a flurry in sight! Very disappointing. However, we woke up this morning to a blanket of snow and thankfully our second day off is justified. 

My kids wanted to go outside immediately this morning, but I insisted on breakfast first. I put some Mandarin Muffins in the oven, and while they baked, we gathered together all of our winter gear. Sadly, only my two younger kids had the correct clothing, but this didn't stop my oldest from going out to play. (She is hot natured at least.) 

 

Over breakfast, I learned that my son got up in the middle of the night and looked out the window and saw all the snow. He then woke up the girls to show them too. All of this happened while I was sound asleep!

I anticipate a day filled with outdoor play and hot cocoa. And, that sounds just about perfect to me. 

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is by far my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe and the one that I told you about a few days ago. I photo copied it out of a book several years ago, but I did not make note of the name of the book. The paragraph written about the cookies along side the recipe claims that this is the original “Neiman Marcus” recipe. But, I'm not sure that this is true since I have tried other recipes that have been quite different from this one over the years that have claimed the same thing. 

I think that the reason I adore this recipe so much is that it has a slight coffee flavor. I am a huge coffee lover and coffee flavored desserts, ice creams, and baked goods are my weakness.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 stick butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp. white sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ tsp. instant coffee powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 ¾ cup all purpose flour
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

In a mixer, cream together butter and sugars. Add egg, vanilla, and coffee powder. Mix until fully combined. Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour. Once dry ingredients are incorporated, stir in chocolate chips. Drop onto cookie sheets. Bake at 375º for 8-10 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Then, move cookies to a cooling rack. Yield: 24 cookies.

Happy Birthday!

This week my oldest celebrated a birthday. For her birthday dinner she requested hot dogs and chips with nacho cheese dip. Not exactly “real” food choices, but I was happy to comply for my birthday girl. And, instead of a traditional cake, she asked for Chocolate Chip Cookies, which were homemade. (I will share my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe soon.) I think that this was the most simple birthday meal I have ever prepared! And, my birthday girl was thrilled.

New Year's Kitchen Goal

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Last year I shared with you my New Year's Frugal Kitchen Goal. Overall, I feel like I have achieved that goal. However, I have to admit that I abandoned the part of my goal where I aimed to prepare more homemade convenience foods. Although this had worked for me in the past, I felt like it was unrealistic concerning my new family dynamic. 

This year, my goal is a bit different. In 2014, I plan to simplify my time in the kitchen. This means that I would like to cook meals with fewer ingredients, cook/bake less often, and provide school lunches with minimal fuss. Plus, I want to maintain my current grocery budget and my commitment to serving “real” food. 

I have already been prowling around my grocery store looking for new options. Over the last couple of months, I have introduced some new things to my kids and they have been pleased. For example, I have found that my kids really like natural cashews and pistachios. In the past, I had only bought peanuts, almonds, and pecans. 

Do you have some simple recipes or "real" food solutions that your family loves? If so, please share! 

Happy New Year!

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