Labor-inducing Foods

As I'm approaching the 39 week mark of this pregnancy, I've started to consider what measures I'd be willing to take to help speed things along a little. I don't know that I'd ever be desperate enough to try castor oil, but I've started to make a list of things that seem like they'd be both safe and appealing, in the face of desperation... or even just curiosity.

Lemon Drop Cupcakes

There's the bakery in Virginia that has it's own growing list of success stories with their labor-inducing Lemon Drop Cupcakes. Lemon cupcakes? Sounds delicious to me! Even if they don't do the trick. Here's a recipe I found, in case anyone else is interested in trying them out - Lemon Drop Cupcake Recipe.

Pizza

Have you heard of the Prego Pizza? Skipolini's Pizza has it's own legend going of a labor-inducing pizza. And, since this pizza place isn't too far from where we live, I might just have to convince Marc to take me out to a yummy pizza dinner one of these nights. Or maybe we'll just make our own and throw every topping we can think of on top, since that sounds like it's basically what it is.

Fresh Pineapple

When I was pregnant with Hugh I read somewhere that eating fresh pineapple would help soften/open the cervix and help induce labor. I admit that I ate a lot of pineapple in the weeks before he was born, but mostly because it was delicious. Here's a more detailed explanation of it's labor-inducing properties.

Spicy Food

Another thing I ate a lot of the week before Hugh was born was enchiladas, the spicier the better. Who knows if it helped or not, but I didn't mind having an excuse to eat good Mexican food.

And, here's a list of nine foods that claim to do the trick. I'm thinking the Eggplant Parmesan and the Chocolate Cake look pretty tempting.

I don't know... this week's menu is looking kind of exciting! Are there any other foods/recipes I should add to my list? Anything that has worked for you?

A birthday, a baptism and double the brownies

Highlights of this week (minus the photos because of some technical difficulties we're having):

Monday - My sister's birthday. Since she lives nearly a thousand miles away, we decided to celebrate by making ourselves a pan of Nutella Brownies. THE brownie of all brownies. I don't know if I'll ever eat regular brownies ever again. Happy Birthday, Dawnie!

Tuesday - Snuggled up all day and stayed away from the rainy weather outside. Hugh was hating life because of a terrible rash that just kept getting worse, no matter what I tried. Late that night I watched part of Mansfield Park with my man. I just love Jane Austen.

Wednesday - After putting the boys to bed, Marc had some meetings and I had the house to myself. All day I dreamt up different ways I could spend that precious alone time. I ended up cleaning, like the kind where you get groovin' and movin' and can't stop. Not even close to what I had in mind, but it felt good to have everything so clean. My whole perspective of housework has totally transformed after a discussion I was part of last Sunday... a post of its own for another day, I suppose.

Thursday - This should be a post of its own, too... Hugh had his 9 month appointment. He's now 30 inches (he's grown nine inches in nine months!) and weighs 20 pounds 10 ounces (that's 12 pounds in nine months). He's in the 90th percentile for height, 25th percentile for weight, and 95th percentile for his head size (47 inches). Made the most delicious enchiladas, with extra for leftovers on Friday.

Friday - It snowed! Yes, real, falling snow in our little valley. To celebrate, we took a family photo toward the end of one of the flurries. My friend, Kelly, came to visit with her youngest two, which the boys totally loved - and, I did, too! Also, I made Nutella Brownies. Again. (This time for a baptism... but, I still put some aside for us for later. Oh, I'm so bad!)

Saturday - Hugh decided not to go down for his morning nap. Watched BYU work their magic against San Diego. Hugh decided he didn't want to sleep in the afternoon either. Well, he actually woke up because of some noisy neighbors and I was unable to coax him back into dreamland. Got some super happy news from a friend, while chatting over a cup of hot cocoa together. Also, it was a big day for our dear Tracey, sending her lots of love and happy thoughts. fFinished watching Mansfield Park. It was just alright. I'm not sure if anything could beat Pride and Prejudice.

Sunday - Ben fell asleep in my arms during the second hymn at church - I Stand All Amazed. Just before that sweet moment, he was on the verge of becoming a little mini-hulk, it seemed. Once his body was completely limp, I laid him down on the comfy pew, using my sweater as a pillow/ear muffs (to keep the noise to a minimum), and thought back to my own childhood memories of waking up in similar situations in that same chapel on practically the same pew. Took a bunch of photos of the boys playing in their white Sunday shirts and khakis, with the afternoon sun shining on us (wishing I could access the photos on my camera to share with you... soon, soon, I promise!).

Another fantastic week come and gone. Another week is here to enjoy! The big question - how many times will I make Nutella brownies this week?

Pizza Margherita

I've decided to share my most favorite pizza. It makes me a little nervous, actually. It looks so average that I'm afraid it won't be respected the way it deserves. Yes, it is simple... but that only adds to its magnificence. But, I have to warn that it'll ONLY turn out properly if you use the right ingredients. Just so you know... you've been forewarned. Even the slightest of alterations will completely mess it up. Just sayin'.

Pizza Margherita

1. Best Pizza Dough Recipe (previous post) - this dough recipe will make two 12" pizzas.

2. Homemade pizza sauce

3. Fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced NOT grated - you'll know it's fresh if it's packaged in water and says "Fresh Mozzarella" on the container. 

4. Real Parmesan - you'll know it's real if it DOESN'T come in a cylindrical green container with "Kraft" written on the outside and a strange powdery substance on the inside. If you're really serious, buy an actual wedge of parmigiano reggiano. Oh, so good!

5. Fresh basil

6. Pizza stone and cornmeal (if you have them)

DIRECTIONS: While the pizza stone is heating up in a 400 degree oven, stretch your dough as thin as possible and set aside. Prepare all other ingredients. When pizza stone is heated, pull it out of the oven. Sprinkle cornmeal on it, covering its surface. Carefully lay pizza dough on the cornmeal-covered stone, then start adding the ingredients on top of the dough - pizza sauce, mozzarella slices, light sprinkle of parmigiano, and the fresh basil (either as full leaves or chopped up, however you prefer). Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, give or take 5. (Sorry, I can't remember how long, exactly. The crust will be a light golden color when it's done.) It is seriously SO GOOD. 

Pizza Casserole

I have some thoughts swirling around chaotically in my mind, and there's nothing like making pizza to distract me further. I recently tried a new way of making pizza and it's already a favorite. It's your basic Pizza, only you make it in a casserole dish (like a 9x13 pyrex), so that the dough comes up the sides and creates a sort of deep dish pizza.

You're welcome to use your own dough recipe, but if you want to try a REALLY good recipe, check this one out. 

Best Pizza Dough (for ONE crust)

1/2 Tbsp. dry yeast

1 tsp. sugar

1 cup warm water

2 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions:

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and leave in a warm place for 15 minutes.

2. Mix the flour with the salt, then add flour mixture and olive oil alternately to the yeast mixture.

3. Turn the dough out to a floured surface and knead for 4-5 minutes or until smooth.

4. Return the dough to the bowl and cover. Leave it to rise for 30 minutes.

5. Knead the dough for 2 minutes, then stretch it out to your desired shape and size.

Okay, now back to the Pizza Casserole.

Spread your dough into a very well Pam-greased 9x13 dish, or other casserole-type dish that you prefer, making sure that the crust covers all the way up the sides of the dish. Next, top with your favorite pizza toppings. Some of my favorites on this pizza include: my homemade delicious pizza sauce, browned Italian sausage, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, slightly-cooked broccoli (Yes, I love BROCCOLI on my pizza), Mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Buon Appetito!

The beauty of this recipe is that you just pile it all on. AND, with all those vegetables I only end up using about a half cup of cheese, making it that much more healthy than your average pizza.

Coming tomorrow: My All-Time Favorite "Old" Pizza. 

The Pioneer Woman

A couple of months ago my sister, Mandi, told me about a cooking website she had stumbled upon - The Pioneer Woman. I have since become a regular visitor and have been more motivated than usual in my meal preparations. I have simply rediscovered my love of being in the kitchen, and have loved trying new recipes. Her recipes have never disappointed. Try them yourself. I dare you.

So far, I've tried these recipes (and, LOVED them all): 

Mexican Lasagna

Pasta Primavera

Chocolate Sheet Cake

Blackberry Cobbler

Carmel Apple Pie

Apple Dumplings

And, while searching through her recipes, I've drooled on my laptop on more than one occasion.

You'll find that the Pioneer Woman includes her own, step-by-step photos, but here are a couple of my own, proof that I actually have tried some of the recipes listed above.

Carmel Apple Pie:

Blackberry Cobbler:

Dessert Cheese Ball

This is a recipe my sister, Mandi, shared with me. Not only is it delicious, but it is such a fun dessert snack! If you like cheesecake, I think you'll really like this! (Sorry for not including a photo... I forgot to take one when I made it.)

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 package (8 oz.) Cream Cheese - softened
1/2 Cup Butter - softened
1/4 tsp Vanilla
3/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
2 Tblsp Packed Brown Sugar
3/4 Cup Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
3/4 Cup Finely Chopped Pecans
Graham Crackers or Chocolate Graham Cracker Sticks

Beat the Cream Cheese, Butter, and Vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add in the sugars, and beat until just combined. Stir in the Chocolate Chips and refrigerate for 2 hours. Place Cream Cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball and refrigerate for at least 1 more hour. Then roll the ball in Pecans and serve with graham crackers (the chocolate sticks are especially good).

Homemade Doughnuts

We continued our tradition of making homemade doughnuts last night. It had been such a busy day that we almost didn't follow through with it. But, it was lots of fun to make them together. And, the seminary kids had a great surprise this morning when I brought them the leftovers. They'll eat just about anything at 6am! lol!


For anyone that's interested, we decided to try a "Krispy Kreme" recipe we found online. They were good, but next year we'll probably go back to the tried and true family recipe.

Doughnut Recipe
2 cups scalded milk
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar, divided
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons yeast
4 eggs (beaten)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
7 cups sifted flour

Glaze*
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup cold water

Directions:
1.Mix together ingredients for glaze.
2.Melt butter in hot milk, add 1 tsp sugar and salt. Allow to cool.
3.Beat in yeast, nutmeg, eggs, remaining sugar, and 3 cups flour.
4.Add rest of flour (dough will be sticky).
5.Knead for 5 minutes then allow to rise for 1-1 1/2 hours.
6.Roll out dough, cut into shapes.
7.Do not re-roll dough, then allow to rise for 30-45 minutes.
8.Heat oil to 365° and fry 1 - 2 minutes on each side or until brown. Toss in the doughnut holes first, let those cook, and then proceed to cooking the donuts.
9.Let them cool on a paper towel - helps get the glaze to stick.
10.Dip in warm glaze.

* For the chocolate glaze we used chocolate cake frosting.

Friday Fun

Friday morning started with baking a fresh batch of whole wheat bread.


I am so grateful for Marc's Mom and sister who have shared their whole wheat bread recipe with me - it is so good! Rather than write the recipe out, just go here, if you're interested in making it, too.

I decided to make one loaf into a cinnamon swirl, which just consists of rolling out the section of dough, spreading a little butter, sprinkling a layer of cinnamon sugar, and then rolling it up and putting it into a loaf pan. Yum!


Later that night we had another friend come over for a visit. Emi was in town with her kids for the week, so as soon as she had the kids put to bed at Grandma's, she came over to visit with us. Emi and her family just moved to Arizona a few months ago. We were sad to see them go, but are happy that life is going so well for them in Arizona.

Emi and I first got to know each other when we played on the same soccer team, close to twenty years ago. I came across our team's soccer picture a few months ago, so I'll have to get it out again and post it here. While we have known each other for a long time, it has only been in the last three years that we have gotten to know each other really well. We loved living in the same town as her and Aaron... and have so many great memories of hanging out together with them. It's hard to have friends move away, but having them back in town (if only for a short visit) brings so much joy. We love our friendship with them!

Emi, it was so great to see you! Thanks for coming over to see us!

Bran Muffins

My mom passed this recipe on to me a few years ago, and I love it! It makes the best bran muffins... and they are so perfect for a cool Fall morning!


Bran Muffin Recipe

5 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
4 cups All-Bran cereal
2 cups Bran Flakes cereal
2 cups raisins (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
2 cups boiling water
5 tsps. baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
4 eggs
1 quart buttermilk

In a large bowl sift together flour and salt. Stir in All-Bran and Bran Flakes. Add raisins and nuts, if desired. Set aside.

Mix boiling water and baking soda; set aside to cool.

Cream sugar and butter in a large bowl. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Beat well. Stir in buttermilk and soda/water mixture. Stir in bran mixture. Cover tightly. Best if refrigerated 12 hours (or more).

The mixture will keep 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator and can be baked as needed. When ready to bake, drop by spoonfuls into greased muffin tins. Do not stir mixture. Bake at 375 for approximately 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 5-6 dozen muffins.

ENJOY! :)

Calzone Recipe

For those of you who might be interested, here's the recipe for the Calzones.

Dough (you can also use your favorite pizza dough recipe):
1 Tbls. yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbls. honey
3-4 cups flour

Mix ingredients until dough is manageable (not sticking to your fingers). Divide dough into whatever size you prefer, and roll out to your desired thickness. The dough will thicken as it bakes, so it's a good idea to roll it out rather thin. Make an oval shape with the rolled out dough. (This dough recipe should make about 4 large calzones.)

Toppings/Filling:
Tomatoes or pizza sauce
Mushrooms
Olives
Bell peppers
Prosciutto
Parmesan (the real stuff)
Mozzarella
Pepperoni
Italian sausage (already cooked)

On one half of the oval pile on whatever toppings you prefer, making sure to keep about an inch of dough around the edge free from any toppings. Then, fold over the other side onto the toppings and seal the edges of the dough together. Starting from one end, roll the edge of the dough in a continuous twist all the way to the other end, making sure that the dough is completely sealed. Otherwise, the toppings will spill out onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle a little Parmesan on top. Bake at 375 for about 15-20 minutes.

Here's what the end result should look like:

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Okay, I know "whole wheat" and "chocolate chip cookies" don't sound like they should go together, but I promise you that these are the best chocolate chip cookies! Just try them and see for yourself.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups butter
1/2 cup natural chunky peanut butter
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
4 eggs
2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. baking soda
4 cups whole wheat flour
4 cups oats
3 cups chocolate chips

Mix everything together. Bake at 350 for about 17 minutes, depending on the size you make them. Serve with cold milk! :)

Tomato Basil Parmesan Pasta

I have to be honest that I was really shocked that Marc loved this pasta so much to take a picture of it and blog about it. It is so easy that it hardly deserves this kind of attention. I feel like I should pat some flour on my face and pretend I've been slaving away!

It's kind of hard to write out recipes of Italian dishes. In Italy measuring cups and spoons do not exist. When I would ask an Italian how they made a certain dish, they would literally say, "two handfuls of flour," or "a few large pinches of salt," or "just mix it until it gets a beautiful color." So, pardon me for the recipe below, because I really don't measure any Italian dishes I make. You might have to make it over and over until it comes out right. :)

Tomato Basil Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:
Barilla Pasta, cooked al dente
5-8 Roma tomatoes
2-4 Tbls. extra virgin olive oil
2-4 Tbls. basil and oregano, each
1/3 cup tomato sauce
Shredded Parmesan cheese

While the pasta is cooking, dice the tomatoes in small chunks. Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, and the spices, and cook on medium heat in a skillet, until the tomatoes look like they're well-cooked (about 10 minutes or so). Then, if you need the extra sauce, add it, but not more than 1/3 cup. When the pasta is done, drain and add it to the sauce. Mix it well. Top with parmesan cheese (NOT the Kraft powder stuff! Use the shredded more real stuff). Serves about 4. Easy Peasy and so yummy people will want to blog about it! :)

Fresh Peach Pie

Okay, first I have to say that I am not a big fan of pie. If there is ever a choice for dessert, ice cream is my choice 99% of the time. Of all choices, pie is almost always my last preference. So, you may be wondering why I'm posting about Peach Pie. Well, I'll tell you.

Last month when we went to Utah, my sister Dawnette made a peach pie. I politely accepted a slice since there was a large scoop of vanilla ice cream included. I was in for a pleasant surprise. Not only did I completely savor that slice of pie, I helped myself to a second slice! That's how delicious this pie was! A non-pie-eater was converted to pie from this one experience.

So, this week I decided I had to have the recipe and make this pie for Marc and me. It really is as delicious as it sounds. I think I realized the difference with this pie is that it's made with fresh peaches. Most pies I've eaten have been made with canned fruit or canned pie filling. The fresh ingredients really do make a big difference. Here's the recipe:

Pie Crust
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
About 4 oz. oil
About 3 oz. milk

Mix flour and salt. Using some measuring device that measures ounces (like a baby bottle), fill the oil up to a little past the 4 oz. mark, then add the milk to the oil until just past the 7 oz. mark. With a fork, mix the milk/oil mixture together with the flour. Divide dough in half and roll dough out between two pieces of wax paper. Place one in a pie plate, and set the other aside to go on top.

Peach Filling
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup Kraft Minute Tapioca
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
5 cups peeled, sliced fresh peaches (you can also use nectarines)
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 Tbls. diced butter (optional)

Mix the first five ingredients together. Pour peaches over the pie crust in the pie plate. Scatter the diced butter over the top of the peaches. Lay the other pie crust over the top of the peaches and pinches the edges so they look pretty. Wrap the edges all the way around the pie with tin foil to keep the crust from burning. Bake at 425 degrees for 35-45 minutes. ENJOY!