Friday, May 30, 2014

Easy Boston Cream Pie


Keith claims that Boston Cream Pie is one of his favorite desserts. So when I saw this recipe, I had to make it right away... and true to form it was EASY. 


Ingredients:
Angel Food Cake
Cool Whip
Vanilla Instant Pudding
Milk
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Slice the Angel Food Cake into 3 layers. Combine the Instant pudding with 1 cup milk and 1 1/2 cup of Cool Whip. Spread pudding mixture in between the cake layers. 

Melt 1 cup (or more) of chocolate chips. Stir in 1 cup Cool Whip. Spread over the top of the cake. 

Done. Wasn't that easy? Tastes delicious, too. 

Uncle Chip kept Eva entertained during the cake making process. 


Thursday, May 15, 2014

In the 1st month...

Amazing, awesome, miracle, delight, blessing -- these are all common words that have taken on new meaning and depth when we describe Eva. Our first month with her has has been all those things: amazing, awesome, miraculous, delightful and blessed.  AND also very pink!

In the 1st month...

...time has completely changed. Each moment spent with Eva is a major accomplishment and truly savored.

...she has had only 4 baths. Babies don't get too dirty, especially ones that don't spit up. 

...she has grown so much. I feel like you can literally see her grow- starting at 7lbs 4oz and now nearing 10lbs.

...she has enjoyed her first time at Winking Lizard, being a spectator at her first half marathon, her first stroller ride, and her first Clippers baseball game (in this too-cute-floppy hat). 

...baby noises have become commonplace and welcomed-- except for the world's loudest baby toot during prayers at church. 

...she has met Mommy, Daddy, Grandma C, Grandpa C, Grandma H, Grandpa H, Chip, Ross, Christin, Colleen, Laszlo (Colleen's dog), Stacie, Rhys, Pastor Steve, church family, BSF ladies, CSCC colleagues, neighbors, great-Grandma Herman, great-Grandma Herman, great-Aunt Anita, great-Uncle Stu, Gregory, great-Aunt Melanie, great-Uncle Mark, Kara, Leah, Bethany, Buddy the dog, and Fisher (through a window). Phew! Busy little girl. 

...she went from Newborn to Size 1 diapers in Week 3. 

...she has worn almost every newborn outfit once with hardly any repeats. (There are a few sleepers that I just love!) 

...we have read the Nose Book, Goodnight Moon, the story of Noah, the Going to Bed Book, and Jesus is Alive! 

...and Grandpa C read her the Wall Street Journal. 

...my chest went from non-functional to an all-you-can-eat buffet.  

...she took an expressed bottle from Daddy, twice!

...we have said prayers of thanksgiving for friends and family that sent well-wishes and gifts; ones that have oohed and aahed over the beauty of our child; ones that have offered to bring coffee, food, and a helping hand; and ones that have prayed for us. 

...her baby facial expressions are a varietal source of entertainment with over 1000 and counting. 
I'm 1 month old ... and wearing a bow. 
I'm 1 month old!!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Bars for Mailing

I found two recipes that I am excited to make and send to a friend who is having a baby (Carrie Ann: Spoiler Alert!)

One recipe is from the Martha Stewart website... which made me think it was pretty fancy, but it seemed very similar to a Rice Krispie Treat which made me compelled to look for a second recipe on the Rice Krispies Treat website.

Recipe #1
Coconut-Pecan Cereal Bars

1 package shredded coconut
1 1/2 cup pecan halves
1 package mini-marshmallows
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups cornflakes (I am using Frosted Flakes)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread coconut and pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray. Then line the pan with wax paper leaving overhang on the sides and spray paper.
In a large nonstick pot, heat butter and marshmallows until melted. Stir frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in cereal, pecans, and coconut. Press into baking pan. Cool until firm. Cut into squares, removing wax paper. Enjoy!


Recipe #2
Trail Mix Rice Krispie Treats

2 cups mini-marshmallows
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins or dried cherries or dried cranberries
1/2 cup nuts or seeds

In a large nonstick pot, heat butter and marshmallows until melted. Stir frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until combined.


Add cereal, oats, fruit, and nuts until well-coated. Press into muffin-pan cups that have been coated with cooking spray. Cool until firm, lift out of pan with a fork. Enjoy! (note: These were a little less solid than I had hoped... next time I will use more marshmallows.)


My little sous chef.



Saturday, May 3, 2014

EBDO

Today was a big day. In fact, I would like to unofficially call it Eva's Big Day Out (EBDO).

It started with a 5:30am feeding and then a little extra sleep before the 6:30am wake-up call to head out to the Cap City Half Marathon. Keith was running in the 5K and Ross was running the Quarter Marathon. We drove away from our house about 7:15am, parked at COSI and then walked to the starting line.
Just a little bit away so the massive speakers weren't
quite as loud. 
We met Ross at the starting line since his race began before Keith's. Lots of people were ready to go for this event. Spectators were out with their dogs and the loud speakers sounded with Jody Shelley's voice, of CBJ fame, to get the races going.
Keith stands ready with the other 1,300 5k runners,
including Mayor Coleman (not pictured).  
Even with digital technology, we didn't get
a good one of Uncle Ross. 
Eva slept in my arms the whole time while I waited for Ross and Keith to cross the finish line. The light wind was a little difficult to deal with, so I sought shelter in a few different places. Finally, the finisher party in the Columbus Commons brought fun and reunion.
Hallas family at the finisher party. 
All this happened before 10:00am, so what to do next? Head to Marshall's for some breakfast. Keith loves the Marshall's Special and I got the French Toast. Eva enjoyed watching us eat while on a full stomach of ... milk. Ahhh, perfection.

The day still wasn't over as EBDO continued in the afternoon by meeting Uncle Ross at Winking Lizard! Yes, this was a monumental day as it was Eva's first visit to the Winking Lizard. We had a great time as the restaurant wasn't too full while we watched Kentucky Derby pre-shows. (Way to go, California Chrome!)
A proud Daddy as Eva enjoys WL.