Baking Adventures

 

This recipe can be found in Jill O'Connor's baking book, "Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth"

In the spirit of summer and a BBQ coming up in a few hours at my casa, I decided to bake a tasty treat out of my new favorite baking book! Every recipe in this book makes my mouth water and I can't wait to try my hand at all of them. Today I picked the recipe for some mighty tasty blondies. A blondie is a chewy, sweet, treat similar to a brownie. This particular version is chalked FULL of toasted nuts. 

Le Process:

We melted the butter with the brown sugar in a saucepan over med heat until it was combined and bubbling slightly.

While that was a brewin', we combined the eggs, salt, and vanilla extract.

 Once the brown sugar mixture was cooled down a bit, we combined it with the egg/vanilla/salt mixture. Then, we mixed the flour and baking powder and tossed it in with the wet ingredients.

Once we had the dough, we threw all of the rest in (the good stuff!) and stirred to combine.

Pour the "dough" into a 13x9 pan and bake at 350 for 30-35 min until the middle feels firm and the signature brownie "crackle" has formed on the surface.

Let cool and ENJOY!

The rest of the BBQ shenanigans: 

FUN x10000000. I love summer :) Thank Jesus for my sis' Nikon being in town along with her ;)

Summer Goals

Hello all! I wanted to let you guys know that I'm putting off Tucson Tuesday until tomorrow, since it is going to be a guest post for the sweet Alison over at Holland 1945...So be sure to head over there tomorrow!

 

I just want you all to know that I dominated my paper that was due today! I wrote 25 pages in 9 hours...teehee I guess that is procrastination at it's best. As classes are coming to a close (YESSSS) I find myself continually daydreaming about summer! I may pick up some summer school but that will be decided by my Psychology Adviser. A while ago, Danielle of Sometimes Sweet posted her goals for the summer of 2011, and I am feeling so inclined to share my goals with you too!

Photo borrowed from Danielle at Sometimes Sweet

1. Pinch Pennies

With a move out looking inevitable this fall, the smartest thing I'll do this summer is save my money! Fingers crossed for a promotion at work. If this happens, I'll be able to put some of my hard earned money away before I have to spend it all on rent :)

2. Roadtrip!

I love everything about road-trippin' and I hope I do a ton this summer. On my destination list: Phoenix to visit my sister, her husband, their pup (check her blog here), California, and hopefully LAS VEGAS! I'll be 21 on June 1st and I'd love to try my luck at some slots and some shopping. 

3. Thrift More

 

This one is a given! You all have heard plenty about my love for thrifting and I can't wait to explore new thrift stores this summer. Not only do I save ridiculous amounts of money, I enjoy spending time with the people I thrift with. 

4. Cook Dinner

Since I live with my parents, I rarely cook at home. I either eat what my madre fixes up or get something out with the boy. Not only is this a bad habit, but it also eats away at my paychecks. See numbers 1-3 if you're wondering why that's a problem haha. Not to mention, I love to cook! 

5. Ride my Bike

A couple of years ago for my birthday, Kyle bought me a bike to ride around campus. I love this bike and don't ride it nearly enough! It's great exercise and although Tucson is unnaturally hot during most of the summer, the evenings are perfect. Maybe I'll get a sweet battery powered radio to ride with like in Now and Then! Love that movie...

6. Pamper Myself

During the school year, things get really crazy. I have a feeling that since I'm rapidly approaching the end of my college career, things will only get crazier. I'm going to treat myself to the things that make me feel rested and happy: acupuncture, yoga, manicure/pedicures!

7. Eat Fresh!

 I try my best to eat well, but this summer I'm going to work really hard to eat fresh fruits and veggies! Also, I want to rid myself of white flour and fast food. Clean eats = happy body!

8. Healthify Dessert

Since I can hardly eat a meal without having dessert after, I'm going to work really hard to healthify the sweet choices I make after dinner. Chocolate covered strawberries, fruit salad, etc.   

9. Date

 With how busy this school year has been, Kyle and I don't always get to spend time going out on dates like we used to. We've never been the couple who needs to pencil in a "date night", and spontaneously going out together works well for us. In order to keep that, I'm going to take him on fun dates more often.

10. TURN 21!

I am notorious for being semi-obsessed with my own birthday. Sounds shameful but I can't get enough. Having a day that belongs to you is so special and fun. Not to mention, all of my family and friends get together and any occasion where I can spend time with the people I love is welcomed with open arms :)



I'd love to hear about your summer goals, too! Happy Tuesday, don't forget to check out Tucson Tuesday on a Wednesday on Alison's blog :)