Cookie Face-OFF

CHOCOLATE CRINKLES

BANANA OATMEAL COOKIES

Sometimes I bake... the other night after dinner I really wanted to bake some cookies. I couldn't decide between yummy/healthy cookies or sugary/chocolaty/fatteningly delicious cookies. So I made both!

Oddly enough, the healthy oatmeal cookies turned out to be a much bigger hit with my family. The chocolate crinkles are more bitter, like dark chocolate. I liked them because I love dark chocolate, so give them a try if you dare (Recipe from Real Simple).

But..... you should definitely try the yummy banana oatmeal chip cookies (Recipe from Carrots 'N' Cake). There were a few ingredients in this recipe that I didn't have on hand and definitely did not want to search for them in a grocery store so I substituted some:
AGAVE NECTAR = HONEY
SOY MILK = 1% MILK
CHOCOLATE CHIPS = RAISINS
I also didn't have flaxseed meal :( so I just trashed that and added some toasted WHEAT GERM.

Wheat Germ Benefits:
*B vitamins
*Calcium
*Comples carbs
*Fiber
*Iron
*Magnesium
*Manganese
*Omega-3 fatty acids
*Phosphorus
*Potassium
*Protein
*Selemium
*Vitamin E
*Zinc
As you can see, the benefits are endless and quite substantial! It is particularly high in Vitamin E with is great for the skin and has anti-aging properties. The secret to the fountain of youth:)

America the Beautiful

Everyone has a holiday that they anticipate much more than others. Christmas? Thanksgiving? Halloween? Easter? Mine is definitely INDEPENDENCE DAY! This day always brings back so many memories of past traditions with my family.

This was a special year, since the 4th was on a Sunday. I loved celebrating it all weekend!

Saturday July 3:
My family and I went to the Stadium of Fire where Carrie Underwood rocked it! She's super classy, beautiful, NORMAL, and seems happily engaged to a professional Canadian hockey player:) The fireworks were Amazing! An all around fun night out.

Sunday July 4:
The beautiful weather called for a cook out. My mom and dad spent all day preparing these bad boys. You have to boil, bake, and grill these ribs, so they are very time consuming. Carnivores beware....

And, of course, the All-American dinner calls for fries! My sister and I made these baked steak fries. I'll share recipes later on. And next time I make them, I think I'll try sweet potatoes. More Vitamin A and more flavor! Yummm...

Jessica, my sister, made this cute red and blue Jell-O. Be sure to visit Just Sew Darn Cute for the recipe!

Kiersten, my sister-in-law, made this flag cake for dessert. Greatest frosting ever. My guilty pleasure was for sure licking the plate.... Here is a tutorial for a similar cake from Make it and Love it

The perfect patriotic plate, ready for devouring, put together by my brother, Jason. Man that boy can eat!

Mama, Jason, Kiersten, and Dallin

Grandpa Horton

Janelle aka My Mama

Addie didn't take very many naps, as you can see...

Jace spent his time by the toys, with woody, his BFF.

Monday July 5:

Started the day off with a good race. The freedom run is held annually in Provo. We all finished, but Dallin took 1st in his age division! Congrats Dal!
The parade + not too hot + my family = :)
Free hot dogs!
My beautiful friend Ashlee was cheering for Blaze in the parade.
Swimming at the Scera. Everything is better with SUNSHINE!
Another successful memory made.

Oh My, Oreo

Oreo Truffles
Ingredients:
-1 pound Oreos (don't skimp on the brand. Nothing can replace an Oreo.)
-8 ounces cream cheese
-Dipping chocolate (Dark, Milk, White... be creative.)
-Wooden skewers (optional)

Preparation:
Soften cream cheese, crush oreos and combine. Roll into 1 inch balls and freeze for 30-45 minutes. Stick skewers into truffles, melt chocolate, dip and refridgerate!
I found that the most effective way to melt the chocolate to avoid curdling is to heat a bowl of water, place chocolate into a seperate bowl. Set bowl of chocolate into water bowl (do not let water overflow into chocolate) and stir chocolate until creamy and divine.
More truffle/cake pop ideas: bakarella.com

All Day Event

So... I wasn't able to check anything off my list because baking a cake and learning to make fondant wasn't exactly on it, but I would still classify it as productive! It took my sister Jessica and I all day to make this cake in order to celebrate..... well we just wanted to make it! I've always been scared of the thought of making and using fondant, but it was surprisingly simple!
Step by step instructions from Make It and Love It here: Making and coloring fondant

Dream of Green Cream

Every night I crave the Irish Mint and Dreamy Dark Chocolate frozen yogurt from Spoon It Up. Every time I go get my treat, I end up spending at least $5! I found an awesome alternative that is waiting for me in my freezer every night! These are delicious and refreshing! Creamies remind me of my childhood:)