Pierce Turns 21!

We celebrated Pierce's 21st birthday a few weeks ago - a bit by early the calendar but his actual birthday fell on a weekday and he was away at school.  Each year, we choose a different theme.  Over the years, we have hosted pool parties at the local gym, camp outs in the back fields, go-cart racing, paint ball and laser tag adventures, etc.

Sadly (for me), Pierce declared several years back that he was "too old" for me to be throwing themed birthday parties for him.  But this year was different it seems.  Pierce was very excited to be turning 21 and actually requested that I host a big birthday bash!

After much brainstorming, we decided to host a Halloween costume party.  His costume was an army private and I decided to be a "go-go" dancer.  The above photo was taken at the end of the evening - notice the dazed look on my face - I was exhausted!

To keep the party fairly simple and make it family friendly, we began the party in the early afternoon.  Lots of fun, dancing, laughter and merriment ensued.  I always use a tried and true "formula" for the food and drinks: I serve 2 hot items, 2 cold items, 2 "nibbles", 2 desserts and 2 beverages for every 50 people attending.  Double the number of items  for 100, Triple for 150, etc.

Our party menu consisted of the following:

Hot Items

Brats cooked in beer, sliced into 1 inch segments and served with toothpicks

Greenbacks -  a traditional German appetizer of stuffed spinach leaves but I just throw into it all into a casserole dish, bake and serve with rye bread rounds

Cold Items

Ham Biscuits

Turkey Biscuits

Nibbles

Pretzels    

Assorted Cheese Tray

Desserts

Black Forest Cake

Sugar, Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cookies

Beverages

Lime Sherbet Punch

Iced Tea

Giving Thanks

One thing that I ponder quite frequently is how exactly do you thank God for all the blessings He has freely given us?  I am quite certain that if I sat down with pen and paper in hand and began writing a list of every good thing He has given me I would be writing until I drew my last breath!

Somehow a simple "thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough.  Is being aware of those blessings and acknowledging that all good things come from Him with a wondrous and grateful heart enough?  I don't know.  What I do know is that, without Him, we are lost.  And I acknowledge that I am unworthy of every single blessing he has, amazingly, chosen to bestow on me.

Today my home will be filled with my family, friends, good food, fellowship, laughter and love.  I hope your Thanksgiving (and every other day) is full of love, family and blessings as well. 

Homemade Vanilla Extract

With the weather turning cooler and the holidays almost upon us, I am choosing to "not shop" much and focus my efforts on homemade or handmade gifts. 

As an avid baker, vanilla extract is a pantry staple for me.  But it can be so expensive! Cheap brands can be found most anywhere but they don’t have that real, true vanilla flavor that makes baked goods taste so delicious.  Imitation vanilla extract contains vanillin, which is a synthetic version of vanilla’s natural flavor compounds.  Most popular grocery store brands of both imitation and “genuine” vanilla extract may also contain corn syrup and caramel color.

This year I decided dispense with the artificial ingredients and make your own homemade vanilla?  It is very simple to do and you only need two ingredients: vanilla beans and plain Vodka. It takes approximately three minutes to assemble a large jar and within a couple of weeks you will have a large batch of homemade vanilla extract that adds a clear, true vanilla flavor to your recipes.

Did you know that there are three types of vanilla bean, any of which can be used for vanilla extract, according to your preference:

Madagascar or Bourbon vanilla. This is the bean with the smooth, sweet flavor that’s typically available as extract in the United States.

Mexican vanilla. This has a very full flavor that’s often described as creamy and spicy.

Tahitian vanilla. These beans are known for their intense floral aroma.

To make homemade vanilla:  Using a sharp knife, split 4 vanilla beans lengthwise.  Spread the two halves apart to reveal the vanilla seeds.  Place the split beans in a quart sized mason jar and fill the jar with vodka.  Store at room temperature. After about two weeks, the vodka will have colored (who needs caramel color?).  

Once my homemade vanilla is ready, I am planning to decant it into smaller bottles.  I plan to purchase a muffin tin and a set of measuring spoons, add a bottle of my homemade vanilla with the recipe for Vanilla Bean cupcakes attached and give as gifts for those other avid bakers and vanilla lovers on my list.

Vanilla Cupcakes

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon homemade vanilla
• 1 large egg white, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk, at room temperature

Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line muffin pan with paper liners.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to break up any lumps; set aside. Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until very light in color, about 3 minutes. Add sugar and continue beating until the mixture is airy, about 3 minutes.

Scrape down the paddle and the sides of the bowl, turn the mixer to medium speed, and add the egg white, beating well. Then add the egg, beating well.  Add the milk and vanilla and mix until combined (the mixture will look curdled, but it’s not). Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Reduce the speed to low, add the reserved flour mixture, and mix until just combined, about 15 seconds.

Fill the muffin wells about halfway and bake until the cupcakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Set the pans on a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pans and let cool completely before frosting.

Vanilla Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients and beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.

Memorial Day

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. 

~Joseph Campbell

We are off to visit family over the long holiday weekend.  Back on Tuesday!

Momma's Birthday Dinner

My momma had a birthday last week.  She is 79 years old and as mentally sharp and physically spry as ever.  And, even though she stands just 4 foot 11 inches tall, she has always ruled the roost!  None of her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren has EVER had the nerve to sass her more than one time!

She is such an inspiration to the entire family.  A God fearing woman, a loving wife and mother, a fantastic cook, skilled seamstress and dedicated gardener.  She is the standard by which I measure my own skills as a wife and mother.

The family got together for a birthday cookout to celebrate.  Lots of laughter, flowers, gifts and good food.  Pierce and a few cousins began "arguing" over which one of them is Grandma's favorite!  Unfortunately, no decision could be reached. The only thing the boys could agree on was that Grandma is definitely their favorite.