Tuesday, January 15, 2013

thank you. love, your sweet tooth

I will go ahead and say I'm sorry for this post to those of you that have made New Years resolutions. 
This past weekend we had some friends over to just hang out and have dessert. I always feel like you have to serve or have dessert at any gathering after 7:30pm. I know, dumb rules, but a rule I live by. I came across this blog, and I'm now convinced that I will use it anytime I need a dessert recipe. I made this on Saturday...
Good heavens. Meet Brownie Pudding. I had to make sure it was safe... so I had some... it was dangerously delicious. Then I decided that we might need a little variety, so in honor of my husband loving Butterfingers he got this...
He was over joyed. You can get the recipe for these here

Now that I've totally indulged your sweet tooth, here is a great alternative for Shrimp Scampi the healthy GF way. I was inspired by my dear friend, Hannah, to use Spaghetti Squash, and thanks to her we had something pretty delicious. Aaron loved it, but did inform me he could tell I didn't use butter. I'm not surprised by his observation, but glad he still enjoyed the experiment!

SSSS (Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi)

Ingredients:

  • spaghetti squash (about 3lbs), halved lengthwise
  • tablespoon plus 2 tsp EVOO
  • small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • clove garlic finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth will do
  • tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus 1/4 tsp lemon zest
  • teaspoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • salt and pepper
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*. Place the squash cut sides down on a baking sheet, cook for 30 min. Let cool, then remove the seeds.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp. EVOO over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the shrimp, vegetable/chicken broth and lemon juice and cook, tossing occasionally, until the shrimp are firm and pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and parsley; remove from the heat.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

2 months in a post

Oh I have a blog? Man... I hate to say what so many say, but I've been busy. A fun busy though! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. There is so much to be thankful for this past 2012. I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned and in store for us this coming year!
 Little J at 3 months
 A year ago on 1/1/12 we found out that we were pregnant with this nugget and here she is now... 
4 months and counting!
I really wanted to share all of the great photos that Britney took for us for our Christmas card...but that ended up being a little much with all of these!
Jewel was pretty much over it by then, but at least Brit, Levi, J and I were able to snap this pic together. 
Merry Christmas from all of us in GA! The dogs sort of made it... Biscotti is laying down at Amanda's feet.

 One of my favorite moments was surprising Aaron with a Banjo. Thanks to my sweet brother I was able to find this one. Thanks again Nate!
 This was the Christmas of the puffy vest. Pop, Patti, Aaron, and Jewel all got puffy vest for Christmas. Seriously. Do you have one? Step on the trend.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

a snap shot

Here is small glimpse of Jewel's newborn pictures. Our sweet friend, Britney Smith, did an amazing job!







Today I finished my first half since Jewel's arrival. Woohoo! Glad to see these 3 at the end... Jewel is holding the camera. Well sort of, more like her stroller!




Sunday, October 28, 2012

quick recap

Guess who came to town....
 Linnae! Yay!

It was so great having her here. We had a girls weekend while Aaron was at a Worship conference in Jackson Friday & Saturday. It's amazing how a weekend with one of your best friends just rejuvenates you! You know what I mean?

 This is kind of sad, but this is our first photo together since the hospital. Better now than never!
 The "who face"
How can you not love this face?! My sweet Biscotti.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

gf chip nana bread

Ummm I'm totally making this tonight. I didn't say I need it, but let's be honest I kind of do!

And then these two, please! If this picture could have sound you would hear Jewel laughing at Biscotti.  Biscotti doesn't seem too impressed, but she loves sitting near her.

Monday, October 22, 2012

runnnin.

I feel like I am back in action. I guess I mean that litterally! On Saturday I finished my first race since Jewel was born, and started training for the half in Shreveport. 8 miles in training, so hopefully we'll be good to go come November 17th. Certainly not going for speed yet. Jewel doesn't look very proud of me for finishing, but I think she's just sad she wasn't in the stroller!
Now, there's the smile we love!

Now it's a first time for everything, it's Thai night. I never made Thai food, but I will certainly eat it. Here goes nothing...
Red Curry Shrimp
Ingredients:

1 can (13.66 ounces) Light Coconut Milk
2 tablespoons Red Curry Paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup assorted vegetables, I'm using peppers, oinons, & green beans
1/4 cup fresh Thai basil (optional)
1 to 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce
Brown Rice Noodles

Directions:
BRING coconut milk to simmer in large skillet on medium heat. Stir in curry paste and sugar until well blended; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes.
STIR in shrimp and vegetables. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink and vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir in basil and fish sauce.
SERVE with cooked Brown Rice Noodles

Sunday, October 14, 2012

jml's crib

Welcome to Jewel's crib...literally. I'm not sure why this is just now making an appearance, but I know that several people have asked to see her room. So, here ya go!

We had the joy of celebrating Aaron's Birthday this past Wednesday! With these guys...

I wish I could say that I came up with these Reese stuffed cupcakes, but I sure didn't. Aaron loves chocolate and peanut butter, so if you know someone that shares that same love make these for them. Get the recipe here!