No Mess Finger Painting

At playgroup this week, there was "sticky finger painting" with syrup coloured red for valentine's day. And would you be surprised if neither of my boys were interested in this? I was a little, but they just aren't into messy art, even if it is edible apparently. So this project was suggested to me by the co-ordinator:

Ziplock bags with a couple blobs of paint. Taped to the table with a piece of paper underneath.

Jacob was intrigued right away when I said his hands wouldn't get messy.

Mixing colours... notice Daniel having a fit on the floor in the background...

Big brother shows little brother how to paint. So cute.

Masterpieces!

We hung the bags up it the window after and they were so pretty with the sun shining through. I had hoped they might dry, but not so. It has been a few days and you can still finger paint with them! All in all a successful creative afternoon.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For...

CUPCAKES!! Seriously this was the easiest cupcake recipe ever and it tasted yummy:

3/4 cup flour

7 tbsp soft margarine

1/2 cup sugar

2 extra large eggs, lightly beaten

generous 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes. Makes 12.

Now here is where it gets Deanna-interesting.... First, here are the boys helping me make icing, which was just cocoa powder, icing sugar, and milk, totally random amounts until I was happy with the consistency and the chocolateyness. 

Now, I had heard of baking cupcakes in ice cream cones and I REALLY wanted to try it and I finally did. Here is the finished product:

I mixed the batter as per the instructions, filled the cones 3/4 full and baked at 350 for about 15 minutes. Then I stuck them in the fridge to cool quickly so I could ice them. I took them to playgroup as a treat for the kids.

They were really yummy but I didn't get anymore pictures because Daniel dumped his drink all over the table right after I took this shot. Good thing he is cute.

Who Needs Toys?

When Things Go Right in the Kitchen

Don't you just LOVE those days?? Today I tried 4 new recipes- and they ALL ROCKED!!

First, another bread attempt. This time another friend's recipe. I was pleased with the results, but due to a lack of yeast, I had to change the amounts, so I look forward to trying it again. We ate nearly the whole loaf for lunch.

Second, DESSERT! There is a potluck at church tomorrow so I had to get baking. Even though I bought everything at the grocery store yesterday to make a no-bake cheesecake, I didn't feel like making it. Out comes my trusty Canadian Lutheran Ladies Cookbook. I made up Raspberry Dream Bars... With a Twist! It called for a cup of walnuts but I substituted chocolate chips. So good!! I don't think they would be near as dreamy without the chocolate.

Third, what to make for supper? We bought a package of local, organic pork chops to try. We haven't had pork chops in forever, because it is hard to get tasty ones. Anyways, I used the internet to find a recipe this time. Made a few changes because I didn't have the right ingredients, but how can you go wrong with soya sauce, sugar, ketchup and lemon juice? They were delicious. Can't wait to try the marinade on the barbecue.

Fourth, I really really want to succeed at making home-fries. I have a friend who makes amazing ones, but mine are always terrible. But sometimes I just can't give up... Turns out I hadn't tried my Betty Crocker recipe, and she is usually reliable. Anyways, they were amazing! I just love it when a recipe turns out perfect without any tweaking!

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Raspberry Dream Bars - Deanna Version
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Ingredients:

BASE
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4  cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 tbsp milk
1/2 cup raspberry jam, maybe a little more


TOPPING
1/8 cup butter
2 egg, separated
1 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Mix dry base ingredients in large bowl. Cut in butter. Beat egg with milk then add to bowl. Press dough greased 9x13 and bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes.

2. Spread with Jam.

3. For Topping, cream butter and sugars. Beat in egg yolks. Add salt and vanilla. Add chocolate chips. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into mixture. Spread over jam layer and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
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