1.27.2008

TAGGED - Yikes

Okay, Nicole, Bethany, Tarah, and Autumn, I will finally respond to the "Tag". Here are the rules:
1. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.
2. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names.
So here it goes I hope you don't get bored.

1. I've never enjoyed my friends more than in this time of my life. Now that I am not a full-time student or working full-time, I've relied on my friends so much more. I have watched you with how you are raising your kids, I've looked forward to lunches, walks, showers, and bunco, and I've been noticing your high standards and strong testimonies. From sister-in-laws, old friends and new friends just know that our friendship means so much to me.

2. I really don't like drinking water. I preach how important it is to my clients, but I have to force it down. I'll get out a large glass and chug down about 16 oz. and then reward myself with a Diet Coke or Propel water. At night I'll try to make up for my lack of fluids by drinking a ton before I go to bed and right when I wake up.

3. If you ever decide to come and visit unannounced around 10:00pm plan on seeing a splotchy, red faced Aubry. Yes, I am a zit picker. I always come out victoriously, they don't even stand a chance.

4. Most of you know my love of photography. It gives me a rush to enter someone else's life and capture them in such intimate surroundings. I love the trust I feel from them and how excited they are to see the finished product.

5. Cooking and meal planning is another thing I enjoy doing. Especially now that I have Gage it is fun planning out what meals he has and trying to make them as balanced as possible. I’m always up for trying out a new recipe, the only thing is that I like only recipes with 8 ingredients or less and I love using the crock pot. Note: I have discovered and mastered the cafĂ© rio sweet pork recipe and their cilantro-lime dressing. So I’m always up for trying out a new business venture – anyone up for starting up a catering business J ?

6. And Lastly, I have a secret wish to be on a game show or reality show some day. This is where my competitiveness would serve me well. For reality shows, it would need to be Survivor, American Gladiator, or Biggest Loser (I want Jillian’s job). For game shows anyone dealing with me winning many prizes and loads of money.

So here it is, this is all I could come up with this morning. I would like to tag Jacque, Katie Decker, Megan Papworth, Kenzie Price, Stephany Cook, Tyra Holbrook.

1.10.2008

Why Not Bake a Cake?



So I've been on a cooking kick that last little bit. I have to say that I love to put together skillet , crock pot, and casserole type meals, but I am terrible with baking or using yeast. So I thought I would try to bake a cake. Chocolate Cake is Cody's fave so I gave it a try and it worked so I wanted to share the recipe. Tyra and I both get this free magazine "Kraft Food and Family" that is full of EASY and yummy recipes. Go to http://kraftfoods.com/kf
and sign up. So I guess you are allowed to bake a cake for no reason at all. Right?


Best-Ever Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake


Best-Ever Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, divided
1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
4 eggs
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
1 tub (8 oz.) frozen COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
2 Tbsp. PLANTERS Sliced Almonds

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round baking pans. Chop 2 of the chocolate squares; set aside. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 min. Stir in

chopped chocolate. Spoon into prepared pans.

BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 min. Loosen cakes from sides of pans. Invert onto racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.

PLACE frozen whipped topping and remaining 6 chocolate squares in microwaveable

bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth, stirring after 1 min. Let stand 15 min. to thicken. Place one cake layer on serving plate; top with one-fourth of the chocolate mixture and second cake layer. Spread top and side with remaining chocolate mixture. Garnish with almonds. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

I peeked in on Gage napping and found him in this comfortable position. Limber little guy.