First, I am having so much fun using Picasa to play with my pictures after they are edited. I've been trying to find a good program to make collages since I switched from my old editing program to Photoshop, and I really like it so far.
School was cancelled again today because of icy road conditions, so the kids are home playing video games and lining up little armies all over the house. I really can't wait to kick everyone outside. I have decided I am not a winter person anymore. I used to love it, but no I long for spring. I've been reading some very interesting stories for my literature class. I have to say, I am a happy ending sort of girl, and since none of these are happy ending kind of stories, it's been kind of a let down, but I am learning more about different writing styles, and that has been fun.
My two speech classes are very difficult. I have thought a lot about what area of speech therapy I would like to focus on. It seems like a lot of my teachers have their "expertise." I'm being drawn to communicative speech in children with Aspergers and Autism. I think it would be a very fulfilling job to help those children learn to communicate socially with those around them. I have a lot to learn.
The kids are doing well. Everyday I am amazed at how much they learn, and the goodness they teach me is very humbling.
Dan and I have been very blessed.
Okay, ramblings are over. I am now grounding myself from blogging and picture editing until after my Speech Science test on Friday. Wish me luck! See you then. :)
Here are a few good ones from yesterday to leave you with.
Little booster seat girl.
Madeline's are one of our new favorite breakfasts. Dan found this recipe online, although I can't find the website. I just have to note that it is not mine, but it is wonderful! (I used orange zest instead of lemon, but Dan likes lemon better.)
Madeleine Recipe
Lanha and I both prefer metal pans to the newer silicon molds. My metal pan brings a beautiful golden hue to the cookies, and to be honest I don't like the looks of the silicon molds - all those zany colors. Madeleines look better baking in metal, I promise.1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (6 ounces)
2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter (for greasing pan)
3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
a pinch fine-grain sea salt
2/3 cups sugar
zest of one large lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
powdered sugar
a bit of extra flour for dusting baking pan
Special equipment: A madeleine baking pan, regular or small
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Melt the 1 1/2 sticks of butter in a small pot over medium heat until it's brown and gives off a deliciously nutty aroma, roughly 20 minutes. Strain (using a paper towel over a mesh strainer) - you want to leave the solids behind. Cool the butter to room temperature. By doing the butter first you can complete the rest of the steps while it is cooling.
While the melted butter is cooling, use the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to grease the madeleine molds - get in there and make sure you get in all the ridges. Dust with flour and invert the pan tapping out any excess flour. Lanha uses "cooking spray" with flour to simplify this part.
Put the eggs with the salt in the bowl of an electric mixer with a whisk attachment. Whip on high speed until thick - you are looking for the eggs to roughly double or triple in volume - approximately 3 minutes. Continuing to mix on high speed, slowly add the sugar in a steady stream. Whip for 2 minutes or until mixture is thick and ribbony. Now with a spatula fold in the lemon zest and vanilla (just until mixed).
Sprinkle the flour on top of the egg batter, and gently fold in. Now fold in the butter mixture. Only stirring enough to bring everything together.
Spoon the batter into the molds, filling each mold 2/3 -3/4 full. I use a small cup filled with batter to keep things clean and manageable, it is easier than using a spoon.
Bake the madeleines for 12 - 14 minutes (7-10 minutes for smaller cookies), or until the edges of the madeleines are golden brown. Remove from oven and unmold immediately. Cool on racks and dust with powdered sugar.
Makes 2 -3 dozen regular madeleines.
How could I not take a picture of this scene? What a good, patient, Daddy!
Dan has all kinds of kid, learning games on his phone. There are some pretty fun ones!
Logan in time out. Doesn't he just look miserable.
O too. :)
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4 comments:
Good luck with your speech classes Becki! Which ones are you taking this semester?
What a fun family day. I'm sure you loved having Dan home with you guys.
The treats look yummy! Love the scrap of Dan surrounded by his pack. That one's a keeper!
Oh my goodness. The picture of Dan with all your kids is absolutely priceless! That one should be framed and hung! You are such an awesome photographer!
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