Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Project 365 Days 18-24

365.1.18.12 Splash
365.1.19.12 "I don't want my picture taken!"
365.1.20.12 A home away from home


365.1.21.12 Parmesan Cheese Explosion!




365.1.22.12 Homemade gnocchi (recipe to follow!)
365.1.23.12 Blue skies and palm trees
365.1.24.12 Bright, warm January sun

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

This recipe, Tomato Tortellini Soup, has been on my "Recipes to Try" pinboard for quite awhile. Tonight was the first time I made it, and I give it 3 stars. (Sorry, no pictures).

I was looking forward to it, as it seemed to be a fancier version of the macaroni and tomato soup mixture that I loved as a child (and adult, no fooling anyone here). We all agreed the soup was a little too creamy, and heavy as a result. I would make a few substitutions, and will try it out next time I need a quick soup. The best thing this soup had going for it was the quality in short time (20 minutes!).

So, without futher ado, my first recipe on this blog.

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
(adapted from Taste of Home)

1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini, at least 9 ozs, maybe more
2 cans condensed tomato soup (no water or milk added)
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup half and half
3 handfulls chopped sundried tomatoes
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil to taste
shredded parmesan cheese

Prepare tortellini as directed. While cooking, combine all other ingredients (except parm) in a large pot over medium heat. After tortellinis are cooked, drain, and add to tomato soup mixture. Serve garnished with parmesan cheese and a nice, crusty baguette. Mmm.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

My favorite cookie recipe ever

Well, since the semester (read - year) has begun, it's been more difficult than I thought keeping up with blogging. In the back of my mind, I had been dreaming of becoming the next blogging Martha-esque sensation, and that I would one day be able to blog, craft, and cook for a job. Don't think that's really going to happen. And, let's face it, if I thought it would happen, should I really be spending all of this time on a second doctoral degree? Probably not. So, I need to not feel bad about not blogging every day (or even every other day). I simply need to post when I can so I can share my projects with the few friends who follow me, and maybe build up a pool of posts to one day search out that marketing tool that will make me the next DIY sensation.

Until then, I will keep stalking the blogs I read every day, stalking on facebook, and people watching in the Plaza at lunch. Oh, and working on my PhD stuff. (Maybe that should be number one on my list?)

Since I don't always have it in me to write a new, long post with pictures, I decided I should start linking up to the wonderful things I find during my blog-stalking, pin on pinterest, and actually end up making/baking. Sound like a good idea? Here's the first one.

I don't remember when I first found Kristan's blog, Confessions of a Cookbook Queen, but I do know that I have been obsessed ever since. She is hilarious. Not sure how she pulls that off over the internet. I try to emulate it, but I am pretty sure I sound like an idiot. (And use to many parentheses... although I do try to refrain from smileys :])

Kristan has so many yummy recipes, but one I absolutely had to try, and love, is the Triple Peanut Butter Cookies. I love them so much that they were day 6 of my project 365.
Remember these? I had to stop myself from licking the computer screen.
Bobby even loves these so much he dubbed them the "best cookies EVER" the first time I made them. What makes them so fabulous, you ask? Go to Kristan's blog for the recipe. (But here's a hint: peanut butter, peanut butter m&m's, and peanut butter cups!!)

Go. Now. Make some. And save me one. Or, just make a double batch and save me half. Yum!

Project 365 Days 12-17

365.1.12.12 Back to School
365.1.13.12 The Hipp at night, and Bobby with a pizza box
365.1.14.12 (1) Hazel's tent of warmth
365.1.14.12 (2) Harley waiting and whining for his dad (he was adventuring with Bobby behind our house)
365.1.15.12 Sick Day
365.1.16.12 Cold floors, warm socks
365.1.17.12 mmmmm..... toppings.