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Our Baker’s Dozenth Birthday – Our Oldest Kiddo

July 7, 2009 By Laura 3 Comments

{A} turned 12 years old on Sunday. She’s our oldest kiddo. And our baker.
We thought we’d share with you a bit about her day, while more importantly, documenting this special day for her, when she’s older. Her birthday morning started out as all birthday mornings do around here…..with the birthday pancakes, of course. Daddy always makes birthday number pancakes, usually by cutting out the numbers. But this time he surprised us all, with yet another twist of his pancake creativity.

If you’d like to use this idea for a special birthday celebration in your own family sometime, how he did this is too easy to believe. He just took a sharp razor, and very gently cut the numbers through just the very, very top of the pancake, and peeled off the surface of the numbers. That’s it!! Easy.

If you’re wondering, once in awhile our kids do have butter and syrup on their pancakes. But most times they love just eating them with strawberry yogurt.

I remember the night of laboring with {A} very clearly. Getting to the hospital, through the fireworks traffic was no small task. Of course, being a first time mother, panting through what sure felt like intense contractions to me, I was sure she was coming out any second. I always laugh at that memory, as I learned with the passing of time, that I wasn’t feeling much of anything yet, compared to what was coming! One LONG night of labor, with contractions that intensified and multiplied by the hour! A pure, natural, drug-free labor rewarded me well at 10:08 a.m. , with the most beautiful and sweetest little face I had ever seen in my life.

scard

She truly kick-started our journey of parenthood that day, and we could never have imagined the ride she would take us on. The transformation of watching her grow, learn, grow, shine, grow, create, grow, give, grow, dream, grow, plan….and grow some more, has been amazing to witness. She’s a tad taller than I am already!

{A} truly is a dreamer. She plans out her life, in detail, cultivates her skills almost daily, and those dreams and plans grow all of the time.

scard

She loves to bake. She is baking in our kitchen way too often, and I’m telling you, it’s not jiving with my clothing sizes! But oohhhh….. she is such a wonderful baker! She loves to research recipes, experiment with them and put her own twist on them to make it more her own. She has been collecting recipes and writing a cookbook in her laptop computer for probably a year now. She is also a HUGE fan of Bakerella.….and asks if there is a new post on a daily basis.

So it was easy to figure out the kinds of things I knew she would be thrilled with to receive as surprises on her birthday…..

Baking cookbooks…….

and most anything……

…and everything…..

…to do with BAKING!!

She was really excited to see the cake decorating tips set! That’ll take some practicing for sure! (Oh darn….what ever will we do with all of those cupcakes!! We just love cupcakes. And her Daddy really-(really)-loves-cake!)

I found some really fabulous baking cookbooks at the book store, on the discount shelves! I was thrilled with that! I actually went in to see if I could find a copy of Black Beauty, and {O} spotted and suggested the cookbooks! What a great idea that little one had! Just beautiful books.

This one, above, has a great section in the beginning on all kinds of bake ware information. Photos of what various pans or tools look like, what they are called, and what they are used for. Then there is also photo-illustrated examples of various baked goods on ‘what went wrong’. These display common mistakes with baking, what they look like, and how to avoid them next time. Very educational for the baker enthusiast!

This is a great book too!!

She has just been pouring over these cookbooks since Sunday, and has even let the little ones join her in reading about them, deciding which ones look extra good, and which items to try and bake first.

Despite all of the baking that goes on, we are a pretty health-conscious family. (It’s true!) Even {A} is always checking the amounts and kinds of fat involved, and how many grams of sugar. We don’t eat much processed food at all, and really attempt to have a healthy daily diet. Thankfully, the kids are all great eaters, and have never been especially picky. But I must admit. The more {A} has gotten into baking, the more goodies we’ve all been eating. Not every day by any means. But, more than we ever used to.

We all always choose what kind of cake we want on our birthday, and she did the same this year. So it’s probably no surprise, she insisted on baking her own cake, herself.

For once, it wasn’t actually from scratch, but I was pleased with what she chose: Duncan Hines Blueberry Streusel cake. Made with whole wheat! It actually tasted wholesome and healthy. It was very good. And as of today, it’s GONE.

There’s no doubt that this girl is really passionate about anything she is interested in. She goes above and beyond delving into anything that tickles her fancy. Whatever she decided to do, we know she’ll succeed, and we know she’ll be happy She just has a light about her, that I can’t imagine will ever go out. I think part of it comes from her deep, spiritual faith, that is pretty astounding at her age. It’s certainly the core of who she is, and maybe that’s where that light comes from. Whatever it is, I just pray she keeps on shining. And may that light ALWAYS be BRIGHT and HOT enough, to keep baking some goodies for us now and then! : ) That would be SWEEEEET!

Happy Birthday, Darlin’! Shine On!!

So on birthdays in our family, no one ever works or has school, and we spend the day together doing something fun together, per request of the birthday person (or people, in the case of the triplets. lol). This birthday just happened to land on a Sunday. We also always have (number) pancakes, and cake of choice.

So our question to you is: Do you have any birthday traditions in your family? If so, what are they?

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Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker – Kid Recipe

June 29, 2009 By Laura 1 Comment

The other day, {A-11} asked me if she could make some homemade chocolate ice cream. “Ice cream?” I asked, puzzled. “Yeah, Mama. Ice cream. I’ve made it before and it’s really good!” “Uh huh” I answered. But I was thinking, ‘Without an ice cream maker?‘

So got out all of the stuff, and I started taking photos. You know, just in case this one turned out ok. Maybe I could use it for the blog. Even if it was less for Vittles (as in, edible), and more for a kid science experiment in the Home Schooling section! So, I found my purpose in sticking around for a bit, and kept shooting.

She got out all she said she needed:

Participating Ingredients: milk, cream, sugar, cold coffee, and cocoa baking powder.
–

*In a small bowl, 1/3 C of baking cocoa powder.
–

*1/2 C cream
–

*1/2 C sugar.
–

Start mixing.

Ever tried mixing cocoa powder into a wet ingredient? I was starting to wonder if we were on candid camera. You can mix and mix and mix….and the powder just doesn’t seem to get wet. For people like me, it’s a small exercise in patience and faith.

But eventually, it actually does start becoming a unified wet substance.
I think using the back of the spoon, and pressing out any powder pockets you can, is a good idea.
–

*Add 5-6 teaspoons of cold coffee.
–

*Measure out 3/4 C of milk…
–

…and pour it in.

Then mix some more.

Now, to be honest, at this point, I still had my doubts. So I walked away to get back to work at my computer. But she poured the contents of this bowl into a clean and flexible container with a cover, and put it in the freezer, overnight.

The next it we took it out, and it still looked………questionable, to me. Just a tad.

But then we scooped some out, put it in a bowl and stuck a spoon in it.

Well, if I wasn’t a blue-nosed gopher.

Ice Cream.

And it even tasted good!

* The amounts of this recipe only make a small batch of ice cream. Maybe 2 servings. Or 1, if you really like ice cream.

So multiply amounts as you wish.

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A Simple Pentecost Sunday with Kids

June 6, 2009 By Laura 4 Comments

Our Pentecost Sunday this year was really quite simple. Not quite the more elaborate occasion we made it last year. But it was nice anyway. Acknowledging it was the most important thing to us, starting with Mass. But the kids (6, 6, 6, 11) spent the morning, before leaving for Mass, trying to remember and name all 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the 12 apostles.

But when we got home, we did decide to make some Holy Spirit cupcakes.

We added orange and yellow food coloring and attempted to make the frosting into peaks, to resemble the fire of the Holy Spirit that descended upon the apostles, of course. Our technique and the outcome may have been a little lacking, but the kids had fun, and thought it all was awesome!

They wasted no time taste-testing one themselves, and you can bet Daddy and I joined them! They were indeed delicious! Such a light frosting that we whipped up.

We spent a good part of the day outdoors. But later on in the day, as I came out from my computer cubby, I found {J} right there in his chair, intensely reading a Bible story. Guess which one?

I just love these signs, that they truly are listening, and taking it all in. : ) When we discuss a Bible story, or get home from Mass, one or other of the little ones often go grab one of their Bibles, knowing just where to find that story in the pages, to read again. So, as if seeing him do this wasn’t enough to please a mother, I look up, and just look at what I see happening across the room……….

{O} giving {S} a foot rub! He looked quite relaxed, reading some Bible stories himself. It almost brought a tear to my eye. Not only because it was an incredibly loving sight to see, but because I was jealous!! ; ) I love foot rubs. Or foot squeezes. Probably much more than the average person, and my kids are really good at giving them.

I’m wondering: Are you actually still thinking about the cupcakes as you’ve been reading along here, wishing you could have one right now? Be truthful now!! It’s o.k. – I understand! I would be doing the same thing!

Well, your in luck! Because we saved you one!!

ENJOY!!

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Photos of Our Easter Day Details – 2009 – Simple Easter Ideas

April 17, 2009 By Laura 6 Comments

Just another short post, with lots of photos, from our blessed Easter Sunday. We hope they are simple Easter ideas, to share with you.

The kids woke up to these surprises on Easter morning. They were thrilled!

The kids, looking all dapper, just before heading out to a beautiful Easter morning Mass. {A} altar served, as usual. The kids were surprised with some gifts from friends at church, too. People can be so kind and thoughtful.

When we got home, we had our simple Easter dinner.

This is my plate, below. As you can see, I despise carrots, and I love asparagus. : )

I also forgot to put some potato salad on my plate before I took this photo, which I worked so hard on. lol

The Easter cookies {A} baked, and us parents helped decorate. It was tooooo FUN!

Chocolate Coconut Jelly Bean Cake, which was also more fun, to take photos of.

I took some individual shots of the kids too.

Easter is one of my very favorite holidays to take photos on. The spring-ish atmosphere, all of the colors around, and the sheer joy in the air, as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, after a long and soul-searching Lenten season. But the truth is, I just always have my camera in hand, taking photos, because I love to, and I can. 🙂 I like to think this is a great place to share them, with you all, as they all are the details of our days, our life, and our joys. Just so you know…This blog will always have more photos, than wise words spoken. Because I definitely always have more way photos. lol

Our Giveaway winner, Regan, had received her home-made gifts. So would anyone like to see photos of what she received? I took lots of those along the way for that, too. Of course. It’s coming up!

Our family hopes your Easter was all kinds of Blessed and joyful, too!

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Cookie Love – Italian Cookies Recipe

March 26, 2009 By A 13 Comments

Have you ever seen cookies like these? They are called Italian Cookies, and maybe they are ordinary to you. But the very thought or sight of them, has always made my heart simply swell. The recipe will be below.

My Godmother has made these cookies for me, all of my life. I think she makes them a lot. She may even be known for them in the lives of many people who are in her life. But it doesn’t matter. Whenever she made them for ME, it always felt like such a gift of her love for me.

My Godparents are AMAZING people. Not just to me, but to anyone who knows them. They are the essence of unshakable faith, completely selfless sacrifice, sincere compassion, and always a lot of very unconditional love. As Godparents, they always gave all of those gifts to me. They also truly had a BIG part in forming the foundation of my faith. They were ALWAYS there for me. ALWAYS with some wise words, without judgement. ALWAYS lived an example of inspiration. I have always felt so blessed to be their Godchild. Even though I have always known, I am one of umpteen of Godchildren that they have. Again…a testament of the kind of people they are to everyone. But they have always made me feel like their only one. Now as a grown adult with children of my own, they give that same kind of love to my husband and my children. And my they all feel it, powerfully, just as I always did.

My Godmother is a retired teacher. I have spoken about her in this blog before, I am sure. In the years of her teaching, she reached the hearts of 100’s and 100’s of children. If you were in her student, you knew you were very sincerely loved. And she taught each one with all she had. She instilled in me the love for books, which thank God, my children have been able to embrace as well. When she retired from teaching, her grown former students from all over the world, came to give her their thanks, or sent notes of the beautiful impact she had had on their lives.

When I was a teenager with troubles on my mind, my Godmother was there to talk with me, and she made me these cookies. As an art student, when I came home for the weekend, she wanted me to come visit, and she made me these cookies. When my family and I go visit them, she has these cookies made for us. And when my mother died, she was there for me, and she made me LOTS and lots of these cookies.

So I don’t know if you have ever seen or tasted cookies like these. But whenever I think of them, see them, or taste them…..I am filled with the comforting feeling of her love.

{A} bakes A LOT. And lately, more than ever. I think baking posts like this will become quite regular from her, here on our blog, because it is a big part of her. I will share more about that another time. But suffice it to say, she got the recipe for these cookies from my Godmother, having grown up with her own sense of how special they were. So this is {A}’s post, sharing this Italian Cookies recipe, and how to make them. They are indeed delicious. But it’s the memories of love that the familiar taste of them bring, that we love even more.

~ Laura

~~~~~

Hi Everyone! {A} here now. I am going to share with you how to make these cookies that are very special to us. You will find a printable version of this recipe at the end of the post.

Here is what you’ll need:

Participating Ingredients

4 C All Purpose Flour
1 C Sugar
2 Tbs. Baking Powder
4 Eggs
1/2C Land-O-Lakes Margarine
4 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/4 C Milk
Confectioners Sugar
A Little Extra Milk for Glaze* This cookie dough was formed by hand. But you can use a Kitchen Aid or other mixer, and it will be much faster.COOKIE DOUGH

In a large bowl, put in flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, margarine, vanilla, and milk. (Add your own special love.)

2. Mix it all together with fork at first. Once it starts to form, you can use your clean hands.

3. Flour a counter or big board.

4. Remove dough from bowl, and knead for 8-10 minutes, sprinkling the surface more if the dough starts sticking.

6. Grease baking sheets with vegetable oil. (You probably can use Pam Spray…if you’re a fan of that.)

7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

8. Grab a piece of dough, and begin to roll into a ball between the palms of your hands. You want it to be about the size of a chestnut.
(I decided the ones in the photo below are too big. I made them all smaller after Mama took a photo. But see how I am rolling them in my hands into balls.)

9. Place the dough balls on the cookie sheets, about an inch 1/2 apart, staggered. You will likely have more dough balls waiting for their turn in the oven.

10. Bake full sheets for 8-10 minutes. You want them to be pale, but if you are wondering if they are cooked enough, open one with knife and see if it is baked through well. If not, put back in for 1-2 minutes more, depending on how doughy they still were.

11. Remove from oven………and then place them each on a cooling rack.

GLAZE and SPRINKLES

12. In a small bowl, pour some confectioner’s sugar, and add a little milk. I don’t really measure the sugar or milk here. I recommend adding one tablespoon of milk at a time, and stir well. You want the glaze thick-ish. You will be surprised at how much powdered sugar you need!

13. Pour sprinkles into shallow bowl. Watch out, because these things are ridiculously bouncy!!!

14. Once the cookies are COMPLETELY COOLED, you can start glazing them. We just dunk the top of the cookie into the glaze, lift out, and really let it drip off as best as you can.

15. Place dunked cookies back on rack. The glaze needs to set a little.

16. Continue dunking cookies, but when keep checking the first ones you dunked, and once you see that the glaze on those is starting to become clear, they are ready for sprinkles! (If you sprinkle them when the glaze is too wet, the colors of the sprinkles will run, and your cookies will be a multi-colored mess. Kind of pretty anyway, but not what we are going for here!)

17. Now to get the sprinkles on the cookies, we think Mama’s Godmother shakes them on out of the container. She has patience like that. But this is how we do it:

Pretty easy, huh?

18. Keep glazing and sprinkling, putting them on the rack as you go.

19. Any air tight container is great storage for these. They are so pretty all together!

* This recipe makes 6 dozen cookies. But trust me, they go fast. (Especially if Mama is around these cookies.) Below is what was left after filling two larger containers.

ENJOY!!!

ENJOY!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe post! You can print it out below.

~ {A}

Cookie Love - Italian Cookies Recipe

Prep time

30 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

40 mins

Italian Cookies Recipe Recipe Type : Baking Cuisine: Italian Author: House of Joyful Noise blog / houseofjoyfulnoise.com Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 30 mins Serves: 6 Dozen

: House of Joyful Noise blog / houseofjoyfulnoise.com

: Cookies

Cuisine: Italian

Serves: 6 Dozen

Ingredients

4 C All Purpose Flour
1 C Sugar
2 Tbs. Baking Powder
4 Eggs
½C Land-O-Lakes Margarine
4 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
¼ C Milk
Confectioners Sugar
A Little Extra Milk for Glaze

Instructions

* This dough for this cookie recipe is formed by hand. You can also use a Kitchen Aid or other large mixer.
COOKIE DOUGH
In a large bowl, put in flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, margarine, vanilla, and milk. (Add your own special love.)
Mix it all together with fork at first. Once it starts to form, you can use your clean hands.
Flour a counter or big board.
Remove dough from bowl, and knead for 8-10 minutes, sprinkling the surface more if the dough starts sticking.
Grease baking sheets with vegetable or olive oil oil. (You probably can use Pam Spray...if you're a fan of that.)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Grab a piece of dough, and begin to roll into a ball between the palms of your hands. You want it to be about the size of a chestnut.
Place the dough balls on the cookie sheets, about an inch ½ apart, staggered. You will likely have more dough balls waiting for their turn in the oven.
Bake full sheets for 8-10 minutes. You want them to be pale, but if you are wondering if they are cooked enough, open one with knife and see if it is baked through well. If not, put back in for 1-2 minutes more, depending on how doughy they still were.
Remove from oven.........and then place them each on a cooling rack.
GLAZE and SPRINKLES
In a small bowl, pour some confectioner's sugar, and add a little milk. I don't really measure the sugar or milk here. I recommend adding one tablespoon of milk at a time, and stir well. You want the glaze thick-ish. You will be surprised at how much powdered sugar you need!
Pour sprinkles into shallow bowl. Watch out, because these things are ridiculously bouncy!!!
Once the cookies are COMPLETELY COOLED, you can start glazing them. We just dunk the top of the cookie into the glaze, lift out, and really let it drip off as best as you can.
Place dunked cookies back on rack. The glaze needs to set a little.
Continue dunking cookies, but when keep checking the first ones you dunked, and once you see that the glaze on those is starting to become clear, they are ready for sprinkles!
- (If you sprinkle them when the glaze is too wet, the colors of the sprinkles will run, and your cookies will be a multi-colored mess. Kind of pretty anyway, but not what we are going for here!)
Now to get the sprinkles on the cookies, we think Mama's Godmother shakes them on out of the container. She has patience like that. But we dip them in a bowl of the sprinkles.
Keep glazing and sprinkling, putting them on the rack as you go.
Any air tight container is great storage for these. They are so pretty all together!
ENJOY!

~~~~~

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ENJOY!!

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