Blue Ribbon Recipe Winners

We'll also call these chocolate lovers delights because that's what both recipes really are. Delicious!

Lily and Jonah perused Pinterest quite a while back when deciding on their county fair baking projects. We found recipes that suited their ages and abilities and got to work in the test kitchen.

Both kids did amazingly well and were able to replicate perfection when it came time to present their desserts at the county fair. Thankfully, the rest of us were the happy recipients of the yumminess and the kids earned Blue Ribbons for both entries. Lily's was deemed State Fair worthy, but unfortunately she was the third alternate in the category and didn't get the State Fair trip. (Some of us may still be a wee bit bitter about that, but there's always next year!)

Lily's   Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bites:

BROWNIE LAYER:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks)  butter
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour

COOKIE DOUGH:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature or almost melted
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 cup miniature chocolate chips
additional miniature chocolate chips, if desired (to garnish the top)

Directions:

Prepare the brownie layer- 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x9-inch pan with nonstick spray, then line with a strip of parchment or wax paper so that it covers the bottom and comes up two sides of the pan. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray too.

In a microwave safe bowl (or in the top of a double boiler or pan set on top of a pan of simmering water), microwave in 30 second bursts to melt butter and chocolate chips together until all is melted and smooth. Whisk in the sugars, then whisk in the eggs, vanilla and salt. Sift flour into the bowl and stir that in too. Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownie layer is cooked through (toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Place the pan of brownies in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process (or cool at room temperature and add the cookie dough layer later).

Prepare the cookie dough layer:

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, sugars and salt until soft and creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Mix in the milk and vanilla. Sprinkle in the flour and mix in until combined. Stir in the 1 cup of chocolate chips. Scoop the cookie dough onto the top of the brownies and spread onto the brownie layer. I find that it's easiest to do this if the brownie layer is chilled and firm. Wet your hands or spray them with nonstick spray and pat the cookie dough on top in a even layer. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top to create a nicer, visual appearance. For easy, clean cutting, chill the brownies (wrap the brownies with plastic wrap and chill until firm- 1 to 2 hours or up to 2 days).

Cut the brownies: Run a knife along the sides of the brownie pan and then use the parchment paper to lift the brownies from the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice the brownies with a sharp knife, wiping the knife with a paper towel between cuts. If you'd like all of your slices of brownies to look clean-cut without edges, use the knife to cut the sides of the brownies off before cutting pieces. Keep brownies slices covered and chilled until ready to serve.

We found these to be pretty rich, so we cut them in smaller squares and labeled them as "bites".

--(Original recipe found here)

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Jonah's  S'mores Poke Cake: 

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. (2 layer size) chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 container (7 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme
• 1 tub (12 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
• 2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 2 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions:

• Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Using an electric mixer, mix cake mix, eggs, water (amount indicated on box) and oil on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour cake batter into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. 

          Using the handle of a cooking utensil or wooden spoon, poke random holes in the cake. In a                 microwave safe bowl, melt the marshmallow creme for 30-45 seconds and stir. Spread the                   creme over the cake, making sure to fill the holes. It does begin to harden after only a short                 time, so work quickly. 

          Spread the Cool Whip in an even layer over the cake and top with crushed graham crackers,                 marshmallows and chocolate chips. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

-- (Original recipe found on Kraft recipes)

The kids also entered a few other categories including performing arts, digital photography, fine arts and presentation. They received all blue ribbons for each of their entries and worked hard to make their projects a success. 

Until next year, we are all ready to put aside the 4H projects and jumping right back into schoolwork.

These days sure fly on by!

Weekend Scenes {Autumn}

 

While we're gearing up for 60 and 70 degree days this week, last week we felt the autumn chill. The crisp air, the cooler mornings, the return to school and the dwindling garden are reminders that fall has arrived.


Our weekend was one of embracing the season, family time and celebrating. Just the way we like it.

Friday evening we went to a Fall Kickoff event with the (new) homeschool group we joined mid-year last year. We attended one or two group events last spring, but not much. The kids have had some interactions with some members of the group as there is some overlap in the members also being in the same 4H group they are in. We planned that intentionally when we joined.

I must say here that Friday evening was a blessing and what I needed. I was quite apprehensive prior to the event on Friday. I just didn't know how I'd/we'd fit in, if it was going to be like our past group and how/if we'd find a new home in this group. We all agreed as we drove home that night that it had been a good time. Each one of us felt welcomed, invited, wanted. From the moment we stepped out of our vehicle, in the line waiting for food, running around in the yard, or just sitting around with the moms, we were introduced, people talked to us and they made us feel needed there. If you have ever been in a group (not just a homeschooling one) that has been less than friendly and you'e struggled to fit in, you know where I'm coming from.

With that, again I'll say that Friday evening was the perfect way to start our very nice weekend.

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On Saturday we had plans to have my parents over as a pre-birthday celebration for Lily. Her birthday isn't until next Sunday, but we'll be busy Saturday and heading out of town on her birthday.

The biggest plan on the agenda was a huge right of passage, if you will. Lily was going to get her ears pierced. *yikes* She'd been talking and asking about it for months and we kept pushing it off. During the summer we decided that we'd move up the age limit we once talked about (13) and consider them when she was 12. Being that we'll be leaving to go out of town, we moved it up to this past weekend so it fit our plans better.

Just as I went to get mine pierced (I think I was 13) with my maternal grandma, Lily wanted my mom to join us for the big event.

She handled it really well and hardly flinched. I was pretty concerned since Lily isn't real pain tolerant. She was a tough cookie. She looked pretty nervous as the lady was getting everything ready and she was acting like she was fine. Being her mom though, I knew that the almost constant jiber-jabber from my girl was her way of keeping her mind off of what was about to happen.

Afterward she said it wasn't that bad and she survived. Hooray!

Once we heading back home, we enjoyed homemade pizza with my parents for supper. Lily's choice instead of cake (she doesn't like frosting) was homemade apple pie. Hubby was kind enough to clear his afternoon to whip up the pizza and the apple pie. Delicious.

As always, a visit with Papa and Grams always puts smiles on our faces. It was a very good day and a very special day. Man, I cannot believe Lily is almost TWELVE. I feel old now.

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Sunday we declared family hiking day and headed out just after Mass and brunch. We drove close to 40 minutes away to Inspiration Peak, the highest point in Minnesota. It's a beautiful view at the top and a woodsy journey up there.

At the top, you can see for miles. My camera just can't do it justice. In another week or two the fall colors would be just glorious to view from the peak.

The kids enjoy the downhill descent, but little ones need a hand to hold on to with it being so steep.

Our next stop was a State Park about 20 minutes away. Even making the miles to trek there is beautiful this time of year. Taking in the scenery and all your eyes can survey when your heart is being grateful, really takes your breath away.

We had been to this particular State Park last fall with friends and our kids had a blast. We knew we needed to get there again this year. We hit the wooded trails and probably meandered through at least a couple miles worth of bountiful trees with acorns popping beneath our feet as we made each step.

The autumn air wasn't too chilly and the sunlight peaking through the trees above made for the perfect fall scene.

And photos.

The crew, giving into mom's need for lots of photos to remember our day together. 

All smiles as we finish out the weekend.

I hope your autumn weekend was a wonderful one, wherever you are in the autumn spectrum.

Tonight I sip on pumpkin spice cappuccino while huddled on the couch in my fuzzy robe. 

Tomorrow we hit the books again and plan ahead for some time away and more birthday celebrating next week. 

Tween Test Kitchen

Yesterday we celebrated Lily's name day on the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks. For several years now we've tried to at least hold to the tradition of feasting on cake for each child's saintly name day. 

Since Lily is entering a cake in the County Fair in a couple weeks, we need to do some test runs. What a perfect time than the present to put on the apron and get to baking.

This was her first cake done completely on her own (I was just in the background for suggestions and some direction) and I can't tell you how proud I am of a job well done. I think she was pretty impressed with herself too. I see many more afternoons in the kitchen together in our future.

The critics of the household all agreed that she did quite well for a first cake. Both taste and presentation were excellent. We may make a variation and perhaps glaze change next week when we do another trial. Then we'll decide how she'll make her final for the Fair presentation. 

Would you like the recipe? 

I believe it's a handed down family recipe from Reed's family. I will also include our variation which was vanilla yogurt and I believe this makes this cake much more moist (and appealing IMHO).  Lily also renamed the cake to show her creative flair for the Fair.

Midnight on The Heath Cake

* 1 1/2 this recipe to make 3 (9 inch) round cakes

2 1/4 cups Flour

1 1/2 cups Sugar

2/3 cup Cocoa

1 1/4 teaspoons Baking Soda

1 teaspoon Salt

1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder

2 Eggs

1 1/4 cup Water

3/4 cup Crisco

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1 cup Vanilla Yogurt

Mix all ingredients with electric mixer and pour evenly into greased pan (this single recipe makes a 9 x 13 cake). Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from oven when toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool. 

Filling (for layered cake):

5 oz. Cool Whip

1 cup Heath Toffee Pieces

Mix together in a bowl and divide evenly between layers of the cake when assembling. 

Glaze/Frosting:

1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

8 Tablespoons Butter

6 Tablespoons Confectioners Powdered Sugar

Put above ingredients in microwave to melt, being watchful not to get too hot or bubbling. Check periodically until ingredients are starting to melt and whisk together checking consistency. Put back in the microwave if needed to get to a smooth consistency thin enough to pour on cake and spread. (Ours was too thick at first, so we added a bit more melted butter) Glaze will become more thick as it sets, so be sure to work quickly if you do not want it to become a thick frosting before you have it all spread out. 

When finished with glaze, sprinkle as many remaining Heath Pieces on top to your desired taste.

Refrigerate cake immediately and keep refrigerated after serving.

If nothing else I think this is a great time (with the Fair as the incentive) for her to spread her wings a bit in the kitchen and for me to let her do it. I remember enjoying baking and cooking in my teen years and helping out in the family kitchen. I can't wait to now share my kitchen space with my oldest daughter.

**Note: I will either revise this post or make a new post of any changes we make leading up to the fair. 

A Guest Post From My Eldest

Lily seems to have a fascination with my blog and all things held within it. I'm not sure why she enjoys re-reading my posts that I've written, especially when most are just photos and it's all things that she has witnessed IRL. However, I won't turn away any Hopeful Heart fans, including my daughter.

I told Lily she could write a short guest post answering questions I gave her.

I guess she is more of a short and sweet type blogger and no need for extra fluff. I prodded gently guided her to get more to her answers, but you get what you get.

Without further ado, my resident guest blogger, Lily.......


Use three words to describe yourself:

Happy,funny,shy.


If you could have a day where you do anything you want, what would you do?

I would go to a water park,have a pedicure, and go out for lunch with friends.


What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is my Mom's lasagna. Yummy!!


Who is your favorite Saint and why?

My favorite saint is St.Agnes. I like that she was a younger saint and I like in her story that it says 'her wrists were so tiny that the chains slipped right off her arms'. It reminds me of myself because I am kind of petite and have small wrists too.

Do you have a favorite prayer?

The Guardian Angel prayer is my favorite. I like asking my angel for protection and knowing that my angel is always watching over me.


What kind of work do you want to do when you grow up? Why?

When I grow up I want to be an assessor, because my Dad is an assessor. It seems like the work would be kind of fun, but still challenging.


What is your favorite season? Why?

My favorite season is summer, because I get off from school,can go swimming, and get together with friends.
I don't like winter because of the icy roads, so that would definitely not be my favorite.

If you could meet in person any blogger's kids, who would you choose?

I would like to meet Patty's kids.**

**Disclaimer: I made her chose someone and she did have difficulty deciding. It wasn't that she didn't want to meet all of you or your kids, but given two seconds to decide her choice was the 'ones from Texas'. Sorry, ladies. Texas always wins. Right, Patty?

A Perfect '10' Birthday

How do you celebrate your first double digit birthday in style?

Why, with numerous celebrations, of course.

Miss Lily celebrated her TENTH birthday over the weekend and we did our best to make it memorable.

First, the celebrating actually started last weekend with a pre-birthday party with my parents who were visiting.

The best cupcakes topped with cocoa buttercream frosting.

 

On Lily's birthday day, we were off to Itasca State Park. Like last year, hubby had a work meeting there on Friday. It worked out well for the whole family to tag along and make a family fun day out of it.

The birthday girl was quite pleased!

How can she be 10 already??!!

The cool fall temperatures didn't threaten our outdoor plans, which was a blessing. A little chilly, but even the little girls had a lot of fun. We were able to enjoy the sights and beautiful fall foliage too.

Of course, back at the Mississippi River headwaters once again.

Saturday evening, we had the neighborhood gang over for cake and ice cream. Just a simple Funfetti (*gasp* BOX) cake with vanilla buttercream frosting, birthday girl's choice.

However, my children still think I am apparently a Cake Boss and can whip up any of their creations. I try, but am not always real successful.

This time around, it was a Shark themed cake since Lily has a fascination with them. We are still unsure as to how the desire to know all things shark related ever even found way to her radar.

So, this Cake Boss put together this little number after numerous consultations with the designer:

While Lily did seem less than enthusiastic initially over the end result ('It's nice. Not really what I was picturing, but it's ok'), the cake seemed to grow on her and she fell in love with it. C'mon, can I have kids that just ask for a plain old cake that's frosted and a few sprinkles on it??!!

Not bad, huh?

We concluded the double digit extravaganza with pizza and bowling with her two BFF's (they're sisters) and her brother today.

So much fun with friends and so many good laughs!!

Phew. I think we can say that we celebrated our pants off and Lily is officially birthday-ed out. I think.

 At least I know I am.

These are going to be some very sweet memories for years to come of her tenth birthday.

Celebrating Nine-Round 2

On Lily's birthday we celebrated with cake and friends. On Sunday we celebrated with some family and hosted brunch after Mass. YUM!

Lily's choice for this cake was a homemade chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting.

Inspired by Jamie's piano cake, Lily knew that was what she wanted. I googled images of piano cakes and found a round cake that would work and leave us with few leftovers.(We've had quite enough cake for one week!)

This is the finished product:





It turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. And the birthday girl was quite pleased.

Nine is fine, especially when you get to celebrate this much!

Celebrating Nine

My firstborn, Miss Lily Mae, turned 9 yesterday!

I was telling my husband yesterday that I couldn't possibly imagine going through the almost 24 hour (med. free)labor and being overdue 11 days EVER again like I had for Lily. But, she was so worth it!

Lily's day started out with birthday hugs and kisses from all of us. Thankfully, nine isn't too old for those yet. She appreciated them.



The birthday girl ruled the day for the most part and chose homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. She certainly is easy to please.



Lily wanted to have a couple of friends over who happen to be sisters. We had invited them over for a couple hours to come party/play/eat pizza for supper and have cake with us. They had so much fun!



The cake Lily chose was strawberry with vanilla buttercream frosting and she wanted a butterfly on the top. Deciding to bypass numerous decorating sprinkles and candies, I opted for using colored marshmallows on the wings instead. I had the cake all frosted before the party, but waited to put the marshmallows on. It ended up ideal since the kids all wanted to help, so they each decorated a portion of the wings.

It turned out pretty cute, don't you think?





We all enjoyed celebrating Lily and the beginning of her last year in the single digits. Yikes! That's hard to believe! And the Birthday Girl agreed that it was a perfect birthday.



We still have one more family celebration coming up this weekend, so I'm sure I'll post photos (especially of the cake Lily chose) of that one too! You never can celebrate too much when you are NINE.

Ego Booster #89

From the eight year old:

"Mom, I think you can have four more children before you are 40. Then I'll tell you when you are done."

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The very next day:

"How old is (friend of mine who is 41 and having baby #5)? She hardly looks her age. You look like you shouldn't even have kids."

I mistakenly took this for a compliment and felt pretty good, until she clarified.

"I mean, she looks really good and you look older."

Oh, ok then.

"What?! I look older than I am?"

She starts to feel the pressure and covers with "maybe it's because I haven't seen you with a baby for a while so it seems weird. Like you're older than you are because I'm the age I am."


------------------

I felt like I should promptly run upstairs and load on the anti-aging cream.


So much for thinking this 32 year old body wasn't doing too bad. Oh well. I'll either use this moment to make me push harder in my exercising/self-care or to realize I shouldn't trust everything my eight year old tells me regarding my age.

Special Day For My Beautiful Girl

Sunday was a special day in so many ways. As if it being Divine Mercy Sunday and the beatification of Pope John Paul II wasn't reason enough to celebrate, Lily received her First Holy Communion as well.

Up until the last minute I was fretting about whether I had done all I could to make the day special enough, perfect enough, for Lily to remember in years to come. Although the day started out cold, windy and gloomy accompanied by snowflakes on the first day of May, the day was beautiful and perfect in so many ways. Besides having family members join us at Mass in the morning, we hosted brunch afterward at our home with family and friends who knew the importance of the day in Lily's sacramental life. And at the end of the day, Lily was exhausted and said it had been a very good day.

Of course, I just HAVE to share some photos of my girl....


Waiting in the church basement, before Mass with her fellow First Communicants from the parish.

During Mass, with her First Communion candle during the renewal of Baptismal vows

Lily and the other girl in her class read the prayer petitions. She did an excellent job and wasn't even nervous!

The Easter flowers at church were the perfect backdrop for First Communion photos.

Of course, sometimes brothers are having a rough morning...and this happened to be one of those mornings for Jonah. Thankfully, we did capture this shot with Lily and he was smiling. It was the only one though. Oh well.

Lily and 'her girls', Gianna and Great-Niece #2 and #4. Even the crowd of onlookers were oohing and aahing over this darling group as they posed.

Although our church doesn't have the greatest stained glass windows, I did spot this one and thought it appropriate for the day.

And, of course, after brunch there was cake!



Congratulations Lily on your First Holy Communion! May it always be a day to remember and celebrate.

Forgiven

After much preparation, Lily made her First Reconciliation just before the beginning of lent. With the arrival of Gianna, the day kept getting pushed back and we were uncertain when it would happen. Finally, after talking with our parish priest again it looked like we'd have to wait another week. Lily wasn't having it. She was ready and she wanted the opportunity to receive this sacrament before lent. So, I made the arrangements to take her into church during the week when Father would be here for weekly confession.

It was so peaceful and special. It was only the kids and myself in church and Father had soft music playing in the background. Lily wasn't nervous at all and was ready to rush right in. After some time in prayer, I sent her in and she came out smiling. Upon leaving church she asked if she could go again on the following Sunday when we had regularly scheduled confessions at our parish. I told her if she needed to that was fine, but that as much as she wanted to go again she still should try her best not to sin. It was wonderful to hear her eagerness to receive the sacrament again, especially since just weeks prior this was the girl who didn't want to go and was nervous.

We celebrated Lily's First Reconciliation with supper and ice cream treats from Culver's that evening, so daddy could be a part of the special day as well. It was a wonderful week to celebrate since that was also the same week that Gianna was baptized. What a Sacramental week for our family!! Now we're looking forward to her First Communion in May.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday: Eight!