Halloween!

Had our annual Halloween Party last night for the second year.  It was a blast, Kris and I went as Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein.  I have a few photos, but most of them were taken my a friend of mine.  So, I'll post more when I get them.  We go all out with the decorations.... and I made meat pies, 7-layer dip, home-made ranch dressing, peanut butter cup cupcakes, and some mean apple cider rum punch.

The pies, dip, cupcakes, and cider came from different issues of Everyday Food.

The amazing ranch dressing came from The Pioneer Woman.

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On a different note, in the last two months I have had to leave places because my allergies had gotten so bad.  Since, its gotten to the point where I have actually had to leave and not hang out with my friends, I finally decided to get tested.

My right arm is mostly grasses.

Left arm.

I'm severely allergic to dust and oak, and literally allergic to everything they tested me for, except cockroaches.  So, I guess I can have a cockroach as a pet.  Yippee!  I'm now on allergy shots, a bunch of asthma medicine, and have my mattress and pillows covered in allergy proof slightly crunchy wrap.  It's a little depressing, but hopefully things will get better!

School is cool

Teaching is consuming my life!!!  Well, not really, but sometimes.  I thoroughly enjoy teaching and feel I am where I should be.  Besides getting paint all over myself, trying to control defiant children, getting hit on the butt by kindergarteners for my attention (perfect height), being called Art Teacher, teaching children how to properly use the watercolor pallete, coming up with art ideas.... its awesome, I love job.  I do not dread going to work for once, which is a really nice feeling.  And, I make more money which saying that, as a teacher, says a lot.

I have lots of funny stories, but since I am trying to think of them I can't.  Better luck next time, maybe.

busy bee

This week we made Chicken Alfredo Pizza with pink peppercorns....

 and, Candied Bacon and Blue Cheese Sliders with handcut fries!

Both were delicious, but I've been super busy...more info later.

YUM

Finally made the iced coffee from the Pioneer Woman, and it is delicious.  Last week we made the Orecchiette with Shrimp, Lemon, and Asparagus from Gordon Ramsay, and it was really good, we're going to make it again.

 Here is our picture!

This week we are going to make rice paper spring rolls, so far, that's the only thing on the menu.

School

School starts tomorrow!  I'm hoping for the best!  Cross your fingers for me, but I am excited!

This week we have the following meals planned:

Meatball Sandwiches
Fried Chicken and Biscuits
Orecchiette with Shrimp, Lemon, and Asparagus



and for tonight,

Corned Beef Hash with Fried Eggs

The End.

Bourdon Tea Book Club

A few months ago, a group of my friends and I created a book club.  At the past two meetings, there has been this awesome drink, called Bourbon Mint Tea.  So, we have named ourselves the The Bourbon Tea Book Club.  The recipe is from Everyday Food (of course) and really good!  (recipe posted at bottom)  The rules of the book club are pick a book you either really love and want everyone to read, or pick something you've been wanting to read.   The rules are pretty simple.  Also, to choose a book, you must have read all the others and have to wait for everyone else to pick a book before you.  We're pretty relaxed about it and don't have to have the next one read for a couple months.

So far we have read:

The Lazarus Project by Aleksander Hemon
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
My Antonia by Willa Cather

and are currently reading:

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

I know absolutely nothing about Norse Mythology, so I am learning about that for insider knowledge into this book.  I am determined to get this book read fast since I will be starting school August 1.  I will be teaching art to elementary students!!!!  I am so excited and terrified.  I haven't said anything yet because I was waiting for it to be more official.  Wish me luck!  Hopefully they won't eat me alive.  ;)


Bourbon Mint Tea

In large saucepan, boil 4 cups water.
Add 1/2 cup sugar; stir to dissolve.
Remove from heat; add 8 tea bags of black tea.
Steep 10 minutes; discard tea bags.
Add 4 cups cold water; transfer to pitcher, and chill.
Add 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves.
Using a wooden spoon, crush mint until fragrant;
stir in 2 cups bourbon.
Serve over ice.  (serves 8)