As you know, I love to bake. I will try pretty much anything, at least once. Although my specialties are cookies and cheesecake. Anyone who has eaten them always comes back begging for more. I have studied and experimented on all different types of cookies (& the ingredients in them) as well as cheesecakes to ultimately perfect my technique.
Side note: if you want a perfect, no-crack, creamy cheesecake it is all in the mixing part and the cooling stage. If you want more details, send me a comment.
Anyways, the point of this post is that I found a new cheesecake recipe! It is SO GOOD :)
I am not the type to share my special deserts but I am going to share this one......
It is really easy, quick and delicious to make but first let me tell you a story behind this finding.....
Last week, hubby and I went to our friend's house (J & A) to watch a movie, eat dinner, entertain their cute boys and just spend some time with them. It is always fun going over there and fixing dinner because A and I split up the meal....and when that happens the meal is spectacular and our husband's love the food! In other words, it usually contains a food item or two that neither of the men get on a weekly basis. :)
Someone usually has a plan for dessert but this time we didn't! It was a tragedy considering that A and I have the biggest sweet tooths! Luckily, we found this recipe in no time, went to get the ingredients and it was done in an hour for our eating pleasure :)
Here is the recipe: I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Crust Ingredients:
2 cans (8 oz) crescent roll dough (split)
1/2 c butter, melted
1/2 c white sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 c sliced almonds (optional)
Filling Ingredients:
3 pkgs cream cheese (8 oz), softened
1 1/2 c white sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
1. preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix/ blend filling ingredients together until smooth
3. roll out 1 can of present rolls onto a 9 x 13 baking dish, shaping the triangles into rectangular squares.
4. Spread the filling evenly onto the crescent roll crust. Top the filling with the other can of crescent rolls, again shaping the triangles into rectangular squares.
5. Melt the butter and drizzle over the crescent roll top
6. Mix together the remaining sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top of the melted butter.
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes then serve!
Mar 31, 2011
Mar 24, 2011
Home is where the heart is
Home is where the heart is.....home for me is with my husband and also with my family. As for this post I am thinking about my family.....in particular my sister, Cathy.
Cathy, my beautiful, loving sister has always been one of my consistent readers to this blog even when I had no idea she was reading. It felt really good that she cared to read my random thoughts and post about life and food haha. Every month I look forward to our sister date of movies, chocolate chip waffles and maybe some shopping :)
Though the main point that I am writing this post is to tell all about Cathy, who she is and everything that she means to me.
Cathy is a beautiful, strong, independent, loving, caring, protective, loyal, funny and intelligent woman. Those are only a few of the many words that I use to describe her. On the outside she may come across as tough and quiet but inside she is full of love, care and compassion for others. A deep love that overflows when it is penetrated....
She is my older sister by 5 years but growing up we were so different from one another that we weren't very close until I reached college. Even though we were different she was always there for me when I needed her, especially the times when I needed her the most. Looking back on it now, I can see the Lord's work in our lives. I can see why it wasn't until we were older for us to become closer because we specifically needed each other but in different ways....for different purposes.
Through the years I have seen her go through her share of beautiful, amazing glorious times full of joy but I have also seen her go through rough times where it seemed that there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Though as is said in Jeremiah 29:11, scripture reminds us there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I saw how my sister fought through it with all the strength that she had along with the help, guidance and love of our parents, family, friends and her relationship with Christ. At the end, she was a stronger woman in so many ways but mostly she was stronger in her walk with the Lord.
I am incredibly proud of her and the strength in which she possesses is one that I admire greatly. I thank God everyday for her because the bond that I have with her is one that could never be replaced.....she holds a special place in my heart and in my prayers.
I love her so much and I could probably go on for days about the woman that she is and how special she is to me but I must stop at some point....
Cathy, if you are reading this I LOVE YOU VERY VERY much! :)
Cathy, my beautiful, loving sister has always been one of my consistent readers to this blog even when I had no idea she was reading. It felt really good that she cared to read my random thoughts and post about life and food haha. Every month I look forward to our sister date of movies, chocolate chip waffles and maybe some shopping :)
Though the main point that I am writing this post is to tell all about Cathy, who she is and everything that she means to me.
 |
| This is how we roll! :) She was my maid-of-honor at the wedding. Beautiful and perfect! |
Cathy is a beautiful, strong, independent, loving, caring, protective, loyal, funny and intelligent woman. Those are only a few of the many words that I use to describe her. On the outside she may come across as tough and quiet but inside she is full of love, care and compassion for others. A deep love that overflows when it is penetrated....
She is my older sister by 5 years but growing up we were so different from one another that we weren't very close until I reached college. Even though we were different she was always there for me when I needed her, especially the times when I needed her the most. Looking back on it now, I can see the Lord's work in our lives. I can see why it wasn't until we were older for us to become closer because we specifically needed each other but in different ways....for different purposes.
Through the years I have seen her go through her share of beautiful, amazing glorious times full of joy but I have also seen her go through rough times where it seemed that there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Though as is said in Jeremiah 29:11, scripture reminds us there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I saw how my sister fought through it with all the strength that she had along with the help, guidance and love of our parents, family, friends and her relationship with Christ. At the end, she was a stronger woman in so many ways but mostly she was stronger in her walk with the Lord.
I am incredibly proud of her and the strength in which she possesses is one that I admire greatly. I thank God everyday for her because the bond that I have with her is one that could never be replaced.....she holds a special place in my heart and in my prayers.
I love her so much and I could probably go on for days about the woman that she is and how special she is to me but I must stop at some point....
Cathy, if you are reading this I LOVE YOU VERY VERY much! :)
Mar 18, 2011
Laughter is a sweet cure for stress
This week has been crazy stressful because it is back to the "real-world" of finishing up my 3 presentations and working in lab.
As an update, Washington D.C was great, relaxing, fun and full of amazing food that we both loved! I also got to see my best friend, Lauren! I have missed her so much!Anyways, these presentations are all due within a week of one another and I am constantly busy and completely stressed out. For one thing, I am thankful that Jonathan is there to listen to me, give me a shoulder to cry on and build me right back up by treating me as if I was in basic training. I'm serious in that. My husband has become my drill sergeant by pushing me to the limit and making sure I stay motivated.
"It's all about just doing what you need to do and staying motivated.....don't let stress rule your life!"
"Let go of the doubts, fears, insecurities by crushing them in the face!"
Well, one of the ways that I have been relieving some of the stress is by laughing! Like in watching a comedy, joking with my husband or friends, or laughing at funny pictures. I absolutely love taking funny pictures with my family and my husband! Don't worry they aren't embarrassing funny....just purposefully funny.
I'll share a few of them that always make me laugh.....I hope they do the same for you.
These are of my beautiful niece Ryland. She is crazy, fun, loud and has an infectious smile and laugh. I wish I had gotten to see her this week because she always makes me feel so much better.
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| "Lori, come play with me...ooo let me see the camera!" "PLEASE!" |
Jonathan never seems to take a good picture. That is the truth. He will admit to it. It always comes out with him with a crazy face or looking like he is half sleeping. It is funny! We both end up laughing at it! Here are a few that make me laugh the most....
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| Jonathan is like a little kid.....he loves Chicken McNuggets! |
 |
| AH crazy hair! |
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| He made this face behind my back! lol I love this crazy man! He always finds a way to make me laugh :) |
And lastly, my family and their love for the Mac iphoto application! hehehehehe
Mar 9, 2011
Spring break! well not really...
Spring break is this week but it is not really spring break for a graduate student in chemistry. Whether it may be catching up on classes, finishing grading for the teaching labs or working in research lab, there is always something to do. For me, it has been a busy week of working in research lab all day all the while trying to finish projects and presentations for my classes. I am stressed to my max!
Though I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel because tomorrow we are packing up and heading out to Washington DC!
I am excited to just get away and spend a relaxing time with my husband. :) We are both in need of this, school is just wearing us out right now.
Why Washington DC? Well, because we are both in love with the city, museums and road trips. Plus it is not far and relatively cheap if you know how to shop around on hotel prices.
As for tonight I am going to de-stress by baking something delicious and watching LOST with the hubby :)
I think I am going to make those peanut butter protein bars I found on Peanut Butter Fingers . They look absolutely delicious! and I LOVE everything peanut butter.
Oh, I can't wait until tomorrow......but first I have to finish my lab work and go make dinner, it is my favorite Thai peanut chicken stir-fry!
Though I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel because tomorrow we are packing up and heading out to Washington DC!
I am excited to just get away and spend a relaxing time with my husband. :) We are both in need of this, school is just wearing us out right now.
Why Washington DC? Well, because we are both in love with the city, museums and road trips. Plus it is not far and relatively cheap if you know how to shop around on hotel prices.
As for tonight I am going to de-stress by baking something delicious and watching LOST with the hubby :)
I think I am going to make those peanut butter protein bars I found on Peanut Butter Fingers . They look absolutely delicious! and I LOVE everything peanut butter.
Oh, I can't wait until tomorrow......but first I have to finish my lab work and go make dinner, it is my favorite Thai peanut chicken stir-fry!
Mar 5, 2011
A tribute to my hero
This week has seemed really long to me!? Maybe because it was the week before spring break and we are planning to go to Washington D.C. (can't wait!) or it was most likely because I was sick for three days :(
All I did was sleep for those days and I had to miss my classes. I absolutely hate missing classes but my body won the battle....this time. My strength is back though and I am feeling better. Jonathan helped by making sure I ate by going out to get me chicken noodle soup and a milkshake :)
Anyways, I wanted to share a bit of information that the Lord placed on my heart this week. Good information.
So that it all makes sense, I must begin by telling a little bit about my wonderful husband Jonathan.
Before I met him in November 2009, he had served in the Army 2nd Batallion, 3rd Infantry Division for 3 years with a 15 month deployment to Iraq. The deployment was from June 2006-September 2007.....
Dwell on this, I hadn't thought about those deployment dates much at all until the other day....
This is one of those moments where the Lord speaks to my heart gently reminding me that HE is there watching me, guiding me and protecting me because I am HIS child.
Growing up in church and in a household where my parents were my source of my spiritual guidance, I had been praying for the man that I would someday marry since middle school. I knew that God had only one perfect man set out for me to marry. It would be in his time that HE would join us together when HE had us both ready.....
Thus this brought me to the point of thinking about those deployment days. I remembered that entire year for me because I had just started college, no boyfriend, and I was focused on school and growing in my spiritual walk. Everyday my prayers consisted of praying for my future husband: "that the Lord continue to work in his heart to mold him into a man of God, preparing him for that time in which we will meet but most importantly protect him and keep him safe....wherever he may be."
I didn't know it then but I was praying for Jonathan.
In that moment of realization, I was amazed. :)
We both went through a lot before we met one another but it was all in the Lord's plan....
"You see, until you are ready and the one I have for you is ready… I am working even this minute to have you both ready at the same time… until you are both living to, which you will, however imperfectly, reflect your relationship in me. First give me time to heal your wounds, console your heartaches, and ease your disappointments. Find me time to erase the painful memories of the past. Give me time to heal you and make you whole and complete in me."
Jonathan has a shield given to him by his battalion and it says on the back:
THIS COIN IS PRESENTED TO A HERO, A MAN WHO WILLINGLY HAS DONE MORE THAN ANY MAN SHOULD EVER BE ASKED TO DO.
Jonathan is my hero, my inspiration, my best friend, my husband and I love him more than anything in this world. Everyday I am thankful for him. He is my true, sweet, undeserving blessing given to me from my Lord.
All I did was sleep for those days and I had to miss my classes. I absolutely hate missing classes but my body won the battle....this time. My strength is back though and I am feeling better. Jonathan helped by making sure I ate by going out to get me chicken noodle soup and a milkshake :)
Anyways, I wanted to share a bit of information that the Lord placed on my heart this week. Good information.
So that it all makes sense, I must begin by telling a little bit about my wonderful husband Jonathan.
Before I met him in November 2009, he had served in the Army 2nd Batallion, 3rd Infantry Division for 3 years with a 15 month deployment to Iraq. The deployment was from June 2006-September 2007.....
Dwell on this, I hadn't thought about those deployment dates much at all until the other day....
This is one of those moments where the Lord speaks to my heart gently reminding me that HE is there watching me, guiding me and protecting me because I am HIS child.
Growing up in church and in a household where my parents were my source of my spiritual guidance, I had been praying for the man that I would someday marry since middle school. I knew that God had only one perfect man set out for me to marry. It would be in his time that HE would join us together when HE had us both ready.....
Thus this brought me to the point of thinking about those deployment days. I remembered that entire year for me because I had just started college, no boyfriend, and I was focused on school and growing in my spiritual walk. Everyday my prayers consisted of praying for my future husband: "that the Lord continue to work in his heart to mold him into a man of God, preparing him for that time in which we will meet but most importantly protect him and keep him safe....wherever he may be."
I didn't know it then but I was praying for Jonathan.
In that moment of realization, I was amazed. :)
We both went through a lot before we met one another but it was all in the Lord's plan....
"You see, until you are ready and the one I have for you is ready… I am working even this minute to have you both ready at the same time… until you are both living to, which you will, however imperfectly, reflect your relationship in me. First give me time to heal your wounds, console your heartaches, and ease your disappointments. Find me time to erase the painful memories of the past. Give me time to heal you and make you whole and complete in me."
Jonathan has a shield given to him by his battalion and it says on the back:
THIS COIN IS PRESENTED TO A HERO, A MAN WHO WILLINGLY HAS DONE MORE THAN ANY MAN SHOULD EVER BE ASKED TO DO.
Jonathan is my hero, my inspiration, my best friend, my husband and I love him more than anything in this world. Everyday I am thankful for him. He is my true, sweet, undeserving blessing given to me from my Lord.
For all who are reading this I ask: Who is your hero?
Mar 1, 2011
National Peanut Butter Lover's Day!
From reading the blogs that I follow today, I have found out it is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day!
This is simply amazing and really cool! I have never heard of this day before but it definitely made my day because I am in love with peanut butter :)
I will eat anything with peanut butter in it, anything dipped in peanut butter or eat it just plain out of the jar. My guilty pleasure is Reese's Cup and peanut butter TWIX :)
I am so in love with it that if there was nothing left on earth for me to eat except for peanut butter sandwiches I would be happy! Seriously, I wouldn't go hungry.
My favorite is natural peanut butter because it is healthy for you and the taste is SO much better than the processed stuff. Every morning for breakfast, I eat an apple and a banana dipped in peanut butter. So good! plus I'm also a creature of habit. hehehe
I also love to bake with peanut butter :) I have made a variety of things such as a peanut butter chocolate chip chessecake, peanut butter cookies, peanut butter oatmeal raisin cookies, dark chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.....the list goes on and on. You name it, I have made it (or will make it!).
You should get my point by now: I love PB, simple as that. Check out this blog post: Healthy recipes that include peanut butter
http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2011/03/01/10-ways-to-love-peanut-butter/
This is simply amazing and really cool! I have never heard of this day before but it definitely made my day because I am in love with peanut butter :)
I will eat anything with peanut butter in it, anything dipped in peanut butter or eat it just plain out of the jar. My guilty pleasure is Reese's Cup and peanut butter TWIX :)
I am so in love with it that if there was nothing left on earth for me to eat except for peanut butter sandwiches I would be happy! Seriously, I wouldn't go hungry.
My favorite is natural peanut butter because it is healthy for you and the taste is SO much better than the processed stuff. Every morning for breakfast, I eat an apple and a banana dipped in peanut butter. So good! plus I'm also a creature of habit. hehehe
I also love to bake with peanut butter :) I have made a variety of things such as a peanut butter chocolate chip chessecake, peanut butter cookies, peanut butter oatmeal raisin cookies, dark chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.....the list goes on and on. You name it, I have made it (or will make it!).
You should get my point by now: I love PB, simple as that. Check out this blog post: Healthy recipes that include peanut butter
http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2011/03/01/10-ways-to-love-peanut-butter/
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