Cheddar Biscuits

I've had this Martha Stewart recipe tucked away for awhile.  I made them the other night with dinner and remembered that I REALLY liked these.  Warning - Bisquick biscuits will never satisfy once you've made these from scratch.

Makes 12 to 16

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2/3 cup milk
  

1. Heat oven to 425*.  In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, cream of tartar, sugar, and cayenne.  (If you don't like to much kick add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp pepper).

2. Cut butter into pieces and work it in with your fingers until course and crumbly.  Stir in cheese.

3. Make a well in the center of flour mixture, pour in milk, and stir with a fork just until dough comes together.  DO NOT overmix.  Turn onto a lightly floured counter and knead gently 10 to 12 times.  Count out loud and resist temptation to knead more.

4. Pat dough into a circle about 1/2 thick.  Cut out biscuits with a 2 inch round cutter. (If you don't have one, be creative.  I have used the lid off the Pam before but a smaller one works better).  Transfer biscuit to a lightly buttered baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.  Serve HOT!

Birthday Business!

I always get a little nervous a couple days after Christmas because we celebrate my daughters birthday.  It's hard to come up with good stuff when Christmas morning is still fresh in everyone's memory.

I think I did okay this year though - SHWEW!!

After the opening of presents and a birthday brunch - we decided the best way to celebrate a birthday was to go treasure hunting with our pals around the corner.  (Geocaching) 

We were surprised to discover the treasure right under a natural arch.  Bonus!

Eventually we were done hunting and decided to dive into some chocolatey goodness - cupcakes made by the birthday girl herself.

They were a hit!

Then we piled in the car - out of the cold - and headed home.

Hope you had a happy one Sam!

Yippee!

This kid just landed a part ...

... in this play at her school.

She called me this morning to tell me the news.   I have been smiling for hours.

Way to go Sam!

Rusty's Christmas Casualties

This past season of sweets we actually faired pretty good against the counter surfing hound dog.

The list of casualties is as follows:

• One bagel off the counter when 7 year old wasn't looking
• Half a box of hazelnut chocolates
• A few licks of Christmas cookies but I got there in time to stop him from eating them - but I still had to chuck them because he slobbered on them
• One stick of butter

He was on the naughty list and got nothing for Christmas.  In the meantime, my daughter decided to have a photo shoot with Rusty.  Wallah!

PS.  Did I mention that someone gave a live hamster as a white elephant gift?  Yup!  You guessed it... I am now the proud owner of a hamster.  Why not one more pet in this zoo!

The Christmas Spirit

I always get so busy with shopping, Christmas programs, baking, and everything else that comes along with the Christmas season, that sometimes I forget the real reason we celebrate.

I am so grateful for the Savior of the world.  For His willingness to come to this earth and atone for my sins.  When I remember His life and His sacrifice, I am able to relax a little and feel the true Spirit of Christmas. 

So, I wanted to take the time to pause a little from all the craziness and wish you a Merry Christmas.  I hope you will feel the love of our Savior as well and it will warm your heart and home.

Merry Christmas!

Two in One Cake

What do you do when you have a birthday and a graduation on the same day?  Put it all together in one cake.

Christmas Cookies

I don't care if I never see another sugar cookie again!