A Canful of Salmon (Salmon Croquettes)

Right now my pantry is overrunning with canned salmon.  I think they are mating.  Well, maybe not, but due to a recently discovered food allergy Mr. Penguin's sister gifted us with a sackful.    I was more than happy to take the little fishies.  I love canned salmon!

DBC March 2011: Yeasted Meringue Coffee Cake

traditional style

The March 2011 Daring Baker’s Challenge was hosted by Ria of Ria’s Collection and Jamie of Life’s a Feast. Ria and Jamie challenged The Daring Bakers to bake a yeasted Meringue Coffee Cake.

Cutie Cupcakes

Every year I make the same old boring New Year resolution: get healthy and lose weight. Some years are more successful than others. 2007-2008 were good years and I actually lost some of the weight I gained while in college. I felt a lot better and gained some self-confidence. I have since regained that weight and than some and lost that self-confidence.

THE Casserole

One of my favorite meals growing up was a chicken and broccoli casserole that my Dad claims to have concocted. I have seen variations of this casserole on numerous recipe sites so I’m not sure if Dad can completely claim that this is an original creation. Coincidentally my Mom also claims to be its inventor and has told me that it is based on some dish a friend in Germany once served them. I don’t really care who came up with it first. All I know is that it’s darn yummy.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Bread and a Giveaway! (Closed)

This St. Patrick’s Day I am cooking up the traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage with lots of potatoes. I finally got a crock-pot so making this dish is so much easier to prepare. I really don’t know why I make it every year. I'm not really a big fan of corned beef. I think maybe I do it because that’s what my Grandma does every year. Just smelling it reminds me of being at her house for dinner on St. Patrick’s Day.

Chocolate Meringue π

Happy PI Day!

 I had a hankering for something chocolate but also was bored and in need of a challenge so in honor of Pi day I decided to try make a chocolate meringue pie. I’ve never made a meringue pie before. I don’t like meringue. Mr. Penguin likes meringue though so I knew if I made this pie I’d have someone available to eat my leftover meringue. He did not eat any of my pie. My roommate Mr. Foo-foo cuddly poops had to help me eat it. Thank you roomie, you’re the best!

But Do You Know the ENGLISH Muffin Man?

I love English Muffins, what I don't love is the price of English muffins.  Six muffins typically cost more than a whole loaf of sandwich bread.  After taking the time to make some muffins myself I can see why they can be pricey.  Don't get me wrong I love these muffins and will make them again!  They are so delicious and fluffy and yummy.  Its just a lot of work.  Actually its a lot of waiting.  I'm not patient.

Spring Fever

Can I nibble the ears? Just a little?

Living in Central Florida doesn’t give me the opportunity to experience much seasonal transitions.  It does get cold in the winter and it gets really hot and humid in the summer.  I miss the spring time and fall time weather that seems to last all too briefly around here.  Today I can definitely tell its spring time.  The air smells absolutely divine and it isn’t terribly hot and humid.  In fact it’s the perfect weather to swing.  I love wood swings sets!  I’m sad to see that many playgrounds just don’t have them anymore (along with twisty slides and merry-go-rounds and teeter-totters!). 

I *heart* Penguins

You might have noticed that I have been referring to my soon to be husband as Mr. Penguin.  Why is this you ask?  A picture says a thousand words:

Can you tell I'm laughing?

You see folks, Mr. Penguin loves penguins.  I bought him that blankie because it had his name written all over it.  I was afraid he wouldn't like it.  Silly me!  We're talking about a man who has penguins in his bathroom and penguins on his dresser, of course he loves the blankie!

The perfect man for a girl who has a stuffed bunny in her bed every night.

Disney Dining: Blizzard Beach

Mr. Penguin took me to Blizzard Beach for New Year’s Day this year.  Having some fun is the best start of a New Year.  I’m so lucky to live in a place that is snow free and 70 degrees in the middle of winter.  Even though it was warm out I was still skeptical of being able to have fun at a water park in winter.  I’m glad I was wrong and braved the water.  It also helped that it was heated water!

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

During the week I really don’t like coming home and having to cook something for dinner.  This recipe is supper-duper easy and I always have the ingredients on hand.