This beer was designed to emulate the caramel cream “bulls eye” candies that I used to eat as a kid, and I think I hit it dead on. The beer is sweet, creamy, a hint of vanilla… It is delicious. 2015 (18Jan) Unfortunately, OG and FG was not measured with this beer. The flavor is […]
This is a fairly sweet, easy to drink Trappist (Belgian single) ale. 2014 Steeped grains at 165F for 30 minutes Sparged grain bag in 1 gal of water @165F, added to brew pot. OG: 1.060 @78*F = 1.063 (.005 above calculated). Some of the ingredients were selected due to availability at the LHBS. This […]
The 2nd place winner at the 2015 Brewfest, this is a tasty beer! This beer is bold. It starts sweet, hits with a bold malt flavor with hints of fruit and ends with a slight dryness due to the ABV, although it is not excessively dry. It hides the ABV well. Almost too well. Be […]
Makin’ Bacon! Beautiful, delicious, pork belly goodness… Bacon can be found in any grocery store meet section. But let’s face it, that stuff sucks! I wanted thick, smokey, peppery, delicious (my mouth is watering as I type this) bacon. So, I decided to make my own. Buy a Belly Start with pork belly. I found […]
Crust 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour 1/2 cup ground yellow cornmeal 2 tsp Coarse Sea Salt 1 Pack Dry Active Dry Yeast (I used Fleischmann’s) 1/2 tsp Sugar Hot water (100*F to 120*F) Olive Oil This produces a very dense, cracker-like crust. Start by proofing the yeast. You’re just checking to make sure that the yest is going to […]
This is intended to be a very quick, easy way to cook up some good Cajun food. 1 box Zatarain’s Dirty Rice 1 lb uncooked shrimp 3 Bell Peppers (difference colors are nice) 1 Large Onion ~2 stalks Celery ~6 cloves Garlic 1 package (8oz) Sliced White Mushrooms Cajun spice (dry spice mixture) Hot Sauce […]
1 Box Rigatoni Pasta (or any pasta that a sauce can “grab” onto) 3-4 Chicken Breasts 1 Bundle Asparagus 1 Package Mushrooms 1 Sweet Onion 3-5 Cloves Garlic 3-4 Strips Smoked Bacon Parmesan Cheese (get a block of cheese and grate it fresh) 1 Jar Marinara Sauce Heavy Whipping Cream Chicken (or Veggie) Stock Coarse […]
This was Hailey’s and my last hoorah before Baby Boy arrives. I just had to get outta town and go somewhere new. Philly beckoned since I have three near-and-dears living in the area. Our itinerary started with a visit with some friends who lived in Louisville: Joanna, Nate, Landon, and Ellie. Ellie was just a wee […]
It sure is different being pregnant the second time around. Difference #1: this is my first post about the pregnancy, and it’s coming in at about 24 weeks (and I didn’t even finish it until 31 weeks). I’m not even 100% sure that’s where we are with this bambino. Here’s the quick rundown of what […]
We kept birthday plans low-key this year, but Dan enjoyed spending his big day with his little girl. Especially since his little girl did such a nice job making him a cake.
Keaton (Katie) and David tied the knot in the Oak Park area and we were lucky enough to attend. Auntie Marie was an awesome sitter! We had a great time strolling around Oak Park and hanging with the old SWEster crowd that weekend. I’ll have to find photos of the actual wedding and SWE friends.
Hmmmm……this month is now a blur. I do know that I think months 21-24 represent a ton of growth. Just the freedom to have Hailey in the next room over while I cook has been glorious. She is still known for her super hugs at day care and at home, and the biting has dwindled […]
Hailey was super festive the whole week leading up to Independence day. Then this lucky girl got to view a private firework show on the cul-de-sac courtesy of awesome neighbors Emilee, Tony, and Lilee. How perfect to be with friends in a familiar place to enjoy actual fireworks and then be right at home to […]
This kid cracks us up at every moment. Favorites Music: Celine Dion, itsy bitsy spider, classical Books: Go Dogs Go Foods: Sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, turkey meatballs, Kashi shredded wheat with berries, juice, fish Toys: Baby dolls, balls, eggs Animal: Dogs We crack up when we catch her telling us or other kids […]
Derby season brings with it some extra fun at day care. One event is the diaper derby, and the teachers paint onesies as racing silks for the kids, complete with their horse name. Hailey’s onesie had the words “Chomp Chomp” on it. Turns out the biting habit is still in full force. Hailey, loves shoes […]
These are dirt simple short ribs that are very tasty. It just takes a little time. 6-8 Beef Short Ribs 8-10 shallots 3-4 carrots ~2 tsp coarse salt ~2 tsp coarse black pepper 2 cup red wine 2 Tbsp dry rosemary ~2 cups beef broth Coat short ribs with a dusting of flour (We use […]
Hailey now has a lot of words, even if only we can understand them. Some of the most commonly used are: bow, cheese, please, thank you, milk, baby, poo poo, and more. Raking: her new favorite activity. Doesn’t matter if the rake is full size. Still loves accessories: shades, bows, necklaces, hats. I’ve found it […]
This past month was a bit of a blur since I had to work a ton and Dan’s work schedule also picked up. Hailey loves books, and she can say “book,” as well as many other words. She has just started wanting to say her words and point out pictures to match anything we say. […]
The theme of this month has been Hailey’s willfulness. I think we are getting a taste of the terrible two’s since she throws a fit whenever she doesn’t get what she wants. We can tell she is frustrated that she can’t just tell us what she wants. It is very endearing when we remind her […]