Monday, November 29, 2010

Anniversary Dinner

Two weeks ago on our anniversary we went out to dinner here in Sioux City. I had to ask around at work to find a place that was nice since we know nothing about the restaurants here in town. We ended up at a restaurant called Kahill's Chophouse. We were a little hesitant at first since it was in a hotel but it was excellent. I made a list of what we had since I didn't want to disturb the other guests with my camera flash.

Before going out.


Starter
Blue cheese stuffed dates wrapped with
jalapeno bacon and balsamic reduction

Entree
Grilled wrack of lamb with rosemary,
red wine sauce and mushrooms

Mid-rare New York strip with
flash fried green beans

Dessert
Baked Granny Smith apple stuffed with
pecans, raisins, and served with
ice cream and caramel sauce

Wine
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon

It Begins

I left work this afternoon to find this...snow blowing across the parking lot. First snow of the season.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Raw Milk Update

Thank you Fedders! Our family at church that has the chicken houses as well as 2 cows gave us milk and eggs last week. The milk is wonderful and raw so the things I can make with it are endless.


After sitting over night in the refrigerator there was a nice layer of cream on the top.

I skimmed it off and ended up with about 3 cups of glorious cream.

Let the whipping begin!

Homemade hot chocolate with the freshest of cream!

Next: Butter!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Elynore Gray Madson

My great friend Brandy and her husband Houston just had their 3rd child last night. I am so thankful she arrived safely and without a lot of drama. The only really, really sad thing is that I'm too far away to go see her and her mama.


Elynore Gray Madson
11/11/10
6 pounds 8 ounces.


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Chocolate Cake

For those of you who really, really need a pieces of Chocolate Fudge Cake here is the recipe.
This is taken from Nigella Lawsons cookbook Nigella Bites.


Chocolate Fudge Cake

for the cake:
2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup best-quality cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup corn oil
1 1/3 cups chilled water

for the fudge icing:
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, minimum 70% cocoa solids
1 cup plus 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350F.
Butter and line the bottom of two 8-inch cake pans (I made 3 6-inch layers that I then cut in half to make my tall 6 layered cake).
A large bowl, mix together the flour, sugars, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl or wide-necked measuring cup whisk together the eggs, sour cream and vanilla until blended. Using a stand or electric mixer, beat together the melted butter and corn oil until just blended, then beat in the water. Add the dry ingredients all at once and mix together on a slow speed. Add the egg mixture, and mix again until everything is blended and then pour into the prepared tins.
Bake the cakes for 45-50 minutes, or until a cake-tester comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes, and then turn the cakes out onto the rack to cool completely.
To make the icing, melt the chocolate in the microwave 2-3 minutes on medium or in a bowl sitting over a pan of simmering water, and let it cool slightly.
In another bowl beat the butter until it's soft and creamy (use a hand or stand mixer) and then add the sifted confectioners' sugar and beat again until everything's light and fluffy. Then gently add the vanilla and chocolate and mix together until everything is glossy and smooth.
Sandwich the middle of the cake with about a quarter of the icing, and then ice the top and sides, too, spreading and smoothing with a rubber spatula.

Serves 10

Friday, November 5, 2010

The Party

So we celebrated Nathans birthday last night. Here are a few pictures...












Packing Up & Moving Out

I finally found my camera cord yesterday...it was in my computer bag! Exactly where something like that should be. Here are a few pictures of our last day in NC and our long drive to Iowa.

Lunch of leftover pizza on a box

1/2 way done!

Last of the house stuff.

Early Tuesday morning driving through NC mountains.



Rainbow in TN

Kentucky

Lots of rain & wind.

Almost to St. Louis our stop for day 1.

Friends Les & Helen Prouty who put us up on Tuesday night. Thank You!!

Two of their grandson (twins) Caleb & Thomson. Can they get any cuter?

Signs that we were close to Iowa (this was in Nebraska).

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Happy Birthday!

My babe is 28 today! I love you & Happy Birthday!!!


Picture from our last night at the Flying Saucer before we moved. Boohoohoo!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

We Heart Farmers

On our first visit to the grocery store here in Sioux City we discovered hormone free milk from a local dairy in Nebraska. Of course it is 10x better because it comes in a cool glass jar. So far this is the best milk I've ever tasted.
We also have a lot of farmers in the church here. We can buy fresh eggs for 60c a dozen, raw milk for $2 a gallon ($$ money goes to the church since they're not allowed to sell it), and fresh beef which will be donated to us once we find a freezer to put it in.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Just A Un-organized Peak

Here is a little peak at the house. I have a lot to do but most of the boxes are emptied and unpacked. I did take these pictures two days ago so it is even better now! Once I get everything decorated and set up I'll take pictures and post again. But for now...


Front of the house.


Living Room

Dinning Area

Small spare bedroom that will be used mainly as an office.

Our Room

Weird Closet A

Tiny bathroom between bedrooms.

Walking into the kitchen.

Small but it has a gas stove!!! Whoohoo!

Home of our future pantry. Nathan will build shelves under the cabinets.


This weird corner cabinet will be moved and another small shelf will be made to go here.
Stairs to the basement. Our basement is huge but I'll post pictures later of that.
As soon as I find my camera cord I will post pictures from our drive here. I know I packed it...just not sure where.