Thankful

I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends in my life. I cherish all the friendships that I have and don't know what I would do without some of my girlfriends. My besties have gotten me through some hard times in my life and I am a better person because of them. I value everything about the word friendship. I think when you have a best friend you take an oath similar to marriage. To be there through good times and bad, through all the tears and laughter, the fights and hugs, and most of all just being who you are. If you look up friendship in the dictionary some of the synonyms are; harmony, accord, understanding, and rapport. I think harmony and understanding are my two favorite words there.

So thank you to all my friends out there who have supported me when I needed you the most, listened to me when I needed a friend, let me cry, gave me hugs, and shared my laughter. I love you all and would not be who I am today without you.

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation that you ever had.

Football Sundays

With all this cold weather we have been subjected to, it has been nice to have some football to watch. Last weekend we spent the better part of the weekend watching the games on Saturday and Sunday. We had some friends over on Saturday and then Sunday went to another friends house. I loved every part of the weekend- spending the day in sweats, hanging out with good friends, watching the games, and eating good food. I have tried a couple new recipes over the last few weeks but I have been totally slacking in sharing them with you. I promise I will catch up one day.

But today there is a HUGE game on this afternoon. Steelers will decide their superbowl fate this afternoon. We are headed to a friends house to watch the game. But what would football be without sausage dip and amazing chocolate/peanut butter cookies. I decided to try 2 new recipes again this weekend (last weekend I tried 2 new ones as well) and wanted to share one of them with you. I had not baked in a while so along with the sausage dip I found a recipe for Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. The double in front of chocolate sold me on the cookies. I do like peanut butter but I wouldn't call myself a PB lover like most do. Mike does love PB so I thought these cookies would be perfect.

I put the recipe below and here are some pics of the cookies. Let me warn you these are HUGE cookies but so delicious!! How can you go wrong when you have chocolate chips, coco powder, PB, and peanuts?? The dough was so easy to work with and I loved every part of these cookies. I will let you know how the gang likes them later. Until then GO STEELERS!!!

Salted Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Yield: 16 to 18 large cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 12 minutes

1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup peanuts
Coarse salt for sprinkling

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.

3. Beat together the butter, peanut butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract. Scrape the bowl. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the chocolate chips and peanuts.

4. Drop by two heaping tablespoonfuls of dough, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a small pinch of coarse salt on top of each cookie. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the outside of the cookies are set but the middles are still a little soft. Cool cookies on the baking sheets. Store in an airtight container.

Happy 2011

HAPPY 2011!!

Wow….already January 11^th I can’t even believe it. The time flew by so fast. I am sure by now everyone has made all their new years resolutions to eat better, workout more, volunteer, be a better person….you know the usual. I personally don’t make resolutions because I think they are a bit silly. I usually try to eat well and work out and be a better person. This year I hope is just as great as last year (although 2010 was pretty fun). In 2010 Mike and I were able to take a bunch of trips and share some great experiences together. I am not sure we can live up to that this year but I am sure we will try. We already have plans to go on a tropical trip in March with some friends.

Christmas was very relaxing and festive. This year Mike and I stayed in our house in VA and we really enjoyed ourselves. It was nice to be in our house that we had worked so hard on all year. We were able to start some new traditions together and we look forward to many more Christmases in our house. Here are a couple pictures from our holiday. We ate, drank, watched lots of football, and relaxed all weekend. It was so fun to decorate and be around to enjoy everything. I can’t wait for next year.

So what are everyone’s big plans for 2011? I for one will count down the days until the beginning of March when I get to see my sister. I miss her so much and can’t wait to spend a few days with her. Then I will begin the countdown till July when she is home for good. It has been so hard not having her around for some of the big experiences….like sharing our birthdays and sharing holidays together. So although I didn’t make any resolutions for 2011, I am still looking forward to great things and who knows what will be in store for this year.

PS> Louie did not get a brother but there is always Valentines Day!

Louie Torture

Momma making the best cookies ever

Family :)

Tree with all the gifts. Think we had enough for 4 people??