Updates soon!

As always I had every good intention of updating this before I sent out the Annual Christmas Letter.  I was also waiting for it to snow!  Well the snow never did come, however Christmas did!!  I think that Vancouver has had more snow then we have...go figure!

Some of you have been asking for pictures of our new house...I'll try and get those up soon and a few other bits and pieces.

Have a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for stopping by!

My three favorite things for making Apple Pie

Apple pie is a favorite at our house, especially for Nolan and I. (It must be that we are the two with true American ties!) So fall means APPLE PIES FOR THE FREEZER! Yummy! If only they would last all year. This past week-end I made 6 in a few hours....these are my 3 favorite tools.

1. Pie Crust in a Food Processor (see earlier post for video)

Favorite Apple Pie Crust Recipe:

Mix in processor

 2 1/2c flour

 1 t. salt

 2 T sugar

Pulse and add

 1 cup cold butter chunked

Pulse until resembles oatmeal

Slowly add 2-3 T at a time of very cold water until small clumps start to form. Add no more than 1/2 cup water.

 Turn out onto surface, kneed all the flour in, divide in two and chill for one hour.  Roll to size of pie plate.

2. Apple Peeler, Slicer and Corer 

 I bought mine at Target a few years ago.  I don't see it on-line...but I see a similar one at Bed Bath and Beyond. Here's the link and a short video.

 Apple Tool Video

3. Adjustable Rolling Pin

This rolling pin keeps everything the same level...magic!  Three levels. You can order them from amazon or http://www.karenscookies.net/

 Now onto the apple crisp. I love fall!

Lord Stanley Arrives at the Blakely Estate

On August 6, 2011 this little ball of fur came to rule at 8 wks. old! Stanley is a Black Lab. He demands food at least three times a day, belly rubs, daily walks and multiple bathroom breaks.  Nolan has become his devoted companion, Melinda has become his full-time cook, housekeeper and over-all caretaker, Malaya is slowly warming to his presence and Jeff gives into his every hearts desire.

In order to help his reign here on the estate be pleasant for all, classes have begun weekly to ensure proper behavior. Those attending are Melinda, Nolan and Stanley.

While the Blakely's are enjoying this new presence, they are also looking forward to the future as Lord Stanley grows to maturity and will be able to more successfully keep the peace. 

Cool 4th of July Treat!

Wishing you a COOL rest of your summer! Ok for those Vancouver people a HOT rest of your summer!

THE BLAKELY’S

Here’s a fun EASY summer dessert that I made twice this summer. It’s hard to see in my picture but there are star sprinkles on it…but you could use whatever sprinkles you have on hand. You just have to start a day or so before you want it. You could also change up the colors for any occasion.

Festive 4th of July Treats

This Jello desserts involves layering any flavor of red jello, a layer of blue jello, and the layer in the middle is made by preparing a small box of lemon jello, put it in a bowl in the fridge until it thickens slightly and then fold (gently mix) in a 8oz. tub of Cool Whip.

Top with Cool Whip. I love real whipped cream for most desserts, but Cool Whip holds up much better in the heat, so it's more appropriate for these summer treats.

One Player Games

In an attempt to find better ways to use free time than the go to option DS.... 

Lately I have been on the hunt for one player games or travel type games.  It seems we are always at a hockey practice, swim lesson or traveling.  And with one child in a lesson, what to do with the other one to keep them occupied.  Here are some of our favorite finds....kid tested, mother approved!

COMPANY: SMART GAMES

Available  more  often at specialty type toy stores.  Check out their website for a complete list. Sadly they are not made in Northe America...so harder to find.  But worth the challenge. 
http://www.smart.be//en/products/puzzles-games/smartgames

 - very durable...made of hard plastic.
- multi level challenges.
- fun for the kids and adults too!

  GAMES  Hide & Seek Safari 



Camouflage North Pole

Camelot JR.Alcatraz

-------------------

 

COMPANY : THINK FUN

http://www.thinkfun.com/

 

- I also love the quality of this companys games. Primarily hard plastic.

 

GAMES

Peg Solitaire Jumping Game

.....and of coarse this classic is still a family favorite! You wouldn't believe all  the variations that are out now.

Rush Hour Deluxe Edition

Take Gridlock to the Next Level

(did you know that you can buy expansion packs!)

 

 

Does  your family have any favorite travel  or one player games!   Let us know.  We love games and are always on the hunt for new ones.

 

Happy THINKING!

 

Rice Krispy Squares in a Bucket?

Up until this past year I avoided making Rice Krispy Squares.  To me I would have rather made a pie!  Who wants to clean the pot from the stove...all the messy utencils and I could never get them all out of the pan. Not to mention keep from burning the marshmellows.

Thanks to a tip from Stephanie....I now make them all the time....in an Ice Cream Bucket in the Microwave.  Here's how I do it in less than 6 minutes...start to finish including washing the dishes.

1) Spray a 9 x 13 pan and your spoon with PAM

 2)Melt 1/4 cup butter in a bucket in the microwave.  If you have a high pwer Microwave you might want to do this on med-high.  Swirl around the sides to cover as best you can.

3) Add 40 large marshmellows.  Microwave for 2 minutes or until puffed just above the rim. Stir til smooth...add 1 t vanilla.

4) Add 6 cups cereal. Stir and then watch it drop right out of the bucket into the dish. AMAZING!

5) Spray your hand with PAM and press lightly down to even it out. 

6.) ENJOY!  The easy clen-up and the tasty treat.

Mini Apple Pies...

Nolan wanted to bring "Apple Pie" for his birthday treat to school tomorrow.  Apple pie is his all-time favorite dessert.  So I made these little apple turn-overs.  Wasn't sure how they would turn out....but according to Nolan...they were "awesome"  And he isn't easy to please when it comes to the food department.  To make them I made my favorite pie crust recipe in the food processor of coarse.  I used a large circle cookie cutter with the scalloped edge.  Put a little apple pie filling in the middle and folded over.  I then put egg and sugar on the top.  Baked for 19 mins. at 350.   Of coarse as always I made lots.  So now I have a new lunch /snack item in the freezer.  Making lunches is a chore.....when you have a picky eater...even sweets!  Silly kid!