Holy Cannoli It's Been Too Long!!!!

WOWSERS!!!!  I just realized that it has been quite a while since I have posted.  I am so sorry to my followers that it has been so long.  There has been SO many changes since my last post.  November of 2013 we told my parents that we were going to move to Florida.  After being out of work for almost 3 years depression hit REALLY hard.  I had been fighting it but it came to a breaking point around then.  We decided to move in February of 2014.  It wasn't the easiest decision for us but things needed to change, so we did.  We loaded up a moving truck in 8 inches of falling snow and headed out.  It was difficult saying goodbye to my family but I could only hope they understood we needed to do it for us, and Hubby was doing it for me.  We moved in the home we would be renting and the job search began.  After 3 months I started a WHOLE NEW CAREER!  I was hired as an assistant to the broker of a local family owned realty (A-1 Realty Design, Inc. in Spring Hill FL).  By September 2014 I was a licensed real estate agent.  Hubby had to go to school to get his security license here in Florida as the schooling requirements are almost double the requirements for Illinois.  So we were both working but boy did it take it's toll on free time.  Not just free time but I had to learn a whole new way to cook.  See cooking and baking in Illinois was gas.  It's what I learned on so for 30 years I was set.  Florida is a electric state ... I thought it would be difficult.  It really wasn't and I think it was totally easier..  With gas air flow fluctuates the gas flame which could cause uneven heating.  Electric not so much.  So I learned to adjust.  As time marched on we made friends and spent time with family and realized that there was no free time.  A little over a year ago we realized something was missing in our life.  Along came Roxy.  She is a rescue pup and sweet as can be.  She is a chocolate lab pittbull mix and so loving.  We couldn't ask for a better dogger!  Not only did I start a whole new career but we bought OUR FIRST HOME a little less than a year of being here.  When I say lots of changes I totally meant it!  Of course with a home comes tons of responsibilities and redecorating! LOL   Which brings me to now.  About February I have been feeling like something is missing.  I took some time to internalize this and tried to figure out what it could be.  Then I realized that I miss my creative outlet.  I missed writing, I missed you!  So I am going to start posting again.  Cooking, baking, redecorating, whatever comes across my plate.  I'm going to share it because ... it's all apart of starting over at 40.

See you soon!

Busy Busy Week ... Hubby requested Chicken And Dumplings with Dessert

OMG!  It has been such a crazy, busy week that I so forgot to post this.  Sometimes I think I'd forget my arms if I didn't use them so much.  

So last week we went shopping and I said to hubby, "what do you want for Sunday dinner?"  We've gotten back to the routine of eating at home now that things are somewhat settled and I have a working, stocked kitchen.  He didn't have an answer right away and with fall and chillier days appearing I wanted something comforting, hearty, and warm.  Beef Stew! (hint hint as it is only supposed to be 64 here in Chicago today)  Then out of the blue, hubby says, "what about chicken and dumplings?"  I thought great!  He finally requests something!  Very excited I start looking for the ingredients and try to remember what I might already have so as not to over buy.  I KNOW I need chicken.  WOW!  4 huge breasts, bone in, skin on, and just over $5 bucks.  That I can do.  The only other thing I know I need is cream of chicken soup.  So now I have everything I need so make Sunday dinner but it's Tuesday.  So in the freezer the chicken goes. LOL  So while trying to save time I roasted the chicken on Saturday while hubby was at work.  

Preheated oven to 350, placed chicken in pan skin side up.
Here's what I like to do.  Since I don't use the skin but want the chicken seasoned, have you guessed where I'm going here?  I pulled the skin back and seasoned the chicken.  You can use what you like but I used my Tastefully Simple spices Garlic Garlic and Onion Onion.  A sprinkle of dried thyme AND a couple grates of fresh nutmeg. Covered the chicken back up with the skin and popped it in the oven for 1 hr or until done.  I can't stress enough to always check doneness with a meat thermometer, especially chicken.  Temperature should be 165 when done.  Once done, take out and let cool to touch.  Now here is a trick for those of you with a stand mixer.  You know the one, the one that sits in the corner until you're ready to bake.  Well I pulled the chicken meat off bone, threw it in the mixer bowl, turn that puppy on and watched it shred my chicken.  Woo Hoo!!!!  Put it in the fridge for Sunday.  I only used 2 of the breasts so depending on the size of your chicken you can use them all or just 2.  Since mine were all frozen and defrosted together I cooked them all but refroze the 2 for a later time.

So here it is Sunday.  We were supposed to do this Saturday but hubby changed his mind and decided to rewire his speakers.  So this project got put off until Sunday.  And oh boy it was a project.  See we collect movies.  Hubby collects swords/knives and cool toys.  Well his words. LOL  I on the other hand ... read and collect shot glasses.  I think I get this from my great grandfather, especially since I don't drink. LOL  So after the 2011 flood we created a "media wall" to house some of his swords, toys, movies, and my books.  After the 2013 flood the "media wall" was destroyed ... but was it?  As we were throwing out the bookcases that made up the media wall I had an epiphany.  Let's re-purpose the shelves and even if it floods again we won't loose anything.  So Sunday we were putting up the "media wall" I was so thankful that dinner was a one pot meal.  LOL  Here was the result of all our work:

Not too bad.  Yes the collection has grown and his stuff isn't all out yet but 3 bins emptied.  Woo Hoo!  OK back to the meal!  Somewhat following the recipe here and making my changes of course.  

2 Chicken Breasts, shredded

1 16oz Chicken Stock

1 16oz Vegetable Broth

1 10oz Can Cream of Chicken Soup

3 Ribs of Celery, chopped

1 12oz Bag of Peas and Carrots

1 Medium Onion, chopped

Poultry seasoning and nutmeg to taste

1 Can of refrigerated biscuits

2 Tablespoons Flour

In a large pot or dutch oven, combined both stocks and cream of chicken soup.  Whisk together.  Add chicken, medium onion, celery, and seasoning.  Stir it up and let it simmer on medium low for about 20 minutes.  While that's working taking the biscuits, on a lightly floured surface, pat each  biscuit to about 1/8" thick.  Cut in 1/2" strips.  Drop each strip in individually stopping to stir.  Cover and let cook for 20 or until dumplings are done.

This was stick to your ribs so good!                                     Love to see a job well done!

And I even had time to make dessert, while making breakfast and hubby slept. ;0)  My BFF sent me pictures of her dessert.  They both were SO yummy.  This TS product can be made SO many different ways, even though just making it as directed is absolutely delicious.

Tastefully Simple's Absolutely Almond Pound Cake

Meet Tam, the BFF.  LOL  She did a blueberry almond pound cake by adding in 1 cup of fresh blueberries and adding 10 - 15 minutes to the bake time.  Of course the cake normally only requires 1 Cup Water and 1 1/2 sticks of butter, melted.  I did a orange almond pound cake.  Tasted like a non-alcoholic version of an amaretto stone sour.  So good topped with a light orange glaze of powered sugar and orange juice.  Of course, you could use amaretto here instead of orange juice for the glaze.  I also replaced 2oz of the cup of water with orange juice and added 1 Tablespoon of orange peel.  It was the perfect ending to the perfect, productive day!

Remember to try and recycle/re-purpose things before throwing them away.  Sometimes it can come out better than you imagined.  As for dinner and dessert, try them all!  There is nothing like ending a productive day with a delicious, hearty, simple dinner and dessert. Whether you try the, what I like to call, Roasted Chicken and Dumplings AND/OR the Absolutely Almond Pound cake, your way, do try them.  Make them your own.  What better accomplishment is there to a delicious meal or dessert.  But remember whatever you make, whatever you change, the best ingredient to any recipe is you ... Enjoy!!!!

Working date night? French Bread Pizza!

OK can I tell you that, in my honest opinion, my BFF Tammy makes THE BEST french bread pizza I ever had!  Now being Italian that's saying something.  And lately I have been CRAVING it!  Since we don't live just a couple houses down anymore, it's not easy to beg her to make it for me. :0)  On top of the fact that I think secretly my husband is a pizza junkie.  I swear EVERY weekend he mentions pizza.  Problem is none of the pizza places around us thrill me.  I guess I spoiled myself with my homemade pizza and nothing else will do.  Add to it we HAVE to finish getting organized here.  We still have stuff in boxes from moving back in the house after the flood repairs.  And have stuff to consolidate since we got rid of our storage unit.  Yes I KNOW it sounds like a lot and sometimes seems very overwhelming.  So our plan was to put up our shelves to empty 3 more bins.  But we have to eat.  So why not calm the craving with something quick?  Oh yeah!  You guessed it!  French Bread Pizza!!!

The thing about it is that it's YOUR pizza so make it YOUR way!  Hubby's never made it so he watched and then made his.  LOL  It all starts with the ingredients.  Check your pantry, check the fridge, and run out and get what you don't have.  
Here's what we used:

 I know, I know!  People say there isn't much difference between regular marinara sauce and pizza sauce.  I say for me I like a pizza sauce.  It's thicker than regular marinara but use what you like and what you have.  I love this sauce and use it whenever I make my homemade pizza.  Pretty simple ingredients.  I forgot to pick up bacon, so bacon pieces would have to do in a pinch. ;0)  So what do you do?  Load it on!  However you like it!  Pretty simple right?  Though I do recommend if you are going to put on onions, peppers, or mushrooms you give them a quick sautee.  I did mine separately but you can do them all together.  I love garlic, and thankfully so does hubby so I sprinkled the peppers and mushrooms with a little TS Garlic Garlic while they were cooking.  I also used my TS Roasted Garlic Infused Oil and lightly basted the bread before piling on the ingredients.  My last ingredient was a sprinkle of TS Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto seasoning.  Gave it a little something.  Hubby likes it pretty simple.  So while he used most of the ingredients, he skipped the sprinkling of seasoning, which is fine by me.  LOL

Then pop it on a baking sheet and bake in 375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.  Once you see the cheese is melted, which won't take long and since everything else is already cooked you're just looking to melt the cheese and warm it all up.  You can take it out now OR do what I did and put it under the broiler for a few minutes to get that nice brown, crispy cheese.  

Like I said ... quick, easy and we were putting our shelves up in no time!  It wasn't my BFF's french bread pizza but it was VERY tasty and calmed the craving!  I'm hoping she makes it soon ... otherwise I will have to resort to making this again!  Of course I don't think hubby will be complaining.  So raid the fridge and pantry!  Pile on what you want!  Pizza is only limited by your imagination and this definitely is not a budget buster!  So make what you like, however you like as for this pizza there really isn't a recipe.  But the best ingredient to ANY dish is you ... Enjoy!!!!!!

Mushrooms and Farro? You heard right ....

First let me give props where props are due!  THANK YOU SO MUCH Anne from Webicurean for the recipe for Farrotto (Farro Risotto) with Mushroom Medley.  Well not just for the recipe but for answering my questions too. :0)

So it starts like this.  I was scrolling through Pinterest and came across a pin for this and thought "OK there's a recipe I could try."  See I used to watch Food Network RELIGIOUSLY!  And I would see Giada De Laurentiis cook with farro so many times but could NEVER find it at my local market.  So I TOTALLY gave up any thought of being able to not only TRY this wonderful grain, er uh well the definition is still not clear, but to be able to cook with it.  Then while at this neighborhood market, the light shown down, and there it was.  OK it wasn't as dramatic as all that but I was at a neighborhood market and while strolling down the international aisle there it was.  Italian Peralized Farro!  YAY!!!!  Now what do I make with it.  So for the last couple weeks this has sat in my pantry while I tried to figure out what to make with it.  Then when all hope was lost, while scrolling through Pinterest I spied this recipe.  It seemed the perfect side to go with the pork end chops and roasted carrots I was making.  BUT, you KNEW that was coming right?  While reviewing the recipe, I of course had to make some tweaks, and noticed that it called for white wine.  My small problem?  I don't drink so I don't have nor know how to pick out wine.  *sighs*  Maybe I will just have to go back to the drawing board.  Nope!  I WANT to make this!  I have all the ingredients, even with my tweaks, darn it!  So I messaged Anne, can I replace the wine with stock I ask.  Yes was the answer.  Woo Hoo!  So here is what mine looked like!

I KNOW!  Looks darn good right?!  I didn't deviate much from the original recipe.  But I did make some changes.

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon Butter

1 Tablespoon EVOO

1/2 Small Onion, minced

1 Teaspoon of TS Garlic Garlic

6 oz Crimini mushrooms, sliced (These are also called Baby Bellas)

4 oz Button mushtooms, sliced

6 oz Shiitake , sliced 

Sprinkle of salt, this draws out the wonderful juices of the mushrooms and onions.

1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

1 Teaspoon Oregano

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 Tablespoon EVOO

1 Cup Farro,soaked overnight*

2 Cups Each Chicken and Vegetable stock, heated

½ Cup Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter and EVOO. 

Add the shallots, sprinkle with TS Garlic Garlic and saute until soft. 

Stir in the mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and cook until tender. 

Add in thyme, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

Meanwhile, heat the EVOO in a medium saucepan, and stir in the farro, tossing until well coated and slightly toasted. It will release a nutty sent when it's toasted.

Add the 1/2 cup of stock, and simmer, stirring, until absorbed. 

Add the stock about ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition and simmering until the liquid is absorbed.

When there’s only about 1 cup of the stock remaining, stir in the mushroom mixture, add another ½ cup of the stock, stir, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until done. 

Add the remaining stock if necessary. 

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and serve.

*Note: If using pearled or pre-cooked farro, soaking overnight can be skipped. 

If you find or order this grain this is definitely one to try.  I have twin sisters, one would NEVER try this dish.  She doesn't like mushrooms!  WHAT!  Who doesn't like mushrooms?  *sighs* One of the questions for the universe. LOL  And another said the house smelled really good!  Of course the smell was really good but the taste was DELICIOUS!  Hubby had 2 helpings and asked if he could have the left overs for Saturday's work lunch.  Love when compliments are in abundance!  Try Anne's recipe or mine, or better yet make it your own!  You are only limited by your imagination!  Use a different combination of mushrooms, use fresh herbs instead of dried, but no matter what you change or which recipe you use remember the best ingredient to any recipe is you .... Enjoy!

Spaghetti Squash not just for marinara!

Wow!  I am getting so excited being back here and being able to blog again!  I so missed it.  Writing, cooking, baking, and researching are such an outlet for me!  Mom always said I should be a writer. LOL  Now I know that men go right for the recipe, they don't want all the fluff.  Well the fluff is funny, or serious. Anyone can post a recipe, my fluff isn't just about me but can be very useful information. ;0)

So here's my fluff for today!  We were shopping the other day and I saw that they had the spaghetti squash on sale.  Now last time we had it I think the only reason hubby ate it was because I cooked it.  Nice reason but I wanted him to like it!  I want him to skip the carbs sometimes or at the very least lessen them.  So I got the look when I picked one up but figured I would try again and hopefully get a better result.  I just didn't want to do the same old "throw some marinara on it, it's just like spaghetti".  Umm not!  Well you can but I wanted hubby to want to try it again.  So researching options I found a wonderful recipe that I thought I would just have to try.  Prevention's Spaghetti Squash Casserole!  Looked and sound good but I wanted great!  So with my few little changes I made the recipe my own and made it DELICIOUS!  MY health nut brother tried it and said it was " Really Good", talk about compliment.  Now I can't wait for hubby to try it!

A lot of my changes are more to layering flavors.  I LOVE when you carry a flavor throughout the food, especially when doing a casserole or one pot meal.  To me it is very important while others might think that layering of different flavors is better.  This is wear YOUR tastes should be asserted. :0)

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
Sprinkle of Tastefully Simple's Garlic Garlic
Couple grinds of black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400
Coat baking sheet with nonstick spray.
Season squash and place cut side down on the baking sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes or until tender when pierced with a sharp knife or fork.
Let cool until you can handle.
Using a fork, scrape and separate the squash strands into a large bowl.

Meanwhile:
1/2 lb Lean Ground Chuck
1/4 lb Decased Italian Sausage
In a medium skillet, fry up meat until done.
Strain and set aside in large bowl you will be putting squash into.

Here I used the grease that was created by the meat since there wasn't that much or you can use 
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium carrot, peeled cut in half and sliced.
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped  (I didn't have garlic so I used 2 teaspoons of my TS's Garlic Garlic)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup medium diced baby bella mushrooms
2 baby or 1 small pepper of your choice (I used 1 yellow and 1 red baby peppers)
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup (8 ounces) 1% cottage cheese
1/2 cup (4 ounces) shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
3 Tablesppons dried parsley
3 tablespoons seasoned dry bread crumbs (I ground up some cheesy garlic croutons and used those)

While the squash is cooking, warm the oil or use left over grease from meat in a medium skillet set over medium heat. 
Add the carrots and sautee for a few minutes (3 - 4 as they don't have to be totally cooked because it will go back in the oven.)
Add the onion, garlic, and basil. 
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft. 
Add the tomatoes and cook for and additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the mixture is dry.
Remove from heat and let cool down.

To the bowl with the squash, add the cottage cheese, mozzarella, parsley, and the onion mixture. 

Stir to mix. Pour into the prepared 13 X 9 baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.  (I used the shell of the squash to bake it in.)


Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

It not only tasted delicious but smelled REALLY good while cooking.  It definitely has less carbs and more vegetable in it.  And with the cheese the kids will never know they're not eating real spaghetti.  Please give it a try and let me know what you think.  I'm thinking maybe next time to try a tex-mex version.  Well off to get more squash! ;0)  Try it at home, change what you will but remember the best ingredient to any recipe is you!  Enjoy!!!!!

I'm Back! And there's nothing like updating a favorite!

Hi Everyone!  So sorry I haven't been on in a while!  Life has been VERY chaotic!  Less than 3 years ago our town flooded, April 18th of this year it flooded yet again!  Our poor house had 12 - 14 inches of water in our living space.  Thankful for insurance but oh the work.  First clean up, then deal with the insurance company, then pack up what you have left that could be salvaged, add to it getting the repairs done, and FINALLY unpacking and buying new stuff to make everything livable.  Moving in back into your family home was fun at first but when you realize you really have no space to call your own, you get very depressed.  Plus you have to work around people that already have a pattern and live there.  Not easy or fun!  Oh but let's add to the chaos!  I know I mentioned about starting a business in one of my last posts.  Well I did!  I am not an Independent Consultant for TASTEFULLY SIMPLE!  Yes I started it while I had no home to speak of.  ;0)  So you will see some recipes added with products from their line, like this one!  I will also include my website if you're interested in ordering any of their products.  Let me tell you I had my Grand Opening and it took longer to shop for the stuff to make the samples from the party kit, bake or refrigerate them, or even clean the house.  The products make it SIMPLE!  Plus the website has 100's of their own recipes that you can browse for ideas!  I know I know!  I preach making it from scratch but when you don't have time these are so worth it.  The products themselves taste like their made from scratch but add your own tweaks and no one would EVER be able to tell. 

So that being said ... during this chaotic time a lot of quick, easy dinners or take out was done.  Trying to cook in someone else's is so hard!  So finally kitchen back together, with a stocked pantry and refrigerator.  Woo Hoo!  It's go time!

With it being hot the last couple days and trying to eat healthier I was trying to make something that was yummy and healthy.  Of course it decided to get cooler today but that so did not change my plan.  Actually make a slight change and still got the yummy!!!!

Who doesn't love a BLT?  What's not to love?  But let's update it a little!

Above is my updated version of a BLT!  It's a Chicken, bacon, tomato, lettuce wrap!

I roasted the chicken using Tastefully Simple spices of Garlic Garlic, Onion Onion, and Bacon Bacon.  See they're so good you have to double the name. LOL  Since the spices have salt already in them I just added some fresh ground black pepper and roasted at 350 for 45 min to 1 hour.  Make sure chicken is done by using a meat thermometer.  The chicken's internal temperature should be 165.  Once done remove from oven and set aside to cool.  Once cooled, grab a fork and start shredding.  I used 2 chicken breasts for us since I wanted some left overs.

Lemon Basil dressing
1/3 Cup Olive Oil Mayo
2 Tablespoons of Greek Yogurt
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 Teaspoon minced fresh basil
1/2 Teaspoon of TS Garlic Garlic
Whisk all of the above ingredients together and chill for 1/2 an hour.  You can add more lemon or lemon zest, fresh basil, or garlic to taste.

Fry and chop up some bacon or you can take the easy route and just buy real bacon pieces.  This is all to taste of course but about 3 - 4 slices should do it!

Mix the chicken, bacon, and 1/2 to 3/4 of the lemon basil dressing together and set aside.

I chopped and seeded the tomato and used Boston or Bib lettuce for the wrap.  I love the texture and this lettuce makes it easy to use as a wrap.

I served the extra dressing on the side because I don't like my salads heavy or soupy with any kind of dressing.

We had a side of broccoli, cauliflower, and orzo pasta.  Lite, healthy, and SO yummy!  It really is a must try.  Hubby liked it so much he asked what other kinds of lettuce wraps I could make.  NICE!   

Please try this even if you don't follow the recipe exactly.  It will definitely be one that everyone can enjoy!  But no matter what you change, whether you use a different dressing or just straight mayo the best ingredient to any recipe is YOU!  Enjoy!!!!!

Banana Bread .... And breakfast for the Sunday

It's funny how much hubby and my Dad have in common.  There other day my Dad requested banana bread no nuts, he is so not a nut lover.  Now hubby LOVES my banana bread with nuts, pecans to be precise.  So bought some bananas, then some extra at hubby's pout for bread as well.  Since I was making it and all.  Then set them out and let them get "old" because that is when they make the yummiest bread.  As I made the bread I thought what are we going to have for breakfast tomorrow.  Oh yeah, not just banana bread but french toast orange banana bread.  Yes you read that right ... though I can't provide you with a picture right now I just know that it will be awesome!!!!!

Banana bread is just one of those things that I love to make.  Hubby puts butter on his slice, I like mine plain.  Of course I try to change it up a little and see what works best.  Here is the banana bread that stayed home.  Hubby's with pecans and then tomorrow's french toast banana bread.  For Dad's, you can just imagine it without nuts. LOL

This bread is so moist it doesn't need the butter, but hubby won't part with it.  I think it's a comfort thing.  I've had this recipe so long and have changed it so many ways I don't even remember where I got it from originally.  
Banana Bread
Ingredients
3 - 4 Medium Bananas, a little over ripe makes the tastiest bread.
1/3 Cup Unsalted butter, melted
1/2 Cup Brown sugar, dark of course
1/2 Cup Granulated sugar, if you don't want to use brown sugar you can use 1 cup of white.
1 Large egg, beaten
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
Pinch or 1/8 of a Teaspoon salt
1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Nuts, chopped (Optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350.  Grease loaf pan, can use spray.
Mash bananas.
Add butter and sugar, mix well.
Add dry ingredients, mix until just combined.
Stir in nuts.
Pour in loaf pan and bake for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.

Pretty easy and I didn't even use my Kitchen Aid for this one.  What I call the regular one, the one with pecans as it is the standard, was made using pecans and followed the recipe exactly as listed. If you've read any of my other posts you know I just can't leave it at that.  :0)  So for our french toast bread I used 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.  I also added in a 1/2 teaspoon of orange peel since I will be adding orange extract to the egg mixture for the french toast tomorrow.  I also did 1/4 cup each of sunflower seeds and pecan pieces.  Gotta make sure hubby has his pecans.  Oh and I also added 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.  Yum cinnamon!  

The bread is always good by itself but I SO can't wait to try it tomorrow with the added orange flavor.  Oh and I will be baking it so I won't have to use butter or oil to make it.  Now to have ham or sausage?  LOL!!!  Please try this recipe.  If you have kids, get them into the kitchen with you.  If you don't have kids you can get your best friend, sister, nephew or nieces, hubby just get someone to come and make some memories with you.  This is definitely an easy one to share and for remembering the fun as time goes on.  Change the recipe to include your favorite nut(s), try it using whole wheat flour, but remember no matter what you change or how you change it the best ingredient to any recipe is you .... Enjoy!!!!