Is it spring yet???

I may have gone into the craft store, and maybe gotten another shadow box for my spoon collection.  Just maybe.

I cannot believe that it is almost April.  I also cannot believe that I have not blogged in all that time.  I have been doing a few fun things, and just working at not getting the blues from this weather.  Its harder than you may think, I honestly think the long cold days were getting so long and dull that I was having a bad time.  It isn't much better yet, but I am trying, hopefully some sun and a new doctor and I can try to get back to being a little more normal.  But it could be worse right?

So what have we been up to?  Well Hubby and Pork Chop and I went out for our annual Valentines day diner.  We went to a nice all you can eat place, and I honestly didn't eat much.  But Porky Chop loves that he can pick out what he wants, he ate like 2 cups of steamed rice, which is weird, but whatever at least he ate.  By the time we left there was such a big line up and announcements from staff letting people know if they didn't have a reservation they would not get a seat.  Crazy!

Hubby is a good sport taking pictures for me, Pork Chop at least sort of looked at the camera, I hate having my picture taken.  Just so you know.

If only the actual dress would make me look that thin.  

At my part time job one of my friends finally moved into her house, out of an apartment and she had been wanting to learn to sew.  So I found this pattern on line and she was all " I must make that!!!!" And I was all, "So must I!"  But I wanted to say sew but I don't think she would have gotten the joke.  Whatever, so as soon as she finds a fabric she likes we can start.  I lucked out and the fabric I had been eyeing went on sale for $3 a meter and I got more than enough for about $25.  So I just have to get a zipper and thread and I am all ready.  If I do it and I look as good as the picture then I will show you, if not I will still show you but I won't be happy about it.  

I had a day off with Pork Chop during the march break.  I remember growing up and my dad would take every march break off with me and my big sister.  We would go to the zoo, Niagara falls, down town Toronto, the science centre and the cn tower.  It was awesome, but cold.  We would be in snow pants walking around the zoo.  Only bonus, dad couldn't say no to us, so we got to eat lots of ice cream and french fries.  It was great.  I wish I could have to memories for Pork Chop but it's not always possible with our work schedules and the weather has been so crazy, we do what we can.  So I let Pork Chop pick a place to eat and a movie.  So we went to Mandarin and he hardly ate anything, which is fine, lunch costs hardly anything.  Then we went and saw Mr. Peabody, it was cute.   

I told Pork Chop to wave for Daddy, then we texted this to Hubby and he was all.  Is he eating olives and rice?  And I was all, "it's better than the sushi he was eating, sushi rolls he dipped in bacon bits.  I don't know where he gets his eating habits from. Honestly, but I do agree that bacon makes everything better.

Do you guys go on pintrest?  I know dumb question, but honestly do you?  Well I don't often, and this is why. I see something and I cannot get it out of my mind.  Like I found these shoes and googled for like 3 hours, and yes that seems crazy, but when you are looking at shoes on line, time flyes!  Anyway I found these shoes and apparently if I had found them last spring I could have gotten them.  But they were sold out everywhere in my size and I was desperate.  I contacted the maker of said shoes and they are in the uk.  They said they were not available any more, but that a special request had been made by another company in the uk to have them made again.  So I watched the company for weeks and when they finally came in stock I bought a pair at like 7 in the morning at work on my little phone.  I was so excited!  I was showing everyone at work my shoes on my phone and they were all like, "so cute!"  And then when I got them people kept asking me when was I going to wear them.  I did once but won't again until the weather is nice, because people these shoes are adorable and I want to wear them all the time.

So they are the cutest things ever, and my life in almost complete having them.  It is sort of sad how happy a pair of shoes can make me.

 So lets see, baking has not been happening, my mood just makes it so I go to work then don't want to move when I get home.  This however has not stopped Hubby from baking.  He has made some gluten free treats for his friends at work, which sucks because I used to be the cool baker person, but I don't mind too much as long as he shares with me.  I just want to bake again, or at least I want to feel like I want to bake again.  It could happen.

I hate having my picture taken, and I was all "take my picture!!!" And Hubby was all, you fake smile, you have a weird face, look natural.  Which is stupid, my natural face is weird and fake, so whatever, just take the picture.

So why is there a weird picture of me with that horrendous hair do?  Well I have been growing my hair out for what seems like forever, but in actuality is probably just under 2 years.  I had decided to grow my hair out and donate it for charity to make wigs for kids who have cancer.  Only issue is here in Canada you cannot donate any hair that has been dyed.  Which is crazy because I have been covering the gray for well over 10 years.  Have I mentioned that Pork Chop is almost 10?  Well It could be connected, or not, I will let you decide.

Anyway I found that locks of love in the states will take hair if it has some gray and if you have dyed it, just not bleach.  Well dude that was me!! So I was doing great for a while, but then it got to the point where I just wore my hair in a pony tail, or mostly I just didn't brush it just put it up in a twist or whatever.  And when we were going out to do stuff and I wanted to wear a hat I did two braids.  Have I mentioned that I am pushing 37 or so.  So I hated long hair, but I was all " I said I was going to do this and I will!"  And I would bug Hubby or the girls at work every month or so to try and measure my hair to see if it was long enough.  And on Friday it finally was!

So after work I came home and got changed and told Pork Chop I was going to get my hair cut.  Then he was all "you go out to get your hair cut?"  And I was all "yes, why"  And he said the funniest thing ever, he said "I thought daddy cut your hair"  And I nearly died, because Hubby shaves his own head and Pork Chops.  I was all "your daddy couldn't handle my hair, I need professional help"  And Pork Chop just gave me a weird look and went back to playing his game.

So anyway I went and had a little issue getting my hair done, the ladies at the salon were great.  But one kept trying to point out they won't take coloured hair, and other stuff and I had to keep telling her that where I was donating they would and they they were all "it's going to be short if you want to donate enough"  And I said bring it!  

So they tied my hair into two pony tails and cut them off, poor lady stopped a few times, said my hair was too thick that my two pony tails were thicker each than most donations from one person.  I hope that means they can use a lot of it then, because I have never been so happy to have a hair cut in my life!

And here I am, the front is longer, and it is short in the back, like not even touching my neck.  I love it and it is so much easier!

 So I got home and had to have a shower I was covered in hair bits, and it was the best feeling to wash my hair so fast.  I then let it dry and ironed it, I have super wavy hair so if I leave it that way it's cute, but I like the sleek look better.  Whatever.

 Pork Chop was all " You look different."  And I said good different or bad different?  He said good, but I don't believe him.  I think it's funny how short kids memories are in that way because I have had short hair many times before.  Anyway I am glad I am done, because I cannot stand long hair.  I was so happy I cleared out a whole section in my bathroom of hair ties and stuff, because dude my hair is short!

I just have to mail the hair off now, and I tried to show Hubby and he was all grossed out, he said to leave it in the bag and I did because he is a big baby that way.  I hope that whoever gets my hair feels good about themselves with it and that they know I wish I could do more to help them than just grow my hair.

Anyway nothing too big happening here, just looking forward to the summer, and maybe a little trip to the states to play.

I have a guy here cleaning my dryer vent because apparently you can die if you don't clean it and its a fire hazard.  This is the second time having it done, a few years ago they did it and the amount of lint they got out could have made a whole bunch of clothes.  Anyway we are now going to be lint free, at least until I dry something again.

How have you guys all been by the way?  I love checking out others blogs, but just have not been in the mood to comment.  Probably "talk" to you all in the summer, yikes I need to get back on here more.

Easy Halloween Cake Pops

I think they turned out kind of cute, that little witch on the bucket, she is all "don't you eat those, they are poison!"  Or something like that.

 Right now I am going to pretend that everything is back to normal.  It's not, we are still not sure what is happening with our car.  We are on the fence as to what would be better, will they fix it, will they write it off?  I just don't know, what I do know is that no matter what happens, we are going to be in for some serious payments of some sort.  Sigh.

My cake crumbler thingy, my new bowl is so big I have to hold it, it won't rest across it like my other bowl.

 So to try and get back to life I decided to make some cake pops.  Because nothing says "everything is okay!"  Like cake pops.

  Am I right?  

Hubby made those for me, are you impressed?

  Well fine, maybe not, but at least it is full of sugar, and that always makes me feel better.

  So I promised Pork Chop cake pops for his hockey team, but as the last week was just up in the air, I just got to it.  I decided to use all the fun new things I have gotten in the last few months, because there will be no new fun things for a while.  

See how big this bowl is?  That right there, is two full cakes.  So exciting! 

  I also wanted to make some treats for the neighbour that helped Hubby by offering him a chair from his home when he was in the accident.  I also wanted to make a small treat for our new neighbours.  We have been in our home for almost 10 years, so we have seen many people come and go. And the home that now has our new neighbours was home to the nicest lady and her son, we are going to miss them so much.  But our new neighbours, they are so sweet and they have the cutest dog.  So we are thrilled.

My cake pop mold, and my Halloween nails.

I used an ice cream scoop to try and keep my hands clean.

And there you go, perfect cake pops.

  Anyway back to cake pops.  I have been really lazy as of late.  When I make cake pops I have just been doing the ones where they stand up, not the ones that you put in a display.  Only because they take a bit longer and I am lazy.  Well this time, I went all out.  

  I know, don't expect it all the time.

 So to start I needed lots of these pops, so I got Hubby to make me two cakes.  I also asked him not to use my new mixer, I so wanted to be the first one to use it.  He was all "are you serious?"  And I was all "it's our anniversary week, you have to do what I say!"  And he did, but he grumbled about it, like I was killing him, having to use a hand blender.

I don't really know why I thought this needed a picture, but you know, there are my balls.  (Tee Hee)

See those are my awesome cake pop stands, they each hold 30 cake pops.  And they were made just for me as the sticks I use are not the same as the ones most use apparently.

  So I started by using the cake crumbler that I got in that cute Bakerella kit and crumbled both cakes into my new mixing bowl.  Can you believe it?  Two cakes fit, and I was so excited, no more doing two batches, only one for me now! So once it was crumbled I added just a bit of icing, I find that too much and it's just too soft to work with.

Here is Hubby getting Pork Chop set up to play on my computer.  Because when I asked him if he wanted to help make cake pops, this is how he was going to help.

By making faces at me when I was telling him to smile.  He was all "Bite Me!"  Or maybe I just read that somewhere.

  I wanted these cake pops to be big, because it means less work really.  So I used the mold from My Little Cupcake.  I love the ease of these molds and the size is really generous.  So I used my mold and out of the two cakes got 50 cake balls, I might have gotten a few more, but Hubby might have over baked the cakes a smidgen and I had to take a few toasty edges off.

This is the set up for the second dip and sprinkles.  Coffee filters are great for catching sprinkles and not having them bounce all over the place.  Some still ended up on the floor, don't ask me how.

  Now I usually do cake pops over a few days, but since I was in a rush I had to do these in one night.  So I put the cake pops in the freezer and got to setting up to dip them.  I was so excited to use my new cake pop stands.  I got these a month ago, from KC Bakes.  The company is located in Pennsylvania in the states.  Which just so happens to be where my Mom was going to be going to golf and shop with my Dad.  I had wanted one for a while, but shipping to Canada is crazy and I could not afford it.  The stands are solid wood, so they are very heavy, that is why it cost so much.  Anyway she agreed to drop them with my mom so I could save shipping.  I could not believe how sweet that was.  Anyway they are amazing.  Before this I was using Styrofoam and that stuff is a pain.  These stands are just amazing!

I really love these sprinkles.

But then I love these even more.  And if I had time I would have put some eye balls on them.  But I was too lazy.

  So I melted my candy melts and then working about 4 pops at a time, I dipped the candy stick into the melts, then into the pop.  I then dipped the whole pop and tapped off the extra.  Then into the stand to set.  Now usually my cake pops crack like crazy.  So I plan to dip them twice.  But these ones didn't crack, not a one of them!  So I think it may be due to the low amount of frosting and the short amount of chill time.  Whatever.  

I put the bags on when they are in the stand then they are easy to tie up this way too.

Ta Da!

  So then I got my sprinkles out and a coffee filter.  I then dipped them again, sprinkled them with sprinkles and rolled them around in front of a fan until the chocolate was set enough to make sure the sprinkles did not just drip off.

  Once that was done, I wrapped them in bags and tied them with ribbon.  

See this was all about $5 at the dollar store.

I used 4 or 5 in each bucket.

Just smoosh them in there.

  I just sent them in a box to hockey for Pork Chop and Hubby to hand out.  Hubby hates handing them out, I do too.  I also feel bad when there is not enough.  I mean I send enough for the team and a few extra, it's the brothers and sisters that always want too.  And I cannot afford to make double for all of them.  So he feels bad, but the team is first, and the coaches and if there is extra then the brothers and sisters can have them.  Pork Chop almost always never takes one, but he did actually eat one cake pop.  I know, crazy right?

And this is the garland, I just sort of stuck it in there.

 For the neighbours I wanted to make a small gift, so I hit the dollar store.  I got two little tin buckets, and I wanted some flower foam, but there wasn't any.  So I got some sponges and some glittery garland.  I may have also got some chocolate, but that was for me, not the gift.

  When I was ready, I took the sponges and stuffed them into the bucket to fill it.  Then I planned to just push the pops into them, but the sponges were really thick so I used a skewer to make holes then put the pops in.  Then I sort of wrapped the garland around them to fill it in.  I think they turned out cute.  I also brought some into work, and they were all like "Finally!"  Because they have not had many treats, but now we are back to "normal" they will get their yummies.

  I am going to get started on treats for Pork Chops party soon, I can bake and freeze the sugar cookies and the marshmallows can be made and dipped in chocolate a week or so before, they last perfectly.  So the only real last minute thing will be cake pops and cupcakes.  I refuse the make a cake, well maybe a little one, but not a big one.  

  So there you go, we are getting somewhat back to normal.

All done, and there were six in each bucket, more than enough really, because I wanted to eat the rest.

Getting Ready To Bake!

That right there, that is just some of the stuff I used. Also please ignore the junk on the chairs, I have no room in my house!

 Firstly I wanted to say happy anniversary to my Hubby, he says I can be overly dramatic on my blog.  And yeah; I so said it Hubby, what you going to do now?  That's right, I am dramatic, and very brave on a key board.  But you still love me and I like you, a lot.  So it's all good.  It has not always been easy but it has always been what I wanted, no matter what, I knew it was going to be. 10 years of marriage later, and over 15 years of knowing you, I still get that feeling when I hear your voice or see you make that face you make when you really want to roll your eye when I say something so super smart you just cannot tell me any different.  So I love you, and you are awesome, and now I am going to talk about food.  

  So, a few weeks back I did my first wedding sweet table, and probably my last.  I don't think I realized how much work it would be.  I mean I know how to work a baking schedule, but even with three days and a helper it was not easy.  If I was not working two jobs, or if I was rich, I would so do this again.  But as that is not in the cards, I will stick to the things I can do.  Like little things for friends and family, and for Pork Chop of course.  Hubby, well he won't eat it, so I give up on him.  Sort of, you know I will keep trying right?

  Anyway this wedding was fun, I didn't get lot's of pictures because I was trying to do a lot in a little time.  But I took a few, and I hope to get some professional pictures from her photographer of my desserts, could you imagine?  I real picture on my blog, not you know, crazy blurry ones?   I know, I dream big.

 So for this wedding, the bride, my friend from work, really wanted lots of options.  She is such a foodie, every time I bring something in, she is always telling me she loves it.  This is also the friend that thought whoopie pies were called whoopie cushions.  She will never live that down.  

  When we talked about what she wanted we picked a whole bunch of things, her only really specific requests were that I use the best ingredients, so the best cocoa and vanilla bean paste of course.  And then she also wanted a gluten free option for her friend.  I have never done that so it was a sort of "OMG I hope this tastes good."  And it did.

Just a few of the chocolate pretzel rods, yeah I said it, rods.

Dessert Table Menu:

Double Chocolate and Chocolate Vanilla Cake Pops
Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate and Vanilla Whoopie Pies
Hazelnut Donuts
Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mint Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Vanilla Bean Macarons with Chocolate Ganache
Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes


 So I wrote a list of what  I needed.  It was something like 5 dozen eggs, 6 blocks of butter, lots of sugar, flour and milk.  And that was just the beginning.  I set up a day by day baking schedule and asked my mom and sister to each come help me out one day.  It worked out great, and the bride seemed very happy.  Or she could have been drunk, or just happy to be married. I choose to believe it was the sight of all that yummy food that did it, you cannot tell me any different!

  I am not going to share the recipes here with you, yet.  If I have made the things before I will link them in the post, if not I will talk about them, then come back and make them again, because I only did like three new things and they were good, so they deserve to be made again.

This right here is my new favorite thing.  Last month Bakerella released a kids baking set.  And I so wanted it, but Hubby was all "that's for kids"  And I gave him the stink eye and got it anyway.  But I got a picture of Pork Chop holding the box, so I totally get to say it was for him.  He is also not allowed to touch it, well at least until I play with all the things first.  I did pay for it after all.  Anyway this is the cake crumbler thingy doo dah.  It is amazing and I am sort of mad these were not around before.  And I also think there needs to be one made for adults, but I am not above using it for myself, I will now be using it all the time. Love it!

So a few of the things I made and have made  before are:

Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes - Linked Here

Chocolate and Vanilla Whoopie Pies - Linked Here

Chocolate Mint Brownies - Linked Here

Triple Chocolate Cookies - Linked Here, but using lots of different chocolate chips

Vanilla Bean Macarons and Chocolate Ganache - Linked Here

Chocolate Covered Pretzels - Linked Here

Chocolate Cake Pops  - Linked Here

Hazelnut Donuts - Linked Here

  So I will share with you in the near future the Chocolate Fudge Brownies, the Gluten Free Cupcakes and the Chocolate Covered Strawberries.  I tried making the tuxedo strawberries and I was happy with how they turned out.  For a first try anyway.

This is just part of my prep.  I would measure everything out.  Like all the flour and sugar and such, then plastic wrap the bowls, this made it so I could bake 5 or more different recipes really quickly, only stopping to crack eggs and measure the wet ingredients.  Saves a lot of time.

  I was really surprised by how much work this was, I loved it, and seriously would do it again if I had the time, but wow I was tired.  I had dishes like you wouldn't believe and my mom and sister were great about doing them as I worked.  I hate measuring out everything ahead of time for the simple fact it takes up a lot of dishes.  I could measure everything out into plastic bags, but those get costly, so I use the bowls.  I also love that I can use my blog to go back and get my own recipes.  I have a page started for those, but have not had the time to get to it.  I will one day.  I mean you know, I should right?

Sort of lop sided, but they tasted great.  I got some really good strawberries at the farmers market, and the ones on top were perfect.  The ones on the bottom were too small, and ended up going moldy within a few days.  Oh well, these ones looked good.

  So I hope to share the nice pictures with you soon, and also those other recipes, I seriously now want to make that gluten free cake again and again, it was so good!  Also my one year blog anniversary is coming up, but there will be no big give away, sorry, unless we win the lottery.  Also Pork Chop is turning 8 this month, and I had plans for his birthday.  We already booked and paid for the pool and party room, so we will have that and most of the other extras will not happen.  But there will be cupcakes and cookies and cake pops and home made marshmallows, so it won't be all bad.  Also there will be a bunch of friends and family and Pizza.  I will share all the baking too.

  And I also just want you all to know I am way too young to have an 8 year old, I mean have you seen how good I look?  Have you also noticed how immature I am?  It all factors in people.

If We Didn't Have Bad Luck.....

We would have no luck at all I think.  These past two days have been bad.

This picture really has nothing to do with this post, but that is my Pork Chop and he is cute, so it makes me happy to share.

  I think writing about it will help, so sorry it will be a downer, a little good though, so you know, not all bad.  Feel free to skip over it all, really it just helps me to ramble on about it.

  It all started off great, I was so excited for this weekend.  The Red path Show was on this weekend.  And I had taken the day off on Sunday to go with Hubby and my Mom.  It was something I had been looking forward to since Hubby pointed it out on the sugar bag about a month ago.  Hubby is a good egg, he saw that and was all "we are so going!"  I love that man.

  Anyway, we had it all set, my sister was going to take Pork Chop out to the movies and we were going to go and eat all we could and buy lots of fun stuff.  I was really good because I had only brought so much, so I didn't go nuts, I got a huge bottle of vanilla bean paste for a steal and some cookies and really that was it.  The prices of most things were not great, and I either had them or didn't need them.  Can I just say that I never thought I would say those words, but I really didn't feel like I needed anything else.

  But my mom?  She did, she felt that I needed an early Christmas gift.  I have been wanting a larger kitchen aid for a while, like a long while.  I have the 4.5 quart one, the one you may have seen before.  And I loved it, just not when I needed to do larger baking, which is a lot of the time.  This would make it so I had to do multiple batches, when I could do one batch in a larger one.  Anyway, there was a sale on the one I wanted, and she was all "let's get it, Merry Christmas!"  And I felt guilty, because I wanted it so badly, but it was a lot.  She said, no it was my gift, and that I should get it if I wanted.  So we did, and I cannot believe it.  I will not have anything to open on the holidays, but seriously?  I am a very very lucky girl.

I got this one, but in a slightly different colour, I think I would have loved red, but really this works way better in my house anyway.  I just need to find some super hero decals, like I promised Hubby I would.

  So after our wonderful shopping and pigging out we went home.  Mom headed home and we settled in to have a few hours of time to just hang out and watch TV.  My sister still had Pork Chop and I was determined to watch some Netflix and eat Pizza.  So Hubby ordered us some and I got into some ugly sweat pants and got laundry going.  Hubby headed out and that was when I sat down to look through all the stuff I got at the show.

  That is when our lives changed.

  I got a phone call, I could not understand the person on the other line.  They kept saying Hubby's name.  I kept telling them he was not home, the person sounded like they were on a phone far away or something.  Then I hear Hubby say "just tell her I am okay."  And then it hit me, something had happened.  I am not 100% sure what was said, something about come to the intersection. The one behind my house.

  I hung up, and ran out the front door, in my ugly sweat pants, socks only, and the house phone still in my hand.  I ran to the road and then down the block.  I didn't see anything really, the street sort of curves.  Then I figured how bad can it be?  Then I saw him, he was sitting on someones front lawn, surrounded by people. I ran as fast as I could, then I saw the other person.  A motorcyclist, laying face down in the road.  I could not get to Hubby fast enough as soon as I did, I fell down and I went into a bit of shock.  "what happened?" was all I could get out and I was hugging him.  He looked like he was about to pass out, he looked like he was in shock and he couldn't really tell me.  He told me to let him go, he could not breath.  People were crowding him and I had to ask them to get back.

  I won't go into all the details, but there was obviously an accident and at that point we did not know if the other person was dead or alive.  There were people all around him.  It seemed like forever but the ambulances, the police the fire department showed up.  The first to be looked at was the person on the road, he was breathing, but some stander by had taken off his helmet.  Possibly injuring him more, so we were told.  Hubby could hardly breath, I dialed my mom on his cell, and it went to voice mail.  I was so shaken, she called right back.  She had just walked in the door at home.   I screamed "Hubby hit a motorcyclist, please come!"  And then Hubby said "I didn't hit him, he hit me"  He was just devastated.  There were people everywhere, they kept coming up to us and asking Hubby if he was the driver, was he okay.  But they were just being nosy, they were not police they just wanted to know what was going on.  I was calm but as strongly as I could I would tell each and every one of them "he is fine, please give us some space"  We had the few people near by that were witnesses and that was enough help.

 I cannot remember it all perfectly, but the police talked to Hubby, let us know the other man was breathing and then they asked how it happened and such.  A kind neighbour brought out his dining room chair for Hubby, he will be getting some thank you treats as soon as I can.  The police asked if he wanted to go to the hospital and he was saying no.  Typical Hubby, not wanting to admit he could be hurt.  He went, because I would not allow him not to.  He was in shock, and he said his back hurt, I mean the air bag got him so yeah, it was a big hit.

  Once Hubby left, I had to wait to find out what was going on.  Basically they had to make sure the other person would survive and then we could deal with the cars.  My mom showed up as I got back in the house to change.  I frantically called a work friend, not sure what I said, but she knew I would be off the next day.  Mom and I walked back to see if we could get stuff out of our car, they still were not sure but I wanted to get to the hospital.  So we went back to my house, where my sister had returned with Pork Chop.  I could not tell him, I still did not know if everything was going to be okay.  So I told him Hubby was at the doctors as he was not feeling well, so I had to go.  We went and got Hubby, who was just released.  No major injury, his back was very badly tweaked, but he was going to be okay.  The other news?  The motorcyclist would at worst have a few broken bones.  It was something I would never have believed after seeing the accident.

  After we got home I talked to Pork Chop, I asked if he had seen the police.  He said he had, that they were all over.  I told him that it was an accident and that Hubby was in it, but he was fine, Hubby was home at this time, so Pork Chop was not too upset.  He was a little excised actually to think we may get a new car.  What a boy.

  At this time we are waiting for insurance to tell us where we go from here.  We had insurance, and I could never imagine not having it. So for now we sit, we have to hear if our car can be fixed, or if it is a write off.  I am scared, this is going to be a huge issue for us.  And it will be an on going thing for a while.  I know some things we had planned are not going to be able to happen, and who cares.

  I am so thankful that I have Hubby, even though he is really sore.  At least I am just dealing with a car, not a funeral. Our 10 year anniversary is Friday, and I could not imagine having him not be here.  I just don't know.  We are second guessing everything.  What if we had got delivery?  What if we had waited a few minutes?  What if we had gone out to eat?  Hubby is beating himself up, and I can understand that, but it was an accident, and no matter what, he is here.  And the other person will be okay, not even a broken bone so we have been told.

  Yesterday we had to run around and get a rental and sign papers, see the police and the doctor again. It has been crazy.  Hubby is sore, but won't admit it, you can just see it.  I just know we are all here still and that is all that matters.  So I hope to get back to some form of normal soon.  Pork Chop started hockey last week, so we are going to make treats for the team Friday night, and also some for the very kind neighbour who we don't even know.  Who with just the kindness of offering a chair made a big difference.

  And so as to leave it on a positive note. Our rental car is a Ford Edge.  I now feel like my car is nothing.  Seriously this car has everything, and a moon roof. It took me over 5 minutes to just get ready to drive it the first time.  And don't even ask me about how to start the darn thing properly.  Pork Chop is in love and hopes we can get one.  It won't happen.  Our van was in really good shape, but it was 6 years old with a lot of distance on it.  So if it is a write off, well I don't want to think about it.  If you know anyone at Ford who wants to give me a cool SUV, let me know, I mean come on, I can at least blog about it.  And if not, I told Hubby we could get me one of those tiny little electric cars, he was not amused.  Oh well, I still have my Hubby, and no one has to plan any funerals.

 Also Pork Chop told all his friends, he is so like his Mom tells everyone everything.  Hubby, he won't tell anyone.  That is why we work so well, and that is why I keep him around.

  Anyway, life could be so much worse.  Thanks for reading.

Cake Batter Ice Cream

Isn't it pretty? I wrote this post about 3 weeks or so ago, there is still ice cream left over.  I don't think this bad boy is going to get the use I thought it would.  Yikes!  Don't tell Hubby.

 Okay, I finally did it.  I got myself a "real" ice cream maker.  I had been using an old one my Uncle gave to us, which was nice, but you had to turn it by hand.  And I was/am just lazy.  Now I didn't get one of the super expensive ones like a kitchen aid or cuisinart.  I got a cheap one at the Loblaws store for $30.  I figure for the amount of time I am going to use it, that is good enough.

  So I wanted to make ice cream, but I was not going to do anything too fancy, I mean I am lazy and that is how I like it.  So I looked up on line some options, and I settled on cake batter ice cream.  Why you ask, well it had very little ingredients and it was a custard base ice cream, so to me that sounded like a nice place to start.

If you are not grossed out by this picture, well I thank you.  Those of you that are, try not to think about it.

  So here is the recipe link.

Cake Batter Ice Cream
By Ekho on all recipes

-1 cup milk
-1/2 cup white sugar
-2 egg yokes
-2 cups whipping cream
-1 TSP vanilla *
-3/4 cups white cake mix sifted **

*I used vanilla bean paste, because I am fancy like that, I also did not measure because I am also lazy like that

**I used 1 cup as in the comments some people said they liked more, I also didn't measure it properly, so there may have been even more, more is always good, usually

So place it all together in a pan and set it over medium heat.  Now I didn't do the water trick, where you rinse the pot with cold water before putting milk in, to stop it from burning on the bottom.  So I had a bit of burned custard on the bottom, oh well.

I should have like I don't know, swirled it or something.  Like this it just looks gross.

  I used my candy thermometer because that is what the guy said to do, you want to cook it on medium until it hits 160, this was just about the time the stuff started to thicken up like crazy.  You want to keep stirring it to make sure your eggs don't scramble.  Once it hits the right temperature, pour it into another container.  At this point the recipe said to chill it over night in the fridge, but I went one step further and strained it though a fine mess strainer.  Just in case there were any bits of egg or anything lumpy.  It was thick, but just use a spoon or spatula to push it through.

Oh ice cream maker, how I so wanted you.  And how well you will look sitting in your box in the basement.

  Then I let it set over night, it was so hard not to just eat it, it was so yummy smelling.  Anyway the next night I got home as fast as I could, seriously I was so upset I had to work that night too, but I had enough time to mix it up.  So I got out my mix, and stirred it up a bit to get it all ready, then I got my ice cream maker set up.  Not sure about the other ones out there, but you just pop the whole bowl into the freezer and then when you are ready get it out, attach the paddle and the top and then start it and put the stuff in through the top.  It said to let it go for about 20 minutes. Or so I remember I cannot find the instructions.

  Anyway I started it up and had to spoon the ice cream base in, it was so thick!  And I let it go, and then I realized after doing the dishes that I had not set a timer.  So I looked at it and it looked thick but I was not sure, so I I turned it off, and it was thickish.  What do I know, it was not done I don't think.  So I turned it back on, and let it go and then about 4 minutes later it started to make noise.  So I turned it off.  I put it into a container and got as much out of the bowl that I could, but there was a good layer on it that I could not get off, maybe with a metal spoon but I didn't want to scratch the bowl.  So I put it in the freezer; then stood by the sink eating what was left in the bowl with a plastic spoon.  It was so thick I did not really like the texture.

See how pretty it looks?  I think I would like it like this, it got too dense once it was left in the freezer.

  Then the next night I got to finally try it.  I wanted to try it the night I made it but they say you have to let it set up at least for two hours.  So try it I did, and it was really nice!  I was thinking of mixing sprinkles right into it but some people don't like that, so I just put some on top, and yummo!  I can see making this again, for sure.

  I will say it is a very rich ice cream, like Ben and Jerry's rich, so a little goes a long way.  I will be eating this for weeks I think.  No sharing either, because I was too lazy to scoop it out when I first made it and now it is way too hard

So this is a few weeks old, I am going to have to throw it out, I have not touched it and Hubby and Pork Chop would not even look at it.

Also thanks for the kind comments and emails, I am doing well.  Some times I just have to let it out.  Hubby is awesome, Pork Chop?  Well he has been extra sweet, giving me hugs and all.  Gotta love that.  I have plans to get back to my baking next week.  My mom and Hubby are taking me to a huge sweet and desert show this weekend, it will be like shopping for shoes;  just way better.