Birthday Spectacular-ness

I want to share a few photos from a fantastic Birthday night. Get ready for a big dose of the Birthday Girls!

Me, in my Birthday outfit.

Michelle's Birthday outfit.

The Birthday Girls

The "staggered" shot.

What Daniel called my "All-American" face.

Now that you're sick of our Glamour Shots, I'll leave you with a few of my cats.

Ina's Glamour Shot

Sniffing.

Giada's "Stink Eye"

All photos are courtesy of Jake Buck, or also known as Cousin.

One more day before I have to go back to work! It's been such a nice break.

Poem In My Raspberry Chocolate

This poem was written on the inside of my chocolate wrapper. What a special surprise.

First time he kissed me, he but only kissed
The fingers of this hand wherewith I write;
And ever since, it grew more clean and white,
Slow to world-greetings, quick with its "O, list,"
When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst
I could not wear here, plainer to my sight,
Than that first kiss. The second passed in height
The first, and sought the forehead, and half missed,
Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed!
That was the chrism of love, which love's own crown,
With sanctifying sweetness, did precede.
The third upon my lips was folded down
In perfect, purple state; since when, indeed,
I have been proud and said, "My love, my own."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Birthday So Far

I know my birthday just started today at 4:02 am, but I started celebrating Wednesday morning. Wondering why I know I was born at 4:02 am? My mom called this morning to remind me! :) (Not at 4:02)

Michael presented me something early for my birthday. A whistling tea pot/kettle:

We drink tea all of the time now! A little tea-wisdom: Loose-leaf is awesome, but bags are easier!

Michelle came over for birthday prep, and we had a BLAST. Pedicures, shopping and crafting? I think yes! I was going to have Maple Oatmeal Scones (Ina again) ready for her, but I was running behind. We ended up eating them for lunch dessert.

Then that night Michael and I cooked my pre-birthday dinner (since we're going out on the night of). We made salt-crusted steaks with an avocado and heirloom tomato salad. Here's the beautifully imperfect tomato.

I made the steaks with the Californian olive oil Michael bought me. I figured you could find it anywhere, but it's not that easy to find.

This morning, Michael presented me with hot tea and raspberry & dark chocolate pieces (Which I will blog about later), and a bamboo steamer! SO excited!

So, this means if you have any dumpling, vegetable or spring roll recipes, please pass them along! I will be using this time as soon as I can!

Also, I HAVE to put a photo of my Christmas present from Michael:

An Owl! My favorite!

My birthday has been one of the best so far. I am lucky to have so many people that love and care about me. I can't wait for tonight!

Early Present!

Michael presented me with an early birthday present when I got home from work yesterday!

He made me meringues Chantilly with roasted berries! (Recipe) He even went a step beyond and strained the berries so there wouldn't be any seeds. (I'm not a fan of seeds in cooked fruit.) It was nice to come home to such a fabulous dessert! Thanks to Ina for the inspiration!

Starstruck - The Biggest Loser Style

Yesterday was a special day for me - I met someone famous! I don't know if you all know, but I am a big fan of the TV show the Biggest Loser. I've posted a few times about the surprising outcomes of each episode.

One of my favorite members of this past season was a woman who had a tragic story attached. In late 2006 she lost her husband, daughter and newborn son in a fatal car accident. She enrolled in the Biggest Loser to get her hope and happiness back.

It's Abby!

Before:

She did a great job on the Biggest Loser and lost a total of 148 pounds over the course of the show. She's amazing!

I recognized her at Half Price Books on Northwest Highway as she was checking out. She was sweet enough to take a picture of us with her Blackberry and send it to me! (I didn't have my phone on me.) She looks great, and I'm thrilled to have met her.

Goodbye 2009

Tomorrow will be the first year with double-digits at the end! Goodbye to 2009, a year that held a lot of ups and downs for me.

I purchased my first "adult" car. I love my Jetta, and I'm sure at some point I will give it an actual name. Right now it's "Boo." Get it? Because it's blue? Ha.

My grandparents gifted us with several items from their home once they moved into an assisted-living apartment. Two of the best things we received were antique chairs that we reupholstered. They're like new, and we love them!

I left a job I strongly disliked, and thus took a huge pay cut. It was my decision, whether idiotic or not, and I stand beside it. I know things will be better because of it.

I had my first big family dinner at my apartment, that I planned for weeks. It went well, and gave me a sense of accomplishment that I had created good food and elicited fun from my family.

Michael and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary together by going to camp in the Eldorado Lake area of Kansas. What a fabulous weekend - especially with the one I love.

I've made new friends, gone new places and learned new concepts. I am excited to see what 2010 has in store for me, and I have a few resolutions to make. Keep reading!

Warm Blanket

My cats love a warm blanket.

Flurry of Food

The time has now come: the flurry of cooking and baking will commence. So far, I've made dog and cat biscuits and a caramelized onion loaf.

I'll take photos of my treats later, but I wanted to share my onion loaf pictures. It's so amazing! And it's fairly easy to make.

More to come!

Rosemary Bread!

Rosemary Bread!
As you know, my mother-in-law gave us several sprigs of fresh rosemary a couple times this month. Thanks to Emily, I decided to make rosemary bread. Thank you to everyone else who sent suggestions!

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons rosemary
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

1. Place yeast, sugar and water in large bowl or food processor and allow mixture to become bubbly.
2. Mix in 1 T butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
3. Add one tablespoon of the fresh chopped rosemary.
4. Knead for about 10 minutes by hand or in food processor about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Add more flour if necessary.
6. Oil a bowl, put dough in it and cover with a towel.
7. Let dough rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled.
8. Punch down dough and divide in half.
9. Let dough rest about 5 minutes.
10. Spray baking pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray.
11. Shape the dough into 2 small rounded oval loaves.
12. Sprinkle remaining 1 Tablespoon of rosemary over the loaves and press lightly into the surface.
13. Let loaves rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.
14. Preheat oven to 375°F.
15. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned.
16. Carefully remove from oven, brush with remaining butter or olive oil.

I got this recipe from Recipe Zaar, a website I haven't used before. It's modeled after the rosemary bread at Romano's Macaroni Grill, and I'd say it's pretty close. VERY yummy bread. It has a softened crunch to the outside, and it's light and airy inside. Great flavor. Worth the trouble!

Asian Fusion Night

Last night a few friends of mine and I went out to Wawa Asian Fusion, which is near my apartment. I've been there a couple times, and it has always been good. Their rolls are made with the best rice! We discovered their spicy shortrib dish is really good. Then, for dessert we hopped over to Asian Mint. I usually go to Mint for the same things (Pad Thai, noodles, sushi, etc.) as Wawa, but dessert is a must.

Here's a look at our desserts:

My Green Tea Cake, which is their specialty.


John got the Coconut Ice Cream and Green Sticky Rice. The ice cream was excellent!


Sarah got the Coconut Custard with Green Sticky Rice. Very good, too!

I love that Mint uses green on every one of their plates, and it's usually a leaf or two of mint. Gorgeous!