Farewell to the Pink Rolling Pin, Hello to Cooking Up A Family!!

Today my mind was very busy setting up a new site. It was hard and time consuming but I got it set up and ready to go. I am very excited for Cooking Up a Family. Over the past few months, I haven't been on the blog at all. I wanted to post several times, but complications and busy schedules kept me away. Even though I wasn't posting, my mind was racing about making the blog a little more user friendly. In the past, I had two blogs going, one for family and one for food. As nice as it was having them separated, this allows me to have both on one. I hope by adding this new site I will be able to keep up with posting. I have several more changes I want to implement over the next few months to really utilize everything available. So come join me at Cooking Up a Family!

Blogging Thoughts

Okay, my husband was correct. I didn't get the Banana Muffins done yet! My darling daughter, who usually loves all the sleep she can get, isn't into sleeping all that much anymore. Last night, she went down at a decent time, but woke up at 9:30 with zero desire to go back to bed. I love spending all the time I can with her. But, my nights become my only me time. Getting her back to bed became a challenge. She fought sleep as much as she could after several little naps with lots of crying between the "naps". At 12:15 the hubby and I were finally able to get some uninterrupted sleep. Good thing because I was at my wit's end. So what does this have to do with blogging??? Well, I am going to look into making one universal blog for both family life and cooking. I love blogging about both, but cant seem to keep up with the demands of one blog, let alone two. So, over the next couple of days, I am going to look into creating one for both. Not sure if I will keep this site or create a whole new one. Look out for something new in the next couple of days (and the banana muffins!!)

Not Dead Yet, but Almost!

So its been several months since I last posted on the blog. What is wrong with me??? Well other than following around 16 month old climber, keeping the house in shape (I say that but lets admit, its not getting done either), school and well everything else moms and wife's do, I am pregnant. Number two will be rolling into our house right around Christmas time. So it put me a little under the weather the last four months. My desire to cook is around all the time as I subscribe to several cooking blogs but my body hasn't really done it. I would say as I plan my menus each week I probably make one or two of the meals. I feel I need to get in gear, mainly for my starving families sake. So I am going to try really hard as my summer school classes wind down, to get the blog going again. I cant commit too much but I am going to try really hard. I have a few almost too ripe bananas sitting on the counter so I am going to work on something with them as soon as my little one goes to bed. Hopefully I can start off tomorrow with a post, we will see!!

Afternoon Snacks: Pesto, Tomato and Mozzeralla Toast

This is probably my favorite little snack. They are so easy to make and so yummy. You can either make all the stuff at home or buy store brought. I love at home pesto but I can handle store brought for this delish little treat. Fresh tastes great but store bought works fine for an quick lunch or snack.

Baguette
pesto
roma tomatoes
fresh mozzarella (if you don't have fresh, a slice of provolone or mozzarella works too)


1. Cut baguettes onto 1/4 inch slices.
2. Spread pesto onto one side of the baguette
3. Place a slice of roma tomatoes onto the pesto
4. Place a little slice of mozzarella onto tomatoes.
5. Place under broiler in stove or in toaster oven toast. Cook until the cheese is melted and bread is toasted.

So Far Behind! Menu Planning Monday

Okay, I am getting behind. Last week was brutal for me. I am back though and I actually have some pictures and recipes to post. I should get them up soon but for now, the planning of the week for me. I know I am a day late but better than never! Check out the Organizing Junkie to see all the menu plans for ideas!!

Tuesday- Steak, Asparagus, Baked Potatoes and Rolls (this is probably my favorite meal, sorry hub)

Wednesday- BBQ Sandwiches, Sweet Potato Fries and Corn

Thursday- Individual Meatloafs, Roasted Potatoes, Lemon Dill Carrots and Rolls

Friday- Dinner with Friends

Saturday- Moving Day for In-laws so whatever they are planning.

Sunday- Homemade Artichoke Tomato Ravioli, Garlic Bread and Green Beans

Menu Planning Monday

Last week I planned dinners but didn't post. Good thing because I didn't have time to make much of them. Hopefully this week I will be able to stick to my plan.

Monday- Pork Chops with Raspberry Sauce, Baked Potatoes and Dill Carrots

Tuesday- Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries

Wednesday- Chicken Fajitas

Thursday- Chicken Rollatini, Spinach Salad and Dinner Rolls

Friday- Cajun Chicken Pasta and Garlic Toast

Saturday- Ribs, Beans, Cheesy Corn Bake and Dinner Rolls

Sunday- Baked Rotini, Salad and Dinner Rolls

Check out the all the other Menu Planning Monday at Org Junkie.

March Daring Bakers Challenge

Another month has come for the Daring Bakers and I actually got this one done weeks before the posting date. I know you are saying isn't that normal?!? For me this is way beyond normal. I feel like I am doing them the night before or the morning I should have been posting my challenge. I really enjoy doing the challenges but tend to push them to the back burner till its almost too late. This month I thought about making the cake on my daughters 1st Birthday, but the date came and went. I ended making it on St Patrick's Day. It was a dreary rainy day and the lemony flavored spring colored cake made my day a little brighter :).

I wasn't able to make mine into the lovely four layer cake it should have been. I do think it might have made the cake better if I had done so. The cake was somewhat dense but had great flavor too it (oh I know the batter is bad but it tasted SO GOOD!!). Adding the additional layers would have broken the cake up making it a great compliment to the black raspberry filling. I do plan on making this cake again and trying out different filling and flavors.

Thanks Morven for hosting this great event. Check out her post for the recipe!