My foodie pen pal–August

Lindsay over at The Lean Green Bean started this awesome thing called foodie pen pals. I heard about it thru Healthy Living Blogs and immediately signed up for August. Basically, you send someone a box of goodies and someone else sends you a box of goodies.

The rules are pretty simple: The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written.

Here is what I sent to Robin (a reader) in Michigan. . .

Angie’s Kettle Corn – made in Mankato, MN –>totally addicting. Scott and I have been known to polish a bag in less than a day.  

Ortega Taco Seasoning with a recipe for Mexican Chicken Breasts (aka Taco Chicken)

Annie’s Garden Jalapeno Dip Mix – made in WI. Great dip for crackers or veggies.

An assortment of my favorite Fiber One Bars, Luna Bars and a Lara Bar.

And a pack of Extra Dessert Delights – Root Beer Float

And finally a cute card!

All packed up and ready to go!

And here is what Robin thought about her box of goodies:

This was my first time doing Foodie Pen Pals, so I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but it sounded fun!  Katie was an awesome pen pal!  I was so excited when I saw the box from her in my mailbox!  It’s hard to say what the best thing in the box was, but I was very excited about a recipe she sent me for Mexican Chicken breasts, and can’t wait to try it. 🙂

And my foodie pen pals were Colleen and Graziella from Baltimore Foodie Baby. They have a really cute blog, where Graziella (the Baltimore Foodie Baby) helps Mom (Colleen) make yummy recipes and then tries them out.

I got lots of good stuff in my goodie box. Check it out!

A super cute card with a picture of Graziella helping in the kitchen.

Homemade blueberry jam

Berger cookies – which I was warned to have a large glass of milk close by

Old Bay Seasoning – apparently good on everything! Including popcorn!!!

‘UTZ’ potato chips with crab seasoning

RPSs – Rolo Pretzel Sandwiches –>ummm deliciousness  

I opened the box, went to get my camera to come back and take pictures and this is what I come back to. . . Scott breaking into the RPSs.

A BIG thank you to Colleen and Graziella for a great 1st experience with foodie pen pals.  

Are you a foodie pen pal? If not, and you are interested, check out Lindsay’s blog at The Lean Mean Green – both bloggers and readers can participate.

Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink frosting

I saw this recipe on Friday Favorites by Kristin at Iowa Girl Eats. And knew I had to make it! Sugar cookies. Yes. Frosting. Yes. Pink frosting. YES!  

So so so so good. Delicious chewy sugar cookie base with a sugary sweet frosting. And made PINK by a few drops of red food coloring.  

Here’s the recipe:

For the cookie bars:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of sea salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 Tablespoons milk

1. For the cookie bars:

Instructions

1. For the cookie bars: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Line a rimmed 10 x 15-inch (or 9×9-inch brownie pan) with parchment paper; set aside.

3. In the bowl of your standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

4. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Add the vanilla.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing well.

7. Reduce the mixer speed to low, and slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until thoroughly combined.

8. Using a rubber spatula, evenly spread the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet (or brownie pan).

9. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. (They should be light golden brown).

10. Let cool completely.

11. For the frosting: In the bowl of your standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

12. Add the vanilla and salt, mixing well.

13. Reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time.

14. Add the milk and mix until smooth.

15. Add your desired amount of food color (if using) and mix until incorporated.

16. Frost and decorate as desired onto the cookie bars.

Weekend update: 8/26/12

Quick run in the rain to stretch out my legs after running 7 miles on Thursday and walking around the fair for 5 hours on Friday!

First night in the crib ***dramatic re-enactment during naptime

all dressed up for Brynn’s 1st birthday party!

Laying on my back is so yesterday

. . .still trying to figure the whole rolling over thing though.

***Edited to add: Luke rolled over today (Monday)!  

Sunday morning in my jumper. . . *I just love his little bear feet.

And I think someone was looking for attention this morning. . . the first baby toy to pay the price. poor turtle tail! I am actually really surprised this hasn’t happened until now, because a lot of baby toys are similar to dog toys. But Abby has been pretty good leaving Luke’s toys alone and just playing with hers. . . I guess the hot pink turtle tail was just too temping.  

All that chewing is tiring work.

Nap time in the swing. . . I know he should be starting to take naps in his crib, but I also know that his time in the swing is limited so I can’t help but let him sleep in there for now – especially cause he is so stinkin’ cute.

Luke’s new favorite thing is to turn himself sideways at his piano bar activity mat and put his feet up on the bar.

Overall, another good weekend, just hanging around home. After being at the Fair on Friday, it was good to relax and get stuff done around the house (laundry and cleaning bottles never ends!). And I don’t think it will ever get old to watch Luke continue to discover new things every day.