Mommy, can I use your camera for a minute?

So the five year old likes to take photos. She takes them by the dozens every day. When I get my phone or iPad back, it makes me smile to see what cookie thinks is photo-worthy. These are some of my favorites.

Family weekend

If you haven't been to hammonds candy factory, you must go. This family run business has been in Denver for 90 years. Everything is made by hand and the candy is bright and colorful and so delicious. We were able to watch them make lollipops and chocolates on our tour. The tour is complete with free samples and a trip to the "oops" room with broken candies.

The Grizzley Rose is a Denver icon too.. We enjoyed seeing Randy Travis and dancing. It was a super fun night.


The girls enjoyed swimming at the hotel and brunch at the best breakfast in Denver.. Snooze. They specialize in specialty pancakes. We had the cinnamon roll pancake which was to die for. (you should get this one, Steph). It was a fabulous weekend.

Bread Pudding.

Bread Pudding Recipe--

I have been craving some cold weather comfort food lately. Some warm cinamony bread pudding was the answer last night. I found this recipe at simplyrecipes.com.  I tweaked it a little bit and made it a little more family friendly for my girls. It was delicious and a hit with everyone.
This bread pudding recipe is based on one from the famed Bon Ton Cafe in New Orleans.

Bread Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

Bourbon Sauce:



1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 cup Kentucky bourbon whiskey ( I used much much less... almost 1/3 cup)

Bread Pudding:

1 loaf French bread, at least a day old, cut into 1-inch squares (about 6-7 cups)

1 qt milk

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups sugar

2 Tbsp vanilla

1 cup raisins --soaked overnight in 1/4 cup bourbon-- ( I also didn't do this step)

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

( I added 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips because I had them)
Method

Bourbon Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter; add sugar and egg, whisking to blend well. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. (Do not allow to simmer, or it may curdle.) Whisk in bourbon to taste. Remove from heat. Whisk before serving. The sauce should be soft, creamy, and smooth.

Bread Pudding:
1 Preheat oven to 350°F.
2 Soak the bread in milk in a large mixing bowl. Press with hands until well mixed and all the milk is absorbed. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, and spices together. Gently stir into the bread mixture. Gently stir the raisins into the mixture.
3 Pour butter into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Coat the bottom and the sides of the pan well with the butter. Pour in the bread mix and bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes, until set. The pudding is done when the edges start getting a bit brown and pull away from the edge of the pan. Can also make in individual ramekins.
Serve with bourbon whiskey sauce on the side; pour on to taste. Best fresh and eaten the day it is made. Makes 8-10 servings

Let it Snow

Dance Dance Dance

 

Happy Birthday, Cookie

5 years old? How is that possible? We love you, Cookie.

Likes: cookies, anything pink, dancing, penguins, unicorns, swinging at the playground, reading Fancy Nancy books, coloring books and crayons, Strawberry Shortcake, watching the WonderPets, movie popcorn, bubble baths with mermaids, Magic Tree House book club, Barbies, playing Memory with the family, wearing tights and dresses

Dislikes: bed time, playing alone, shrimp and seafood, eating at mealtime, wearing jeans, waiting, being lactose intolerant

Her first birthday party with friends. Chuck got to party with Chuck E Cheese and all of her bff's.

Lego Robotics

Hooray for the "Girls with altitude" lego robotics team. They won " best presentation" at the regional qualifying meet. They advanced to state and won "best teamwork". The hard work and extra practices paid off and the girls were thrilled to have success with their robot.