Alright. It's a new year, and a new me. I'm sick of being overweight, no matter how much I love the food I'm eating. The food from the school dining halls makes me have to spend hours in the bathroom feeling like I'm dying, and even though my food tastes better, I eat too much of it. I weigh 220lbs, and am 5'11". It's time to make a change. That makes my BMI 30. That, ladies and gentlemen, is too damn high!

So now, it's time to make a change. I joined a website called "Calorie Count". It's a website that is free unless you want special services, that you can look up calories in food, keep a food log, an exercise log and talk to other people who want to lose weight, just like you. You can also type in your weight, height, age and it will find out what your BMI is, and suggest a goal weight, and tell you how you can get there in a healthy way by cutting down to a certain amount of calories in a certain amount of time. My suggested was to lose 48lbs by August 14th. I think I can do that. It's losing a maximum of 2lbs a week. Now that, is healthy. My first day was today, and I'm already starting to feel better about myself - why, you ask? Because I'm trying to feel better, look better and be healthier. Something every human being should strive to be. "I think I can, I think I can." So said the little engine that could, and so I say now. I know how much better I will feel when I hit my little goals. My goal for this whole week is to stop being dehydrated, and start drinking 8 glasses of water every day. Sounds like a worthy goal to me. Any support is welcome. I'll probably post my progress here, and see if I can help keep myself on track by telling you all about it. Sorry if you don't want to read it, but it's really important to me. I promise I'll keep posting recipes - they'll just be healthier now. Less deep fried tasty goodness, and more steamed and baked tasty goodness. Cheers.

It's been awhile since I've made an update post, mostly because of my insane busyness. My days are scheduled by the hour, not just by the week or even the day anymore. My 30 challenges a day for 30 days that I had started went well for about 15 days, then I ran out of time to do them all. I wish I could finish it. But I'm just far too busy to cram all those things into every day. I might have to do one challenge every day for 30 days until I can finish them all instead. But what I did do definitely made me a better person. School has started back up, and now that I've returned to my college town, I find myself up at 6:30 every morning to shower and get ready for my 8am classes. Then it's class pretty constantly every day till around 2, tutoring two kids ages 10 and 13 from 2:30 till 7:30pm. Then I tutor a college athlete from 8pm till 10pm. Every day. Then after all that gets done, I start doing my homework around then till about 12, and sometimes I do homework in between classes or at other random intervals. It's a hectic life, but I really love it. None of that mentions friends, or family or cooking dinner or meals at all. Unfortunately some days fast food is the only option that can fit in my time schedule, but other days I have time to fix barbeque, bread and other delicious things. Today also marks the first month of being in a relationship with my boyfriend, and tonight I am making something delicious and enjoyably overly adorable. Tonight it is a heart shaped pepperoni pizza and homemade garlic french bread and his favorite dessert - cheesecake! It's going to be some of the wonderful life that is college - pizza on the floor, a movie and pillow forts. It's been a wonderful last month, and I fully intend to celebrate it! Life is only fun while you celebrate it. No matter how insignificant the occasion, even if it is only the one month marking of a relationship, don't forget to celebrate the little things and happy moments in life. I hope you are having as happy of a day as I am!

Day 1 of the 30 Day Challenges

So, this morning, I awoke ready to begin my challenges, and thus my journey. I began by waking up early - number 23 on my list. And by waking up early, I mean early. Like 5AM early. I guess it isn't too much earlier than my normal 6AM, but it sure felt like it. One morning down, 29 to go! Then, I inspired myself (number 18) with a quote I had taped to my mirror last night - "Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given rather than exploring the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact, it's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration, it's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." That quote has yet to fail to inspire me to get up off my butt and go do something. So I did. I went downstairs, I took care of the animals on my parents farm, and took a picture of my pretty dogs Sam and Jasmine. Sam is on the left, and Jasmine on the right! So cute!

Then I went and cleaned my parents basement - we've been remodeling - and I put some paint on the walls, thinking all the while. I was doing my number 4 - re-evaluating a belief. Today, it was my own personal definition of friendship. And as I look at it, I have more friends and people that are there for me than I ever imagined. Happy, happy, joy, joy! ;) Shortly after I finished my painting, I took a 30 minute walk on our treadmill for my good health (number 5). While I gasped for air when I finished, (I was speed walking, thank you. Stop your snickers dang it!) I read an article on some really odd things that people use Facebook for - The Oddest Things People Use Facebook For. It was really interesting! Wow people do some weird stuff...that was number 15, by the way. Read an article.

Next, I went back upstairs and created a couple of delectable Italian sandwiches for me and my Dad. And no, that's not today's recipe. That's for dinnertime. But anyway, yes. Sandwiches. Black forest ham, Genoa salami and pepperoni toasted on an onion bun with a tablespoon of Italian salad dressing. SO GOOD. And great for lunch. =D Anyway, after that I went upstairs, I put on real clothes and makeup, and made myself feel good about my appearance - Number 6 - self love. Then I spent the first part of my afternoon watching a couple episodes of my favorite show, Bones! Did I mention that I also did number 22 all day? It's already an ingrained habit! Maybe it's just that our house isn't quite nice enough to have an elevator in it quite yet - I took the stairs. Then number 28 - don't complain about something that bothers me? Done, and done. I totally didn't whine about trailed off text messages from a friend. But just so you know, PET PEEVE.

Then I took the time to go up the stairs (AGAIN! Dang we need an elevator...Kidding, kidding. I'm not quite that lazy yet.) and I watched a documentary, called Born to Rage: Inside the Warrior Gene. Pretty cool insight, I must say, but it still sets off the alarm bells about creating a communist society by determining their roles based on a persons genes. But that's just me. Then I finally decided what habit I want to break - talking like a man. I've been surrounded by so many more men than women for so long, that now I talk like them. Ugh. I think that maybe that's something I should work on. It's not very becoming. So now to start executing it - rubber band method, here I come!

Then I planned one year ahead. This time next year, I want to have a full time job/internship and an apartment in my college town along with summer classes and some money in the bank. It's time to start real life. Haha! I killed two birds with one stone on this...I combined challenges, with my planning one year ahead and practicing a random skill - my skill being planning. Heck yes! 3 challenges taken care of.

Then it was suddenly reading time. YAY!! I love reading. I'm reading Mastiff: The Legend of Beka Cooper by Tamora Pierce. Its got to be a favorite of mine, I kid you not. But seriously, this challenge thing is taking up a lot of time! It's like scheduling a whole new day! Gosh I'm glad I started this during the summer when I have more free time....holy crap.

So, after my reading time, then I went to Walmart, and took a new route there - number 14. And I talked to a stranger while I was there. She was having a bad day - today was inspection day at her job, and she was just sure she did poorly - number 2. And as I left, I did number 30 - a selfless act. What did I do, you ask? When I was on my way into Walmart, there was a man standing on the corner asking for prayers for his now homeless family. He had everything he owned in a duffel bag, and his wife and kids sat underneath a tree nearby. He didn't ask for money, just for a smile and a prayer. So while in the store, I thought. And when I left, I tapped his wife on the shoulder, and took her back into the store with me, and told her to pick out $20 worth of whatever it was that she thought she needed for her family. Bread, peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned tuna, plastic silverware, two notebooks and pencils for her daughters and a bag of plastic water bottles. And the look on her face was more than worth it. I have a little bit of money - not much, but a little, and I had enough to spare the money. Yes, it means not eating out so much this week, or going so many places, but the look on her face and her husbands face when they thanked me, and the look on the faces of their children when they saw their new notebooks was priceless. Thank you, selfless act. =D

Now, onto trying one new recipe every day. Today, I made BBQ glazed smoked sausage with tater tots and Hawaiian sweet rolls. It was just Ekrich smoked sausage, peeled of it's shell and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces. The sauce was 1/3 cup KC Masterpiece sauce, 2 tbsp Sweet Baby Rays, 1/3 cup grape jelly and 3 tbsp water. Heat, bring to a boil, add your sausage, stir to coat, simmer for 8-10 minutes. =D Mild and sweet. And tasty.

My thing that I did that frightens me for the day? I picked up big seashells out of our basement. Shut up - I hate seashells, and I'm super afraid that there's going to be a spider living inside one of the big huge cone shaped ones. Always.

Last but not least - I've started writing my book, after a long period of meditation on the subject. Numbers 29, and 9. =D

Overall, I feel like it's been a productive day, really. 

30 Challenges in 30 Days

 It's been said that it takes 30 days to create a new habit. And when I was looking through the internet one day, I found this list of challenges, and what can I say - I was inspired. This is going to be hard, but I want to create some new habits for myself, and some of these can be great ones.

1. Write a I-Like-This-About-You note/text/email each day for someone.
2. Talk to one stranger each day.
3. Take one picture each day.
4. Re-evaluate one long-held belief each day.
5. Take a 30 minute walk each day.
6. Take a moment each day to practice self compassion and self-love.
7. Try a new recipe each day.
8. Refrain from alcohol and other drugs for 30 days in a row!
9. Write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.
10. Learn how to draw a human face in 30 days.
11. Watch a documentary each day.
12. Read a chapter each day.
13. Study a topic you’d like to master each day.
14. Walk/Drive/Run a new route to work/school each day.
15. Read a new article every day.
16. Media-fast for 30 days.
17. Pick one bad habit you already have and ditch it for 30 days.
18. Inspire yourself each day.
19. Take a cold shower each day.
20. Think of an accomplishment you’d like to achieve for each year of the next 30 years, a year each day.
21. Practice a random skill everyday.
22. Take the stairs every chance you get.
23. Wake up early each day.
24. Keep a journal.
25. Don’t lie for 30 days.
26. Combine challenges.
27. Doing something that scares you every day.
28. Don’t complain for an entire day.
29. Meditate each day.
30. Practice (at least) one completely selfless act each day.

It's going to be hard - but I really want to try. 

Dorm Room Arrangement

When you live in a small place, the way you arrange your furniture is super important. It can make your space bigger if you do it right, or you can constantly feel like a hoarder because there's stuff everywhere. I've totally been in both places. But this year, I feel more prepared. I have a single room, and I've found Autodesk Homestyler. A free home decorating software that helps me figure out what I want to do with my room, and how to use my space to my advantage. Check it out - it's pretty cool.
http://www.homestyler.com/designer

It let me do this with the dimensions of my room and the sizes of all my furniture and all the things that I knew I was going to have and need. It's super helpful! And once you have a room plan, you can totally create a decorating plan in a snap. The furniture is the hard part. After that, you can make it as homey as you like.

Check that out! Pretty cool, huh? Try it out! Most colleges have their room dimensions and their furniture dimensions listed somewhere on their website just for stuff like this, and us overly planning people. You can do it! =D

Things that make dorm life easier....

So, when I left for school, I was just as worried about what all I was going to need as everyone always is. And I searched, and hunted and looked for the entire summer beforehand, and found all sorts of interesting lists. Some of them were just basics - computer, fan, sheets, refrigerator. Duh. Others were all sorts of awkward and somewhat expensive and useless things - like lots of lamps, or a billion baskets. And really, no one really needs all that crap. But you know what, I've got a list of things that I made over the year that I knew were helpful and easy to get, that really overall made my life better. Shortly after this, I'll start blogging about dorm room decorating. Its really not so hard, it just seems like it is because you've got a roommate, and the rooms are made to look so sterile, and frankly, like an insane asylum. So maybe, neither one of us will end up with a crappy looking room or spending money on stuff you really don't need!

Ok....so, just because, here are the basics.

Refrigerator - most places are ok with that, but it has to be smaller than 4.5 cubic feet. Boys can usually get away with smaller fridges, because most of the guys I know, fill it with soda and salsa. Everything else, they either eat it before it has to be in the fridge, or it's ok to be on the closet shelf.
Microwave - AMAZING! Toaster ovens and toasters usually arn't allowed, but microwaves can usually do the trick. Perfect for making Ramen at 2AM, or for reheating that leftover pizza for the fourth day in a row. And no, I'm not kidding....
Computer - Yes, everyone needs a computer now-days. Its used for homework, surfing the web, occupying free time, watching movies and of course playing games. Now, some people bring desktops, but to be honest, unless you're a computer guru, or that's what you already have and don't want to buy a laptop, it's really not all that good. Desktops take up ALL the space on your desk, and they heat up the room when during the fall and spring, it's perfectly warm enough already. Laptops are usually the way to go for homework needs. Mac or PC, it's personal preference, but you need Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and definitely a good browser, but again, browsers are personal preference.

                  When buying a computer for yourself, or parents buying one for your new college student, here is what to look for.  Look at the battery life first. You want it to be as long as possible, and make sure to remind the student using it not to leave it on the cord all the time, that actually lowers battery life by creating a dependency of your laptop on a power source. It needs to be very sturdily built, especially if it's going to be carried to class. An Intel i3 or i5 processor is recommended to keep up with them, a minimum of 3G of ram, 4 or more is much better. A 500-750Gb hard-drive so that they can save all their files. 

Bed Linens - You'll want an egg crate to go on your bed. Trust me. The dorm beds will probably be decent, but probably not great. Egg crates are awesome. Then you'll want a mattress pad to keep the egg crate on. Some people like to put a mattress topper before the mattress pad, but they're usually kind of pricey, and you can totally survive without one. Unless you have a terrible back. Then you'll need 2 sets of sheets at least. Check and find out if you need twin, or twin extra long. It's important. Two sets of sheets means you have one to have in the wash, and one to have on the bed. Then you need either a good comforter, or two regular blankets to layer when it gets super cold. Dorm rooms have funky temperatures.

OK, now for more things that are smaller, but still just as important for making your life easier. Things to remember to take from day 1, because you will be mad if you forget them or have to go buy them on that first day.

Clothes Hangers - Yes. You will need them.
Laundry Detergent- The kind that has the fabric softener in it is usually nice, because then you don't have to buy dryer sheets if you don't want to.
Laundry Hamper - You need a laundry bag. No if's, ands or buts. Bags are better, rather than hampers or basket because they can hang on doors or on the end of your bed.
Pens and Pencils/ - obviously, you'll need it for homework.
Computer paper - You will always need more than you think you will. I promise.
Painters tape - You will need this to put cords up on the wall and out of the way, or tape them to the floor. Duct tape is nice, but it leaves a sticky residue, and painters tape doesn't. Hence, love the painters tape, its easier to clean up at the end of the year!
Clorox Wipers - Great for cleaning up little messes and for sanitizing the crap out of your shared bathroom, or your stuff after someone uses it. You don't know where their hands have been - or how properly your dorm was cleaned before you moved in. CLEAN ALL THE THINGS!
LAN Cords and Ethernet Splitter - When the wireless goes down, which it is inevitable that it will, your homework will still be do - I promise. So, you will still need the internet, and so will your roommate, so you'll want a splitter so you can both use your ethernet cables at the same time. Usually a 15 ft ethernet cable is good, one for each roommate. and it's cheap. It's like $14 for both the cord and the splitter. You only need one splitter per room though.
Power Strips - You will probably need at least two or three. Just because.
Scissors - All that new stuff you just bought? You need something to open it with. Just sayin'.
Cable cord - You will want to watch TV. Usually universities will provide free cable for students, but you'll need a cord to connect it. Usually a 15ft cord will do - it can reach pretty much any location that you want to put your TV at from wherever the wall jack is. 

 Next are items that are optional, but nice.

Wireless Mouse - Yes, trackpads are great, but after a while, and for certain things, you will want a mouse.
Headset/headphones - If you want to Skype with your family or have to talk to a professor, you will want these.
Professional Dress Clothes - I know you think you won't need them, but trust me. You will. Some classes require professional dress for projects, there are mock interviews and also plenty of real ones if you're looking for a job at all.
Something to lock valuables in - Trust me, you want something that locks. To put jewelry, money, or just important belongings in so that they stay safe and don't get taken or messed up.
Dish Towels and Washcloths - You will eventually have to do dishes. You don't want to use the same towel you use to dry your ass to dry your dishes. Trust me.
Soap - Dish soap. Always helps.
Sponge - Use it to clean your dishes or scrub your bathroom!
Plastic cups and dishes - you probably won't need plastic plates, but you will need easy disposable paper ones. Plastic cups are a must have, and so are plastic bowls. Gotta have something to cook hot Ramen in at 2am.
Plastic Silverware - You will need it. Its cheap and easy to eat your tasty Ramen and Easy Mac with.
Real Silverware - It's stronger than plastic, so you can actually eat meat and stuff with it, and some days you will just be sick of the plastic. I promise. You'll want two sets of silverware, with forks, spoons, butter knives and steak knives.
Mini tool kit - You can buy it at Walmart for a couple bucks - you'd be amazed how useful they can be. You may need some screwdrivers to put new furniture together, tighten screws on old stuff or to measure to see where you can put stuff that it'll fit! Trust me, you want it.
Band-Aids, Ace Wraps, Neosporin - The three things you will need for a little first aid kid. It's unavoidable - you will scrape/cut/bang or otherwise injure yourself at some point during the year. It will happen. Be prepared.
Day-planner/Calendar - In high school, you can get away without a schedule. In college, if you forget something, you don't get second chances. Your professors don't like you that much. They really don't care if you pass or fail, so you need to write down when stuff is due so it gets done. Writing it down is half the battle.
A couple of good books to read - When the power goes out, and trust me, it will once or twice, you will probably have nothing better to do but read, and you really don't want to read your textbooks unless you absolutely have to.
Something special from home - Always bring one thing with you to remind you of home, or friends or something that you care about. Because you're in a totally new world. And it's always good to have one familiar thing with you, because nothing else will be.
Lamp - Usually one good desk lamp per roommate is good - usually ceiling lights are just fine for everyday lighting, but when sitting at your desk you may want something more. Floor lamps usually just take up room and don't get used for much, and they're kind of expensive. Don't spend money on them until you know for sure you want one after move in day.

Things I've Learned...

Now that the end of the school year is rolling in, I keep having people ask me what I have learned this year. And even though my answer is long and complicated, I decided to put the whole of what I feel like I have learned here, because it really is something worth thinking about. What have you learned this year? 

I’ve learned that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I’ve learned that when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve learned that just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.

I’ve learned that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I’ve learned that being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned that I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.

I’ve learned that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, you still need time and a friend that you can be goofy with.

I’ve learned that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned that money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned that it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned that under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve learned that love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve learned that life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned that opportunities are never lost - someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned that one should keep their words both soft and tender, because tomorrow they may have to eat them.

I’ve learned that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned that I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I’ve learned that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances - when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.

I’ve learned that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

So...as it turns out, cooking is my favorite vice. Some people smoke, other people drink. But me - I revel in the ecstasy of the smell of freshly baked bread, sauteed onions and slow cooked barbeque beef. Barbeque is one of my private addictions...in fact, I have a small wallet tucked away inside my purse with money specifically for barbeque, if that explains the level of my love for barbeque. Over the last three years or so, I have even made it a personal goal to go to every barbeque restaurant in Kansas City, both on the Kansas and Missouri sides. Its quite the challenge, I must say, and it costs about a small fortune to do, but with my wallet of barbeque money, it is slowly becoming a reality!! I can't wait!!

But since I have now been to a ridiculous amount of these restaurants, I can't help but try to recreate their deliciousness in home cooked meals, especially since in most cases it is SO much cheaper.

I've learned to oven roast ham to make it seem like a wood smoked ham, make barbeque pulled beef and pork with homemade barbeque sauce, perfected the fantastic deliciousness of barbeque pork ribs with my own special rubs and sauces, and even tested my limits by making the perfect kaiser rolls to stuff with the aforementioned delectable meat.

So, now try this for yourself...my recreation of one of the most heavenly meals on earth - shredded barbeque beef, homemade kaiser rolls, onion rings and barbeque baked beans. Now, if you want to do this whole menu list in one day, you better reserve a whole day for doing it. It will take awhile. But if you break it up and make segments of it during the week for a special meal on the weekend, then it suddenly becomes much more manageable. And of course, each of these recipes are delectable on their own or with whatever sides you feel like adding to it. The beef can even be on its own, without the kaiser rolls, but I love barbeque sandwiches. =) Let me know what you think!

Now, I started thawing the beef out from the freezer at about 11am in hot water in the sink, and it was in the crockpot cooking at about 1pm, and was ready to be eaten by 8pm that night. Now, for some of you, that may be a bit late for dinner, so just start it a bit earlier, or thaw the beef a few days prior in the refrigerator, so it's ready to be worked with when you get there.

BBQ Shredded Beef - Carter style. 

Ingredients 
2 tbsp vegetable oil 
3 pound beef roast (chuck roast, top round, sirloin tip) OR beef stew meat
3 cloves of minced garlic OR 2 tbsp pre-minced garlic
1 medium sized yellow onion, DICED
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar OR 1/3 cup apple juice and 2tbsp vinegar
6 oz can of tomato paste
1/2 cup of molasses
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp brown mustard OR 1 1/2 tbsp brown mustard and 1tsp black pepper
1 tbsp cayenne pepper OR as desired
1/2 cup water
Kosher salt
Black pepper
FOR A SWEETER SAUCE OMIT THE CAYENNE AND ADD 2 TBSP BROWN SUGAR

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet. If desired, trim meat of excess fat. Leaving the fat will give it some flavor, but I trim it because I don't like biting into my beef and getting a hunk of fat when it's done. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the beef in the preheated skillet, so each side browns slightly for flavor and texture. If using stew meat, just turn it until all sizes are just barely browned - NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU ARE TEMPTED - ONLY BROWN SIDES, DO NOT COOK ANY FURTHER. If cooked beyond browning, the meat will not be as tender as it should be later. Once it is seared, transfer it to the crock pot. Leave the drippings, we will use them in the sauce.
3. Reduce the pan heat to medium, and add garlic and onions. Saute them for a few minutes, stirring constantly until onions are soft and translucent. Add the vinegar to the pan to deglaze it, scrape the bottom of the pan for the brown bits and let the mixture simmer until it is reduced by half. The onions will absorb the vinegar.
4. In another bowl, combine the tomato paste, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and paprika. Stir until well mixed - there will still be a few lumps, but that's OK. Add this to your skillet, and stir until a thick sauce forms, and the tomato paste is smoothly combined. 
5. Mix in cayenne pepper last, the longer you cook it the stronger the spice becomes in this sauce. Remove from heat, strain into a bowl with a colander and get rid of your excess onions and garlic.
6. Add in a tablespoon of water at a time, stirring constantly until sauce reaches the consistency of tomato soup. It will thicken up in the crock pot.
7. Pour over beef, set your crock pot on low heat, and cook for 7-8 hours.
8. When beef is fully cooked, take two forks and shred the beef either in the crock pot itself, or on a cutting board. After shredding, continue cooking beef for another 30 minutes to add even more tenderness and flavor. Stir to coat in sauce, and PRESTO! SO YUMMY!!.

** The barbeque sauce can be made without the beef drippings and made into just a stand alone sauce. Just substitute a couple of tablespoons of beef broth for the onions to simmer in. The rest of the process is the same, just add in water until it is your desired consistency for topping sauce. 

THE WORLDS BEST ONION RINGS

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons instant mashed potatoes

1/2 tsp cayenne
1 cup cold club soda
2-3 cups Panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs), or as needed
fine salt to taste
vegetable oil for frying
2-3 yellow onions, cut into rings

1.  Combine flour, cornstarch, mashed potatoes, cayenne and club soda in a medium sized bowl. Let it set for a minute or two - it will be thin at first, but the mashed potatoes will grow and turn it into a lovely thick batter!

2. Pour the panko crumbs into another bowl - YOU MUST USE PANKO CRUMBS. They are the best type, as after cooking, they don't become mushy or limp. Don't skimp, they arn't expensive. Look in your local Walmart next to the regular bread crumbs, and you will find a can of the generic brand "Always Save" or "Great Value" for the same price as other bread crumbs. Seriously.

3. Using one fork, dip the onion rings into the batter, let the excess batter drip off and drop them into the panko crumbs. Toss or stir to coat, and place on a plate. 

4. Heat about 3/4 inch of oil in a frying pan, or heat the oil in a deep fryer. I usually do a batch of around 5-8 rings at a time. Fry for a minute on each side on medium heat, or until golden. Salt generously, and serve. Will keep warm wonderfully in the oven, or refrigerate until ready to serve and warm in the oven for about 5 minutes at about 120 degrees. 

** Alternate method of cooking - place on baking sheet, spray rings directly with butter flavored cooking spray, NOT the floured kind, and Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees, turning in the middle, or until golden brown on each side.

THE BEST HOMEMADE BUNS EVER

Ingredients

1 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup butter

1 egg, room temperature

4-1/2 cups flour

1 package instant yeast (2-1/4 teaspoon)

1-1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Heat the milk, water, honey and butter until butter is melted. Check the temperature, make sure it is warm, but still cool enough to stick your finger in without burning. Beat in the egg!!

2. In another bowl, mix 2 cups of the flour, yeast and salt. Pour in the milk mixture slowly, making sure to add it thoroughly. Should be liquidy and a bit lumpy. Stir in the rest of the flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Knead with your hands if necessary, just remember to remove rings and things before doing it, and flour your hands well.

3.When the dough pulls together into a soft ball, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.  This should take about 5 minutes. You can use your stand mixers, but start with the paddle attachment, the switching to the dough hook to knead it.  I just like to take out a little aggression on my bread every now and again! Add a little more flour while mixing with the dough hook, a little at a time until dough is no longer sticky, and remember to keep your hands and surface well floured as well so it doesn't stick to you or the table!

4. Divide dough into 12-16 rolls, however many rolls you want and whatever size you like! Shape into smooth balls, flatten slightly, and place on a greased baking sheet, or a baking sheet with a silicone mat on it.

5. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.  When buns have almost doubled in size, bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden on top!

These buns are dense enough to hold a good sized hamburger bun without smashing, and are wonderfully hefty for barbeque and things of that nature! Not really good for dinner rolls though...

***If you want, after the buns have risen but before baking, brush their tops with egg white for a shiny glaze. You might also like to add sesame seeds, sauteed onions or coarse salt before baking.  I personally like salt and sauteed onions to be baked in to go with my barbeque, but since I have onion rings on this menu, I just went with salt.

BARBEQUE BAKED BEANS - FOR THE CROWDS    

Ingredients

1 pound bag of dried Great Northern Beans, or about 2 1/2 cups
1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped.
8-12 oz Andouille sausage or other form of cooked sausage, chopped into small bites
2 tbsp molasses
2/3 cup barbeque sauce from the beef, or your own favorite
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 ground black pepper

1. In a large stew-pot, cover the beans with about 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
3. Heat oven to 325°.
4. Using a colander placed over a bowl, drain the beans. Keep the cooking liquid!
5. In a covered casserole or bean pot, layer about 2 cups of beans with about a third of the sausage and a third of the onion. Repeat your layers until you run out of things!
6. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of the cooking liquid with the molasses, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour over the beans. Add more of the cooking liquids until almost covers the beans.
7. Cover and bake for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally and checking for tenderness!

Beans, beans....the magical fruit, the more you eat the more you ----! ;)

Try it, let me know how you like every recipe! I look forward to hearing it!!
 

Refocusing your life....

Every once and awhile, I start to feel like I'm just drifting - like I've forgotten my purpose. When I feel like this, I just suddenly feel alone, lost and somewhat frightened. I'm a planner...I need a plan, structure, something to go with, so the idea of drifting is in my mind the worst possible thing that a person could ever do. So, when I started trying to find ways for me to refocus, I started asking these questions to look at where I'm at in my life, where I was, where I want to be, and who I am. Maybe they'll help someone else out there too.

1. What can I do today that I was not capable of a year ago?
2. What has been on my mind most lately?
3. Right at this moment, what do I want the most?
4. In order of importance, how do I rank : money, happiness, love, health and fame?
5. What single word best describes how I have spent the last month of my life?
6. What is the number one motivator in my life right now?
7. In one sentence - who am I?
8. What do I want to be known for in my life?
9. If I had to move 3000 miles away, what would I miss most?
10. In one year from today, how will my life be different?
11. Who makes me feel good about myself?
12. What are the top three qualities I look for in my friends?
13. What has fear of failure stopped me from doing?
14. What is something I have wanted to do since I was a little kid?
15. What stands between me and what I want?
16. What do I do when nothing else seems to make me happy?
17. When did I first realize how short life is?
18. What do I need to spend more time doing?
19. What issues do I continually refuse to confront?
20. What is something that a lot of people do that I disagree with?
21. What is a common misconception that people have about me?
22. What is something that no one can ever take away from me?
23. What is something that I would hate to go for a day without?
24. When I look into the past, what is it that I miss the most?
25. What memory from this past year makes me smile the most?
26. What is the number one change that I need to make in my life this next year?
27. If not now, then when?
28. What is something that I have done that I am proud of?
29. What is something that I have recently learned about myself?
30. What is something that I want to remember forever?
31. What could society do without?
32. What is one thing right now that I am totally sure of?
33. If I had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would that message be?
34. What is something I said I would never do, but have since done?
35. What's something I changed my mind about as I grew older?
36. What didn't last forever but was still worth my while?
37. If I could go back in time and tell my younger self something, what would I tell me?
38. If I knew I would die in 60 seconds, what would my last words be?
39. When it's all said and done, will I have said more than I have done?
40. What do I question myself about?

The kind of girl to date...

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was five.

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.

Buy her another cup of coffee.
 

Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.

She has to give it a shot somehow.
 

Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype.

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.