Hopeful Homemaker

Happy Birthday

June 11, 2010 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

Wednesday was my husband’s birthday.

I can’t remember the last time he had a more exhausting day than his birthday turned out to be, and we’ve had some tough days in recent weeks and months. I bought doughnuts to go with breakfast so we could sing to him early in the day, but the box sat on our counter until 6:30 p.m. The doughnut was the first thing he’d had time to eat all day. It was a really crazy day and I wish I’d been able to soften it more. Relentless days like this remind me what a huge commitment it is for a man to provide for a family. He does it without complaint.

I am so grateful for him and for all he does in behalf of our family. He is by far the better parent in our marriage. I feel so blessed to have him. He is one amazing man.

Chocolate Chip Brownies

June 8, 2010 jennifer Desserts

My mom recommended this recipe to me recently, and when I needed to take dessert somewhere at the last minute, I went for it. It’s a Betty Crocker recipe , but we saw it on Bakerella’s site .

You could easily make this recipe from scratch, but I didn’t. After all, I was looking for something quick and last minute. I use brownie mixes all the time, but have never used a cookie mix before. I don’t think I’d use one to make cookies, but for this recipe it was great.

Here’s how it works. Prepare a brownie mix according to directions and pour it into your baking dish. Now prepare a chocolate chip cookie mix according to directions and drop it by spoonfuls onto the brownie mix.

Yum. Looks good.

Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

Allow brownies to cool, about 1 hour. You can frost them with chocolate frosting or go with Bakerella’s idea and make a chocolate ganache. I decided to make the ganache because I had some whipping cream in my refrigerator.

For the ganache, melt 12 ounces of chocolate in 3/4 cup whipping cream. Bakerella adds butter to hers, but I’ve never tried it that way. I’ll have to try it sometime. Spread over brownies.

Allow the ganache to cool and set, about 1 more hour. Cut into bars and enjoy!

My family enjoyed these brownies. I liked the simple preparation that provided a twist on traditional brownies. We’ll certainly make these again!

Hopeful Homemaker

2 comments baking

One Step Report #22

June 6, 2010 jennifer One Step

What a week it has been! Tonight we sit in my family room talking with my sister and her husband. They are staying with us for the weekend, and we’re having a wonderful time. It’s hard to believe that a week ago we were in Denver, and a few days ago my son became a teenager. The week has been long and yet short, full of work and fun. I’m tired, but happy.

Tonight we went outside to take a walk after dinner. The sky looked like this and yet it was raining drops of water so large that the wet spots on our driveway were 1-2 inches in diameter.

Rain in sunshine has always been one of my favorite kinds of weather. We certainly enjoyed it tonight!

This week’s report: 52 steps. As I said, it was a busy, happy week.

Highlights:

1. On Memorial Day we went camping and had 3 elk come down into our camping area. It was amazing. I took some pictures which I’ll share soon.

2. I started reading another biography, this one about Henry Knox. I’ve always admired him and am really excited to be reading about his life. More to come on him, too.

3. Today I made a new dessert one that I dreamed up in my mind a few weeks ago. It tastes pretty good. I’m going to fine tune it and will share it soon.

4. This week I cleaned and washed clothes over and over again, and yesterday my house actually looked somewhat clean. Hooray!

5. We’re making great memories with our cousins who are here staying with us.

6. Tonight some of my children watched a dog die. It was sad but also a good learning experience.

7. We got the toyroom clean and I managed to thin out the toys a little bit. It’s nice to take care of less stuff.

8. My baby cut her second tooth. She is such a little bundle of fun. It’s so awesome to be the Mom and to have one person in the world whose countenance, whose whole body, is filled with happiness and energy at the mere sight of you. It’s a lot of work, but I love being loved and wanted. She’s growing too fast and will be walking soon, but she still loves me and wants to be in my arms. I feel blessed.

I know it’s summer vacation and that I should relax, but I’m a little stressed about getting ready for our annual trip to the beach and meeting a deadline this coming week. I’m sure it will work out, and I’ll feel better about it once I just dive in and get to work.

Life is good. Have a great week!

Hopeful Homemaker