Family Time- Enjoying it in spite of challenges.

We are on our way back from a Spring Break run to the Midwest to visit my daughter and family. I took this photo of Jinxy Cat, who was skulking under the dining room table. I'm really loving the things my new camera can do. She was in the dark, but this looks as if she was out in the light. Amazing!

I would love to share some great family photos of our trip, but everyone was sick! Strep throat got my daughter and oldest grand daughter, and the two younger kidlets were suffering fevers and such off and on as well. We enjoyed our time in spite of it and I can't wait to see them again. I was glad Nature Guy got to meet everyone, plus we have a commitment of them coming out our way. Yay!

I tried a new recipe twist that I hope to share when I get a photo before we munch the last of the treats sometime today. Best in the West Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars I've dubbed them.

My daughter has done a great job decorating her home! Funny, she called me in a panic when they first moved, not knowing where to put everything, but she's done a very nice job. Sick bodies all over the furniture didn't give me an opportunity to share though....lol.

For now we are making our way to Cheyenne for the night. The weather is pleasant, signs of spring are cropping up, migrating birds are gleaning last Fall's leavings as they stop on their way up north, and we are rested believe it or not. Time is running out on the lap top battery so taa taa for now!

Gingerbread Bats and Pumpkins, What fun!

Emmett and grandma, (that would be me) made some gingerbread bats, ghosties, and pumpkins last week. We had so much fun! Emmett especially loved testing the frosting.....
again.....
and again.....
and again. I wonder what time he went to sleep that night? Giggle! We used my favorite gingerbread recipe. It's definitely time tested as I used it numerous times to win grand champion of the Fairbanks Daily Newsminer Gingerbread House Contest. Here's the recipe so you can start planning now for creating your own gingerbread cookies, or even a house for the holidays.

Gingerbread Dough

5 c. flour, 1 t. salt, 1/4 t. nutmeg, 1/2 t. cloves, 3 T. cinnamon, 1 t. ginger
1- 1/8 t. baking soda, 1 c. shortening, 1-1/4 c. sugar, 1 egg well beaten,
1 c. light molasses, slightly warmed, 1/3 c. water

Sift together 1 c. flour, salt, spices and soda. Cream shortening, then add sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg, then slightly warmed molasses. Stir water into mixture. Stir in sifted flour and spice mixture gradually. Add the rest of the flour one cup at a time, until dough is soft and moist to the touch of your finger. Cover and chill 6-8 hours. Roll out on oiled foil to 1/4 or 1/8th inch thickness. Bake at 350 degrees 8-10 minutes. If you are making house pieces bake as dark as you can get it without burning. It's very important to bake house pieces long enough. Cookies don't need as long.

Tips for making gingerbread houses.
1. As soon as you take the pieces out of the oven lay your pattern over each piece and trim with a very sharp knife. This will insure that your pieces go together nicely. If the pieces start to harden before you get them all trimmed put them back into the oven just to warm them enough to trim easily.

2. In the widest frying pan you have, melt about 1 cup or more of sugar at a moderately low temperature until liquid. Dip one joining side into the hot sugar mixture and then quickly match up with other piece to make a corner. Continue to do this with all your pieces. The hot melted sugar makes a wonderful edible glue that hardens quickly and nicely. If you get drips on your pieces, wait until the sugar hardens and you should be able to remove them. This makes it a lot faster and easier to put all the sides and roof together, and it's much sturdier. I hope to make a small video to show you how it's done.
If you have any questions just drop me a line.