Simple Girl

My mom and dad returned north after snow-birding in Florida and I thought it would be nice to stock their fridge with some comforts of home.  And let's face it.  Nothing says comfort like Tatertot Hotdish. Having just spent 14 years in The South, I have come to the realization that, unless you are of Scandinavian descent, have recently watched the movie Fargo or are specifically from Minnesota, you probably don't know what Hotdish is. Until recently, I thought it was just some midwestern, less fancy word for casserole, but there are some key differences.  The exact origin of the word "Hotdish" is not documented, but some believe the word stems form the Norwegian word "Varmretter" which means simple, "warm dishes".  And this makes sense, because, despite the growing melting pot, there are still a lot of Norwegians around here.  The word "casserole", on the other hand, is a French word that means to cook in one baking dish and t...

I woke up Tuesday morning and realized and that I live in Narnia -  where it's always winter but never Christmas. Except for the Christmas part.   In fact, in some yards, Christmas decor still lingers.   Imbedded in ice and snow, it remains impossible to remove! This is what April snow is all about.  It's not some wispy flurry that melts before it is discovered. It's sticky and strong.  It takes down power lines and branches. Despite our protests for spring, it's hard to be mad at a snow that so carefully encrusts itself onto anything that stands still but for a moment. It's the final affair of winter and if we're wise we savor its final gaze. Goodbye, winter. Hello spring!

I made my own birthday cupcakes. By choice. I have to admit I've become a bit of a baked good snob.  A store bought cupcake just cannot compare to one that comes fresh out of the oven.  And when every middle-aged calorie counts, I just can't spare any that aren't steeped in deliciousness!   So for my birthday, I picked Blondie Cupcakes.  Here are the reasons why: I was in a hurry. I had to use ingredients on hand. I am Blonde. Legally Blonde is my favorite movie... "You're breaking up with me because I'm too...  Blonde ?"--Elle Woods It was in the Martha Stewart Cupcakes book, and I'm baking every recipe. Legally Blonde is my favorite movie...."Whoever said orange was the new PINK, was seriously disturbed!" Elle Woods I love a good chocolate chip cookie in any form! Legally Blonde is my favorite movie....WARNER:  "You go to Harvard Law School?"  ELLE: "What, like it's hard?" Ok...I'll stop...

It's my birthday today and I guess God knows I like a little frosting. The way I see it, we have two choices. We can complain about the negative. Or embrace the positive. And I am thankful for all of you! Thanks to all of you for being a such a great source of encouragement and inspiration! You make my life a better place! xo Rachel

April 13, 2013 Dear Diary.  It's still snowing.  I'm starting to think that spring might not come at all.  Maybe that one nice day we had a few weeks back when a few blades of grass pushed their way through the snowy blanket was the sum of our spring.  And summer.  And now it's winter again.  Did I forget to tell the weatherman that this is our first northern winter after 14 years of Southern Heat?  Oh. OK. I get it.  This is just a lesson in being careful what you wish for. I'll stop complaining. Instead, I'll make soup! This Sweet and Sour Vegetable Soup is my all time favorite figure friendly soup. It's loaded with veggies but is hearty enough to sustain you. It starts with your basic mirepoix (Pronounced meer-PWAH'), a combination of onions, carrots and celery which are sauteed as a flavor base for the soup.   Next, add in chicken stock, fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped cabbage, dried basil and oregano. Simmer until t...

There is still snow on the path and ice on the lake.  I took this picture yesterday as we awaited the upcoming Winter Storm.  It came.  The plows were out.  It didn't melt.  Yet.  Did I mention that it's mid-April?!  Come, Spring!  I believe!

I learned some new northern acronyms this week.  First, one local radio station announced the official OTO (Opened Toe Open).  While the announcer was happily optimistic, I had to disagree.  To me, the OTO needs to coincide with the LIO (Lake Ice Out) Date.  If there is still snow on the ground and ice on the lake,  open-toed shoes are really not a viable option.   At Easter, of course, this causes a bit of a dilemma.  So for my girls, it was definitely a call for SWS.  Socks with Sandals.  It was actually snowing as we left church on Sunday.  Come to think of it, I think one of my girls wore her UGGS! What went undisputed, however, were these carrot cupcakes.  Perfect for Easter dinner or anytime, this recipe is unpretentious.  No nuts. No raisins.  No pineapple.  Nothing but classic carrots, cinnamon, and of course, cream cheese frosting. Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic! Carrot Cupc...