...that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents...

I deemed this 'The Year of Developing Talents'. I made a list (only mental and verbal to Carl) of all kinds of things I'd like to learn to do or learn how to do better. I'm pleased to say that I'm doing well.

Remember how I got a piano for my birthday? Well, I'm still taking lessons mostly every week and I'm getting better. No concertos in the near future, but I'm playing with both hands and understand a lot more than when I started. Unfortunately my harmonica playing is not coming as well.

We've done a little gardening this year and I've learned a fair amount about that. It's been so exciting to see something you planted actually grow and very satisfying to eat it!

Carl and I have been taking dancing lessons (as per my Valentine's Day gift) the past few weeks as well. You just show up to the beginner classes whenever you want so we've dropped in on Salsa, Swing, Waltz, and Ballroom. We like the teachers and we've done well. Look for us on Dancing with the Stars next season.

I've been learning how to use my new sewing machine - you might remember the bags I made. I've done a few odd jobs here and there but still have a lot to learn. What's next? Maybe curtains? Maybe a quilt? Maybe a pillowcase? We'll see.

**Post edit: It was a skirt. I went to Relief Society last night and we're working on making 100 dresses for the local women's shelter so... I sewed a skirt. Yippee!

Lastly, my culinary endeavors. I've made quite a few new recipes this year and am enjoying learning how to make different kinds of things. Recently I made Peach Surprise (pictured above) and it was really yummy. We've had it several times since. It's not hard but it was my first time making meringue. We had some friends over the other night for a four-course, candlelit dinner. (That's what I offered as my service for the YW auction/fundraiser). We had steamed artichokes and almond-crusted chicken with fresh green beans and cilantro lime rice. I made rolls and tried out a new twist to them that I made up. And you know what, it turned out great! Off topic: Shall I share a funny picture of Carl? he dressed up for this dinner all in black and slicked his hair back in a ponytail with one lone curl on his forehead. Oh! And the mustache! I love him.

Anyway, back to food. You might remember my sunflower cupcakes from a couple months ago. Well, I've been at it again.

I made these duckie cupcakes for a baby shower.

And these mini hamburgers for a BBQ. These are candy coated cake balls and they are about the size of a golf ball. Not surprisingly more work than I had anticipated but it was still really fun. A huge thanks to Carl for the encouragement when I wanted to quit and the help making them when it turned into a two-person job.

So there's my progress. I'm proud of myself for making such an effort and for being half way through the year and still working on these things. My mom is proud too - I know because I call her the very minute I accomplish anything to get her verbal pat on the back - and she always gives it.

Ravioli with Apples and Walnuts

I made this ravioli with a recipe from my favorite magazine. It looked good but I was a little nervous. Sounded too simple to be delicious - but it turned out to be a delightful explosion of flavor. You should try it - but make sure to watch those nuts as they're cooking because I burned my first batch (don't tell).

Serves 4 Hands-On Time: 20m Total Time: 20m

Ingredients

• 1 pound cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 crisp apple (such as Braeburn or Gala), cut into matchsticks
• 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce)

Directions

1. Cook the ravioli according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring often, until lightly toasted and fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the apple, parsley, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and toss to combine. Spoon over the ravioli and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

Here is a picture of mine.
Not bad eh? Maybe it's hard to tell on such a dark plate.

Red, White, and Blue

I've had many culinary successes in my day, but today, the 4th of July, just might trump them all.

Behold, my festive Jello Stars:

*I've been working on this idea for months now and was happy to see it come to fruition.

3.14159

I made an oatmeal pie for Pi Day (3/14). It was yummy. Especially yummy served warm, ala mode, and with friends....but isn't everything better that way?

Oatmeal Pie

¾ c. sugar
1/3 c. Butter or margarine
1 t. cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
¾ c. dark corn syrup
1 t. vanilla
1 c. rolled oats
1 T. coconut (optional)
1 unbaked pie shell
Whipped cream or ice cream for topping (optional)

Cream sugar and butter. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. This pie is delicious served as it is, or you may wish to top it with whipped cream or ice cream.

Thanks for the recipe, Ash.

Fruit Pizza

I made this.

It was delicious.

Proud?

Thanks.

The End.

Thanksgiving

So here is me on Thanksgiving being oh so proud of my culinary skills. [insert virtual pat on the back here] You can see a full report here.

As I thought about what I was thankful for this Thanksgiving season I had all the typical things come to mind. I am thankful for my family and friends and my health and a warm place to sleep and a loving husband and curly hair. But...I thought of something that I am ever so thankful for right now that has never been on a Thanksgiving Thankful List of mine. I am truly grateful this year for my Navigon GPS navigation unit. I don't know how I'd get anywhere around here without it! Catherine (the GPS voice) is that sweet whisper in my ear telling me to turn left or right. She's not like that annoying "backseat driver". She really has my best interest at heart and she knows when I don't know where I'm going (because I told her so). So, thanks Catherine and Navigon.

Callie Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar

Chocolate Caramel Rolo Cookies

I made the most delicious cookies! I know that many of you have already tried these and maybe you've even made them before but I made them for the first time yesterday. Mmmmm... and pretty easy too! So, here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup margarine
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 48 rolos chocolate-covered caramel candies
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add Sugar, Brown Sugar, Margarine, Eggs and Vanilla.

2. Mix together until well blended.
   
   
3. Add Flour, Cocoa and Baking Soda and mix well.

4. Refrigerate and chill dough for 30 minutes.

5. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place 1 Rolo in the center of each dough ball.
   
   
6. Form the dough ball around the majority of the rolo. (I completely covered it)
   
   
7. Roll each dough ball in sugar.
   
   
8. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes @ 375 degrees. (I did 8 minutes and it was almost too much)
   
   
9. Let cool on pan for 1 minute then take off and place on cookie cooling rack.

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On a foodier note - I didn't plan very well for Sunday dinner so I just had to throw something together and was quite impressed with myself. This isn't the best picture and I know I had too much yellow but it was spur of the moment.

I made pork chops wrapped in bacon. YUM! Sweet corn. Cheesy au gratin potatoes. Bon apetit.

Much Love,
Chef Callie