Prelude to Valentines Day: Cooking For Someone Special-Chocolate

In honor of Valentine's Day tomorrow, I thought it would be nice to spread the love and share some yummy recipes with my dear readers-you know who you are. This "Hallmark Holiday" would not be complete without decadent chocolate delights so I dare you to skip the prepackaged marketable goodies (unless you have a new baby, of course!) and make your own tasty concoction for the sweetie in you life. Warning: If your 'sweetie' is a dog I would skip on the chocolate and make these. Here are a few ideas of mine to get you started...



Mint Chocolate Brownies (photo above)

I chose this one because I believe halitosis should be avoided at all costs on this special day, you just might end up kissing someone and thanking me later.

* 4 eggs
* 2 cups sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 cup butter
* 4 ounces baking chocolate
* 1 cup flour

Topping

* 8 tablespoons butter
* 2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
* green food coloring
* 3-4 tablespoons cream
* 1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips

1. Beat eggs until fluffy.
2. Add sugar and vanilla; beat well.
3. Melt the butter and chocolate and add to the mixture (mixing well).
4. Add flour and stir until smooth.
5. Pour into pan.
6. Bake at 375*F for 25 min (if using 9x12 pan) or for 20 min (if using 15x10 pan).
7. Topping: Mix 4 tablespoons butter, confectioners' sugar, mint, and cream.
8. Add green food coloring.
9. Frost brownies and refrigerate.
10. Chill 1 hour.
11. Top with remaining butter and melted chocolate chips.
12. Refrigerate and cut into squares.


Lover's Fondue

* 6 tablespoons whipping cream
* 3 tablespoons honey
* 7 ounces toblerone bittersweet chocolate, chopped (2 3.52-ounce bars) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 tablespoon kirsch (clear cherry brandy)
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
* fresh fruit (such as whole strawberries, 1-inch-thick slices peeled banana, peeled pear wedges and orange segment)

1. Bring cream and honey to simmer in heavy medium saucepan.
2. Add chocolate; whisk until melted.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Whisk in kirsch and extract.
5. Pour fondue into bowl; place on platter.
6. Surround with fruit.
7. Serve with skewers.
***Or skip the fruit and skewers its Lover's fondue and almond is good for the complexion***


Chocolate Covered Cherries

* 2 cups powdered sugar (you may want to use more to thicken it up, some people have used another cup full)
* 1/4 cup margarine
* 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 pinch salt
* maraschino cherry, drained
* milk dipping chocolate (I use giridelli's)

1. Combine the first 5 ingredients until well blended and smooth and place in fridge until firm.
2. Meanwhile spread out the drained cherries on a cookie sheet and freeze for at least 1 hours.
3. Scoop out about 1-2 teaspoon of filling and form into a ball around a cherry.
4. Place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and freeze for 1 hr after you have formed them all.
5. Melt dipping chocolate and using your hands dip each cherry placing it on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and chill in fridge until chocolate is solid.
6. Remove cherries carefully as not to break them open and loose the center.
7. Place in an airtight plastic container and keep in a cool dry place for up to 1 month.

Baby=Love

Breastfeeding Rocks

Yay, today we reached the 4 week breastfeeding milestone!!!

A Birth Story

January 13, 2009, I woke up with some intense Braxton-Hicks contractions, around nine I went in for my routine prenatal doctor's appointment only to discover that my blood pressure was 160/90, protein was spilling over into my urine, and was 2cm dilated. My doctor asked me to go into triage at the Women's Hospital to be screened for pre-eclampsia. Deep down I knew we would not be leaving without a baby so I went home first to gather my bags and husband.

We got admitted into triage rather quickly (whoever invented pre-registration was a genius, kudos to you!) where I was strapped to all kinds of fun monitors; Baby heart rate contraption-check! Contraction reader-check! Evil painful blood pressure cuff-check! And because the hospital finds it necessary to hire blood hungry vampires I got one of those too! Just for kicks and giggles, I managed to muster up a whopping 180/120 BP and a killer migraine. My nurse said the forbidden C-section word so then I had no choice but to pull out the birthplan (a tool that makes every O.B. nurse cringe) and informed everyone that no matter what I was having this drug free, minimally invasive , beautiful birth despite my condition as long as the baby wasn't in danger.

There really was no choice but to have my membranes ruptured due to rising blood pressure, things needed to be moved along. Around 5pm the dam gates were released and I braced myself for the long hours ahead. Warm showers, long walks, birthing ball, back massages, a double cheeseburger smuggled from Burger King, a lot of love, and an abundance of prayer became my sources of sustenance for the next 14 hours of drug free back labor.

I had mentally been preparing quite some time for having this baby naturally as possible, but my body physically failed me. After putting my best efforts forward to avoid drugs the news that my cervix wasn't dilating served as a punch to the gut. For the record, the 14 hours of natural back labor that was endured was not in vain as it now serves as a treasured belief that I can do anything!

The next 12 hours passed in a blur as I experienced everything from pitocin to 2 rounds of epidural, a husband that almost passed out, and still no precious baby in site. At this point we had passed the 24 hour mark of broken water and according to hospital policy Cesarean section becomes imminent, but my godsend of a doctor believes in birth, and most importantly believed in me. My mother led us in prayer and within an hour I went from 6cm to 9 1/2cm. I never became a complete ten due to a mal-positioned cockeyed baby but with the assistance of a vacuum I pushed baby out like our lives depended on it.

My labor process took 34 1/2 hours. Conditions were less than ideal resulting in the very necessary interventions, I did not achieve a drug free childbirth but I tried my very best and at the end of two very long days of preeclamptic back labor it is a miracle that surgery was avoided, I consider my birth experience successful and am looking forward to trying again.

Goal #53 Complete: I got a Samsung Glyde

For my Birthday my husband bought me a Samsyng Glyde, I had been in need of a new phone for quite some time and being practical I had indicated that I would like the env2 but my gadget-man of a husband decided I needed something far more superior and thats how I ended up with this fancy schmancy shiny device . I really like it because it makes texting so much easier and it even takes really good quality photos like this one...




and this one...

Goal # 33 Complete!!! Engagement/Wedding Ring Fits Again

After 3 months of not being able to wear my wedding set, I can now easily slide it on and off my finger, I'm so happy!!!

Returning to Blog World: Andrew's First Weeks

Hi everyone,

Its been awhile since I have posted an update- As expected we have been pretty busy since the birth of Andrew; Our days and nights have been filled with bonding, nursing, diaper changes, sleeping, and lots of love.

Andrew is now 3 weeks old a little over 8lbs and cuter than ever. Each day he grows more alert and interactive. If you kiss his neck he make the cutest happy baby noises and he loves locking eyes with Mama and Daddy. The experts say they are not yet capable of smiling, "its just gas" but we all know better, he really is the happiest baby around!

Every moment with him is so precious, in my mind its absolutely unfathomable that three weeks have already passed since his birth. I want time to stand still so I can breathe in all the baby goodness.

Some of our major milestones this past month include Andrew's first trip to Daddy's hometown, bath, doctor's visit, trip to the mall, and dinner outing. He has established that as long as his cornucopias milk supply is near he is content for all the adventures yet to come.

Baby Announcement

*Drum Roll Please* After 39 weeks 1 day gestation, 32 hours of labor, and a bit of hard pushing, I would like to take this time to introduce the newest member of our family...

Mr. Andrew Russell Choisser
Born January 14, 2009 @ 7:35pm
7 lbs 10 oz, 20 1/2 inches long

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward." -Psalm 127:3

He is a perfect combination of his Mommy and Daddy- He has black clurly hair, a dimpled chin, a lip curl, sideburns that would make Elvis proud, and his ears are shaped like Mommy's and Ridgy like Daddy's.

He also has pretty almond shaped eyes just like his Great-Grandpa Sparky and feet just like his name-sake Great-Pappa Russell.

We are so proud and thankful to welcome this new little man into our world.

101 Goals for 2009

On the right column of my blog you should be able to see a list titled "101 Goals for 2009". This is a list of reasonable things I can see myself acheiving in the next year and upon completion of each goal I will put the date it was completed and more than likely write a blog about it.

New Years Eve: What's In Your Kitchen

My beloved doctor is out of town for the next 24 hours and I'm not exactly in the market for having to use an on-call doctor during a holiday, my mind can't get past the imagery of a tipsy OB/Gyn helping me deliver, my husbands hopes for a tax deduction baby are going on the back burner while I put myself on house arrest until the doctor gets back. We are going to take it easy and spend Rockin' New Years Eve at home with the fur babies and any friends that choose to stop by. Tonights holiday menu is full of some yummy junk food so we can get our fill before all the dieting begins.

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Jelly Meatballs

Meatballs

* 2 lbs lean ground beef
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumb (I use Ritz crackers)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 32oz Grape Jelly
• 3-4 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 dash nutmeg

*Note* For extra lazy meatballs use frozen meat balls, Heinz Chili sauce, and grape jelly however, I promise its not as good.

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
2. First, make the meatballs: combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix well; shape into 1-inch balls.
3. Brown them in a nonstick frying pan until browned all over; drain on paper towel then place in a large ungreased casserole dish.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
4. To make sauce, combine all ingredients in crockpot on low heat and stir until smooth
7. Add meatballs to sauce
9. If you want a lot, this recipe doubles well.

Enjoy some visual imagery!

37 Weeks

Its official, the baby will be here and not a moment too soon. These days Mommy finds herself loving naps, preparing meals in advance for the freezer, cleaning franticly, scolding kitties for getting furry paws near baby merchandise, and wishing for a new back. My once rhinestone adorned belly button is a mere memory that has been replaced with purple trails of motherhood, former "cheerleader legs" are cultivating cottage cheese, and swelling is what happens when I look at a can of Campbell's soup. The sleepless nights that my snoring produces are starting to catch up to my more than accommodating husband's nerves and despite my aches, pains, and complaining, I am thankful for each and everyone that brings us a step closer to meeting the blessing that God knitted in my womb.

This week marks number 37 in "operation countdown to Baby Choisser". According to the folks over at babycenter.com this baby could come out today and be a-ok. Here is what they have to say:

"Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away."

The words "full term" and "three weeks" are music to the pressure ridden ears on my swollen sinus shrunken head. Celebrate with me, my husband is about to get his beloved wife back and the best part of this journey is about to begin, we are going to be parents!!

Christmas Baking

I have been diligently mixing, cutting, baking, melting, and decorating Christmas cookies. This is what I'm filling my tins with this year:

Sugar Cut-Outs
Gingerbread
Pumpkin Cookies
Chocolate Chip
Thin Mints (yep, like the girl scout cookies)
Peppermint Bark
Cinnamon Gems
No-Bakes
Oatmeal Raisin
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Bryan decorated sugar cookies for the first time in his life, behold his little cane creations:



Did you notice the cookies have sparkle to them? He found neat-o glitter gel in the store and even came up with the cool idea of striping the canes with Twizzlers, I love my creative cookie decorating husband!

I did these:



I think I need to go add some melted chocolate to finish off the tree stumps...



Twinkling little stars!



I really want to bite their heads! Chomp...Chomp...oops....Not the Gum drop bottoms!

~*~*~*~*~
ETA: Here is a link to the sugar cookie recipe I used this year. The trick to getting the icing to look so pretty is the hard glaze.

Frosted Grapes

Tonight my Mom and I made some frosted grapes for a bible study. These delicious "candies" are relatively healthy and also double as a beautiful garnish.

• 40 large grapes
• 3 egg whites, beaten but not stiff just bubbly-Since this involves raw egg I would recommend using organic eggs or pasteurized egg product
• organic granulated sugar

1. Brush the grapes with the egg white.
2. Roll in sugar.
3. Dry throughly on a rack.

Honest Scrap Award

Tishia honored me with the 'Honest Scrap Award' for telling it like it is. Thank you so much, you can find out more about her at Tishia's Thoughts

Now, according to her blog, here are the guidelines when winning this award:

1. List 10 honest things about yourself (make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!)

2. Pass the award on to your favorite blogger

So let’s start with the 10 honest things about me:

1. President Bill Clinton kissed me in the Wolf's BBQ parking lot

2. I like watching monotone narrated documentaries on just about any subject with my husband

3. I own very expensive lipsticks and always revert back to good ol' Lip Smackers Dr. Pepper lip gloss

4. I could eat Mexican for every meal and never get sick of it.

5. I truly believe that I married the best looking man ever and thats why I have such a high resting heart rate.

6. I have not washed my hair with shampoo in 17 months and it looks better than ever, thanks to the curly girl method!

7. I'm really good at art but always wind up throwing my projects away because I don't have the confidence to show others.

8. I am passionate about photography and don't even own a camera

9. I'm VERY PROUD of my cloth diaper collection

10. I love cooking and am working on putting together a cookbook that includes our grandmother's most coveted recipes.

Now, I must go choose another blog that I find worthy!

Baby Pool

We have created a baby pool where you can officially guess our baby's birth stats (b-day, height, weight, sex, ect)We look forward to your participation!

As of December 16, 2008 we have learned that Jennifer is 90% effaced and 1 cm dialated.

Baby Choisser is due January 20,2009

Check it out here

Stronger Healther Babies

Love this commercial!



...thats about what it feels like when he kicks!

14 Natural Health Remedies For Children

I liked this article so much that I decided to copy it to my blog for future reference. All credit goes to http://features.parents.com/natural-remedies-for-children.html and Meryl Davids Landau

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Looking for safe, doctor-approved cures for sore throats, coughs, stomachaches, and more? Check this out!

Of course, you should always call your pediatrician if your child's problem seems serious. But the next time your child has a minor ache or injury, you can find these smart solutions all throughout your house.

Honey and Lemon Juice for a Sore Throat

Lemon dries up congestion and honey provides a soothing coating, says Lane Johnson, MD, associate professor of clinical family and community medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. In fact, a recent study found that a spoonful of honey eased kids' coughs even better than cough medicine. Mix together a tablespoon of each, microwave for 20 seconds until warm (not hot), and have your child swallow the mixture a teaspoon at a time. Caution: Honey is not safe for babies under 1 year.

Chamomile Tea for Colic

Peter Rabbit's mother fed him soothing chamomile tea in Beatrix Potter's classic tale, and you can give it to your infant to relax her intestinal muscles and calm her down, says Dr. McClafferty, a pediatrician in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Steep tea for four to five minutes, let it cool to room temperature, and then put one to two ounces in a bottle. Don't give your baby more than four ounces a day so that she'll be sure to have plenty of room in her tummy for breast milk or formula.

Baking Soda for Bug Bites

"My nana used to make a baking-soda paste for me when I was a child, and when I tried it on my own kids, they said that it stopped the itching better than store-bought products," says Estelle Whitney, MD, an ob-gyn in private practice in Wilmington, Delaware. The alkaline baking soda helps counteract the acidic swelling, she explains. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste, smear it on the bites, and let it dry.

Cayenne Pepper for Nosebleed

This spice helps blood clot, and it has been used medicinally in cultures around the world, says pediatrician Lillian Beard, MD, author of Salt in Your Sock and Other Tried-and-True Home Remedies. Keep your child's head upright and pinch his nostrils together for several minutes. Then sprinkle a pinch of ground cayenne pepper on a moistened cotton swab and dab inside the nose on the area of the bleeding. "It seems like it might sting but, surprisingly, it doesn't," says Dr. Beard.

Junk Drawer: Duct Tape for Warts

The gray fabric tape seems to irritate warts -- which can be surprisingly stubborn -- and inhibit their growth. Place a small piece on the skin over your child's wart, but not so tightly that it hurts, says Dr. Johnson. Change the tape whenever it starts to get icky; in about a month, the wart should be gone.

A Bubble Wand for Anxiety

Breathing slowly and deeply will help your child relax when she's feeling stressed, says Lonnie Zeltzer, MD, director of the pediatric pain program at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA and author of Conquering Your Child's Chronic Pain. Have your child blow long, slow streams of bubbles from the soapy wand.

A Bandanna for Headaches

Wrapping several ice cubes in a dish towel will help soothe your child's head pain (never place ice directly on his skin because it'll burn), but it'll be hard for him to hold it in place for long, says Dr. Beard. To keep the towel-wrapped ice from slipping, press it against his forehead or temples and secure it with a bandanna tied at the back of his neck.

A Sock for Tummy or Neck Pain

Instead of buying a heat wrap, make one by filling a sock with uncooked rice and tying it closed with a string, says Paula Gardiner, MD, a researcher in the department of family medicine at Boston University Medical Center. Microwave the sock for one minute or until warm, and place it wherever your child has pain. When it cools off, microwave it again.

Your Blow-Dryer for Swimmer's Ear

This painful inflammation of the outer ear traps liquid and possibly bacteria. If the area has become infected, your pediatrician will probably prescribe antibiotic drops. But for mild cases, you can try evaporating the trapped water by standing a foot away from your child and aiming the dryer -- on the warm (not hot) setting -- at her ear, says Dr. Beard.

Contact Lens Solution for Congestion

For a child over 6 months, fill a bulb syringe with preservative-free saline solution, raise her head, and gently squeeze solution into one nostril at a time, says Dr. McClafferty. (Do it in the bath or over the sink.) In fact, a recent study found that using a nasal wash with a seawater solution (not yet available in the U.S.) helped kids get over colds faster -- and made them less likely to get sick again.

Fresh Ginger Tea for Car Sickness

"Ginger stops the stomach contractions that tell your child's brain he feels nauseous," says Dr. McClafferty. For children ages 2 and older, add a teaspoon of shredded fresh ginger to four ounces of boiling water, and let it steep for four to five minutes. You can add a bit of honey to make it taste better. After it has cooled, have your child drink it a half hour before getting into the car.

Cucumber for Mild Swelling

If you go to a fancy spa, the facialist may use this salad staple to ease the puffiness around your eyes. That's because cool cucumber slices help soothe hot, swollen skin. You can place a slice anywhere your child has minor swelling, Dr. Beard suggests, and then simply replace it with another slice from the fridge after it becomes warm.

A Credit Card for a Bee Sting

If a bee or wasp stings your child, remove the stinger to prevent additional venom from entering the wound. In order to avoid squeezing the stinger, which can spread the venom, use the flat edge of a credit card to gently scrape across the area until the stinger comes out.

A Stick of Gum for Indigestion

If your child is age 4 or older, have her chew some gum when she complains of a full stomach after a big meal. "The extra saliva she'll produce will neutralize the problematic excess stomach acid," says gastroenterologist Anil Minocha, MD, author of Natural Stomach Care.

Copyright © 2008. Used with permission from the May 2008 issue of Parents magazine.

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Cloth Diapering

I'm going to attempt to cloth diaper my babe-not exactly trying to be Captain Planet but there are a lot of benefits to cloth diapering and yes, I am well aware of the disadvantages. Realizing that its possible to change my mind at any point if it becomes too challenging, we are all about having happy baby bottoms here in the Choisser household, and if my Grandmothers and their Grandmothers could do it I know I can.

I honestly think the most intriguing thing about cloth diapering is the tremendous amount of money it saves and how it virtually makes diaper rash a non-existent element. Plus, if you don't mind and extra load of laundry, cloth diapering is becoming pretty simple.

I'm not as practical or frugal as some Mamas who choose to use prefolds but these Fuzzi Bunz (and other pocket diapers) are pretty awesome and still save lots of money and make for such cute baby butts!

According to diaperpin.com a website that calculates diapering costs, if I purchase 12 Fuzzi bunz and the supplies I need to diaper a baby I will :

Savings calculated: break even in 12.45 weeks or 2.86 months.
You will save $262.78 in 6 months.
You will save $597.96 in 10 months.
You will save $765.55 in 1 year.
You will save $1268.33 in 1 1/2 years.

..and keep in mind that I can save these diapers and use them on future children (not that I'm thinking of future children at this time), but we are talking huge savings!!

Christmas List: As Requested by my Husband

Hunny,

Do you really want to know what I want for Christmas? I could be sweet and cheesy and sing about how, "All I want for Christmas is you" or how, "I want to be the mother of your baby"and while both truly are my heart's desire I can think of a few self indulging items to brighten my spirits.

1. I want my belly button back!!!!! Please, Please, Please if there is a Santa, restore my belly button back to the perfect cute deep rhinestone crested crevasse it once was and if your feeling generous I will gladly settle for weighing 130lbs. A girl can dream can't she? Maybe I should shoot for that for next Christmas.

2. I would like earrings- don't care what they look like, where they come from, or if they are a multi pack from claires.

3. Vera Bradley Diaper Bag- I'm not too picky about the print but I really like: Kensington, Java Blue, and Peacock.

4. A romantic date- Baby will be here soon and we must value our alone time!

5. Dr. Pepper Lip Gloss

6. Bare Minerals Foundation in Light

Sixty Hours: Part I

Last Sunday went down as just about the worst day in history, stress levels were running high between my Mother and I as we were just beginning to recover from hosting Thanksgiving for both sides of the family. Several tears were shed after a hurtful word exchange on both of our behalves and while we were having our stupid, "mother daughter moment" a much bigger event was taking place that will forever change our lives. The phone rang.

November 30, 2008

Around 7pm, Mom receives word from her brother that Granny (My Grandmother) has collapsed in her home and is being rushed to the hospital. We get to the emergency room in time to learn that Granny has suffered a massive stroke, a hemorrhage on her brain, and it will only be a matter of time before her body shuts down, Sixty precious hours to be exact.

Peggy C. (Renfro) Matthews, 74, of Evansville, was taken home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at Deaconess Hospital. She was born April 5, 1934, in Erwin, Tenn.

Peggy graduated from Reitz High School, 1952, and Lockyear Business College.

Peggy was a homemaker for most of her life. She worked early in her life for Woolworth's and Plumbers Supply Co. She was a member of Vann Avenue Baptist Church. Peggy was always active in serving Jesus Christ. She taught Sunday school for many years at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. She received great joy in reading the Bible and sharing God's Word with others.

Peggy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family and friends and was always there for them. She touched the hearts of many and will be missed by all. Peggy enjoyed traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Audrey (White) Renfro.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Russell Matthews; daughter, Judith Morrison and husband, Dennis; son, Warren Matthews and wife, Becky; grandchildren, David and Steven Matthews, Kenneth Morrison and Jennifer (Morrison) Choisser and husband, Bryan; sister, Betty George and husband, Estel, Newburgh; sister-in-law, Rosemary Matthews, Elberfeld; seven nephews and one niece.

It's impossible for me to process the last time I would see Granny, as I knew her, was on Thanksgiving. My last moment with her was a hug and the words, "Bye Granny, I love you". I can't believe that I will never eat one of her home cooked meals again, hear her laugh, watch her mark tiny notes in her bible, and observe her meticulously unwrapping her Christmas gifts in such a way that the paper could be reused.

But what happened in the sixty precious hours, from the time of that terrible stroke to the passing of her earthly body, will forever change the relationship I have with my own mother and how I value the gift of forgiveness.

(To be continued...)