Spain is victorious!

"Spain broke a 22-year hoodoo as they won the last quarter-final match of Euro 2008 with a 4-2 penalty win over Italy in Vienna to set up a semi-final with Guus Hiddink's Russia. After a largely uneventful match, Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas was the hero after saving from Daniel De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale to send Spain through after Cesc Fabregas slotted coolly home." (Espn.com)

Rachael Ray's Berry Pancakes

Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 mins (plus rising)

Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup lukewarm water 

One 1/4 ounce package active dry yeast

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/4 cups milk

2 large eggs, at room temp

1 cup raspberries, plus more for garnish

1 pint blueberries

Directions:

1. In a glass measuring cup, combine the warm water, yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar; let stand until foamy, about 5 mins.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and the salt. In a medium bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in the milk and microwave for 30 seconds, more. Stir the milk mixture and the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients until almost smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temp until doubled in size, about 45 mins.

3. Beat the eggs, then mix into the batter. In a small saucepan, warm the maple syrup over low heat. Add the raspberries and mash with a fork.

4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Spoon 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the griddle. Sprinkle a few blueberries onto each pancake and cook until bubbles appears on the surface, 1 to 1 1/2 mins. Flip and cook until springy to the touch, about 30 seconds more. Repeat with the remaining batter and blueberries. Serve with the raspberry syrup.

Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday, Dad!!

We wish we could spend this day with you. I posted some things for Mom last month so I thought I'd do the same for you too! =) Coffee and cake...doesn't that sound appetizing?! I made sure to find a picture of some black coffee since I know that's all you drink now. ;) I have several cards on route to Girona for you but I'm thinking they probably didn't get there in time. I just wanted to be sure you knew I didn't forget! We are praying for you. I love you! Emma sends a hug and kiss too. 

Paula Deen's Cheese Cob Recipe

1/2 cup mayonnaise

5 ears corn, husks and silk removed

1 cup shredded Parmesan

Chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Prepare grill

Brush a thin layer of mayonnaise on corn. Sprinkle the corn with cheese, chili powder, salt and pepper. Wrap each corn with foil and place on the grill. Turn occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes (until kernels begin to brown). Serve warm.

Emma's first time to the beach

Beach (part 2)

Beach (part 1)

Country Home

Free 2 year subscription to Country Home Magazine. Click on title for link. ValueMags is offering a free 2-year subscription to Country Home. You will not receive a bill for this, it is absolutely free.

Yesterday I got some cute pictures of Emma in my magazine basket. She kept pulling out magazines and bringing them to me. Finally, I went into the living room and she was sitting on top of them all as happy as can be. I was trying to get some pics without her beloved paci...so that is why she has a fussy face in one. 

"Don't Make Me Count to Three" Download

My pastor's wife is doing a series of lessons on this book. It has been very insightful for me to prepare for the months ahead with little Miss Emma. If you have time to download a few of the lessons or all of them, I highly recommend it. Click on the title to go directly to the link.

Finger Paints

Homemade finger paints are nontoxic, washable, and always available.

Stir 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup cornstarch together; add 2 cups of cold water, and heat over medium heat until the mixture is thick (the mixture will further thicken as it cools). Divide into four or more containers, and add food coloring as desired. (Martha Stewart online)

Homemade Granola

Ingredients

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup honey

4 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut

2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 1/2 cups medium diced dried apricots or dried pears

1 cup golden raisins

1 cup dried cranberries

Directions

 

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a small bow, whisk together the oil and honey; set aside. Toss the oats, coconut, pecans, and sunflower seeds together in a large bowl. Add the oil mixture, and stir, with a wooden spoon until well combined. Pour mixture onto two 13-by-8 inch baking sheets, and bake, stirring frequently, until the mixture is an even golden brown, 20 to 40 minutes, checking every 5 minutes.

2. Remove granola from oven; let cool, stirring occasionally. Add dried apricots (or pears), golden raisins, cranberries; stir to combine. Store in an airtight container.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I saw this idea a bit too late but I'll keep it in mind for next time. It's out of the Martha Stewart magazine. Breakfast in a bowl for Mom. =) I thought it was so cute! That way I would have made your breakfast without really being present. =) You pack a bowl, spoon, an awesome granola mix, and a bag of your favorite tea. I thought I'd post some pictures for you, even though I can't be with you this Mother's day...enjoy some virtual flowers and this recipe for some homemade granola. You should be getting some letters in the mail soon, if you haven't already. Love you!!