Mom got me the Lion House Cakes & Cupcakes book and made a "nest" necklace. Dakota had my name this year and gave me a Vanilla Bean hand soap set from Bath & Body Works, some Plum Jam and Ferrero chocolates. John received a huge jar of pistachios from mom and a blue solid dress shirt from Brian. Audrey received the Madagascar II soundtrack, a pirates book and a large assortment of Coca-Cola dishes from Grandma. She received a family pack of Oreos and a pirate blanket from Shaune. We were able to give gifts to Kathy (a cookbook), Cameron (Lego Hero Factory) and Dakota (Star Wars items).
There is a crazy story about the Star Wars items... Dakota had hinted that he liked the Star Wars popcorn tins. There were 4 different ones. I asked mom to pick up 2 for me while she was getting 2 for her to give - - so he would end up with all 4 patterns. Well, evidently mom was busy so sent Michelle on the errand. When they delivered the 2 tins to my house, Dakota was in the van so they sent him inside. Audrey was home and said Dakota dropped them off and said "These are for Aunt Sam". That's pretty bad when you deliver your own Christmas gift AND think it is for someone else!
Below is a picture (left to right) of James, Dakota, Cameron, Mariska, Brianna, Cheyenne & Audrey. They sure are growing up! Note the pictures in the background? Right beside Mariska's head is "me" and just to the right of Brianna's head is Kathy's baby picture.
ALTON BROWN'S BASIC WAFFLE RECIPE
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 TB sugar
3 whole eggs, beaten
2 oz unsalted butter, melted
16 oz buttermilk
In a medium bowl whisk together flour, soda, baking powder, salt and sugar. In another bowl beat together eggs and melted butter, and then add buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Preheat waffle iron, ladle recommended batter on iron, close top and cook until golden on both sides. Serve immediately.
