Happy Birthday, Brenzie!

Today is Brenzie's 3rd birthday.  Since my birthday early this month, we've been talking a lot about birthdays.  This was our conversation  two days ago while he was taking a bath:

Brenzie:  Can you give me a surprise?

Me:  I'll give you a surprise on your birthday.

Brenzie:  Birth....day?

Me:  It's the day you were born.

Brenzie: Burn?

Me:  Born.

Brenzie: Burn?

Me:  Born.

Brenzie: Born?

Me:  Yes.

Brenzie: Oh.  You chose me?

Me:  Ummm.... No.  God chose you.

Brenzie:  Okay.

When he woke up this morning, I greeted him a happy birthday, and then I asked him, "What is a birthday?"  He answered, "Cupcakes!"

I rest my case. 

 

Photo at right:  We celebrated his birthday at Kindermusik today.  He is holding his favorite chocolate banana cupcake.

 

My Fair Little Trixie

When Trixie woke up today, the first thing she asked me was, "Am I six na?"  I said yes and she gave a small giggly smile.  She only turned six, but somehow, the daily transformation from a little kid to my fair little lady always surprise me.  Instead of the usual kiddie-favorite chocolate cupcakes for her birthday, she insisted on vanilla cake with purple frosting (she wanted mint purple frosting but later compromised).  For her birthday gifts, she wanted roller skates and jewelry (but I didn't oblige to those wishes... not yet). Last year, she wanted high heels.  I even caught her daydreaming yesterday and I asked her what she was thinking about.  She said she was thinking of what dress to wear to school for her birthday.  She truly is quite a gem and I am very proud of her.  She is my little artist, my sweet ballerina, my darling daughter. 

Photo at right:  Trixie slipped out of her class today and gave me this.  I might have given her a wonderful birthday party in school, but she gave me the best gift ever.       

Happy Birthday, Trixie!

Trixie turned six today. She was very happy she turned a year older. She wants to be "a famous ballerina" when she grows up --- those were her exact words.

Yogurt and Spice-Marinated Grilled Chicken

Description:
This month's issue of Yummy magazine is wonderful as it features many ways of cooking chicken breast. This one is a real winner-- it is so easy to prepare and the result is oh so delicious. Leftovers can be served with salad, pasta or made into a hearty chicken sandwich.

Ingredients:
Marinade:
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
(Don't be turned off by the spices; they will blend in with the yogurt to bring out a fantastic flavor!)

6 chicken breast fillets, skin on (I used skinless fillets.)

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients for the marinade then add in the chicken breasts. Marinate overnight.

Cooking options:
1- Grill chicken over medium hot charcoal for about 8 minutes per side.
2- Pan-grill the chicken on top of the stove using a grill pan. (This is what I did.)
3- Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes at 375F.

Note: If chicken is too thick, please cover the pan with foil or lid as you begin grilling the other side, to ensure they get fully cooked without getting tough.

Everyday Struggle

It is indeed an everyday struggle (three times a day actually) to have Brenzie brush his teeth.  So before going to bed, I asked him, "Brenzie, do you know what will make you more cute?"  Trixie finished it by saying, "Brushing your teeth!"  As usual, Brenzie was full of tears as I brushed his teeth, but afterwards, he got down from the bed, looked in front of the mirror, then smiled. :) 

Photo at left:  Brenzie loves Ama's pet Caramel, as shown by his big, happy smile.

My Birthday 2011

I am in that stage in life where I seriously have to do the math to get my age right. :)

Perfect Olive Oil Pie Crust

Description:
With a commitment to prepare healthy recipes for my family, I have veered away from recipes that use a lot of butter or shortening; thus, I don't usually make pie crusts. So, it is with a happy heart that I am sharing this recipe with everyone- a pie crust made with olive oil! Woohoo! I got this recipe from Micki Sannar's book "Olive Oil Desserts." Just this recipe alone is well worth the cookbook.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, sifted
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pure olive oil
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I omit this when making savory pies)

Egg Wash:
1 egg white
2 teaspoons cold water

Directions:
In a mixing bowl add flour, sugar and salt. Mix together.
Add olive oil, buttermilk and vanilla. Using a spatula, blend all ingredients. Add more flour as needed to create the desired texture.
Divide dough into 2 equal parts. Form into balls and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Flatten with the palm of your hand. Let rest for 5-10 minutes (no need to refrigerate).
Roll out between wax or parchment paper. Assemble according to recipe instructions.

Egg Wash:
Mix egg white and water together until well blended. Using a pastry brush, brush egg mixture on the top of crust prior to baking.