S'mores Cake

I am not an ambitious baker. When I need a recipe for something to take to a party, I tend to google  phrases like "easy chocolate dessert" or "easy dessert bars." One of my favorite go-to recipes is the ol' pie filling cobbler: apple pie filling topped with yellow cake mix and a few tablespoons of butter. Stick it in the oven for twenty minutes, and boom. Done.

That's what makes my even attempting this dessert so bizarre. I... separated eggs? I used the MIXER?? I basically use the mixer NEVER. But it was the birthday of two dear friends, one of them being my roommate, and they are both major dessert lovers.

Go big or go home, right?

I started by paging through Emily's Pinterest recipe board to see if anything caught my eye. What I noticed was a LOT of s'mores-themed recipes. Bars, cupcakes, and everything in between. Okay! S'mores it is!

After looking at a few different pins, I decided that a cake might be the way to go. But despite looking at MANY different recipes for s'mores cakes, I never found the perfect one. So what follows is an amalgamation of several different cake recipes. For ultimate deliciousness.

But nothing too ridiculous. FAR too many recipes called for me to make my own ganache, or other such nonsense. And I love my friends, but HECK no.

This recipe gave me a lot of inspiration, but on the whole it was just too complicated and time-consuming for me to attempt. So the main recipe I pulled from was this one, because it involved a graham cracker cake.

A graham cracker cake??? Who knew such a thing existed? Not this kid.

Now we just needed a little more chocolate. For my birthday this year, my sister made me an AMAZING cake (from this recipe) that was two layers of chocolate cake surrounding a layer of brownie.

That sounds good. A brownie layer it is!

Sunday morning before church I got up and whipped up a box of dark chocolate brownies in a round pan that I prepared with wax paper and a LOT of non-stick spray. It popped right out and I left it to cool while I went up to work in the church nursery.

When I got home, it was cake time! I got out the mixer, separated those eggs like a boss, and got to work on the graham cracker cake. This is, without a doubt, the most high-maintenance cake I've ever made. Mixing the egg whites, adding in the butter and sugar, alternating the addition of the milk with the graham cracker crumbs... it was crazy. But I did it! With only slightly messy results.



When the (super weird-looking) batter was done, I poured it into two round pans, that I had again prepared with wax paper and a TON of non-stick spray. Like, really. A lot a lot. I did not come this far to have my cakes stuck to the bottom of their pans. Heck. No.



So this is where being a SUPER FUN AND BUSY SINGLE GIRL ON THE GO YOU'RE GONNA MAKE IT AFTER ALLLLLLL gets a little in the way. Because from here I had to leave to go to a concert downtown. (And by concert I mean like a symphony, not like One Direction or something.) And my roommate, one of the birthday girls, was due to come home at any minute!

If this were a TV show, this is where there would be a jump cut to these two little graham cracker cakes resting on wire cooling racks on a pink Rubbermaid container underneath my vanity in my room.

Sometimes a girl has to improvise.

I wanted to wait as long as I could to ice the cakes, so when I got home from the concert, I put them each in a big ziplock bag. Then when I got home from work the next day, I was on a TIGHT schedule. I had less than thirty minutes to change for the birthday dinner and build/ice the cakes.

I put the first graham cracker cake on the cake stand and covered it with a layer of chocolate icing. From a can. Not homemade, but it tasted fine to me! Then I added a few dollops of marshmallow cream (again from a jar--what WHAT!).



The marshmallow cream was much stickier than I'd counted on, which led to this lovely look.




Awesome. Well, who cares, because next came the brownie layer, more icing and marshmallow cream, and finally the last layer of graham cracker cake. By this time my hands were shaking because I was seriously running out of time, and I kept running to the sink to wash marshmallow off my hands, chocolate was everywhere... it was crazy. But I got the top layer frosted and promptly covered the whole thing with... a big pot lid. Because I have no cake cover. Hey, I told you I wasn't a baker!

After dinner, we came back home and I immediately set about finishing up the cake. I put a few more spoonfuls of marshmallow cream on top, but didn't really mess with them much so as not to disturb the icing. That turned out to work out GREAT, because in the next few minutes, it got nice and oozy and spread out just enough to look pretty dang awesome.

I arranged a handful of big marshmallows and rectangles of Hershey'son top, and dusted a small handful of leftover graham cracker crumbs on top. Oh, and I almost forgot, I used a lighter to toast some of the edges of the marshmallows just a little bit. I'm sure if you had an actual kitchen torch it would work a lot better/faster, but I worked with what I had!

The final result:
 










Boom Shaka Laka.

It ended up tasting WONDERFUL. Incredibly rich, which after sushi was maybe NOT the best choice? But still. Amazing.

Highly recommend.

Not Shy in Chi-Town

I turned 30 in January. My husband threw me a fabulous surprise party and then took fabulous to a whole new level when he whisked me off to Chicago for my present.


When we headed for the airport I had no clue regarding our final destination. For packing purposes he gave me a forecast and some minimal direction as to the type of things I would need to prepare for.  He waited until our bags were checked at the airport and our boarding passes secretly printed before finally sharing the surprises. They came in a wave of envelopes.

1. Chicago!
2. Tickets to Mama Mia!
3. Tickets to WAIT, WAIT, DON'T TELL ME!


The man is an excellent gift giver.


I don't need to convince anyone that I'm mildly obsessed with NPR. I've been listening to public radio in the mornings since I was a sophomore in high school. Garrison Keillor joined us on many family roadtrips during my childhood. I've trained for 5Ks, 10Ks and even the half marathon by tuning into Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me and This American Life.


Chicago has been on my travel list for years... but that's primarily because Wait, Wait is taped there before a live studio audience. My bucket list contains "Attend a live taping of Wait, Wait." For real.


Give me whatever label you like, but I'm not going to deny my love for Peter Sagal.


And the night of the taping, I suppose I sought to prove my dedication to the man. 


To fully understand this event, you have to imagine meeting one of your favorite entertainment personalities. We went out for a yet another great meal before taking a cab to the Chase Bank Downtown Auditorium. Seating is pretty much first come, first serve... so of course we arrived early to get a good spot in line. When the ticketing staff arrived they quickly informed everyone there was in fact, no line to be formed. Our line didn't exist. (What is this, the Matrix?) They would not recognize the line, and instead when the will-call table opened up it was just going to be a giant mad dash from every end of the basement room. I wondered if anyone had ever been trampled before, but then realized this was a public radio audience. So.. probably not? But D and I made a plan anyways. I would wait almost behind the tables while he picked up our tickets and then once I saw them in his hand I would make a mad dash to get us a spot at the "real line." We rushed the table, snagged a spot, picked up a program and proceeded to analyze everything about the night's show. At this point I was as giddy as all get out. I was even shaking a little bit. Not gonna lie.


We end up in the 3rd row and within feet of the small stage. The entire theatre holds about 400 people, so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. I simply wanted to be the closest to Peter Sagal, Carl Kasell, Peter Grosz, Roxanne Roberts, and Brian Bablyon as humanly possible. I wanted to be able to reach out and touch the earphones and microphones. (Not really, but kind of... yes.)


The show was thoroughly entertaining. We laughed all the way through. D even remarked how much he enjoyed the night. As soon as the taping drew to a close we were informed that we could line up and meet EVERYONE.  ("Everyone we know is doing what?? GIVING AWAY CANDY?"  "What do we have to do?) 


I don't usually stand in lines to meet celebrities. I don't purchase VIP tickets to concerts. I just feel awkward and I know I'm going to be an idiot. But this was different. I felt like these people were my friends. I had been listening to their voices for years, and besides... it's just public radio.


So I BOLTED for Peter Sagal's line. D had the camera out and I had my pen and program at the ready. I kept trying to think of something terribly witty and engaging to say. But by the time I reached Peter, I just word vomited. I don't know what happened. I said something to the effect of "OH MY GOODNESS. IT IS SUCH AN HONOR TO MEET YOU!! Blah, blah, blah. Gush, gush, gush." It was like that scene in A Christmas Story. And in spite of my meltdown he smiled professionally and asked my name and was about to send me on my merry way when I finally blurted out:


"If I was a 13 year-old girl, YOU would be my Justin Bieber!!"


This was followed by a brief period of uncomfortable silence as he signed my program. He finally replied with a smile, "Well, that's very interesting. I've never been told that before."


I laughed nervously and said thank you about a million times and let my husband take our photo before running away.


My internal dialogue for the next 3 hours: "GINGER. What did you do?!"


D reassured me that Peter wouldn't remember this story in the next hour, much less the next day. It was going to be ok.


So I wandered over and met Carl Kasell and then had a very nice discussion with Roxanne Roberts, before finishing off the night by telling Peter Grosz that I loved his work in the Sonic commercials. "Oh yeah," I said, "Big fan."


Big dork.
Awesome trip.
Chicago Art Institute.
Frozen Lake Michigan.
Ice Skating in Millenium Park.
Deep Dish Pizza.
Willis Tower.
John Hancock Building.
Wrigley Field.

Amazing husband.

Fabulous memories.

15 out of 30

I last posted about my endeavor to accomplish 30 new and exciting things before my 30th birthday.

I only hit 15 items.

This could feel like a failure... except for the fact that I'm pretty proud of a few of the items on my list. I worried that they would all end up being about food. I had intentions to make it to my in-law's house and attempt to walk on stilts. I wanted to take a cycling class. I planned to run a 9 minute mile. I had so many more things that I really wanted to accomplish.

But then something happened this week that reminded once again how quickly everything can change. A close friend lost her 8 year-old nephew to leukemia. His journey was long and hard, but in the last 6 months of his life Liam decided to help raise money to dig fresh water wells. In his dad's words: After his relapse, in an attempt to make each day as meaningful as it could be, we decided that every day in the hospital should include three important things: learning something, making something and loving someone. After one conversation about how to love people, we ended up at the Water Project's website, and Liam started raising money to dig wells for people who have no clean water.

Because of his beautiful life over $30,000 dollars has been raised for the Water Project.

There I was lamenting not having enough time to learn to make hummus and Liam wanted to bring fresh water to the world.

These past weeks I casually tried new foods, listened to sports radio, learned how to juggle, memorized Hebrew, and pushed myself to run a 1/2 marathon. It was a fun way to finish off my twenties.

But for this year and for this life, I want so much more. I want to live better.

I want to be more like these people...

1. Liam, who lived well and full of life- giving wells of life to others.

2. Shannon, who falls on her face and prays for the orphans of the world.

3. My dad who who plays the piano for Alzheimer patients who don't remember after he leaves, but who dance and sing while he's there.

4. Becca, who is currently fostering two boys as a single mom.

5. Carson, who is making friends with the homeless men in our area.

6. My mother-in-law, who has volunteered at a homeless shelter for over 20 years.

7. Carey, who dreams big and listens intently for the voice of our Father.

8. Mary, whose heart for refugees could hold up the whole world.

9. Megan, who adopted one and her heart breaks for every other child in the foster system.

10. My mother, who makes the Bible come alive to children.

11. Annie, who gets back up every time and makes again something beautiful.

12. Clay, who reminds me how much God loves His sheep.

13. My husband, who sees and loves every child he's ever met.

14. Suzie, who will take in strangers and love them like family.

15. Virginia, whose hugs feel like home.

16. Grandma, who shows me what love looks like.

17. Kacie, who asks the questions that make you stop and think.

18. Whitney, who gives freely and generously to those she loves.

19. Erin and Jon, whose hearts have been on mission from the very start.

20. Abby, who is faithfully walking through fire.

21. Angie, who reminds me to live adventurously.

22. Lauren, whose loyalty strengthens and affirms everyone around her.

23. Valerie, who shows me what it means to "rejoice when others rejoice."

24. Jack, who challenges us to stop making excuses.

25. Scott, who points everyone back to the gospel over and over.

26. Lauren, who teaches me that God's portion is good.

27. Mike, who reminds me to live life with two scoops.

28. Chauncey, who is faithful to the very end.

29. Brian, who is living it out on the front lines.

30. Fernando and Carrie Fay, who show me what family looks like.

And I could go on and on. You know that right? Rather than having a list of things to do before I die, I just want to remember to live. That's the whole point, isn't it? Life is so short and so precious. I'm so thankful for the gift of that reminder this week. I'm thankful for so many to love and for so many who love me back. I'm so thankful for so many examples of how to live and love well.

Birthday request: Tell someone you love them today. And if you feel so inclined, donate to help Liam finish another well.

Here's to 30, and doing it well.

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ John 7:38, NIV

The End... (kind of)

This year is r-e-d, red h-o-t, red hot, red hot, red hot.

I'm not even insinuating the end of the world, mind you.

Fact: I turn 30 years of age in 18 days.

This facial expression was not made because of that fact. (This is me doing my best to take a photo and not look like I'm standing in a bathroom holding out my phone... because let's face it... this isn't myspace.)

If I really stop and think about turning 30 I'm not worried or freaked out. I think I was nervous about it when I was 27, but the closer I get the more sure I am that each year holds something unique and powerful that will continue to shape me into the person I'm created to be.

At dinner last night, we had a group discussion about if there was anything we would NOT do again if given the opportunity. I thought through several mistakes and arguments and then began to consider experiences, relationships, classes, choices... and I ended up thinking that even the hardest moments have been used to fuel the 29 year-old me. So true: nothing is wasted in God's economy. I wish those younger versions of me had more wisdom, tact, grace, patience, contentment, and poise... but I also know that in my weaknesses HE has been stronger.

I feel like such a momentous age deserves a momentous goal. I thought about trying to do 30 things in the year before I turn 30... but that didn't happen. And then I thought about 30 new and adventurous things in the year following turning 30.

But now I'm sitting here with 18 full days of my twenties waiting to be lived and I decided to just go for it. I'm going to document 18 days of trying new things... and hope that I can get to the number 30 before turning 30. Realize that you are dealing with someone who doesn't try new foods unless forced and often doesn't push herself to do anything unless she is at least partially confident that she will succeed.

But I'm still going to give it a try.

Here's to peanut butter on apples (who knows, maybe I'll like it?) and craft projects (recovering a lamp shade like I'm a pinterest boss). Here's to running half marathons (help me now) and memorizing verses in Hebrew (She'ma, Yisra'el...). If nothing else, it's going to be an adventurous end to my 20s.

30 in 18 by 30. (Makes no sense, but I'm game.)

Double

The Good Lord gave doubly when it came to the 28th of August. My dad and sister share the SAME birthday... TODAY!

Happy Birthday to my sister who is stylish, caring, inventive, imaginative, witty, and hilarious.

Happy Birthday to my dad who is generous, intelligent, charming, creative, hard-working and hilarious.

BAM. Double Birthday!! Wish I could be there to celebrate with both of you! Much love...

So Many Birthdays, So Little Time

Too many wonderful people to celebrate this month. I mean really, people. Let's try to spread them out next time!!

Happy Birthday TODAY to my wonderful mother-in-law, Nancy! (Woman!)

Happy August 21st and 24th to mi amigas, Whitney and Becca!

And Happy August 1st to my own fabulous mom! Love you! (POLLUTION!)

And Happy August 4th to the Siren- Annie, August 8th to the Game Boss- Ross... and all of August to everyone else in the world... apparently. Oh don't worry - more birthdays to come tomorrow. ;)

(You think I'm joking... I'm not.)

Clayboy

Val and I have a brother. His name is Clay. He will never ever read this unless someone pulls it up on a computer and marches him over and makes him sit down in front of it. That's ok.

Today Clay turns 23. I remember when he was small enough for me to pick up when my mom turned her back.

I remember when he was finally old enough to attend the camp where I worked. I beamed with pride, even when he threw up during a skit.

And now he's taller than me, finishing up school, and making us all laugh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! We love you Clayboy. :)

Totally and Completely Awesome

If success = being completely awesome... then check out some of my birthday winnings from last month.

Yes, that's right... I finally received that sister I always wanted. Turning 29 = success.

P.S. Question: Best birthday gift you've EVER received?

P.P. S. Exciting post coming this week. D and I spent the weekend across the border working with a medical clinic. We returned exhausted and filled up. Totally different kind of success.

Birthday Cake and All that Jazz

Here's to Valpal and Dad:

Happy Birthday!!

Watch an old movie, have some BBQ, dance to mariachi music, go see a play, sing to the Beach Boys, play a game, laugh so hard you hit the table, view some home movies, strain some orange juice, drink a malt...

AND KNOW YOU ARE LOVED!!!

The Lost Birthday

We (okay, mostly I) like to do birthdays big at our office, and Stacy's birthday this year was no exception. With the end of one of our favorite shows fast approaching, and also at the prospect of turning her office into its own private island, I leaped at the chance to Lost-ify our marketing suite! Here are a few pictures from the day:

Hehehe... One of my favorite touches:

The inside of her office:


Celebrating that afternoon:

Such a fun day! Can't wait for the next office birthday...

Happy Birthday, Ginger!

Today is my co-blogger and sister's 27th birthday! In her honor, here's a look back at a few past birthdays. I'm sure she could tell you exactly how old she was turning in each picture, not to mention exactly what presents she got. Her memory is freakish like that....

I think she's turning maybe 4 or 5 here? I love how intensely she is opening her present. Concentrate, G!
Valerie: too preoccupied with the chocolate to participate in that whole singing "Happy Birthday" thing....

This is the very birthday where she got her Samantha doll. Bliss!

I guess she has birthday... cookies? I have no idea why she doesn't have a cake.

The piece de resistance: the Babysitters Club birthday party. All of her friends dressed up as different BSC members! Ginger was Stacey, of course.

Cheeeese! Also, please note the copy of BRIO on the corner of the table. Awesome.

Happy Birthday, G! Hope God blesses the pants off your day! High Five the Holy King.