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Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Treats


Nesting in progress!
Here's a recipe I can't keep to myself.....

THE ULTIMATE M & M COOKIES

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2-1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Lots of M & M's (dark chocolate if you can find them!)- at least 1/2 pound- I use a whole 14oz bag! (or chocolate chips)

You need an electric mixer for these to come out perfectly. Combine the two sugars. Add the butter and beat until light and fluffy (this step is very important, and could take about 5 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beat first on low speed, then on high speed until completely incorporated (not "curdled"). Add the vanilla and beat again on low, then high.

Add the flour mixed with baking soda and salt in 2-3 batches. After each addition, beat on low until incorporated, then on high for a few seconds to fluff it up. You end up with a very fluffy batter. Fold in M&M's or chocolate chips. If the batter is too loose, you can add a little more flour, or refrigerate. Drop by tablespoonful onto cookie sheet (I roll them in my hands into balls so they melt into perfect circles).

Bake at 375 degrees F for about 8 minutes. Take them out when they just start to turn brown. This way they will be crispy on outside and chewy on inside.

**Make ahead: First time I made these, I froze them in 4 separate batches. They lasted a month before I made them all. Second time, I rolled the cookie balls then froze them on a cookie sheet for an hour then slid them in a freezer bag. Instant cookie satisfaction when the mood for "a few" strikes! Best of all, you can use the toaster oven so the whole house doesn't heat up. Bake from frozen, just keep an eye on out so you don't burn them.

*Consume immediately! or else store them in an airtight container
(with plastic wrap pushed against them so the don't turn into little bricks).


Monday, July 2, 2007

Baby Signs??!

I saw Dr. Falzon Saturday....
All is well but Dr. called the hospital to get a date for an induction!!
She has been closely monitoring for signs of preeclampsia (also known as toxemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension), the only cure for it is delivery- and she doesn't want little Andy to gestate longer than his due date (7/15).
So, perhaps we should adjust that countdown: 9 days to go!!!
The induction date would be 7/11.
My parent's anniversary is 7/12, that would be a nice present for them :D
Next appointments are on 7/5 (Falzon) and 7/6 (ultrasound to check amnio level).

OK, I know: every near-term pregnant lady needs a photo of that belly for memoriam!
So here we are today, sporting a new Esprit bikini
(which I hope to wear in the not-too-distant future at *the beach*).

According to the ultrasound this past Friday, he is 7lb 3oz.
Thank goodness, looks like I will be winning the bet with Alex!
It's true, the nesting instincts have started kicking in. Alex tried discouraging me last night, but there was no stopping me: I scrubbed the kitchen chairs!

In fact, I was exploring what excellent multipurpose uses baby wipes have.
The important thing to know is that they're perfect for taking off makeup.
And the latest discovery: cleaning crud off of furniture!!
I actually purchased Pledge wipes for the task and also tried Murphy's spray cleaner...
Hands down, baby wipes are best!!
I suggest Target brand, unscented.
A before (left) and after (behind, right) shot:













Sophia turns 30!!!

Chris (taking the photo) did an awesome job putting together a sweeeet bash for Sophia Saturday night at the Red Lion Inn in Cohasset.
We had our own private room complete with open bar and D.J.,
enormous plates of food (colossal shrimp!) and desserts, not to mention birthday cake!
We had a blast- and I even made it to last call! (arriving home at 2am)....
Such party animals, lol~
Little Andy was treated to lots of loud music so hopefully once he's outside the womb he won't protest much (???).....

Birthday Girl!


OK, off I go....time to clean and wash the air cleaner for Andy's room.
Heaven forbid his little lungs encounter dust!