Sugar's APPLE CRISP RECIPE

I helped Nikki picked out a book named Sugar's Yummy Fall from the Angle Cat Sugar series at her school Book Fair. The graphic is very "Asian looking" very Hello Kittish. Later we found out the character "Angle Cat" named "Sugar" in the book is created by Yuko Shimizu, the same Japanese lady who created "Hello Kitty".

Well, the book ended up to be a wonderful choice. It's in season, comes with scratch and sniff stickers and a yummy fall recipe in the back. Most of all, Nikki loves reading it and I get more dessert ideas from this book. 

Here is the list of ingredients I used: 

5 medium sized apples

2 table spoons white sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup plain oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

6 tablespoons butter cut into pieces

Directions: 

1.Preheat oven to 375 deg. Butter 9x9 inch backing pan.

2.Cut apples into thin slices, 1/6 to 1/8 inches thick. 

3.Coat apple slices with white sugar and cinnamon. 

4.Mix flour, oats brown sugar, cinnamon and butter. 

5.Pour apples in buttered pan, sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apples. 

Bake for 35 minutes until the apples are soft and juices are bubbling, toppings is golden brown. I spent more time slicing the apples than baking the dish. This recipe is a keeper, can easily replace the Publix cobbler one since I can make my topping mix without buying the Publix brand. The two dishes taste similar. Oats add some textures to the dish, which we all enjoyed very much. 

Publix Season's Peak Fruit Cobbler

This one is the Apple Cobbler.
Makes 8-9 servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 2/3 cup cobbler mix (12oz)-bought from store bakery
3/4 cup of milk
3 cups of bite size apples (or any fruits in season)

Steps:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a 9x9 square baking dish.
Combine cobbler mix with milk, mixing well; pour over melted butter.
Spoon fresh bite size fruit pieces over batter; do not stir. Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.

Source: Printed on the label of Publix Fruit Cobbler Mix Packaging.

"Heart Venture" Stamp Collage

While cleaning and unpacking, I found a bag full of mails from my mom sent in 1998 while I was in Switzerland, all handwritten letters. The first thing I noticed was the stamp covered envelopes, making me wonder why the post office used so many stamps on each envelope left almost no place to write addresses. I have no interest in finding how much it cost to mail a letter from China in the '90s, probably not cheap. The letter themselves are priceless. I don't think my mom would ever communicate with me in this old fashion way again. Looking at the stamps, it reminded me I used to collect stamps as a kid. I still have my stamp album sitting on my bookshelf in Tianjin. It's been there for two decades, probably untouched, and I miss it! Here is what I do to used stamps before adding them to the collection.
First soaking the stamps to get them off paper. Then dry stamps on plastic place mat. Last, pressing flat by placing dried stamps in heavy books.
Instead letting these stamp covered mails sitting in a corner, I decide to display the stamps as art. To add varieties and interests to the display I used some colorful ones Bob's grandma saved for him, mostly from Canada and New Zealand in the 80s, of course no shortage of surprises, a couple from the CCCP.

I named this piece "Heart Venture".

Decals for Apple products

They both look nice, I would only purchase the colored one, since I know I can duplicate the "geek" Snow White myself. Like what I did with this. 

It's a wall shield by the front door. Nikki can choose one out of the two decals if she gets an ipod. Still waiting for the price cut on ipod 4. To ensure daddy buys one for her, I made a sign for Nikki and hoping she's well behaved from now on. The sign is another copy of the UO poster. Nikki can surely read every word on it! 

Mythological Creatures Poster

Trying to get the idea on how to transfer typewriter style font to my poster board. If I can't think of better ideas I will try to free hand the "facts" onto my UO reproduction.

I did the poster with Sharpie pen and acrylic paint on mat board. Well, there is whole world of Sharpie art out  there. Google for yourself.

Sharpie work on Ducati

Nikki's 1st Day of Kindergarten

First day of school, maybe I was more excited than Nikki. Nikki's slow on getting ready in the morning, so we got everything ready the night before. It's important to set up a good routine.  I surely enjoy walking her to school, what a great way to spend time with her.

Nikki's got assigned to one of the only two male teachers in her school. Kids met in cafeteria on the first day and parents had a small breakfast in the Media room. She had pizza for lunch. Classes let out by 3pm. That completed the first day of kindergarten.

The White Rabbit

Fell in love with the Framed Alice Wall Art from Urbanoutfitter, decided to recreate one myself.

Here comes my weekend project. Frame is from Goodwill $1.99. I have everything else. Picture done in pencil. 

I found the original wood engraving illustration of the white rabbit by Sir John Tenniel online from here. 

Here is the UO version (5x7) vs mine(10x12).

Home Project

I am not sure if everything we have done for the house so far can be called "home improvement projects". We have painted every room a different color, and painting is still going on....The living room was painted with right orange, purple and green colors. No two rooms are alike, which violates the basic design principle, too many varieties no unity. I did go to school for it, and I know all the colors have made the house even harder to get rid off....

One project we are so proud of is the kitchen back splash, we don't really care if anyone else likes it, we surely enjoy it very much. They look like Jelly Ranchers glued to the wall, yummy!

Marital Rating Scale--Have a good laugh

I didn't rate myself or Bob, but I believe Bob would score so high that I would not have a chance to loose points on #9 :)

1939 Marital Rating Scale–Wife and Husband Charts by George W. Crane

Image from wifeadvice.com

Glazed Nuts

Again, there are many recipes for glazed nuts. Here is my version, simple and easy to do. Baking takes awhile, let the oven do the work. Perfect for movie night besides popcorn. Movie of the night "Wings" from 1927. Wooaaa, silent!

1 egg white, beat lightly
1/4 c. brown sugar +1/4 c. regular sugar
2 tbsp. cold water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. mixed nuts, (I used almonds, pecans and walnuts)
Spread mixture in baking pan. Bake at 250 degrees for 35 minutes. Take out and stir the mixture, bake for another 20 minutes.

Nikki's Pre-school Graduation

I thought only college graduates wear caps and gowns, that was in China. Finishing preschool is a big accomplishment Nikki or any kid her age has done. I finally see the purpose of all the flowers and cup cakes....

University Carillon Preschool Graduation 2011

Homemade Salad Dressing

This one is super easy. I remember reading similar recipes in several diet books. Here is my version I made tonight, since we run out of salad dressing.

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp white pepper
2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil.

Serve 2 Bob and I, and taste just right. :-)

Nikki's Dance Recital

University Performing Arts Centre 20th Anniversary Recital held in University High School.

Sausage and Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Quick and easy fix.
Publix brand potato flaks to make the mash potato approximately 2 cups.
1 tsp garlic powder
1 pack Johnsonville smoked turkey sausage (13.5oz) diced, comes in with 6 sausages
8oz shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of regular whipping cream

Steps:
1. Combine potatoes and garlic powder
2. Spread in 2 quart baking dish and sprinkle with diced sausage
3. Add cheese and whipping cream
4. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Idea from "The best 1001 short, easy recipes" instead of ham, smoked turkey sausage is used.

Smoky Pork with Quinoa

Total Time: 30 min
Pork:
2 lbs pork tenderloin
2tbsp McCormick smokehouse maple seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil

Quinoa:
1 tsp olive oil
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 medium sized yellow onion, chopped
1 and 3/4 cups organic chicken broth
2 tbsp maple syrup
3/4 cup of dried cranberries
1/2 tsp (same)smokehouse seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup of peas

Steps for pork:

1. Season pork with smokehouse maple seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil over medium high to brown pork all sides.
3. Heat oven 450 degrees, roast pork for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reach 170 degrees. Remove from oven.

Steps for quinoa ("kin-wa") :
1. Meanwhile, in medium size saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium high heat, add quinoa, onion to saucepan, stir in chicken broth, syrup and cranberries.
2. Add smokehouse maple seasoning and salt. Bring mixture to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
3. Stir in peas, turn heat off. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Slice pork and serve with quinoa. Got the idea from September issue of Family Circle.

Vincent

Nicole

Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is inspired by the party food we had at neighbor baby Paeton's birthday party. I was told the original dish was made with her grandma's secrete recipe. I did manage to find out one secrete ingredient-the dressing*.

Here is my version of the salad:
1 cucumber
1/2 medium size red onion
1 medium size Heirloom tomato
2oz Pepperoni minis
7oz Tri color Rotini
4oz gorgonzola crumbled cheese
1/4 cup pickled olives
*Girard's Champagne dressing

After School Snack

Banana Roll Up

Whole wheat tortilla (or Flat bread)
Peanut butter (Also try almond, or cashew butter)
Nutella
Banana

Spread a layer of peanut butter and another layer of Nutella on tortilla or flat bread, place a banana on tortilla and roll up.

I used spinach flat bread in this picture and mix nut butter from Target. Nikki likes it very much, for breakfast or after school snack.

Flower Loom Crafts

Easy looming projects anyone can do from American Girl Flower Loom Crafts, got from BN store.

My Coconut Curry Beef Recipe

Total Time: 4.5 hours

1.5 lb stew beef
1 tbsp curry powder
1 (13.5oz)can coconut milk
2 tbsp brown sugar
Salt to taste
1 medium carrots
1 cup of mushroom
2 medium onions
1 pint of cherry tomatoes
1 tsp chilly powder
2 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

Steps:
1.Brown beef with salt in skillet.
2.Transfer to crockpot along with onions, carrots, mushroom, garlic and ginger. Add mixture of coconut milk, curry powder, brown sugar and chilly powder. Stir, cover and cook on Low for 4 hours.
3. Add cherry tomatoes halves and cook for another 20 minutes on Low.
Serve on rice or noodle of your choice(try black rice, or pasta). Another East meets West dish.

Knitted Bunny

This is the "Lovable Toys"--Rabbit from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, another book I checked out from the local library. You can use the pattern for the body and vary the head and ear patterns to make a bear, or an elephant. I finished this project last year and Nikki still plays with it. Since she's got a yellow bunny and this white one pairs well with the yellow bunny. In her world, they are the mommy bunny(knitted) and the baby bunny. I put them out for this coming Easter.

Chinese Way of Finding Someone's Age Without Asking Directly

This week is Parent Heritage Sharing week in Nikki's school, an opportunity to share family heritage with the little ones in her class. I figured Nikki would love to talk about animal years to her class, so I signed up for Tuesday's 15 minute time slot. Here is a website I found to be the best and with concise list of animal years.

Some Knitting Projects

I haven't been back here for years!
I've done so many craft projects last year, here is only a few.
Bob's Arm Warmer
I knitted a pair of arm warmers for Bob last year around my birthday as his birthday present.
Material used: Lion Brand Wool Ease 80%Acrylic 20%Wool , that's all I can remember. Ribbing pattern, k2p2 for 18in?

Nikki's Flower Washcloth

I have done this project a while back. The pattern was from a book I checked out from the library. If I found the book again, I will update with detailed information. This is what happens when I don't update the site and I don't have a "blog" in mind.  

Nikki's Halloween Wig

Nikki dressed as Arial last Halloween. I made this wig to go with the costume and because it was made of bright red yarn, some people mistaken her as Raggedy Ann. Hey, people, can't you see the fish tail? 

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Vincent's Baby Hat

I got the pattern from Michaels, and it's easy to make. 

Vincent's Cardigan

My biggest project from last year. Pattern from "Knitting for Two" by Erika Knight. 

A Collection of Booties and Mitten

Vincent doesn't like anything on his feet. The white and blue theme can't hide the fact booties are for girls. 

Just Another Hat

A pattern designed by ME! Only if I can remember what I did. Some ribbing with stockinette stitch....