remembering

The ten-year anniversary for September 11, 2001 was this past Sunday. I can't believe it's been that long. I still remember where I was when it happened. It was my sophomore year of high school and I was in my first period Spanish class when we learned the first Twin Tower had been hit. And then in my second period Chemistry class we watched on the TV as the second Tower was hit. I remember the shock I felt at something like this happening. I remember going home that afternoon and watching the news with my parents as details began to unfold. I remember hearing about the people on the Flight 93 and how they were leaving messages for their families, knowing they wouldn't survive. The stories of those who became heroes. I won't forget.

recipe how-to

I made the White Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Torte, from a post last month, the other day and though it didn't turn out as it was supposed to, it was still very yummy. Instead of the pie-like consistency the picture shows, mine looked more like ice cream (which isn't necessarily bad - just not what I was going for). I had a lesson in not rushing through a recipe and learning a new term: form to a peak. I had to google it before starting the recipe and ended up trying to achieve the result too quickly, thus resulting in my ice cream-ish dessert.

When done properly, the cream should hold its shape when the beaters are pulled straight out of the mixture (thank you Recipe Tips for this picture and explanation).

I think I made two mistakes. First, I'm not sure I had my cream to this point. I think it was still too soft. Second, I didn't let the white chocolate chips and heavy cream mixture I melted in the microwave cool completely so it melted the cream I was adding it to. Again, I was pleased with how it turned out because it was still good. And the cocoa was a really great garnish (I might add even more next time) - it helped break up the richness of heavy cream and white chocolate. I also didn't use a Springform pan and had some issues with the wax paper I lined the dish with getting in the dessert when people scooped it out (this was an all-around learning lesson for me). So I will now take my time when baking (because that really is a big part of it for me - enjoying the process) and make sure I understand the directions completely before jumping in :)

tweet of the week

"Follow your dreams. If God has given you a talent, use it. The rest is up to HIM. Just GO & DO." - Brooke Pleasant (@brookepleasant)

saturday spotlight: gussy with "gussy sews"

Gussy is pretty amazing. She's cute and super talented. I haven't ordered anything from her shop yet but whenever I get an email with her new products, I'm reminded all over again that yes, I really need to go shopping on her site :)

I love the colors and prints she uses and she's always offering discounts to her email subscribers (which only fuels my desire to buy something from her!). She just seems like a very down to earth person and I find that to be super cool.

This is one of her market totes and I love everything about it. It may not be the first thing I buy from her since I just realized she also makes headbands but I plan on buying (at least) one of totes at some point.

So stop by her site, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

great things

I don't know if I can properly explain this season of my life I'm in but I feel God is stirring things within me. Some are things that I've forgotten, some are things I've put on hold for various reasons and some are new things. I just have this peace that God's working things out even though I can't see any immediate changes. I know I'm being vague by not mentioning any specifics but maybe at a later time. I'm just excited at what's in store because I know it'll all be good. I truly believe I'm going to see some answered prayers that I've been believing for a while to finally come about and other great things as well. There's a song called "The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets that I really like. It had been a while since I've heard it but it was playing on the radio the other day and I was reminded all over again why I like it. It's just one of those songs that will encourage you when you need a reminder that God has a plan for you and hasn't forgotten you. He's put amazing things inside of you and will show you how to use them. He has great things for you!

recipe: buttered rosemary rolls

These rolls are absolutely amazing. There's not a word that can truly describe how good these taste. It's the combination of warm bread, butter, salt and that hint of rosemary that makes you want to eat way more than you should. You find yourself unable to stop - they're just that good. Maybe you think I'm being a little over the top here. So prove me wrong. Make these and tell me they weren't incredible. The recipe is from one of my favorite go-to people for food, The Pioneer Woman (the picture is also hers).

Ingredients
■Frozen, unbaked dinner rolls
■Melted butter, regular, salted
■Fresh Rosemary, coarsely chopped

■Coarse Sea Salt

Directions
"Spray a small iron skillet with cooking spray (or coat with olive oil). Place frozen rolls in the skillet, leaving plenty of room for rising. Cover and allow to rise for several hours.

After rising, brush rolls with melted butter.

Sprinkle on chopped rosemary. Brush with additional butter. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Bake according to roll package directions (usually 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes), until rolls are a deep golden brown on top.

Serve skillet on the table."

I've made these both in a skillet and on a pan and while they seem to be better in a skillet, they're still super good on a pan as well. I've also spread butter and Sea Salt on slices of French bread before putting it in the oven for an adapted version if you don't have dinner rolls on hand.

book review: "fairer than morning" by rosslyn elliott

Ann Miller is only fifteen when the man she knows she's supposed to marry proposes. Eli Bowen asks Ann to be his wife and is shocked when she turns him down, telling him her father won't allow her to marry until eighteen. Eli shows no signs of wanting to wait that long and leaves, soon seen escorting another young woman on his arm.

Three years pass and Ann is finally eighteen. Her father is preparing a trip for himself, Ann and her two sisters when Eli makes another appearance into her life. Her mind elsewhere, Ann won't allow Eli's words to sway her heart. She leaves for her trip, being vague when he asks if they can talk some time.

When the family arrives at their destination, Ann's unprepared for what all will take place. She learns of what her father really does while riding the circuit and she meets the man who's letters she's been hiding for the last three years. The letters came to her accidentally and she was determined to give them back to their owner, Will Hanby. Ann feels a connection with Will - they've both experienced loss - but she also sees a deep pain in his eyes. When her family eventually leaves to return home, she can't shake the feeling that she should've tried harder to help Will somehow.

Shortly after Ann leaves, Will decides he has had enough. His master, Jacob Good, is a cruel man and Will has finally had enough. He runs away, the only place he can think to go is to Ann's father. When he shows up on the Miller's doorstep, Mr. Miller agrees to take him in, knowing the cost of such a decision. Ann was drawn to Will when they first met and she now has a choice: the man she once thought she was supposed to marry or the man who unexpectedly entered her life. Things become dangerous when Jacob Good sends men looking for Will. Will he ever be truly free again? And then his past catches up with him. Will Ann understand and be willing to forgive him?

I really enjoyed this book! It has action and romance. Elliott threw in a few twists to keep it interesting and I finished it feeling satisfied with how things turned out. I liked seeing Ann mature throughout the book. She thought for sure she was supposed to marry Eli but ultimately gave it to God, trusting who He might bring into her life. She suddenly realized she wanted more out of life - to help people - and that couldn't be done with Eli. I also liked Will. He had made some mistakes but was wanted to do the right thing. And after experiencing freedom for himself, he wanted to share that with others.

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review. You can read an excerpt of the book by clicking here, buy the book, and read other reviews in the blog tour.