Little Jelly Bean

I'm back after a long hiatus. I've happily been busy with my first born. Yes I've had a baby! I know I'm prejudiced but he's the cutest thing ever!

I kept thinking about blogging but I was busy working on a nursery (I have lots to share!)

After nine wonderful weeks of motherhood I ventured back into baking. A new cookie recipe tempted me (jelly bean cookies). If you know me, you know I have a weakness for cookies! You can find the recipe here. 

My husband, J was doing yard. He came in the kitchen surprised to find me baking (I haven't in months - with a newborn who has time?!). Well I finally found a recipe crazy enough that he wasn't trying to sneak a taste before the cookies were done! We'll see how the kids like the cookies tomorrow!

Cream shortening & sugar (I substituted butter).
Add egg, milk & vanilla.

Whisk together (seperately) flour, salt & baking powder.

Add flour mixture into sugar mixture.

Mix completely.

Stir in jelly beans.
I used Starburst jelly beans.

Side note: I love this scraper spatula that my mom got me for Christmas.

Place on cookie sheet.

Bake & enjoy!

This is how I bake with a newborn!
Baby L is the cutest reason for not blogging!

Happy Easter!

Green Eggs and Easter Ham

This has become a tried and true recipe in our house. I used this recipe for the first time three years ago when I made my first Easter dinner and my first ham. My husband and I loved the recipe so much that I've never used any other ham glaze. He says it's a tradition now and that Easter isn't complete without my ham. The man loves me and my cooking :)

I realized when preparing this years Easter ham that I haven't shared this awesome recipe with all of you yet! So if you're looking for an awesome ham recipe, this is IT!

To make the glaze you'll need:
- a bowl to mix it in
- a liquid measuring cup
- a basting brush
- 1/3 measuring cup
- 1 Tablespoon
- 1 teaspoon

The glaze ingredients:
(1 Bone-in Ham)
- Dijon Mustard
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Brown Sugar
- Black Pepper
- Rosemary
- White Wine or Champagne
(We don't include the alcohol, as there are some family members that don't like alcohol.)

Combine all ingredients, except the alcohol.

If you're going to include alcohol in the recipe it goes in later.

1/3 cup brown sugar

Add 3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

Add 3 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard

Add 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

My mortar and pestle comes in handy to crush rosemary!

Add 1 Tablespoon crushed rosemary

Next, mix the ingredients together.

Seriously the BEST glaze EVER!

Cook the ham according to package directions. Basting it periodically while it cooks.
This year we used a spiral cut but other hams will need to be scored before basting and cooking.

Enjoy this wonderful ham for next Easter or an occasion!

We sure do!

Happy Crafting!

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

Here comes Peter cotton tail hopping down the bunny trail. Hippity hoppity Easter's on it's way! Part of my wonderful Easter childhood memories are of my Grandmother singing that song to me.

Easter dinner is at our house this year and I'm making that childhood memory a reality... on the menu that is with little chocolate bunnies complete with marshmallow "cotton" tails! I have been WAITING to do this for Easter. I don't really care if most people don't like them lol because they are just too darn cute! I'm sure my cousin's kids will love them!

What you'll need to make your own:
Bunny peeps, chocolate candy melts, mini marshmallows, and lollipop sticks.

Cut the mini marshmallows in half for the tail.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

Insert the lollipop stick into the bunny until just before their ears
and dip into the melted chocolate.

Place on parchment paper.

And add the mini marshmallow.

The finished product! I hope everyone will enjoy!

Happy Easter!