Cheesecake Brownies.....

Need I say more?? I recently came across this amazing recipe, and I'm telling ya... you've GOT to make these brownies. They are delicious :) I know you'll enjoy! Courtesy of Chatelaine magazine...



8 oz (250 g) block cream cheese, at room temperature

1 1/4 cups (300 mL) granulated sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla

1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter (I used margarine)

2/3 cup (150 mL) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (125 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking powder

1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 

4 tbsp (60 mL) milk

1/2 cup (125 mL) chocolate chips

Fresh brownies out of the oven!

Preheat oven to 325F (160C). Lightly coat an 8-inch (2-L) square baking dish with oil. Cut cream cheese into cubes. Whirl in a food processor until smooth, scraping down side as necessary. Add 1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar, 1 egg and 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla. Whirl until smooth, scraping down side. 

Place butter in a small bowl. Microwave on medium until melted, 45 to 75 seconds. In a large bowl, using a fork, stir remaining cup (250 mL) sugar with flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. In a medium-size bowl, whisk remaining 2 eggs with butter, 3 tbsp (45 mL) milk and remaining tsp (5 mL) vanilla until evenly blended. Stir egg mixture into flour mixture until evenly mixed. Remove 1/2 cup (125 mL) batter to a small bowl and stir in remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) milk. Set aside. Stir chocolate chips into batter in large bowl.  Turn chocolate-chip batter into baking dish and smooth surface. Turn cream cheese mixture over top and smooth surface. Spoon large dollops of reserved chocolate batter over top. Using a knife tip, swirl brownie mixture through cheesecake a few times, creating a wavy pattern.

Bake in centre of oven until edges pull away from sides of pan and moist crumbs cling to a toothpick when inserted into centre, 35 to 40 minutes. Brownies will keep well, covered and refrigerated, up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.

PS: I really enjoyed the brownies at room temperature but I actually preferred them with a bit of a chill from the fridge, just thought I'd let you know. Enjoy my friends :)



Told you I can sure make a mess in the kitchen!! haha!

http://food.chatelaine.com/Recipes/View/Cheesecake_brownies



Bluebirds

Since I can remember, I've always been in love with horses. As a child, everything I played with, dreamed about, colored, collected, watched and pretended revolved around them. They were my world and all I cared about was one day becoming a professional horse rider and trainer. I got my first horse at the age of 14. His name was Casey and he was a big, grey Arabian who managed to find a special place in my heart! Casey taught me a lot of things, alot of good things. Unfortunately though, there was one thing he taught me about myself that would eventually tear us apart and that was, I was much too timid and much too young to handle him. He was a good horse but he wasn't dumb and all horse folk know, a horse who doesn't have to work, won't! Plain and simple!! After a few bad falls and scares, Casey came to understand that with me, he had the upper hand. Towards the end of our time together I began to fear him more and more, and he knew it. It's been almost 10 years since I sold Casey. I had completely lost my confidence on a horse. I felt defeated. Even though he was going to a wonderful new home, my heart sank the day I had to say goodbye. My love for horses runs deep and it's never, ever gone away. I ride occasionally with friends and although I've never regained all of my confidence lost on a horse named Casey, it's still such a relief for my soul the second I put my feet in those stirrups. I have a story to tell you...

I went riding with a dear friend last night. A new horse I had never ridden. I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I was saddling him up and I said to myself.... it's a long way to the ground if I fall off this guy! He is HUGE! lol. I got up on him and my friend and I started down the driveway. Thanks to several past experiences, I had many thoughts intruding: "What if he bolts and I can't stop him? What if he spooks and I fly off him? What if he bucks or rears??"  I was starting to scare myself!

It's strange I know, but whenever I see a bird (any bird really) it causes me think of God. It's like... some people, when they see an endless sky full of stars or are surrounded by the greatness of the Rocky Mountains or hold a new born baby, they think of God and His great creation. I definitely feel God in those things, but for me there's just something about birds. When I see one, I just can't look away and as crazy as it sounds I believe God uses birds to remind me that He sees me, to remind me He is there. There's a scripture in the bible that says...

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows."

Matthew 10:29,30



A Mountain Bluebird



As I rode nervously out of the driveway, not knowing how this ride would go for me. How would I feel after? Defeated again? Would the little bit of confidence I managed to conjure up on this giant horse slip through my fingers like water? And just as I was thinking these things, 2 absolutely stunning Bluebirds flew by me and perched themselves, side by side on the barbed-wire fence beside me. I just couldn't take my eyes off of them. I have never seen a bluebird before, let alone two almost within arm's reach!! Suddenly a wave of emotion came over me. God was speaking to me! He saw me up on that horse. He knew exactly how I was feeling and I believe with every cell in my body that God sent those two little Bluebirds to say "I've got you and everything will be okay!" What a small thing, what an insignificant example of His care, but for me it had  melted my fear away instantly and I rode without a single care. Like I had never been afraid! God is there. He cares for us how we need to be cared for. Perhaps, a couple little birds on a fence would grant you no comfort in a situation where you feel afraid but God knew it would comfort me and it did greatly! I hope you are encouraged by my story. Try looking for the "little Bluebirds" in your life. Know that God cares about you through to the smallest detail. I am reminded of a song. Have a listen if you can!

His Eye is on the Sparrow! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Pk5YMkEcg

Along came Lenny....

The love of my life is my husband, my best friend, Lenny! I can't write about some of the beautiful people in my life without making mention of him. God has always taken such delicate care of me and one of the ways I believe He demonstrates His care is His surrounding me with amazing and loving people my whole life long. My parents, my sister, extended family, my friends, teachers and leaders and for the rest of my life, Lenny. When we first started seeing each other, I remember feeling sooo special around him and to this day, there isn't another person on this beautiful planet who makes me feel as special and wonderful as he does.

Lenny with our Nephew Bryce!

If someone asked me to describe Lenny in one word, I would know which word to use. Only one word would come into my mind. SELFLESS. While most people insist on having their own way, my husband is not afraid to put himself aside! Oh there are several words one could use. Strong, caring, tenacious, persistent, optimistic, hilarious, giving, protective, intelligent, fearless (I could go on and on) but I believe SELFLESS is all those words put together! I am endlessly thankful for my husband. I am thankful God saw me and knew exactly who and what I would need in a man. Someone who in one person would love me and care for me despite my many flaws but who would also challenge me to be a better person, to think less and less of myself. Someone, who you could say "sands down" all the rough and sharp edges! We make each other better by being together. My love for you my dear, is as deep as the ocean. Thank you for who you are. I need you, I appreciate you and I love you soooo much!

Sorry Y'all...

Soooo! It's been a while, quite a long while. Don't worry, I didn't fall off the side of the earth but I have been without a computer for the last 2 months so I'm sure you'll understand why blogging has been somewhat impossible for me. lol. I am back up and runnin' and will be posting again in the very near future!! Talk soon friends :)

mmm...you gotta try this!

One thing I'll blog a little about is great food! I just love to roll up my sleeves and make a mess in the kitchen. I love trying new recipes and I promise to share the good ones with you. Enjoy!!

Chickpea Goji Berry Salad

* You can subsitute dried cranberries or blueberries instead of using goji berries.



 2/3 cup slivered almonds

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 can mandarin oranges, drained

2/3 cup dried cranberries (or goji berries)

1 small red onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

4 oz (125 ml) feta cheese, cubed

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

In dry skillet over medium heat, toast slivered almonds until golden brown, about 4 minutes, stirring often. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Store in refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Serves 4.

Picture and original recipe from Alive magazine

The house that built me....

I love this song and if you like country music, I encourage you to have a listen: 'The house that built me' by Miranda Lambert. If you're a softy like me, you'll be balling in no time! haha :) I wasn't too sure what my first blog should be about but I guess this is a good place to start....at the beginning.

My amazing parents

One thing I'll never understand is what I ever did to deserve such a beautiful family. Seriously?! My sister, Stacey and I were talking the other day about our childhood and growing up together. We could not have asked for better parents and in my wildest imagination I could never paint a picture of parents better then mine. They've always loved and supported us unconditionally. My mom would sit at the kitchen table some nights (bored to tears I'm sure ) with the 'teenage version' of myself until the wee hours of the morning just listening to me go on, and on, and on. About nothing. AND she had to work the next day. My dad worked so hard for us and not once did I ever hear him complain about how hard he had to work. We were always assured of his love for us, he always took our side (even if, looking back...we were wrong). I thank God everyday for my mom and dad. I ask Him to bless them as they have so selflessly given to us their love, their time, their EVERYTHING. I only hope that one day I can give all that back to my own children. Thankyou mom and dad for teaching me what love is.

Stacey rocking her son, Donovan

My sister is my best friend, and the most wonderful woman I know. She is younger then me by 3 years, but is my greatest teacher. Her integrity and selflessness always speak to me. She's a lantern in my life. A bright light on a dreary day. Time with her reminds me of what's really important in this life, and she doesn't have to say a word. She's relaxed and easy going and always, always seeing the positive in the darkest of situations. She constantly puts the needs of others ahead of her own and the way she loves takes my breath away. She is so special and a gift from God to me.  I love you Stacey.

I humbly bow before the one and only true and living God. I thank Him for my up-bringing, and how He has taken my hand in this life. How he has protected and stood by me as a baby, a child, a teenager and now as a woman. I stand where I stand because He is so good, not because of any good I have done. I dedicate my life to bringing Him glory. Thankyou God for Your love.