Divine Key Lime

I think I may be a baker at heart - I just love creating charming, sweet things for charming, sweet people.  It's true, I've always had a weakness for sugar (Mom can vouch for this), but for me, baking is so much more than pleasing my own imploring taste buds.  I positively love the delight that friends and family emit when crunching down on a warm oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, or when slicing into a cool, creamy fruit tart that's been prepared, just for their own culinary craving.

In order to witness this blissful encounter, however, one must be a decent baker.  I think I happen to have a pretty good knack for it, so I give it a whirl from time to time.  My husband swoons over Key Lime Pie, so I decided to give this recipe a try a few months ago, as a birthday treat for the hubs.  Admittedly, I've never been much of a Key Lime or Lemon Meringue kind of girl - my thing has always been chocolate, all the way - but  I couldn't help but love this tangy recipe.  It's the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a smooth, creamy pie filling and crumbly textured crust.  Let's say it together now: "Di-viiiine."  Another lime loving friend is celebrating his birthday today, and it happens to be raining outside - what better kind of day to bake?

I wish I could say that I had brilliantly concocted this masterpiece together myself, but alas, I must give credit where it is due; the one and only, infamous, Better Homes and Garden Cookbook.  Here's the recipe - I sincerely hope you enjoy!

Graham Cracker Crust: Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
1/3 cup butter (Mmmm, butter)
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups finely crushed graham crackers



Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray; set aside.  Melt butter; stir in sugar.   Add crackers (I've been using a masher to finely ground them, but a food processor would be a quicker fix, if you have one); toss to mix.  Spread in pie plate; press evenly onto bottom and sides.  Bake 5-6 minutes or until edges are light brown.  Cool completely on a wire rack.



Whipped Key Lime Pie: Ingredients 


1 recipe Graham Cracker Crust (check!)
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (on the baking aisle)
1 teaspoon finely shredded Key lime peel or lime peel
1/2 cup Key lime juice or lime juice (I used regular limes and regular lime juice)
2 cups whipping cream

Directions:

For pie filling, in a medium bowl combine sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon  lime peel, and the lime juice; set aside.  In another medium mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of the whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (I found this took a solid 2 minutes or so until it actually began to thicken up).  Fold the whipped cream into lime mixture.  Spoon filling into crust.  Cover and freeze for 2 to 4 hours or until firm.  Chill the remaining whipping cream.

To serve, beat the remaining chilled whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until soft peaks form.  Spread whipped cream over filling.  If desired, sprinkle with additional lime peel (this step is really gives it the look of a supreme a culinary creation...I highly recommend it ; ) ).


There you have it - Whipped Key Lime Pie.  A la' delicious.  I hoped to get a clearer picture of the finished product, but alas, it was pretty much gone before I had a chance.  So go ahead and bless your family, friends, or even your own calling craving with this limey treat.  And let me know when you do!  I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this delectable little recipe.

I hope you're all having a beautiful Saturday!  Enjoy!

Out with the old...

...And in with the new.

My dear friends, it's official: I've made the Fairhope coffee houses my place of residence over the last few months.  It's only a matter of time before the trendy baristas begin to demand rent.

Ok, let's just cut to it and just pretend that it hasn't been three months since you've set your eyes on a post from me.  Let's assume that I've been faithfully posting much more frequently, that your tired eyes are aching from reading my daily entries, and that there really isn't so much to catch up on. That said, and since we both know the latter has absolutely no truth to it, here's your "latest."

I've somehow been blessed with pretty much the most rewarding forms of employment.  I teach ESL (English as a Second Language) to the most wonderful student every morning, and then head off to a learning center to teach some youngsters phonics, and high school students ACT preparatory material.  Cool, right?  Someone asked me yesterday the never exhausted question, "What do you do?"  While this query used to send me spiraling into a miserable mass of anxiety and wistful wishing that I had something exciting to report, I was finally able to reply, somewhat confidently, that I teach English.  Teaching these particular students, I've found, is one of the few things whose rewards can significantly outweigh the exhaustion that often accompanies it.

Despite my lack of writing on Sweet Tea and Sugar, I've actually been plugging away at a colossal writing project I began last November.  More details on that in another post, but I just have to mention that creating a story from scratch, nurturing and growing it, watching it develop, is a process I'm so thoroughly enjoying.

Which reminds me of a somewhat old, but resurfacing goal that includes graduate school and working on a MFA (Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing) and a Masters in English.  I would love to assist other aspiring writers and teach my most adored subject of all time, English.

Life in the south is growing on me all the time, though I can't say I've picked up the southern accent just yet.  I think my husband would agree that I've gotten close to mastering it (when impersonating), but I'm pretty sure it has yet to enter my daily language.  Guess I'll have to confirm that from my Californian family.

Though we're still adjusting to Fairhope, I have to admit that I haven't been anywhere with folks (there's a southern word for you) who are as consistently friendly and accommodating as the community is here.  I've met more sincerely kind people around this area than I can remember - and for that, I'm so incredibly thankful.

With the heartfelt hope to become a more consistent blog writer, or blogger, if you will, I'll leave you with this: My next post will detail the most amazing Key Lime Pie that will send you scampering off to the nearest grocery to satisfy your sweet tooth (or teeth, in my case).  Come back soon!

Wishing you a wonderful and restful evening.

Chalkboard Magic

Chalkboards.  The new creative fad in home decor.  We made a few for our wedding decorations, and I decided to make a couple this weekend just for a fun side project.  A friend of ours renovates furniture and offered to let us sell a few of our chalkboards in her shop, so I decided it was time to practice perfecting the home chalkboard.  Here's what I did:

1.  First I went to Goodwill, and purchased two frames  - both in good, but worn, condition.

2.  Then I headed over to Wal-Mart for Chalkboard Spray Paint and two colors of spray paint, for my frame colors.

3.  Next, I removed the glass from both frames, to allow me to spray paint all pieces.
4.  First, I painted both of my frames - I decided on purple for the smaller frame, and white for the larger.  Then I set these aside to dry.
5.  Then, I painted the glass with Chalkboard Spray Paint (one of the greatest inventions ever).  Unfortunately, the larger piece of glass broke in half before I was able to get it painted (cutting my finger in the process...boo), so I was only able to continue on with one.
6.  Next, I set the glass aside to dry.  I coated both the frames and the glass with three coats of paint, just to be sure they were all fully painted and smooth.  It's a good idea to wait at least 24 hours to actually write on the chalkboard surface - just to make sure it is dry and the paint holds.  After that, write away!

7.  After everything dried, I put my pieces back together and Ta-Da!  Completed Chalkboard with a purple frame.  I'm thinking this might look good in a colorful kitchen, bathroom, or a girl's room...What do you think?

So there you have it.  Here's a breakdown of the costs involved:

-Large Frame: $4.99
-Small Frame: $1.99
-Chalkboard Paint: $3.50
-Purple Paint: $3.00
-White Paint: $2.50

With tax and everything, I think I spent about $16 dollars (that includes the Chalkboard I didn't get to complete because of my, well, "accident.")  So, that said, keep in mind that the next time I decide to make a chalkboard, my only purchases will include a new frame, piece of wood, or other hard surface, and spray paint, should I choose a new color.

Thrift stores, consignment stores, and garage sales are all GREAT places to find frames, and/or pieces to create your chalkboard.  I love seeing something like this come together, and having an opportunity to create something new.  So. Much. Fun!

Gulf Shores

My sincere apologies...it's now been over two weeks since I've posted an update.  Just for the sake of making excuses, mine is that I got hired as a server at a restaurant in downtown Fairhope and have been working almost everyday since.  Needless to say, I've been a bit tired and am really feeling the effects of the move over the last few weeks.  The excitement of the trek to Alabama and unpacking has worn off and the reality of actually living here is setting in.  Todd and I are both adjusting to life here and the changes that accompany moving to a new place, but we're hopeful for what's to come and are looking for ways to get involved with others and build a community here in "Mayberry" (as some Fairhopians like to call it).

Todd and I had a day off together late last week, so we decided to drive out to the beach.  Gulf Shores is a little town right on the Gulf of Mexico and is the closest beach to Fairhope - just a quick 45 minute drive.  So for the first time, I put my toes in the waters of the Gulf and experienced the
warmer water, white, fine sand, and jellies that call the waters home.



We celebrated our 4-month-a-versary yesterday.  I can't believe it's already been that long - it seems like a only a few weeks ago that we voiced our vows to one another and celebrated our union with our wonderful family and friends.  Someone at work asked me the other day how I liked being married.  I can honestly say that I LOVE IT.  There is nothing better than to walk through life with my best friend by my side.

In reference to my previous post, I found a literary journal that accepts short stories and poetry.  I have some ideas for a new story that I hope to begin working on this afternoon, and already have a few pieces of poetry I'd like to try to get published.  I know the writers market is difficult to get into, but I'm going to give it a shot and see how it goes.  I also wrote a new song over the last week, and am daily finding more inspiration and ideas to work with.  What better time to find writing inspiration than when life hands you a multitude of changes and adjustments?

I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

The Writer's Market

I've been encouraged recently (by no other than my wonderful husband) to work on getting some pieces published in a journal or magazine.  I own a book that I had to purchase for school called "The Writer's Market" that is literally three inches thick and full of thousands of magazines or journals that one could submit an article, essay, or something similar to, in hopes that they might be chosen for publication.  Since I actually have a bit more time now, it's something I think I'd like to pursue further...even if that means just sending out a few query letters and seeing if there is any interest.  Now...all I need to do is get into writing mode, editing mode, and searching for a topic of interest...mode.  Easy right?  We'll see.  :)

Todd, Matt, Liz and I went out to my first saloon on Saturday night.  Now called "Double Deuce," but formerly known as "Pa Pa's Barn" (kind of wish they would have kept the name) was little country dance club with a big wooden floor and tables to get your pool on.  I enjoyed it.  Not quite like the dance clubs I visited in LA, or even in Russia for that matter, but fun and cozy just the same.  We played darts and a heated game of table tennis, and then headed to Orange Street Pier.  The guys enjoyed a couple of cigars and we all had a good time hanging out and watching the water and lights across the bay.

I'm tired.  Today was a long, but good day.  I think it's time for some much needed reading and relax time.

And the job search continues!

Piggly Wiggly

Piggly Wiggly.  

Your down home, down the street, southern market - with a name I can't help but enjoy saying.  I'm loving all of the small stores and farmers markets that surround the little towns around here.  After all, who doesn't enjoy a store where you can actually find your items in a timely manner and with employees that make you feel right at home?  

And you just can't help but love the face of this little guy, now can you? :)

We finally got the road bikes out yesterday morning.  I loved our ride to the local health food store for a tasty protein bar to keep our energy high for the day.  I found our old training schedule for the last triathlon, which reminded us of how much we enjoyed preparing for the race.  I know we'd both like a little motivation to get some cross-training back in, so I'm thinking that a search for the next local race might be in order. 

I hope everyone is having a lovely week thus far!

New Beginnings

Well folks, we made it to our to sweet home, Alabama.  I'm really enjoying Fairhope thus far...the bay is a quick ten minute drive from our home, and downtown, with all of it's cozy little boutiques and coffee shops, is right up the road as well.  So far I've survived my first tropical storm, encountered a multitude of southern accents, drank some delicious sweet tea, and have been warmly greeted and taken care of with some serious southern hospitality.  I thought that while I take a breather to sip on some coffee goodness at "Latte Da" (clever), I'd take a moment to share some photos from our trip across the country -

The Grand Canyon was even more grand than I had expected - so incredibly breathtaking and inspiring.  I loved every moment of it, and I was so glad to experience this wonder of the world with my wonderful husband and friends, Matt and Liz.  We finally made it to Fort Worth, Texas and went to dinner to celebrate Todd's birthday with more of our friends, Drew and Adrienne (in the picture above).  Even though I was pretty ready to be done with the trip and catch up on rest, I had an awesome experience getting to see the countryside and states I had never before visited.

We're almost unpacked...so now on to scouring the internet in hopes that someone will give me employment! :)