After Christmas Blues

I always get the blues after Christmas. My parents have been in town the last 10 days for Christmas and for the birth of my niece, and they just left today. I would have thought that after 10 days of them being here I would be jumping with joy to see them leave, but that wasn't the case. I had a harder time with them leaving than I thought I would, I cried and cried and cried some more. My parents leaving coupled with going back to work, teaching piano lessons and all the other responsibilities that come with "real life" has given me the blues tonight.

I guess one thing to look forward to is our new XBox 360 we bought ourselves for Christmas. I just hope I don't turn into a slug and and jam out to Guitar Hero 24/7.

More pics of Sophia

Since I don't have kids of my own to post pictures of, I thought I'd post pictures of my new niece.

20 minutes after she was born

My mom, Noelle & Sophia
(Proud Grandma)

Baby Sophia

Welcome Baby Sophia

Today my little sister had her baby...Sophia Noelle Toskovich. I was lucky enough to be there when she was born and it was an amazing experience....one I've never witnessed before. Noelle had an easy, fast delivery and the baby is healthy and strong. She weighs 7 lbs. 7 oz. and is 20" long. Congratulations Noelle & Matt! Welcome to the family Sophia.

Here is a picture I took with my camera phone. I'll post more later.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I haven't posted in over a week because my life has been crazy and frankly I just haven't had anything exciting to report. When my blogging well is dry I always post a recipe...so here you go!

I found this chicken tortilla soup in a recipe book many years ago. I tried it and it has become my favorite soup recipe...hands down! Last year I made it for Dan's friends who complained that we were just having soup for dinner. After they tried it they have been begging me to make it again.

TORTILLA SOUP

2 Tbs. cooking oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) cut tomatoes
1 can (14 1/2oz) beef consomme
1 can (14 1/2oz) chicken broth
1 can (10oz) tomato soup
1 cup water
1 Tbs. ground cumin
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. coriander
2 Tbs. finely chpped cilantro (fresh if possible)
1 can (15 oz.) black beans or corn, drained (I use one of both)
1 Tbs. lemon or lime juice
1 cup cooked chicken, cut in cubes

Saute onion and chilies in oil until tender. Add minced garlic and heat briefly. Do not allow garlic to brown. Transfer to stockpot. Add remaining ingredients and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Top each serving with grated cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped green onions olives, or cilantro as desired. Make a day ahead and reheat for extra flavor. Can serve with chips or tortillas.

Happy Birthday Dan

Today is my hubby's birthday....he's a whopping 34!

Happy birthday to the best husband a girl could ask for. Thanks for being born....I love you!

A few pictures in honor of Dan!

True Love...

Dan loves peanut butter balls. His mom started a tradition when he was younger and made them every year for his birthday. After we got married she passed the torch to me....thanks Marilyn! :) Dan's birthday is on Tuesday so I thought I'd better make his favorite treat today so he can have them to enjoy this week. They're a pain in the rump to make. I don't know how people dip chocolates and make them look pretty. If you have any tips let me know.

Pre-Dipping

The final product

Here is the recipe if any of you are interested. They are super delicious!

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS (Marilyn Jensen)

8 oz. Hershey Bar
6 oz chocolate chips
sliver of parafin wax (I use a plain wax utility candle sliver...no one has died yet!)

Melt this mixture together in the top of a double boiler and keep it warm while you are mixing up your balls!

1 stick of butter
2 cups peanut butter (any style)
1 lb. box of powdered sugar
4 cups of rice cereal (crush after measuring)

Melt butter in heavy pan and mix in peanut butter. Add powdered sugar and cereal slowly to melted mixture. Mix by hand and form into walnut sized balls. Place on wax paper to cool. Dip in chocolate and place back on paper to cool completely. You can put them in the freezer for a couple of minutes a few at a time to solidify the chocolate faster. Then store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if they last that long.

A Belly Buster of a Cake

This is what I spent the last 3 days making.....a cake for my sister's baby shower. Hopefully people enjoyed it.