It has been a while since I posted anything foodie, so I decided to up my game this week. That requires me to remember to photograph what I cook. This is a problem because it’s usually devoured by the time I remember! Such was the case with the waffles I made Sunday evening for brinner. 🙂 We happened to have some waffles leftover which I wrapped up carefully, photographed, and put in the freezer. This was actually the first time for me to ever make waffles from scratch. I generally find it easier and obviously quicker to just use a good box mix. However, I decided to give it a whirl. I wanted to know what I was missing out on in life. Let me tell you I didn’t realize there could be such a difference in taste and texture. I mean after all, a waffle is a waffle, right? When cooking homemade waffles you can adjust the flavors, buttermilk or not, Vanilla flavoring or not, apple spice or not, the options are numerous. Not to mention the toppings!  I truly loved the homemade waffles, and will make them again. Don’t get me wrong, I will still pop out the box mix when in a hurry, but if I have time I will choose to make them from scratch. Here is the recipe: Ree Drummond Waffles!  Here are a couple of tips: Don’t forget to leave the waffles in the waffle iron long enough, that way they get nice and crispy on the outside! When trying to get the egg whites to firm up, use a mixer! Your arms will thank you! 🙂 If you have leftovers, wrap the waffles individually in plastic wrap so you can pull them out as needed.

The other recipe that I remembered to photograph this week is ranch style chicken. This is a favorite of mine, and I have cooked this several times. I love this recipe: Ranch Style Chicken! Here are some tips: You can use dijon or spicy brown mustard in the marinade. (Make sure to let the chicken marinade for at least an hour, and PLEASE use the boneless skinless chicken thighs like the recipe suggests!!) I cook the bacon on a rack over a sheet pan in the oven. When it is done, I then pour the bacon grease over my hot cast iron griddle, this way I can cook all the thighs at once. When the thighs are almost done, I add the bacon and the cheese and cover with aluminum foil to melt the cheese. I cooked mashed potatoes and green beans as the side dishes.

When we got back from our beach vacation, David wanted to catch up on his school work. His teachers had sent home some worksheets for him to do. He really does like school! I’m not just making that up! 🙂

David’s preschool had a zoo field trip today. David was so excited he could talk of nothing else all day yesterday and this morning. He was thrilled to go to the zoo with his friends! David said, “There are going to be so many people and all my friends. I don’t think you will be able to see anything. I think you can wait for me at the exit.” I replied, “Oh really?” With a slight chuckle of amusement, shock and sadness. I said, “I don’t think so, I will need to go along with You and Emma.” I can’t believe he already doesn’t want me around! This isn’t supposed to happen yet! 🙂 Knowing that he felt that way, I tried to not be that obnoxious mom today. I tried to hang back and keep an eye on him from a watchful distance. Only interjecting my voice to him when necessary. I didn’t embarrass him by giving him hugs or trying to take too many pictures. I can put myself on the good parent list today! 🙂 Sigh! 🙂

PK